Friday, April 17, 2015

The Shabby Chic story-- (and a few to share with you!!)

This year's Shabby Chic nest is one of the most beautiful ever. Vintage laces, exquisite yarns, and an amazing vintage bridal headband are all combined to create this year's 
stunning nest~

the process for creating this year's nest
was one of the most time consuming
I've ever done...

 my goal was to have these
nests finished by Spring
and I just barely
made it!!

my Mother had an amazing lace collection...
I had no idea that she collected vintage laces.
finding them in her craft room
made my heart beat faster! 

those laces 
lived in my own
craft room for several years
with me thinking
"what will I do with these?"

sometimes...
I would just open up the tub
and finger them, 
just admiring their beauty
and different textures..
 

 the idea to create a nest
using my Mother's beautiful laces
was actually very frightening to me~

but after I began to work them into
the design...
it began to feel so right,
almost like they had been waiting all this time
be used in these nests~

I'm not sure what my Mother
had in mind for these laces...
but I think she would
love seeing them
used this way~

 she must have collected these
laces over years and years
of visiting flea markets
and antique shops~

 when I found this antique
bridal headpiece
at the flea market last year..
I knew that it was meant for the shabby chic nests!

although
the general design of the nests
remains the same,
year after year,
the embellishments change
based on my mood
and---- my latest
treasure finds~
working with the bridal headband
was not easy..
it was so very fragile..
but now that the nests are finished--
I think they are the most beautiful 
ever~

 As a special surprise
for all of you--
I managed to create 3 extra nests.
You can find them here
in my ETSY shop.
These nests are NOT reserved
and may be purchased by anyone
who wishes to give them
a loving
home...

If you wish to be placed on
next year's Shabby Chic waiting list
please email me
vboster1@windstream.net
~


Some notes~~
Gosh I wish I had all the time in the world to blog --- there is SO much I want to share with you.  I just returned from an amazing 3 days at the Abbey of Gethsemane in Trappist, Ky.  Spending 3 days of quiet time... just me, the beautiful gardens, silence, and of course, the monks--- this was maybe one of the best things that I have ever done for myself.  Beautiful does not begin to describe this amazing place--- and of course I so want to share those photos with you!



The next post will be a continuation in the Traveling Gaspese' series--- (the good thing about taking so many photos is that you have all those wonderful photos to remember your trip!  The bad thing about taking so many photos is that you have to sort through them all!!)  

Did you notice my beautiful new blog header??? My friend and blog miracle worker Karen Valentine created it for me:)
I send her the photos and she works her magic every time making the most awesome blog header!  You can contact her for your own blog magic by clicking on her name above.

What I'm reading and watching---
Right now-- I'm watching the PBS Ken Burns documentary,
"The Roosevelts" on Amazon Prime. I've been waiting forever for it to be available for me to watch.  I'm totally loving it--

Slowly-- (because I don't seem to have a lot of time to read)-- I'm almost finished reading "At the Water's Edge" --- it's totally captivating and I loved it from the very first sentence.  The book is so beautifully written...I thought the premise would be silly (looking for the Loch Ness monster)-- but it's really not --- truly, it's a great read -- and beautiful.

Spring is here - and although it is still more cool than warm, I'm counting the days until I can play in the dirt and plant my flowers... I'm so happy when I get to be a "dirty girl"!!

love,love..
Vicki 

ps -- if you left a comment on my last travel post or are leaving a comment on this post --- I promise I will be by to say Hello to you at your blog -- I am slowly making my rounds! xoxo


31 comments:

Karen B. said...

My dear friend Vicki, you really are amazing! This nest is just so beautiful and now I am going to be the proud owner of one! YAY!! I had just come home from shopping and doing errands, sat down at my laptop and up popped your post. I was so lucky to be able to get one. It's true the saying ... it was meant to be.

Many hugs and much love,
Karen B. ~ Todolwen

NanaDiana said...

Vicki- Those are absolutely beautiful! I am sure someone will snap them up almost immediately! I saw that Kerrie has one of them and posted about it...a gorgeous piece of work.

I am so glad you were able to get some time away and just BE. That is so important and most of us don't do it---but we should!

Have a wonderful weekend- xo Diana

Seawashed said...

