Victorian Whimsies

The girls..........

2012-02-01T13:42:00.001-06:00

These snowgirls are from my Christmas collection for Midwest-CBK, and will be available in retail stores across the country in the Fall!

"Selling Christmas Decorations" magazine......

2012-01-30T15:24:00.001-06:00

I received a copy of the January 2012 issue of "Selling Christmas Decorations" magazine, the ultimate resource for Holiday buying. It was such an honor to be featured for Midwest-CBK in the article ~"Designers of Christmas: Established artists have made names for themelves in the seasonal marketplace."~

February 14th.....

2012-01-29T10:37:00.004-06:00

Next up?! Valentine's Day! I love decorating for this Holiday, using vintage postcards and glittered hearts.

Also, tiny little cones filled with flowers....makes me crave Spring!

Another beautiful showroom!!!

2012-01-24T14:40:00.000-06:00

Even though the roads were terrible yesterday, I made my way to the Minneapolis Mart! It's been so fun to see all of the different ways my collections are displayed.

There's still time to sign up for my online class!

2012-01-23T18:49:00.002-06:00

Have fun learning how to create these two Victorian cones when you sign up for the online class I'm teaching through "Joggles"! (While they are perfect for Valentine's Day, you could use them for any time of the year!)

Click HERE for all of the info and to sign up!

Had a great time.....

2012-01-22T18:45:00.001-06:00

......at The Chicago Market! The display of my Midwest-CBK Halloween and Christmas collections and the entire showroom were just awesome!

On to Minneapolis tomorrow......

To Market, to market...

2012-01-19T11:11:00.002-06:00

I'm so excited to be heading to The Chicago Market this weekend! It will be fun to see my new collections in person at the Midwest-CBK showroom.

America's Mart in Atlanta;....

2012-01-15T17:44:00.002-06:00

I've seen a few photos from Midwest-CBK showrooms in Atlanta, and the displays of my collections look just beautiful! Can't wait to see them at The Chicago Market next week!!!

Pink, polka-dots and old lace.....

2012-01-12T14:17:00.002-06:00

.....available here!

Another year older.......

2012-01-11T08:50:00.001-06:00

I had a wonderful Birthday yesterday! The temp reached 56 degrees, which is record breaking here in MN in January! I enjoyed walking the trails at The Riverbend Nature Center for a couple of hours in the afternoon, then it was out to dinner with Rick, and visiting some friends.

Here are a few of the photos I took on my walk..............

Life's a circus sometimes........

2012-01-07T12:30:00.002-06:00

I just love this elephant I got recently! He makes me smile when I walk into my studio, and reminds me that sometimes life can be juggling act......(but, hey, if an elephant can do it, so can I!)

Heart's desire.......

2012-01-03T22:53:00.004-06:00

....available HERE!

Couple of chicks..........

2012-01-03T11:15:00.002-06:00

I created this pair of Valentine themed chicks a couple of years ago and they always make me smile!

I think I need to make something similar..........

"Miss Maudy"

"Dapper Dan"

Valentine's Day is just around the corner!

2012-01-02T18:10:00.000-06:00

My Christmas and Halloween collections will launch in Atlanta in a couple of weeks!

2012-01-01T12:02:00.006-06:00

2012

2011-12-31T19:39:00.003-06:00

2011-12-28T20:05:00.003-06:00

I don't even have the Christmas tree down yet, and my workbench is filling up with bunnies......

2011-12-25T13:38:00.001-06:00

Midwest-CBK Collections.........

2011-12-16T13:16:00.007-06:00

I've been so anxious to share photos of the collections I created for Midwest-CBK and I'm finally able to do so!! The reproductions are very well done, and I couldn't be prouder to have my name on them!!!

~Available from retailers for Halloween and Christmas, 2012~

Hark the Herald Angels sing..............

2011-12-14T17:02:00.003-06:00

Available here: Sale Page

And, above two snowmen were created for some dear friends!

Celebrate 365 magazine..........

2011-12-09T16:24:00.002-06:00

Holiday issue, 2012

Published in February issue of Create & Decorate magazine............

2011-12-06T16:57:00.002-06:00

Available on newsstands December 13th!

Santas.............

2011-12-04T11:01:00.002-06:00

are one of my favorite things to create!

