Brown Bee Studio

Cocoa Scarflette

2012-01-13T23:52:00.004-05:00

This lovely handcrafted scarflette in Cocoa is approx. 20" long and 4" wide ruffle to ruffle. It is crocheted in 100% acrylic to keep you toasty warm. The tattered rolled rose pin is constructed completely by hand of muslin, vintage lace and the center is hand beaded.

Price of $25 includes shipping to anywhere in the US.

French Vanilla Scarflette

2012-01-13T17:24:00.005-05:00

This lovely handcrafted scarflette in French Vanilla is approx. 28" long and 4" wide ruffle to ruffle. It is crocheted in 100% acrylic to keep you toasty warm. The tattered rolled rose pin is constructed completely by hand of muslin, vintage lace and the center is hand beaded.

Price of $25 includes shipping to anywhere in the US.

Taggy Fun!

2011-10-28T16:02:00.004-04:00

Hello dolls! Boy, I gotta tell ya...life sure does whomp us over the head but good from time to time. My latest whomp-fest started back in August, when my gynecologist noticed that what I thought was just gradual weight gain due to thyroid issues was in fact what turned out to be a GINORMOUS fibroid tumor. Many referrals and consultations, a CT scan and a full hysterectomy, and a whopping 31 LBS. later (??!??!?), I'm happy to report that I am feeling better than I have in years! I'm healing remarkably well, although I'm still a little sore-ish and tired-ish from time to time. Anywho...I just wanted to let y'all know there IS a legitimate reason for my recent prolonged absence! :)
Today I was awarded with this tag by crafty chicklet Blue Crayons.

The instructions are:

1. Post the button.
2. Tell 10 things about yourself.
3. Tag 5 bloggity chicklets you'd like to know a lil' sum-sumthin about.

So heeeeere goes! ;)

1. I secretly wish I could be a real life Princess.

2. I always wanted older siblings.

3. I wanted to be a Broadway singer when I grew up.

4. Cottage cheese and tomatoes is one of my favorite comfort foods EVER!

5. I think every one who so desires should visit Paris at least once in their life.

6. I'm not as afraid of spiders as I used to be.

7. I run with scissors and/or glitter! :D

8. I often wish I was less an Earth Momma and more of a Glam Diva.

9. I wish I'd paid more attention when my Mom and Memaw were trying to teach me to sew clothing.

10. Chocolate's divine, but I'd rather have cheesecake...TRUE STORY!

I'm tagging these fab girlitas and can't wait to learn more about them! :)

Dawn at the Feathered Nest

Pinky at Much Ado About Nothing

Heidi at Sugah Beez

Dianne at Mama's Pocketbook

BeBe at Peaches and Dreams

I hope you enjoy learning about them to, and by all means, pay each one a visit if you please! You never know what beauty you may stumble upon! xoxo AndiBee

Shabby Autumn Pumpkin

2011-09-24T18:10:00.002-04:00

Hello my luvs! I know I have neglected you all once again...life has really just up and kicked my big ole caboose, yanno what I mean?! lol But today I really felt like making something, and here is the result of my mad crafting.

I made this pretty little shabby pumpkin from the remnant of white, sort of matelasse fabric. The stem is camel wool, and it's dressed up in a bit of cheesecloth and raffia adorned with an old rhinestone button. It measures approx. 7" tall and 6 1/2" in diameter. Price is $17.00 (includes shipping). Just click the "Buy Now" button, if you please! xoxo

At Last....

2011-08-05T08:39:00.003-04:00

I have finally gotten a little new eye candy for you! Handcrafted with special touches for the originality you desire, this piece measures approx. 4 1/2" H x 8" W. There is a sweet vintage image of two little fairy girls (framed in dyed lace trim), a beautiful rolled muslin rose with vintage look pearl/beaded center, pink tulle, tea stained vintage seam tape ribbon, sparkly buttons and dyed vintage lace adorning the piece. The phrase "Blithe spirits abound" is crossed stitched by hand in ombre pink cotton. The back is a beautiful shabby cotton rose print, as pictured.

Here is a back view of this lovely!

If you love, love, LOVE this piece (and I know you do!), just click the "Buy Now" button below. Price is $24 and shipping is FREE 8/5/11-8/7/11! :D

Thanks for stopping by! xoxo AndiBee

New in My Etsy Shop!

2011-04-29T15:24:00.002-04:00

Hey, y'all! Come check out my new scrapbooking goodies in my Etsy shop! These very special embellishments come all the way from Australia courtesy of Flourish with a Bling. They're very hard to find here in the US, and very popular here as well! So get them now while they're still available... :) xoxo AndieBee

Cricut Expression 2 Anniversary Giveaway!

2011-04-28T21:56:00.002-04:00

Hop on over to FaveCraft's web site and enter to win an AWESOME new improved Cricut Expression 2 die cutting machine! All of the lil ole pesky bugs that some people were experiencing with the original Expression machine have been worked out, and they've even added a light to the cutting area! All your shape options are right on the LED screen too. WOOHOO! If you're a paper crafter, of just want to be one, you seriously need to enter this contest! xo AndieBee

Dianne's Got Amy Butler on SALE!

2011-04-14T13:49:00.003-04:00

(photo courtesy of Dianne @ Mama's Pocketbook)

Hey there sweetpeas! My friend Dianne over at Mama's Pocketbook now carries the full line of Amy Butler sewing patterns, and to celebrate she's having a sale on them! Click the linky to pop over for the details. Go ahead, grab one of those awesome patterns and whip up some spring swank! :) xo AndieBee

Scrappy Love for TallyScraps

2011-04-13T18:50:00.003-04:00

(Photo courtesy of Pinky)

Haaaay Kats and Kittehs! It's been a long time...I know, I KNOW! I pinky swear I will NOT neglect this lil ole spot any longer. And speaking of "pinky"...Pinky over at TallyScrappers is in need of a little help with the all the exciting things happenin' over there. TallyScrappers is growing by leaps and bounds, so all you beautiful peepz who play with paper hop on over there and check it out! And if ya' wanna help a busy RAWK STAR out, contact Pinky to toss your name in the helper hat! ;) xoxo AndieBee

Fabulous CHAPS Giveaway!

2010-12-08T17:33:00.002-05:00

Hop on over to Funky Junk Sisters to find out how to enter this RAWKIN' giveaway!

Etsy Mini Added!

2010-12-08T15:23:00.003-05:00

Hey kats and kittehs, I've just added Etsy Mini to my sidebar, since I can't add the Etsy tab to Facebook anymore. When one door closes another ALWAYS opens! :)

Book Review: "A Leader's Heart - John Maxwell"

2010-12-08T10:24:00.004-05:00

"A Leader's Heart" by John Maxwell is a beautifully bound daily journal perfectly sized to fit into most purses and briefcases. Each day a brief Maxwell quote is given, along with a Bible verse and space for your own reflection. The topic for each day has references to the original Maxwell work it is taken from. This is a fantastic opportunity to expand upon the topic. The book is a great journal for those just stepping into leadership roles. Seasoned leaders may find the simple breakdown a bit lacking. However this journal would serve those individuals well if combined with other books by Maxwell. Peppered with several useful quotes, the journal will prove a useful tool to keep your spirit focused on God as you pursue any leadership role. It would also make a memorable gift to friends, family or co-workers. I will add that I have not completed this book, since it's designed to cover 365 days. I have, however, used it as a personal journaling opportunity in order to give an accurate review. I highly recommend this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Book Review Blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

My How Time Flies!

2010-11-05T18:38:00.003-04:00

It's been entirely too long since my last post...where on earth DOES the time go?! I have been working on several projects, each different and beautiful in its own right. This peg hanger is the first one I've finished, so I'm offering it up today. All decked out in plum, I think it's appropriate for the cooler Fall weather, don't you?

Completely handcrafted by me, with special touches for the originality you desire, this piece measures approx. 4 1/2" H x 6 3/4" W. There is a sweet vintage image of a child angel praying (framed in vintage trim), a beautiful rolled muslin rose with a handbeaded center, a bit of tulle and furry trim adorning the piece. The word "Faith" is cross stitched, and there are also rusty dressmaker pins, and vintage style buttons adding charm. The back is a beautiful teastained cotton calico print, as pictured below.

