Michele's Treasures, Teacups, & Tumbling Rose Cottage

Organizing

2012-02-16T07:38:00.000-06:00

This hasn't been an overly productive week as far as creating goes--although I have finished some pretty sets of pushpins that I'll take pictures of and list today. I've mainly worked on organizing my workspace. Sometimes I get creating, and at the end of the day it looks like a whirlwind swept through my little work room. Well, multiply that "end of the day" times two months...and...you get the picture.

I've acquired many strands of vintage beads. The really pretty sets in good condition I've listed in my Etsy shop and have sold. Other strands are beautiful, yes, but I don't think they will sell really. I thought of selling them as a big lot, but decided to keep them for future projects (like more wreaths). They needed a place to be kept organized and clean. I decided to store them into one of my old sewing machine drawers. The drawer keeps them visible and untangled...and I love the drawer. I'm working on finding some other pretty container for my pearl strands (and bits of strands). I'll keep organizing this week while creating a thing or two on the side.

Better Late Than Never....

2012-02-14T18:47:00.001-06:00

Happy "Heart" Day to all. This was stitched by a dear new friend and given to me in a swap. Thank you, April; I hope you had a great day, too.

2012-02-14T08:33:00.002-06:00

Well, ever since a lady wrote to me on Etsy saying she saw one of my items on Pinterest and came to my shop for a look around, I've been a little curious about it. It sounds interesting, so I've decided to sign up. It has been fun "pinning" some of my favorite things and pictures. I'm remembering many of the pretty things I've seen in the past and wish they were still around (or wishing I could still find them) to "pin"...but...there will be others and more. If you are signed up and would like to follow me, feel free to click on my link to the right....then let me know. I'd love to find others to follow with like interests.

Where Have I Been?

2012-02-13T07:33:00.000-06:00

Have you seen this magazine--Vintage & Victorian? I was in line at the grocery store a few weeks back and saw this. Okay, I've never seen this magazine before. Hopefully it isn't a one-time print...and hopefully I haven't missed 20 past issues. I finally started having the time to read through it last week and am greatly enjoying it (nice with a hot cup of tea). I love looking through magazines like this for inspiration, ideas, styles, and trends. It certainly has a nice mix of things that I personally greatly enjoy. There seems to be little on line about it...just wondering if any of you know much about it or have enjoyed any in the past. Anyway, I'll keep looking out for others if they appear. It certainly is a great find.

Tweet!

2012-02-04T11:56:00.001-06:00

Well, I've decided to give Twitter a try. Do any of you tweet? Do you like it? My button is available to the right if you'd like to check it out.

Giveaway Winner

2012-01-30T14:09:00.001-06:00

Thank you to those who entered my Hot Tea Month Giveaway. I used random.org, and #3 was the winning comment--that's Sherry at Edie Marie's Attic. Congratulations, Sherry. I'll be writing you soon for your address.

Giveaway Reminder and New Ornament

2012-01-28T11:50:00.000-06:00

Just a reminder that there are only a few days left to sign up for my Hot Tea Month Giveaway. I only have a few entries, so chances are good. Why not join in for a chance to win a pretty teacup and saucer and some push pins for your home?

Also, I wanted to share a new ornament that I finished last night. It wasn't going together...I prayed (yes, I DO pray that my things go together and look nice)...and with the right touches of flowers I was finally satisfied. Listed it today in my Etsy shop. Enjoy!

2012-01-25T07:10:00.001-06:00

Well, my calculator finger is stiff, but the business taxes are finally done...now it's time to start creating again. (Thanks GraphicsFairy for the sweet image!)

Hot Tea Month Giveaway

2012-01-20T07:51:00.001-06:00

As promised, I'm having a giveaway in honor of January--Hot Tea Month. It certainly has been cold here lately in Wisconsin, and today we are expecting more snow. This is definitely a day for a hot cup of tea (or two...or three). I'm giving away a pretty teacup and saucer found on one of my hunts for vintage treasures. It has pretty scattered bunches of flowers and roses on a white background.

The package of hot tea is new, of course, and is a yummy red tea that I recently discovered (I take mine with a dollop of honey). Finally I've made four thumbtacks. Three are reproduction tea labels and the fourth is a 3-D vintage brass teacup charm with a brown glass cabochon in it to look like it is full of tea.

Here are the details: Due to rising postage prices, I'm so sorry to my out-of-country friends, the giveaway this time is for US addresses only. I will choose a name randomly on Monday, January 30. Please make sure I can contact you to get your address for shipment; otherwise, I will choose a different name. You may enter once or up to three times total by doing the following: 1) Leave a comment below to enter. 2) Blog about this and leave a separate comment with a link to your blog post below telling me you did so. 3) Go to my shop--HERE--and tell me something you especially like from there in a separate comment below. Thanks for entering!

Creating from the Heart: ♥ My Birthday Giveaway! ♥

2012-01-18T13:43:00.000-06:00

Check out Melissa's birthday giveaway....

Creating from the Heart: ♥ My Birthday Giveaway! ♥

Tag Book and Box Swap

2012-01-18T08:00:00.001-06:00

Jean at Lilac Lane Livery hostessed a tag book swap. We had to make a pretty box and place inside a tag book. My partner was the very talented ValeryAnn of It's an Alien Life. ValeryAnn cracked her wrist during a fall, and I was amazed and pleased that she still held up her end of the deal and came through with creating a book and box despite this. Many thanks and kudos to you, dear swap partner! She did a wonderful job creating a box and book in pinks and roses and with plenty of tea prints. I just love it.

Didn't she do a fabulous job? She included everything I like and enjoy. Thank you SO much, ValeryAnn! Below are pictures of what I sent to her. Jean was very sweet to help me out in showing me what a tag book was. I sort of guessed on putting it together. I had bits and pieces of vintage things that I included to give the box and tags interest and texture including buttons, labels, feathers, stamps, lace, etc. Enjoy!

Thank you also, Jean, for hostessing this fun swap!

Hot Tea Month

2012-01-09T13:18:00.000-06:00

Yes, January is Hot Tea Month. I made this Etsy treasury this morning to celebrate that. To further celebrate, I'll be announcing a giveaway shortly....not sure exactly when...just shortly. Can you guess it will be tea related? Until then, relax with a hot cup of tea and please enjoy the treasury and the pretty things these Etsy sellers have to offer (feel free to click on the pictures to see up close anything that you take a particular fancy to).

Hearts and Roses

2012-01-05T08:06:00.000-06:00

You know I can't resist hearts and roses--especially guilloche pieces and pink! I added these to my shop recently....one is a rather large guilloche piece. It was designed as a pendant and could certainly be used as one, but I put it on some ribbon so that it may be seen to be used as an ornament as well.

Then I played some with my new rose beads and made this pretty pin last weekend. I really do like these beads and thought they worked well into this setting. I love the detail and the rich pink coloring.

Hope you like them too. Enjoy!

A New Year to Come

2011-12-30T08:33:00.000-06:00

So thankful for God's blessings in the past year and looking forward to the year ahead. I hope to please and serve Him better.

There are new projects in the works, and I'm excited to work on them...if only I had more time! I ordered these beads recently from a man in China. They were expensive, and I was a little anxious about spending the money...not certain they would come...not able to track them in any way. However, thankfully they DID come...in good time too. They are just beautiful. I'm pleased and can't wait to create with them.
Thank you for following me and taking the time to read what I say and for your sweet comments. They are appreciated more than you know. I'm thinking of a giveaway soon, so keep an eye out for a future post. Happy, blessed 2012 to you all.

Can't Resist...

2011-12-23T07:24:00.000-06:00

...hearts and vintage bits. So, these have been the result of my work lately. I found these sweet brass heart lockets from a seller on Etsy as well as some of the bits and pieces I've put onto the hearts. Especially pretty are the guilloche pieces and those chippy flowers.

They have been fun to work on. Ironically, I found a seller on Etsy who sells the little vintage enamel flowers, requested a custom listing of them...they agreed...and despite several emails over the past several weeks haven't heard a word back. I'm so disappointed! I know it's a busy time of year (but it has been many weeks)...I know things come up (but I've noticed they've listed many things)...but just can't understand poor customer service--at least communicate with me please! I'd rather have someone tell me they can't get back to me until a month has passed than just not respond. Oh, well...a lesson learned to remind me to have good customer service when a customer writes...and I'll keep on looking for my flowers. Anyway, hope you like these.

By Special Request

2011-12-11T14:30:00.001-06:00

You go through life and meet people who you wish you really had never met. Then you meet people who, when you look back, you are just so glad that you got to know them. One such person was a delightful lady who purchased a perfume bottle from me last spring. She was so kind. Then she wrote back saying that she had some of her mother's jewelry that she would never wear...and could I put some of the pieces on perfume bottles for her and some of her relatives? I admit to being nervous breaking apart these precious memories of her mother, but then again, she and I were working together trying to repurpose these pieces into a new way for her and her family members to remember her mother. Much time (and prayer!) went into these bottles. I included this lady in every decision with plenty of pictures and emails back and forth. The bottles were finished and last week arrived at their destination. I shall miss our emailing back and forth but am truly glad for the chance I had to get to know her. Such fun it all was! It is a great honor to help carry on these precious memories in the lives of this lady and her family. I don't know if you will ever read this, but thank you so much, Mary. You are a kind and generous person, and I'm sure your family members will appreciate your creativity and thoughtfulness. I'm so glad to have gotten to know you.

