VINTAGE SEWING CHEST

This past Spring my friend Karen from Texas, gifted to me a gorgeous vintage sewing chest. I told her I would paint and keep it as a treasure given from her. I finally got it finished and have it displayed in my shabby rose room. I nearly forgot the before pic and started to paint it when I remembered, and quickly took a picture as I was painting. It is painted fresh crisp white with light pink accents, roses and trims. This was a fun project and perfect to hold my sewing projects and the beautiful needle roll that Karen also made and gave me for my birthday.

Karen, If you are reading this, thank you so much. This vintage treasure is one I will enjoy and use for many years to come. Your kindness in giving me this gift will never be forgotten.
Here are some pics of the process and finished chest!













Sharing a Garden Journal.
Since planting a new garden this Spring, I started a garden journal to keep track of my plantings with notes and ideas during the process. While I am not a scrapbooker and this book is rather primitive inside, it is made with manila papers great for glueing and taking notes right on the page. The front cover is made from a copy of a fabric block I purchased from my dear friend,Pat of Just Between Us Girls. She has a great graphic selection on fabric for creating art work. Visit her blog to see the many she offers. Like I mentioned, I made a copy of the graphic to position on the cover, saving the fabric block for other projects.







Back to the studio I go. Till next time, Have a great week!
Celestina Marie

A FEW DAYS AWAY!

Yes, a few days away really does one a lot of good. I was on a little time out in West Texas. Had a nice time, and glad to be back home and back in the studio. While there, I did some shopping and sightseeing. I used to live in West Texas and things have really grown leaps and bounds in this friendly area of Texas! Here are a few treasures I found. Didn't really bring a lot back to paint on since I traveled by plane and was limited with room to carry treasures home. But here are a few things I did find.

Some items to design a candlewick treasure and a crackle fabric rose.

Wood Grace sign with iron accents!

Vintage floral embroidery linen.

This vintage book of the Bobbsey Twins 1928. It reminded me of my childhood in the 60's. I had a sweet little girlfriend, and the two of us were inseparable. Our teacher in elementary school called us the Bobbsey Twins.

I also found a small angel fairy that I will use to design a little fairy/angel garden. More about that later.
Recently I received a few awards from dear friends. The first is from my dear friend Ronda of Ronda's Peachy Keen Life
Thank you Ronda for this award of honesty. The idea is to list 10 honest things about yourself. Put the logo on your blog and then select 7 more who deserve this award. Due to time and so many friends busy and on vacation. I will elect to share this with all or anyone who would like to play along.

Here are my 10 honest facts.
1. Honestly, I do not like polenta! LOL!
2. I am honestly not a card player. Ask my family!
3. Can not tolerate bratty kids!
4. Honestly love shoes!
5. I do not like it when someone is being made fun of in a hateful way.
6. Hate snakes!
7. Not a fan of lazy people!
8. I love sincere people.
9. Honestly love peanut butter!
10. I honestly love to shop, paint, and be with my family!
See I got a few more in there. Now anyone that wants to do this, have fun!

Next I was tagged by my dear friend Carolyn, from Draffin Bears. This tag is to list 6 uninteresting things about yourself that really make you happy. Then to tag 6 others to play along. Again, I will tag anyone who wants to join in.

1. Sip earl grey tea early in the morning and read devotionals, really makes me happy!
2.Painting in the studio on a rainy day, really makes me happy.
3.My family being all together, really makes me happy.
4. Taking a walk around my garden, really makes me happy.
5.Slow dancing with my guy! makes me happy.
6. Curling up with my sweet Golden or going on a walk, really makes me happy.
I have so many more, but that's it for now.

Lastly, I was awarded from sweet ilakate (nyakatn)from Greece, with a lovely blog award. The idea is to accept the award, thank the friend who gave it and pass on to 15 other blogging friends. Again, There are way too many I would love to award so I will pass it to all my friends who visit. I feel you all have lovely blogs. Have fun and thank you so much nyakatn.

Thank you for stopping by and enjoy the awards and tag. See you again soon with a garden journal.
Blessings, Celestina Marie

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

When father prays the house is still,
his voice is slow and deep.
We shut our eyes, the clock ticks loud,
so quiet we must keep.

Sometimes the prayer gets very long
and hard to understand,
and then I wiggle up quite close,
and let him take my hand.

I can't remember all of it,
I'm little yet, you see;
but one thing I cannot forget,
my father prays for me.

