Thursday, May 29, 2008

ONE MAN'S JUNK..ANOTHER MAN'S TREASURE


Right before I retired ... at work this time- worn frame made it into the dumpster... with the statement... what a piece of junk.... I rushed out...dumpster diving retrieved what I believe to be a wonderful time ravished very old Victorian frame... I just love this old beauty... but many would say...yuck..... beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder.... I had this old vintage jewelry in my home for awhile in my hummm... what am I gona do with this box..... A old cabinet card and lace collar and SOOOO SIMPLE.... Great with my old victorian stuff.....

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

CLOCHES..JARS.. LIKE CONSERVATORIES












Glass cloches and jars are like conservatories for our loved objects... I display a array of treasures in room setting.. It gives the feel of charming Victorian-era cottage which is what I try to achieve in my home... Cloches and jars can also display found objects from our woods and beaches. They are just a awesome way to change displays for all loves and seasons.... I have shown you several different ones in my home.... I change them out quite often and for alot of different days.The cloches can be more expensive of a display compared to the jars... I always have my eyes wide open for jars and vintage cheese savers.... I marry the glass tops with a stemmed cake plate or candy dish and discard the old wooden or not so nice bottom that usually comes with the glass top. I have picked these up for 50 cents to a dollar quite often... At Christmas time I turned a large gallon olive jar upside down on a lovely pink rose antique cake plate and tucked a sweet pink Santa in it... It costs nothing{ well.we did eat all the olives} so you can achieve this same look at a very little expense..... I think I may have mentioned Clyde in one of my earlier post.... He is my little wooden butler { the guy holding the sweet sugar cubes}.. he just stands and acts dumb.. Then he's married to Erma {my dishwasher} who only works about twice a week. They make quite a pair..... Seriously... if you haven't yet tried jars and cloches..... do... they are great to work with... holding all from aged elements to jewels....nothing has to be expensive or who cares where it came from as long as it has style.....

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Chippy Ceiling Tin





I purchased this large 30" ceiling tin several months ago and it laid in the garage and I thought I have to do some thing with it. I am doing a bride tree for Christmas so I thought I would make something to connect with that theme. I did get some ornaments made for the tree this past week. Opps back to the tin....Dawn shared this lovely bride on one of her older posts... The tin has antique lace... old cuffs.. very old buttons.... brooch...ribbons.....mother of Pearl buckle... and papers....It is very shabby and chippy.....I have a large easel I am going paint white and set it in front of the fireplace over summer till I start decorating for Christmas the last week in October....


Saturday, May 24, 2008

Treasured Blogger Friends



Blogging can change womens lives.. It is a blessing... You can come into anothers home and sit each morning or afternoon or evening even and write, read, enjoy photos, wonderful thoughts, enjoy friends without leaving your home...{ with the cost of fuel staying put being a good idea}

To me.. sharing simple chores...{ On the farm it is still chores} found treasures and stories and wonderful photos and ideas can mop up life's grit... Worry and woes can also be shaken out. Lifes wear and tear can be hung out to dry..... Come share a cup of tea ... my dear blogger friend...

Thursday, May 22, 2008

A Romantic Piece From The Past



I received this glamorous , romantic, offering from the past today in the mail...I purchased this charming powder puff and holder from Heather in her Etsy shop at http://www.http//prettypetal.typepad.com I am so pleased with it...I love the feel of the bye gone era when women would not leave the house without hats, gloves, and lovely accessories.... I would love to know the stories this lovely puff could tell as it was surrounded by lovely mirrors and perfume bottles...... I assure you I am going to treasure this lovely piece of the past......

Remember the ones fighting for our country


Take a moment this Memorial Day Weekend to pray for peace .... remember those and the families of those who gave their lifes for this country......Gives thanks for our blessings....