Blue and Purple-Pink

2011-12-03T11:44:00.001-06:00

I have a corner sink in our kitchen. While doing dishes yesterday afternoon I was enjoying the pretty purple-pink blooms of my cactus and the light shining through Gram's blue jar. She loved blue glass, and I'm thankful to have this that was hers. I thought the colors together were just grand and decided to share the scene with you. Enjoy and happy weekend to you all!

Kitties Having Tea

2011-11-30T07:25:00.001-06:00

I'll tell you, children can be sooo sweet in how they do things. My husband had saved this round, wooden spool that wire came on (it's been around down in the basement for years--he saved it from the dumpster when the house was wired years ago). We were cleaning out the basement a few weeks ago, and it was decided that our daughter could have the spool to play with. Well, she painted it--red at first. Yikes! Too bright! With a suggested wash of ivory paint, she obtained this pretty pink color (she did a good job for an 8 year old). A small table cover that my grandmother made and a doily were the perfect table toppers. I was later invited to her room to see that she had her little kitties all set up around her best tea service. An on-going tea party has been the norm ever since!

Thank You, Lord!

2011-11-24T11:22:00.001-06:00

Psalm 68: 19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.

I am blessed beyond measure. Nothing is of myself. It is God who has given me everything that I have. It is His mercy and grace that keeps me. I am thankful mostly for His gift of eternal life given richly and freely through the death, burial, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. It is through this and repentance and acceptance only on my part that I have the assurance and peace that I will always be with Him. To God be all glory and praise...today on Thanksgiving and every day.

II Corinthians 9:11 "Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God."

A Tag Book Swap

2011-11-23T13:13:00.001-06:00

Yes, these items show the humble beginnings of what I'm going to attempt to alter in the Lilac Lane Livery tag book swap (plus something pretty for the book to go in). It is a non-seasonal swap and will have a chic/cottage/shabby theme to it. I've been looking for a fun swap to do that isn't Christmas themed, and this sounded like a great deal of fun. It would be great to work on a project that is different from the usual creations for my shop. How about signing up? The more the merrier. You have until November 28!

2011-11-22T09:56:00.001-06:00

I had these gorgeous rich, deep pink pieces that I knew belonged on a romantic, heart-shaped ornament. Actually, I think this would be nice hung on a corner of one of the mirrors in our bedroom , but it has been listed in my Etsy shop instead.

Craft Show Hopping

2011-11-22T07:26:00.001-06:00

Mom and I were out craft show hopping last Saturday. There was one we really wanted to go to. It was good although all I bought were some jars of honey. After that we looked around town to see what else was going on. There were bazaars and shows and sales going on all over, so we did our rounds. One place had an inside garage sale. We were there around 12:00--way past the time when most of the "good things" would be gone (or so we thought). Well, on the toy table was a basket full of these sugared goodies nestled among plastic action figures, stuffed animals, and broken games.

I was delighted! From research they are from around the 1930's. I think they would make sweet baby shower favors or decorations, but I believe they are ornaments. They all have a sugary coating of tiny, round, clear glitter beads--to make them look even more sweet if it were possible! I've listed them in my Etsy shop, and hopefully someone will be able to use them.

Hoping...hoping...

2011-11-15T20:39:00.001-06:00

...okay, I've even prayed that this tree will live and flourish. By the looks of it, it could use all the prayer it can get. Mom and I ordered some trees from the Arbor Day people, and they only just arrived. We were a little concerned when they didn't come and didn't come...I mean it IS November in Wisconsin. We've already had snow. However, they said it is the right time and here is a picture of one of them. I purchased two redbud flowering trees (those really pink flowering ones you see in the spring) and two azaleas. I LOVE azaleas and their vibrant colors. I got a pink one and planted it right out front and a peachy orange one which has been planted out back (because, well, orange doesn't really go with my house color). Anyway, my redbuds are basically sticks with bare roots. We've planted them and watered them. Now we just have to hope...and pray that they survive into those beautiful trees I'm hoping for. Stay tuned--I'll tell you how they do next spring.

Warm Tropical Pinks Treasury

2011-11-09T09:37:00.001-06:00

Well, this is the first winter snow for us here. Burrr!! Winter has arrived. Sooo, I decided to do a "Warm, Tropical Sunrise Pinks" treasury. I just discovered that we can get the snapshot of Etsy treasuries from Craftcult, so you'll be seeing more treasuries on here (Thank you, Craftcult!). Anyway, I was greatly inspired by the pretty dress in the very first picture. I think it is absolutely gorgeous! Hope you will enjoy the that dress as well as the other warm pink items seen here.

Thank You, Veterans!

2011-11-08T07:18:00.000-06:00

I know it is this coming Friday, but I'm going to "jump the gun" on Veteran's Day this year. We went to the largest Veteran's Day parade in Milwaukee this past Saturday. It was a beautiful, sunny, warm (for November in Wisconsin) day, and it was a great parade! There were marching bands, many divisions of veterans, vans full of disabled veterans, many veterans on roaring Harley-Davidsons, lady veterans groups, African-American veterans groups, Hispanic veterans groups, the entire student body of St. Johns Military Academy, planes flying in formation overhead, etc., etc. It was wonderful! It was the perfect opportunity to shake a hand and thank veterans we saw along the street as well as those marching by for their service and for their part in giving us our freedoms we enjoy today. It was also a perfect opportunity to teach our children--to show them first hand--to support and be thankful for our military personnel and why. The only disappointments?...a few "occupy" guys who tried to turn our attention away from these dear veterans onto their agenda and how few people actually showed up to watch and support the parade. One of my favorite floats had guys that were "bronzed" from head to toe and were in the same position as in the picture above. Of course we could not get our camera out fast enough to take a good picture (it took us that long to realize they were REAL men--the flag was stiffened--and not a statute on that float). It was great! Anyway, thank you....thank you...thank you...dear veterans past and present and military families for your sacrifices. We SO appreciate you all and the freedoms you have fought for that we may enjoy today!

Please Vote for My Wreath

2011-11-07T14:29:00.001-06:00

I entered my wreath into the Better Homes and Gardens wreath photo contest, and it has been chosen to be voted on. Yippee! I'd so appreciate your votes at the link HERE. Thank you very, very much!

Paper Sugars

2011-11-05T21:24:00.006-05:00

In some of my creations, I use very small amounts of different colors of extra fine glitter. This type of glitter can be so expensive, so when I saw strips of sample fine glitters in many colors at a craft store for a song, I purchased two strips right away. They were in little plastic baggies and needed a more permanent home, so with a discount coupon, I purchased these little screw-top containers and organized the glitters into the containers. While I was doing this, I was reminded of colored sugars that we sprinkle on sugar cookies--these were only paper sugars!

I needed one more jar to put the excess and/or spilled glitter into, and this pretty vintage ink jar was just perfect for this. In the sun these "sugared sprinkles" reminded me of a little stained glass window.

New Perfume Bottle

2011-11-03T07:43:00.000-05:00

I love green and pink together. When I found this bottle, I knew it had to be embellished with some special pieces of jewelry to enhance both the jewelry and the bottle. This was fun to create. I listed it this morning in my Etsy shop. Hope you like it!

Teapot Pin

2011-10-31T09:18:00.002-05:00

I love tea and anything associated with it...as you know. This little pin was great fun to stitch. Do you like the steam coming from the spout? I'm really trying to think up some more tea related things to add to my shop since I know there are plenty of other tea lovers out there too.

Controlled Fear

2011-10-31T07:35:00.002-05:00

I really do love the progression of fall. The weather is cool. Sleeping is comfortable. The leaves are beautiful in their many stages of changing. All of the fruits and veggies from the garden are in. The vividness of pumpkins and crisp blue skies and the colorful trees is amazing. I love Thanksgiving--a time set aside to thank God for His many blessings and usually to enjoy family.

The one "dark" area of fall which I wish weren't a part of the beauty of harvest is Halloween--and I just can't stand Halloween. There is absolutely nothing about the celebration that is good, pure, or right. Everything that Halloween is and all that it represents is evil.  I cannot understand why people who say they love God at any level regard Halloween. All that Halloween is and stands for is the total and direct opposite of God and the Bible.

"...and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil." John 3:19

It is a day dedicated to death, evil, and fear. It is a day full of witches, devils, creepy things, and spirits.  People like that things are scary and even violent--but THEY control the fear, so it's okay. If people were to really consider a gruesome death, someone horribly disfigured coming at them, a real witch, a real devil, some one coming at them ax in hand, a violent event, etc.--it wouldn't be so much fun (and, yes, witches, devils, spirits, and the like ARE real).  Halloween is where the fear factor is controlled--giddily laughing at horrible things--never thinking of the reality of the terrible things that actually DO exist.

