Hey, sweet friends!
We would truly love it if you would take a moment to visit us at our home base www.TheGildedGirls.com, where we continue to share what's happening in our sparkly corner of the world!
The entire month of April, 2018, all website sales will ship with a little extra gift, (Yay!) to show our heartfelt appreciation for your encouragement and support...
xoxo
Debbie, Shea, and Stella
The Gilded Girls
We have been so honored in our creative journey to have had the opportunity to meet and nuture friendships with some of the most amazingly talented women on the planet.
Women who have blazed trails in our industry, who have been heroines and inspirations to us as we make our way. Role models and kindred spirits.
Celeste Shaw and Ki Nassauer certainly fit into these categories, and we were so incredibly fortunate to get the chance to visit with them this Spring at Round Top Antique Week. Celeste is a true force of nature and the sweetest person ever. We are totally smitten with her. Ki is gentle, with a wise look and an un-erring eye. The doyenne of junking.
So imagine our absolute, unabashed GLEE when they both agreed to be our very special guests at Spellbound this November!! Pinch us ladies, because this is going to be fabulous!
Here is a little intro to these amazing women, and their stories.
Celeste
This is written by Celeste herself, for an article in Where Women Create:
I was born and raised in a Montana two dot town, where the west has an enduring impression on the people who have lived there or been raised in it's possession. It’s a place where the prairie meets the mountains, the mountains meet the sky, and the sky goes on forever. It’s the home of our legends, our heroes, and our outlaws. It’s our romanticized past and present.
My earliest memory of life with my grandmother Selma, a Montana homesteader, was waking to the mouth-watering aromas of baked bread and fried summer sausage.
Simultaneously, those smells embraced the delicious aroma of a freshly boiled cowboy coffee. Slabs of smoke-cured ham steak toyed with my tiny nostrils like a siren song. I would lie beneath fresh clothesline dried sheets and dissect the air for scents that could only come from the magic of her primitive kitchen. Chokecherry preserves, creamy thick gravy, mounds of fried potatoes seasoned just so with a crunchy outer crust, oatmeal to ‘die for’, uh huh-comfort food. So as a tribute to my sweet Selma, Chaps was built and created in a 1912 original farmhouse.
Everybody has his or her own idea of what constitutes a comfort food. More often than not, foods described as such are conjured from memories of past times and places that were safe and inviting, warm and friendly, loving and nurturing. It isn’t comfort food unless it offers you contentment thinking about it, as well as of the person who made it for you. The food is straightforward and unpretentious.
Real comfort food embraces all of our senses. The enchantment of preparing food, which brings solace, is mysterious. We are all vulnerable to the sweeping affection we have within our memories of a personal story or experience told through delicious recipes and charming reflections of eating and sharing. It teases our noses and seduces our eyes. Taste buds are in suspense, which in turn triggers emotions and memories. I love to listen to the sizzle of my favorite dishes in a griddle or the crunch of that first anticipated bite. Comfort food has the power to commence imagination and to transcend us through time.
But the real truth is that by the end of my very first day I knew, sitcom moments notwithstanding, that creating Chaps would become a love story, and it has. I love it.
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Ki
As the original "junk lady," Ki has been dubbed the "Martha Stewart of vintage" and "America's most famous junker" in extensive media coverage, including a 2012 story and video in the Wall Street Journal. Since 1999, Ki has crafted a career out of junk. She scours flea markets, salvage yards and the occasional street-side pile of cast-offs for raw materials used to create tastefully inventive furniture and beautiful decorative accessories.
Ki was one of the first to realize the potential revenue possibilities of converting junk into cool stuff. After her "test" garage sale grossed $11,000, she founded JunkMarket, operating monthly sales that attracted thousands. With near immediacy, she became a national celebrity with a loyal base of like-minded fans.
What followed were a series of successes that included co-authoring Decorating JunkMarket Style and Junk Beautiful, Room by Room Makeovers; a regular column in Country Home magazine; guest spots on HGTV and the TODAY show and hundreds of public appearances nationwide.
Ki produces Junk Bonanza, the bi-annual shopping extravaganza held in Minnesota that attracts more that 12,000 avid vintage lovers. The three-day event showcases wares from more than 140 hand-picked dealers nationwide who must pass muster for the juried junk show.
Ki is editor in chief of Flea Market Style and Flea Market Style Weddings for Harris Publications. Both titles chronicle the beauty and utility of the vintage-inspired life. Each issue draws on her deep network of national vintage dealers, artisans and junk aficionados to showcase the best in how-to projects, décor and design and shopping for fans of the repurposed.
