Doily collection

This post came about as my dear friend Meryl and I were talking about her upcoming issue of Romantic Homes, featuring flea markets.

We were discussing how her readers display their treasured collections, and I shared with her some of my ideas and a simple project that I had done using my vintage doily collection that is super easy and fun!

This is what you will need...

a collection of miscellaneous sized doilies 

a solid colored table cloth

thread to match the doily color

sewing needle (optional)

scissors

Instructions...

Dress your table with a freshly ironed table cloth.

Beginning in the center and working your way out to each 

end of the table, lay your doilies out so that their edges are just touching.

This is much like working on a jigsaw puzzle.

For this look, you want it to be long and narrow.

When you have them laid out to your satisfaction,

using a needle and thread tie them together with a simple 

double knot.

 

This keeps them from moving about.

Continue adding until you are satisfied with the result.

I like it, just spilling off the tables edge.

This doily runner could be laid down the center of a solid 

colored  bedspread for added interest, 

when not in use on the dining room table.

Happy Mother's Day!


And for another vintage doily tablecloth idea click here.

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Romantic gifts

Thank you to Meryl and Jacqueline at Romantic Homes Magazine for asking me to share the creativity with their readers in their Valentine's issue!

Create truly unique and romantic gifts with this simple clay project.

Whether it is for your Valentine or a special gift, or just because...

These small treasures are sure to please and super easy to make 

using clay and simple tools found about the house.

Rolled out clay and a few supplies are all it takes to create one of a kind gifts.

Use your decorated pieces as an ornament to attach to a gift card 

or enclose with a letter or use as gift tags.

Or attach a ribbon and hang it on your loved ones door.

What you'll need:

Clay
Paint sticks

Rolling pin

Scissors or knife

Paint or glaze

Brushes
Lace (optional)
Stamps (optional)

Ribbon (optional)

Instructions

Roll out clay ⅛ th of an inch thick

Cut into desired shapes

Fire or bake according to manufacturers instructions

Decorate with color

Add embellishments

Tips

Roll your clay between 2 paint sticks to make it even

Use varying size straws to cut holes for a lacy look

Roll lace over clay for a fun texture

Use your decorative scissors for unusual cut edges

Cookie cutters are great for cutting shapes

A dull pencil works beautifully for drawing borders or writing

Stamps are great fun to use with this project, pressing them into the clay for the impression
Attach ribbons or weave in and out through the holes

I see endless possibilities...

Romantic Homes Magazine

Thank you to the amazing team from Romantic Homes Magazine

Jacqueline deMontravel and

and Meryl Schoenbaum

for the feature on Summerland Cottage in their current issue.

I am honored to have a peek into my world included in this beautiful edition, along with so much other talent!

For a few more snaps about the cottage click here.

Embellished Cardigan

I found the sweet peachy pink cardigan at The Gap

and loved the color, fit and length.

By now, my readers would know I can't seem to

just leave it as it was created.

I have several lengths of beautiful vintage laces

needing to come out of hiding and be shown off.

They seem the perfect embellishment.

I layer them and then

they are easily hand sewn on to the sweater.

Then feeling it needs a bit more,

I pull out the treasured vintage button collection

and pour it out on the table looking

for just the right lovelies to create a button bouquet.

The magic mesh comes in handy for laying out the gems

and then sewing them into place.

I cut away the extra mesh and add a magnet to attach it with,

so the fabric will not be damaged by the weight of the pin.

Fortunately I have the perfect vintage crochet top

that works beautifully as a camisole underneath.

I'm loving the happy spring colors being shown this season!

Tabletop treasures

Romantic Homes Magazine asked me to share a few

tips and tricks...

for adding holiday sparkle to our tabletops in this months issue.

.

Here are a few suggestions...

Consider using mirrors in a variety of ways on your tablescape,

mirrors are wonderful for reflecting light & colors

and even better when paired with candlelights flickering!

Silver with whites are great neutrals.

Add a pop of your favorite holiday color to the neutral color scheme

even pink or turquoise,

by piling your treasured ornaments into a beautifully cut crystal bowl.

Costume jewelry is great for additional holiday sparkle,

raid grandmother's jewelry box for embellishments

on place tags, napkin holders, wreaths and Christmas stockings.

Grandfather's pocket watch adds family history,

sentiment and interest.

Combining old, cherished pieces with new purchases creates original recycling chic,

especially when using collectibles with a family history.

Silver spray paint on dried leaves, berries and pine cones

are rich embellishments and cost so little,

displayed with a nest created out of tinsel

and a bird topping it adds to the sparkling nature scene.

Consider decorating the table with positive quotes

in place of name tags

or as the focal point of the centerpiece.

Whatever you choose to do,

enjoy the process and have a happy holiday !

To view how the mirror tree was created click here

Grateful for the opportunity to share the fun !

A Lovely Surprise

What a lovely surprise to come home to !

I had a long distance call from a girlfriend,

while I was in Hawaii,

who left a message that

I should pop in to the closest newsstand

and pick up the latest copy of

Romantic Homes Magazine !

Telling me that my blog had been featured in it !

I am honored to be included with so much other talent,

since I believe with all my heart,

that real joy comes in sharing with others.