~PIllows And Storms~

Can you believe that the 4th of July is less than a week away? Spring and now summer just seem to be rushing down the road.....I just want to wrap a big pink ribbon around these days and pull them back and slow them down.....I love the long light evenings and summer walks and all that is summer....well not the bad storms so much...

We had yesterday, what seemed to be just a normal summer storm turn into a small tornado that tragically killed on person at a campground just fifteen minutes from our home. The news said the funnel appeared so suddenly there was no warning...the first reports were that four lost their lives, and thankfully, that turned out to be not true....we all look forward to spring and summer, but it brings its share of dangers with these storms that can become dangerous in the blink of an eye. I am a storm lover, so I do not sit and worry....we are prepared to run to the basement if the need arises, otherwise we are often on the porch enjoying the rain and lightening and cool breezes....

While working, yesterday on the little pillow, below, I could hear the rumblings of thunder off in the distance, but no storms...not until until early evening...




You can see more of this pillow on my website....
Where I sew gets warm as it is on the West side of the house and my machine is by two big windows....I would love to move the machine, but I think it is in the best possible place in this little turn of the century home of ours....so I adjust the blinds and the lace curtains and just keep a big glass of sweet tea or ice water close and keep right on stitching....which is where I am off to now....
Have a happy day!

Jilxo

~The Last Pink Saturday Of June~

My goodness...it has been such a fun and busy day with all the visiting with the
new "Sistas" of the Bloggerette Sorority. I went to so many blogs and met so many new women with great creative minds....I am still in awe...If you would love to join, we would to have you and you will have so much fun...it is never too late...just click here to go to Karen at Some Days Are Diamonds to add your name....

Now to get ready for Pink Saturday as I like to get an early Friday start because there are sooooo many Pink Blogs to visit now....that is a good thing, you know!!

I have been on the computer off and on all day plus cutting and sewing and my eyes are rebelling!!! They are telling me, "enough is enough".....they are rather blurry at the moment....

I want to share with you some sweet little hanging booties that I love to make, they have lots of our favorite color PINK and my Ribbon Embroidery and Swarovski crystal dangles and of course...lots of yummy lavender....you can see them on my website~~~


And, before I go any further...please stop by Beverly and say "Hi" and to see the list of lots and lots of awesome pink-A-licious blogs to visit...She is our wonderful weekly hostess!

I am getting ready for our Christmas in July at Shabby Cottage Shops and just finished three ornaments with roses and pretty vintage posies and soft pastel ribbons...They are on my website, too....

And some pretty flowers in one of the hanging baskets....Isn't this just the sweetest time of the year???

I am so happy you stopped by to say "Hi", it is always nice to have your company!
Jil
xo

~BLOGGERETTES SORORITY RUSH DAY~

Today is Blogerettes Sorority Rush Day..Woo Hoo!!..lots of fun in store going to see all the artistic interpretations with this darling vintage image....

There are so many things one could do with this quaint image! They have such happy looks on their faces....this all makes me think of the Sisterhood of the Ya Ya's... one of my favorite stories!!

This gal ALWAYS need more storage!! My thoughts turned to using the image in connection with storage...Mmmm...Mmmmm what could I do.... and then I remembered the round, primed box just waiting patiently in the basement to be finished. I could us it for odds and ends or...I could use it to store the embroidery floss that needs to be wound on those little cards that I never seem to get to. (The perfect winter evening project!)





So I went to work....First I mixed a color that would compliment the tiny soft lavenderish room I work in....a romantic grayed lavender with beige tones and..... then I set about finding roses to decopage to the box....nothing fancy, as I needed to keep it simple. This box would need to be pretty, but very practical...to be able sit on top or under other boxes and slide out easily...so after I found the roses I wanted, I Decopaged it so it would be sturdy and with no torn roses after lots of use and here you see my finished project....those happy girls now make me happy looking down from the shelf they sit on above my sewing machine.....

