Art, Crafts and Decor by 58 Cherries

Valentine's Day Book Rec

2012-01-27T15:06:00.004-06:00

First post of the New Year. Sorry to have been so quiet.

I thought I'd share what I'm reading right now - an excellent choice for Valentine's Day, by the way: We Two: Victoria and Albert: Rulers, Partners, Rivals by Gillian Gill.

A wonderful book that covers one of history's greatest love stories - that of Queen Victoria and her Prince, Albert. Anyone that likes history or romance will find this book rather interesting. It is one of the easiest to read - not dry at all, but more like a novel at times. The author gets you involved in the histories of the two and how they changed and grew through their relationship. I found myself swept away in reading it.

Victoria and Albert eventually had 9 children - five girls and four boys. The youngest, baby Beatrice was only 3 when her father died. Tragically, Victoria had only 21 wonderful years with her 'Dear Albert' and had to live 40 more as a widow - always pining for her dearly beloved. She kept his room exactly as he left it - with fresh hot water for shaving and a new outfit laid out every day as if he'd come back at any moment. A bit morbid, perhaps, but fitting for her passionate love for him.

All of the Victorian values of morality, elitism, religion, industrialism and improvement - all of these come, not from the Queen, but from her husband. He insisted on cleaning up the royal image - imposing much stricter guidelines and rules for running the court, their households and the country in general. In truth we should call them Albertian values - morality, modesty, efficiency, improvement, etc. How different would the world have been had Victoria never fallen in love and married Albert? Historians speculate that if Albert had lived just one more year he may have been able to prevent World War I, which occured many decades after his death. (I won't give away how - you have to read the book! ;)

Even if you've studied this era before (as I have), you'll still find a few interesting new facts and views on it. I'm only halfway through, but enjoying it quite a bit.

And whenever I read about Victoria I find myself wanting to watch certain movies, too. Such as Young Victoria and Mrs. Brown. Two very different times in the queen's life and both fairly accurate (with some artistic licence taken in both in concern for exactly who saved her from assassins, but you have to allow for some dramatic scenes to be altered to fit the stories, I suppose). Both movies are well acted and the costumes and settings are remarkable. Great movies to watch around Valentine's Day as they are very romantic, too.

Happy Friday!

Cottage Christmas Decor 2011

2011-12-22T01:58:00.009-06:00

Hi, I promised a few photos of my main tree in the great room and here they are...

Decorated with the usual Scandinavian woodcut ornament, Santas and woven star on top. I also decorated the top of the china cabinet next to it. A very cute Santa with a bag full of toys and snow shoes.

Sorry the photos aren't better. I've been having some major back problems this year and I couldn't stand for long.

Mostly it is red, white and gold colors on the traditional green tree. There are skis, musical instruments, cardinals and glass ornaments with red wood beaded garland that looks kind of like cranberries..

I didn't have a good picture of my fireplace decorations as a whole, but here are a few close ups of my garland full of lights, berries and ornaments...
I love the globe ornament - from Restoration Hardware years ago. I have lots of them, actually and I hang them on my armoire door knobs and put them on bookshelves. I have a huge one and lots of medium sized ones. Don't you love old fashioned globes and maps? And they are Christmas-y because Santa needs them to navigate by on that special night!

Blurry photo, sorry. Lots of different Santas on my mantle as well as my one remaining brass reindeer that hasn't broken with the tiny wood sleigh. Lots of birdhouse ornaments because my mother loves them. Okay, so do I.

Lots of skis, too! Not that we've ever skied or are going to, but they are so cute! Even the birds ski - they left theirs just outside their little house.

No Gingerbread House this year, sadly. I just couldn't justify spending the money on it this year. I miss it... Next year, hopefully.

So now I'm busy making cookies and getting ready for Christmas Eve. I'm also having relatives visit just after Christmas so there is a lot to do! Hope you are all having fun during the Holidays!!

My Little White Chrismas Tree

2011-12-16T15:29:00.003-06:00

While we do keep a large real tree in the living room, I like to keep a small white tree in my bedroom to enjoy at night.

I bought this tree at Target a few years ago - it sits perfectly on my dresser.

I've had a devil of a time finding the right star for the top of the tree - nothing fits or looks just right and every year I swear that next year I will find something that works. Well this year at Hobby Lobby I found an old fashioned glitter star ornament and I put a piece of wire to make it work on the top of my tree. Pretty, isn't it?

It's kind of old fashioned pink.

And I love to hang my little tin sign below. SNOW. Which is something I always hope for at Christmas...

Overall I'm rather happy with the look. I couldn't find my small mercury glass ornaments this year - I must've put them in a safe place which means I'll find them in the Spring most likely. LOL

I decided to string some keys along with my beautiful violin ornament.

Nothing like vintage keys as ornaments to make me happy.

And it glows so peacefully at night. Very relaxing...

I'm still working on decorating the big tree downstairs. I'll post pictures when we finally finish. Happy Holidays, Everyone!

Etsy Update - Christmas Shopping

2011-12-12T16:21:00.005-06:00

The shop has been busy the past week or so - I just wanted let you guys know that there are a few new items in the shop for the last few shopping days before Christmas!

I put up another large silhouette I just realized I'd forgotten to post. I used a different silhouette than I usually use for these larger frames. I usually use the other girl as she is bigger, but this is a favorite of mine and since I have one on my own wall I thought it was only fair to offer one in the shop. :)

I left the back tab on it so you can put it on a desk/bookshelf, etc. Looks cute with one of my little bottlebrush trees as a Holiday setting.

But also looks great on a wall display.

Also, it seems the musical note pendants are a popular gift choice - great for music lovers or people who like unique eclectic jewelry...

SOLD

I always use genuine antique sheet music. No copies - each one is absolutely unique and there is more music on the back of course. Check out the listing for more pics.

SOLD

I thought it'd be cute to take a picture of it hanging on my little bedroom Christmas tree. I love my violin ornament and it goes so well with the pendant. It'd be a great way to display your gift instead of wrapping it - have them find it on the tree! LOL

And these typewriter pendants are popular, too - I've had several compliments on the one I wear. This R is just too cute, isn't it? I don't know why, but I'm drawn to letters and numbers even when they don't necessarily mean anything to me (not in my name or birth date, etc.) I love M and R and E - also love the number 5 for some reason. I have that number in several sizes of newspaper blocks on my bookshelves and when people ask me why I'm like - why not??

I used a delicate silver chain to match the delicate filigree setting. So pretty!

And there is another Shabby Sheep original up, this time not on a stretch canvas, but on a flat one - easier for framing/mounting or whatever you like.

Just a note that typewriter letters and other items are of limited supply and items are moving fast right now. Be sure to grab any item you've been eyeing before it is gone!

Merry Christmas and happy decorating and baking for the season!!

Chantilly Raspberry Cookies

2011-12-05T15:48:00.003-06:00

I like most of Pepperidge Farm's cookies, but my favorite one seems to be discontinued. Does anyone else miss the Chantilly Raspberry cookie?

They were crisp cookies with raspberry filling, a pie like crisscross on top and sprinkled with powdered sugar. They were divine. I miss them so much. I tried to make something similar last Christmas - I thought maybe they were linzer tart cookies, but alas - close, but no cigar. I found them not crisp enough and too spicy. Too much texture, too.

So does anyone have any ideas for what I could try as a recipe? I'd like to make my favorite cookie for the holidays.

No pictures of my Christmas decorations yet as I'm only half way there- so many boxes to go through! I'm donating and tossing out as much as I can as we've got way too much for one family! LOL I have enough for the whole neighborhood, I think.

Happy December!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-25T02:19:00.003-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving - or as we sometimes call it Turkey Day! This year we had a far smaller and less stressful holiday. With the main breadwinner out of work still we simply couldn't afford to have people over and cook a huge meal. Not to mention as we are stressed we wanted a bit of peace and quiet. I did decorate the house a wee bit, though...

My fireplace is the main place to see - gourds and (fake) leaves and bittersweet vine. I added our little Indian friends on that side with all the nature - a wood carving, a squirrel, etc...

And on the other side are our Pilgrim friends. They have our candlesticks and metal pinecone. Just a bit of blending of the two sides. :)

I thought it was cute.

We did cook a turkey and the usual sides for ourselves (stuffing, corn pudding, sweet potatoes, etc.) And I made pumpkin and pecan pies as well as a few mincemeant tarts. Most of the canned goods we had leftover from either last year or previous shopping so we didn't have to spend too much. Mincemeat in a jar is the most expensive thing and I had two whole jars left over from last year's sale - still good until next October, can you believe it?

We aren't doing any Black Friday shopping. I did most of my Christmas shopping ahead of time when Borders was closing - got a few books and calendars, etc. I've had them wrapped since August so I'm pretty much ready. Still probably do a tiny bit of shopping, but I must stay on budget. I'm hoping things take a turn for the better next year!

And I'd like to close with saying I'm thankful for every one of you who comments and shares here on my blog and on their own blogs as well as all the wonderful people who buy an item or two from the Etsy shop. Thank you and may you have a wonderful Holiday Season and a Happy New Year!

Shabby Sheep Custom Order

2011-11-21T14:35:00.003-06:00

I got a request for a custom order awhile back that I found tremendously flattering - it seems that a customer who had purchased a Shabby Sheep canvas from me had a mother who loved the same canvas so much she'd taken it home with her! Instead of just requesting I make another for her - she decided she wanted 3 more!

As requested, I made a grouping with all the same details (background, French text, sheep plus crow, etc.), but slightly altered. It took me far longer than I thought it would, but this is what I finally produced:

Listing found HERE

It's kind of hard to see the details except close up - two of the sheep have extra texture to their woolly coats and one is complete mirror image, while one is simply the crow mirrored.

I had the devil's own time trying to get my stamping to work right and had to paint and repaint and stamp, repaint and restamp and stencil, etc. until I was pulling my hair out. They look super simple, but that can be so deceiving, can't it? I ended up making four when one of them simply wasn't good enough and it would take longer to repaint the whole thing rather than start from scratch. I think they turned out nice, though - don't you? I've posted it up on my shop and I'm crossing my fingers it meets with her approval.

It's a dreary overcast day - makes me want to curl up back into bed.

ETA: And SOLD already. :) If you are interested in a similar set or something custom made feel free to comment here or convo me at etsy!

November Inspiration - Etsy Update

2011-11-10T15:36:00.007-06:00

Hello, sorry to have been so quiet lately. I've been busy and sick - and then sick and busy, etc. I'm working on a commission for an Etsy customer for three Shabby Sheep canvases - each a bit different so they can be hung as a group. The canvases are being very stubborn about the whole thing and I've been tearing my hair out working on them when I feel well enough to, but I am nearly done so yay!

Also - there are a few new items in the shop I'd like to point out. First up - a new set of Thanksgiving/Fall Prim boxes.

This set is the best looking so far, I think. Since each one is handpainted and stenciled and then antiqued and sealed - they never look exactly alike. This one is more matte finish than the last one and I think the colors all over look very nice indeed. I'll gladly keep this one around if it doesn't sell. :)

They are nesting boxes - they store nicely - I also like to keep some of my other holiday decorations inside them and then I know just where they are since the boxes are of the same theme.

They look great individually and stacked up high. I just love the Early American Font that spells out 'Give Thanks' on the top box. The middle box has a sprig of Bittersweet on it and the bottom box has three pumpkins. I also stenciled the backs so there is no true 'back' to them - they look great all around.

Available at my store here.

And I have new jewelry to show off! First up - a Fairy Door necklace! I love fairies (as you probably know from my Fairy houses and also my Fairy silhouette) and this door pendant is so darn cute!

It's a Gothic/Medieval looking door - kind of Hobbit looking - just check out those tiny details! The door hinges, the window, the doorknob, etc.

Available at my store here.

And best of all? It opens up!!

You could put a pinch of glitter inside or a teeny tiny photo maybe. The door has magnetic closure - it doesn't swing open unless you tug on the knob to open. A very nice steampunk/fairy jewelry piece. I've strung it on a similarly colored chain, but you could change that easily enough - maybe a beaded necklace or on velvet or satin ribbon? So cute!

And the typewriter jewelry has a new addition, too!

I found a new setting I like a great deal - it is a bit more substantial than the filigree setting - I love both so much I've posted a necklace in both round settings. This H has the new setting.

You can see larger images at my etsy store, of course.

And here is another of the very popular filigree setting...

I love the letter E and as I was making this it struck me that it could stand for Edward. Yes, I am one of those secret Twilight fans. I like the books better than the movies. I can't help thinking this is an excellent necklace for Twilight fans as it is an old fashioned setting and using the typewriter key - well I'm sure he used one and probably has one in his room still. ;)

Available here.

If you have a Twilight fan you'd like to buy a gift for (or one for yourself!) - this would be a great choice. I could also make one with a B for Bella - or any initial you like. Make sure you convo me asap, though, the popular letters sell out fast. I've already run out of black N keys, but I do have some in white, etc. Just convo me on Etsy or comment here if you are interested.

Happy Thursday!

Halloween Decor - Black and White

2011-10-23T21:05:00.004-05:00

I was digging through my Halloween decorations and putting out the usual decor (jack o lantern candle holders, handmade banner, etc.) when I realized I didn't want the same old look. I really love the black and white look - it's cleaner and some how more spooky, isn't it?

And it goes so well with my train sign I bought months ago...

I placed a few antique white candles, an apothecary jar of white balls with black letters, a black crow, a black pedestal bowl (with candy corn, of course), and I used one of the frames I use in my shop to make a simple image of a phrenology chart in it on one side of the fireplace...oh and don't forget the vintage black cat head (I think that was a dollar store find, but I can't remember)

And on the other side is the handmade Haunted House I made years ago (Edgar Allan Poe picture is inside on black and white wallpaper) along with a very cool Victorian style birdhouse I bought at Big Lots a decade or so ago, a tree, a white pumpkin, another crow. And of course on each side are spider candle holders.

