Catching Up

I'm still here!  Been busy around these parts lately, and I'm trying to get every little thing done.  I'm one of those people who, when faced with a deadline, will find anything and everything else to do except the task at hand.  I've been working to correct this habit, so I'm attempting earnestly to complete things in order of importance.  Unfortunately that means that blog-time gets the shaft.  Sigh. 

So, lets catch up, shall we?

1. The yard+estate sales last weekend were disappointing to say the least.  We gave up after a few hours and just went to a thirft store.  This season did not start out with the 'bang' that I was hoping for.   But, I did find some sweet deals while thirfting (including lots of seersucker fabric yardage, oh joy!)  and even some lovelies for the vintage shop, so you know, hope springs eternal.
2. The serger is BACK, baby!  The repairs cost $60 so I really need to get rolling on my projects to make some of that moo-lah back.
3. I did get the update live over in The Emporium a few days ago, and there's some really fabulous new cupcake goodies!  I also want to mention that I raised my shipping prices for the first time in, well, ever.  It's still a flat rate in the US, no matter how much you buy, shippin is now just $1.85 (still pretty cheap, I must say.)  And some very tiny, light-weight items are still the old rate of $1.25.  I hate it, really, but postage rates are going up on May 12th and I gotta do what I gotta do. 

Cupcake liners and new sugar posies.  It took me ages to find these specific wafer flowers, but is was well worth the wait.  Aren't they just perfect?

I don't think the pictures do the pinwheels justice, because they are so amazing.  I literally can not stop blowing on them and giggling while they spin.

Summer-time cupcake decor is pretty hard to find. 

These skulls glow-in-the-dark! (for realz.)

These are definitely on the larger end of the miniature spectrum, but I'm always willing to try new things, plus they're are straight-up retro to the core!  Even the train box looks fabulously old-school.

 

Oh man, are these hilarious, or what??  Who knew that bakery labels could be so subversive.  My favorite is "Better When Warmed." 

...and these are just cute.  If I found them in a thirft store, I would swear they were vintage. 

I'd also like to give  a shout out to some awesome websites that have recently featured items from A. Bel Emporium.  It is always a treat to see your shop admired, and I'm very grateful for the mentions!

Whorange    -  lovely design blog, be sure to checkout the Mother's day gift guide.

Craftershock    -  awesome, crafty-showcase website.

Papyrophobia   -  you had me at "cornbread and butterbeans" 

And  you all know about the Naughty Secretary Club, right?  Well, Jen has written a book about jewelry making and, low and behold, on the cover is an adorable pair of earrings made from the mini-fawns she bought at my shop!

How cool is that??  I mean, I didn't make the earrings OR the fawns, but I'm still super-jazzed about it She was even kind enough to add my shop in resources guide.  What a peach!  I can't wait to buy the book myself, since I don't know nothing 'bout makin no jewelry.  Thank you Jen!!!   The book looks so inspiring, and I'm very excited to be even the tiniest part of it!

(Ok, enough me, me, me for one post.  Back to work.) 

Comments

[Tizzalicious]

Your blog and shop make me so happy!

[Marilyn]

I love Jennifer!! I can't wait to get her book either! Congrats on getting the cover! :)

[Wendy]

Love all the new goodies! Especially the flamingos and the cupcake liners!

[Emily]

I love your website. I found it by way of Norfolk Craft Mafia. I just have one question...where do you go thrifting? I'm new to the Virginia Beach/Hampton Roads area so I don't really know which places are good and which aren't that fabulous. Any advice will help. Thanks!

[Nice-Etc]

i am so thankful for your shops! i'm crazy about those plaid cupcake liners! ..and everything else as well. ;)

that's very cool that she made earrings with those deer!

[Jenny (thepolkadotpixie)]

Love all your new offerings!
We did a yard sale recently as well,not great sales,but at least we got some of our junk cleared out, a whole truck bed load wound up going to Goodwill. Since then I have been refilling the house back up with more clutter from where else but Goodwill,LOL! :-)