The Scented Cottage®Studio

In the Pink !

2012-02-17T09:06:00.001-05:00

Who wouldn't be after being pampered and spoiled for 3 days? From the time you stepped onto the walk until the end of the day Sunday our hostess, the beautiful and multi-talented Karen Hillman, created a beautiful, creative, blissful retreat.

Karen has a beautiful home, it's warm, inviting and as one of the ladies remarked "like stepping into a jewelry box"

This chandy is in the kitchen!

Sweet cottages created for our Lover's Lane swap

Created by our hostess


Linking to Beverly at Pink Saturday Please stop by to see lots more fabulous pink !	Thank you for your visit and your comments, I truly appreciate them and you Will show more of this fabulous event next week !(())

Happy Valentines Day my Sweets !

2012-02-14T09:52:00.002-05:00

Just back from the Queen of Arts in Ft. Lauderdale, FL and oh my oh my oh my ... I could write a book, IF I could write ! More to come on the fabulous event and the QUEEN of Arts , Karen Hillman.
Just a few photos for Valentine's Day because I want to wish everyone love and happiness today and every day.


From my Sweetheart (())

May your days be filled with joy and laughter
May your sweet heart find what ever it's after
May your nights be filled with comfort and bliss
May you have someone to hold and share a sweet kiss
May peace and content be yours for ever
May sorrow and sadness find you never
All this is my wish to you dear friend
May it all come your way with never an end.

Love to you all,
Francie T

Dress Form Pretties Party

2012-02-07T09:42:00.003-05:00

Decided to deck mine out in flowers, a butterfly perched on her shoulder... ... please visit Carol at the Polka Dot Closet
to see how others decked out theirs !

(())

Happy Pink Saturday ! You know I am

2012-02-03T09:34:00.000-05:00

like the Mad Hatter, rushing around and going in circles ! Getting ready for the Queen of Arts next week.
Giving a sneak peek at one of the heart boxes for a swap and some of the jewelry I've been making.

To see a lot more wonderful pink, visit Beverly's Pink Saturday . Pink gals are the friendliest and most fun you will find ! Hope you will join us. Until next Pink, have a wonderful week ... thank you for visiting and thank you for your comments. (())

LOVE Pink Saturdays but

2012-01-19T14:01:00.004-05:00

they get here so quickly !    Sharing some beautiful hand painted porcelain half dolls that I just put in the shop this morning... this is what I used to make my pin for the Asheville Once Upon a Dream event.

Made from antique molds, these tiny treasures were created and hand painted by Carla Khouri. Imagine the hours and hours it took to clean, fire and paint !    The colors show much brighter than they are, they are really very delicate and pale shades of green, lavender, yellow, blue and PINK.   Two fabulous Marie style and a beautiful Southern Belle.

Southern Belle

Pin created for Once Upon a Dream swap using porcelain half doll

Please join us at Beverlys ... we start listing Friday around five. You will looove all the pretties in pink. Take a minute and go wish Sue that Collectin' Texas Gal a happyPink Birthday . (()) Wishing you all a wonderful Pink Saturday and a fabulous week until next time..... (())

It's time for pink pink pink and ....

2012-01-13T13:49:00.003-05:00

Now you know that even tho we are NOT cat people there would be a cat somewhere...

Happy happy Pink Saturday ... hope your new year is going well !
I am excited to be preparing for the Queen of Arts event next month and making a few things to take with me, stocking my Etsy shop, so I am keeping busy ... lots of PINK of course ! Please visit Beverly at her fabulous Pink Saturday

you can then visit all the participants who feature their pinks.

I've found some beautiful vintage Czech glass buttons that I'm using for bracelets, solid copper chain. I am loving the look. Also lampwork beads with sweet pink roses ... and vintage copper butterfly lockets.

What's keeping you busy this year? Thank you for the visit and your comments, I appreciate them and always try to return the visit. (()) PS It's NOT your eyes the photos are blurry :))

Oh Oh here we go.....

2012-01-06T14:50:00.001-05:00

my New Year is starting slow. With lots of good will and great intention started off with usual convention had lots of grit and determination but before I could board, the train left the station...so here I sit all I can do is to think, at least I can go with a little pink. If it wasn't for Beverly at How Sweet The Sound I probly wouldn't get off the ground ... but I hate to miss visiting the great pink posts, so thank you Beverly you're the best of hosts.
Thank you too for stopping by it's means a lot when you say "hi" ... has your new year had a great start? or like for me did it just go pfffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffarrrrrrt?.

We've started the countdown !

2011-12-30T13:41:00.002-05:00

We've started counting down to the New Year ! and I want to wish you all a very blessed and prosperous year. Going to hook up with Beverly and her wonderful Pink Saturday .. and I'm 250 at My Romantic Home , could not resist being 250 , hope you will join everyone there. The holiday season is always busy and full of lots to do I know you've been as busy, and sometimes as rushed. I also hurt my foot ...ouch! ouch! ouchy ... so I've been hobbling around and having to sit a lot. At least there are a lot of things I can do when I'm sitting. I was looking at this grunch (great bunch) of hydrangeas I had stuck in a corner until I could get around to doing something with them .....

....and saw this. It was very easy to do. I already had the cones (but they are easy to make if you don't have them) and all I had to do was pull the petals off and hot glue them to the cone. I used the leaves as a base first and let them show at the bottom. I also put two rows on the inside. Then I used glitter glue, which sadly doesn't show up in the photo, to make the whole thing sparkle. Added a butterfly, a glass prism at the bottom and then filled it with my Slices and Spices ™ potpourri. Perfect for New Year's Eve !

Then I hung them over the dining room chairs......

Now someone, and darn if I can remember who but my best guesses are Carol The Polkadot Closet
(because she gives out the BEST and the MOST tips.)..or my very creative and classy friend Lynn at The Vintage Nest.
Now if it wasn't one of those two fabulous ladies, and it was YOU then please leave a message so I can give you the proper credit ... anyway the suggestion was to use shower curtain hooks for hanging something over a curtain rod. Well they work perfectly for hanging over a chair too ... I just had to open them up a little bit and that was easy to do with these metal hooks. So that's what I've been doing the last few days, that and mostly sitting with my feet up...but you can bet we will celebrate tomorrow ! Oh how I have appreciated your comments and follows this past year ... thank you so much.
What are your plans for the new year? (()) PS ya'll know if you click on a picture you get a pop up and you can click on them all in a row ...

Happy Hollidaze !

2011-12-22T15:53:00.002-05:00

Willie on stand-by in case one of Santa's reindeer can't make it

This has been a very Fran-tic month or two in our household, one thing after another but I have not forgotten any of you and want to take this moment to wish each and every one a very blessed and Merry Christmas and a prosperous and Happy New Year !

Your comments and insight has meant so much to me. Your own blog posts have helped, enlightened and inspired me...thank you so much.
A special thank you to Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for hosting fabulous Pink Saturdays. You can stop by and see some beautiful pink and Christmas cheer.
Here is to another happy year in blogland, I am so looking forward to spending it with you...with warm regards and best wishes (())

Francie ... the Scented Cottage Studio

Alll I want for Christmas ...

2011-12-04T19:06:00.001-05:00

Queens of Art

This is number ONE on my Christmas wish list ... click the link above to see what fun we are going to have. The event is hosted by the beautiful and very, very talented Karen Hillman at her fabulous home. You just might want to put it on your list tooo! ( I hope you will and I hope to see you there.)

We will be having our children home for the holidays and that's all I really need or want.

Of course, if a pair of these show up under the tree I won't send them back......

and, while I used to dream of Chuck Norris under my tree, since buying an old, old house THIS is the man I'd love to un-wrap, I'd hand him a hammer and put him right to work ... sigh.

What's on your list?

Thanks for stopping by and I really appreciate your comments. Hope your holiday preparations are going well (())

Wishing you a blessed and happy Thanksgiving...

2011-11-22T16:53:00.001-05:00

Outside Front Door

This is a busy and wonderful time of the year for all of us. Decorating, cooking, family visits ... a lot crammed into a little space of time. I want to take some of that time to wish you all the most blessed of Thanksgivings.

The mall where I have a space puts on an open house each year, they decorate and serve a ton of delicious fancies.   It is a whirlwind but I did snap a few photos to share.   Will try to put up more as/if time
                                                          allows.
                                                        Thank you for stopping by and thank you for your comments. They are    really appreciated.    Linking up to White Wednesday , click to visit
                                                            and see beautiful whites.

In my spotlight....Sonia Crouse...

2011-11-11T15:35:00.001-05:00

Meeting Sonia at the Once Upon A Dream Event was one of the highlights for me. I have "known" Sonia for some time and was happy to learn that she is from Malta. I was very lucky to have visited Malta years ago and am delighted that we got this fantastic export !

Sonia is so talented ... visit her personal blog Vintage Rose Designs and you will see what I mean. Sonia is the senior editor and designer of Creating Vintage Charm and if you want to see nothing but eye candy and beauty then you need to check out this magazine !
Aside from being so darn talented, Sonia is as pretty on the inside as she is on the outside.

To see lots of pretty pinks visit Beverly at How Sweet The Sound
for Pink Saturday.

Thank you for visiting (())

brierpatch cats ...

2011-11-02T20:00:00.001-04:00

One of my Sweeties colleagues has a habitat where she keeps throw away cats. I have a link to her blog on my side bar ...Brierpatch Cats
Sadly there are too many cats and dogs that are neglected, abused and just tossed out. Our Willie and Wynona were left in a shoe box before their eyes were even opened. Wailin' was a starving throw away and Wynnette as well.
Most people around here think nothing of dumping an unwanted animal on the side of the road or in the swamp. They will not pay to have the animals neutered. The so called animal shelter that we have here is not taking any animals. There is no animal control. While there is a leash law it is not enforced. One of my Sweeties office kittys was attacked by two bull dogs and torn apart. It saddens me that people are so heartless towards creatures we should be protecting.

I admire Sandy for stepping up and taking care of as many of these throw aways as she can. You can read about this little sweetie on her blog.
I realize money is tight but if there is any room in your budget for a dollar or two to send her it would go a long way. She pays for this out of her own pocket and what few donations she is able to receive.
She is also selling a calendar to help pay for food etc.
Brierpatch Cats

Thank you for your visit, I really appreciate you.
(())

The Dream continues....

2011-10-29T10:08:00.004-04:00

Sylvia (leaning over) Sweet Shelley, Nancy, me, Heidi, Tracy

Amy ... Inspire Co.

One of the best parts of attending an event is meeting friends you have "known" in blog land and meeting new ones. A highlight for me in Asheville was meeting sweet Amy Inspire Company , her husband Rich and their precious son Alfredo. I have known Amy for ten or eleven years (it flies by in blog land !) and she is one of the most creative and indeed inspiring ladies around. Amy has a wonderful, unique style and is cute, generous and gracious.

Tracy and Sylvia

Nancy and Sylvia

Sylvia, Shelley, Tricia, Claudie

Deborah, aka Miz Bee

My sweet Sugah Bee Heidi, we had met in Savannah, was sooo good to see her again and meet her friend Tracy ...we were blessed to sit at the same table and had a great time! Heidi creates some beautiful things hop on over to her blog and see what she recently created and her surprise ! Sweet Shelley was also in Savannah and this is one beautiful, funny, talented lady. Nancy, owner of Coeur d'Alene I have also known for some time. I am always happy to see Nancy ! Then I got to meet Miz Bee, what a culte lil fireball ! I see why Claudie Claudies World loves her and I was so darn happy to get a hug from the gorgeous Claudie. Tricia, petite, cute as a bug and as sweet as you would expect. Sylvia, what a delight to meet Sylvia ... as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. An added bonus, all these ladies are petite so I didn't have to hurt my neck looking up ... I could admire them straight on :)) If you ever get an opportunity to go to an event (especially one hosted by Jennifer Hayslip) don't pass it up ! You will meet wonderful talented ladies and be re-charged with ample creativity. Not to mention the fun and laughter and great swaps. Speaking of swaps, here is just a sample of the ornaments created for the ornament swap:

created by Lisa Campbell

beautiful embellished ornament

fabulous mermaid in shell

gorgeous Cinderella slipper Sherry Williams

beautiful Victorian Tricia Johnson

Now to see lots of wonderful pinks hope on over to Pink Saturday at Beverlys you won't be disappointed !

