A Peter Rabbit Easter

 I can not tell you how excited I was when my daughter, Mia, told me her theme for 

her family Easter celebration would be Peter Rabbit this year!

 

Mia and I go way back with our love for Peter to when I chose that for her nursery theme.

 I was introduced to my love of Peter and all things Beatrix Potter, when I visited England as a

 teen and wanted that for my one day baby's room. Now, my grands love her books!

I have to show off all the detail she put into this party! Garden and carrot touches every-where,

even the green cutlery are "carrot" wrapped. Books and Peter mementos were scattered too.

I must tell you Mia's cupcakes, with their lemon curd filling are the very BEST I've ever tasted!

I had too many to count, although Quinn could probably tell you....please don't Q! 

A gingerbread garden shed just for fun!

The Easter tree centerpiece even had a few vintage PB ornaments. I lent her my sweet

PB plates and she got the place mat new from Pottery Barn.

The theme was carried out to the backyard and patio area. We were so grateful to outside

 and in the sunshine after weeks of wet weather (snow for me).

Food always tastes better wearing bunny ears!

 The kids had such fun but wondered all morning about their egg hunt tradition.

 And what was this giant hanging carrot? It was filled with eggs and treats. The Easter

Bunny really fooled them this year! All the kids had fun giving the carrot a whack.

Sweet kids showing off their Easter treasures from the giant carrot handmade by Mia.

We didn't open our darling Peter goody bag until we got home. Wow, what a surprise

to find a wonderfully scented candle in a bag I will keep as a

memento of the most fun Easter ever!

Thank you so much, Mia & Matt, for

making our day fabulous!

Happy Easter to all!

Melin

xoxo

Valentine Fun

Valentine's Day is nearly here and I wanted to share a few goodies for the occasion.

These darling cupid's arrows were made by our daughter, Mia, for our Valentine's Day gift!

 She said they are easy and all you need are sturdy sticks, from your yard, felt and hot glue.

Aren't they darling? I hung them here and there among my Valentine decor.

I bought this awesome Mickey Mouse Club Scrap Book at a local flea. I opened it and

was amazed to see the fabulous valentine card collection. They were glued in

by a 9 year old girl and some have stickers attaching them, as well.

Check out the date and price back then.

Here are what the pages look like. They are chock full of retro Valentine fun! I want to keep it intact

and share some of the cards, over time, here and on Pinterest. There are a few from other

holidays too but mostly sweet valentines.

I love them all! Look at the detail and the funny sayings back then. Remember the joy

of getting special valentines from your classmates and teachers?

Why didn't we all save them? I am a saver and I didn't.

This lion, with a collar and tie, is accented with silver glitter!

And this sweet girl has a red flocked trim on her pinafore. Flocking was used a 

lot on the cards back then. The hearts with the birdies are flocked too.

Follow me on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/wrenlizgifts/

to see more vintage valentines like these and craft ideas.

WE wish you a fun and fabulous Valentine's Day!

Melin

xoxo

New Antique Hutch

I spent this past weekend painting the inside of this French antique hutch

WE bought from a designer friend, shout out to Shelley McGinity

 of Kiski Design & Construction, Inc.

I am not a painter at all but it felt good to accomplish this easy task. 

It took many coats of Antique White to cover the Sky Blue!

My big reward came today, when I got to add a few pieces of collections, 

family favorites and a few touches of fall.

I started with Granny's Hall Jewel Tea Autumn Leaf mix. I love this because

Granny had it although I don't think any of this was actually her's.

I thrifted this gorgeous hand painted fall plate and the love the old 

Hallmark Thanksgiving turkey S&P, even if they are plastic.

This turkey platter was my Mommy's from the 50's. We ate every Thanksgiving turkey

off this platter. I am so grateful to have used this platter for my

family, as well, and it will go to my older daughter.  

So that is what I have been up to for fun! 

Please share you recent projects with us for inspiration.

Wishing you and yours a blessed

Thanksgiving.

Melin

xoxo

Summer Lovin'

WE just had a ball at the water park with some of our family.

 

I thought I would share a few pictures of our

 tanned and smiling faces.

 



There is nothing like family and cool water to make

 a perfect summer day!

 



 

What do you like to do on a HOT summer's day?

Melin



Fabulous & Free Summer Fun

 

I love the Today Show and watched the most fun segment, with Elizabeth Mayhew, this morning.

She told us how to "Beat the heat and have some fun with these 8 summer freebies"!

Written with all the links for you plus the video on Today's show. You can watch the video here, http://www.today.com/video/today/55503074 

or see the written list,

http://www.today.com/money/free-fun-brutal-summer-days-1D79841732.

 

 

I searched the web for you and found even more fun and free projects for you and your kids.

 Here are a few websites to check out. Most offer both online projects for free and in-store

 classes for free or  a fee. Hobby Lobby seems to only have online fare.

Check them out at http://www.hobbylobby.com/projects.

 

Joann Fabrics has both in-store and online projects at http://www.joann.com/projects/. With most of

 these links, you put in your zip code and check out the details of their in-store Events.

What fun party decor ideas!

 

Michael's offers both project types for free, plus they offer a unique type of child sitting service. While you shop, your kid can make a project. It is a 30 minute class and is just $2 per child.

  It is a win, win! Go to http://www.michaels.com/find-a-project/holiday-and-seasonal/815811865

 for a list of their projects, like these glittered jar candles, and to search local Events.

 

I love books and stories and Barnes and Noble is a great family adventure destination.

 They have Events and classes for free! Find your local store and Event list at http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/store/. You can also have your little one read to by the author online at

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/online-storytime-books-toys/379003588. We all love to be read to.

