Faith, Grace, and Crafts

Pearls and Lace Thursday #82 A Few Finishes

2012-02-08T07:58:00.000-06:00

I've shown you my now finished redwork (previous post) of which I thoroughly enjoyed working on. I decided I was a big girl now and could graduate to a finer sized weave of material, therefore making the aida cloth no longer my favorite. I feel like a child with a cardboard laceing toy with that aida now!!

But, before my official graduation, I wanted to show you what I finished in January.

I apologize for the terrible photography...more on that at the bottom of this post.

But, also sorry for the wrinkled pieces! I have a hate/hate relationship with my iron.

I've also included a simple needle keep that I made out of an old bit of quilt.

I am having a problem with my vision it seems....every time I take a picture with my Nikon, I look at it from the screen on the back of the camera. It looks clear and crisp. THEN, I go to the computer, tranfer the images, and they look BLURRY!!!

What's the deal??? Is it me? or could it actually be the Camera?

Maybe it's the editing software. I don't know, but I'm depressed about it.

Do any of y'all have problems with your camera editing software? In fact, could you please tell me what software you use? I have this wonderful camera, a Nikon D5000

It's like putting a sports car into the hands of a 6 year old I know, but still, shouldn't I be able to take some good photos by now? I mean, I've had it for over a year!!

I don't know how to use it to its full potential, but at least sometimes I get a few good shots.

What really makes my day go south though is when I 'think' I've taken some good photos and then I get to my computer.

I've been using an old software edition from my old Kodak easyshare camera. It was fine. But when I went to try to use the Nikon software that came with that camera, I just couldn't figure out the editing. No where does it let me crop, adjustments of photos are few, and I'm at a loss as to what to do.

So, my question to you is, what software is the least expensive, and the easiest to use???

I went to the office supply store near us (45 minutes away!), and Photoshop software made me loose my appetite. Here I was all ready to shell out some big bucks (@50 of them), and lo and behold, they wanted my first born son and my right arm for the LEAST expensive version!!!

When I took the photo of the sampler above, the picture looked clear to me in the screen on the camera back. I even showed it to my husband to PROVE that I could take a clear picture.

I guess I'm just getting old. These bifocals are a pain too. I finally am getting used to wearing them, and I haven't fallen because of them (after a year and a half it's about time I am used to them!), but they are a real pain.

Well, enough of that. If any of you have any suggestions, I would truly appreciate them!

If you'd like to join me for Pearls and Lace Thursday this week please add the url code of your post to the link below. I've really had fun doing these, but I'm getting tired people. I think this might be the last one for a while, so I'd like to thank you all for joining the party and making it so much fun to blog.

I hope you all have a wonderful week!

Blessings, Doni

Pearls and Lace Thursday #81 Red Notions Love

2012-02-01T10:00:00.003-06:00

After telling you all last week that my favorite color growing up was RED, I decided to do a post not only about red, but about what I've been up to lately!

I've been cross-stitching again!

I pulled out the flosses, aida cloth, magazines and books. I found all my old hoops and needles, and a number of unfinished works (finished 2 of them!!), and now I've started the redwork sampler you see here.

I started this red sampler while I was waiting for an order of floss and material to come in so that I could actually get started on a DIFFERENT sampler. I liked this one fine, but I can't wait to finish it so I can start the other!!! Am I strange?

In the picture above, you can see a number of things that I've made over the years. The smallest heart pillow, the plaid pillow, as well as the lacy pillow and crocheted roses! The embroidered rose scarf was made by my dear birthmother.

Red. Deep dark red. Not that bright red, but garnet red. Another favorite! I have so many colors that I'm partial to...do you? Or do you just favor one??

Be sure and have a look at the parties I love posted on my sidebar...I'll be joining with some of them this week to share this post.

Please join me now for Pearls and Lace Thursday! It's time to add your url code to the link below. I have been having a blast going by and reading each of your blog posts, and I've found some brand new friends along the way! Also, if I have not left you a comment on your blog, it is ONLY because of the blogger problems OR there is no place to leave a comment!!! I've loved each of your posts. Thanks to each of you for joining me, and a hug to each of the newest followers that have come by to visit!

Blessings, Doni

Pearls and Lace Thursday #80 and a Beautiful Gift

2012-01-25T09:12:00.006-06:00

Pearls and Lace Thursday Party!!
Well, it was my birthday last week, and my wonderful husband gave me some very lovely presents.

He took me to dinner at my favorite restaurant, and he had invited some dear friends to meet us there and surprise me! They even brought a birthday cake!

AND, my friend 'L' brought me a gift she made with her own hands.

I fell in love with it instantly.

She knows me sooooo well!!!

I was so surprised! It was wrapped up in a gorgeous box with a gold bow.

The lady at the table next to me said, "I'm sooo glad you opened that while you were still here...I was DYING to see what it was!!!"

I blinged it up a bit with some pretty blue bobbles, and it will receive a place of honor in my home.

This little picture is of me when I was just a babe.

Full of mischief!

Some of the first gifts I ever received as a baby.

Do you see the little face on the quilt under the stork picture?? My grandmother made that quilt for me.

I prize things that were so lovingly made just for me, or given to me in love. Don't you?

Color plays an important part in my life. When I was small, I was given a choice to 'pick' my favorite color. Most of my clothes and decorating were picked from that favorite color. Can you guess what is was???

It was RED. Back then, red was IT. EVERYTHING was red. My cup, my clothes, the frame around my plaster of paris handprint.

Now???? I have a lot of favorites.

I particulary love pastels. But I love the way the primary colors look together too....

Well, I'm making something red right now which I will share with you next week.

Maybe I'll just go back to my childhood and pull out the red stuff.

Or not.

It's time for Pearls and Lace Thursday!!!!

Because of the blogger problem and not being able to get to other blogs, (I tried and gave up....), let me tell each of you here right now how MUCH I appreciate your efforts to share your posts with me for Pearls and Lace Thursday! I will catch up with you all as soon as possible, but for now, please go ahead and join up with me again for this week's party.

You can attach the url code from your POST to the link below.

Thanks to you all for visiting me! And a huge hello to my newest followers!

Blessings,

Doni

Pearls and Lace Thursday #79 Crocheted Edges

2012-01-18T14:35:00.000-06:00

Hello Everyone!

Hope you are all safe and warm. The sun is shining brightly here, and last night was cold, but today and the rest of the week we are warming up.

For all of you who are slushing through snow, I really feel for you.

I would make you a hot cup of chocolate and sit you near the fire so you'd be cozy and warm!!

During December I stayed busy making some small stuffed hearts out of a piece of embroidery I found at a garage sale. I met the little lady who had spent so many of her days working with her hands to make these squares for a quilt.

She was moving, and all of her sewing items were having to be sold.

I always have a feeling of sadness when I find things like this. Especially if I've met the woman who made them. But this time, I think she was ready.

I ask myself the question too...will I someday be ready to give all my prized sewing items up?

I think it will be easier if I know they are going to someone who will cherish them as much as I did.

I hope she would think that I did a good job of carrying on with her work.

While I was in the crocheting mood, I grabbed my favorite heart pillow from the guestroom bed and decided it needed a crocheted edge as well. I think it's just what it needed!

I loved the pastel colors of these roses so much that I couldn't give it away!

And I've see so many of you talented ladies making these little strawberries that I thought I'd try some!

The crochet thread and hooks are put away, and I'm doing something now that I haven't picked up in years. Can you guess what I'm working on now??

I have a question for you. If you have cases of DMC floss, how do you prefer to order them in the cases?

I started with one box, so easiest to do was by number. Now I have ALL of the DMC floss colors (thanks to my dear birthmother) and she ordered them by color group according to DMC. Hmmm....seems like I can't find the right color very easily. Should I go ahead and redo ALL 10 BOXES?????

It's time for Pearls and Lace Thursday!!!

Please know that I have tried to get to each of your blogs this week and leave a comment. Many I have had to do with my iphone!! My computer keeps freezing up on me when I open a new page (argh!!) so it's very hard to get to your blogs!! I'm trying all kinds of things on my end to fix that!

I am in love with so many of your blogs! I am enchanted by your talents! And I'm so fickle. I go from saying, 'oh I love that', to 'oh...I love THAT' so many times it's silly!

Y'all have made my week too by so many of you joining me! I'm so excited! And honored!

Many many thanks to each of you, and a warm welcome to the new followers!

Please join me again this week and add the url code from your blog post to the link below.

I hope you all have a marvelous week!!

Blessings, Doni

Pearls and Lace Thursday and Variation #3 on a Pink Theme

2012-01-11T10:00:00.036-06:00

Y'all are soooo sweet! Your comments the last few weeks about my pink dyed laces have been so wonderful! Thank you all for taking the time to visit here and for participating in the Pearls and Lace Thursday!!
The Party will continue!
The Last of this Pink Theme Party are the closeups that I took.

I always have so much fun trying to get the best shots!

Let me know what you think!

All this pink, just because of some AVOCADO PEEL!! Be sure and check out the previous Pearls and Lace parties where I tell you how I did it. Have any of you tried this yet??? Let me know!!

It's time for the Party.

Be sure and add the url code of your post to the link below! I love seeing what you are doing!!

And do you see the list on the right of my blog page? The one where it says Parties I Love?

Well, I'm going to be joining up with a number of them! Be sure and head over there and see all the lovely parties and join in too!

Hope you all have a lovely rest of the week!

Blessings, Doni

Pearls and Lace Thursday #77 Variation #2 on the Pink Theme

2012-01-04T10:29:00.000-06:00

Variation #2

I showed you these same materials on my last Pearls and Lace Thursday post here, after I had dyed them with the surprisingly usable avocado peel. The different shades of pink are so pretty, I decided to carry on by adding some pretties to help show them off.

I added layers of tatted pieces and pearl necklaces, buttons, and lace roses that I made last year.

I love the way the pinks are enhanced by the colors of the tatted pieces and the luster of the pearls.

Some of my favorite pearlized buttons are scattered among the layers, and a length of vintage ecru colored ribbon adds some shine.

My dear friend gave me some cockscomb last fall that she had grown. I dried them and the dark pink looks so good with this collection that I will be trying to grow some of my own this coming spring!

The chintz vases were next....I'm still on the fence about whether I should have added them.

This pink pincushion begged to be part of the photo shoot!

And ironstone just belongs with the whole group and gives some anchoring to the busyness.

Next week I will show you the last of the theme (for now) with some closeups of the collection.

I hope you enjoyed Variation #2 on the Pink Theme and will now join me for Pearls and Lace Thursday!

I have really enjoyed doing this party, and will continue it for now at least. Perhaps in the future I'll quit the party, but continue to share pearls and laces. There doesn't seem to be a lot of interest, and there are so many other parties out there!