Very cute, no? I love my simple, but beautiful mantle this year. No need for orange. ;)

How are you decorating this year? Comment/post a link to your own pics, I'd love to see them. One more week to Halloween, Ghouls and Gals...

Happy Monday!

Bigger Better Chocolate Chip Cookies

2011-10-16T01:06:00.003-05:00

Now don't get me wrong - I love Tollhouse cookies - they taste great. But the cookies always come out thin and a bit crunchy whereas I like a chewy moist chocolate chip cookie. So I've been looking for a new recipe or ideas to make my chocolate chip cookies a bit better and finally found a great recipe in a free cookbook pamphlet my local grocery store hands out. It's a large recipe and I was a little worried at first, but they made some of the plumpest, moist cookies ever and I loved them!!

Here's the picture to illustrate the difference in Tollhouse looking cookies to new cookies:
They really deliver...

I've altered the recipe just a smidge.

Thick and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies:

4 1/2 cups Flour
1 t Baking Powder
1 t Baking Soda
1 1/2 t Salt
1 3/4 cups Brown Sugar (firmly packed)
3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
1 cup Veg. Shortening
1/2 cup Butter (one stick)
3 Large Eggs
3 t Vanilla Extract
2 pkgs. 12 oz. Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (or less, depends on personal taste)
1 cup Chopped Pecans or Walnuts

Prepare as you do in usual chocolate chip cookie recipes like Tollhouse. Mix Dry ingredients in one bowl, wet ones in mixer bowl, combine slowly.

Bake at 375 degrees.

The results are fantastic - this is about half the cookies...

I'm sure they will go fast!

And Smokey wanted me to remind you that it is getting colder! And he let me know that if I get out of bed for something I can't expect to have my place when I come back.

Have a Great Weekend!

Window Shopping at Etsy

2011-09-26T00:26:00.004-05:00

I'm stressed, money is super tight and I'm nervous about the future. That signals that it is definitely time to shop. Well, window shop anyway. And since I love it when my fellow bloggers share their favorite finds here's a few of mine.

First up - a cool find from Etsy's main page:

Found HERE

Antlers! How quirky and as soon as I saw it I immediately thought of Black Apple of course, can't you just see her wearing these? I'm not brave enough to pull it off, but she so could. I love the dress, too. Or at least this picture of it - it looks so Jane Austen-y. The other pictures show it a bit too short, but this picture is just beautiful.

And this I found a little while ago and I see now it is sold. Thank goodness or my credit card might be stretched that much thinner just now...

Found HERE

You don't know how long I looked for a letter just like this one - it's perfect. I need it. Except I don't, really. Darn it all. Not like groceries and health insurance.

And this one is stacked really cool and a GREAT collection, but I do have quite a few of these myself...

Found HERE

We found a ton of these letters at a kind of flea market - they were dumped all over a warehouse floor and no one wanted them. I wish I could have bought them all, but we did bring home quite a lot - filled an office trash can full of all our favorite letters and numbers. I have a few displayed, but mostly in a box - I should stack them like this, though - such a great display idea.

And this is just so cute....

Found HERE

Who doesn't need a bit of whimsy and a medieval hut or tower on their finger?

And this? I don't want the actual print that is listed...I want this kitty!!

Found HERE

I need this kitty - not just because he so cute, but because he could do my taxes for me. ;)

That's all for now. I feel much calmer now...retail therapy. And without spending a dime.

Etsy Update - Magic, Jewelry and French Houses

2011-09-23T16:53:00.006-05:00

Fellow Etsy shop owners (or any kind of shop owner, really) - are you ever secretly glad when a listing or two don't sell right away? Meaning you can enjoy looking at them in your home just a little bit longer?? That's how I feel about my two recent French Lit houses...they are so cute together on my bookshelf. They don't want to leave, really...

SOLD

Every time I sit on my bed and work on my laptop or watch TV, read, etc. I glance over and think - aren't they sweet on that shelf? Do I really want to sell them? And they look so good together - shouldn't they be sold together instead of separate like you listed them? Oh well. I will enjoy them while they stay here anyway. :)

And some new type of pages for those who like Magic and/or Halloween...

These pages feature the ever popular Phrenology Chart and the really spooky prim style Raven or Crow, but also a Ghostly face and a really cool vintage style Magician pulling a rabbit out of his top hat.

Just random geekery, I guess. I love Halloween and I'm feeling like making Halloweenish things right now.

Bigger/better pics on the listing here.

The vintage French pages with various images (Alice in Wonderland, Parisian, etc.) have proved very popular. I'm having a hard time keeping up with demand at times. Thank you to all of you who have purchased them so far. They are really fun to look at - I keep promising myself I'll make my own to keep, but I haven't yet. I better do so soon before I run out of that book paper. lol

And I have some new jewelry up in the shop, too.

I made a new Round Filigree pendant necklace - this time I chose 'D' - it's so pretty. I ran out of N's, I think, which saddens me as I didn't make myself one yet. Darn. I'm going to keep hunting and hope I find one for myself.

As always - there are bigger pics on Etsy so you can see the jewelry better.

But this pic shows it pretty well.

And the back is just as pretty as the front, almost.

I love the chain I have for this necklace. I better see if I can get more this weekend.

And last, but not least...

I had to cannibalize a necklace to make a custom listing a few weeks ago so I made a new chain, etc. for the Art Deco style B pendant. I took some new (better) pics of it so I thought I'd share them here.

The back as an extra piece added so it isn't ugly to look at - I love the filigree style, don't you? This looks even prettier in person!

And it is definitely Fall now - cold wet rain and all. My achy bones aren't really happy with the change, but my kitty likes to cuddle more now so I'm not complaining. I just have to be careful to make sure he isn't under the covers before I sit down on the bed - he keeps burrowing for warmth. :)

Have a great weekend! I'm hoping to get down to the Soulard Market and get lots of fresh produce (and maybe a pumpkin or two).

Edited to Add: Both French Houses SOLD for Christmas. I miss them already. LOL

An Austen Christmas Tree

2011-09-12T21:55:00.008-05:00

Another post about Christmas tree ideas...funny how I'm much more into Christmas this year. Maybe because last year we were a bit down and so we decided to do a low scale holiday and so this year (even though we are even more bummed and money is as tight as can be) I'm feeling the Christmas spirit rather strongly. I've already wrapped a few presents (Borders closing offered me a chance to buy a few prezzies cheaply) and now I'm sorting through my silhouette ornaments.

I was renewing this set of ornaments on Etsy over the weekend.

(Please note each ornament has different silhouette on back allowing for 360 degree view on tree as well as numerous variations for display purposes).
And I figured they really needed some pictures on a tree to show them off. I dragged my little white tree out of storage to display them.

And they look so cute!

I like all kinds of different Christmas styles - traditional live pine tree with old fashioned prim ornaments, red ornaments, etc. and I also like white trees with various themes - sometimes musical instrument ornaments or old fashioned glass ornaments - sometimes pastel ones, too - like these silhouettes.

It's rather soothing and light feeling isn't it? I found myself cheering up a great deal just looking at it.

It's 90 degrees outside and early September and yet it is Christmas in my studio! ;)

So while I was at it I decided a silhouette tree looks so nice I might as well drag out ALL the ornaments I have in my studio and fill the tree just to see what it would look like.

Wow - that's a lot of silhouettes, hm?

I forgot how many different styles I experimented with - grubby prim, vintage music backgrounds, French book paper, etc.

It's a bit crowded and busy, but still somehow work - even with clashing black ribbons (the set above is all white gossamer ribbon).

And they are round and rectangle, young and old - men and women, etc. All so Jane Austen at the same time. I love it. I think I'll keep the tree up like it is for awhile. The pastel ornaments are in the shop with a bonus ornament included (a lady on French text background) and there will be more ornaments (in pairs or single) up soon from the rest of the tree, too.

And the Labor Day Weekend was a rather busy one for me - a rather large amount of sales! I am busy trying to restock my shop - I've just finished posting the vintage French book papers with assorted images.

Parisian Images

If you were disappointed to find them sold out there are new ones up right now. Grab them while you can!

Naturalist Images

Both Sets SOLD

Ever popular Alice in Wonderland (two different sets available)

And more! Halloween set available, too. Some items will not be restocked as supplies are limited and no longer available.

ETA: I will be making more of the Alice sets for those of you who are still wanting them. Just FYI.

French Christmas Ideas - Oh La La!

2011-08-27T01:10:00.002-05:00

I've recently been featured in two French Treasury Lists. This Paris one and this French Christmas One.

Both are great Treasury lists - be sure to check them out. The Christmas one got me thinking, though. On how much I love the idea of French Christmas ornaments for my white tree. I've made some in the past, but wanted to see what was out on Etsy so I searched for French Ornaments and found a few that were cute:

A Glittery Fleur de Lis

from sideoftheroad etsy store

These French bowl fillers

The Omega Workshop on Etsy

that you could also use as ornaments.

And this soldered glass ornament with a bit of French writing in it. (Lost link and shop it was from, sorry. On Etsy somewhere).

And then two sets of my own ornaments came up...

A couple on pink background with French text.

And this 'Family' of a couple and children (front and back) on vintage French book paper.

Many other items that came up were for French bulldog or French horn ornaments - not quite what I was looking for so I've decided to make a concerted effort to make more French ornaments to hang in my tree this year. A French tree sounds love this year, oui?

If anyone has a French ornament link or idea please feel free to share it in the comments! Have a very French weekend - eat a baguette or macaron! Au Revoir!

New Houses for Sale!

2011-08-19T21:59:00.005-05:00

Another Etsy update. I've added three more Fairy Houses to my store over the past few days. The holidays are coming up soon and I don't know about you, but I get excited to decorate my mantle.

These houses are neutral enough to look great year round, though you can always add decorations to them for Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.

First up is the ever popular Musical Noteworthy House...

I think this is the first and only time I've given a music house a black roof - just like I always used to make the French houses with a red roof. Why not change it up?

I love this house - even the back looks great, doesn't it??

So cute on a shelf!

And for the Francophiles...

SOLD

A small vintage French book papered house. J'aime ma maison.

SOLD

Don't forget you can always store jewelry, miniatures, etc. inside!

And since I love the French paper so much - I made one in the same colors on the medium sized house...

SOLD

So pretty! I love these houses. There is just something about black and white - especially antique white that goes so well together. And they seem so fitting in the Fall - I can't wait to pair mine with a small pumpkin - orange or white to keep with the monochromatic theme?? Decisions, decisions...Papered all around, of course!

SOLD

And they go so well together. You could mix it up with the music house and a French house or buy both French houses together.

If you do decide you want more than one - if it is a small house and a medium house together they can nest within each other and be shipped together. (Two of the larger houses require a bigger box). You can convo me on etsy and I will make a custom listing for you with a combined shipping price.

All houses are one of a kind - I use pages from real vintage French books and antique sheetmusic. No copies. I hand paint them, antique them and seal them with a matte finish. A lot of work goes into each one.

Have a great weekend!!

Gratuitous Tomato Pics

2011-08-16T15:56:00.003-05:00

Finally it's a post that is not an Etsy update! But instead I'm spamming you with pictures of tomatoes! Isn't that fun? It's looking like rain outside so I decided to grab a basket and check if there were a few tomatoes needing to be picked... Boy, were there! This basket is so full of tomatoes it feels like I have a brick in there.

The basket looks small, but it is very deceptive!

I thought I'd lay them out so you can see what kind of variety there is...

Lots of small, medium, large and even jumbo ones along with little bitty cherry tomatoes. More like mini grape tomaoes or something - they are very cute! My green peppers are stunted this time - not sure why. Last time I got two that were almost as big as the ones at the grocery store. Oh well.

My tomato plants are just falling all over. No one helps me keep them trimmed and they are inadequately staked so it is like a forest in my tomato cage. Oh well, as long as I get a bounty like this - who really cares, right? LOL

And I do have a few new items to add to the shop, but I still need a few finishing touches and to seal a few so they will be up tomorrow or so. Bye for now!

Etsy Update - Shabby Sheep and Silhouettes

2011-08-15T15:47:00.004-05:00

Just a quick note to let you know I bought a few more canvases at my local art store and made a new Shabby Sheep for the store - with Crow! I know several of you have said you love the crow with the sheep and I agree - they make a cute pair, don't they?

SOLD

The sheep stands on his French text - the same text is stamped on all four sides as well.

SOLD

And I also have made some Silhouette boxes. I think these would make really cute little gifts at a Wedding or a Book Club, etc. or just to keep for yourself anywhere in your house. I love to store buttons, ribbon and other supplies on my desk in my studio or you could use them in your sewing room.

They are all Prim and antiqued - slightly Grubby look. I used antique white and plain black. They are handpainted all over as well as antiqued and sealed with a matte finish.

You get two couples - mix and match however you please. ;)

Have a great Monday!

More Etsy Items PLUS Halloween Decor Idea!!

2011-08-02T15:55:00.008-05:00

Hello, all - I'm reporting to you live from my bed where I am confined flat out with some of the worst back pain ever (and that's saying something) for the foreseeable future. So, what better time to update both my shop and blog?

First up, I made a little Fairy house - this time with vintage French book paper and a red roof. Oddly enough, in the past I made text houses with a black roof and music houses always had a red roof so that's a minor change here...

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It's just too cute!

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I didn't antique it, either - left it clean and simple. I think they look good both ways, but if someone did want to buy it and wanted it antiqued I could do that - just convo me at etsy or comment here.

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Bigger and better pictures are on Etsy, of course.

