CUTE PINK STUFF ... and more

Yes, More Valentine's Day "STUFF!"

2012-01-20T19:37:00.000-08:00

Just a few more items to share....

Paper Mache' Heart Ornaments

Plain

Sheet Music

XO Hang Tags

XO tag on a gift basket.

A Few More Valentine's Day Crafts

2012-01-15T09:25:00.000-08:00

Vintage Swedish Mail Bag...Love this one because it's hand embroidered in red by someone, somewhere. A creative Swedish soldier? Charming to think so....

I made this linen blend ruffled pillow with a simple red heart. It's nestled in my white slip covered chair.

I made this flour sack tea towel trimmed in white crocheted lace and detailed with the same simple red heart as the pillow.

A lavender bud jar with a vintage zinc lid. The metal tag is engraved with the number 14 in red. February 14th is around the corner!

Another lavender bud jar with a numbered tag. I have lots of numbers available, so I experimented with the paint color. I'm thinking about the number 13 in black for Halloween and the number 25 in red for Christmas.

That's all for now! Thanks for stopping by.

A special thanks to those few who leave comments. Where oh where is everyone? :(

Keep Calm and Craft On!

2012-01-05T22:05:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is around the corner. Typically, I procrastinate, then rush through the holiday. This year I'm ready. That means the PINKS and REDS are coming out in full force! So far, I made more garlands.

Some glass.

Some sprinkled.

I also put together a few festive heart necklaces. (Favors for my friends at an upcoming Valentine's Day Brunch....shhhh)

In PINK.

In RED.

In SILVER.

They look great in triplicate!

I have a few more Valentine crafts I'll share in a later post, but until then, join me in the New Year as we Keep Calm and Craft On!

(Oh, by the way, only 6 days into the new year and I already broke several New Year goals. RELAX...NOT (kids are still on Christmas Break.) EXERCISE...NOT (haven't been to the gym in months.) EAT HEALTHY...NOT (how do we get rid of the Christmas sweets if we don't eat them?)

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-18T16:42:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2011-11-23T16:51:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone has a grateful Thanksgiving with loved ones!

Thanks, Bella Cottage!

2011-11-05T08:39:00.000-07:00

I don't know of a person who hasn't heard of The Bella Cottage, but if you've somehow missed Michelle's website, you MUST SEE all she has to offer! Michelle sells a variety of everything from chic and shabby to European and rustic. For several years, I've run into Michelle at local flea markets. She has a business sense for items her customers need. In the past, she has featured several pieces from my website including furniture, tea towels, vintage finds, crafts and most recently, my linen blend pillows. Here are a few:

My vintage lace pillow is featured here. (This pillow has a double lace design not shown in the photo.)

My Reves Doux Mon Amour pillow is featured here.

My Muse'e d' Orsay pillow is featured here.

Of course, you can also find my pillows on Etsy and at cutepinkstuff.com. If you don't see a style you want, I also make custom pillows. Hope to hear from you!

Blessings, Cindy

EARLY HALLOWEEN CELEBRATION

2011-10-30T22:42:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Halloween early this year. Eleven kids (not all ours!) eating, laughing and making memories. Teens think it's "lame, mom" to have their photos taken, so I shot the decor. Here are few photos taken before the party started.

One of the few holidays when our pink corner cabinet sticks out like a sore thumb!

Wishing I shut off the ceiling fan light before taking this shot. If you look closely, you can see my husband in the background setting up for an annual tradition...Charlie Brown's Halloween...on VHS!

Our long table came in handy for the kids to eat together with their friends. No photos of them eating because that's "lame, mom!"

The scariest Halloween prop we had this year: The witch with wings. Creepy. No need for a broom!

The black phone...I intentionally took the receiver off the hook thinking it would make a scary prop, but my husband and kids didn't "get it."

The mouse hole and mice are die cuts from last year's Martha Stewart Halloween line. Love them!

Eyeball chocolates inside metal jack-o-lanterns hanging from a black wire glitter tree.

White candles fit in anywhere, anytime!

I don't have a letter "K."

Bought these creative soda bottle labels.

My daughter baked pumpkin cupcakes. Yum. My favorite part of this photo: the Lysol kitchen spray on the counter top. See it?

The one time of year when spiders are welcomed in our home.

Our frog treats were Oreo cookies dipped in chocolate. Too sweet for words.

Inside the skeleton bucket are chocolate dipped pretzel rods. A nice combination of sugar and salt and mom friendly (not messy to eat!)

This year I found black roses to add to our decor. I never thought I'd like them, but I do!

White pumpkins...love them. I don't mind investing in pumpkins for Halloween because they carry over so well into Thanksgiving. Save those pumpkins because Turkey Day is just around the corner!

Thanks for stopping by.

