Shopping and inspiration: New Orleans, LA

A few weeks ago I was in New Orleans for a dance competition and got to spend a few lovely afternoons browsing shops in the French Quarter. Ok, maybe I did more than browse...but look at how pretty everything is!

Birds painting by Kelly Magee: Dutch Alley Artist's Co-op.

Red Victorian boot by 67: Shoe Be Do. (This store is soooo fabulous! They stock really unique European shoes.)
Brown Victorian "Tapenade" boot, tan "Caricature" Mary Jane, brown "Aristocrat" oxford, Aerosoles.
Lace doilies, placemat, table runner, napkins, coasters: Rendezvous Linens and Lace.
Vintage earrings, cuff bracelet, and bird necklace: Rendezvous Linens and Lace.

Also in this picture is my first-place medal for Ladies 8-Hand Ceili from the 2012 Southern Region Oireachtas! Yay!

If I'd had more time in New Orleans I probably would have done even more damage. I'm sure I spent at least an hour in the linens and lace store--they had all kinds of awesome jewelry and treasures!

 

Just a few pics below from our meanderings around town. I did find time to eat a delicious Po' boy, check out the flea market, see street performers by Jackson Square, and stroll along the river watching the steamboats. I also discovered that food options are a little limited in New Orleans if you don't eat seafood! One night I had grilled cheese at a restaurant...and I will admit I ate Popeyes (or "Pope Yes" as my brother calls it) for lunch in a pinch.

 

 

 

 

 

Great times with my dance friends (not to mention our win!), good food, and awesome shopping--all in all, a great weekend in NOLA!

New ornaments, necklaces, and other items in my shop!

Check out these new listings in my etsy shop!


Elephant felt Christmas ornament



Three purple hearts and flowers felt pins



Set of 4 felt owl Christmas ornaments



Pretty posies medallion felt necklace in shades of gray



Pretty posies woodland medallion felt necklace



Purple heart felt pin



Red poppies medallion felt pin



Woodland flowers medallion felt pin in light green



Woodland flowers medallion felt pin

In other news, I seem to be sick again...but I also got a really cool custom order for 15 felt flower pins last week, so that kept me somewhat busy.

I tried to make each one a little different. Didn't they turn out nice? :)

Elephants, owls, and pendants!

I've been doing a lot of sewing lately and working on a variety of new felt creations!

These are a bunch of pendant necklaces I made earlier in the month while traveling. I'd seen a metal/glass pendant in JoAnn several months ago with a picture of lollipop flowers and thought, I can make something cuter than that...so finally I got around to it!

Since I love (ok, am sort of obsessed with) experimenting with color combinations, I also made more of these (ok, like 30) as pins/brooches. The necklaces and pins should both be up in my etsy shop later this week. My favorite color combinations are the red flowers that look like poppies, and also the yellow/orange/white/gray pendant (cockatiel colors, as my brother suggested I make!)

 

Another project I'd been thinking about for months was felt Christmas tree ornaments...I decided to start with my usual owls, since I've been working with that image so much and therefore knew exactly how I'd want it to look. And it came out exactly as I imagined!

 

Once I made the owl, I decided to branch out and make some cute little elephant ornaments too!

 

I've been doodling elephants on everything for weeks so I think they were trying to come out and play :) What do you think?

 

Materials: Eco-felt, DMC, thread, ribbon, quilt batting, jump rings, Darice faux suede necklace cords

Shopping inspiration: Frederick, MD

A few weekends ago Brie and I spent the afternoon shopping in Frederick, browsing all the cute little boutiques...and getting caught in a downpour.  Even though we got soaked, we managed to pick up a few cool things.

Bird necklace and all earrings: Simply Beautiful Boutique.
Metal birds ringholder and Little Miss Austen Pride & Prejudice picture book: Retro Metro.
Vintage embroidered handkerchiefs: Tiara Day.
Leaf necklace: Alicia L. Boutique.
Bird greeting card (outside reads: I don't know where I'd be if I hadn't found you, my love. Inside reads: But I'm betting there'd be a lot less farting.): Simply Beautiful Boutique.

Also worth checking out in Frederick:

• Treat yourself to some delicious authentic gelato at Juliet's Italian Market and Cafe!
• Shop at The Muse for handcrafted gifts from local artisans.
• Stop for lunch and get a tasty pretzel pizza at Pretzel and Pizza Creations.
• Head over to the family-owned MDL Holiday Cinemas to finish your day with a cheap movie! 

What a great way to spend a day! :)

What's new...

First, a sneak peek at my octopi purses! I have selected lining fabrics and will be working on the stitching this evening.

Also, I just posted a bunch of new items to my etsy shop! More flower pins, hoot owl necklaces, a birdy felt tag, and some woodland bookmarks.