Cynthia St. Anne

Thrifting Treasures!

2011-11-17T08:55:00.000-06:00

Tuesday is my errand day. Part of that day is devoted to stopping at the local thrift shops to see what treasures I can come up with. Not the largest haul I've every made but a bit of fun, a bit of fashion and some crafty goodness came to my house this week...

I am a magazine addict! I'm pretty good about not buying too many at the bookshop but when they are fairly recent and only $.25 at the thrift store - I'm a happy girl! My soft spot are travel mags and home decor. These issues of House Beautiful and Elle Decor should keep me happy for a little while.

You will also notice in this photo some wonderful upholstery fabric samples and 2 pair of super fantastic earrings! I have no idea what I will do with the fabric but the beaded earrings will go straight to my Cynthia St. Anne shop on Etsy. The enamel earrings will go in my stash for use in a jewelry project sometime down the road...

Speaking of stash... I was really excited to see some beads and a whole baggie of chain remnants in "craft bin" at my favorite thrift store. These are great and the beads are VINTAGE, no less!! Woo hoo! My stash just got a little bigger...

...as did my movie collection. Here's something you may not know about me... I'm a movie fanatic. period. Favorite generas: Romantic Comedy, Historical Drama, Sci-Fi/Fantasy and Art or History Documentaries. If I like a movie, I can watch it hundreds of times and never get tired of it. My favorite part of any DVD? The extra features - commentaries, "making of" featurettes... yep, I'm a geek. So, how happy was I when I went to the second-hand video/CD shop and saw these boxed sets from "The Lord of the Rings"?? My only disappointment was that they didn't have all three. Oh well, something to keep my eye out for...

I also have a soft spot for hats and snagged this vintage beret...

Finally, I found a loom for making hair pin lace! My friend Kristy has a truly great scarf that her grandmother made. She couldn't figure out how it was done but when I saw it I knew in an instant it was hair pin lace!! It sort of looks like this scarf from a vintage craft book...

Hair pin lace was one of the first crafty things my grandmother ever taught me. Anyway... I found this loom (actually 3 looms) and I think I'll give one to her. Maybe she'll want to give it a try!

Does anyone do hair pin lace anymore??

Favorite Photos for the Week

2011-11-17T08:19:00.000-06:00

...all taken by me! :)

Yummy Date-filled Cookie from my friend Peter!

The last leaves in the neighborhood

Owl sculptures from my friend Gail

Birthday flowers from my sweet hubby!

A bouquet of flower necklaces

2011-11-11T14:55:00.002-06:00

Just a shot of a few fabric rose necklaces I was working on the other night:

They're ready for the upcoming holiday market and my Cynthia St. Anne shop on Etsy.

So sweet and simple to wear, they seem to attract attention whenever I wear one out and about.

Announcing STITCHED 2012!

2011-11-07T16:13:00.000-06:00

I have been invited by Alma Stoller to be a teacher for STITCHED 2012! STITCHED as described by Alma herself, from her blog:

"STITCHED is a collection of 20 online video workshops by 20 amazing and talented fabric artists. Each workshop provides you with high-value and high-content information to get you sewing, designing and creating."

Registration for the series of classes, which concentrate on fiber arts, starts on December 1st. You get access to all 20 online classes (plus some added extras from Alma) for just $89 dollars!! When the time comes, I hope you will contact me for official sign-up information. I get a bonus for every friend that takes the course! Yay!