 

The projects shown are for the Fourth of July but most of the links  have projects for all types of

 fun, crafts, cooking, holidays, seasons, skill levels and time to complete.

Please feel free to add any freebie that you know about in the comments section here

on my blog. Sign up to an email links to my new blog posts.

Happy crafting and Happy summer!

Melin

Inspirational Memory Board

 

We know these have been popular for the past decade or so. I wanted to create one in for my

home, to make me smile, but I wanted to find just the right piece for me. I was really

looking (and looking) for something cool and vintage.

 

I was at a friend's home, around the corner, for her yard sale and found a piece that I love.

 It is a newer, but vintage inspired, decorative white metal piece. I think she let me have it for

 a mere $5! It looks perfect in our blue and white bedroom hung over an antique table.

 

 

 I have very s-l-o-w-l-y added some things of meaning or that delight me. As I take a quick

glance, I see flowers, birdies, pink and cards from loved ones...all treasures!

 

 

 The angel was a gift from Aimee, when I sat on her Soroptimist Board. The birdie card was

from my Missy Birdie and the hand print is my grand-baby, Will Bug's. In the bottom center,

of the photo below, is a felt flower, beautifully handmade by my first born, Mia.  

 

 

I have seen very special boards created from vintage gates, bedsprings, small fencing,

trellis', shutters, you name it. For more inspiration, take a look at Pinterest or Google images.

What will inspire you and what will your board say about you?

Melin

 



Write a Fan letter.

How many times have you wanted to write a letter, email or note to someone who's work you  have admired? I have many times throughout my life and a few times actually did it. We all

 enjoy feedback when we have done a good job or inspired someone in any small way.

 

Yesterday, I emailed an author and artist that I have admired most of my life, Joan Walsh Anglund.

I was super and pleasantly surprised that she wrote back. Wow, that she would take the time

 to respond to little ol' me really made me feel as special as I hoped my email would do

for her. Email makes this process easier, so give it a try and make two people's day. 

 

Above is a photo of a few of my JWA collection. I remember the feel and beauty of her calendars that I received yearly from my Momma. They were heavier weight that what we get today. I kept them

for years for her illustrations and color but only their memory remains. You can see more of

her art, books and learn about her at her website http://joanwalshanglund.com. Email her

too, if she has touched your life in any way. Below is our exchange from yesterday.

"A friend is someone who likes you"  Joan Walsh Anglund

Melin

 

PS ~ Yesterday was my Momma's birthday and I know she was smiling.

 



Dearest Joan,

I just wanted to thank you for all your beautiful creativity! My Mom and I have enjoyed your works most all my life. She has been gone for 28 years now but I cherish our memories over the love and illustrations in your books. I still have many books, a few dolls and memories of calendars and so much more.

You have been an inspiration in my life and I thank you most sincerely,

Melin

A friend is not living in close proximity, it is finding a matching heart that understands.

Dear Melinda,

It made me so happy when I read your loving message to me, to know how much you have enjoyed my books over the years. I feel we have been friends for a long, long time, and now to be in personal touch is a special joy I never expected. Thank you so much for taking the time to contact me. It means more than you can guess.

With warmest love always,

Joan Walsh Anglund

St Paddy's Day Collections

I thought I would take a moment to share a few of my favorite St Paddy's Day treasures

that I have collected through the years. The ceramic leprechaun above was made

and hand-painted by my Momma. He has been present every March

for most all my life. Isn't he handsome?

 

The Shamrock bone china is from an English company, Tuscan. My parents bought a small

tea set for me on a trip we made to Canada. Like most every pattern I ever pick, it was

quickly retired. It is so delicate and looks a bit like Shelley with the light green trim.

 

 

Irish porcelain has been a part of our family treasures as has Belleek. Just a few pieces

set out in March make St Patrick's Day more special with memories of family.

We do have the usual fun shamrocks, pots of gold  and newer

decorations but somehow these oldies are still goodies!

Melin

Last minute Valentine Decorating

Valentine decorating can easily be pulled together at the last minute with a few fun things

 you probably have around the house or can pick up with a quick stop at a big box store. 

 

Set out red candies of any sort in a clear mason jar tied with a ribbon.

Other romantic colors work, as well, and are bound to bring a smile.

New towels for your kitchen and bath add a fun holiday touch.

Put a tablecloth on in the colors or lace for a romantic table.

 

 

Pull sweet romantic bits from anywhere in your home (dig through those cupboards)

and create little vignettes that speak of love. Think of dishes in holiday colors,

the more scallops and "lace" the better. Old love letters, valentines, small

faux flowers or heart anything can be gleaned from storage.

 

 

For those who like a modern touch, fill a red metal basket

 with a cozy throw and an eyelet or lace pillow.  

 

 

You can add some heart shaped lights to any basket. These are a soft pink and add

the most romantic glow to a dark hearth. I bought them at Target for $3!

I picked up green shamrocks too. 

 

 

No matter how you spend your Valentine's Day, take a few moments to make your home

just a bit more romantic and loving, for yourself and your family.

Melin

xoxo

Christmas Tree Ideas!

WE are in full preparation for our big Open House, the first weekend in October, at Wren Elizabeth Gifts and I thought I would share more of our decorated trees. See my last post for one more.

This tree is full of beautifully crafted vintage look ornaments.

 



 

A soft shell theme mini tree with mercury glass ornaments and real shells.

 

 

This fun retro tree takes me back to a time of the mid century innocence.

 

A sweet pastel tree that is perfect in a bedroom or bath!

 

 

This one is a bough that I decorated in a nature theme.

These trees are like children, each is unique, and I can't pick a favorite.

Hope you will be inspired for your holiday decorating!

Melin