Monday and soooo many yummies to show you!

Happy Monday, Sweets! Oh my goodness...I have so much to show you that I don't even know WHERE TO START! We have Yummies of COURSE, plus I want to tell you all about something new I'm involved in called Joli Paquet AND I have some sweet piccys of last night's Pumpkin Party at our church. So how about we start with sweet little Pumpkin Party pics?? The kids got to wear their costumes and though I didn't get THE photos, I got some fun ones and will get more on Wednesday when we go trick-or-treating...

The Flower Fairies minus their wings...there were TWO bounce houses! So they looked more like ballerinas than Flower Fairies...

and a Sleepy Turtle....

And now....JOLI PAQUET (Pretty Packages)! Oh my gosh...I'm so excited about this. Cerri of Little Pink Studio wrote me and asked if I was going to Silver Bella. I'm not (deep sigh....) since my little guy is still nursing and showing no signs of stopping. The food source can't go traipsing off to Nebraska! So though I'm absolutely GREEN with envy and seriously in mourning that I can't go, I feel a little better after hearing Cerri's plan and getting on board with it!

Joli Paquet is a way for those of us who are not able to attend Silver Bella to get in on some fun "kits" that a group of wonderful, sweet, talented artists are going to be offering the weekend of Silver Bella! These kits will be available starting November 9th and oh my goodness...you are in for a TREAT. I was sooooo flattered to be included in this and am really excited about the kit I've developed. The gals involved in Joli Paquet are Cerri, Holly, Heather, Joleen, Lori and Heather and ME! Double-click on their names to see their blogs. A few of them already have piccys of their kits to ogle at! SO YUMMY, I tell you. So here's a little sneakie peekie at my kit....

**The Snow Queen**

I'll keep you posted with more details about all our PRETTY PACKAGES as they become available. And here's the Joli Paquet blog where you can find updates about all our kits: http://joli-paquet.blogspot.com/! But mark your calendars for November 9th, when all the kits will available for purchase.
And now for MONDAY YUMMIES! Hop on in my little cyber side-car and I'll motor you around cyberspace for some SUPER-SWEET shopping!

YUMMY THING ONE AND TWO: More Mussies by ME! :)

I can't get enough of these Mussies, I tell you! I've been busy making MORE Tussie Mussies and am having such FUN! Here's a few I finished, all made with vintage linens and mostly vintage trims, as well.

Southern Belle #2 (SOLD):

This was made from the other end of the same lovely vintage runner I used for another Southern Belle tussy. This one has darling pink repro ticking for the ruffle and vintage crocheted blue and white trim. The bow and handle are a new (but oh-so-yummy) wired pink ribbon that is so crisp and luscious.Twin Bluebird Tussie Mussies (still available!):

These two were made to match from a vintage runner, as well. Aren't they just precious??? The ruffles are made from vintage satin seam binding and the bow and handle are in simple white grosgrain.
YUMMY THING THREE: Darling Christmas Bells by ChiChilala Designs

These are some seriously SWEET Christmas bells! I just love the vintage style, the gorgeous colors and the darling little details.

YUMMY THING FOUR: "Chocoholic" China Mosaic by Shabby Cottage Boutique

This is just beautiful. And it's on sale! YUMMY THING FIVE: Sweet Baby Shoe by Faerie Window

I am always enchanted by anything sweet Lori makes but this one is particularly adorable, don't you think? She says she can turn any baby shoe you might be saving into a custom little "shrine" like this one. I think that is such a sweet idea.

YUMMY THING FIVE: Sweet Little Girl Tags by SeaDreamStudio

Aren't these so cute? I ordered some Christmas tags just like these from her and they are just TDF in person! I can't wait to use them. I haven't decided if I will use them on packages or string them on a banner type thing for the wall or over a doorway. But they are from a vintage coloring book and have the best color and texture. Plus added glitter!

YUMMY THING SIX: Winter Wonderland by CariKraft

I love this. I love how everything about this LOOKS vintage. Have I mentioned this is how I like to create? I love using all vintage or vintage-looking materials. I am always happiest with the end result when I follow this "rule"!

YUMMY THING SEVEN: Fall Blosssoms Sweater Set by WarmestWishes2U

This sweater set is one that my friend, Randi, is selling on etsy. But this my Emily in the photos! She modeled for Randi last Fall...so much fun. I have to tell you, this sweater set is possibly the most gorgeous thing I have ever seen on a child. Truly. I seriously almost cried when I opened the package! I made the "frock" that is under the sweater set to match and sold several more to customers. I'm happy to see Randi is still offering this set as a custom. So perfect for portraits!My friend, Allison, made the gorgeous jewelry to match!

Here's my favorite pic of Em in the frock I made to match the sweater set. She's sitting in a chair that belonged to her great-grandmother and it just happens to match perfectly.

YUMMY THING EIGHT: Shabby Pink Jewelry Chest by Hannabear326

Isn't this darling? I love the details. She has lots of really cute pieces...check them all out.

