tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71522386472587791802024-02-19T09:06:35.956-08:00froo*galfroogalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062921574441301804noreply@blogger.comBlogger114125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152238647258779180.post-76104622557019003372011-09-08T19:39:00.000-07:002011-09-08T19:56:06.838-07:00Cute As A Bug's Ear<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRhPs5qFWOBr3UA2dK7B9VT8Cu0Rl5aVa-WstMGmwtL7Oqq1z1h5nk5qFMtaSlUpqgZlBTb4AXHN84z9NBrriHth3-eLOPei_Gx7-zr4K_Y7CxZbnwxkp84x84_uWDD4RANQAAWBA3HIt/s1600/IMG_7243.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRhPs5qFWOBr3UA2dK7B9VT8Cu0Rl5aVa-WstMGmwtL7Oqq1z1h5nk5qFMtaSlUpqgZlBTb4AXHN84z9NBrriHth3-eLOPei_Gx7-zr4K_Y7CxZbnwxkp84x84_uWDD4RANQAAWBA3HIt/s400/IMG_7243.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650184218965989058" border="0" /></a><br />I am not sure where that expression came from because bugs don't have ears and if they did they could not possibly be cute...but I have heard that expression used in my family for years and that is what came to me when I saw this French vintage piece of signed, original art collage from the mid 60's. The colors are bright and still vibrant against the layers of vintage French newspaper, very unusual. This piece and another by the same artist, Francois are available<span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);"> </span><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);" href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-1960S-FRENCH-MODERNIST-TEMPRA-COLLAGE-BIG-EYE-GIRL-FRANCOIS-PARIS-/150660358643?pt=Art_Mixed_Media&hash=item23140ea1f3">here</a> in my Ebay store.<br /></div>froogalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062921574441301804noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152238647258779180.post-44922529521246204712011-08-18T16:00:00.001-07:002011-08-18T16:32:37.607-07:00Whimspirations<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWJtXbvCRIflYwPrYCEjHVSnSS0z163h6QHrJJRXEcPYPRiHl7o1X_d2HXVTfXcAq1u9eaE1w1tWF_C6PYWbPC2EyZ-q8cVtbAnSSJw7DbtNUAWnjyXupLMO-y2E3rkNzcfsmM5fxT2hT/s1600/IMG_7116.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWJtXbvCRIflYwPrYCEjHVSnSS0z163h6QHrJJRXEcPYPRiHl7o1X_d2HXVTfXcAq1u9eaE1w1tWF_C6PYWbPC2EyZ-q8cVtbAnSSJw7DbtNUAWnjyXupLMO-y2E3rkNzcfsmM5fxT2hT/s400/IMG_7116.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642335015617227330" border="0" /></a>
<br />It has been a long "time out" but I am ready to return to the Land of Blog! I am emerging as a weekly feature called "<span style="font-style: italic;">Whimspirations</span>"....I love names not found in the dictionary.
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<br />My goal is to bring you inspiring photos of vignettes that I put together from my Ebay store...<span style="font-style: italic;"><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);" href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160639369893&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT">Whimrose Projects.</a><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);" href="http://http//stores.ebay.com/Whimrose-Projects?_rdc=1">
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<br /></span>I have recently tapped into a bottomless pit of treasures and will put them together in interesting combinations to hopefully<span style="font-style: italic;"> inspire</span> you to mine the fields of Ebay for the best kind of recycling...BUY vintage!
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<br /></div>froogalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062921574441301804noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152238647258779180.post-13735830341718380432011-01-03T08:57:00.000-08:002011-01-03T10:12:06.538-08:00New Year<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhra14L3Jko97iJmNj8CEZePCpMLsOs0mW-lQGu2F24PxaaOIay4ogREG93JFVDES60Co6xqrBFli331O2aA4Unc3fsurCDWU0N_S2cdqzHWa9V_c3SKD34wsJ4_Mia5_4mXMI1uPxIwsIp/s1600/Mute.swan.flaps.arp.750pix.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhra14L3Jko97iJmNj8CEZePCpMLsOs0mW-lQGu2F24PxaaOIay4ogREG93JFVDES60Co6xqrBFli331O2aA4Unc3fsurCDWU0N_S2cdqzHWa9V_c3SKD34wsJ4_Mia5_4mXMI1uPxIwsIp/s400/Mute.swan.flaps.arp.750pix.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558006264196701890" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>The Swan</u></b></div><div> </div><p style="text-align: center;">Did you too see it, drifting, all night, on the black river?<br /> Did you see it in the morning, rising into the silvery air -<br /> An armful of white blossoms,<br /> A perfect commotion of silk and linen as it leaned<br /> into the bondage of its wings; a snowbank, a bank of lilies,<br /> Biting the air with its black beak?<br /> Did you hear it, fluting and whistling<br /> A shrill dark music - like the rain pelting the trees - like a waterfall<br /> Knifing down the black ledges?<br /> And did you see it, finally, just under the clouds -<br /> A white cross Streaming across the sky, its feet<br /> Like black leaves, its wings Like the stretching light of the river?<br /><i> And did you feel it, in your heart, how it pertained to everything?<br /> And have you too finally figured out what beauty is for?<br /> And have you changed your life?</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Mary Oliver</span><i><br /></i></p>froogalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062921574441301804noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152238647258779180.post-83441563211014123162010-12-18T08:04:00.000-08:002010-12-19T06:17:16.465-08:00Find Your Sparkle<div style="text-align: center;">Happy Holidays!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQqkKZfUqZ3sDxezYVCs9bhqPGR09oEuOe-zytN3JCcRrYem0f12VkjRvUGBEjhL5x1Wu7XxehEV-yK4SnQRQd1_J6SpRSSxPp9-fX-IUQTz-SgVfHG5dOk95CKeyUhzRkc5BmczNrxGAp/s1600/IMG_5638.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQqkKZfUqZ3sDxezYVCs9bhqPGR09oEuOe-zytN3JCcRrYem0f12VkjRvUGBEjhL5x1Wu7XxehEV-yK4SnQRQd1_J6SpRSSxPp9-fX-IUQTz-SgVfHG5dOk95CKeyUhzRkc5BmczNrxGAp/s400/IMG_5638.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552054149146871282" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;" class="sqq"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">"Begin</span><span class="sqq"><span style="font-style: italic;"> doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand and melting like a snowflake"</span><br /><br />Sir Francis Bacon</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_EP5TQ_NAXk?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_EP5TQ_NAXk?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="385" width="480"></embed></object></div>froogalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062921574441301804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152238647258779180.post-6646941053344578062010-12-07T07:02:00.000-08:002010-12-19T06:16:21.543-08:00The Darker Side of Santa<div style="text-align: center;">Looking for a gift for all those naughty little boys and girls in your life?<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />I have found the stocking stuffer.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnqhQ5QCWYGcFYmSNdft0hy0tpSJYacvfL541auizy3Hj9YTk4TMhivmvCES6JE3Fk2FzG7UULF11ZIsiAVbRtOuCk4_AEMUJf7nDrs-bF_q_igwRwkJPWsO71VzKULbW0yl1F8vStVgv/s1600/il_570xN.196064658.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 352px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnqhQ5QCWYGcFYmSNdft0hy0tpSJYacvfL541auizy3Hj9YTk4TMhivmvCES6JE3Fk2FzG7UULF11ZIsiAVbRtOuCk4_AEMUJf7nDrs-bF_q_igwRwkJPWsO71VzKULbW0yl1F8vStVgv/s400/il_570xN.196064658.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548324507069463170" border="0" /></a>...coal soap in a personalized bag available from <a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62771111/personlized-bag-of-coal-with-coal-soap">PoofyCheeks Etsy Shop</a><br /><br />We have all heard the threat used by some parents at Christmas time in an attempt to make naughty children behave...."If you don't do what Mommy says Santa will leave "coal in your stocking."<br /><br />That phrase originates with someone named Belsnickle.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZtpr_fFXZYev2JuHPnHrsEXeIJIMTI5_k87WjqrSLOl5tWZaR6j3b6tj3aR6B5Ugu-4p3ksV6JYAlqN07jg5RxAtXJ-xTeNt7VTDvqrIl_CcropK5osfdfCj6I9z29RFCoFrOFDuNPsG/s1600/pere_fouettard.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 261px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZtpr_fFXZYev2JuHPnHrsEXeIJIMTI5_k87WjqrSLOl5tWZaR6j3b6tj3aR6B5Ugu-4p3ksV6JYAlqN07jg5RxAtXJ-xTeNt7VTDvqrIl_CcropK5osfdfCj6I9z29RFCoFrOFDuNPsG/s400/pere_fouettard.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548000721227096162" border="0" /></a><br />In Pensylvania Dutch communities, Belsnickle is a mythical being who visits children at Christmas. If you have been a bad boy or girl you will find coal or switches in your stockings.<br />The Belsnickel was a creature to be feared, well loved only by parents wanting good boys and girls....you better watch out...no pouting allowed!<br /><br />And if that doesn't make you a believer meet Krampus.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiG2AvvOvOSXVodoveuc9-Ys8NJMsDkmL0abjIzDoxalVtH4a__mAUO0MwA-8h0BtdCaNKkNEh06jzRPlnh0zWXd4n1MPJVboqhqAShMH_mWl5bbsf9nnVNF8SaiXDuMD0-rebZgpIJJoE/s1600/krampus5.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiG2AvvOvOSXVodoveuc9-Ys8NJMsDkmL0abjIzDoxalVtH4a__mAUO0MwA-8h0BtdCaNKkNEh06jzRPlnh0zWXd4n1MPJVboqhqAShMH_mWl5bbsf9nnVNF8SaiXDuMD0-rebZgpIJJoE/s400/krampus5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547996964187376706" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >I wonder what it says on the back of this card...."Merry Christmas, Peter. This is what happens when you talk back to Mommy...enjoy the ride!"</span><br /><br />Krampus is part of Austrian folklore. If you have been a naughty child, instead of gifts at Christmas, you may be subjected to a beating with a switch, or God for bid, a rusty chain! How evil is that? It gets worse...if you are really bad he might pop you into a sack, and throw you into the river!<br /><br />And then there is the lesser of these two evils....<br /><br />Zwarte Pieten<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSw6fgL2GUIQmEMuzTSwmUzwG6dWlW1uqD41ExtGrXHcbXUHSpZBzYyYtGHv9a2jMrYCnH4fWcRHIf2qHHe8Cd3QDGGNlDzNuuqzcD_FjZsyMzADj6HigqeR4Dna2l2C5bp9MWav-K5mlI/s1600/%2521B1qGb%2521%2521%2521Wk%257E%2524%2528KGrHqZ%252C%2521igE%2529qydcMh7BMfWf%252B3%252CY%2521%257E%257E_12.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSw6fgL2GUIQmEMuzTSwmUzwG6dWlW1uqD41ExtGrXHcbXUHSpZBzYyYtGHv9a2jMrYCnH4fWcRHIf2qHHe8Cd3QDGGNlDzNuuqzcD_FjZsyMzADj6HigqeR4Dna2l2C5bp9MWav-K5mlI/s400/%2521B1qGb%2521%2521%2521Wk%257E%2524%2528KGrHqZ%252C%2521igE%2529qydcMh7BMfWf%252B3%252CY%2521%257E%257E_12.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548114682526414418" border="0" /></a>A much more tame character popular in the Netherlands. No abuse for misbehaving by Zwarte Piet...Piet will just confiscate your Christmas booty and tote it away in his huge dufflebag to Spain...Spain?...whats that all about, must be politically inspired.<br /><br />So you better watch out, you better not cry or you may get a visit from the darker side of Santa.<br /><br /><span class="body">Just in case you didn't know...there is also an Evil Easter Bunny</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZdaZV5egvgx-o02YfQqDPDCj1e7_r6qMer5jFJkuGXoUjzAYeu42H1SJ_i_sRqGdJ8IIHI2cc5aRXlQ4SdscD8D7IEHG0RuGkL4yXbEoLD1_J_xxgqrYgPcqcE0e1We5EG8NkMbfbt-Q/s1600/IMG_5561.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZdaZV5egvgx-o02YfQqDPDCj1e7_r6qMer5jFJkuGXoUjzAYeu42H1SJ_i_sRqGdJ8IIHI2cc5aRXlQ4SdscD8D7IEHG0RuGkL4yXbEoLD1_J_xxgqrYgPcqcE0e1We5EG8NkMbfbt-Q/s400/IMG_5561.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548321393925470882" border="0" /></a></div><div style="overflow: hidden; text-decoration: none; border: medium none; text-align: center;color:transparent;"> <span class="bodybold"> </span><span><br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>froogalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062921574441301804noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152238647258779180.post-79740837513637841382010-11-26T20:08:00.000-08:002010-11-28T15:44:59.712-08:00Paper Doll Obsessed<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVuBiHElojHky9jLy1xL6i74MFcSj4DZkrsJEOPLUr6sVfc1RABDNsXiUmaqedvmdv6ZCOQjBlIjm-GjFVqcUUL8Q9fpz6pp50wpr_mLvtQgl_9qpLh8gJIwMoex1SvNdEh4S-LK_d9-IK/s1600/IMG_5595.JPG"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtkaIUd1QsWrJOm4HhX4K0KD7Dz4HTPDRS77-MWuU_Y6GztGLFWZ_wjhOBR0BHUxNxL9GesUm6C1aG0kLMsfwl1e2atVcuMKym-piKiWXFUekkdKPzOup-4PYlTEJJI5aucWYdz_O3LosU/s1600/IMG_5343.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 379px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtkaIUd1QsWrJOm4HhX4K0KD7Dz4HTPDRS77-MWuU_Y6GztGLFWZ_wjhOBR0BHUxNxL9GesUm6C1aG0kLMsfwl1e2atVcuMKym-piKiWXFUekkdKPzOup-4PYlTEJJI5aucWYdz_O3LosU/s400/IMG_5343.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544718100905895986" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">My son recently purchased several lots of paper dolls at auction. When he went to pick them up at the auction house the guy said..."looks like your Mom went nuts with the paper dolls".... wrong...my son just has a keen interest in ephemera and thought these looked pretty interesting. I happened to be out of town at the time, other wise I would have been bidding against him to win some lots for myself..not to sell, to collect...woe is me, like I need one more collection.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVuBiHElojHky9jLy1xL6i74MFcSj4DZkrsJEOPLUr6sVfc1RABDNsXiUmaqedvmdv6ZCOQjBlIjm-GjFVqcUUL8Q9fpz6pp50wpr_mLvtQgl_9qpLh8gJIwMoex1SvNdEh4S-LK_d9-IK/s1600/IMG_5595.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 291px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVuBiHElojHky9jLy1xL6i74MFcSj4DZkrsJEOPLUr6sVfc1RABDNsXiUmaqedvmdv6ZCOQjBlIjm-GjFVqcUUL8Q9fpz6pp50wpr_mLvtQgl_9qpLh8gJIwMoex1SvNdEh4S-LK_d9-IK/s400/IMG_5595.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544716542412698178" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />This is one <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">woman's</span> collection which is always a joy to find because it covers a wide range and always <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">possesses</span> some rare and sometimes unseen beauties. What I am showing doesn't even scratch the surface....there are hundreds that will all be listed in the next week so do your self a favor and go here<a href="http://stores.ebay.com/Noble-Fox-Antiques"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4wmH8zM-pcY9RFGFIq2wbneYD3arbSQB4VhHYw1MzSn4mB7acXNZ1cpUoGJMhNTQJIEEjntwrn4zWKQxO4apaBPZSeku3y_O3e_1F2YIsvCgVAijRPQFjQ3OOVPGd715walLxl5WcADjG/s400/will+card+logo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544706000935819890" border="0" /></a>to view a unique piece of history.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">(Wills new logo designed by Mom)</span><br /></span><br />It seems like a good time to announce the official split of this mother and son business. My son, Will has grown the business from 700 sales to nearly 5400 in 3 years and was ready to make it his own...he was also ready to dispense with such a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">girly</span> name like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Whimrose</span>...imagine handing that card to one of your "bros".<br />I am ready for a fresh start and will be opening the new "all about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">girly</span>", <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Whimrose</span> Projects <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Ebay</span> Store Monday, November 29.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Mcloughlin</span> Brothers, founded in 1828 was the largest manufacturer of paper dolls in the United States.<br />Daisy was part of a series made by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Mcloughlin</span> around 1860.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisV5ssG9EiI1pguv-9bBsAGNVVP8wcJaaFxudyEvm2-YF_JgyCavkyWfphd8JdITCX9L22d9GEnp-i8TliATLazDVaCqeQ22VDJXuAGDS01TTV0oxK5dcZuV4ZNMoD7CvoaE_-ImBIJF4O/s1600/IMG_5356.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisV5ssG9EiI1pguv-9bBsAGNVVP8wcJaaFxudyEvm2-YF_JgyCavkyWfphd8JdITCX9L22d9GEnp-i8TliATLazDVaCqeQ22VDJXuAGDS01TTV0oxK5dcZuV4ZNMoD7CvoaE_-ImBIJF4O/s400/IMG_5356.