Speaking of other parties, I will going over to join up with some myself! The list to the right of Parties I Love are a wonderful collection of blogs that host parties each week. Be sure that after you join this linky party, you go over and check out the other parties!

Please join me by using the url code from your blog POST, not your blog, and please no sales items of any kind. I truly appreciate each of you who have joined my parties in the past, and I'd like to welcome each of my newest followers! You people are awesome!!!

Many blessings to you,

Doni

What I'll be Doing This Year

2012-01-01T19:59:00.000-06:00

Are you?

May God richly bless each of you.

With Faith to believe, Salvation from Sin, and Eternity with Him.

With Love,

Doni

Pearls and Lace #76 Variations on a Theme #1

2011-12-28T10:39:00.002-06:00

Pink is the Theme.

Lace is the Subject.

How on earth did I get Pink Lace?

Well avocados of course!!!

Have you tried this? You just have to try this. It's easy, and it makes you feel like you've done something magical! PINK dye from avocado peel.

I boiled it, I set it aside after about an hour, and I played like a little girl.

This first post about the Theme (Pink Lace) is composed of pictures of the actual dyed pieces.

I have taken a number of different materials and tried different soaking times to get the variation of pinks.
The longer you soak, the darker the pink.

I think the main thing I did correctly was to put the avocado peelings into a doubled portion of cheesecloth and tie the end. I used this pouch in a large pot of water and boiled it for about an hour, then put in the laces and materials I was using and let them soak for about an hour. Later, I put some of the pieces back in for another soak of another hour, then put them outside to dry.

It was hard for me to get some of the materials to absorb color, but I found that most of the materials were beautifully colored, and I plan on looking out for many more items to dye in the future. And my husband gets to eat some fresh guacamole from time to time!!

On a humorous side, at the time I was doing the whole boiling and drying (outside) of the materials, my husband was out of town. When I took the pieces outside to dry in the sun, they were gently floating in the breeze when my husband arrived home. He got scared. He thought he had put something red in a laundry of whites and I was flying his mistakes out front for him to see when he got home!!! Poor guy! I was just excited about my new pink laces and such, and he was afraid to come in the house!

Next week I will share some more photos using the pinks as a background for some additions of pearls, buttons, and tatting laces. Be sure and come back by to see them! I am soooo excited about finding this process! Let me know if you have tried it before and what you did!!!

It's time for Pearls and Lace Thursday! Add the url code for your post to the link below and show us your pretties! You can use this party to post as many times as you like. I love to see what you have to share!
I will be joining a number of fun parties this week as well...be sure and visit the parties I've listed on my sidebar. You will be amazed at all the beautiful posts out there!! Thanks to you all for joining me, and a special hello to my newest followers!

Blessings to you all!

Doni
edited: because I can spell guacamole, but not avOcado!

Pearls and Lace Thursday #75 The Pearls and Lace Dress Form

2011-12-14T15:00:00.000-06:00

Ahhhhh....

Pearls and Lace

It just makes me happy. There's no other explanation! Does there need to be one???

They are beautiful together, each making the other glow and show off their best features.

The softness of the pearls against the pattern of the lace, making a beautiful duo of vintage lovliness.

I hope you enjoy!

I've been soooo blessed! The lace piece above (closup) is one that came in my mailbox this week, along with the hymn pages shown below. A beautiful lady emailed me and told me she had some lovely hymn pages she wanted to send me....lo and behold, they arrived and along with them was this gorgeous piece of vintage lace!!! Dear Gail, this post is for you!!! Heartfelt thanks, and blessings to you!!

Doesn't the detail on this lace just make you swoon???

And it sets off the pearls' lustre to make a combination of beauty.

Below is a picture of it in sepia...

And here are the wonderful hymn pages!!

I think a project I've had in the back of my mind will be in the making very soon!

It's time for Pearls and Lace Thursday!!! Below is the link for you to join me, just add your post's url, not the url code for your blog please. Let's have fun this week with the beauty that you all have to share. I've really been busy this week, as I know you all have, so let's take a break next week and I'll return the Thursday before New Year's with the next P&L Party!

I'm going to join a few parties myself this week, so be sure and look on the sidebar to the right at the Parties I Love and join in there too! The awesome hostesses have some LOVELY posts!

Have a blessed week!

Doni

Blogger Trouble?? UPDATED...Background Fixed!!

2011-12-10T09:52:00.001-06:00

Real quick post here...

Do any of you have problems with your Blog right now?

My problems are not only on my personal computer showing the background of my blog as a small picture disrupting the view of my blog, but on my iphone, it does the same thing and doesn't let me see my linky party participants or my followers.

I've looked at the Help button and tried to clear my cookies/history, etc., but to no avail.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Doni

UPDATED!!
OK...after many many unsuccessful (because of ME) tries to fix the background problem, I finally went to the website where I got my original background, the one you see here. You can find the location at the top of this blog on the left hand side. Itkupilli is a talented lady who has dozens and dozens of free backgrounds.
She has gone through all of her backgrounds and FIXED each of them so that they will show up the correct size on your backgrounds. IF you are having a problem with your background, you might want to go to your original background host and see if they are aware of the problem. It's a matter of the original size now not transferring over to blogger.
Many many thanks to Itkupilli for finding and fixing the problem!!! I love her background and have had it for a long time...hoping to keep it for a long time to come!
Have a great week!
Doni

Pearls and Lace Thursday #74 Bling Covered Books

2011-12-07T11:30:00.003-06:00

Do you like Bling?

Do you like pretty fabrics?

Do you love vintage???

Well, it's all here!

I once saw a photo of an awesome display of lovely brooches all displayed on pretty fabric covered books. I can't find the source of the picture, but have drooled over it for many months.

If you happen to know of the picture I'm referreing to, please please let me know!

Here is my attempt at a similar vignette:

I found a source for some samples of vintage materials last summer and have finally used them for this display.

Using small paperback books (because my material pieces were smallish), I gently folded the fabric over the book covers. (Remember covering our textbooks in school??? THAT lesson came in handy!!)

I pulled out some blingy items from here and there, some lovely pink pearl beads, and some of my favorite buttons. Also, there are some dried cockscomb and roses added.

The abalone shell is one that I've had from childhood...and recently unearthed it from my garage!

The little heart pillow I made years ago, and in the first picture, a purple pillow I made while I was in Junior High! It seems I just can't throw anything away!

It's time for Pearls and Lace Thursday!!! Do you have something pretty you'd like to share? Please add the url code to the link below, and let us see your lovelies!

I will be attending some blog parties too, so be sure and check out the links in the Parties I Love list on the sidebar. I keep these links up all the time, so you can always come by and find some beauty!

Blessings to you!

Doni

A Quick Tour of the China Cabinet

2011-12-05T19:45:00.000-06:00

It's Monday night, and the football game just started. I don't know who and I don't care who!

SO...computer, here I come!

How about a quick tour of the China Cabinet?

I seem to have a distinct liking for Blues and Pinks!!!

Good grief! As I was picking the order for these pictures to post I realized that my faves are the blues and pinks, and that most of my cabinet is those colors! Not all, but the majority!

Oh well. I like it, and it's always fun to play with them!

I tried my first cup of Earl Grey tea over Thanksgiving. No sweetener, no cream, no lemon.

Just plain ole' tea.

Hmmmm.....

Maybe it's an acquired taste??

I made another pot last week and tried it. Not quite liking it yet, but I'm not going to give up. I MUST learn to like even LOVE hot tea. That's my New Year's resolution. And loose weight.

Maybe I'll be able to drink tea.....

I will be linking up with the AWESOME TEA PARTIES listed on the sidebar! Be sure and click on them to take you over to some lovely blogs and check out the gorgeous tea things they share each week.

Many thanks to you lovely ladies for hosting!

Hope you all have a lovely week!

Blessings, Doni

Pearls and Lace Thursday #73

2011-11-30T11:59:00.002-06:00

First, I want to take a moment to say a great big thanks to Donna over at Brynnwood Needleworks.

I won a recent giveaway from her blog, and she sent me some WONDERFUL prizes!!

The book "Where Women Create" has been on my WANT list for a LONG time, and now that I stayed up for most of a night soaking it in, I can tell you....it's AWESOME!

Here are a few items from the box mixed in with today's Pearls and Lace Thursday party!

The lovely ribbon roses were the first thing I saw, and immediately I thought of this sewing box that was on my shelf. Oh....they would be friends for sure!

The little white birdie with the perfect amount of crazing! Isn't she the sweetest thing??

And for those of you who are familiar with Donna's blog, you can see the postcard of Tag located on the left side of the picture below! What a hoot! He's a Corgi and evidently a much loved member of their family!!

I've lately been wrapping many of my yardage of lace trims onto vintage wooden spools. It's so much fun to carefully wind the gorgeous laces onto a piece that will not only keep the laces in good order, but will make a beautiful display on my shelves. I just don't seem to have enough lace!

When I saw this lovely buckle sitting all alone in one of my treasure chests, I knew it was destined for better things, so I snipped a piece of silk ribbon, and now it has a pretty place to show off!

Thank you so much Donna for a delightful box of lovelies! I'm having so much fun with them!

And now it's time for Pearls and Lace Thursday where YOU get to show off some of your own pretties!

Please feel free to join me by adding the url code of your blog post to the link below.

I'm going to be joining a few parties myself, so make sure you check out my sidebar where I have listed some of my very favorite places to go! Parties I Love are blogs that have hosted blog parties. I'm constantly running over there to see who posted what...and I'm finding some GORGEOUS blogs to follow!

Many thanks to each of you for joining me for Pearls and Lace Thursday, and a huge hug to my newest followers!

Blessings,

Doni

Pearls and Lace Thursday # 72 Music and More Lace!

2011-11-24T16:00:00.004-06:00

I don't know if y'all are aware, but I'm a musician. I play the violin (see my violin post here), therefore music has always had a very large part in who I am. As I've matured over the years, I've been able to collect different types of vintage pieces of music. I've loved using them in my displays, and especially loved that it has become appreciated by artists for use in collages and backgrounds. I've seen some wonderfully talented uses for old stained music and always seem to be enthralled by what y'all come up with for using it.

As I look through piles of old piano music, I wonder who it was that played the pieces. A name might be written on a piece...pencilled in directions here and there...was she young or matronly? Did she play for a crowd or to please herself? Was her piano in a small home or a stately mansion?

In last week's post for Pearls and Lace Thursday, I shared some of my most beautiful piano music.

As I look at the exquisite drawings decorating the front cover of these pieces, I am totally lost in the artwork. It's not just a piece of music, but a work of art! How lovely to be able to enjoy the lovely florals and scrolls and fonts without even hearing the music.

This week, I'm using the beauty of the inside of the music as a background for some more laces I'd like to share with you. I hope you enjoy!!

