Blogging Under the Oaks

Blog switch!

2009-10-16T23:00:00.000-07:00

I'm really not on crack.

Several years ago Michael and I used to have the domain thehappyheathen.com. Stupidly, we let it expire and someone snatched it up. I took up the blog moniker 'dan y deri' a few weeks ago but honestly, I've been hankering for the old name. It seems to fit me better. So...I scored it here on Blogger and am exporting this blog over and I'll be at the new address.

The Happy Heathen

A few of you have graciously linked me on your sites. I'd really love it if you updated those. :)

For Family & Friends

2009-10-14T08:59:00.000-07:00

On the left - copies that are going out to family members that couldn't make it to the wedding with a note from our parents.

On the right - copies that will go out to some of our friends as part of our 'Thank You' gifts. We're doing some other stuff for them as well.

Vaseline Bowl

2009-10-13T18:41:00.000-07:00

Vaseline glass, also known as uranium/ouraline glass glows under black light and has a beautiful hue with natural light. We have a few pieces and always want more. Michael has a little black light just for the purpose of highlighting the glass.

Many old glasses have uranium in them and will have a slight glow under black light. Some of them begin to develop a purplish hue as they age due to this. If you have any old glasses, put them under black light and see if it glows. Another interesting detail is that some of our modern Pontarlier glasses actually have a glow. They were made using the old molds and some of the uranium imparted into the glass.

This bowl was a gift from our dear friend Stephanie and her husband Josh. Little do they know we'd had this style of bowl on watch before. I can honestly say it's a perfect match! We're so very lucky to have received so many wonderfully unique treasures from everyone.

Thank you!

Pin Cushion Cuff

2009-10-13T17:59:00.000-07:00

When my friend Aad was getting ready to come over for the wedding, he asked his dear friend, the incredibly talented Natasja Martens of G+N / fashionfugitive to make something special for me. He kept joking that I'd never guess what was coming. One day he wanted to know if it was alright if he asked me a personal question. Sure. Then he asked what I thought was my waist size. So I gave it to him, in centimetres. He kept coming back to me saying that it couldn't possibly be right, that it was far too big. Um, ok. I knew I'd gained some weight in the last couple of years and that the Dutch are generally much more fit than we Americans. It took us about 10 minutes of trying to figure out if something was lost a bit in translation - Aad's english is actually better than mine - only to discover that my slightlty hazey eyes misread the question. They wanted to know what size was my WRIST.

The silk comes from the late Dutch designer Percy.

This is one of the many one-of-a-kind gifts we received. Apiece that I absolutely adore and I cannot wait to meet the lovely Ms. N.

I am hoping to do a more stylized photo op sometime soon.

One of several new projects.

2009-10-13T09:07:00.000-07:00

Recent thrift store purchase. I love milk glass and I love hobnailing, but they're not mutually exclusive. We're trying to decide in which direction to go with restoration.

Do we...
- strip the wood and brass and then reseal both
- strip the wood and either stain or paint, and leave the brass (polished)
- paint both?

Frosted Spooky Candleholders.

2009-10-09T07:44:00.000-07:00

I love our tumblers and will find ANY excuse to take photos of them in our decor. When not 'in use' we have them sitting on our bar with our absinthiana.

I recently stumbled upon a post where someone hacked their own version of silhouetted candles. Nicely done, I think, but I'd like to take it a step further and combine it with these instructions found on Country Living.

STEP 1: Measure the height and circumference of the glass candleholder you want to transform.
STEP 2: Scan or download a copyright-free black-and-white illustration onto your computer (we used antique drawings from The Clip Art Book, from $7.59; Gramercy). Using Adobe Photoshop or a similar photo-editing program, adjust the image's size and orientation to fit your vessel's measurements (it may help to print a sample first).
STEP 3: Once the image is the correct size, load white vellum into your printer and print. Gently set the image on a flat surface for a few minutes to allow the ink to dry.
STEP 4: Trim the vellum so it measures exactly as tall as your candleholder and half an inch wider than its circumference.
STEP 5: Wrap the paper around the candleholder and secure the overlapping ends with double-sided tape. Fit the glass with a candle and light.

