VintageBliss

Home Safe

 
Happy this Marine is home safe this week. We had a Welcome Home party for my nephew Albert,who is really like a brother to me(he is my best friends brother, so that makes him mine too, right?) He just got back from Afghanistan,so of course we have to have a party! Beer, and a live band, Hell ya! The band was sooooo damn good, they were friends of Alberts, I had no idea! You know I had to sing along to some "Brown Eyed Girl"! After a few Dos Equis beers! Hee hee. And then.....this little girl......

 
This little girl, Maddie steals my heart everytime I see her. Her smile is just the sweetest on the planet, and I can't say no to whatever she asks, I melt, pure butter. She is my niece's daughter, so I think that makes her my Great Niece??? I don't know,there's too many kids, I can't keep track! Anyways, I had to share this photo, I adore it. Adore Maddie.

"A Man travels the world over in search of what he needs, and returns home to find it" George Moore

Hope you had a good weekend, Blissfully Yours, Tricia

The Star of My Show

 
This is the "star" of my show, my Michael. Some of you have met him before. He is the star in my life, the boy who has never liked change, never complains and my baby.

 
So my "star" "baby" got a phone call the other day from a "modeling agency" that is set up at the Mall. My son decided to fill out the mini application, well, they called. So we went. He blew me away! This boy was amazing, he listened to every bit of advice I could think of to give him on speaking to an audience,posture, posing, and projecting confidence. He did soooooo damn good! So he made the cut 8 of 20 people made it.

 
So, we have been practicing for the last couple of days, he has his first official photo shoot tomorrow. Yikes! Michael and I thought it would be best if we took some practice shots, and so he would be more comfortable in front of a camera. Ummmm, and anyone who knows me, knows I LOVE to take pictures. You know I'm game!

 
He also had to practice changing his facial expressions, this seems to be the hardest part, in the ones were he is laughing I had to keep telling him I was going to fart if he didn't laugh when he smiled, needless to say it worked. People don't realize you get a more natural and better smile when you laugh a little bit in a picture. It's not so "posed", those are my favorite kind of shots.

 
On the way to the audition, I asked him why he wanted to do this and he said one day he walked into Abercrombie & Fitch and looked at the photos of the models on the wall, and thought that, that is something he would like to do. Okay, I can live with that.

 
God!! I love these pics!!! I don't post many family pics on here, but these had to be seen by you all. I think we did good. We'll see what happens in the finals in August. Love this boy.

Blissfully Yours, Tricia

August Calendar

 
 
Here's your Vintage Bliss August calendar. I think this is the first month in a loooooong time that I am actually home in AZ for a whole month!! Wierd, huh?? Anyways........

Next Saturday Aug. 6th is Art Unraveled in Phoenix. It is indoors at the completely gorgeous Embassy Suites near PV Mall. This is my 6th year at this show. Love it, every year, it always goes by too fast. You shoppers are fast and furious! Here are a few pics from last years show...

 
The shopping begins!!!

 
My table before the shopping masacre..

 
 
I'll have all the best vintage and mixed media art supplies as usual for you returning shoppers, and if you have never been to this show, its just awesome. Even if you don't buy anything the inspiration value is worth it. Plus, I get to see all my PHX friends.

 
Here's a view of the room as the vendors are setting up, you can see how huge the event is. Did I say I love this show??

 
And this is how packed it gets!!!!! Yippee!!!  It is $7 to get it, and be prepared, the line to get in starts forming at 8-9am. But usually by 10:30 you can pretty much walk right in. Embassy Suites 4415 E. Paradise Village Pkwy  Phoenix 85032. Hope to see you there!!!

 
Then..... Aug 18th-21st Sweet Salvagestarts. It is a new once a month sale starting here in Phoenix next month. I'll be bringing the Bliss Lounge of course. Keep checking the "Sweet" girls blog. I've seen it inside and what they have put together, oh sugar!!! It's gorgeous, I was already making mental notes on what I wanted to BUY! Dang it, I hate when that happens!

 
And lucky YOU, they are having a GIVEAWAY! Head over to the blog and see what its all about. There are several vendors inside and out on the patio bringing some pretty amazing finds. Each month the Girls' will have a new theme for the sale. August is Midsummer Night's Dream. And it looks that way inside!

 
Mark your calendars, Phoenix finally has some awesome things going on!! See you there!