Mantel of the Month

2011-10-03T23:48:00.000-07:00

I'm honored to be October's Mantel of the Month at Enchanted Treasures!
Thank you, Roberta!

You can read my interview with Roberta here.

Roberta's feature gave me the motivation I needed to try something different with our mantel. Now that cooler weather is around the corner (even here in Southern California) I wanted to create a Fall/Winter theme in Nordic/French style.

I began with rabbit fur as my foundation. Then I added vintage dictionary pages, old books, a rusty bird house and a variety of metal crowns.

A few candles, vintage crocheted lace...

Another crown, and more candles....

Vintage music sheets, an ornate cross and a rhinestone crown detail the white candles....

Two pieces of linen fabric create a drape over the fireplace opening (Roberta's favorite element!)

The lined basket houses my firewood, kindling and pine cones.

DONE! (at least until the Halloween decorations come out of storage.....)

The Little French Flea Market

2011-09-13T16:43:00.000-07:00

EXCITING NEW LOCATION

LITTLE FRENCH FLEA MARKET

We’re doing it again on Saturday Sept. 17

9:00 A.M. TO 3:00 P.M.

Ann Sayre 818-606-6543 annsayre@sbcglobal.net

at the TARZANA CULTURAL CENTER

19130 Ventura Blvd Tarzana Ca 91356

Please join us for a wonderful day in a gorgeous French Garden, TREASURE hunting and spending time with friends. Join us for refreshments, and AMAZING merchandise, including cottage CHIC, French style décor, ANTIQUES, vintage clothing and jewelry, collectables, furniture, linens and just about anything you may want. Handpicked FABULOUS vendors. Valet parking available.

$2.00 admission

Future date Nov 19^th

I CROWN THEE

2011-09-08T13:15:00.000-07:00

More pillows? Yes, I know I'm pillow crazy, but I'm on a roll.... You can find them on ETSY and at CUTEPINKSTUFF.COM.

Thanks for browsing!

More PILLOWS!

2011-08-30T20:40:00.000-07:00

Just listed more PILLOWS here and here!

FRESH COTTAGE

2011-08-20T21:20:00.000-07:00

Master Bedroom Photo by Cindy Roberts

Great news! Our home will be featured in FRESH COTTAGE magazine! I heard the news today on Fifi O'Neill's blog. You can see her post (and a few teaser photos) here.

REWIND: When I found out our home would be photographed.... shock, excitement, panic, reorganization, projects, cleaning... Then came the day.... more cleaning, flowers, detailing.... NOW....relief, gratitude and life as we knew it bf (before Fifi.)

Fifi sent to me some photos from the shoot, but as promised, I won't publish them until after the feature in FRESH COTTAGE. In the meantime, here are a few "teaser" photos.


Me and Fifi sitting on the deck by our pool. The back deck was the last area photographed. It was a typical hot July day in southern California. Ice in our drinking glasses was melting almost faster than Mark could get the shot!

Fifi in our kitchen! Surreal. I spent the least amount of time preparing our kitchen for the photo shoot, yet this was the room Fifi and Mark spent the most time photographing. So, when the feature is published and you see old shriveled fruit on the table, you'll know why!


Fifi and Mark in our dining room! Surreal again. Check out the white "chic" apron Fifi's wearing. I made the apron and gave it to Fifi when she took a liking to it. Fifi wore the apron all day keeping her cell phone and other necessities in the pockets. Can you see all the wires in this shot? All part of professional photography at work. I watched Mark closely to glean some tips, but his equipment is more elaborate than my Olympus. Mark had his camera set up on a tripod, but he would actually take shots from his computer and not from behind the camera. He could see each photograph on his monitor and adjust the next shot accordingly. Amazing. Fifi and Mark, if you're reading this, thanks again for such a wonderful opportunity!

White Barns

2011-08-10T00:13:00.000-07:00

Hamilton, Montana Photograph by Cindy Roberts

I love barns. White barns. Chippey white, time worn, story telling....barns.

Hamilton, Montana Llama Farm Photograph by Cindy Roberts

Hamilton, Montana Photograph by Cindy Roberts

These are barns I photographed in Montana during our family vacation.

Hamilton, Montana Llama Farm Photograph by Cindy Roberts

Hamilton, Montana Photograph by Cindy Roberts

If you love white barns, I'd love to hear from you!

Rust or Bust!

2011-08-05T19:22:00.000-07:00

I'm back from our family vacation. We drove through 8 states and stayed over night in 5 of them. Our truck was filled with luggage, but I managed to find room for a few small treasures we found along the way.

I'm posting lots of photos from Betty's Antiques in Cedar City, Utah. Her home/yard/shop were across the street from our hotel. Imagine that!

The photos speak for themselves, but you'll see that RUST (lovely rust!) is predominant in Betty's farm treasures. WARNING: YOU MAY NEED A TETANUS SHOT JUST TO VIEW THESE PHOTOS!

