What Happens Next

"Joyful Life" Add-Ons

 

This month we have some lovely and sparkly treasures to offer!

Cool glass and alluring metallics. Soft, dreamy colors. Perfect for inspiring your Holiday crafting.

 

Oh, for the love of mercury glass! These hearts are very generous in size. Sure to be a treasured ornament. 3" x 3 1/2"

~ SOLD OUT! ~

 

Vintage gold and silver metallic ribbon tape. Gold edges with a silver ric-rack center. 3/8" wide.

Price is for 10 yards.

$11.00

 

This is very special! An 18" length of lovely jewelry/mixed-media components! Clear glass and pearls... perfect.

Strung on heavy monofilament and secured by crimp beads on each end, this strand is meant to be taken apart and used in your own creations. Each "cluster" is made up of 12 separate faceted glass beads or freshwater pearls, each placed on an eye-pin and looped. There are 10 clusters, so when taken apart you will have 120 components ready to add to your project!

Additionally, there are 6 beautiful oval, clear glass faceted beads, each measuring 3/4" x 1", and five 16mm pearls.

$39.00

 

These were found way in the dark recesses of one of our favorite "haunts". There is a lovely patina on the wire loops. We love the smooth, milky-transluscence of these 3/4" drops.

Price is per dozen.

~ SOLD OUT! ~

One of our very favorite items. The rhinestone applique. These are extremely versatile and can be used on so many different projects. Beads and stones on mesh, with a heat-transfer type backing. Dip-dyed for a vintage look.

So perfect on a Holiday stocking or a journal cover!

This one is a generous 5" x 6".

$22.00

 

This style is 3 1/2" x 5".

$18.00

Cotton twill tape with a silver metallic loop. We imagine this serving as the carrier for a banner or bunting project!

Price is per yard.

$2.50

 

A regal collection of brass cast buttons. Truly unique and special. One small button has gotten cropped out of this photo... there are a total of nine buttons in this set.

Price is per 9-piece set.

$25.00

 

A gorgeous assortment of crystal buttons, set in "gold".

Price is for a set of 6.

$28.00

 

A gorgeous assortment of crystal buttons, set in "silver".

Price is for a set of 6.

$28.00

 

Everyone's favorite embellishment. Crystal chain. Individually set Czech crystal on a patinaed chain. Three sizes available. All sizes are priced the same... on larger chain the stones are bigger, but on smaller chain there are more stones per inch, and therefore more labor, creating a consistent cost.

Small: 9 stones per inch

Medium: 6 stones per inch

Large: 4 1/2 stones per inch

Price is per yard.

$11.00

**SOLD OUT**

Email us at info@agildedlife.com to be notified when the crystal chain is back in stock

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And last but not least, we have German Glass Glitter available in several colors this month! Packaged in a "10 dram" glass vial. Approximately 1.5 ounces.

•Custom Blend Silver with a hint of Gold

 •Custom Blend Gold with a hint of Silver 

•Cameo ~ which is a gorgeous Pale Pink

 •White

 $12.00

Colors

Silver Gold Cameo White

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**If you are a current Stash Society member and you wish your items to ship with your November box, we will refund your shipping charges when we complete your order.**

Thank you, and have a fantastic Veterans Day weekend. Our sincere love and gratitude to all who serve and have served. Bless you from the bottom of our hearts. xoxo

A Gilded French Christmas!

 

We are so incredibly excited (and blessed) to be participating in another collaborative workshop with Kaari Meng at the iconic French General!! When Kaari asked us if we would like to do a day of crafts and Christmas, we literally could not say "yes" fast enough!

Please join us... and bring a friend, a mother, a daughter. We think there will be holiday magic in the air on this day!

 

There will be three unique classes at this event. Kaari will teach one, and each of us will present our own project.

 

Here is a sneak peek at one of the classes we will be hosting. A lace-and-tulle ruffled tree!

We will post a glimpse at our second class soon. You will love it... pinky swear.

And, if you have ever been to a workshop at French General, you know that Kaari provides the most delectable treats, snacks and drinks.

Details are here. This event is very limited in size, so be sure to sign up soon!! See you there!

 

Stash Society ~ "The Joyful Life" November 2011

 

UPDATE: For information on joining the Gilded Girls Stash Society, click here!!