Ki's latest endeavor, FleaQuest, is up and running, and fulfills her longtime vision for a comprehensive nationwide online directory of the best vintage sales, antiques shops, flea markets, antique shows and architectural salvage centers.
Born and raised in Minnesota and now living in Los Angeles, Ki is a proud mother and friend to her two grown children. When she's not junking, she can be found hanging at the local taco joint with her kids or spending time at the barn riding her horse named Shameless.
Ki has enjoyed every step along the hike to the top of the junk pile and she preaches the gospel of junk through consulting, public appearances, interviews and magazine signings. She is happily committed to ensuring that repurposing remains sustainable, functional- and always fun!
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For a chance to meet Celeste and Ki, and hear more about their creative lives, please join us in November at the stunning Langham-Huntington Hotel in Pasadena, California for Spellbound 3... create your dreams!!
xoxo Debbie & Shea
Hey, sweet friends!
We would truly love it if you would take a moment to visit us at our home base www.TheGildedGirls.com, where we continue to share what's happening in our sparkly corner of the world!
The entire month of April, 2018, all website sales will ship with a little extra gift, (Yay!) to show our heartfelt appreciation for your encouragement and support...
xoxo
Debbie, Shea, and Stella
The Gilded Girls
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Ah, Valentine's Day...
For me, it's a day to remember all the people that you have been given the priviledge of loving.
Sometimes, the gifts that you receive on this day have nothing to do with chocolate or flowers. Sometimes the love is wrapped in small arms and humble offerings.
Handmade memories are the very essence of who we are as a family, and this was the perfect week to honor that. It began with many hours days spent making gifts for classmates and teachers, friends and loved ones.
That was fun, and extremely fulfilling.
In the midst of it all was the project that I got up each day excited to work on. What Stella Wore. For me, this endeavor resides deep in the heart of what it means to have a Valentine... every.single.day.
This time, we decided on an extra-special apron, and a simple pattern was drafted on the kitchen island. This one would be all about the details.
The garment itself always begins in the fabric cupboard, and more often than not... out comes the linen!
Next stop is a forage through the trims and scraps. The old and the new. A little bling.
A serendipitous peek at the amazing bag swap from last year's Spellbound Event uncovered the gorgeous handkerchief, folded over and used for the pocket, and an exquisite lace collar that was opened up and used as the bottom ruffle. Thank you so much, Sue Elseth. Your eye for vintage textiles is astonishing!
When we began this fashion journey, Stella was not as tall as this wall. Now she can turn and look over it. A poignant reminder that I need to capture it all as fast as I can. She is not waiting on my deadlines, so I cannot wait on hers.
Linen and lace, and a ruffled trim that we found in the back of the most crowded stockroom I have ever been in. Dark and precariously "stacked", there was more than one box that I thought twice about opening...
Digging for treasures is not always for the faint of heart...
But I have to admit, it dyed up to an amazing vintage pink, which was used for trimming the pocket and to make the rosettes on top, so I might have to revisit that place. Maybe.
A large lace applique, last seen on 2013's Valentine's Day project! I had one more, so this one got a quick dip in the pink dye. Hand-sewn with silver metallic floss around each detail. This part took the longest, but so worth it.
A rhinestone crown, because, well. Crown.
At this location, a beloved neighborhood park, we always have to take a stroll to the stream that runs along one side...
To see our good friends, the ducks! They need a little Valentine love and some treats...
You know how sometimes in the midst of 300 photos, your subject turns and gives you that one perfect look?
That just happened.
The baby ducks are ready to go... even the ones that swim.
There is a special lunch and two afternoon parties to attend. Play date before dinner. There is no social calendar in the world as full as a five-year-old's.
First a quick sit on a tree stump to catch our breath.We hope your day was filled with all the things that feed your soul, and the people that you love.
**A shout-out to the girls at Anthropologie, Fashion Island. They had much love for the outfit, and were so very kind to Stella. Thank you!
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We will be posting a tutorial for the glittered wands in the next day or two, so please come back and visit us for that!!
xoxo, Debbie, Shea and Stella
Ruffled Tulle Dress ~ Baby Gap
Boots ~ Frye
**Time's Up!!**
Today is the big day!! The youngest assistant turns 5 today! There was breakfast with the Disney princesses this morning, to be followed by a full day at the Magic Kingdom and "Princesses on Ice" tonight...