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544664646765785554" border="0" /></a>I love these French fashion dolls complete with front and back views. Wouldn't this look great framed for a little girls?.... or even a Big girls room!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7LXHd8H2kmALyJ2bzGdbA-WEy1jPHfpmwRRYf284hUEf1w-BceeKQGLKvzLIUHxAyJKTMuyYdjvoF6TJsIjc0G_91dfDdCHHgEbCRq0YXf3URvYAm5q4t2wjgKKKZNeT4oZID590xBaLa/s1600/IMG_4769.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 284px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7LXHd8H2kmALyJ2bzGdbA-WEy1jPHfpmwRRYf284hUEf1w-BceeKQGLKvzLIUHxAyJKTMuyYdjvoF6TJsIjc0G_91dfDdCHHgEbCRq0YXf3URvYAm5q4t2wjgKKKZNeT4oZID590xBaLa/s400/IMG_4769.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544093351543622818" border="0" /></a>This bride and her trousseau were produced by<span style=";font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" > </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Raphael</span>Tuck , one of the better <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">manufactures</span> of paper dolls.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvpCY1cH30kNCjm8PlNmEAaObjOX0yWE3opWOOr3iKJatWQucys8m4wtrlfhx4DppQfS9RmcXB0UCdD5ilGLuyrqg2RmC458xsy2POvZ-CnrJhqoUzosjpUaf0-1sUI4w_9XTl42BDKWN/s1600/IMG_5313.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 274px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvpCY1cH30kNCjm8PlNmEAaObjOX0yWE3opWOOr3iKJatWQucys8m4wtrlfhx4DppQfS9RmcXB0UCdD5ilGLuyrqg2RmC458xsy2POvZ-CnrJhqoUzosjpUaf0-1sUI4w_9XTl42BDKWN/s400/IMG_5313.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544084538934688242" border="0" /></a><br />In 1919 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Photoplay</span> magazine presented <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Movy</span>-Dolls featuring Movie Stars of the silent screen complete with the costumes they wore in their movies. Here is one of Norma <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Talmadge.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKFrZi0CLNz54gQ-xUBFHN0QxBQZXBnbIEgwAOZbCboxIyMcZIXyUS4a6GnaFuao4d-gKagVjNXE8oC70w_ucLE-cDjje6QCBpO13BTgT266hbNbFVVAEbI7wELc4WAm94tq-VVxMVcSw/s1600/IMG_4845.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 289px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKFrZi0CLNz54gQ-xUBFHN0QxBQZXBnbIEgwAOZbCboxIyMcZIXyUS4a6GnaFuao4d-gKagVjNXE8oC70w_ucLE-cDjje6QCBpO13BTgT266hbNbFVVAEbI7wELc4WAm94tq-VVxMVcSw/s400/IMG_4845.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544083369557596610" border="0" /></a><br />Paper dolls were also available in many different types of venues like this circus.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEWy68Evh-J5oT0eDRsWPZHtTXgLFSST_o_6i9Vnpsmv2WHCPmiT2Vp-42qgv08hizry0RepVxYDm5AzYaBjDfXJa-U7fDo5UXpwAznlITP-b9HNFhc6IbrY59MpBtXdjxjVCp6_t3WWc0/s1600/IMG_5174.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEWy68Evh-J5oT0eDRsWPZHtTXgLFSST_o_6i9Vnpsmv2WHCPmiT2Vp-42qgv08hizry0RepVxYDm5AzYaBjDfXJa-U7fDo5UXpwAznlITP-b9HNFhc6IbrY59MpBtXdjxjVCp6_t3WWc0/s400/IMG_5174.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544083388640522514" border="0" /></a>and even adult publications like Vogue Pattern Book with paper doll cover<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3UoQxWjX0zbUCKjgYxj698WdM8GxV0fO9gk2lEaVO4hKNEleF9VsqYBhuqXTB5v9OB1W5xggZ9BOXNuEQbNPYmQNfFCOE_gG00F3uWAcMBtaNsl9CRUCKKoUsvJiK-P9vPO1WaKt_iISW/s1600/IMG_4793.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 295px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3UoQxWjX0zbUCKjgYxj698WdM8GxV0fO9gk2lEaVO4hKNEleF9VsqYBhuqXTB5v9OB1W5xggZ9BOXNuEQbNPYmQNfFCOE_gG00F3uWAcMBtaNsl9CRUCKKoUsvJiK-P9vPO1WaKt_iISW/s400/IMG_4793.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544083358122608290" border="0" /></a><br />And if you were real lucky you may have found this paper doll house under your Christmas Tree.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEASP721I_-zRWGcrhPaajnh4WU5TVQn5ZPGY7jX2k4-wAgAJcTEbuy6IISuEpy3Dww0Orrb6d2gOaGIrlqahI1ipm5NrBk5ZnSkz2kShEPA-VGJ3gUv2FEV9MHUoZ-X1lodGbvyi5aFKP/s1600/IMG_5387.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 336px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEASP721I_-zRWGcrhPaajnh4WU5TVQn5ZPGY7jX2k4-wAgAJcTEbuy6IISuEpy3Dww0Orrb6d2gOaGIrlqahI1ipm5NrBk5ZnSkz2kShEPA-VGJ3gUv2FEV9MHUoZ-X1lodGbvyi5aFKP/s400/IMG_5387.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544085765087060018" border="0" /></a><br />If your dolls needed a place to fulfill their culinary dreams there was the GE Pop-Out Kitchen, (electric on paper only)!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4I55P-XRZJgchXfcuFYkuoPAM-2eQZHRdYWTpF9zqbKR6uRumJA40w9kyuMNVUiAN6w49U9cu5GjwSmOBcPSP5zdh_avGquj0IxobGKHcghb3_R7PgKC73VkIxsA9LEzznHH7PBnzNXcP/s1600/IMG_5277.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 303px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4I55P-XRZJgchXfcuFYkuoPAM-2eQZHRdYWTpF9zqbKR6uRumJA40w9kyuMNVUiAN6w49U9cu5GjwSmOBcPSP5zdh_avGquj0IxobGKHcghb3_R7PgKC73VkIxsA9LEzznHH7PBnzNXcP/s400/IMG_5277.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544084535040768466" border="0" /></a>This scenario seems suitable for framing or dreaming of what could be...one can always hope!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxuZl5-yXnCB9oSurESWcLs1M4qiFdZURrdpManMF8WxnhrLZI9TyiguZ_2jetrsR30vd1Tt3zN5Ge84r70vo7JNNVqW6tG7btjtSeOCtrMUBD0nCXYICyuzC5htxoZ-g0nQsYlV0QyaL/s1600/IMG_5265.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxuZl5-yXnCB9oSurESWcLs1M4qiFdZURrdpManMF8WxnhrLZI9TyiguZ_2jetrsR30vd1Tt3zN5Ge84r70vo7JNNVqW6tG7btjtSeOCtrMUBD0nCXYICyuzC5htxoZ-g0nQsYlV0QyaL/s400/IMG_5265.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544094027170777170" border="0" /></a>Maybe you could build the perfect little cottage in the woods on your living room floor<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUzDRyCCuOz57ya6EfQD3RGE2d18PYD-OZeVeoPmZTqkHmHoSmdmyPNM9gPJyC0lmTydH8JyBeww_FDEWRTpVzjS2UiBL2PU0uIHVD3rYtAM5QyHBx1EX0ClwBDvYKqg9V6Qb40A0O7PK/s1600/IMG_4883.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUzDRyCCuOz57ya6EfQD3RGE2d18PYD-OZeVeoPmZTqkHmHoSmdmyPNM9gPJyC0lmTydH8JyBeww_FDEWRTpVzjS2UiBL2PU0uIHVD3rYtAM5QyHBx1EX0ClwBDvYKqg9V6Qb40A0O7PK/s400/IMG_4883.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544676129761931202" border="0" /></a>and decorate with all the furnishings...including <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">taxidermy</span>, Native American rugs and stone fireplaces.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgylH4lB0T6mxUWY1PSaL_fRUTUHkui2XlLjDxSDRlWQL4QKkIJ19ntQ0tsAV-6IEU5ZMnmQ3Fb8WMO2ZBJx7exFnDTTL1Z3y39VuUwPTE0KUX5OnsjLwofFuJRjFkRuVT5VRz1zPpg39Ku/s1600/IMG_4886.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 290px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgylH4lB0T6mxUWY1PSaL_fRUTUHkui2XlLjDxSDRlWQL4QKkIJ19ntQ0tsAV-6IEU5ZMnmQ3Fb8WMO2ZBJx7exFnDTTL1Z3y39VuUwPTE0KUX5OnsjLwofFuJRjFkRuVT5VRz1zPpg39Ku/s400/IMG_4886.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544093358300105858" border="0" /></a>I am fascinated with the male paper dolls, they are more rare and so serious... begging "Please don't put me in that ridiculous Uncle Sam outfit!"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTdy1zwlVRSicjeykyneHY1WtBTuwFy1K3-lntOBMp13gc1-gUBG4Wylii3ZL6JQQRniwWSxL_fQTJwsp9Ix-TpokJwAIgICgihAp-85ryYDvEjRWHnecm-7hjmAoLx4TarNJl2xt5O5y/s1600/IMG_5319.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 293px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTdy1zwlVRSicjeykyneHY1WtBTuwFy1K3-lntOBMp13gc1-gUBG4Wylii3ZL6JQQRniwWSxL_fQTJwsp9Ix-TpokJwAIgICgihAp-85ryYDvEjRWHnecm-7hjmAoLx4TarNJl2xt5O5y/s400/IMG_5319.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544095487032699618" border="0" /></a>My personal favorites are a series called Polly's Paper Playmates, a newspaper feature from 1910. Polly and her friends had quite the social life<br /><br />Visiting brother Percy at West Point<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoACi3Hkf1jsoG1XssSMKfyaapY4FaNx8pdboC1ncuugvqX2AymVkM1CxtMAOkSD3ShHAzb6kN6SuMTLcY6X7RWwiesi_ygDUtvGrE2n2Qske5K49Rt4MHluV-d7jpXlOTgz2_VvsZVvex/s1600/IMG_5385.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 316px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoACi3Hkf1jsoG1XssSMKfyaapY4FaNx8pdboC1ncuugvqX2AymVkM1CxtMAOkSD3ShHAzb6kN6SuMTLcY6X7RWwiesi_ygDUtvGrE2n2Qske5K49Rt4MHluV-d7jpXlOTgz2_VvsZVvex/s400/IMG_5385.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544085763451753602" border="0" /></a><br />Driving in the country<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqlMcxhvYcgTJScGmqwhWrNwKt2AYPkcZuAdPW_myCrdq1-qRB-HR8bMHcv5NAmM5ljJ47cBtdGCIZ8Bvij9WjwrQ8IbPjCiSxfjK2KuZwoX_CXaZa-zvF-3CT_ishiyUaXRraZB3Lq-cO/s1600/IMG_5384.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 316px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqlMcxhvYcgTJScGmqwhWrNwKt2AYPkcZuAdPW_myCrdq1-qRB-HR8bMHcv5NAmM5ljJ47cBtdGCIZ8Bvij9WjwrQ8IbPjCiSxfjK2KuZwoX_CXaZa-zvF-3CT_ishiyUaXRraZB3Lq-cO/s400/IMG_5384.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544085759847682226" border="0" /></a><br />Attending Christmas Parties<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisEv6djZRnAk_jTqr98mey15DJ1cTRqEpUt9DRyQB2G-fSj7ojYOVUOrElb1jbH1ikg57wGnI312nB8KGhPJIgkOWJ4JHLzRjCjbMlNvWBJnO82XFchJX6f8uaed0O0w4s4bdUfOH6EZzD/s1600/IMG_5378.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 312px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisEv6djZRnAk_jTqr98mey15DJ1cTRqEpUt9DRyQB2G-fSj7ojYOVUOrElb1jbH1ikg57wGnI312nB8KGhPJIgkOWJ4JHLzRjCjbMlNvWBJnO82XFchJX6f8uaed0O0w4s4bdUfOH6EZzD/s400/IMG_5378.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544700372705468306" border="0" /></a><br />And Art Shows<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0diN0fTwXdd4CRWVZlMojkHuG-7lpGdxYR-2e8_C3vwhMiW1M1YGL_xOg7wyRZgEuKDGMfMw0NjKxKaoFYQLpWxLfcXB1MqX6nqx-Wf7BxRIsa4mXYIfa1rKV3bFJpMjEzExnf8hyphenhyphen38Uj/s1600/IMG_5386.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 325px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0diN0fTwXdd4CRWVZlMojkHuG-7lpGdxYR-2e8_C3vwhMiW1M1YGL_xOg7wyRZgEuKDGMfMw0NjKxKaoFYQLpWxLfcXB1MqX6nqx-Wf7BxRIsa4mXYIfa1rKV3bFJpMjEzExnf8hyphenhyphen38Uj/s400/IMG_5386.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544700952525094418" border="0" /></a><br />and of course...Church<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJIIXv5kQpDI541PTIn32v3yPBdHpXiKJLX3w1KMuxzUzfMmq910tVII9-tAJWcb_quKuvUDdAwZ6dUJCdwNIncOpDlJa9rM9pXRMwvgCSpf6FpbWXAnfMWImygZgArKPSNAPcqGZz1z8f/s1600/IMG_5382.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 318px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJIIXv5kQpDI541PTIn32v3yPBdHpXiKJLX3w1KMuxzUzfMmq910tVII9-tAJWcb_quKuvUDdAwZ6dUJCdwNIncOpDlJa9rM9pXRMwvgCSpf6FpbWXAnfMWImygZgArKPSNAPcqGZz1z8f/s400/IMG_5382.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544700949097956850" border="0" /></a>and a proper Tea<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUW8pA6BJn9PDBKpbpRQwWPuIpiLlnFLLJ6_WlVfkiYzBk0Kv6VvtZuQ3rLmlyvePqGrdLS-UCRTETYbaXMBskCMSsGCfPXq8bCBDEdJew79sU3vDSLS1jZiTbsdZHOHTGQ6dC1AfWOnpf/s1600/IMG_5379.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 310px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUW8pA6BJn9PDBKpbpRQwWPuIpiLlnFLLJ6_WlVfkiYzBk0Kv6VvtZuQ3rLmlyvePqGrdLS-UCRTETYbaXMBskCMSsGCfPXq8bCBDEdJew79sU3vDSLS1jZiTbsdZHOHTGQ6dC1AfWOnpf/s400/IMG_5379.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544700939402005298" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Who couldn't get lost in an afternoon fantasy on a living room "magic" carpet ride<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyqHTvQHd6aXyKlunY0v1oLv_ulTU9QOazZx73CTBZAoIFfaB3ouD2MTXeBL8ax0DBOGgmcuX1tGryhVgqQwfJgkej0bbDrqzu_vtkVpkuRR6PkhzVjr1k9xPQHM1nmffusINXuQVaClWl/s1600/IMG_5404.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyqHTvQHd6aXyKlunY0v1oLv_ulTU9QOazZx73CTBZAoIFfaB3ouD2MTXeBL8ax0DBOGgmcuX1tGryhVgqQwfJgkej0bbDrqzu_vtkVpkuRR6PkhzVjr1k9xPQHM1nmffusINXuQVaClWl/s400/IMG_5404.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544713710969261842" border="0" /></a> into the past...<span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">ahhhh...</span> s l o w and dreamy like the "olden days".<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABwleVV8Z4WFTMawJx3oiQie96cKT9ZDzntdg0WZqktKBqgs_JX-sDvj516gqgz84BeykEFKD-InoSc9kA0OyoW5BUWRPcXPl5wFQWByEAMFRNlnYO1mcn3PRk9abjE1aoaagFur3ptXX/s1600/IMG_5023.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABwleVV8Z4WFTMawJx3oiQie96cKT9ZDzntdg0WZqktKBqgs_JX-sDvj516gqgz84BeykEFKD-InoSc9kA0OyoW5BUWRPcXPl5wFQWByEAMFRNlnYO1mcn3PRk9abjE1aoaagFur3ptXX/s400/IMG_5023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544713250264342418" border="0" /></a></div>froogalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062921574441301804noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152238647258779180.post-4688487868065675962010-11-12T13:13:00.000-08:002010-11-13T08:43:47.298-08:00Fabric Bead Cluster Necklace: How To DIY<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnLpMUrvOHJirhCLrYSAs2lbcBK2WSdV7kN7pejNDxgR6rQNUODUBZcohi4UkZuil_1OuwkyTSc4jsVPmYtIFMmEYq_FheJ5lCWqwxPwOsFmlP71uK12e9tF_zDwYp4QgAvD5q9pFlJzx/s1600/IMG_5294.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnLpMUrvOHJirhCLrYSAs2lbcBK2WSdV7kN7pejNDxgR6rQNUODUBZcohi4UkZuil_1OuwkyTSc4jsVPmYtIFMmEYq_FheJ5lCWqwxPwOsFmlP71uK12e9tF_zDwYp4QgAvD5q9pFlJzx/s400/IMG_5294.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538786505594699442" border="0" /></a>If you have not seen the November Anthropology catalog, find one! The art direction is magical. I save back issues of Anthropology because I find it so inspirational. How do they keep coming up with such fantastical creations?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5coF_hZGzc4cYWbIRHmK0OJSDv1T6IqOHzhqgrXCYzA39ErA86UhPuCfpPXi28mSzHS4uF-yr8F7W642qgTVYJLRAkWN4XzcKX1cWSxF3p7OooSO-l7q-9Nc85C3vT34sitno5zfUpWT/s1600/IMG_5298.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5coF_hZGzc4cYWbIRHmK0OJSDv1T6IqOHzhqgrXCYzA39ErA86UhPuCfpPXi28mSzHS4uF-yr8F7W642qgTVYJLRAkWN4XzcKX1cWSxF3p7OooSO-l7q-9Nc85C3vT34sitno5zfUpWT/s400/IMG_5298.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539068886591655426" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >cute pin cushion idea</span><br /><br />On page 49 there is a llama...yes, a llama!...wearing the cutest necklace, well actually 3 necklaces, as you can see they have very long necks.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89vKnB8MkGUzVkmzUOm6a3uesaj2s5BdVOW_E92KPzGq-nqtX9sUROPGu1SvLRc_T_ShrEfDdT3jVxxllB6t7j0Bl_1DSPTUFcMOm9yTf-aWDRiUMJMm-SPS68mQ9t9yv5b-37zuJOn-p/s1600/IMG_5299.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89vKnB8MkGUzVkmzUOm6a3uesaj2s5BdVOW_E92KPzGq-nqtX9sUROPGu1SvLRc_T_ShrEfDdT3jVxxllB6t7j0Bl_1DSPTUFcMOm9yTf-aWDRiUMJMm-SPS68mQ9t9yv5b-37zuJOn-p/s400/IMG_5299.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539070916799045106" border="0" /></a>This necklace happened to be one of those "I can do that" projects...and here's what happened next.<br /><br />I made a quick trip to Michaels and found some big chunky beads with large holes that would accommodate a wide piece of fabric. I rummaged through my fabric stash and found a piece of vintage silk and ripped a piece 6"X 36". I gathered the beads, the fabric, some plain wood beads in 2 sizes, some waxed linen thread (regular thread would work just as well) and a darning needle.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4eQMfEw8vIpt_nVqST9tdV4IzX86HmR4W24uXXCsnXXHeQz924sjmMKRXGLIXBDffJmpr0SEmrt223D0_xXk0Fk93EC4Wkbx6ExOaEKmep61PvugZE1vGhHatIIQtaqjFadWQCVQ0EsB/s1600/IMG_5282.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4eQMfEw8vIpt_nVqST9tdV4IzX86HmR4W24uXXCsnXXHeQz924sjmMKRXGLIXBDffJmpr0SEmrt223D0_xXk0Fk93EC4Wkbx6ExOaEKmep61PvugZE1vGhHatIIQtaqjFadWQCVQ0EsB/s400/IMG_5282.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538783967698676098" border="0" /></a>Starting in the middle, I wrapped the fabric around one large bead<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9XvdoPY5wnN3rL7GwaPpuNdq5fr7dh6Sh_3l89LARDLqDOG1_U89TEnLV8EXpUGqWvc-f4kzIoCoUXCcaNEAMtM3c_c4hweKWQ-LhRnZ30xGF_4fBsmhq0AeIlsO8Fiw5tV9jyXi3LFL/s1600/IMG_5285.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9XvdoPY5wnN3rL7GwaPpuNdq5fr7dh6Sh_3l89LARDLqDOG1_U89TEnLV8EXpUGqWvc-f4kzIoCoUXCcaNEAMtM3c_c4hweKWQ-LhRnZ30xGF_4fBsmhq0AeIlsO8Fiw5tV9jyXi3LFL/s400/IMG_5285.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538783988565633922" border="0" /></a> then secured it by wrapping the base with the linen thread.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjRx1DSfVwhfMAS9UbMa-dJceIKtNCwVDXCWQ0mbiuqAMuMW89pRlbuk-QsHObEnRP8RPMJfCH2cg40vc43R3Qk-uz-mjYrnjaLzwtqeYCZgzstpRa9ObRKL5MiC8Q6SSO9e_xMobtG1k/s1600/IMG_5287.JPG"><br /></a> Then I popped in another smaller bead and wrapped it, keeping it close to the other bead.