Next up is a set of vintage French book papers with some pretty Naturalist images.

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These were inspired by Naturalist collections that people often collected in the 1800's and early 1900's. They would collect butterflies and pin them up to display, collect birds' nests and sea shells, feathers, etc. I put a little selection of my own on the french paper and as you can see it takes up much less room than a real Naturalist collection would. LOL SOLD

You could frame and display them all together or seperate them into groups - the pair of sea shell pages and the butterflies with the other insects, etc. It's all up to you. I wish I had one of those display coffee tables with a clear glass window to a collection below. I'd lay these out on the bottom and then add my own shells and curiosities with it. You could decoupage a cabinet or table with these, too. Lots of possibilities.

I just love nature and collecting things so this was a natural decision. LOL

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And last, but certainly not least - summer is nearly over and soon we will be facing the Fall again and my very favorite holiday - Halloween!! I decided to make a spooky little series for my own vintage Halloween theme and then I put it up in the shop so I guess I better make another set for myself. :)

I just love the prim crow, the haunted house, Phrenology chart and that spooky little eye staring at you. I'm going to frame mine and display them in the hall or the living room, I think. They'd look good all year round, really.

Doesn't this get you in the mood for Halloween?? I'm feeling it!

Just thought I'd share a few things that are in the shop. I'm getting antsy and a bit bored laying here in bed staring at the ceiling. I hope my back gets better soon as I'm feeling rather useless and the pain is pretty bad. If anyone has a link to a fun site or a shop or something they think I'd like please feel free to comment here. ;)

ETA: After a cat scan and resting my slipped disc is healing and I'm back on my feet. Yay. Just gotta take it easy and be careful.

Alice in Wonderland, Parisian Images and Sheep, Oh My!

2011-07-26T13:52:00.008-05:00

Okay, so another Etsy Update. First off, I made another pair of Alice in Wonderland images like the one I gave away at the Mad Tea Party.

Only it sold SUPER fast - like within an hour or so and it is already in the mail today. I'm dizzy! So, I decided since they are so popular I'd make just one more set. The picture above is the set that is going up in my store today. Grab it while you can. SOLD AGAIN - More to come (9/9/11).

Then, as I was making the above set I decided to try a different Alice in Wonderland series...

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This one has Alice and the White Rabbit, but also a pretty little dress for Alice and a pocket watch like the White Rabbit has in the beginning of the tale. Cute, huh?

At least I think so. Love this particular set!! I love the rabbit and his little watch. These would be sooo cute framed in a grouping in a girl's bedroom or in an office, studio, etc. Also great for Scrapbooking, etc.

And since I was on a roll I decided to make one more set to sell - this time French to go with the French text...

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There is an Eiffel Tower, a Napoleonic chair, a Fleur de Lis and a Phrenology chart - just because. :)

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So cute! And these will all be up in my shop by the end of the day. I also put up my last Sheep Canvas...

I have no more canvases to paint on so I better try and find some more. These are really high quality canvases that I get at the art supply store rather than a crafting store since those canvases tend to have staples on the sides and not look as nice. The ones I use are smooth with a bit of heft to them as they are well made with good canvas and wood. Check out the listing for an image of the back. I use only the best quality supplies.

And that's all for now. I'm melting today and it is only going to be hotter tomorrow. Remind me again why I love summer so much? LOL

Feeling Rather English

2011-07-20T19:09:00.005-05:00

I just thought I'd share a few things English that I'm enjoying lately. First up the silhouettes in the last post were in two different treasury lists recently. Thank you to those who added my silhouettes to such lovely lists. First was A Regency Wedding. This lace collar is reserved for another customer, but I would love to have one of my own...

The Summer at Bath treasury list had so many beautiful items, I think this one is my favorite, though...

What a lovely hat! And the rest of her dress is so pretty, too! Matti's Millinery & Costumes has lots of amazing costumes listed - I'm drooling!

And of course we all know the final Harry Potter movie came out on Friday. I've seen it twice already. LOL Anyone want to go with me to see it again? I'm ready! I love Alan Rickman and he was so good in this movie I think he deserves an Oscar!

I found this box of candy at Target when the last movie came out and thought it looked JUST like the kind of candy they'd sell at Honeydukes, don't you??

Just look at the Ginger man! He kinda looks like the bottom of a Mandrake...or like JK Rowling describes the garden gnomes looking like - these would fit right in! :) The actual box is smaller than the picture - really cute.

Heatwave and Etsywave...

2011-07-12T21:44:00.004-05:00

It's been a couple of scorcher days! In the 100's here and heat index usually like 115 - whew!! I'm laying low inside, but still being productive. Just a quick post to let you guys know there are new framed silhouettes in the shop.

First - I sold my larger oval silhouettes awhile ago (even my own personal one off my hallway wall) so I got two more frames and decided to sell a pair for the first time in these beautiful larger black frames...

The larger frames allow me to use the larger silhouettes and also for you to see more of the background - in this case the beautiful antique music paper. They are very dramatic on the wall - so pretty! I don't care if they sell, really, as I want them to hang on my own wall and I don't have any more frames to make my own at the moment. :)

And due to popular demand - the smaller antique white square frames are back. These sold out SUPER fast last time and I only have these two sets left so grab them while you can!

One on vintage French book paper.

And one set on music paper. For more pictures (and bigger, better detailed ones), please see my shop!!

Thankfully a storm has cleared the hot weather for the next two days so hopefully I can get a few more things done. Hope you all are safe from the heat!

Giveaway Announcement and another Etsy Update

2011-07-07T18:30:00.003-05:00

A long long time ago I announced a giveaway at the Mad Tea Party. Not quite sure why I set the deadline so far off, but anyway -

I am pleased to finally announce the winner of the four Alice in Wonderland images on vintage French paper...

Twyla of the Two Crazy Crafters Blog!!!! Congrats. Hope you will like these. I emailed you for contact info.

And also I've updated the shop yet again with another set of silhouettes - just fyi.

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Available HERE.

Happy Friday, Everyone!!

New Silhouettes in shop...

2011-07-06T15:38:00.006-05:00

I've got some new silhouettes up in the shop. They are just too cute in these oval frames...

I think this pair reminds me most of Elinor and Edward in Sense and Sensibility...

The great thing about these are the really nice frames. I've sold two sets so far. The oval silhouettes are available HERE.

But sometimes a different shape can be fun, too - I found these super cute square frames and decided to try them.

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I love the antique feel of these frames. Very romantic. They are a soft white and antiqued for a vintage feel. Silhouettes available HERE.

SOLD Super Fast!

Very nice frames, indeed.

I only have the one pair of square frames. I think I need to try and find some more. ;)

ETA: Thanks so much to everyone who has been shopping at my store lately!!

Happy Wednesday!

A Beautiful Necklace - Native American Fetish and Heshi Beads

2011-07-02T01:39:00.004-05:00

My mother has always had a necklace I coveted. A beautiful Native American Fetish and Heshi bead necklace. For years she said she'd make one for me and a few weeks ago I finally got one!

We've collected quite a few of the carved animal beads over the years, but I picked out a few of my favorites to string up. Among the animals represented are: fish, armadillo, turtle, rabbit, bear, fox, wolf and a black rooster. At the center is a large white dove.

A few detail pics...

Just wanted to share my pretty new necklace with you. Have a great weekend!! It's a three day weekend with the 4th of July and we have a very hot weather forecast - 107 degree heat index tomorrow - whew!

Hopefully we'll get to have some BBQ and maybe see some fireworks. Don't forget that you have until Friday to enter the giveaway in my tea party post below.

New Item - Typewriter Love

2011-06-29T15:45:00.004-05:00

Anyone who has been reading my blog for awhile knows how much I love antique typewriters. I have two very different types on my shelves and I often buy old ones that don't look as nice, but have great keys to make jewelry with. Here I have the best kind of typewriter of all - the kind you can hang up on the wall!! ;)
It's a typewriter graphic that I've printed onto a page from one of my vintage French books...

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This is the last of my square wood frames and before it had a prim dress print in it, but I've decided I really need a typewriter instead. I'm very tempted to keep this one for myself, but decided to put it in the shop. I'll just enjoy it on my wall until someone buys it. LOL

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This would look fabulous in a studio or office.

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You can hang it up (there is a ribbon you can use on the back, or just take it off and hang flat for a more simplified/clean look) or you can prop it up on a shelf or a typewriter.

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Thanks for looking. Don't forget to comment on the tea party blog or email me if you have trouble commenting there for the giveaway! Happy Wednesday!

Jump Down the Rabbit Hole...A Mad Tea Party with 58 Cherries!

2011-06-24T16:45:00.019-05:00

It all started one late afternoon when I decided to laze about outdoors with a quilt and a few old books...
I read in the sun until the shade of the big tree drifted closer and led me to put my book aside and close my eyes for just for a moment and daydream.

When I opened my eyes again I found all my books picked up and stacked at my feet. On top was a delicate little turquoise and white plate with a tiny white cake!

We've all heard of how interesting adventures can begin with tiny little cakes, haven't we? Well, this one didn't say Eat Me, so I hoped it wouldn't make me grow too tall, but at the same time I couldn't resist the temptation. I decided to take a bite and see...

It was a delicious petit four with vanilla cake and a hard shell of frosting with a delicious orange cream filling inside. Nothing seemed to happen at first until I put the cake down and suddenly I noticed a white rabbit beside the plate!
I felt my eyes grown heavy and I rubbed at them, not wanting to fall asleep and miss anything, but when I blinked my eyes clear I found myself somewhere else entirely!!

I was in a big room with large bright windows and a table laid out with an elaborate tea! The chairs were all different, some formal, some padded and I decided to tiptoe closer for a look.

What a beautiful and strange tea service, indeed! So many teapots and cups already filled with tea and just look at all the plates full of goodies laid out!

I remembered the last two times I'd had the privilege to join just such a tea party so I hurried forward to take in all the wondrous sights before they disappeared!

There were petit fours, jam jewels, lace cookies with chocolate filling, shortbread with raspberry or apricot jam and so many more!

I saw the armies of chessmen again and a squirrel behind them seemed to be about to drop something into a tea cup.
The chessmen were arguing again about whose turn at the cherry it was, but I was more concerned about the large green berry or nut the squirrel was going to toss in, should I try to stop him?

Then I noticed the tiny green boat with the pretty little lady rabbit in it - she seemed unconcerned about what was going on so I decided not to interrupt...

In the center of the table were two teapots on a heavy glass pedestal. I looked closer and saw three little mice sitting at a little bowl of cream. They nodded in greeting, but were too busy dunk little crumbs of cookies to pay anymore attention to me...
I turned away and glanced down to see more guests at the table below. I was so happy to see that both Gnomes had turned up for the party as well...

They seemed to have brought their own drinks and a big (to them anyway) watermelon to share. They smiled and nodded to great me and I took a cup of tea and a plate of cookies to join in...

I heard a squeak and looked down to see that the dormouse was nibbling at his own jam jewel and had stopped to great me.

He'd already eaten nearly half of it and I offered him a small cup of tea.
There was a tower of small tea cups halfway across the table. I admired the plate beside them full of more goodies to eat. There were cherries and vanilla cookies with dark chocolate and crushed pecans sprinkled on top.
"Better hurry up," a tiny voice said nearby. I looked and saw a little mouse in an apron with a dustpan and broom. She was sweeping up the crumbs from around the table into her little pan.

Just as I realized my time may be coming to an end I felt my eyes growing heavy, blinking sleepily with my tummy full of cookies, cake and tea. I felt something tingle - a hint of magic, perhaps? And when I opened my eyes I saw all the food and all the cups that had held tea were gone from the table...

And what was this? A tiny little old bottle by the little brown rabbit washing his face...

Well we all know that if you eat the little cake...you drink from the little bottle as well. So I took a sip...
And found myself back where I started, lying in the shade with my book of Grimm's Fairy tales open again!! No hint of a crumb of cake...

Was it all a dream? I don't know, but I can't leave my guests without a gift - now can I? So I made something special - a very Alice in Wonderland gift!!

Four pages from a VERY OLD French book - and on each one? A favorite image from Alice in Wonderland!!

These would look lovely framed together in a grouping, wouldn't they?

There are two Alice figures - one with the Cheshire Cat grinning down at Alice below. One White Rabbit in full herald costume and the King of Hearts - speckles, wig and crown! These images are from the 1865 Illustrations by John Tenniel.

Here's a closeup of one of the Alice images...

I'm hoping someone will want these for their own. I love the old vintage feel of them - these are old yellowed pages from a book 'Memoires d'un Royaliste 1851'.

So if you've enjoyed our little dream and like the gift you see - please, please do comment here!! I will pick one name from a hat on Friday, July 8th. That way everyone has plenty of time to visit (especially since there is a big holiday the weekend before) and hopefully everyone who wishes to enter can do so by then.

Thank you for visiting us here!! Now off I go to hop and skip along the other parties... Have a great weekend!!

**Important Update** If you are having problems posting comments via blogger - you are not alone. I've had a heck of a time posting comments on some blogspot blogs so if you are wondering why I don't comment that might be why. Also - if you want to post a comment and find you can't you can email it to me at: bookluv AT gmail DOT com (spelled out to avoid spam, sorry). I will then add your name to the hat for the giveaway and also post your comment here, too. Sorry it is such a hassle, but at least there are ways around it. *******

Busy, busy - change in Etsy listing and Tea Party Mutterings...

2011-06-23T15:17:00.006-05:00

Just a note that my previous silhouette listings got a bit altered. I had a request for the gentleman in one pairing and the young girl in the second pair so after doing that I decided the remaining two silhouettes were a bit odd in pairing so I made new silhouettes for the listing still available:

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I created another high collared young gentleman (who I can't stop thinking of as a young Mr. Darcy) and gave him a young lady to pair with (Miss Elizabeth Bennet, perhaps?). I was thinking the children silhouettes were cute, but I think most people want a couple on their wall or shelf, right?

