Friday, January 31, 2014

Go Broncos - NFL Super Bowl XLVIII


Wishing the Broncos all the best for Super Bowl XLVIII. 
The Hanky Dress Lady and her husband
(who makes all the hangers)
 will be watching and rooting for you !!!

Hanky Dress Class in February at the Willow


Join me for a class in how to make 
my new style of Hanky Dress
February 9, 1:30 – 3:30
at the Willow in Downtown Littleton 
(corner of Prince and Main Streets)




Hanky Dresses can be used in so many different ways and for so many occasions. Speaking of which, why not make some for Valentine’s Day! There are five patterns for you to choose from. They make wonderful door hangers, small gifts, garlands and decorations. Great for parties and craft night with your friends.

You’ll decorate your own bodice and then learn all the essentials of assembling the dress. Included in the $40 fee for the class will be one pattern of your choice, and supplies for making one dress. (Please bring a pair of small and sharp paper cutting scissors and a couple of paint brushes.) You are welcome to bring additional hankies of your own to work on, if time permits. The smaller size, 9-10 inches, is best for this project. If you are a handkerchief collector and are concerned about damage to your hankies – don’t be. This project will not damage the handkerchief.

SPACE IS LIMITED - REGISTER NOW!
CALL 303-730-8521  

OR EMAIL INFO@WILLOWARTISANSMARKET.COM

Saturday, January 25, 2014

A Little Valentine Play Time

I was in the mood to play today. So I decided to put together some Valentine's Day decorations using a couple of my Hanky Dress patterns. I selected a few hankies from my stash, folded up the tablecloth and let the fun begin. Shown here are Pattern No. 105/106 and  Pattern No. 107/108. I printed one out on red card stock and one on white. A little red and white paint, a couple small paint brushes and a little red ribbon, and I was good to go.



A few simple hearts and some polka dots  in basic red and white were all I used to decorate these bodices. They were then cut out with a pair of small scissors. Here are the tops ready for attaching to their respective hanky skirts.

The hankies are attached with a little ribbon with no sewing involved.

The vintage hankies are not harmed in any way.



Wouldn't they be sweet tied to the back of chairs for decorations at a little girl's party and then given away as party favors?    


Hanky Dresses make great party decorations simply displayed on a string.


Here, I used a button magnet to attach the dress to a shabby chic white metal tray. A ball chain is attached to the tray so it can be hung as it is on this door with the aide of a removable stick-on plastic hook.


Wednesday, January 22, 2014

A Nod to the 2014 Color of the Year

The Pantone Color of the Year for 2014 is Radiant Orchid 18-3224.

Pantone describes their color this way:  Radiant Orchid blooms with confidence and magical warmth that intrigues the eye and sparks the imagination. It is an expressive, creative and embracing purple—one that draws you in with its beguiling charm. A captivating harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones. Radiant Orchid emanates great joy, love and health.
Naturally, I had to search Etsy to see what I could find in the way of vintage hankies in this spectacular color. Below are a few of my finds; however, there are many more.

'Radiant Orchid - 2014 Color of the Year' by HankyDresses

My collection of Radiant Orchid Etsy Finds incorporating my passion for vintage handkerchiefs. There are some beauties to be found.

Instant Collection of 6 Orchid and Gray Vintage and Antique Books - fromlosttofound Cottage Style Lavender Metal Serving Tray, Repurposed, Home Decor, Valentines Day, Orchid - RosebudsOriginals 60s Emma Domb Long Radiant Orchid Purple Dress S - denisebrain Purple Petunias Handkerchief Hankie Hanky Vintage Shabby Chic Cottage Garden Flowers Feminine Romantic Bridal Wedding - jarmfarm
Vintage 12" 1950's Scalloped  Purple Mixed  Floral Bridesmaid, Craft or Wedding Favor Handkerchief, Hankie, Hanky, 9388 - HeirloomLinens Hydrangea / Botanical Print / Floral Decor / Decoupage Plate / Wall Hanging / Cottage Decor / Hydrangea / radiant orchid violet purple - GlassPaperScizzors Vintage Hankie with Delicated Crochet Corner in Varigated Purple H-61 - VintageSouthernLady Vintage High Heels / 1980s Peeptoe Pumps Shoes / PURPLE Cuties / UNWORN / 5.5 to 6B - LookAgainVintage
Lavender Swirl Velvet Heart Shaped Decorative Pillow - Small Size - SendASmooch VINTAGE HANKIE Mid-Century Giant Single Purple Rose, Scalloped Corded Hem, Polka Dot Floral Border, 3 Matching, Excellent Condition - CUSHgoods Vintage knit purse . 1970s purple crochet handbag - BlueFennel Vintage Hanky Purple Orchids Round Heirloom - TenderLane
Vintage Lucite Purple Orchid Brooch - ArtsyFartsyFarm Vintage Handkerchief Vintage Hankies Handkerchiefs Embroidered Flowers Purple on White Hankie Wedding Keepsake Gift Hope Chest - TastefulTikes Lacey Days - ORCHID - TWIN Wall Decal Headboard - Lite version - gLaMaPeeL radiant orchid vintage lilac purple corset bustier valentine lover photo stylist decor boho anthropologie style bra shabby rustic lingerie - kateblossom
 
There were two that I had to claim for myself
....this one and the one in the photo under the books above.
 

Saturday, January 18, 2014

New Item - Hanky Hearts

I've been hatching this idea for about six months now. These Hanky Hearts will be available in my Etsy shop next week ... just in time for Valentine's Day. While some of these were made especially for the holiday they are meant to be used year round.

Hanky Hearts are  one-of-a-kind items made from as many as six different vintage handkerchiefs. Many vintage hankies, though not quite perfect, still have plenty of beauty to share. 

I especially enjoy the challenge of coordinating the pretty bits and pieces crazy quilt fashion into a unique and usable item. They are decorated on both sides, machine quilted and stuffed.

I have already done a custom order for a lady that wanted her mother's hankies turned into loving keepsakes. She gave them as gifts to her family this past Christmas. 

A Hanky Heart can be used as a door hanger, a pin cushion, a dressing table ornament, or a bowl filler. You can use several as a garland, or string three together to create a vertical garland.










Here's a collection of red and white hearts  I made especially for Valentine's Day. Surely they will become a reminder of the giver's affection for a long time to come.