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjRx1DSfVwhfMAS9UbMa-dJceIKtNCwVDXCWQ0mbiuqAMuMW89pRlbuk-QsHObEnRP8RPMJfCH2cg40vc43R3Qk-uz-mjYrnjaLzwtqeYCZgzstpRa9ObRKL5MiC8Q6SSO9e_xMobtG1k/s1600/IMG_5287.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjRx1DSfVwhfMAS9UbMa-dJceIKtNCwVDXCWQ0mbiuqAMuMW89pRlbuk-QsHObEnRP8RPMJfCH2cg40vc43R3Qk-uz-mjYrnjaLzwtqeYCZgzstpRa9ObRKL5MiC8Q6SSO9e_xMobtG1k/s400/IMG_5287.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538783998901671874" border="0" /></a> Then I added a wood bead next to the fabric covered bead.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8fzQBvL1uiK1jAbbih0pvHn8CmpXbkOuVsI8XUaqvYpSiSKyM4E87fVOrP4mjGZcMSZyM7Khdp9WPAvdUFa8s6RLoeL7gCH01pFhRdY3bcNQq-17DGXcN1GH9r1TI9ViaVbGj6LpFa4JW/s1600/IMG_5288.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8fzQBvL1uiK1jAbbih0pvHn8CmpXbkOuVsI8XUaqvYpSiSKyM4E87fVOrP4mjGZcMSZyM7Khdp9WPAvdUFa8s6RLoeL7gCH01pFhRdY3bcNQq-17DGXcN1GH9r1TI9ViaVbGj6LpFa4JW/s400/IMG_5288.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538784011682184834" border="0" /></a>Next I attached one of the large glass beads by drawing the length of fabric through and pushing it down towards the covered beads.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdoEkOxzQ1XAtozxwHz3pUFKFyPTjfOPjCFXSLC0r7lNCtNTo2vI59sSHUSK2qTE9SvaAvX8I06F24p8s7ZBcUJwmt9a6toX_oI7i9x-VCIsKHUQ69_JiRaCwgfYv9ZGYZqHa5oRITOAm/s1600/IMG_5289.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdoEkOxzQ1XAtozxwHz3pUFKFyPTjfOPjCFXSLC0r7lNCtNTo2vI59sSHUSK2qTE9SvaAvX8I06F24p8s7ZBcUJwmt9a6toX_oI7i9x-VCIsKHUQ69_JiRaCwgfYv9ZGYZqHa5oRITOAm/s400/IMG_5289.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538786481513702322" border="0" /></a>Continuing adding as many or as little beads as you like.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilo4MdPsVFHwOiDmSPx1_HbvGFjPoGxsMu9w1KStT8TIbWeIc7r3YibSaG5gqXAECAwCXOcv_5AxlCce0Rq4VPA66TLTOwH0DcNSzlTAjrPztUf8XVgILEvvAhaUkHzJHr4C3OY9UrQOpZ/s1600/IMG_5291.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilo4MdPsVFHwOiDmSPx1_HbvGFjPoGxsMu9w1KStT8TIbWeIc7r3YibSaG5gqXAECAwCXOcv_5AxlCce0Rq4VPA66TLTOwH0DcNSzlTAjrPztUf8XVgILEvvAhaUkHzJHr4C3OY9UrQOpZ/s400/IMG_5291.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538786487863433266" border="0" /></a>I mean...how easy is that!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnLpMUrvOHJirhCLrYSAs2lbcBK2WSdV7kN7pejNDxgR6rQNUODUBZcohi4UkZuil_1OuwkyTSc4jsVPmYtIFMmEYq_FheJ5lCWqwxPwOsFmlP71uK12e9tF_zDwYp4QgAvD5q9pFlJzx/s1600/IMG_5294.JPG"><br /></a></div>froogalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062921574441301804noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152238647258779180.post-82356694886209564422010-11-08T09:53:00.000-08:002010-11-09T06:26:15.944-08:00It's A GIVEAWAY!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDXG_-nL5gXLl84U-MyIHl3mogAeXhsdPDOFpSBcInms3XHAppP8sXjvPqZaR9RfSgwHsBGthLj3AXUPul27HnR2nqjUoKJ5IJcHApnTHiXa2PZWOdMhwFnM82LdvghaqAncIpzYoaPNbp/s1600/blog+post.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDXG_-nL5gXLl84U-MyIHl3mogAeXhsdPDOFpSBcInms3XHAppP8sXjvPqZaR9RfSgwHsBGthLj3AXUPul27HnR2nqjUoKJ5IJcHApnTHiXa2PZWOdMhwFnM82LdvghaqAncIpzYoaPNbp/s400/blog+post.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537260862791262418" border="0" /></a>The winner will receive their choice of<br /><br />Liberty of London Fabric Bead Necklace Kit<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwHAIvi9MaJQyyZSdhV4n_4aT586ijSAjnkpgq95_esNsV3FXplE-DJU4IBTG21rL8hMl-OP6H7mZKdLavOXQKiIcoGh3raytXPHeWCfL5cnu6XHH5ccZdNZdCuK-k6VGpkeOM5aFnYIjZ/s1600/IMG_4414.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwHAIvi9MaJQyyZSdhV4n_4aT586ijSAjnkpgq95_esNsV3FXplE-DJU4IBTG21rL8hMl-OP6H7mZKdLavOXQKiIcoGh3raytXPHeWCfL5cnu6XHH5ccZdNZdCuK-k6VGpkeOM5aFnYIjZ/s400/IMG_4414.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537240991644723986" border="0" /></a><br />or a Liberty of London Fabric Packet<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_jX2FQxciwupYgpUzivX7l-snHk9WtEvtNQ2mXquPw0LbCepIPqU5p6OIVifsql7vlCiE_yM0hzN3JLlx6rVL1bU05kyTaoNv2SFhGrfl61RhVuXbWXHxIh3cgRYw6SbkM5rr_E7NA89/s1600/IMG_3894.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_jX2FQxciwupYgpUzivX7l-snHk9WtEvtNQ2mXquPw0LbCepIPqU5p6OIVifsql7vlCiE_yM0hzN3JLlx6rVL1bU05kyTaoNv2SFhGrfl61RhVuXbWXHxIh3cgRYw6SbkM5rr_E7NA89/s400/IMG_3894.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537241000613824338" border="0" /></a><br />The giveaway is being sponsored by the multi-talented Jen Price who writes this blog<br /><a href="http://www.jeremynjenprice.blogspot.com/"><br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 102px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ907MY63P0BxI-8LwroXT6S1Ap8hKhuO4l6fiHPPRe25_8iqMFzRR8zs6sPB8xPucTCAR84TjeF-hXH4F7cJAfEpCu6hFfXi6LHOGlt-cIEEeqodifsfsgIwvSbDzXLrKQ0cXzy4qbv2_/s400/4589903891_162504d4c7_o.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537261442781182146" border="0" /></a><br />Jen also writes for <a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);" href="http://www.todaysmama.com/">todaysmama.com</a>.<br /><br />Jen and her family are living in Texas while on sabbatical from a mission to South Africa where she has been living for the past few years helping to build housing for orphaned children.<br /><br />Jen shoots stunning photography<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhybpNvwxhcOF_inSGBMlUdb1lXLxZf_W6VUKYxHEM1ZSsHojXq0bWScdj0sM_CyQQ2cuq_-6N3BmvzzDRJjxslQiPTMMM4k31evkTbE1r_mAcqJw_pA-d1WQ0w-gQ9KJmBpKjdWF_mqeJP/s1600/il_570xN.183292125.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhybpNvwxhcOF_inSGBMlUdb1lXLxZf_W6VUKYxHEM1ZSsHojXq0bWScdj0sM_CyQQ2cuq_-6N3BmvzzDRJjxslQiPTMMM4k31evkTbE1r_mAcqJw_pA-d1WQ0w-gQ9KJmBpKjdWF_mqeJP/s400/il_570xN.183292125.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537241018886836562" border="0" /></a>and knits the cutest little diaper covers<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkE3y2AL8DYuCcpHPrw_X_h4isZh7kGnmpr9-d0tsQtvxMhNDXOUPXXP0JGM5qoIUhVCbUkrqOhDLiQRpEPVUnYF6Kl7nm74_npWNf94MB9RQswBy3AO_AxAE8DCteaFinEnNfCD2AwQI/s1600/il_570xN.183376440.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkE3y2AL8DYuCcpHPrw_X_h4isZh7kGnmpr9-d0tsQtvxMhNDXOUPXXP0JGM5qoIUhVCbUkrqOhDLiQRpEPVUnYF6Kl7nm74_npWNf94MB9RQswBy3AO_AxAE8DCteaFinEnNfCD2AwQI/s400/il_570xN.183376440.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537241024759231586" border="0" /></a>and she sells them in her etsy shop here<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BelieveLoveCreate"><br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuNV4scMkO47-XdUbBGMq3J-dTOTkuDs6-Xg8UtKqxey6rVUH3yjFFh31yhSAUwNJHPxd1X0pap6h_b7y0JnZs3njSMIWaXjHswGUq1zAAc1A3jXVhBmVtkfkoxwsjBifWg1RoDem8Emb/s400/5093443827_8c5b326b44_m.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537261450217008290" border="0" /></a><br />The giveaway is being offered worldwide.<br />Here are a list of the <span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >RULES</span> and the ways that you can enter:<br /><br />Visit <a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);" href="http://www.whimrose.com/">Whimrose Projects</a><br />then leave a comment about your favorite thing on Jen's blog <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);" href="http://www.jeremynjenprice.blogspot.com/">I Believe In Love</a><br /><br />To get additional entries you can:<br />1. blog, facebook or tweet about the giveaway and be sure and tag your tweet @jenprice77 and come back to Jen's blog and leave a comment<br />2. Become a follower to Froogal if you are not one already<br />3. Become a follower of Jen's blog if you are not already<br /><br />Remember, you must leave a separate comment for each action. Giveaway ends November 16th at 9 PM Central time where random number generator might choose YOU!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>froogalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062921574441301804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152238647258779180.post-9771724646917280062010-11-06T06:56:00.000-07:002010-11-25T08:35:52.838-08:00Woven Hair Jewelry...A Victorian Boondoggle?<div style="text-align: center;">Weaving hair.<br />I'm not talking about the popular practice of adding 5 inches to your already existing tresses. I'm talking about the art of braiding long strands of hair that have been removed from your head into intricate designs and worn as jewelry.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepvahpCn5PWJ-G8eaZVeyNLn288AGhroQwiZtou6lDkRQi7BBEglDO8K1HcWJrNjYWsrA4_bU-DVda6q_5u3luOgcPy2OFhTTdUasmUrzgDuJaXo1-vQLKbA_GbWvpxSHsrUx_Qisrfra/s1600/IMG_5171.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepvahpCn5PWJ-G8eaZVeyNLn288AGhroQwiZtou6lDkRQi7BBEglDO8K1HcWJrNjYWsrA4_bU-DVda6q_5u3luOgcPy2OFhTTdUasmUrzgDuJaXo1-vQLKbA_GbWvpxSHsrUx_Qisrfra/s400/IMG_5171.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536469161239943298" border="0" /></a>If you are unfamiliar with Victorian woven hair jewelry you may find the concept kind of creepy.<br /><br />Strands of hair woven into a braided pattern not unlike those plastic coated strands that we braided into lanyards at summer camp. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVP7LLir8WJGXnIaz5v2ufeJlL-xmFFSlhSdXg6zNhHQQnOoUOxhOjUPqeCqAe0S6ZOgeKw9LdXiFBpLWMDJYaf0BnapsBIw9Y7GcwCGqz9U0sTEGLELigTsbI-b-Fl3uFAcssNMitjxt/s1600/boondoggle.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVP7LLir8WJGXnIaz5v2ufeJlL-xmFFSlhSdXg6zNhHQQnOoUOxhOjUPqeCqAe0S6ZOgeKw9LdXiFBpLWMDJYaf0BnapsBIw9Y7GcwCGqz9U0sTEGLELigTsbI-b-Fl3uFAcssNMitjxt/s400/boondoggle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536475468115314530" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">You can find these and many other interesting craft kits for kids </span><a style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);" href="http://mailjust4me.com/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">here</span></a><span style="font-style: italic;">.</span></span><br /><br />Did you know that these are actually called boondoggles?...an often heard word from my husband to describe a scheme that wastes time and money...used in reference to many of my crazy (to him) ideas!...I digress...<br /><br />I recently acquired a small collection of these beautifully woven works of art and was curious to find out that they were not only woven to commemorate the passing of a loved one (the creepy factor) but were also kept or given as a token of affection.<br /><br />Understandable to me who has lovingly taped the tiny locket of hair from my son's first haircut into his baby book.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJIwIZRYy-b9PMxSt408BRxmBDG2ngEOWHAF72HJSrZmlEJuFlr9TmCl_R42ndbGPEygVncJDTiAcikGnm6Z68yVb5bsJpvoTkIGBcJjLsqlrvqUL9RVo9j8fZOVqNHHmmV4iq_EtD4p0/s1600/IMG_5259.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJIwIZRYy-b9PMxSt408BRxmBDG2ngEOWHAF72HJSrZmlEJuFlr9TmCl_R42ndbGPEygVncJDTiAcikGnm6Z68yVb5bsJpvoTkIGBcJjLsqlrvqUL9RVo9j8fZOVqNHHmmV4iq_EtD4p0/s400/IMG_5259.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536465179414142530" border="0" /></a>Is saving a hair a weird thing or a loving gesture?<br /><br />How about saving hair for a practical purpose?<br /><br />A hair receiver was a very common item up until the early 50's. Adorning a ladies dressing table, it was used to collect the hair from from ones brush.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-gJ-wHslMdm2C_xB_V1KiFD4NnSUhmCuXjDsBSykuc79teM85KHouQJaoNBhyphenhyphenYRnTtepx2mIBTLPvEQDM0ZYpJnsh6Amvs17R15tcn87jce0zyg4Z7eyLe5BLsAsY8NJoeBlLNUdr8r3v/s1600/7a91_3.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 314px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-gJ-wHslMdm2C_xB_V1KiFD4NnSUhmCuXjDsBSykuc79teM85KHouQJaoNBhyphenhyphenYRnTtepx2mIBTLPvEQDM0ZYpJnsh6Amvs17R15tcn87jce0zyg4Z7eyLe5BLsAsY8NJoeBlLNUdr8r3v/s400/7a91_3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536465156724977186" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Many fine examples are available on ebay. The lovely one above can be found </span><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204); font-style: italic;" href="http://stores.ebay.com/cygnet-antiques">here</a><span style="font-style: italic;">.</span></span><br /><br />The hair was deposited through the hole in the top and saved to be used in making a something called a ratt (now THAT is creepy and there will be no pictures)<br /><br />A ratt was made by stuffing the collected hair into a hairnet until it was the size of a potato to be used to create a hairstyle like this (this may look a little TOO rat like!)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfhE_83eWiPmw8Lg3RdG4d3T6eSRDQMgDE0OGDO9LZQAdSkyMG7KLok26e7X_-Yotw5NlVqUM-SsD9fj5FQUMsHouwBAbdQost7gsXeN9hPC-AT0V6xUZFGvmBcwOlF5sWerOmioewXJSU/s1600/IMG_2332.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfhE_83eWiPmw8Lg3RdG4d3T6eSRDQMgDE0OGDO9LZQAdSkyMG7KLok26e7X_-Yotw5NlVqUM-SsD9fj5FQUMsHouwBAbdQost7gsXeN9hPC-AT0V6xUZFGvmBcwOlF5sWerOmioewXJSU/s400/IMG_2332.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536465176092521282" border="0" /></a><br />Collecting locks of hair was a popular Victorian pastime not unlike scrapbooking today. A ribbon was tied around a strand of hair, the hair was then snipped and placed in an album much like this:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12tyj-RuBfoG8h5rV6CASTTlimQ1J1gBEn-W1lrCQlfgtuH_80H4oT1U7Y6w7glCeqQ47ChTdxjQj6ecjsnT-c_VA9GMhomFOBEUf1_7NEuVLLoybkUCzJW2oXOYsX2Oof899XZGER2EP/s1600/1090_1_lg.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12tyj-RuBfoG8h5rV6CASTTlimQ1J1gBEn-W1lrCQlfgtuH_80H4oT1U7Y6w7glCeqQ47ChTdxjQj6ecjsnT-c_VA9GMhomFOBEUf1_7NEuVLLoybkUCzJW2oXOYsX2Oof899XZGER2EP/s400/1090_1_lg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536465167979375554" border="0" /></a><br />Jewelry made with hair is dated as far back as the 1600's. The hair was woven using a special table with a hole in the center and weighed by bobbins. It was woven much in the same way as bobbin lace.<br />It was sometimes placed in a locket like this<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-PGlTEjbMtQzyIaGjtqtCHIAA2KlSpkaXTv7N56QLjOx-fBSljPLijWdF-qcOefjoN-0O76OpZYe4MyCHUKc_hte4FyCKdj1TVwa0dffW_f3DTvC0XcUILu0zz_IwyusCuVqEmI8cD5Y2/s1600/vict31354b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 340px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-PGlTEjbMtQzyIaGjtqtCHIAA2KlSpkaXTv7N56QLjOx-fBSljPLijWdF-qcOefjoN-0O76OpZYe4MyCHUKc_hte4FyCKdj1TVwa0dffW_f3DTvC0XcUILu0zz_IwyusCuVqEmI8cD5Y2/s400/vict31354b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536467749138662930" border="0" /></a>or fashioned into earrings. These were worked around a mold.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQmWZe6sglFwXWzzxzdSKa6bDKC2RPbJf2rMow2biKDFoTb5pmVvhyphenhyphenOlNGV3Owex7WIGoz-5FpRYMetnERDj7DGAcvujhnWFqWcENOcQ1mMbRKsMU1DlKAB_825XvhszetBzT5isiNOfH/s1600/vict32067.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 381px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQmWZe6sglFwXWzzxzdSKa6bDKC2RPbJf2rMow2biKDFoTb5pmVvhyphenhyphenOlNGV3Owex7WIGoz-5FpRYMetnERDj7DGAcvujhnWFqWcENOcQ1mMbRKsMU1DlKAB_825XvhszetBzT5isiNOfH/s400/vict32067.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536469151085863090" border="0" /></a>With the addition of gold fittings, woven hair was made into bracelets<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv-BHns7tWyi3uvAtxXS2o6mHuESA_jdKk86xV4GpER09O8_CZNrI1QqdiBTuiTvubJTFNSBvAVN5k8QUJKV7ZIpBlI3G8n4qEdf3MOI-g1F_mZhMJzzHsDXxEVayxReaxcser4toebBke/s1600/vict31408.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 333px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv-BHns7tWyi3uvAtxXS2o6mHuESA_jdKk86xV4GpER09O8_CZNrI1QqdiBTuiTvubJTFNSBvAVN5k8QUJKV7ZIpBlI3G8n4qEdf3MOI-g1F_mZhMJzzHsDXxEVayxReaxcser4toebBke/s400/vict31408.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536469149649908754" border="0" /></a>and rings<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqdFotV9UUd6UG64vmor6pTLqOpX9YhC3MKNn_W4Q54WiJHODRDDnaE4NH0N7_e7e-tZYgv2NJBPYWM0ejcZC2ogwLhNGGjyT7TZirGjn62PDtpF92TMG6yTzc-gPMn5dYvubo5YHv0kf/s1600/vict31359.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 386px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqdFotV9UUd6UG64vmor6pTLqOpX9YhC3MKNn_W4Q54WiJHODRDDnaE4NH0N7_e7e-tZYgv2NJBPYWM0ejcZC2ogwLhNGGjyT7TZirGjn62PDtpF92TMG6yTzc-gPMn5dYvubo5YHv0kf/s400/vict31359.