It's Pink Saturday
Welcome all of my sweet pink friends..

Today I decided to post just a couple of pictures of some Easter creations I've been playing with these past few days. Now don't get fooled if I have you as a partner in an Easter swap 'cause these lovelies might not be yours!! lol

Remember to visit our gracious host Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for all the wonderful "Pink Saturday" participants. Thanks for stopping by today.



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NEW GOODIES IN THE SHOP

SCRUMPTIOUS FRENCH TREASURES

Just wanted to share a few new items I've just added to the boutiques. You can find them at Treasured Heirlooms boutique in "The Secret Garden" section.

See you tomorrow on Pink Saturday!






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 Victorian Crazy Quilt Pillow
Many years ago.... when I loved to sew

A long, long time ago, probably over 20 years now ~ I really loved to sew. I remember asking for a sewing machine for my 10th birthday. I used to dream about what I could create with that new Singer Sewing Machine. One just like my mother's and my grandmother's. My mother insisted that within a year or two I  would be old enough to use her "Big Girl" sewing machine. I begged and begged but to no avail. My birthday came only for me to find a small envelope to open. My birthday present was tickets to the "Ice Capades". I didn't want to go to the Ice Capades I told my Mom, I wanted a sewing machine. Needless to say we went to the Ice Capades.

I'm sure you all know how the story goes. Mom was right. Within a year or two she taught me how to use her "Big Girl" sewing machine and that day was simply magical. My head was whirling with what I was going create with this wonderful machine with a pedal! Clothes, suits, blouses, pillows, sachets, yada yada yada.

Sewing was one of my favorite things to do as a child. Unfortunately the sewing machine thing wore off and I went onto to being an avid needlepointer. One year I went to a craft fair (probably about 25+ years ago now) and there was a booth filled to the brim with hand made, shabby chic pillows, furniture, home decor and jewelry. The booth was draped with lace and vintage fabrics. I just stood there transfixed. I wanted to take everything home with me. (You know those type of booths you see where you wish you had just won the lottery and you could buy EVERYTHING you see.)

This was lonnnnnnnnnng before Shabby Chic was a household word or considered a "Chic Style of Home Decor". I was immediately transfixed in this amazing world of beauty. I remember holding a Victorian Crazy Quilt pillow in my hands for about an hour. I couldn't put it down. I wanted it so badly, but the price was wayyyyyy out of range for my tiny pocketbook. Luckily the deciding factor not to my rent money for this lovely pillow was twofold; one it was created with dark colors and a black velvet backing (not quite my style) and two; I knew I could make one of my own if I put my mind to it. 

The minute I arrived home I feverishly dragged out tubs full of beautiful bits and pieces of antique lace and embroidered linens which I had been collecting for years. Using a pretty piece of linen as the backing, I trimmed and pinned the pieces into place and began to sew each piece into place by hand. To my surprise it worked up very quickly and soon it was complete.

Then onto a quilt I thought. Yes, a Queen-sized quilt for my bed. A good way into the project I realized my silly idea of having the patience to create a quilt large enough to cover my bed ~ all stitched by hand ~ was never going to happen. So I finished it up and made it into a large wall hanging. When I find it in the bottom of my Mother's hope chest I will post it for you to see.
 

My pillow has been sitting gently in my closet for awhile now, since I don't have a bit of space to put it anywhere in my tini, tiny house. I noticed it the other night and decided to share my vintage, Victorian Crazy Quilt pillow with all of you. I hope you enjoy it.

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I am so heartbroken......

December 28, 2009 was my 10th wedding anniversary. When Mike and I got engaged, we always said we would "think" about a bigger diamond "maybe" on our 10th anniversary. Well last fall we discussed it and we both decided that the original engagement diamond was so beautiful that the only thing I would change was the setting. We went back to the same jeweler in Boston and within 5 minutes I found the exact setting I had dreamed about. The jeweler took my "original" diamond and placed it in the new setting within a few days. It was absolutely stunning (at least to me).