I'll be back in the next week or two with our own versions. We need to purchase vellum this weekend for a couple of projects. But for now, I'll get this up for anyone to try.

Wheat, also at Gumps

2009-10-06T10:16:00.000-07:00

Oh yes, wheat is another favorite.
Murano Glass Wheat Stems [set of 6]
'Delicate golden glass wheat stems are created by master craftsmen on the island of Murano in Italy. Arrange as shown, or in a vase with fresh flowers. Heads are glass, stems are silk-covered wire. 20"L.'

Delicately beautiful!

Oaks & Acorns at Gumps.

2009-10-06T09:53:00.000-07:00

I think it's fairly evident from the wedding that I love oaks & acorns.
Handmade Pewter Oak Leaf Hurricane
'The exquisite details of our hurricane make it a compelling addition to any seasonal gathering. Handmade of solid pewter, the base features oak leaves and acorns that wreathe a 3” diam. candle (not included). Comes with a pewter-rimmed lift-off glass. 5” diam. x 6”H. Imported. Catalog & Web only.'

So very lovely!

Pewter Acorn Box
'Bearing a tiny seed that yields a mighty oak, an acorn is a symbol of perseverance. This piece is handcrafted from tarnish-resistant pewter with artfully modeled nuts and leaves. Imported. Also available at Gump's San Francisco store.'

Beautiful!

Pewter Napkin Rings [Set of 4, 4"L x 3"W]

'Bearing a tiny seed that yields a mighty oak, an acorn is a symbol of perseverance. This piece is handcrafted from tarnish-resistant pewter with artfully modeled nuts and leaves. Imported. Also available at Gump's San Francisco store.'

Wonderfully charming!

Cohn-Stone Handblown Glass Acorn
'These harbingers of autumn are made by artists at California’s renowned Cohn-Stone Studios, whose works are prized by museums and collectors worldwide. To create the translucent palette, artisans layer colored glass beneath clear crystal, then blow and shape each piece by hand. Acting as sculpture and paperweight alike, the substantial, opaque acorn features a glass cap with gold luster. Each piece is signed by the artist. Made in the USA.'

Gorgeous!

On Sale at Gump's

2009-10-06T09:23:00.000-07:00

Gump's, in San Francisco, was one of my grandmother's favorite stores. She had a wonderful sense of style and I fully understand why she loved this place so much. I decided to check out what they had on sale today. This is what I found.

Cornucopia Baskets
'Symbolizing abundance, our cornucopias make a festive harvest centerpiece filled with your own gourds, greenery, or dried flowers. They're woven from weathered rattan and stand on a stable iron base. Imported.'

On Sale.

Colonial Wax Candle
'With candle and base sculpted from a single piece of wax, these shapely points of light cast a ghostly glow for up to 15-18 hours. Place on a dish to protect surfaces. 17 1/2"H. Imported.'

On Sale.

Autumn

2009-10-01T21:26:00.000-07:00

We set up our autumn table today. We're actually using the coffee table in our bedroom. My mother has the domain of the downstairs, and I think she needs the distraction at this time. Sometimes it can be hard to get into the 'season' of things here as the foliage doesn't change. Leaves generally just die. We do get the most amazing sunsets this time of year.

Everything we used we already had in our possession, including a few things that were purchased for the wedding. The greenery came from the yard and I'm not sure what we'll swap out for Samhain. We may keep most of this and add our raven and maybe some webbing.

The Goddess pitcher is an antique Michael collected several years ago. The 'votives' are actually Carew Rice tumblers that were given to my parents as a gift for their wedding.

That's an antique horn that has been in my family for generations. More of my mother's wedding china...

The tea cup was a gift to my grandmother and I cannot for the life of me remember who it was. I will get that from mom.

Oh wait, I lied. The glass terrarium in the background was scored at the thrift store for $0.99. The vintage perfume bottle was purchased on eBay a couple years ago.

You can see Michael's sickle that we used in the 'day after' photos, in the front.

I love my hobnail vase. I've had a lot of bad luck with broken pieces in the past and hope to build up a collection one day.
{Photo credit: Evita Smith & Michael Judd}

We're 'out'...

