5/31/10

Memorial Day Theme - Divide And Conquer

So while our friend, Brad, was in town this weekend we took him to Charley's Flea Market to see about some more chairs for the coffee shop he's about to open. The whole family went after having lunch at Gailey's which meant Sebastian had spent the entire time chatting up the ladies behind the counter while they made his pancakes and refilled his chocolate milk. He loves those "ma'ams" - what he calls anyone in the retail/food/airline, etc industries. Anyway, he was a little high on pancake syrup and chocolate milk but really I act about the same when we step into Charley's. This trip was no exception as my favorite vendor had a few new pieces rotating through.

I was barking orders (nicely) left and right for Brett to grab tags and watch Sebastian and fan me at the same time. Well not the fanning part. I was trying to keep my cool about so many great things that were suddenly available so that I didn't make a rash purchase or lose my son or track of time as I had to be somewhere and I just needed a cool breeze....it was one of those trips. Thankfully we managed to figure out the most fabulous record player I've ever seen did, in fact, not work before the no return policy left us with a piece of useless furniture. Brett took care of the two chairs above while I watched Sebastian as he poured water and skittles from styrofoam cup to styrofoam cup in the parking lot. We got home in one piece and Brad even found some chairs!

These mid-century chairs need some new covers and maybe a cute pillow or two but their bones are great and they are the perfect small-medium size for our small-ish living room. The orange one isn't as bright as in the photos and the brown-ish one is a swivel chair. They aren't from the same line, obviously, but their shapes are almost the same and will be easy enough to reupholster (crosses fingers) with a little help from YouTube. We'll see! The above photo was taken this morning after I borrowed our friend's truck to pick up the chairs as well as Sebastian's bed frame and mattresses. He was climbing over everything in only his underwear and I have very fond memories of doing the exact same thing when I was little on moving days.

Thanks to our generous friends who are making space for their two new children, we are the recipients of a like-new full size mattress, box springs, and metal frame! I went out today to pick up a set of sheets, bed skirt, and knit throw to keep him covered until his birthday quilt is finished and got sentimental about this small little rite of passage. We said goodbye to his toddler bed and made a big deal all day about how great his new bed was and had a little extra story time to make sure he went to sleep in his new environment with happy feelings. The next part is deciding on a headboard and locating one to finish the look. It'll happen.

I doodled an art journal page about two months ago about all the things I wanted (realistically) for our current house, half expecting that I'd go without for awhile. I saw it again today and showed Brett that all but two of about nine haven't made their way to our house! Isn't that fantastic! Including the two vintage chairs today, I had also drawn a spindled bench, a garden, a tree swing, new green grass to fill in our old flower bed, a wooden play kitchen, and an art piece for Ruby's space! It makes me happy to know that there are ways to make your home an enjoyable place to live, reflective of who you are, and mostly filled with things you love if you put energy into looking for things and getting your hands a little dirty. And it doesn't take a lot of money! Now, if only it would keep itself clean...

xoxo,
Rachel
p.s. I hope you had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. Brett got to shoot a canon off at a service at a local cemetery and had about ten kids ask him what kind of guns they were carrying.
p.p.s. That sure was chatty!

Beds For Boys




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Sebastian is getting a bigger bed for his birthday so I've been doing some research online to see if he has an opinion on anything. I'm hoping to show him some of these beds in the morning to see which one he likes the most. I've been on the look out for some vintage headboards/footboards because many of them are full sized but keep going back and forth between slightly ornamental or clean lines. I saw one similar to the last photo at Charley's flea market today but it came with a bedroom set and we didn't need the other pieces. I'm thinking I might even be able to get the same effect by having some wood stained and sealed and just attaching them to the metal frame...we'll see.

Add it to the project list!
xoxo,
Rachel

5/30/10

Giveaway Day - Shortstack Goods

"Here at Shortstack Goods we love bright colors and vintage fabrics. Our wallets and bags are actually fun to carry. Our headbands and necklaces are actually fun to wear. We love what we make and our ultimate hope is that you'd love to get your hands on some Shortstack Goods!"
-Robyn


We are offering this rad wallet, necklace and earrings!
(a $56 value)

Enter your favorite guilty pleasure for a chance to win! Winner will be announced Tuesday.
xoxo,
Rachel

About How I Feel Today

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Fragmented. Trying to keep it all together and still do it beautifully. It's what not enough play time or sleep will do to a mama but I'm hanging in there for another week because we've got big plans to spend some time at the beach soon. I think I can make it!
xoxo,
Rachel

5/29/10

Giveaway Day - Gingiber


"Hello, My name is Stacie and I have a little Etsy shop called Gingiber. I am constantly doodling and dreaming of pretty things to put in my shop. Recently, I was inspired by some beautiful May flowers that I saw in a park. So I made this little "Those Darling Buds of May" print. I hope you like it!