If you like rummaging through rusty treasures be sure to stop by Betty's Antiques. The search is half the fun!

I Heart Polyvore

2011-07-20T00:18:00.000-07:00

Create beautiful collages at Polyvore. It's simple and fun!

It's a great place to browse through photos, see the latest trends, prices and places to shop!

WARNING: It's addictive.

Ecclectic by Cutepinkstuff.com featuring leopard print tops

Jaeger pleated dress
£399 - jaeger.co.uk

Dolce Gabbana zipper dress
$2,540 - net-a-porter.com

Sretsis dress
maximillia.com

Forever21 strapless sweetheart dress
$25 - forever21.com

Dolce Gabbana satin dress
$2,080 - net-a-porter.com

Matthew Williamson floral shirt
$1,125 - net-a-porter.com

Dolce Gabbana leopard print top
$1,100 - net-a-porter.com

Free People crop top
southmoonunder.com

Sretsis skirt
maximillia.com

2 Lips Too platform wedge sandals
$80 - heels.com

Forever21 pointed toe flat
$23 - forever21.com

Free People crossbody handbag
$98 - freepeople.com

Vintage clutch
$450 - vintagetextile.com

Vintage ring
$18 - modcloth.com

H&M feather earrings
£6.99 - hm.com

Cameo beaded necklace
$195 - tarinatarantino.com

Forever21 rhinestone earrings
$3.80 - forever21.com

Halston Heritage wide waist belt
$107 - couturecandy.com

Forever21 flower belt
$7.80 - forever21.com

TIARA vintage hair accessory
£33 - crystalbridalaccessories.co.uk

Gucci printed silk scarve
$375 - net-a-porter.com

Ray-Ban ray ban sunglasses
£118 - my-wardrobe.com

CO OP Barneys New York skinny belt
$95 - barneys.com

Glass shades
$8.99 - gogglesandglasses.com

Yves Saint Laurent Volupte Sheer Candy - 4: Succulent Pomegranate
$30 - barneys.com

False Eyelashes Black & Pink Feather | Gothic Clothing | Emo clothing...
£3.95 - chaoticclothing.co.uk

Scented nail polish from Mattése Elite
$6 - style.mtv.com

Cutepinkstuff.com by Cutepinkstuff.com featuring a butterfly brooch

Shoes
shoes.com

Chinese Laundry green sandals
zappos.com

Vintage necklace
$18 - girlprops.com

Pink umbrella
$8.98 - goodorient.com

Forever21 glass shades
forever21.com

Untitled by Cutepinkstuff.com featuring hot pink shoes

Hot pink shoes
photobucket.com

Pink image by joella_christine on Photobucket
oui-m0n-amour.xanga.com

pink dots image, picture by littledancinlady - Photobucket
photobucket.com

Pink star image by glamorousalondra on Photobucket
photobucket.com

PiNK HEARTS image, picture by i_AM_S0_CAL - Photobucket
photobucket.com

Image of pink zebra - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
jherichristine.xanga.com

sup-brushes
piczo.com

Garden Decor

2011-06-26T21:37:00.000-07:00

Bird bath angel with a vine crown.

One day unbeknownst to me, my pink jasmine vine took a liking to this angel. I planted the vine years ago to hide my gardening hose. The jasmine didn't take a liking to my hose, but now I'm pleased it found another purpose.

French Cemetery Aisle Marker

I purchased this unusual wrought iron number plate at a flea market for $10. I guessed it may be a house number, but the bottom spikes presented some confusion. Then I was told it was a marker for an aisle in a French cemetery. A bit creepy, but charming in my front garden.

Garden Statue

Many years ago, I took a trip to Mexico with some friends. I bought this wonderful cement statue carrying a bowl-like planter. One day my garden hose wrapped around the statue while I was watering plants. Yes, down went the statue and broken was the bowl. Now, she finds shade beneath my Summer Lace Hydrangea.

Old White Gate and Hanging Ceiling Tin Planter

I've had this planter for years and can't remember how I acquired it. However, the white gate in the background was a recent "freebie." The gate was on a parkway across the street from my friend's house. Big and heavy didn't deter me....I recruited my 17 year old son to lug it to our car. My kids are accustomed to seeing me treasure hunting while carpooling. What was exciting at some point in their young lives, has now become a bother in their teen years.

Old Wicker Chair

(You can see a better view of the freebie gate in this photo.) It seems I've always had a white wicker chair in my decor. Anyone loving cottage, shabby chic and beach/seaside decor has a chair like this one. This chair has been indoors, on our front porch, our back porch and now retires under our strawberry tree.

White, worn, chippey, broken, yet a keeper.

Stay tuned for more bits and pieces as our renovations unfold.