Now, off to see and Ohhhh and Ahhhh at all the cleverness of the members of our new Sorority!
Jil
xo

~Small Spaces Are Sometimes The Best Places~

I woke up to bird songs and soft rain....my favorite kind of morning. I went downstairs and turned off the outside light....started the coffee enjoying the rare peacefulness of living in town on a busier than we thought when we bought, street! My hubby remarked the other day they need to take down the 25mph sign and change the name from Garfield to Speedway....lol!

I have lots of work to do and have been working on discipline to rise early to begin my day. So far, so good. I am usually a late riser and a late, very late, to bed gal....I am finding with a more normal schedule I feel peppier, happier and far more productive!

I thought I would share a few little glimpses of the room where my computer is, as that is where I usually start my day....my computer sits on an antique white wicker table that, today, has a hand crocheted cloth over it, but I change it often....in the corner are two big windows softly draped with Rachel Ashwell's rosy curtains...I love sitting here with the windows open.....

This is a tiny room...I did not know they made rooms this small....it is about the size of a nice size walk in closet!!!! When we purchased this vintage home, I had no idea how I would manage, but have found through the years I love the intimate feel of smaller spaces! Isn't that a blessing? :)
We have a double bed in here with my little desk and a small antique dresser that once belonged to my husbands father....I have painted it a soft marshmallow green...it is really that yummy!!!...infact, I want to paint the wood floors downstairs this color...really!!! I am negotiating this with my you know who!


This room I refer to as The Girls Room, for when the NY grandgirls come for a visit, this is where some of them sleep...the closet if full of their things....some of which are far too young for them, but I can't part with them....


A plethora of pillows on the bed.....lots and lots of ruffles...


The little vintage twisted leg table next to the bed....see how little room there is???

A little watercolor by the famed artist Donna Barton and one of my favorites...

A cookie tin that I thought was adorable...the cookies were delicious, too. My youngest daughter brought this to me from a San Fransisco trip about fourteen years ago.....

A Gentlemans Organizer I found in a quaint old church where they held yearly craft shows....and...it was already white!


Darling little shoes with scallops....you wonder about the little girl that wore these and what her life was like....


A saved and dear to my heart, piece of artwork done by my son using wax resist....I think he was in first grade when this was done...it has always hung somewhere in our home.....he is now a father of three, two in college and one on the way. How time rushes by....

A found treasure on our trip last winter....she has the sweetest face and pretty faces are so important to me in pieces whether it is lamps or embroidery....
Thank you for visiting me, today.....I hope you enjoyed your little peek at where I write and edit pictures and work on my website....

Back to busy.....hope you are having a scrumptious day!!!!! Jil xo

~Pink Saturday And Stormy Weather~

I thought I better get my Pink Saturday post done, as we have a chain of storms moving in and they are already at Lansing. Lancing is only about two hours West from Port Huron....I love thunderstorms and the rain, I do not like the severe storms and my heart goes out to all those suffering the effects of flooding and tornados and damage from lightening. I am so sad about all the lose of life....There are no words for such a tragedy, only many prayers!

I always make sure the candles are ready with the matches and flashlights close by. My cel phone in my pocket.... We have a basement with a little cold room under the kitchen. It has an outside wall with a little window that is now boarded up to keep winter out, I have a clawfoot hammer in there in case....we are at the end of tornado alley and in 1953 Port Huron suffered a severe tornado, so it is good to be ready and have a game plan. We had a little one that did no damage, two years ago, and it was just three blocks from the house...it followed the pretty park along the two big Blue Water bridges, went across the water and over to Sarnia, Ontario, CA.

By visiting our wonderful host for this event Beverly you will find todays list of marvelous PINK blogs, so grab some ice tea, or a Dr. Pepper and have yourself a fun time.....

And,as always, this week flew by and it was a nice week. Lots of sunshine and happy birds.... I hope your week was nice as well. I worked on all sorts of things and even finished this little Welcome sign...




I hope you can see her....there is a little Miss Mouse sitting in the suitcase. My oldest granddaughter gave this to me quite some time ago.....when you open the box the lid is a stamp. I have used this stamp many times and this is one of my favorite possessions! I had such a hard time capturing her and all the other pictures did not turn out well as I would love to show you the whole little box.


