errrrrp --- rrrrrrrp  ( a version of ribbit ) -- a welcoming call to April, just up the road a bit. Some happy new spring vintage finds just listed this week in 5gardenias, Vintage cement frog garden ornament, vintage crochet dove panel , antique beveled glass mirror ,  1960s mod daisy brooch-

wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

  today I photographed these vintage pink gloves-- they were very patient with me. they were such lovely models I'm not sure I will part with them now.... go figure.

I  finished a pair of custom earrings the other day for a lovely customer-- then I decided to photograph them for good measure. Sweet little bumpy pods- irregular, earthy and just a touch elegant.

I'm a terribly old fashioned girl-- I just can't help but love old old and older things and yet I could
 easily live in a minimalist modern setting. What is this contradiction in me? Probably no way to resolve it except to give in to it all!

Recently listed lovelies from 5gardenias vintage above-- a fabulous antique organdy jabot/collar,  a vintage apothecary/ laboratory bottle with ground stopper and a romantic Victorian papered dresser keepsake or jewelry box, and last and maybe sweetest of all --a vintage cement swan garden ornament, worn from years of sun and rain, and seasons of change..

Wishing you a restful sleep and a lovely day tomorrow!

While we're still experiencing the grey skies of winter here, there are little flashes of promise, occasional hints,  a day of sunshine followed by a day of flurries. A warm nearly balmy day,  with a plummet to bone chilling the next. Such is February. Still-- I love this month because of the mix, the change of days from one to the next, full of surprises and tumult. It makes me so aware that Spring is up ahead...nearly within sight.  Here are a few new vintage listings inspired by anticipation and excitement for Spring:
art pottery swan planter/vase from the 40s, fabulous vintage laboratory glass storage bottles with ground stoppers, a charming handmade vintage apron covered with blue roses, and a sweet little bouquet of vintage millinery fabric flowers
I'm wishing you a beautiful day-- and give yourself some extra love for Valentines Day!

I have to admit I've been taking a bit of a break posting of late-- it's the post holiday thaw.  Taking a little longer to decompress, catch my breath and begin anew. I've just recently listed a few fresh vintage finds in 5gardenias. Looking toward spring, feeling the urge to lighten up and celebrate with some color and a nod to Valentines Day with a couple of porcelain sweethearts dressed in cobalt and white, some charming old antique glass and clay marbles,  a pair of sturdy and vibrant vintage mixing bowls, and a beautifully delicate antique ecru lace doily.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend and a happy February!

So happy to be able to show you what I've finally finished! A favorite necklace of mine just listed in my shop-- with only one other like it having been made before. "La Nuit" -- night time bell flowers to honor the deep mysteries of the evening. The chain inspired by the long segmented legs of crane flys and surveyors measuring chain...  The necklace hangs delicately around the neck and looks so lovely against bare skin..  Made entirely by hand of sterling silver, and ending in my signature twig toggle clasp.
Thanks for stopping by--wishing you all a wonderful weekend....

                                                alliance of Shiva and Vishnu.. training the apprentice

                                   meditation on the possible and necessary balance of things

                                                  the three gunas or conditions of existence

                                                meditation on the endless dance of energy

                                           reference to Kali goddess of death and destruction

                                                              Kali's 28 dazzling tongues

            another depiction of the three gunas in natural ascension from darkness through fire to light

                    pure consciousness ( the purer the consciousness the bluer and clearer the sky )

A most amazing sequence of paintings from anonymous Hindu devotees ( a practice dating back to the 17th century )-- depicting states of being-- compiled in a book by Franck Andre Jamme titled Tantra Song.  I thought if you haven't seen these, I should share them with you. They are so stunningly simple and immediately powerful. Hope you enjoy and best wishes to all for a wonderful 2012 ahead!

I fell in love with this Victorian sewing box-- with it's azure blue paper lining and sweet sweet notions... my favorite is the cloth measuring tape in its gilt washed metal case and hand embroidered flowers on ivory silk-- the back side of it is a fabulous sea foam green.  The buttons are early cloth covered on their original cards, and there are black and plain steel snaps. The box came with it's own pin cushion in matching azure blue silk, along with this wonderful handful of button hooks, thimble, sewing scissors, wooden needle case. All things enchanting a for a lover of sewing. Inside the lid, there is a chromo lithograph of a boy and a girl holding up a baby who is framed by the large branches of a tree. 
I am tempted to keep this fabulous piece, but thought I should tempt you with it first.... it's just been listed in 5gardenias vintage.
Wishing everyone the Happiest 2012-- just a few short days away!

Wishing everyone a happy Winter Solstice-- the longest night of the year-- may it bring you a restful sleep!

I can hardly believe it's so close to the holidays already. Things have been moving at a whirlwind pace. I'm guessing that many of you are feeling rushed and overworked right now with all the added planning and deadlines for things. ... Here's hoping we can all find some moments of quiet, -- some moments to catch our breath and unwind-- and then look forward to those moments for connecting- celebrating our bonds with the people we love and cherish. The holidays can be stressful and demanding, but they can also bring us together in unexpected and beautiful ways. Here's hoping we all find a balance and find the time to enjoy what it's really all about.... Happiest Holidays to you!

... and finally I have a chance to post above a few goodies currently listed in my vintage shop-- holiday decor--all wonderfully aged, full of story and personality from the 1930s... hope you enjoy.
top left to right:  antique celluloid reindeer on chenille wire stems , antique czech bohemian mercury glass airplane ornament, antique czech mercury glass and bugle bead star ornament,

 There are days and even weeks in the studio where it seems that the work stays still and in one place. Not stagnant -- but still. No movement forward. Just movement, like marching in place. At last, I  finally found some time to play and I'm as happy as can be with the outcome--a  new ring design-- organic and alive. Solid and earthy with a surface that undulates, gnarled -- organic and relic like-- as if salvaged from the sea or unearthed from a dig... this to me is beauty.

hope you to show you more when time allows.....

I can't believe it's already November. Each year when this month arrives, I tend to go into panic mode --this is such a busy time of year, with so much to plan for on top of all the every day ins and outs. But I do have fun gathering vintage holiday goodies for 5gardenias -- the shop is filling up with new finds on a regular basis. I love holiday decorations from the past-- always offering a bit more whimsy and character....Here are a few of the latest additions: clockwise from top left
1. vintage Marcrest Stetson Swiss Chalet, assortment of platters, plates and bowl  2. West German paper mache glitter bird ornament 3. Vintage 1950s Ceramic Deer Figurine 4. vintage mercury glass flower pick ornaments
Thanks for dropping by...  and have a lovely day!