Price is $25 =$4.95 USPS Priority Flat Rate Shipping. Please click on the button if you'd like to purchase. Thank you so much!

Creating Vintage Charm Launch Party

2010-09-25T16:14:00.006-04:00

Woo Hoo! We're celebrating the launch of "Creating Vintage Charm" with a beautiful blog party! Click the pic above to visit the "Creating Vintage Charm" blog, and have a peek at all the vintage-y goodness each of the girls has contributed.
As for me, vintage charm encompasses an eclectic mish-mash of color, style and beauty. There are so many things that make up my idea of vintage charm.
From handmade goodies fashioned from repurposed things that would otherwise find their way to a landfill somewhere,

to old photos and ephemera,

to old architectural whatnots and furniture,

these things all come together to make a cozy home full of love and memories.
Thanks for poppin' over to visit me and my Vintage Charm!

Purse Alert! Purse Alert!

2010-09-06T16:51:00.004-04:00

Hey girlitas, my sweet friend Dianne at Mama's Pocketbook is hosting a giveaway! Dash on over (just click the linky above) to visit an enter...her purses RAWK!

Celebration Giveaway!

2010-09-01T14:07:00.003-04:00

(photo courtesy of Andrea Singarella-One Hundred Wishes)

Sweet Stefanie over at Rose Petals and Rust is celebrating blog milestone 500 followers! She's giving away a FANTABULOUS prize to one lucky lucky girlita...hop on over and enter. You'll be glad you did!

A Little Revealing....

2010-08-31T16:15:00.004-04:00

OMG! I swear I almost DIED waiting to post my beautiful rosette gift! lol I participated in Jill's Gypsy Brocante Rosette Swap; my sweet partner was Barbara of Quilting in the Panahndle. Here are the pix of the most gorgeous rosette necklace...thank you again Barbara! It makes my lil ole heart go all aflutter! :)

Teaser

2010-08-15T17:14:00.002-04:00

Hello bloggity luvs! Just wanted to give a sneak peek at my rosette for the swap. I sure hope my partner loves it as much as I do...I wanted to KEEP it for myself! lol I'm just about beside myself with excitement... ;) This is gonna be so much fun!

Sharing some FABULOSITY!

2010-07-20T14:38:00.003-04:00

Hey girlitas! If you love rosettes/roses, like I KNOW you love them, hop on over to Jill's gorgeous blog Gypsy Brocante and join in her swap! C'mon y'all, it'll be FUN!!!

Show Off Your Rosettes

2010-07-15T12:34:00.002-04:00

I've joined in the French Cupboard's Rosette Party fun! The first door hanger is still available for sale-just click on the "Buy Now" button in the post below, or email me at thebrownbee@gmail.com The others have found a new home. :)

SOLD!

2010-07-11T14:32:00.001-04:00

The Chocolate Brown Peg Hanger is on its way to a new home! Thank you Regina!

Rescue Me Sale! :)

2010-07-09T18:50:00.004-04:00

Hey, y'all...see the two pretty little peg hangers in the previous post? Yep, the plum one and the chocolate brown with blue one...right down there! I'm marking them down to $22 each today (including shipping) in an effort to raise money to apply toward a defaulted student loan. If I can get it paid off, I qualify for a Pell Grant to return to college. I know I'm not the only person facing the difficulties of the job market today, but I'm willing to do my part to improve my chances. It's a win/win situation...YOU can own a handmade in America by an American, one of a kind, future heirloom piece of art and I can take yet another step in this wonderful, madcap, oh so hard but oh so worth it journey we call LIFE! Thank you for stoppin' by, sweetpeas!

New Peg Hangers for you! :)

2010-07-02T14:58:00.005-04:00

Hey there you beautiful things! It's been a while I know, but I have not one, but TWO hangers to offer you today! Both are, as always, completely handmade and each is ready to adorn a special little spot in her new home. Description and price of each are listed under the photo...I hope you ADORE them and thank you for looking!

This hanger features the word "Believe" stitched on stained osnaburg in muted French blue, a vintage image of angels framed in old lace, a hand rolled muslin rose with a beaded center, and streamers of vintage seam tape, ribbons and lace. The hanger is held on by old buttons, and the back is of the fabric pictured. Measures approx. 9" W x 5" H without hanger. Price of $22 includes shipping!

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This hanger features the word "Faith" stitched on stained osnaburg in muted plum, a vintage image of a little girl praying framed with old passementerie, a hand rolled muslin rose with a beaded center, and streamers of tulle. The hanger is held on by old buttons, and the back is of the fabric pictured. Measures approx. 7" W x 5" H without hanger. Price of $22 includes shipping!

Playing with Paper

2010-06-27T12:03:00.002-04:00

Posting these pretty purse tags so my customer can see the results of her requested order. Hope you ALL like what you see!

~SOLD~ TA DAA! ~SOLD~

2010-05-13T14:36:00.004-04:00

FINALLY I have some new work to offer you! This pretty little peg hanger, completely handmade from the plaited tulle/chiffon/muslin hanger down to the bitty raggy roses, is ready to show off in her new home!

Tuesday Cuteness

2010-05-11T13:51:00.003-04:00

My sweet friend Roxie hipped me to this cuteariffic apron giveaway over on Maija Lepore's blog. Maija's cute as heck too...pop over, check her out, and enter!

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-08T16:20:00.007-04:00

My pretty Momma has been gone from us 8 years now. I still miss her like crazy, but it's true that time has dulled the pain of her loss. I don't think it'll EVER completely heal. But I'm patched up well enough that I can look at her pictures and share the memories without dissolving into a blathering puddle of tears. I reserve that usually for her Christmas Eve birthday. That's definitely the most difficult day even still. Mostly I just laugh out loud when I hear her witty sarcasm in my ear or catch a whiff of the old Avon fragrance Charisma. It's not available anymore which feeds my whimsy that her spirit was near. Indulgent I know and probably unlikely. But it makes me smile just the same. Hope each and every one of you beautiful bodacious Mothers have the sweetest Mother's Day ever...and if you're lucky enough to still have yours...hug her close and tell her how much you love her!

Callin' all Scrappy Gals!

2010-04-19T17:00:00.002-04:00

Dudes are welcome too! :o) My friend shared this awesome Mega Blog giveaway from My Scrappy Goodness, and there are too many pretty goodies to pass up! Hop on over for a visit and enter...go on..yanno ya wanna! The pic below is just a part of the prize you could win...thanks My Scrappy Goodness! xoxo AndieBee

Spring has Sprung!

2010-04-11T20:29:00.002-04:00

Sorry chickadees and chickadudes, no pic today! Just wanted to pop in and let you know that spring has indeed sprung....and it's in bloom all over my lil spot. :o) With this new look will come some fresh new bodacious creations. Of course I'll still offer my peg hangers and other needle-y goods, but it's time for a breath of fresh air! Stay tuned....xoxo AndieBee

A Blessed Easter Full of Joy

2010-04-04T12:15:00.003-04:00

As we celebrate this holiest of days, on which Christ arose from His grave to impart everlasting life to all who would believe, let us also consider this day a symbol for new beginnings of all kinds. Is there some new adventure you've considered embarking upon? Is there a new direction or focus you'd like to give your creativity? Have you thought about re-arranging your furniture or adding a fresh new vibe to your living/working spaces? Well, sweet friends, what better time than NOW to get those dreams in motion? I surely will be doing just that in the coming days. xoxo AndieBee

Anonymity & an Apology

2010-02-03T15:50:00.003-05:00

Dear sweet bloggity luvs, regrettably I've had to enact the "Captcha" feature on comments due to spammy posts by Anonymous. I have no problems should anyone truly wish to post without giving away their identity, so long as the comment is relevant to the entry commented upon. While I would love nothing better than "multiple streams of income", to "make $3000/day posting Google ads", or getting very rich very quickly (by legal means of course!)...this ole gal ain't a rube, it AIN'T that easy!!! LOL Thanks for bearing with me as I undertake to manage this nuisance. xoxo AndieBee

