february

better late then never!

for the birds

I love to bird watch! I'm in awe at how these little guys could make it through the cold winters...I can't stand it out in the freezing temperatures and I have plenty of body fat, how do they manage!  so I like to help them out by feeding them with seed feeders, but for a little extra fun, I save all the winter berries at the bottom of the Christmas boxes here at the shop. I fill small containers of different shapes with berries, water plus a loop of  twine and let them freeze. I make lots of them and keep them in my freezer. I place a few out every week, the birdies love it, and I love watching them out my window :) You should try it!

happy valentines

I love this dog so much it's crazy!!!

paper dahlias at indie wed

Every year after the holidaze and the madness, we count on Indie Wed for a boost of creative energy! I love me a creative  project and frankly I would participate in  Indie Wed for the opportunity to create and socialize with my friends in the industry, what an uber talented bunch! And so it started with a bright & fun color palette plus some old books... 538 cones later this is what we came up with :)

We shared a booth with Reenie Rose, who preserves  wedding bouquets via oil on canvas, pretty smart! So of course we used her talents to create our silhouettes!

We had a fantastic time meeting new couples  and visiting with friends. The event ran so smooth as always! Thank you Kelly for all of your hard work :) Take a look at these gorgeous shots from our oh so talented friend Amanda Megan Miller Photography .

This is Amanda's fab booth!

We,Unity Candle rocked it out!

A beautiful new addition this year... I hope they continue to do it! The Belles and Gents Lounge; organized by SQN Events put together with the help of Goose Island Catering, Truffle Truffle, Femme du Coupe, ShutterBooth, A LA Crate Vintage Rentals, and Courtney Callahan Paper.

So many creative minds under one roof my head was spinning with joy! and these are just a few, Pemberley Events, Nible Well, Mika Vaughan Makeup Artist, Life Made Pretty, Neil Dixon Smith, Five Grain Events, Fumme Gypsy Project, Mignonette Bridal, Penelope's Press, Olivia Leigh Photograpie, Simply Wood Rings, Naturally Yours Events, so many really not enough time or room! Oh wait Ravenswood Event Center how amazing was their food?! I need one of those lentil burgers for lunch everyday!!! and Puffs of Doom? What?! Yes!!! I'LL take a dozen please!

 All in all  you can't go wrong with this event, a perfect way to spend an afternoon...but be careful you might just come home and redo your entire house! the inspiration is just that good!

Here at the shop we are jumping right into Valentine's madness, so I'll just have to settle with recycling our paper dahlias into our tree, but what I really like to do is make a bedspread out of Amanda's backdrop! Come on now! it would be amazing!

See you next year!

fun vintage trickets!

 Victorian Mosaic Ring

19th Century Chinese Kingfisher Feather & Coral Earrings

1900s Edwardian Carved Coral & Pearl Flower Necklace

 beautiful gold ring with intricately braided brown hair

Cities of Great Britain Lockets

1980s Turquoise and Pearl Marquis "N" Ring

 Mid 18th Century Table Cut Diamond Cluster/Flower Ring

 

 19th Century Ivory Leg Pendant

1890s Coral Ring

 1890-1900s Victorian Colored Paste Ring

This post is for the boys, in honor of certain upcoming hallmark holiday... think outside the box, girls don't always want the expected, something with a bit of history and character is always good, and always always get flowers ha!
Below are links to two of my favorite places to look for great pieces!
erin basin   erica weiner

pOp up LOVE

February 14th!!!! The day Cupid comes out to play! We are hosting a cup cake pOp up shOppe! Our friend and bride from the past Karin from The Pastry Palace will be here with these delights!!!! Pop in and get your special someone beautiful blooms and a sweet treat!  Larger orders must be placed ahead of time. Please call  630 243 9430 to place your orders! Red Velvet, Double Chocolate, and Vanilla Bean cup cakes, Cake Pops are Double Chocolate.

happenings

A fresh batch of beautiful SAIPUA soaps is back in, they are magnificent, you must come and sniff the shop. 

With Indie Wed around the corner we have put our creative juices to work!

We can't wait to show you our final product! I

 will be sharing a booth with our friend Reniee Rose. It has been so much fun seeing it all come together, our booth will be bold, bright, sassy, and beautiful. Come out and see! you can get your tickets here.

happy friday!

Caitlyn and Ryan

Last July Caitlyn became Mrs Cook, (a country girl at heart),  the wedding of her dreams was to be at home in her parents backyard. She wanted everyone to be relaxed , enjoy good food, great country music and cold beer! And so it was!

Loving family, great friends, her beautiful horse Ladyhawk and a Cook waiting for her at the end of the isle :) what else could a country girl want!?

Take a look at these amazing pictures from our friends at T&S Hughes Photography , they are to die for!