Blissfully Yours, Tricia

 

Blissfully Traveled No. 9 Is Here!!!!!

 
The very anticipated issue is here!!! Jam packed full of awesome places for you to go on your Blissful Travels!

 
I had a guest this time submit an article and photos from an amazing place in Oklahoma called The Cloverleaf Boutique. This place is the "Disneyland of Junque". I loved Cindy Craine's photos and her account of this place that I have been wanting to go to since 2008. I saw an article in the Country Living magazine, and said I have to go. Well, haven't yet, but I can live thru Cindy's pics, right?? Check it out!

 
Here is the Contents page with all the articles. Love that pic too!

 
One more sneak peek page of the magazine, you know I had to get our store in there!!

If you would like to purchase or see a little more preview of what's inside go Here to Purchase , or if that doesn't work, shoot me an email, vintageblissaz@yahoo.com

Hope you like, let me know!! And a huge Thank you to my Dad for his Technical Support, he is a genius on the computer as well as restoring vintage trailers! What can't this guy do??!!

Blissfully Yours, Tricia

My Neighbors Think I'm Nuts...

 
I'm sure my neighbors think I'm nuts..... this is what they drive by and see on their way to their homes tonight. I hear their cars rev up and then slow down as they get by my house. You see there's a big pink and white vintage trailer parked out front, me painting, and taking pics of some mannequin with this over the top amazing dress I made! That's normal, right?? Isn't it that way in your neighborhood?? Some crazy chic outside when it's 107 degrees taking pics and painting!! Yup, that's my crazy ass!

 
This dress was a custom order for a client, and honestly, I want to KEEP IT!! I'm not the long, maxi dress kinda girl, I'm more the short Mariah Carey kinda dress, it's just me, always been, always will. But this beauty, oh sugar! I tried it on and fits amazing. Mommy likey!

 
This is the back, it's so gorgeous. It is a vintage pale pink slip and I added the vintage crinoline and some trim to the top, also a piece of a vintage doily scarf. I have to tell you, it was a PAIN trying to sew the crinoline to the bottom, that damn crinoline is a very full one, and it kept getting in the way! (this is where one of my neighbor's goes driving by and almost hits another car looking at my crazy mannequin, hee hee)

 
At this point, I move the photoshoot indoors, so they won't call the police on me, you see I have to move the mannequin around and put my hands in some not so nice places to change out her dress. And her damn arm kept falling off, it was pretty comical, I probably looked like a total dork, oh well. Awesome pics anyways.

 
Back of the second dress, filled with gorgeous trims and doily's. This one is for sale. Just thought I would share a few more of the dresses I've been working on, I really haven't been able to take many pics of them, because as soon as they are done they're on their way to a new home. One day, I'm going to do a fabulous photoshoot with them, maybe when it's a little cooler, it's too damn hot for me.

Blissfully Yours, Tricia

PS, the magazine is almost done, going to printer in a day or two. Yippee!

Looking for some Bliss?

 
Are you looking for some new fabulous supplies for your paper art creations?? Well, you know I've got them, and now you can find them at Scrapbook Barn in Gilbert. I've set up a few fun supplies there for you to choose from. Here are some of the favs...

Above pink colored Bingo pads- $4, and vintage price tags $1.50

 
Assorted metal patina crosses and other findings for jewelry making or whatever amazing creations  come to your mind. $3-$8

 
Handmade fabric journals and books $20-$25

 
Paper mache torsos $20, butterfly filigree charms

I'l be bringing in more vintage supplies and handmade goods each week. Hope to see you there! Scrapbook Barn is located on the corner of Val Vista/Guadalupe next to Serrano's.

Blissfully Yours, Tricia

Catching Up!

 
I hooked up the "Bliss Lounge" last week and headed out of Hot-i-zona for some cooler weather and the Urban Barn flea market that was this past weekend. It was a blast seeing some ol' friends like...

Michelle from PaperTales in San Diego. We talked about some new classes I might do at the store, can't wait to get some samples to her. I adore PTales, it's just the cutest store on the planet.

 
I just love this picture, awesome orange petticoat panties and a necklace I made. It just screams Texas! Which is on my mind alot lately, can't wait to get back there in Sept.

 
I made some more of my "gypsy rolex" bracelets. If I can't afford one, I can make one, right? Or at least something close to it??? Of course, mine is a bit sparkly...hee hee.