Find out about the instructors by clicking here or scroll down following links:
**All of the beautiful graphics are from Alma's blog!!**

Blog: OriginateAndRenovate.blogspot.com

Blog: www.DeborahsJournal.blogspot.com

Blog: www.WildOlive.blogspot.com

Blog: www.SewHooked.com

Blog: www.PaulaJoerling.com

Blog: www.SewSweetness.com

Blog: www.KarenRuane.blogspot.com

Blog: NikkiWheeler.blogspot.com

Blog: Stitchworks-Jackie.blogspot.com/

Blog: www.AppliqueToday.blogspot.com

Blog: www.ShinyHappyWorld.com

Blog: www.TheLavendarTree.blogspot.com

Blogs:

www.CynthiaStAnne.blogspot.com

www.ArtfulLivingOnTheBluff.blogspot.com

Blog: http://DaleAnnePotter.com/blog/

Blog: http://FaerieAcres.blogspot.com

blog: www.TammyGilley.com

Blog:

http://RadicalRecycks.blogspot.com/

Blog: CraftyGemini.blogspot.com

Blog: Sew Old Sew New, www.sooldsonew.blogspot.com

Blog: www.EphemeralAlchemy.blogspot.com

I'll have other updates coming in the weeks ahead - be sure to check back for more information!

**All of the beautiful graphics are from Alma's blog!!**

Cozy Felt Creations for Fall Days

2011-09-15T14:05:00.001-05:00

I am reveling in the cool pre-autumn weather we are having today! From my window, I swear I can see the tips of the branches on the big maple tree changing colors before my eyes into shades of gold-tinged orange! Anxious for fall to be in full swing, I put together a little treasury collection of felted goodies called "Felt for Fall Days".

As always, you can visit any of the shops below by clicking on a picture. Have fun! Click away! Leave some hearts and comments in your wake! Better yet, buy something! We like that :)

Enjoy!

'Felt for Fall Days' by CynthiaStAnne

This collection includes beautiful creations either felted or made with felt that have a definite fall flair!

Felt Autumn Leaves Table Dec... RawBoneStudio $21.00	Needle Felted Waldorf Wool ... darialvovsky $22.00	Autumn Walk hand felted wool... HandiworksbyJa... $48.00	Autumn Pumpkin - 4x 5 Waldor... Nushkie $24.00
Crochet knit scarf lariat fe... allmadewithlov... $49.00	Autumn medly of red, orange ... Littlehillwool... $168.00	Felt Sunflower Brooch erisana $3.50	Autumn Flower Wreath, 12 inc... TheBakersDaugh... $37.00
Autumn Swirls - Felted What... missyandme $12.00	Tree Autumn Felt, Beech wit... Intres $125.00	Wool Acorns, 8 Handmade Felt... Fairyfolk $16.00	Nuno Felted Scarf Multicolor... Svetusha $72.00
Nuno felted shawl/wrap in wo... woolynns $178.00	Autumn Leaf Clip Trio. Felt ... OrdinaryMommy $22.00	Autumn Leaf Brooch bead embr... velanch $11.00	Ginger Pumpkin Crochet Cloch... TeaPartyHats $42.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

5 Dollar French Market - Ooh La La!

2011-09-13T11:36:00.000-05:00

Most of my materials come to me via friends, family and local thrift shops but I do also like to buy from other Etsy sellers when I can swing it.

In this case, I found some great supplies that I simply couldn't pass up at 5dollarfrench market. Well, actually, what happened was that I found this fantastic lot of crinkled, distressed seam binding at frenchmarket but it sold before I could even think about buying it. (*not to worry, it has been relisted!)

photo from frenchmarket on Etsy

I mean, it's TRES ooh la la, right??

But, then, my silly ol' brain kicks in and says, "Yes, it's very beautiful but you already have way too much stuff and do you really need all of this seam binding ribbon??". The pack rat in me screams, "YES! ...you silly ol' cheapskate brain...". Luckily, my sensible inner frugalunatic that allows me to live this great life on little to no money found that frenchmarket has a sister shop called 5dollarfrench market - Woo Hoo!