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It's so hard to believe that another Holiday Season is upon us! Shorter days and chillier nights are sure signs that festive decorating and heartfelt gifting are just around the corner!

Come with us as we immerse ourselves in cool metallics, sparkling glitter, smooth glass and warm, rustic fibers. A joyful life to be sure!

20" x 27" Ivory Linen. A true staple in any stash!

One Half-Yard 10mm Vintage Rosary Chain

One Vial Gilded Girls Custom Blend German Glass Glitter

Three Yards Coffee-Dyed Seam Binding

 

Extra Large Antiqued Mercury Glass Heart Ornament

6 Mercury Glass Balls. (2 sizes ~ 3 each)

 

One Yard Burlap

One Yard Vintage Gold Metallic Trim

 

12" x 24" Silver Metallic Fabric

One Yard 2" Wide Gold Metallic Lace Trim

 

Be still my heart!!

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8 Cast Brass Buttons. Three small ones are matching, the rest are unmatched. All have a crown/crest motif with one exception. The bottom one that says "Les Arts". *swoon*

 

One Beaded and Sequined Flower Applique

One Mirror-Backed Acrylic Flower with Leaves

Three Clear Acrylic Flowers

 

Twelve Vintage Pearl Drops

 

One Yard Silver Trim

12" Extra-Fluffy Vintage Tinsel

 

Two Yards Twill Trim with Silver Loops. For hanging things. (shhhhh....)

 

One darling, Fuzzy Bird with Clip

One Spray of Wire-Wrapped Pearls

 

Two Chandelier Drops

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We have an extra-special follow along project this month!! If you are a Society member, look for the first tutorial November 15th.

We can hardly wait!!

xoxo Debbie & Shea

 

Tu-Too Much?

 

The adorable not quite 3 year-old asked me for a Strawberry Shortcake costume for her special evening of trick-or-treating at Disneyland tomorrow night. And in the spirit of full disclosure, she actually calls her "Strawberry Cupcake". Which is I suppose a bit of linguistic progress from the very recent "Barbie Cupcake".  

p.s. I love her. sigh.

Looking around at the available costumes and checking out the real deal for inspiration, I threw caution to the wind and took the costume road less traveled.

This is what was on my sewing machine this morning.

I just have to be me, I suppose.

We are now moving on to the hat and the treat bag. Stay tuned for a photo of the finished ensemble! And happy costuming, all you moms and nanas out there... :)

xoxo Debbie

 

 

November Stash Society Sneak Peek!

 

This basket of mercury glass hearts is making those of us in the studio absolutely giddy this morning!

Destined to be carefully wrapped in tissue and sent away to their "forever" homes in November's Stash Society boxes, we will surely covet them until the time comes to let them go.

 

Aren't they just a basket full of lovely?

 

If you feel like you need one of your very own, please click here for details on joining the Gilded Girls Stash Society. We have a few spots open, and we would love for you to join us on our creative journey.

Have a happy, inspired day!!

xoxo Debbie & Shea

 

Ruffled Lamp Tutorial

 

I have had this project on my mind for awhile now. There is something so satisfying about embellishing a lampshade, and I have been patiently waiting for that magical moment where a few hours, inspiration and the necessary materials all converge.

That moment was yesterday!

 

And this is what emerged.

 

Remember this fabric? A frothy fairytale of ruffled organza on tulle. So beautiful as yardage, just crying out to be a curtain or a fantasy skirt.

It just didn't know yet that it also wanted to be a lampshade.

 

This darling burlap shade was purchased at Target a few weeks ago, with a totally different project in mind. At $9.99, it is the perfect blank canvas. This project could also be done on a plain white or cream shade, but I loved the idea of the sheer ruffles over a warm and rustic base.

 

I began with one yard of fabric, and as it turned out I used only about one-third of it. I wanted a full yard so that the lengths of ruffle would not be too short and require too much "piecing". Start by carefully cutting each row of ruffle from the base. On the original fabric, the ruffles are about 2" apart, and I wanted them closer together on the lamp for a very lush and full look.

This is the most time consuming part of the project. Just go slowly so as not to cut through the stitching. My shade required 10 rows of ruffles at 36" each.

 

Beginning at the bottom edge, I used Tacky Glue to adhere the fabric to the shade. Any full-bodied glue that sets up quickly and dries clear will work fine. You could also use a glue gun, but take care as the fabric is very sheer and pressing it down with your fingers while hot would be tricky.