Vicki thank you for this post. Now I know the deeper value of this breathtaking nest. To have your mother's vintage lace weaves into it means so very much. I will cherish mine forever. I have some of my late grandmother's sewing materials and I hold them dearly as keepsakes of her love. I do believe these are my favorite nests of yours so I am so glad that you will continue to create them.

I am also so very happy to hear that your time at the Monastery was so blessed. Is that the one that Thomas Merton was at? I know I have read of the Abbey of Gethsemane and I think it might have been in his books. I will look forward to reading a post on your visit.

Your blog banner is gorgeous. Karen did a beautiful job.

Have a beautiful weekend dear friend. You are in my heartfelt thoughts. xo Kerrie

Joyful said...

Wow Vicky, you are a busy lady. Working, travelling, reading, crafting, blogging. You are amazing.

The Shabby Chic nests are absolutely lovely. Your mother's lace makes them extra special.

The monastery retreat is an idea that appeals to me. Though I've yet to try it, from time to time I give it some thought. But there are just so many places I want to go, lol.

Have a wonderful weekend. xx

Maggie said...

Good morning, Vicki, from wet and rainy Normandy.
The new spring nests are wonderful what treasure they hold, your mother's precious lace collection and the bride's headdress, simply priceless!
Your new header is fab, love seeing all the places you've been.
It sounds as if life is as always very hectic, so good that you were able to take some quiet time for yourself.
Take care dear girl,
Maggie

Amy at love made my home said...

Your nests are so beautiful!!! xx

Stitchin At Home said...

WOW!! Beautiful!! I love lace, never seem to use it I just like looking at it.

Julia said...

Your nests are just amazing and you're doing so well with them. They will become a collector's treasures for sure as they are limited editions. I hope that you're numbering and signing them for the future.
Unfortunately for me, I'm not a collector. They are gorgeous.

A retreat at a monastery sounds very refreshing for the soul and body. I've been to many retreats and I always come home feeling so uplifted.

Looking forward to the next episode of your trip to the Gaspesie. Have a beautiful weekend.
Hugs


Craftymoose Crafts said...

Another gorgeous nest! I really enjoyed seeing how you incorporated the french beaded flowers into your piece!

Mereknits said...

YOu don't have to say hello, you are a busy and amazing person! Those nest are just so gorgeous, I think your best yet. The added lace from your Mother's collection is incredible. So glad you were able to spend time with yourself at such a beautiful place, I look forward to hearing more about your experience. Sending you a hug,
Meredith

Ariadne said...

Yous nests are absolutely beautiful! I am sure it was very relaxing to stay at the monastery.AriadnefromGreece!

Sylvia/LittleTreasures said...

Oh what "LittleTreasures" an amazing collection of laces. And you have used them well. Your nest is gorgeous. Thank You for sharing all the lovely photos. I think the retreat sounds peaceful, gives one the chance to find inner solace. Have a lovely weekend.

Julie Marie said...

These are so stunning dear Vicki... I love my Shabby Chic nest I got from you several years back... I love hearing that you spent some quiet solitude at the Abbey... I would love something like that myself... I need it right now... much love to you sweet friend, xoxo... Julie Marie

Anne's Attic - Design said...

Vicki your nest are such a work of art! So beautiful! Jo

Nancy said...

Vicki, These Nests are Gorgeous, and with so much meaning behind them too!! I am still loving my beautiful nest as it sits on my Buffet. Karen did a Beautiful job on your Blog Header~ I just love her work too!! Looking forward to your post on your trip.
Huggs, Nancy

Lady of the Manor said...

Your nests are gorgeous, Vicki! They are truly works of art! Your mother would be so happy with what you've done with that lace.

yaya said...

The thing I love best about visiting your blog are the photos..they are like a visual dessert with no calories! Those nests are really beautiful and I'm betting your Mother would be so proud to see the lace used for that purpose..displayed and enjoyed instead of hidden away. I imagine the Abbey had to be a wonderful retreat. We all need to take some alone time once in a while. Have a good weekend Vicki and I hope Spring has arrived for you!

Sue Kosec said...

Like I commented on Facebook: "your mamma is smiling!"

These chic shabby (I like to reverse the words) are perfect. My wish is that the bride sees what you have done with her headpiece ... perfection, as always.

Your getaway sounds like it was just what you needed (don't we all!?!)

Happy knitting, my friend.
xo
SuZeQ

Yarni Gras! said...

so beautiful...your mom would be so proud!