So, off I went to 5dollarfrench market and found 2 lovely items which I put into my shopping cart and bought! *(both photos below are from 5dollarfrench market on Etsy)

Gorgeous Seam Binding Ribbon - Parisian Elegance

Creme Da La Creme Ribbon Set

While I was quite happy when I made this purchase, it was nothing to my delight when the package arrived! It was SOOO nicely packaged and presented AND tucked inside was a sweet blank card as a "Thank You" (or should I say "Merci") gift. Just as lovely and professional as you could ask for! Of course, in my excitement, I forgot to take photos of the unwrapping process but here are some shots of the beautiful items I received:

I simply couldn't be happier with this purchase from 5dollarfrench market and I'm sure you would be, too! In the future, I will not have to be afraid of my cheapskate brain talking me out of a purchase from frenchmarket - such wonderful wares for the price! Be sure to visit their Etsy shops at http://www.etsy.com/shop/5dollarfrenchmarket and http://www.etsy.com/shop/frenchmarket - I'm certain you will find something to strike your fancy. Joyeux... uh... shopping! (Sorry, I don't know how to say "Happy Shopping" in French)

Looking forward to Fall!

2011-09-12T12:08:00.000-05:00

Fall is my favorite time of year, especially late fall when the days are cool and crisp and nothing sounds better than hot chocolate and a backyard bonfire. Since I'm in the mood for cooler days and can't wait to start wearing turtlenecks and scarves again, there was nothing to do but window shop on Etsy for a new outfit...

My fall/winter favs are wool (especially tweed and plaid), leather and denim. I started with this sweet denim shirt dress from moonandsoda...

...add a wide leather belt from CyclonaDesigns, some classic leather boots from myfavoritevintage (topped off with knit boot buffers by BootBuffers)...

...Then add a vintage plaid wool jacket from theparaders...

...and top it all off with a cozy scarf from TomieHarlene and the perfect tweed fadora (from aniandrose)...

Oooh... I'm ready for crisp fall days! How about you?

The Flowers and Romance Street Team

2011-09-09T10:38:00.000-05:00

Cynthia St. Anne has recently been accepted as a member of the Flowers and Romance Street Team (FRL) on Etsy. Hoping to find favor with my new team mates, I put together a treasury collection of just a few of my favorites.

As always, you can visit any of the shops below by clicking on a picture. Have fun! Click away! Leave some hearts and comments in your wake! Better yet, buy something! We like that :)

'Flowers and Romance' by CynthiaStAnne

Flower photo - Single coral ... SFreedPhotogra... $12.00	Little Brown Birds and Apple... glassbeadtreas... $8.00	Landscape Autumn ORIGINAL WA... OlenaBacasArt $40.00	Handmade Pin Brooch Vintage ... CottonRidgeEmp... $28.00
Copper Peach Flower Earrings... apocketofposie... $23.00	Shabby Chic Book Bundle with... AHopelessRoman... $24.00	Watch Face Flower Earrings B... doveandflower $24.00	Carnival Dreams -- Dreamy Pa... jessamae22 $25.00
PINK TULIP CAPELET Scarf wit... SGArtandFashio... $10.00	Sweet Pink Organza, Silk Ros... ShadesOfHeaven $21.00	Flower photo - Fuschia azale... SFreedPhotogra... $20.00	Pink Hydrangeas kanekl $75.00
Porcelain Limoges Type Hinge... VintagePorcela... $35.00	lavender beaded shrug Dusty... vintageopulenc... $70.00	Urban Eco chic bib necklace ... TrueRebelCloth... $50.00	5x7 Signed Fine Art Print EmeliaJane $20.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

To Follow the Sun

2011-09-08T10:02:00.000-05:00

I have lots of sunflowers in my garden! Not only were more planted this spring but every volunteer sunflower was let to do its own thing, too. It's a lovely mess! And that mess is highly appreciated by the chickadees and goldfinches that come by to eat the seeds (not to mention the multitude of bees and butterflies - we love pollinators!!)

All those lovely sunflowers inspired a treasury collection entitled "Follow the Sun" I hope you like it! As always, you can visit any of the shops below by clicking on a picture. Have fun! Click away! Leave some hearts and comments in your wake! Better yet, buy something! We like that :)

'Follow the Sun' by CynthiaStAnne

Inspired by the beautiful sunflowers in my garden! What a wonderful time when their heads are bent in offering and the Chickadees gather for a late summer feed.