Once Upon A Dream...

2011-10-25T17:06:00.000-04:00


Welcoming entrance to the Fairy Tale


Our beautiful hostess greeting the guests

White Wednesday, perfect for sharing photos of Jenn Hayslips Asheville event "Once Upon A Dream". You can always count on Jenn to create the perfect atmosphere.


Reception table

Table setting

It was a beautiful fairy tale event... I'll share more later.
Thank you for visiting, I appreciate your comments and please come back for another visit soon. Check out more beautiful whites at White Wednesday.


A peek at what's inside....

Back from Asheville and In the Pink !

2011-10-20T17:45:00.003-04:00

Asheville and Once Upon A Dream event were delightful, just as anticipated. Came home to South Georgia , a nip in the air, kittys that demanded attention and several small fires that needed stomping out.
Willie got sick before I left and he needs a lot of holding. Several orders to fill and special requests.
It will take me some time to get things cleared up and get back in the swing so I'll be sharing bits at a time.

We did a number of swaps at the event and one was a decorated shoe...I chose a wire shoe and decorated it with flowers, lace, added embellishments and filled it with little goodies. Dressed the fairy in flower petals, added a rhinestone crown and a star in her hand. Then I placed it into it's own little suitcase so she would be ready to travel to her new home.

Wish there had been time to take photos of all the wonderful shoes, you can barely imagine how fabulous they were.
Check out Pink Saturday with Beverly at How Sweet The Sound... for other beautiful pink posts. Thank you for visiting, you know I appreciate your comments ! Please come back soon (())

Time is getting short but I'm making time for pink !

2011-10-07T13:30:00.003-04:00

Just days left until Asheville and Jenn Hayslips Once Upon A Dream event and feathers, glitter and glue is flyin'! One of the swaps is for a fairy broach and we are supposed to "package it pretty". I decided to paint and decoupage a papier mache book box.

Here it is painted, decoupaged and almost ready.


I added a title ......

Decoupaged and fancied up the inside ....

Then nestled the Fairy broach inside ... there might be one or two tweaks left to do, I sure hope whoever ends up with it likes it !

Now I leave you with a photo of Mr. Soooo NOTaCatPerson with Willie in his lap and Wynona wishin' she had got the lap first. If you like cats are killin' time you can read more about our kittehs here We are soooo NOT cat people
Please visit Beverly at How Sweet The Sound
and see all the other participants in Pink Saturday. I will try to post for next Saturday but may or may not make it .... until then ya'll beee sweet and thanks for stopping by, I really appreciate your sweet comments.
(())

Keep on Pinkin'.....

2011-09-23T13:11:00.000-04:00

Beverly's Pink Saturday

The Fairies are dancing ....the butterflies are anticipating ... as we get ready for October and Once Upon A Dream.
There are still many wonderful things to create and I am finishing up the bangles and baubles.

Pale pink, hearts and tiny glass perfume bottles with tops that open. Just enough room inside for a few drops of precious perfume...or a grain of rice !

Chunky sparklie bracelets made from vintage earrings and findings.... and there will be button bracelets too made with bits and bobs and very special buttons.

Wishing all a happy Pink Saturday ... you can see more wonderful pinks here Beverlys' Pink Saturday

Thanks for stopping by and leaving your sweet comment ! I really appreciate you and please come back. (())

Pink and Blue and ...

2011-09-16T11:19:00.006-04:00

Happy Pink Saturday! Pink just makes me smile and when I found these lampwork beads I just had to have them, then I had to make something with them!

Couldn't get a good photo of these blue hearts with tiny pink rosebuds. ..if you click on the photo it will enlarge for you though. I paired them with little pink Swarovski hearts and used copper findings. LOVE the color combination.

Love pink and brown and these beads have tiny pink roses on them also. I used copper findings and copper butterfly lockets.

White with brown squiggles and dots of pink, with pink crystals. Silver findings. I thought these looked like yummy candy. I added two strands of pink crystals to make a three strand bracelet.

Southern belles ! These are tiny, sweet little copper bells, teamed with clear crystals. They don't really tinkle so you can still sneak up on someone but they look really great.

Have to tell you I have always loved copper. It's a warm, rich color and I'm happy that more copper findings, charms etc. are available. I made this set for a French inspired swap.

Hope ya'll have a great Pink Saturday, visit Beverly at

How Sweet The Sound to see lots of wonderful pink ...And you might love to visit The Shabby Chic Girls Club to see the wonderful shabby there... thank you for your comments and please come back soon . (())

Remembering, reflecting, resolving....

2011-09-10T09:39:00.004-04:00

This blog was created as an adjunct to my web site, to share creations, bits of my life, to meet other creative people and just to have a good time. I try not to espouse my political or religious views. I don't feel that this is the proper forum for posts exclusively with those thoughts or opinions.

This is one of the few exceptions because we have, along with the rest of America, been reflecting this past week on the 9/11 terrorist attacks. We have been remembering those whose lives were taken, those who gave their lives to save others, those who came to the rescue.

We will be praying for the families who were devastated by the attacks, those who rescued and dealt with the aftermath, for our enemies, the president and our country.

We have resolved not to live in fear or intimidation but to live to the fullest the best life we can, appreciate and love our family and to be grateful that we live in the USA.

And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen, neither shall the beast of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make them afraid. Ezekiel 34:28.

Usually I link with Beverly for Pink Saturday , you can visit to see some other reflections on 9/11 and some wonderful pink. Thank you for visiting and I hope you will return next week ... I really appreciate you (())

Time for Pink ... and a little bit of France.

2011-09-02T15:38:00.001-04:00

Soooo it is taking me a little bit longer to do things, okay, a LOT longer my one speed used to be Granny now it's reverse! But still we are inching along...

Sharing some fabric with you .... oh I LOVE fabric !
Yes, it's true I still can not get to my sewing machine but thankfully this project only requires glue. I'll be using these fabrics on a suitcase.
Then I'll be making a few things with Eiffel towers and swans and a few other goodies tooo.

I really really love this fabric, it's soooo romantic. Pink roses and French postcards, sigh. One of my favorite movies is French Kiss. I watch it every time it comes on the telly and my children bought me my very own copy.

Pink toile ... how can you not like this charming fabric? Wonderful countryside scenes, charming cottages...

The iconic Eiffel Tower ... oh did you see the photo taken of the Eiffel with lightening behind it? It was on YahBoo and just stunning !

These beautiful swans will be part of an ornament swap I'm doing that revolves around fairy tales...remember The Ugly Duckling?

Ooooh so I have a ton to do and it's taking me oh so long to do anything But I have gotten VERY good at getting my family to fetch and tote for me :))

Thank you all for your sweet comments and thank you Carol, Ms. Polkadot Closet for thinking of me in your blog post ! Ya'll should go by and see her she has the BEST tips ... don't miss out on Pink Saturday at Beverly's either, kay? Ya'll bee sweet and come back soon. (())

In the Pink again....sort of

2011-08-26T12:26:00.001-04:00

Hello sweet bloglanders ! I know I have been absent more than usual but I truly did not want to miss one more Pink Saturday. First let me say "thank you " again for your phone calls, emails etc. to see what was up with me. While I thanked each of you separately I want to publicly say how much I appreciate you. (())

After I recovered from the food poisoning and the pinched nerve I took a week-end and went to St. Augustine for some fun and to create a mermaid crown (hope to share that next week) and right after I got home I cracked a rib. Sigh. Feeling so much better now honestly !

Now I am getting ready for the "Once Upon a Dream...." event hosted by Jenn Hayslip, Oct. 9th, (well I should say I'm leaving then, will be stopping by to see my children on my way up the coast). You know there will be fairies and alll kinds of goodies. I'm making some jewelry and lots of other sweet things...this is just a little peek...

Please visit Beverly at Pink Saturday to see lots of wonderful pinks. I know I will be visiting and catching up. Until next week, ya'll bee sweet and come back soon. (())

Pink Saturday ... can you find the pink?

2011-07-15T15:00:00.001-04:00

This is my work shop...I'm very blessed to have my own little cottage to play in. I can decorate it, mess it up and just have fun. I have made a few changes and wanted to show them to you but have spent the last week with a pinched nerve in my lower back. This has put a SEVERE hitch in my get a long so not a thing has been accomplished ! I am sharing these with Pink Saturday at Beverlys
and with Karen's Where Women Create Tour
all participants are listed on her side bar.
You can spend many happy hours seeing pink and wonderful spaces.

Thank you for visiting, thank you for leaving your comments I do appreciate the time you take. Thank you for your follow! I always try to reciprocate. Now please come back and ya'll bee sweet (())

I'm late I'm late I'm late....

2011-07-08T16:18:00.001-04:00

oooh runnin' late late for Pink Saturday ! In a previous post I showed how I rewire lamps ... I used this sweet vintage rosebud lamp. For me the shades are the most difficult part, finding one that will work without spending a fortune.

For this lamp I had an old shade on hand, but it wasn't in the best condition. I also had a bag of dollar store rose petals. Since they are inexpensive they are a little stiff, but that was perfect for this project.

I started by gluing a row of petals around the bottom of the shade, using a white, quick dry craft glue. Then I added another row overlapping and in the middle of the first row and kept on going. When I got to the top, I cut the petals straight across taking off about 1/2" and then folded and glued them over the top. Then I added some rose embellishment around the top. Quick and easy !

You can see how pretty it looks !

Hope you will hop on over to Beverly's Pink Saturday and visit all the sweet pink participants.

Thanks for stopping and leaving a comment. Thank you for your follow ... I always try to return comments and follows.
Ya'll come back soon and bee sweet now.

It's alllll about white !

2011-06-28T13:40:00.003-04:00

A few weeks before I found the two sweet busts in the post below, I found four verry sweet flower children statues.
Each one is different but all are holding flowers in their dress.

They were made by Alexander Backer Co. (ABCO) in New York USA

They have the company name stamped in the back of the base. And all of them, except one, have a felt bottom and an AB CO sticker.

This one is my favorite. They will be in my vintage value section on my web shop if you want more information.

Linking up with Etsy Cottage Style Color of June
and with Faded Charm Cottage for White Wednesday. Thanks for visiting, I appreciate your comments and your follows and always try to comment and follow back. Hope you will stop by again, until then stay cool and ya'll bee sweet !

Classic Vintage White

2011-06-21T17:00:00.002-04:00

These beautiful busts were a delightful find!

They are in like new condition vintage matte ceramic.

The charming young girl has a bow in her hair. She is approximately 9 1/2"H x 5"W

I have found out that they are modeled on busts of the Brongniart children by Jean-Antoine Houdon (1741-1826)

This sweet young boy has a ruffled collar. He is approximately 8 1/2" H x 5" W
They would work well in any shabby, cottage or Victorian decor. They are very light weight but could be used as bookends if put on one of those utilitarian metal book ends. They would look wonderful in a book case or set on top of a stack of books, with or without the covers.
I can think of many ways to use them, do you have any suggestions?
Linking up with Faded Charm Cottage for White Wednesday. You can visit many beautiful whites from the links there.
Thanks for stopping by, you know I appreciate you and ya'll come back, real soon. (())

Rewiring a pink rosebud Lamp ...

2011-06-16T15:56:00.004-04:00

I love old lamps. I can't resist them, like most things they just don't make 'em like they usedta. Usually they need a bit of TLC, along with a good cleaning a new cord and lampshade.
Several ladies have said they would like to know how to re-wire a lamp so I decided to show how I do it.

Cords are fairly easy to replace, finding the right lampshade is the difficult part for me.   Since I buy so many old lamps I use extension cords to re-wire. I like that I can get them white or green and in different lengths.
I am not suggesting you do this, I'm just sayin' it's what I use. You can buy replacement cords in a hardware store for about seven dollars.
I wanted to replace this old brown cord with a white one.

After you have your lamp cord, gather your tools. You will need wire strippers, wire cutters and a flat blade screwdriver.

