Merry and Bright...

If you are in the northwest corner of North America, you may know that this is the month for rain, sleet and snow. This year, however, is going out with a bang in the weather department for us Northwestians. Is it freezing? Yes! Have my chickens taken to pecking the back door to come in and warm up? Yes! Was I pushed down the back porch stairs this morning by a dog slipping out of control across the frost? Yes! But nonetheless, I am SO grateful for the fact that this month has been 

MERRY and BRIGHT! 

Mr. Pushy... (See, doesn't he look ashamed?)

By the way, he knocked over the CHRISTMAS TREE last year, so I guess better me than the tree?

I mean, my broken limbs will heal...

Where the chickens are meant to be...

Where the chickens are...

More things that I am SO thankful for...

My happy puppies running free in an empty park...

... with a giant stick that is now sitting in our front yard.

My grouchy puppy who is having none of it...

The littles in my family, like this one (who I am realizing is not so little anymore)...

Having the patience, creativity and physical ability to be able to make gifts to give those who are near and dear to me (strawberry sachets!)...

New additions to the family, such as my brother and sister-in-law's new "baby" Hera.

(Not thankful for the blue carpet in the studio though, sorry. Can't do it. )

And, of course, our gorgeous, sparkly Christmas tree!

(Never mind the face in the background. Just focus on the shiny lights!)

So, wherever you are, may your Christmas be MERRY and BRIGHT, no matter the weather. 

And may you find the multitude of tiny things to be grateful for this season! 

Much (Petal) Love,

Brianne

PetalPetal and VintageChild:Modern

www.PetalPetal.com

www.VintageChildModern.com

All I Want for Christmas: A Non-Traditional Gift Guide

A surprisingly festive gift guide...

To view and shop this collection, click here.

Much (Petal) Love,

Brianne

PetalPetal and VintageChild:Modern

www.PetalPetal.com

www.VintageChildModern.com

All I Want for Christmas: Gifts in Silver and Gold

Modern gifts, both vintage and handmade, in classic silver and gold...

To view and shop the collection, click here.

Much (Petal) Love,

Brianne

PetalPetal and VintageChild:Modern

www.PetalPetal.com

www.VintageChildModern.com

All I Want for Christmas: Gift Guide Under $50

We're back this week with another gift guide, this time featuring handmade and vintage gifts under $50 (most $30 or less) so whatever your budget this season, it's absolutely possible to support small business this year!

To shop this collection, click here.

Much (Petal) Love,

Brianne

PetalPetal and VintageChild:Modern

www.PetalPetal.com

www.VintageChildModern.com

All I Want for Christmas: Gifts in Red

For the past couple years, I have made a conscious decision to buy local or handmade. So, in the spirit of supporting small, local business and handmade artisans, I'm beginning a weekly series, All I Want For Christmas, showcasing some of my favorite finds from the Etsy Handmade and Vintage Marketplace.

Week One... Gifts in Red...

To shop this collection, click here.

Much (Petal) Love,

Brianne

PetalPetal and VintageChild:Modern

www.PetalPetal.com

www.VintageChildModern.com

Christmas Animals

Well, day two of some pretty MAJOR procrastinating. I am THIS CLOSE to finishing the SpringSummer12 VintageChild:Modern Collection, which I will be previewing on the blog tomorrow, but in the meantime, enjoy this oh so sweet collection by Sasha of the darling whitedeershop.

You can view and SHOP the entire collection here.

Much (Petal) Love,

Brianne

PetalPetal and VintageChild:Modern

www.PetalPetal.com

www.VintageChildModern.com

What Became Known as "Three vs. The Tree..."

We have a tribe of dogs. Happy go lucky, love to bark at the neighbors and run in the park dogs. Dogs who live to lounge on the sofa, next to the fireplace and in front of the window. So it was really no surprise when Three disapproved of the giant Noble Fir that took over his post front and center in the living room window, but... 

