:: 2010 ::

Happy New Year! I know it has been too long since I posted AND that the posts for November and December were few and far between! The holidays were filled with jewelry show preps and house parties, custom order craziness, shipping rushes and the need to still find time to play host to family and friends {not to mention the last minute x-mas shopping sprees}! Not sure where time went and how I got here SO quickly! But here we all are ~ January 2010! And I sit here with my feet up, mimosa in hand, while I start a new list of to-dos! Wishing you all the best! 

I have ordered a few new fun calendars for 2010 to give as gifts :: ImmortalLonging's "Shakespeare Calendar" for my mother {hope she is not reading since she has been away traveling and has not gotten her gifts yet!} and a "Twiggy Paper Doll Calendar" from MoxiePhotoDesign, that I was sure a good friend would love! Here are a few others if you have not picked one for your home or office yet! Hope you enjoy ~ Cheers!

1 :: Donnageissler ~ 2010 Calendar, Easel, Gift Box and Ribbon

2 :: BomoBob ~ A Year of Birds - 2010 Fine Art Calendar

3 :: StephanieFizer ~ Brilliant Blossoms 2010 Twelve Month Calendar

4 :: Alidesign ~ 2010 CALENDAR - Mini French Series

5 :: Urbandesign ~ 2010 Mod Meadow Calendar

6 :: ALittleHut ~ 2010 calendar - print and assemble

A blue-frosted serene night...

There is a definite chill in the air now... with chances of flurries tomorrow, I guess that makes it official that winter is finally here. No need to have the winter blues with this soft and cozy collection! Enjoy a few fun finds inspired by the gorgeous dusty blue of these "Jean Blue" earrings and a snow covered "Serene Night."

1 :: Naokosstoop ~ Serene Night Story No.4

2 :: Underabluesky ~ adorned, a 5x5 print

3 :: PrettyinPosies ~ Wool Slip Covered Snap Clip in Dusty Winter Blue

4 :: JillianMackowiak ~ Jean Bleu - Vintage Acrylic and Sterling Silver Earrings

5 :: Monkeypuzzle ~ Florishy Holidays

6 :: Lori411~ Lovely Baby's Breath - 5x7 Fine Art Print

YUM!

I have been terrible... So crazed preparing for the holiday house parties and shows that I have been neglecting my weekly blogging. Not sure where the time goes these days ~ I can't believe that November is almost gone and I am now preparing the Thanksgiving Dinner Menu! I have yet to come across a pumpkin brownie recipe, but one must exist since this sounds like a great combination to me... a little pumpkin swirl added into the warm melted chocolate. I will have to do some googling!

1 :: Eleanors ~  Love - Fine Art Flower Photograph

2 :: Patspottery ~ Espresso Sunrise Tableware

3 :: Urbanheirlooms ~ Genteel Leather Wallet

4 ::  Kande ~ Roxanne Earrings - vintage lucite

5 :: TomBjornDesigns ~ Pumpkin brooch

6 :: Knight27 ~ Sepia Weather Vane

Friday's Treasured Finds ~ Sugar Plums

I was fortunate enough to catch a treasury at the last minute on Friday. Inspired by these beautiful Duchessa earrings by Besty3, I found a few favorites to compliment them!

1 :: AmeliaKayPhotography ~ Purple Dreams

2 :: Deepindigo ~ Lavander Rose - Knitted pin

3 :: morelle ~ Truffle in Lilac

4 ::  Cardinalhouse ~ Floral bobby pin set.

5 :: Sumikoshop ~ The Key of heart - Dusty Amethyst

6 ::  Betsy3 ~ Duchessa Earrings

Fall Fairy tale Wedding

I found this gorgeous cake awhile back and cannot remember where I found it {if you know, please feel free to share so I can pay appropriate tribute!}. I just love its simple elegance, warm soft colors and attention to all the life-like details in the ferns and mushrooms ~ stunning! I am sure I would never be able to eat it! Accompanying it with a beautiful set of invitations, cute acorns and leaf stamped name cards for the tables, and a sweet necklace as a gift for your bridesmaids would make a beautiful collection for a Fall wedding day. And I just love the style and elegance of this clutch!

