Cathe Holden’s Inspired Barn | Creative Lifestyle

Livestock Images: Free Digital Downloads

Tuesday, February 8, 2011 by Cathe Holden

Every year this time, baby lambs hit the ground like rain in our pasture. We went through a few years of showing market lambs in 4-H with my son, and now my youngest, Sarah, is looking forward to her first year in the livestock division.

This photo is of Sarah holding a newborn, apparently stepped on by a ewe by accident. Her little hind leg is broken but well splinted (tongue depressers & duct tape) by Mr. Wonderful. Did I mention he grew up the son of a large animal vet? (read: assistant large animal vet.) Little lamb is on antibiotics and runs around as fast as the other babies in the field happy all the way. Dang they’re cute! We have 5 babies, and I have to add, for a sweet visual, they all fall asleep together in a puppy-pile in the sun.

So in the spirit of livestock/4-H, I thought I would share some vintage livestock and horse images scanned from one of my rare printer catalogs, circa 1920. I’m going to take a leap and suggest that vintage livestock be the new trend in design, decor and apparel. I mean, how awesome would one of these illustrations be enlarged and silkscreened on a throw pillow, t-shirt or made into vinyl wall decals?! (I always thought the farmer image at the very bottom would make for a cool blog header for Mr. Wonderful, you know, should he ever have the need for a blog.)

Click on the images below to access the FREE PDF files. If you make something with any of them, I would LOVE to see it!

34 Comments | Posted in Uncategorized |

Simple and Pretty Spoon Egg Holder

Saturday, February 5, 2011 by Cathe Holden

I know it’s a bit early for Easter crafts, but I wanted to give you enough time to start collecting vintage spoons, the primary supply for this easy to make egg holder arrangement.

To do this project, find straight side bottles and jars. I used the milk glass cosmetic jar and clear spice bottle.

Collect various inexpensive spoons from thrift stores and flea markets (I prefer pretty vintage ones).

Bend the bowls of the spoons at the neck at a 90º angle.

Rubberband the jar and slide spoons under the bands, keeping in mind that if you space them too close, the eggs may not fit.

Pull out your vintage ribbon…

and tie around the jar to hide the bands.

Add pretty flowers and enough water to keep them fresh.

Then add the eggs. My eggs are courtesy of the cute little Holden hens, but of course you can use colored and decorated eggs as well.

You can also make these into candle holders for your Easter table.Slip a vintage plate or platter under to make the arrangement just a bit more grand.

How easy was that?!

119 Comments | Posted in Collecting, Easter, general craft, Holiday Crafts, repurposing | Tagged Easter Eggs, Egg holder, Egg tray

Get Well Soon: Free PDF Digital Downloads

Friday, February 4, 2011 by Cathe Holden

I have a post running over at SC Johnson’s Family Economics on creating thoughtful “Get Well” comfort kits. Most times you can put a kit together without ever leaving the house, using things you already have. So, in the spirit of not leaving the house, I created some GET WELL SOON hang tags to help you out! Simply download, print, trim, punch, string, add a handwritten message and attach to your care package. Click on tag image to download.