If you'd like to be notified when I have new items available for purchase, please contact me @: nancymalay@gmail.com

Or, check my website: NancyMalay.com

To see new items for sale click here: Items available

"The supreme accomplishment is to blur the line between work and play."~Arnold J. Toynbee

2011-12-02T23:20:00.002-06:00

It's hard to believe that it's been almost a year since I signed on with Midwest-CBK as a licensed artist/designer! They've been just fabulous to work with, and I can't wait to show you how beautifully they've reproduced my originals-I think you're going to love them as much as I do! I've received so many nice emails and messages asking me about these collections, and I wanted to let you know that it won't be long before I share photos...some nice, clear photos....

Ouch...........

2011-11-29T08:46:00.001-06:00

I'm reading my own palm this morning~~it's telling me that the self-inflicted stab wound I got yesterday from a sculpting tool is going to hurt like he** again today!

On this Thanksgiving.........

2011-11-23T10:36:00.003-06:00

Deck the halls.......

2011-11-21T10:50:00.010-06:00

I know it's early...but a girl has to do, what a girl has to do! And, since the next few weeks are super busy with one appointment after the next, I decided to get my Christmas decorating done this past weekend.

This is the first time I've used the color combination of red, chartreuse and turquoise. I was surprised at

how many ornaments I have in those colors.

I love this little tinsel tree that a friend gave me!

One of my favorite old Santas.

This vintage Department 56 choir boy has been part of my decorating for many, many years.

I collect old reindeer, and like to use them in vignettes like this one.

I have so many ornaments that I've collected, but his one has to be one of my favorites! My daughter-in-law, Maria, gave it to me.

Sparkle and tinsel make me happy!

I don't know what I like better....the expression on the face of the little deer or the Santa.

These little snowmen from Midwest went perfectly with my color scheme this year.

The stairway is always a challenge for me, but it matches the tree, so it works.

I really treasure this snowman family - it was created by my friend, Penny McAllister (She lost her battle with cancer a couple of years ago, and is missed by so many, including me.)

This old Santa makes me smile!

Gone in a flurry!

2011-11-19T11:11:00.005-06:00

I finished a few snowmen this week, and listed them here: http://www.bygonewhimsies.blogspot.com/

They are all on their way to new homes-thank you!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Would you like to be added to my email notification list to be the first to know when new items are available? Contact me @: nancymalay@gmail.com

On my workbench this morning?

2011-11-16T11:06:00.001-06:00

6 snowmen, 3 santas, and (of course), a cup of coffee!

Engagement photos.........

2011-11-12T14:11:00.003-06:00

Mia and Zach got there engagement photos back and they turned out so nice! (Our other son, Jordan, and his wife, Maria, took all of them a few weeks ago, and they did such a great job.) I had a hard time picking a favorite, but here are a few that were at the top of my list!

(This one is so cute!)

2011-11-11T07:36:00.001-06:00

~My Dad, who would have been 83 years old yesterday~

Mr. Beau Jangles.............

2011-11-09T12:32:00.002-06:00

This snowman has lots to smile about! He's leaving cool MN for his new home in sunny CA!

Published in Studios magazine.....

2011-11-08T14:09:00.000-06:00

I designed a project for the Winter, 2011 issue of "Studios" magazine. The "Snow Bird of Happiness" is a green, paperclay bird with lots of sparkle and detail. It's now available on newsstands, including Barnes & Noble and Michaels.

You'll have to pick up the magazine and try your hand at this fun, easy-to-do project! Perfect to give as gifts!

Web Sale tonight!

2011-11-02T10:24:00.002-05:00

Happy Halloween!!!

2011-10-31T07:35:00.000-05:00

Reminiscing today about all of the fun we use to have taking our boys out to trick-or-treat!

2011-10-28T09:08:00.000-05:00

Rick asked me if I shared the "Gentleman" part of our first date...I didn't, but now that he brought it up, I will! When we were leaving my dorm, I thought it was so neat that he was such a gentleman by opening the car door for me. (Not many guys in college did that!) But then, my bubble burst when he climbed in and sat in the drivers seat and waited for me to get in. Turns out the drivers side door was broken! I still love him.....

Time flies when you're having fun!