Sunflower photo flower photo... bomobob $21.00	here comes the sun - a summe... motifcaprice $40.00	8x10 Bird Print, Limited Edi... lorisworld $18.00	sunflower original watercolo... favoriteflower $125.00
Sunflower Earrings - round c... KUKLAstudio $53.00	Pillow case chickadees 16x16... Mirthquake $40.00	Yellow Sunflowers Wilendur V... ChenilleBliss $10.00	NEW Sunflower Pendant in gol... SnappyTatter $32.00
Arabia Sunflower Plate Switchbladeand... $86.00	Newborn Sunflower Hat--Uniqu... HatAndColdCroc... $42.00	Chickadee Circle Plate - Tur... pumphousestudi... $24.00	Sunflower Fondant Cupcake To... TwoSugarBabies $16.00
Hand Painted Necklace, Uniqu... tuckooandmooco... $30.00	Vintage Retro Mod Sunflower ... 2ndlookvintage $2.00	Wool Felt Flower Headband -... SnuggleBugsBow... $5.50	Sunflower - mini art quilt cherylzmillerA... $26.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Single Rose Fabric Flower Necklaces

2011-09-06T20:16:00.000-05:00

I have just started posting some sweet necklaces that feature a single fabric rose on a pretty beaded necklace. Each also has beaded dangles for added movement and is nicely finished off with lobster clasp closures. An optional extension chain can be added upon request. There are more to come but you can find the ones already posted at Cynthia St. Anne by clicking here.

Fall Florals Featured!

2011-09-04T13:34:00.000-05:00

This pretty necklace from my Fall Florals line was featured by ShannanRose in a stunning fall-themed treasury collection. ShannanRose's shop is filled with sweet wire-wrapped rings - here's my favorite:

Desert Safari Ring

You can also visit any of the shops below by clicking on the picture. Have fun! Click away! Leave some hearts and comments in your wake! Better yet, buy something! We like that :)

'Must Have's for Fall' by ShannanRose

Autumn Splendor Arrangement TheLinnetsWing $47.00	Fabric Flower Statement Neck... CynthiaStAnne $75.00	Autumn Accent Pillow Cover D... pillowville $35.00	Fall Tree Wedding Invitation Whimsicalprint... $2.40
Rustic Pomander - Kissing Ba... DuryeaPlaceDes... $22.00	Hot Process Apple Sauce Soa... SoapForYourSou... $6.88	Homemade Apple Pie in a Jar,... LetThemEatPie $7.50	Stamped Ceramic Pumpkin Trin... dorothydomingo $15.00
Tree photograph - Autumn, Fa... irenesuchocki $30.00	Garnet Earrings Gold Flower ... amyfine $40.00	Fall Raffia Wreath BestDressedNes... $95.00	RUSTIC -- Fall Twig Pumpkin ... KirahleyKreati... $26.00
the sky is the limit. feathe... reneahanna $18.00	50 White Mini Pumpkins for T... paulajeansgard... $50.00	Primitive FALL with Pumpkin ... jodyaleavitt $16.95	16" DECORATIVE PILLOW C... JillianReneDec... $48.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Cynthia St. Anne in a Treasury by wireandice :)

2011-08-28T13:42:00.003-05:00

I found one of my inspiration kits in this stunning collection curated by fellow Etsian wireandice. Be sure to visit wireandice if your day needs a little "Oooooh" in it! You'll see pretty "I-want-its" like these earrings:

Nest Earrings

You can also visit any of the shops below by clicking on the picture. Have fun! Click away! Leave some hearts and comments in your wake! Better yet, buy something! We like that :)

'my paper doll #2' by wireandice

This is T is inspired from one of the paper dolls I purchased from Rhondas Originals.