1 :: FairyFolk ~ Eight Felted Acorns

2 ::  NewFashionedWhispers ~ Taylor. A golden light capturing locket

3 :: Greenquince ~ Lily wedding invitation suite

4 ::  ExQuisiteInVitation ~ 50 Green Leaf Embossed Fill-in Placecards

5 :: BagatellesAndCo ~ Golden arabesque - luxury silk/cashmere clutch

The warmth of Fall

Looking forward to and hoping for a beautiful fall weekend and that the forecasters get it wrong about the rain predicted to head our way!  I am in the middle of several new jewelry designs and have been inspired by the warmth of new colors and textures that fall brings.

1 :: Irenesuchocki ~  Tell the Sky

2 :: AuraleeDallas ~ Lean On Me

3 :: SherriConley ~ She Remembers a Time

4 ::  TroyKujala ~ Fall Sunflower

5 :: BucksCountyframes ~ Autumn Travels

6 :: CalliahPhotography ~ Pumpkins

Snuggle up!

I took the dog out this morning ~ wow! Is the winter chill is settling in already? And I was just getting used to the fact that summer was over and flip flop season is long gone. Time to trade them in for something a little warmer and a pair of hand-knit felted mocs by Lavendar Hill knits that look like your feet might melt right into them should definitely do the trick! These along with a few other handmade finds will help make the transition a little more bearable!

1 :: Peekaboomonkey ~  Plaid Baby Booties

2 :: Strikk ~ Handknit cushion with tulip cables

3 :: KoboH ~ Felted Bowls, Set of Two - Grey with Blanket Stitch

4 :: Sweetknitting ~ Ivory Mohair Cashmere Warm Triangle Shawl 

5 :: Justhats ~ Pom - Pom hat 

6 :: Lavenderhillknits ~ Two-Button Womens Mocs

From the Patch

Not your traditional pumpkins! A collection to admire, wear and bathe in! I love the soft creams and whites of this collection inspired by the Cinderella's vintage lucite pumpkin earrings ~ They are my favorite!

1 & 2  :: Martha Stewart

3 :: Leapinggazelle ~ Season's bounty... squash fine art photo

4 :: ChocolateLeaves ~ Cinderella's Pumpkin Earrings - Vintage lucite

5 :: SeaPinks ~ Autumn Green Plaid Decorative Pumpkin or Gourd

6 :: Swanmountainsoaps ~ Winter in the Garden

:: ChocolateLeaves shop has been so kind to offer visitors of The Purple Artichoke 20 percent off any single item and free shipping when you add a second item to your purchase ~ just mention The Purple Artichoke! ::

Time to Button Up!

Inspired by this cozy looking neck warmer ~ I thought it would be fun to pull together a few more fun button finds!

1 :: Peaseblossomstudio ~  Leather Bound Button Up Journal

2 :: Classicbead ~ Indigo Rust Pair

3 :: Beautifulbridget ~ Neck Warmer in Espresso Chocolate Brown with Buttons

4 :: Iragranteco ~ Petit Cressier Clutch

5 :: Popcorntree ~ 2 Big Oak oval spalted buttons

6 :: Edithandlulu ~ Mocha brown button earrings

Silver Leaf

I have been searching for fun and unique display cabinets to house my jewelry at upcoming shows this holiday season. I came upon this idea on Martha Stewart's web site to silver leaf the back of a cabinet. She makes it look pretty easy to do, and says that the silver leaf paper is pretty easy to find. I was inspired to come up with a few other pieces that one might consider silver leafing ~ somewhat simple ones to start with! I stayed away from entire walls and ceilings - I think I will try my hand at a tiny cabinet to begin with. Now I just need to find the paper!