2011-10-26T08:40:00.004-05:00

‎37 years ago today, my husband and I went on our first date! It was Homecoming weekend at the college I was attending, he picked me up in his red, 1968 Chevy Impala, and we ate lunch at the Wagon Wheel Cafe. (he had a grilled ham & cheese sandwich and I had soup.)

I remember thinking that he could be the "one".

He was.....and always will be.

We stopped at the restaurant about 10 years ago and our son snapped this photo! Hard to believe the place is still there.

It's snowman season!

2011-10-25T08:59:00.000-05:00

My first snowman of the season is little "Georgie Boy". (I lvoe using this color combination.)

. Georgie did sell right away, but I'm busy creating several more, that should be ready by the weekend. If you'd like to be added to my notification list, please contact me @: nancymalay@gmail.com

A "win-win" combo!

2011-10-21T12:08:00.002-05:00

Since I don't eat any dairy, I'm always trying to come up with a good substitute. I do like flavored creamers in my coffee now and then, and this combo is really good! There is a new Almond milk that only has 35 calories per cup, (I know, isn't that great?!) and I mix it with a dash of the Hazelnut syrup (which has no calories!), and it tastes great in my coffee! Plus, it has more calcium than milk.

There was an old cat, who lived in a shoe.........

2011-10-17T15:02:00.000-05:00

I'm pretty sure the witch who owns this shoe shops at DSW!

Announcing the winners of my Fall Giveaway!

2011-10-11T16:20:00.006-05:00

Thank you to everyone who signed up for my giveaway! I've drawn the names of three winners and they are:
$25.00 gift card - Winner: Y'Onne McMannus

The book, "Home made simple" -

Winner: Tammy Hensley

And, the third prize, a copy of the Better Homes and Gardens magazine featuring one of my snowman projects (along with lots of other wonderful things to create!) ~ Winner- Sylvia Smiser
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Congratulations to the winners, and thanks again to everyone who participated!

If you get a chance, please visit my art page on FaceBook! If you'd hit the "LIKE" button while there, that ould be great. Victorian Whimsies on Facebook

Antique store find!

2011-10-05T16:47:00.001-05:00

As promised in my previous post, I want to show you one of the items I found on my recent visit to Keeper's Antiques. It's this sweet little pink umbrella! Just a little bigger than doll size, it is in great shape! The cotton/linen fabric doesn't have any tears or holes.

I think it will be perfect to use as a background when photographing Easter and Spring items.

Speaking of trips........

.....someday, I hope to go here........

A trip to my favorite antique store........

2011-10-01T19:16:00.076-05:00

I've scoured many an antique store, flea market or garage sale, but there is one shop that I just love and never get tired of - and it's right here in Faribault!

I'll take you on a little tour............

Three really nice (and extremely neat) ladies run the shop-Connie, Mary and this is Nona.

This is the first place I usually head to~all of these drawers are full of trims, buttons, lace and any kind of vintage sewing supplies you can think of.

This little chest houses vintage hankies... And, it's so organized~everything is always neat as a pin, which is great, because I hate digging through a mess.

I've found some cool dishes and jars to use in my studio. I have my eye on this set of polka-dot dishes and cups-(me and my polka-dots!).

The vintage jewelry counter is another favorite spot that I can spend so much time looking at everything everything- lots of sparkle and bling!

See the drawers to the left? Buttons of every color, shape and size, are all in packages by color.

Miniatures, jewelry and glassware are all neatly arranged.

The cabinet with all of the small animals is great-glass, rubber, papier mache~lot of variety!

Beautiful German dolls, and doll clothes are in one corner.

With Christmas treasures in another.

You'll find glassware in every color, shape and size!

Vintage postcards, calling cards and German scrap are so fun to use in my work, and there are drawers full of all of these here.

One of the owners creates wonderful displays for every holiday - and, she buys all of the decorations, like the crows, pumpkins and spider webs at the Dollar Store! (See the store across the street called Dandelet's Jewelry? That is one of the shops used in the movie, "Grumpy Old Men")

That's my little tour of Keepers Antiques - in my next post I'll show you what I got there today!

The Fall issue of Prims magazine is now available!

