Sans Reproche

I am amazed by the intricate details of this antique book. It is a Value Village find, Sans Reproche by Edmond Coz, circa 1913, although the Art Nouveau styling leads me to presume it's actually from the late 1800s.

Look at the stunning black and red cover art, with the misregistration of the black outlines over gold floral. That star pattern below the title gives me fabric collection coordinate ideas. Plus the book has gilded pages.

The flyleaf inscription even boasts this elegant handwriting! I feel like every time I turn the page of an antique book I am flinging open another door to clues of social and stylistic history--what a treasure hunt.

Scandinavian Princess Shirt

I absolutely love to see what people create using my textiles! A friendly note from Suz Pozzo recently made my day. She ordered my Scandinavian Princess design on Modern Jersey fabric and sewed it into this shirt!

Valentine Transferware

This fine collection of red and white Transferware includes a plate of particular interest...

Another Chatsworth House, a.k.a. Mr. Darcy's Pemberley, plate! The view is of the house in 1792. I love how this dish illustrates the house from the side, from the River Derwent, through the arches of the bridge (which pictures the statue that is no longer there), nestled in the foliage. The clouds look like pointillism. In 1792 I suppose Mr. Darcy would have been a boy playing in these grounds, or, you know...diving into the lake! (Hope that induced a Happy Valentine's swoon!)

Cardboard Hearts

Snip, snip--time to make some valentines! These cardboard templates have been a part of every crafty valentine session since I was little. With each passing year there are more scribbles around their edges from veering pens and pencils. That hand template, which is a tracing of my 7-year-old hand, attests to their longevity. I love making people's days through the papery pink and red goodness of this holiday.

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes

I need to frame this glam sheet music! Then I will stare at it in its 1930s glory and daydream to the song.

Plume Bobbin Pen

Ooolala, this is an ideal pen with which to write a love letter! It is crafted of a re-purposed bobbin from a loom (my textile-loving heart just fluttered) and a glamorous ostrich feather. I bought it at the MVTM.

February Bulletin 2018

Flirty florals, Fauvism, and a heart overflowing with creative joy