If you have a harp and finial remove them and set aside. Then grasp the socket base in one hand and the socket shell/cover in the other, squeeze the shell/cover and pull up. It should come right off. Set the shell/
cover aside.

You can now pull the socket up along with the old cord...the cord may need some encouragement from the bottom, just push and wiggle. You will see a screw on each side of the socket with wire going to each one.
Using a flat blade screwdriver turn the screws enough to release the wire. ( Remember, Lefty Loosey, Righty Tighty ) this on each side and set the socket aside. Once that is done use the wire cutters to cut below the old Underwriters knot in the wire...you can see this knot just below the socket. This will make it easier for you to pull the old wire out from the bottom which is the next step. If your lamp is extremely tall or long, tie a long strong piece of string or twine on the end of it before pulling it out of the lamp ... then you can tie it to the end of the replacement cord to help pull it through to the top of the lamp.

Get your extension cord ready to put into the lamp by cutting off the end ... remember I'm not telling you to use an extension cord, I'm just showing you what I do. :))

Next push your new cord up the lamp base until you have enough to grasp at the top. If it's a tall or long base this is where the string going through the base and tied on the new end will come in handy. For this lamp I didn't need it. Pull out enough cord to work with comfortably.

Now we are going to tie our own Underwriter's knot. Don't skip this step, it's important. It will keep your wire from pulling out if someone trips over the cord.and is a safety measure. First pull apart the cord so you have two pieces about 3" to 4" long. You may need to use the wire cutters to cut in the center rib down about an inch to make it easy to pull the wire sides apart. Take one piece and loop it in front of itself.

Take the other piece and put it through the loop and pull until it's snug. Now take the piece you just pulled through, loop it in front of itself and pull the other piece through it .. grab both ends and pull until snug.
Congratulations you have just made an Underwriter's Knot !!!

This is how your Underwriter's Knot should look. Now pull the cord down from the bottom of the lamp until the knot is snug against the socket base.

Now set the socket on the socket base, (you didn't

forget where you put it did you? ummm ...me either), fold the wire over one screw terminal... you don't want it too short or too long, about 1/2" is just right, cut with wire cutters, do this to each side just getting the length you need .

Now take the wire strippers and strip off that 1/2" of covering that is over the wire. It should be about 18 gauge marked on the wire stripper. You may need to squeeze, then turn the stripper and squeeze the other side of the wire covering to cut through it, then holding the wire in one hand and the strippers firmly in the other pull the wire covering off the wire. You will see a bunch of pretty little copper wires.

Now if you haven't noticed before, one side of the wire cover is ribbed and one side is smooth. You will wrap the smooth side to the brass screw terminal and the ribbed side to the silver. Be sure none of the little wires are cut shorter than the others (this is one reason for the wire strippers). I usually take and curl them first, then place them over the screw, making sure they are all wrapped around and neatly tucked in before tightening the screw.

Set the socket into the base, pull gently on the cord from the bottom to snug it up, replace the socket cover snugly as well. VIE OH LAH !!! You have replaced a cord. And after finding the right lamp shade ... have a beautiful, probably one of a kind, lamp.

Thanks for stopping by ... hope this tutorial has helped you. I will be linking up with Beverly's Pink Saturday, hope to see you there. Thanks for your sweet comments and ya'll com back soon (())

White Wednesday

2011-06-14T20:40:00.007-04:00

Happy White Wednesday!

Sharing two cool white florals I've made and then since
we have had temperatures in the 100's and no relief in sight for the next week ... I pulled out this photo of one of our town's fountains that froze last year ... sigh. Trying to think coool.

Linking up at Faded Charm

Please visit for more coool whites !
Hope ya'll are staying cool and enjoying your week ! Thank you for your visit and your sweet comments ... (())

White Wednesday and Wedding Bells

2011-06-07T15:34:00.004-04:00

My mother and daddy didn't have any wedding pictures...at least none that I know of. They were married in New York and it was towards the end of the war to end all wars...so everyone thought. My mother did have this little wedding topper on her cake, and I remember when she gave it to me. She told me she knew I would treasure it because I was the one in the family that cared about those things.
I know for her it symbolized the start of an adventure and a very different life than she had known, one that would take her from the glitz and glamour of New York city to tiny Texas towns, many of the United States and various foreign countries. She would have four children, two girls and two boys. She would lose one of her boys in his teens. I was in college then and what I remember most, besides the overwhelming sorrow, was how my mother handled this time with grace and dignity even thought I knew her heart was broken into bits. She was always a lady.

This photo of them was taken shortly after they were married and he had moved her to Texas to be with his family.
My mother and daddy were married for over fifty years. In those days when you took a vow you kept it, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health. My mother taught me manners and how to be a lady (I often apologized to her for my many slips) and my daddy taught me to be a woman of my word, to persevere and that a job worth doing was worth doing well. In the South we would say that I had good raisin'.
Linking up with Steph for her annual Blog Wedding Party , hope you'll stop by and visit the other participants. Thank you for visiting and thank you for your sweet comments, I appreciate all of them. Ya'll come back !

Pink Pink Pink Pink Vintage Pink !

2011-06-03T14:25:00.001-04:00

Happy Pink Saturday ! Thought I would share some vintage pink ... this is a sweet travel kit that was never used.
I hope the woman who first purchased it just forgot to take it with her and still got to go on her journey. I am thinking she was off to Paris and in her excitement she forgot to pack it.....

There is a pink stretch clothesline, two pink hanger clips and four packages of Celebrity Cel-Suds which are "A mild, safe detergent for quick, convenient laundering of nylon, silk, cotton and wool."

Pink Princess electric shaver , also 1960's vintage (umm which made me realize that I am vintage too !)

In good shape and still pretty in pink, hey ME TOO!

and last but not least this sweet vintage plate. I love the sentiment:

Guest you are Welcome, be at your ease...
Get up when you're ready,
go to bed when you please,
Happy to share with you such as we've got,
the leaks in the roof
and the soup in the pot.
You don't have to thank us or laugh at our jokes,
sit deep and come often,
you're one of the folks.

Now some of you may wonder "what the heck is sit deep?" Well now aren't you glad I'm a know-it-all? Actually I know this from my years of horse riding...when you sit deep in your saddle you are balanced in it, firmly seated and you stay that way (hopefully).
See, you never know what you will find out from visiting the pink links at Beverly's Pink Saturday ...I'll be heading that way myself to visit all the pink perfection and see what new things I will learn, hope you will join me AND you know I appreciate your comments and I really appreciate your follow, I do try to reciprocate. Happy Pink !

White Wednesday....

2011-05-31T15:31:00.001-04:00

Wynona showing her white belly

For some time I have visited and loved White
Wednesdays visit here. But my life is full of color and I didn't think I had much to share. Until I started looking around...and my goodness I actually DO have a lot of white. Today I'm going to share a bit of the work we've been doing around this old cottage....we have cats and we have a screened in porch but the cats have a tendency to get right up to the screen door and Wynona has managed to get out once or twice. so I decided we needed a "kitty lock". an entry into our front porch entry ... and last week we proceeded to create it. First we built a frame and then added lattice panels and a screen door. To the right you can see the screen door we added. You can see that Wynona was not impressed and not very happy either. One of her favorite things is to lay right next to the door just in case she can surprise someone and make a run for it.

First we painted the wood and lattice. Then we built a frame.

Looking from inside the porch you can see the old screen door and the new one.

Wynona looking at me as if to say "are you REALLY going to do this?"

I said "yup" and she went back inside in disgust.


Now we have a new entry onto our front porch and no more escaping kittys! We still have a LOT of work to do on the porch but this was a good start.	I am so happy to join White Wednesday and thank you for stopping by , I hope you will come back . (())

Today we honor them...

2011-05-30T08:17:00.001-04:00

Please take some time today to honor the men and women who served our country and to appreciate the sacrifices they and their families gave so we could continue to have the freedoms we still cherish.

Mrs. Glosser chose a number for the Cottage Charm give away and the recipient of the teacup is Kyria Baker. Kyria please email me with your home address and I will get the tea cup out to you. (())

ALL FOLLOWERS were MISSING and NOW FOUND .;.. NO WAIT

2011-05-28T10:04:00.004-04:00

GONE and BACK !!! okay so this is very confuzzling SO I will continue as if you are all still gone, sniff sniff ..

not only from my blog but from many others too....OH MY ... you have all disappeared ! and Mrs. Glosser is to choose who receives the pink teacup candle on the 29th ... if Blogger can not/does not restore them then all I can do is choose from the comments on the give away post and from anyone who leaves a comment here ... I do not know what is UP with Blogger because apparently something is DOWN with them. Not to mention that my laptop crashed and burned .. uh oh trouble usually comes in threes so now I am waiting for the next shoe to drop :))

Publish Post

So sweet ones, if you are a follower and want a chance to receive the pink teacup please comment here and you will be eligible. You also have time to enter other give aways at Cottage Charm Give Away . If by some chance Blogger restores followers Mrs. Glosser will choose from all as well as new comments. Until next time, ya'll bee sweet ! (())

Happy Happy Birthday Pink Saturday !

2011-05-27T13:09:00.001-04:00

It's been three years and who would think

Each Saturday we'd all post PINK
Beverly knew it could be done

and invited us all to join the fun

So here's to you Ms. Beverly
Happy Birthday Pink Saturday THREE !!!

Please visit Beverly at How Sweet the Sound wish her a Happy Third Birthday and visit all the other Pink Saturday participants to see their pink and birthday wishes.
AND don't forget to visit the Twice Remembered Cottage for the FIFTH annual Cottage Charm give away(s) ONLY ONE DAY LEFT to enter ... there are currently 49 give aways listed !!! it's easy to enter and it's almost time to choose who will win all the fabulous goodies being given away ! We're giving away a wonderful pink heart teacup candle with all the trimmin's so please enter. Until then, ya'll bee sweet and come back soon . (())

We temporarily interrupt this blog....

2011-05-22T09:48:00.000-04:00

because we are doing some much needed repairs on our garage. Gone are the Wisteria vines (sigh), she has new sides, a beautifully painted floor and this week the outside will get a paint job. (If I'm still able that is LOL).
In the meantime I hope ya'll will visit the Annual Cottage Charm Give Away ! and join us in giving away a sweet something and entering to win some great items or just go enter...your odds are great for receiving some fabulous give aways ! The Scented Cottage Studio is giving away a pink teacup candle with all the bells and whistles.
Until the great garage escapade is over ... stay sweet !

Pink Saturday, Mother's Day and ....

2011-05-06T16:21:00.003-04:00

Happy Pink Saturday and happy Mother's Day to all ... if you still have your sweet mother to celebrate with make it a wonderful memory. You will cherish them later.Please visit Beverly for Pink Saturday and a link to other participants and their beautiful pinks!
These beautiful tulips were sent to me, along with candy and some wonderful cards, by my precious children and GRANDs.
Donna of Morning Glory Craft Cottage, Beverly of How Sweet the Sound and Kim of Savvy Southern Style were picked by Mrs. Glosser to receive the latest Shabby Lane Shops magazine. Ya'll please email me with your addresses so I can get them out to you. My email is The Scented Cottage @ yahooooooo! Without the spaces and extra o's in yahoo of course :))
I will be doing this give away for every new issue so you still have an opportunity to receive one !
Thanks for stopping by, many thanks for following (all followers are automatically entered in give aways) and thank you for your sweet comments. (())

Congratulations Shabby Lane Shops !!! COTTAGE CHARM GIVE AWAY TOO

2011-05-02T17:52:00.007-04:00

Our magazine, thanks to Catherine owner and editor, is now in over ONE THOUSAND book stores !!!