2011-09-30T15:43:00.000-05:00

If you love art inspired by a bygone era, you'll love Prims magazine. Every issue features a wonderfully written article by Nicol Sayre, "View from The Doll House". And, this one even has a free pattern from my friend, Pam Gracia.

I am happy to see three of my items are published in the latest issue, which is now available on newsstands!

(All three are sold)

Love and Happiness..........

2011-09-29T06:53:00.000-05:00

A toast to Maria and Jordan on their 4th wedding anniversary!!

Late Bloomers!

2011-09-24T10:51:00.003-05:00

It's a beautiful, sunny day to work in the garden......I have lots of plants to cut back, but there are still some flowers that are blooming.

Gorgeous hydrangeas!

Pretty pink obedient plant that blooms from the bottom up!

And, this fragrant flower on my hostas!

Then, I'm off to the garden center for some more mums and pumkins to do my Fall decorating!

It's Fall!

2011-09-23T15:35:00.000-05:00

Although I create Halloween items all year long, once the weather starts to get cooler I really get motivated to work on witches, black cats and pumpkins!

Now that most of my garden has seen better days, I have a little more time to create....between the deadheading, weeding and watering, my garden took up a good part of the week. The mums are just starting to bloom -and I love their pretty little faces!

A Holiday project!

2011-09-21T09:18:00.005-05:00

Looking for a fun, easy project to do? With a couple of pattern pieces, one seam and some fabric glue, you can create this "Icicle Stocking" that I designed for the latest issue of "Create & Decorate" magazine.

Create & Decorate can be found at Barnes & Noble, Jo-Ann Fabrics, Michael's, WalMart, Safeway, Albertsons, many major craft stores.

If you never have, you should. These things are fun and fun is good."~Dr. Seuss

2011-09-19T23:09:00.000-05:00

A giveaway for 3 prizes!