As you can see in the above photo, I placed my rows about 5/8" apart, to keep a very full look.

 

One thing I discovered is that each row of ruffle can be a different width. Some upper rows may actually overlap the one below. Don't worry. It all adds to the fullness of the look, and in the end won't even be noticeable.

Continue making your rounds, working towards the top. Don't stop until you reach the end of your length, then slightly overlap and continue. You want the ends to be at random places throughout the shade, not in the same place each row.

 

As I neared the top, I carefully removed the gimp trim that was attached to the edge. It was originally put on with double-sided tape so it was fairly easy to take off. Just use some extra care at the ends where it joins, so that you do not unravel it.

When you reach the top with your ruffled fabric, re-attach the gimp for a finished look.

 

That's all there is to it! So simple and beautiful.

This lamp would be especially lovely in a bedroom or studio space, but for now I think I will keep it by the couch so that I can "love on it" from my desk across the room. It puts out a soft and dreamy glow, just perfect for the cooler weather.

I hope you try one of these shades. The process is so easy and the results are amazing!

(If you need some ruffled organza fabric of your very own, there is a limited quantity still available.)

"Prima Life" Add-Ons

 

This month we are absolutely giddy with excitement over these very special fabrics... truly the stuff that textile dreams are made of...

Row upon row of oversized appliqued roses separated by rows of ruffles and sparkling sequins. We were literally stopped in our tracks over this fabric. UNbelievably beautiful!

 

Cream chiffon on cream organza with golden sequins. Soft and drapey with amazing detail. 

$46.00 per yard.

 

We say there is never enough silk Dupioni in a girl's collection, and this color is just spectacular. Pale raspberry will be a beautiful complement to the soft pink in this month's kit.

$22.00 per yard.

 

And this one... *swoon*.

Lavish white appliqued flowers on a white organza background. Plenty of embroidery and sequins. Use as yardage or cut out individual sections to yield many projects per yard. The mind boggles with the possibilities.

 

Each selvage edge has a gorgeous border.

$35.00 per yard.

 

 

We love toile. We love silk. But, holy moly... Pink. Silk. Toile??? We die.

Pale raspberry pink on a bridal white background.  

$25.00 per yard

If you are a current member of the Stash Society, your shipping charges will be refunded and your purchase will be included in your next Society shipment.  

Thank you! xoxo

 

 

Stash Society ~ "The Prima Life" October 2011

 

There is something so very cool and sophisticated about a palette of cream, pink and grey/black. Mix in some silvery accents and you have "The Prima Life".

 

This month we are so excited about all the girly goodness that is headed your way!

1/2 Yard Soft Pink Dupioni Silk

12" x 60" Ivory Floral on Organza (So pretty!!)

12" x 26" Sheer Black Ribbon Floral on Organza. *This is a beautiful fabric, and unfortunately the detail is not showing up here. We will upload an additional photo as soon as possible.*

 

And this... certainly a very exciting "find". These spools of silky metallic silver thread were uncovered in the most unlikey of places, and caught us completely by surprise. 

Still wrapped in brown paper bundles and stamped with their French pedigree, they come wound on a large wooden spool. Perfection.

 

Vial of Silvery-White Mica Flakes

 

One Yard Smoky Charcoal Organza Ribbon with Sequin Detailing

One Yard Metallic Silver Flower Trim

Two Yards Metallic Silver Lace Trim

 

Two Large Cabbage Rose and Beaded Lace Appliques

 

One Yard Pink Scalloped Lace

 

One Yard Black Rosary Chain (Patinaed)

 

A truly beautiful brooch. Old store stock. Gorgeous.

*We also have some beautiful rose-gold buttons and vintage-y pink flat-backed crystals for you that didn't make it in time for the photos. It is always a challenge to be sure everything arrives on schedule. We will post follow-up photos of these, as well.*

We hope you love "The Prima Life" as much as we do! Please stay tuned tomorrow evening for photos of this month's add-ons... they are truly to.die.for.

xoxo Debbie & Shea

 

Where Women Create~ Fabulous Friday

 

   

Being a mother/daughter design team definitely has it's advantages. Take for instance the seed of an idea that came last fall. Sitting in our studio pondering the future, a chance thought began to develop into an exciting possibility. With the bond that we share (some might even say the same mind!!), when one spoke the other knew EXACTLY what was being proposed and how to proceed to the next step.

