a second chance. . .

Rarely do I knowingly purchase items that are monogrammed. . .they are usually a "hard sell" and I shy away from them.  Not the case with these napkin rings. . .beautiful silverplate napkin rings. . .mint condition and engraved USMC 1992.  Yes they belonged to someone in the United States Marine Corp.  And now they are going to live with another Marine Corp retiree in South Carolina.  Hope your husband loves them Sherry.

Second time around. . .

I suppose, because I was raised by a mother who did every type of craft imaginable, I love (and admire) all kinds of handcrafts. . .even retro afghans!  Now, I've crocheted my share of afghans. . .full size and baby blankets. . .but I never once attempted "the ripple". . .it was a long and laborious task to crochet this pattern.  So I suppose, when I found this "ripple" I snapped it up and listed it on Etsy.  The retro look of old afghans have been reborn at Anthropologie and at Urban Outfitters. . .so why not add a little reto love to my Etsy shop?

I couldn't resist. . .

A major perk of being an "antiques dealer" is being able to purchase things you love all in the name of business.  Now, don't get me wrong, everything I purchase will be sold either at the antique shop or on Etsy. . .it's just that some of the things I purchase "live" with me before being sold.  In this case, the beautiful brooch by Kramer of New York. . .this large brooch features a faceted cut faux topaz, surrounded by 39 clear and brown rhinestones.  Measuring 1 3/4" x 1 1/2", the brooch is the perfect statement piece.

that was quick. . .

let me explain. . .I post (or at least try to post) listings to etsy daily. . .the items usually sit in my shop a month or two and sometimes as long as eight months before someone happens by and makes a purchase. . .not the case last night. . .I listed these frames and today they were purchased. . .seriously, this is a record for me!   Personally I like empty frames (such a Pottery Barn style) and I try to keep different styles in stock in my store. . .currently I have rustic wooden frames and gold frames in the shop. . .and hopefully by next week I will have more white distressed frames. . .feel free to leave a comment if you are interested in a set of frames. 

country roads. . .

a cloudy gray day but the larkspur are ever blooming. . .once growing along the railroad tracks, a sweet lady pulled them up (yes by the roots) and brought them to Mama.  Well Mama could grow anything--she just put them in the ground and watered and we've had larkspur ever since.  This year we decided they would look nice around the mailbox. . .and they do. . .a sweet reminder of "Miss Dot" and Mama!

simple and plain. . .

a fabric covered stool for the vanity. . .gathered osnaberg is attached to more osnaberg. . .perfect the the vanity or bath.  Available at Troy Antiques.

ruffles for Mon. . .

My latest offering in burlap pillows. . .perfect for Mother's Day or birthdays.  Hand stamped Mom on a burlap pillow with an osnaberg ruffle.  This pillow fits a standard 12" x 16" pillow form.  Custom wording is available. . .for aunt, gran, nana, or personalized with a name or initial.

some enchanted evening. . .

a ruffled burlap tablecloth. . .perfect rustic charm. . .a wedding in the woods or a cathedral. . .
Tablecloths are made to order. . .please contact me to place your order. 

Burlap and ruffles. . .

another juxtaposition. . .the rough scratchy burlap is softened with a flowing ruffle made of osnaberg. . .ruffled pillow is available in my Etsy shop.  My other pillow has folded osnaberg down the center; this folding is reminiscent of the paper chewing gum chains we made in grammar school.  Both pillows are available in my etsy shop.

Relax. . .

or at least sit down. . .the latest in my "word" chairs.  Wonderful vintage chair has been dry-brushed in black and the seat upholstered with osnaberg.  "Relax" has been hand stamped on the seat.  Available at Troy Antiques or you may leave a comment with your email address.

a little me. . .

many years ago. . .today's my birthday. . .birthdays, anniversaries, and Christmas are all important to me and I believe should be celebrated on the appropriate day.  Somehow in today's world celebrations get pushed aside and replaced with "more essential" networking.  How can anyone think a text message can replace a birthday card?  and where's the birthday cake?  I have to buy my own tomorrow and yes, I am buying myself a cake!  Two dear friends remembered my birthday. . .precious presents from both. . .without them, there would have been no birthday.  As in everything, there is a lesson to be learned. . .no matter how busy or hurried I am, the people that mean the most to me should be celebrated on their birthday.

Why can't I. . .

be a "brand"?  About a week ago I decided that I "needed" (really just wanted) a (brand) label in my handmade items--I mean why not?  I sew bags, pillows, tablecloths and other items which I sell on Etsy.  When an item is purchased and shipped I am faithful to enclose a business card or two--hoping that the new owner will retain it for future reference--am I stupid?  Does anyone really "keep" business cards?  A label in the handmade item would be permanent--a way for the new owner to remember where she purchased the item and a way for her friends to find out (and hopefully come shopping with me too).
     So where do you locate personalized clothing labels?  On etsy of course!  I contacted Cassie at GutenTags and in 2 days my tags were shipped and I received them three days later.  She did a perfect job and was wonderful to work with!  She will have another order from me again soon.  Thanks Cassie!