a handmade ruffle skirt, stamping fun, and a vintage camera collection

Photo by Rhi!

Black Velvet, Blue Lace Ruffle Skirt - handmade

Over the Knee Black Suede Boots - Kimchi Blue, Urban Outfitters

Black Velvet Bodysuit - Forever21

Here is the ruffle skirt I finished! I'm also wearing two items that I'll be featuring in another outfit post soon - a black velvet long sleeved bodysuit and over the knee suede boots.

And here is my growing camera collection, plus a couple that I received as presents this year!

The two new additions from Christmas are the Argus cameras. I also have a Minolta Autopak that I've misplaced, but once I find it, I'll have a seventh camera for my collection.

Do you guys have any good display ideas for cameras? I'm thinking of asking Neil to make a shelf for them, something like this, to hang above my desk in our office. Also, it would actually be nice to learn how to use the cameras.. The Brownie Starflex still has film in it.

Another present I wanted to share with you guys is this stamp I received from Rhi's boyfriend Drew (he's the one that designed my banner in the first place)! I was so excited to start using it that I bought the ink the first chance I had. I'll be using it for my store's tags from now on, and maybe on packages I send out.

It's New Years Eve! To be honest, we're leaving in a bit over an hour and I'm still not 100% sure of what I'm wearing. I'm also in the middle of a 2010 Resolution List. I've never actually worked on one before. I know it has to be a list without any don'ts for the year.. I want to work on things I'd like to be doing rather than correcting bad habits I've already collected, like drinking way too much coffee or having an affinity for McDonald's. Also, 2009 was a productive, growing year for me. I want 2010 to be the same.

Old Crow Medicine Show concert at the Ryman tonight, and barbecue beforehand! I can't wait for the evening to start. Happy New Year, everyone!

etsy shop update! mesh and velvet and taffeta and tulle

Vintage Velvet and Mesh BODY CON Dress

1970's Elegant Orange and Blue Evening Chemise

Vintage Drop Waist Dress with Taffeta and Tulle

Vintage DEAD STOCK High Waist Pleated Trousers

Etsy shop update! This as well as plaid, kitschy sweaters, and more velvet. Also, keep an eye on the sale section - I'll be updating it soon with more additions and markdowns.

It feels good to stock up the shop a bit. Now.. it's BED TIME!!

merry christmas to all, and to all a good night.

My beautiful sisters.. Photos by Drew!

Mulberry Velvet Bow Coat - vintage, gift from Rhi!

Black Hair Bow - Forever21

Heart Tights - Urban Outfitters

Lace Up Heels - H&M

MERRY CHRISTMAS! I hope you all had a wonderful celebration today.. Our house was filled with wrapping paper pieces and extravagant food and overexcited puppies and craziness. In other words, it may have been my best Christmas yet.

I'm convinced that the older I get, the more I enjoy Christmas. Does that make sense.. shouldn't you enjoy Christmas more as a kid? It could be that I appreciate being with my family more now that I'm married and can't be with them every year for the holidays. It could be that with or without split holidays, my parents rock and it takes growing up to realize just how much. It could be that I have lovely sisters who have chosen the greatest men who bring their own unique sense of self and fun to Christmas. It could be that perhaps eggnog tastes better the older you become, and a Beef Wellington holiday feast can't be truly understood by a 10 year old whose favorite meal is a hot dog and fries (I won't lie, I still love hot dogs and fries). It could be that I'm now married to the absolute best person in the world who happens to add significance to every event, no matter how small.

I'd continue on with the sappiness, but I'm really beat. Goodnight all and God bless, hope your festivities were wonderful and filled with meaning.

when block printing meets gift wrapping.. dinosaurs happen.

Oh, the house is quiet. Bloom is asleep on the couch and the guys are at work (our friend Zach has been living with us for the past month - we're trying to find him a place he can afford in Nashville. I have told you guys.. right?). I would play Christmas music or watch El Mariachi, but I don't want to break this magic calm.

Things have been a bit ridiculous here lately. With the holidays come the busy-ness and a bit of stress, and we have not been immune. There have been changes with Neil's job at Whole Foods, family visits, family anxieties, and a major apartment search for our roommate. Not to mention, the process of acclimating to a puppy who has learned the art of jumping from the toilet, to the top of the toilet, to the sink (we keep her in the bathroom while we're gone and have recently found her sitting on the sink when we come home), as well as mastered couch jumping and bathtub jumping. Nothing serious, and most of it fun - but that doesn't make life any less interesting or FULL.

Oh, and as you may have already noticed - no shop update this week. I'm taking a break, although there will be a larger than usual update on December 28th!

Neil's band (Karma Kite!) had a show last night at Mercy Lounge with some other bands, and it was pretty fantastic. After the show, we came back to watch movies and I worked on block printing.. you know, that bow project I started about a month ago? Well, I finished the block last night!

I really wanted to personalize plain wrapping paper, and this is what I came up with.

When the block has been pressed against the paper, you have to push it down with something heavy to make sure it comes out even. A book works wonders, and the block generally responds better when the book is a classic and filled with the virtues of capitalism.

Finished product(s)!

Next time, I'm going to buy ink intended for clothing and put bow ties on shirts with my block. If you guys have other ideas, let me know!

I also finished a felt, two-legged dinosaur named Ludwig yesterday.

Ludwig will be under the care of my nephew Jack come Christmas. I'm in the middle of working on a baby for my niece Stella, as well as a couple secretive projects that are intended for those who have internet and the ability to read - therefore, they will not be featured on the blog until after they are given, just in case. I really hope they turn out!

On another note - my search for the perfect Christmas dress continues. I may admit defeat and just wear the pretty red velvet one I had on for Thanksgiving. I'd say that's a good enough outfit for Christmas caroling and tiramisu eating and It's a Wonderful Life watching.

Now for some more shopping tonight. Man alive, the malls have been insane and the post office even more so. And tomorrow, we're headed to my mom and dad's! I really can't wait for Christmas this year. It will be one of the best.