And that's it, girls! I've got a messy house and lots of stuff to get ready to ship tomorrow, but darn it if I didn't finish my YUMMIES! ;) Hope you enjoyed them as much as I did.

And have a YUMMY week!

Love,

Cheryl :)

The Joys of Womanhood....

Got this email today and thought it was just TOO funny not to share with you...

"This is an actual letter sent to Proctor and Gamble from Wendi Aarons, Austin, TX, regarding their feminine products. She really gets rolling after the first paragraph...

Dear Mr. Thatcher, I have been a loyal user of your Always Maxi Pads for over 20 years and I appreciate many of their features. Why, without the Leak GuardCore(tm) or Dri-Weave(tm) absorbency, I'd probably never go horseback riding or salsa dancing, and I'd certainly steer clear of running up and down the beach in tight, white shorts. But my favorite feature has to be your revolutionary Flexi-Wings. Kudos on being the only company smart enough to realize how crucial it is that maxi pads be aerodynamic. I can't tell you how safe and secure I feel each month knowing there's a little F-16 in my pants.

Have you ever had a period, Mr. Thatcher? Ever suffered from "the curse"? I'm guessing you haven't. Well, my "time of the month" is starting right now. As I type, I can already feel hormonal forces violently surging through my body. Just a few minutes from now, my body will adjust and I'll be transformed into what my husband likes to call "an inbred hillbilly with knife skills." As Brand Manager in the Feminine-hygiene Division, you've no doubt seen quite a bit of research on what exactly happens during your customers' monthly visits from "Aunt Flo". Therefore, you must know about the bloating, puffiness, and cramping we endure, and about our intense mood swings, crying, and out-of-control behavior. You surely realize it's a tough time for most women. The point is, sir, you of all people must realize that America is just crawling with homicidal maniacs in Capri pants... which brings me to the reason for my letter.

Last month, while in the throes of cramping so painful I wanted to reach inside my body and yank out my uterus, I opened an Always maxi-pad, and there, printed on the adhesive backing, were these words: "Have a Happy Period." Are you f__king kidding me? Does any part of your tiny middle-manager brain really think happiness - actual smiling, laughing happiness is possible during a period? Did anything mentioned above sound the least bit pleasurable? Well, did it, James? FYI, unless you're some kind of sick S&M freak girl, there will never be anything "happy" about a day in which you have to jack yourself up on Motrin and Kahlua and lock yourself in your house just so you don't march down to the local Kmart armed with a hunting rifle and a sketchy plan to end your life in a blaze of glory. For the love of God, if you just have to slap a moronic message on a maxi pad, wouldn't it make more sense to say something that's actually pertinent, like "Put Down the Hammer" or "Vehicular Manslaughter Is Wrong", or are you just picking on us? Sir, please inform your Accounting Department that, effective immediately, there will be an $8 drop in monthly profits, for I have chosen to take my maxi-pad business elsewhere. And though I will certainly miss your Flex-Wings, I will not for one minute miss your brand of condescending bull s__t. And that's a promise I will keep. Always.

Best, Wendi Aarons

Austin, TX "

Sweet Mama

As I mentioned last post, our sweet Mama had a birthday. I just HAVE to show you what I got for her, since my sweetest of sweet bloggy pals, Tabetha, made a very special necklace just for my Mama.

I told Tabetha that I wanted something for my Mama that was petite and sweet, jsut like she is! And I wanted it to have something involving ladybugs since ladybugs were "our" symbol during Mama's bout with breast cancer a couple years ago. Mama loves ladybugs and soooo appropriately: they are little and cute, just like she is! :) And even better, in French, the word for ladybug means "creatures of a good God" and this seemed so fitting as we trusted God to take care of her as she battled cancer. As she underwent chemo and radiation, we each wore a ladybug charm around our neck to show our support and love for her.

So I asked Tabetha to include a ladybug in Mama's birthday necklace, as well as "RED," Mama's favorite color. And it had to be petite and delicate, just like the Birthday Girl herself! Here is what Sweet Tabetha came up with. So perfect for my little Mama....
You can find Tabetha and her pretties here. She is just the sweetest!

And here we are (minus Sister #2, Jeanette, who lives near L.A.) having ice cream together. We missed you, Nettie!!!!! That's me on the far right with the headband...and that young lady on the far left is our cute Mama!

And this is Laura Joy (Sister #5) and I...And here is the Birthday Girl herself, opening the necklace, with my Emmy and Rachie looking on...

Our Mama (and Grammy) loved the necklace, Sweet Tab! Thank you so much. It was absolutely PERFECT.

Well, I'm off to bed now! Thanks for popping in, Sweets!

Love, Cheryl :)

Yummy Monday...and a HUGE Shoppe Update!