Futuristic Vibe

2010-02-02T11:18:00.005-05:00

Old patterns can be discarded now as it is time for the future, not the past. Thus saith my horoscope for today. Now mind you, I DO take such things as horoscopes with a grain (or two) of salt...but this is just sooooo on point for me. I'm an artist who firmly believes in saving old techniques and art forms that are dangerously close to becoming lost forever. I have never found it difficult to interpret them for today and the future. TOOOTALLY different story when it comes to my personal self. I get so content in my comfort zone, I miss out on a LOTTA good stuff. Yes I'm afraid of personal change. (there....I SAID IT) Yes I've been "shushed" my entire life for one reason or another, by others who thought me too "TOO" and by myself as a means of self preservation. But yanno what?! I'm BUSTIN' OUTTA this joint TODAY!! Time to live fully and OUT LOUD! (yeah I watch the Oxygen channel too but it's destined to be a Loud Gal's mantra) There are just too many opportunities out there to hide MY LIGHT under a bushel.....SHINE BABY SHINE! :o)
xoxo,
AndieBee

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T16:54:00.005-05:00

Happy Happy New Year kats and kittehs! As we are blessed with a "clean slate" so to speak, my resolutions wax just a teensy bit esoteric this year. Now don't get me wrong, I have a few of the usual breed as well. Oooh, like...I resolve to be healthier...I resolve to eradicate well over ten years worth of clutter...I resolve to work my handmade business the way I would work an "outside" job...you know, those sorts of things. These are important, but I just have "this feeling", some sort of primal need, to dig deeper. My spirit CRAVES peace, comfort, joy, understanding, love, goodness, kindness, clarity, beauty, education, creativity, light and true meaning. Soooo...I resolve to give more of the "things" my spirit so craves, and to open not only my spirit but heart and mind, so that I may receive this healing. My sincerest wish is that YOUR spirit receives that which it craves most as well! XOXO, AndieBee

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-23T22:33:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you all for the love and support you've shown me throughout this most challenging year. As you celebrate this most blessed season, please don't forget the true meaning of Christmas. Your loved ones will remember the hugs, "I love you"s, moments spent sharing memories and good times most of all. Love, peace, comfort and joy to each and every one of you! xoxo AndieBee

~SOLD~Believe Peg Hanger~SOLD~

2009-12-17T16:09:00.005-05:00

Hello bloggity luvs! Here's one more Believe peg hanger that I'm sure will reach its new home just in time for Christmas. This one is a bit different in that it has a lovely stained muslin rose embellishment, highlighted with a beaded sequined center to match the backing fabric. Stitching is done with light blue silk thread over stained osnaburg fabric. A vintage image of angels adorns this piece as does a bit of vintage hairpin lace. This one measures approx. 9" W x 6" H. Priced at just $16.oo, which includes shipping...just click the button to purchase. :o)

~SOLD~Do You Believe?~SOLD~

2009-12-03T18:01:00.004-05:00

Do you believe? I still do, because it's all about the magic and miracle of Christmas! I've created this special peg hanger in honor of that belief. Stitched up in deep red cotton floss on 'antiqued' osnaburg, it's embellished with a vintage Santa image, vintage hairpin lace, a red satin ribbon rose and a tiny vintage tulle bow in festive red. A tiny vintage ice skate (salvaged from an old costume charm bracelet) and a vintage button with a rhinestone in the center is pinned on with a rusty safety pin. The 'antiqued' muslin hanger is also held on with rusty safety pins. The back is red and green homespun cotton. Measures approx. 7" W x 6" H. Snag this one of a kind treasure for just $16.00 SHIPPING INCLUDED! Thanks for peeking, AndieBee

~SOLD~Faith Peg Hanger~SOLD~

2009-12-02T12:27:00.006-05:00

Hey there bloggity darlins! I trust each of you had a most blessed Thanksgiving holiday; I surely did. :o) I've just finished another lovely Faith peg hanger for y'all. It's stitched up in shades of rose and brown cotton floss on "antiqued" osnaburg. Bearing a busy bee, floral motif, skeleton key, and a vintage image of a sweet little girl in prayer, this piece is backed as shown. "Antiqued" vintage hairpin lace, vintage buttons and a tea stained muslin hanger lend more nostalgic charm. Priced at $12.99 + $2.95 First Class USPS shipping, this piece would be a darlin' treat for yourself or a loved one. Thanks for stoppin' by! xoxo AndieBee

~SOLD~O Christmas Tree Pin Keep~SOLD~

2009-11-28T11:05:00.005-05:00

I'm re-listing this little Christmas pinkeep on her own this time. Stitched up in traditional shades of red and green with touches of brown and black, a sweet little cardinal and a prim Christmas tree grace the pin keep. Rusty dressmaker pins and a red button pinned on with a rusty safety pin add rustic adornment. It's backed with a homespun check, and worked up on osnaburg...all specially aged of course! Measuring approx. 5" W x 4" and priced right at just $15.oo including shipping... what a great treasure this would be for yourself or a loved one. Thanks for shopping with me! xoxo

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T15:07:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to take a moment to wish all of you here a wonderfully blessed Thanksgiving! xoxo AndieBee

BOOK SALE BOOK SALE BOOK SALE

2009-11-20T12:31:00.002-05:00

The books I offered in the previous post are now just $5.00 each plus $3.00 Media Mail Shipping! These books are all gently used, with no marks, page creases or other defacing. The Apron Book, Country Christmas Quilting, Christmas Gifts of Good Taste and Mary Engelbreit's Decorating ideas are hard back with dust jackets. Quick Crochet Huge Hooks is a soft cover book. Minor shelf wear to each. The Apron Book is complete with the free pattern, still attached to the inside back cover in its original unopened envelope...A great treat for yourself or gift for a loved one! xoxo AndieBee

The Apron Book-EllynAnne Geisel Price: $5.00 + $3.00 Media Mail Shipping

Mary Engelbreit's Decorating Ideas Price: $5.00 + $3.00 Media Mail Shipping

Quick Crochet Huge Hooks- Sally Harding Price: $5.00 + $3.00 Media Mail Shipping

ChetLariat ©

2009-11-15T15:02:00.004-05:00

I was prowling about Anthropologie, looking for ideas and inspiration for some sort of new accessory that I could make, that would give me that Anthro-esque style without dishing out any pocket change. I decided to play around with my crochet hook and yarns last night, and Voila! ChetLarait© was born. It's a very chic, VEERY skinny, on the longish side to loop and layer and tie and twist and jazz up an outfit however I choose kinda accessory. I'll be wearing them with EVERYTHING! :o) xoxo AndieBee

Pete and Repeat

2009-11-14T20:35:00.003-05:00

By all means, if you see something you like in a past post or an album, please order. Just know that because some of the vintage embellishments may vary due to availability, subsequent items may not be exactly as pictured in those posts. Kindly email me with any questions or concerns. Thank you so much for showing me love, and for your understanding. xoxo AndieBee

Random Offerings

2009-11-13T10:33:00.004-05:00

A few random offerings for you today...to start, a few crafting books to inspire your own crafty goodness...just in time for the holidays. These books are all gently used, with no marks, page creases or other defacing. The Apron Book and Mary Engelbreit's Decorating ideas are hard back with dust jackets. Quick Crochet Huge Hooks is a soft cover book. Minor shelf wear to each. The Apron Book is complete with the free pattern, still attached to the inside back cover in its original unopened envelope. I will add more items as I go along. Thanks for looking! xoxo

The Apron Book-EllynAnne Geisel Price: $9.00 + $3.00 Media Mail Shipping

Mary Engelbreit's Decorating Ideas Price: $10.00 + $3.00 Media Mail Shipping

Quick Crochet Huge Hooks- Sally Harding Price: $12.00 + $2.50 Media Mail Shipping

Undying Gratitude

2009-11-11T15:52:00.002-05:00

Words will never be enough to express my thanks to those who have served this country along with me, those who are still serving, and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Brothers and sisters, you will never be forgotten!

We Need A Little Christmas

2009-11-10T11:10:00.005-05:00

Don't you just love that old fashioned Christmas feeling? I know I do, and I made up this pin keep and treasure box with that feeling in mind. Stitched up in traditional shades of red and green with touches of brown and black, a sweet little cardinal and a prim Christmas tree grace the pin keep. Rusty dressmaker pins and a red button pinned on with a rusty safety pin add rustic adornment. It's backed with a homespun check, and worked up on osnaburg...all specially aged of course! The paper mache' treasure box is hand painted outside with a prim finish of dark green, and the inside with black. The wool pincushion topping it is handmade of pine green herringbone for the top and a plain pine green bottom. It's securely attached to the lid with sturdy upholstery thread and a vintage button underneath the lid. Plenty of room to keep a thimble, buttons or any other small treasures inside and your pins and needles right on top! The box measures approx. 3" across, and the pin keep measures approx. 5" W x 4" H. Kept together or separated, this sweet pair would make a perfect gift for you or loved ones! Priced at just $22 + shipping, how can you go wrong? Thanks for shopping with me!