Be sure to take a peek at my blog, Gingibersnap, where you are sure to capture a sneak peak of upcoming product and other beautiful things that inspire me!
-Stacie

To win this lovely print (above) leave me the name of your favorite camp song ( or game) and I'll pick a winner on Tuesday.
xoxo,
Rachel

Giveaway Day - Opposite Day

"Opposite Day" Shop has recently added many wonderful fun and flirty felt accessories that add a little punch of color to any outfit. I am giving away 2 items from the new collection: a rosette headband in dusty pink and a rose brooch in soft red. Both items offer a simple way to accessorize your spring and summer outfits."

-Stephanie

For the chance to win this lovely felt rose headband and brooch set leave a comment letting us know if you're someone who prefers to cook or bake...or neither, I suppose. A winner will be drawn on Tuesday.

xoxo,
Rachel

Giveaway Day - 365

"--365 is a place to share ideas, gather inspiration, and spark new ways to add touches of creativity to your everyday life. Whether it be a trying new recipe, wearing a new pin, or playing a new game with your kids, these are the small things that can sometimes bring a moment of happiness to an otherwise ordinary day. And that is what life is about, the little moments and treasures that are unique to each and everyone of us that make us who we are and put a smile on our face."
- Danielle

This giveaway is for a $15 gift certificate to Danielle's shop. Just leave your dream road trip destination in the comments section and a winner will be picked on Tuesday.

xoxo,
Rachel

Giveaway Day - Gussy


"Gussy is a line of ruffled accessories {laptop bags, tote bags, zipped pouches, checkbook covers}. I started Gussy in March of 2009 and recently quit my day job to pursue my business full-time. It's so exciting to sew and be a part of the handmade industry. Looking for a custom order? Contact me and we'll chat :] "
-Maggie

This giveaway is for $30 shop credit to Gussy! All you have to do is tell me your favorite trend this spring/summer season for a chance to win. Winner will be chosen on Tuesday.

xoxo,
Rachel

Giveaway Day - QTea Kits


"Q Tea kits are monthly, embellishment oriented scrapbooking kits with a difference - the majority of the contents are NOT commercial scrapbooking products. What you will get is a fun, creative selection of unique accessories, vintage finds, handmade items and funky fabrics. Love the quirky, arty side of scrapbooking? Grab a Q Tea kit, and see where it takes you.

Don't think... just create!"

-Jodi

Q-Tea Kits are giving away two of their most recent and most popular kits (valued @ $40)- Where the Wild Things Are and The Greatest Show on Earth. Two totally different but very inspiring mixed media kits to get your creative juices flowing.
You can see what the QTea Creative team have created with these kits on their blog - www.qteakits.blospot.com

One winner will be picked at random and announced on Tuesday. Just leave your favorite summer drink in the comments section!
xoxo,
Rachel

Giveaway Day - B's Wig Shoppe

"B's Wig Shoppe is my online journal... It's a collection of inspiration and a log of things that I'm making, designing & doing day to day. My hope is to inspire and to start a dialogue with the world."
-Hannah

This giveaway is for a $10 gift certificate to B's Wig Shoppe. Just leave a comment in this post sharing your favorite summer icee flavor. Winner will be picked on Tuesday and announced in a new post. Be sure to leave a way for me to get in touch with you if you don't have a blog.


xoxo,
Rachel

5/28/10

Friday Afternoon


Today I rode the Vespa by myself after much prompting from Brett. I kept imagining myself sliding it on the pavement and needing skin grafts and having both arms in casts and not being able to hold my baby. And then I got on and it was pretty much like riding a bicycle that weighs 350 pounds and after going around the block once I decided I was pretty much a scooter girl. We're going to end up doing paper, rock, scissors about who gets to ride it and who gets to watch the kids.

Brett put Twilight in our Netflix queue for me (and we got it today) so he got to take the Vespa out on a joy ride for awhile this evening. He came back happy and now we're brewing some decaf and settling in for a late night movie (that we've already seen but both unashamedly enjoyed) that we'll probably pay for in the morning. Yep.

xoxo,
Rachel

Happy Memorial Day Weekend

We're having an old college friend over which means my house will get mostly picked up (it's the messiest it's been since we moved in thanks to lots of online work needing done) and we'll push pause on the busy week to reminisce and laugh because Brad is one of the funniest people we know. I'll also try to keep up with my Jillian Michaels 30 day shred. I've been doing it every other day so it's really like a 60 day shred now. Don't tell her we had frozen custard on our date last night.

xoxo,
Rachel

p.s. I was trying to load a cute video of Ruby and her favorite toy but it was taking about an hour too long so maybe soon. I have about 40 videos of her in the vault but have a hard time getting them online. Must soon resort to using the iPhone video. Hmmm....

