EAB Designs

Storage Box for Vintage Millinery Flowers & Trims

I decorated this small wooden storage box to stash away some of my vintage millinery flowers and trims that I use most often.  I purchased the box from IKEA, un-assembled.  After fitting and hammering together all fifty pieces (seriously 50 pieces), my box was ready to be embellished.  I added some vintage rhinestone findings, a graphic of an old Paris address, and numbered the drawers. 

 

Here's my before picture after I completed the assembly process.  Thank you IKEA for including such wonderful directions - all pictures and no words - couldn't have been easier.

   

I lined each drawer with a copy of one of my favorite French scripts.

I found these beautiful vintage ivory leaves when we were in NYC last summer, at Tinsel Trading. One or two seem to find their way into many of my projects.

I love that the drawers can be removed completely so I can place them where I want when I'm creating and select just the perfect embellishment.  Although I have to admit, sometimes it's difficult to part with my little vintage treasures.

Yards of Burlap

I ordered this burlap last week on-line and I'm so excited it's finally arrived.  The first project I will be using it for is to create shades for our dining room chandelier.

I love this chandelier and I waited ever so patiently for it to go on sale.  So patiently, in fact, that when I made my last inquiry about whether it would ever go on sale, the associate informed me that not only was it on sale, but it was on clearance.  It came home with us that very day.  It pairs perfectly with our antique furniture and iron accessories.

  

Second project with the burlap is to sew up two runners for the table.  I frequently use copper charges and white dishes and the burlap will be a perfect compliment.  Our antique table and chairs are from Italy.  We purchased them years ago, from Stephen Thomas Antiques, when we lived in Southern California.  We actually happened to be there on a day they were unloading a shipment of antiques from Italy and we ventured back into their warehouse.  As soon as we spotted the table we fell in love with it.  We purchased the table that day but the chairs were still in the crate.  Someone was supposed to call us when the chairs were ready for purchase, BUT ... they didn't call and the chairs were sold to someone else.  UGH!! Our table actually sat in our dining room for over a year until we could find six other chairs from Stephen Thomas, to match it.  It was hard to be patient, but I do love them.

Vintage Embellishments

 

 

I was fortunate to come across a vintage hat overflowing with the most beautiful ivory velvet and silk millinery flowers.  To my delight, they were very easy to remove and I now have a wonderful collection to embellish countless projects, such as this sweet bird journal.  I love the elegance of the black and ivory and the millinery flowers flowing from the branch.

A few new treasures...

 

Was out in Leesburg today with my girls for more college and back to school shopping, but did stop in to visit one shop, On a Whim, filled with charming vintage antiques and home decor.  I loved the patina on this glass door knob and knew I had to bring it home with me.  I also found a set of these Johnson Bros berry bowls in the "Elizabeth" pattern.  They have a bit of crazing on them which I think just adds to their charm.  Due to their petite size, I can use them around the house for a number of things.

Finials

 

 

I collect finials and you can find some in just about every room of our home.  These are just a few of my favorites.  I am drawn to their architectural appeal, beautiful carving and distressed edges.  Discovered tucked away in corners of antique stores, garden/salvage shops or flea markets; they are one of my favorite decorating elements.

Our Sweet Girl is Growing Up

Spent all of yesterday with our sweet girl.  This picture was taken on her first day of preschool.

  

And now, in what seems like a flash, she's grown into this young lady ready to head off to college.

I'll miss attending the recitals and tennis matches.  I'll ache when 3 p.m. rolls around and she doesn't come walking through the front door.  I'll miss the sound of her calling "love you!" before she goes to bed each night, and SO much more!  But, I'm so proud to see her go off on her own to  pursue her dream of a career in graphic design.  I'm looking forward to her new adventures  and, of course, her visits home from college.  I can't wait to send off her first "care package" filled with all her favorites plus a few added surprises.  But for now, she's home until mid-August and I'll enjoy every minute we spend together, even if it is shopping for an endless list of dorm supplies.

White on White

 

My daughter was wearing a necklace today that we purchased last summer from this little shop in Rome.  We discovered the shop late one evening after dinner.  I was instantly drawn to the white on white decor and, of course, had to absorb every nook and cranny. To our surprise, the prices were not expensive and both our girls took home a favorite piece.  I just love the creative ways the jewelry was displayed on the white lampshades. 

 

S is for Summer Fruits

For me, summer officially arrives once there are plenty of these sweet dark beauties available..

as well as lots of these delicious fuzzy peaches...

I simply cannot stop eating them - for breakfast, snacks or baked in wonderful crisps and cobblers to celebrate the taste of summer.

 

        

 

Vintage Rhinestone Hair Accessories

 

Long before I began creating picture frames and journals, I made hair accessories.  Last month, using some of my vintage rhinestone findings, I made a couple of hair pins for my daughter to wear with her prom dress.  It was so much fun, I decided to make some for my upcoming fall shows and have listed a selection in my etsy shop as well.  They look so beautiful when tucked into the side of a casual bun, even when wearing your favorite pair of jeans.