1 ::  www.marthastewart.com

2 :: www.horchow.com

3 :: www.sweetpeaandwillow.com

4 :: www.furniturequotesdirect.com

5 :: www.rhfashions.com

From Golden Sunrises to Autumn Nights...

Inspired by Maria's "All secrets are Witnessed" photograph, touches of golden sunrise; luxurious silk, knits and lace; and autumn nights help compliment this gorgeous piece of art.

1 :: Cultivar ~ Crisp Autumn Night, 3 Bobby Set

2 :: TickledPinkKnits ~ Buttercup Luxurious Knit Scarf

3 :: Mariahgale ~ All Secrets Are Witnessed

4 :: TheHomeCentric ~ Golden Sunrise - 16 Inches SquarePillow Cover in Burnout Velvet On A Silk Slub

5 :: Adornyou ~ Lace and Elegance - amethyst quartz and raw brass earrings

6 :: DesignduJour ~ Gold Silk Purse - The Mikado

Vintage, Recycle and Up-cycle!

Inspired by the "recycled" pallet post from last night, and my trip to the flea market last Sunday I decided to post a few vintage, recycled and up-cycled items from favorite sellers of mine. Even if you can't make it to the flea market, or if tag sale season is over there are plenty of fun finds looking to be loved again that can be found online! If I get a chance I will try to post some photos of some of my flea market finds from this past summer.

1 :: EveryEskimo ~ Wood you like a soda - Coca Cola crate no.2

Beautifully aged and sunny yellow. this sturdy crate is wood with reinforced metal edges. it's divided into three large sections, perfect for keeping things organized

2 ::  TheVintageholicFrog ~ Vintage canister set.

3 :: PostRoadVintage ~ Ladderback Chair with Burlap Potato Sack Cushion

An old chair was "white-washed" off-white paint and the caning was replaced with a sturdy padded wood seat. The burlap potato sack cushion reads, "California Potatoes" - all in our beloved RED, WHITE and BLUE!! Adds instant charm and vintage, country delight to any corner of your home!!

4 :: Yesstreen ~ Old crackled glass hanging lamp

5 :: RedcombVintage ~ Set of four Vintage VERA Bold Floral Napkins 

6 :: HighStreetMarket ~ Large vintage wooden carved round bowl

This bowl is so beautiful and would make a striking statement on a countertop filled with fresh fruit, or left empty.

Pallet plate display

I took new look at an old book that I pulled from my bookshelf, Restoration Home by Mark & Sally Baily. It has some great ideas for up-cycling old items that show of love and wear into new and interesting uses for the home. This is a project that I have always wanted to do if I had the wall space in my kitchen. Old pallets are easy to come by, a quick clean up and a layer or two of stain may be all it will need. It could be hung as a display in the kitchen or entry way to feature mis-matched plates lost from the rest of their set or unique pieces found at the local flea market.

Well, hello!

I think it was my trip to Anthropologie a couple of months ago that did it. They had owls on everything! I spotted a really cute one made in to a cookie jar (I think) ~ very friendly looking ~ it seemed to say "well, hello!" to me right there from the shelf. Sadly, I passed on that purchase, and since then I have been spotting them everywhere! Tempted by dish towels, pillow covers, door mats ~ they just make me smile! 

1 :: Anthropologie ~ Cookie Jar

2 :: Courtneyoquist ~ Owl Print - Daytime

3 :: Anthropologie ~ Dish Towel

4 :: LuckyBluebirdArt ~ Retro Damask Owl

5 :: Carambatack ~ Under my wing - Print

6 :: Oladesign ~ Owl Print

Monogramming... even a cookie!

Not just for stationery.... Check out this unique collection of monograms ~ beautiful to look at, some yummy enough to eat!

1 :: Laladesignstudio ~ Sterling Silver Wire Initial

2 :: Nhubs ~ Personalized Initial Bookmark

3 :: Odeshop ~ 5X7 Linen Monogram Print

4 :: SweetAmbs ~ Monogrammed Cookies in Lavender

5 :: JackandIzzy ~ Personalized Note Set

6 :: RitzyMisfit ~ Limey Colored Monogrammed Initial Wax Seal Pendant

Hoping the grey skies pass for a sunny weekend!