5/25/10

RVA Summer Camp Registration

Summer-camp-ad

Red Velvet Summer Camp spots are now available for purchase! Elsie Flannigan and I are excited to share six weeks of handmade crafty goodness with special guest projects from Leigh-Ann, Holly and Emma. We'll keep your hands busy all summer long with 30 DIY projects for your home and outdoor enjoyment. Class starts June 14th! Full details here.


RVA SUMMER CAMP
$60.00





Summer-camp-ad-2

We'll be hosting three live chats for our students to ask questions, get to know classmates, and share resources. Anyone can take this class! Due to it's online format we are able to accommodate internationals or anyone interested in joining in that has a busy schedule. Our private blog will host all projects and document chats for a full year so you can come back and work on your projects at your own pace.

Our step-by-step instructions along with photos are designed for beginners in mind and most projects can be made with generic craft supplies found at your local craft store. NOTE: This class is appropriate for all ages & family friendly, but projects are primarily set up for an adult skill level. :)

Summer-camp-3

Project List Sampling: 10 Button Based Embroidery Patterns, 'Hello' Woven Floor Mat, Summer Log Art Journal, 3 Upcycled Tank Tops, Pup Tent, Loom DIY, Swiss Cross Pillow, Beaded Chandelier, Pretty Wind Chime, Beach Blanket, Hanging Lanterns, Fresh Fruit Apron Makeover, Tea Party Decor D.I.Y., Plush Scout Animal, Mini Party Garland, and a Scout's Honor Merit Badge Project. Full list here.

Summer-camp-2
Summer-camp-4

Registration

*Payments accepted via PayPal and the Red Velvet site via credit card.

* You'll receive your private blog information within 24 hours of payment via e-mail. NOTE: If your PayPal address is not the same as your regular e-mail account you'll need to notify us so we can add your regular e-mail to our list.

*If you have questions, please e-mail racheldenbow(at)gmail(dot)com.

Summer_camp


RVA SUMMER CAMP
$60.00






We're so excited to share these new projects. See you at camp!

xoxo,
Rachel

Chalkboard Thought Bubbles-In Stock

The original thought bubble chalkboards are back in stock and ready for your purchasing pleasure here at Red Velvet Art! As seen in The Knot magazine, these chalkboards are the perfect photo booth prop for weddings and parties and a humorous message board for any room in your house.

Check back Wednesday for your chance at one of the RVA best sellers!

xoxo,
Rachel

5/24/10

There's Nothing Like Sleeping Through The Rain

Two weekends ago we took the kids to Shell Knob, Mo to a log cabin on Table Rock Lake for an overnight getaway. We originally wanted somewhere near water in the woods that wasn't too far away so we found Shell Knob and googled cabins. Green Cocoon came up and the screened in porch with a double bed sealed the deal. I'd always wanted to sleep outside on a porch.

We left town around noon and Brett surprised me with an alternate route that took us through Billings, one of the towns we saw on our way to pick up his Vespa, that has more flea markets on it's main street than it seems to know what to do with. He entertained Sebastian whenever Sebastian would find a truck to play with while Ruby and I walked the aisles of several shops. (If anyone is looking for a vintage metal doll house there are about three of them in Billings.)

We made it to the cabin around check in time and immediately got changed and walked down the hill to the lake where S and Brett took a little swim. Ruby and I watched from the dock and waved at people on boats. There was a huge rope swing hanging from the bridge that two boys were swinging from. It was overcast and warm and just about perfect.

Then it was dinner and a trip to the grocery store to get everything for S'mores. We introduced Sebastian to them but he was more interested in letting the marshmallows burn than eating them. The rain cooled things off and we slept like a babies on the screened in porch. It was perfect.

If you're in the area and looking for a summer getaway I'd suggest looking into this little place. It's run by a couple that live close by, was quite clean, and really charming. It's stocked with books, games, and magazines for an unplugged weekend and has a dock for lake access just down the hill. There were beautiful quilts in the linen closet that we piled on the beds and a big, open kitchen stocked with everything you need to cook all your meals. Just add food. The boys loved exploring and I'd go back any day just to sleep on the back porch again.

It feels like one of those places you want to go back to every year as your kids grow up. Did you have one of those places? Have you been back since then?

xoxo,
Rachel