DIY: Make Your Own Victorian Calling Card

Want to make a statement next time you're introduced?  Maybe business cards are a little too bland, or you just want something with your name and number to give to a new acquaintance. I've got you covered!

These Victorian era calling cards are the real deal; they come from my collection and are over 100 years old.  I've removed the names, so all you have to do is download them, print them, and add your own information!

Like this!

You could also use these for collage projects, altered art, digital projects...you get the idea.  Feel free to use them in your work, all I ask is that you please do not reproduce or sell them "as is".  

Just right click and save to your computer!

If you make something with them or have an idea, please share it in the comments with us....maybe I'll even feature you in a future blog post!

 

Hey, remember that tutorial on making a personal blog signature?  How cool would one of these be for that!

Friday Favorites

Clockwise from top left:
1. "Rustic Scene of Victorian..." RandallKRoberts
2. "Nostalgia" Honeytree
3. "Torn Curtains" KonvaliiaDesigns
4. "The Door Still Opens" Karcharz
5. "Vintage Window" AlexandraMadra

Five Quick and Easy Romantic Touches for your Home

I am probably right up there on the list of laziest home-keepers in the world. All I have is a small apartment to keep clean, yet even dragging out the dusting cloth or vacuum is done with a great amount of teeth grinding and sighing. One thing I have noticed though is if the apartment looks nice to begin with it is a lot easier to be motivated to keep it like that. Here are five simple, inexpensive ways to add that uplifting little accent to your home.
Warning, side effects may include an increased sense of euphoria and otherwise elevated levels of domestic bliss.


1. Get Scent-ual
I think scent is probably one of the most under-utilized aspects of decorating or creating a space in a home. Just think of all those memories and feelings that are triggered from smell. So think about how you want your home or certain room to feel, what kind of mood do you want to create? In the spring I like to light a scented lavender or rose candle and open the windows, so the apartment smells fresh and light. In winter I usually go for some cinnamon sticks hung from a ribbon or a apple scented candle. Potpourri, dried flowers, or oil diffusers are all also good, inexpensive options!

Beautiful candles from Finch Apothecary on Etsy

2. Stop and Smell the Flowers
Absolutely nothing brings a room to life like fresh bouquet of flowers. There's just something about the colors, smell, and life that make a room feel happy and alive. You can usually buy an in-season flower by the dozen at the grocery store for less than $15, or you can go the silk route and make your own bouquet from Michael's or Joann's and change them up seasonally. For an added touch of romantic whimsy, pick up some inexpensive and interesting vases from thrift or antique stores.

Here are three mini arrangements I made by just sticking some silk flowers in unique vintage vases. Total cost? Less than $10, and they'll last forever.

3. Collection-mania
The Victorians were notorious collectors, and I think in terms of interior decorating they were right on the money on this one. Nothing creates a point of interest for a room like a well curated collection. It can be something as simple as some your collection of thimbles or matchbooks arranged on a shelf, or as elaborate as an old printer's box filled with unusual knick-knacks. I collect Victorian fashion plates, and love arranging them in big groupings on the wall. It's easy to go over-board (trust me!) so if your collection begins to get unruly, consider breaking it up into smaller groupings and placing them around the house

My bedroom wall decorated with my fashion plate collection

4. Well-dressed Windows
I'm not going to lie, window dressings totally intimidate me, both for the dizzying array of design options as well as some of the prices. Our apartment came with Venetian blinds, but the windows still looked so unfinished. Simple solution? We grabbed some old white sheer panels and stuck one each on the windows. Half the price of using two panels per window, and it makes the bedroom look airy and clean. Another great hidden secret- Ikea. Not the ones they have on display on the showroom floor though. Go down to the warehouse floor (in our local one it's right near the checkout) and look for the returns/already-built furniture section. They have HUGE bins of fabric and curtains and that were returned but are absolutely fine. I snagged some beautiful linen panels with gray floral patterns for $3 each. For realsies.

Sheer panels are a great way to let in light and add a finishing touch to a room

5. Get Organized
No one likes to spend all their time organizing (well, maybe some do), but what if organizing and tidying up went hand-in-hand with creating something pretty and romantic? Old teacups from the thrift store are a great way to store little doo-dads and business cards. Or how about a vintage wood crate for storing mail or papers? There are so many possibilities for creating unique organization options that work for you. And a trip to the antique store is always fun!

So what about you? What are some of your favorite ways to add an unexpected and romantic touch to your home?

Sailor's Valentines

My dad sent me a cool link the other day to this lady that makes modern day Sailor's Valentines. If you've never seen one, you should check them out here!