TO DAD and MOM



IF ROSES GROW IN HEAVEN ..LORD...PLEASE PICK A BUNCH FOR ME..PLACE THEM IN MY FATHER AND MOTHER'S ARMS AND TELL THEM THEY'RE FROM ME. TELL THEM I LOVE THEM AND MISS THEM AND WHEN THEY TURN TO SMILE...PLACE A KISS UPON THEY'RE CHEEK AND HOLD THEM FOR AWHILE... BECAUSE REMEMBERINGS SO EASY..I DO IT EVERYDAY... THEY'll ALWAYS BE A ACHE IN MY HEART... THAT WILL NEVER GO AWAY...

I just wanted a post a tribute to my mother and father as we approch this Memorial Day weekend.....Mom and dad you are loved and missed.....

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Antique Shop on Way For Visit
























Yesterday, Tom and I took another couple and made a trip up close to Fremont , Indiana on Snow Lake to visit with old friends. On the way of course we hit a Antique Shoppe....but for a short time only. I snatched up a few things..... The etched jar in the first pic...added a touch of antique lace and a brooch.... a vintage shawl with some flowers... I love to have these instead of doilys and I use them for tree skirts on my smaller trees. I only gave 2.50 for this one... Course a card of old buttons for altered art.... a whim buy of a shoe picture or post card holder and some antique cuffs for altered art. Thought the cuff would be sweet with a vintage button added...
Not too bad for 45 minutes in shop. I almost got another beaded purse but thought maybe next time....
We had a great visit with friends I hadn't seen in about 22 years... They have a lovely all season home on snow lake... by Lake James. It is located on a water canal right near the lake so is a very quiet setting. It was rather chilly so we weren't out much but still enjoyed as we sat in a all glass room on 2nd floor overlooking all. Ate 2 meals out and lived like a queen for about 9 hours... Well, today is back to reality... the wash machine is going and just got finished with household chores and this afternoon it is grocery shopping... Yep.. I'm back to the real thing... my glass slipper got traded in for a resin card holder... Isn't that just the way it goes... Thats the reason we have to enjoy the moments...

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

SHARING

SHARING.... there is a era about a table in it's splendor when set for tea or a special luncheon that brings out the manners and softness in everyone.
The uses of terms like " would you care for" "yes,please" "Thank you"..all simple exchanges of pleasantness... To be thankful for what we are about to receive. How nice... Compared to all the unpleasant words and phrases we hear in our today society.
Share, offer, receive and most important say " thank you" it really only takes a moment and memories of a pleasant experience can last a lifetime. Like the serving of tea... it refills your cup...
All it takes is a invitation... 2 cups to warm the heart... Oh the invitation.. to me personally.. I love a written in pen or calligraphy...but as long as it is heartfelt it will be remembered.
Servings of tea, ice tea or lemonade are always wonderful choices.. The KEY in my eye.... Please use lovely china and glass...Please do not use plastic or paper { only if the gathering is larger and it needs to be.} The use of paper or plastic to me spoils the whole mood.
Sharing of friendship offers a feeling of safeness and nurturing.. and that is what makes it so very comforting. It is okay to share... Our teacups don't talk...like we hear so many times. Do you remember the greatest gift you every received? Was it shared? Mine goes back 50 years or so. My graduation gift. My father has passed away recently and mom and I had been struggling to make ends meet as ladies did not have jobs like they do now. I received a beautiful gold watch from my mother. I wore it will pride. { I still have the watch} I found out months later from my mothers employer that my mother had went without lunches and breaks for a couple months to be able to pay for the watch and get it out of lay-away so I would have it for my graduation day. I believe the love and endurance of that lovely lady has been passed on by her giving and sharing spirit.. Share your homes, nourishment and joys and sorrows of life in a beautiful desirable manner.. Humans can be like our china and breakable ... but also resilient and pick up the pieces..
Share a wonderful time with a friend or family.. It is a blessing and your life will be richer...

FOR WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS, THERE WILL YOUR HEART BE ALSO..... { the book of Matthew}

Monday, May 19, 2008

It's off to Golf I go....



