Amusement

I apologize for my absence.   Seems that, for me, writing in a blog is much like writing in a journal - I know I'd like to do it, but somehow it always ends up at the bottom of my to-do list.   With a 6 year old son at my side during these summer days, the time slips away like mercury.  


However, I do have a fun post today!   We took a little 3 day vacation to a local amusement park here in Pennsylvania, called Knoebel's.   Nestled among tree-covered hills, filled with vintage, shiny rides and great food (yes, great food!), we truly enjoyed ourselves.   Here's evidence:

A Little Egg

Always fascinated with nests and eggs, I finally got this piece finished.  I am lucky enough to be surrounded by immense, grand old trees, which house several birds come spring.  I've been seeing them flitting about with bits of straw in their beaks, preparing nests for the young ones. 

There really is something so gratifying, so magical in watching nature shake off her austere winter clothing, adorning herself in blossoms, catkins and greening leaves.  So, in honor of our awakening landscape, I think I'll follow suit.   I'll put away my grey shirts and yoga pants and wear a brightly colored blouse, and may just tuck a flower in my hair.  Happy Spring, everyone!

New Sparklies!

I thought a little sparkling eye candy would be appropriate to welcome spring!

Crocuses, snowdrops and sun, Oh My!

When I see the snowdrops and crocuses bravely breaking through the semi-frozen ground, I smile, heave a deep sigh and rest in the comfort of knowing the long winter is soon to be over.  Very soon, indeed.   I heard the mourning doves cooing yesterday morning, which is another harbinger of spring.  Hmm....think I'll dig out those seed catalogs today! 

Spring!

Yesterday I was moping about, freezing in the cold wind outside and longing for spring so hard, I could feel it in my bones.  This is the hardest time of year for me...when winter seems to grip just a little bit tighter before letting go of the earth, and my creativity has all but slowed to a frozen trickle.  Walking back to the house after seeing my son off on the school bus, I happened to look down and what did I see, but a brave little clump of snow drops!  I lingered a bit, grinning wildly, feeling some of the frost in my spirit thaw, knowing that spring is indeed on its way. 

Curiouser and curiouser...

I love to infuse my home with unusual objects: bits of nature displayed under cloches, antique candle holders in the shape of animals, unique mineral specimens, black and white photographs of faraway places.   Things with a sense of history and curiosity pique my imagination and creativity, gently guiding me to see this amazing world of ours in different ways.  I happened upon a great website which sells objects like I've described and just had to share it with you - check it out!  http://www.mothology.com/default.asp

Treasure!

One of my favorite things to do is to combine vintage and antique elements with more contemporary bits and pieces.  For me, the synergy of old and new creates a piece that feels fresh, but with the added character of history.   The end result is in sync with my philosophy of "one-of-a-kind", since I never re-create a piece.   To that end, I often attend auctions and estate sales, where some amazing vintage and antique pieces may be found. 

Yesterday morning, bright and early, coffee in hand, I drove to a local auction where trays and trays of vintage jewels were up for bid.  If you've never been to an auction, you must try one!  The atmosphere is exciting and sometimes, just sometimes, you can get the most amazing deals. 

 I wanted to share a bit of sparkly eye-candy of some of my wins.  Take a close look, because you will definitely see some of these baubles in future designs!