You only turn 5 once, right?
She was extremely excited that her choice of a giveaway was so popular yesterday, and now the 8 year-old assistant would like to choose one, as well!
So, Day 11 of the "12 Days of Christmas Giveaways" is thrilled to present one of you with our latest Gilded Girls Stash Society kit!! This glamorous collection was completely sold out, but we were able to gather together one last kit just for this giveaway!
Please be sure to join in on the fun on this one!! I'm sure that Nico will be watching to see if his pick is popular, too... :)
As always in December, there is an extra-special special treat included that is not pictured here. Shhhh..... :)
Read about the collection here.
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There are lots of ways to enter to win each day! First, comment on this post! You may also post a comment on the Facebook thread, share on your own Facebook page, link to this post on your own blog, or tweet using the hashtag #aglgiveaway.
All entries for the day will be "live" until 12pm PST the following day. You may use all of the ways to enter on every giveaway post, so be sure to check back to enter each day until 12 noon on the 24th! Yay!!
**Time's Up!!**
Who doesn't love a cozy winter scarf?
Perfect for the season, Day 7 of "12 Days of Christmas Giveaways" offers this soft knit scarf from our very own A Gilded Life webshop!
This stylish, soft knit scarf in charcoal gray, inset with matching lace, is just perfect for your winter wardrobe and sure to become a "go-to" accessory!
Read more about it here.
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There are lots of ways to enter to win each day! First, comment on this post! You may also post a comment on the Facebook thread, share on your own Facebook page, link to this post on your own blog, or tweet using the hashtag #aglgiveaway.
All entries for the day will be "live" until 12pm PST the following day. You may use all of the ways to enter on every giveaway post, so be sure to check back to enter each day until the 24th! Yay!!
**Time's Up!!**
Good morning!
We continue our "12 Days of Christmas Giveaways" today (Day 4) with something from our very own studio, by way of our licensing partner Demdaco/Silvestri!!
This darling little glittered crown can be personalized with one of the initials that are included, and will make a wonderful addition to your crown collection! :)
Read more about it here.
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There are lots of ways to enter to win! First, comment on this post! You may also post a comment on the Facebook thread, share on your own Facebook page, link to this post on your own blog, or tweet using the hashtag #aglgiveaway.
All entries for the day will be "live" until 12pm PST the following day. You may use all of the ways to enter on each day 's post, so be sure to check back each day until the 24th! Yay!!
Our hearts have been so full this holiday weekend with all of the joys of celebrating with family, as well as with a group of friends so special that they feel like family. It is a time to reflect and truly appreciate blessings, both great and small.
One blessing in our lives is most certainly the privilege of operating a small business. We are constantly in awe of and inspired by those who create businesses that speak to the heart. That live small but reach big. These businesses hold the very fabric of our communities together, and we must support them in every way we can.
It is our mission to buy local as much as we possibly can. Farmers Markets, Flea Markets, thrift stores, small independent gift stores, restaurants, nurseries and pharmacies... these are the regular stops that enrich our lives and bring us in contact with those who provide the goods and services that nuture and enrich.
We are grateful for the opportunity to participate in Small Businnes Saturday, by running a storewide sale at AGildedLife.com. All items are 15% off until Tuesday, December 3rd at 9am PST. And, all orders over $150.00 will ship free!!
Thank you for thinking big, and shopping small. Thank you for the support and encouragement that you are all so generous with throughout the year.
We count you among our blessings.
xoxo Debbie & Shea
Have you been thinking about registering for the Spellbound art retreat, but just cannot commit to the "full ride"?
Are you only able to attend portions of the event?
Are you dying to meet Jo Packham, or one of our amazing instructors... and hang out with creative, supportive, like-minded women, if only for one day?
Well, we have some very exciting news to share with you!!If you live in the Southern California area (or even if you don't!), and would like to attend for one day only, we now have a very limited number of Spellbound Day Passes available!!
Choose two classes for the day of your choice, and we will include the meal scheduled for that day!!
Friday Day Pass includes a boxed lunch and entrance to the Dreamland Mercantile.
Saturday includes a sit-down luncheon in a gorgeous ballroom.
•Each Day Pass registration includes a custom flea market bag filled with amazing "swag"!!
•Add an extra class to your chosen day for an additional $95.00.
•Buy an "a la carte" ticket to the Dreamland Mercantile for $35.00. (This is for anyone not attending classes on Friday.)
•Add the "Up All Night" craft party to your Saturday pass for an additional $50.00.