I guess you can say I got carried away, but setting up this group of laces and music and buttons was SO MUCH FUN!! I mean really....getting to play with the pretties! They are my toys you know!

a bit of pink...

With Thanksgiving here, I want to take this time to thank each of you who take the time to visit my blog, those of you who join me for Pearls and Lace Thursday, those who follow, and each of you who leave kind comments. You are some lovely people that I am very grateful for! I pray you are each blessed this Thanksgiving.

I'm going to be joining in a few fabulous parties! Please see the Parties I Love list on my sidebar and check out the awesome blog parties...you might even want to join them yourself! AND...

Now...if you'd like to join me this week for Pearls and Lace Thursday, then it's time! Please add your url code for your post to the link below, and share something beautiful and lovely with us! There were over 20 participants last week!!!! Y'all are the best!!

Warm hellos to my newest followers too!

Blessings to you all,

Doni

A Lacy Mosaic

2011-11-19T20:16:00.000-06:00

I just put together some of my favorite photos from my Pearls and Lace Thursday Party post.

Have you had a chance to join me yet?

Feel free to if you'd like. Just scroll down to the previous post!

And many thanks to you all who have participated. I am Thankful for each of you as well as the newest followers! Your visits to my little blog excite me and make me want to make it a place of beauty to share with you.

Next week's party will be on Friday (late Thursday post), so be sure and come back. I have already got the pictures ready and if you liked this week, you'll like next week's as well!

As we work this next week to prepare for Thanksgiving, let's not forget those who don't have a table to sit at, or a meal to eat. Is there someone you can invite to your own table? Is there a meal you can take to someone who doesn't have family? I can think of many around me who would be blessed.

I think I need to add some plates that will be easy to carry to my grocery list.

Blessings to you all!

Pearls and Lace Thursday #71 Hymns and Lace!

2011-11-16T11:59:00.002-06:00

I just love Lace....You know I do...

If you've ever visited my blog before, you know that I love Lace.

OLD LACE!

And the older the better.

Therefore, I'm going to be taking the next few weeks to share with you all my lace collection.

It actually has been shared bit by bit throughout my blog posts, but I'm going to be using many of my pieces for the next few Link Parties for Pearls and Lace Thursdays.

I'm also going to be using some of my favorites including Pearl Buttons, and Music.

All together, the look is incredible.

I recently bought this sweet little box (below) from Joan's Etsy shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/toby11

and just today for this photo shoot I opened it up. Imagine my amazement when I opened up the baggie included inside and found a beautiful gold perfume bottle...

Thank you so much Joan. It's just gorgeous!!

Well, I guess I got carried away with taking pictures! I just couldn't stop!

Do you ever do that....find so many ways to photograph something that you can't quit?

And there's more too! But not for today. I have it all laid out ready for taking pictures tomorrow.

I'll be putting the LINK below for the Pearls and Lace Thursday party, so be sure and join me with your own post of something pretty you'd like to share!! I love having you come by!

I'll be sharing this post with some neat parties out there, so be sure and check out the Parties I Love list on my sidebar. The loveliest of blogs are hosting, and I'm so enchanted by all of your posts!

Next week on Thursday I will be eating Thanksgiving Dinner, and before that I will be COOKING (if you can call it that!)....SO next week Pearls and Lace Thursday will be on FRIDAY!!!

Looking forward to a wonderful week, and be sure and join my link party!!

Blessings to you all!

Doni

Hymns and Lace for White Wednesday

2011-11-15T17:29:00.000-06:00

This post is just a teaser...because I'm LOVING my laces right now and I need more than one post to share them!! These shots are just a few from my Pearls and Lace Thursday post going up this week.

Please come back and join me late Wednesday for the Party!

Here's what I'll be sharing:

Just Whites! Well, I can't honestly say 'Just' because there are a very few other colors in there!

Please come back and see all my vintage laces in the upcoming weeks as I share with y'all the pretties I've been collecting. Also, on Thursdays you are invited to share your own pretties with my Link Party,

Pearls and Lace Thursday. I hope you love these photos as much as I loved playing with my collection!

Lots of different patterns and types of lace, pearl buttons, and vintage music.

Seriously, what combination could be better??

Well, I think some pink added to it would be great....

But hey...this is White Wednesday!!

Be SURE and join our host today at Faded Charm for some LOVELY whites!

The link is below.

http://fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com/

Blessings to you all!

Doni

Thanksgiving Preparations - Part One

2011-11-13T19:14:00.000-06:00

I suppose it was bound to happen one day. I would decide I had to host Thanksgiving!

But you see, I have a secret. I can't cook. At least not the kind of COOKING that you talented ladies can do. All those years ago I tried and made so many mistakes. The Pumpkin pie never did set, and who knew that they stuffed the turkey for you before you cooked it? (Who-knows-what in a bag? How gross!!)

The can of cranberry sauce wouldn't let the stuff slide out, so I had to spoon it out like jello...

The rolls were too brown, hard in fact.

But we ate.

And now I'm going to try it again.

I'll begin with a beautiful table...that's the trick right?? If it LOOKS pretty, it will TASTE WONDERFUL!

At least that's my story and stickin' to it!

SO...here's the beginning of the Thanksgiving Preparations.

A stack of dusty dishes, glasses, serving tray and my new tablecloth.

The dishes were a garage sale find that my husband brought me earlier this summer. Can you believe his wonderful taste? There are actually two different sets in these stacks, but the colors and patterns are so similar, they go very well together and are hardly noticeable.

These glasses were also a garage sale find, mine, and they are something I've never seen before. The etchings are of tulips and surround the glass. The shape is just gorgeous!

SO...with a lovely set of china, gorgeous glasses, and a pretty tablecloth, what could go wrong???

Right????

Blessings to you all!

Doni

Pearls and Lace Thursday #70 Lace Wrapped Bobbins

2011-11-10T13:26:00.001-06:00

I've been late for two weeks in a row! I'm so sorry.

But now, let's do some catching up! It's so fun to think about what I'll be sharing with you all, but then all of a sudden life takes an unexpected turn and we're going out of town!!

At least I've had the time to think about what I'm going to do when I finally have the time!

Here's the latest.

The bobbins are some recent finds from etsy, and the laces are some I've had for a while and some I've found recently. I love the look of laces wrapped around old wooden bobbins.

And it just wouldn't be right if I hosted a party called Pearls and Lace and didn't have any pearls, right??

So here they are. BUT...the pearls are not vintage...just store bought from the jewelry makings dept.

But a new necklace looms in the future made of the three colors. PINK being a favorite!! But I LOVE those darker colored pearls too....hmmmm.....

The plates they are on ARE vintage, and I must say, the colors and textures on them are so perfect!

They are chippy, crazed, and lovely. (if I do say so myself!).

I love the different colors included on each spray of flowers....they're just lovely together.

I just can't get over how many of you visit my little ol' blog during the week! I've so enjoyed visiting you, and you have such beautiful things to share each week. I know that without a doubt a spend HOURS of every week looking around blogland, and seriously, there's not a day that I'm not on this computer looking at your posts. The fun to the serious, I'm loving it all. You ladies (and some gents I know), are such talented people. Your photography skills amaze me, and I hope someday I'll be as good as y'all!!!

I'll be joining some parties in the upcoming days, so please take a look at the list I have on my sidebar of parties I love....they seriously are a lot of fun, and there's ALWAYS something gorgeous being shared.

I'm also hosting my weekly (though sometimes tardy) party, Pearls and Lace Thursday today, so if you'd like to join me, please add the url code of your post to the link below! I'm looking forward to getting next week's party thought out and READY before I'm late!!!

Hope you all have a lovely weekend and may I take this moment to thank ALL of our country's VETERANS as we think about your sacrifices for our freedom. You indeed are hero's and need to know it!!!

And it's not just you that we need to honor, but your families as well, because they too served by their service to you.

I know...I have a Veteran for a husband, and he's my hero.

Blessings to you all!

Doni

Pearls and Lace Thursday #69 and The Pink Door

2011-11-03T09:19:00.000-05:00

It was a bright and sunny day. Cars were everywhere. I pulled over into a dirt path and parked the car. Entering the old warehouse was difficult. Cobwebs abounded, dust was everywhere. It was the perfect place. I could feel it in my bones. I was going to go home with a treasure that was just what I wanted.

I looked quickly up one shelf and down another, making my way to the dark back corner of a huge room, only lit by dim bulbs and one open door. The building had stood for decades, was loaded with boxes on every shelf, some open, some closed.

It was the Hiway 80 sale. We had been on the road for a few hours, and finally we came to this building.

I turned a corner, wiped away some sweat, And there it was....

A door with windows, chippy and painted, but was it pink?

On the first side it was white. But when I turned it over.....

PINK!!!

I asked my husband if he thought we could fit it in our little car.

"No, there's no way". I had to find a way.

There had to be a way, and I was going to find one.

So, I waited. Until he was in another part of the dusty building looking around.

Then I grabbed the door and carried it outside.

Oh I had to have this door!

As I approached the tented area where the girls were waiting to take payments, I asked them,

"May I check and see if I can fit this in my car?"

"Sure you can! We'll help!"

And help they DID!!! I didn't know the backseat of my car would lay down flat....into the trunk!!

THEY KNEW!!

They all of them went headfirst into my car, moved some things around, laid that seat back and hefted my new door into the car, strapped it in, and even repacked the car!!!!

"MARVELOUS!!!"

I was now in possession....9/10ths of the law you know!

As I handed them the money for the door, I asked, 'all sales are final, RIGHT??" You know the look and the nod I gave them.... ; )

When my husband finally exited the building with a few find of his own, he couldn't believe that our car was right there...in front of the building with a PINK door sticking out of it!

"Well, I didn't know that back seat would do that!!"

He was actually excited for me!

The girls were so great! Thanks you dears....I'm forever in your debt. And if you need help any time...well I'm sure I'd be delighted to help you out!

Hope you all had a wonderful week!

I just had to share the adventures of finding this awesome door with y'all. It's time for Pearls and Lace Thursday, so join the party!! Link up your post's url code to the link below and show us your pretties!

Anything pretty that you'd like to share!

We had 12 links last week!! Thanks to all of you who have joined me for the party, and many hugs to you newest followers too! I'm so delighted you decided to join me!

I will be joining a few parties as well this week, so be sure and check out the parties I love links on the right in the sidebar!!! There is always so much inspiriation out there, and it's like looking at a wonderful magazine each time I spend time at your lovely blogs.

Thanks for all you do.

Have a lovely weekend!!

Blessings, Doni

Pearls and Lace Thursday #68 Vintage Dress Form!!

2011-10-26T15:26:00.002-05:00

My very own Vintage Dress Form!!!

Here she is! I'm so excited!

She has a lovely figure from the front,

is a bit catywompus in the bust

and looks GREAT in PINK!!