Halloween Digital Download C... RhondasOrigina... $6.00	Steampunk Winged skeleton ke... HautTotes $9.75	Vintage Supplies Inspiration... CynthiaStAnne $20.00	Black Imported from Mexico G... ArteDeMiFamili... $1.00
100 Plus Black Strung Rooste... BurlesqueBouti... $7.95	One Dozen Hot Orange Skeleto... maggpieseye $1.80	Vintage Black Glass Sugar Ir... yummytreasures $3.95	Birch Wood Shavings Crafted ... AccentsandPeta... $6.50
Miyuki 11/0 delica cylinder ... bijouxbeadsupp... $3.60	bulk high quality ball round... eightjewelry $39.50	Red Feather Hair Extensions,... MyWildLife $10.95	Fancy Ornate Black Vintage P... nickelnotions $6.95
Spider Charms Lot of 6 Black... TammysTreasure... $2.25	Glass Typewriter Keys from O... AndysAtticVint... $60.00	Black Vintage Style German G... GlitterandKits... $2.95	0.5Y Vintage Fabric 1970'... prettylizard $4.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Necklace Design in GIMP

2011-08-27T13:18:00.001-05:00

I love GIMP! It's a free graphics editor available here (get it, you'll be glad you did!!) and I am just learning how to use it myself with the help of YouTube tutorials and a "Beginning GIMP" book from the library.

Drawing is not my strong point so I thought it might be fun to try to make a necklace planner so I can play around with shapes and layouts before starting a project. Using GIMP and some photos of fabric flowers I've made, here's what I came up with -

Not great, yet, I know, but I'm encouraged by the possibilities! The colors are not the best but you can also save your creation in grayscale so the colors won't distract or influence you. I'm looking forward to playing with it more! :)

New FALL FLORALS at Cynthia St. Anne

2011-08-26T14:56:00.001-05:00

Fabric Flower Bib Necklace

DENIM DREAMS in Pink and Blue

FALL FLORALS Corsage

Some New Goodies in the Shop!

2011-08-24T14:21:00.001-05:00

Summer is winding down around here - the tomatoes are ripe on the vine, the sunflowers are in full regalia and the nights cool and refreshing! My favorite time of year is right around the corner. In celebration, I am making a line of fabric jewelry pieces called "Fall Florals" and have posted a new piece on Etsy for you to enjoy. This one is a pretty brooch to where anywhere you like - the lapel of your favorite tweed blazer, the band on that striking straw bonnet or used to secure a pretty scarf.

Fall Florals Brooch

Also added to the shop today are some vintage treasures for your home or studio! Stop by to see more :)

A sweet little scene of Venice in a Regency style frame

A fresh collection of vintage spools of thread in shades of green

Vintage keys for crafting and assemblage

Fall Florals Line

2011-08-20T10:31:00.001-05:00

As promised, here are some shots of the first pieces from the Fall Florals line from Cynthia St. Anne. Full of beautiful fabric flowers, vintage trims, fabrics and upcycled jewelry pieces - these are not only lovely additions to your Fall wardrobe, they are eco friendly fashion to boot! Soon to be available at Cynthia St. Anne on Etsy :)

Fall Florals Necklace 1

Fall Florals Brooch 1

This one isn't quite finished yet... should it be a brooch, a pendant or both!

Simple Fall Flower Brooch - a single bloom to pin on a hat, lapel, headband or belt!

Fall Florals Line Inspiration

2011-08-20T10:20:00.002-05:00

I can't tell you how excited I am about the color palette for the new Fall Florals line from Cynthia St. Anne! Some new pieces were finished yesterday and this morning was spent pulling together fabrics, trims, bits and baubles for a complete range of lovely colors inspired by Autumn. These shots were taken under a bright light - sorry about that - it changes the colors a little, especially when they are reflective (as some of these are). The palette is based on dusty rose pinks, teal greens, rich wine and shades of russet. It's a little messy but I hope you will enjoy the photos :)

Laying out a nice range of fabrics was the first step...

