Pandora's Box

I have a confession to make... I'm a huge fan and hoarder of antique jewelry boxes - The jewelry can come or go but it's the boxes I must have!

Some of my favorites are European, such as the leather one from Berlin; however, the purple hued from Ohio is the closest to my heart - I'm a velvet girl. Another favorite is the leather ring box from Lynchburg, VA- So neat and tiny!

When I buy these, I always say "It's for display" but then I hide them in my office so that only I can see them... For what happens when someone asks the inevitable question "What would you take for this?" With that, I'd have to claim "Your first born child"! A "little" dramatic but you get the picture.
I have no idea what possessed me to collect these little gems... I just know that my heart sings whenever I find one. Recently, while shopping at Gresham Lake Antique Mall, I found a big stash for sale (as if someone was cleaning out their obsession). So many boxes, so little time. I must have bought at least 4 and went back to ponder over several more!
Another aspect of these boxes is their advertising appeal. What a great way to keep your store in someone's mind. Every time they open the box for that special piece of jewelry, they will remember you and your other merchandise. A valuable lesson for all retailers - The packaging and presentation can add significant face value to your product.

So, what makes your heart skip a beat? What collectible do you secretly (or not so secretly) hoard?

A Toast...

Thought I would share some lovely old wine labels from my collection. So elegant and refined, don't you think?
The colors are especially vivid; They would make lovely collage pieces ...

bits of this... and bits of that...

This past weekend, Laura and I did our 2nd show together in the front "parlor" of Ornamentea. We've been working for weeks to get the right items for our crafty clientele and I do think we succeeded! Many of our regulars came alongside new friends...
I decided to go random with my half and make it look delightfully eclectic (just like Moi). I used a variety of lifts and props for interest - Notice Aqua Girl and the adorable vintage doll furniture. A close-up of a fabulous little purse and a pair of antique spectacles- Both of which sold!
More randomness - Lots of buttons, lace, postcards, and books all waiting to be used as a medium in wonderfully quirky artwork. As always, buttons continue to be the #1 seller at our shows. Buttons are great because they come with a "built in" attachment, be it a molded or applied shank. They make great earrings and charms. Additionally, they can liven up a dull outfit. Simply remove said boring buttons and use vintage beauties instead!Now it's time to tidy up my booth at Gresham Lake and get to working on my Rubylane and Etsy shops. Ah, such is the life of an obsessive antiquer!

*Be sure to check back mid week to see new stock in my online stores!*

Past Lives

Sometimes looking at an old photograph can bring back the most poignant of memories. Maybe your crazy Uncle Vern or your beloved baby cousin Prudence... Whatever the case, many of us collect old images simply for the sheer delight. Let's meet the above little miss... Wearing her best dress and made to look like a true living doll. Her French background makes her all the more intriguing and wonderful. Her clothing probably weighs more than she does!
Take this little boy for instance ... What is his story? Did he just get a proper suit or perhaps a new pair of spectacles. He wonders, "What will my friends think? Will they pick on me or accept me for my new attire?" "Will I be picked last for the sport teams now?"
Last, but not least, we have the rebellious flapper with her short bob and cloche. What a fabulous fashion statement! Just think how she felt walking down the streets in the 20s, a new powerful presence exhibiting what women can and will do.

I hope you've enjoyed meeting some of my friends... I love studying images such as these and I'll be posting more as time goes on. I also have some great wine labels to share so stay tuned:)

Hurrah, Huzzah, It's Carnival Day!

"On with the dance! let joy be unconfined;
No sleep till morn, when Youth and Pleasure meet
To chase the glowing hours with flying feet."
~George Gordon Byron, Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage

Today, Today is the time for the Carnival Soiree! Faerie Enchantment has invited everyone near and far to celebrate the magic of the carnival and circus. Remember a time when the animals, jugglers, and performers brought smiles and laughter to your childhood? Well, enter that special realm again and be amazed at the sights!

For my special treat, I decided to invite some dear elfin and childhood fairy-tale friends. They are so excited to be joining us:) And you too can invite them to your party- They are from my collection and can be incorporated into your artwork and crafts.

If you're a frequent reader of my blog, you know how much I adore ephemera. The pictures and words of yesteryear hold a dear place in my heart. The images remind us of dreams and memories long forgotten. Such small bits and pieces of life can make us recall our Mother's smile as she read "The Night Before Christmas" or our Sister's face as she presented us with a wonderful book of fairy-tales.

I hope you enjoyed this little visit to the circus... My dear fairy friends wish you good times and happy fortune as you visit more of the 3 ringed affair!

"No party is any fun unless seasoned with folly." ~Desiderius Erasmus

A Slumber Fete!

For the Love of Vintage is hosting a delightful slumber party! Since I'm a huge fan of antiques (and naps), I thought I'd share some "night time" pieces from an establishment that sells the most luxurious French Antiques. Sparrows is a direct importer of fine furnishings and decorative accessories. Their large showroom is certainly worth a visit if you're ever in the D.C. Metro region.

With its graceful curves and sensual design, this spectacular Louis XV style bed, c. 1890, would make any dreamer feel like a queen. The rich walnut boasts a spectacular patina with the history of its owners warmly soaked into the wood grain.

I included a close-up image showing the intricately carved basket motif which graces the footboard. Such details are what make these pieces truly stand out from the ordinary.
Another lovely piece in the Sparrows inventory includes this turn of the century mahogany bed boasting lavish bronze mounts. The Louis XV style bed showcases graceful lines and a detailed crest worthy of any museum acquisition.

Close-up view of the fine craftsmanship exhibited on the headboard

In addition to sharing these images of beautiful beds, I thought I would include a recipe worthy of any girls night slumber party! I've served this delectable treat at many a gathering and it's always a hit!

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice
Ingredients:
Simple white bread with the crusts removed
Low-fat plain cream cheese
Cinnamon
Sugar
Low Fat Butter

Remove crusts from bread. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese on each slice. Roll the bread up. Cut the roll into several small pieces. Dip the pieces into butter. Roll the pieces in the cinnamon and sugar (to your taste). Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for approximately 5 minutes (or until warm and gooey). Serve immediately - These babies are best served right out of the oven (as long as the cream cheese is not too hot).

I promise these little goodies will be gobbled up in a matter of minutes~!

So, I hope you've enjoyed your stop by my little slumber party ... I hope you'll take a little online journey to Sparrows and lovingly browse their spectacular inventory. It's the cheapest escape to France you'll ever find ...

*Ephemera image courtesy of Miss Mary's Gazette and must be purchased through her site.
**Furniture images courtesy of Sparrows Antiques Website.