Now... since I'm home most of the time, glittering or gardening, I only wear my jewelry when I get dressed up nice to go out for the day (otherwise in overalls!). Today I had a doctor's appointment in Boston so I was all dressed up and wearing my wedding band, a pretty brooch, and earrings. Here where the story gets really sad.....

On the way home from the doctor's office, I looked down at my wedding ring and the entire setting including the diamond was missing. It literally fell off and there was a hole there. No prongs, no diamond, just a hole. I realized this as I was approaching the exit to my husband's workplace (thank goodness~!). I went by his office and showed him what happened. I knew he would be equally as upset as I was since he made me promise to never trade in or exchange our engagement ring. I promised him I never would, it was our first bond and commitment to spend a long life together. 

I realize that with insurance I will more than likely get another one just as beautiful ~ and for that I am thankful. But I know that millions of my lady friends out there can understand how much their engagement ring means to them and their spouses. Having lost mine today is leaving a giant hole in my heart and the only people I can tell is you 'cause this is where I spend most of my time and you are all so compassionate.

It does help to be able to let out the grief sometimes just by writing it down. I know many might say it's materialistic and can be replaced. But to me it was my "treasured heirloom".

I thank you for listening my friends. 

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Paris Chic and French Country

Burlap, Ticking, Grain Sack Pillows and Slips

Back in the day (and probably still on many farms today) burlap and grain sack fabric was used as a functional material to carry grains and other foods and supplies. Artists today are discovering beautiful ways to incorporate these  once considered “rustic” materials into exquisite home decor.

Elegance and Whimsy and my Etsy shop are now carrying a beautiful new line of chic pillows and slips. These beauties are created and hand-made right here in the U.S. They are adorned with wonderful images and text, making them a "must have" in your Paris Apartment, French castle, sweet cottage, lovely beach home or humble bungalow!

I hope you enjoy them.

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Before & After 

Victorian Tea Tray

I decided I was going to sit and try to organize my computer desktop. Make folders and categorize my garden, home, creations, etc. It's such a pain in the behind when you NEED a photo quickly and no matter where you look on your computer ~ it's not there. Hopefully I will be able to find things much quicker now.

While I was making folders and placing photos by projects, I came across pictures of an antique tray I reconditioned four years ago. I actually was excited to see I had "before and after" pictures. WHO KNEW. I thought I would share how I transformed an antique serving tray into a scrumptious Victorian Tea Tray. 

I began by sanding down the tray frame and painting it with Kilz stain blocker. I added four floral resin designs to each corner of the tray to add a bit more glam to the top. I painted two coats of my favorite pink paint, Wispy Pink (Benjamin Moore). Luckily the glass was still in mint condition and intact so I didn't need to run to the store and get a new piece of glass cut to size.

After cutting a piece of white chipboard to fit inside the frame I added a lovely piece of rose patterned fabric. From there I embellished the top of the fabric with flat Victorian images, small pieces of vintage lace, antique glass beads, pearls, bridal flowers and embellishments, etc. 

I inserted the completed collage/display behind the glass and pushed in tiny frame teeth to hold it into place. Once securely in place, I finished the back off with a heavy brown paper stock, added four glass knobs for feet, lightly sanded the edges for a time worn look ~ and voila ~ a new Victorian Tea Tray was ready for a new home.

 

 

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If It's Pink, then It Must Be Saturday...

Welcome to Pink Saturday

 Saturday came so darn fast this week. Jeesh, I almost forgot to get something pretty and pink posted. Here is my new "Cupcake Fairy" wreath.

I hope you enjoy her as much as I do.

  

Remember to visit our gracious host Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for all the wonderful "Pink Saturday" participants. Thanks for stopping by today.

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SPRING DECORATING

Spending time with my bunnies, birdies and chicks and having a ball. It's dark, grey and raining but I'm bright and cheery glittering and foofing up my newest pretties. 