Author Unknown~ From the book, To Father with Love~ Norman Vincent Peale
This sweet poem reminds me of my childhood, listening to my dad in prayer. I miss him, but hold close to the wonderful memories that fill my heart with thankfulness.

Happy Father's Day to all the Dad's. Blessings with love and happiness always.
See you again soon, I'm off to treasure hunt!
Hugs, Celestina Marie

COTTAGE CLOSET

Summer is a busy time here in the studio. I am working steadily on stocking the shelves in my cottage closet for my new web shoppe coming soon. Just thought I would give you a sneak preview of the new treasures on the way. New items coming will be a mix of shabby romantic to folk art and holiday. I am having so much fun!!

This sweet little item is a custom design for a dear customer. She brought me this last week. Debbie, it's finished. Busy bees on your old matchbox holder!


Sweet Victorian Nest Tray and Oval keepsake treasure box.


Blue Rose Wood flower cart and Pink Rose and Hydrangea covered server/candy dish!


Large Cottage Spoon, Tuscan Tray,Pink Toile Roof Bird House and Wood Candle Sticks.




And lots more to paint! So back in the studio I go!!

Also, wanted to mention that many blog friends have had trouble visiting around blog land. It seems that a window pops up that reads "site aborted" I have experienced this trying to visit many friends and others have told me the same thing happens to them. Hope it is fixed soon. I'll keep trying to visit and till next time~
Blessings always, Celestina Marie

TWISTERS~TREATS~and~TOYS

When you live in the Lone Star State, you prepare for and realize, it comes with a bit of adventure now and then. Last night was such the case when a tornado came through our town.

We were having dinner with friends when we served up a twister too.
My gosh it was scary and happened so fast. We are okay with no major damage, just a lot of mess to clean up and outdoor furniture thrown about. However many in my neighborhood have their large Oak Trees down, roofs off, fences down and car damage.

Today more storms are on the way and it has not stopped raining yet. It rained all night in fact and our Miss Beazy stayed under the bed as she does not do well in bad weather. I have not taken any pictures of the area since I can not go out yet and it is still raining, plus Beaz freaking out if I try and leave. Poor baby!

In the meantime, I will keep busy in the studio. I love to paint when it rains. So cozy and inspiring to me. But first, I will share a few treats with you. These recipes are easy fast and delish.


The first one is a cold Bean Pea Salad I have made for years. It is fast to make, great served as a side dish for a BBQ and refreshing summer vegetable salad.

Bean and Pea Salad
1 can French Style Green Beans
1 can English Peas
1 cup diced celery (optional)
1 cup each diced onions and green peppers
1 med. size jar chopped pimentos
Place all in a large bowl

In another bowl mix 1 cup sugar with 3/4 cup white vinegar till dissolved.
Add 1/2 cup veg. oil and 1 tsp. salt to sugar blend. Mix all well and pour over the veggies. Stir gently, cover, and let sit in frig over night. Drain to serve and enjoy.
Now I have also added one can of corn for a bit of color. You can omit the celery and peppers if you prefer as well. Really a yummy cold salad.


Nacho, Cracker Dip
2 cans Bean Dip spread in bottom of shallow bowl of your choice.
1 layer of guacamole fresh or jar style spread on top of bean dip
1 layer sour cream (optional) or just place on top last.
1 layer of shredded cheese~ colby style
Top with diced tomatoes and chives.
Cover, chill and serve with nacho chips or crackers. Can be made ahead. Yummy!!



Lastly I will share a new recipe I followed from my good friend Sue. She served this recently at her daughter's Graduation Party. It is so good. I made it last night and everyone loved it.
Fruit Dip
1 block 8oz. Creme Cheese
1 7 oz. jar Marshmellow Fluff.
Place all in a bowl and mix well with electric mixer. Pour in serving bowl and serve with fruit of your choice. I used strawberries and melons. Large Grapes are good too.
Very yummy!!


Still Raining and lots of Thunder~~ Poor Miss Beazy is not happy. But she was happy on Tuesday when she celebrated her 5th Birthday. I let her swim all day and she enjoyed a new pool toy from our son and a new aqua puppy from Mommy and Daddy. No, she is not spoiled!







Also, I like to share 2 new magazines I found. You may have seen them, but they are new to me. Mary Janes Farm, full of organic recipes, gardening, crafting, tips, features and more. Tuscan Style, also a new magazine featuring elegance, decorating and homes with an old villa flair.


Now the sky is black, more storms on the way. I will end here and turn off the computer. Thank you for stopping by and as always, blessing and blue skies be yours in your area.
Celestina Marie