sweetest little vintage carved wood folk art rabbit... just added to the shop

mellow august

feeling the mellowing of summer and the slow advance toward Autumn.... some additions to my vintage shop at 5gardenias clockwise top left to right: wonderful antique Rayo Railroad lantern from the early 1900s, made by Bradley and Hubbard,  Edwardian Ornate Picture Frame,  Edwardian lace doily collection, and the sweetest 1950s Pine Scent Pottery marbled fawn made by the Rocky Mountain Pottery Co. from Loveland Colorado.
wishing you all a wonderful summer weekend!

                               These are favorites of mine from my jewelry shop--
                     

                                                                    sweet needle point coin purse..... at 5gardenias

Whenever I watch horses in motion or in their gentle stillness I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the beauty in life. That sense then gets compounded by another strong feeling of nostalgia. I used to ride. I loved being around horses as a young girl. It was a world unto itself- an escape. A world that offered a deep dose of intensity for the senses-- the smell of the horses and their stalls, the leather of the saddles and bridals-- the hay, the barns, the fields. The sound of the roosters, hens and geese that would scatter and recollect in different parts of the yard. The voices of the horses, whinnying --their hooves on the cement, stone and grass-- the textures of their strong manes and soft whiskered lips. The sweetest feeling in the palm of one's hand is the gentle kiss of horse lips. I miss those days. They were simpler times. So in honor of those memories I made this collage.
I used the Breyer horse models that I'm selling in 5gardenias vintage and some lovely wide banded lace trim soon to be listed. It seems... no-- it feels.. like a perfect day for nostalgia.
Wishing everyone a day in which you remember something that made you intensely happy.

We've been lucky with weather here lately-- blue skies and moderate temps-- in the 70s and 80s.  I'm soaking it all up. The sun and blue, so beautiful and inspiring--I'm thankful for the loveliness.  Yet at the same time  I'm thinking of all the people who are experiencing record breaking temps around the country and world-- and those who have lost their homes due to the wild fires raging out of control in the west and southwest. Without becoming too dark about this subject I have to add that we really need to make changes right here and NOW if we want to try and repair any of the damage already done to our environment and climate--I'm afraid we've already taken too long to act, and we're just seeing the beginning of the problems that we'll be facing....
Alright I've said enough... and now on to simpler and more pleasant matters.. just a few new sweet finds for 5gardenias: a vintage conch shell... a telephone to the sea, a 1960s flower power summer shift, an adorable 1930s art deco bluebird planter ( just sold ), and an antique wooden motor boat model from the 1940s

I'm wishing everyone a happy weekend--and sending prayers out for those people and animals who've been effected by the fires.

I had meant to talk about Ella Bella last week --that's her in the photo, but there have been too many things happening all at once, and life's been a bit too chaotic. My husband and I rescued her from the apartment building next to our dwelling. She and her roommate, sister or brother were left behind by their owner. The word was that they had been seen around the building for weeks, often trying to get back into their old apartment. This made me so sad-- and angry.  Ella stayed with us for several weeks and I fell head over heels in love with her--and then we found a sweet family who fell in love with her too ( my son's friend's family ) She's in good hands but I will miss her so!

I have to share this video with you my friends-- and no matter where you are-- I hope you will do all that you can to speak out against this insanity!

So not only is this post title referring to new nautical items listed in 5gardenias vintage-- but to the fact that the month of June is just... well... sailing by!
Here are some nautical faves recently listed in 5gardenias shop- a number of vintage nautical signal flags, -- a pennant style blue and white flag , a red and white flag, the yellow and blue stripe flag's message is: I require a pilot..... I can't help but think we could all use a flag like this at various times! I'm especially in love with this vintage hand carved wood sailor brooch .such a wonderful piece of folk art. And these are the last of my vintage fishing lures -- soon to be listed in the shop.
I wish all of you a great day and week for that matter... hope to be back sooner than later-- thanks for stopping by!

Alright-- I've changed my mind. In case you happened to stop by earlier you may be wondering where my other post went... but I just realized that I'd already posted some nautical themed pieces recently. Given that June is just a day away, it's a great time to celebrate the coming summer with its patio garden parties,  farmer's markets,  cool evenings  ( at least occasional ones ) on the front porch,  and cooking up fresh recipes in the kitchen with locally grown produce ...I always get so excited when our farmer's market opens here in Buffalo-- with offerings of fresh veggies, perennials, jams and honey, maple syrup, home baked breads, hand made clothing and crafts.... nothing could be finer!
here are some fun new listings from 5gardenias to celebrate the sweet month of June and the first days of summer ( even though the summer heat has made a strong debut in Buffalo this May already!):
vintage farm stand berry baskets, handmade aqua gingham apron from 1960s, vintage hand crocheted striped throw, vintage collection of 1960s-70s raffia and lucite beverage cups.
May your Wednesday be full of creativity! Thanks for stopping in   : )

just listed in 5gardenias today... a vintage art pottery vase with a wonderful 40s-50s bungalow style and a peachy sweet glaze. happy wednesday to you!

a few more photos of new jewelry that will be listed in my Etsy shop-- hopefully by next week. all are made of sterling silver and blackened with an oxidized patina. the triangle link necklace is sporting some bold neon pink color -- some mod charisma for fun. the bracelet is made entirely of rhomboid shaped sterling links. very architectural and minimalistic-- and very light and comfortable on the wrist...

oh--the simplicity and elegance of this antique ironstone platter!.... just had to let you know it's ready and waiting for you if you so desire....

Is it really May already? !!  My garden is beginning to blossom and typically this doesn't happen in this neck of the woods until June--but we had record high temps in March this year.... so things are coming up extra early. Not that I mind having Spring show its pretty face a bit before expected, I'm enjoying every minute of it! I'm just going to have to add some new plantings to keep the garden looking fresh all summer. And any excuse to be out in the garden is a fine excuse in my book.

And speaking of summer-- I've added some summer inspired nautical items to 5gardenias vintage like the sweet antique primitive model wooden steamship and vintage queen conch shell  and flamingo bird and starfish necklace ( put together by me with vintage components added to darkened brass chain with a lobster clasp).

Also a few fine old pieces with oodles of charisma -- this charming antique double sided shaving mirror, I'm picturing this along side a claw foot tub and old linen bath towels... an adorably enchanting set of matching antique porcelain and luster tea cups perfect for fanciful tea parties, or turn into pin cushions or candles...then gift them to your favorite hostess or auntie. Last but not least this intricate and delicate antique hand tatted lace bodice trim with the palest palest pink mesh border-- just waiting for loving hands to work their magic and breath some new life into the stitches....

I'm hoping everyone is enjoying their Spring days and nights--or Autumn ones if you're in the southern hemisphere. Wishing you a beautiful end to your week and a lovely weekend to come--Thanks for stopping in for a visit!