Our storms are to continue tomorrow, and if they do, I won't be on the computer very much coming by to say "hi"! I will have to do it between storms or on Sunday..and I am going to see if I can find some early ones....

So, Happy Pink Wishes to you all!
Jil

~Advice Needed~Please....

*Click on the picture to see a larger and pretty view....

Hello Ladies.....I found this lovely piece of embroidery on one of my jaunts to a favorite antique store. When I found a corner peeking out from other not very nice pieces, I wondered why this was in with them and then I saw the stains....I sadly laid it back, but arranged it on top so others could see this lovely work that someone very talented with a needle created.

I browsed on thru the three stories of linens, glass, furniture, vintage clothing, jewelry, china and more than I can remember. As I was strolling and picking up items to purchase, I kept thinking of that piece of embroidery....it just kept calling to me. So......I trudged back up two flights of stairs and as I walked towards it, I thought it was just too lovely to leave behind. I thought that there must be a way to get these old stains out. The nice woman, cashier and owner, did not know how, but wished me luck and marked it down to $1.00.



I have something I picked up in a quilt shop called Grandma's Secret Spot Remover....well, Grandma's Secret did not even begin to budge these stains....I know the little ones by the basket are tiny rust stains, but the larger ones have a raspberry cast to them.



I really want to use this as the colors are my favorites and I love this piece and have the perfect spot for it on my Low Boy. (This piece of furniture once belonged to my Great Grandmother and my Great Aunt left it to me, including what was in all the dreawers. In the bottom drawer wrapped in tissue was a beaded flapper dress, purse and hat. How I wish I had them today!!!)

I did not mean to get side tracked here....what I am hoping is that one of you talented gals will have the secret that Grandma did not have on how to remove the stain.

I had thought of cutting around the basket and turning it into a pillow, but I love the corner work and the hand crocheted lace and do not want to do this if at all possible....

So all suggestions are very, very Welcome and a big THANK YOU in advance...
Jil

Hello blog friends....I hope your week got off to a better start than mine...lol! Nothing serioius, just little bumps and all of a sudden I have gone stupid about putting a link on! What is this about?? I have put lots on, believe me, but now, when I think I have a link on I do not....I am doing some little thing wrong and not seeing it! Ugggg....I will study on it after dinner...

But...I was able to finish another Southern Belle Pillow..great for taking your mind off troubling matters....I love these little Belles and think they are so charming with ribbon embroidery....I love the ones with the full crocheted skirts, but I am all thumbs with a crochet hook, so this is my take with them....

~SOLD~

And, now my camera is not behaving....and the sun actually came out when I took these....I am going to have to go and give it a little sweet talk and get out my book to see why they are so dark....see,.... another little bump in the road...

Jil

I think this is becoming a not so good habit with me, that Friday nights just come much too fast and I have not done my Pink Saturday post. I think about Pink Saturday off an on during the week, but never just come up and get it done! This week, I am totally unprepared. :-( I am just sitting here thinking, what will I do..what will I do......so, with nothing new and exciting, I am just going to go to my picture file and pull up a few pinks....some you may have already seen, but I hope not....

Before I do, I want to remind you to be sure to go to Beverly for this weeks pink party and the list of all attending....Thank you, Beverly, we all look forward to Saturday and this event and it would not be possible if it were not for you!

Oh Mercy! Here is my newest pillow, finished yesterday. How did I forget this???? My embroidered blue birds with ribbon embroidery.....lots of pink in this sweet pillow!....I am thinking more and more I need that supplement for memory as mine is sadly lacking lately!

And a cake plate found in Oklahoma on our way back home in April..This can be found on our website under Vintage Finds In The Armoire boutique...

And a darling little rosy pitcher that goes so well with the plate..

A darling teapot and cream and sugar...

These, too, can be viewed at our website In The Armoire boutique under Vintage Finds..