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." II Timothy 1:7

People make "cute" jack-o-lanterns and "sweet" witches.  I received a JC Penney portrait studio ad with an adorable child dressed up as a devil. This isn't funny, cute, or sweet. Making evil and wickedness "cute" and "sweet" is an oxymoron. There is nothing good about these things and all are directly spoken against in the Bible. So our children miss out on trick-or-treating...they miss out on selfishly holding open their bags to all of our neighbors to be given all the candy they can get. There are plenty of other more important things in life for them to do. I'm not even going to go on about the drunkenness that goes on, the excuses people have via Halloween to dress up provocatively (yes, I've seen very young girls dress up as prostitutes), and the very real evil events that DO go on on this day. No, the Bible and God are for me every day and will not be put aside for Halloween.

"And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." Ephesians 5:11

Thank you, Donna!

2011-10-25T12:43:00.000-05:00

Donna from Brynwood Needleworks had a 800th post celebration and giveaway, and I was certainly delighted to be one of the winners. I really enjoy Donna's blog--and her creations are just gorgeous. Reading her life's journey is interesting, entertaining, and inspiring to say the least.

The package arrived beautifully wrapped and contained such fun and pretty things. I can't wait to work on those Mill Hill bead kits!

I thought I was only getting one kit until she said she was sending two. Hooray! In all of this it was a delight to learn that Donna used to live in the Portage area years ago. I knew she had Wisconsin connections, of course, from her blog, but to know that she used to live so close by was fascinating. It IS a small world. Thank you, Donna, for such a wonderful package and conversation about Wisconsin.

Glorious Morning Glories

2011-10-14T09:14:00.003-05:00

Now that the arrival of snow is just around the corner, my morning glories have decided to take off! I put a pretty trellis over our well pump (it is so ugly and sticks up quite a bit from the ground) and had images of pretty morning glories covering that trellis and hiding that pump from about the end of May on. Well, that didn't happen...until now! I've decided to enjoy them despite their late arrival, and they looked brilliant in the sunshine this morning. Don't you think so?

Waxing Leaves

2011-10-10T20:06:00.001-05:00

I remember waxing leaves in the fall as a child. It was a way, I suppose, to help keep fall going a little longer by preserving the leaves in all their beauty to enjoy well after they have all been trodden underfoot (and even under the snow!). Of course these days there are many ways to preserve leaves; however, I still like to wax them for fall decor. It is inexpensive and fun--especially collecting those pretty leaves during a sunny autumn afternoon walk.
I thought these leaves would be pretty around my Japanese teapot--the colors matched--besides there is nothing like having hot tea during a crisp, fall morning. Mmmmm! Several of these leaves will find their way down to Florida where we have a niece and nephew who are freshmen at college and would no doubt welcome a "care package" with a token from "up North" in it. If you don't live where these pretty leaves abound, don't forget the tissue paper leaves the kids and I made a few years ago. They are pretty for sure and easy to make. If you would like to go to that post, you may HERE. There are complete instructions on how to make "stained glass" leaves in the post. Happy fall!

Glorious Fall Foliage

2011-10-05T07:24:00.002-05:00

This was the view this morning outside our dining area windows. The sun was rising on the opposite side of the house setting these trees ablaze with color.

It was truly a sight to behold, and I thought you'd enjoy the view as well. Happy day to you!

Visiting...visiting...

2011-10-04T07:21:00.002-05:00

...this has been a busy past week or two. My grandparents (my dad's parents) flew up to Wisconsin from Florida to visit us and my parents. They have never been in my home in all the years since my husband and I have been married (over 21 years)...we have always gone and visited them. So, it was a pretty special thing for them to come and see our home for the first time. I cleaned and scrubbed (even the chandelier--wow, does it sparkle!) with the help of the kids and hubby when he could. They came, and we were busy every day. They do wonderfully for being 87 ad 84, and they/we were constantly on the go. We went to the Mall of America in Minnesota (something they have always wanted to do) and did the entire mall. They took several tours of the surrounding area. Thankfully the trees are turning beautifully, and they got to see some beautiful foliage (something they miss and just don't see in Florida) with the rolling hills, fields, and farms of Wisconsin. My grandmother went to the kids' violin lessons with us, and she, my mother, and I even did a flea market where I was able to get some pretty treasures (see above--I love the enamel button--it's a keeper!). We had a wonderful time. It was a good visit with plenty of talk and laughs. What good memories were made for all!

Heart Shaped Vintage Jewelry Ornament

2011-09-21T12:42:00.000-05:00

Here is a picture of the pink mirrored heart ornament embellished with vintage and antique jewelry pieces. I finally finished it, added it to my Etsy shop, and just love the mother-of-pearl and light pink pieces (not to mention all of those rhinestones). Hope you like it too!

Vintage Jewelry Embellished Ornaments

2011-09-19T07:21:00.000-05:00

I had such a fun time making these ornaments! I can picture them being hung in a home all year round--on a knob, a shelf peg, on the corner of a boudoir mirror, anywhere really where a spot of color and sparkle is needed. They are mirrored ornaments covered with vintage jewelry pieces. They have been listed in my Etsy shop. I'm working on a pink heart-shaped one which should be done later in the week (it is becoming my favorite one so far!). Perhaps I'll post it on here for you to see. Hope you like them! ; )

Autumn Themed Vintage Jewelry Assemblage

2011-09-16T10:13:00.002-05:00

This was great fun to put together. I had some beautiful autumn themed jewelry pieces and a red glass leaf cabochon that I just love. This went together well and is certainly a one-of-a-kind brooch for anyone who loves vintage jewelry, sparkling rhinestones, and autumn. It is listed in my Etsy shop--HERE.

The Nina, the Pinta, the...

2011-09-14T07:34:00.001-05:00

...okay, well the Santa Maria wasn't there, but the other two were!

We decided to take a homeschool field trip last Saturday to Kenosha, Wisconsin. The kids had just had a week studying Christopher Columbus, and replicas of the Nina and the Pinta were in port at Kenosha until Sunday. What a great way to visualize history! Apparently these have sailed all over and had made their way down the St. Lawrence across Lake Michigan to Kenosha. The Nina is an exact replica, and the Pinta was built slightly bigger. I have a greater respect for those who traveled across the Atlantic in these little vessels! They were small. We heard a detailed account of Columbus's life and things that happened on that first trip. It was an interesting history lesson.

They had examples of navigational equipment used, and we were shown how to use them.

Then, after the history lesson we were able to tour both ships. It was a wonderful experience for the kids.
After the ship tours we saw lighthouses. We went through the Public Museum and saw a life-sized replica (the actual bones are safely tucked away in a controlled environment) of a wooly mammoth that was dug up in southeastern Wisconsin. We went to the Civil War museum and browsed through a farmer's market.

We even rode this glamorous old street car on her entire circuit. Isn't she a beauty? It was a beautiful day that was fun and educational for our whole family.

September in Wisconsin

2011-09-08T07:23:00.000-05:00

I think if I were to recommend to anyone the month to visit Wisconsin it would be September. The high heat is over. The humidity goes down. The days are sunny and bright. There is warmness in the air yet a touch of crispness. The evenings are cool and refreshing. It's beautiful here in September. Lately it has been quite foggy and moist in the very early mornings only to burn off by mid morning yielding a fabulous day.

My pink geranium is still blooming beautifully. I love plant pot "sticks", and this one is a green and white flying bug on a copper stick.

The hummingbirds are still here, though I know soon they will begin their long flights to warmer climates. It has been so hard to get a picture of them! Thankfully after a prayer that I'd be able to capture one on the camera, this pretty lady landed on our deck chair and posed for me. I think they are one of the sweetest creatures God created. I shall miss them when they all leave and have been taking the time to watch them and get my fill in before they do.

Also, I couldn't resist a shot of this spider's web. The dew on it turns it in a piece of lace studded with diamonds.

Busy Labor Day Weekend

2011-09-06T07:51:00.003-05:00

Well, the weekend started out rainy, but Mom and I went out to the Princeton Flea Market. It is a good drive for us, but we wanted to go one more time before the flea market closed down for the year. There were fewer vendors much to our disappointment because of the rain, but we found some great treasures anyway. We went to two other flea markets actually as well as a few other sales. We were pretty tired by the end of the day. I spent all of my money saved for the markets (plus $20 of Mom's!!) and have a quite stash now to create with. The hard part is finding the time to create...but I'll have to work on that this week.

We also cleaned out the garage and have a trunk load of things to give to the local charity thrift store. I love it when everything is swept and organized. We stained our lower deck. We had a great Sunday at church and even had time this weekend to spend with family. It was a fun and full weekend...now back to school for the kids and the regular tasks of life. I hope you all had a good and productive weekend. Happy new week to you all!

