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.