This is an amazing accomplishment to achieve in such a very short time.   We were told that one lady went to 3 bookstores searching for out latest issue and all 3 were SOLD OUT !    So she decided to get a subscription, which I think is a VERY good idea.
To celebrate I am going to give away 3 issues of our newest issue, shown above.
If you are a follower you are already entered! If you become a follower you will be entered. If you leave a comment, tweet and/or post about it you will receive an entry for each thing that you do.   Just let me know in the comment section. Mrs. Glosser will choose the winners on my Sweetie's birthday which is Cinco de Mayo...so don't delay your entry ! Your odds for getting a free issue are great and I think you will LOVE the magazine.
AND THAT's NOT ALL... I'm joining the annual May give away at Cottage Charm and will be giving away a teacup candle ... THIS one to be precise... a sweet PINK heart shaped teacup and saucer with a few special extras ! Hop on over and see what everyone else is doing too.   To enter you must be a follower or become a follower...easy peasy ...so there will be no confusion Mrs. Glosser will chose 3 to get the magazines on May 5th and then choose again on May 29th the recipient of the sweet pink heart teacup ... so you have a chance or chances for BOTH.

Thank you for stopping by and thank you for your follow and your sweet comments !
Until next time, ya'll bee sweet and come back, heah?

It's Friday and that means ....

2011-04-29T12:48:00.000-04:00

Pink Saturday ! Linking to Beverly's Pink Saturday , hope you will stop by there and visit the other participants to see their pretty pinks.

While in Augusta taking care of my Granddogters I took the opportunity to make soap. This cupcake soap is smells just like fresh baked ... sweet and yummeee !

Made rose soaps in 3 different scents, Fresh Rose, Tea Rose and Honeysuckle Rose. The house smelled like a rose garden !

For some time I've been planning on making egg shaped soaps. Still looking for the right soap dish to put them in...you know I want a nest but so far no luck finding something that will work.

Hope ya'll have a wonderful pink Saturday...you know I appreciate your visits and your comments. Stay sweet and come back soon. (())

Spring Sweet Spring !

2011-04-22T17:06:00.000-04:00

One of the many things I love about spring is the profusion of Wisteria. There is something so romantic and beautiful about the delicate hanging blossoms. Some people consider it an invasive pest but I love it and I love that I can look out my French doors and see it bloom.

Spring always gives me wander lust .. I think there is some Gypsy in my blood because spring hits and I can not sit still. Have to put on my travelin' shoes...or Charlie One Horse demi boots in this case...and hit the road. I just got back from a week in Nashville, you can read about it in posts below if you would like.

Linking up with Beverly for Pink Saturday hope you will stop by and visit all the other sweet blogs. thank you for stopping by and thank you for your sweet comments, I hope all will have a very blessed Easter, until next time ya'll bee sweet (())

Made new friends in Nashville.....

2011-04-21T07:49:00.003-04:00

I love doing shows because you always meet the most interesting and fun folks.

This gentleman loved our boas and when we offered him one he laughingly accepted AND he wore it for most of the show. We had lunch at the same time one day and he is a very interesting fella.

This gentleman also wanted a boa and I was happy to oblige. He and his wife are a lovely Christian couple and we had some great conversation and fun. Look at that smile !

I also listened to Kix Brooks talk about his vineyard and his wines. He was at the show to promote his Arrington Vineyards.
Kix is from Shreveport, Louisiana where some of my family still lives.

Will leave you with some more photos of items we had in the Shabby Lane Shops booth. It's all great eye candy. You can click on them for a larger view and if you scroll down you can see more photos of our time in Nashville.

Thank you so much for visiting with me and for your sweet comments. I always try to visit you and comment in return. (())

Nashville...Great time... good to be home

2011-04-19T12:02:00.001-04:00

Had a wonderful time in Nashville at the Southern Womans Show helping to promote Shabby Lane Shops. We took a lot of product to show case and to sell.

Have to admit that by the time I loaded my truck with tables, shelves, display items etc. drove all day (a bit over 8 hours) ran into tornado warnings,severe thunderstorms, then the next day drove to the convention center unloaded my truck, went back helped Catherine load a trailer, back to the convention center helped unload the trailer and then the next day back to un-box, un-wrap and set up the booth I was a bit pooped. Catherine in indefatigable ... she is amazing in how she can go and go and go. So grateful that Bunny from B.Catherine designs came in Wednesday afternoon to help with set up. She is just an energetic

little bundle of fun. You can see we got the booth finished and beautified in time for the shoppers!
Then the ladies from Kiddoodle Kingdom drove in to help us on Saturday and Sunday...their helping on the floor and packing up was such a blessing! We had to pack up Sunday night after the show. Then I stayed to help load the trailer Monday morning before driving home. Came home to a house full of sick kitties and Willie will not leave my lap. It is a bit difficult to type and upload photos with a 20 lb cat on your lap ... I will be posting more photos later so ya'll come back to see ! I am going to try and get by to visit you and catch up on what you have been doing. Until then, ya'll bee sweet and you know I appreciate your comments and visit. (())

Nashville Too

2011-04-14T19:01:00.000-04:00

Having a great time in Nashville...toe tappin' in my Charlie One Horse PINK and brown slip on "boots" and waitin' for Kix Brooks to show up. Kix is from Shreveport, Louisiana where my babies were born. The Shabby Lane Shops booth looks fabulous and we are busy, busy and are getting great comments from the shoppers.
I'm going to try and make Pink Saturday, hope I can take a break to get to my room to post. Will try to catch up with all you wonderful bloggers soon. Until then bee sweet, you know I appreciate you and your sweet comments !

Nashville....

2011-04-12T08:58:00.000-04:00

Drove up to Nashville yesterday to help Shabby Lane Shops at the
Southern Woman's Show
Had a great trip up ... great company along for the ride. Willie (of course !), Waylon and the Boys, Los Lonely Boys, Aaron Tippin and Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show. Tornado warning and plenty of driving rain during the last 15 minutes, exciting but I'm happy it was at the very end of the trip. Other than that it was smooth sailing.
Today and tomorrow will be helping to set up the booth(s) for Shabby Lane Shops at the Southern Woman's Show . Hope to be able to take photos and share them here.
Didn't like missing the last Pink Saturday but I was in Augusta then ... will try and make it this Saturday but it will really depend on how crazy busy or tired I am. Until then, ya'll bee sweet. I hope to catch up with all of you soon. (())

Pink Parasols....

2011-04-01T17:43:00.004-04:00

Happy Friday and happy pink Saturday ! linking to Beverly at
How Sweet the Sound

Hope you will stop by and visit all the wonderful "Pinkies" !

The latest Shabby Lane Shops magazine is out, on newstands and on its way to subscribers.

This time I showed how I created the parasol for the Southern Belle paper doll I made for one of the swaps at the Petticoats and Parasols event in Savannah. (There is a link on the side bar for Jenn's next event ... check it out, you don't want to miss it!)

You could use these sweet little parasols for so many things...tea parties, garden parties, showers etc. and they are fun to make. You are limited only by your

imagination!

If you don't have a book store that is carrying the magazine you can order online at Shabby Lane Shops

Packed with articles, features, how to's, recipes and beautiful photos they are selling like hot cakes ! I am so delighted to be part of this wonderful group and magazine.

Can you see how sweet these would be at a baby or bridal shower?

Perfect for a tea party!

Add some sweet ribbons and trim....

You know I appreciate your visits and comments. Until next week, ya'll beeee sweet and come back soon. (())

P.S. I had Mrs. Glosser draw the number for the teacup give away... she picked http://40-somethingandlovingit.blogspot.com . However, Karen, whose blog this is, is sister to Catherine who owns Shabby Lane Shops so I had Mrs. Glosser choose another number too ... she chose http://lavenderdreamstoo.blogspot.com . I will send an email to both ladies... I surely wish all of you could have received a tea cup and if I ever win the lottery....

HOW TO shop on line .....

2011-03-29T12:10:00.000-04:00

Ohhh who would ever need to know how to do that? It's so easy, you look, you like, you click, you buy!    While I was packing orders this morning I was thinking about ordering on line... I do it a lot myself. But I have guidelines ... do you?   I'll share mine and hope you will share yours.    First I know what I want...ummm generally. Then I Google. You know my motto "Google is your friend" !   Also, don't just look on the first three pages, some of the best bargains I have found have been on page five or even further down the page line. Read the retailers policies so you know what is what from the start. Some charge a "packing" fee, a "small order" or a handling fee on top of shipping costs.
I make sure I have a pad, pen and a measuring tape.
A good retailer will give you measurements of their items and I use the tape to make sure I have a good sense of a products size. I have been disappointed once or twice when I receive a liliputian item I thought would be a nice size.   If a retailer doesn't list a size and I haven't found it elsewhere I will contact them to find out the dimensions.   I write down the web address and the price of the item plus shipping .. if the retailer does not list shipping you can go to USPS.gov and figure it out yourself if the weight of the item is given. If the weight of the item isn't listed AND they do not have a way for you to calculate shipping charges or tell you they will let you know the shipping costs (AND that they will refund overages ) before they charge you I would advise not doing business with that retailer. Remember too though that you are usually saving gas and tax by ordering online so factor that in when figuring if the shipping is worth it.
I once ordered some jewelry components from a retailer who said they couldn't figure shipping costs until the order was completed, I figured it's a few components they won't weigh over 8 oz. Well, my shipping charges were $11.90 for some jewelry components that could have fit into an envelope and been mailed for under $2.00 OR at the very least put in a small flat rate box for $4.90. I did get my postage refunded but it took me a lot of time. Needless to say I will never do business with that company again.
Use Paypal to pay if you can...I will choose a retailer who accepts Paypal over one that will not. It is easier to get resolution for a buyer with Paypal.   If you do pay by credit card remember you only have a limited time to file a dispute if your goods or transaction doesn't go smoothly.   Be sure to know what your recourse is before purchasing.

If I have a problem I try to be as polite as I can when emailing or calling.   I explain the problem or concern. If you are nice most times the retailer will do everything they can to make you happy. If you aren't polite it might be a bit more difficult.   I know I will go out of my way for a friendly customer.

If you love shabby, cottage, Victorian or even Primitive there are online shopping malls that list shops with those styles and you can look through a variety of small shops from one central place. I've found that these shop owners are easier to deal with and more willing to work with you.

Those are my tips, please share yours !   You know I appreciate you stopping by and leaving a comment.
Don't forget to enter to win a tea cup candle too...drawing will be on Friday.   Until then, ya'll bee sweet and come back to visit.

It's Friday...time for Pink Saturday !

2011-03-25T15:42:00.001-04:00

Happy Friday and Happy Pink Saturday ! Linking with Beverly's Pink Saturday ... if you go by you will find links to plenty of pretty pink!

Showing pinks from some of my family treasures. No silver, gold or precious gems but a Whitman's candy box from 1951 saved by my little mother. It was precious to her so it is precious to me. Hard to believe this box is sixty years old!

Many of us have these pin cushions, this was my Auntie's so it is special and stays on my dresser. I usually have some pretty pins on it. The colors are my favorite and that it was made by her hand makes it a treasure.

A quilt top...belonged to one of my auntie's, I love the colors. Someday I will get it quilted...... I hope.

STILL TIME to sign up for the tea cup candle give away...see Tea Cup Candle post 3 down! You can leave a comment here to enter,( follow by clicking on the Follow button on the right I always try to reciprocate).

Looking forward to seeing your pink treasures. Thank you for stopping by and thank you for your sweet comments. I appreciate them and really appreciate your follow too. Until next time, you bee sweet and ya'll come back soon! (())

HELLLLP I've fallen ..................................

2011-03-22T11:18:00.003-04:00

AND I CAN'T GET UP !!!!!    That is my face doing the screamin'. Sigh. Yeah I know not a pretty sight .   Well it happens to the best of us when we hit "a certain age".   I would tell you that my face has fallen to my belly button but honestly my bosoms beat it by a couple of years.   And heck, we can hoist the girls up and no one notices, but the face, sigh oh my.
What brought this up you might ask ....( and even if ya didn't well you know I'm going to tell you).    Some one made a comment that when they met a blogger in person they didn't recognize them because they looked older than their photo. Well heck that is the blessing ( and the curse) of pictures. That and hey, we all like to think of ourselves as looking young and good.   I know I met one gal at a convention several years ago and was looking for the person in the picture. She could have run me over with a tank and I wouldn't have know her!
Now this picture isn't all that old, took it myself in the cottage about 2 years ago, I think. ( But then I still think Willie and Wy are a year old and we've had them for FIVE so I could be off a bit, just sayin'.) Anyway, the big smile hoists the jowls up a bit and the double (okay triple, sigh) chin isn't too noticeable... and you can't see the wrinkles. doesn't mean they aren't THERE you just can't seeeeeee them.   Now honestly, do you think I am going to post a photo of myself showing me in all my face sagging, jowl dropping, wrinkled glory?????