RUN, don't walk.....

2009-11-09T22:42:00.002-05:00

right on over to Where Women Create for an opportunity to win some FANTABULOUS prizes! Jo is celebrating WWC's first anniversary in wonderful style. I'm so thankful for her and all the inspirational, magical, beautiful, colorful women and their spaces WWC has introduced me to. There's sure to be a lotta hubub, so click the link above or the widget on the right sidebar to visit Jo and enter! xoxo AndieBee

~SOLD~Primitive Chic Believe Peg Hanger~SOLD~

2009-11-09T12:49:00.005-05:00

Here's the finished peg hanger I previewed in my earlier post. This lil beauty is extra special because its stitched in French silk on Irish linen. Embellished with bits of old hairpin lace and passementerie, these sweet angels will keep watch with elegant grace. The tea stained muslin hanger is pinned on with rusty safety pins and the hairpin lace has just a touch of sparkle. Piece measures approx. 8" W x 5 1/2" H excluding the hanger. Priced at just $12.99 + shipping, this would be a lovely gift for yourself or a loved one. Thanks for shopping with me! xoxo AndieBee

My Lil Show and Tell

2009-11-09T08:56:00.002-05:00

Hello there beautifuls! Yes, once again I have been neglectful of my bloggity spot, but in my defense, there WAS some good reason involved in this stretch. My daughter was here for a two week visit-down from my beloved West By God Virgina. She came to have her 21st birthday. Dear brother ensured it was memorable by showing her the town in Ybor City. That's the historic district of Tampa, and since her birthday is Halloween, it just so happened that Guavaween was going on as well. For those of you who aren't familiar (many of you won't be), Guavaween is a Latin style holiday that combines the sort of Carnival/Mardi Gras celebration with traditional American Halloween. Yep...you got it...thousands upon thousands of near nekkid "costumed" folks drinking and dancing in the streets and trying to catch their beads! Ybor City is a conglomeration of bars/nightclubs, tattoo parlors, art galleries, avant garde fashion boutiques, restaurants, jewelry stores and other various and sundry edgy lil shops. At any rate, all I know for sure is that a good time was had by all....because OF COURSE what happens in Ybor City STAYS in Ybor City! lol

I HAVE been able to work on a couple of things over the weekend, now that I have my house back! ;o) These beauties will be ready for sale by evening, God willin' and the creek don't rise. The angel piece will be another peg hanger and the Christmas piece will be a pin keep. I'll be working on more Christmas things this week. Thank y'all for stoppin' by! xoxo AndieBee

SOLD-You Got To Have Faith!-SOLD

2009-10-23T18:00:00.004-04:00

I'm pleased to offer you this primitive peg hanger. My work is hand stitched in cotton floss on stained Osnaburg for that aged look we all love. A dusty rose is the chosen shade for this piece. The theme is "Faith", as signified by the vintage image of a little girl praying. There is also a skeleton key, symbolizing the unlocking of a door, which is what must happen to accept the fruits of Faith. Embellishments include rusty dressmaker pins, vintage buttons, different vintage laces, and bits of trim from what appeared to be a vintage wedding veil. It's backed as seen below and stuffed with polyfill. It measures approx. 4 1/2" H x 6 1/2" W. A lovely gift for yourself or a treasured friend!

Price: $12.99 + S&H Please click the PayPal button to purchase. Thanks for shopping with me! xoxo AndieBee

~SOLD~Somethin' New~SOLD~

2009-10-06T11:04:00.006-04:00

G'Mawnin' bloggity luvs! I've decided to try a lil somethin' new. Bear with me as I work out the kinks, if you please. :o)

I've stitched up this Winter peg hanger in a dusty blue gray on osnaburg. This fabric closely resembles early linen, complete with little slubbies in the weave. The buttons mother of pearl buttons are from the stash my sweet friend Carrie sent me. The little bit of embellishment in the upper left corner and the tattered tatted lace are from a most generous treasure box sent to me by dear Lilli. I've added a jute hanger pinned on with rusty safety pins, and of course it's all teastained for that aged look we love.

The back is a homespun blue and cream check. This piece measures approximately 4"H x 8"W without the hanger. What a pretty way to get in the winter spirit, wouldn't you say? At just $12.99= S&H it's the perfect way to own a quality handmade treasure. Please click the "Buy Now" button below to purchase. Thank you! xoxo AndieBee

Generosity

2009-09-11T10:40:00.002-04:00

Haaaay bloggity darlins'! I know I've been MIA for a lil bit, but I'm back and ready to get down to some serious business. :o)
Yesterday, I was out and about doing all kinds of tedious lil had to be done errands, and when I came back, I went straight to the mailbox. Nothing there but the usual suspects...junk mail and whatnot. So I go back to the car, grab my little JoAnn bag, and up the stairs to my door I go.
And what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a smallish Priority Mail box from my sweet friend Carrie Gonzalez!!! WOO HOO!! (Carrie's the co-owner of Noelle Garrett Designs What eye candy her creations are!)
Anywho, I got into the house, and promptly flung all but the box on the couch. I HAD to get into that box cause I KNEW there was a treasure in there! Sure enough, I'd received the buttons Carrie so graciously sent me.

She tied it up so prettily with a bit of vintage seam tape and lace, and added the cute tag and a bunch of happy yellow vintage millinery flowers.

Carrie also wrote me a sweet note on this cute card....

Cheeky lil heffa, that adorable fairy gal! LOL I love her, I love the buttons, and I love my friend Carrie! Y'all have a good good day! xoxo AndieBee

Another Day in Infamy

2009-09-11T10:20:00.004-04:00

No matter the amount of passing time, we will NEVER forget! An entire nation feels each individual loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims of this fateful day. xoxo AndieBee

Etsy Widget and Paris Pin Keep

2009-08-29T14:53:00.002-04:00

I've added my Etsy shop widget here so that you can take a peek at my shop if you like. I listed a lovely little cross stitched Paris pin keep/altered tag set today. I'd be delighted if you fell in love with her! ;o) xoxo AndieBee

Reworking Rejections Part Deux

2009-08-25T21:36:00.002-04:00

After quite a lot of thought and introspection, I'm not so sure the site that rejected me is for ME after all. Usually, upon being rejected, one thinks along the lines of: "Why am I not the ideal person for this? What makes ME wrong for them?" Or some such nonsense.....
Well, there's absolutely NOTHING wrong with ME. I'm not a fit for them, so dang what?! Big deal! I can't be everything to everyone anyway, which is perfectly fine with me. Sure it might be cool to review a certain product, or book, or CD/whatever thing it may be and then put the review into writing. However, I don't really want my blog to be about product reviews. Unless of course the products are lovely handmade crafty whatnots such as I make myself. I'd be HAPPY to have a blogfull of those kinds of reviews! So I think I'll just let it be.....continue making pinkeeps, whatnots & whimsies and hopefully selling them....and be happy come what may!
xoxo AndieBee

Dating Joe

2009-08-20T09:37:00.003-04:00

Every morning, even in the presence of my husband, I have a date with Joe. I've been dating him three decades and two years. That's WAAAAY over twice as many years as I have been married THIS time around. Joe didn't have anything to do with my first two marriages breaking up. Even if he did, I couldn't let him go. Noooo, he played no part in that at all, so I'm not concerned he'll have an effect on my current marriage. Unless of course I MISS my date with Joe. Hoooo boy, THEN there will be some issues for certain! Something about that special aroma he exudes, that full body and luscious copper tone brown as he sits there, so steamy and hot......mmmmmmmmmmmm!
How many of YOU carry on such a love affair with your coffee? ;o)
Enjoy your day! xoxo
AndieBee