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536469143014660130" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">These stunning examples are available for purchase from the informative website of Jane Haley Clarke owner of </span><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204); font-style: italic;" href="http://morninggloryantiques.com/">Morning Glory Antiques</a><span style="font-style: italic;">. Thank you Jane!<br /></span></span><br />There is more to hair weaving than getting extensions!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfMNqsdnXJGUn3zoIRHM8nBw9yGYcbzmP0MUAXsXTsmCkQ0gG1lHM7fAwMMvKZBl4IxOaZePFS_lyHkOHpjcGfE_pMBoPxf4WJCcCiCe06urmTT0CbmCDOTKE6n9jwwHnWrq59bceG7mZ5/s1600/0323_3_lg.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfMNqsdnXJGUn3zoIRHM8nBw9yGYcbzmP0MUAXsXTsmCkQ0gG1lHM7fAwMMvKZBl4IxOaZePFS_lyHkOHpjcGfE_pMBoPxf4WJCcCiCe06urmTT0CbmCDOTKE6n9jwwHnWrq59bceG7mZ5/s400/0323_3_lg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536469165676948866" border="0" /></a><br />To see the watch fobs that inspired this post visit <a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);" href="http://stores.ebay.com/Whimrose-Projects">Whimrose Projects Ebay Store</a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHgA3ZtjEJR9TSvCcajeIDv9S9se-7IocvBRHlvk8dc-BRmlXk8WQe_MWBwmTvxgQMNyruonCvbOG3uOM-5JfGCS9LsVuboti588vQbq16ghYDYHyCI5M2f3B4AwPdX2fqGAhoLhASt6Bc/s1600/IMG_5155.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHgA3ZtjEJR9TSvCcajeIDv9S9se-7IocvBRHlvk8dc-BRmlXk8WQe_MWBwmTvxgQMNyruonCvbOG3uOM-5JfGCS9LsVuboti588vQbq16ghYDYHyCI5M2f3B4AwPdX2fqGAhoLhASt6Bc/s400/IMG_5155.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536473795777086450" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>froogalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062921574441301804noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152238647258779180.post-51728947434981472082010-10-31T07:02:00.000-07:002010-10-31T10:28:15.713-07:00The Simple Beauty of Antique Butter Molds<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9gtzT-PxgRjoHLHrQuL7kMwTQbdLCN2U94XSTV0nShEonZ2rVsFRmANQM6IdZyjDM408sf598ABTOC8_PDQJft1sOLZrR6VF_rOZWINqM4JTuoPAYl17kYHxDqRwS4aOxASjYgPxGxeK2/s1600/IMG_5142.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9gtzT-PxgRjoHLHrQuL7kMwTQbdLCN2U94XSTV0nShEonZ2rVsFRmANQM6IdZyjDM408sf598ABTOC8_PDQJft1sOLZrR6VF_rOZWINqM4JTuoPAYl17kYHxDqRwS4aOxASjYgPxGxeK2/s400/IMG_5142.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534244704913053746" border="0" /></a>Being a lover of antiques I am especially fond of aged wood implements that have acquired a patina from being held in the hand while preforming a task. I love the beauty of the natural grain and feeling the warmth of the wood that has survived for generations links me to the past.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTHG6bVmSg5jwKtJB0QbeHpnVMgBAn6-rSCaaUOEYlTZNkzUnqvDJh2H9uM51O9__MbiRQQ6lIcb1p5qKb1PKUvUR-Z0aA-tXu_vJGIcM9rxoLCwcYjiElO2RX-St67tiCjSIa3viZaJJ/s1600/butter+m.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 313px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTHG6bVmSg5jwKtJB0QbeHpnVMgBAn6-rSCaaUOEYlTZNkzUnqvDJh2H9uM51O9__MbiRQQ6lIcb1p5qKb1PKUvUR-Z0aA-tXu_vJGIcM9rxoLCwcYjiElO2RX-St67tiCjSIa3viZaJJ/s400/butter+m.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534257485214753378" border="0" /></a>I am currently selling these beautiful antique butter molds in my Ebay store and thought it might be interesting to give one a try and see if I could transform a mound of softened butter into a small work of art to grace my Thanksgiving table.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGv3RAnmdvLRmWn-sw0kpKOxkp_pfFCXU7gBoNnbOX05wXPytFTeiBd1UkHTLKmzNL4ofQpncsoT1JjZCb6QDW6901RTCcQkAlIH9Txsl0xeKrpsaAwSkFjGSEg6q2hkf33efFiqOTclU/s1600/butter+molds.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 353px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGv3RAnmdvLRmWn-sw0kpKOxkp_pfFCXU7gBoNnbOX05wXPytFTeiBd1UkHTLKmzNL4ofQpncsoT1JjZCb6QDW6901RTCcQkAlIH9Txsl0xeKrpsaAwSkFjGSEg6q2hkf33efFiqOTclU/s400/butter+molds.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534234588298960946" border="0" /></a>There was a time when having butter involved hours of labor using many different wooden tools in the process....the cow was milked the cream was separated the butter was worked into a mound of lusciousness and packed into a crock that looked like this<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiamhtpLNak5tTzy3lp-Y80MdDj3g2iRfiwQ2bRlB2Q_FMHk07UaO1PO_Aysm3NZ6LfkjrDLAqoY19_oudebbKqsm0-GisPW3vpe1rDKuArR3JeDnJHzm2S3vL6RKuQy54SZTiDQQSWTv70/s1600/3160_antique_19th_century_butter_crock_1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 282px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiamhtpLNak5tTzy3lp-Y80MdDj3g2iRfiwQ2bRlB2Q_FMHk07UaO1PO_Aysm3NZ6LfkjrDLAqoY19_oudebbKqsm0-GisPW3vpe1rDKuArR3JeDnJHzm2S3vL6RKuQy54SZTiDQQSWTv70/s400/3160_antique_19th_century_butter_crock_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534238212601412594" border="0" /></a> If you wanted to make a special presentation after all your hard work you had the option of using a wood butter mold with a motif carved inset and a detachable handle for plunging the molded butter unto a plate.<br />Most butter molds were made of maple and readily available for purchase for 8-30 cents from the Sears catalog.<br /><br />Popular designs were a wheat sheaf<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9RtTfzz25kDHRnxTCfOUAM_iRuuba7r1kV4px1OeTpyy-oJj2SNE7P3wGdNkqCf9_10f6c1pJzOISx8jC36Xo1-AorWiAPA4WthpToorBjM8nHS20JM6QCiU0UGySiXNCTPGfDgFaDajp/s1600/IMG_5101.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9RtTfzz25kDHRnxTCfOUAM_iRuuba7r1kV4px1OeTpyy-oJj2SNE7P3wGdNkqCf9_10f6c1pJzOISx8jC36Xo1-AorWiAPA4WthpToorBjM8nHS20JM6QCiU0UGySiXNCTPGfDgFaDajp/s400/IMG_5101.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534233889110749218" border="0" /></a> floral<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUCbXIWiXXD66mT54g1ArfQvqvetfNQGflgXcUMp2htKJjwjy3bRpV1cDOLE7M7HRyKXj8B7_QHv4W-S7FGd3euBPd0UKBd2-J0jTUD1urrILr6mkL40kp_apOLhfRsbs_RtUAIlZRU_B/s1600/IMG_5097.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUCbXIWiXXD66mT54g1ArfQvqvetfNQGflgXcUMp2htKJjwjy3bRpV1cDOLE7M7HRyKXj8B7_QHv4W-S7FGd3euBPd0UKBd2-J0jTUD1urrILr6mkL40kp_apOLhfRsbs_RtUAIlZRU_B/s400/IMG_5097.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534233882278833010" border="0" /></a><br />pineapple<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJjvtsCwrWuANtiLDbuG2DT7gXZsgHzMwQhEhZKf0NnIuUEA3H6cKf0XCmKPrVpkzzxTUvQ5QvK13ML17elJ-_hh0ta1WqFGAGaToeAppUuAvJhuOKDPnF9Yp17SWb-D34ADIyJaZ-3BUE/s1600/IMG_5146.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJjvtsCwrWuANtiLDbuG2DT7gXZsgHzMwQhEhZKf0NnIuUEA3H6cKf0XCmKPrVpkzzxTUvQ5QvK13ML17elJ-_hh0ta1WqFGAGaToeAppUuAvJhuOKDPnF9Yp17SWb-D34ADIyJaZ-3BUE/s400/IMG_5146.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534257500111967394" border="0" /></a><br />and my personal favorite the acorn and oak leaf<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTMA1RtEMUYeAQzzuslcnxH08jZAnVgFMOjbQGWadiZc1z-GE5nkTQQDyPcWxen1621LGemSoBh_7bjEbFnDOLt7oL2OZSE40_v01k_Nue9CZTOipoHO_7RiMhlPT9jw5ONLcR9lUyn1pZ/s1600/IMG_5131.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTMA1RtEMUYeAQzzuslcnxH08jZAnVgFMOjbQGWadiZc1z-GE5nkTQQDyPcWxen1621LGemSoBh_7bjEbFnDOLt7oL2OZSE40_v01k_Nue9CZTOipoHO_7RiMhlPT9jw5ONLcR9lUyn1pZ/s400/IMG_5131.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534244712583003394" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEj2Q1OfvZW4zWyoSPdgUh9zkAbhGfrNTqsyspIC08mKgnhgUa42YYGGrsv5Bx1Y8Wp1yp68i0NhlS6OUv8V-HiR1j5_17tvuiLi7dWLOTxOAi1V_IIknqcoZOl5tmX-opz825yePc1LBv/s1600/IMG_5107.JPG"><br /></a>The process is very simple. Soak the wood mold in cold water. Do not dry the mold before adding the butter, use it straight out of the soaking bowl. Soften a stick and 1/2 of butter for a 4.5" mold. Unscrew the handle from the stamp and spread the softened butter across the design until it is covered completely. Place the stamp in the bottom of the mold. Pack the butter tightly into the mold, filling to the top. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm. Screw handle into top of mold and push butter unto plate.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErY86aC76kpL7NnFuAfI5aM9vecXI-DyiAyvv1WSiY2Q4uF9FmcJcx2UnofeCmMps8an75YYQhw6fiHCgs-t-jjP4cGFWsPAxogNyZcioyTHM9VtO97PW7SGxNIilgM94SkIvZLGqY-bY/s1600/IMG_5139.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErY86aC76kpL7NnFuAfI5aM9vecXI-DyiAyvv1WSiY2Q4uF9FmcJcx2UnofeCmMps8an75YYQhw6fiHCgs-t-jjP4cGFWsPAxogNyZcioyTHM9VtO97PW7SGxNIilgM94SkIvZLGqY-bY/s400/IMG_5139.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534244691355736786" border="0" /></a>If you are interested in finding out more about butter molds and all kinds of interesting things pertaining to the history of dairy visit <a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);" href="http://www.dairyantiques.com/">www.dairyantiques.com</a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZtpj3byS-pXkgA4qsKuTYTwiN0GbeUQXoOvn5wwD1P_4C7IICQT8JW9BoAaMqELLTNlGbzpubNUrEbBGXVw5MffAlNfk6ejGD402IiaO0ls0zxSULl8oAbmK9nJ_t9QTBCmZd835jZ3Z/s1600/IMG_5096.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZtpj3byS-pXkgA4qsKuTYTwiN0GbeUQXoOvn5wwD1P_4C7IICQT8JW9BoAaMqELLTNlGbzpubNUrEbBGXVw5MffAlNfk6ejGD402IiaO0ls0zxSULl8oAbmK9nJ_t9QTBCmZd835jZ3Z/s400/IMG_5096.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534233872185581426" border="0" /></a>Want to make your own butter? It is easier than you think. Find out how easy it is <a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);" href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/food/sc-food-1015-real-cooking-20101018,0,3746979.story">here</a>.<br /></div>froogalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062921574441301804noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152238647258779180.post-8809613901621091732010-10-16T14:19:00.000-07:002010-10-16T15:02:58.986-07:00Antique Mouse Penwiper Pincushion DIY Tutorial<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlRZtz2SCvs4m3tZR5nyWqB_NfvqsSXEb-JV5sQg_kr8uL5_LiIkbDgx9-_R3ikunIubDZkjOcRoeR3EhsLysVLWwVD5PO7F5533hdOzvsiX2OVdek1U_v8XJFHo2onraB0BM8ef6FM5r/s1600/IMG_5020.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlRZtz2SCvs4m3tZR5nyWqB_NfvqsSXEb-JV5sQg_kr8uL5_LiIkbDgx9-_R3ikunIubDZkjOcRoeR3EhsLysVLWwVD5PO7F5533hdOzvsiX2OVdek1U_v8XJFHo2onraB0BM8ef6FM5r/s400/IMG_5020.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528760633385325570" border="0" /></a>Following are the instructions to make this whimsical little mouse who leads an interesting double life!<br /><br />If you are interested in purchasing a kit that will include all the supplies you will need, please leave me a comment and I will put one together in your choice of colors for at a very reasonable price.<br /><br />Supplies:<br /><br />wool/felt scraps<br />2 small beads<br />black embroidery floss<br />fiber fill or other filling for mouse (I used ground corn cob, flax would work similarly)<br /><br />Pattern:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGm7GwDMdNNRQQsFE_pbd7NoAqJ5fKWtMU55JaUw80pXQYD2bgnEB9c4urwbud6hdZ0vS93kBa3wX2MJI9QJu2fXBLTNSmLtsAlebxtuxW4UwB1UEcZsinNQsxJUBnYLXgyEc0htHDhec/s1600/mouse+penwiper+pinchushion+pattern.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 309px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGm7GwDMdNNRQQsFE_pbd7NoAqJ5fKWtMU55JaUw80pXQYD2bgnEB9c4urwbud6hdZ0vS93kBa3wX2MJI9QJu2fXBLTNSmLtsAlebxtuxW4UwB1UEcZsinNQsxJUBnYLXgyEc0htHDhec/s400/mouse+penwiper+pinchushion+pattern.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528761560411755410" border="0" /></a>I scanned the pattern 8.5X11. <br /><br />*Cut 2 pcs of wool/felt fabric for mouse body<br />*Cut 4 graduated circles using pinking shears<br /><div style="text-align: center;">*Stitch 1/4" seam on mouse body leaving 2" opening for stuffing<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0EatpjtI2xkh1hxlb5k68p86RnehErKBddiWhtW1WOoKRreyuwAml1PwTTB5ZHZGB-px6ikYvAE67JARWxBE8Q50xw-gnerXDm01XngPzrUPlDoBuQ-XbhaTwSgPI0J8McqoSm1XhCJWR/s1600/IMG_4973.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0EatpjtI2xkh1hxlb5k68p86RnehErKBddiWhtW1WOoKRreyuwAml1PwTTB5ZHZGB-px6ikYvAE67JARWxBE8Q50xw-gnerXDm01XngPzrUPlDoBuQ-XbhaTwSgPI0J8McqoSm1XhCJWR/s400/IMG_4973.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528758722302932946" border="0" /></a>Turn, stuff and stitch seam closed<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLacV_hx1KCB00EPWrr0TCqsaBE4kLbg0y2bX5zY2bh9MQU6hrgiaZs44pC7qhZkSsV56Al5WWXr0WBQT1o6LbADbXpRjauvXA6HiI4F5xRgf1E_VKsy0z-kiHzoSAG2XCriA6tBQrS-q4/s1600/IMG_4974.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLacV_hx1KCB00EPWrr0TCqsaBE4kLbg0y2bX5zY2bh9MQU6hrgiaZs44pC7qhZkSsV56Al5WWXr0WBQT1o6LbADbXpRjauvXA6HiI4F5xRgf1E_VKsy0z-kiHzoSAG2XCriA6tBQrS-q4/s400/IMG_4974.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528758726794031570" border="0" /></a>*Fold ears in half and stitch to body<br />*Fold tail in half and slip stitch to long edges together and attach to body<br />*Sew beads in place<br />*Sew embroidery thread for whiskers knotting close to snout and leaving 1/2" tail/2 on each side<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDlTrxSIH6S47Xrav3kr2HyHcmRympGcp9y07lgWRwF4Rsmv08kIXADgoBHAs1ksnAcPWszk9Eb6uFpqcOoPgYaTXO2LyxLhe2BNdTcMoi2OHnbWXUkfhyphenhyphenl_JA86W3mrQzvSs3TJ2PQpxu/s1600/IMG_4975.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDlTrxSIH6S47Xrav3kr2HyHcmRympGcp9y07lgWRwF4Rsmv08kIXADgoBHAs1ksnAcPWszk9Eb6uFpqcOoPgYaTXO2LyxLhe2BNdTcMoi2OHnbWXUkfhyphenhyphenl_JA86W3mrQzvSs3TJ2PQpxu/s400/IMG_4975.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528758730691405762" border="0" /></a>*Place circles of fabric together and stitch through all layers with 3-4 stitches<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzt1ll-u8dw_dS-RKSMoCiGo7hyeoT3E2WO8OgC0b9BlvfHMgNM5wFZ1inbH0Blz7h0y3024Qw_j8b52RofRTxKT3ggUePl2-iq-dezfg_PVthpxp1DE-YFbi3zC3rYkpC0KuHli0g_3Q3/s1600/IMG_4976.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzt1ll-u8dw_dS-RKSMoCiGo7hyeoT3E2WO8OgC0b9BlvfHMgNM5wFZ1inbH0Blz7h0y3024Qw_j8b52RofRTxKT3ggUePl2-iq-dezfg_PVthpxp1DE-YFbi3zC3rYkpC0KuHli0g_3Q3/s400/IMG_4976.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528758731634877858" border="0" /></a>*Anchor the mouse on top with additional stitches and secure tail in place<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieK8to8YoyvAOoNcxyTv7TRRopWF9_uczxwkL92t8Vj65s9JFX9FmjwCKkNRj1FBPjd-e5fCbdWSv04eYzBPAVRU8j8PByOBrLQLUUKFC1NqwG_ynA_OjMdorqMxVvfDhRen1P78gmwnNz/s1600/IMG_5029.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieK8to8YoyvAOoNcxyTv7TRRopWF9_uczxwkL92t8Vj65s9JFX9FmjwCKkNRj1FBPjd-e5fCbdWSv04eYzBPAVRU8j8PByOBrLQLUUKFC1NqwG_ynA_OjMdorqMxVvfDhRen1P78gmwnNz/s400/IMG_5029.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528760639092731730" border="0" /></a><br /></div></div>froogalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062921574441301804noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152238647258779180.post-58804679750651493792010-10-14T08:55:00.000-07:002010-10-16T16:15:45.623-07:00The Mystery of the Penwiper<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBND5bBBE4H-3UQLarZ9iscSl4KoHbgHzJYvM32IuUXw124WKYfGDoTBc2DXro2GWTSbh40N9k93wfGrMECo0Eb7Y-Hqxigw2WB2bE8EQ1I8vJD9dPC4ptZedikV-gLGSNDs3rEGKcOTZu/s1600/0685_1_lg.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 341px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBND5bBBE4H-3UQLarZ9iscSl4KoHbgHzJYvM32IuUXw124WKYfGDoTBc2DXro2GWTSbh40N9k93wfGrMECo0Eb7Y-Hqxigw2WB2bE8EQ1I8vJD9dPC4ptZedikV-gLGSNDs3rEGKcOTZu/s400/0685_1_lg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528071532022542770" border="0" /></a>I recently was able to unravel a little mystery in a chain of linked events that I would call <span style="visibility: visible;" id="main"><span style="visibility: visible;" id="search"><em>serendipitous</em></span></span><br />ser·en·dip·i·tous<span class="pronset"><span class="show_spellpr" style="display: block; margin-top: 8px;"><span class="prondelim">[</span><span class="pron">ser-<span class="ital-inline">uh</span><img class="luna-Img" src="http://sp.dictionary.com/dictstatic/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.png" alt="" border="0" />n-<span class="boldface">dip</span>-i-t<span class="ital-inline">uh</span><img class="luna-Img" src="http://sp.dictionary.com/dictstatic/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.png" alt="" border="0" />s</span><span class="prondelim">]</span></span></span><span class="pronset"><span class="show_spellpr" style="display: block; margin-top: 8px;"><span class="prondelim">lucky in making unexpected and fortunate discoveries</span></span></span><br /><span class="pronset"><span class="show_spellpr" style="display: block; margin-top: 8px;"><span class="prondelim">A few years ago I found a pin cushion on Ebay that I wanted to purchase for a friend that collects antique pin cushions. The pin cushion was very primitive and featured a tiny felt mouse with bead eyes sitting on top of pinked edge circular cut wool...just like this</span></span></span><br /><br /><span class="pronset"><span class="show_spellpr" style="display: block; margin-top: 8px;"><span class="prondelim"><span class="pronset"><span class="show_spellpr" style="display: block; margin-top: 8px;"><span class="prondelim"><span class="pg"><span id="hotword"><span style="cursor: default;color:transparent;" id="hotword" name="hotword" ><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2B1DJR6nJtWCEcqmwE-ALUhOKN0KC3i2oljKqGcKiTU2Xm3P0bxxn9fqLJj6cbRF7T8uFwklmu3hBbtNHBEr2hcNJ9xRyNpvNPwtynCnNawSzfR0Ij2S4ZUV16z-Xp5JYUmBb0NBS66Fi/s1600/IMG_6280_0_0.