...then lots of lace, ribbon, buttons and bits of vintage jewelry were added! What a lovely mess this is!

Look for photos of the first pieces from the Fall Florals line to be posted toute suite!!

What's new?

2011-08-17T15:27:00.001-05:00

I have just listed some new items on Etsy! Here's a sneak peek - stop by to see more! :)

Fabric Flower Statement Necklace in Lavender Wine and Sage

Vintage Madonna Head Vase from Inarco

Vintage Keys for Crafting - Lot of 12

Some New Goodies in the Shop!

2011-08-12T10:25:00.001-05:00

Here are some sweet shots of new items available at Cynthia St. Anne on Etsy. I hope you like them!

Vintage Swirl Painted Vase

Pair of Framed Petit Madonnas from Italy

Vintage Ball jar filled with Sea Glass

Polly want a cracker?

2011-08-10T10:16:00.001-05:00

Want a pet without the fuss? Here's a sweet parrot vase that will look good and keep you company without you having to clean the cage or buy parrot food! This pretty ceramic vase dates from the 40's and is glazed in bright colors: teal, blue, pink and yellow. Find him at Cynthia St. Anne on Etsy! :)

Candide

2011-08-09T17:10:00.004-05:00

Here is a new necklace - Candide - made from those beautiful bits from this morning! I hope you like her :)

From the Studio...

2011-08-09T08:40:00.001-05:00

On Thursday, I found some wonderful treasures while out thrifting... a jar of buttons, a pile of pretty fabric and some vintage lace and trim. Not being able to wait, I dove right in to making some fabric flowers to use in future creations. Not my typical color palette, these black, white and pink scraps are coming together quite nicely! I know the fabric is not vintage but upcycling need not be just vintage, these remnants would have otherwise just been discarded but they're so striking, why not give them a bit of a second chance?

Get Inspired!

2011-08-08T16:27:00.002-05:00

Cynthia St. Anne is offering inspiration kits full of supplies to kick-start your creativity! Packaged in pretty vintage-inspired tins, these are meant to be a starting place for your own inspired creations. Only $20 each and shipping within the U.S. and Canada is included!

Vintage Supplies Inspiration Kit in Blue Peach and Pink

Vintage Supplies Inspiration Kit in Blue Gold Orange and Ecru

Found File: 8-4-11

2011-08-07T11:39:00.002-05:00

While exploring the depths of local thrift shops yesterday, these wonderful treasures were unearthed. Some will become part of the person collection - for a while or forever - others will be used in making something beautiful for you to wear and still others will soon be available at Cynthia St. Anne on Etsy.

Here is a beautiful bunch of vintage (and not so)!

Look at these yummy supplies just waiting to become something else! I love the thread bobbins on the Tinker Toy!

Isn't she beautiful? Hand-carved and very old...

Nemadji pottery, sea glass and a pretty basket

The real deal! Sea Glass in a vintage Ball glass jar

Metal zippers - perfect for adding to some upcycled jewelry creations!

Welcome to Cynthia St. Anne!!

2011-08-03T19:53:00.001-05:00

"Cynthia St. Anne" is the synthesis of a passion for vintage and a quest to create beauty through the reuse of lovely vintage items. You will find vintage home decor items, accessories, knick knacks and supplies of all sorts alongside handcrafted jewelry and other goodies! Using vintage lace, trims, fabric, jewelry and found objects, Cynthia St. Anne hopes to entice you while making use of precious pieces of the past.

We have already started stocking the shop on Etsy with some pretty jewelry creations. Each of these signed originals was fashioned in our studio using vintage lace, fabric and trims along with vintage jewelry and found objects - and they are entirely hand sewn! Here's a peek - please be sure to stop by the shop - we would love it if you made us a favorite!

Take Flight

Freeform Antique Quilt and Lace Cuff Bracelt

La Cruz

Ivory Rose