Cool Vintage Find and an Upcoming Tutorial

So as I was leaving my mom's house the other day, there were inadvertent presents for both Hannah and I right across the street!  Apparently my mom's neighbors were moving and had left two items out on their lawn for big trash pick-up.  Now, my momma taught us girls well- although it could be slightly embarrassing as a teenager to drive around the night before "Big Trash Pick-Up" in our neighborhood, we actually found some pretty sweet items.  A faux fireplace that my mom used in her classroom, bed frames, chairs, and dressers are just a few of those items we scored.  All were of course washed and many needed sanding and/or a new coat of paint, but it just reinforced the idea that one person's trash could be another person's treasure.

For Hannah, there was a brand new looking toddler car seat (I know, I know, you are ALWAYS supposed to buy those NEW for safety reasons, but my mom promised us she would ask them about it before they actually moved and before Hannah uses it).  As anyone with kids knows, if you are fortunate enough to have family in town to help out with child care, it is much easier for each person to have a car seat for their car.  It can be done with just one, but having two makes it less of a pain.  So, score!

My jaw sorta' dropped when I laid eyes on the item next to the car seat.  It is much older, and therefore activated my vintage taste.  I opened the trunk to Hannah's car to load it in before I even noticed the car seat!  Then I just admired it while Hannah debated whether or not to take her present.  Here it is:

So yeah, I know it needs some work, but I'm super excited for the find.  Especially because it was free!  Any of you have any great vintage finds lately?

And... the latest FlyChicks creation?  A super sweet tote bag with outer pockets:

We're actually going to show you just how this was made as soon as I finish writing up the tutorial.  So if you're feeling crafty, check back soon and make a tote of your own!

Collection of Hands

After viewing a post by Blue Eyed Freckle (one of my faves!) about her grandmother's collection of heads, I was inspired to do a post about my mom's collection of hands.  I heart collections and my mom has tons of them, but for some reason, her hands stick out as the most interesting in my mind.  So without further adieu, here are some of her hands (I know I must have missed some...)

I love this one- it seems so hopeful

the universal (and sign language) sign for "I Love You" - often used in our family

a little votive candle lives in the middle of these two hands- just beautiful at night when it is lit

front and back view of hand photo holder (that's my mom and her sister on a recent trip to India- on top of an elephant- so jealous!)

I really love this one because it is extra big- it just seems so expressive and artistic

and this one is tiny

this one is funny because it is in the ground right under a pine tree just outside the front door- it creeps some people out, but my mom thinks it's hilarious!

and Hannah wanted me to show some of the hands in their natural environment (I wanted to first photograph them in natural light)...

and a day at "Grandma  Hot Stuff"'s (more on that name later!) house wouldn't be complete without one of the grandkids picking out a musical instrument (she's a retired music teacher but lifetime lover of music) to play with...

perhaps a post on all of my mom's various musical instruments may be in order soon- she's so darn cool!

Hope you all had a great weekend- we're just trying to survive the sweltering heat here in the Midwest; it's been in the 90's for what seems like forever and it doesn't look like it's going to give up anytime soon.  What are you doing to beat the heat? (After this little photo shoot, I have to admit to going home and curling up in my bed with the AC on full blast)

Handbags, Totes, and Diaper Bags, Oh MY!

Hannah and I had a work day today (except for our short meeting which took place in the pool!); I learned how to make stand alone pages within our blog (I know, I'm a little late to the game), and Hannah made a new diaper bag.  Earlier in the week, she made a new purse and two new cosmetic bags.  I also took pics of the purse she carries now, and a tote she uses for various things.  We took care of some much needed business and each have some homework to keep our business moving forward.  Look for FlyChicks labels coming soon to our handmade goods...

Hannah in her new, bigger, basement studio

Diaper Bag

Purse and matching cosmetic bag for a co-worker

another cosmetic bag

Hannah's tote- looks a little used, because it is...

...when it's not in Hannah's hand or car, it's on a hook by her back door!

And Hannah's purse.  She's been carrying this one for a while (it was one of her first ones that she made!) and just today she said she thought it may be time for a new one.

Hope you enjoyed!  By the way- the diaper bag at the top is NOT yet spoken for; if you would like it before I get a chance to post it in our Etsy shop, just leave us a message and we'll try to get back to you ASAP.

Interiors I'm Crushing On

Wouldn't these be so much fun?

spiral staircase with slide?!? what could be better?

sunken living room at the Miller House

close-up of the pillows in that sunken living room. wow.

bed nook- cozy!

Just a few of my favorite (dream) things...

Hannah's Photography

Hannah's photography has always inspired me and I hope that one of these days we can collaborate on a project.  Here is a small sample of some of her work:

(one of my faves!)

I think we might be making some of these prints available in our Etsy shop soon so if you like what you see, check back often!

Some of Emily's Art

I thought I would post some of my art (I'm not just a craft-y person!) so you could get a glimpse of my passionate side.  My artwork comes from the soul and sustains my psyche; I can't imagine a life without art.  I hope you enjoy...
(and look for a post soon with Hannah's photography!)

mixed media

oil paintings

woodcut prints

color-reduction woodcut print

comments? constructive criticisms? leave a message:)