Mason Jar Madness!!

Or...in my case, Crown Jar Craziness!

They are literally EVERYWHERE these days!!

These are something I grew up with...we used them in the workshop to store nails, screws and odds & ends but they were also used in a more traditional way in the kitchen to store preserved produce and maple syrup our neighbour made.
Seeing as they have always been a staple in my home and I have found a way to take a traditional item and add a bit of a modern but still rustic twist to it...keep reading for how you could win one of your own!


Lonny Magazine's Facebook page recently featured these Ball Mason Jars (see below) in an article by Ginny Branch about alternative wedding ideas.




These are a collection of my family's McDonald Sealers (namesake collectibles are always fun). I just love their colour and shapes.



I was flipping through Style at Home the other day and saw the photo on the left below...cast porcelain Mason jar styled vases. 
I looked up from the couch and across the room and looked at something very similar sitting in my living room...a painted Crown Mason Jar that I had done as a DIY, holding peonies from my family's garden. 






I had made this jar and arrangement for a friend for her birthday earlier in the year....A little raffia and grey glossy paint just made this arrangement!




Painting jars is nothing new to me....I've been doing it for a few years now and my Dad used to also do this many, many years ago.

They are available for order in my Rustic Retrievals Etsy shop or if you're wanting to place a larger order for something like a wedding, shower or other event, you can email me at rusticretrievals@gmail.com


The jars are available in a variety of colours....essentially we are only limited by the variety of options provided by the companies that produce spray paint.



I'm currently putting together an order of fuchsia, apple green, white and black jars to ship to the US. Can't wait to see them all completed!

And now....it's CONTEST TIME!!!

Rustic Retrievals has had a great week and I would like to celebrate with a give away...

It's simple...just leave a comment below or on my/Rustic Retrievals Instagram/Facebook page under the picture correlating to this blog post, telling me what colour jar you would like and why you chose that colour.

I will draw the winner the end of next week and the winner will get their personalized Crown Mason Jar sent to them to use around their home to hold flowers, kitchen utensils, pens, pencils....the list is endless!

Best of luck and keep the comments coming...you can also comment more than once to increase your chances of winning!

RR





Love Her Style!!

I was having a look through my Instagram feed the other day and saw these absolutely gorgeous painted antlers!

I opened up the Padgett Hoke Blog and immediately felt a connection to her style, both in her home and her own personal style!

I love these antlers and can't wait to try painting some that I have! 


The blog takes us through her building her beautiful and rustic home in Jackson Hole. If I were to ever build, I can safely say that I would mirror a lot of what she has done!


Look at the gorgeous face enjoying some relaxing time in front of this amazing fireplace....


And the bathrooms.....perfect!


Then there's this deck with that view...wow!!!




When I say I can relate to her style...I think I have everyone of those pieces in my closet/wardrobe!



I've never been to Wyoming, let alone Jackson Hole....her photos are inspiring me to plan a trip there sooner then later!


Stunning.....


Then...there's her Etsy shop! I've posted a few photos of my favourite pieces ....'click' on the photos below and they'll take you directly to the listing on Etsy!


N11268 - Gold antler necklace

This one may just be my favourite!


N11301 - Gold long deer antler pendant necklace

Or...maybe this one! I can't decide which one to get!
ED11261 - Turquoise green glass pendants

These earrings would be the perfect addition to my summer wardrobe!


As you can see, we share a lot of similarities in style and her Blog is a wonderful journey through what looks to be a very happy and successful approach to life!!

RR

*All photos are from the Padgett Hoke Blog*



Life Right Now.....


I have a feeling this is another year that is going to fly by and it'll be Christmas again before we know it! I love capturing life via photos and here are a few from the past few weeks!



Beautiful sunset as we were out for our evening walk....


This handsome guy turned 8 on March 5! I can't believe how quickly time does indeed fly by!


 
With Spring around the corner, I head to Blush to get the perfect minty purse and clutch! I can't wait for a bit warmer weather to work these into the mix!


I've added a few more items to my Rustic Retrievals Etsy shop! This is an Emerald Green Tea/Coffee set. Perfect as we're getting so close to St. Patrick's Day and it's also the colour of 2013!..Pop on over to our shop and have to look to see our other items!


I was finally able to get together with a great friend (A Paper Buffet and Knitley Road) and we had a chance to exchange Christmas gifts (yes, we've both realized we need to slow down a bit). Part of my gift was this absolutely scrumptious homemade Baileys! I've already put in my order for next year (I'm keeping my finger crossed for maybe 2 bottles!) I decided to try it in my latte on a SUnday morning and needless to say, it was TRES YUMMY!


The finished product....It was soooo good! 