 
I took this picture in Tori of Salvaging Grace's booth. She is a new vendor at the Barn. She has a cool style with killer stuff! I adore this photo. So sweet.

 
This is her stuff too. Just cool.

 
This is adorable Remus. He is Christine's dog. He is probably the softest dog ever! He's a puppy so it was hard to get him to sit still, so this is the best pic I got. I think I love him. I could have a dog like him. Mommy like.

 
 Seriously?? I can sooooo see him with me on the road with the trailer. Gaaahhhh!!

 
I also wanted to show some pics of a few new things I've put in the booth at Zinnia's in Phoenix. I went up there today and moved a few things around and put in the fun things I found in Cali this past weekend. The locker is awesome, and the street sign is just way cool!

 
This little two tiered table is perfect, too! More pics on the way with new work and maybe some class samples. The Blissfully Traveled Magazine is almost done. Hoping to finish tonight. It's shaping up pretty damn cool! If I must say so myself! Have a super week!

Blissfully Yours, Tricia

Urban Barn Favs

 
Last week I went to Urban Barn and thought I would show you some of my favorite shots from around the barn. It's such an inspiring place, I love coming here.

 
 
this just screams Summer...

 
 
loved this light fixture, mommy like :)

 
 
And this is my little temporary spot inside the Barn. I left a few goodies behind for shoppers to pick from.

 
This is a fun space inside too. I hope you get to make it to the Urban Barn if you are in the area. This weekend is the monthly Street Faire with extra vendors, a must see!

Blissfully Yours, Tricia

A Little Help, please???

 
I need a little help, I made two covers for the next A-Mazing issue of Blissfully Traveled and I can't decide which cover to go with!! I really love the bright colors of this first one, but......

 
My love for old mannequins have me twisted!! Love them both, soooooo it's up to you all! Please give me a little vote would ya!? Which cover do you like best? This next issue is going to be a DOUBLE, double on the rocks! Super packed with totally cool hot spots! I'm putting the finishing touches on it now, and also need to put out the call for ads. I always feature 2 pages of some of the best Etsy sellers, and websites you'll find. Ads are only $10 an issue, and I also put a link on the Blissfully Traveled Blog. My last issue was the best selling one yet, so I'm thinking this one will be even better!

 
Here is a sample of the last issue's Advertising section. For $10 it's a no-brainer. Blissfully Traveled sells all over the world, I've had sales in Austrailia and quite a few in Europe, you'll get tons of exposure. Drop me an email or comment if you would like to sign up and I'll send you an invoice to pay from. vintageblissaz@yahoo.com

Hope to hear from you! Blissfully Yours, Tricia

Out of the Blue

 
After a few days of selling at Urban Barn last week I decided I wanted to be a tourist for a day and spend some time down at Solana Beach, one of my favorite places in Cali. So Linda and I packed up for the day and headed out! This time I was going to be the customer and not the vendor, a nice break from it all!

 
I instantly fell in love with this amazing childs chair, it also has a chaise as well, love!

 
Debi Beard has this store decked out so cute, it's like a big girls dollhouse! Every corner is filled with vintage treasures, you really have to walked around it several times to see it all.

 
 
 
You know I can't resist a pink phone!

 
And then outside in the little courtyard areas she has one each side of the shop there is the Mermaid Mercantile that is held once a month, usually around the end of the month. Extra vintage and handmade treasures await you!

 
One of the best parts of this trip was running into my good friend Marie V. She is one of the nicest people and crazy talented with upholstery work. Take a look...

 
 
I know someone who would love this chair...Heidi?? maybe for Grant???

 
 
When life gives you lemons....make lemonade, right?

 
This was a cute little vignette from Valentina...adore her stuff.

 
Bob!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 
You know I wanted this BADLY!!!!!!!

 
I would have loved to have this in the Bliss Lounge! Amazing old theatre poster.

 
Adore....

 
love this picture.....

 
what's a Vintage Bliss post without a vintage mannequin in it??!!

 
 
It was the perfect little outing, I needed it. I had huge disappointment last week, not being able to take my trip to KC, so this was a good distraction. My brain and creativity was refreshed and have new inspirations to attack. We'll see what comes of it. I'll post a calendar this week of upcoming events you will DEFINITELY want to put on your calendar, two initials AU! AAAHHHHH, my favorite.

Blissfully yours, Tricia