Fifi O'Neill's Book Signing

2011-06-24T08:36:00.000-07:00

July 5 from 5PM TO 8PM

A BEAUTIFUL MESS
28875 West Agoura Road
Agoura Hills, CA 91301

Summer Cleaning

2011-06-22T16:06:00.000-07:00

Spring Cleaning continues into summer.

My armoire was in dire need of organizing.

(If you look closely, you can see a small T.V. on the top shelf. A T.V. mixed in with linens?)

Much better.

Argh..........

Ahhhhh........

Stay tuned for more home decor and organization photos. I'm preparing for a special visit from someone we all know....)

The Little French Flea Market

2011-06-17T13:32:00.000-07:00

It's no longer the "LITTLE" French Flea Market! This event has blossomed into a LARGE flea market with an ecclectic mix of treasures for everyone. Thanks, Ann, for bringing us a wonderful day of shopping! Here are the details:

EXCITING NEW

LOCATION

Little French

Flea Market

We’re doing it again!

Saturday June 18
9:00 A.M. TO 3:00 P.M.

Tarzana Cultural Center
19130 Ventura Blvd.
Tarzana, CA.

$2.00 admission

Future Dates: Sept 17^th , Nov 19^th

Mother's Day

2011-05-06T15:26:00.000-07:00

This Mother's Day...

Dress in a pink frock...

Go shopping...

Relax...

and smell the roses...

(PINK ones!)

Blooms

2011-04-25T21:33:00.000-07:00

Spring blooms coming.... just a few.

HAPPY EASTER!

2011-04-24T09:03:00.000-07:00

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL!

WHITE

2011-03-03T22:49:00.000-08:00

I'm back. It's a new year. Craving clarity, peace, serenity. Painting walls white, cleaning, redecorating. That explains it all. So far, our master bedroom and the kids' bathroom are the targets. Here's the result.

MASTER BEDROOM

KIDS' BATHROOM

Thanks for stopping by!

Steampunked!

2011-01-06T22:43:00.000-08:00

Not sure what it is, but I like it!

This is what I've been creating recently. I call my necklaces, "SPunkie Creations."

Taking a break from painting everything PINK.

If you look closely, I included a touch of PINK in this one.

A bit of this, a bit of that.

More of this and that.

What is it about clock gears that's so appealing?

And who can resist Sock Monkey?

That's all! Thanks for stopping by.

2010-12-20T16:52:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Loving Lace

2010-11-17T22:10:00.000-08:00

My husband took me to the Ventura Flea Market in September which is a gift itself. I was looking for everything in general and nothing in particular when I came across a tattered plastic bag. Yep, that's what I bought! Well, it was filled with lots of surprises....lots and lots of crocet lace. Take a look!

I'll list some lace on Etsy soon. In the meantime, I'm loving the lace as a photo backdrop for my tag necklaces. Coming soon on Etsy and now listed at cutepinkstuff.com .

Thanks for browsing!

My New Ride

2010-11-13T15:19:00.000-08:00

Yes, I'm riding a tricycle! A garage sale find worthy of some detailing.

A custom license plate...PINK, of course!

An old fashioned horn. It's LOUD, so it comes in handy to warn all in my path!

Pink fuzzy dice hanging from my rear view mirror.

White ruffled basket liner I made from a linen blend fabric.

My favorite part of the makeover, so it deserves 2 photos!

Front ruffled basket liner I made from Rachel Ashwell Rosalie fabric.

Cute cat lock. It comes with 2 keys that are PINK!

DONE! (Should have raked leaves before my photo shoot.) Trader Joe's here I come!

If you share my love for 3 wheelers, I'd love to hear from you!

The Little French Flea Market

2010-10-04T19:47:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendar! The Little French Flea Market is coming soon to a fabulous new location in Tarzana, CA. Here are the details:

Saturday, October 23, 2010

9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Tarzana Cultural Center

19130 Ventura Blvd.

Tarzana, CA 91356

Join 40 vendors for a beautiful day of treasure hunting and refreshments. Handpicked vendors selling French decor, antiques, collectibles, cottage furnishings, vintage clothing, linens, jewelry and so much more! Valet parking available. $2.00 admission.

Hope to see you there!

Fear of Commitment?

2010-07-17T08:09:00.000-07:00

The fear of commitment had a different meaning when I was single. It referred to relationships. Now that I'm married and own a home, this term refers to something completely different...decorating style!

I love shabby chic... (my latest office re-do)

but, I also love whimsy (my desk accessories.)

I love cottage (my printer cover, file cabinet and bulletin board.)

but, I also love quirky (Halloween decor on our mantel.)

I love French (our front door.)

My rental space at Very Vintage.

but, I also love kitschy (1950's ceramic mermaid and fish plaques)

I also love white on white and more white (this isn't my bedroom, but a mom can dream! See more of this Victorian cottage here.)

but, I also love color, mostly PINK (these make me smile!)

