Because I'm Also a Collector...

I'm getting pretty excited for the opening of my new Etsy shop, The French Laundry, on Sunday, January 6th, but I've also been trying to appreciate some of the treasures I have as part of my collection so as not to be tempted to keep everything that I have been finding, either in my existing stash or in my travels.  Antique ribbon, trims, laces, and ribbon work flowers are probably my most valued collection-I love anything that relates to items made by women, for women, to make their environment more beautiful.  I've always done needlework and handwork myself, so I have always appreciated old textiles, etc.  

Aren't the graphics on these bolts of ribbon divine?  I might add that the silk ribbon wrapped around those bolts is equally divine.  Swoon...

These little ribbon work garland sweeties are only about 3 inches long, but they are so intricate and beautiful.  Never used old stock.  They still have their "made in France" tags on them.  The wide metallic lace they are sitting on is a.ma.zing!  I got it from a lady who dressed dolls.

Well, I know this is a short post, but I may have to resort to short and sweet for the most part because I just got a full time day job.  I will be sad to leave my peeps on the evening shift because I love my girls, but life demands full time and days, so after 12 wonderful years of part time evenings, I am making a change.  I will definitely have to organize my time better if I'm to keep up with the things that nurture my soul, like peddling antique pretties and blogging, so wish me luck.  I'll be starting in February, so I have a few short weeks to figure this all out.  Send some positive energy this way, OK?

Linking up with Debra at Be Inspired Friday and Kerryanne at Shabbilicious Friday.

Until next time,

Hats off to you! Antique ribbon work-a love story, part 2

As promised, I am sharing my collection of 1920's hats with you.  All of them feature beautiful ribbon work.  I think you can appreciate the workmanship that went into each one just by looking at the photos, so, for once in my life, I'm going to pipe down and let the photos speak for themselves.



Hat is constructed of metallic lace




This original tag is attached to the blue hat pictured just above it.  I believe it says $8.50.  I may pass out!

Lace Boudoir Cap



Another metallic lace hat, presumably for a child due to small size

Ribbons have metallic thread on the edges



This one is actually more of a silk ribbon embroidery

This combines silk ribbon embroidery, ribbon work, and silk embroidery on the leaves

I also have pretty hatstands, some from the same period as the hats.


Oh, look, more ribbon work



Simple velvet with millinery flower embellishments



Exquisite German porcelain doll used as a base.



Newly constructed in the style of the 20's





Newer construction by the same friend who introduced me to ribbon work


It is so unlike me to be brief, but I'm pretty sure my words would be lost what with all of the beautiful yumminess anyway, so I'm off to link to some of my end of week parties.  Come on by and see all of the cool stuff the other bloggers have to show you.

Until next time,

Linking with:
Vintage Inspiration Friday
Feathered Nest Friday
Show and Tell Friday
Pink Saturday

1920's Girlie Girl Beauty

As you might guess, with three sons around here, two of them
under the age of 10, things are heating up for the big Christmas
extravaganza. Still, I wanted to take time to show you the most
WONDERFUL antique boudoir half doll lamps that my friend Denise, ebay seller winter-garden, has for auction right now. They are so pretty and dainty. If you click on the title of this post ("1920's Girlie Girl Beauty") above, you will be taken right to the auction. Click on the picture and you will be able to see a larger version. Denise is the owner of the website I am featured on, http://www.ourcottagegarden.com and she is very good about listing new treasures weekly. I, on the other hand, am a bit of a slacker, but I do plan on putting a couple of things under the vintage treasures heading in the next day or so, so check it out when you are having a little downtime after your Christmas dinner. Or now, if you are, unlike me, very organized and all done with your shopping, wrapping, and baking. Happy Holidays! ~Judy