2011-09-18T12:30:00.031-05:00

The weather is cooler, the leaves are starting to turn colors, and it's time for my Fall giveaway! There will be 3 winners for the following prizes :
***A $25.00 gift card to Target, Michael's or WalMart - your choice!
~~~~~~
***This fantastic 328 page hardcover book, full of wonderful recipes, tips and photos.
"Home Made Simple" was kind enough to give me an extra copy this weekend at The Creative Connection Event to do this giveaway (I would never have parted with mine!)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

***And, a signed copy of the 2011 Better Homes and Gardens Holiday crafts magazine - this issue features my snowman project, along with lots of other awesome tutorials...just in time for your Holiday crafting!!

It's simple to enter.....just leave a comment on this post!

If you'd like a second chance, just head over to my Facebook art page HERE and hit the "LIKE" button..

Winners names drawn on October 10th!

THANK YOU!!

The Creative Connection Event - AWESOME!!

2011-09-17T12:10:00.010-05:00

My feet hurt, my back aches, but, I had an absolutely amazing time at the The Creative Connection event!!

First of all, it was like a who's who in the creative world! The keynote speakers, the fantastic workshops, the panels, and the food - man, the food! The freebies came from everywhere, and the sponsors gave away everything from Cricuts to coffee!

After I attended last year, I knew that I so wanted to go again- and when I was asked to speak on the panel for Blogher, it was a deal breaker! Erica Mauter, (a fellow Minnesotan and fantastic moderator!), Stacie Tamaki, and Kathy Cano-Murillo were all amazing and are my new bffs!

You can read the Liveblog post for our panel: HERE

How often do you get to share the "stage" with someone like Kathy? She is a rock star in the creative world, and there is a special place in my heart for someone who writes a novel with the title, "Waking Up in the Land of Glitter"- (my poor husband does that every day!)

I have so much more to say about The Creative Connection event, but I've decided to do several posts over the next few days - otherwise I go into "inspiration overload"!

But, I came away from this conference with a couple of sure things - I need to go shopping for new clothes (talk about fashionistas-wow!) and I have to take better care of myself, because I need to live a long, long time to fit in everything I want to do, and become everything I want to be when I "grow up"!

On my workbench....

2011-09-12T08:44:00.001-05:00

Working on Halloween and drinking coffee.... and, I'm pretty sure coffee tastes a lot better in a polka-dot cup!

2011-09-09T09:47:00.002-05:00

It was an honor to be chosen along with 36 other talented artists for the Early American Life 2011 Directory of Traditional American Crafts.

You can read more about the directory here: http://ealonline.com/directory/judge.php

New projects...

2011-09-06T15:11:00.001-05:00

This time of year, I'm busy working on all kinds of new projects, but my mind is racing ahead to Christmas! I love trying new color schemes each year, and it's always fun to make some simple, inexpensive ornaments. I saw this in an old Better Homes and Gardens magazine, and it is so pretty. Using a glass Christmas ball, a mirror from the dollar store and some pretty berries and greenery, you can have a striking display!

Things in Nature that make me smile~

2011-09-04T09:27:00.014-05:00

Some of my favorite photos from Summer, 2011

2011-08-31T10:53:00.009-05:00

It's hard to believe that Summer is almost over! Below are a few of my favorite photos of the past few months:

Zach and Mia took their godson, Ethan to the park. Love these photos Mia took!

Maria and Jordan moved into their beautiful new home. It was so nice that Rick's family got to see it when they were here.

Babysitting the grand-dogs - (sorry about the hats, Zoey and Bear!)

We had a blast at the Beach Boys concert!

Katie and Brett at their wedding reception.

One of my many gardening projects!

We spent lots of time on the deck, until the mosquitoes made their presence!

You know the end of Summer is drawing near when tree frogs hang out on the patio door.

I know the end of the gardening season is coming soon.......

2011-08-30T13:54:00.005-05:00

But, I'm just not ready to give it up yet!

When the time does come, though, I'm just going to have to make sure I have flowers inside to keep me happy and inspired!

Thanks for these beauties, Katie and Brett!

Tools of the trade

2011-08-29T19:32:00.003-05:00

I love these photos that my daughter-in-law, Maria and son, Jordan took in my studio!

Button, button, who has the button?

2011-08-24T12:38:00.007-05:00

My name is Nancy Malay, and I am a buttonaholic!

I admit it -I just love buttons of every shape, size and color, whether they are brass, rhinestone or pearl.

Mine are organized by color in different jars and containers, which makes it easy to find just what I'm looking for.

It's so much fun to dig through old containers at the antique store, and come out with some unusual buttons. Even more exciting is when I find two that match.

My motto? A girl can never have too many buttons!

2011-08-09T16:03:00.002-05:00

Old jewelry, buttons, baubles and beads are so much fun to create with!

I pin all of mine onto a board, so I can be insprired as I work.

I keep lace and other trims in boxes and more buttons in jars.