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If anyone does want the old pairing of children or liked the high society lady with the ornament in her hair you can convo me on Etsy or comment here or email me and I'll gladly try to accommodate you. As of right now I have only this pairing available as I only have the two frames, but hopefully I can get my hands on more soon and I'll make some more variety available if possible. Grab them while you can because there is no telling when I run out of frames like I did with the square ones a few years ago.

I will also try to get another one or two of the larger black frames for the bigger sized silhouettes - I am currently out of those having sold my own personal one just the other day.

On the Mad Tea Party front - I have made some preparations, but life is so darn busy I'm worried I won't have time to do all I hoped to do this year! I'm late, I'm late, I'm late - for a very very important date!!! Well not yet, but I might be! :)

Keep your eyes out for white rabbits with pocket watches! If you are new to the Mad Tea Party then please do visit my past two years' parties. We had a great deal of fun - there are links on the right side of the blog or you can click HERE for 2009 and HERE for 2010. Whatever happens this year there WILL be a great giveaway. I have made an Alice in Wonderland themed giveaway for the lucky winner. I will leave the giveaway open for at least a week or so to give everyone a chance to put their name in the hat. I'm very excited about the giveaway!!

By the way, be sure to drop a link to your own parties if you'd like me to be sure to visit because there are SO MANY I forget where I visited and where I didn't and I always seem to miss a few, it can be quite confusing, but oh so much fun!! See you all very soon, I hope!

Happy Monday

2011-06-20T01:02:00.005-05:00

Happy Monday to all - I hope you all had a great weekend and a Happy Father's Day. We had a lazy weekend BBQing and watching movies. My mother and I did some jewelry making, too. I must take a few pictures and show you what she made me.

And I have a few new items in the shop (and in process of going into the shop). First off - I bought some very cute little white oval frames with antique detailing that was just too perfect for pairing silhouettes so I made two different versions.

First, a couple - A Gentleman in a high colored shirt and jacket with buttons and A Lady with a bit of decoration in her hair...

These look cute haning on the wall AND sitting on the shelf, don't you think??

Check out the detail on the frames - little curlycues.

And the other pair are of children. A Little Boy and a Young Girl...

All of these silhouettes are on vintage French book paper.

The white is so shabby chic and perfect for summer, I think. I love them on the shelf with sea shells and boat pictures. I think I need to make a pair for myself instead of selling them all...

And since last week I sold my larger framed silhouette on music paper I decided to offer up my own framed silhouette I'd made for myself. It's been hanging on my wall. It's also on vintage French book paper...

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She used to fit in below the picture of my grandmother as a flower girl and next to my grandfather in his uniform...And be sure to check out the same style detailing - antique looking, slight distressed look to the black frame.

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And last, but not least - some flower pictures...

My very dark red Sweet William came back again this year and is doing well - I love this color - so vivid!

And one of the four different colors of cone flowers I have - this is my favorite shade, I think...

And a few pictures from my grandmother's yard. Her vine covered bench...

Her flowering bee balm and other plants in front...

I love summer - even with the extreme heat and nasty thunderstorms. Hope you all are doing well. I need to get ready for the tea party now!!

Historical Charm and Romance - More Key Earrings

2011-06-13T23:34:00.006-05:00

I've added some new earrings to the shops - more keys, but in different combinations and some new key charms added. There are now four different pairs to choose from:

First off, this pair sold super fast when I listed them a few weeks ago so I made another pair, but please note that I do not have the supplies to make anymore after this so if you are interested in these you might want to grab them before they are gone.

Here's another pic of them with all my real antique keys - you can see some of the keys are in the same styles/colors as the earrings!

Here's a different pair - a big copper key and a small antique silver key. I think these are my favorite of the whole bunch...

And if you like the little keys - both gold and silver - well, here's a pair of those - they make a slightly smaller pair of earrings than the others. Very cute!

The fourth pair is the set of single antique silver key earrings which you can see in the first two pics as well as my previous post and in my shop. If you'd like to see larger pictures and see more details on these items please look at my store listings. I've put most of them up and will finish tomorrow. If you have any questions you can comment here or convo me on Etsy - or even just to let me know they are cute because I'd love to hear what you all think of these.

Thanks for looking and indulging me in my vintage key obsession.

Jewelry for Dreamers of a Bygone Era - The perfect piece for summer!

2011-06-12T19:46:00.005-05:00

I'm excited to introduce a new piece to my Etsy store this week - a miniature collapsible working telescope necklace! This is a part of my Historical Charm collection and my new favorite piece of jewelry! I made one for myself, (another for my mother who instantly wanted her own) and one more to sell!

This piece reminds me of Jane Austen's Anne Elliot, who pined for her Captain Wentworth all those years he was off fighting in the Napoleonic Wars and earning his fortune...of Captain Aubrey and Dr. Maturin in the Master and Commander series by Patrick O'Brian.

This picture is on a cookbook for the Master and Commander series - it is open to a recipe for Sea Pie - a very old fashioned recipe...The Age of Sail...

The telescope is pretty open or closed. You can adjust it to the size you like. I like to extend it partially so you can see all of it, but not quite fully extended. It is really well made, not a cheaply made trinket.

I added a wire wrapped pearl for a touch of feminine sophistication. It's strung on a 30" brass chain - easily goes over your head. You can knot it in the back if you wish to make it smaller or you could always restring it on a velvet ribbon or another chain. I love that it really works - it has 2x magnification!

Can you smell the sea air? Hear the sea gulls? Check your telescope - is that a sail on the horizon? Is my true love coming back to me??

Why yes, this piece does make me sentimental. I'm an incurable romantic...that's why I love historical fiction and period movies with lovely costumes, drama and happy endings.

It's a very versatile piece - you can wear it with a dress or skirt and blouse or just a tank top and some shorts. I'll be wearing mine all summer, I think. I'm wearing mine right now and even though I'm getting ready for bed I don't want to take it off!

Isn't it gorgeous? It's up for sale right now. Only one available for now.

And for a bit of Summer Reading List pleasure - check out Jane Austen's Persuasion (free to read online if you don't have a copy) - a lovely tale about loving the Navy and the idea of going off on an adventure with your true love no matter what the dangers.

Or check out Patrick O'Brian's excellent historical fiction novels for wonderful sea adventures, warfare, courting young ladies, dangerous Frenchmen, spies, treachery, and exotic locales.

And if you haven't seen the movies for both - do check those out, too!

Summer Lovin - Crabs, Lobsters and Watermelon

2011-06-10T00:30:00.002-05:00

Even though it has been hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk lately, I'm still loving summer... Best way to beat the heat - eat watermelon! Cold, juicy watermelon sure hits the spot right now. I picked a few flowers from my garden and some mint for salads and for it's lovely scent. And I also used my Martha Stewart fruit towels during the summer - bought them at Kmart ages ago - each fruit has all the different ways to say the fruit in other languages. They are my favorite towels and I pretty much forbid other people from using them as they tend to stain them. My precious!!

And speaking of towels we can look at, but not touch...

My favorite towels that I've yet to use and likely never will beyond decoration - the blue crab and red lobster towels!! Got these at the Home Good store a few years ago.

I just realized - I've been admiring pillows for ages that are like this, but far too expensive to buy...I have at least two of each of these - I could make them into pillows and save money - also prevent people from using them to mop up spilled koolaid with them!! ;)

An intruiging idea...I think I might try it - and it's a frugal Friday idea, too, isn't it??

Happy Friday, everyone! Enjoy the weekend.

Just a Note...

2011-06-06T15:09:00.003-05:00

...to let you know I'm still alive - only very badly burnt. You see, I decided to go swimming and I wanted a bit of a tan. So I only put a SPF of 4 on - deep tanning sunscreen, you see. And then proceeded to stand in direct sunlight at noon on the hottest, sunniest day we've had so far for about an hour and a half. I fried my shoulders, chest, upper back and scalp. Ouch.

I was so stupid. I could feel the top of my head frying and I didn't get out. I forgot to put any suntan lotion on my face at all and the only reason I spared most of my face from a burn is that I had really big sunglasses on. *sigh* I'm an idiot and I'm paying for it. It's been a lovely hot, sunny weekend and I'm still shut inside with my sizzling hot skin and hair I can't stand to brush. I can't even move my arms above my head to do it even if my scalp didn't hurt so much as my shoulders are too burnt to let me move them. Oh well...I won't make that mistake again this summer, hopefully.

Gratuitous pictures of my pretty red typewriter...

Because I also wanna show off my cute turquoise vintage suitcase I bought for myself this past Christmas...

Isn't it pretty? Goes so well with the red typewriter and my white picture frame. I love it. I went to see a movie at the mall and there was this seasonal shop open with the CUTEST stuff. It was like one of the best Etsy stores open in the mall and I just HAD to have this suitcase. And of course I can't remember the name of the shop and it is gone with the season. Oh well. They had put lovely vintage paper all over the walls and had cute stuffed fox pillows and so many wonderful items. Perhaps they'll come back to the mall next Christmas. I'll have to keep my eye out.

Hope you all had a better weekend than I. Don't forget your sunscreen!!!

Coming Soon...

2011-05-25T12:35:00.002-05:00

It's nearly that time again - time for the MAD TEA PARTY!! If you are new or unfamiliar with A Fanciful Twist's Mad Tea Party you should definitely visit her blog to check out the past years. It's a blog party anyone can join and there are lots of pretty pictures, crafts, recipes and Giveaways on all the participants' blogs! A great way to share ideas, art, projects, etc. and find new friends and revisit old ones.

I will be participating as I have the past two years. You can check out my party posts on the right side of my blog. I will have a party and a giveaway or two. Be sure to visit!!

All Keyed Up (again)

2011-05-23T21:15:00.004-05:00

I've posted about my crazy love for antique keys before (just check out that beautiful fabric in this older post of mine if you haven't seen it already!)

And this love carries into jewelry. I have key necklaces (as seen in previous blog post link above), but until now I've yet to see key earrings that I like in the stores - they tend to bling them out and make them fake looking. so I decided to make my own. And then I decided to sell a few while I'm at it in case anyone else wants some.

The antique silver colored ones are my favorite. I kept them simple on purpose - I love these tiny keys...

And I also bought them in oxidized copper, but I thought I'd add some of the smaller gold keys with them...

SOLD

Just thought I'd share them. All up at the shop right now along with those green balloon animal earrings.

I've been hearing a great deal about the people of Joplin, MO, who suffered terribly from the tornado yesterday. My thoughts are with them. It was a horrible huge tornado and there were lots of casualties (last count was 120 and still counting) - we've been hit with lots of extreme weather lately and more scheduled. *sigh* I hope it calms down soon!

Almost Summer - Treats, Peeks and a Bit of Circus Charm...

2011-05-22T23:19:00.006-05:00

Boy was this a hot weekend! Made all the worse by some necessary late spring cleaning. I just had to make a fresh pitcher of lemonade today to beat the heat!!

And boy do I love these new summer glasses we bought at the dollar store of all places. So cute and cheap! My favorite combination in this economy. ;) The lemon and lime bowls were unearthed in the spring cleaning so I thought they'd look nice out for a bit of summer charm.

And look - just look!! My cherry tree has finally given fruit!! After years of nothing - finally this!!Yep, ONE cherry. But I'm told there are a whopping two more on the tree. I guess I'm lucky the squirrels allow me to have these. They are already eating my peaches and they have a long long way to go. Last two years I got NONE of them even though the tree was full of fruit. But isn't this cherry precious!! So cute and tiny!

And a few random pics of my too wild front gardens. This is right in front of my porch - my two lovely rose bushes that make the cutest Tudor Roses you ever saw. My pots aren't doing too well as those darn squirrel keep digging up my flowers, getting soil everywhere and uprooting the flowers so they die on me. *grumbles more about squirrels...*

And the other side of the front of my house... Note the dirt all around the pots. *sigh*

And this pic is just to show you how my front lawn slopes off on a steep hill down to the driveway and the tiny house beside us. It shows off our pretty handmade and hand-designed picket fence. I'm super proud of that fence. Tons of hard work!!

And sorry if I'm boring you with more pic spam of my Etsy items, but I did want to show off my two new pendants I put up over the weekend. If you're sick of the French Poodles, not to worry - these are different!

It's a very cute balloon animal clown! My dad is a magician and twists balloons for kids and often does this very same shape for those that like clowns!

The Clown...

How cute is that? :)

And this one...okay, I confess - not quite possible with real balloons (at least I don't think so...my dad is awfully good at them he might be able to, but anyway - I present to you, The Juggler!!

I love the touch of whimsy and fun these new pieces of jewelry give to my Etsy shop! They are also very pretty to wear - a surprising mix of fun and childhood memories along with a bit of elegance from the pretty glass pearls.

Oh, and before I forget, I will also be adding another pair of French Poodle balloon animal earrings in another color - a light green as an alternative to the blue ones I posted about earlier.

Here they are with the other light green poodle pendant. All these items are up at the shop and I hope you'll swing by to take a look.

Hope you all had a great weekend - can't wait for next weekend as the pool will finally open and I plan to have a nice BBQ.

More Etsy Items

2011-05-17T15:21:00.003-05:00

I love charms and charm bracelets so I couldn't resist adding a little French Poodle Balloon Animal charm to my shop.

Tres chic, non?

Stands next to the Eiffel Tower...

And since money is really tight right now I'm selling a bit of music paper. It's so gorgeous I'd love to paper my whole room with it. I'm offering four excellent pages of it at the shop right now.

They are in great condition and perfect for crafting with or to frame and use in decorating a room.