Reworking Rejections

2009-08-19T23:44:00.003-04:00

Today I received a bit of news regarding one of the opportunities I mentioned yesterday. My blog wasn't accepted into the particular program because I don't have 20 original posts within the last 90 days. I KNEW I should have spent just a little more time here! But no worries... This is something that can be easily fixed, and quickly too. So I'm letting this be an added inspiration to blab just a little more over here, and hopefully in a few days I'll be accepted for that program.
Blessings,
Andie xoxo

Branching Out

2009-08-18T22:33:00.003-04:00

From time to time, you'll find some new and different posts from me. I'm exploring some new avenues of potential income. I look forward to testing them out, and hopefully supplementing my bottom line. My writing style may change a bit to accommodate the requirements of these venues. Don't worry, I'll still be the same old me, just reined in a bit! I'll continue to keep you updated on the current items offered at Brown Bee Studio, so you can continue to shop for just the right treasure. Thank you all for your support! xoxo, AndieBee

Summer Goodies

2009-08-10T18:59:00.005-04:00

Hello there bloggity luvs! So sorry I've been on hiatus of late...summer activities have a way of taking precedence don't they?
I attended the CHA Craft Supershow in Orlando July 31-August 1. Whatta blast THAT was! It was mostly for scrapbookers, which I am not, but I figured I could use papers and such for altered tags. This is just what was in ONE package I bought for $15. There are about a dozen clear stamps in this bunch, the camera bag, the chipboard alphas, the clock and the clock face. The clock alone is worth a cool Jackson! There is also a whole pound of buttons that came from a different place...FREEBIES!

The little cards were make and takes done by me...I guess they're not too bad for a no-scrappity kinda gal! ;o)

And here are a few of the shabby tomato pincushions that were a part of my wholesale order. I tea stained the fabric for these and used pretty blingy, pearly buttons-some from the freebie stash. I think they turned out very pretty if I DO say so myself.

Well lovelies, that's all I have for now. I hope to play with paper and get some pretty tags done soon! Y'all take care till next time.....
xoxo,
Andie

Christmas in July!

2009-06-29T20:41:00.005-04:00

Hey everyone, how is every lil ole thang? I've been working on some new tomatoes for my Etsy shop in anticipation of Christmas in July over at Nashville Boutiques. Click the pic and come join us...get your shop on early, and maybe even score a treat for yourself! xoxo Andie

Something New!

2009-06-24T13:01:00.003-04:00

Heeey, y'all! How's every lil ole thang? All's well here, in spite of the bumps in the road. I have decided to dive into something new for me, and have signed up for a mini-quilt swap sponsored by Michele of Quilting Gallery.

C'mon y'all...click on the button to pop over and register for the fun! xoxo Andie

Cute-ability Quotient=ASTRONOMICAL!

2009-06-18T09:42:00.005-04:00

Hey luvs! Social media is a beautiful thang, y'all. There are so many talented artists and business women on this big ole' planet we call home, and what better way to get acquainted with them? Case in point: Chelsea Ling at Paper Cakes. Not only does she create the sweetest things from all sorts of media (here are a couple),

she finds other fantabulous crafty gals and features them on her second blog aptly named Paper Cakes Finds.

I initially connected with Chelsea on Facebook, undoubtedly through some of my other swagger-iffic maker friends. She posted the cutest little paper and yo-yo flower pins, and this gal absolutely cannot resist blingy glittery colorful upcycled HAPPY goodies! =^]
Click on her name or the Paper Cakes Finds button to visit and oooh and aaaah over all the lovely eye candy. I know you'll be glad you did! xoxo Andie

You're A Winner!

2009-06-14T18:10:00.004-04:00

Sweet words for a crafty gal, especially when they come from none other than Heather Bailey herself! She held a blog giveaway where she asked the entrants to tell about their very first sewing experience ever. Check it out...I won one of Heather's very own Fresh Picked Pin Cushion patterns, as well as her sweet lil strawberry pin cushion kit!

I can't wait to whip up some of these. And yes...yes that IS pattern tissue salvaged from the pattern bad bad kitty Pepper managed to remove from its envelope and shread! lol ***NOW HEAR THIS PEPPER! I better NOT catch you anywhere REMOTELY close to my newest pattern addition, or your furry lil rump is Chop Suey!***
****The last sentence is purely a joke!
Y'all stay tuned for more goodies coming soon, and please go visit Heather by clicking on her name! You'll love her happy lil bright spot! Thanks for the crafty goodness cupcake!
xoxo,
Andie

New News!

2009-06-01T21:45:00.002-04:00

Hello my lil sugar dumplins! Just a quick note to let y'all know the new Nashville boutiques ad is ready for preview. Click the lil button to the right that says "Nashville Boutiques" to pop over and peep it. I'm so excited about this opportunity I could just about holler! lol Thanks for your support and encouragement folksies...I truly appreciate every one of you! xoxo Andie

Game Over!

2009-05-30T23:27:00.001-04:00

Well, the sale is anyway! Don't worry if ya' missed this one, there will be plenty more to come. I intend to have a lil' giveaway...same Bat Time, same Bat Station, so stay tuned luvs! xoxo Andie

Last day...

2009-05-28T17:07:00.001-04:00

is tomorrow for my "Buy 2 get 1 Free" sale on my in stock tomato pincushionc.....so ya'll come on over and get them while they're still fresh! xoxo Andie

Blowout Sale!

2009-05-26T23:15:00.003-04:00

'Sup kats and kittehs? Check it...I'm havin' a buy 2 get 1 free sale on all in stock tomatoes! Gotta make room for new crop, and this is my way of givin' y'all a lil' sumthin' sumthin' for helpin' a girl out on this. Just pop me a note with your selections and I'll get 'em right off to ya' lickety split...Thank y'all for shoppin' with me! xoxo Andie

I'd like to thank....

2009-05-24T22:30:00.004-04:00

Dianne for giving me the "Honest Scrap" award. I've thanked her, added the "Honest Scrap" image and linked to her blog (just click on her name to visit her) and now I gotta list ten honest things about me, then tag 7 bloggity friends.

And heeeere we goooo....

1. I'm a fabric hoarder.

2. I'm a rescuer.

3. I'm starting to believe I actually am pretty.

4. I hide my feelings too often from those that matter most to me.

5. I SUCK at communicating with my loved ones!

6. I'm much too nerdy for my own good.

7. I'd love to live in a cottage by a stream with a wildflower/veggie garden and soft green grass between my bare toes!

8. I tend to believe in the best of people but expect the worst of them.

9. I went to my Senior Prom without a date, and the only dude that danced with me was Coach Ward!

10. I HATE liver!

My awardees are:

Gail-Gail Friend Designs
Georgia-Grandma G's
Roxie-Candylights/Jorabeel's
Lori-Katie's Rose Cottage
Carrie-Noelle Garrett Designs
Susie-The Polka Dot Rose
Cathy-Treasured Heirlooms

Lookin' forward to y'alls lists! xoxo Andie

(Edited to add the last three true things...sheesh...sometimes I'm sooo ditzy!)

Memorial Day, 'Maters and Musings

2009-05-24T21:51:00.002-04:00

I am eternally grateful for the sacrifice of my brothers and sisters who have gone before me.....

On a lighter note, here's a few more fresh 'maters ready to be picked. I know I know...'maters don't REALLY grow in such riotous colors, but ANYTHING'S possible in Andie's garden! :o) So get your pick on...c'mon yanno ya love my delicious offerings!

Having said that (about ANYTHING being possible in my garden), I'ma speak on the issue of different and gardens and possibilities. Y'all know there are certain arts on the brink of fading away. Y'all know that I firmly believe in seein' that DOES NOT happen. I have the utmost respect for traditional ways, especially in quilting/embroidery/clothing design, etc. HOWEVER...and I DO mean HOWEVER...there is NO question in my mind that in order to preserve these traditions and see that they are never lost, they MUST evolve. Evolution means doing whatever is necessary to make a particular art relevant now so it's learned and passed on. To do THAT ya' gotta give tradition an EDGE....yep I said EDGE!!! (OMG y'all don't go runnin' and screamin' like Godzilla's after ya'!) Traditionalist weren't always traditionalists yo! They were innovators, experimenters, ground breakers, imaginators, free thinkers, willy nillyers....they got they swag on when there wasn't no such thang as swag. They didn't let NOBODY box 'em in, tie 'em down, blind their visions, crush their dreams...they RAWKED the dang thang! Now I could be wrong about this, but I don't hardly think so...I think the traditionalists would applaud ANYBODY who brought a lil edge to an art 'cuz they know it's goin' on for at least another generation....
Just my humble opinion y'all....thanx for lissenin'...xoxo Andie

Fresh Tomatoes!

