Friday, December 17, 2010

Walking in a Winter WEDDING Land

Here is my take on this week's non team challenge treasury
Happy Friday! :)

Monday, December 13, 2010

Greene Green Christmas

This is our tree from last year! After aging in the woods behind our house for 11 or so months, it was ready to dress. It's the perfect Greene green tree! :)
(We even have battery powered tea lights that we are saving to turn on til Christmas!)


That heart shaped ornament in the picture above were handmade by me and my kids. We have done this on several occasions. It's super easy and a lot of fun. You mix applesauce and ground cinnamon, then roll it and use cookie cutters! Let them air dry and they last a long time! And smell like Christmas year after year!

The long skinny one is a vintage bulb I inherited from my Grandmother...
(aka Mimi, aka Mrs. E W McCall)
This creature feeding on my mantel is a...? Not entirely sure, but I found it at Last Chance Thrift Store a few weeks ago on half off day. Paid something like 50 cents. I love him.
This nativity set was handed down to me from Colonel E W McCall. I really really loved this as a kid. I always admired it. Now it is mine!
Our stockings are sporting everyone's first and middle initials in burlap string. There are six in our family (7, including our new son-in-law! and 8 this year with Nana!)
I love this tree with all the mirrors!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS from
E W McCall

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Gift Guide for the Artist


Thanks to Palimpsestic for the inspiration!!
Nonteamchallenge 8 is in full swing!!
Here is my take on the challenge!

Monday, November 29, 2010

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Every Gift has a Story







There is a beautiful love story behind these beautiful neck ruffs…

Once upon a time (actually it was the mid 80’s) Lori met Jack. She fell hard for him. This drummer/saxophonist had stolen her heart. Pledging their troth in 1986, they began a beautiful journey together. Across many miles of travel, they settled in the frozen tundra, or maybe it just felt that way to a southern peach. It was actually the Fox Valley. Many moons came and many moons went. Their hearts were full, but their house was empty.

Then, in 1999, a miracle came along in the form a tiny baby girl. At almost the same time, tragedy hit. A terrible disease attacked Jack’s lungs. They called the family in to say their last goodbyes, but it wasn’t time. Another miracle came. This time in the form of Jack overcoming this dreaded disease. God had given them a miracle of time together. Against all odds, Jack lived his life. He was a loving husband and devoted father and the life of every party. Several years later, another tiny bundle arrived on their doorstep. Overwhelmed with joy, their two beautiful girls began to grow.

Days filled with hope, laughter, friends and family. Their love grew deeper every day. Jack gave of himself to help others almost everyday of his life. In 2008 Jack became very sick. He struggled for every breath. This time when the family said their goodbyes, he stepped over into eternity. He was no longer struggling. He was at peace.

These neck ruffs all began their lives as Jack’s dress shirts. Transformed, they will be worn by his three lovely ladies. Each time they wear these beautiful collars, Jack will be snuggling them. A beautiful reminder of the devoted husband, father and friend.


I would love to make a neck ruff for you from a piece of clothing that once belonged to someone you love.

for more fotos:

Friday, November 26, 2010

Black Friday Sale!!
15% off all day!!

Go to E W McCall for more details!!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Non Team Challenge #6



So fun participating in these non team challenges!
Above is the winner for this week! Very engaging! Congratulations LimeZinnias!!

Acorn Alley, who provided the inspiration piece, also picked her top ten treasuries and we were in there!! WOO HOO! Very exciting. Thank you, thank you very much :)
Here is our treasury that made the top 10:




Happy Thanksgiving!!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Flower Pins









For several years, all I made was flower pins... I kinda got burned out... but have started to feel some renewed energy for them!! Oversized and really unique looking ones is what I am after... here a few I did this week... working on more! :)

Sunday, November 14, 2010

DIY



I am using Etsy's partnership with HGTV as an incentive to begin to share some of my secrets so that you can DIY!!

"Etsy is pleased to announce our partnership with HGTV, the destination for home and garden do-it-yourselfers and design inspiration. Check out Etsy sellers featured by HGTV for holiday gift-giving and DIY ideas by going to their Handmade Holidays hub: http://www.hgtv.com/handmade-holidays/package/index.html

If you'd like to participate by suggesting great gifts for HGTV, we welcome you to curate a Treasury list and tag it with "HGTV Gifts".

Make a Treasury right here: http://www.etsy.com/treasury

View current Treasuries tagged with "HGTV Gifts" here:http://www.etsy.com/treasury/tags/HGTV+Gifts"

How to Make Glass Sculptures

1. Gather a wide variety of glass
-cups
-bowls
-candle holders
-vases
-lids
-plates
-knobs
-tumblers
-wine glasses
-shot glasses
-ash trays

I have found that the more things I have to choose from, the easier it seems to find a pleasing arrangement... which brings me to number....

2. Stack in a pleasing arrangement

It is helpful if the items can be stacked and stay balanced before any gluing begins.
You can decide if you want a bowl for the top or a small glass for holding a tea light. You can even put a plate on the top (but be sure the base is wide enough to be secure even if something is placed on the edge of the plate).

3. I use E6000 to hold my pieces together, although probably any kind of epoxy will work.

I put a good amount of E6000 between the layers. This is not a fast drying glue and demands a good 24-36 hours to set up. With this in mind, I turn the piece right side up or upside down depending on which way the glue will stay the best. For instance, if I am gluing a glass rim to a plate, I would put the plate on the table, run a large bead around the glass rim and turn it over onto the plate. This prevents the glue from running down the sides or insides of glass.

Another important note is that you need to make sure your table is level and your pieces are on straight and not sliding. You may feel like it is in place only to come back the next day and see that it has completely shifted! This is especially true when adding flat marbles... they will feel like they are set and then slowly slide.

The thinner the glass, the more easily it will crack. The glue contracts and expands with heat and cold, therefore if the glass is thin when it contracts, it will cause a small hairline crack.

That is basically it!! Please feel free to ask any questions you would like!!

The ones I have made are on our sister store called Fineartology.
ENJOY this DIY project!!

Friday, November 12, 2010

Non Team Challenge #5



Love all of these! I think I read all the Nancy Drews when I was a girl! )

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Christmas Centerpieces






I decided to tweak my hanging glass sculptures and make them into centerpieces for your holiday decorating and entertaining.

These are great DYI pieces... just takes a little patience and a level table :)

Happy Holidays!!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010


Gorgeous treasury!!! We are so honored to be a part! The ruffle shawl and the mustard and cranberry pillow are my faves!!!

Happy Wednesday!

Friday, November 5, 2010

Click here for link
Really enjoying this non team challenge (check out the blog if you're an Etsian!)

Can't wait for the holidays!! I am ready to decorate now!! But alas, my family is not, so I will wait a few more weeks. :)

Pick of the day from our shop:


Thursday, November 4, 2010

Creativity







Jordan, who is a frequent submitter to our shop has recently found himself creating very cool pocket squares for guys. These are urban, modern and fashion forward! Love them!! Three sold right away... and he is always looking for new inspiration! Awesome!

Monday, November 1, 2010

Friday, July 9, 2010






Just wanted to share a few things we are planning for Morgan's wedding!

There are so many great vendors out there!! Some are ready made things, others are items we will use our creative minds with to make something awesome!!

Enjoy!






Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Home Decor




Finally!! E W McCall has added a line of truly beautiful hanging glass sculptures! Great for outdoor entertaining or indoor decor. Tealights look amazing in these one of a kind sculptures. Also great for candies, flowers, airplants, potpourri, etc...