Happy Monday - Etsy Update with lots of Fun Items!

2011-05-16T15:19:00.008-05:00

I finally got around to putting some items up in Etsy I've been meaning to do for ages. First up, a very pretty pale green balloon animal necklace...

I think the proper name for the color is a pale celery.

It's hard to see the delicate green coloring in these pictures, the group picture shows it a little bit better, but the best part of this necklace is that instead of using round pearls, we changed it up with some oblong pearls, giving it a more authentic balloon animal look...
Here's a group photo that shows how different it looks compared to the others, it's much longer. All the pendants can stand, which adds to their charm.

Here they are all standing. Kind of looks like a dog show displaying the different sizes poodles can come in - standard, toy, etc. LOL

But if you like the traditional round pearl look, there is this really cute blue poodle here...

Such a pretty cobalt blue. It's much smaller than the green one.

But my favorite (outside of the very pretty turqoise one in the shop already) is this really special blue-gray one here:

SOLD

I have to tell you, this one is kinda freaky how much it looks like a miniaturized balloon animal. The shading and the slightly oblong shape just look so cool. I love how it isn't one color all over, but shades of blue, gray, purple, etc.

SOLD

And, also important - I know that some people like wearing interesting earrings even more than necklaces, so I'm excited to announce the first pair of balloon animal earrings are finally here!!

These are small and perfect. I love wearing earrings that catch people's eyes and these are sure to do it. They are sky blue and perfect. I think I'm in love with these...they are so whimsical!

As with all my items it is best to view them at my shop for more pictures and details. If you would like one of these in a particular color, convo me at etsy or comment here and I'll be happy to try and find and make it for you. I've got more pendants and earrings to put up over the next few days, too, so keep your eye out for more!!

Also, I reshot a pair of ornaments that needed better pictures - the pretty music paper and better lighting shows these off a bit better, I think...

Also available at my shop.

I've been busy, busy, busy. It's quite a Monday so far. Hope you all had a good weekend!

Peony Love

2011-05-13T20:33:00.002-05:00

I love peonies. My three bushes are blooming and heavy with the huge blossoms. I cut a few and put them in my kitchen. They smell heavenly...

Such luscious flowers. I wish they were around all year.

Happy Friday!

Spring Flowers

2011-05-06T22:17:00.005-05:00

April Showers bring May Flowers...(and more showers):

A long view down the side garden. This little strip of land between our driveway and fence is full of irises, lilacs, rose bushes, a crepe myrtle and a hydrangea bush.

The little purple irises are miniature ones - Russian, I think. Very pretty and doing so well with all this rain we've been having. They smell great, but not half as good as the lilac smells!

The two together are so pretty!!

They really show off our handmade picket fence, too. At the time we made it all I could do was groan at all the work (and it was a ton of work in red hot sun), but now? Totally worth it...

And do I spy tiny peaches on Anna? (Yes, I named the tree - don't judge me - it's named after my Yiayia, of which many of my fond childhood memories are being dragged out of bed early in the morning to sleep on the bench outside while she picked fresh peaches and figs and then woke me up to eat them for breakfast...)

And a little peek at the front yard on the right. A few of the Azalea bushes seem to not have made the transplantation we did last year. Oh well, there are still a few - mostly purple, blooming. I love how the flowers really show off our pretty stone house.

And a look at my wild stump garden before I started weeding. The Russian sage is doing quite well. In the summer the branches will be white and the flowers blue.

And since I couldn't leave the garden outside without taking some with me...

Some miniature irises, a few regular sized white ones, some mint, some lilac...

And then I went back outside to cut some Lily of the Valley for my mother.

After all that my house smelled LOVELY. Like Spring!! I am so glad we are getting a few peeks of sun again because all this rain had me a bit down, but now I'm able to enjoy the garden a bit and I'm so so happy. Today is my father's birthday and then on Sunday is Mother's Day so we're busy. I also hope to plant the few tomato plants I have so far as well as a bell pepper plant. Can't wait to eat the fresh veggies from my garden again this year.

Hope you all have a Great Weekend!!

Etsy Update - A Few Notes...

2011-05-01T19:38:00.008-05:00

There's a new large Sheet Music Fairy House up for sale in my shop - it has a darker red roof than photographed because of all the wonderful sunshine...

I placed the house in my forest of mint...

The title of the music is 'Savoyarde.' For more details check out the listing here.

And a while ago I posted some more necklaces. Mostly Musical Noteworthy collection - glass tiles with vintage sheet music from the early 1900's and one from the 1800's. Each on is unique and I am selling them strung on black ribbons for a pretty vintage look, but also with a bonus silver plated chain you can use, but you could also string the pendant on most other chains or ribbons you like.

This one is one of my favorites. I decided it needed a better close up picture - the lighting doesn't do it justice, quite frankly. It's a vintage white. Excellent condition and genuine antique sheet music - no photocopies or fakes.

This is the oldest sheet music - from the late 1800's. German sheet music, a different color from the other pendants - a darkened yellowed color, though still crisp printing. I love how much more antiqued this looks.

Another of the lighter colored ones, though still antique. Love all the symbols represented on this pendant. These are excellent gifts for music lovers as well as people who love vintage and/or one of a kind jewelry.

And finally this one...

SOLD - thank you!

Happy May Day!!

A Royal Wedding Tea

2011-04-29T16:46:00.003-05:00

I must confess to being an Anglophile. I love English history and since I'm rather obsessed with their royal history in particular I just had to stay up all night and wait for the wedding to start!! I taped it on my VCR and watched in awe as the guests arrived and finally Will and then Kate. I fell asleep shortly after they said their vows and I'll have to wait until tonight to watch the whole thing with my family, but while I wait...I decided to have a proper cup of tea and toast to the happy couple:

To Will and Kate - may you have happiness and love all the years of you life!!

My silver was still polished from Easter. My sugar bowl and creamer and silver tray I've shown before. My little brown pot is just enough for one person to enjoy a fine cup of tea...
The gorgeous cup is a gift from My Fairy Vintage Godmother. However does she find those treasures I'll never know. Thank you, Auntie!!

And just in case you are wondering what tea it is I'm drinking...
Stewarts Gourmet tea is my absolute favorite. This one is Peach Mango, but I also love their Raspberry!

I was only 2 or 3 when Will's parents married, but I remember watching videos of their wedding on TV and later when we were on a family trip to either Oklahoma or Florida, I forget which, my mother bought me a set of Princess Di paper dolls to keep me entertained and I loved them to bits!

I was just starting college when she died. One of my first college classes was the day after and I was so sad despite my excitement to begin my first days at the University. I will always remember how kind and special Will's mother was and she touched SO many lives. I cried again today at the thought that she was not here to see her beautiful son marry and look so dashing in his uniform. But enough sadness, it is a day of joy and I hope the poor couple don't faint from exhaustion before it is all over. ;)

Congratulations, Will and Kate!! And if any of you bloggers out there are having any special party or post for the day please do point me to your post - I'd love to join in on the festivities!! Or drop a comment on your own views on the day.

Happy Friday.

Easter Preparations and Tornado Damage!

2011-04-23T22:48:00.004-05:00

I've been super busy cooking, cleaning and baking to get ready for an Easter lunch tomorrow. Two of my cousins from out of town were coming in for the holiday, but wouldn't you know it - a tornado ripped through our airport yesterday!! Yes, really.

One cousin got diverted to Kansas City and had to take a bus here at midnight - ugh! The other one was flying in today, but now she can't as the airport is shut down still. Oh well, I'm just glad neither was hurt!

I made some kourambiedes for Easter since this is both American and Greek Easter together this year (often they are at different times due to differing calendars). Kourambiedes (or as I often call them, white cookies) are a buttery cookie with crushed walnuts and a hint of brandy in them. They are covered in powdered sugar and rather messy, but oh-so-delicious! We make them around Christmas and Easter or Weddings - they are a special occasion kind of cookie.

Here they are just after baking...

You then sift powdered sugar all over and then serve them in little baking cups for easy eating...
If anyone is interested in the recipe please comment on this post and I will post the recipe. They are VERY good, delicate cookies.

For lunch we will have ham, pineapple-orange-mustard sauce, scalloped potatoes, spinakopita (a cheese/spinach dish with filo), a green bean-tomato-potato dish my Yiayia makes, and my mother's delicious carrot cake (with pineapple, raisins and walnuts in it - mmm!) and maybe even a key lime pie. Yummy! We dyed our eggs the American way with multi colors, but my Yiayia always makes traditional Greek red-only eggs.

I'll try to remember to take pictures. Hope everyone else is safe and sound and enjoying their weekend. The tornados have hit us hard in Missouri, but so far my family has been okay. I hope that doesn't change as there is plenty of rain and bad weather in the forecast. There have been reports of up to softball sized hail!! Cross your fingers for us as we've had many close calls and had to cower in our basement quite a few times this week. We've been lucky so far, but how long can that hold out?

Happy Easter!

Dogwood, Fairies and Birds - Spring Treats

2011-04-10T21:40:00.005-05:00

The view from my bedroom window looking down... My pretty dogwood is blooming wonderfully this year! Huzzah! I have had to be very patient with it - the past five years its been there there were very few flowers to be seen, but now it looks quite healthy to me.

A few new items in the shop.

Titania - Queen of the Faeries in Midsummer's Night Dream:

Fair Titania! I love fairies, don't you?

And whilst cleaning out my studio I decided to clear out some scraps - I made these birds awhile back thinking to make a little spring garland from them, but never got around to it so I put them up on my shop.

SOLD - Thank you!

Two of the birds are cut from vintage sheet music and so is the heart, but from older music paper and German - there are a few words on it.

It's been a rather quiet weekend. I watched Upstairs/Downstairs on PBS and now I'm enjoying Downton Abbey again. English costume drama - my favorite way to spend a quiet Sunday evening.

Shop Update - Exciting New Items!

2011-04-05T17:14:00.006-05:00

I'm very excited to announce I've added some very interesting and beautiful jewelry to the shop.

First up - an Austen inspired silhouette necklace. I've been craving a piece of silhouette jewelry for some time now, so I've made a nice glass tile piece - a young lady on French text back ground:

I've strung it on black ribbon for a romantic look, but I'm also selling it with a pretty silverplated chain - really you could string it on just about anything. So pretty!

And then there's the new Typewriter Key jewelry. I've made bracelets before and sold a few on Ebay, but they always lacked a bit of romance and a feminine touch.

Here, at last, is a solution - a pretty round filigree necklace with an initial...

And I could resist placing it on my pretty red typewriter...

I have some more designs, so far three different settings - here's the diamond shaped filigree one...So pretty. But the best one so far is this Art Deco pendant - I love this necklace! I have one with an 'N' on it and my mother immediately demanded an 'M' for herself. ;)

These really catch the eye and I love the idea of taking something old and unwanted like a dusty old typewriter and crafting a new, beautiful item from it. So these are some of the new items I've been adding so far and I have more to come. Please do take a few moments to check out my shop - there are more pictures of these necklaces as well as other items I've added in the past week. I've been working hard!

If you like my new jewelry please leave a comment - I'm dying for some feedback!

Have a great day!

Macaron, Anyone?

2011-04-04T00:01:00.004-05:00

Est-ce que vous voudriez une macaron?

I've been dying to try these little French cookies ever since I first saw them out in blogland. Finally, this week I tracked down a local French bakery, La Bonne Bouchee and bought a little bag of mixed flavors/colors.

Aren't they sweet looking? I had to take a few pictures before trying my first one...

They are certainly a unique taste. Very light and airy with just a hint of flavor other than almond.

Since they didn't tell me what the flavors are I'm guessing with a few. The green is usually pistachio, right? It was my favorite so far. I didn't care for the chocolate (actually, my family all agreed it tastes like the Devil's Food Snackwell cookies), but the vanilla was nice and the yellow was definitely lemon. I'm eating them just a little at a time to savor the special early Easter treat.

Such delicate, pretty colors - they made me break out my French napkins with little lions and Fleur de Lis.

Hope you all had a happy weekend!

Etsy Update - I'm just getting started...

2011-03-28T22:36:00.009-05:00

I'm updating my Etsy shop - I'm changing the appearance, organization and I'll be adding a lot of items. First up are some new pendants - vintage sheet music and a few more rabbits from the French Unicorn Tapestries...

Rabbit pendant at upper righthand side - SOLD

Music pendant bottom lefthand side - SOLD

This is the first pendant up, I love the look of a simple piece of music on a black ribbon, gives it vintage charm.

Each pendant will be one of a kind as they are made from genuine vintage sheet music - no copies.

But I'm also listing it with a silver chain in case some people like to change it up a bit.

And for Easter I made a set of 9 ornaments with silhouettes in pastel colors. I love how they look all together so instead of selling them individually or in small sets I put them all together.

They are all hung with the same white gossamer ribbon. The great thing about these is you can use them as ornaments for a branch tree on your Easter table or you can use them as tags for your Easter baskets and gifts or use as placeholders on the table, make them doorknob hangers, etc. And you can write your friends and family names on them or maybe name them characters from Jane Austen novels like Mr. Darcy, Captain Wentworth, Marianne, Emma, Elizabeth, etc. Some of the prettier silhouettes repeat in different colors, but overall you get quite a variety, each ornament has two different silhouettes, one on each side, they provide some versatility in displaying them.

I took some pictures outside after the snow melted and the sun was shining...unfortunately the wind was blowing pretty bad so it was impossible to get great pictures.

Just an idea of how pretty they look in the sunshine on a branch of my peach tree with the blossoms just budding. I didn't have room to spread them out and get a good picture of them all together so it looks a bit messy. Also the wind was driving me crazy.

And here below is a Bonus silhouette with purchase - meaning you get 10 ornaments at a great price - less than my ornaments usually go for and even less than the others are on sale for right now! They are a bargain.