2009-05-20T01:22:00.004-04:00

'Sup cats and kitties? I know y'all have been waitin' on the next pickin'...it's finally here! WOO HOO!!

Same as before...if ya' want one of these shabby sweet fruits of my labors, just choose the number & gimme a holla.

We'll work it on out from there, sweetpeas and thank y'all so much for shoppin' at this lil gal's market!! xoxo AndieBee

EXTRA EXTRA!!!

2009-05-11T23:04:00.002-04:00

Head's up cats and kitties....ALL the tomato pincushions are SOLD!!! Yippee Skippee!!
Never fear though...there will be more to come soon! Thank you, thank you THANK YOU!!! xoxo AndieBee

Yo-Yo Pincushions

2009-05-09T19:32:00.007-04:00

Hey luvs, I have some new eye candy for ya'! Peep these happy lil Yo-Yo Pin Cushions I whipped up...well two are the ones from the previous post, but I wanted to get a lil sumthin' sumthin' new up here. If you'd like one for your very own, shoot me a note tellin' me which you want by number, I'll send you a Pay Pal invoice and it'll be on the way to ya' lickety split! All are made from cotton print fabrics and have a vintage button in the center of the yo-yo. Thanks y'all from the bottom of my heart! xoxo AndieBee

Showin' & Tellin'

2009-05-03T22:59:00.002-04:00

Wut's good my suga pies? :o) Hope y'alls weekends were FANTABULOUS!
So, I'm dingin' round in the Salvation Army store...picked up a few books and a couple of big ole candy jars to store trims or bling or other goodies in...and somethin' said "Girlie, gone ova there and peep those purses...c'mon, yanno ya' wanna!" I says to myself "Naw, don't need another purse...sides, I ain't tryin' to spend this entire twenny bucks up in here!" Buuuut....y'all KNOW I was foolin' myself and right on ova there I went! I poked about for a few minutes, cuz like I said, I wasn't really lookin' for a purse to start with. Well, pawn my soul, what to my wondering eyes should appear but a vintage COACH bag!!!!!!! Hot dang...COACH...I've never owned an expensive purse in my ENTIRE LIFE!!
So I calmly walked up to the register, sat the purse on the counter and proceeded to put the other things I had up there too. The lady starts ringing them up and she says "Seven dollars please" HUH?!?!? So I says "Did you get the purse too?" She says "Oh no, I thought that was your bag" (Ya' mean I coulda walked right out with a COACH bag for FREE?!?!?!?!) So I says "No ma'am, I didn't come in with a bag so I could keep my hands free for rummaging" She says "Oh okay I didn't know", rings it up as I'm holdin' my breath, and then says "Now it's nine dollars please" Before I could stop myself as I'm handin' her a twenny, I say "SHUT UP! SERIOUSLY?!" I caught the look on her face, which confirmed she's no where near Southern if the accent hadn't, and knew immediately that I'd offended her. So I apologized profusely, explaining that it just means "Get outta heah", and sashayed my happy butt outta that store uberquick! lol TWO BUCKS FOR A VINTAGE COACH BAG....now THAT"s a bargain!!!
I also made these tomato pincushions. I think they're pretty darn cute, if I do say so myself.

Can ya' tell I've been feelin' kinda green lately...in more ways than one! Till next time sweetpeas......xoxo AndieBee

Newly Listed

2009-04-29T19:27:00.002-04:00

'Sup cats and kitties? Just wanted to let y'all know I just listed this over on eBay. I didn't have any success over there with my Bunnies and Bluebells, but I thought I might give it another shot. Hope y'all pop on over there to take a peek....c'mon, yanno ya' wanna! :o) xoxo AndieBee

Prettyful!

2009-04-19T21:16:00.003-04:00

Hi cats and kitties! I know it's been too long since I've given my blog the attention it deserves...but I do have a little pretty to share with you.

You can find this pin keep over in my Etsy shop.
I have given quite a bit of consideration to my business endeavor of late, and I believe I should focus on just one venue at this time. It's important to me to offer you my best, and I think concentrating on one spot will allow me to do just that. I hope ya'll will hop over to Etsy and check me out there. xoxo AndieBee

Vive la France!

2009-04-02T22:47:00.004-04:00

Although my latest creation does not directly point to Marie Antoinette specifically, I believe it DOES embrace a bit of the beauty she imbued. Marie Antoinette adored Paris, and visited quite frequently during the late 1770's. She spent much time in the city of lovers, attending masked balls, horse races, and nights at the opera and theatre. At a very tumultuous time in French political and financial history, Marie Antoinette threw royal protocol to the four winds. Her decadence and political ignorance ultimately proved to be her own undoing. However, the remnants of her opulent lifestyle make us today all the more rich, for many of us can now experience the beauty of such station in life, if only in lovely daydreams.

This pretty little pin keep evokes a certain sense of Marie Antoinette's love of beauty. The vintage rhinestone button, although missing several stones, stirs a sense of old well loved jewelry, as do the little vintage aged pearl beads.

Marie Antoinette's favorite flower was the pink rose. She also was an accomplished needle worker, creating some of the beauty she craved through the work of her own hands. I think, all in all, I have chosen a fitting representation, don't you? xoxo AndieBee

Marie Antoinette-Pink Friday @ Make Mine Pink

2009-04-02T22:40:00.001-04:00

Marie Antoinette was young, tall, blonde and beautiful and she set fashion trends through France and Europe. She was nicknamed "Madame Deficit" or "Queen of Debt” because the Queen spent lavishly on her dress and adornments, exceeding annually her clothing allowance (her overruns always covered by her devoted husband Louis). Her flip remark “Let them eat cake” (attributed to her, but never confirmed) was the spark that ignited the French Revolution. Today, we simply cannot get enough of “Marie”
Only 15 when she married the crown prince of France, the dauphin. France was then the most powerful nation of continental Europe, and the royal palace at Versailles the most opulent. She became Queen of France while still a teen. Her excessive fashions for high headdresses, plumes and voluminous dresses were subject to public comment, admiration and ridicule. At Versailles, the Queen also spent lavishly on her friends and on her entertainment. She held frequent gambling parties, masquerade balls and danced all night long.
To escape the formalities, boredom, and royal obligations of court, Marie-Antoinette created a private realm of pleasure for herself and her friends at the Petit Trianon, a small retreat palace on the grounds of Versailles, and Hameau, where she planted the first Anglo-Chinese garden; collected all species of antique roses; and revolutionized architecture and gardening trends. It was so much her escape that the King was reported only to have visited her there a few times.
So why do we love Marie Antoinette today? All her extravagance, her life of excess, her hairstyles that were larger than life, her reported love of pastries and champagne (some truth and some fiction as Marie was a teetotaler) all create for us a time and place where a young girl can be Queen. Marie Antoinette has become a real inspiration.

Sharon Wollman,
Director of Community Relations @MakeMinePink.com
Designer @ CestChouetteHome.com

Image by: ThePolkaDotRose.com

Please join us for shopping with a twist on Pink Friday, April 3, 2009 as we present Marie Antoinette

Bunnies and Blue Bells

2009-04-01T23:57:00.002-04:00

Hey there bloggity friends! I just listed this little pin keep on eBay, Bunnies and Blue Bells . Pop over, take a peek, and do bid if you so desire.....aaaah, c'mon...yanno ya wanna! xoxo AndieBee

Special Delivery!

2009-03-12T22:56:00.003-04:00

So I FINALLY get to the post office to pick up the package that went with the peachy little notice in my mailbox. I'd been expecting it for a little while now, and it seemed the forces that be were working against me every step of the way. I even went to the WRONG facility to start with today! lol
Was this yummy box SOOO worth the wait?! You betcher sweet patootie it was! My sweet friend Carol K of Business in the Bag is the sender, and what a treasure she sent. Beautiful linen, sumptuous silk thread, silver and gold needles, and a teeny little silver bee charm were the contents of the bright pink box. I've never stitched on linen or with silk thread so this is definitely a delectable treat for me. And that little silver bee? She has a new home on my charm bracelet! Thank you so much Carol for spreading such joy today!
Till next time sweet friends....
xoxo AndieBee

Springity Spring!