I think she's gorgeous! Love how the vintagy goodness just makes her perfect!

I found her online, and since she was close, my husband said, let's go get her! He was so awesome! He knew I've been wanting one for a long time! (in fact, have you shown one to your husband yet??? I did so he'd KNOW what one looked like should he see one when I wasn't around!!).

We traveled to get her yesterday from a wonderful lady named Judy.

Thanks so much Judy...you made my whole month!!!

I've got some ideas in my head for a name, but that will come in time.

There are a number of lovely blog parties that I'm going to be joining this week, so take a look at the list to the right of my favorite parties! The parties listed are so much fun! I go there many times during the week to find posts that are beautiful! You ladies are so artistic!!

It's time for Pearls and Lace Thursday! Link up your blog post to the link below and share something lovely with us! Please not a sales item or a blog addy, but your post's url code.

A huge welcome to my newest followers too! Thank you so much!

Hope you all have a lovely week! Y'all are making mine wonderful!!!

Blessings, Doni

Gilded and Hand Painted

2011-10-25T00:06:00.000-05:00

Gilding and Hand Painted Treasures!

The combination speaks for itself.

There are a number of lovely parties I enjoy joining for Teas on Tuesday, as well as wonderful Parties to share our finds! Please see the list to the right of my Parties list! I keep them handy for easy referral and always make numerous 'trips' to the parties for fun and inspiration! Be sure and click on them to find some awesome blogs to visit!

AND...be sure and come back this Thursday for Pearls and Lace Thursday! It's a time to share your lovelies...not just pearls and lace!

Hope you all have a blessed week!

Doni

Pearls and Lace Thursday #67

2011-10-19T20:36:00.001-05:00

Recently I've been blessed with finding some AWESOME sales.

And with our weather turning cooler, it just really couldn't be any better!

I'd like to share some of my finds with you today for Pearls and Lace Thursday.

The silver dish above was such a beauty! I love the roses detail on it. I don't know quite what to call it or what its function is...but I'm sure I'll find something pretty to do with it!

The yardage above of the ribbon lace was such a great find! I think it's lovely. The collar is a crocheted piece that I'll add to my collection. And below is a great find: A player piano roll!

A pretty embroidered dresser scarf with crocheted edgeing, and more lace pieces.

Isn't that a great title??

I hope y'all have had some great shopping this last week. It's a lovely time of year and I know I'm going to be out looking for more sales this weekend.

I've got the linky ready below for this week's Pearls and Lace party, so be sure and join me and show off your lovelies! Please use your post's url code and not your blog's code, and come back next week!

Many thanks to my newest followers too! Your sweet comments are such a joy to read!

I'm going to be joining a few parties myself! The list to the right are some great parties to join. Be sure and visit them to see some awesome blogs!

Blessings,

Doni

Porcelain Doorknobs and Lace

2011-10-18T15:55:00.000-05:00

I always love it when I can find something I love for a very inexpensive price.

The rustic look of rust and white porcelain on these doorknobs makes them a wonderful find, but finding them for a song makes the find even better!!

And if you've visited me before, you know I just HAVE to have lace in my pictures!

A few pieces from Ida's Sewing Basket.

The Whites just calm you when you look at them, don't you think?

Want to see more whites? Check out the White Wednesday party here:

http://fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com/

for more lovely whites.

Be sure and come back Thursday for Pearls and Lace Thursday!!!

I am really looking forward to showing you a really GREAT find from the Highway 80 sale!

Blessings, Doni

I'm Thinking Pink

2011-10-14T11:09:00.001-05:00

It's official. I have a new favorite color. It's Pink!

Who knew? I didn't like it so much as a child, didn't really think about it as a good color for me growing up,

didn't even decorate with it (2 sons and 3 nephews!!).

So. All because of y'all, I'm now a Pinkster!!!

Everywhere I look, I see something pink that I've just gotta have.

There are some awesome shutters somewhere that I'm so in love with, but alas, not for sale!!

So in the meantime, these will have to do.

The tatted pieces above are my try at an edging I saw in a picture. I'm working on a longer length now that I've worked out the pattern.

Hope you enjoyed the Pinks in my world! I'm always on the lookout for more though...just so I can join this party! Not really. They are gorgeous and I'm having so much fun using pink in my home.

I'm joining up with the Pink Party People for Pink Saturday!!

Be sure and go over to http://www.howsweetthesound.typepad.com/

and join Beverly for a great weekend of beautiful PINK!!

As well as the Party Show Off Your Cottage Monday

at http://houseinroses.blogspot.com/

Lots of lovelies!!

Blessings, Doni

Pearls and Lace Thursday #66 Singer Hand Crank Machine

2011-10-12T01:30:00.001-05:00

Here it is!!

It is a Hand Crank Singer Sewing Machine.

It has a few issues, and needs some TLC, but it's so sweet and fits my latest niche of vintage sewing items!

I just love the graphics on the machine. There's something so nostalgic about it. I guess it reminds me of my youth and seeing one of these gorgeous machines in an old house surrounded by a wrap-around-porch (which we played on for hours as small children). The sights and smells and sights still linger in my mind.

I've used some of the vintage sewing accessories that I got recently and shared in my last

Pearls and Lace Thursday post here.

This piece of lace above was from an etsy shop....along with a few others.

The small appliques above I've had for a while now...aren't they sweet?

A garage sale find above are German made scissors, and they came in a leather case.

This piece of lace above has a name tag sewn into it!! I guess the work of a young girl or woman, or maybe a piece taken to boarding school or teacher's college back in the day.

This lovely machine now has a new home, and I'm so excited to get to share it with you.

Please join me for Pearls and Lace Thursday and share something beautiful from your own blog!

Just link your post's url code to the link below, and be sure and visit the other participants.

Please link back to this blog somewhere in your post or on your blog.

I'll be joining some other parties as well, so be sure and look at the list on the right side of my sidebar and visit the other parties during the week. Many lovely items and beautiful places are shared and I'm always left with so many new ideas from visiting!

Thanks so much for visiting here today and I look forward to visiting with you!

Blessings,

Doni

White Wednesday Laces

2011-10-11T17:21:00.000-05:00

A Sneak Peak!

Laces...my favorite thing! But then, there are the Pearls, Rhinestones, Sewing Items, Fabric, Dishes, more dishes....and I'm sure there are TONS of other things that are actually my favorite things.

BUT, this is a sneak peak for my Pearls and Lace Thursday Party!

I will have the post ready tomorrow so be sure and come back and see what I'll be sharing.

It's so much fun to be a part of White Wednesday!

I love going to all of your blogs and just soaking in the lovely whites!

I hope to see you tomorrow!!

Joining with Faded Charm Cottage here:

http://fadedcharmcottage.blogspot/

Be sure and go see all the beauty!

Blessings,

Doni

A Story for Sunday

2011-10-08T22:23:00.001-05:00

Blood-Stained Am I!

by Doni Hall

“His blood is on your hands!” The words rang out as the giant of a man looked down and saw just that…blood on his hands.

He was named John at birth and his mother died just after he was born. His father had hated him and had always told him that the blood of his mother was still on him as she died. To hear the same words again brought the past back. He could hear his fathers words spoken to him dozens of times, “Your life cost her her life. Her blood has stained you!” With a life of hatred from his birth, was it any wonder he stood now as he was?

The cold cuffs of shackles closed around his hands and feet. The death of his father had been quick and gruesome. There he stood above the lifeless body and said to his captors, “Blood-stained am I!”

The years that followed were full of darkness, coldness, aloneness. He went from cell to cell behind iron bars and his heart was stone. He never spoke a word except to answer his accusers, “Blood-stained am I!”

His hair turned gray, his eyes turned colder and colder. His life was but the same thing day and night – cold, hard, and alone.

Then one day, a man with eyes that glowed sat near him. His words were words he had never heard before. Words that carried life and truth, and a Name – a Wonderful Name that could heal – that brought newness to dead hearts.

As John listened to the words of the man who came every day, little by little the prison became more light.

“This Jesus is God’s own Son.” John sat silent – never speaking, and stared at the stone walls.

“Your sins cannot be paid for by any thing you could ever do.” John knew in his heart that he could never be released from this prison. Only his death would change the walls he would see from the hard gray stone to the fiery hell that was his eternity.

“This Jesus died on the Cross so that He could take your sins on Himself and pay the penalty. He alone has the ability to make you clean.”

John’s heart dared not believe the things he heard. The man Jesus died on a cross two thousand years ago for his sins? For the blood that was on his hands? John sat and as he listened the walls around him got brighter.

“This Jesus was sent by His Father to die on a cross for one purpose. To make a way for blood-stained men to be made clean. That is the only way to be made into a new creature, one without sin. One made new by the blood that Jesus shed on the cross.”

Oh, how John wanted to dare to believe. His blood-stained hands he understood. He looked at them each day. He knew that he couldn’t wipe away the blood himself. But dare to believe that this Jesus he heard about had done just that for him? John sat in the now glowing stone enclosure and continued to listen.

“When Jesus finally died on the cross, His friends took His body and laid it in a tomb.”

There. John knew it couldn’t have worked. The man had died and been buried. The room was dark again. His heart was beating fast and his fists closed tightly.

The man spoke again. “But what happened next is the biggest miracle of all.” The man in the room held John’s attention and for the first time in many years, John looked in the eyes of another man. The light he saw in them held his gaze transfixed. He couldn’t move.

“After three days and three nights, this Jesus rose from the dead. The angels came and told those who had loved Him that He was no longer in the grave. He was later actually seen and touched by those people. He truly was alive! In Jesus alone was the power to put death to death. He conquered death and sin that day, and He alone has the power to conquer the death and sin in you John. The blood that stained His cross was shed for you. You can be washed in this blood. Made clean and alive – alive to be with Christ in Heaven when you die, alive as a new creature while still here on earth.

John’s hands were trembling. His eyes were still looking at the man. Drops of sweat ran down his face and mixed with the tears that poured from his eyes. The room was full of light. For the first time he saw what Jesus did for him – for John.

The man took John’s hands in his own and bowed his head. As he spoke, John slowly knelt to the hard floor and wept. His heart was no longer cold and hard as stone. His heart was full of love for this Savior Who died for Him. A new creature – he was made alive from a dead sinful man to a live, forgiven man.

The room became active with other voices now, and again shackles and cuffs were placed on his hands and feet. They lifted him to his feet and began to walk him down a long, long hall to where death waited for him – but to his new eyes, the way was light and bright.

His tears continued to fall as over and over in his mind the realization that he was clean, forgiven, made new rolled over him. The blood of the man Jesus had newly stained him and he was made free!

They led him to the Room, and as they were about to put him to death, they asked him if he had anything he wanted to say.

