JOY!

Ever since I put this together on my coffee table Sunday afternoon I have had such joy fill my heart.

I just love it.

The ornaments came from my mother's basement last Christmas.  I can't say I remember having them on our tree going up, but I will happily pretend that we did.  The are some of my "new" favorite ornaments from my childhood.  And in their original Shiney Brite box to boot! 

JOY!

Thrifty Finds

Holiday shopping this weekend took me to a couple of my favorite thrifty spots. 

I can't show you all my thrifty treasures, as two are gifts...yes, that's right.  Gifts.  I love giving gifts which are something that was no longer wanted by the original owner and will be the loved by the recipient.  Hopefully both gifts will be "on the mark".

Otherwise, I found these lovelies.

I'd been on the lookout for the small pyrex dishes.  I have always liked them (they remind me of my grandmother), but never thought I had a reason for having them.  And since storage is at a premium in our kitchen, I always left these lovely little bowls behind.  Until a week or so ago when I needed to melt just a little bit of butter, and had nothing but a large soup bowl to melt it in.  I instantly had a reason for owning these tiny bowls.  And I figured out a spot to store them.  So the hunt began.  I was thrilled to find these on Friday night.  And I left at least three others behind for the next lucky soul.

The tin and the pear I don't have definate plans for.  I'd like to incorporate both into this year's holiday decorating.  We'll see how that goes.  All the boxes are in the living room, and the tree is up.  Decorating has begun!

In Boutique Girl Gift news, I also found this at Marshalls.

Pretty cute...and I think might just work for displaying bibs.  The question is, should it stay pink, or should I spray pain it red.  Or maybe white?  Let me know what you think!

Friends help you keep your sanity

A very special friend of mine is having her first baby in January.

This weekend, her mother in law and sister in law are throwing her a baby shower while her mother is in town.  So in addition to being 7 months pregnant, she is hosting Thanksgiving, AND will be the center of attention for what I imagine will be one of the biggest baby showers in PA, EVER.

And I can't go.

I'm participaing in my largest craft show ever this weekend.  (Heck, I don't even get to go Black Friday shopping to purchase flannel...what am I going to do?  That's a holiday tradition!)

So while I can't be there in person to help this mama to be keep her sanity thru all the weekend's events, I'm sending her a box which I hope will make her smile and maybe chuckle a little.

Is this not the cutest fabric?

And yes, my craftiness is not limited to fabric.  Maybe someday I'll show you my collection of rubber stamps.  I was reminded of its size last night.

Brick Funraiser

The office to my "pays the bills" job is on a street with brick paved sidewalks.  These are no ordinary brick sidewalks.  Oh no.  Someone decided that they would sell these bricks to local business, dignitaries and regular folks and allow those bricks to be engraved with whatever sentiment they desire.

Many businesses purchased more than one brick, and had their logo, or company name scribed on their bricks.  Some professed their love for their spouse or kids.  Some just put their names on their brick.

I saw a particularly humorous brick the other day as I was walking to get my lunch. 

Seriously.  I almost laughed out loud. 

Luckily, I was wearing pants.

One Down, One To Go

The good news is the Hartsbrook Holiday Festival was spectacular!  It was a georgous day, and in addition to supporting the fantastic Hartsbrook School, folks were out in force supporting buying handmade.  It was definately the best one day show I've had thus far...so I had a great time.

Sadly, I managed to take no photos.  None.  I will say that an 8 ft table RWAKS! especially when your space is *just* your table.  And the heavy black rack I inherited from Catherinette is a must have for an indoor show.  Thanks crafty Katie!

I'm gearing up for this weekend.  This will be the first Black Friday in a LONG time that I am not going to be out shopping for fabric.  The Old Deerfield Christmas Sampler begins at 12 noon on Friday.  Three days of crafty vending.  I'm still sewing as many hours as I can hoping I have enough *interesting* product...I've got plenty of stuff that I can't seem to get anyone to buy...it's the stuff I spend hours sewing at the last minute that seem to sell.  Who knew?

Buy Handmade his holiday season.  You'll be glad you did. 

Crafty Progress

For those of you following along at home, November is progressing along.  We're 10 days in.

Which means there are 11 days left until the first craft extravaganza this month.

Luckily, the number of completed items has outpaced days down, and days to go.  18 completed items.

A million other ideas, desires, and pieces of things cut out.  The pile of fabric "to be made" is always enormous.

Anyone want to make a guess as to how many compeleted items the Boutique Girl Gifts stock will grow before the games begin in 11 short days?

Ask Boutique Girl

Dear Blog Readers,

What do you wish you could read about here on the Boutique Girl Gifts blog?

What would make you send a link to your friends with a note that says "you've got to read this?"

We are looking for bloggy inspiration here, and we're all ears.

Just remember, this is a family show. (and if any of you readers aren't members of my family, I promise to explain the question in addition to giving the answer.)

Let the asking begin!