How beautiful would this be over your mantle, or hanging on a white wall??

A little more info on the history of Sailor's Valentine's here

Another gorgeous example, this one from the Etsy shop JustForTheShellOfIt

And while you're at it, check out this amazing necklace:

A miniature Sailor's Valentine made out of sterling silver and topaz from MangoTango on Etsy!

Living with Flowers Roses

("A Gift" by Sweetblue on Etsy)

Who doesn't love roses? Probably the most recognized, loved and generally romantic of all flowers, roses are deeply ingrained in our culture and lives. Whether it's a floral print blouse, your grandmother's china, or your perfume, chances are you experience roses in at least some capacity every day.
In Victorian times, as well as today, roses symbolized love. Different colors, number, and stage of openness could change the connotation slightly, but the main theme of love was always there.
Here are a few different ways you can enjoy roses even more in your home..

Potpourri:
While potpourri can contain many different kinds of flowers, there is just something about a potpourri with roses in it that makes it so pleasing. You can put it in sachets to give as gifts or scent your linens, or put it in a glass bowl in your home as a lovely and aromatic decoration.

Here is a beautiful potpourri of rose petals from Marimakingsupplies on Etsy

Rose Teas:
Teas with roses in them are both delicious and have many health benefits, such as being high in vitamins and strengthening the immune and digestive systems. This article explains some of the properties of rose tea in more detail:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/71165-rose-tea-health-benefits/


Paulajeansgarden on Etsy offers this beautiful and delicious looking Sweet Heart Tea with rose petals.

Rose Hips:

("Yesterday's Roses" by Lynda Naranjo on Etsy)

Rose hips are so pretty, and don't get nearly enough attention as their blooming friends! They can be found in jams, teas, wine, natural remedies, and even soap!

This natural and vegan soap by CrowleyManor on Etsy is a gentle way to exfoliate for sensitive skin. The rose hip powder in this soap is high in Vitamin C and promotes collagen production!

Free Vintage Victorian Clipart

Here is some beautiful clip art for your projects! These come from Victorian postcards and public school "honor cards" Too download, just click on the image, then right click on it and "save image as". Enjoy!

Rock the Granny Boots

I love those old Victorian lace-up boots, and thanks to a revival of the style in the 20th century, you can snag an updated yet vintage looking pair! These are some of my faves from Etsy:

I love how Nemres has paired these adorable ankle booties with blue stockings for a modern look!

These classic boots from Pinguim have the perfect little teardrop heels and look so comfy!

Planetclairevintage offers this stunning take on the classic from the 1960s. What a statement these would make!

Living with Flowers: Lavender

("Bunch of Lavender" by Dearmachine on Etsy)

Lavender has got to be one of the most popular flowers for its delicate and soothing scent, its hardiness, and its simple beauty. In Victorian times many meanings were attached to lavender such as loyalty, devotion, and love.
They are such a versatile flower, are so many ways you can add a little bit of rustic, Victorian charm to your home with them. Here are some of my favorites!

Lavender Tea
Whether its in a loose-leaf blend or a brand name favorite, lavender adds a relaxing element to any tea. It's often paired with chamomile for an incredibly soothing, delicate flavor!

("Quite Afternoon" by Heyclouds on Etsy)

Lavender Soap
Lavender can be soothing for your skin too! Lavender soap smells great and is a pretty accent for any bathroom. Check out these beautiful examples from SatinAndBirch on Etsy

http://www.etsy.com/listing/61708379/silver-and-lavender-soap-hearts-mini-set

Lavender Sachets
Freshen your linens, drawers, or closets with fragrant lavender sachets. Gardenmis offers sets of three organic lavender sachets which can be used also in place of drier sheets. Clever!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/66997811/organic-lavender-sachets-set-of-3

Lavender Baked Goods
Lavender adds a touch of refinement with its sweet, floral flavor to a variety of baked goods. Lavender tea cookies are an elegant and tasty addition to a tea party or just to have as a snack. And how about these delicious (and vegan!) vanilla spice and lavender frosted cupcakes from CrazyMaes on Etsy?

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67024638/mini-cupcakes-vanilla-spice-with

Dried Lavender
Drying lavender is easy, and makes a beautiful home accent in a vase or hanging from the wall. Here is an easy how-to: http://www.wikihow.com/Dry-Your-Home-Grown-Lavender

("Lavender" Fine Art blank card by TimeFlys on Etsy)

Featured Artist: Sara from SaraWen Art & Perfumery

Please welcome Sara from SaraWen on Etsy!


What is your craft? How long have you been doing it?