The man who had told him of this Jesus, his Savior, stood close by him. John looked around and smiled at them all. His last look was full of light as he held the eyes of the man. He said aloud to them these last words before he died:
“Blood-Stained Am I!”

Pearls and Lace Thursday #65

2011-10-05T12:11:00.000-05:00

It's Pearls and Lace Thursday!

And I've promised an interesting "Vintage Sewing" themed post today.

I've also got an object that I can't identify!

So, last weekend, my hubby and I were out looking for some garage sales. We stopped at a few only. And the last one was AWESOME! He had to go back and get the truck!!!

And what did we find???

Well, I'm going to share a part of the haul!

I'm particularly fond of vintage sewing items, so when a precious lady offered me these items, I just was overjoyed to say the least. I couldn't wait to get home and explore the contents.

As each piece was opened or touched, I felt as if I were being given a moment's glance of a sweet lady's life. The care that each piece had been packed away with, the labels on some of the lace stitching to tell the pattern! They were all bits and pieces of a whole that worked together almost like a puzzle to show me a picture of a woman from the past, much loved and who loved much.

From an old Sucrets tin full of hooks and eyes to a tin of "Cascarets" to help cure chronic constipation!

There were quite a few pieces of lovely crocheted edges that were saved along with all the sewing items.

And a piece in particular I was not sure of. Can anyone identify the wooden piece above?? Was it a needle threader or some kind of lace maker???

And then there was this fantastic piece. The Lace Bag. I LOVE it! The pattern as well as the aged discoloration of it makes it just gorgeous to my vintage loving eyes!

Here was a surprise. A folding lorgnette!

And finally, the love story I hinted at in the previous post.

This little lady's name, and her husband's!

The little tiny box below is a ring box, and on the top of it are the words,

"From John To Ida"

Now tell me, what woman hasn't saved the most precious boxes that her husband gave her? The items included were precious, yes, but sometimes the box is what we put aside to cherish. And Ida cherished her husband and his gift to her.

I must say, the picture is still a bit fuzzy, the face a bit blurred, but the hands and heart of this little lady Ida have come into focus for me. She was a hard-working woman who was loved and who loved. She put her hands into making delicate items for others to enjoy, she kept things that were important to her. Ida was a woman we all hope to be someday, and I hope her and all the little ladies before her that loved and worked and saved and created will be remembered just as fondly.

And who knows. Maybe when our own sewing boxes are opened up by a seeker of 'vintage' some time in the future, our own hearts will be seen and remembered and our own works and objects cherished.

And so that the next generations will know, I think I'll start making some notes to add to my treasures...

just so they'll be able to see the picture better.

I hope you enjoyed this look into Ida's Sewing Basket. The joy of now owning and caring for her items will give me a lot of pleasure in the future. And I have a new item that just arrived in the mail (well, on my front porch!!) that I can't wait to share with you....but it will have to wait until next week. You won't want to miss it either!! So make sure to come back and visit next week as well!

It's time for the Linky party! Please link up your own blog post and share with us something lovely! That's all, just something that makes your heart joyful. Please no sales items or shops, and please link back to this post somewhere on your blog.

I love to go to parties, and will be adding the post to some of the parties I keep listed on my sidebar to the right! Be sure and take the time to go by and visit them. The hostesses of these link parties have worked so hard to make them fun. And I must also say that never a week goes by that I don't find a new blog to peruse and enjoy! Thanks to you all for making Pearls and Lace so fun!

I hope you all have a wonderful week!

Blessings, Doni

White Wednesday Lace Bag

2011-10-04T19:30:00.000-05:00

The Lace Bag.

Crocheted with love I'm sure. Was it used to carry to Church? Or maybe it was crafted to be carried by a beloved daughter on her first date?

It's many years old, and it was found in an old sewing box full of lovely lacey items that I recently found.

Part of the allure to me is the vintagey staining and discoloration.

I think it is going to be one of my favorite items now!

Among the piles of hand-crocheted trims was this wooden piece, above.

Does anyone know what this is? A primitive needle threader?

A lace maker? I have no clue, although I've seen them before.

Lots of unique items were in the basket that I found as well.

More to come tomorrow!

I'm joining up for White Wednesday at

http://fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com/

today to share these pretty whites.

Come back tomorrow evening and Thursday as I share all the pictures of my finds in the vintage sewing basket. There is a love story in there that just melted my heart.

This was such a huge find for me! I am SO loving vintage sewing items right now,

and next week, I hope to show you my newest and bestest find!!! (hint: it will be well worth the effort to come back!!).

Be sure and get your post ready for Pearls and Lace Thursday tomorrow!

Until then,

Blessings,

Doni

Green Tea?

2011-10-03T22:03:00.000-05:00

I hate to admit this, but I don't like hot tea.

There, I said it.

Now, I like it iced, but I've never been fond of it hot.

So what's my problem???

Do you have any tips that might make it possible for me to enjoy the

pasttime of drinking hot tea?

Is it the cup??

Because if it is:

I've got it made!

I think I found this cup at a flea sale. I couldn't believe it was just sitting there waiting for me!

And I'd like you to also see something else in green.

It's a set of servers, from England. They are marked, but my picture was blurry, so I didn't use it.

The letters are stamped on the back of the pieces and are:

PRIMES? Then EP on another mark with others stamps of

I F & S and another S.

Don't know if they're all correct, because it was hard for me to see it much less get a picture of it!

Can anyone tell me anything about the mark? I don't even know what language this is!!

Russian? French?

My husband thinks it says, "swatorhthicth shehloghhslnmandoth"

At least that's what it sounded like when he tried. LOL!!

He loves this little cup. I think he prefers the greens.

I'm going to be linking up with the fun TEA PARTIES!!!

See the list on the sidebar to the right??? There are a bunch of Tuesday Tea Parties listed there and I'm on my way to add my post to them all!

Be sure and jump over there and check them out. You won't be sorry!!

LOTS of gorgeous teacups and tea things....

It will make you want a cup of tea...that is if you like it!!!

Blessings, Doni

Pearls and Lace Thursday #64 and a Winner!

2011-09-29T01:40:00.001-05:00

Wildflowers and Roses

The items I'm sharing this week for Pearls and Lace Thursday were for the most part items I recently came across through garage sales, flea markets, and online shopping.

I have recently had a huge love for sewing items, especially boxes and lace. Or maybe I should say boxes full of lace! (that is if I could find them full!)

And another item I'm loving right now is books. OLD books!

My love for music has been life-long, therefore the beautiful covers of works of music always catch my eye.

And these boxes are perfect for storing lovelies and laces!

I am going to be making these pincushions for gift-giving as well as possibly to sell at my etsy store and ebay.... It looks so easy! 2 doilies, an inner pillow for needles or just looks, and a ribbon to hold it together! This one I found in an etsy store. It is a pair of tatted doilies and soooo adorable! I just had to have it!

And now for the winner of my giveaway. Thanks to each of you who joined me for Pearls and Lace Thursday last week! Y'all have some GORGEOUS items and I'm so glad you shared them with us!

Dawn you Bohemian you....I can't leave a comment on your blog!!! I've tried and tried...

but thank you anyhow for joining me so many wonderful weeks for P&L!!!

Love your style lady!!

We're having another party today! It's time for Pearls and Lace Thursday. Please be sure and add your post's url code to the link below (not your blog's url), and please link back to this post somewhere on your blog. I love joining the parties out there, and it's so much fun to see what everyone shares.

I'll be joining a few this week as well, so be sure and have a look at the List of Weekly Link Parties to the right on the sidebar!!!

OK...now it's time. The winner of my giveaway is Mary!

Be sure and check out her PYREX blog! It's amazing!

Mary, please check your email because I'm going to send you the news and request your address!!

Thanks so much to each of you who follow and comment and join the party!

Hope you all have a wonderfully blessed weekend!

Doni

Giveaway Ends Tonight!!

2011-09-28T11:33:00.000-05:00

If you haven't put your name in the hat for my Giveaway yet there are only 12 hours left!

It's almost noon here, and at midnight tonight the giveaway will be over.

I will be picking a name from all the entries and will post the winner tomorrow for Pearls and Lace Thursday!

Be sure and go to my PREVIOUS POST to be entered. Comments left on this post will not be counted.

I have a lot of extras to add too...and I don't think you'll be disappointed.

I have lots of sewing items and vintage goodies, clear stamps, recipe cards (I just got some more recently too!!), and I'll be adding some lace and some pearls!! Be sure and enter on the previous post. One lucky person will receive the whole kit-n-kaboodle!

And don't forget that tomorrow is Pearls and Lace Thursday! Get your post ready to link to the party and I'll see you tomorrow!

Blessings!

Doni

Pearls and Lace Thursday #63

2011-09-22T03:07:00.001-05:00

The Pearls and Lace Bride's Cap

It's the perfect piece for Pearls and Lace Thursday!

I'm going to be using it a lot I'm sure in different displays too...

I couldn't purchase it fast enough when I saw it. And though it's NOT a part of the Giveaway, I hope you enjoy the pictures of it.

Can you see the young woman who would have worn this? I picture her as a dark headed bride, in an ivory lace dress, long gloves, flowing skirt. Her groom must have worn a black tuxedo and an ivory bowtie.

The hands that lovingly worked for weeks to attach each of the pearls...and the colors!! Oh wow, they are wonderful. I just love the romance of pearls with lace. Do you???

The picture below is of some of the items that will be in the Giveaway

I have a number of items that I will putting into a box and sending to the winner of this Giveaway. More items will be added all week long.

Rules for joining are:

1. Be a Follower of Faith, Grace, Crafts (one entry....leave a comment that you either already follow me or are joining my followers list).

2. Just leave a single comment telling me why you like pearls and laces! (one entry)

3. Join my linky party on this post by attaching your post's url code to the link below. Please no sales, Etsy shops, or Ebay items. Just a blog post url sharing something with us for Pearls and Lace Thursday. (one entry).

Winner will be chosen from the entries received from now until next Wednesday at midnight Central time.

Any one from any where may enter.

I will be adding other items as I come across the during the week.

Be sure and leave me an email address so I can contact you should you be the winner. I will need to hear back from you within 2 days of being notified.

Thanks to each of you for making blogging such fun!

I love all the brilliant ideas, gorgeous photos, and creativity you share with us!

OK....I'm going to join a few other parties too! Do you see the list I keep on the sidebar of my blog? Well, they are some wonderful blogs that you need to check out. There are Link parties that have been going on now for a long time, and they are awesome! Go over and check them out!!!

Blessings,

Doni

A Gift For A Dear Friend

2011-09-19T20:38:00.000-05:00

It's The Tuesday Tea Party Day!!

I've decided to share a recent find with y'all that I'm going to be giving to a dear friend for her birthday (though belated!)

