The One Most Important Rule of Design to Always Remember....

......is there ARE no rules.

I have long told my customers to always buy the things they love.

In doing this, they will all have a common denominator...

And blend together as your own personal style

 

Take ideas from books and magazines,

but trust your instincts buying what you love

and not what someone tells you you should love. 

 By surrounding yourself with things you love,

you will feed your soul and find safety

and security within your home.

Crystal lamps in the kitchen and

using my daily dishes for display

makes me happy...

And, after all,  that's what design is all about.

I Love It When That Happens......

 Thanksgiving is but a blur, except for all of the leftover food in the fridge......

and we are already into the Christmas holiday mode, or almost everyone is it seems.

I had planned on being closed on Friday....enjoying an extra day off and enjoying my family....

But that didn't happen..

Instead I had my first Green Black Friday Sale.......

Encouraging customers to re purpose, reuse, and buy vintage and antique items which is the

Ultimate in recycling......

While customers shopped, I played.......or what I call playing.

I sorted bags of lace....finding this set of antique cuffs and matching collar,

 And this beautiful old crochet purse.

 I started working with my silk velvet, making ruched roses for embellishing purses, scarves,

and anything else you can think of.

 The larger ones are perfect for lamp shades and large handbags.

 Then I came across an old rayon ruffle from a vintage full slip,

 And it became a large rose for some future project.....

Although the Shoppe was busy all day,

It was one of the most relaxing days I've had in a long time.... 

And I love it when that happens.



Just How Does a Tradition BECOME a Tradition?

It was quite by accident, I assure you. 

Nothing that I put hours into thinking about trying to come up

with the perfect tradition my family would remember always

and continue after I'm gone.

 Of course, special family dinners always start with a beautiful table....

Never, ever any paper plates or napkins here.......

And plastic utensils, or plastic anything.....oh, my....just can't do it!

 But the year I came across these glass star candle holders was the year it all made sense.

Several things were going on within our family group......my breast cancer, Papa's George's stroke, an armed robbery effecting my daughter directly......and more than I need to share. 

We all needed hope, we all needed faith, and we all needed to focus on what was good rather than bad.

I placed one of these inexpensive glass stars with a candle in each place setting, lighting them right before the family sat down.

Grace is always said first, and after that, but before we start passing all the wonderful plates and bowls of luscious foods prepared just for the day....we stop.

One at a time, we go around the table with each person stating in just a few sentences what they are grateful for......then they make their silent wish and blow out their candle.  It helps everyone to realize that regardless of the trials and tribulations in life, there is always something to be grateful for.  There is sometimes laughter.....often times tears, but

Always a wonderful closeness that is treasured by all of us.

We do this each family gathering, whether it be Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, or whenever....

It makes us that much closer.

I'll be cooking all this evening and tomorrow and there will no time for blogging,

I  wanted to make sure I shared my best wishes and love with each and

every one of you with the hopes you are as blessed

as I am.....

 and that your Thanksgiving is as special as I know mine will be.

Be Safe.

Stone Crosses

Recently I saw some crosses at a little shop that attracted me....

That is, the design, not the price :)

Because I seem to have supplies to make just about anything,

I decided to make my own.

Simple to assemble,  with beautiful results.

and mine didn't cost $50 :)

I used the supplies I had on hand,

Which included concrete patcher rather than grout adhesive.

I like the way the grey mortar looks with the washed natural rocks,

So it worked out well.

They were done in a flash :)

Thanks for stopping by today,

You know I love it when you come.

I'm joining this week with
Time Travel Thursday 

Vintage Inspiration Friday

Honey at 2805

Feather Your Nest Friday

*****White Ironstone*****

 I never tire of the way old ironstone looks and feels.....

And trust me....if it's white, it's coming home with me.

I started collecting these magnificent pieces years ago

When you could still find them at a decent price....

With or without their original wash basin bowls,

I love them all.

And don't even shy away from the "fancy"ones either....

Then, of course, there is all the old McCoy ironstone pottery......

I have to have all I find....it's a sickness of sorts :)

And I actually use the platters for serving

Large family meals....

Thanks for stopping by today....

You know I love it when you come.

I'm joining Kathleen's White Wednesday with my collection today....

My Designs Have Never Been for the Faint of Heart :)

It goes without saying that my taste

Can be considered over the top in clothing and design.....

And good proof of point is my lace boa.... 

Full of fluff and femininity

Made with gorgeous vintage lace....



That I had bought on a bolt years and years ago.

And perfect for the girlie girl........

I'm joining Faded Charm's White Wednesday this week.......

Lots of beautiful whites.