Happy Spring and soon to be Happy Easter!

I've got a great deal many more items on the way. As I posted earlier this month I won't be making many more silhouette items for awhile. This is the last of the ornaments I'm making for now and the framed and wood mounted ones in my shop are going to be the last for awhile. There's a sale going on now at my store and I'm moving on to other creative pursuits. More updates on the way, I'll probably be adding just about every day.

Happy Monday

2011-03-28T00:14:00.006-05:00

I had a great weekend despite a terrible spring snow storm. We got 5+ inches of snow and sleet, but we didn't let it stop us from going out to eat lunch at our favorite Thai restaurant on Saturday...Mmmm... Then we stopped at the used bookstore up the street. They have fabulous vintage books - some really beautiful ones to drool over. Then afterwards we stopped by the Italian store on The Hill that we've been going to for decades. We stocked up on feta cheese, kalamata olives and fresh baked bread. Also bought some phyllo dough and walnuts to make some baklava later this week. Yum! I puttered around my studio and this little vignette my father made in the corner caught my eye as it sometimes does...I had no idea we had so many anvils! LOL He's a carpenter and has quite a collection. I also thought this view of my desk looked sweet...A little French Literary house, vintage buttons in jars, my collection of vintage sheet music can just be seen on the right on little shelves, etc. I took a few pictures of my blooming garden last week when it was so nice - 80 degrees and sunny!! Hard to believe since it is now in the 30's and snow everywhere! My cherry tree was blossoming and now there are tiny pink buds on my peach tree, too. I fear the hard freeze they predict tonight might mean no peaches this summer.

And the mint was poking up. I'm less fearful for it - it's quite hardy and like a weed. I love adding mint to my Greek salads in the summer.

Oh well, despite the snow - and more coming in a few days, I had a great weekend.

Sunday we were tired and wanting to go to a movie or something, but none of the ones out seemed to appeal to all of us so we ended up getting a few dvds instead. I made popcorn (so much better homemade, anyway) and we ate licorice and had a good time at home.

Huge Sale Starts Today!!

2011-03-23T15:09:00.003-05:00

I've listed most of the items in my shop on sale just now. Spur of the moment Spring-Is-Here sale - take advantage of the lowest prices ever!! I've also lowered a few of the shipping rates, too. Check out whatever item you've been eyeing and see if you can get a bargain. I'm clearing some space for new items to sell. Sale ends 4/8/2011.

Have a Great Day!

Farewell, Ms. Taylor

2011-03-23T14:16:00.005-05:00

I'm sad that Elizabeth Taylor died today, but it doesn't come as too great a surprise as she was ill a long time. She will always be Cleopatra to me. I loved her in that film, she was beautiful and exotic, but also so queenly and so commanding in her presence on screen.

Spring is in the air...

2011-03-13T17:34:00.004-05:00

There's nothing more exciting or guaranteed to cheer me up after a long cold winter than the signs of spring finally arriving. The trees are budding, there are green sprouts emerging from my garden and the weather is giving us a nice day one in awhile. I've been so inspired I've made a few items for my shop.

One set isn't ready quite yet, but here is what I'm getting ready to post in my shop...

Pins! Pretty pastel colored spring-themed pins. I love birds, birdcages, nests, etc. and wanted to be able to wear something thoroughly spring related.
Aren't they cute?I decided to group them in three separate lots for Etsy rather than individually, but if anyone reading this would like to purchase them all in one lot for a discount price - I'm giving you, my readers, first dibs. Convo me on etsy or email me at bookluv (at) gmail.com The buttons are made of wood, painted in shades of blue-green, pale pink and antique white. All are sealed with a matte finish.

Group 1:Two birdcages and three different birds.
Group 2:Two birds, a nest and a birdcage.
Group 3:Two birds, a nest and a potted tree/shrub. So cute! I love all of these pins. I thought grouping them best as they'd make great gifts or if you can't bear to part with them...they look really cute grouped on a jacket or such...
I've got one more set of silhouettes made into ornaments on the way - they need a bit of finishing, but they are very cute, Spring/Easter related ornaments.

And last, but not least, after the ornaments are posted I don't plan on doing too much silhouette-themed items for etsy for a little while. I'm getting a bit tired of making them and feeling very one-note lately. I'm ready to take on some entirely new ideas. So here is the last set of Jane Austen style silhouettes I'll be making for awhile:
They are stenciled on antique white and painted on wood plaques. More details available when I post them on Etsy.

And as for the future of 58 Cherries, I've been preparing to make some new jewelry. Necklaces, earrings, bracelets and more. I'm awaiting some supplies and it'll take me a bit of time to finish, but I'm very excited about what I'll be making. I hope you will like it, too. It's a combination of vintage items/upcycling, old style jewelry meets modern...well I guess I can't quite describe it without pictures to share so it'll have to wait. All I can say for now is I'm quite excited to try some new techniques and ideas.

Hope you all have had a great weekend!!

Whale of a Time

2011-03-03T22:09:00.004-06:00

I've been somewhat obsessed with this pillow for the past few months..

Plantation Designs

But seeing as I don't have $80 to spend on one (ouch!) and I haven't been able to find a good clip art of a whale yet to make my own I've decided to look elsewhere.

This pillow on Etsy is far more affordable and just as cute...

Etsy

And then I found this whimsical pillow...

Emily Anderson

Made of denim and with the rectangular pillow behind it I think it looks like the first pillow come to life or at least 3D.

These pillows have put me in the mood for summer. Too bad there's plenty of spring rain and even snow heading our way...

Spring Inspiration - Need a Smile?

2011-02-22T16:31:00.006-06:00

When you are stressed out, sick of winter and in need of inspiration - there's always Spring! It's just around the corner and it's so cheerful and full of hope - it makes me smile. So here's just a few pics of what made me smile and think of spring today...

On top of my armoire sits a beautiful birdcage...

It's a pretty shabby white metal. I love the details. Also you can see some of my favorite boxes with butterflies, fleur de lis, etc., an 'N' and a small Eiffel Tower. All of my favorite things.
Next up is Chloe - my maidenform. I've dressed her in my favorite jean vest and gave her some of my necklaces to wear...

I love pink with denim, don't you? And the flower necklace is my favorite to wear in the spring. Chloe can borrow it for a little while...

But I'll be wanting it back!

Hope they made you smile. I'm in desperate need of a pick me up after some rather bad news earlier. I'm feeling a tiny bit better, aren't you? ;)

Got a Hankie?

2011-02-17T15:18:00.006-06:00

I do not by any means have the largest handkerchief collection. (Though I think my Fairy Vintage Godmother does...) I do, however, enjoy collecting them and have ever since high school. I have both modern and vintage - I thought I'd share a few pics of my favorites...

Modern -
some of these actually might better qualify as scarves, but are all square or rectangular and could be both.

First off, my absolute fave:

I love the shade of blue plus the beautiful designs on it - it's just perfect.

This one is actually kind of vintage - it was my mum's and I think maybe '70's?? It was big enough to tie up in my hair in a pony tail. Very cute.

This one is good for funerals...

And this one I can't believe I bought at Old Navy years ago. They don't carry too much 'pretty' stuff anymore - more trendy items these days.This is either Old Navy, or most likely Target. I love the tiny blue flowers.

Vintage -

These are genuine, bonafide hankies and a wide variety...

I love delicate borders like these and white on white embroidery. Subtle and pretty.

This one I found in St. Charles at an Antique shop on Mother's Day. Perfect timing since it has my mom's name on it...

A close up - can you believe the detailing?? I love this one! It's a delicate pink with white embroidery.
I love embroidered flowers...

A pretty border...

Some are more flamboyant...

And in desperate need of ironing...sorry.

And this is another favorite... Hope you enjoyed these.

Tuesday Giveaway - Danita

2011-02-15T16:05:00.005-06:00

The talented Miss Danita is having a great giveaway on her blog - a wood mounted image of your choice. It's a tought choice as to what to pick - there are so many great ones to choose from! Her Frida ones are usually my favorite, but I also think her Angel of the Broken Hearts is great. I think I'd pick this one...

There's something about the shade of pink, the haunting eyes...the antiqued background...it's a fave. I also enjoy folk art angels a great deal. Winner will be announced Saturday so hurry up and comment on her blog for a chance to win.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T15:16:00.004-06:00

Sweets to the sweet!

A giant M&M cookie for you...

Wishing you all a great Valentine's Day filled with love and a sweet or two.

Inspiration Friday

2011-02-10T21:09:00.006-06:00

I'm really loving this turn of the century advertisement...

I have it on my laptop as a tiled background - it's so pretty. And then I looked around my kitchen and saw one of the reasons I like it so much - I'm drawn to those colors frequently.

Such as some new bowls we picked up while Christmas shopping...

I really really didn't need more bowls, but they were so cute!! Who could resist?

And while I was at it we really needed somewhere to hang our aprons...

And this is the shelf just above my stove. Two well-loved cookbooks and an assortment of my prettiest groceries.

I love the Greek coffee canister and old fashioned labels on the cans.

Have a happy Friday, everyone!

Flea Market Style

2011-02-09T15:36:00.004-06:00

A new Flea Market Style magazine is coming out and the cover, by the talented Heather Bullard looks gorgeous...

After weeks of snow and freezing temperatures I'm more than ready for spring and this cover just screams spring, doesn't it? The colors and the freshness is truly inspiring. I'm thinking of my garden and Easter and all the things we have to look forward to once Old Man Winter departs...

I love flea markets and finding new ways to use my vintage finds. I won the fantastic giveaway of a free copy and I'm looking forward to drooling over this - it looks amazing! Thanks Heather!

One of those days...

2011-02-08T16:32:00.004-06:00

It's just one of those days...it's bitterly cold outside and I feel so crummy. A headache, tummy ache...just about everything-ache. I woke up and saw that Smokey was sleeping so soundly in his basket. He looks so peaceful and snuggly in his warm bed that I'm tempted to go back to my own bed and do the same.

It's the kind of day that makes you want to curl up with a good book.

My father built me this set of bookshelves above my desk. I have another bookcase in my bedroom, but this one is for my favorite books on my favorite subjects - history and art. They are mostly on my favorite period of all - the Tudor Age. I have just about every good book on Henry VIII and his wives. I study it constantly and am always looking for new books on them.

And old books on them. I collect vintage books in general, but I get really excited if they are on the Tudors. I got two 'new' vintage books on Henry VIII for Christmas. I then went out and bought a few more with my Christmas money.

You could say I'm a bit obsessed. I also have French history books, too. Marie Antoinette and Louis XIV are also interesting people and periods in history. I have a few knickknacks that go along with the theme. An iron Fleur de Lis I'm using as a bookend...

And a golden lion (ancient symbol of kings) as another bookend.

Little things like that make me happy. Now I need to pick a book to read and curl up in bed. ;)

A St. Louis Treat - Toasted Ravoli

2011-02-07T15:35:00.005-06:00

In St. Louis we have a favorite appetizer called Toasted Ravioli. It's a breaded, deep fried ravioli (usually beef or veal, but sometimes cheese) served with marinara sauce and sprinkling of Parmesan cheese.

It's delicious! Just about all restaurants in St. Louis carry it as an appetizer and even McDonald's served it at one time. You can get it in a few other parts of the U.S., but nowhere near as much as here. Whenever my out of town relatives visit they usually want to treat themselves to some while visiting.

Just thought I'd share a tasty treat with you...hope you all have a good Monday.

Ice, Snow and Wind - Oh My!

2011-02-02T18:01:00.006-06:00

Happy Groundhog Day. Enjoying the blizzard? I am. We got plenty of ice, but lucked out in the city with only a few inches of snow. Enough ice to cancel all schools and businesses around us, but not so much that we can't go out and enjoy the lovely snow and see the beautiful ice covered trees.

This is my Redbud tree - even the seedpods still left on it are encased in beautiful ice...

And my overturned pots awaiting spring look like little snow mushrooms, don't they?

And Fox enjoys playing in the snow...

Here he is after eating many homemade snow cones outside...

He says they taste great and he'd like you to see his dog house...

He's very glad he doesn't have to stay outside in it. Look at the icicles all along it!

There is nothing quite like a dog enjoying fresh fallen snow. Fox kept bugging me all night and today to go out and PLAY! He danced and cavorted with glee out in the falling snow, scooping up mouthfuls every few minutes. He was so happy to run around in it. It reminded me of how much fun I had as a kid playing in the snow and then coming in to thaw out and have a warm cup of cocoa...or in Fox's case a milkbone. ;)

Hope you all are safe and warm!

A Recommendation for Gosford Park Fans

2011-02-02T01:28:00.005-06:00

Last Sunday I enjoyed the final episode of Downton Abbey's first season. However did I miss this the first time around? Just in case anyone else missed out I must recommend renting or buying the DVD of this fantastic new series. It begins just as word of the Titanic's sinking reaches England and the first season ends just as WWI breaks out. In between a great deal of interesting things happen at the breathtaking Downton Abbey, a manor home in danger of being lost from the family since there is no male heir to inherit it. Instead there are three daughters and a distant male cousin with little interest in inheriting the home and the responsibilities that come with it.

It's created and written by the same man who made Gosford Park so the dialogue and the mix of servants and family are perfectly portrayed. And even if you don't like the plot the fantastic setting and costumes are more than enough to sit and drool over...

And the cast is chock full of fantastic British actors.

The three sisters...So different in personalities and far different destinies await for them. I relished every moment of sibling rivalry. I can't wait to see what happens next season!

And Maggie Smith...no need to note how fantastic she is in her role, she steals every scene she's in.

Of course being made by the man that gave us Gosford Park there are LOTS of servant scenes and each character is unique and well formed with their own storyline.