Her favorite color is blue, her spirit is sweet, and she's a Christian sister who delights in the Word of God.

The cobalt blue really stands out, but look at the outter rim! It's the prettiest light blue color.

The interior of the cup at the center is white, but the eggshell color of the gilded trim next to the cobalt blue makes this cup very unique. The gilding is hand done and makes the detail stand out.

There are no marks on the bottom, but with such a pretty set, who really cares??

BUT, if any of you just happen to know the pattern or maker, could you please let me know?

Thanks so much for visiting me today.

I see that I have some lovely new followers as well! Y'all don't know how excited that makes me!

Just to know someone would come by and visit is wonderful, but to follow as well!!!

Thank you all so much. You make blogging so much fun! I love to think about what I'll be sharing the next time I post!

And speaking of the next time, this Thursday is Pearls and Lace Thursday....AND I'm having a GIVEAWAY!! The hottest of the summer days is over, and Praise God, IT RAINED HERE!!!!

We actually had MUD!!! It's been months and months, the trees are dying, fires are all around, but we have finally had a lovely rain.

In honor of the end of summer, I'd like you all to come join me on Thursday (Wednesday evening if I can get it posted sooner), and enter my Giveaway. I am putting together some lovely pieces that I hope you will be excited about. I will also be sharing a GORGEOUS bridal cap that I recently found...and it's made out of Pearls and Lace! What could be more perfect? (Actually, the DRESS would, but I don't have it!)

So...come back and check out the party this Thursday.

Now....I will be joining some wonderful Link Parties with this post.

On the sidebar of my blog I have a list of parties that I participate in. Please go by and visit them. I keep the list there all the time so that if you'd like, you can go by all week long and easily find the links.

Thank you to all the party hostesses who keep the fun going week after week.

Hope to see you all on Thursday!

Blessings, Doni

Pinks and Pearls for Pink Saturday!

2011-09-16T23:07:00.000-05:00

I'm giving y'all a hint for what I have in store for my Pearls and Lace Thursday Party next week...

It's beautiful...it's pearly, and it's lacey!!

Right now it is the center of attention on top of my vanity. Oh, I know you'll be drooling when you see it.

I hope you love it as much as I do.

AND...

I think it must be time for another GIVEAWAY!!!

Next week that is!

Be watching and getting ready to participate. I will have some goodies from my stash to give to a sweet someone out there!

Hope you all have a lovely cool weekend with lots of blessings.

I'm joining up for Pink Saturday at

http://www.howsweetthesound.typepad.com/

Be sure and go by to view all the pink participants!

Blessings,

Doni

Pearls and Lace Thursday #62 "Three Tiered Tray Reunion"!!

2011-09-07T21:45:00.000-05:00

"I couldn't believe my eyes," said the Three Tiered Tray. "In the arms of the lady who bought me sat my SISTER!!"

A Family Reunion of sorts.

If you haven't read part One and would like to catch up, please click here for a previous post about the Three Tiered Tray.

Now to continue:

As the lady walked into the room where the Three Tiered Tray resided, exclamations could be heard between the two Tiered Tray Sisters.

"DARLING! How ARE you????"

"Oh my DEAR! I can't believe you're HERE!!"

They shone beautifully at each other as only glass trays can.

(I know, you're thinking smarmy...let's just call it poetic license ok?)

As they beamed at each other and caught up on the rudeness of the "SALE", they watched out of the corner of their etchings while the lady who bought them walked back and forth, back and forth, in and out of the room. Rhinestone buttons, brooches, earrings and bracelets, even necklaces and long strings of rhinestones were being placed on each of the trays.

"Ahhhhhh, ohhhhhhhh!" They said as each piece was placed. "Oh sister, you look marvelous!!"

Now the the One Tiered Tray had always been slightly jealous of here sister the Three Tiered Tray. It wasn't because she was prettier than her sister, but she got to hold the daintiest of things while the One Tiered Tray always seemed to have to hold the heavy things. But this was different. As she watched her sister become glorified with beautiful rhinestone jewelry, she herself was being decked out with pieces that began to shine.

Lights were moved around, and then a CAMERA came into view.

"Sister, you better hold still and smile for the camera!!" The Three Tiered Tray told her sibling. "We're going to be on the INTERNET!!"

"What? ME??? On the INTERNET?" She just couldn't belive it.

What a glorious future the ladies were going to have. That evening the two were left alone so that they could catch up on all that had transpired since they were parted a few weeks ago.

And, they were left to play dress up with all of the rhinestone jewelry for the night.

The lady who bought them was tired.

But she had other plans for them in the future.

Again, yummy to look at and NO calories!

Come join me this week for Pearls and Lace Thursday! Show off your lovelies, whether foods, bling, or pearls and laces, anything lovely is what we want to see!

Add your post's url code to the link below and please link back to this post.

There are a number of Link Parties listed on my sidebar that I will be joining, so please go on over and see what's goin' on! There are many lovely posts that are being shared!!!

Thanks so much for visiting, and a special hello to my newest followers!!!

Blessings,

Doni

Lace Mantilla and Pink Tulle

2011-09-02T15:16:00.001-05:00

Isn't that dress absolutely GORGEOUS???

The Lace first caught my eye, then the PINK!!! This is what my husband found today at the yard sales we went to. A record album of Kathryn Grayson (pretty name too!), and as soon as I saw it, I knew I'd be doing a Pink Saturday post with it!!

And, at the same place, I found a jewelry box with a lovely pink interior!!

I put a few pieces of eye candy in the box for the party and added some dried roses (from last year...we didn't have but a few very tired sad ones this year).

I'm joining the party over at How Sweet The Sound here:

http://www.howsweetthesound.typepad.com/

for Pink Saturday!

And Southern Hospitality for Today's Thrifty Treasures here:

http://southernhospitalityblog.com/

Be sure and stop by and visit all the Pink posts and awesome Thrifty Treasures to get your fix!!

Have a wonderful weekend and a safe Labor Day!

Blessings, Doni

Pearls and Lace Thursday #61 Buttons Galore!

2011-08-31T16:39:00.001-05:00

Buttons Galore!!!

I went to a real, honest to goodness, moving sale last weekend with my best friend. She and I had a fun time!

I found 3 bags of buttons and carded buttons. What sweet little treasures!!!

Here's what I found:

Aren't those leaf shaped buttons the coolest????

Yummy rhinestones!!

and the cutest baby pattern dated August 8, 1935.

So sweet!!

I love finding buttons. Looking through them is just getting to know the family that they came from. You can tell a lot about buttons from a family. Were they thrifty and did they keep everything? Are there buttons tied together with thread to keep them together? Was the owner a lover of reds, whites, or greens? You can tell styles of dresses that were worn, whether the men were in the military, or whether there were children in the family by the buttons kept in the family button jar. Always, there's something in there that's NOT a button.

I found a Hot Wheel's tire in my bags, along with a few saved stoppers from a salt shaker. The rhinestone pieces might be missing a stone or two...or more, but still, it was saved.

We that live in this generation don't really value the family button jar that once was prized by our mothers and grandmothers and even great-grandmothers. We haven't had to live through World Wars or huge Recessions where food was scarce and thread was saved.

Aren't we blessed? The buttons give evidence of those blessings. Do you save your buttons? Do you collect them to remember and get to know those from the past??

It's a wonderfully fun hobby.

Now for the party! It's time for Pearls and Lace Thursday where I invite you share your own lovelies. Do you have lace or pearls? Wonderful! Show us what you've got! From Rhinestones to Collections of vases, from Food to Fabric, share your favorites with us here. Add your post's URL code to the Link below. Please remember to link back to this post if you do!

Also, please no Ebay/ Etsy/ or any sales items. We want to see what you LOVE!!!

I'm also linking up with some FUN PARTIES! The section titled Parties I Love on my right hand sidebar has some GREAT parties!! Go over and check them out!

Blessings to you all, and Praise The Lord for the 'cooler' weather headed our way!!!

Doni

Pearls and Lace Thursday #60

2011-08-24T13:12:00.001-05:00

The Sewing Box

Another one actually...and I have a few more too. BUT...I'm still looking for MORE!! Do you have one that you'd be willing to sell? Would you contact me if you do? I'm looking for those that are made of cardboard that have been covered with fabric and that have at least one drawer in them.

Here's one from a post I did a little while ago HERE that opens at the top and has two drawers in it. I love the shabby fabric and the lovely muted colors. Florals are my favorite.

I'd love to have some that had more pinks and roses on them. I think there's just something so nostalgic about them. You can also see them displayed in my craft room HERE. I keep looking for more, but haven't been able to find a lot to choose from.

Let me tell you a bit about these swans...

The one on the right was one that I was given when I was a child. A dear Great Uncle was moving into a Nursing Home, and as his house was being made ready to sell, I got to choose anything I wanted as a keepsake. I was young, as I chose this green colored swan. I kept it on a shelf in my room as I grew up, and then in my home on the same shelf as I went to have a family of my own. One day as I was at a garage sale, I saw this sweet creamy colored one! IT WAS A MATE TO MINE!! I'd never seen another one like it before. And later that year??? I met my wonderful husband!!

Hmmmm, maybe it was a sign??

I'm serious though. If you have a box (or more!!) similar to the ones I love and you'd like to sell it (them), please please let me know. I'd pay a fair price!

Now it's time for the Party!

Pearls and Lace Thursday is a weekly party that I've hosted for 60 weeks now!! I don't have a lot of attendance, but I DO have a lot of fun hosting it, and it keeps my hands busy learning my new camera and my eyes busy looking at things is a creative way. If you'd like to share something from your own blog, please do so! We'd love to see what you'd like to share. It doesn't have to be pearls or laces (they're my faves though), but it does need to be something you love. I just ask that you link back to my blog and that you don't share things you have for sale.

Please link your POST url code to the link below and show off your pretties!!!

I will be joining in some parties again this week. Please visit those parties I've listed in my sidebar to the right. There are so many lovely blogs out there! Lots and lots of pretties to behold!!

Blessings!!

Doni

Rural Blue Beauties

2011-08-22T10:30:00.000-05:00

These just have to be my new favorites! My husband and I went to our very first auction, and these were the prize! So gorgeous, and the lovely rural scenes are just so perfect. I live in a small, rural, east Texas town and though the scenes are English and from times long ago, many of them could be similar right here.

The plate above is one of my favorite scenes. The mother with her children stepping across a creek, the cows grazing close by, and the sweet church spire in the background.

Here on the teacup is a sweet scene...the ferrier working on a horse as the barnyard was the place where much work occured.

Have you ever wondered about God this way? That He is the One who draws us to Him, not that we muster up faith to believe in Him. He gives us faith as a gift and draws us! We can't do a thing! Isn't He Wonderful?!! We are so blessed. I have to remember over and over, expecially when 'things' or 'life' don't seem to be just what I'd like, that it is a blessing from God. He is working all things together for good, and for His glory, not mine. When it's hot, when it's not comfortable, when it's tedious, when it's downright painful, I try to keep in my mind that it is for God's glory.