First Day of School

2011-09-01T07:48:00.000-05:00

**Thank you Graphics Fairy for the the picture above** Summer is over...I can't believe it. We switched over the calendar. The books are all opened and sorted and readied. I have reviewed the curriculum. The new pencils are all sharpened. The desks are cleaned. We are ready. Today we start. *sigh* Just where did summer go with all of its new projects to start, new places to visit, and all that we were going to accomplish? Usually we start up our homeschooling year earlier than September 1. However, violin lessons officially start up again today, and, well, we just decided to wait this year until today. This is the first year we have started homeschooling with my husband on a normal, predictable schedule, and I'm very thankful for this. As hard and frustrating as some days can be and though I get very little done during the course of a day on house work and on my business when my focus is on guiding and teaching the children, I am thankful for the freedoms and rights to homeschool our two precious children. It is worth it in every way! Their little minds are fertile grounds for all sorts of influences and ways of teaching and thoughts. I'm very grateful for the freedom to be sure they are taught truths (Biblically, scientifically, historically, socially, etc.), are given the very best of curriculum, and can be either pushed or slowed depending on their level of understanding and ability. No other teacher could individually and consistently take the time to love and care for them and push them and encourage them to do their very best more than their dad and me. So, today we tackle the books and start on our new year's journey. We are ready.

Sea Glass Push Pins/Thumbtacks

2011-08-25T07:22:00.000-05:00

As promised, here is what I've done with some of the beautiful pieces of sea glass that we found in Maine. I made push pins out of them. These pieces were a good size, in pretty colors, and had interesting patterns/shapes. I like the ones that were part of the bottle's mouth, the faint purple one with the designs in it, and the brown one with part of the word "quart" on it. Sea glass is getting harder to find--especially the pretty blues, turquoises, and light greens. I noticed this especially on this past trip. Anyway, these would be perfect for a beach cottage or ocean themed memory board, inspiration board, or bulletin board. I've listed them in my Etsy shop. Enjoy!

I'm Back and Ready to Go!

2011-08-23T07:38:00.000-05:00

Well, we have returned from our looooonng drive to and from Maine. It was great to go back "home" to see the beauty and charm of Maine, where I grew up, hear the ocean, and smell the salt air. We met up with my grandparents visiting from Florida, my brother and nephew back from New Zealand to enroll my nephew into college this fall, my great aunt, and other friends. We also said our final goodbyes to my grandmother who passed away this past March. We were all able to meet at the veterans' cemetery in Maine where my grandfather is already buried for a memorial service for her (this was our main purpose in going to Maine). It was a beautiful, sunny day and the service, though teary for sure, was sweet and full of memories of dear Gram. I say it was our "final" good-bye...but that, of course, is only on this earth because she had and we have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour, and we know we will see hear again someday. Such comfort this assurance brings!

While in Maine, we did a little antique shopping, eating on "the rocks" along the coast watching seagulls and fishermen check their lobster traps, hiking, eating fish (yum--can't beat fresh fish!), and looking for sea glass. I even have a project or two to do with some that I found...that will be another post perhaps. Anyway, it's good to be back to my real home, and it's time to get busy for the fall.

Taking a Computer Break

2011-08-04T07:46:00.000-05:00

It's the last full month of summer, and I'm taking some time off from blogging and my shop for just a few weeks to enjoy the sun, the warm weather, and my family. I'm constantly puttering around on my Etsy shop--doing treasuries, listing, checking statistics, promoting, re-listing, etc.--and it's time for a break away from the computer (so I'm going to put my shop in "vacation mode"). Oh, I may check the shop out a few times, and I'll be doing some shopping for sure for things for my shop and to embellish with. I can't step away totally, you know. Besides, the shopping part isn't work. In fact, I get kind of edgy if I haven't visited a thrift store, yard sale, estate sale, or antique shop in over a week. ; ) Anyway, I'll be back in two weeks hopefully refreshed and energized for fall and the busy months ahead.

Sandal Clips Custom Order Done

2011-08-04T07:33:00.000-05:00

It was a great opportunity to work with a lady who asked me through my Etsy shop to do a special order for her. She had some white sandals (t-straps with a toe strap as well) that she wanted me to hand bead clip pieces for. I'm assuming these are for a wedding, but I'm not sure--a special occasion at least. She was just super to work with in every way. How nice it was to work with someone not only very, very pleasant but also quite clear in what she wanted.

I was able to buy some sweet little vintage, faceted, tangerine-colored nailhead beads and some pretty, light orange freshwater pearls (oh, and the actual clips) from fellow Etsy sellers. I love to support other Etsy shops when the chance arises. I already had the vintage rhinestone beads from an estate sale as well as the rhinestone and leaf vintage jewelry bits. These beads and jewelry pieces were sewn onto silvery strips--triple and quadruple stitched for security. One of the hard parts for me was not to over-embellish--you know how I like to embellish sort of "over the top".

I then finished the underneath parts with the small clips and a piece of felt for comfort should the pieces overlap the sandals at all. These certainly do sparkle and are trendy. It was a fun challenge, and I'm thankful to my customer for the chance to work with her on this.

New Vintage Jewelry Embellished Perfume Bottles

2011-07-28T08:03:00.001-05:00

I've added a few new embellished perfume bottles to my shop. These two came out well, and I really do like them. One has a black on gray cameo complete with a very old glass beaded spray at the top.

The other has two guilloche pink rose pieces with plenty of rhinestones. I love guilloche rose jewelry as well as pink and green together, so this one is one of my favorites. They may be found in my Etsy shop at http://www.glassbeadtreasures.etsy.com/

Tea Time Magazine and Beautiful Chintz

2011-07-28T07:34:00.002-05:00

I just KNEW when I opened my mailbox and saw the July/August issue of TeaTime magazine that I'd love it. I love chintz and quickly flipped over to the article "A Summer Hat Tea Party" that the front page was taken from. It is just lovely! The chintz tea set is beautiful. I enjoyed reading through the recipes as well--especially the summer hat peach pies (adorable) and the blueberry buckle. I tried the blueberry buckle recipe this past week. We enjoyed it for breakfast for two days (we liked it better cold). It was not only easy but super yummy. Sorry, I didn't get any pictures of it. Just trust me....it was good. Anyway, the magazine was a great issue. I learned a lot about Darjeeling (very interesting), spoons (looking forward to the next feature on miniature and soup spoons), and found some ideas on tea party themes. I made some scones for hubby's work from a previous issue of TeaTime (raspberry lemon scones).

They were a little involved to make and had rich ingredients but turned out really well and were very tasty. I liked that the recipe used fresh raspberries and had a sugary lemon topping that was tart/sweet on the top and had pretty flicks of lemon zest. I send them off with lemon curd. Yum! Check out their website http://www.teatimemagazine.com/ if you'd like to find out more information, get some free recipes, or perhaps order their bimonthly magazine (*credit* The picture at top is the front cover of TeaTime magazine and is their work and property.).

Having to Think of Autumn

2011-07-25T07:23:00.001-05:00

I REALLY didn't want to start thinking of fall yet. However, I have had to lately. All of our school curriculum has been chosen, ordered, and received--we're ready for school, though we will not start until the last week of August. The kids will pick up and play their violins again this week, after taking two months off for R&R, to get "reacquainted" with them to prepare for lessons again in September. Also, I've seen fall things pop up everywhere in stores (Christmas things too--c'mon do we really have to in July??). Some such things are these beautiful doilies I found at the Dollar Store. They are so pretty! I'm not sure what I'll do with them or how I'll use them...I just know they "spoke" to me and thought I'd better get them before they were gone. They have great detail and color and are just gorgeous. Perhaps the kids and I will have an art class and make something of them. Couldn't beat the price either.

I'm also going to list some vintage trim in my Etsy shop. This trim, though I love and appreciate nice trim, is just not my style. I know there are very talented people out there who could turn this trim into a beautiful fall project.

Vintage Jewelry Embellished ID/Badge Clips/Reels

2011-07-20T08:13:00.000-05:00

I'm always trying to think up new ideas for my vintage jewelry stash pieces. The idea of embellishing some ID/badge reels/clips came to mind, so I bought some from a fellow Etsy seller and began embellishing. I have to make sure that the pieces I embellish with are durable because of where and how they may be used, but I figure there must be some professionals--nurses, teachers, etc.--out there who like a spot of bling as well. These clips had some views, but no bites yet. Guess we'll have to wait and see how they go over.