Well, I did find some pinks for you....still can't believe I forgot the pillow....now off to wander thru more pink and pretty blogs....
Thank you for your visit, do hope you enjoyed it....
Jil
xo

Bananas ripening waaaay too fast led to making a few small loaves of banana bread which sounded yummy with cool weather and rain approaching.....( BTW...most recipes do not call for vanilla, but being a vanilla lover I always add a couple of generous tablespoons and I love the result! )
Then as the raindrops started I ran out to take a few pictures, one of the last of my peonies, before the downpour started....

These pretty pink peonies are of the single variety and while I won't tell them, my favorites are the big doubles....

And, a little Bleeding Heart up close....their blooming is really over, but if you keep them well watered they send up little thank you's every now and then!

Raindrops on the Lily Of The Valley leaves....

A big bowl at the end of the steps....the flowers are just starting to get big and the lobelia starting to trail....

While up on the porch a Rex Begonia, in a magnificent rich pink, is loving its spot...

And Impatients that look like little roses in a sugary pale pink...I look for these every year....

Well.....I am making things for Christmas In July at ShabbyCottageShops..I need to go and get busy....you won't want to miss this exciting event and there will be a give a way of gorgeous items as well....I will keep you posted!

Have Grand Day and I will see you all tomorrow on PINK SATURDAY!
Jil
xo

~Sweet Offerings~

SOLD

I hope you all had a nice weekend....they slip by too fast, don't they?

I thought I would share with you two of my finds from this past weekend that are on the website....three pretty vintage fingertip towels....the colors are so delicate and sweet and a dear set of Mr & Mrs.pillowslips with a sweet design.

Things of yesteryear always give me a warm rosy feeling..don't they you, too?..They are so pleasing and isn't it a shame it is hard to find such fine quality in todays offerings....Do people give romance much thought? I often wonder....I don't see much evidence of it and isn't that sad....I am married and I still think our little cottage is romantic, but the kind of romantic a man can live with. I have my roses and he has his old books and somehow they are a perfect blend....or should I say marriage?
SOLD



Have A Sweet Day!
Jil

Introducing Eden * My Heart Stopping New Rose

Hi Everyone....I am not sure how my Pink Saturday Post got below this post...lol...if anyone could do it, it would be me! Please scroll past this post for Pink Saturday....my apologies....Jil


Four years ago, this month, my Romantic Homes arrived and when I turned the page, this double page of gorgeous pink climbing roses looked up at me and took my breath away...It was instant love!....I knew I had to have them!....




So, for four long years, this magazine has been the top one in my magazine basket with the page folded back to this double page and for four years I have looked each place we shopped for the spring and summer plants, but no Eden, until...... Last Saturday, out to my favorite garden spot....I was just about to call it quits with plant buying....the purchase table had just about everythng I had come for....when something...I don't know what made me go out and look at their climbing roses...as I rounded the corner I saw a large branch of big pale fluffy pink roses falling out over the aisle,...and I thought these are MINE and walked a little faster incase someone else had spotted this beauty, too.....I didn't care what they cost, if we had to eat beans for a month, so be it, but I was going to have this rose and when I looked at the tag...OMGosh...the name was Eden. I NEVER expected these beautiful roses to be EDEN! If you could see these roses in person, you would understand why they were given this name....

I almost ran to the check out.....this was no small feat either, as the bush and the pot it was in was quite big and with big canes flopping here and there and trying to avoid all the shoppers, it was a chore and the day was 100% humidity and in with all the plants, 200% I am sure! I was exhausted and dripping by the time we got to the register but we made it and no one tried to grab it from me....my fear!

Hubby had wanted to wait in the car....he had a book and he could leave the air conditioning running and..... he knows me at nurseries, but he lovingly loaded it in the van, admired it greatly and off we went to Sams...you would not believe the smile on my face!!!

No it is not planted yet. It must have six hours of sun and in our tiny yard with trees all around, I keep moving the pot and watching how many hours the sun shines on it...So far the most has been three hours....there is a spot, in the front, on one side of the porch against the brick pillar that needs a bush. We have considered that spot as the sun will shine six hours there, but, I can't really see it unless I go out to the front...in the back I can see it out many windows....decisions, decisions....But, I am in heaven with my beautiful pink rose, Eden!

And Below Are My Precious Babies....




Pink Rose Wishes....Jil
xo