A change of perspective does me good. When I look at things from HIS perspective, I can begin to see that.

I will be joining a number of lovely parties (listed in my sidebar to the right) this week. Please go by and visit them. There are so many wonderful things to see and places to visit. Have y'all been able to see new places in the world just because of blogging? I have! I'm so excited to find new places!!

May you each have a blessed week,

Doni

Pearls and Lace Thursday #59 and a Three Tiered Tray Tale

2011-08-17T15:24:00.001-05:00

The Three Tiered Tray Tale

There once was a Three Tiered Tray, made of glass and metal. It resided on a table for years and was looked at, but rarely used.

One day, the Three Tiered Tray was taken to a different table! It thought is was going to a party. Oh what type of party could it be? Would the glass dishes it was made of hold beautifully decorated petit fours? Would it hold pretty little cupcakes? Would it be destined to hold lovely chilled fruit?

But wait, what kind of table was this? And what kind of objects were already waiting for it?

These were not objects for a lovely party....they were objects for a SALE!!!

Oh no! Thought the Three Tiered Tray.

I'm going to be SOLD!!!

And so goes the tale of the Three Tiered Tray.

It sat for days while stern looking women scanned it with their knowledgable eyes, wondering if it was fit for their own tables. The poor Three Tiered Tray didn't know what to think. What if the lady with the rowdy children chose to take it....would it be broken or chipped on the way home?

What if the lady with the large purse took it? Would there be parties in the future of the Three Tiered Tray? Oh pick me, pick me!!! If only there was a way to get her attention!

But alas, passed by again, the Three Tiered Tray went for days with no one to take it home.

Until, one day a lady came by the table where the Three Tiered Tray was sitting, almost all alone.

She looked at it, picked it up even, and wasn't long in asking, "What is the price for this?"

Joy of joys, the Three Tiered Tray thought. "I'm going to a new home! Parties and pretties are my future!"

For a whole six hours the Three Tiered Tray sat on the counter in the new ladie's house. As dinner was being made, a nice hot bath was given, and then a lovely dry towel polished it until it shone.

Lucious fruits were displayed and an evening of fun by the family was enjoyed. The Three Tiered Tray tried its best to look beautiful and to hold its head up with pride. No fruit was ever served in a more lovely way than that night.

A number of days went by and the Three Tiered Tray sat on the counter. Its gold colored metal rod was not exactly the same all the way through, and the lady decided to paint it white!! Oh horrors thought the Three Tiered Tray! To be PAINTED! Oh what on earth was to happen NEXT????

JOY OF JOYS!! To get to hold such beautiful buttons! Never has she thought of buttons being displayed on her lovely glass tiers. The Three Tiered Tray had no idea what to think, because before she could even enjoy the lucious buttons on her tiers came a change.

MORE BUTTONS!!

And these with rhinestones!!

Purples, pinks and whites. Her favorite colors!! Forget the sticky sweets or the sloppy fruits! Buttons and lovelies are just perfect she thought. I'm destined for the best from now on!

And so the story of the Three Tiered Tray continues, because the best is yet to come!!

I have more ideas for my new tray, and will be sharing them in the future, but for now, I hope you enjoy these 'treats', for in fact, they're non fattening, and have no calories. Yummy to look at too!

Come join me this week for Pearls and Lace Thursday! Show off your lovelies, whether foods, bling, or pearls and laces, anything lovely is what we want to see!

Add your post's url code to the link below and please link back to this post.

There are a number of Link Parties listed on my sidebar that I will be joining, so please go on over and see what's goin' on! There are many lovely posts that are being shared!!!

Thanks so much for visiting, and a special hello to my newest followers!!!

Blessings,

Doni

Pearls and Lace Thursday #58 Let's Cool Things Off!!

2011-08-11T02:40:00.000-05:00

Cooling Blues!

The color of cobalt blue is one of my favorites, so that's why I have so much of it around my home.

The pieces of glass just seem to cool off the room. Especially when placed near a window where the light can actually shine through it!

I tried and tried to get good shots today, but I'm just not doing a good job with my camera.

Anyone know of a good book that can help me with my photography?

Y'all take such gorgeous pictures for your blogs....I'm jealous!

Anyway, I hope these cool colors will help us cool off for this heat wave!

A bowl full of lavender for the senses, cool black pearls for the neck...

I guess it's because water and sky are such beautiful colors in nature that I love the color blue, but I have an admission to make. I hate aqua. I've always hated that color. Do y'all remember in Elementary school, when we had those reading times where we had to get a card from a huge box full of cards, read one that had a story on it, then get the card for the 'test'. If we passed a certain number of cards in one color, we could go ahead to the next color! I stopped in the aqua section. I couldn't pass enough tests to get beyond aqua. Oh how I hated that color. I still do. So there...it's out. I will not have aqua in my home. And turquoise, or blue/green are sometimes not allowed either. I try...I really do try not to look down on you all for having aqua colored furniture, or aqua colored clothing, but it's just not my favorite choice.

So please forgive me if I don't comment.

Aren't I silly??

If you're an aqua lover though, feel free to join me for Pearls and Lace Thursday!!! I don't mind it really...I'll even comment!!

Please feel free to add your blog post's url code to the link below.

And also please don't forget to link back to me somewhere in your post or on your blog.

I hope you all can laugh with me about this...my husband told me to leave aqua alone because I ranted so much!! It was tongue in cheek, but I think he meant it!

Hope you all have a lovely cool weekend!!

Blessings, Doni

Pearls and Lace Thursday #57 and the Dress Form covered with My BLOG PICTURES!!

2011-08-03T13:26:00.000-05:00

Another Dress Form...and this one is covered with pictures from this BLOG!!

Do you recognize any of the pictures?

Below is a section of my Blog Header, with the hand painted buttons...

Around the actual neck part is the hand painted bowl full of pearls...you can really see the gilding stand out.

Also are a number of pieces using the seam binding ribbon pics from a recent post.

Do you see my violin? And there is a picture of the last birthday card my Grossmutter sent me before she passed away...so precious to me.

The blue cup and saucer really stand out, and I think I will be trying another dress form soon with it totally covered in blue and white china, with another form totally covered in pics of red and white transferware!

A bit of pink lace edging the bottom, and the actual dried roses below near the picture of them on the form.

I like the way the hand painted brooches turned out. All I used for this project was the dress form, lots of pictures printed out on cardstock from my personal blog, walnut ink, water, and Mod Podge.

The form below was the one I showed you a week ago, and now they are both in my guest room.

Girls, girls, none of that attitude stuff in here!! Simmer down now.....

You are both pretty and I love you equally....

Let's just be friends, shall we??

I would LOVE it if you would join me for Pearls and Lace Thursday this week! Show us your pretties, whether jewelry, laces, artwork or whatever! Add your post url to the link below. Just please no sales shops or etsy/ebay sites. I ask that you link back to this blog post as well...

Please be sure and check out the Parties I Love sites on the sidebar of my blog. I will be joining a number of them again this week!

Thank you so much for visiting!

Blessings, Doni

Vintage Pink Sweater paired with Pearls!

2011-07-29T21:06:00.000-05:00

The Pink Sweater

It's old. In fact my mom wore it when she was in High School, then many years later, I wore it when I was in college! It was one of my favorite things. That's why I still have it. I'm 47 and still love it even though I can't wear it anymore. I didn't have daughters, so perhaps a grand daughter will one day want it.

In the mean time I plan on playing dress up!!!

Yes...these mannequins, dress forms, etc. are just big dolls for us don't you know???

I wouldn't wear all of these pearls out together in PUBLIC! No way!! But I can get away with it here is Blogland because we all LOVE pearls and dress forms!!!

Still trying to come up with a name for her. If you want to see how I decorated her, check my previous post here. I used music to cover the torso, and I'm lovin' it!!

Thanks for visiting. I'm joining up with the ever so popular Pink Saturday at How Sweet The Sound here.

Be sure and go over to see all the beautiful Pink posts!!

Blessings to you!

Doni

Pearls and Lace Thursday #56 and the Musical Dress Form

2011-07-27T17:47:00.000-05:00

I told y'all that I'd show you more about this project, so here goes!

First and foremost, my thanks to a number of ladies whose blogs have helped to create this lovely lady!

I used a number of items from Karen at The Graphics Fairy who has hundreds of awesome graphics,

and Carol at The Polka Dot Closet who has the most marvelous tutorials!! She made a lovely lady and that's where this idea came from. I believe I also used some music graphics from Dawn at The Feathered Nest... and if I missed anyone please let me know so that I can add your name and blogsite to this list.

Modge Podge and printouts...that's it!

She needs a name though....any ideas? Aria, Sonata, Etude???

Hmmmm

Cardstock was my paper of choice because I liked the color of the printouts. My printer was running out of ink...so the yellow streak in the above picture...maybe I can fix that later.

All in all I'm very pleased with it, and with the pearl necklaces and the pieces of lace collar, I'm THRILLED with it! I have another form in my craft room waiting for the next group of printed papers.

Because of their beauty and the ease of the project, I know many of you will want to try one.

The Polka Dot Closet has the tutorial as I mentioned before, as well as the source for purchasing these. The price is not bad either!

OK...now it's time for Pearls and Lace Thursday! Please join me by adding your post's URL code to the link below. Please link back to this party and only use the url code for your POST, not the blogsite.

Also, please NO Etsy or Ebay shops or sales items.

I've really enjoyed being creative during the hot days of summer, and maybe the heat wave will be over soon...HAAAA!!! I'm in TEXAS!! We are COOKING down here!

Hope you all stay cool!!

Blessings,

Doni

Please see the list on my sidebar of the Parties I love to Join!! They are AWESOME! I will be adding my link to a number of them, so be sure and check them out!!!

Pearls and Lace Thursday #55

2011-07-20T20:42:00.001-05:00

The Seam Binding that I have in the box above my scrapbook desk is one of my favorite sights in my room. You can see more pictures of my Craft Space here.

I decided after I took the pictures for "Where Bloggers Create" that I would use the box of ribbon in a vignette and add some other pretties to share with you today.

This is the only rose shrub in our yard that dares to bloom today in all the heat...Isn't that the sweetest thing?

Feel free to join me for Pearls and Lace Thursday by adding your own Post's URL code to the Link below. Please remember to Link back to mine somewhere in your post.

Thanks so much for visiting!