2009-10-01T10:28:00.000-07:00

The Fall 2009 edition of Weddings Unveiled is out and we're in it!!!!! My mother wants to buy a ton to send out. We need to pick them up from different locations as to not deplete the supply for everyone else. :) Thank You Weddings Unveiled! We really enjoyed working with you!

evita and michael 05.01.09
Here are the screen shots, but EVERYONE needs to go buy a copy!

{Photo credit: Weddings Unveiled Magazine}

I've been collecting the mag since last summer and really love the diversity in the weddings they feature, but seriously? We are still a little amazed that we were selected and we're excited and honored to be featured alongside some really awesome events, especially the 'Free Wedding' in which they one of the sponsors.

I have no idea what happened to the Spring edition.

'Day After' photos

2009-09-30T03:53:00.000-07:00

or...
"We went to Dragon*Con and all we got were these stupid photos" - Stacey Bode.

{Photo credit: Stacy Bode. Clicky on the photo for more}

It could almost be the 'day after' since we were married on a Friday and these were taken on a Saturday...four months later. :)

When Stacey and I started hatching our plans we talked about several locations, but she kept coming back toHistorical Oakland Cemetery. Stacey has been itching to use this particular spot and knew me well enough to know that I'd go right along with her. I'm no stranger to participating in photo shoots at the cemetery and the last 5 years I lived in Atlanta were just a block and a half away. In fact, their annual fall Victorian celebration, Sunday in the Park is this Sunday, October 4.

I made a new bouquet for the shoot and was crushed when our florist told us that neither ranunculus' or peonies would be available. I made a post asking for suggestions based on what they told me would be available. Thank you to everyone who responded. In the end, I surprised myself by choosing the antique roses. They were stunning and for the most part, they held up well traveling from Charleston to Atlanta and the 3 days between pick-up and shoot. I combined them with the variegated pittosporum, and a lotus pod. I brought my feathers to use, but in the end we decided to keep it simple. I wrapped the stems in the same moss sheet/ribbon/acorn combo that I used for the wedding. I also had to remake Michael's boutonniere because I dropped the original the week of the shoot and the wheat broke apart. Thankfully it took me a fraction of the time to make the second bout.

Stacey, as always, did a spectacular job capturing our personalities. I've known her for a very long time and she thrives in working outside the box. Her creativity never ceases to amaze or inspire me. When people used to ask me what I'd miss most about leaving Atlanta, I'd always say, "My friends, Gail K. Fabrics, and DeKalb Famer's Market". Stacey could be her own category.

{Photo credit: Stacy Bode}

I would like to shout a big, "Thank You!" to Kat for featuring us on Rock 'n' Roll Bride.

More in the silhouette style.

2009-09-29T13:11:00.000-07:00

I just can't get enough of this, but it's a little ingrained in me.

{Photo Credit: marthastewart.com}

Make it!

{Photo Credit: marthastewart.com}
Make it!

I'm not sure if I'm glad these weren't around before the wedding.

2009-09-29T08:40:00.000-07:00

It would have been really cool to have recreated the part of the invitation with the trees and our silhouettes.

{Photo Credit: marthastewart.com}

Make it!

Photo from Dragon*Con

2009-09-15T17:44:00.000-07:00

{Photo credit: Dawn Murphy}

This was taken Saturday night after our photo shoot. I was very surprised I could still get into that corset and bustle!

Green Wedding Shoes

2009-09-01T18:29:00.000-07:00

{Photo credit: Stacy Bode}

These vintage Andrew Geller shoes were originally bought at Stefan's in Atlanta when I was a bridesmaid in Ms. Bode's wedding. For Stacey's wedding I pulled the hot pink linen tabs off and replaced them with orange gerbera daisies. Our colors were orange and we carried bouquets of green hydrangeas.

Last year I had them resoled at Peter & Sons in South Windermere shopping center. The insoles and toe embellishments were done by me and the sterling acorn brooches were purchased on eBay. Swarovski hot fix rhinestones are olivine color.