Thistle Cove Farm said...

Vicki - did you sample their fruit cake? I adore their fruit cake! lovely nests and love the work of your hands and heart. when you come here, you'll experience the same quite and solitude...well, except for the cats and dogs wanting hands on time...lol...today is coolish and raining but still a good day to sit on the porch with a hot cuppa in hand. or take a nap. or both.

Suztats said...

Your nests are gorgeous. I think the laces were in waiting until the perfect project came along........and the bridal piece is just perfect. Wonderful photos of your little get-away spot. It must have been tranquil.

Shirley said...

Your nest are so pretty and they are amazing how you use all of the neat things especially your mother's lace. They probably won't last long. I am enjoying your trip so much. It is always makes me feel as though I am traveling with you. Thanks for stopping by. Hugs and Prayers from Your Missouri Friend Shirley@shirleystitches

Dorthe said...

Sweet, dear Vicki,- this years nests are truly, so very beautiful.You put your heart in all you do, and it shows in your nests ,too. Also this time you put a part of your mothers heart into them, which is so beautiful. I understand it must have been hard at first , starting to use her collected laces !!
So much -so many done, and in between taking care of your job, and traveling with your husbond. You are fantastic, dear friend.
Hugs,Dorthe

kathyinozarks said...

Good morning Your nests are always so lovely-and just breath taking
we all need a little quiet time just for ourselves-
hugs Kathy

CYNTHIA CRANE said...

Everything is just beautiful Vicki! The new header (blue furniture on the beach?) and your nests! Well, they are simply exquisite. How wonderful that your mother collected all those laces. Now they can be loved and admired by many instead of being stored away as buried memories. And you deserved that little retreat, my friend, especially after all the hard work you put in recently with the African charity, and who knows not what else! I image soon we will hear something on that subject?!!!

Mosaic Magpie said...

I am home and getting caught up. Let's start at the top...your new header is stunning and those beach chairs are fit for a queen. The Shabby Chic Nests...what a grand use for your mother's lovely laces and the bridal headpiece. Such beauty and elegance they are sure to be loved.
Your quiet restful trip is something we all need! I am looking forward to seeing the photos!
xo,
Deb

Gracie Saylor said...

It's wonderful you were able to have some retreat days, Vicki. Last Fall I was able to spend two days at New Skete near Albany, NY, with the sisters and am so glad I did. I enjoyed the Roosevelts, too. I am hoping to read A Month in the Country by J.L. Carr this week while I am at the beach, and I admire the creativity of both Karen and you! xx

Magpie's Mumblings said...

Your nests are incredible works of art - destined to be family heirlooms I'm sure. I am certain your mother is delighted with what you are doing with her beautiful laces. She would be pleased to know that her collection is giving so much pleasure to others.

suziqu's thread works said...

Oh Oh Oh these Shabby Chic nests would have to be one of my favorites too Vicki.
Your mother would be so proud of how you have created so much beauty with her lace collection!
What an absolute score finding that amazing antique beaded head piece.
So perfect for your nests but then when your intentions are good goodness easily follows!

I've been so pre-occupied lately with internet and modem problems taking ages to resolve, having guests stay - several, running a workshop in my lace book creativity and creating for my Etsy and filling orders that I'm lagging way behind my blog visits but think of you often my dear friend and hoping you are keeping well and more rested and that you extended family is all healthy and happy.

Sending many far away hugs to you dear Vicki,
xox Suzy

suziqu's thread works said...

Oh Oh Oh these Shabby Chic nests would have to be one of my favorites too Vicki.
Your mother would be so proud of how you have created so much beauty with her lace collection!
What an absolute score finding that amazing antique beaded head piece.
So perfect for your nests but then when your intentions are good goodness easily follows!

I've been so pre-occupied lately with internet and modem problems taking ages to resolve, having guests stay - several, running a workshop in my lace book creativity and creating for my Etsy and filling orders that I'm lagging way behind my blog visits but think of you often my dear friend and hoping you are keeping well and more rested and that you extended family is all healthy and happy.

Sending many far away hugs to you dear Vicki,
xox Suzy

Sharon Lovejoy said...

Oh, oh, oh so lovely. It is easy to understand how people became enraptured. The architecture, windows, magic...

Love to you dear friend,

Sharon