Last weekend we got our first taste of Spring so Charlie and I headed out to the front porch to enjoy the sunshine and my new issue of House and Home magazine.

As much as I enjoy the snow and colder temperatures, I'm more than ready for Spring to arrive!

RR

My Wish List...

I don't know about you, but I love this time of year! Family, friends, lights, traditions, decorations, snow, yummy food....the list of fun, good times and frivolity goes on and on!
 
However, the one thing that does make me a bit uncomfortable about this time of year is making "THE List".....a Christmas List. I'm one of those people that would much rather give than receive. It's a catch 22 ...I want to be sure that what I give to someone is something they want, but that it is also something unique and relates to my relationship with that person.
 
The catch 22 is that when people ask me for my list, I have a difficult time putting things on paper...I really don't need anything....and as for wants....well...there really aren't many things I yearn for...BUT......if someone would like to put a Range Rover in my driveway, I wouldn't complain ;)
 
 
All that being said....I am going to try and put a bit of a list together....a list of things that I would like to receive because they aren't just 'things' but are reminders of life events, memories, would help me make more memories, are practical (most of them) and just remind me of me....of who I am.
 
 
 
As you know, I have a wonderful 4 legged pooch and we do a lot of walking in all 4 seasons. A boot like this is perfect for those sub zero walks in the snow at 6am!
 
 
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This just makes me smile.....and is SOOOO true!

sit...stay...wander...Lab Sweatshirt, Dog Sweater, Labrador Retriever Shirt, S,M,L,XL

Perfect for our walks, the gym or for lounging!

 
 
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My guilty pleasures....They're my 'security blanket'...My "Sunday morning in my comfies on the couch" beverage/treat of choice! D&D...you NEED to start shipping to Canada or open a store here ASAP!



4. Travel Guides/Journals


 


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Ireland - have never been and can't wait to go!

New York City

NYC - MUST go back again this year!

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Alberta/Lake Louise - Can't wait for my annual trip out!

5.  Burberry

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I think it speaks for itself...GORGEOUS and CLASSIC!

6. ANYTHING from Blush!

prints, bow belt, chalet sweater, gift ideas, blush style, holiday gifts, pretty things, black, ivory, knit hat, online shop, studded cuffs, hair accessories, ban.do hair clip, cystal bobbi,

handwarmers, online shop, boutique, blush style, gift items, holiday gifts, cute accessories, cozy sweaters, bow belt, brave belts, lollia perfume, breathe perfume,

little black dress, sparkle, shimmer, dress, holiday, black, inside the shop, blush style,

The perfect LBD, the Oxblood Pom Pom Beanie, the Button Hand Warmers, and the Buckle Cuff ...Yes Please!

7. Giftcards

Deer Silhouette Painting on Rustic Wood


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.....Homesense, Etsy, Borealis Grill (my fav local resto), Williams Sonoma  etc...for those days when a gal needs to treat herself to a lil something.

But...most of all...what I REALLY want for Christmas is to be able to continue living the very blessed life I lead, that my friends and family stay healthy & happy and that the year ahead holds a lot of fun and many adventures!

RR


 

Etsy is a Reality!!

Our shop is open and ready for business!

CLICK ON OUR LOGO TO TAKE A PEEK AT OUR SHOP!

We've even had our first sale and 4 Vintage Draft Horse Pictures have been sent in the mail today to Alabama!


The thing that I love most about Etsy is that it brings talent from across the globe and your own backyard together on one site. It is the epitomy of supporting small business both near and far!

Our store will include not only rustic items, but vintage items as well!

 I "heart" Rustic Style, but I'm also "ga-ga" for Vintage!

And.... if it's Vintage Equine....I can hardly keep myself from salivating!

Percheron

Belgian

Clydesdale....my favorite Draft/Heavy Horse!

I have always had a soft spot for Heavy Horses...growing up our neighbours raised Clydes and they are the first horses I ever rode.

What makes these pictures even more special are the fact that they are from a local primary school and were sent to the teacher by the Ontario Department of Agriculture - Livestock Branch. They truly are a piece of Ontario history.

I am keeping a set for myself and plan to do a gallery wall in simple, black frames....they not only remind me of my childhood, but also my future. One day...I will live back out in the country and have horses again.




This shop is just my next adventure in the world of home decor...I'm really, really looking forward to what the future holds!
So.... if you have a few minutes, please feel free to drop by our shop and take a look...I'm going to try and add new items regularly!

Also, while you're on the site, if you're looking for gorgeous hand-made cards, take a look at  my friend Steph's store  ' A Paper Buffet ' . Or, if you want beautiful, felted clutches, infinity scarves, cellphone case, cup cozies etc, she has a second shop called ' Knitley Road '.

RR