Season 2 is filming right now and I can't wait for it to debut in the fall. Something to look forward to! If you love Gosford Park...you'll love this series!

Cupid is as cupid does...or Life is like a box of chocolates...

2011-01-25T15:28:00.004-06:00

I love Valentine's Day decorations and especially love really nice chocolate boxes. Some years it can be slim picking for something cute or different from all the usual red heart boxes so this time I made one of my own. Only problem is - I couldn't pick a color.

White with a black cupid silhouette and red antiqued look??

Or a simple red box with a white cupid and antiqued with white?

I finished these off yesterday and my father saw them and immediately asked to buy one off of me to give to my mom for Valentine's Day. I laughed and told him I'd make another one for him. He's going to fill it with some chocolates for her. Isn't that sweet?

Both boxes are in my shop right now.

Shop Update

2011-01-24T13:30:00.003-06:00

Some new items I've posted in my shop lately...

A lovely shabby chic frame with vintage sheet music and a lovely silhouette.

A box I made while thinking of my Yiayia (Greek for Grandmother). She came to his country from a little village in Greece so I papered a box with vintage Greek book paper and stenciled a young girl on it. She grew up very poor and had to pick up olives in all kinds of bad weather, even the snow and cook and clean for her family. She was kind of a Greek Cinderella. She was the younger, prettier sister who was treated badly and whenever a suitor was interested in her the family said they had to marry off the older sisters first. It was a very hard life for her.

To honor her I made this little memento box.

She taught herself to sew and has remained quite crafty - even to her ripe old age of 89 today. (I posted a few months ago a quilt she made me). She still makes crocheted purses, hats, scarves, etc. She can't stand not to do something with her hands.

And in honor of Valentine's Day...

Doesn't this look like a box of chocolates?? Only healthier, I suppose. LOL

My favorite silhouette of a young lady on a heart shaped box. I have some more Valentine's Day related items to finish and hurry up and post.

Have a happy Monday!

Winners of the Giveaways!

2011-01-14T15:21:00.003-06:00

And the winners are...

A Pink Dreamer

AND

Danita !!!!!

I'll be contacting both for addresses and details. Thanks again and I'll have a new giveaway soon, promise!

TGIF!!

Chilly Days...Chili Nights

2011-01-13T22:12:00.000-06:00

Brrr is it cold outside!! We got hit with snow and I've been enjoying the view, but going outside I'm reminded how much I dearly miss summer.

So to warm us all up - I made chili and crumbly sweet cornbread. Mmm...sprinkle a little cheese on top to finish it off. Yummm... I like my chili a little sweet and spicy. Like me. ;)

Isn't the bowl cute? I've been waiting for an excuse to use it - perfect for soups, stews and chili. I saw some really cute ones awhile ago at Target, too. They had little lion heads for handles, but they were too small and slick to be good handles, so instead of cute lions we have practical little handles on the sides.

200th Post and Giveaway!!

2011-01-10T14:19:00.008-06:00

(Drumroll please)

Ta da - the 200th Post!!

Also known as 58 Cherries' Big Fat French Post since I'm here to tell you about my oh so cool new purchases that make my living room seem tres chic, oui?

First up, my brand new train time table - all the places I simply must go to when I visit France some fine fantasy day...

It's a HUGE canvas we bought at TJ Maxx just after Christmas. I loooove it. I was eyeing it and telling myself, No, I do NOT need a huge canvas of fantastic French places. No, I really do not need to buy more art I have nowhere to put... But this was all cast aside when my mother caught sight of it, too, and between the two of us drooling over it we decided that Yes, we DO need it and Yes, we will find a place. Like, over the mantle piece. Still needs to be hung up, but even propped up it is adorable, non??

And the little dueling soldiers are a far earlier purchase from...wait for it - TJ Maxx. Yes, I have seen the same prop piece in the show How I Met Your Mother and squealed - I have one just like that!

And apparently I should just move into that store since I also purchased this from them last week:

Isn't it the cutest chair? I love it - simple, comfy and such a pretty soft green. Perfect. I don't even mind killing my back carrying the chair throughout the store and parking lot it is just right.

And when I was taking pictures of my pretty little purchases I turned around and realized our great room is taking on a decided French feel. Yes, the train time table and chair and even the little bird pictures give it that air, but also this picture above my couch:

And this picture over the kitchen sink...

Oh, and that's another TJ Maxx purchase...
can you tell my favorite place to shop??

Ah well...if you can't live in France you can at least pretend, right?? And here's another random decorating picture...

The nook in my hall right before the living room has our family heirloom secretary in it and I decided to just put that sailboat there temporarily until I figured out where to put it, but it seems content there for now so there it stays.

And last, but certainly not least...the giveaway!! Or rather two. If you commented waaay back on my Halloween post and/or friended this blog you are already eligible for this giveaway, but you may want to add a comment here with which one of these you'd like more if you have a preference.

In honor of my French post...

A silhouette ornament with French text in the background. Gossamer white ribbon and on the back a cute crown.And in honor of my brand new chair... A chair fit for the Empress Josephine.

Complete with a bee and crown, symbols of Napoleon and Josephine!! ;) I love these two ornaments and I hope you do, too. Great for all year round really, I like to hang them on doorknobs or a white tree or branches cut from the yard.

So comment here for a chance to win, add yourself to my followers/friends on the bar on the right for a second chance and as I said those who commented back in October are already signed up, but you might also like to let me know which one you like when commenting here. I'll announce the winners on Friday!

Thanks so much for all of you who read my blog and especially those who take the time to comment and encourage me. Happy 2011!!!

Baking Cookies...

2010-12-20T16:02:00.003-06:00

The house smells so yummy today. I'm making my super tasty Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies. They are the best, the hint of lemon in them makes them stand out. I love rolling the dough and using my favorite cookie cutters (old and new - I have a HUGE collection and can't stop buying them). Here's a pic of my cookies as I start the process. The dough makes tons of cookies so it is a lot of hours on my feet, but so worth it.

And last night I made my Mincemeat cookies. This cookie is everyone's favorite in my family. The slightly spicy mincemeat and apple coupled with quite possibly the world's best cookie dough makes for a big treat. These require two different cookie cutters per cookie as a smaller one is cut out for the top to vent.

I used my brand new snowflake cookie cutters and I'm rather happy with them. They are even cuter in the sugar cookies. I also made my meringue snowflake cookies a few days ago, but they got gobbled up and given away before I could take a single picture! I'm making more tonight. ;)

An Austen Christmas

2010-12-08T15:32:00.006-06:00

I made these ornaments last year - I don't think anyone is unaware by now I love silhouettes. I saw a tree full of them in a magazine a few years ago and wanted one of my own. This is my little white tree, which I think shows them off much better than my green tree did last year.

I can't tell if I like it better lit up or not - both ways I guess. I love the soft glow of the lights, more romantic, but it still looks good in the daylight, too. Another thing I love about white trees.

Here are a few close ups of the silhouettes:

I made them on different shapes, backgrounds, colors, etc. to give them a varied feel like they've been collected. I love the different backgrounds of music and handwriting and even French text from an old French book I have. Each one of these is unique. I also stenciled them different on each side, a man on one side and a woman on the other mostly.

Some of the silhouettes are children - so cute.

And this one is my favorite - I made sure the page had the title of 'Paris' and then stenciled her in dark brown with a little stamp in the corner.

The white ribbon is so pretty! And the back has a similar page from the book, a big stamp of the Eiffel Tower and a postage stamp and mail stamp on it so it looks sort of postcard-like and I imagine an Austen lady that visited Paris one summer and sent back a silhouette to her special someone back home.
I'm putting all of these silhouettes up on Etsy (which made my mother complain as she likes them) and a few are already up now and I'll be adding them tonight and tomorrow. Hope a few of these make it to some loving homes...

Sorry I haven't been posting lately, btw. Got a bit wrapped up in Thanksgiving and then I was sick so I'm just pulling myself together again. ;)

Beware - a new and terrible species found!

2010-11-08T15:55:00.005-06:00

Much like the vicious Rabbit of Caerbannog* - I, too, have encountered a rare and vicious killer rodent! Beware the wee beady eyes...the vicious, horrible giant teeth!

Each summer it strips the peach tree of all fruit and discards the pits around the surrounding land. It cackles quietly to itself as it watches the resulting horror and terror in the eyes of the humans who discover the terrible deed.

And behold! The terrible destruction and desecration of our beautiful pumpkin sitting on the front porch!!!

Who is it? Who is this terrible beast that terrorizes my neighborhood and forces me to cage all vegetables I plant in a secure fortress of chicken wire and steel each summer? Who haunts my dreams and plagues me every year with his voracious appetite?!

Here! Here he is - cover your children's eyes and shield their innocence!

Behold the evil Killer Squirrel of St. Louis!!

Now wait! Wait! I know what you're thinking! He's not so innocent and sweet as he seems, calmly eating an acorn on my neighbor's driveway. He's a cunning devil - if you look carefully you can see his beady eyes watching me carefully, analyzing my weaknesses, judging the distance between himself and the pumpkin I struggle to protect from him. Ohhhh, he's a dangerous one, he is...

Okay here's the story - I moved from the county to the city a few years ago and was absolutely astonished at how much destruction the squirrels caused. I cannot plant ANYTHING without them doing their best to eat it. I planted tomatoes, zucchini, etc. at my old house - no problem. Here? I had to install a large protected cage for my tomatoes - wired completely with chicken wire over EVERY potential crack and still they climb all over it and reach in and pull the fruit to them. My peach tree? One day covered in peaches, the next - not ONE peach left - all ruined. We put a huge net over it - still they climb over it and then chew through the thick net to get in and run around gleefully eating the fruit up. I cannot tell you how much I now hate squirrels. Which is such a shame because I also love them. Squirrel Nutkin was my favorite story as a child and I was always horrified that he lost his tail.

I just can't believe these are the same squirrels we had in the county...they weren't anywhere near as bad. A few bites in a few tomatoes now and then, sure, but the level of destruction is just amazing now. And no even my pumpkin isn't safe? Man...

Off I go to pout. That was my ONLY pumpkin. *sniffle*

*Killer Rabbit from Monty Python and the Search for the Holy Grail. Funniest movie EVER.

A Lovely Fall Wedding...

2010-11-05T20:48:00.004-05:00

Last week I went to a beautiful Fall wedding at The Conservatory in historic St. Charles. It was really cold that day, but still lovely.

It was a day wedding, crisp and bright - the inside of the building was full of ivy. After the ceremony the guests piled outside on the cobblestone street to wait for the bride and groom to exit. We blew bubbles on them as they kissed and exited - so sweet.

Afterwards there was some time to kill before the reception so I wandered around the back to see the gardens. The beautiful brick pathways were magical looking...

Even though it was the end of October the view was still beautiful to see...

I highly recommend you click on the link at the top of the post to see more enchanting pictures of other weddings and far better pictures of the gardens there. It's a great place for a small wedding.

A Bootiful Party...

2010-10-15T21:46:00.007-05:00

Since it is still two weeks away this is a very small scale of my coming Halloween party, but I did make a few treats for all to enjoy, I hope...

First off - you absolutely HAVE to wear a costume to my party - sorry, it is the rules...here's my gown:

I love this gown, so flattering and with a crinkly black heavy petticoat underneath! Bloody Mary and her father, King Henry VIII look on. Jealous, no doubt. ;)

It looks even better on - the skirt is much fuller. I added a mask for a hint of mystery...

Hungry? Have a deviled egg - or are they eyeballs? I can't tell...

And if you are thirsty, be sure to try the dragon's blood punch. Yum...

Would you like an eyeball to go with that??

And lest you think the fare is not healthy, have a veggie stick, too. See, I do have normal food.

And I know this is a dreadfully small post, but then I have been rather busy the last few weeks, not to mention sick. I have also posted several Halloween related posts lately so feel free to skim down and see - or click on the subject link of Halloween to see past Halloween posts and parties.

Also - while I do not have a giveaway this time, I AM coming up on my 200th post - just five more posts and I will do a giveaway then - hooray! So be sure to stop on back and visit around Halloween to see my RL party and also to check in for a chance to win something.

For extra chances to win you can -

1: Comment here or at any other one of my previous posts

2: Add yourself to my followers on the right (If you are already a friend of this blog you will also get the extra chance).

Then be sure to comment on the 200th post. You get can get three chances to win this way.

Now on to the other parties!! Point me to yours if you'd like me to make sure and visit. Happy Halloween!!

Sharing a bit of Fall...

2010-10-08T15:43:00.005-05:00

Aaaah, Fall -you are so beautiful. I love searching for the perfect pumpkin...

Even if it ends up being a little mini pumpkin like this one - I love the shape and color, so cute! I added a tiny silver bud vase full of twigs from my redbud tree - very fall looking and I was going to polish the silver vase and then thought it looked extra October-y and Halloween looking tarnished as it is - and don't you love the feet on that vase?

And you can't stop at one tiny pumpkin or gourd - you must buy several in different styles. I piled mine up in my white pedestal bowl.

And of course Fall comes with cold weather - so my kitties find nice warm spots to snuggle up in and purr...

Speaking of cats - I just love this poster we've had for decades - it's an American Lung Association poster.

I love the three cats and the We don't Want You to Smoke at the bottom is just a bonus.

Halloween Shopping and a Party, too.

2010-09-27T23:43:00.009-05:00

Yes, the Halloween craze continues...

Good news for Halloween nuts like me - Target is back just about as great as ever for the holiday. They expanded their section - as big as their Christmas display - about time! I drooled over all the new stuff and just couldn't help buying a few new things to add to my collection. (I'm bad...)

First up - a fantastic tablecloth!!

From Target.com here.