Hi ho..hi ho.. it's off to golf I go.... Monday night's I play ladies golf league.. We haven't had very nice weather as of yet so I won't be dressed like above pic..the Monday night fluzzie...it will be more like sweatshirt with a hood ....long pants... waders for all the rain we have been getting... but the gathering and giggling and gentle gossip afterwards makes it all worth while.

HOME-MADE GIFTS FROM THE HEART



When it comes to gifts... why not make them so very special??? Not one thing in my eyes is any more special than a person giving of himself , especially if a dear frind is far away. Although we always seem short of time and some feel they are short of talent, you can still offer a warm, loving personal touch. Personalize a small gift with a vintage piece to accompany it. A gift can be small in size but means so much when it coms from the heart.
A gift as simple as a tin of tea can be magical by adding a flea market antique silver spoon or silver sugar tongs....tied with a lovely ribbon and maybe a scented bud.
A baked item straight from our kitchen ... or a great bakery... accompanied with a vintage silver server or a lovely vintage tea cup would be a welcome gift..... A step further ... you could serve the baked good with the lovely teacup and send the left over and the vintage teacup home with the person you are hosting. You have covered all that is needed to make the day special and managing your time.
A gift with a monogram.. such as a vintage hankie ...makes it seem so special.... Purchase a gift if time doesn't allow for handmade and tie the hankie on....
Have a old photo of a old friend... a old memory... copy the image and add it as a tag to make a small offering quaint.
Loving thoughts in small gift giving can INSPIRE.. It is the pleasure of giving of yourself that gives personal satisfaction to you and the person receiving.... HOW DEVINE.....

Sunday, May 18, 2008

HOME SWEET HOME


HOME.. our daily companion.. it warms us when the rest of the world seems cold.... gives us strength when weary and lends grace to our gatherings... the smells of breakfast cooking and filling our rooms... a lovely table of mismatched dishes... a flickering candle and a lovely bud from our garden adorning our table.... all these restores our body and spirit.. this indulges our eye as well as our taste buds.

Life is so precious... making sure our home is a refuge, not just a place to lay our head is so very important. Our homes are there to greet us in the morning and in the evenings after a hard labor and to the ones who can be at home.. for our afternoon leisure... These moments are meant to be serene. Adding personality to our personal space with found loved objects..a beautiful quilt or lovely throw...flowers...crystal with it's shimmer...all add comfort and welcome. A pretty teacup. a piece of antique or vintage are things we draw pleasure from... all adding grace and beauty. A collector loves to display and share with friends,,, we find ourselves in yet another antique or at a flea market turning over a object to view it's maker's mark....running our finger for chips and if we happen to find one we find we love it anyway and choose to take it home. These pleasures are what allows us to feel we are in a place of comfort and with a dear friend..HOME...........

Saturday, May 17, 2008

PERSONAL THOUGHTS




I hope I am offering my blog in such a way that shows a beauty in life and also in hopes you may see a treasure that steals your heart and maybe crosses your mind and makes you smile. As you know most of my items are antique and vintage and most likely appeals to the romantic heart. I love when they have the take me home appeal. Filling my home and my heart with treasures makes it a gentle refuge from all the cares in our today world and cherished thoughts of a by gone era. All these treasures to me help keep me in a time when little thoughts of each other meant so much... more respect.. a simple task like always being on time..never late... A simple consideration for another. There are many lessons in life but to make it richer.... God first... amazing how all just seems just around the corner. Love sharing ideas and comments with others.. There are some lovely thoughts in wonderful people.. makes personal enjoyment.. My hope is the sharing of kind words, thoughts, personal treasures brings a contentment to each of you.. It has been personally satisfying to me.... the reading of others blogs takes me to enchanted places....

Friday, May 16, 2008

Adding Beauty

Planting flowers gives me a serene feeling like I am trying to help God place beauty on the earth. I enjoy watching them grow and tend to love vines that climb.....I plant pink and purple flowers ... Just a personal preference... but I love all colors of flowers. I thought I may plant more but when I start adding up the cost I am completed. I am happy with it and they will spread and be lovely. The planting season right in our area is not going that well. The farmers have been unable to get in the fields and we have more rain forcast.... I did some mudding of my plants .. but I was sucessful.. I am going to watch them spread there wings now..... and ENJOY.......