Well, I actually started in the creative field as an illustrator and portrait artist. Unfortunately it wasn't enough to make a living on, and I never got past that tall hurdle into 'successful artist'. That to me meant being able to support myself completely through my work without taking the odd day jobs!

For about three years I became frustrated and stopped drawing completely! Then in the summer of 2010, a life-changing event happened for me in the death of my father. One month later, my dear cat and friend had also gone on. That forced me to think about my life and what I needed to do to be happy. In one of the last conversations I had with my dad, he told me I should never stop creating and to keep trying.

After that I began exploring my creative avenues. I've always loved scents - aside from being a perfume-a-holic I used to make my own air fresheners and moisturizing oils. I have a pretty good nose, so I began experimenting with various oils for my own line of perfumes. Then early this year I felt it was time to open my perfume shop. My background knowledge of art, design, and perfumery (I worked in the beauty industry for a few years) definitely helped!


How are you inspired by a Victorian aesthetic?

My love and interest in history is a huge factor! I've adored the Victorian age ever since I read "Great Expectations" as a teenager! From there I delved into the whole era, and became especially interested in British Victoriana. It's fascinating to see how the clothing and hair had changed in a few decades, most interestingly that shift into the Edwardian era! It's a world I could get lost in.

What are some of your favorite shops on Etsy?

Wow, there are so many! I started at Etsy as a buyer so I have dozens of favorite shops! But here are a few ...

'Mystical Scents' (www.etsy.com/shop/MisticalAcScents) - great shop for organic skin creams, as well as organic dried botanicals.

'The Morbid the Merrier' (www.etsy.com/shop/themorbidthemerrier) - a perfumery specializing in darker or gothic scents. I seriously think I'm addicted to this shop! I love my own creations but I'm also a fan of other perfume artisans!

'Moonsteam Alchemy' (www.etsy.com/shop/MoonsteamAlchemy) - lips balms galore! Probably the creamiest and tastiest balms I've ever tried, plus she has a very Victorian/Steampunk theme to her shop!

Do you have a blog, or anything else you would like to share?

Yes, indeed! My Blog is: www.sarawenperfumeart.blogspot.com, and my shop at Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/SaraWen

I'd like to give a big thank-you to my first several customers, both inside and outside of Etsy! Your wonderful reviews and kind words are what keeps me going, and makes me happy that you enjoy my creations!

Victorian Dream Houses

If you are an historic house lover and you have never been to http://historicproperties.com/, then you have got to get your butt over there! Drool-worthy photos and descriptions of beautiful, historic homes from all eras all over the United States. Of course I keep it bookmarked on the Victorian houses, and I want to share some of my favorites with you here! Warning, you may need a tissue for the drool....

Queen Anne "Painted Ladies" are just about my favorite. This beauty is in Danville, VA


Moorish Victorian from 1891 in Brunswick, GA.


Gorgeous Victorian in Malden, MA. This one had me at "wisteria laden pergola".


This draw-dropping Queen Anne in Bellaire, MI has been called "the most perfect example of Queen Anne Victorian architecture".


Living here would be like living in a little castle! 1878 Victorian in Nevada, Iowa.


I LOVE Victorian farmhouses like this one from 1892 in Brownsville, KY. Can you imagine sitting in a rocker on your farmer's porch overlooking the hillside?


Do you have a dream house? What's it like?

Stay Warm in (Victorian) Style

It may be freezing outside, but it doesn't mean you can't look good while staying warm!


This lace-up cowl from Voknits is made from wool so you know it's going to keep your neck and shoulders warm. It's so beautiful and elegant, just imagine how great paired with a black sweater!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/64779188/ruffled-peplum-lace-up-cowl-neck-warmer


wow, I LOVE this adorable and innovative purse muff from Meganleone! Totally functional as a purse, with the added bonus of keeping your hands warm when worn in front.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/58949595/muff-purse-black-suede-and-cheetah-faux

Victorian Valentines

This romantic and feminine card by Giardino features an accordion style design with multiple beautiful images
http://www.etsy.com/listing/40377421/very-pretty-victorian-valentine


Gorgeous, one of a kind Valentine card with authentic ephemera made by Pagibbons
http://www.etsy.com/listing/65565489/ooak-handmade-valentine-blank-card


Give her the key to your heart with this beautiful skeleton key necklace from Laurenblythedesigns
http://www.etsy.com/listing/62553371/necklace-vintage-jewelry-skeleton-key


One of the most romantic flowers, pressed and preserved for ever in this glass pendant by Giftforallseasons.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/65698079/soft-blue-love-in-the-mist-pressed