Gatherings and Ghosts

Last week at garage sales, there was a lady selling tons of holiday decor. I bought a few punkin things for about 25 to 50 cents each.   They were the typical bright orange that you see, with some warm autumn tones, but not my style.

So, I sprayed them with white primer, let them dry, brushed on Elmer's Glue, and sprinkled glitter on them.

The tea cup was from the same day of garage sailing, and I thought it was just perfect to use together with the glitzed pumpkin as a  centerpiece for Romantic Gothic Ghosts. (there are a few seats left if you would like to come to the party too!)

This little bit of pretty illustrates what I mean when I say you can decorate for Halloween and not go garish.  I love to set out holiday themed things, but just am not a fan of the tradtional purple, orange, and neon colors that you usually see.

This glittered candle ring is another one that I changed, and I can see myself using it all fall, not just at Halloween. I'll show it in action when I get around to setting out my fall pretties.

I found all of these dishes while out garage sailing too.  For pennies apiece.  I was thrilled with them!  It was a joy to find some decent sales, this summer I have been disapointed  in the caliber and amount of sales to go to.  I hope I find some fun bargains while on my trip too, my sisses and I usually have a junking day together.

And this looks like it will be good shopping, have you heard about "The Gathering"? Its a shopping/crafting day in St Joe hosted by my new blog friend, Jennifer.

She had asked me to teach that day, but I had too much going on, with trips, puppies, Fairy book pages, etc.  I hope to run up and explore for the day, it sounds interesting. Carol is speaking! And my pals, Nora, and Sheila will be teaching.  Claudia will be selling her vintage wares, among others too- it should be fun.

Jennifer was kind enough to swap gifts for the events. She sent one of her delectable candles to me so I can give it away at Romantic Gothic Ghosts, and I sent her a gift for the Gathering.

For her party, I sent one of my Wire Workshop nests, along with a code for the online class.  I don't know if she will give them away as a set or as two gifts.

At Romantic Gothic Ghosts, I'll have a few door prizes to give away, but it will be a pretty laid back affair. I'm not asking for sponsors.  I'll probably make a few little gifties as door prizes, and was thrilled that Jennifer offered a gift.

Birdsong is an easy going event too, but this one will be even more so.  I'll be cooking for the group, but am planning do ahead meals, so that I can relax and have fun and be part of the party myself.

Beth and I brainstormed about some treats to serve.  Pumpkin cheesecake and carmel apple cake both came to mind as delicious fall desserts. Once we started thinking about desserts, it was hard to make our minds go to the main dish.  Is there a meal that says "Fall" to you?

She came to spend a day with me while I was on puppy watch (this was written back on 8/20, so at that point I have no puppy info yet, Twinkle is still a roly poly girl) 

Beth put on her nurse's hat to help deliver just in case she was needed. I have no idea why she had a vintage nurse cap handy. But then, she has everything and anything vintage, so I am not surprised.  And doesn't she inspire confidence while wearing it?

We had a great craft day, but no puppies.
My crafting was more prep work.  This is a dress that I'd purchased the last time Beth adn I went shopping together. 

It's made up of row after row of beautiful old  lace! So I spent the afternoon cutting it up, into strips to pack into kits for upcoming classes.  I also packed up stuffing and millinery flowers for the ravens we will be making for Romantic Gothic Ghosts. 

I kind of enjoy making kits. Its just plain fun to play with the vintagey supplies that go into them. Expecially when I  have a good friend around for laughs.