The sweet as can be, Rosalyn- Sue hosted a swap with a springtime theme. Just as soon as she asked, way back in January, I thought about hot air balloons and started to daydream about warmer days! I've always loved hot air balloons. You can't get much more whimsical! Little ornaments that can hang on an Easter tree, wreath, piece of furniture, mirror, chandelier or wherever! I started with the same basic elements for each: a handmade "basket" that I tied off with tarnished vintage tinsel, the "balloon" a vintage Christmas ball and the most special touch; antique place cards that I've held onto for years. I think they would have been used for a baby or bridal shower. I just love her flapper-esque dress complete with beads and a sash!!
I tried to match the flowers with each of the girls' colors, tastes and styles. Lori's hot air balloon has vintage millinery in dusty rose, pale pink and butter yellow.
For the hostess , I picked blooms in peachy- pink, cream and faded robin's egg blue.
Hope's is loaded in neutrals with the slightest hint of whisper pink... 
As for Jenn's, lavender and violet, pink upon more pink and a slight hint of aqua in there too...
Amy's is covered in an abundance of all spring's hues! 
There's plenty of pastel pink and velvet creams for Andrea...
Sherry's; a plethora of pink foof in all it's shades.... 
Finally, Natasha's is covered with flowers in colors of sorbet.
P.S. My husband persuaded me to get a gym membership. Just for the record, I am NOT a gym girl! I'd much sooner mow the lawn or chase my kids at the park. Especially on a day like today!!! Sunny and calm outside... a perfect day for a balloon ride!!
Hey cutie,
eeekkk this is adorable!!
love the sweet colors.
hope all is well with you!!
oxoox,
jessi
Posted by: scrappy jessi | April 14, 2011 at 01:58 PM
Just when I thought your blog couldn't get any cuter, you come up with these whimsical hot air balloons. OMG, really really sweet.
Now about that gym membership. Hopefully your hubby didn't give you that for an Anniversary presie, or your birthday, cuz he'd be in the "dog house" for sure, lol.
So nice to see you posting again.
Can't wait to hear your voice on the phone tonight.
Love you
Love me
xoxoxoxox
Posted by: claudie | April 14, 2011 at 03:17 PM
Such beautiful spring balloons!! Love all of the sweet millinery blooms and vintage image. I am not a gym girl either, lol, but I do like it after I have been.
Posted by: Heidi Meyer | April 14, 2011 at 04:40 PM
Gabrielle it is great to see your creations on the blog again. Hope all is going well. I didn't know you were a hot air balloon fan. I will have to send you a picture of 2 that I made.
Love your blog as always
Diane
Posted by: Diane | April 14, 2011 at 08:47 PM
I don't think I'd be able to part with such bodaciousness! Lucky are they who receive them.
Posted by: Jill | April 15, 2011 at 07:54 AM
So sweet and whimsical! I love them!
Michelle
Posted by: Michelle | April 15, 2011 at 11:25 AM
Beautiful balloons!! So so pretty! Amy
Posted by: amy boelter | April 15, 2011 at 04:32 PM
Oh, Gabrielle,
You have done it again. These are just so whimsical and lovely and those little girls are from the era that I love the most (which I think is the twenties...tell me if I am wrong). I can't wait to see all of the other ornaments. It looks like a wonderful group...if I am guessing right from the first names!
Big hugs,
Suz
Posted by: Katsui Jewelry | April 16, 2011 at 11:37 PM
Oh Gabrielle, I just saw this post, and just LOVE the beautiful Hot Air Balloons you made. If only you sold them, I would treat myself to a Mother's Day present.
xxoo Valarie
Posted by: Valarie Kraft | April 20, 2011 at 03:25 PM