2011-08-08T12:04:00.003-05:00

I love to get up early and spend time in the garden -I always have lots of deadheading and weeding to do. The last couple of weeks have been a challenge, though, as I'm constantly swatting mosquitoes as I work!

Published in Better Homes and Gardens Holiday crafts magazine

2011-08-01T15:22:00.007-05:00

Better Homes and Gardens Holiday craft magazine, 2011, is now available on newsstands!

It's full of wonderful projects for Christmas and Halloween (I designed a snowman, with step-by-step instructions for this issue).

I was thrilled to see my snowman on the Editor's page!

Be sure to pick up a copy--you won't be disappointed!

Tools of the trade

2011-07-26T09:16:00.010-05:00

Like a lot of artists, I'm always on the look-out for new products to use in my work. I recently discovered some from Sculpey that are just so awesome, and I'm not sure how I ever got along without them.

First, is the "Work 'n Bake" clay mat - I love this thing! It's a non-skid silicone mat that not only protects the surface you're working on, but you can pop the whole mat in the oven and bake the clay right on it. I use the acrylic clay roller when working on the mat - it makes clay smooth as glass, and perfectly even-(great for perfectionists like me!)

Then, there is Sculpey "Bake & Bond" ~ it's a bakeable adhesive that attaches raw clay to paper, wood or canvas-so cool! Check out these products: HERE

~Now, I'm off to play with my clay!~

2011-07-20T09:00:00.005-05:00

Witches, pumpkins and other Halloween goodies are multiplying on my workbench...........

What?!

2011-07-19T07:49:00.002-05:00

I caught this little guy with his hand in the proverbial cookie jar!

2011-07-14T18:09:00.003-05:00

(You can click on photo to make it larger)

The first few lines of a letter I just received...it was a nice surprise! You can read more about the Directory HERE

2011-07-08T22:24:00.002-05:00

I'll be speaking at The Creative Connection event in September!

2011-07-07T07:30:00.000-05:00

26 years ago today the world became a better place when our son, Brett, was born!

The Creative Connection Event!

2011-06-30T12:08:00.003-05:00

I was honored and excited when asked to be a speaker on a panel at The Creative Connection event in September!

Nancy Soriano (pictured with me), and Jo Packman are the co-founders of the event.

Weekend project......

2011-06-26T17:25:00.005-05:00

I've been trying to come up with some way of hanging my giant moss basket of flowers. But since it must weigh at least 50 lbs, it seemed impossible. So today I made a pedestal out of bricks for it to sit on~~I think it works!

2011-06-21T10:30:00.002-05:00

Enjoying the beauty of my blooming roses, a little sunshine and a few cups of java this morning.....before reality hits, and I remember I have several loads of dirty laundry, four looming deadlines and a broken air conditioner!

Happy Father's Day.....

2011-06-19T15:12:00.003-05:00

To my wonderful husband, Rick, who also turns 60 years old today!

1986

Also thinking of my Dad today, who passed away a year ago, but is always on my mind and in my heart,

1979

And my Father-in-Law, Richard, who died a few years ago and is greatly missed!

2011-06-16T20:34:00.002-05:00

I was so thrilled when the opportunity to be a licensed designer with Midwest-CBK came my way last Fall. To know my items will be available in stores all across the US is so fun!

Over the past few months I've had a great time working on my Christmas and Halloween 2012 collections. I just saw the first samples and I was blown away by the amazing job they did reproducing my work.

I’m giddy with excitement about my new venture with Midwest.

But, be assured, I’ll still be creating my originals, just as I always have!

2011-06-10T07:49:00.001-05:00

"Baily", a miniature Patriotic elephant!

Available HERE

Patriotic items in the works!

2011-06-02T11:42:00.001-05:00

2011-05-26T10:02:00.000-05:00

Meet "BELLE", a sweet Southern lady!

Created using paperclay, this sweet cat wears a dress made from vintage fabric, with an eyelet underskirt. She carries a wire basket filled to the brim with velvet flowers. Her wool felt hat is adorned with the same flowers.

She's available for purchase HERE

2011-05-25T13:17:00.002-05:00

There are a few things I can't live without in my studio, and one of them is the spray duster! I know, it sounds crazy to spend money on "air", but there is nothing else that works quite like this for removing excess glitter from a piece, removing dust after sanding items, or for a quick cleaning of my shelves~ LOVE the stuff!!

2011-05-23T08:57:00.002-05:00

I'm really excited that my studio will be featured in the Fall issue of a national magazine! It was fun to have my son, Jordan, and his wife, Maria, (Maison de Malay Photography) do the photos!

2011-05-07T22:30:00.000-05:00

I gave this handmade "card" to my Mom on Mother's Day 49 years ago.

Missing her today and always.

2011-05-05T10:43:00.007-05:00

I was 8 years old in this photo (and a little gawky!), and; it's about the time I started taking piano lessons. I continued the lessons all the way through high school, and; then went on to take classes and; play in recitals through my sophomore year at college. I can’t remember where I put my car keys most days, but I do remember the last song I performed at a recital was “Greensleeves” in 1974. I haven't played much in the past 30 yrs, but lately I’ve had the desire to hit the keys. But, I am positive I'll never have the desire to have those bangs again-YIKES!