SO, I just want ya'll to know that I DO hope to meet some of you "up close and personal". When we DO meet I don't want you to be shocked like I was a few years ago when I was clothes shoppin'. I went in to try something on and this short, fat, old woman came in the dressing room with me....she looked harmless enough but when I turned around to ask her if I could help her... she was gone....until I turned back to the mirror. SIGH. Still, I do hope we get a chance to meet, talk, laugh and look at each other thinkin' "dang she is NOT what I expected, but I like her anyway" until then ya'll stay sweet....and you know I appreciate your comments and visits. (())

Pinky Pinks ...

2011-03-18T11:45:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday and happy Pink Saturday! I hope to link with Beverly at How Sweet the Sound
for Pink Saturday and hope you will visit and check out all the fab pink links !

Have been busy working on things for the Nashville Woman's Show ... Shabby Lane Shops will have a fabulous booth there and I will try to take lots of photos and share them with you.

Please check out my post below and enter to receive one of my candle tea cups ... all followers are automatically entered in any of TSC's give aways and comments etc. get you extra entries so your odds of winning are very goood !

You know I appreciate you stopping by and your sweet comments too. Ya'll come back now!

NEW tea cups for tea cup candles and YOU can have one.....

2011-03-16T09:48:00.002-04:00

The Scented Cottage Studio just received a box of new teacups and saucers ... YOU can win a tea cup candle. I am celebrating my 250th follower who will ... just for being the 250th follower :)) receive a special little sumpin' all their own. All TSCS followers are automatically entered ... for an extra chance leave a comment ... tweet ... blog...etc. each one gets you another chance. Due to the cost of this give away if you live outside the USA you will receive a coupon code for the amount of a tea cup candle to be used at the web shop. If winner is a continental USA participant they will receive the tea cup candle by Priority Mail.

Recipient will be chosen by Mrs. Glosser's random number generator on March 31st. You will get to choose which tea cup you want and also choose between cinnamon and chamomile tea scent.
Your tea cup candle will come with a golden rose demitasse spoon in a pink gift box. If you don't like any of the above choices you can choose from any of the teacup candles already listed at our webshop, they may come with a different spoon but will be sent in a pink gift box.
Thank you for visiting, thank you for following and thank you for leaving a sweet comment. Would you tell me which of the teacups you like best? ... and ya'll come back, I love your visits. (())

Pinks and Green on Pink Saturday....

2011-03-11T07:19:00.003-05:00

This Pink Saturday is about Pink and Green... I looove pink and green and lavender and green. Lately I've been liking pink and blue more and more ....but this is about pink and green and I'll try to stick to it :))

I am sharing my favorite glitter cakes. Is it okay to love something you made? I just can't help it, I love them because they are sparkly and they have roses and a butterfly and dragonfly that are sparkly too. I think I am turning into Grandma Yetta (did you ever watch the Nanny?). I will be breakin' out the gold shoes and glitter handbag any day !

I have a number of these sweet white wire stands and love to use them too.

This is one of my favorite teacups...it reminds me of Kitty Bartholomew because it has the pinks,greens and blues she loved. Do you remember Kitty and her show?
To visit others with lots of pretty pink hop on over to Beverly's How Sweet the Sound
Listings start Friday after five. Thank you Beverly for bringing us lots of pink and thank YOU for visiting ... I always try to return the visit because I really appreciate you taking the time to visit and leave a comment and if you click to follow me I also try to follow you too... ya'lll come back soon (())

Doin' a little happy dance .....

2011-03-10T13:33:00.001-05:00

Sweet Eye Candy Creations...Once Upon A Dream Welll she is doing it ! That sweet Jenn, Jennifer Hayslip
is hosting another event and registration is OPEN !!! Yessssss I have already registered, do you think I'm loooking forward to this? Oh you betcha ! I was able to go to the Savannah, GA event Jenn created and hosted, Petticoats and Parasols. Now I am not easily impressed (due to a number of factors, mainly my age and having been blessed to live in many places and doing a lot of things in my life) but Jennifer is impressive in her skills at planning and pulling off an impressive event. I was so hoping she would do another event and now am sooo thrilled that she is...I surely hope you will be able to make this event, it will be held in Asheville, N.C. Visit Jenns blog to view all the details.
Hope to see you Saturday for Pink Saturday, until then you be sweet ! (())

If you have a web shop, an etsy shop or WANT one....

2011-03-07T20:23:00.000-05:00

I want to share with you a place I have had my web shop hosted for two years. I was on a wait list for the front page for one year ... but it was worth the wait !    I know there are other sites out there but believe me not one can hold a candle to Shabby Lane Shops. If you have never visited please take a peek:
Shabby Lane Shops    there are some wonderful shops there ... not just mine :))   .
Why did I want so badly to be on Shabby Lane?   Welll there are a ton of reasons but let me share with you that the owner of SLS does so much for her shops, way above and beyond what you will ever get from any other place.    You more than get your money's worth. SLS started a quarterly magazine and it is now in over 300 bookstores/magazine racks ... members are encouraged to write articles and all get advertising for a very low rate. Our magazines have been selling quickly ! Fantastic extra exposure for all of us. In the next issue I did an article/how to on the parasols I made for my Southern Belle paper doll.
I hope you will check out the levels of membership and see what SLS offers, if you join you will be amazed at the opportunities and extras you will receive!

Right now there is a promotion of free 1000 business cards printed with purchase of web design or 6 month membership - http://www.shabbylaneshops.com/pages/freebusinesscards.htm and guess what...the renewing membership gets this opportunity too ! My sales are good ... and in this economy that is great ! Thanks for stopping by here, I really appreciate it and ya'll come back (())

Pink Teacups and ....

2011-03-03T19:27:00.001-05:00

noooooo, not another dowel and plaque project :))

Just some pretty pink teacups ... I love this plain pink pottery tea cup but I had to add a bit of stuff to it...so a faux chocolate heart and a cookie heart teaspoon and one honeysuckle made it look a bit happier!

I love this vintage tea cup and saucer with the roses. The saucer has a raised design in it too. Along with the rosebud on the inside it makes it extra special. I will be linking to Beverly's Pink Saturday at her blog How Sweet the Sound, and hope ya'll will join us in visiting lots of pink pretties!

Some time ago I told ya'll about my Prairiedog GRANDpups. Sadly one has gone to Prairiedog Heaven ... my sweet DaughterInLove drew this of one of them and has started a blog where she is showing some of her drawings. She is self taught and these are some of her very first creations! She is not only beautiful and smart but talented too. You can look at her and see how beautiful she is, and you KNOW she is smart because she married my son...but WHO KNEW how darn talented she is ... I hope you will go visit her blog and see her other drawings. Sandy's Art Room
I know she would appreciate any sweet comments too.
Thank you all for visiting me and leaving your sweet comments... I truly do appreciate it and hope ya'll will come back soon. (())

Pink and ......

2011-02-25T09:50:00.002-05:00

Looove roses, little birds and bling... and I bet you do too!

Please visit Beverly's at How Sweet The Sound
for Pink Saturday...LOTS of wonderful pinks!

Did you really think we were done with the dowels and little wooden plaques? Well nooooooooo we are not ! You can see that if you use a small dowel and drill a hole thru a larger one you can have a great stand to hang all sorts of goodies, like tassels or feather fairies!

You could display necklaces, scarves, ornaments.... if you drape a doily or handkerchief over the arms you can attach pins.....if you use a tall enough dowel you can add more "arms".   Well, you say, I don't have a shop!
ahhh but these would look good in a bedroom, dressing room or your craft/design room.   I know I work best when I can see what I have to work with and when I have "visuals" for inspiration.

Hope you will visit the other Pink Saturday participants and thank you so much for visiting me. You know I love your comments and always try to return you visit.   (())

Seven Things?

2011-02-22T21:26:00.000-05:00

Several sweet blogger buddies have tagged me to name 7 things about myself, the latest is sweet Sabre the Heirloom Gypsy . I just haven't had the time to do it (not because I'm busier than any of you but because I am slower and sooo disorganized ) anyhoo I honestly think ya'll know more about me than you care too already but since this is the third time I've been honored I'm gonna tell you even MORE :)). Pardon me if most of it is old news :))

TSC was originally in a mall store...then my Sweetie and I bought a little cottage and moved it there.

Several years ago I started putting TSC on line...and now it is totally a web shop...even though we still have the sweet little cottage.

One of my favorite colors is purple...any shade.

I have a booth in an antique mall ... it is a very small space and I mainly sell lavender, candles and smalls.

When we moved to Georgia I found out that the families of my paternal grandparents were some of the first settlers in NW Georgia.

I am NOT a cat person. Well....not much of one.

Now I would love it if you would tell me some thngs about YOU that I might not know. You know that I appreciate your comments !

(())

Pretty Hats and a variation on baby clothes display....

2011-02-18T09:24:00.003-05:00

Happy Friday and happy Pink Saturday !

Hooking up with Beverlys Pink Saturday . Be sure and visit and check out all the beautiful pinks showcased there.

I loove vintage hats, I have several that belonged to my mother and some that were my daddys too. Large or small flat or tall I looooove hats !

This sweet little dusty pink hat has tiny beads all over the front with some large pearlized beads as accents.

I really really love this little hat...it is lilac but has sweet little pink roses and flowers as trim.

This larger hat has roses alllll over it. It is pretty on the inside too !

Now look ... see how easy it is to take the parts of the baby clothes stands (from last Pink Saturday's post) and make them into hat stands.

I used to make a LOT of these years ago for a shop I worked at. We would cover the tops with batting, then material and then foo foo them up with lace and pearls.

Don't know if you can tell or not but the white one has the heart on top slanted just a bit. Just cut the top of the dowel at a slant if you want that look.

The smaller brown one has a round plaque on the top, sitting flat. You can modify this by adding half of a styrofoam ball, cover it with batting and add material. OR you can cover it with mod podge and then apply strips of sheet music or any other decorative paper. OR you can paint designs on them, like I did for the baby stands. OR you can decopauge lace or other fabric on them too. LOTS of things you can do to make them your own.
The supplies for making these are fairly inexpensive and these are pretty easy to put together too. You can find everything you need for them at Hobby Lobby or Michaels craft stores.

Thank you for stopping by and you know I appreciate your comments and input. Hope you have the best week end ! (())

Two beautiful swaps....

2011-02-15T09:31:00.000-05:00

When Debbie Mosaic Magpie announced a heart swap I jumped on it...not realizing that all the participants would be really really great needle workers.
Look at the beautiful heart Peggy Day of the Lily created and sent to me (to see the one I sent her please visit her blog)...and dearest Debbie sent the smaller heart as a gift...she created and sent one to all of the swap participants even as her precious husband was in the hospital in critical condition. We are all praying for Debbie's husband, Debbie and family. Please take a moment to say a prayer for them, won't you.
The hearts are beautiful front and back

Next, a tea cup swap hosted by Sharon Faith, Hope and Cherry Tea (don't you love her play on words?).
My swap partner was Anne of Annes Phamily .
I was uncertain as to what I would receive in this swap as I said I would be happy with anything so that left it pretty open .... and look, look ! Anne sent me a number of wonderful things...honey stix, Bourbon creme cookies, a cake recipe booklet, a journal and some Herbal Revive tea (how did she knowww I needed that soooo !!!).
But the tea cup, ahhhhh the tea cup.

A more beautiful or perfect tea cup could not have been sent.
I t has a verse from Ecclesiastes 3:1 "To Everything there is a purpose...under heaven." and it is so beautiful ! THANK YOU Anne , I love it.

Anne had requested a tea cup with violets on it and I was so happy to be able to send her one. Sent a few other little goodies along with it too.

These were two of the most enjoyable swaps I have done. And imagine, Debbie with a husband in critical condition still got the hearts off to everyone!

