Magical Match Boxes

This weather has definitely gotten me in the mood for the fragrances of candles and crackling fires. There has always been something about match boxes that seem magical to me. It probably stems back to my favorite childhood book "The Little Match Girl", or maybe it is the light and warmth that is created from each match stick.

When spending cozy moments with loved ones during this season what better way to display your matches than in an embellished box. Whether using a small or large match box create a box for the season and add it to your vignette of holiday decor.

Creating Across the Nation

On Sunday I had the honor of listening to a guest speaker, Nathan George, who is the founder of Trade as One speak about his foundation.

In a nutshell Trade as One is an organization that believes and supports free trade. Furthermore, Trade As One provides sustainable jobs for men and women across the nation as a means to free women from slavery and free them from having to do whatever it takes to put food on the table for their children. It supports both men and women who have had to deal with the effects of HIV and AIDS. Products include jewelry, scarves, coffee, olive oil etc. that are hand made.

So why am I sharing this with you? My heart was touched in knowing that we consumers can support and help these men and women live a different life than what their own father might have sold them into at the age of 5.

When I create something I do so because it is a love and passion that I have; however when these men and women create it is to keep them out of the brothels, off the streets, and to sustain their families. The purchase of their creations have a story- their story, and the one that we are able to help them write by supporting their efforts in living a different life.

Check out their Trade As One link and if you feel led to then make a purchase and support them!

Inspiration

In my "studio" I have an old white trunk and with each new project I display a vignette of things to set the stage for my inspiration. My trunk is currently staged with a palate of gold, creams, and whites. Frames, candles, feathers, crystals, vintage book paper---- ohhhhh what to create

As I walk by each day new inspirations come to mind, much like the way I am inspired by the blogs that I follow. Creating is an art of the spirit, sometimes our spirit is full of wonder, creativity and passion; other times we hit a low point but our spirit is always there. Sometimes we just need to be inspired again!

Although this paints a portrait for my future projects I also want to thank each of you for the inspiration you give me when I visit your blogs and for the sweet and precious words of encouragement that we so freely give to one another.

Be inspired and continue inspiring!

Happy Birthday

I generally only post creative pieces on my blogs but today is a special day- Today is my best friends birthday, his name is Derek, and I also get the blessing of being his wife.

I wanted to make a post to honor him as he is an amazing husband who supports me in every endeavor and encourages me to keep creating. Derek is the husband who knows just how much joy it brings me to be creating upstairs in my studio, he will bring me a cup of tea and chat with me while I create. Derek never complains when I host a boutique in our home which transforms every corner into a world of creativity, instead he is found helping me hang things from the ceiling, cleaning off walkways and encouraging me every step of the way. He is amazing!

Derek is the type of man who says he wants the lyrics of the song, "lived a good life, loved a good wife, always helped someone in trouble. On the lay they lay me down I want everyone to gather round and say he was a father, neighbor and a friend- he was a good man." to be the song that portrays the life he leads; and it surely does.

I love him because he has a tender and humble heart, he gives before taking, he is positive, he is relaxed and easy going, he is quick to listen and slow to speak, he doesn't like debating, and he loves me unconditionally. I'll have to admit he's pretty handsome too.

Here are some photos- I hope you enjoy meeting the man who stands with me.

Our Wedding Day

Fishing, Camping and hunting are a few of his favorite things to do.

He dressed up as The Mad Hatter for my Alice In Wonderland Birthday Tea Party and served the ladies tea and cookies. This blessed my heart tremendously!

He Loves traveling! This summer we went to the DR for a resort vacation- Next stop Europe

Happy Birthday Derek- I love you!

Potion Bottles

Fancy Fall Potion bottles are filled with dainty pumpkin seed pearls.

Plant a pearl and your garden will be filled with rich and vibrant pumpkins.

A “Halloween Queen” is adorned with a black glittered crown and glittered wings.

If you pick the black vintage flowers that grow from the bottle you will surely turn into a

Vintage Halloween Queen as royal as this vintage queen.

A Halloween Greeting to all who linger near, and Danger lurks amongst the Candy Bar.

Lil Halloween Poms

See I told you that I had a love for these lil poms. Im not quite sure why they bring me so much joy to create but they surely do. I made these to embellish a halloween tree. They can even be attached to a candy package for a special friend. I will attempt at making some larger poms tomorrow with the same prints.

I hope these get you in the spirit for Trick or Treating!

Lil Poms

I adore these “lil poms” as I have named them. Whether your looking for a Halloween Angel or a Harvest Queen these altered expressions of art add a touch of whimsy to your decor. I have found a new love, and plan to create many “lil poms” perfect for any occasion, and of varying sizes. Continue to keep an eye out for more lil poms. Since these pieces are a specialty item they are available through custom orders by contacting me directly at info@whitemarketblog.com I hope you love these little girls as much as I do.

Hang them from the handle of a bell jar or suspended from the ceiling. Imagine a bundle of them hanging from a twig tree or above a table.

Our Halloween Greetings Pom is embellished with black glittered wings, a three dimensional Vintage inspired Halloween Hat and her Banner Reads “Halloween Greetings”. Let her greet your guests during Halloween.

Our Harvest Queen pom is embellished with feathered wings, a three dimensional glittered crown and a banner that reads “Harvest Queen”. She will surely bring out the Queen in you!

Harvest and Halloween Boo-tique

Pumpkin spice, wassle, tea, carmel apples and treats were the fragrances that filled my home yesterday as I hosted a Harvest and Halloween Boutique in my home. Friends and family joined me to shop from my fall collection of goodies while enjoying tea time with one another. The greatest gift I receive from hosting these events in my home is the chance to see those dear in my heart and fill their hands and homes with creations that I have spent thoughtful time creating for them. As I sit and create I often think, “Oh I know that this person will adore this piece”, or “I wonder who will choose this special creation.” I love seeing my cherished treasures enter the hands of those who adore their splendor. A friend once said, ”Creating is a labor of love.” With each piece I feel that you are not only getting a “thing” but a piece of my love and heart. Enjoy the sweet fragrances and warm thoughts of thanks that this season of fall brings.

A Room Filled with Blessings of Fall

A room filled with HALLOWEEN Treats

More close up photos will appear throughout the week- so check back often- Cheers!