Blessings, Doni

Whatever You Want Wednesday

http://www.freeprettythingsforyou.com/

Vintage Thingie Thursday

http://coloradolady.blogspot.com/

Treasure Hunt Thursday

http://www.bluecreekhome.com/

Open House Party

http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/

Home Sweet Home

http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/

Feathered Nest Friday

http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/

Show and Tell Friday

http://romantichome.blogspot.com/

It's a Hodgepodge Friday

http://itsahodgepodgelife.blogspot.com/

Frugalicious Friday

http://decormamma.blogspot.com/

A Crafty Soiree

http://www.katiesnestingspot.com/

Vintage Inspiration Friday

http://commonground-debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.com/

Thrifty Things Friday

http://thethriftygroove.blogspot.com/

Pink Saturday

http://www.howsweetthesound.typepad.com/

Mosiac Monday at

http://dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com/

Today's Thrifty Treasures at

http://southernhospitalityblog.com/

Blue Monday at

http://smilingsally.blogspot.com/

Show Off Your Cottage Monday at

http://houseinroses.blogspot.com/

Metamorphosis Monday

http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

Just Something I Whipped Up

http://www.thegirlcreative.com/

White Wednesday

http://fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com/

Pearls and Lace Thursday and Where Bloggers Create 2011

2011-07-14T09:31:00.000-05:00

It's Here!!

Welcome to the 3rd Annual Where Bloggers Create Party along with my own Pearls and Lace Thursday Party! I have a lot to share with you today, and would be thrilled if you'd like to join me for the Pearls and Lace Party. But first, I'd like to thank Karen at My Desert Cottage for hosting the Where Bloggers Create Annual Party. I've had a blast getting my room ready for its debut. Hope you enjoy, and thanks so much for stopping by!

This is a view from the door peering over tons of collected items looking at my favorite area: The LACE PLACE!! I have scads of laces and buttons and rhinestones, yumminess in every corner! My most favorite for the moment though are the sewing boxes on the second shelf.

Recent additions to my space, they are so pretty and add such a touch of 'vintage' to the room that I'm drawn in the door multiple times a day to gaze and dream!!

To the left of the LACE PLACE is the Scrapbook desk/area. I have a ton of paper and SB supplies that I've collected over the years. It's been a progression too, from a small space with just one table and a few drawers to this whole room. One thing I've kept and won't change is the table (brown) which is actually a stock door. I love it. It's big, it was cheap, and it makes the perfect work area for many crafts, not just scrapbooking.

My love for buttons began years ago, and I've collected them at yard sales, etc. for a long time. I have a thing for bottles and glass jars, so whenever I see them I grab them.

I have found that the basic setup for my white drawers on and above the table have not changed much over the years I've had this. I know where to find my tools and try to keep them put up....TRY...

An old drawer from a now gone desk worked out PERFECTLY for my stickles storage. My favorite thing to use for storage is something old or vintage. Plastic works, but if I can use something that has some character, I'm much happier.

The LACE PLACE is the best spot for me to get inspired to create. I love to make lacy pillows, and recently I've learned to make lace roses. Seems I have a ton of them.

The front of the house along the window. I have a tall white drawer storage full of....LACES. Doilies, lovely laces and edgings. The dark chest has lots of packs of seam bindings and sewing supplies. The flooring is a long repurposed remnant from my in-law's kitchen. I use one office chair on wheels and this floor allows me to scoot to each of my 3 stations.

I don't have a fancy sewing machine that cost a ton of money....and the one I did have since I was in the 5th grade has now gone to sewing machine heaven. This one is relatively new, and honestly, I'm still learning to use it. There is actually the back of a large gray storage shelf behind the sewing machine. I have put up a corkboard covered with material and a piece of lace and use it for a bulletin board. Lovely vintage pinkness to inspire!

I have to confess that I've already messed up my craft table.

I made a dress form covered with vintage music!!! My husband was, well, not really sure about me at first....but more on that later. I have to save something for another post afterall!!

There are actually lots more pictures and areas that I'd love to share with you too, but I don't want to overwhelm blogger and botch up the whole thing!! I'll share them later.

Thanks again Karen for hosting the fun of Where Bloggers Create.

My Desert Cottage

Now...it's time for Pearls and Lace Thursday. Please add your post's url code to the link below.

Share your pretties, your creations, whatever you love...even your craft room!!

I can't wait to see what you've been up to!

Blessings, Doni

I'll be linking up with the following parties as well. Be sure and take the time to check them out and join in the fun too! Have a great week, and thanks so much for visiting!!!

Whatever You Want Wednesday

http://www.freeprettythingsforyou.com/

Vintage Thingie Thursday

http://coloradolady.blogspot.com/

Treasure Hunt Thursday

http://www.bluecreekhome.com/

Open House Party

http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/

Home Sweet Home

http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/

Feathered Nest Friday

http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/

Show and Tell Friday

http://romantichome.blogspot.com/

It's a Hodgepodge Friday

http://itsahodgepodgelife.blogspot.com/

Frugalicious Friday

http://decormamma.blogspot.com/

A Crafty Soiree

http://www.katiesnestingspot.com/

Vintage Inspiration Friday

http://commonground-debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.com/

Thrifty Things Friday

http://thethriftygroove.blogspot.com/

Pink Saturday

http://www.howsweetthesound.typepad.com/

Mosiac Monday at

http://dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com/

Today's Thrifty Treasures at

http://southernhospitalityblog.com/

Blue Monday at

http://smilingsally.blogspot.com/

Show Off Your Cottage Monday at

http://houseinroses.blogspot.com/

Metamorphosis Monday

http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

Just Something I Whipped Up

http://www.thegirlcreative.com/

White Wednesday

http://fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com/

Pearls and Lace Thursday #53

2011-07-06T15:13:00.003-05:00

Trust In The Lord

The hand painted yellow rose creamer and sugar (missing its lid, but it's too pretty to matter!) was another find from my friend Paula in Missouri. You can find her shop along the Mississippi River in Cape Girardeau at 108 Main Street.

She had sooooo many lovely items, and my husband and I enjoyed our visit at her shop so much, we didn't go anywhere else!!! I left her shop with a car loaded with lovelies. To see some of the pretties I got from her, be sure to go to my previous posts for P and L Thursdays and you'll see some GORGEOUS items.

One of my favorite verses. And one I forget daily, but thankfully God brings it back to my mind.

I have a little box full of memorization cards that I found a long time ago at a storage garage sale. It was the only thing I bought from that lady, and it cost maybe 50 cents. But it's the most used item I have. I try to remember to use a verse out of the box for each of my Pearls and Lace Thursday posts...but sometimes I forget to add it in. I have looked and looked for other boxes of vintage yummy cards with Scripture on them, but they are few and far between. Perhaps y'all have some you'd like to share with us? What's your favorite verse?

I must confess that this post led me outside my comfort zone. Yellows are not actually one of my favorite colors to decorate with, therefore I don't have much of it in my home. But you have to love yellow roses, and so my newest collection has begun. And being from Texas, well, doesn't the yellow rose just come naturally?

Which leads to my comfortable place....Pearls and Lace...and this Party!!

Welcome to Pearls and Lace Thursday #53. I'd love for you to join me and show off your pretties.

Just follow the link below to add your blog's post url (not a shop or sales site please).

And PLEASE Link back to this Post in your own post so others may see it too....

Next week will be a big post featuring my craft room and I will be joining the 'Where Bloggers Create' site for the 3rd annual blog party!!! I can't believe I'm actually going to do this. My room is a mess...so for the next few days I will be trying to get my room better organized. You might want to check it out for yourselves too. Karen at My Desert Cottage is the hostess and has done a HUGE and BEAUTIFUL job of getting all of our sites organized. It is sure to be a huge success and many homes and rooms will be revealed in all of their beauty and creative goodness!! I can't wait!!

I am also joining a few parties this week:

Please check them out!!

Vintage Thingie Thursday

http://coloradolady.blogspot.com/

Treasure Hunt Thursday

http://www.bluecreekhome.com/

Open House Party

http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/

Home Sweet Home

http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/

Feathered Nest Friday

http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/

Show and Tell Friday

http://romantichome.blogspot.com/

It's a Hodgepodge Friday

http://itsahodgepodgelife.blogspot.com/

Frugalicious Friday

http://decormamma.blogspot.com/

A Crafty Soiree

http://www.katiesnestingspot.com/

Vintage Inspiration Friday

http://commonground-debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.com/

Thrifty Things Friday

http://thethriftygroove.blogspot.com/

Blessings, Doni

Patriotic Vintage Goodness and God's Blessings

2011-07-04T10:34:00.003-05:00

I'm so thankful today to think that I have the freedom to jump into my car, drive wherever I want to go and buy whatever I want to buy or not buy anything at all. I am so thankful that I have the freedom to worship where and how I want, and to worship WHO I want, and that no one can tell me otherwise.

I am so thankful that I have food to eat and clothes to wear, that I have a lovely home and friends. I am so thankful that I have the freedom to live where I choose to live and to do the things I want.

I am so thankful that I have the choice to have as many children as I want and that I have the availability to keep them healthy. I am so thankful that food is plentiful and close at hand.

I am so thankful for the beauty all around me. For the clean air I breathe each day, and for the clean water that I drink each day. I am so thankful that God allowed me to live HERE, in the United States of America where I am free to be who I am.

I am so thankful that the men and women of this present day have chosen to give of their lives and their time here on this earth to put themselves in the line of fire for MY freedoms. I am so thankful for the men and women in our history who have sacrificed their time, their limbs, their minds, their whole bodies and their only lives to fight for the freedom we enjoy today. THIS is AMERICA...the home of the free and the brave,

and if you look anywhere else in this world, I know that you will find bravery and dedication, but you won't find the freedom and the peace that we have here...no, this is AMERICA, a place that God Himself has blessed. Do you see His Hand on us? Do you see His guidance and His blessings? If you don't, take another look, because I dare say that you have a home, food, and clothing that most other countries could only dream about. We each live in a mansion compared to others, we complain that the air conditioner isn't cooling enough, or the soda doesn't have enough fizz, or the movie we want to watch on t.v. has already started. Let's take another look at what we enjoy each day and realize that it is GOD that has given it to us to enjoy. It is not us who have fought for it, nor have we earned it. It's a gift. Just like the salvation and faith that God offers to us. It isn't earned by us either. Would you take a moment today to thank God for his mercy and grace to you? Thank Him for his blessings and gifts to you...thank Him for the freedom He has allowed us to live in, and thank Him for His precious Son who died for His children.

Thank You Father for your most AWESOME gifts to us, and for this country we call home by your grace.

May God bless you this 4th of July and may God Bless America!!!

Doni

I'm adding my link to the Mosaic Monday party at

http://dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com/

Blue Monday at

http://smilingsally.blogspot.com/

Show Off Your Cottage Monday at

http://houseinroses.blogspot.com/

White Wednesday at
http://fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com/

Whatever You Want Wednesday at
http://www.freeprettythingsforyou.com/