The Chic Peach

Words of wisdom

The Chic Peach — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:16:00 GMT

"You were born an original. Don't die a copy." John Mason."

"Individualism is rather like innocence. There must be something unconscious about it" Lous Kronenberger.

"Pretension almost always overdoes the original and hence, exposes itself". Hosea Ballou.

"Don't be afraid of being unique. It's like being afraid of your best self." Donald Trump.

"Some have a style that they work hard to refine; so they walk a crooked line. But she won't understand why anyone would have to try to walk a line when they could fly." Jules Shear.

Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else. ~Judy Garland

enough said.

Happy Thanksgiving 2009!

The Chic Peach — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 02:24:00 GMT

A very Happy Thanksgiving to all!
I am thankful for Heaven's blessings; the unconditional love of a good man, my children, family and friends. Also, a big Thank you to those who support me in my endeavors. Your kind words and support are greatly appreciated. It means more to me than you will ever know.

The essence of Holiday spirit...

“A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues. ” Cicero

Wishing you a safe and happy holiday. Talk to you soon...The Peach

Decorating for the holidays...

The Chic Peach — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:49:00 GMT

Here's my latest creation. While I tend to make mostly jewelry, I occasionally see something that inspires me. This Flexible Flyer called out to me while out junking. Someone in my household had plans for it that included a very steep hill. Mischievous adventure diverted; it is now a playful and nostalgic holiday decoration. There's nothing to say that you couldn't remove the decorations once snow arrives and have a fine time. But you didn't hear it from me.   Don't you just love the faux snow?

Have also found a pair of children's ice skates. While I doubt they are vintage, they were worn and had the right amount of shabby goodness.   I'll try to photograph them before they go to a holiday show.

When does everyone decorate for the Holidays? In my neck of the woods, it's the day after Thanksgiving. Decorations come down the day after Christmas. Thank goodness for artificial trees! The neighborhood where I grew up decorated about two weeks before Christmas. Demolition was January 2nd or 3rd, depending on the calendar. A few years ago, I was putting my tree up on December 23rd. Just had too many client requests for my other business; window treatments. I was frantically sewing, decorating, gift shopping and scrambling about. Had a reality check as I was sewing till the wee hours in the morning. It occurred to my sleep deprived and bleary brain that life was too short for such goings on. Thankfully, I've learned to pace myself; my workroom closes down in December. Lesson learned about priorities. As a small business owner, these situations sometimes occur. We find ourselves working hellish hours and at odd times of the day and night. The plus side is that we set our own hours, pajamas are acceptable attire and we have the best boss in the world.   As a parent and spouse, one needs to prioritize and to preserve family and traditions. Putting them first is a no brainer and effortless. It's a relief, as my family brings me endless happiness.

On a final note, we are planning on a live tree for Christmas. Severe allergies have prevented us from doing so for several years. We have a silk tree that is amazingly lifelike. However, there is nothing that can duplicate the delicious scent of fresh pine in your home during the holidays. After several years of painful allergy shots, we have been given the go ahead for a cut tree in our home. Should the slightest symptom return, it will reside for the rest of the season on the screened porch. Not looking forward to moving a fully decorated tree. Keep your fingers crossed for us.

In the meantime, here's wishing you a stress free holiday season.

Happy Halloween

The Chic Peach — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 13:17:00 GMT

May your day be filled with sweet surprises!

True Love

The Chic Peach — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 15:29:00 GMT

To my one and only. Thank you for 23 years of bliss. You are the song in my heart.

A really big show!

The Chic Peach — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:52:00 GMT

Just wanted to say a big Thank you and express my gratitude to everyone who came to my shows. Despite wild, crazy weather we had so many visitors stop by. You are truly appreciated. There was wind, rain and mud. Crazy conditions and still you chose to venture out to see us. It was great to see familiar faces and to meet new friends. My schedule has truly hectic as evidenced by my lack of posting. Apologies all around. Will try harder to stay current! The good news is I'm working to create new and innovative items. I've been making more vintage tie dyed slips, petite word charms and vintage shoe buckle bracelets, vintage domino art and holiday decor ; among other items. The petite word charms were inspired by The Book of Virtues. These charms started out with simple words like "gratitude" and "honesty". My list of future charms has grown to over 300 words that are thoughtful, romantic or inspiring. Worn alone or layered with other charms; the petite charms are perfect for any occasion.

Keep posted for future developments. And hang on to your hats, it's going to be a wild, vintage inspired, adventure filled ride!

Happy Birthday B.B. King

The Chic Peach — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 12:08:00 GMT

Happy 84th Birthday to this living legend. He is indeed a national treasure. I had the pleasure to see him a couple of years ago. He was engaging and had the crowd in the palm of his hand. We didn't mind it at all and were sorry to see that magical evening end.

