just listed in 5gardenias today... a vintage art pottery vase with a wonderful 40s-50s bungalow style and a peachy sweet glaze. happy wednesday to you!

a few more photos of new jewelry that will be listed in my Etsy shop-- hopefully by next week. all are made of sterling silver and blackened with an oxidized patina. the triangle link necklace is sporting some bold neon pink color -- some mod charisma for fun. the bracelet is made entirely of rhomboid shaped sterling links. very architectural and minimalistic-- and very light and comfortable on the wrist...

oh--the simplicity and elegance of this antique ironstone platter!.... just had to let you know it's ready and waiting for you if you so desire....

Is it really May already? !!  My garden is beginning to blossom and typically this doesn't happen in this neck of the woods until June--but we had record high temps in March this year.... so things are coming up extra early. Not that I mind having Spring show its pretty face a bit before expected, I'm enjoying every minute of it! I'm just going to have to add some new plantings to keep the garden looking fresh all summer. And any excuse to be out in the garden is a fine excuse in my book.

And speaking of summer-- I've added some summer inspired nautical items to 5gardenias vintage like the sweet antique primitive model wooden steamship and vintage queen conch shell  and flamingo bird and starfish necklace ( put together by me with vintage components added to darkened brass chain with a lobster clasp).

Also a few fine old pieces with oodles of charisma -- this charming antique double sided shaving mirror, I'm picturing this along side a claw foot tub and old linen bath towels... an adorably enchanting set of matching antique porcelain and luster tea cups perfect for fanciful tea parties, or turn into pin cushions or candles...then gift them to your favorite hostess or auntie. Last but not least this intricate and delicate antique hand tatted lace bodice trim with the palest palest pink mesh border-- just waiting for loving hands to work their magic and breath some new life into the stitches....

I'm hoping everyone is enjoying their Spring days and nights--or Autumn ones if you're in the southern hemisphere. Wishing you a beautiful end to your week and a lovely weekend to come--Thanks for stopping in for a visit!

A sneak peak of some new pieces I've been working on while my jewelry shop has been on vacation. It's been a while since I've given myself the chance to play with new designs and I've been enjoying myself thoroughly.  This is one pair of finished double triangle earrings and a brooch I've named "Splurt". A blend of modern minimalist with a bit of quirk--  mixing finishes on this brooch has inspired me to do more.... soon to come...
Wishing everyone a wonderful week ahead!

I'm a lover of all things great and small related to the ocean-- sand, sea, air ( the saltier the better)- the sounds of the waves, gulls, terns and sandpipers and the smell of marine life permeating the air-- all get me right in the heart. I'm instantly elsewhere --transported over time and space to a place that can't be named or plotted on a map. A sense of peace and happiness, simplicity in the grandest sense seems possible. I can honestly say that the memory of a bathing suit or bed filled with sand makes me feel instantly at home and joyful.
This coming summer for the first time in a number of years we've rented a tiny cottage by the sea in Cape Cod. An old stable transformed into a sweet abode with bleached grey shingles and wide plank pine floors-- and a fireplace. We'll only be there for a week so I'll have to drink the ocean in, and up.... and I have a feeling when the week is done, they'll have to come and pry me from the place. I have been dreaming of this place all winter.
In the meantime I revel in having found some sweet sea inspired goodies for 5gardenias. Each so  charming, containing secret stories....An antique hand made model row boat with crackly old black and ocher paint from the 1930s-- a fine floatation device steeped with poetic charm. 5 vintage painted red and white wooden floats/bobs--perfectly folk arty and worn so well. Some nautical silk French millinery ribbon with Arethuse ( accent over the "e") embroidered in a happy gold thread with navy blue arrow patterned border-- the name of a French frigate from the Napoleonic war. And last a marvelously charming vintage sea shell tea pot-- a souvenir from the sunny realm of Florida, sporting a reed handle. Does anyone know-- is that a lace murex or a king's crown-- or another altogether?

Wishing everyone a lovely Sunday evening and week ahead!

errrrrp --- rrrrrrrp  ( a version of ribbit ) -- a welcoming call to April, just up the road a bit. Some happy new spring vintage finds just listed this week in 5gardenias, Vintage cement frog garden ornament, vintage crochet dove panel , antique beveled glass mirror ,  1960s mod daisy brooch-

wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

  today I photographed these vintage pink gloves-- they were very patient with me. they were such lovely models I'm not sure I will part with them now.... go figure.

I  finished a pair of custom earrings the other day for a lovely customer-- then I decided to photograph them for good measure. Sweet little bumpy pods- irregular, earthy and just a touch elegant.

I'm a terribly old fashioned girl-- I just can't help but love old old and older things and yet I could
 easily live in a minimalist modern setting. What is this contradiction in me? Probably no way to resolve it except to give in to it all!

Recently listed lovelies from 5gardenias vintage above-- a fabulous antique organdy jabot/collar,  a vintage apothecary/ laboratory bottle with ground stopper and a romantic Victorian papered dresser keepsake or jewelry box, and last and maybe sweetest of all --a vintage cement swan garden ornament, worn from years of sun and rain, and seasons of change..

Wishing you a restful sleep and a lovely day tomorrow!

While we're still experiencing the grey skies of winter here, there are little flashes of promise, occasional hints,  a day of sunshine followed by a day of flurries. A warm nearly balmy day,  with a plummet to bone chilling the next. Such is February. Still-- I love this month because of the mix, the change of days from one to the next, full of surprises and tumult. It makes me so aware that Spring is up ahead...nearly within sight.  Here are a few new vintage listings inspired by anticipation and excitement for Spring:
art pottery swan planter/vase from the 40s, fabulous vintage laboratory glass storage bottles with ground stoppers, a charming handmade vintage apron covered with blue roses, and a sweet little bouquet of vintage millinery fabric flowers
I'm wishing you a beautiful day-- and give yourself some extra love for Valentines Day!

I have to admit I've been taking a bit of a break posting of late-- it's the post holiday thaw.  Taking a little longer to decompress, catch my breath and begin anew. I've just recently listed a few fresh vintage finds in 5gardenias. Looking toward spring, feeling the urge to lighten up and celebrate with some color and a nod to Valentines Day with a couple of porcelain sweethearts dressed in cobalt and white, some charming old antique glass and clay marbles,  a pair of sturdy and vibrant vintage mixing bowls, and a beautifully delicate antique ecru lace doily.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend and a happy February!

So happy to be able to show you what I've finally finished! A favorite necklace of mine just listed in my shop-- with only one other like it having been made before. "La Nuit" -- night time bell flowers to honor the deep mysteries of the evening. The chain inspired by the long segmented legs of crane flys and surveyors measuring chain...  The necklace hangs delicately around the neck and looks so lovely against bare skin..  Made entirely by hand of sterling silver, and ending in my signature twig toggle clasp.
Thanks for stopping by--wishing you all a wonderful weekend....