Collage Art

I have collected quite a stash of vintage lace and findings - I can't help it - it's a sickness. S-o-o-o, I decided to get busy using them in collages and other art pieces. Here is one I just finished. It was very difficult to photograph, I took maybe 50 shots and still can't quite get it right. Even with the newest easy-to-use cameras, my photographic skills are lacking.... I picked the better pics to show you.  It is listed it in my etsy shop.

A Matchbox Swap with Abby of Little Birdie Blessings

Abby of Little Birdie Blessings and I decided to do our own swap, and was it ever fun! As I opened my package, I was blown away by all the wonderful things it contained.

First of all this gorgeous box...

Filled with goodness....

and overflowing with things I love, scripture, florals, birds, Victorian ladies...

vintage laces, trims, sparkling jewels and trinkets, tags....

Oh my gosh, I've played and played with all these pretties. It is as if Abby took a peek inside my heart and made this beautiful box for me. If you are interested in a participating in a swap, I urge you to do so. Here are some really fun blogs that offer swaps quite often, and all are fabulous!

Vintage Dragonfly
 Speckled Egg
 A Swap For All Seasons

Or, just pair up with a blog friend, like Abby and I did, and have your own swap!

Empty Nest feelings already...My son's first car.

A milestone...my baby boy just got his first car. He'll be off to college in a couple of years, the first major step toward independence. But his Dad and I will know that he was "trained up in the way he should go."

My Mirror Collection

I can't help it - I have a thing for old mirrors. Even with a few chips and especially the aged look when the silver begins to fade. I can't help but wonder how many faces have peered into them in past years. I have some faded flat mirrors propped up on bookcase shelves, with items placed in front to be reflected. I love etched designs on the old mirrors. Pictured here are a grouping on a wall which includes hand mirrors and shaving mirrors. I am especially fond of old shaving mirrors with beveled, scalloped edges and tin frames. In the second photo are my two most recent finds -one I got at flea market and the other at a yard sale - both of which I got dirt cheap!

My New Blog Design by Valentine Designs!

Announcing my new beautiful blog design by none other than Karen Valentine. I love it! I have always wanted to have peonies in my design, as "piney" (or "piney rose") is an old Appalachian pronunciation of peony. I love peonies, and I'm proud of my Appalachian heritage. A Great Big Thank You to June of Laughing With Angels. She has the most beautiful garden and photographs of her flowers. June graciously gave me permission to use her peony photos, which Karen incorporated beautifully. Thanks, Karen!

I want to put a photo on this post, so I'll show you this Beach Love embellished vintage bottle offered in my Etsy shop. See the little seashell charm tied around the bottle neck? It's hard to believe beach trip time is already upon us.

Petite Inspiration Swap, Spring Edition

I had so much fun doing Heather's Petite Inspiration Swap Spring Edition at Speckled Egg Blogspot.  My partners were Cecily and Cami.  Here are the lovely boxes I received from them -filled with sweet inspirational goodies! I love them.  Thanks, girls!

From Cecily....

From Cami.....