Thus, the Gilded Girls Stash Society was born.

 

An idea to share all of the yummy goodness that we use in our own studio with women all around the world seemed like a dream come true. The initial concept was hammered out into a final plan that would send vintage and vintage-inspired textiles, trims, paper, embellishments, millinery and jewelry findings to their new homes both here and abroad.

We were absolutely amazed when we hit our initial target number of members. A simple blog post announcing our new endeavor was uploaded to our blog, with an opportunity to "fly blind" with us, before we even posted pictures of the actual "stash". Imagine our amazement when we not only sold each and every spot we had available, but we began a waiting list from month one. 

 

Hunting and gathering each month's product for what we call our "box of beautiful" is a thrill that will never get old. Digging through a millinery store's inventory from 1940 and finding the blush pink velvet posies that complement a linen fabric, is a rush of joy that only a crafter's soul could understand. Discovering the gold tipped angel wings found behind a box of funky glass beads that make you audibly squeal with delight will forever thrill.

 

All the dust from the boxes yanked down from the top shelf, all the miles racked up on the car for the good of a dig, all the Starbuck's Venti black iced tea that are required to keep you going on a hot summer's day, are nothing compared to the emails and comments of women who "get us". When they email to let us us know that they just received their boxes and jumped up and down in their living room while covered in glitter and tulle... well, that is priceless.

 

The Gilded Girls Stash Society was an epiphany. It was something that we were meant to do, for us and for the "Gilded Girls". We are honored to hold this task we have been trusted with by so many.

 
Each month it is a joy to curate these treasures into a cohesive "story". We take inspiration from birthstones, flowers-of-the-month, holidays, and of course the Seasons themselves. We try to stay very true to our vintage roots while introducing variety and the element of surprise.

 

Membership in the Gilded Girls Stash Society also includes access to a private blog where tutorials are posted several times each month using the items from the kit. This is a very popular component of the Society, and we always look forward to seeing photos of the work that members share through a Flickr group and Facebook page.

 

 

Don't you just love it when a plan comes together? We treasure everything about this amazing creative journey we are on, and all of the wonderful people and places we are getting to know!

We are also so very happy (and honored) to be teaching again at The Creative Connection. Last year was a magical experience for us, and we will truly never be the same. And this year promises to be even better. We hope you will join all of us in St. Paul next month, and make some magic for yourself!

 

 

 

Ruffled Dreams

 

We couldn't let this beautiful holiday weekend pass without posting our latest "fabulous fabric find".

This one stopped us dead in our tracks. Truth be told, someone actually swooned.

The frothy perfection of it is almost too much to bear. Achingly beautiful.

And we most definitely need to share it with you!!

 

Layer upon layer of champagne-colored "lettuce-edged" organza. It is gathered onto a sheer tulle background, keeping it light and ultra-romantic.

It is hard to capture the exact color in a photo, but it is most similar to the very top of this photo, where the light is hitting it. Pale, but definitely "champagne-y".

 

This photo was taken outdoors in order to show a larger area of fabric. It appears slightly paler here than it actually is.

This fabric is a full 60" wide, and the ruffles run lengthwise, giving it so much design flexibility!

 

Aprons, petticoats, purses, tablecloths, pillows, lampshades, (shower) curtains... the mind boggles.

I see fairytale window treatments or a shower curtain (or both), in the Baby Girl's room in the near future. *gasp*

 

So, before we find the sewing machine that was unfortunately "misplaced" in our recent move and go crazy using up every last bit of this deliciousness, please feel free to order some for yourself!!

We are more than happy to share. :)

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Here are the details:

Pale champagne organza 4" ruffles on a sheer tulle background.

100 % Nylon. Hand or machine wash delicate. Hang or lay flat to dry.

60" wide. Ruffles run along the length, not width.

If a longer length of horizontal ruffle is desired, as for curtains, it is easy to sew another panel along the widthwise edge. The seam is easily hidden in the ruffles.

If you wish to order more than one yard, just change the amount in the shopping cart window and press "update".

$29.50 per yard

SOLD OUT

** Even if you are a member of the Gilded Girls Stash Society, purchases of this very special fabric will include a shipping charge. This yardage is very "voluminous", and as such will not fit into regular Stash Society shipments.