September 11th

The Chic Peach — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:34:01 GMT

Remember.

"Sunset Boulevard" necklace featured on Etsy

The Chic Peach — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 23:21:00 GMT

I am delighted to report that I found this message in my inbox today:

"Hi - this gorgeous item of yours is in my treasury!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=80682

Hope you like it!
Andrea"

For those of you unacquainted with Etsy, it's a site that provides artists a venue to sell all manner of items from jewelry to clothing to soap...You get the idea. Buyers and Sellers number in the hundreds of thousands from over 150 countries. An Etsy treasury is when a fellow artist selects items from Etsy based on a particular theme, i.e. color, era, title, etc. As you can imagine, having your work featured with other artisans is quite an honor. Thank you, Andrea!

To view this necklace or any other items in my Etsy shop, click here.

Happy Labor Day

The Chic Peach — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 13:24:00 GMT

Happy Labor Day!

"Labor Day: How it Came About; What it Means

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country."

From the U.S. Department of Labor. If you want to learn even more, click here .

For many of us, Labor day represents the end of summer, the beginning of school or maybe a sale at the mall. It's so much more. It celebrates the worker in all of us. Thank you to all who make this world a little better. A special Thank you to those who work despite scheduled calendar holidays; our Armed Forces, Police, Fire department, Paramedics, Emergency room staff. I know there are many more of you that I haven't mentioned. Thank you for your contributions. We'd all be headed for you-know-where-in-a-hand basket without you. May you all have your well earned day of leisure, your moment in the sun. I know I will appreciate this day all the more for it. To all of you who keep things running so well that we don't even think about it...

Thank You!

Congratulations!

The Chic Peach — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 12:46:00 GMT

Symbols for 50th wedding anniversary:

Violets

Gold

Fifty years of wedded bliss. Can you imagine? Congratulations to my parents who married 50 years ago today. Together they've seen many changes in themselves and in the world outside their door.

Mom and Dad, may you live to share another fifty years. With love from your family. xoxo

Favorite things

The Chic Peach — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 12:50:00 GMT

Occasionally we encounter products that make life less complicated. Here is one such product:

Does it completely replace the need to wash hair? No. But if you wear bangs and need to freshen them up, it's perfect. Note of caution. You must brush out all of the powder or you could look like this; a little ghostly and more than a little scary.

Glamour, Beauty and love of vintage

The Chic Peach — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 11:58:00 GMT

Glamour: an exciting and often illusory and romantic attractiveness <the glamour of Hollywood>; especially : alluring or fascinating attraction .

Ah, the days of Hollywood glamour. When Beauty was a deliberate thing. Intentional. Sitting at a dressing table with the purpose of preparing one's self for the day. I find I have less time for these rituals. My routine has become streamlined; more often than not I'm applying lip gloss at stop lights. And yet, I do admire the accoutrements of a dressing table; brushes, combs, cut glass perfume bottles, atomizers, the powder puff, etc. Jewelry boxes casually stacked with strands of pearls, beautiful rings, of gifts that symbolized an important event. Someday, I will find a space in my home for just such a setting. But for now, while I wait at red lights, my mirror will have to suffice.

Here's a mirror that I sold recently at a show. It's a hand mirror, circa 1940's that came from an estate. The mirror was in surprisingly good shape. I removed the satin backing that had rumpled with age. Not to worry, it will reappear somewhere else, as the brocade has an enchanting timeworn quality. Perhaps a portion will appear in a vintage locket or another trinket. But that's a topic for another post. Photographic abilities aside, I really like the end result of this transformation. This previously grimey, forgotten accessory was transformed into something completely different. The addition of a butterfly was not an accident. It represents the potential that exists in all of us.

The new back of the mirror is lined with music, the image of a woman in a portrait hat, a butterfly and vintage rhinestones. The caption reads, "Beauty". This mirror went home with someone who shares my affection for vintage items. I know it found a good home.

S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y NIGHT!!!!!!!!!

The Chic Peach — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 13:02:00 GMT

Right. Found this photo and my mind began to wander in the weird way that makes my family roll their eyes. Only wish I knewhow to do animation a la Terry Gilliam of Monty Python fame. Can't you just imagine these lassies dancing to The Bay City Rollers? Oh well, here's the next best thing... Enjoy the tunes and have a great weekend.

P.S. Funny Scotsman story. This song came on the radio while I was waiting for my family to return from the grocery store. I was smiling as I remembered the first time I heard this song. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw someone walking from the store towards me. It was a huge, red-headed Scotsman. Not kidding, complete with Scottish pride t-shirt, tam-o-shanter and kilt. My fingers itched to blast the volume on the radio dial. You will be proud to note that I resisted the urge. It was one of those serendipitous moments and no witnesses with whom to share it. Priceless.