PLEASURES OF A LITTLE SHOPPE





















One of the pleasures of flea markets and antique shoppes is finding just the right little forlorn object that is begging you to take it home. Most often the object may not be absolutely perfect.. Actually we have to realize it is most likely with a antique or vintage item it may not be in perfect condition. If it is most likely it is not going to be a find. It is easy to pay top dollar for something but I like the rummage.....
Yesterday afternoon I traveled to Bryan, Ohio and enjoyed a short visit and lunch with my daughter, Starla and her husband. When in Bryan there is a sweet little shoppe I like to frequent. I have shared a couple pictures of a few finds. Also a couple items for ebay. The very nice lady who owns the shop always packages all your purchases with great care.. tissues, wire sheer ribbon.. my buttons even came home in seperate little mesh gift bags... Every thing she does shouts "COME BACK SOON" and I appreciate someone to care about their business and you to take the extra time ..... When I arrived home I placed the lovely SILK roses on my dining room table with the thought of I vase them this morning... Have photo above. Well... Tom came home after his long day at the golf course.. then said "OH YOU GOT ROSES". I said 'YES, they are silk"... He came back and said "NO there's not".. I said "YES they are". He walked back over picked them up and said "NO there not".. Back at him "YES , they are... Let me tell you ladies about this time I was ready to POP him in the head so he WISHED he'd had a V8 ... Seriously the pink roses are nice quality water stems and they seriously even by touch really fool the eye... If they were placed with fresh greens I would even be deceived....

Thursday, May 15, 2008

OLD BOOKS













































OLD BOOKS... what can I say besides I am intrigued by them... Enjoy old hardbounds with their aged pages of stories of .....wisdom...love...sadness..history...and wonderful illustrations... I use them around my home in many different ways... My favorite use for them is using for elevation of objects to make fit into vignettes. Altered art with some that the bindings have lost the test of time... I also have added old pearls and brooches to them for a touch of glam..... I usually hunt for books at a bargin price unless it is a book with a lovely vintage woman or pink roses on cover for display. The have wonderful color and age that adds the texture and weight that is so important in design.. ...BOOKS... a lovely way to add vintage and antique appeal to your home at flea market prices... HOW DEVINE...... can you tell I watch Candace on HGTV}

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Indulging As A Woman



It's a pleasure being a woman.... I still love the romance and charm of offering myself items that we feel pampered with. I also feel the key is find contentment in rituals that can be rather small in content... My personal choices are a simple as indulging in a oil-scented bath with my favorite magazine ..... A luscious piece of chocolate melting in my mouth... Sitting or walking through a timeworn home with glistening candlelight and crystals shimmering with a cup of tea in hand.... all just perfection for those to appreciate the smaller elegance in life. Small pleasures add a luscious richness and is sure to lift any mood..so remember to treat yourself in offerings we love as woman....

Yesterdays Charm Today...More Buttons







I received a small box in the mail today and wanted to share with you before I think of a way to display them .....Much of the romance of a home comes with the homeowners creativity. These lovely buttons were purchased off ebay. They are a very nice lot.. I don't know what makes me so drawn to buttons. I use so many when I create ... but some are so pretty I love to display them... The combination of the different eras and styles makes buttons mix so well together..... I love the pleasure of using the vintage and part of history.... It is just simply the feel that only antique and vintage can bring....

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

SHARING WONDERFUL TIMES



















As many homes across the country, nature's reappearing act inspires us to refresh our surroundings. Open curtains,windows, let the sun shine and breeze into our rooms. Urges to replace our pillows and covers into something lighter.