Laura Ingalls Wilder and Pepin, Wisconsin

2011-07-18T07:40:00.000-05:00

My husband had a week off, so we decided to go camping for a few days "up north". We had a pretty tight budget, so camping and low-cost entertainment were on the agenda. We had a great time--fished (caught enough to eat), boated (row boat), camped (yes, in a tent, and, yes, at a place that had flush toilets and hot showers--the kids just loved being in that tent), popped Jiffy Pop popcorn over the campfire (even though the label says not to), ate marshmallows losing a few in the fire, swatted mosquitoes, gold panned (didn't find any gold, but did find a few teeny, tiny garnets), picnicked, saw lots of wild life, and just relaxed! It was fun. The weather was good--thankfully not this hot, humid, stifling weather we are having this week. One thing we did was visit the little town of Pepin. We have read all of the Laura Ingalls Wilder books, and, well, being "Wilders" we thought it was appropriate to visit the reproduction of the home where Laura was born. It was a lovely wayside in the hills outside Pepin (loved the blooming lilies against the weathered wood of the cabin). It certainly didn't have any "big woods" around it. It was on a hill surrounded by cow pastures, but the area and view were quite nice. The drive into Pepin was scenic, and in town was an interesting little museum and gift shop. It was all very nicely done, and we had a good time.

An Impressionist Painting?

2011-07-13T07:24:00.002-05:00

No...though it looks like it! It is just a picture I took of a sweet bunny eating clover on our front lawn last night. I didn't take the time to get the settings right on our camera for fear that he would quickly hop away after hearing the chirps and seeing the flashes from our camera. I was disappointed at first with the outcome...but then it reminded me of perhaps a work by Monet.

Happy Independence Day!

2011-07-04T11:21:00.000-05:00

Happy July 4th to you all. I made these yummy star-shaped sugar cookies for a church lunch yesterday. The little gold glitter stars I just got at JoAnn's and love them--very sparkly and pretty. Taking a few days off from blogging and my Etsy shop. I thank the Lord for the freedoms we have in America and for all of those who gave their lives and have served or are serving in our military so that we can still have those freedoms today. Happy July 4th birthday to my mom-in-law and happy day to you all.

What I sent to Deb

2011-07-03T21:59:00.000-05:00

This is what I sent off to Deb (Garage Sale Gal) in the Bloggerette Sorority Summertime Matchbox Swap. Deb likes yellow and pink, so I made her a box with those colors (and some sparkles, of course!).

Inside I put lots of vintage bits and tried to keep in mind her favorite colors of yellow and pink-- including a pretty doily with small yellow and pink flowers, golden vintage thread, some metal stars, a string of pearls, and a house-shaped tea strainer.

I added some vintage paper bits, a round container of glass beads including little fish beads, and a mini salt shaker with sea glass in it from Maine.

I also put in a little box filled with pretty buttons (including an ice cream cone button) and baubles with summer colors and themes.

Deb was a great partner, and this was certainly a fun swap.

Long Overdue Swap Exchange Post

2011-07-03T21:42:00.000-05:00

My apologies to Deb of Garage Sale Gal fame--my swap partner in the Bloggerette Sorority "Summer Matchbox Swap". Deb was a fabulous swap partner. She sent me this most beautiful matchbox that she decorated.

The theme of the box had to be "summertime". Deb knew I like pink and green and did a great job combining the colors I like with pretty shells. Isn't that rose "drawer pull" pretty?

Inside she put a whole bunch of fun and pretty things--things she made, vintage things--all with a summery theme. She decorated some clothespins with tiny, colored shells. Sooo, pretty!

Then, what she couldn't fit in the matchbox Deb kindly sent along in a pretty pink scarf. I especially loved the vintage strawberry perfume from Avon.

Then to top it all off...Deb sent an extra thank you note for what I sent to her. She was a great partner, and I'm very appreciative for all the effort and time she put into this swap. Thanks, Deb!

Perfume Bottle Giveaway Winner....

2011-07-02T23:32:00.000-05:00

...is Sherry, of Country Wings in Phoenix! Thank you everyone for your input and for entering, and congratulations to Sherry.

Last Day to Enter Perfume Bottle Giveaway

2011-07-02T13:08:00.001-05:00

This is the last day to enter my 500th post giveaway--this sweet little perfume bottle. You must go to the original post to sign up by tonight to have a chance. I will choose a winner sometime later this evening. The original post is HERE. There aren't many entries, so there is a good chance to win.

Good Reads for a Song

2011-06-29T07:42:00.001-05:00

When I was quite young, my parents bought first my brother then me a subscription to World magazine, which was the children's version of National Geographic. I really enjoyed it. One issue I remember distinctly--it was an article (with lots of pictures, of course) of the crown jewels of England and a few other countries. I loved that issue! I thought those sparkles were just gorgeous and wore that issue out. Right then and there my interest began in sparkles of every kind truly began. It's not that I want them all, but it is just pleasant to look at them and enjoy their beauty and design. The Crown Jewels book my Mom and I both went for at the same time at a yard sale--it was 50 cents. I let her have it knowing I could read it whenever I wished (thanks, Mom). The other book I bought at an antique mall intending it for a gift for someone but just couldn't give it up. They are full of information and gorgeous, inspiring pictures.

500th Post Giveaway

2011-06-25T18:44:00.001-05:00

Well, it's my 500th post. Hard to believe. Here I thought when I first began blogging that I wouldn't have anything to say and that no one would be interested enough to read whatever it was that I said! Many, many thanks to my followers and those of you who come by to see what I've been up to and for all of you who take the time to leave a comment. I so appreciate it! So....

....as a "thank you", I've decided to give everyone who enters below a chance to win this sweet little perfume bottle embellished with an ever-so-light-pink blossom vintage jewelry piece.

International friends are welcome to participate. I will randomly choose a winner sometime in the evening on July 2, so comments must be made before 6:00 p.m. CST July 2. 1) You must leave one comment below telling me what type of item you like best from my shop (i.e.vintage jewelry, perfume bottle, thumbtacks, beaded brooch, vintage image things, etc.) Please visit my Etsy shop--Glassbeadtreasures--to help you decide. If someone does not tell me what type of item they like best, unfortunately that person will be disqualified. 2) If you would like a second entry chance, you may blog (feel free to use one of the two pictures above) about it then come back and leave a comment with the link to your blog post. That's it! Thank you again to everyone!

Mmmmm....

2011-06-24T20:55:00.000-05:00

....yummy, yummy strawberries! The strawberries have been behind this year due to the weather this past spring. I thought we'd get out while we could. It was cool, breezy, and it hadn't rained for many hours (a rare thing lately here in the Midwest). They are small but sweet and yummy. I've already made one batch of freezer jam already, and tonight we had Breyers vanilla bean ice cream with cut strawberries on them. Yum!!

For a Jeweled Garden Party

2011-06-18T20:17:00.000-05:00

It took me a little while to think this through and complete, but it is finally done. I had always wanted to embellish something like a purse. It was hard to find the right purse first of all. This one came the closest to what I had in mind. It is faux black leather and has a great surface. Then, it was fun planning out what it would look like. The things that sealed it for me what it should look like are the pieces of a necklace that I thought looked like clouds. Then, I decided to have a garden full of glittering flowers below. There is a bright yellow sun in the sky, a rhinestone butterfly, and some birds above a next full of blue eggs. I've listed it in my Etsy shop if you'd like to see other pictures of it.

Little Teaser for Deb

2011-06-17T21:13:00.000-05:00

Sent off Deb's (of Garage Sale Gal) swap box today as part of the Bloggerette Sorority's "Summertime Matchbox Swap." Here is a little, itty, bitty teaser of what her box is like. I hope she likes what's inside. I'll do a full post with pictures once I know she has it.

Vintage Image Fish Thumbtacks/Push Pins

2011-06-10T09:00:00.003-05:00

I had great fun collecting the vintage pieces to make these vintage image thumbtacks/push pins. I made a set for hubby for the bulletin board at his desk at work...sneaked them into his lunch bag for a surprise. He liked them! I'm pleased with how they have turned out and have listed this set in my Etsy shop...would be a great Father's Day present.

Box of Rhinestones

2011-06-09T09:46:00.005-05:00

Mom and I have our favorite local places we like to go to find vintage treasures. We make our circuit once a week or so depending on what is going on and, yes, how much money we have to spend. Sometimes these places have things...and sometimes not, but we enjoy looking just to see if something pretty is sitting there just waiting for us...the "thrill of the hunt", you know. Well, yesterday we went to one of these places, and the lady had just been there and had put out for sale many new things. We were so excited! We had a wonderful time looking through her newest offerings and came away with quite a stash. One such thing was this box of rhinestones--most of them vintage--for only $8! How could I resist? We had a great time pouring over all of the pretty sparkles--many in very good shape. There were different kinds, shapes, and colors--but all are pretty and will be quite useful.

Roses in Bloom

2011-06-07T06:59:00.004-05:00

I love this time of year when the roses start to really bloom. I pruned most of my bushes this spring--scaring a few with my unstoppable clipping perhaps. They look a little small...but I know they will be full and pretty soon. So far so good as far as the tent caterpillars go this year. They have been terrible the past few years eating my bushes down to the stalks. We are prepared this year....and are determined not to lose any bushes to them and their incredible destruction.