2009-03-08T22:40:00.002-04:00

Even though it was a whopping 85 degrees here in central FL today (which is definitely summery in MY book!), spring is in the air! Or is that spring fever?! lol No matter, I worked up this sweet little spring pinkeep over the weekend. It's on auction over at eBay if you want dibs....and yanno ya wanna! lol Take care sweet friends, till next time.....xoxo AndieBee

Gifts of the Heart

2009-01-25T16:41:00.004-05:00

Simple delights are often the most treasured. Old letters shared between family members long gone, a handwritten recipe on the back of a well used cookbook page, an autumn leaf or Valentine rose pressed between the pages of the family Bible, a bauble or trinket kept safe in a little velvet lined music box....these are the things we tend to cherish most. Susie, my sweet friend and owner of The Polka Dot Rose bestowed such a gift on me this week. She sent me the two little bee pins you see pictured on my newest pincushion. Her dear Momma was Bea, and her uncle was a beekeeper. Susie, thank you so much for sharing your memories and your treasures with me!
My wish for you all is that you find and share a little joy today! xoxo AndieBee

Gettin' bizzy for the New Year....

2009-01-11T22:39:00.003-05:00

Hey there blogland....long time no see! I hope every single one of you had the most splendifferous New Year's celebration ever. But now that the tree is down, the ornies safely tucked away, all the confetti vacuumed up, headaches cured, and the thank you notes for all the loverly gifts sent....well, folks it's time to get serious again. Now, I'm not talkin' bout gloom and doom, emo/goth style serious. The serious I'm talkin' bout is that kinda refreshed, renewed sense of purpose and willingness to do whatever it takes to realize your DREAM serious! Yeppers, cats and kitties, if ever there was a time to DREAM it's now. Our lives as we know them are on the brink of a change the likes of which most of us have never seen before. Whether it's monumentally negative or monumentally positive is entirely up to YOU.
On that note, the lil bee you see above is my new take on branding Brown Bee Studio. It's just a rough sketch....I'll rework her in color soon....and just maybe she'll have her own lil crown to boot. I haven't quite decided on that, but she is the epitome of what I want my business to be. Kinda cute, a bit cheeky, and never too far away from just a tiny sting when provoked.
Here's to a brand new start for all of us! xoxo Andie

Merry Christmas Everyone!

2008-12-25T09:54:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to take a moment to wish you all the joy and laughter and loved ones surrounding you on this most blessed day! Merry Merry Christmas! xoxo Andie

Coloriffic!

2008-12-14T21:08:00.003-05:00

Hello cats and kitties! I know it's been a minute since I've posted here....so sorry for the lapse. =0) I've been doin' my best to get into that swaggeriffic swing of things, but I have faced a mean meanie (it seems) at every turn. But no matter....I DID get this colorful little pouch done just in time for show and tell. I gotta tell ya'll...it's such FUN to work with these colors and patterns. One glance and the mood is instantly as bright as they are. I do have to brush up on my basic sewing skills, and I think the interfacing in this one is a bit too heavy. Overall, I am pleased by this hot little number, though. It makes me smile.....and isn't that what REALLY matters anyway? Ya'll take care and make room for a lil bright in your life won'tcha? ;0) xoxo Andie

P.S. Why yes...yes that IS a basket full of hot pink boa, thank ya' ma'am!!!!!

Technicolor Dreamcoat

2008-12-06T13:49:00.002-05:00

Well, maybe not technically, but the girl's got her swagger back! My makergirlfriend Dianne gave me some words of wisdom the other night which gave way to a little introspection. Then my lil headgears went to turnin'...I couldn't sleep...so I gave all that thought an outlet. My new look is the result....pretty, vivid, inspiring, HAPPY colors!

Glory be chile! It's such a refreshement in these troubled times. Some of you know that the disturbia that is our present world had insipidly invaded my home, my relationship and indeed, my soul. I felt a weight....overwhelming, suffocating, oppressive darkness that seemed to literally crush me...mind, body and spirit. That is SOOOOOOOOOO not Andie! Andie is brash, bright, bold, givesaflip what anyone thinks of her antics, dances whenever she feels like it/wherever she feels like it, probably sings the song off key at the top of her voice while she dances, loves skinart, lets her hair fly in the wind, waves at strangers, wears sparkly MaryJane sneakers and generally colors outside the lines.

Well, I'm diggin' out my coloring books and my big ole 64 box of Crayolas, and I'm gonna color whatever/whenever/wherever I damn well please! And I don't care if ya' get mad at me for leavin' crayons in the sun to melt...I'm makin' a NEW rainbow...you can bet THAT!

Goodies Galore!

2008-11-22T15:45:00.002-05:00

This has been a goodie filled week for Miss Andie Bee, indeed! In the middle of a VERY nerve frazzling, fraught with stress work week, I received the nicest surprise in my mail box. I smelled it WAAAAAY before I even got to the boxes...thought "Well some lucky joker got somethin' really good in the mail today!"....and lo and behold! The lucky joker was ME. lol

The pretty little sachet you see in the pic was kickin' up all the fuss. =o) It came to me compliments of Pat at Patricia Rose . I tell you, it smells absolutely DIVINE!

Today I received a goodie box I won from Francie of The Scented Cottage . She had a blog contest and somehow I was the lucky winner. Just LOOK at all that came in my box!!!

A couple of loverly Christmas tokens and a little package of her simmering potpourri....mmmmmmm! And a mystery box within the box.....whatever could be in THERE?!

OMG OMG OMG! Just LOOOOK.....the cutest little teacup candle EVER in life, complete with little faux lemon slice and demitasse spoon. And didja see didja see?! There's a little bee on the spoon, and on the cup too, and Francie even put little bee stickers on the box. ON TOP of all THAT...this candle smells just as heavenly as her potpourri, and Pat's too! They got my house smellin' all Christmasy and we haven't even eaten the turkey yet. lol

But WAIT...there's MORE!!!!

Peep all the FANTABULOUS scrapbookin goodies Francie included. Stickers, and embellishments, and little wooden tags...papers, and cards and die cuts! I tell ya'll....not only does it smell Christmasy...it looks it too! xoxo Andie

Show and Tell Monday

2008-11-16T20:39:00.002-05:00

I finished this little wintry pinkeep and got her listed this weekend. I'm rather homesick for cooler climes at this time of year. She reflects my wanna cozy up by the fire state of mind. I apologize for the brevity of my S&T this week. I'm sure I'll have recovered my verbosity come next Monday! lol ;o)

Show and Tell Monday

2008-11-09T22:02:00.003-05:00

Well, hello there blogland! lol Here's a couple of things I completed and listed this weekend. I was a busy lil Queen Bee, wasn't I? ;o)

I really do love stitching this type of sampler style goodies, but primitive usually entails NOTHING girly. So I also whipped up this sweet lil shabby chic strawberry sachet for a lil prettification.

Please forgive the photo...I'm still working on those skills.
Thank ya'll for visitin' me and Happy Monday!

P.S. Sorry darlins, the little angel shoe isn't up for grabs. She belonged to my Memaw, so she's stayin' with me! =o)

Candy-licious Show and Tell Moday

2008-10-26T20:43:00.004-04:00

Today I completed these sweet, colorblasted aprons. I thought these Asian themed fabrics were too cute together! The aqua has geta sandals and fans, the pink has little gray geisha bears with parasols amongst cherry blossoms, and the red has another interpretation of (what I think is) cherry blossoms.

This is the same one...it's reversible! **smile**

I thought I'd love this one when it was finished. It's okay, but I think I need to work on the details....it needs perfecting....
And now for the sweetest most delectable lil bon bon.....

Say hello to my little great niece Hailey. She's my nephew Leroy's lil one....such a cutie if I DO say so myself! lol Happy Show and Tell! xoxoxo Andie

Bestowment!

2008-10-22T21:10:00.003-04:00

I'd like to thank my friend Melissa at Adored Before for giving me the Marie Antoinette Award!
***blushes profusely at getting Melissa's name wrong the first time round....what a way to treat the gal who thinks enough of me to award me!!!!***

Award rules are:
1. Please put the logo on your blog
2. Link the person it to the person from whom you recieved the award
3. Nominate at least 7 or more blogs
4. Put the links of those blogs on your blog
5. Leave a message on their blogs to tell them.