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 248px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2B1DJR6nJtWCEcqmwE-ALUhOKN0KC3i2oljKqGcKiTU2Xm3P0bxxn9fqLJj6cbRF7T8uFwklmu3hBbtNHBEr2hcNJ9xRyNpvNPwtynCnNawSzfR0Ij2S4ZUV16z-Xp5JYUmBb0NBS66Fi/s400/IMG_6280_0_0.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527937193157870674" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="pronset"><span class="show_spellpr" style="display: block; margin-top: 8px;"><span class="prondelim"><span class="pronset"><span class="show_spellpr" style="display: block; margin-top: 8px;"><span class="prondelim"><span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span style="cursor: default;color:transparent;" id="hotword" name="hotword" >1.</span></span></span><span id="hotword"><span style="cursor: default;color:transparent;" id="hotword" name="hotword" >com</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="pronset">.... very sweet and appealing to someone that treasures handmade "folksy", primitive type items. Unfortunately and quite shockingly, the price climbed to over $250.</span><br /><br /><span class="pronset">Being the crafty person that I am I decided to reproduce the pin cushion using hand dyed wools from my collection.</span><br /><br /><span class="pronset"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8rV1zgPDaXluFmH76m5FPtpIQ6BbN3mp_aeu_GaFsdoPLsQt9jkLgIbokR-avUu23PYV0U0IV0JmbWyoO-Qbtp-r75KK_2nmrH1w0YXl3IaLeYpQPlVGw9eGLOkSO04qZZjn78qNm1n3/s1600/IMG_4978.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8rV1zgPDaXluFmH76m5FPtpIQ6BbN3mp_aeu_GaFsdoPLsQt9jkLgIbokR-avUu23PYV0U0IV0JmbWyoO-Qbtp-r75KK_2nmrH1w0YXl3IaLeYpQPlVGw9eGLOkSO04qZZjn78qNm1n3/s400/IMG_4978.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527954693462427282" border="0" /></a>I made a little pattern and tucked it away in hopes of making one for myself someday.</span><br /><br /><span class="pronset">and then...</span><br /><br /><span class="pronset">Last week I was following a live auction online when I saw something called a penwiper. I took a closer look at the pictures and realized that what I had thought was a pin cushion was actually a penwiper from 1862.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD2eU-MRqNyUU002mUTLBa2KBJGBe0Zuqu2ZOPrPSP7oLdlbG9nfrI6Viy3q59cfqeG9Tgke_Pb7KPilrZZggVfa-oE8Co1b094fIUUopbsm93HglJlDAsqjZLhAgk1kEixlIJBhAhSvZP/s1600/0681_1_lg.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD2eU-MRqNyUU002mUTLBa2KBJGBe0Zuqu2ZOPrPSP7oLdlbG9nfrI6Viy3q59cfqeG9Tgke_Pb7KPilrZZggVfa-oE8Co1b094fIUUopbsm93HglJlDAsqjZLhAgk1kEixlIJBhAhSvZP/s400/0681_1_lg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527960941713308466" border="0" /></a>A penwiper was used to clean the ink from a dip pen or a fountain pen.</span><br /><br /><br /><span class="pronset">Here are some of the whimsical images of these ancient useful treasures that sold at auction for between $500-900.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3p4DkMma0M71WGJorb7bzvaOyVLq7Bng0YoclIJmVWc2sRyGvM3Qu3Dq9h0Rwdh2LQH9k0L4OeS8VbBTj9d8yoLigFS1d7LEeC50kARIU6vDgpHd7jUt7aCGSJ1prwjrQsJCNbdomWIIU/s1600/0696_1_lg.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 318px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3p4DkMma0M71WGJorb7bzvaOyVLq7Bng0YoclIJmVWc2sRyGvM3Qu3Dq9h0Rwdh2LQH9k0L4OeS8VbBTj9d8yoLigFS1d7LEeC50kARIU6vDgpHd7jUt7aCGSJ1prwjrQsJCNbdomWIIU/s400/0696_1_lg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527960446326111026" border="0" /></a> </span><br />Too precious to mess up with indelible ink...don't you think?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMobkEYDrOe9SbKsu1-rVqSKJkRLw1xPdp5IlM1neG9m5-QfJ3EUviZNYppqoTZ8D1ZwkPeZbXx4pHVB7c-SpeY3uUf_J0kU-mT_nNnjRdJLlKluNYiC_BGjiICk3wJCa_q9dI5D5jqHOH/s1600/0699_1_lg.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 222px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMobkEYDrOe9SbKsu1-rVqSKJkRLw1xPdp5IlM1neG9m5-QfJ3EUviZNYppqoTZ8D1ZwkPeZbXx4pHVB7c-SpeY3uUf_J0kU-mT_nNnjRdJLlKluNYiC_BGjiICk3wJCa_q9dI5D5jqHOH/s400/0699_1_lg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527959041996668514" border="0" /></a>The pig...not so much.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmghzAguEg-qaIQCRtIpWEMPqdyMUbfHT-gOyO-iSlb2dECEJ1p69adeCEgzvmS27a_DJhiXHXWnzDT2W9n-TABG_UWGqcUU0m9po9wL4gsu4KVrxjB1qoCFz87bS0PswVdOAfAmCRNAd/s1600/0700_1_lg.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 188px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmghzAguEg-qaIQCRtIpWEMPqdyMUbfHT-gOyO-iSlb2dECEJ1p69adeCEgzvmS27a_DJhiXHXWnzDT2W9n-TABG_UWGqcUU0m9po9wL4gsu4KVrxjB1qoCFz87bS0PswVdOAfAmCRNAd/s400/0700_1_lg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527971405294116450" border="0" /></a><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Cats and kittens, then as now, a favored theme.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvaiAoMa15b7Cjqkg5NtK3KPEzHYEXoGsT0fhmT1vruGB9W03c_GrmqBFKJ7MSKWN6Y_4vOjl9BYKepggA0wT3lmXGtNsw4Kliuv3ooLLcPM0wLTvnErgw5cfY83-WbujP86vFAk7Ednj/s1600/0684_1_lg.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 159px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvaiAoMa15b7Cjqkg5NtK3KPEzHYEXoGsT0fhmT1vruGB9W03c_GrmqBFKJ7MSKWN6Y_4vOjl9BYKepggA0wT3lmXGtNsw4Kliuv3ooLLcPM0wLTvnErgw5cfY83-WbujP86vFAk7Ednj/s400/0684_1_lg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527960942488884194" border="0" /></a>Peacocks waiting for their <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5aQf902iBhyCUH2DZn6DcRGnXwiq-0cfO_uDZTe1lcQWDnYDbQLOIOtcs7GeUVqaUdq1R5PHGocu1PLrmb_ywaXUtNE2qukuJtfx2wAmowII2YIuan7_V1Knk4BkRPjOWAiejR4hMSkk/s1600/0680_1_lg.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 162px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5aQf902iBhyCUH2DZn6DcRGnXwiq-0cfO_uDZTe1lcQWDnYDbQLOIOtcs7GeUVqaUdq1R5PHGocu1PLrmb_ywaXUtNE2qukuJtfx2wAmowII2YIuan7_V1Knk4BkRPjOWAiejR4hMSkk/s400/0680_1_lg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527959044954989906" border="0" /></a>writing plumes.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnxF3G6Q1n0Xj0UA3YcIjNIED2rJH3_dG7BPi_Q5Ax5FOevbUHkBIS4fFmmALyukv8YlqI4KVpwPyZ23-My20Wcd4Q3zt5CgTyQe2yJ2xaYehygeXN9QtIUWizPtGQb9f2Sq4FFgAFD6Yo/s1600/blkquillpoen153x229tl.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 153px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnxF3G6Q1n0Xj0UA3YcIjNIED2rJH3_dG7BPi_Q5Ax5FOevbUHkBIS4fFmmALyukv8YlqI4KVpwPyZ23-My20Wcd4Q3zt5CgTyQe2yJ2xaYehygeXN9QtIUWizPtGQb9f2Sq4FFgAFD6Yo/s400/blkquillpoen153x229tl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527969472745920354" border="0" /></a>(Courtesy of <a href="http://www.nostaligicimpressions.com/">Nostalgic Impressions</a>)<br /></div><br /><br />A favored pet must have been a friendly companion while doing ones school lessons, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXHd7zp7HklESeZabW5hFR2Q_97eMYzzIqDctCJdEeCVZSj7gPuc_8Mi5a3bZvpcium9jjYe8lUVkVE-O_NpK6rXZ9q_QzqbG5Ba-EHg3Z9VTg3NRcAdCTr1FVmvjShkjmIxeBvQdwIMA/s1600/0687_2_lg.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 314px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXHd7zp7HklESeZabW5hFR2Q_97eMYzzIqDctCJdEeCVZSj7gPuc_8Mi5a3bZvpcium9jjYe8lUVkVE-O_NpK6rXZ9q_QzqbG5Ba-EHg3Z9VTg3NRcAdCTr1FVmvjShkjmIxeBvQdwIMA/s400/0687_2_lg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528064451826936786" border="0" /></a>....seated in front of her inkwell, dip pen in hand, blotting on her penwiper before practicing her cursive...imagine ink stains on those pretty little white dresses.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Alas!</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;">No Tide with Stain Busters<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbVM50FGH4Wy2_0PRJGDwd7zGFnPn9BNDR2kZV_QnUZ2E8J9qoMjMHyKvUY1zGlWFTYNDk-QGGocov5s0ltCc50FbqFg2q4ILoZzXx7OFIfzuCQVh55pDpCKbEh1aSVNlqS5Z9UMgis1F/s1600/girl-standing-with-book.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbVM50FGH4Wy2_0PRJGDwd7zGFnPn9BNDR2kZV_QnUZ2E8J9qoMjMHyKvUY1zGlWFTYNDk-QGGocov5s0ltCc50FbqFg2q4ILoZzXx7OFIfzuCQVh55pDpCKbEh1aSVNlqS5Z9UMgis1F/s400/girl-standing-with-book.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527965150789704706" border="0" /></a>Walter MacEwen(1860-1943 American)<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Courtesy of <a href="http://iamachild.wordpress.com/">I am A Child(children in art history)</a>)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />and then....<br />While researching this post I actually found, 5 years later, the EXACT same mouse (shown above) that I had bid on, for sale, at<a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);" href="http://vandm.com/19th-Century-Felt-Mouse-Pen-Wiper/"> VandM.com</a>!<br /><br /><br /></div> Googling further I found this booklet.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWjK3pt1JDaSMSpTrZd6cnbvCXtAZEa01RuP5wUBSzHA1eBMKhDwQKzCecIQAkjtlW3Qt392j0NFIvqztm3m6L3uFJ58XtYToHQ08opKUu2MK9xcnzn6AkV3pNsRBe5W86ugysVMHz6ITz/s1600/il_430xN.175252581.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 294px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWjK3pt1JDaSMSpTrZd6cnbvCXtAZEa01RuP5wUBSzHA1eBMKhDwQKzCecIQAkjtlW3Qt392j0NFIvqztm3m6L3uFJ58XtYToHQ08opKUu2MK9xcnzn6AkV3pNsRBe5W86ugysVMHz6ITz/s400/il_430xN.175252581.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527973996146952290" border="0" /></a><br /> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/prunie8">Victorian Pattern eBooks </a><br /><br />On page 18 there is a pattern, dated December 1862, for Mouse Penwiper.<br />The circle is complete.<br /><br /><span style="visibility: visible;" id="main"><span style="visibility: visible;" id="search"><em>Serendipitous </em></span></span><br /><br />...don't you love when that happens!<br /><br /><br /></div><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="4" width="100%"><tbody><tr class="tr3" valign="top"></tr><tr class="tr3" valign="top"><td class="td3n2"><br /></td></tr><tr valign="top"><td colspan="2"><br /></td></tr><tr class="tr5" valign="top"><td colspan="2" class="td5"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>froogalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062921574441301804noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152238647258779180.post-56856890180457203402010-10-07T10:20:00.000-07:002010-10-07T12:22:23.032-07:00The House Bound Traveler<div style="text-align: center;">Destination: Weston-Super-Mare, North Somerset, SW England on the Bristol Coast.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIo3t4m4OpJuUdBODVjqInWhqm-Jz3UmKYITjmKImoJ0LQ_U1VvG29heqZEzUL5G44TR0cq2F2bYEDSfJptUXT_M3tZDn37WooE9WxhxEr6g4kvytSSIWF_eWsIBPQIVCqCA0wF1Ur-fZ/s1600/uphill.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIo3t4m4OpJuUdBODVjqInWhqm-Jz3UmKYITjmKImoJ0LQ_U1VvG29heqZEzUL5G44TR0cq2F2bYEDSfJptUXT_M3tZDn37WooE9WxhxEr6g4kvytSSIWF_eWsIBPQIVCqCA0wF1Ur-fZ/s400/uphill.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525369951331658658" border="0" /></a><br />I recently purchased this sweet little souvenir vase at a local antiques market from the booth of neighbor and friend Beth.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbG8RhT0lBgd3WPuSoHVFVfKIqbj7xvQtEiC4PWD5P86UYgItVmHfkX81jx5jDty_LDWiamHTjS-kKBS44WFM3neCO1DyZLLsD2uhzT3x0S0A_J0v6uN0pG5AwhuqV58Cl3mNAfEQAiGo8/s1600/IMG_4903.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbG8RhT0lBgd3WPuSoHVFVfKIqbj7xvQtEiC4PWD5P86UYgItVmHfkX81jx5jDty_LDWiamHTjS-kKBS44WFM3neCO1DyZLLsD2uhzT3x0S0A_J0v6uN0pG5AwhuqV58Cl3mNAfEQAiGo8/s400/IMG_4903.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525368542907720754" border="0" /></a><br />She said it had belonged to her mother who was a German war bride.<br />It is a tiny little 4" pink lustre transfer ware vase with a scene entitled "Weston-Super-Mare From the Encampment" and is stamped Germany on the bottom.<br />I loved the colors, the beautiful little scene drew me in and for $15 you don't have to think twice.<br /><br />I brought the vase home and placed it among some other tiny treasures on a shelf in my bathroom.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZ115swZlBSWbF5F4n95-2iNT9bbs17Vu-lZssa1MAW3-Ow2Pf8Ew-duqBIb1tB_AuTnUB6ghNeKWwsdz2zikb3ZL4i6KqOTWakooxgiHcWxKJ6IrKJHzD91tvVddz9Q9qKCmp-pGFPwC/s1600/IMG_4911.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZ115swZlBSWbF5F4n95-2iNT9bbs17Vu-lZssa1MAW3-Ow2Pf8Ew-duqBIb1tB_AuTnUB6ghNeKWwsdz2zikb3ZL4i6KqOTWakooxgiHcWxKJ6IrKJHzD91tvVddz9Q9qKCmp-pGFPwC/s400/IMG_4911.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525368549842615682" border="0" /></a>Every morning I would look at the vase and wonder about the little town with the funky name...(sounds like an inexpensive hotel for horses).<br /><br />With those three little words my ticket was purchased and away I went...you gotta love Google.<br /><br />The facts:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHs8_tRQquPaFthPMlq403GbpiONSmitmLxzgJ_QBgam4QAswQoLD1qqC0NvmWyMHdiS3uC3x_0KhZ0axFXBK_eBT-fqXh0NZviG-skZoaSJQplEW3ZUnJrwEr50ymA6OdLVXbMfMjgcg/s1600/united_kingdom_weymouth_map.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 332px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHs8_tRQquPaFthPMlq403GbpiONSmitmLxzgJ_QBgam4QAswQoLD1qqC0NvmWyMHdiS3uC3x_0KhZ0axFXBK_eBT-fqXh0NZviG-skZoaSJQplEW3ZUnJrwEr50ymA6OdLVXbMfMjgcg/s400/united_kingdom_weymouth_map.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525368550914829250" border="0" /></a><br />Weston-Super-Mare is a typical English seaside resort on the shore of the Bristol Channel, in the traditional county of <a href="http://wikitravel.org/en/Somerset" title="Somerset">Somerset</a>, approximately 25 miles south west of <a href="http://wikitravel.org/en/Bristol" title="Bristol">Bristol</a>, 35 miles west of <a href="http://wikitravel.org/en/Bath" title="Bath">Bath</a> and 20 miles north of <a href="http://wikitravel.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Bridgwater&action=edit" class="new" title="Bridgwater">Bridgwater</a>. The main attraction, Weston Bay, has miles of clean sandy beach and traditional seaside attractions.<br /><br />This sea side town has a long history as a tourist attraction that began in the middle of the 18th century when visitors would come for "the cure" prescribed by doctors. Bathing in the salt water was extolled for its health benefits.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zwlYXw8oc4eRp3E5eFQsIsqdHT1_KxCDe3NvIusnvJ2ShhsP5KrdaGEbwKYhgp_ao26mrk1UcshnCBuzEWf3hTaspYd_7dG4hkIo0IpaNVBs65RoLBVhwSchJkq79HlUimMsTq8fX07i/s1600/TF18634010.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zwlYXw8oc4eRp3E5eFQsIsqdHT1_KxCDe3NvIusnvJ2ShhsP5KrdaGEbwKYhgp_ao26mrk1UcshnCBuzEWf3hTaspYd_7dG4hkIo0IpaNVBs65RoLBVhwSchJkq79HlUimMsTq8fX07i/s400/TF18634010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525368549243372018" border="0" /></a>During the second world war it served as a refuge for evacuees from London. Large areas of the town were destroyed during the blitzes. This area also played a part in the preparations for the Normandy Landings hosting large numbers of American troops prior to shipment to Omaha Beach. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxOUWEDouGGcX9EYi41pI-AyTqy9lXGaIOgM2CxkOH3rMKLkRzG96WyqPVCQrvFBxmvF0EdcMTBn38xN03YNiSLMD42UrhzAyI1QB6ee3N4T6fWpnVajD5JGkim_w58TsDVcY1Qv0Bewc/s1600/Weston-sands-large.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxOUWEDouGGcX9EYi41pI-AyTqy9lXGaIOgM2CxkOH3rMKLkRzG96WyqPVCQrvFBxmvF0EdcMTBn38xN03YNiSLMD42UrhzAyI1QB6ee3N4T6fWpnVajD5JGkim_w58TsDVcY1Qv0Bewc/s400/Weston-sands-large.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525377403848161746" border="0" /></a>Could this possibly have been when a US soldier purchased the souvenir vase for his soon to be German bride?...I must check with my friend Beth for more details!<br /><br />It appears to be a very unpretentious town with 85 pounds being the most expensive lodging available.