Debbie, I will continue my prayers for you and hope everyone will join with those of us already praying, and hoping and waiting. (())

Recent Pinks ...

2011-02-11T08:04:00.001-05:00

Oh my, have ya'll had a busy week like ours? My Sweetie has had several out of town appointments that take all day, then I need a day to recover !

The gooood thing is I found several treasures...the first is a very sweet little bird planter ! I love that it has a nest with babies in it...and if you read the post below you will see that not too long ago I found another sweet bird planter ... UH OH ! This looks like the start of another collection.

Also found six of these lovely pink rose cup and saucers...I'll make candle cups and put them on the web shop.

This is a small wicker bird cage I'm working on... have to make a few adjustments and then it will go on the web shop too.
I'm using the "new" honeysuckle color roses along with .....
honeysuckle :))

We are heading out again today but I hope to be back in time to link up with Beverly's Pink Saturday.

Thank you for stopping by and for leaving a comment ... and thank you so much for following too (())

Baby Dress Display ... Pink Saturday

2011-02-04T19:40:00.000-05:00

We live in an old house and even though we have high ceilings we don't have a lot of wall space due to the large windows and the way the walls are angled. Our living room, dining room and two of the bedrooms have five walls, one taken up by a fireplace, and the others by doors and large windows. I use every    surface I can for display...because I have a lot of stuff (less is NOT more, more is more) and I like to see it :)

These little dresses were my daughter, Victoria's. I love having them out because they are so sweet and remind me of when she was a precious baby.
They usually sit on our bedroom fireplace mantle.

The wooden displays are very easy to make but if you don't use power tools or have someone who will make them for you there is a very easy way to do it. It's good if you have a power drill and can use it...but you could probably still make them without.

You need a drill, small hack saw or other cutting tool, hot glue gun, screwdriver,
3/4" or 1" dowel, wooden base and topper (can be hearts, round, square etc.)
   a small cup hook, a screw long enough to go through the base and 1/2" into the dowel.

Drill a pilot hole in your base all the way through using a drill bit smaller than your screw... and 1/2" up in the bottom of the dowel,. Using a slightly larger drill bit drill about 1/4" in the bottom of the base over your drill hole so your screw will sit flat and your base won't be wonky. Screw base to your dowel. Decide at what height you want your hanger to sit, add a few inches above that and cut the dowel to size. Screw in the cup hook...hot glue on the topper and paint, decorate by painting or using decals. Mosaic on the base would be very pretty too. I had plans to do that but ummm...I got distracted :))

Hang your sweet little keep-sake out fit, Christening dress on the hanger.
You can see I put a bonnet on the top of one ... and I set some of Vicky's sweet little frilly baby shoes on the base but I forgot to bring them down for the photos.

linking up with Beverly's Pink Saturday
hope to see you there !
Thank you for stopping by, thank you for your sweet comments and thank you for your follow... (())

Valentine "littles" swap, a little give away AND PINK Vintage prom dress love....

2011-02-01T09:54:00.000-05:00

My sweet blog friend Tabitha hosted a Valentine "littles" swap and I was very happy to be one of the participants. We were to send 13 little items (small enough to fit in a candy cup) and would receive 14 back ... easy enough and fun to find the little items to send.
Tabitha took all the littles and put them in this beautiful box ... look at all the little goodies! Tabitha always goes that extra little step in everything she does.
If you would like to win a beautiful "little" box and a buncha goodies head over to Tabitha's blog Creative Wings , leave a comment and get you a little LOVE!

Next look look look !!! Remember the vintage prom dresses I found? Well Tabitha said she had been looking for a pink one for years and years and something told me that that dress was meant for her. So I sent it off in a box along with my "littles" for the Valentine swap and LOOK !!! Fits her perfectly and isn't she beautiful ! Sometimes, just like Gibbs, ya gotta trust your gut :)) I think I need to send her some petticoats though, you know us Southern gals like our dresses to be full and out to there (waaaaay out to there) .
Thank you for stopping by to visit, thank you for leaving your sweet comments and I very much appreciate you clicking that follow button...I always try to give you a follow in return.

Now don't forget to enter Tabitha's little LOVE giveaway ... (())

Uh Oh It's Saturday.... already and a cry for help !

2011-01-29T08:44:00.003-05:00

the end of January ! somebody PLEASE stop the time from running away....I had wanted to link up with Beverly at Pink Saturday and am behind as usual. Next week a tutorial ! this week...
showing a few of my recent "finds"...love birds especially if they are pink and here is a sweet flower holder/planter with another sweet pink bird I found. Thought they looked cute together.

Now I also "collect" little pitchers or creamers and this one, with the little flowers on the lip, had to come home with me.

Found two of these, fairly large, to use as gravy boats.   It has a bird in the center.

Does anyone know the name of this pattern?   I think it is a fairly recent one and would so appreciate if you can tell me the name of it.
Thank ya'll for stopping by and for your very sweet comments!   If you would take a minute to follow my blog, I will try and return the favor.

PS the hearts are rollin' in over at Debby's Mosaic MagPie Blog , if you want to see some beautiful creations please go visit. (())

Show us your blues ! Etsy Cottage Style that is....

2011-01-23T15:23:00.000-05:00

This Monday kicks off the new monthly "Show us your colors" on the Etsy Cottage Style blog. The color for January is blue. Now I am not a blue person, I will opt for green over blue any time but...I can't resist a teacup or shades of turquoise, blue green, teal etc. When I saw this sweet teacup with the cottage scene on it there was no way I could pass it up, and I love that it has a little cottage inside the rim too.

The two little bags, well they are such beautiful blues AND velvet with nice long chains. Can't you see them with a bit of bling added? Mmmmmhmmmmm me too and as soon as I find the time.... :)

This blue wardrobe came from an aunt I never met. Her name was EverLee Carlisle, she was married to my Uncle Nolan, whose real name was Sidney Ozell (my family rarely called anyone by their right name) I met him once and he had the most beautiful blue eyes. In photographs you can see they were a very handsome couple. They never had children and I have a few photos and a few small treasures and this wardrobe. It was blue when I got it and I will paint it.....some day. I am a bit blue when I realize that after me, no one will remember my aunt and uncle and their last remaining memories will be gone.
Do you have some favorite blue to share?
Thank you for visiting, thank you for your comments and thank you for your follow!

Give away winners and eye candy...

2011-01-17T10:13:00.002-05:00

First things first, the person receiving the $100.00 gift certificate to Novica is Holly Holly Days Closet                   Congratulations!
You will be able to choose from many beautiful Fair Trade items created by talented artisans.
   Receiving the French Lavender bundle and other goodies is Tanya Starry Eyed Surprise . It pays to enter more than once !!!

Lookie look look ! While out and about I found three vintage prom dresses. Each oooh so sweet. The pink one is in the best shape, the aqua and lavender need to be cleaned. The pink dress will be winging it's way to my sweet friend Tabitha                 of Creative Wings .   Tabitha and I did a swap a while ago and you can see some (yup just "some" !!!) of the

fabulous pretties she sent me in the last two photos. Tabitha is very talented and very creative and I'm sooo happy to be blogging buddies with her.

This lovely aqua gown has sequins in the bodice and in the ruffled V. They still sparkle and shine !

My favorite because its lavender :) umm do you think my purple walls are a hint that I looove any shade of purple?

This was the best package to open, so many wonderful little goodies ! Thank you so much Tabitha (())
...and thank ya'll for stopping by and leaving your comments, I really appreciate them !

LAST CHANCE......$100.00 Novica gift certificate...DRAWING TONIGHT..SUNDAY

2011-01-11T11:07:00.006-05:00

We have been without an internet connection for waaaay to long but FINALLY have it back. Sooo to celebrate I want to bring you a great cause with a $100.00 certificate give away as well as a give away from The Scented Cottage Studio.

Just one of the beautiful items from Novica

We have received numerous requests to advertise, to do give aways that are basically advertising and I have always refused. When Novica contacted me I did not hesitate ... while I did not start this blog for commercial reasons, other than my own website :) ... this to me is "different". Novica in association with National Geographic, is helping artisans to make a living for themselves and their families.
I know this has been a very difficult year for many, but remember, our difficult times are nothing compared to what people in other countries go through on a daily basis. If you can take the time after looking at the beautiful items you can choose from when you win to read about the program and sponsor an artisan (remember, you will get your initial investment back !) it is my belief it will come back to you many times over.   I sponsor four artisans and hope to sponsor more as the year goes on. Even if you can not help at this time, please see what these artisans have to offer, enter to win the $100. gift certificate and when you do win post about them and the work Novica is doing...help get the word out and that will be a big help to these artisans too.
All my blog followers are entered automatically... to receive extra entries, leave a comment, do a blog post (please leave a link) and Tweeeeeet !!!   each will give you an extra entry for EACH give away !!!

To see what you can get with your $100.00 gift certificate visit here ...NOVICA
From the Scented Cottage Studio you will be entered to win a French Lavender bundle, an Eiffel Tower key chain and cookie cutter plus a few other surprise goodies !   You can see the lavender bundles on the Scented Cottage webshop, link on the sidebar. So please, follow, leave a comment, blog and Tweeeeeeeet for entries to both of these give aways.

Thank you for taking the time to read this ... thank you for entering and spreading the word about Novica and the additional give away....and I hope you win !!! GOING TO DRAW THIS SUNDAY NIGHT ...!!!

Happy New Year....

2010-12-31T10:30:00.000-05:00

Wishing you and yours the very brightest New Year...
this has been a difficult year for many we are praying that the coming year will be brighter and prosperous for all.
While we have had difficult times remember that there are so many who do not have even the smallest of blessings that we have.
Let us be thankful for all the blessings we have been given, I count you among mine and thank you for being in my world.
With the warmest of regards and looking forward to sharing with you all in the New Year.

The 25th Day of Christmas....

2010-12-24T19:09:00.000-05:00

this beautiful box was sent to meeee... and it came from across the Big Pond from Sherry Sherrys Simple Blog. What a sweet graphic ! Inside a lovely charm. Thank you Sherry!
Thank you to all the creative gals who sent such beautiful treasure.
Thank you for all your wonderful comments and support...and

a very Happy and blessed Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all..(())

Advent Eighteen, Nineteen and Twenty

2010-12-19T22:59:00.000-05:00

Day Eighteen of our altered matchbook swap ... it really has flown by ! This precious matchbook was created by Sandi ... Musings of Sam I Am . What a cheerful, happy box, children building a snowman and inside a beautiful pair of earrings with a snowflake ! Thank you Sandi, I will be sportin' these lovely earrings all season.

Day Nineteen is the wonderful tuxedo box created by Shawnee..http://www.shawneett.blogspot.com .I love the fireplace graphic inside, so bright and cheerful....inside a beautiful sparkly crystal flower...sorry it doesn't show how pretty it is. Thank you Shawnee!

Day Twenty was created by Grace http://www.shesells-seashells.blogspot.com. This is a wonderful little work of art and inside a sweet pair of earrings and a little Happy New Year banner...thank you Grace !

Thank you for stopping by and for leaving your comments...I appreciate you taking the time during this busy busy season !
Hope you will stop by on Friday when days 21 through 24 will be showcased...

Advent Days Fourteen,Fifteen,Sixteen,Seventeen

2010-12-16T20:25:00.002-05:00

Day Fourteen brings this sweet and colorful box from Becky. I love the sweet little girl on the front...you can see she has a sparkly hat and scarf. Inside the polka dot lining and the sweetest little knit mitten ornie! Thank you Becky I loooove it.

Day Fifteen is another box from across the big pond, Jan in England is the creator, you can visit Jan at Jan's Arty ATC Journey. I love the English Robin on the front and the sweet angel charm inside.Thank you so much Jan !

Day Sixteen was created by Elena , she doesn't seem to be updating her blog either. A sparkling tree on the box top, hope written inside, I love the sentiment ! and the sweetest flower charm ... sorry I didn't get a better picture of the charm, please trust me it is wonderful. Thank you Elena!

