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Friday, May 18, 2012

Vintage Inspiration # 88 Mammabellarte

Today, I want to spotlight a sweet friend and
 Renaissance Woman Extraordinaire,

Rita lives in Southern California with her husband and family, but originally comes from Sicily. She is talented in so many areas; below is a chair swing she made to salvage a piece that might have been destined for the trash.







Rita is a woodworker, crafting the most beautiful and detailed birdhouses
that she sells at The Vintage Marketplace at the Oaks,
a venue she co founded and sponsors.







She's also an amazing jewelry creator, designer and teacher.

Her pieces are so detailed, unique, and amazing!












But this is how I met her...
Meet Rita, the chicken wrangler!

Believe it or not, almost three years ago I saw this photo on Google Images  and tracked her down. Since then, I've been a huge fan of all her creativity and her wonderful blog. Are these kids not the cutest? She's been featured many times in magazines; this photo was featured in the March issue of Country Living several years ago.




So take a minute when you can and run by and say Hello to Rita. Go with her to the shows, and then enjoy all the beauty and charm from one of the sweetest gals on Earth!



And here is some other great talent from last week's party!


Nancy from Nancy's Daily Dish has a great post on one of the hottest decor collectibles out there; artillery baskets. Nancy always has the interesting facts, so be sure and check out her post.







Rita from May Days used this great old Pepsi crate
 as a centerpiece for her gorgeous tablescape.



love those dishes!



Nicole from Doodles and Stitches found this wonderful 
bench made from an old bed...love that patina!





and Irma from Cosas Bellas shared such an inspirational post
 about her faith, entitled "White as Snow"


 Thankyou Irma.


Thank you each and every one of you
 who takes the time to come by and link up here at 
Vintage Inspiration
You are truly a blessing to know!





After you link here,
 be sure you join in on these other great Friday parties!





Time to link up "anything vintage or vintage inspired".
Please have a link to this party within your blog post.

xoxo,


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54 comments:

  1. TrishaMay 17, 2012 at 11:49 AM

    Oh wow! I love her birdhouses-too cute!

    ~Trisha

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  2. FABBY'S LIVINGMay 17, 2012 at 11:51 AM

    Adorable bird houses! Thank you for hosting lovely lady. I trust you had a great MD! Hugs,
    FABBY

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  3. AmandaMay 17, 2012 at 11:58 AM

    Hello dear Debra! Thank you for hosting your lovely party each week! I always look forward to joining in on the fun! And thank you for stopping by and leaving such sweet comments for me! It is a treat to hear from you! What a lovely feature today! I just adore Rita's style! I am off to go visit her blog!
    Best Wishes and Blessings,
    Amanda

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  4. Kim @ Savvy Southern StyleMay 17, 2012 at 12:01 PM

    Super features. I love that bench. Too cute. Thanks for hosting.

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  5. KathyMay 17, 2012 at 12:09 PM

    hello Debra, Love your feature this week - she is truly an artist! Your post features are fantastic too - I was deeply moved by Irma's post - beautifully written. I do appreciate you being a gracious hostess,
    Kathy

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  6. The Charm of HomeMay 17, 2012 at 12:14 PM

    Great features. I love that bench too. Thank you for hosting and for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

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  7. Confessions of a Plate AddictMay 17, 2012 at 12:23 PM

    Lovely creations from Rita...and great features, too! Thanks for hosting!...hugs...Debbie

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  8. Rosemary@villabarnesMay 17, 2012 at 12:30 PM

    Great features, Debra. Thanks for hosting.

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  9. BrendaMay 17, 2012 at 12:30 PM

    I LOVE all the beautiful vintage inspirations!! What an amazing blog. It makes me glad I'm a follower. I wish I had something vintage to link...
    Thanks for sharing all these beautiful ideas.
    Brenda

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  10. Mammabellarte Rita ReadeMay 17, 2012 at 12:46 PM

    Debra, thank you so much! What a beautiful surprise my friend. I have grown so much because of Ladies like you that have been following me since I started blogging. You are so Dear to me and the chickens thank you too.!!!! Ciao for now Rita

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  11. Irma@CosasBellasMay 17, 2012 at 12:51 PM

    Wow! I am truly honored to be featured on your beautiful blog, it was such a joyful surprise!

