rustic simplicity to welcome july

it's been a while. life's been busy--trying to balance work with home life-- i'm sure you know exactly what i'm talking about. but i'm a proud momma, as i had the wonderful experience of watching one of my older sons graduate from college. a little bitter sweet as i know his visit home is a short one before he heads out across country to begin his new adventures in LA. - a long way off-- but a very good reason for me to get out to the west coast more often!
so now with some happy distractions and activities out of the way i have time to post and give you a preview of some wonderful rustic vintage finds from 5gardenias to help celebrate the coming of july.  a sweet vintage screened drying rack or seed sorter, a wonderful minimalist mid century signed sterling leaf brooch from denmark ( listing soon!),  an antique iron wire rack ( great re-purposed  as a hanging planter), and a fabulous antique coffee grinder/mill made of brass and lustrous dark wood .

i hope everyone is enjoying these early days of summer-- and autumn days for some-- may the sunshine and blue skies bring you happiness and make your tomatoes ( or pumpkins)  grow like crazy!

celebrating summer with vintage

i think we all have different things that make us feel like summer's here-- and that we love to do once it arrives. i think of dining outdoors, camping, summer nights on porch swings, cottage living, gardening, outdoor games, bright blue skies, picnics,  4th of July, patio parties, playtime..trips to the lake or beach.... in honor of summer's arrival i've been stocking a few vintage items in 5gardenias that speak of the warmer months ahead.  1. vintage Ker Sweden enamel cup and plate set  2. vintage paint by number mid west farm scene  3. antique wood croquet set  4. vintage toleware strawberry candle holders
happiest june to you all!

playing with pyramids

just finished these new pieces for my jewelry shop on etsy -- the earrings are a 3-D take on a pair of open wire triangle earrings i designed in 2009 and have sold on and off since. this time i wanted the design to echo the pyramid necklace i just finished and listed which is made with enamel over copper--and backed in oxidized sterling silver... totally modern, minimalist -a bit rustic with an urban edge-- a mini sculpture to wear on the bod-- the open pyramid earrings dangle from sterling chain--completely light weight and comfortable--