This is what the roses from my huge bush out back look like up close--they are rugosas. Though they are not the fancy kind but are hearty and fragrant and beautiful.This is what we see from our deck. We have a lot that extends a good distance in from the road. Mom brought literally a stick about a foot long to us from Maine about 4 years ago. It was October, and I wasn't sure it would survive. I planted it with banana peels and so hoped that it would make it since it was something from Maine and reminds me of the salt mist roses seen along the coast--a wonderful remembrance of growing up there. Well, not only did it survive, but it has flourished into this huge bush taller than I am. It smells wonderful, is hearty, and I just love the mass of green covered with pink. What a delight to look out back and see this...and I bet you can almost smell them!

Chains...A Help When Gluing

2011-06-03T21:03:00.005-05:00

Here's a little crafting tip: I do a lot of gluing and have found chains to be one of the most valuable helpers in my creating area. I discovered this after buying a stash of treasures in which were a bunch of chains--something I don't normally use. I put the chains aside in this tray to try to figure out what to do with them. One day I was gluing something and needed to set the item in something secure so that it would dry and not move....yes, those useless chains right then become quite useful. The chains conform to the shape of the item to hold it securely in place. Thankfully chains can be found inexpensively at any yard sale or thrift shop, and if you do a great deal of gluing, I'd recommend using them.

Cottage Charm Giveaway Winner...

2011-05-29T16:27:00.002-05:00

....thank you to all who entered my giveaway. It has been great fun to meet some new people, and I hope you have enjoyed visiting my blog. The winner is Tina! I have already emailed her the news and look forward to sending her treasures along to her.

Last Day to Enter the Giveaway!

2011-05-28T07:41:00.004-05:00

This is the last day to enter my giveaway...and everyone elses for that matter in the Cottage Charm Giveaway. There haven't been many who have entered mine (could it possibly be that people sadly do not want a Bible?) and there is plenty of room and time today to enter. I'll pick a name sometime tomorrow.

Finally Finished...

2011-05-27T07:45:00.004-05:00

I've been working on this assemblage for a long time. It is full of many of my favorite vintage jewelry pieces and other treasures and has been listed already in my Etsy shop. Enjoy!

Janet's Giveaway

2011-05-25T07:42:00.003-05:00

Check out the pillow that Janet of Janet's Creative Pillows is giving away in the Cottage Charm Giveaway...

...wish I had the waistline of this pillow!!

Quick Post

2011-05-19T16:13:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to show you what is blooming on the front lawn--my cherry tree and the other bush which I can't remember the name of. I love the flowering blooms in the spring!

William and Kate Royal Wedding Swap From Kathleen

2011-05-16T08:02:00.004-05:00

As said in my above post, my partner for Heidi's William and Kate Royal Wedding Swap was Kathleen from Set to a Tea. Kathleen has an amazing tea themed business, and she sent me an amazing box filled to the brim with wonderful things--tea, royal, and British!--from her business.

It all started with a pretty card complete with a tea bag. Isn't it just beautiful?
This is the complete picture. What a swap! She included a tea cozy, tablecloth, cookies, tea, fillable tea bags, and royal plates, cupcake liners, and two-tiered tray.

You may find these pretty things on her website. Hop on over for a visit at Set To A Tea. Thank you so much, Kathleen, for such a delightful swap. I shall enjoy everything you sent. Thank you also to Heidi for being the hostess for this enjoyable swap.

William and Kate Royal Wedding Swap from Me

2011-05-16T07:28:00.008-05:00

Heidi at Foxgloves, Fabric, and Folly hosted a "William and Kate Royal Wedding Swap". My swap partner was Kathleen of Set to a Tea. We were supposed to spend a certain amount and put together a swap with a royal, wedding, and/or English theme. I had a great time scouring antique malls for pretties for Kathleen. I know Kathleen has a tea related business, so I tried to think of different things for her that she could not get through her business (other than those Walker cookies, I suppose...but can one have too many shortbread cookies?). What better things than those that are vintage and/or one-of-a-kind handmade.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

First of all, I wrapped everything up in gold boxes and pink tissue paper tied with English garden style floral organza ribbon. I made a card with two postage stamps (compliments of Jan from England and my nephew, Luke, from New Zealand), a rhinestone crown, and big sapphire rhinestone to mirror Kate's ring.

The show piece is this beautiful vintage teacup and saucer. It was pink on the saucer and outside the cup and had a beautiful fruit pattern inside. After I bought this, I really wanted to keep it because it is so pretty...but I sent it along to Kathleen.

Here is a porcelain rose pin from England--a vintage find--and a pair of vintage white gloves. Also, I had great fun making especially for Kathleen this British and wedding themed zipper/purse clip. It has tiny jewelry pieces in it all secured with resin--rhinestones, faux pearls, a cameo, a crown, and a pretty piece of teacup.

This is a "Woods of Windsor" vintage powder tin and a souvenir handkerchief from England.

I made these "royal jewels"--vintage jewelry thumbtacks in rhinestones with pretty jewel tones as well as an old piece with a crest.

I hope Kathleen enjoyed receiving her things as much as I enjoyed putting them together.

Speckled Egg Spring Inspiration Box Swap...from My Swap Partners

2011-05-16T07:10:00.003-05:00

Heather, at the Speckled Egg, hosted a Spring Inspiration Box Swap. It was great fun to put together, and I have already posted about what I gave my two partners. The boxes from them came in this past week.

Kathy from Country Chintz sent along this prettily embellished box filled to the brim (and overflowing) with springtime embellishments. I especially liked the paper flowers and the little yellow bird!
Becky from Me&Mine sent along this beautifully embellished little box filled (I love the color of that flower on top) with wonderful treasures including a miniature salt shaker filled with mica sprinkles, a tiny embroidered pin cushion, a decorated flower box filled with tiny embellishments, and other little delights. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Many thanks to Kathy and Becky for the time they put into these pretty boxes filled with springtime goodies, and to Heather for being hostess. It was certainly great fun.

Finally....

2011-05-16T07:08:00.001-05:00

...I'm back. I've had problems with getting into my blog the last several days, and there are so many things to write about! Thankfully, I'm up and running again....so here are the posts!

Cottage Charm Giveaway

2011-05-07T20:41:00.010-05:00

Announcing my giveaway goodies for The Twice Remembered Cottage's 5th Annual Cottage Charm Giveaway. I participated the last two years and couldn't wait to participate again this year. There are a number of others taking part in this, offering some beautiful cottage style items. Please click on the link above to see what else is being offered. Here is what I am giving away....

1) A special commemorative edition of the King James Bible. As said in the post above, this past week on May 2 was the celebration of the the KJV's 400th birthday...it's translation completed in 1611.
2) A pretty, decorative, cottage-style California Perfume Co. powder tin.
3) A little gold tone box with a lady and gentleman painted on enamel set into it. It has a spring-type hinged top. 4 & 5) A glove clip and some vintage jewelry push pins/thumbtacks (those push pins made by me).
The rules are simple... 1) You must be from the U.S. and have a U.S. address only. 2) Please leave only one comment on this post to be entered. 3) I will draw a name sometime during the day on May 29, so please add your comment by midnight May 28. The winner will be announced on May 29. 4) You must accept the entire offering, and I will ship all of the items pictured above. Please email with any questions. I hope you like these cottage offerings. Please hop on over to The Twice Remembered Cottage to enter the other lovely giveaways. Thanks for entering!

400th Anniversary of the King James Bible

2011-04-29T22:08:00.005-05:00

I will be away from my computer for a little while and unable to post, so I thought I'd write this today. May 2 is the 400th anniversary of the King James Version of the Bible. Most people think, "Big deal", but it IS a big deal. Unfortunately I do not have the time nor space to tell of the history of the Bible. I will say that people--many people--could not read the Bible in their native tongue. Only the "religious leaders" could read it and, thus, had control of it and it's precepts. The common person could not read it in their language--including the English speaking people. People like Martin Luther, John Wycliffe, and William Tyndale were historically instrumental in the process of getting our KJV to us today. Thankfully King James the I of England was a godly man who saw the need to put the Bible--an accurate translation of the Bible--into the hands of the common, English-speaking person. His translation team was varied...his team was not made up of many of a particular religious persuasion. A passage that was translated had to be checked for accuracy in translation many times by different teams so that people's opinions, persuasions, and religious affiliations did not affect the final draft. He was extremely particular about accuracy. AND, most importantly, the KJV was translated from the correct text--the Textus Receptus. Of course, the original texts were no longer around--they had been read and read and reread until they fell apart, then people copied those "original" writings so that they could be read and read...then on and on it went through history. There are other texts--the Siniaticus and Vaticanus--which have been "corrupted" in that they leave out passages, change passages, etc. All of the modern translations are from these texts. Compare your KJV with all the other "Bibles" out there--meanings are changed, words are different, words are left out, words are added, the deity of Christ is watered down (like I John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. ...the great passage proving the Trinity exists is changed in all other versions)...and they are all copywrited!!! Only the KJV is not copywrited and is free for all to read and write and sell. It has the power that the other translations don't have. It is archaic and hard to read?? Ha! Hardly! It has a lower grade level of reading than other translations. The "thee's" and "thou's" are there for a reason contrary to the word "you" which has many interpretations in the English language. The KJV has power and authority. God promised to preserve His Word, and He did in the KJV. Psa 12:6,7 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever. I challenge those who do not agree with me to study--really study--these things out for yourself. I know most people blindly use other versions and do not know there is an issue--but there IS an issue...an important one. Many thanks to the Lord for having King James give us a clear, accurate translation in the English language. I know I have God's Word, and I know it is right with nothing changed, left out, or added. The Bible gives comfort, encouragement, instruction, direction, and because of it I have learned how to go to heaven and live for the Lord. Praise the Lord for His Holy Word.