I love rustic (old crib I bought and regret selling!)

Rustic ceiling tin we installed under our mantel.

I love new, but I also love vintage (new Eiffel Towel applique on old window, old scale and reproduction clock made to look like an old scale.)

Our entire home is an eclectic mix of all decorating styles! Is it the fear of commitment or the love of everything that inspires me? Yes, maybe both!

Are We Having Fun Yet?

2010-07-10T12:19:00.000-07:00

Kids are home for the summer.

Spongebob, courtesy of Legoland

Moms, are we having fun yet?

If you're like me, you're torn between having fun with the kids

and creating

or cleaning out a closet

One morning I saw our cat, Rex, lounging in the perfect box.

The look on Rex's face captured my mood (tired.)

Later, I noticed the printing on the box which made me laugh.

If only we could find FUN (and a little weirdness) in a box!

Happy Fourth Of July!

2010-07-03T15:00:00.000-07:00

God Bless America!

Barn Sale Delights!

2010-06-22T15:53:00.000-07:00

This post finds me longing for a local barn sale.

You know, an old fashioned barn sale.

Lemonade and corn on the cob.

Hot apple pie and home made ice cream.

Roaming chickens and grazing cows.

Vintage aprons and rusty... everything.

A couple weekends ago I received an email about a barn sale in Santa Paula, CA.

Here are some photos I took while we waited for the sale to begin.

Vintage linens and aprons. YES!

I dragged my husband and 6 year old with me to check it out.

It was a small sale, but fun.

Well, I had fun and can't speak for my companions.

They managed to find the lemonade stand and cookies. Yes, there was good old fashioned lemonade!

I didn't have time for refreshments There was shopping to do. This is what I found:

An old laundry cart/basket.

Metal folding legs on wheels.

Tattered PINK liner. I couldn't believe it was PINK! (I plan to use this, so I'll make a new liner and post it later.)

When we returned home I discovered this handy clothes pin bag in the back of the liner AND...

A BONUS! Over a dozen old, stained, rusty clothes pins!

Nine old painted metal trays.

Painted wild flowers in a sea of blue in great condition.

Gotta have a closeup of these!

White chippey painted metal garden border.

They're hinged and fold out in 10 panels.

A close up of the wonderful rust!

Turquoise rusty tool box.

In great vintage condition!

Rusty metal. YES!

Vintage pair of embroidered Southern Belle pillow cases.

Fine embroidery details.

Yes, another set! And PINK, too!

Beautiful!

Truly a lost art.

Vintage table cloth. PINK again!

This is what I rolled out of the sale and into our truck. Good times.

One last photo. Our rescued cat, Rex, enjoying the sun under my barn sale delights!

The Winner Is....

2010-06-21T15:19:00.000-07:00

My 6 year old son picked the winner this morning. He picked Joanne at My Little Cottage in the Making! Congratulations, Joanne! Joanne has been on a mission to find the best gourmet cupcake in Southern California. So, I thought she may like one of my "Cupcake" tea towels instead! This is her prize:

Thanks to all who left comments. This wasn't the worst give away after all!

Worst Give Away EVER!

2010-06-17T16:59:00.000-07:00

Okay, I admit that I haven't had many give aways, but this has to be the worst turn out in blogging history! There are only 4 comments on my give away post! That's good news for the 4 ladies who left comments, I suppose. Anyway, this is just a reminder that I'm giving away a flour sack tea towel on June 21. I hope to hear from more ladies!

More Mermaids!

2010-06-11T21:22:00.000-07:00

Remember her?

Now, I have 4 more little ladies!

Truly bathing beauties!

That face!

So kitschy!

and oh-so-cute!

Memorial Day

2010-05-30T17:03:00.000-07:00

Have a safe Memorial Day weekend!

Very Vintage Parking Lot Sale

2010-05-24T19:57:00.000-07:00

Well, the parking lot sale is over. It came and went so fast, I forgot to post it. So much going on, so no photos this time.

These photos were taken before the sale, so you can get an idea of what was available.

Stop by for a visit sometime!

Very Vintage is located in Agoura Hills, CA off the 101 Freeway between exits, Chesbro and Kanan.

Hope to see you there!

Bunnies, lambs and chicks (oh my)

2010-05-16T21:14:00.000-07:00

I added a new BABY category to cutepinkstuff.com. To celebrate and promote the new category, I'm having a GIVE AWAY on JUNE 21 (First day of summer!) Simply leave a comment on this post and win a new "baby cloth." Post this GIVE AWAY on your blog and receive an extra chance to win. The winner chooses from a pink bunny

a pink lamb

a blue lamb

or a pink chick.

If you don't have a baby, grandchild or have a baby shower to attend in the near future, don't fret! The cloths can also be used for Easter AND as a tea towel or curtain.