So here's my list of incredibly talented chicaritas whom I'm bestowing in turn!
1. Dianne @ Mamma's Pocketbook
2. Lilli @ LilliBlue's Closet
3. Deena @ Nestled in the Singing Woods
4. Ele @ A Bit of Pink Heaven
5. Teriann @ A Slice of Pink
6. Pat @ Patricia Rose
7. Carol @ Clutterbug Studio

You girlies are glamtabulous! xoxo Andie

Show and Tell Monday Redux

2008-10-20T20:40:00.002-04:00

Well, cats and kitties, it IS technically still Monday right?! lol
Ever have that feelin' that if ONE MORE THING happens that requires even a fleeting thought, your brain will totally utterly disintegrate? Well sweetpeas, that's EXACTLY how I feel right about now. So in all honesty, I put off Show and Tell Monday, fully intending to forgo it this week. Then I got to thinkin' (I know right?! I just said...)---I can't let all this extraneous cosmic chatter stop me from doin' exactly what I want and NEED to do! I can't allow fear to seep in and take root in my spirit....and I WON'T.
So here's what I listed on eBay this week:

It's a little woolen pinkeep atop a bitty treasure box. The wool tweed is from an old tattered suitcoat Devon used for Halloween one year. The box is painted and distressed for an aged look . There's still a little time on it if you'd like to pop over and peek. Type BLESTB in the search bar....you'll find me there amongst some very talented maker gals. =0)
Thank ya'll for stoppin' by...it really does mean the world to me! xoxo Andie

Big News at Brown Bee Studio!

2008-10-12T21:13:00.003-04:00

Well, my bloggity friends, Brown Bee Studio is officially on the web! I'm still so confused and feeling out of my league, but change is necessary for growth right? It's a work in progress, as am I, so bear with me as I muddle through as best I can. I will be adding product as quickly as I can make it. Please let me know what you think and know that I welcome all constructive criticism.
You will find this bright happy lil teacup pincushion on the site. This is the one whose mate I kept for myself. Proof that blue isn't always....well....blue! lol

I also listed this Halloween pin keep on eBay today. I didn't get much out in the way of Halloween this year, which makes me kinda sad. Halloween's one of my favorite holidays!

Ya'll have a happy Monday and keep it pink!

Pink October Shop Hop at Make Mine Pink

2008-10-08T20:08:00.003-04:00

C'mon ya'll.....I know ya'll know about Pink October and the Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Foundation. Come support this vitally necessary cause by hoppin' right on over to Make Mine Pink's Pink October Shop Hop! You'll find some fantabulous goodies in the boutiques, you can win some splendifferous prizes too....and a portion of all proceeds go to Susan G. Koman for the Cure. See that ribbon just like this one?
Over there...on your right....just above the other MMP widgets? Get to hoppin' and click it to start your pink shoppin' and searchin'! xoxo Andie

Show and Tell Moday!

2008-10-05T21:12:00.002-04:00

This pretty pink pincushion is the result of my work this weekend. I've listed it in my Little Pink Boutique over at Make Mine Pink .
My son Devon and his girlfriend Heather came over this evening. Devon made dinner for us...pork loin, fresh asparagus and yellow rice. It was DEEEEE-LIIIISH! Good food and good company made a splendifferous ending to an already nice day.
So today I'm grateful for family, breezy afternoons, a hubby who brings me brownies at just the right time, lavender scented fabric softener and the power of pink!
(Ya'll kindly go round and visit all my pink sisters today too....I think you'll be pleased at what you may find!) xoxo AndieBee

Princess-y!

2008-10-04T17:52:00.003-04:00

I just added these sachets to my Little Pink Boutique....hop on over to Brown Bee Studio to check them out....c'mon, yanno you LOVE shopping the boutiques at Make Mine Pink !

Ch-ch-cha-chaanges!

2008-10-01T21:29:00.004-04:00

What the Sam Hill's gotten into AndieBee ya'll may be askin'?! Well sweetpeas, I'd ordered some biz cards from Vista Print. This was part of my effort in goin' ugly early, cause a makergirl has to operate on the cheap sometimes. I woulda loved to have had them custom done to match my tealyaquafellinluvwithit color, but a chick's gotta do what a chick's gotta do. I'm showin one to you (down there...under my babbling) so you can see where I'm tryin to go with this revamp. Feel free to critique away...I got mah big girl panties on today! lol

P.S. They really ARE a much lighter grayer slateyblue than in this here pic!

Show and Tell Monday

2008-09-28T23:25:00.002-04:00

My show and tell this week is my little score from the Salvation Army Thrift this weekend. I got these fantastic teacups (two each of the turquoise and the blue floral in the forefront)....I REALLY had to rummage for these! lol But the hunt is always the best part of thrifting. On the way to the checkout, I passed by this ginormous rounder just full of belts. The buckle you see in the pic just POPPED out at me from amongst all the other plain ole regular buckles. I remembered Roxie's (of Candylight's by Jorabeel's) lil tray of thriftbling buckles, and SNATCHED it right up! lol It was the ONLY pretty blingy buckle in the lot. I'm keeping one of the turquoise cups for myself, since I don't have a "proper" teacup. The rest will become pincushions. I think I wanna make that buckle into a pinkalicious brooch.....we shall see!
Kindly take a moment to pop over to Make Mine Pink and check out my pink sista's show and tells too....TONS of pinkaliciousness to behold for sure!
Luvins, Andie

Stitches in Time Pink Friday Event!

2008-09-25T09:24:00.005-04:00

Tiny stitches holding the hem of a linen napkin, stitches intertwined to make the most delicate lace, stitches crocheted by the smallest hook, stitches through canvas strengthened by wool yarn. It's these stitches created out of love that adorn a bedspread crocheted for a granddaughter's wedding, a sampler commemorating the birth of a child, a fine table cloth made to entertain the most important guests and family at Thanksgiving. Each of these stitches has survived the test of time and is so much more appreciated today as gifts from our past and treasures of our future.

Ya'll come join us at Make Mine Pink for our "Stitches in Time" Pink Friday event, September 26. You will find the most cherished items stitched with time and love. (It's my first Pink Friday, so please come on over and see our goodies!)

(photo and lead in text property of Joyce Lucas/Cottage Collections/Make Mine Pink)

Show and Tell Monday Goodies for You!

2008-09-21T14:39:00.005-04:00

Just wanted to let blogland know that I have a couple of new creations to offer. Hop on over to my Little Pink Boutique at Make Mine Pink to read all about them....c'mon bloggity friends...ya' know ya' wanna! And don't forget to check out my pink sistas Show and Tells too....beautemous to be certain. =0]

Grounding

2008-09-16T21:04:00.002-04:00

"Each day, take time to imagine your heart being filled with peace. Go through your day creating peace within yourself and within your environment. Treat yourself and others in loving, peaceful ways. Live a life filled with peace.

We can only create peace in our world by first creating peace within ourselves."
- Rev. Claudia McNeely

I get a monthly newsletter from Rev. Claudia called Lightworks. I don't really remember why I signed up for it, but although I am a Christian, I believe there's merit to other religious teachings outside Christianity. Basically anytime there's an opportunity to learn a lesson about being a better person, I think it's a good thing. Am I a little odd? Weeeell duuuh! lol Am I a bit eccentric in my faith? I'd say so. Do I believe I'm going to Hell because I give consideration to other than Christian religion? Honestly I don't.....but there ARE those who would disagree. And that's just fine with me.
My point in posting this particular meandering is this: In this world so fraught with people treating others atrociously, with such economic chaos, with hatred and evil and upheval and war and mudslinging and on and on and on.....those of us who seek calm, beauty, goodness, light, and yes, even peace-we have NO OTHER choice but to start within ourselves. Think of it....if each of us find that place where WE are peace, doesn't it make sense the world would be peace?
Thanks for lissenin' to the ramblings of this craftynuttydreamermakergirl! Luvins! xoxo

It's Pink Friday again chicadees!

2008-09-11T23:02:00.002-04:00

Please join the boutiques at Make Mine Pink on Friday, September 12th for "Harvest Home", this week's PINK Friday "Shopping With a Twist" event!