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNb-ao3DGIrcFt-AnQVo3hvkLLsZZ5PCN3XrNodYi6A05a2AIVukJTYIB4-kmfN0ppwcyiJZRn6ba8hJv1lhKWqUZervf3smShSfysttkfxc76YB4OeXeh4-NzglhWTTzn0YRE6bZ0ewlf/s1600/DSCN1293.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNb-ao3DGIrcFt-AnQVo3hvkLLsZZ5PCN3XrNodYi6A05a2AIVukJTYIB4-kmfN0ppwcyiJZRn6ba8hJv1lhKWqUZervf3smShSfysttkfxc76YB4OeXeh4-NzglhWTTzn0YRE6bZ0ewlf/s400/DSCN1293.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525368538750211138" border="0" /></a> This charming B&B is only 45 pounds a night!<br /><br />The <a href="http://weston-super-mare.com/hotel/Wassells-Bed-Breakfast-Cheddar"></a><a href="http://weston-super-mare.com/hotel/Wassells-Bed-Breakfast-Cheddar"><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Wassells Bed & Breakfast</span></a><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRUxIj0Od1GYtl0NmOm1DSgBA3E6bAq4EnxW2HJMENq5bf2oq7Bnw-LhaDRr6EP7jHEPKfT6rvYZaGC-L8jdzo3f1tFdPIycmV66CXiZoCPi-kHVEUgNlExn9V1YibO6ccpNMKkfziKDY/s400/wassells-bed-breakfast-cheddar_030320091738013381.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525374144914545410" border="0" /> Located on the fringe of the town of Cheddar famous for its gorge, caves and ...what else, cheese!...what might you expect to accompany some good cheddar?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZXn7UUtAM2nmQWfF2GqqHrZRvZxDBFUAuMgMxWudSNnCd3617sXITwXbfwzm5Age9OThdWSYvqZ8U7UX2yoG5r6yU85j-3sdO45Ua5KgThMmfIhPydVdPT9PsIwcPIZr4V1tnl95wZYw/s1600/50tnwestonsmare1930e.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 245px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZXn7UUtAM2nmQWfF2GqqHrZRvZxDBFUAuMgMxWudSNnCd3617sXITwXbfwzm5Age9OThdWSYvqZ8U7UX2yoG5r6yU85j-3sdO45Ua5KgThMmfIhPydVdPT9PsIwcPIZr4V1tnl95wZYw/s400/50tnwestonsmare1930e.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525373796192159954" border="0" /></a><br />Visit the home page for travel information to <a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);" href="http://weston-super-mare.com/">Weston-Super-Mare</a>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNb-ao3DGIrcFt-AnQVo3hvkLLsZZ5PCN3XrNodYi6A05a2AIVukJTYIB4-kmfN0ppwcyiJZRn6ba8hJv1lhKWqUZervf3smShSfysttkfxc76YB4OeXeh4-NzglhWTTzn0YRE6bZ0ewlf/s1600/DSCN1293.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNb-ao3DGIrcFt-AnQVo3hvkLLsZZ5PCN3XrNodYi6A05a2AIVukJTYIB4-kmfN0ppwcyiJZRn6ba8hJv1lhKWqUZervf3smShSfysttkfxc76YB4OeXeh4-NzglhWTTzn0YRE6bZ0ewlf/s400/DSCN1293.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525368538750211138" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>froogalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062921574441301804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152238647258779180.post-31179827155635635572010-09-26T10:48:00.000-07:002010-09-26T15:37:24.788-07:00Flying By the Wings of My Thread<div style="text-align: center;"><br />Who wouldn't want to buy thread that was advertised as having wings...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWufWuCaKaO_CfiUsLGjaNvFzm1VU4a9q32WjISXEe3HUBbKr_0YhM5zL02LHDx_yKbJyoOlwqyEXGDO6bt3sls7ZLWBnxTXNE8-X-vpg-rYc8b9kULwKZLmyxY5NRpSntIdzIr3-tHhhA/s1600/406463820_tp.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWufWuCaKaO_CfiUsLGjaNvFzm1VU4a9q32WjISXEe3HUBbKr_0YhM5zL02LHDx_yKbJyoOlwqyEXGDO6bt3sls7ZLWBnxTXNE8-X-vpg-rYc8b9kULwKZLmyxY5NRpSntIdzIr3-tHhhA/s400/406463820_tp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520852901544517810" border="0" /></a>it some how makes it more magical, hinting at the sky being the limit to what you could accomplish,<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">although I am sure the intend of the Victorians that offered up this advertising gem was that your thread would fly through your fabric with the greatest of ease. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjj-o4Ogo195Kw99rsWYCEyHuM3Mq2biVDK7hMEEU87yAAYClE6PQF76m7PWKznVdCH9v2daPH_0xBXPgjzdmUlGyND-t-nR499ii89o6Xu_B9Iimh-v-ByKXM4dsz3Y9xW0o7ve3HrpSY/s1600/406463737_tp.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjj-o4Ogo195Kw99rsWYCEyHuM3Mq2biVDK7hMEEU87yAAYClE6PQF76m7PWKznVdCH9v2daPH_0xBXPgjzdmUlGyND-t-nR499ii89o6Xu_B9Iimh-v-ByKXM4dsz3Y9xW0o7ve3HrpSY/s400/406463737_tp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520852900601433554" border="0" /></a>None the less it is an endearing symbol and done in beautiful detail on a lowly box of thread, isn't that just like the Victorians.<br /><br />The more serious box cover engraving featuring the Willimantic Linen Co in Willimantic, CT....then<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9SFFA1O_hjhIf-Nmtk1koWmtJ-m2lZDDR39xVGhQi6vF7wAL86pIIqTs4O4CzaCe8Nuh4B-zFp-lMkU4fjFskTq5X_1YA5CLbo4L_WmmCeYaLGfBjBzb1T4py5bS1rXZ5xhSdeeCzDdLC/s1600/406463782_tp.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9SFFA1O_hjhIf-Nmtk1koWmtJ-m2lZDDR39xVGhQi6vF7wAL86pIIqTs4O4CzaCe8Nuh4B-zFp-lMkU4fjFskTq5X_1YA5CLbo4L_WmmCeYaLGfBjBzb1T4py5bS1rXZ5xhSdeeCzDdLC/s400/406463782_tp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520852894107212898" border="0" /></a> and now...In 1898 they became The American Thread Co.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTaoW-i-WfzRxEc7yla5D9U76QgJSDxZfaI6xB4VHvqeueWI58JCSUKAi8ejUzraP9R9ZG0SD8BTH7oUh6ruFQCcyLBuP0DvCbAXDGHLPT1NAdcWbNJF-1WHuNoqy6Kfzsj67qQS8HMNxd/s1600/American_Thread_Company_Willimantic_mill.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 343px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTaoW-i-WfzRxEc7yla5D9U76QgJSDxZfaI6xB4VHvqeueWI58JCSUKAi8ejUzraP9R9ZG0SD8BTH7oUh6ruFQCcyLBuP0DvCbAXDGHLPT1NAdcWbNJF-1WHuNoqy6Kfzsj67qQS8HMNxd/s400/American_Thread_Company_Willimantic_mill.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521270707753178338" border="0" /></a></div><table class="wikitable filehistory"><tbody><tr><td><br /></td><td><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">There was large <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">competition</span> between thread companies as witnessed in these dueling advertisements from J & P Coats <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOvsD94qpd0nOXpiLmoe1cHY5rTC2y2wBbrA-6VhMqS5C5UJDh3_hl5q2XQDDT4w9u3TyjVjhnMdmmiGGV7lD_x4kMjHEP51bCekwRIQGjPxVuxKvGGa3f1IWn-_gNYQ-ueqn6OGNLpN4I/s1600/coats_pic.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 205px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOvsD94qpd0nOXpiLmoe1cHY5rTC2y2wBbrA-6VhMqS5C5UJDh3_hl5q2XQDDT4w9u3TyjVjhnMdmmiGGV7lD_x4kMjHEP51bCekwRIQGjPxVuxKvGGa3f1IWn-_gNYQ-ueqn6OGNLpN4I/s400/coats_pic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521274399293764850" border="0" /></a> and American Thread Co.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW49ByyznuexpdMizWJv9v8aTLab_c0G-rr9vvd-r4J5rC_-wKW59u-DIAlZaigPHlJuVWBwIu2u6mOBGQQ7I1lb-nEttavXAn6TfHQZeQtzn-Qir-Qu_gSeR6ckCe5uidZ-DepUZYAfKv/s1600/Willimantic2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 321px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW49ByyznuexpdMizWJv9v8aTLab_c0G-rr9vvd-r4J5rC_-wKW59u-DIAlZaigPHlJuVWBwIu2u6mOBGQQ7I1lb-nEttavXAn6TfHQZeQtzn-Qir-Qu_gSeR6ckCe5uidZ-DepUZYAfKv/s400/Willimantic2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521274398214812914" border="0" /></a> Prior to 1864 and the invention of the sewing machine thread was produced for hand stitching and made of three cords twisted together. Thread had a glazed finish and was too uneven to run smoothly through a sewing machine.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">In 1884 George Clark developed a six-cord, soft finished thread. This thread, the first ever suitable for machine use, revolutionized the sewing industry, and therefore he called it "Our New Thread." This became known as O.N.T.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl2iiRYvke7eAou7x4pkQf0EaKkxc0vPyKGHPTjMcvQulV09vlb0eAYoivfRrq_a0A6WHccvZ7KVOOr_mQsY9Fk8qXWmeOYu3dWGoRA1zrJl957_55BfFmTK574AQEp6FgiP93XkP-sutn/s1600/IMG_4836.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl2iiRYvke7eAou7x4pkQf0EaKkxc0vPyKGHPTjMcvQulV09vlb0eAYoivfRrq_a0A6WHccvZ7KVOOr_mQsY9Fk8qXWmeOYu3dWGoRA1zrJl957_55BfFmTK574AQEp6FgiP93XkP-sutn/s400/IMG_4836.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521251561611345618" border="0" /></a><br />Apparently finding a thread spool with this logo is very rare according to Alex Askaroff of <a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);" href="http://www.sewalot.com/">sewalot.com.</a><br />Alex has a wealth of information regarding antique sewing machines and related items that you will find interesting and amusing.<br /><br />Let your wings take flight and<br />SEW!<br /></div>froogalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062921574441301804noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152238647258779180.post-35225129466682867872010-09-17T13:46:00.000-07:002010-10-10T07:23:09.750-07:00Pin "Fasten"ation<div style="text-align: center;">What is this curiosity? <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ4qVVJkey_nIAbcd-ehD8XZDDX7SNRzKDv-Wk_YlEwThrPbaB8b62fhMHopIVHB90OrUDdv3j4NW9LXKSVVIbysDVDOiqjO0oWdmobsZcvAhFT0y2C7RLZJT-rOqDOmNHwJmlIw8Eyy7Y/s1600/IMG_4769.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ4qVVJkey_nIAbcd-ehD8XZDDX7SNRzKDv-Wk_YlEwThrPbaB8b62fhMHopIVHB90OrUDdv3j4NW9LXKSVVIbysDVDOiqjO0oWdmobsZcvAhFT0y2C7RLZJT-rOqDOmNHwJmlIw8Eyy7Y/s400/IMG_4769.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518003857893212850" border="0" /></a> Why... it is an antique pin cube!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Fueling my passion for all things antique and sewing related are these interesting little boxes that were at one time sold as "pin keeps". There was a time when these were a standard item in a woman's "toilet". In the 19th century the word toilet was used to describe the act of dressing or grooming ones-self and pins were often used as fasteners.<br /><br />I love them for the novelty, the cute little cube shape and of course the lovely antique graphics.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHtappIMNk8UzyOtSFXhAaZpHFgwZOUtDAI-9KXStpfd1PuWG_FSxrfSRfR0svhehFzekS76pctsO2Fvlq0aIuvtUmq1LFbajpeGsHVBC_H8QRwhOHgW_dGl85hYmDWeu_pSZ0KwFUOJHB/s1600/IMG_4772.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHtappIMNk8UzyOtSFXhAaZpHFgwZOUtDAI-9KXStpfd1PuWG_FSxrfSRfR0svhehFzekS76pctsO2Fvlq0aIuvtUmq1LFbajpeGsHVBC_H8QRwhOHgW_dGl85hYmDWeu_pSZ0KwFUOJHB/s400/IMG_4772.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517989464978539394" border="0" /></a> They are actually quite rare, made of cardboard not too many survived. I can imagine the appeal for young children with their building block quality... or a young restless and bored child mindlessly poking pins in holes to create infinite designs... not unlike my own son many years ago who loved making designs with the pins in my pincushion while I sat in front of the sewing machine. Later when I would reach for a pin I would see a smiley face looking back at me from my sawdust stuffed red tomato.<br /><br />Pin keeps also were made from celluloid like this French variety featuring a courting couple. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MYHB2_PQJr_b23Wiq1ceVud1T1Q99fBO1nf-0I8_zmzyCYYcNX_ltntfbhlqAQlZHJaTVRblhqkGYecHgex_edNB6632aSL56otspdodPk-s5K61d4ncht7lyX-nnOFCYZHVEBHsrKbl/s1600/IMG_4774.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MYHB2_PQJr_b23Wiq1ceVud1T1Q99fBO1nf-0I8_zmzyCYYcNX_ltntfbhlqAQlZHJaTVRblhqkGYecHgex_edNB6632aSL56otspdodPk-s5K61d4ncht7lyX-nnOFCYZHVEBHsrKbl/s400/IMG_4774.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517989473891108770" border="0" /></a>They were also commonly used as a means of advertising...here is a small "piece of the rock".<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGs92_beo1wdIbziGfDi1pylh0Ahjq1JCwHYNQGi4m367DxTZB-65j3Qv5Aj8igwMeVSdLczuE_llxyRG48SL2UbsU5Ih795iitGQhID-zbd-VMvZO9x1x2YbQWtqgGqvNAemfE66DOmv/s1600/IMG_4778.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGs92_beo1wdIbziGfDi1pylh0Ahjq1JCwHYNQGi4m367DxTZB-65j3Qv5Aj8igwMeVSdLczuE_llxyRG48SL2UbsU5Ih795iitGQhID-zbd-VMvZO9x1x2YbQWtqgGqvNAemfE66DOmv/s400/IMG_4778.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517989483202917938" border="0" /></a>I was also surprised to find this set of pins labeled as "office pins"...hmmmm...must have been used in lieu of paper clips.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQusbxyavX1g8KR3Wab_8IQLfQP9u735iYCqfjxpKJFvJWFD8U5ke0yJvZOVL9cQEFoMr-7EZzyRkYCqn8mjTVmhyphenhyphen8dkH7M5sUDF1xg3IybF9EJrd76jskUkTOTDhzn0Nx6cSQR663xLyG/s1600/IMG_4775.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQusbxyavX1g8KR3Wab_8IQLfQP9u735iYCqfjxpKJFvJWFD8U5ke0yJvZOVL9cQEFoMr-7EZzyRkYCqn8mjTVmhyphenhyphen8dkH7M5sUDF1xg3IybF9EJrd76jskUkTOTDhzn0Nx6cSQR663xLyG/s400/IMG_4775.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517989480720188082" border="0" /></a>...or to tack up the fallen hem of your petticoat that was stepped upon while hanging the gallery show!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihXElTUDpVjCz3b0VX72P7nC_6SzIfGciZ9gZZo-BQvPy_7GGUKBPtYau2WaF_ZjTGkzPgTAxc6ZBYjVaTj_z7TH4gY7XFARr_ewV0Sx2aHihDx26i8c9I-NXRlqyuk3hTyWPO0t2JKYU6/s1600/Quotidain.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 398px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihXElTUDpVjCz3b0VX72P7nC_6SzIfGciZ9gZZo-BQvPy_7GGUKBPtYau2WaF_ZjTGkzPgTAxc6ZBYjVaTj_z7TH4gY7XFARr_ewV0Sx2aHihDx26i8c9I-NXRlqyuk3hTyWPO0t2JKYU6/s400/Quotidain.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518008103938011634" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div>froogalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062921574441301804noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152238647258779180.post-18227536752477460732010-09-11T06:50:00.000-07:002010-09-11T07:31:31.695-07:00Liberty of London Fabric Bead Necklace Kits for Fall<div style="text-align: center;">Layer it on!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUpT-1AEOmC8HSzwjtQzCq2Spwmha2zcMHUt0IfOstT9r-SrocquQGAPsr91Fr9kA4DFgVT4C9TE-x1ZVyvWwSMdjv49DlK62dw26DXAzjTLTsFR2PlFWeaP1jf2qtsgr_LhSC-siJr2vS/s1600/green.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUpT-1AEOmC8HSzwjtQzCq2Spwmha2zcMHUt0IfOstT9r-SrocquQGAPsr91Fr9kA4DFgVT4C9TE-x1ZVyvWwSMdjv49DlK62dw26DXAzjTLTsFR2PlFWeaP1jf2qtsgr_LhSC-siJr2vS/s400/green.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515653913055928450" border="0" /></a>I have two new Liberty of London necklaces and fabric bead kits for sale at <a href="http://www.whimrose.com"><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Whimrose Projects</span></a> and also in <a href="http://www.whimrose.etsy.com"><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Whimrose Etsy Shop.</span></a><br /><br />This is the purple and blue range with purple grosgrain ribbon.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ51TYGowwC6xxelvt0EzQYTNP7WdFbzSJD-kMR4T0gleUAWf9OUkI7r85PUw7Cy94Uzt_vaorSzp10pqQr0VGAS8eGKXiPLbOafKs3p2oYQiAjv1SiIg_Tw7VAD7JiWK3s6dlmIQp1UKE/s1600/purple3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ51TYGowwC6xxelvt0EzQYTNP7WdFbzSJD-kMR4T0gleUAWf9OUkI7r85PUw7Cy94Uzt_vaorSzp10pqQr0VGAS8eGKXiPLbOafKs3p2oYQiAjv1SiIg_Tw7VAD7JiWK3s6dlmIQp1UKE/s400/purple3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515655415573918226" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">...and this is the plum and green range with Army green satin ribbon<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJOfrOMStSPDOQrhygVmLFHgpMeLdYcjHg27pMuHgoogQyVl3rFcMYma7Qt1k4dl5DCsLw4X5v3YFLn3560LrubE0CydZwRmMAOjLW9J1aph4VjPVuFdv3Zy3dgXTB1jYZRBY3grFKfgWm/s1600/1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJOfrOMStSPDOQrhygVmLFHgpMeLdYcjHg27pMuHgoogQyVl3rFcMYma7Qt1k4dl5DCsLw4X5v3YFLn3560LrubE0CydZwRmMAOjLW9J1aph4VjPVuFdv3Zy3dgXTB1jYZRBY3grFKfgWm/s400/1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515653915867516626" border="0" /></a>also available in DIY kits!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFP-7GhXmpuONMj8UknuTm1DuZWjzMgwqgxD4y8despwaoS7AG_wHxAGaI6y46YMBbXJTB_0zJ06ZGRI8iq389b6ARUL1TCrDuykc5Hfx8jaDm7eSolL9hSkLCjptjYW1FiERNNHmzgtr6/s1600/kit3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFP-7GhXmpuONMj8UknuTm1DuZWjzMgwqgxD4y8despwaoS7AG_wHxAGaI6y46YMBbXJTB_0zJ06ZGRI8iq389b6ARUL1TCrDuykc5Hfx8jaDm7eSolL9hSkLCjptjYW1FiERNNHmzgtr6/s400/kit3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515653935392356146" border="0" /></a><br />...and I have relocated Whimrose Wedding Boutique invitations to both shops.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQInh8Q3dklFbGpktK6LnKXPBKyHJyeXIFeoH9_jPksg8EBwAgpOTSckK3ZOUiyvcEC2gGEe4Ms3d6txv-h-CE7L2ZCpD9vaFwTIVz7EwQ-p1BKuCPSb5zXnFDEkf1zs3-itp0k0_dnv6D/s1600/invite.