Product details: 100% light cotton fabric. Bottom ruffle. Hemmed, factory sterilized, pre-shrunk and lint-free. Measures approximately 28" x 29".

Thanks for stopping by and good luck!

What Did You Do For Mother's Day?

2010-05-10T21:58:00.001-07:00

I had a "busy" Mother's Day!

I spent most of the day upstairs while my devoted husband watched our 4 kids . . . downstairs.

I hung some paper lanterns.

I sat here.

I sat there.

I read some magazines.

I gazed up at the tree.

I read more magazines.

I saw the wind blowing my lanterns.

I pondered about where to place this new white leather chair.

Two chairs, but just me. . . . sitting. What a blessed day! What did you do for Mother's Day?

It's a Tea Party!

2010-05-10T01:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Cielo's Victorian Tea Party!
These are the tea cups I'm bringing to the party:

I took this vignette when our farm table project was completed. You can see more about that in a previous post.

Same vignette, different angle. I hope I'm not the only blogger who takes a hundred shots of the same image hoping a few look decent!

This is another tea cup and saucer I had on my side porch while browsing through the FREE Cath Kidston catalog. Notice I have pretty pink sticky tabs to mark all the cute things I want. . . someday.

Are pets invited to your Tea Party, Cielo? Rex won't eat much and he's very well behaved.

I won't bring my 6 year old son to the party. He doesn't eat much and he's relatively well behaved, but he would rather be at The Hope Depot with his dad. He simply stopped by leaving me a Lego Star Wars Clone Trooper adding some masculinity to my tea cup vignette. I shot these photos when I cleaned and rearranged my side porch. You can see more about that in a previous post.

Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see you at Cielo's House in the Roses! Thanks, Cielo, for a wonderful party!

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-07T19:41:00.000-07:00

Motherhood, it's the toughest job in the world! I hope this Mother's Day finds you clothed with strength and dignity. May your children arise and call you blessed!

CLEARANCE!

2010-04-30T20:47:00.000-07:00

The Hidden Chateau & Gardens is having an Open House and sale May 1 (TOMORROW!) Sorry for the last minute notice. I'm clearing out our (my husband's) garage and taking everything there for a HUGE CLEARANCE SALE! I'll have furniture and miscellaneous small treasures. Some finished items and other "as is" projects in the making. I just can't get to all my projects so I'm letting them go. No time for photos or tags on this post, so I hope you can be there in person!

Here are the details:

Hidden Chateau & Gardens

23130 Sherman Way, West Hills, California

Store opens at 11 am

(Refreshments served from 1-4 pm)

2010-04-27T14:13:00.000-07:00

You're invited to Cielo's Victorian Tea Party! Stop by her blog May 10 to see images of beautiful tea cup vignettes. You can also visit other bloggers who are invited to the party. I'll be joining the party so be sure to come back then!

Quickie Project

2010-04-12T22:34:00.000-07:00

Everyone loves vintage bobbins and vintage sheet music. You can find them both at local antique shops or online.

So why not combine the two! Simply cut music sheets to size and then attach with glue.

Wrap string, yarn, twine or burlap garland around the bobbins to keep them organized and looking great!

Use decorative straight pins to prevent your strings from unwinding.

Clothes pins work great, too. Try it! Simple and satisfying!

EGGS!

2010-04-05T19:56:00.000-07:00

The Easter Bunny remembered us! When my 6 year old wanted to know if the Easter Bunny hid eggs in our front yard, I smiled and said, "Let's call him and see!" I pretended to dial 1-800-EGGS and excitedly reported that indeed, the Easter Bunny had already hid eggs in our city. Out the door my son went! This is what he found:

Our 13 year old wasn't ready to admit he may be too "old" to hunt for eggs. He participated again this year and found the most precious egg of all. A bird's egg had fallen from our tree giving us a moment to enjoy one of God's creations. Our garden angel cradles it in her arms.

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!

Happy Easter!

2010-04-01T19:06:00.000-07:00

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!

The Little French Flea Market (Part III)

2010-03-22T10:58:00.000-07:00

It's over! The Little French Flea Market was wonderful. The best part: meeting new, friendly ladies who LOVE to shop! The worst part: items that didn't sell went back into our garage....

Below are some photos of my space. (Click on any photo to enlarge the image.)

Below are photos of other vendors' items. I couldn't leave my space for long, so there aren't many photos.

Thanks for visiting! The next Little French Flea Market will be in May. Stop by again for details!

The Little French Flea Market (Part II)

2010-03-18T18:10:00.000-07:00

MORE STUFF! As we pull merchandise out of our garage in preparation for Saturday, we're finding MORE STUFF! If you're able to make it to The Little French Flea Market, you'll see all this and more first hand. If you are unable to make it and you see something on this blog that you would like to order, email me or leave a comment. The larger items are unavailable due to shipping costs, but the smaller items will be posted on my website (if not sold) after the flea market is over. So, here's MORE STUFF!