    Rita, my beautiful Sicilian friend, is she not amazing? I'm so looking forward to attending another show! She actually picked up the shaker pictured above from my space at CR, I love what she did with it!

    Thank you for hosting this wonderful party Debra!!

    Blessings to you,
    Irma

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  12. Angie @ Knick of TimeMay 17, 2012 at 12:54 PM

    Thanks for hosting again this week, Debra and for sharing the great features!

    Blessings,
    Angie

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  13. Mammabellarte Rita ReadeMay 17, 2012 at 12:57 PM

    That is right Irma!!! The shaker is from your booth. Miss you and I hope you come to the show. Irma you are so talented!. Thank you again Debra for sharing your Friday with us. Ciao

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  14. White Ironstone CottageMay 17, 2012 at 1:05 PM

    Rita is as kind as she is talented
    Grateful that you showcased Rita's beautiful creations
    Blessings
    Pam

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  15. Julie MarieMay 17, 2012 at 1:29 PM

    Hello Debra... I too adore Rita and all of her fabulous creations!... thanks for last weeks features too... I TRY to visit everyone but it is not always possible!... just linked up, xoxo Julie Marie PS Thanks for your visit this morning, I always love it when you get a chance to stop by!

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  16. Alison AgnewMay 17, 2012 at 1:54 PM

    oh the lovely features
    never disappoint

    all linked up
    and thanks for hosting Debra!

    alison

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  17. Kristin @ Yellow Bliss RoadMay 17, 2012 at 2:06 PM

    Fabulous features - thanks for hosting!!

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  18. Country Gal May 17, 2012 at 2:54 PM

    All such fantastic creations ! Have a good day !

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  19. At The Picket FenceMay 17, 2012 at 3:02 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting us Debra! :-)
    Vanessa

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  20. Curtains in My TreeMay 17, 2012 at 3:15 PM

    The chicken wrangler lady is pretty creative

    thanks for introducing her to us all . your feature pictures are wonderful

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  21. Jennifer @ Town and Country LivingMay 17, 2012 at 3:26 PM

    I didn't know about Rita or her blog. Thanks for introducing us to her. I love all of her photos that you posted and will now follow her blog! Thanks, too, for hosting.

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  22. DebbiedoosMay 17, 2012 at 3:28 PM

    Thanks for hosting Debra! Have a fabulous weekend.

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  23. Brenda PruittMay 17, 2012 at 4:00 PM

    I've often wished I could make bird houses. Afraid of power tools though.
    Brenda

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  24. Sherry@Back2VintageMay 17, 2012 at 4:07 PM

    Rita sounds like a fun and talented lady...Thanks for introducing her. And thanks for hosting the party...Great features!!!

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  25. Good Time CharlieMay 17, 2012 at 4:10 PM

    I cannot wait to go check out that bench made from a bed. That has my name written all over it!

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  26. Noble VintageMay 17, 2012 at 4:31 PM

    oh yes, I love Rita's blog! she is so talented, and I love her style. Wonderful feature on her today :) Thanks for hosting!

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  27. Laurel StephensMay 17, 2012 at 4:39 PM

    Rita certainly is a woman of many talents. I love chickens, too! Thank you for sharing your interesting features and thanks for hosting today's party.

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  28. UnknownMay 17, 2012 at 4:58 PM

    ...so many lovely features to see!
    happy VIF!
    xo, Rosemary

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  29. Ele at abitofpinkheavenMay 17, 2012 at 6:58 PM

    Rita's stuff is gorgeous. Love all the Pics.

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  30. Carlene @ Organized ClutterMay 17, 2012 at 6:59 PM

    Love the features Debra! Thanks!

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  31. Susan FreemanMay 17, 2012 at 7:03 PM

    Thank you for hosting Debra!

    Hugs,
    Susan and Bentley

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  32. UnknownMay 17, 2012 at 7:30 PM

    Thanks for hosting Debra! I hope you have a fabulous weekend! XO, Aimee

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  33. andrea@townandprairieMay 17, 2012 at 7:37 PM

    Hi Debra! I just linked up, but I'm going to have to check out the party posts later tonight. I'll be back! Thanks for hosting!

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  34. Glenda/MidSouthMay 17, 2012 at 8:13 PM

    Posting on the run - but wanted to share the vintage airstream. Will be back to check out all those sharing this week. Thanks for hosting - You are appreciated.

