Scrap Metal~Part Two: Alphabet Frame

Whilst visiting San Francisco in January (yes, I've been meaning to post about this for 9 months now....) we stumbled upon the most amazing antique store called Aria. It really isn't your typical antique store, I feel silly even calling it that. It was more like you found a trap door to a 18th century European attic and all the owners belongings were perfectly curated in piles of interesting knick-knacks and oddities. I was is hog-heaven!
There were skeleton keys, mini globes, vintage millinery, weathered letters written in French with a quill, bocce ball sets, and even a miniature roulette wheel. My favorite find was an entire alphabet set of brass printer's stencils. They each had the most magnificent patina of corroded old ink and were still in usable condition.
After mulling around what I would do with said alphabet, I decided to make a mirror after being inspired by this. The trickiest part was finding the right size hanging mirror so all the letters would fit perfectly. Once I did, I slapped them on with a little glue and voila! A fabulous DIY vintage mirror! It's so snazzy!

-Jessie, Santa Fe, NM

Scrap Metal~Part One: Lamp Terrarium

I'm a huge fan of the Habitat for Humanity Re-Store. They have a rotating inventory of junk turned treasure. I usually stop by every few weeks and peruse the scene. I've been really into old brass light fixtures and have a growing collection, but haven't figured what to do with them until now. Watch this hanging brass lamp turn into the most adorable succulent terrarium right before your eyes.Disclaimer: the hardest part about this project was ripping out the existing bulb fixture. But with a little elbow grease and some pliers, that puppy popped right off. It also left a convenient drainage hole right at the bottom. It also really helped that the side of the lamp has a handy hinged "trap-door" so I could reach my mits into the space.

Boom. Super easy and super cute. All you have to do is give everybody a little spritzy-spray every few days and they are happy as clams.

-Jessie, Santa Fe, NM

I've always wondered and now I know...

...how to make ruffled cake frosting via My Sweet and Saucy.

image via My Sweet and Saucy

Click here for the video tutorial, snap!
-Jessie, Santa Fe, NM

Working Holiday

I LOVE my work, I'm addicted to it, and I just can't stop. Of course there are parts that aren't always so great, but the majority of the time, I am bouncing with glee over a wonderfully creative and challenging project.


Recently, I had the joy of styling a photo shoot for two blogs I contribute to, both with different focuses for each company. I was inspired by a few bolts of vintage lace found at Santa Fe Fabrics and these amazing Quicksilver Roses at Artichokes and Pomegranates.


I began with the idea to create a table setting that would inspire a dinner party or wedding, especially since I recently acquired a vintage set of petwer colored glass champagne coupes... total score! I got down with a fun DIY project creating lace covered votive holders and put together floral centerpieces with one of the most magnificently dreamy and romantic color palettes I've seen in a while.

Here's a little teaser video to entice you ... come check the final products, here and here:

Antique Holiday from Jessie Baca on Vimeo.

P.S. The kicker is, all of this was shot with an iPhone 4, video too. I love that dang thing....it is also probably one of the main reasons I'm addicted to work, but oh well.
-Jessie Santa Fe, NM

Let the festivities begin!

Nothing gets the holidays started for me like some good ol' fashioned crafting. Check the sweet video below to see how you can get your holiday ON!

Gold Disk Garland from Jessie Baca on Vimeo.

Find the circle punch, here. Soundtrack and other great tunes found, here.
-Jessie, Santa Fe, NM

Don't buy it, DIY it!

I fell in love with this feather Tippet from J.Crew....however, the price tag made me think otherwise.
So, naturally I thought, "I'll just make my own."

A few ostrich feathers later....voila! I even like that it is a little more wild than the J.Crew version.
Finished off with a vintage clip-earring for just the right touch!
-Jessie, Santa Fe, NM

The Homesick Hanky

After watching Julie and Julia I was in love with small space living! More in love with the idea of it really, not necessarily coveting 500 square feet of space in real life.

I loved how Julie's apartment was decorated with sweet twinkle lights, a small dining table and a nifty divider for the "bedroom." It wasn't until a fellow bloggerita pointed out that above Julie's bed were framed vintage "state" handkerchiefs. It was then that I decided I needed an early birthday present and set out to find a vintage California (my home state) handkerchief for myself.After a bit of searching at local shops and finding mostly Kansas and Arizona state hankies priced at $60, I turned to the good ol' trusty internet. I found a perfect hanky for $13! It had a beautifully printed map with painted accents of Hollywood Studios, Olivera Street and the Rose Bowl.
I found a custom size frame for it and after a little DIY, and a greater appreciation for professional framers, I now have a cheery, vintage handkerchief to remind me of home whenever I am feeling a bit nostalgic for my coastal roots.

-Jessie, Santa Fe, NM

Don't buy it! DIY it!

I recently fell in love with a necklace during a recent Anthropologie visit. At the time I couldn't bring myself to spend close to $40 when more important things like my electric bill needed to be paid.
So instead, I decided to make it myself. While in San Diego, I took a trip to the Black Bead, a favorite spot since I was young. There, I found all the goodies I needed to re-create the necklace...for almost half the price!After a few feet of chain, some base metal pins, a lobster clasp and some jewel-y gems, I was all set!There is something more satisfying about some good ol' DIY!
-Jessie, Santa Fe, NM