Thanks for stopping by!

The Little French Flea Market (Part I)

2010-03-16T16:05:00.000-07:00

It's that time again! I'm selling my wares at The Little French Flea Market this Saturday. The details are below. I've also posted a sneek preview of what I'm selling. Hope to see you there!

Back by popular demand…

The Little French Flea Market

March 20, 2010 - Saturday

9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Ann Sayre-(818)-606-6543 / annsayre@sbcglobal.net

At the….Hidden Chateau & Gardens
23130 Sherman Way, West Hills, CA 91307 / 818-610-3228

Please join us for a wonderful day in a gorgeous French garden, TREASURE hunting and spending time with friends. Join us for refreshments, LIVE MUSIC, and amazing merchandise, including cottage Chic, French style décor, antiques, vintage clothing and jewelry, collectables, furniture, linens, and just about anything you want.

$2.00 admission fee

Time for Change (Home Office Makeover)

2010-03-07T12:46:00.000-08:00

I've been busy creating a new look for my home office. Hope you enjoy the video!

Valentine Brunch

2010-02-14T16:32:00.000-08:00

I hosted a Valentine Brunch Friday from 10 to 2 (kids in school and husbands at work!) for 8 of my closest friends. These are the outdoor photos I took before the brunch.

Front Gate

Tin Heart Filled With Heather

Front Steps

Flower Box and Rusty Iron Heart

Planter Box and Mosaic Urn

Front Door Sap Bucket

Old Wicker Chair
I've been blessed with the kindest friends ever! As each lady walked in she was glowing with a smile and bearing a gift or pastry and kind words.

We started with coffee and pastries, crackers and brie.

Then we sat at the "big table" and dined baby broccoli (broccolini) and grilled salmon topped with a simple cream sauce. For dessert was my annual Valentine encore: Butter cake layered with cream cheese/whipped cream filling, topped with strawberry sauce and fresh blueberries.

Table Settings With Heather Centerpieces

Closeup of Centerpieces

A Keyhole Peek!

Closeup of Dress Favor (Chocolate Treat Inside)

Pink Rose China

I put away my camera during the event because everyone cringed at the thought of being on my blog, but I think I can sneak in one photo (shhh....) taken by one of my friends.

When we were sufficiently full we cleared the "big table" and began creating Valentine cards. It was hillarious and exhilarating. Some were artsy, some humorous and others just plain wonderful. Of course, ALL had a touch of PINK! Here's a pic of mine.

Here's of a drawing from one friend. She's so talented!

I wish I had photos of everyone's creations! I put away my camera and wish I hadn't. Next time, I'll know better.

We even had time to create some candles

and tussy mussies using vintage sheet music.

Everyone went home with a pot of tulips!

Thanks for stopping by. Until next Valentine's Day. . . .

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-11T07:03:00.000-08:00

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

(I'm having a Valentine brunch in my home, so I hope to have photos to share soon!)

Oh My, A Mermaid!

2010-02-01T14:43:00.000-08:00

Every now and then I find a treasure that warms my heart.

This happens often when I shop at Abigail's in Idaho.

When I saw this vintage wall plaque set I couldn't stop smiling.

This bathing beauty

and her swimming companions came home with me in my suitcase.

A bit kitschy, oh so cute and PINK! If they warm your heart, too, you can find them here.

Weekend Project

2010-01-22T09:30:00.000-08:00

My husband dreads the words, "I was just thinking. . . ." Those words always lead to another home improvement.

Our front entry had no place for coats and shoes. It's a small area where a hall tree would occupy too much space. So, I was thinking. . . . why not hang a panel of white bead board with vintage hooks directly on the wall?

Behind the front door is prime real estate. It's otherwise wasted space and doesn't interfere with foot traffic. We bought the bead board and white paint at our local hangout, The Home Depot. I purchased the vintage wire hooks in Idaho ($1 each!) The shoe tray is from Home Goods ($8!)

I'm having so much fun hanging pretty things from the hooks!

Crowns

2010-01-18T09:36:00.000-08:00

I'm fascinated with crowns. I see them everywhere. I can't pass them by without visualizing them in my home. Maybe it's the French influence in home decor of late. Maybe it's my secret longing to be Queen for a day (or two!)

I purchased this German doll head at an antique shop without knowing what she would later become.

She seemed regal, perhaps a Queen in the making.

She's now complete!

When I saw this gigantic rustic crown I KNEW it needed a home. . . .MINE! I also purchased extra to share.

According to my 6 year old son, this large crown also makes a great tent for his stuffed kitty!

Well, what can I say about crown plates?

Yummy!

Each plate has a different crown design!

A perfect place setting for girlfriends on Valentine's Day.