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQInh8Q3dklFbGpktK6LnKXPBKyHJyeXIFeoH9_jPksg8EBwAgpOTSckK3ZOUiyvcEC2gGEe4Ms3d6txv-h-CE7L2ZCpD9vaFwTIVz7EwQ-p1BKuCPSb5zXnFDEkf1zs3-itp0k0_dnv6D/s400/invite.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515662961099161026" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXNMX3N_31DMXNHDb7JRlmkB9ynGGyv3wcq5FT-HPNdgVqekU4qP6-QTBG6IO0MJZ5FHgmYpVdWGsbj0OQaNK6t_jKeMk4vZV4HvyuOzd3TkzoduvhQrqpDvsVIYkr7WgxMdozWjy_nOBg/s1600/IMG_4275.JPG"><br /></a>I am not sure if that makes sense to combine the two but because I am so busy right now it makes sense for me. I plan on opening a new Etsy shop for invitations, cards and stationary but in the meantime since changing my whimrose url I needed to put them somewhere quick.<br /><br /><br /></div>froogalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062921574441301804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152238647258779180.post-21707388810595335922010-09-06T09:19:00.000-07:002010-09-06T09:24:58.355-07:00The Rewards of Labor: The Gospel According to Ann<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYC3VotcDsaLYz9KKmLunjfgoU2c_bm1n1WPigGxXMkgMC15yAWo1bGjs-icdYYcRLnrrBnJH1Q5ldm5ZJ99tJgXPvOBE6edXf2jRCpfvmpc_tYBeiEqO1rvCXKG9ngoO8n22R7q1qO9Lo/s1600/IMG_4151.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYC3VotcDsaLYz9KKmLunjfgoU2c_bm1n1WPigGxXMkgMC15yAWo1bGjs-icdYYcRLnrrBnJH1Q5ldm5ZJ99tJgXPvOBE6edXf2jRCpfvmpc_tYBeiEqO1rvCXKG9ngoO8n22R7q1qO9Lo/s400/IMG_4151.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513836570857515666" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">When my best friend Ann came for her annual visit in June she declared that she "wanted to try some gin"...gin being my drink of choice on most Friday evenings otherwise I am a wine drinker.<br />What better place to introduce my friend to a Friday night cocktail but this great little bar in Chicago called <a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);" href="http://www.tinylounge.com/">Tiny Lounge</a>.<br /><br />Tiny Bar makes a fabulous drink called a Lakshmi named for the Hindu goddess that is the embodiment of beauty, grace and charm....perfect for Ann who encompasses these fine qualities.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4MDrhMIOBi6rMRmJSgYd8AIUbOjGxY4Yihj5zEEPvlKlz2A9hD_6LzJjYggCBTDjkGFJBQ-xdF7KvY-r8TBDijIUWLoKdqz2Br3vvk-HRbaiT9DSvvaRP9yf2VFDrg5jplAccHbNhC9Q/s1600/Ravi_Varma-Lakshmi.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4MDrhMIOBi6rMRmJSgYd8AIUbOjGxY4Yihj5zEEPvlKlz2A9hD_6LzJjYggCBTDjkGFJBQ-xdF7KvY-r8TBDijIUWLoKdqz2Br3vvk-HRbaiT9DSvvaRP9yf2VFDrg5jplAccHbNhC9Q/s400/Ravi_Varma-Lakshmi.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513822374245393154" border="0" /></a>This wonderful elixir of the Goddesses is made with <a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);" href="http://www.oldtomgin.co.uk/oldtomprimer/">Hayman's Old Tom Gin</a> (truly the best of the best gins)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4SfoJR538af5BWjXO-5xa6I-HkA257eq76Gwfbim5VXC6xKe3TFheDR1flfB93d7FT8e89PARXkzzB09x0jFuiTEPkiU-RCZewn1VX9pQnElGNbmqUKd31-vX4BQAjROB9dvCju8sKQ2-/s1600/14749474_1200326398_bscsiOldTomGin.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 308px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4SfoJR538af5BWjXO-5xa6I-HkA257eq76Gwfbim5VXC6xKe3TFheDR1flfB93d7FT8e89PARXkzzB09x0jFuiTEPkiU-RCZewn1VX9pQnElGNbmqUKd31-vX4BQAjROB9dvCju8sKQ2-/s400/14749474_1200326398_bscsiOldTomGin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513824715345070946" border="0" /></a>The recipe encompasses these unlikely pairings, St Germain, a French elderflower liquor, Berentzen Pear, and sparkling wine. Needless to say one is about all you can handle... and that is a good thing because of the LARGE price of a drink at TINY.<br /><br />It seems I have opened the door to the world of gin for my friend, who by the way, happens to be in Campus Ministry at a Catholic school. Ann is a devout Catholic and a devout wine drinker, but it seems gin has "stirred her soul". Recently she confessed that she had been adding a bit of gin to her glass of wine on those stressful days in the ministry!<br /><br />My first thought was...what??? that sounds sort of icky...I had forgotten that the elixir had in fact included (sparkling) wine and gin....hmmmm she may have something here.<br /><br />....and then last Friday night I looked at the gin bottle and there was just a smidge left, maybe a shot... and I looked in the frig and I spotted a bottle of Woodchuck Pear Cider and a nice bottle of Boogle Sauvignan Blanc. I filled a wine glass with ice, then poured equal parts of pear cider and wine and thought...what the heck and threw in a shot of gin....<br /><br />What can I say...I am a convert...converted by my dear "sister" Ann...hence the name of this new concoction:<br /><br />Sister Ann's Confession<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGdydoJP6i2uVJaHAIxa3NqJ7TzPOc209L7eBEReE1D-ENYg4HrC2WbF_Idnxp8TueSrE_rR2TUJK_o_c2QYdAmJWh0LIYkFPK1fmN5avGLDtdTK0Tt4zJqpW05Q0HwY4cbnNbuVxgbY9/s1600/IMG_4304.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGdydoJP6i2uVJaHAIxa3NqJ7TzPOc209L7eBEReE1D-ENYg4HrC2WbF_Idnxp8TueSrE_rR2TUJK_o_c2QYdAmJWh0LIYkFPK1fmN5avGLDtdTK0Tt4zJqpW05Q0HwY4cbnNbuVxgbY9/s400/IMG_4304.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513822844280320658" border="0" /></a></div>froogalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062921574441301804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152238647258779180.post-77353329494969768382010-09-01T08:06:00.000-07:002010-11-30T08:36:53.441-08:00Tomatoes, Eggplant & Mint...A Fairy Tale Love Story<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp55kfnmKRE2VlRZ7iz3QTykYQFKBQ0poOV-E90q2jyy85bLs9MPLMpga56ZLj7xeXYbIy7Xs2YktHT9uDdsLvlbj_g7oRSln7UZOLHZmj8Y8bXWTo5qiEUd62idiZliH0vb5kiVCXjxxE/s1600/ogre"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp55kfnmKRE2VlRZ7iz3QTykYQFKBQ0poOV-E90q2jyy85bLs9MPLMpga56ZLj7xeXYbIy7Xs2YktHT9uDdsLvlbj_g7oRSln7UZOLHZmj8Y8bXWTo5qiEUd62idiZliH0vb5kiVCXjxxE/s400/ogre" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512383020184850258" border="0" /></a>Once upon a time there was a girl who loved eggplant. However, she shared her table with an eggplant ogre....until one day she discovered<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitM_mosLoBHSALSSkCCLkAZtVS4LL5epLCxZcNq_h-U0buWuTfKbAuTt8Ud6TXU8rHLZqcYljVaEdRRaNEdjvIlTRm5bn07yDzt0O67DKoonyb30So26YVPs5R4vBY5x-owrt6DdQdIG01/s1600/thumbnail-1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 128px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitM_mosLoBHSALSSkCCLkAZtVS4LL5epLCxZcNq_h-U0buWuTfKbAuTt8Ud6TXU8rHLZqcYljVaEdRRaNEdjvIlTRm5bn07yDzt0O67DKoonyb30So26YVPs5R4vBY5x-owrt6DdQdIG01/s400/thumbnail-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512351785974162098" border="0" /></a> Fairy Tale Eggplant...and a special elixir that could persuade even the eggplant ogre to love this much maligned vegetable...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Diminutive, deep violet and magical....these sweet little babies hanging from Fairy like skirts caught my eye at the local farmers market recently. My husband is not a fan of eggplant so I am always looking for recipes that may persuade his taste buds. I think I may have found a recipe that even an eggplant hater will love.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The recipe came from my favorite vegetable cookbook,<br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);" href="http://www.ecookbooks.com/p-15494-verdura.aspx"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Verdura</span>: Vegetables Italian Style by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Vivana</span> La Place</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVTnCjPgdwGVsRNlzHV8L0VnufCl5qVuDC0ALmiW-yN1GLPhX2VzmacLbdWYu0Ny-BdanFlLqjMmAHNRCos16QmVigYKl66Wf8aCPUe1Kgi32KyBPy7BtsRvUaQs_h_0U0-xenYGnDwCd/s1600/IMG_4243.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVTnCjPgdwGVsRNlzHV8L0VnufCl5qVuDC0ALmiW-yN1GLPhX2VzmacLbdWYu0Ny-BdanFlLqjMmAHNRCos16QmVigYKl66Wf8aCPUe1Kgi32KyBPy7BtsRvUaQs_h_0U0-xenYGnDwCd/s400/IMG_4243.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512377107632942946" border="0" /></a>This book could turn a devote meat eater into a vegetarian!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Chocked full of delicious and unusual preparations for vegetables like Carrots in Basil Cream, Cauliflower Salad with Lemon Dressing, Leeks in Pink <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Mascarpone</span> Sauce, Zucchini and Beet Greens Soup and Lettuce and Sorrel <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Frittata</span> with Herbs.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyNMXJBsEOOVpAQPRLJeGc1_-umOj_pIwpkuW2-gmS5iKoX3I0KN1R7EVzmVU8CeT312LYpN8m-yevWMnP1wyDaTPcAZE4x-cislohZRxIoPhqZAoNJrkSArz09wvfLkxOfX6o-W2ot1E7/s1600/IMG_4237.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyNMXJBsEOOVpAQPRLJeGc1_-umOj_pIwpkuW2-gmS5iKoX3I0KN1R7EVzmVU8CeT312LYpN8m-yevWMnP1wyDaTPcAZE4x-cislohZRxIoPhqZAoNJrkSArz09wvfLkxOfX6o-W2ot1E7/s400/IMG_4237.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512351777341752866" border="0" /></a>Tomatoes and eggplant, that's a given, but who ever heard of MINT with tomatoes?<br /><br />The recipe calls for fresh tomatoes but I was anxious to try my latest batch of canned tomatoes (sublime <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">btw</span>, in fact I may just take on another day of canning this weekend because I am afraid that I won't even make it though October with the 15 quarts that I put up.)<br /><br />This happens to be one of those dishes that is even better the second day, if you happen to have leftovers.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkEP5zoe5jK7Y4ZQgJ-ALGnMivD9Nl99VqWxBFjGfCUiuX7NeqjpcOp0NzIDqgBPNQ4QpVqB2JfAmhelSW_3a1ZVoz7DqN3PU98mVYZpad7Vvon9Japz1QXaR22jtp0iqTO-F8DtZkl3mN/s1600/IMG_4244.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkEP5zoe5jK7Y4ZQgJ-ALGnMivD9Nl99VqWxBFjGfCUiuX7NeqjpcOp0NzIDqgBPNQ4QpVqB2JfAmhelSW_3a1ZVoz7DqN3PU98mVYZpad7Vvon9Japz1QXaR22jtp0iqTO-F8DtZkl3mN/s400/IMG_4244.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512354183174049538" border="0" /></a>This is an excellent brand of pasta.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Spaghettini</span> With Eggplant-Flavored Tomato Sauce<br /><br /></div>8 Japanese eggplant(I substituted Fairy Eggplant) about 5" long<br />3 oz <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caciocavallo"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">caciocavallo</span> </a>cheese cut into 24 pieces<br />4 garlic cloves, sliced and 2 chopped<br />1/2 bunch of mint leaves<br />olive oil for frying the eggplant<br />4 T extra virgin olive oil<br />1 onion finally chopped<br />2 1/2 pounds tomatoes, peeled seeded and coarsely pureed (I used canned tomatoes)<br />salt and pepper to taste<br />1 pound imported dried <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">spaghettini</span><br />freshly grated imported <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Pecorino</span> Romano cheese<div style="text-align: center;"><br />Using a sharp knife, make incisions in the widest part of each of the eggplant. Gently insert a piece of cheese into 3 of the cuts and a slice of garlic and a mint leaf into the other 3.<br />Place enough olive oil to measure 1/4 inch in a medium saute pan. Brown eggplant a few at a time over medium heat until slightly soft, about 5 min.<br /><br />In a large saucepan, combine the extra virgin olive oil, chopped onion and garlic. Cook over low heat until onion softens. Add tomato puree and season with salt and pepper. Raise heat to high and when sauce comes to a boil reduce to medium and add the eggplant along with the minced mint leaves reserving a few for garnish. Simmer partly covered until eggplant are tender and sauce has thickened. Using a slotted spoon transfer the eggplant to a serving dish and sprinkle with reserved mint.<br /><br />Meanwhile cook pasta until <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">al</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">dente</span> and toss with tomato sauce. Sprinkle with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Pecorino</span> Romano cheese.<br /><br />La Place recommends serving the pasta as a first course and the eggplant as a main course but I tossed it all together. I found that the eggplant has a way of almost melting along with the cheese into the sauce (in a good way). The mint lends an interesting and fresh change from basil and gives this dish a unique flavor...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">semplicemente</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">squisito</span>!<br /><br />Tomatoes, eggplant, mint<br /><br />.....and they lived happily ever after.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>froogalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062921574441301804noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152238647258779180.post-31680671391121085522010-08-24T06:34:00.000-07:002010-08-24T10:36:45.527-07:00Strawberry Needlepoint Bracelet<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwcFwhSX9FyAeybmHNsVqRfKdL9Nj9oAj9wX2U1LnpIooH9YBBw_Jgshy67B0Z9lA-9mCLYrOU6-JqWt30ZkAEFQxQAeeQXZ8Re0A5OUvNJi3oA3iPrVLTKSrxrM7mHHJH5vUe1ZMptHRg/s1600/IMG_4227.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwcFwhSX9FyAeybmHNsVqRfKdL9Nj9oAj9wX2U1LnpIooH9YBBw_Jgshy67B0Z9lA-9mCLYrOU6-JqWt30ZkAEFQxQAeeQXZ8Re0A5OUvNJi3oA3iPrVLTKSrxrM7mHHJH5vUe1ZMptHRg/s400/IMG_4227.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508972180024180786" border="0" /></a>This was a small needlepoint experiment done on 14c needlepoint canvas. It is far from perfect as most experiments are. I call it an experiment because I decided to break the rules!<br /><br />I must admit to being the kind of person that likes to do things "my way"...many of my crafts have been self taught because I don't like to follow the rules, it is too confining. I also like to do things that others say "can't be done"...hmmmm.....what does that say about me?...either I have ADD which is a possibility, or I don't like to be confined by rules...which is also true, what ever the case having this personality trait has defined many of my most interesting and successful designs.<br /><br />Many years ago I decided that I wanted to set antique buttons in sterling silver and was lucky enough to find a teacher that shared many of my traits and was willing to teach me and allow me to experiment ....she liked to use the expression "running with scissors". Taking on this challenge led to a successful jewelry design business and even landed me in a book on button crafts.<br /><br />When I started this project it was only the second needlepoint project that I had tackled. I began by drawing the design on 14 ct needlepoint canvas and then I free-styled the stitches...this is something that is a "rule breaker"... not usually done. Needlepoint stitches are always supposed to go in the same direction, slanting to the right, mine are willy-nilly, "flying by the seat of their pants" kind of stitches..I like that about them, I mean, how else are you supposed to achieve those fanciful, twirling curves!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgraeUcy5Qgj6DV7oLYH0qv5AjfocMTIREzi7PnjyScgoKvjp6xhBUZcOrcBlVzIyycJ2AUrX8O7SZ0Znv_ebSu-mBA8d7VwLqvzGU3PNBj6RCb7iCVeKo5saPeC8D3td5u38gX0jbdQ3Th/s1600/IMG_4221.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgraeUcy5Qgj6DV7oLYH0qv5AjfocMTIREzi7PnjyScgoKvjp6xhBUZcOrcBlVzIyycJ2AUrX8O7SZ0Znv_ebSu-mBA8d7VwLqvzGU3PNBj6RCb7iCVeKo5saPeC8D3td5u38gX0jbdQ3Th/s400/IMG_4221.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508972164018480754" border="0" /></a> When my design was complete I proceeded to fill in the background around those crazy stitches. I am not sure that I would attempt this again, but I don't think it turned out to awfully bad.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I finished it off as I did my cross stitch bracelet, backed with vintage fabric and closed with a crochet loop and antique porcelain button.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dbdqeFhjaDjjU6WI9_NiBMfJsNPLoxMZuHoEtyMZs0rdbYq-TC9oB43Q84rAuBJvGT5r9Gz3L9JVBTuDGm6-xw6Gkg9EKOkRzKqIrcw-_UBH8RyGoptozGxj_ZALfMvsRK9T2K4Ahx3M/s1600/IMG_4220.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dbdqeFhjaDjjU6WI9_NiBMfJsNPLoxMZuHoEtyMZs0rdbYq-TC9oB43Q84rAuBJvGT5r9Gz3L9JVBTuDGm6-xw6Gkg9EKOkRzKqIrcw-_UBH8RyGoptozGxj_ZALfMvsRK9T2K4Ahx3M/s400/IMG_4220.