Nothing like a Wedding...

2011-04-29T08:46:00.006-05:00

...and a royal one too! While I got up too late to see the actual ceremony (got up at 5:20 a.m.), I was able to look back at what had already happened and then saw William and Kate leave the church...the carriage procession (gorgeous carriage and Kate looked absolutely radiant)...the dress (love all the lace, but I thought it was a little distasteful in that it was too low--not to mention Pippa's!!)...the jewels (that sparkling crown!)...that wonderful balcony kiss (TWO of them--how wonderful!). The kiss could have been a bit *longer*...but that's just me! I thought the queen looked absolutely fabulous. She is just all class, and the "True Lover's Knot" brooch was a nice touch. I'm truly happy for the couple, and they look like they are beaming and soooo happy. It's great that this has been a wonderful day for them.

Speckled Egg Petite Inspiration Swap Boxes from Me

2011-04-28T07:27:00.012-05:00

Heather at the Speckled Egg hosted a fabulous swap recently. We were to decorate matchboxes (the larger size) and fill it with little inspirational wonders--all with a spring theme. My two partners are Becky of Me & Mine and Kathy of Country Chintz. They have received theirs now. I have not received theirs yet (though one is on its way) but will post with what they send when they arrive. This was such a fun project. I had a great time roaming antique malls scouting for little springtime wonders. I have never decorated a match box before, so this was new to me.
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I first painted the boxes white inside and out then put the pink paper on the top, opening side, and inside. A birds' next with turquoise birds, bee stickers with turquoise glitter trails, and plenty of apple blossom flowers decorated the top.

I had exactly two of these pretty glass buttons with rhinestone centers--they made the perfect knobs for each box.
I wanted to find pink toile paper but couldn't. So this was the next best thing.
Everything fit snugly into the boxes. There was glitter and ribbon and lace included.

Here is all that was in the boxes. They both had pretty much the same things except for a few slight differences.
This is a close up of a lot of the little inspirational things included in the box--a bird cake topper, canary feathers, Victorian cut outs, a crystal chandelier drop, vintage jewelry, little birds, spring flowers postage stamps, and a box of spring time flower beads and jewelry.

Some more detail of what was inside--a Victorian calling card and some foreign language vocabulary cards.

This is a close up of the little vintage tally cards. I thought the girls were adorable and each was in her garden or outside--perfect for spring. This was a fun swap. Many thanks to Heather for having such a great idea and for hosting this.

Mother's Day Vintage Brooch Swap from Me

2011-04-26T13:21:00.004-05:00

As a continuation of the post above....here is what I sent across the pond to Jan. My box doesn't look nearly as pretty as hers....but I had a great amount of fun decorating and embellishing it. I found some rich-looking paper that coordinated with the colors of the brooch and covered the top of the box and lined the inside.

I embellished the top with vintage butterfly papers and vintage jewelry pieces. The butterfly trails were in pink glitter. Oh, and don't forget the little bumble bee sticker I found.

I put coordinating purple shreds inside and nestled the brooch in it.

I really liked this old brooch with its blue-hued rhinestone aurora borealis flowers and gold tone leaves.

I'm thankful it arrived in England safe and sound and that Jan was pleased.

Mother's Day Vintage Brooch Swap from Jan

2011-04-26T12:40:00.013-05:00

Linda at A Swap for All Seasons hosted a wonderful swap, the Mother's Day Vintage Brooch Swap. We were to swap a vintage brooch wrapped in a beautiful package. My partner was Jan of Jan's Arty Journey. Jan certainly renewed my faith in swappers! Not only did she hold up her end of the swap but did so amazingly and beautifully. She is kind and wonderful in every way...and very talented. She wrapped everything in pretty paper tied with lovely ribbon and included a pretty card.
The brooch she chose is absolutely perfect. It is exactly as I would choose and like--you know how I like flowers and rhinestones. I shall wear it an enjoy it.She put the brooch in this amazingly beautiful book box that she embellished with all sorts of pretties--inside and out! I love the Parisian theme.
Many thanks to Jan for this wonderful brooch and box and to Linda for hosting such a fabulous swap.

Double Lolli Charm/Clip

2011-04-17T17:26:00.001-05:00

It was fun making this little charm/clip (available in my shop) with iridescent coral lollipops on golden sticks.

Speckled Egg Spring Inspiration Swap Teaser

2011-04-15T17:49:00.003-05:00

This is a teaser for Becky and Kathy! I finished my spring inspiration swap boxes for them as part of Heather's (of Speckled Egg fame) swap. They were shipped off today. I have more pictures but don't want to spoil the surprise for Becky and Kathy. ; )

Some of my Favorite Brooches

2011-04-13T09:29:00.004-05:00

I failed to show you what some of my favorite brooches are. As part of Linda's (A Swap for all Seasons) Mother's Day Brooch Swap, we were suggested to post our favorite brooches on Flickr. I did that but didn't post on here. So, here are some of mine. Many beautiful brooches have passed through my hands and into my shop and on to a good home. I wish I could keep them all (some were hard to sell)...but a person can only have so many brooches. Those in this picture are old, and I haven't yet been able to give them up. The little circle one is actually a picture frame. The long, narrow white one is enamel. I love the crown one with its purple and clear rhinestones. The little blue bird one is sweet and such a vivid shade of blue. The large flower one is from Portugal, and my grandfather brought it back to my grandmother when he came home from WWII. Of course, the sterling silver teapot pin is a favorite. Enjoy!

Teaser for the Mother's Day Brooch Swap

2011-04-09T15:42:00.002-05:00

The talented Jan of Jan's Arty Journey is my swap partner in the A Swap for All Seasons Mother's Day Brooch Swap. We are to send a vintage brooch packaged very prettily. Well, here is Jan's teaser--it is part of the pretty packaging. We'll have to wait for another post to reveal the entire pictures--don't want to spoil Jan's fun. I will be shipping her package off to England on Monday. Thank you, Linda, for the great fun this has been and to, Jan, for being such a nice partner.

New Bottles Listed

2011-04-09T09:26:00.006-05:00

It has been a busy week for us, but in between things I was able to finish and list a few new bottles. This green one was sort of an experiment. It is not a perfume bottle but rather just a craft bottle turned into a decorative boudoir-type bottle. The green is pretty, and green is a difficult color to get as a perfume bottle. The pretty guilloche plate looks perfect on it, and the porcelain roses and little bird with a nest full of faux pearls made for a pretty, spring-like piece. This "blushing rose" bottle has a sweet, ever-so-light pink rose flanked by two white flowers. I think it looks soft and pretty. This tea roses one is one someone asked me to do. She saw the one I had done with similar pieces on Flickr and asked if I could do one for her. Thankfully (and rarely) I did have some pieces left to embellish this.

Forget TV...

2011-04-05T08:56:00.003-05:00

...THIS is entertainment! I'm only putting the link because I don't want anyone to have any computer problems...but this is a worth go-to (you'll have to put up with an advertisement when you first get on). It is a live, streaming video of an eagle's nest in Iowa. We have had such fun watching them. There is the mom and dad, of course. Two of the little chicks have hatched and one will hatch eventually, we hope. The babies are so fuzzy and sweet--my kids just love them. We saw one eagle bring some food, and the other eagle feed the babies several times....and it's live...real. Yes, there is plenty of time during the day when one eagle or the other just sits on the nest keeping the little ones safe and warm, but it is worth keeping an eye on during the day. This has been not only educational but fun. Enjoy! Decora Eagles-Ustream

Finally Listed My Hand Beaded Lamp Shades

2011-04-01T20:59:00.005-05:00

Yes, I've had these for awhile. To be honest, I didn't want to list them because I am concerned about how to safely ship them and the cost involved with that. After much thought I think I've figure out how to ship them so that they arrive to their destinations, if and when they sell, clean, economically, and safely. I did put a good deal of work into hand beading each one. It was fun, and I like how they look. Hopefully others will like them too.

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This fun little chandelier shade has glass bead "sand", iridescent shells, and light blue "starfish".

This one has a cottage/shabby chic look with light green vines and leaves and milky pink glass flowers.

This one is elegant with glass bead flower clusters in various colors.

