Thursday, February 10, 2011

Donde esta Panchita? Hint…Somewhere Warm

It’s already month two of the Happy Homemaker Tag Along Swap hosted by the multi-talented Elizabeth…last month I introduced you to my year-long theme, “In the Kitchen with Panchita”.  I’m using a book filled with images of vintage Mexican beauties to find pictures of Panchita…This month finds Panchita in Veracruz, Mexico enjoying a well deserved vacation. You see, she spent the entire Super Bowl Sunday in her cocina making guacamole and nachos for Pancho and his football buddies. For Valentine week, he wisely decided to treat Panchita to a second honeymoon in someplace warm and sunny…this has been a bitter winter for us all and don’t we envy them in beautiful Veracruz?

feb. front

This is the front of my February tag…

100_1152

It incorporates an old Spanish book, my chosen scrapbook papers, a crepe paper dress, a floral embellishment, and a picture of the happy couple. Since I popped her up on the January card, I did the same with this one. Besides, it makes the skirt show better. I’ll probably trim the hem with a little glitter and I may add a crepe paper petticoat for extra dimension.  The backside uses the same paper and ephemera along with Mexican Loteria images…

Feb. back

La Palma, El Sol, and La Sirena seemed like a good group for a couple on La Playa. (Unfortunately, the mermaid is anatomically correct and so she needed coverage.) Of course, I’ll be playing with additional embellishment techniques all year long. The crepe paper is not in my usual bag of tricks, but I’ve taken a class with Ann-Denise Anderson, a Texas Paper Cowgirl crepe paper queen and I’m willing to play with it. Panchita’s dress is better looking “in person” than in these shots. So, there you have it…

feb tag along

The January tags had rounded corners, so these might have to be trimmed to match, but I sort’a like the pair mostly because I was playing with pictures of warm places!  So this month’s “outside the comfort zone was the crepe paper skirt…who knows what next month will bring?

7 comments:

Betty said...

Panchita es muy bonita and also a lucky girl to be on vacation!! I love your tags. They are so much fun!!

Nancy said...

What a knock out and the dress is fabulous. Panchita, by the way, is doing well on that fifty cent per hour negotiated paycheck. Pancho es muy macho en la playa. xoxo Nancy

Amy said...

Love that dress, the crepe paper is a wonderful idea, I have not ventured there yet, but I am inspired. Panchita looks Fab! I really like the layering you used on the back to cover miss mermaid. It looks nice.

Unknown said...

Laverne, I excitedly have visited each tag page waiting expectantly for your February tag, and here you are the last so far. Save the best for last truly does hold true for your wonderful work. I have told you I am very enamored of Mexican culture as my parents honeymooned there. Your tags mean so very much to me as you tell the story of Panchita. I am so delighted to have you in my swap, and I look forward already to next months! Happy Valentine's Day to you! Elizabeth

Debbie Doughty said...

That Pancho is one hot tamale! And a sweetheart too! Panchita is one lucky gal... I love the crepe paper!

Tamera's Craft Palace said...

GORGEOUS!!! I love the crepe paper ruffles--and Pancho is HOT!!!

Nan said...

Oh I love this it's so very different and this is a good thing. I know don't do well trying to make tags like everyone else myself and had to feel my way to find my own style with the help of E. Keep up the beautiful tags I do enjoy them.



Limping Deer and the Twins

Limping Deer and the Twins
They are still spotted at this time.

Show and Tell Sunday June 15

Flea Market Finds...sounds like my whole house and yard...

Milk Glass Collection

Milk Glass Collection
Who knew that a 25 cent flea market find would unleash such a collecting frenzy? I never pay more than a dollar unless it's a really nice piece. They are great grouped with a single daisy in each.

These used to be inexpensive florist vases in the 50's and 60's. Everyone's Grandmother had bunches.

Mexicana Dishes

Mexicana Dishes
My sister found these for me at Bussy's Flea Market in San Antonio, Texas. I had seen pictures in her Fiesta reference book. Mexicana was also made by Homer Laughlin in the 30's. I had been looking for several years without ever finding even a single piece when she found the set...with a promise to hold it for us, she came running to find me and I bought the entire set...60+ pieces for $50.

Mexicana

Mexicana
I've added to the set over the years, but the price and experience will never match that first amazing find.

Vintage Kitchen Hutch

Vintage Kitchen Hutch
When my hubby found this hutch it was Pepto pink and I was not 100% sure about it. But with a new red back and fresh white paint and refurbished hardware, it became one of my favorite pieces.

Nancy made me save the vine

Nancy made me save the vine
The vine and flowers painted on the inside were in such bad shape that I was ready to remove it all. Nancy -My Crafty Little Page convinced me to keep it and after some touch-up work, I'm glad I listened to her. My husband restores vintage Cushman motorscooters and he tries to make everything "mint" condition again. The Shabby Chic movement came along just in time to keep me from making some terrible mistakes.