How to wear a vintage slip?

The Chic Peach — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:45:00 GMT

How does one wear a vintage slip, you might ask?

Here is a short and incomplete list to get you started:

1) The most obvious: wear it as a slip. I have a friend who worked as a flight attendant. She utterly despised her uniform. She wore exquisite lingerie to boost her spirits. It was her secret weapon.
2) Wear it as sleepwear. It's glam and chic. Why not?
3) Wear it as a dress. No one else will be wearing anything like it.
4) Wear it layered under another slip, a dress, with a shirt, etc.
5) Belts are making a statement this season; find one compliments your shape. Maybe something with a silvery vintage rhinestone buckle.
6) Cooler weather? Wear your vintage slip with a cardigan over a pair of jeans.
7) Above all, wear it with fabulous Chic Peach vintage jewelry!

"Buffalo gals, won't you come out tonight?..."

The Chic Peach — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 15:52:00 GMT

"And dance by the light of the moon.."

Isn't this a fun necklace? This custom pendant hangs from a strands of ribbon and cord. The blue bead in the foreground is vintage. I added some rhinestones for additional color and additional sparkle. The pendant is custom with layers of images and text. All in all, lots of fun. This is just one of a series. I liked the combination of the pendants with turquoise, coral and silvery beads. These necklaces look great with my vintage slips. Vintage slips, you ask? Yes, I started making vintage slips with an uber-secret dye technique. No need to know all the details, just enjoy the subtle, soft color gradations. Have a look!

Sold of few of these at a recent show. Currently, I have slips in shades of marmalade, deep purple and dark blue. Am looking at other colors in the spectrum to add to my line, but it's difficult to choose just one. All guaranteed to be one of a kind! Convo me for details! I'll post later on how to wear a vintage slip.

Most dangerous chocolate cake in the world *

The Chic Peach — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:46:00 GMT

Five Minute Chocolate Mug Cake

4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
Small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug (microwave safe)

Add dry ingredients to mug and mix well.
Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.
Add the chocolate chips, (if using) and vanilla extract. Mix again.
Put mug in microwave and cook for 3 minute at 1000 watts.
The cake will rise over the top of the mug, don't be alarmed. You might want to place mug on saucer in case of spills.
Allow to cool. This cake can be served on a plate if desired.
EAT! (This could be shared by two, I suppose).

*And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world?
Because now we are all only five minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of day or night!
Recipe credit goes to Eileen!

P.S. This cake is dark, dense and delicious. Very similar to a Molten Chocolate cake. Endless variations could be make including the addition of cherries, whipped cream, chopped nuts, etc. etc. etc.

Enjoy!

Journal

The Chic Peach — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:38:00 GMT

Here's a journal and a necklace featured at a previous show. Journals have become so popular recently and are wonderful for chronicling the daily events in our lives. This journal is light years away from Jan Brady's diary. I recently purchased an abundance of clip art and papers from a local artist. What else to do except start making journals? This journal took on a french fashion theme with rich tones of sepia, creme and aqua. I added a bit of rhinestone for some vintage bling. The back cover of the journal, and the title page were decorated, but not photographed. Was happy to have set up in time before the show started. Being able to take this photograph was icing on the cake!

The necklace above consists of assorted beads with World War II pilot wings and a 1950's cameo set in a verdigris frame. This two strand necklace would look great with just about anything. Cocoa brown is becoming a favorite color of mine. It's a neutral, but is a vibrant option and less harsh than black. It's the perfect backdrop for colors like aquas, blues and greens.

Voila!

The Chic Peach — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:00:00 GMT

It's an Etsy showcase! Just listed Christmas stockings; handmade by moi. Yes, it's too early for all of that nonsense. The business side of my brain tells me to offer them early to find them good homes. This is when some people start making making their holiday purchases and stash them away. What type of shopper are you? Stasher or Impulse? I won't judge, I'm guilty of both!

Othello

The Chic Peach — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:16:00 GMT

I recently had a show at a local performance of Othello. The play was performed by the Shakespeare studio. I've worked with them in the past and they're a great bunch of people. Both of these necklaces were made with the Othello theme in mind. The second piece is called Desdemona. Both pieces will be available for silent auction at their Fall Fundraiser. It's an easy way to support community theatre. Details to follow as soon as I have the dates. In the meantime, a big HOWDY to Margarita and Debra. I look forward to working with you again!

Wear your heart upon your sleeve if you must; this necklace is reversible.