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508972152384977266" border="0" /></a>I have started collecting antique samplers that have provided me with inspiration and a whole slew of motifs to be worked...what rules can I break next?<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0Bhyphenhyphenx6Q_HBY7zHxtTwYT30rpAaHJEjZc6DODNbSq7VImR3nDZK4GbVMTDGFUDPoGLDAeP2fhzRaSRtxJFlbfIY46mnYf2gBoflpVyXW8hSDsW8hMkB6HAm1Ap1PkPNeLOqp5Q8Z4gqA4/s1600/IMG_4024.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0Bhyphenhyphenx6Q_HBY7zHxtTwYT30rpAaHJEjZc6DODNbSq7VImR3nDZK4GbVMTDGFUDPoGLDAeP2fhzRaSRtxJFlbfIY46mnYf2gBoflpVyXW8hSDsW8hMkB6HAm1Ap1PkPNeLOqp5Q8Z4gqA4/s400/IMG_4024.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508972170632098690" border="0" /></a>froogalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062921574441301804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152238647258779180.post-6397809348157939932010-08-16T11:37:00.000-07:002010-08-16T17:30:01.308-07:00Great Lakes Agate and Pearl Necklace<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmDn7Hq_PZPCRtTrUwIR7FW4UFYPx88z6L-XkLPj_Ge9Eu7VQV1lBXh2Aow8-VTlfahfT4cX1SnT-yf-rLOhYbHedv2AyhZS-ABFBlwr9Wm8Ax39rTeVp_KHw1dyopNnBI0TKfgfOKi8h/s1600/IMG_4138.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmDn7Hq_PZPCRtTrUwIR7FW4UFYPx88z6L-XkLPj_Ge9Eu7VQV1lBXh2Aow8-VTlfahfT4cX1SnT-yf-rLOhYbHedv2AyhZS-ABFBlwr9Wm8Ax39rTeVp_KHw1dyopNnBI0TKfgfOKi8h/s400/IMG_4138.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506143124877637938" border="0" /></a><br />I finished stringing the Lake Superior agates I purchased on my trip to Glen Arbor. I added some fresh water pearls and the frosted pale blue stone which is jade. I could not resist adding the jade because it reminded me of the beautiful blue of Lake Michigan.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />I have a strong connection to the Great Lakes. My Grandparents were both born and raised on the shores of Lake Superior.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRdfoaE_pYG7msvWnCpF25eEUOgjVcS5U1hT6U6XKGQdjFKJ4HSCrzMn2yHcytA95atP_jjhLVN5D95-hnJHDP8qAIPMgsGDVW9R59cPKj_AAMMKs2hUhds0yMCNssViH_nyE87DU3Ocal/s1600/300px-Chippewa_county,_MI_1904.png"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 249px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRdfoaE_pYG7msvWnCpF25eEUOgjVcS5U1hT6U6XKGQdjFKJ4HSCrzMn2yHcytA95atP_jjhLVN5D95-hnJHDP8qAIPMgsGDVW9R59cPKj_AAMMKs2hUhds0yMCNssViH_nyE87DU3Ocal/s400/300px-Chippewa_county,_MI_1904.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506142152846543874" border="0" /></a> The steamship drawing above was done by my Grandfather. It was drawn on the inside cover of his Health Primer dated 1885. He was born in 1890 and probably made this drawing around the turn of the century.<br /><br />The Primer is an interesting piece of history with chapters on alcohol, tobacco and opium... that was once used to.... sooth crying babies?!...YIKES. Love the skeleton lurking in the corner. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fFeckxgkzN9wpJ-0H8D1UYRLTPAGUG7FmcfNyBRMN1BsgfhbEiHPchgEYrlvNtxYd6Neu_zbE-3MBh2h3osKbDPl4ViiIWECxAeYNCSV-Cvt4k6A2ymZvSianXUG3NfDmpV46fF8VyLC/s1600/IMG_4212.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fFeckxgkzN9wpJ-0H8D1UYRLTPAGUG7FmcfNyBRMN1BsgfhbEiHPchgEYrlvNtxYd6Neu_zbE-3MBh2h3osKbDPl4ViiIWECxAeYNCSV-Cvt4k6A2ymZvSianXUG3NfDmpV46fF8VyLC/s400/IMG_4212.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506149471022873298" border="0" /></a>I envision my Grandfather busy sketching instead of listening to the ills of fermented grape juice and instead, dreaming about a life sailing the Great Lakes and beyond, much like the Merchant Marine that he would later become.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42CkgdHoFsu60WOBxKlA3zhHcii30f6NOzMf8LQhjWzyPp64fRsdYkkGt9HMT4IfldskKb4A5ywRY6LpwmLZj_uFl9JF44VdP2WY7wUSTO2AEeT7qYohwCV8PoOShLjKtxMDsycvBc5j6/s1600/101342aw.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42CkgdHoFsu60WOBxKlA3zhHcii30f6NOzMf8LQhjWzyPp64fRsdYkkGt9HMT4IfldskKb4A5ywRY6LpwmLZj_uFl9JF44VdP2WY7wUSTO2AEeT7qYohwCV8PoOShLjKtxMDsycvBc5j6/s400/101342aw.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506163941003000514" border="0" /></a></div>froogalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062921574441301804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152238647258779180.post-51368553638075565192010-08-05T13:16:00.000-07:002010-08-13T08:29:13.398-07:00Insights & Outsights<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ZBGelTdz1eZDCcmxs3haElM6w3eIzVifxtN_Vc1EtNbqay0LxRQ4OsdTiPaHNnC6dx4Jyz-Yg_2aLzCeX6JgPQh7CiPlWzXG7NIypQ5GMF_GbFli46C5vZG5aPFsJ6SQEKrpXV2YulW4/s1600/IMG_4072.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ZBGelTdz1eZDCcmxs3haElM6w3eIzVifxtN_Vc1EtNbqay0LxRQ4OsdTiPaHNnC6dx4Jyz-Yg_2aLzCeX6JgPQh7CiPlWzXG7NIypQ5GMF_GbFli46C5vZG5aPFsJ6SQEKrpXV2YulW4/s400/IMG_4072.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502036820824525618" border="0" /></a>No, this is not the Caribbean...its even better...because it is salt free and an easy scenic 6 hour drive from Chicago.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8XqWptFG58k2PcAmnL3Nhvtp4Pg7SS4ZaohX5vE2CFzdnzePw3AMQ7jKdaNXl8-MAjJ0PdsXo30hLyyYaRy2BXVFlkiXwgQYz8D1zTlVnqzzqrUXUYIi_tOqu7xE1ESSeBF-XwNNVhAp/s1600/IMG_4088.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8XqWptFG58k2PcAmnL3Nhvtp4Pg7SS4ZaohX5vE2CFzdnzePw3AMQ7jKdaNXl8-MAjJ0PdsXo30hLyyYaRy2BXVFlkiXwgQYz8D1zTlVnqzzqrUXUYIi_tOqu7xE1ESSeBF-XwNNVhAp/s400/IMG_4088.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502035872546043842" border="0" /></a>There are no shells on this beach, just a beautiful assortment of rocks, like unakite, feldspar and<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRY33h3FYPyD9ki6N3XEI9V5_Pt6nHmc8m2m6YHn1aNlfI2FxRifOXgamzPdtTk9-CHCdaUWVPQycKfHFCGMlJaO-heQ0RFgvLMEP2dbz9hyphenhyphenjaMe1u7qJFDRTTLn7FeHVQSHbWB2thXwwP/s1600/IMG_4092.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRY33h3FYPyD9ki6N3XEI9V5_Pt6nHmc8m2m6YHn1aNlfI2FxRifOXgamzPdtTk9-CHCdaUWVPQycKfHFCGMlJaO-heQ0RFgvLMEP2dbz9hyphenhyphenjaMe1u7qJFDRTTLn7FeHVQSHbWB2thXwwP/s400/IMG_4092.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502035874876636914" border="0" /></a>....agates...these were found at a rock shop in Leland, Michigan, already polished, drilled and waiting to be strung.<br /><br />There was not much time spent stitching, I was too busy swimming in the Great Lake and lolly gagging on the beach picking through stones.<br /><br />These activities are also conducive to contemplation.<br /><br />My thoughts on blogging go something like this...<br /><br />*Is anyone listening? ...what is the sound of one hand clapping?<br />*What does recognition have to do with creativity?<br />*If a blog is an online journal why is it important to have comments?<br />*Blogs are work.<br />*My blog is a way for me to keep a record of my projects.<br />*I have never been a journal keeper.<br />*I like to keep track of the projects I have accomplished.<br />...so this is gratifying to me.<br />*Do I care that no one seems interested in commenting on what I do?<br />...I guess so, otherwise I wouldn't be contemplating whether I should continue the process.<br />*Has it helped create interest in my shops?<br />....questionable.<br />*I like the idea of having my shops, I really like the creating of shops...that is always fun.<br />*And I like collecting and designing items to sell in my shops.<br /><br />All of this thinking is giving me a headache,<br />I think I need a dose of<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjou-cKfx7w7XE7lNkeBYhp7tOv85bz4I2xfTAcyS4NuHWyX8uxGXbjhLuD3lzUoNCmoSaewp1ddxlEv5AwFekGbpwSkg2UegcADdhExKHkULTte3C1ZDcszfj0-1wQteXVTtVGG-DdAAUG/s1600/IMG_4093.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjou-cKfx7w7XE7lNkeBYhp7tOv85bz4I2xfTAcyS4NuHWyX8uxGXbjhLuD3lzUoNCmoSaewp1ddxlEv5AwFekGbpwSkg2UegcADdhExKHkULTte3C1ZDcszfj0-1wQteXVTtVGG-DdAAUG/s400/IMG_4093.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502061335692910514" border="0" /></a>Queen of Meadow<br />(found in antique store in Empire, Michigan)<br />Along with some other interesting remedies.<br />...all with the instructions..."Dose, a wineglassful 3-4 times a day"<br /><br />I wonder if that means with or without WINE?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwFbDGbAau4eIA_heTDr5BoAmf5e2idcl9yUPy5aaqhvjs3J8RzUzRLuZO5IuUCDEZslXTIN0lbxXAcD2mTwdtmwz4TOnRNwg9HnFBLkMmbZjJYEmJGum1Gr8O6KgseK1olrrTGeg5f-LA/s1600/IMG_4098.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwFbDGbAau4eIA_heTDr5BoAmf5e2idcl9yUPy5aaqhvjs3J8RzUzRLuZO5IuUCDEZslXTIN0lbxXAcD2mTwdtmwz4TOnRNwg9HnFBLkMmbZjJYEmJGum1Gr8O6KgseK1olrrTGeg5f-LA/s400/IMG_4098.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502061347661457938" border="0" /></a>...next I think I will try some Wahoo Bark.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>froogalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062921574441301804noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152238647258779180.post-67499482570022982802010-07-24T08:13:00.001-07:002010-07-24T11:23:53.268-07:00Enid Collins Rooster Needlepoint<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmwGWdRiIMVA2qTlnxmf17uLihzgzjw2p6naSTm3mvHpC7QI0sL8QYcmxHt3-O4VP6xuzYbPsfNJj43A2gC4tm6OOdrkWe8kyaBj6buNCNbynLw9cs3tf970tTaROMtMZ5Pvdfrzm1KTA/s1600/010309_0800_6109_nsls.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZn_Cdx3Ik_iSybwPrdeNGe8FAqIPHaQtFbzxw6M5uZ6qD5XjN_e5H29Htznqsz969yra32MYOJHF_wBYiSVsRsYcGABFZme_IfyfCwNN_3xrSoqqES_ZeRDTwGZPllhm_Jz0-Lfii87M/s1600/rooster2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZn_Cdx3Ik_iSybwPrdeNGe8FAqIPHaQtFbzxw6M5uZ6qD5XjN_e5H29Htznqsz969yra32MYOJHF_wBYiSVsRsYcGABFZme_IfyfCwNN_3xrSoqqES_ZeRDTwGZPllhm_Jz0-Lfii87M/s400/rooster2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497491582916169426" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">It has been a long time between posts. I have been working my "on call" job at Neiman Marcus but I have not been with out my projects.<br />I am still obsessing over needlepoint and this is my latest Enid Collins inspiration along with a tiny sampler I have been experimenting with.<br />...as I stitch I contemplate....lately there has been much contemplation about blogging and internet shopkeeping.<br />I am leaving tomorrow to go back to one of my favorite places for some R&R.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmwGWdRiIMVA2qTlnxmf17uLihzgzjw2p6naSTm3mvHpC7QI0sL8QYcmxHt3-O4VP6xuzYbPsfNJj43A2gC4tm6OOdrkWe8kyaBj6buNCNbynLw9cs3tf970tTaROMtMZ5Pvdfrzm1KTA/s1600/010309_0800_6109_nsls.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 260px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmwGWdRiIMVA2qTlnxmf17uLihzgzjw2p6naSTm3mvHpC7QI0sL8QYcmxHt3-O4VP6xuzYbPsfNJj43A2gC4tm6OOdrkWe8kyaBj6buNCNbynLw9cs3tf970tTaROMtMZ5Pvdfrzm1KTA/s400/010309_0800_6109_nsls.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497507862174916802" border="0" /></a>Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, Glen Arbor, MI<br /><br /><br />There will be lots more stitching and probably much more contemplation and maybe when I return, with a little help from <a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);" href="http://www.lynnkoiner.com/astrology-articles/jupiter-retrograde-april-august-2007">Jupiter</a><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);"> </span>which turned retrograde yesterday, I will have found some new insight, inspiration and project ideas.<br /><br /></div>froogalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062921574441301804noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152238647258779180.post-41178754296495153162010-05-31T16:10:00.001-07:002010-06-04T06:55:24.363-07:00Enid Collins Inspired Needlepoint<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5sdNz7i6iJ3hAAcddyfhnDQDkhaCjgYmcvOQQxbtWZ4HrTzGCknM4jmuVLAFmzCiukRreRGkt4r5oGM-0jNNTCi1d2SvxbjpqchCwIMcPPliJWZe24IONzAjqaDySqH-Mjcq572vm7qe3/s1600/IMG_3953.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477575753913454818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5sdNz7i6iJ3hAAcddyfhnDQDkhaCjgYmcvOQQxbtWZ4HrTzGCknM4jmuVLAFmzCiukRreRGkt4r5oGM-0jNNTCi1d2SvxbjpqchCwIMcPPliJWZe24IONzAjqaDySqH-Mjcq572vm7qe3/s400/IMG_3953.JPG" border="0" /></a>My first needlepoint project is COMPLETED!<br /><br />This was a great learning experience...and like all learning, came from mistakes.<br />This is what I learned....<br /><br />10ct needlepoint canvas should be worked with 3 strands of tapestry wool (I used 2)<br />selvage should always be on the right or left not top and bottom<br />basket weave stitch will keep the canvas from distorting<br /><br />With that being said...<br /><br />Creativity is WELCOME!<br /><br />I am off on a 2 two week hiatus visiting family and friends, reading good books and putting more stitches to canvas...<br />see you soon with more projects!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>froogalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062921574441301804noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152238647258779180.post-67422448268022239812010-05-17T10:52:00.000-07:002010-05-17T15:39:42.271-07:00One Stitch Leads to Another<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgArySE6ZXYPPhGRL0MDbFPBUMoiZuYwxc8vKr0i7H6Xuib15i02ZN5d2b74FP2ymSheBSEoYKKYZxijPs0exFfvJIAtn63XQHFkrTQ8oxfRL6FMtVp0_ScMwMnMF6941j9SeJcej_3uVzz/s1600/IMG_3862.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgArySE6ZXYPPhGRL0MDbFPBUMoiZuYwxc8vKr0i7H6Xuib15i02ZN5d2b74FP2ymSheBSEoYKKYZxijPs0exFfvJIAtn63XQHFkrTQ8oxfRL6FMtVp0_ScMwMnMF6941j9SeJcej_3uVzz/s400/IMG_3862.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472309703436903218" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">...and before you know it an addiction begins.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It started with a simple cross stitch. I was completely entranced when I picked up a piece of unfinished embroidery a year ago. I love how all those tiny little stitches accumulate to make a picture. I love it for the same reason I love cross word puzzles...it keeps you guessing until the end.<br /><br />My biggest issue with those tiny little stitches is just that...they are so tiny and my eyes are so bad and I need perfect lighting and all of these things conspire to make it a bit stressful....<br /><br />Enter the needlework canvas!<br /><br />I decided to teach myself to needlepoint and purchased a piece of canvas with 10 holes to the inch...10 big holes, easy to see, and after realizing that the continental stitch is actually just half of a cross stitch, I was off and running.<br /><br />My design was inspired by my Enid Collins handbag.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFou6Hhd-MeDa3QyIfeUgxPvD8X7oLY56X3RjLTQ5glsNYbt_44npu26R2I0tbUKzYUKDZfDspwMiO929tVsHYAdSvGN7_D789tjiAU0gFma-Gy-4HMAMF10Z3WnlgTa3sL9bFExkl7281/s1600/IMG_3858.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFou6Hhd-MeDa3QyIfeUgxPvD8X7oLY56X3RjLTQ5glsNYbt_44npu26R2I0tbUKzYUKDZfDspwMiO929tVsHYAdSvGN7_D789tjiAU0gFma-Gy-4HMAMF10Z3WnlgTa3sL9bFExkl7281/s400/IMG_3858.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472309693771654642" border="0" /></a><br /></div>froogalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062921574441301804noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7152238647258779180.post-75187903059497098452010-05-13T07:30:00.000-07:002010-05-13T07:42:56.405-07:00Vintage Fabric Pincushion Kit<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidsQkHWj_8dYhAnEPcTeqobCdBdUPieGVEz9mO_sAJIYEPKl8pcVGZMqtjGww8ZrSzim95IA6FLEraSijIUcVCj2qoBtgdVWIr1eB0pYTX1xtWjIcow0bDUYiXi0zQJiFd2OHzTU5P8JV4/s1600/Pin+cushion.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidsQkHWj_8dYhAnEPcTeqobCdBdUPieGVEz9mO_sAJIYEPKl8pcVGZMqtjGww8ZrSzim95IA6FLEraSijIUcVCj2qoBtgdVWIr1eB0pYTX1xtWjIcow0bDUYiXi0zQJiFd2OHzTU5P8JV4/s400/Pin+cushion.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470762247883581186" border="0" /></a><br />I have raided my vintage stash and put together one of a kind vintage fabrics, buttons and trims along with complete instructions to make this patchwork pincushion. I currently have 4 different packets that can be purchased at<br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);" href="http://whimroseprojects.bigcartel.com"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Whimrose</span> Projects</a><br /><br />Please come and take a look and get inspired!<br /><br />*SPECIAL OFFER*<br /><br />The first 5 people to make a purchase at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Whimrose</span> Projects will receive a 20% discount!<br /></div>froogalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062921574441301804noreply@blogger.com4