Day Seventeen is the wonderful house boxes with bottlebrush tree on front created by Heidi ...she hasn't been updating her blog so I hope all is okay and she sees this and gets my thankyou !

All this wonderfulness is brought to us by Linda at A Swap for all Seasons ...again thank you Linda ! and thank you for stopping by and for leaving a comment. I really appreciate it.

Advent Days Eleven, Twelve and Thirteen

2010-12-12T19:52:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Linda at A Swap for all Seasons every day of December until Christmas starts with opening a sweet little altered matchbox that reveals it's tiny treasure!

Day eleven comes from Hope who has moved across the pond to England ... you can visit her at Pixies Ponderings
I love the retro style papers that Hope used, takes me back to some of my first Christmases. Hope made a snowman shrinky and hung it from a wonderful silver snowflake charm. Thank you Hope !!!

Day Twelve comes from my sweet friend Wendy, who is also the hostess for our ATC swaps...visit Wendy at Bliss Angels . I was excited to get this box from Wendy because I knew she was doing a fairy theme. The beauty of this box just doesn't show up in this photo, the colors are soo pretty and Wendy made a sweet birds nest charm to place inside...you know I love that !!! Thank you Wendy (())

Day Thirteen comes from Peace, you can visit her at The Art of Peace . Again the photo does not do this beautiful creation justice (having 'puter problems again, ohhh Santa is there a new one on your list for me?) ... A precious old world Santa and a sparkly tree adorn the front and I wish you could see the graphic inside...a sweet vintage girl sledding down a hill, and then inside a stack of colorful vintage buttons. Thank you Peace !!!

Advent Days Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten

2010-12-09T19:25:00.002-05:00

the 25 Days of Christmas matchbox swap continues....Day Seven created by Ruth of Through My Gardens Gate...her blog seems to be down. Hope she is okay and checks in with someone soon. I love this box with the beaded star on top and the copper starfish inside. I'm working with copper now and am loving it so this copper starfish made me happy , thank you Ruth!

Day eights sweet matchbox was created by Nicole Gibbys Girl. She doesn't seem to be updating her blog, hope she is okay and will check in as well. .Love this little angel girl, thought this was very creative and she will look so sweet on a little tree. Thank you Nicole!

Day nine was created by Nancy My Crafty Little Page ... she received my Day nine too ! Nancy used some of my favorite colors on this box...bronze / brown /copper and created a little nest (another favorite !) with a pearl "egg" inside on a paper clip !
Thank you Nancy I looooove this box and the little goodie inside.

Day ten was created by Pam... Treasures-N-Textures love the beautiful sparkly blue leaf on the box and the tree earrings inside ! Love that I'm going to have new earrings to wear for the holiday season...thank you Pam !

You can find a list of participants and links to the other bloggers at A Swap For All Seasons ... this was hosted by the very generous Linda.

Hope you will stop back on Monday when I will post days 11, 12 and 13.

Thank you for stopping by and thank you for leaving a comment , I really appreciate you taking the time. (())

Avdent Matchboxes days four, five and six

2010-12-06T05:59:00.015-05:00

Day Four from Erica .ZunkyChic ..I just love the stair step girls that are Santa's Helpers ... then add the cutest little snowman ornie and you have a precious altered matchbox. thank you Erica!

Day Five comes from Valarie Glittery Daze and Nights altho she doesn't seem to be updating her blog...hope she is okay and just busy busy. She really decorated her little box and put a sweet little angel ornie inside too...thank you Valarie!

Day Six and YES !!! I got my button ring from Michele Scrappy Cats X 3 ... she hasn't updated yet either, hope she does soon.
Thank you Michele, I will be sportin' this ring !

This was the matchbox I made for Day Three...I had put snowflake charms on all of the boxes for the pulls, looks like this one pulled right off! Inside is a little photo frame.

I'll be posting days seven, eight, nine and ten on Friday, sure hope ya'll will come back. (())

Advent Matchboxes...Day Three

2010-12-03T07:54:00.003-05:00

Day three brings this happy, cheerful matchbox from Lizzi http://www.lizzidroege.typepad.com. Inside was a sweet bottle cap. Thank you for this sweet matchbox Lizzi !

Lizzi just posted that she received my Day Three matchbox...please visit her blog to see it...this swap just keeps getting to be more and more fun...

This was the matchbox I created for Day Two. Inside were a pair of snowflake earrings on a bottlebrush wreath.

My next post will be on Monday when I'll showcase Days 4, 5, and 6.
Thank you for coming by, I appreciate your comments and please ya'll come back.

Advent Matchboxes...Day Two...

2010-12-02T08:30:00.002-05:00

Day two...what a delight !!! Ya'll know that I just love, love, LOVE this matchbox and what it had inside. I wish you could see this little treasure, photos just can't show you how very sweet is. Created by Linda of Lambsworld not only is the outside beautiful but look at the sweet button pin...a cat in a jester hat ! I laughed out loud when I saw it ... if this is your first visit to me we have four cats, any one of which could wear that hat with the same aplomb. Thank you Linda !
Ya'll can go here A Swap for All Seasons to see a clickable list of all participants in this great swap. Thanks for stopping by and ya'll come back.

Advent Matchboxes... on Day ONE

2010-12-01T16:45:00.007-05:00

I was delighted to see that my first matchbox was created by Michele Ask Michele Something Special
because I knew even before I opened it that it would indeed be something special....and LOOK !!! Inside this delightful box was a tag that says "JOY" AND attached to the tag a beautiful pair of earrings, can you see they are hearts in the middle? Thank you so much Michele, I am going to wear these for Christmas.

I hope you will visit all the participants of this 25 Days of Christmas matchbox swap...you will be amazed at the creativity and beauty of each and every one of the matchboxes. If you visit Linda at
A Swap for all Seasons
you can see a list of participants and their blog addys. Linda is the fabulous hostess of this swap and did a wonderful job of pulling it all together for us. Until tomorrow !

This was my Day One creation...it went to Marie at Spun by Me

Quick and easy trees...and an offer

2010-11-29T10:56:00.002-05:00

Carol, The Polka Dot Closet, recently posted about making doily trees...a wonderful shabby idea with lots of room for creativity...visit here The Polka Dot Closet to see her beautiful creation and get instructions. this reminded me that when we lived in Pensacola we used to go to Mobile to a trim warehouse and we would

find wonderful lace trims and paper cones... we would use these to make trees for table decorations too. Here are two made for a baby shower (little girl expected of course!) But you could use them to make Christmas trees too. The nice thing about using lace or ribbon is you can pin it to see how it looks before you commit to adhering permanently. Then embellish with pearls, roses ... well

with whatever you please!
If you can find the clear cones used for making treetop angels (Wally used to have them) it makes it easier. You can also decoupage them with a base paper. Thank you
Carol for a new idea and the reminder !
Now for my blog followers, I have ONE of these beautiful shabby, pink, delicious Christmas tea cups that I am offering to you as a candle for $14.99 which includes shipping ! With your choice of scent , cinnamon or chamomile...Be the first to comment that yes, you want it. I will send you a Paypal request for the funds and then once paid it will be on it's way to you. If no one wants it I will list it on the web shop Friday. Be blessed and bee sweet !

Giving Thanks...

2010-11-18T16:56:00.002-05:00

Please join me as I join Lynn at The Vintage Nest

along with many others as we give our thanks ...

the first and most important thing I am grateful for is my God, my Jesus, the Holy Spirit and ministering angels and the many, many blessings I have undeservedly received. For the people who have prayed for me and loved me. So grateful for my family, my Sweetie my husband who is not perfect but who is perfect for me.

My precious children who have grown into people I am proud and delighted to know and their spouses who have overcome adversity to also be people I love and am proud to have in my family. My GRANDson who definitely put the Grand in Grandchild.

Those are the MOST important things ... but I am grateful for a few others too. I am grateful for you, dear readers and especially those who visit and leave comments and for those who follow my blog. Thank you!

I am grateful for my health and that while we are not rich in money we are rich in everything that is important.

I am grateful for dishwashers, washing machines and dryers and of all the modern conveniences... I am most grateful for indoor plumbing! ... I am grateful for our kittys and that we were able to rescue some of His beautiful creatures, they have given us far more that we gave them. And while God don't make junk, we sometimes forget to take care of ourselves so I am pretty sure I am going to be grateful for Lifestyle Lifts !!!

Now if ya run over to see Pam at Kitty and Me Designs

you can enter a sweet give away. May you have all the blessings I do and many, many more. Ya'll be sweet and come back soon.

November ATC Swap

2010-11-14T16:16:00.000-05:00

This month my partner was Michele. She doesn't have a blog ... yet :)) as soon as she does I will let ya'll know and I hope you will go visit.
This month we were to do what ever we wanted to and sweet Michele sent me this wonderful card that reminded me I needed to stop and take some time for myself. I love the card and thank you Michele !

Michele told me she loves mermaids so I made this card for her. I really enjoy doing these ATC's and want to thank Wendy Blissfull ATC Swap for being a great hostess ... if you would like to join please pay Wendy a visit and sign up !
Thank you for stopping by and I truly appreciate your comments. Now ya'll be sweet and come back soon.

THANK YOU ...

2010-11-11T08:57:00.000-05:00

Today we stop and honor our Veterans ... thank you for serving and protecting.

Tuesday's Treasures at Shabby Lane

2010-11-08T21:15:00.000-05:00

This Tuesday participating shops at Shabby Lane will feature "Christmas Tea". These are some of the items that will be in the Scented Cottage Studio.

Sweet little tags with pewter charms...a precious teacup and teapot that has a lid that opens.

A wonderful mercury glass or silver look teacup candle....this baby is shiny!!! Perfect for the holidays.

A vintage teacup ... this pattern doesn't have a name, just a number but it is a beautiful gold design...we'll have it with a teabag or made into a candle.

Hope you will go visit the other shops, there will be a link at Shabby Lane Shops to all the participating shops.
Thanks for visiting and ya'll come back soon !

It Happens Every Year.....

2010-11-05T11:41:00.000-04:00

Busy season hits and I am like a deer in the headlights ! HOW did it get to be November already??? I always have such great plans to be caught up, have things photographed, created etc. and every year I am stunned that the holiday season is here. I really, really need a keeper. :))

Look at the suhweeeet little doll I found ... she is right in style with her cottage outfit and wonderful colors....and don't ya just love the vintage Louis Sherry

candy tin?    These will be going in the web shop in the Vintage Value section.
We already have these cuter 'n cute cupcake trinket boxes with the cupcake charm bracelets listed.   Just showin' you the one style here.
Hope you enjoyed the eye candy!   Ya'll come back now (())

A Few Finds from Virginia...

2010-10-31T16:03:00.002-04:00

Sweet Mya from Elbows on My Windowsill
said she hoped I would show some of the items that
followed me home from my visit in Virginia and I'm happy to share.

. But first let me say that if you haven't visited Mya's blog click on that link above. You are in for a delight. Mya posts some really interesting things...go see what I mean !

If you read my "Where Women Create" post you would see in the photos that I have a bit of silverplate and have been collecting it for some time. I have some plans for it and hope to be starting on it soon.
Sooo when I found this pitcher and the footed tray...well they had to come home with me. They are Georgia Silver now :))

Then I saw this amethyst sandwich tray ... oh me. I looove purple, any shade so this definitely was coming home with me. It's a keeper.

In one little shop I found these snack trays and cups...eight of them! I also found several other teacups and a few other bits and bobs.

Loook at this sweet pink bird and rose....gonna have to create a little sumpin' with these babies.

This is one of my favorite finds... the bottle embossed "E D Pinaud Paris. It's a beautiful shade of amethyst too. It will probable end up in the "Oooh La La " category at the Scented Cottage Studio web site. I think I'll add some ribbon and a fleur de lis charm to the neck.

I love everything I found on my trip and there are one or two things I wish I had bought and didn't. Funny how I rarely regret something I have bought but often those I didn't !

Thank you for visiting me and thanks for your comments, I really appreciate them. Ya'll come back now! (())

Fall Findings Swap...