A Royal Treasury

2011-04-01T07:58:00.003-05:00

Inspired by Heidi's swap, I put together and Etsy treasury entitled "A Royal Wedding for William and Kate". I thought it would be fun. Here is a picture of it, but to see all the details you may click HERE to go to the actual treasury. P.S. I just LOVE the little gold and jewel embellished carriage!

Royal Wedding Swap

2011-03-31T07:19:00.004-05:00

After saying to myself that I wouldn't again...I am! Can't believe I am, but Heidi is a fabulous swap hostess (i.e. very strict on "flakers", as she calls them), and I had such a great time in her Very Vintage Valentine swap a few years back. She has wonderful ideas, and her idea this time is a swap to honor the wedding of William and Kate at the end of April. This is a British and/or wedding themed swap. I already have some goodies that I have tucked away and am having a ball thinking up ideas. Head on over to Heidi's blog for all the details--HERE.

Some New Clips in the Shop

2011-03-30T08:47:00.003-05:00

These two vintage image clips/charms have been added to my shop today...finally finished them yesterday. Enjoy!

Nickle Bin Find

2011-03-29T08:48:00.004-05:00

I LOVE the 5 cent bin at our local thrift shop--the small bin full of broken bits and pieces of jewelry. The ladies all know me there. My kids know that whenever they go there, mom will pour through that bin to find any and all treasures. They are usually very patient, and I need to remember to reward them accordingly (like a piece of gum to chew while waiting, for example). It's somehow therapeutic to paw through bits and pieces of jewelry things to find those few treasures lurking near the bottom of the bin. Lately there has been nothing--only zillions of postage-stamps-stuck-on-paper pins, knitted support-the-local-high-school bracelets, and plastic jewelry pieces. Yesterday, I found these. I was so excited...finally some small treasures. They are obviously from an old, broken necklace or bracelet and measure about 3/8" at their widest. They are the daintiest of milky-white glass flowers with orange centers. I'm looking forward to creating with these little gems. And an added blessing in this? I expected to pay a nickle for each flower, but the lady gave them ALL to me for 5 cents! I love the nickle bin.

Birthday Fun

2011-03-27T16:47:00.003-05:00

Well, it was a rather *sad* week as we came off of Gram's memorial service last weekend and went through her things this past week. So many memories. Mom was kind enough to give me some special things that were Gram's which I shall enjoy. More pictures on those things some other day. A dear lady from church bought me a perm for my birthday, so I spent Friday morning to get that. Wasn't that thoughtful? Since I usually give myself a home perm to save money, I felt totally spoiled having this. On Saturday (my actual birthday), Mom and I went out for a cinnamon roll and tea for breakfast then on to two antique malls (without children!) for some looking around for the afternoon. Thankfully, there were lots of sales going on as well as customer appreciation snacks and specials. We had great fun. I got this little pile of goodies to resell and/or create with. We had great fun. My parents, husband, and kids went out for supper then later came back to our house for cheesecake. Yum! My husband got one of those sampler cheesecakes which was a wonderful twist to the regular birthday cake. He certainly had a great idea!

My dear brother sent me these beautiful flowers. They are certainly a nice perk to the kitchen table. It was a nice, relaxed birthday, and I'm truly thankful to be with my family and have some relaxed enjoyment.

Spring blooms!

2011-03-17T10:16:00.004-05:00

What a good and needful week for spring to bloom! How nice to have a bit of beauty and cheerfulness today... to see evidence that the gloom of winter truly is past. These little crocuses have opened their sweet faces to the sun and blessed the day with a tiny spot of beauty.

Goodbye, Dear Gram, for Now

2011-03-16T09:13:00.004-05:00

An intestinal flu. Weakness and falling. Hospital stay with improvement. Nursing home for rehab. Quick decline with confusion, pain, pneumonia, and more pain. Difficult past weekend. Back to hospital with amazing pain. Short time of intense suffering than all is quiet. All in 10 days. It's amazing how quickly one's life can be over. Yes, she was old. Yes, we knew it would happen some day not too long down the line, but it is always hard when someone passes away. However, in 1975 at a little Baptist church, a message was preached about God's Great White Throne judgement---the judgment on all who had never admitted they were sinners, realized there is a penalty for sin, believed there is a Redeemer (Jesus Christ), and prayed seeking repentance for sin and asking Him to be Lord and Saviour--and Gram made sure she was on the way to heaven that day long ago by admitting and repenting, believing and praying. She did not want to be at that judgment and wanted to be sure her name was written in the Book of Life. Her mind wasn't clear enough to make that decision at the end. What if she had decided to wait, to put off that decision? It all happened so fast. She was in too much pain. Her decision many years ago determined her eternal destiny on Monday. Her soul stepped out of her ailing body into the presence of the Lord. Though we are grieving so right now, we are comforted with the peace that she is there in heaven and know we will see her again someday.

Latest Perfume Bottles

2011-03-12T09:22:00.005-06:00

I've had great fun embellishing lately--though not having a great deal of time to do as much as I'd like. These were completed and listed in my Etsy shop this past week. Enjoy!

This one is a pretty old Czechoslovakian bottle with old jewelry pieces on it.

This one has a beautiful sparking spray of rhinestones. When I got it done, I thought it had an Asian look to it.

This have a springtime theme with plenty of pastel flowers.

Retro Air Popped Popcorn and Pepsi

2011-03-09T07:42:00.006-06:00

We're popcorn junkies. I'll admit it. My husband probably gets his love of popcorn from his grandfather. Grandpa was known for liking it so much, that at his funeral someone had given a bouquet of flowers with a popcorn bag stuck among the flowers (we thought it was a very original gesture and so "him"). I was given an air popper for a bridal shower gift, and we popped popcorn all the time with that thing when we were first married. It was cheap and fun, and we'd play board games in the evenings with a bowl of popcorn. Then we eventually got a microwave and have had microwave popcorn all these years. We'd get Jiffy Pop whenever we went camping and would shake those things over the fire until our arms felt like they were going to fall off. But the smell of wood smoke, pine trees, and popcorn in one delightful whiff was worth all the effort. Well, we lately for some reason we've had a hard time finding a microwave variety that tastes good. That coupled with the thought that perhaps it would be healthier to return to the air popped variety--with real melted butter and our own hand sprinkling of salt (perhaps I'll get some sea salt for lower sodium)--we invested in an air popper. They were hard to find! We had a 20% off coupon at Bed, Bath, and Beyond and were able to get this cute retro-looking popper for $16. Not bad. Mmmmm, we've been popping away since then and enjoying every moment. It's quite entertaining to watch (the kids love it--especially the popcorn that flies off into the kitchen somewhere) and actually faster than a microwave believe it or not. The bag of popcorn was cheap and will last awhile. We like the idea of knowing exactly what is on the popcorn and feel healthier as a result.

As a side note (and not having much to do with being healthier!)...we discovered this "Throwback" Pepsi with its retro label. I remember this logo from when I was a kid. My family was a group of Pepsi drinkers--some drinking much more Pepsi than they should have. My husband and I have cut way, way back on sodas, but they are certainly a nice treat from time to time. I was shocked when he got this at the grocery store the other day...."I remember that label!" I told him. Wow...this is going back a ways. It is nice that they are using just sugar and not high fructose corn syrup, artificial ingredients, sodium benzoate, and such in it....worth it, we think, and, well, a fun splurge from time to time.

New Hand-made Piano Bench

2011-03-06T15:50:00.003-06:00

Thankfully my hubby grew up working with his contractor father and isn't afraid to work with his hands--in fact he enjoys it. We received a piano last fall so that our children could start piano lessons. No, they haven't given up the violin but are taking BOTH piano and violin (it's good form them...and I know someday they will be glad they did). Their violin lessons are more intense, and piano lessons are more relaxed...because, well, Grandma is teaching them (she is very talented, though doesn't play as much as she used to) and gives them a lesson every other week. It has been great fun for the kids as well as for Grandma. They have time one-on-one with her, and she has the great joy to teach her extensive knowledge to some eager grandkids. They have played for nursing home church services already and are dong well (they elderly folk there think they are just wonderful!). Anyway, we obtained this piano (with a promise never to sell it) only it came without a bench. Well, hubby built this one and did a fabulous job, I think. Perhaps someday I will make a little cushion for the very top, but I think it looks pretty just as it is.

....Speaking of Roses...

2011-03-02T19:53:00.002-06:00

...I've had fun lately making mini sets of thumbtacks/push pins. These have some beautiful rose pieces in them--one a guilloche pink rose with plenty of candy pink and rich red colors and one with an Old World coloring of reds and golden yellows.

Roses from Hubby

2011-03-02T18:25:00.004-06:00

I love how when my husband comes home with flowers...he is ALWAYS grinning from ear to ear as if he were really, really pleased with himself. Well, he should be, and I'm always pleased when he comes home with some. It doesn't happen terribly often, but when it does I'm just thrilled.

Somehow he always knows when I need them most and what in particular would be the best flower. Guess that's part of being married for over 20 years! Thank you, dear hubby. These smell wonderful and are such a pretty, bright spot in my day.