The Inspired Nest News ~

Here's the BIG news I've been dying to share...

My sweet friend Heather and I have joined creative forces to create The Inspired Nest, creative retreats and gatherings. It's a dream and an idea that has been percolating for a looong time! We are so excited about this venture and hope that you will join us throughout the year.

Our first event is near and dear to my heart ~
"Art & Treasure in Brimfield"
May 15~16 in Brimfield, MA

A day of sourcing my favorite vendors at the Brimfield Flea Market, a delicious (and well deserved) Welcome Dinner, "charming" swap, a full day of amazing classes, luncheon, and vendor faire!

We're thrilled Crystal will be joining us to teach a class, she has a wonderful whimsical style!

Here's a sneak peek of my class project "Sparrow's Dream Cuff"
(the back holds a secret message..."Give your dreams wings")


For all the details come visit us at The Inspired Nest blog!

xo Heidi

Saint~Valentin

Made for my sweetie ~ I'm sure it's just what he wanted!

Valentines Day has always been one of my favorite holidays, being the hopeless romantic that I am! The delicious colors of love are like a beacon of hope that warm my heart and brighten this dreary winter.

I had so much fun on the OWOH gypsy caravan visiting bloggers from all over the world. Thank you to all who stopped by and left a sweet comment. I came across this wonderful blog and couldn't resist joining the party ~ after all it seemed right up my alley!



In my in-box this morning, a virtual getaway to Provence in the south of France warmed my heart.

Someday I'll get to Isle sur la Sorgue and antique at the fabulous flea market, and maybe eat at this lovely restaurant ~ it just takes my breath away.


treats for my sweets

My latest Etsy purchase ~ a gift for Big Girl with a sweet note tucked inside

Have a lovely day ~
xo Heidi

bridge photo taken at Nestlennook Inn.

...and the winner is ~

The winner of my One World One Heart Giveaway is ~

Miz Carla!!!

Shabby Chic Love ~

Eighteen years ago on a trip to California and a tip from my sister's friend, I first stepped into a Shabby Chic store. As soon as I entered I felt like I was home, and fell instantly head~over~heels in love. It was like living in my dream, digging deep into my heart as I sat on the yummie down puffed couch and took in the soft colors, vintage fabrics, tattered flea market treasures, and gazed at the sparkly chandeliers. It too was an affirmation that following my heart and decorating sense was a very good idea ~ paint away and cover everything in creams and white!

at the Country Home event in NYC years ago

I've told the story before...when I left for college in Boston, and set up my first apartment I painted all my dark wood furniture white ~ it was perfect! It made me happy (and caused others to gasp!) I love that at the very same time Rachel Ashwell, living on the opposite coast was creating similar surroundings ~ and envisioned her dream. I've always felt a connection to her, and I'm so grateful to her for dreaming big, for keeping all that she loved at the center of what she does! My heart goes out to her, and I know Shabby Chic, her baby, will survive this tough time.

Keep Calm and Carry On

xo Heidi

P.S I'll be closing out the One world one Heart Giveaway at 5:00 P.M. EST today, so hurry over and enter if you haven't already! Best of luck!

Marie, Marie, Marie ~

Marie Antoinette that is! I was asked to join the Marie Antoinette Mail Art Group. There are so many talented artists in this group, and amazing swaps to join my head is spinning! Art dolls, paper theaters, an altered shoe, supplies, ATC's, and more ~ how fun! I don't know where to start...

Marie Antoinette Award

My sweet friend Melissa from the lovely blog Adored Before gave me this award! When I asked her why, she said, "just because!"So very sweet of her. If you have stopped by my blog and are reading this, then I bestow this award to you too! Please post it on your blog and pass it on to your friends.

This weekend we saw The Dutchess. The costumes, scenery, and her hair made me swoon! What an amazing woman of character, but such a tragic love story. I loved that Keira Knightly told the movie studio that absolutely no enhancements of her body were to be made in the publicity prints ~ she rocks! So grateful to live in a time when women have a voice and are respected. It would be fun if only for a day to wear one of those grand gowns though, even with all the barbaric under contraptions {obviously designed by a man!}

xo Heidi

...pssst, I have some very exciting news about an upcoming event my friend Heather {Speckled Egg} and I have been working on! Stay tuned for all the creative details...I can hardly wait to spill the beans!