2010-10-29T10:04:00.002-04:00

Our first swap with the Bloggerette Society.... find and decorate a cigar box and fill it with items that your swap partner would like. I read my swap partners blog and found out among other things that she likes to sew, and collects teddy bears. It was great fun to gather things to fill her box.

I'm showing the one I sent to her because she was too sick to do one for me... Hope she is feeling better soon..I know it's no fun to be sick. You can find a linky to the other participants at
Karen's place, Some Days Are Diamonds this evening or tomorrow. Hope you will go see what everyone received!
I also signed up for the 25 Days of Christmas matchbook swap and this is
what I sent as a hostess gift ... I made it on a large match box.
Thank you so much for stopping by, I do appreciate your comments and visits and ya'll come back please.
(())

Back roads and bliss....

2010-10-22T11:06:00.000-04:00

While visiting Lynn in Virginia we took an overnight trip to Leesburg and stayed in a wonderful, historic B & B called the Norris House. We had a great time traveling the back roads to Leesburg ...

This is the B&B we stayed at...we really enjoyed our visit there and met some interesting folks...there were two British couples staying and I was very happy to hear that they were really enjoying their visit and thought we (Americans) were very friendly and kind.

We shopped 'til we dropped...or at least I dropped, I think Lynn could have kept goin' ... she is like the energizer bunny ! I just tried to keep up :)) There were a number of cute shops and I think we saw every one, we tried to anyway!

For dinner, we decided to splurge at the Eiffel Tower Cafe. It is a top rated restaurant, the courtyard is beautiful but the best thing there was the waiter. His name was Marc and he was cute, entertaining, gracious and funny.

Lynn has posted other photos on her blog, so if you want to see more head on over The Vintage Nest.

Thanks for visiting with me and ya'll come back!

Good friends, good times

2010-10-19T18:33:00.001-04:00

Imagine the beautiful Virginia countryside, a long winding drive past a few large beautiful homes and sleek, well fed horses. At the end of the drive a welcoming, gracious Southern home and just beyond that a calm and peaceful lake.
Sigh, I have to admit I did a little happy dance when I saw my friends home and where I would be staying for a few nights.
Lynn, The Vintage Nest, came out to greet me. I was sooo happy to see her. After "knowing" her via the internet for over 3 years it was good to meet her "up close and personal".
We went inside and I met her husband, a gentleman

with a temperament similar to my Sweeties....calm, quiet, gracious and smart. I met Ben, a beautiful and very well mannered golden retriever and Mouse the sweetest cat.
We had supper and I found out that Lynn is a great cook... who knew !!! So now my little happy dance is a full out jubilee :) .

I could write a book about their hospitality and Lynn's beautiful home. She has decorated in what I call "restrained elegance". It's a bit eclectic, French Country, cottage and, even though it is large, cozy. There is a view of the lake from every room. My bedroom had two skylights as well as the beautiful view.

No wonder she has such a precious hen house, she just has great taste and an eye for lovely things.

Gentle Ben ... a reflection of his owners temperaments and a very sweet companion.

Sweet little Mouse...she is a tiny thing and I was told she wasn't all that sweet :)) but she was on her best behavior while I was there.

The EAT sign is in the kitchen looking to the dining room and then to the screened in side porch. There is also a wonderful deck on the back of the house. The living room has a view of the lake and the swimming pool. I decided not to take/show many photos of her lovely home to respect her privacy and to allow her to show what she wants ya'll to see. You'll just have to trust me when I say it is a wonderful home.

Lynn and I spent a night at a B & B in Leesburg and did a little shopping. That's for another post with photos. I just had a wonderful time and thank Lynn and her Sweetie for welcoming me to their beautiful home. (())

Home Again....

2010-10-17T09:25:00.000-04:00

After spending a week in Virginia with my sweet friend Lynn I can safely say that the "almost" doesn't belong on this sign. The sign hangs on her enclosed porch on the side of her beautiful home, on a lake in the country. Lynn and her precious husband doled out the Southern Hospitality in high style. It was really difficult to leave. After I catch up with orders and getting settled in again I'll tell you some stories of my visit, shopping and just plain fun!
Hope ya'll had a great week!

View from my bedroom window. Sigh.

(())

Fall Basket Swap and...a Road Trip!!!

2010-10-09T10:50:00.001-04:00

Sweet Michele of Ask Michele Something Special hosted a fall basket swap. My partner was Laura of Fun With This and That and look at all the wonderful goodies she sent me! Laura is on a road trip and stopped and shopped along the way. THANK YOU Laura...I LOVE my goodies.

This is the basket I sent to Laura. I hope it's still there when she gets home from her road trip and I hope she likes it. I had fun putting it together.
Next is the little basket I sent Michele as a "thank-you" for hosting.

Road Trip for me !!! Getting ready to take off for a week...up to see my daughter and then on to Virginia to spend some time with my buddy Lynn...The Vintage Nest. I'll try to give some reports from the road. Until then, stay safe and have fun!

Uh-oh....and LOOK what I got !!!

2010-10-04T07:57:00.000-04:00

Busy time is here ... don't know how it snuck up on me but it did! So I am busy pulling, wrapping, packing etc. but I wanted to take time to show you the beautiful and delightful items I received from Debi at Life In My Studio . I was VERY fortunate to be the recipient of her very generous giveaway. She sent the MOST wonderful goodies, beautifully packaged.

Beads, rosettes, lace, bits and bobs and the most beautiful lace Victorian cuff. Sigh... pure bliss!!!

If you haven't visited Debi yet please stop by for a visit. (())

Vintage Charm....

2010-09-25T09:58:00.003-04:00

Today is the Official launch of Vintage Charm magazine...to celebrate we are to tell how or what inspires us. While I get inspiration all around me, my main motivation are my memories.

Since my daddys job had us moving a lot thoughts of home have always been important. Memories of my aunties, both singular and plural. We had five beautiful, fabulous aunties. One we called simply "Auntie", she was the supreme, diva auntie. Auntie's house was our home base. We lived with Auntie and Uncle when we couldn't go with daddy, when we came back to the States and whenever we needed a safe place. All of my aunties had beautiful homes where we had great family celebrations and meals. Those are the places and times that keep me going.

One auntie always had a filled candy dish on her coffee table..tutorial for making this faux candy in a post below..

One of my auntie's would always say "Be Sweet Now" as we were leaving. I named my soap and linen mist line "Bee Sweet" after that sweet parting comment.

Three of my aunties owned flower/gift shops and were very creative.

One auntie made the best sweet tea.

Two aunties made the BEST cakes ever.

Paper doll created for Savannah event.

All of my aunties were sweet, strong Southern Belles.
All of these things represent "vintage charm" to me. Memories of days gone by but held so dear.
THANK YOU to the ladies of Vintage Charm, congratulations and continued success !!! Please visit here to get your copy : Creating Vintage Charm

ATC Swap... Leaves

2010-09-23T23:48:00.000-04:00

Oh my ! My wonderful and talented swap partner, Mya, sent me 2, TWO !!! Beautiful cards. I am blown away by how wonderfully crafted they are ... and the envelopes they came in are little works of art too.
The first card is just precious....I do remember raking leaves and in the crisp autumn air it was almost fun. I remember my Sweetie raking and putting the leaves in bags and our GRANDbaby grabbing handfulls and tossing them on the ground so his Papa wouldn't run out of work :))

Now look at the detail in this "Time to Leave" card. You can read so much into this, it is pretty deep and makes you think...that is what good art is about !!! Thank you Mya for these absolutely wonderful cards. You can see what I sent Mya at her blog Elbows On My Windowsill.
Thank ya'll for stopping by...I hope to visit tomorrow.

ARGGGGH !! GAHHHHH !!!!! @%**@@@GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!

2010-09-21T08:35:00.000-04:00

AND a GOOD THING too.... Well first someone has managed to use my e-mail account to send out messages...I know this has happened to others but now it's my turn... SO if you get a message from me about Viagra, sigh, rest assured it did NOT come from me. Right now I can't think of a punishment bad enough for the low lifes that do this.... now for the GOOOOD thing....

If you go to the .... Shabby Lane Shops Blog and become a follower you will get entered into the
drawing for this big box of goodies. There are other ways to enter too so read alll about it. This is a
wonderful box, all from the sweet Shabby Lane shops. I hope you enter and win !!!
My wish for you: may no one ever compromise your email !!!
(()) Francie

Victorian Cuff Swap

2010-09-17T10:10:00.001-04:00

A Victorian Cuff swap was hosted by Sweet Shelley Honey Lamb and I and Natalie 1 Hungry Hippie.
I haven't received one yet but I know mine was delivered two days ago. Since this has been a very low energy week for me I am showing you the cuff I made and sent ... I am hoping my swap partner liked it.

I have (what I think is) this beautiful lace ribbon and thought it would make a lovely back ground. I made the ribbon rose, the smaller ribbon flowers were premade, added beads to a metal butterfly finding and sewed on the rose trim. It closes with a snap...I sewed on two so it is adjustable and then covered the first snap with one of the smaller ribbon flowers if it's not being used.
Thank you Shelley and Natalie, I really enjoyed making this cuff for the swap. (())

9/11/01 the United States ...

2010-09-11T10:22:00.000-04:00

I had filled a page with my thoughts but I have decided to say just this, I am praying for the families who lost their loved ones, I am praying for our nation.

Wanna make some fake Caramel apples for fall?

2010-09-09T14:28:00.003-04:00

Well, if you don't.... stop reading ... but please come back and visit again ! If you do, gather together a few supplies. You will need:

fake styrofoam apples (you should have some of these left over from the 90's, or raid your mama's house)

wooden skewers or you can use candy sticks

white craft glue

a small plastic cup

craft paint ... I used gloss, in gold and brown

If you want to cut your apples in half you will also need

a utility knife, a larger smooth or finely serrated knife

scissors and a pair of wire cutters to cut the skewers

Hold a skewer up next to your apple, decide how long you want the stick to be and then cut them to size. Remove the apple stem, it should pull right out. Push the skewer pointy end all the way down into the apples.

Pour glue into the small plastic cup...amount will depend on how many apples you are going to do, you can start with about 1/4 of the cup, tint it with the paint mixing with a skewer until you have a caramelly color

At this point I cut the plastic cup down, but if you use an empty pudding cup etc. you can skip this altogether. Now using the skewer you stirred with, pour some of the mixture onto the top of an apple. Using the skewer you can put more mixture on and form it onto the apple, if you put a lot on it will drip by itself but I like to have a bit of control and you don't want it to puddle a lot on the bottom...or maybe you do !

It will take 3 to 4 (or more or less depending on weather conditions) hours for the "caramel" coating to dry enough to lay the apples on their side so any that has pooled at the bottom can dry too OR you can wipe it off the bottom using a damp paper towel. I wiped mine off. Let sit for a while longer and VIE OH LAH you have caramel candy apples!!! Now what to doooo with them????
I took a utility knife and cut through the top layer of "caramel" and the apple casing. NOW is the time to do this because if the glue dries hard you won't be able to cut the apples in half. Okay, so you don't WANT to cut them in half, then don't worry be happy ! Your "caramel" apples are almost done!!!!

To finish the cut I used this smooth blade knife and pushed it through. I wanted my apples cut in half because I was making this:

But you can use the whole ones to make a wreath, use in a centerpiece, sprinkle them with glitter, add a bow....well what ever you can think of ! Now you can come up with your own methods, shortcuts and ideas for using these easy faux caramel candy apples and if you come up with something really cool please share it with us!.
(())

Rosette Swap !

2010-08-31T20:32:00.002-04:00

My sweet swap partner Tabitha, http://creativewingsboutique.blogspot.com sent not
one, not two...but four beautiful rosettes AND some felted
beads ! I LOVE the rosettes and how she blended burlap
with beautiful pink "fancy". She also sent me a wonderful
cherub that was too shy to be photographed but if you visit
her blog you will see it did pose for her ! :)
Thank you so much Tabitha,

I really appreciate the work you put into the goodies you
sent me.

These are the rosettes I sent to my swap partner Stevie http://myartcanvas.blogspot.com . She left me a
very sweet message so I think she really liked them.
Thank you Jill....http://www.GypsyBrocante.blogspot.com
for hosting this great swap!