...we had no idea what a total Grinch he was capable of being! He didn't even bother to flee the scene when we found him Christmas Eve in the midst of scattered ornaments, looking defiant and victorious.

 He even gleefully posed for the picture below, with a big grin on his face.

We propped the tree back up, with reinforcements, and someone received a half-hearted scolding, but you just can't stay mad at a face like that. Not at Christmas. But, next year, we may find a different spot for the tree... 

Hoping your Holidays were Happy and Bright,

Much (Petal) Love,

Brianne

PetalPetal designs

www.PetalPetal.com

Everything Has Beauty...

As I wrap up my final orders of the year, I thought I would share some of the little details around my studio that have inspired me this year as I jumped into a new life as a designer, business owner and, by default,  social media marketer. For once my studio is incredibly tidy and everything is in its place, probably a first, so I wanted to make sure I documented this event! 

Enjoy the holidays with the friends or family you are lucky enough to share them with, eat too much, laugh and have a blessed New Year. See you in 2011!

Everything has BEAUTY but not everyone SEES it.
A beautiful collection of American Primitive Watercolor prints.
A sweet gift from a favorite aunt.
Felt beads from Nepal and Felted Acorns by Etsy artist FAIRYFOLK

The raw materials soon to be Christmas presents for friends and family

One of many porcelain Peace Cranes scattered around my shop.
In the background, the loveliest bird drawing from my Dessie.

The Book: One of my favorite HANDMADE gifts
The Painting: An original by local Portland artist Earl Hamilton

A favorite photo of my Bella as a puppy (on the Right)
and a beautiful oil painting from my summer in QUITO

Michael and Marianne's Christmas gift: Custom Anniversary Pillow
with Calendar Patch by Etsy artist CHAKRAPENNYWHISTLE
 

Much (Petal) Love,

Brianne

PetalPetal designs

www.PetalPetal.com

The Ships Come Sailing In...

You may not know this, but here in Portland we have a tradition called The Christmas Ships. You bundle up, head down to the river, freeze, and wait for the first glimpse of christmas lights strung around the deck of a motorboat while your nose turns red. And, if you are lucky enough to be friends with one Kelsey Hughes, you wear the PomPom Headband....

Merry Christmas and may you all have a Kelsey Hughes so that you never take yourself too seriously!

Much (Petal) Love,

Brianne

PetalPetal designs

www.PetalPetal.com

The 12 Days of {HANDMADE} Christmas

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas, my TRUE LOVE bought for me (on Etsy, of course)...

12 Handmade Soaps {$51.00}

ROCKYTOPSOAPSHOP http://etsy.me/gwKNYv

11 (inch) Wool & Leather Laptop Sleeve {$71.00}

PACKANDSMOOCH http://etsy.me/i0YPg2

10 pin Organic Skittle Set {$35.00}

LITTLESAPLINGTOYS http://etsy.me/hJc1S3

9 Enameled Bangles {$175.00}

BULLFINCHBARBURY http://etsy.me/igfDHW

8 Screen Printed Bicycle Pint Glasses {$60.00}

VITAL http://etsy.me/ezxFG7 

7 Identify a Stache Magnets {$8.00}

HOWNICE http://etsy.me/gO9CjH 

6 Letterpress Greeting Cards {$18.00}

RAWARTLETTERPRESS http://etsy.me/eo8QtQ

5 Personalized Beer Steins {$220.00}

MUDPIE2 http://etsy.me/dQvJZw

4 Tiny Magnets {$9.50}

UNCOMMON http://etsy.me/fUXT5W

3 Abstract Wood Sculptures {$345.00}

PAINTSQUARE http://etsy.me/i0Axs2 

2 Tea Towels with "Poppies" {$17.00}

FLYINGRHYMES http://etsy.me/gwzNPy

1 Small Buck Trophy {$12.00}

 CARDBOARDSAFARI http://etsy.me/dRpos1

Happy Handmade Shopping!

www.Etsy.com

Much (Petal) Love,

Brianne

PetalPetal designs

www.PetalPetal.com