[ 01. orange sherbet blouse, 02. polka dot cherries brooch, 03. 50s plush bolero. ]

Since many of you have asked to be kept updated on the progress of reopening my Etsy shop, I thought I’d let you know that I’m starting to add some handmade items (including the cherries brooches and vintage clothing. I’ll be updated throughout the week, with more vintage garments and patterns to come! Currently I’m focusing mostly on trying to move some of the things I’ve collected over the years, or old EM stock (such as prints and the appliqued totes I used to make), and will be shifting focus on original pieces more as we get closer to summer.

Did you know that you can easily follow any Etsy shop with your feed reader? I have a section set up in my Google Reader that handles Etsy shop feeds exclusively! Simply go to the shop’s page, scroll down to the “Subscribe to this shop’s feed” on the right, right click (on PC’s) and copy the link location. Paste that URL into your feed reader’s “add new feed” section (it varies from reader to reader) and finish the steps to set up a new feed subscription. It’s simple! Plus it allows you to be updated as soon as new items hit the virtual shelves of your favorite shops–so you don’t miss out on anything exciting!

I uploaded a bunch of new items: some accessories and garments. Be sure to take a look at the shop!

A tea cake from the afternoon tea my mom and I attended last week.

Mom and I had a lovely week together–thank you all for your sweet comments! We had afternoon tea, rummaged through an amazing antique shop, went to the aquarium, ate lots of food, and went thrifting. The latter was the most adventurous day, and we both managed to find some pretty amazing things. I was being really good and trying not to go whole-hog, but I found something I’m really excited about… I’ll post about it tomorrow I think! I’m a bit sad today that she’s gone; even Mr. Freckles is a little less frisky than he’s been the last few days. I guess the homesickness finally hit! Miss you, Mom!

Vintage for sale! Click here to go to my listings.

Over the weekend I managed to squeeze in listing some vintage at Market Publique. I was approached about opening up a shop, and I’m thrilled to be a part of this new site! This new auction site is a breath of fresh air compared to Ebay, and I’m curious to see how it is next to Etsy in the long run. I love that it’s devoted to vintage, which makes it much easier to browse through than either Etsy or Ebay! Do hop on over there and check it out; be sure to pop by Elegant Musings Vintage too! (If you’re curious about my seller ratings, I’ve got feedback here and here.)

Cheerio, darlings!

Wow… I am utterly speechless at your generous, sweet, and encouraging words after my last post!! I worried for so many months (I’ve been writing that post since late October) about how to put everything that has been percolating in my head. My biggest concern was addressing the eating disorder; I didn’t know the best way to simply say it. I am so humbled and thankful for your kindness… I had a tears in my eyes when I opened up my email to find my inbox flooded with your comments. (My sincerest apologies that I cannot respond to each one individually… but please know that I appreciate your reaching out from the bottom of my heart!) I wish I could give you all a big hug!!

And thank you too for the wonderful feedback on the sweater revamp! I had lots and lots of fun reworking it and adding the new trim–probably too much fun! lol! It just goes to remind me that even a little bit of something here or there can do wonders on an old standby (or in this case, a rather plain-Jane basic)! One just has to be willing to open your imagination to the endless ideas and possibilities. Allow them to flood in, fill your mind up, get excited! Never to dismiss something because it doesn’t fit “convention” or seems too hard or outlandish; no idea is ever totally useless!! Even years later I go back through my sketchbooks, and sometimes ideas that I didn’t use then strike a chord now! One never knows where the next bit of imagination will hit…

Speaking of inspiration, I have been busy at work on my latest art print!! I’ve been working on this piece for about a month now (off and on, of course!), and am happy to announce that I just got the beautiful prints back, and they are now listed in the Shoppe. Please hop on over to take a peek at the Wonderland Balloon print!

Finally, I’ll leave you with a list of Inspiration Friday links. The internet has been abuzz with some lovely ideas recently–my mind is just spinning with possibilities! Enjoy and have a lovely, restful, and creative weekend my friends!

♥ inspiration [ twenty-one ] ♥
♥ gala’s guide to setting amazing goals!
♥ beautiful photography collaboration at fresh pears
♥ knit a stylish, thick and cozy cowl
♥ inspiring interview with crafting hero jenny hart
♥ tips and tricks to a successful, unique wardrobe
♥ miss anna’s adorably winterish outfit!
♥ the nubby twiglet guide to making a press kit
♥ camilla engman’s guest blog @ d*s [ via ]

Cheers & Creativity,
♥ Casey [ email me ]

Thank you to everyone who purchased one of my Heartstrings prints and offered encouragement after my latest Shoppe update!! I am still blown away by the interest in my artwork and am happily (and busily) packing up orders to head to their new homes!

When I was younger the thing I wanted to be the most was an artist. Like Tasha Tudor illustrating children’s stories, or coming up with pictures of my own characters and critters. I surrounded myself many a day with my watercolor paints, heavy papers and spent hours drawing and coloring. For awhile there was even talk of the “A-word” (Art School), though at the time it wasn’t meant to be, and I was too caught up in the idea of having to “make it big”. It has only been in the recent months that I’ve grabbed onto that dream again, mostly due to the sweet encouragement of my family, boyfriend, and you. No longer are my fears of not being properly taught holding me back, or the specters of Success and Pressure looming over my head. Art is now an outlet for my creative fancies: a way to share my vision of happy things and moments, to hopefully make someone else smile or take a moment to enjoy the little things in life.

I am working on a few new pieces; things that have been cooking in my head for sometime. Reworking of paintings done years ago that I liked the concept of, but not the original execution. I just ordered a set of prints from a new piece–one that I am very excited about. So stay tuned for news of the “Wonderland Balloon” piece debuting in the Shoppe…

Oh, and before I get too much older, the Shoppe is in this month’s Poppytalk Handmade Market!! Eeep! I’m so excited! There are so many lovely things and shops featured in January’s marketplace, all under the theme of “Love Transforms”. Go take a peek at the loveliness!.

Have a beautiful, creative Monday! For now I will leave you with a bit of Vintage Monday goodness (remember that?! hehe!):

Cheers & Creativity,
♥ Casey [ email me ]

p.s. I just wanted to encourage you to hop on over to Laura Crow Miller’s shop and purchase one of her donation packages! She is raising money to send care packages to US soldiers stationed overseas, which I think is very important. Let’s not forget those brave people who put their lives in harm’s way to protect us!