Hello, Sweets!! It's Monday again...and it's a very special Monday indeed! If you've popped in for Monday Yummies, you won't be disappointed but it's a bit different than your average Yummy Trip. Instead of carting you about cyberspace, I've set my own table and am having you in for Yummies today! We're going to have a yummy little party together...and just wait till you see the oh-so-Sweet Confections I've cooked up for you!

And I've dispatched this little cutie to come and fetch you over...so climb in next to her (her name is Ann and she likes jellybeans, in case that is helpful!) and she'll drop you at my door in a jiffy!

YUMMY THING ONE: "I Hope You Dance" Tussie Mussie & Vintage Bisque Doll

This is number one of four tussie mussies I've created this week. I've had SO MUCH FUN making theses! Each one is unique and has tons of over-the-top details. I LOVE the song, "I Hope You Dance" and when I saw this charming vintage ballerina bisque doll, I knew she was perfect for a future project. And she is! She fits perfectly inside this tussie mussie. I even made her a pink tuling "tutu" since for some reason she had just bloomers and a blouse when I found her. This tussie mussie is available here in my etsy shoppe, starting today!

YUMMY THING TWO: "Mother Dear" Tussie Mussie & Tag

My second tussie mussie for sale in my etsy shoppe is one I just ADORE. I used this DEAREST of vintage images of a mother and daughter to embellish this pink ticking-covered tussie mussie. The cone is lined (as all of my tussies are) with a page from a vintage book about childhood. Other details include a pink ticking ruffle, vintage crocheted collar, netting tail and pink velvet ribbon. A matching tag is included with the cone and features the same vintage image on a pink wooden tag with pink velvet ribbon. You can find it here.

YUMMY THING THREE: Rachel's Roses Tussie Mussie (SOLD)

This tussie mussie is over-the-top divine with details galore! It is covered in one of my favorite Rachel Ashwell prints and features THREE layers of ruffles, including chiffon, organdy and more of the Rachel print. 3 yo-yos are encrusted with vintage and new buttons, beads and baubles and fat pink satin bow makes the "toe" even sweeter! The "strap" is made from vintage lace and the inside is lined with paper and more lace.

YUMMY THING FOUR: Southern Belle Tussie Mussie (SOLD)

This beauty was fashioned from a vintage runner and is sweet, simple and delicate in every way. The hand-embroidered Southern Belle was begging to be repurposed into something beautiful and seems MADE for this cone! The blue ruffle on top was made from vintage seam binding and the "strap" is a new but very vintage-looking chenille trim. A chunky pink satin bow echoes the Belle's bows for a charming effect.

YUMMY THING FIVE: Altered Art Halloween Tags (SOLD)

I had such fun making these altered art tags. They are HUGE and made for a really fun surface on which to play! Vintage images of kids, pretty papers, black crepe paper ruffles, glittery letter and even rhinestones went into these tags and they are over-the-top SWEET...not a sinister one among them! They are listed on etsy and you will receive 5 large tags, perfect for scrapbooking, gift-giving or even decorating...

YUMMY THING SIX: Miss Halloween Birdie Treat Jar (SOLD)

Darling little bird perches on top of a tiny glass jar and is embellished prettily for a Halloween TREAT! Jar is full of my favorite yummy mallow pumpkins. Look for Miss Halloween here...

YUMMY THING SEVEN: Miss Halloween Tussie Mussie

Black and white harlequin fabric tussie mussie with black fuzzy trim and ribbon make a Spooky Sweet way to decorate for Halloween. Another Sweet Miss Halloween Birdie and flocked mini-pumpkins nest in the tussie mussie. She is waiting for a home here...

YUMMY THING EIGHT: Portrait of a Young Girl

I had such fun making these plaques. SO my style...simple and sweet. Vintage image of a young girl layered on linen with delicate embroidery. Wooden placque with luscious pink velvet ribbon bow and hanger. Back of placque covered with pink toile cardstock. Brass fleur-de-lis hanger included. Listed here.

YUMMY THING NINE: Portrait of a Young Boy

This little guy reminds me of my Andrew! I love the look of these vintage kiddoes on linen. Simple and sweet. More delicate embroidery. Wooden placque with luscious white velvet ribbon bow and hanger. Back of placque covered with blue and white striped cardstock. Brass fleur-de-lis hanger included. Listed here...YUMMY THING TEN: Vintage Birthday Cake Tag (SOLD)

One of my favorite vintage birthday cards has been printed onto fabric and then layered on a linen circle and fixed to a wooden circle. TWO layers of pink crepe paper ruffles and rhinestones make for a festive touch! Has a little ribbon loop on back that would make it perfect to hang or to tie into the ribbons on an over-the-top SWEET gift for someone you love. This is listed here.

Well Friends, that's it for now! Thanks so much for coming over and partying with me. I always love to have you here. :)

Hurry on over to my etsy shoppe if any of these Confections are things you "Hafta Have"! :) I'll be pulling the Halloween things from the shoppe in a few days so that they are sure to ship in time for Halloween, so if you like them, get them quick! More confections in the works, so check back often...

Have a YUMMY week!