Thank you, Dear Veterans!

With all my heart, I thank you all for having served our country--for the sacrifices, the loneliness, the hurt, the willingness, the difficulties. Because of you--both veterans who have passed away and you who are alive today--we have our freedoms. You have been willing to serve and do what so many others could not or would not do. Shame on anyone who treats you poorly or looks down on you with disrespect because they disagree with whatever war you have fought in or are fighting in. Whatever the war, whether popular or not, you have my highest respect, and I'm thankful for a special day to honor you. Thank you to your families too who sacrificed so that you could serve. A sincere and heartfelt thank you to you all.

Victoria Magazine's Wrapped in Whimsy

In their November/December 2009 issue, Victoria magazine (above picture from there) has a wonderful article entitled "Wrapped in Whimsy" about a store owned by Nicholas Kniel that specializes in ribbons, buttons, and embellishments galore. It's a wonderful article--just beautiful! I checked out his on-line shop, Nicholas Kniel Fine Ribbons and Embellishment, wherein a person may see, I presume, most if not all of what he has to offer. I'd love to actually go to the shop someday--which is unfortunately in Georgia and far from here. There is nothing like feeling the ribbons and seeing the true colors of things in real life. I especially liked the little blue bird embellishments as seen in the article pictures. If you love ribbons and pretty accents, this article is a must-read and the shop a must-visit.

New Listings

Been listing a lot of goodies on Lollishops and Etsy this past weekend. Whew! It is all done finally. It seemed to take me forever. I listed a few new brooches as well as many lengths of various colors of tatted lace found at an estate sale (blogged about that in a previous post).
The lace really is pretty...but not something I would use for awhile (though I'm sure I could come up with some use if pressed!). Hopefully it all can find a nice home somewhere where it will be used and loved and appreciated. I also got three brooches done and listed (two are seen above). I'm working on another little box--the colors are...well, think Limoges. I bid on two projects on Etsy--offering to custom create a little trinket box like the pink Victorian one in my shops--but I don't know yet if the people are interested.

Two Little Estate Sale Finds

I was thrilled to find this little enameled bluebird pin in a bunch of "stuff" from an estate sale. Perhaps these little pins were used to secure certain undergarment straps in days of old, or perhaps it was simply little bit of added color on a lapel. Whatever the case, this is assuredly a treasure.
Also in the bunch of "stuff", was this little book locket.
It appears that it had more enamel on it that has over the years fallen off. I like the intricate details of the back and front covers.
It is a sweet little locket that appears to be old and well used.
I so enjoy "little" things especially if they are vintage, pretty, or interesting. Like the little bluebird pin, this locket is a "keeper" treasure as well.

Teal Etsy Treasury

I'm in the treasury, Tantalizingly Teal, on Etsy (and in fact created it). It was wonderful to hear from a vendor, Teaman (check out his shop--he sells many different kinds of tea in nice tins) that fact that he had at least one sale from it. The ribbon in the treasury sold as well. I know, I sold a brooch once while it was in someone's treasury. I'm very glad for them...and pleased.

New Little Treasure Box

As promised, the little brass trinket box is finished, and here are the pictures of it. I added it to my shops at Lollishops and Etsy this morning...but you know, I really like it for myself! Perhaps if it doesn't sell....I'll claim it for my own. ; )

"Tea Time Tidbits" Special Posting #11

The tea cup and saucer or the tea mug? Ah, this has been a struggle for me! I enjoy them both. The teacup and saucer pictured was a gift from a friend. The tea mug in the same Ruby Lace pattern of Royal Albert's Old Country Roses pattern, I just bought at a close-out store (great price!). I think the pattern is just beautiful--the rich ruby color covered in roses. I know when I use a teacup and saucer, I feel more elegant, more refined. I enjoy the beautiful curved lines and sheer beauty of a teacup and admire how it sits lady-like on it's saucer. The teacup MUST go with it's saucer. Tea must not be served in the cup without it's saucer ever present to hold it between sips. However, my tea always goes cold faster in a little teacup for some reason whether I pre-warm the cup or not.
The tea mug is a little thicker and durable, holds a little more tea, and is more utilitarian. It doesn't have the chunkiness of a coffee mug--it is much prettier and more feminine. It can be just as lovely as the teacup and saucer; however, it is missing those feminine curves and beauty of form.
I guess the decision between the two depends on what the mood is. Am I ready for a quick cup of tea? A tea mug will do. Do I want to sit and ? The teacup and saucer will be best here. Which do YOU prefer?

Giveaways from some Friends...

The first is a "Double Giveaway". You actually have to choose which giveaway you'd like. Yes, I found it hard to choose since both are wonderful (but in the end couldn't resist the teacup one). This "Double Giveaway" can be found on Marydon's blog at Feedsack Fantasy/Blushing Rose Boutique. The second giveaway is some beautiful material given away on the blog, Fabricartist21. I order to enter this giveaway, you must check out her Etsy shop--www.fabricartist21.etsy.com--(but it's worth it!). I like her "Romantic Raggy Quilt with Matching Pillow". Well, you know I like roses, and this one is gorgeous! I can imagine curling up with a cup of tea and a good magazine filled with romantic decor with this quilt keeping me warm. Anyway, have fun entering these giveaways!

Two New Brooches

I listed two new brooches today. They can be seen on either my Lollishop shop or on Etsy. I finally got them done (especially the purse one). It took long enough! I was able to order more findings and such this past week, so I'm set and ready to go to create AND finish my projects. No excuses now for not having enough materials. I'm going to start working on a little brass box next. Keep an eye out--I'll post about it here when its done.

How did he know?

I'm convinced spouses have special radar within them...each just KNOWS something is going on with the other--without a word spoken or even without seeing them. How did my sweet husband know yesterday was trying? How did he know that homeschooling was a challenge yesterday? and that not one but two violin strings would break before practice? How did he know that some other things were a bit over the top and I was somewhat frazzled? Well, he came home with a grin, a hug, and these. *sigh* I just love him! ; )

And the Press Kit Winner Is....

...Pauline of Swept and Garnished! Thank you--all of you--for entering and for your kind comments. It was even wonderful to meet some new people--Malina and Susan. I'm so glad that you stopped by. Congratulations, Pauline. I hope to get your gift off to you shortly.

Don'f Forget to Enter my Giveaway...

...there are only a couple of days left to enter for my Silver Bella 2009 press kit. Click on the picture/link to the right of this to take you where to go to enter.