{Photo credit: Evita Smith}

My shoes before I retired the daisies.

{Photo credit: Evita Smith}

After a resole by Peter & Sons in South Windermere shopping center. Our family has used them for decades!

{Photo credit: Evita Smith}

The cats were made from a Martha Stewart punch we purchased at Michael's last year. The green glitter sticker material is from my Peacock Goddess costume skull 'extras'. I ordered the sheets from Sam Flax (4 years ago).

{Photo credit: Evita Smith}

I pleated both the taffeta and double-side satin ribbon. I chose the taffeta because the pleating was crisper. Doing this project alone took FOREVER!

DIY Ring Bowl/Nest

2009-09-01T11:16:00.000-07:00

{Photo credit: Stacy Bode}
Aileen, ringbearer and friend extraordinaire.

{Photo credit: Evita Smith}

About two and a half years ago Michael discovered a nest being built in the side of the warehouse that faced our loft parking lot, just above and electrical juncture. He kept an eye on it because he feared that the nest would be abandoned due to it's precarious location. He was right, as usual. He did wait over a week after they stopped working on it before he brought it inside.

We realized it was just too fragile to use for the wedding and needed to look for something else. The bowl we choose has been a favorite of mine since I was a child. The moss came from Pottery Barn years ago. I know, we live in the land of moss but my mother fell in love with the green.

{Photo credit: Michael Judd}

{Photo credit: Stacy Bode}

{Photo credit: Michael Judd}

Michael's Greenman ring made by Bellchamber goldsmiths. They're awesome beyond words.

My engagement ring is an estate enameled white gold ring with a peridot center stone surrounded by diamonds. My wedding band is white gold eternity band and was cast from an antique mold.

{Photo credit: Stacy Bode}

Aileen acquiring last minute wishes from our friends before the ceremony starts.

DIY Graphics - Invitations

2009-08-31T19:36:00.000-07:00

Being a native of the Lowcountry, nothing is more quintessentially 'Lowcountry' to me than Carew Rice's silhouette art (scroll down a bit). This is something of a tribute to his work.

Photo credit: Evita Smith.

We hoped that making a 'sandwich board' style invite would cut down on them either going in a drawer or in the trash.

We cut every piece of paper and made the pockets ourselves. Michael made the nifty plexiglass cutting template for the top edge of the pocket.

Total cost with postage was about $150 for 80 invitations and 70 mailings.

Photo credit: Evita Smith.

Photo credit: Evita Smith.

You can see the original invitation which shows Old Sheldon Church Ruins. We were scheduled to be married there until big changes in our family, causing us to move 3.5 months before the wedding and changing our venue, and adding a lot of work to prepare and make for the new venue - our home.

Photo credit: Evita Smith.

Stamp and wax purchased from Wax-works which is more for custom stuff and Wax Seals is more for peel and stick.

Living Centerpieces

2009-08-30T18:07:00.000-07:00

{Photo credit: Stacy Bode}

We crafted the boxes from old fencing we had in a scrap pile. We made them in the shape of a hexagon, which was an important element tying together our incorporation of bees along with our cake and the mead.

The acorns are from the same batch that I used for Michael's boutonniere. We collected them a couple of years ago.

Measuring to make the cuts at 30°

Bottoms on with drainage holes and screens:

{Photo credit: Evita Smith}

DIY Graphics

2009-08-23T13:55:00.000-07:00

Our logo.

Absinthe label for the absinthe we purchased. The 'damask' pattern is from our logo.

Mead label.

Cigar band.

Lucky Cat favor cards. There are several stories of the origins of the Maneki Neko and the following is the version we choose to share with everyone.

"Japanese legend holds that long ago an emperor was traveling on horseback when he spotted a small cat waving at him. After the emperor dismounted from his horse to get a closer look the horse was struck by lightning and killed. Subsequently, the emperor pronounced that cats in general should be respected as sacred animals and thus was born the legend of the beckoning Maneki Neko. This is just one of several popular tales regarding the origin of Japan’s most famous cat.

The legendary kitty has been transformed from an emperor saving Samaritan to a bringer of money and good fortune to all Japanese. "