•Buy a trip on a luxury bus to the Rose Bowl Flea Market on Sunday for $20.00. (Admission to the marketplace is not included.)
Please feel free to ask any questions by emailing us here.
The Spellbound Website has all of the info on teachers, classes, hotel and lots of other yummy details. For a peek at how much fun we had last year, take a look here!
To sign up, simply choose your preferred day, and fill in either the numbers or the names of the classes (and any extra events) you would like to attend with the buttons below, which will allow you to complete registration. We will build your schedule from our end and email you an itinerary!! Easy peasy!!
*Please note that there are several Spellbound classes that have sold out. Any class on the schedule that appears in a darker brown color than the rest is not available for purchase.*
Very important! If your Paypal email address is different from the email you normally use, please be sure to include the correct one in the "notes to seller" section on the checkout page.
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Spellbound Day Pass (Friday or Saturday) Includes two classes and scheduled meal.
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Extra Class (Friday or Saturday)
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"Dreamland" Mercantile Ticket (Friday Evening 6:30-10pm))
"Up All Night" Craft Party (Saturday Evening 8pm-12am))
Rose Bowl Flea Market Luxury Bus Ride (Sunday) You will be driven from the Langham-Huntington Hotel to the front gates of the Rose Bowl. Your bus ticket does not include a pass into the flea market, although we will have discounted tickets available on-site.
Buses leave the hotel at 7:30 and 8:30 am, and return at 1:30 and 2:30 pm.
And, last but certainly not least!! The fabulous Stacey Caron and her team from Spellbinders Paper Arts® are hosting this year's "Pre-Event Soiree" at our brand new A Gilded Life studio!! This soiree is
only open to Spellbound attendees, and everyone, including "Day Pass"
attendees, are invited! It will be a wonderful evening including yummy food, signature drinks, make-and-takes, and giveaways!!
Hey, sweet friends!
We would truly love it if you would take a moment to visit us at our home base www.TheGildedGirls.com, where we continue to share what's happening in our sparkly corner of the world!
The entire month of April, 2018, all website sales will ship with a little extra gift, (Yay!) to show our heartfelt appreciation for your encouragement and support...
xoxo
Debbie, Shea, and Stella
The Gilded Girls
************************************************************************************************************
On the first weekend of this month, we took a girls-only road trip up the central coast of California. Three generations celebrating a few of our shared passions... travel, fashion, and flea markets!
Stella wanted to take her new "fancy jeans", and of course the occasion was perfect. Casual, girly, sparkly with a bit of pink... a Boho look for a special weekend.
A pair of skinny jeans that was juuuust about to be outgrown. Still fine in the waist, but getting a tad short. Isn't that the story of children and their clothing?
We decided to celebrate the shorter length and give them a makeover.
Fabric glue, needle and thread, and a basket of bits and pieces left over from other projects. Nothing goes to waste in our studio!
Stella is very pleased with her outfit, and especially happy with the treasure that had been given to her that morning.
This absolutely darling Fairy Princess Wand, generously gifted by our beautiful friend Lisa Leonard. (link below)
Stella has barely let it out of her sight.
But back to the task at hand, giving us her "modeling face".
A small break to watch the light dancing on the steps.
The smallest scraps of lace and trim can completely transform a tiny pair of jeans.
And you must always consider frosty pink toenail polish...
It makes me smile that these are so reminiscent of jeans that we altered and embellished when I was in college. The major difference is in the quality and availability of materials. And of course the slender silhouette of the jeans! :)
Boho with a modern twist!
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Jeans ~ True Religion
Cotton and Lace Blouse ~ Zara
Fairy Princess Wand ~ Lisa Leonard Designs
Embellishments ~ The Gilded Girls
A four-year-old can be very pursuasive. When she spotted a paper mache box in the shape of a house sitting on a shelf in the studio, it became all she could think about.
She would ask to take it down, and played with it so carefully. She found a perfect "dolly" in a basket of vintage items. She was intent on claiming it as her own, but I was not willing to let it go without giving it a makeover.
For the sake of tiny hands, no glass glitter was used in the making of this project. :)
Paint, paper, lace and glue. A bit of German Dresden to decorate the front. A few vintage buttons. Pom-pom fringe on the roof.
Wallpapered interior walls and a wool felt floor.
Stella deemed it finished.
But I thought it needed small battery operated candles to transform it into a nightlight for her room, giving it a whole new purpose.
She loves it. What more could I hope for?