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  35. Faye May 17, 2012 at 8:45 PM

    I'm on my way to check out Rita's blog. Thanks for hosting!
    Faye

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  36. Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. OlsonMay 17, 2012 at 9:11 PM

    Hi Debra, Rita sounds like an amazing lady. I love all of her creations and the chickens are too cute! Some other great features as well. Thanks for hosting this fun party.
    Hugs,
    Jann

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  37. Alicia@ eco friendly homemakingMay 17, 2012 at 9:13 PM

    Oh I agree she sounds amazing!! What a fun party. Glad I stopped by.

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  38. Little BitMay 17, 2012 at 11:12 PM

    Thank you for hosting a wonderful party, your friend has amazing creations for sure! Little Bit

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  39. Stephanie ~ Angelic AccentsMay 18, 2012 at 1:22 AM

    Hi Debra! Thanks for hosting this fun party ~ I've just linked up. You've featured some of my favs from last week, too! I'll have to search out Rita ~ all her images are beautiful. BTW, I'm gearing up for my annual WEDDING BLOG PARTY on June 8th and hope you can join us! Come read all about it!

    Big TX Hugs,
    Stephanie

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  40. Sandi~A Cottage MuseMay 18, 2012 at 6:37 AM

    I am a big fan of Rita's and was lucky enough to win one of her beautiful creations in a giveaway! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

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  41. Lauren @ My Wonderfully MadeMay 18, 2012 at 7:11 AM

    Thanks for introducing Rita! I have not 'met' her but am heading over right now to see her beautiful work -- great features (and that chair swing she made -- oh my! Pinned!)

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  42. Shirley@Housepitality DesignsMay 18, 2012 at 7:16 AM

    Rita is certainly a very talented lady!...and those chickens are just amazing!!...thanks for hosting..the features were all so beautiful..

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  43. AnonymousMay 18, 2012 at 9:29 AM

    I just love Rita's blog, and yours too of course! Thank you for hosting every week, Marcia

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  44. Anita at Cedar Hill May 18, 2012 at 9:36 AM

    Hi Debra, another gorgeous eye candy party. I linked up my slipcover, and I'm enjoying the other links right now.

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  45. AnonymousMay 18, 2012 at 10:15 AM

    Hi, I haven't been partying in quite a while, and I'm thrilled to be here with all the great links today! I linked my "pin cushion craze" - thanks for hostessing! Hugs ~ Mary

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  46. The Summer Kitchen GirlsMay 18, 2012 at 10:52 AM

    Hello Debra! We are loving miss Rita...and the fact that she'd from Sicily makes it all the more exciting (my husband's grandparents came from Sicily!) Thanks for introducing us to her :)
    Karla & Karrie

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  47. Creations By CindyMay 18, 2012 at 12:42 PM

    Ooh, love it all! With just a little imagination one can do so much! Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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  48. Rita's RecipesMay 18, 2012 at 10:32 PM

    Hi Debra,
    Thank you so much for the feature on my Pepsi crate.
    Such a nice surprise to see it on you blog. I've added your button to my post (now that I know how...easy)
    as well as my sidebar. Love your blog and never miss a visit!
    Cheers, Rita

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  49. Kay EllenMay 19, 2012 at 12:40 AM

    I had to pop by and say I love Rita! She is a dear friend...such a sweet post you did:))

    I will have to join in your blog party soon!! Looks like a lot of fun:)

    So nice to meet you!

    Kay Ellen

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  50. Donna Reyne'May 19, 2012 at 6:31 AM

    I am loving this series you are doing Debra!
    I hope you have a wonderful weekend! Maybe enjoy the gorgeous weather?
    hugs from here my friend
    Donna

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  51. Jenn GrayMay 19, 2012 at 9:41 AM

    Thanks for hosting the party! Happy Weekend. Bythewayjenngray.blogspot.com

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  52. UnknownMay 19, 2012 at 11:59 AM

    Thanks so much for hosting - and have a wonderful ( rest of the ) weekend!
    Hugs,
    Suzan

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  53. JoMay 20, 2012 at 1:00 PM

    The "chair" planter is so cute!

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  54. AmyMay 23, 2012 at 11:18 AM

    Thanks for hosting. It's my first time linking up with you and I could just get lost in your blog...it's beautiful here.

    Amy {aprons & ambition}

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