It is nearing the end of August and summer vacations are coming to an end ~ but the signs of summer are still here! Even though the sky is grey this morning I am hoping for a sunny summer weekend. Patches of wild daisies as well as the maintained garden variety could still be spotted on my walk around the neighborhood last night ~ so I refuse to give up on summer yet. 

1 :: Leaca ~  Remember Me, Fine Art Photograph

2 :: Artistscs28 ~ Butterfly and Gerbera in Lemon Zest

3 :: SimonDesigns ~ Tiny Flower Necklace

4 :: Daphnenen ~ Large Pleated Bag in Yellow and White

5 :: MamaPainter ~  Yellow Daisy Flower Art

6 :: Niminami ~ The Smell of Summer

Recycled Glass

Inspired by this new eye-catching chandelier display from Pottery Barn and the collection of bottles in my wine rack I thought it would be fun to see what other recycled creations can find new uses. With the increasing selection of recycled glass products in modern beautiful designs, there is no reason to buy ‘virgin’ glass anymore. The slight color hues and uniqueness give each piece a bit more character.

1 :: Pottery Barn ~ Wine Bottle Chandelier

Authentic green-glass wine bottles lend artistic impact to our striking Wine Bottle Chandelier. It has a rasped finish that gives each individual chandelier rich texture and one-of-a-kind detail.

2 :: Laurence Brabant ~ Recycled Glass Bottle spoons

3 :: Bedrock Industries ~ Recycled Glass Tiles

There are slight differences in shape and variations in the surface. These features are part of the beauty and special character. This Seattle company, hand makes all of their tiles from 100% recycled glass. Their work comes in a wide range of colors but since they don’t add any additional pigment to their found glass, Heineken Green and Budweiser Brown is the most common palette.

4 :: CDChilds ~ Wine Bottle Cheese Tray

This wine bottle has been recycled into a fabulous cheese board. The hanger is made of twisted copper wire. This makes the "perfect" serving tray or cheese board to serve your guests.

5 :: YAVA Glass ~ Recycled Boylan's Soda Bottle Glasses

These unique glasses are made from recycled Boylan's soda bottles. Each bottle is individually flame cut and polished to give you a smooth finished rim.

6 :: How to Turn a Wine Bottle Into a Vase or Votive

Take a look at this do-it-yourself step by step process to create the cylinder vases in this fiddlehead fern scroll, river rock and floating moss centerpiece.

If I had a beach house...

The possibilities are endless, but I would enjoy anything cool, calm and comfy. Textures of whites and creams with pops of color, green and blue tones especially. To roll out of bed for an early morning walk on the beach would be fantastic... I can keep dreaming!

Inspiration provided by Tom Scheerer, Country Living and Coastal Living

Coral Décor

Just a few fun finds I came across, inspired by the beautiful Coral Mirror that caught my eye. I may have already had my beach vacation, but the summer heat is here and August isn't over yet! 

1 :: Laura Kincade ~ Coral Mirror

2 :: Sethi & Sethi Collection ~ Coral Reef Table Runner

3 :: Posh Living ~ Atlantic Coral Stool

4 :: Ballard Designs ~ Venetian Coral Print

5 :: Plantation ~ Coral on Lucite Table Lamp

6 :: Pottery Barn ~ Coral Outdoor Lumbar Pillow

A weekend at the beach!

Back from my weekend at the beach on Block Island and missing it already ~ Here is a collection of sandy browns and aqua greens, a relaxing reminder!

1 :: Momiboutique ~ Carolina patchwork dress

2 :: White Twig ~ Perched Brown Linen Pillow

3 :: Smoobage ~ The Seaman’s Second Love

4 :: AliciaBock ~ Sing A Song of Miles

5 :: Surfandsand ~ All Washed up Necklace

6 :: PatinaQueen ~ Teal Patinaed Starfish