We celebrate summer in simple ways with casual gatherings on porches..decks.. and yards... Meals built around fresh ingredients... Summer just says " Come out and play"





Love to have a friend or two over for lunch and gentle gossip... it can be as simple as a sweet decorated little brown bag filled with a tea sandwich...served with some fresh berries and a dessert as simple as a cookie with a wonderful sweetened ice tea... This can all be done in a half hour.. Have more time.. pamper greater.... The offering of sharing with others is what is really what it is all about. At any gathering ..large or small .. be thankful for the sharing of yourself and others. It still is one of our greater gifts in life... Then later...as evening approches.. what better time to remember your lovely day and enjoy the twinkling stars.. and give thanks again in a whole new light....




















Monday, May 12, 2008

MORE VINTAGE BROOCHES




Thought I would share some more use for brooches with you. I think I have a brooch on close to every pillow I have. ... The top picture was a pillow purchased on ebay and I simply added the brooch. It has chenille ..antique doilys and a piece of vintage material with pink roses....
The picture below was one I made with the use of a lace valance I purchased at thrift shop for 1.00. I cut in in half the length for both end and didn't even have to hem.. The pink roses material is from a vintage sheet... a vintage hankie and a wonderful pink rhinestone brooch.. Infact both pillows have pink rhinestone brooches. This pillow has a great look but it was very simple to complete. I have more I want to make but I love to sit on the deck and sew and enjoy the outside instead of being inside.
The pillows have all the romance of being a woman...I love to immerse myself in it. Some ladies like to doing more manly things... good for you..but for me I still want to be treated like a woman... and indulge in all the pamper we can.... Do you think my age is showing??????
I read Dawn's lovely blog and her wonderful Mother's Day and saw all her pretty finds... especially her wonderful rhinestone jewelry... I love her sincere blog .. The Feathered Nest... she gives me inspiration......
I also had a very nice Mother's Day and a visit from my sons and later this week meeting with my daughter....... Tom's daughter also came for a visit and a gift from his other daughter ... How nice.....

Friday, May 9, 2008

VINTAGE PLANT HOLDERS







I just thought I would share a idea that worked well for me. With all the garage sales and flea markets it is easy to pick up plant holders.. The ones I have featured in my pics are for 4" pots but I am sure larger ones would work for Plates and possibly cup and saucer... I do have a cup and saucer in my dining area on another one like the single one I have pictured. I think this is much more unique that the simple little spring plate holder... I have some very lovely berry bowls displayed in mine right now.....

SPOKE TO ME






I found the lovely satin pillow yesterday and also the old photos at the same sale. The pillow just seemed to jump out and say I'm yours...Please take me home......The pillow seems like a bed pillow that needs a boudoir doll.... of which I do not have....Anyway I like it.. so will find a home for it..at least for awhile...The objects you have around you may bring back memories or be objects inherited from loved ones and remind you of childhood. They also could be objects you have fallen in love with such as this one...and puchased just because of that. Loved objects bring a calmness to our lives..


The photos I thought would be great for altered art projects. Some have great detail and ornate objects... I still marvel how they were able to make things so GRAND with not many tools to work with.... Truly a art of it's own...... I am drawn to it because of its gentle used appeal....instead of the new DO NOT TOUCH sterlile.. no personality... It's a faded charm.....

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

VINTAGE TREASURES












I purchased this wonderful book on ebay from one of my favorite sellers a year or so ago and have tryed some ideas similar to some featured in it. I also still find myself on the look out for a few other items to try but it takes some time to find just the right object most of the time.....
I did get a mirror and a picture frame glued to it and a pair of vintage earrings I removed the backs on and also glued them .. I like the finished produce.... Would love to find just the right old shaving mirror and complete a smaller version. I also added a simple vintage clip earring by clipping it onto the frame as you can see in one of the pictures.... The one of a kind things you can find to do with vintage brooches and jewelry is only as small as your imagination. PS> Have you ever tryed to take a picture of a mirror???? First my whole body was in it...so it was like step aside.....then when the flash went off ..then came the big blurr..... laid it down ... then there was the ceiling fan.... so please... forgive.. I know they are not the best photos but I really tried.