They come in a set of 4 with a fancy knife/spreader.

Yes, more crowns! These are perfect near our fireplace in the pink corner cabinet.

Here are close up photos so you can see their detail. You can find them here.

I recently listed these creamy porcelain crowns on my website.

I use mine for candle holders, but they would be so cute cupping treats, jewelry, coins, keys, stamps or even paper clips!

Crown images are wonderful on pillows. I have one left.

These pillows were a custom order for a dear friend.

I've slowed down sewing pillows, but these are a few I have left.

This is one of my favorites. What could be better than a singing bird donning a crown?

Thanks for stopping by.

New Year Decor -The Evolution" Continues. . .

2010-01-05T15:41:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! Our Christmas tree is down, decorations are stored and cookies are eaten. If only the holiday bills are paid! For me, a new year brings change, so I'll continue adding more French flair to my shabby PINK decor this year. I will ALWAYS love shabby PINK chic/white cottage style, but can't a girl have it all? Here are a few of my latest "French" details (I laugh at myself because I've never been to France, so how do I know if what I like is REALLY "French?")

Merry Pink Christmas!

2009-12-19T20:37:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Gone To The Birds!

2009-12-07T20:48:00.000-08:00

I've gone to the birds!

It started with a vintage bird cage I purchased in Idaho on a shopping spree.

It came with the sweet rhinestone brooch!

Of course, I couldn't stop at just one bird cage. I bought another at an antique shop. This one came with a stand. I added the rhinestone star and made the ruffled skirt.

Then I had a bright idea. Gee, maybe a couple of birds will be fun.

So, I bought a couple of zebra finch.

Aren't they cute?

The couple had 6 eggs within a month!

While waiting for the eggs to hatch, I accumulated 3 more bird cages. After all, I have to have homes for the little ones! I bought this white vintage bird cage at Bungalow in Agoura Hills.

I bought this pink vintage bird cage at Very Vintage in Agoura Hills where I rent space and sell my cutepinkstuff.

The bottom tray is secured with 3 of these cute metal owls.

Unfortunately, the finch eggs didn't hatch, but I'm anxiously waiting for more eggs. I'm hopeful for several baby birds, so I moved the couple to a new "condo" I purchased on Ebay.

I added this beautiful vintage rhinestone brooch to dress up their "condo."

It's great fun watching them.

The male has orange cheeks, speckled feathers and a darker orange beak. He has a distinctly longer songlike chirp.

He's so cute!

He's more trusting of the two.

The female has an orange beak and is more plain in color.

She has a shorter, quieter chirp, and is more tentative. We haven't named them yet, but welcome all suggestions!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-23T18:29:00.000-08:00

We're cooking for 15 people this year.

Possibly a daunting task, but having new Thanksgiving dishes makes it fun. I bought the blue and white plates at Marshall's last year. I patiently waited a year to use them. (If I could find Thanksgiving dishes in PINK and white, I think I'd be the happiest homemaker this side of the Mississippi!)

I love these Pottery Barn place card holders. I have them for sale on my website, but I'm secretly hoping they don't sell so I can have them!

I bought the white crown plates at Home Goods. The lacy metal chargers I've had for years. I don't have enough chargers for every guest, so only the ladies will have them. The men won't appreciate their beauty anyway!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Pumpkins.

2009-11-02T10:34:00.000-08:00

Love pumpkins. . . .pie, muffins. . . .

I forgot to post this photo of our Halloween pumpkins. That's another reason why I like pumpkins, they carry over into Thanksgiving! Hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween!

Website Cleanup

2009-10-28T13:44:00.000-07:00

It's that time! Time to clean up my website. That means items MUST GO to make room for new cutepinkstuff! Hope to see you there!

California Christmas

2009-10-22T21:39:00.000-07:00

Well, it's difficult to think about Christmas when Halloween is next week, my roses are in full bloom and the temperature is in the 90's.

Yet, as fast as time flies, I know I better get started on some Christmas creations.

So, here's a preview of my new flour sack tea towels.

You can find them here!

French Flea Tomorrow!

2009-10-16T20:33:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder: The Little French Flea Market

Saturday, October 17, 2009

9 am - 3 pm (Early birds at 8 am with flyer)

Hidden Chateau Gardens

23130 Sherman Way

West Hills, CA (Across from the Post Office)

Hope to see you there!

It Arrived!

2009-10-11T09:18:00.000-07:00

The anticipation of a gift arriving in the mail is almost as exciting as the gift itself. ALMOST!

Elyse ordered a mouse pad from my website and. . . .

I've been wanting one of her painted soup cans so. . . .we swapped.

This is what arrived! Elyse always goes ALL OUT when swapping. I've crowned her the swap Queen! Elyse, thank you so much for my "tinkered treasures!" Your cutepinkstuff will be arriving soon! You can find Elyse on Etsy here!