Here's a close up detail of mine:

They don't have any available online, but they had them in the store, but very few so if you want one I'd grab it fast! They had other cute tablecloths, but I just love the cool fonts here - it looks even better in person. My only complaint is it doesn't come for a round table, only oblong, oh well.

Also too cute to miss - these salad 'tongs':

Guess I'm making a salad now for Halloween because these are too funny not to use.

And not to be missed - Miss Vanessa's Halloween Party!

I'll be having a little party here, too, of course. :)

Witchy Woman...

2010-09-16T20:53:00.004-05:00

I am such a kid when it comes to Halloween. Seeing things up on Etsy and in the stores for Halloween gives me such a thrill!!

I can't wait any longer to show you the latest item I bought for my favorite holiday.

I found these two great old books to add to my witchy decor...

Beautiful aren't they? But no, they were not the greatest antique/vintage score every - they are book boxes from Garden Ridge of all places!

So now I can safely store a few of my Halloween items after the holidays. They are some of the nicest book boxes I've seen - very nice covers that feel pretty real and the smaller book is rather textured and both of these feel like a real book in your hands. I'm over the moon about them. ;)

The other items displayed are: a great dark red bottle I've had for many years - looks like something the Wicked Witch Stepmother from Snow White had. I also have a blue one, my small crystal ball on a stand (I have a big one elsewhere - this one I keep on my bookshelf year round), and finally a fantastic dark red scarf with moons and stars I purchased in Salem, Mass.

Colorful Quilt Throw

2010-09-08T15:50:00.009-05:00

I'm just popping in to show off the quilt my 89 year old Yiayia gave me this last weekend. She worked so hard on it and it's so cheerful and colorful.

Louie approves as you can see. ;)

Louie: Pretty quilt, I can't wait to shed all over it...

I especially like the colorful embroidery floss stitching the squares together - so pretty. The batik fabrics are my favorite. I just love the color scheme - it seems so fitting for the summer. I'll be packing it away soon to enjoy next year.

I'm not big on quilting myself. I like quilts, but the actual process of making them doesn't interest me much. I usually prefer far more subdued quilts of two colors - like red and white or blue and white and usually stear clear of patterned material, but in this case it really works. I love it. ;)

I don't know about you, but I think it's pretty impressive for 89 years old and bad arthritis to stitch it all together by hand. I told her I'd post pictures of this up on the computer and she was quite impressed and proud. Thank you, Yiayia - you're an inspiration! :)

Hoping you all have a bit of color and cheer in your day, too...

Fall Cheesecake

2010-09-05T22:56:00.003-05:00

Now that it is September and the weather is cooling down it is inevitable that we turn to Fall for inspiration.

Today we celebrated my grandpa's birthday so my grandmother decorate a small cheesecake for him with strawberry topping, fresh strawberries and a chocolate bow as well as a sprinkling of chocolate fall leaves she made herself.
She told me she made the chocolate modeling clay herself with melted chocolate chips and corn starch - the yellow and rust colored leaves were from white chocolate.

Happy Labor Day Weekend and so long summer - I'll miss you...

Nearly time...

2010-08-29T16:56:00.006-05:00

Labor Day Weekend is coming up and I'm all excited to go to my favorite festivals this year since last year I was in too much pain to enjoy them.

Top of the list festival of the weekend -

The St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Greek Festival!!My family never misses out on this one - the best food EVER. It's pretty much acknowledged to be a top event to visit in St. Louis. They are always packed and if you go - prepare to wait in long lines for food. Well worth it, though. My favorite are the shishkabobs, pilaf and a piece of their sinfully good spanikopita. Mmmmm... I can't wait.

Also at the festival - Greek dancing, a little maketplace for jewelry, clothes, etc. and a tour of the beautiful church.

Click on the dancing men for more information and pictures, but I have to say it is much better in person - I think they need a better photographer and website designer.

Next up:

The Japanese Festival at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Click on the banner for a direct link. I love the Taiko drumming, the Sumo wrestling, the fantastic kimonos and jewelry for sale, the food, I could go on and on. The garden has a beautiful Japanese garden available to visit year round. My cousin got married there and it was just beautiful.

Crossing my fingers while I hope for good weather...

Cookie, anyone?

2010-08-23T15:37:00.002-05:00

There's nothing quite like the taste and smell of fresh baked cookies...
They aren't super special cookies - just regular old chocolate chip cookies...except I add a little extra vanilla - oh and I use Ghirardelli chocolate chips...and pecans - plenty of pecans. Yummmm... They're going fast! ;)

Saturday Fun: Historic Main Street St. Charles

2010-08-07T17:16:00.003-05:00

Saturday fun - just browsing around historic St. Charles stores. I love their old signs and far older buildings. The coblestone streets and tiny balconies and flowers and trees everywhere as well as horse drawn carriages. It was very hot so we only shopped a litte while. Still I snapped a few pics of my favorite signs. I once blogged a little about St. Charles here shortly before my surgery last year if you want more pics including the Alice Tea Party signs.

Without a doubt my favorite sign - love that button!

Stained glass store - pretty sign displaying their talent.

Someone dressed up this Fox and it got a lot of attention on the sidewalk - cute!

And my other favorite sign - love that silhouette!!

Beat the Heat!

2010-07-29T16:04:00.006-05:00

Have a refreshing cool treat.

Like watermelon - mmmm!

Another great thing to do is watch Mad Men on AMC right now.

Image from amctv.com

Loving the vintage clothes we get to drool over! I especially love how Joan dresses - her blue dress with the ruffles last week was to die for. I can't find a picture of it anywhere - anyone know where I can find one? John Hamm is fantastic in this series - and he's from St. Louis, too! ;)

They are even doing a casting call for anyone that would like to try for a walk in part. See Heather's blog entry for more details and to help her pick a photo to send in - I LOVE the Coca Cola pic! ;)

Lazy Summer Daze - I mean Days...

2010-07-20T22:43:00.006-05:00

I've been absent far too long, sorry! Part of it was lazy HOT summer days and little energy to do much and then I went on a little vacation last week. It was a business trip to the Ozarks and while I was really hesitant to go, I did end up enjoying a road trip and some shopping, so it was actually quite nice. ;)

I was really grumbling at first...not in the mood to go, but then I saw the bluest skies and the prettiest green trees - and well, you can't stay in a bad mood for long after that. Just look how we're getting ready here to drive down into the lush greenery ahead!

I wish I could show pictures of cute places we stopped at, but we were flying down the highway with no time to stop as there was a meeting that very day we had to make and nearly 4 hours of driving to do before we got there. So, I don't have pictures of the St. James winery, or any of the vineyards we passed, it's little known, but Missouri does quite a bit of wine making. I even would have been glad to stop for a minute to stretch my legs and check out The World's Largest Rocking Chair' at one point. LOL But sadly, we flew past that as well.

I didn't even manage to get pictures of the horses or cows we passed, and even once - an Emu farm! Instead, I have a picture of a field of rolled up hay:

Exciting, I know. ;) It was soooo hot last week. We were swimming through the air when we got out of the car. Ugh. Still, we stayed at a rather nice place - the Tan-Tar-A Resort. Lots of boats and an indoor water park, pools, horseback riding, etc.

Our view was amazing:

And every day we could see people parasailing soooo high in the sky!! They are far braver than I!!

The view must be amazing, but I'll never know, I'm a chicken.

Anyway, the resort was nice, but the best part was the huge Outlet Mall there - I bought so much stuff! I'll have to take a pic of my new purse - I just love it! We also had the best BBQ ever at a place called Wobbly Boots. Great ribs and a really delicious baked potato soup I wish I could get in St. Louis. Mmmm...

That's all for now, but I'll be sure to post regularly again. Hope you all are doing well!

Congrats, Christine!

2010-07-02T01:29:00.002-05:00

I'm so sorry I forgot to draw a name earlier. I'm a day off and forgot it was Thursday already - whoops! I meant to take a pic of drawing a name out of my pretty glass jar, but it's too late and too dark now and I'm already behind so without further ado the winner is...Christine!

And that just happens to be the lovely Christine of Du Buh Du Designs! Wow! If you haven't already - be sure to see her lovely dolls and a fantastic giveaway she's having, too!! Be sure to look up her past tea parties - she's amazing with dolls and miniatures!

So, Congrats, Christine - I'll email you asap!

I had so much fun blog hopping from party to party, but I missed quite a few - there were soooo many! My apologies if I haven't visited yet, I wasn't systematic in going down the list so I forget where I did and didn't visit so I need to do that right away.

Thank you to ALL my party-goers and for your lovely, lovely comments!! I cherished each one and I hope you'll come back again and visit. I'm thinking of doing some themed parties of my own - like maybe a Marie Antoinette one (I'm rereading a biography on her) just to enjoy all thins French and frilly and maybe an English tea party for my great love of the Tudors - I have soooo many things Tudor-themed in my house it would be nice to share that collection with you, too. So many ideas!

Have a great weekend an Happy 4th of July!!!

Down the Rabbit Hole - A Mad Tea Party!!

2010-06-25T15:32:00.006-05:00

Hello, welcome all to this year's Mad Tea Party! I may mention last year's party once or twice so if you'd like to, feel free to visit last year's tea party first.

But otherwise, let me tell you what happened this year!

***

It all started when I went outside to cut a few flowers in my garden. I was stunned to see my stone rabbit standing outdoors waiting for me...

And even more surprising - he seemed to be holding a set of keys for me tied in a pretty blue bow...

I held them up and wondered where they went to...which one should I try and where was the lock??

Perhaps I didn't need to search at all for instantly I was transported to a very different garden altogether...a much smaller one with a tea party already in progress beneath the marigolds, the Foxglove and the Desert Roses!

There were jeweled stones that gleamed in the sunlight that peaked through a forest of mint and thyme. It was a delicious smell and I leaned forward to take a better look...

Alice was there! And she was sipping tea from her tiny little silver tea set, complete with milk and sugar. Beyond her I spied some red toadstools.

She told me I must not dally here long as there was a tea party waiting just for ME! I looked around and saw the White Rabbit and his little watch.

"You're late, you're late...we must get going NOW!" he cried.

I followed him and was stunned to see I was not very far indeed - just beyond the fairyland tea party I'd found was my very own table full of treats to enjoy!!

I was stunned by the variety - two tea pots and several cups laid out.

I quickly grabbed a delicious chocolate cupcake with chocolate frosting and multicolored sprinkles - mmmmm! These were even better than the cakes I'd had last year - delicious!

And the tea was a delicious peach tea, my favorite!

I glanced down and saw a white hand pointing to a plate I hadn't noticed yet.

There were unusual fluffy white cloud looking cookies - oh, my favorite - snowflake cookies! Meringue cookies with cornflakes and pecans - so delicate and light they seemed ready to float away...

I was busy eating a cookie and sipping tea when I heard a small *squeak!* between the saucer and plate. I glanced down to see a little gray mouse great me, his own treat of Swiss cheese before him.

I welcomed him and offered him bits of my cookie and glanced around the table again. There were raspberries and colorful red, pink and white candies as well.

I was appreciating the flowers on the table when I noticed a small squirrel next to a clock. I realized time was starting to get away from me as I enjoyed my little tea party and must be getting back soon...

But before I left I saw the rabbit sitting on the sugar bowl washing his face after his tea...

And beneath him was a tiny little fawn cautiously approaching the plate of cupcakes...

I glanced around again, looking for the gnome who bid me goodbye last time and found, instead, his wife knitting a pink shawl next to her rabbit ride.

She bid me adieu and hoped I'd come back again soon. I hope I shall, too - it was a great day and the sun was shining and I didn't really want to go...

So I hope you all enjoyed my party and just for fun, I'm giving away a little treat - the set of two toadstools from Alice's miniature tea party!!

They are handmade from fimo dough and hand painted as well - very cute in person. I made them awhile ago and decided to give them away to one of my guests!! Just leave a comment and I'll have a drawing on Thursday and give them away - hope to see you then!!

Now travel on and visit the other tea parties on Vanessa's fantastic blog list!!!

Hot Days = Refreshing Drinks...

2010-06-22T15:45:00.004-05:00

It's a scorcher of a day...how about a nice glass of Strawberry Lemonade?

Or maybe some raspberries? Mmmm...

I just love summer - even with all the heat. Picking flowers from my garden. Getting fresh fruit at the store - waiting for my peaches to ripen on my tree in the backyard (or at least the few I will have left after the squirrels eat most of them).

There's a heat advisory here and yet I went outside to do some gardening. Aren't I dumb? Be smart - stay indoors. :)

Mmm...smell the fresh baked treats!!

2010-06-18T17:29:00.002-05:00

Blogs can be great for sharing stories and pictures and even videos, but the one thing they can't do - let you smell how wonderful my house smells right now. The heat index may be in the 100's, but I baked today. Why? For the upcoming tea party of course!! I'm making lovely cookies, cupcakes and other wonderful things to share - if only in pictures. My house smells like a bakery after a fresh batch of cookies and now chocolate cupcakes are done - mmmmmmm!!!

Too bad you can't scratch and sniff your computer screen or have a slot come out of your computer so I could hand out samples. LOL It's gonna be hard enough of to keep certain hands in this house off the goodies until I get things set up and take pictures. I'm planning to take my party outside this year. Last year was positively deadly in heat and even the few moments I did manage outside turned me into a puddle so I had to stay indoors for the party. I think it turned out okay, I had fun, though my camera broke on me. But this year - even though it's only slightly cooler and we've had sudden rainstorms nearly every day - I'm hoping to get outside for just long enough. I'm making my preparations and I can't wait to share the pics. Be sure to tune in on the 26th.

I'm hoping to be ready a little early since my blog is usually at or near the top of the list and many people like to start partying early. And why not? The more partying the better!! :)

Back I go to get ready - can't wait for the party to start!