2011-05-04T08:37:00.001-05:00

29 years ago, we were expecting our first baby!

Happy Birthday to our son, Jordan!

2011-04-27T09:28:00.001-05:00

I was honored when Better Homes and Gardens asked me again this year to design a project for their Holiday Crafts magazine. They are just great to work with and I look forward to seeing the magazine on newsstands sometime in August.

2011-04-23T12:49:00.001-05:00

Easter bonnets....

2011-04-18T10:50:00.001-05:00

First of all, I have apologize to my sweet little grand-dog, Zoey, who is visiting us for a few days. I just couldn't help myself by playing dress-up with her this morning by trying on vintage hats in my workroom! (I know, like I don't anything else to do!) But, I think she puts a new spin on what the Easter bonnet should look like!
My favorite is #1.........

2011-04-15T11:41:00.002-05:00

My "Bluebird of Happiness" has flown back home from NJ, where he graced the cover of the April issue of "Create and Decorate" magazine!
He's available HERE

~SOLD~

2011-04-14T16:41:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was the "Penny McAllister Balloon Launch". I put on my polka-dot coat and sent off two red balloons toward Heaven - one for Penny and one for my Mom - (their Birthday's are just two days apart and both of their favorite colors were red.) I like to imagine the two of them celebrating by sharing a chocolate Birthday cake!

It was cold and rainy, but just as I was sending off the balloons, the sun peeked out..... Happy Birthday Mom and Penny!

2011-04-08T16:38:00.002-05:00

Vintage finds are always fun and inspiring, like this assortment of lace and trims I got recently. I think I scored big time......(Yikes, I actually had the urge to say "winning", like Charlie Sheen!)

2011-03-29T09:09:00.005-05:00

The Spring issue of Celebrate 365 magazine is out, and one of my bunnies, "Miss Alma May", is featured. (That's her on the bottom left). She has sold already, but I'm busy, busy, busy working on more Easter items!

To order a copy of this beautiful magazine, click HERE

2011-03-20T10:01:00.001-05:00

It might be a little early to start decorating for Easter, but I couldn't help myself! I have rabbits everywhere, but my collection of Nicol Sayre's work is one of my favorites - I've admired and collected her beautiful art for many years. The subtle colors and vintage style of her pieces are so endearing. And, she's just as sweet as can be!

2011-03-19T12:19:00.003-05:00

I'm was excited to find out some of my items will be featured in two magazines that will be available on newsstands on April 1st!

I can't wait to get my copies of Prims and Celebrate 365!

2011-03-17T18:15:00.003-05:00

Antique store finds!

A trip to the antique store is always so inspiring for me. You never know what you are going to find! I hit the jackpot on a recent trip in search of Halloween items. I found old crepe paper, a glass container, gorgeous black lace, a few trims that were embroidered and a sequined edging. The glass buttons were just great - I pictured a few of each here, although I was lucky to find lots of each one.

The little owls were so cool, as were the cake toppers. But my favorite? This large, yellow owl!
Fun, fun!

Welcome Monday!

2011-03-14T12:06:00.000-05:00

Another day, another week, to do the things I love, and love the things I do....my workroom, my coffee, and sunshine streaming through the window.....

2011-03-03T12:55:00.018-06:00

A question I seem to get asked a lot is "Where do you get your inspiration from?" I never have to look far, as my workroom is full of things to keep me inspired for a long, long time!

Whether I'm digging through my piles of old lace,

looking through my vintage postcard collection,

sorting through my containers of buttons,

organizing my trims and ribbons,

sorting the various pieces of jewelry I've accumulated,

picking out fabric from my stacks,

paging through my old doll books,

deciding what pin or velvet flower might work for an item,

or just simply enjoying the beauty of old handmade lace,

I always have something that will spark my creativity and let me follow my muse!

Upcoming Web Sale!!

2011-02-26T11:26:00.003-06:00

Vintage Whimsy Sales Blog

2011-02-21T11:32:00.000-06:00

The snow is falling, and the wind is blowing.....what a perfect day to work on bunnies, chicks and all things Spring!!

2011-02-19T11:46:00.001-06:00

I'll have some new Spring items available soon!

If you'd like to be added to my notification list, please contact me @: nancymalay@gmail.com

2011-02-16T06:25:00.006-06:00

It seems like only yesterday when we brought you home from the hospital.

Before long, you were graduating from high school

And, then you went from my little boy, to a wonderful young man....Love you!

Happy 27th Birthday, Zach!!!!!!

"Easter Parade"

2011-02-14T19:19:00.003-06:00

"In your Easter bonnet, with all the frills upon it,

You'll be the grandest lady in the Easter parade."

Available HERE

2011-02-13T15:02:00.000-06:00

One last snowgirl!

2011-02-09T16:03:00.002-06:00

I know we probably have at least a month or more of snow here in MN, but I've created the last of my snowgirl's until Fall! She's pink, with lots and lots of sparkle!

Available HERE