Adorable aqua glass bunny and matching aqua basket will both be filled to the brim with Robins Eggs upon arrival. Pink and blue perfume bottles are romantically adorned with vintage lace, seam binding and vintage bling. Robins Egg blue vases are lovingly decorated with vintage millinery, Forget-me-nots and lace, just in time for Spring decorating.

Wanna Play?

Click here to purchase.

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Easter Basket Swap

I am so excited.....I just signed up for the sweetest Easter Basket swap. Hop on over to Miss Rhea's and sign up, it's going to be so much fun to play with spring colors again.

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Here Chicky Chicky Chicky

I'm waiting for Spring... I think I've got a long wait like most of the country. Here in Wilmington, MA we missed both blizzards (luckily), but it is windy and chilly as it should be for February. The sun shines bright like it's July though! Go figure.

I just had to play with spring colors this week. It was a MUST! I paired up a vintage chalkware chicky with a very old Easter ephemera post card. Don't you just love the lemon yellow and aqua. Sometimes pulling myself away from pink is difficult, but lately I'm really enjoying it. I soooo love this color combination. 

Enjoy!

  

  

  

  

 

  

 

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 Cool French Chic Votives

Aren't these the coolest candle holders? I found these lovelies quite a few years ago and had planned on foofing them up to sell. Well, each spring I hit the attic to see what treasures await me for a "makeover". They have been screaming out my name for three years now, so I thought this would be a perfect time to give them a once-over of vintage lace, seam binding and an old rusty key.

I think they came out really cute. They hold a votive or tealight candle. If you would like one of your very own, just pop over to "Treasured Heirlooms" boutique and click on "Mercury Glass and Candles" and voila, there they are, ready and waiting for you.

Enjoy!

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If It's Pink, then It Must Be Saturday...

Welcome to Pink Saturday.

Although it's very chilly outside and the wind is blowing, I've decided it's time for Spring here at the Pink Fairy Cottage. I pulled out the glue gun, glittery, ribbon, pearls, birdies, ballerinas and everything else I could find and started foofing up lots of goodies for the shops.

 Introducing my Pink Fairy Rose Jar. Feminine, Pink, Frilly, Glittery and perfect for your Romantic Home Decor.

 

  

  

 

 Remember to visit our gracious host Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for all the wonderful "Pink Saturday" participants. Thanks for stopping by today.

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Marie Antoinette Crown

Last month when I was blogging all over the universe inviting ladies to participate in my Valentine swap, I read so many new blogs and made tons of new friends.

One of the most enchanting ladies I met was Jacqueline, from Once Upon a Fairyland blog. She dubbed me a "Queen in Training" since this was my first visit to her blog. Jacqueline mailed me a "Queen in Training" gift tag and an adorable vintage Valentine tucked inside a lovely "Believe" Mary Engelbreit card.

I decided since I am now Officially a Queen in Training, I need my own Crown. I've been itching to create something spectacular, glittery and over-the-top to celebrate my love of Marie Antoinette. This is what I created this week. I absolutely love every inch of this glittery crown.

I thought I would share it with you, because we KNOW that all girls are "Princesses", but all ladies are "Queens"! At least in my Castle.

  

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IT'S A "MAY DAY" TUSSIE SWAP!

Linda at A Swap for All Seasons is hosting a fun and whimsical "May Day Tussie Swap". I can't wait to start making my spring tussie.

Won't you join in the fun? Pop on over to her blog and sign-up. Tell her Cathy at Treasured Heirlooms sent you.

Come on kids, let's play with glitter and glue again.

  

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Good Morning Everyone and

Happy President's Day

Today we announce the Winner of the

"One World One Heart"

Give-Away 

hosted by the awesome

Lisa at "A Whimsical Bohemian"

THE WINNER OF MY "ONE WORLD ONE HEART" 

BLOG GIVE-AWAY

IS THE SWEET AND CREATIVE

TERRI GORDON at 

"Designs by Terri Gordon"

CONGRATULATIONS TERRI!

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