Just a Touch on the Wrist....

Just the smallest touch of lace...dried rose petals in a antique plate...a`music box from my childhood...black and white photo of a loved one who has gone on to a better place...a note from the one you love....all are on my dresser. Little touches that make me smile...A soft green perfume bottle with adapter reminds me of a little girl sneaking into her big sisters room and putting a touch of "Midnight in Paris" perfume on her wrists...A vintage inspired crystal bottle to hold your favorite scent. Just a touch of elegance. Available for sale at my store Shades of Wyldemor.

Buried in Satin and Lace

Black satin, point D' espirt lace, antique gold Dupioni silk and cranberry hued lace adornments..The Beginning of a custom order for a wedding....The bride has shared it is going to take place in grand style. A rich Victorian manor will host the ceremony....Candlelight....Antiques...Red Roses...The ultimate wedding!
The pattern shown is a design that will grace my next gown and the shades chosen by the bride for her bridesmaid...Tonight I cut out the gown and tomorrow I begin pinning and stitching....watching it come together is worth every minute at my sewing machine!

I will be posting pictures as it takes shape!!! I can't wait to begin!

Hearts and Dinosaurs

When my boys were little, we would each decorate a brown lunch bag with our name a few days before Valentines day...Covered with hearts and Valentine greetings, they also included dinosaur and G.I. Joe stickers, giving some uniqueness and individuality to each persons creation... Truly Masterpieces!!! (from a Mothers point of view) The seven bags were taped onto the chair rail in my kitchen... Each of us would address a Valentine and slip it into the bag for every family member. ...On Valentines day I would fill them with candy, nuts and little treats....Time passed and legos and action figures were boxed away. Footballs, gym-shoes, backpacks filled my entryway... I insisted we still celebrate Valentines Day...There was an occasional "Mom, you got to be kidding" truly good sports they tolerated a memory their Mama treasured. So, a brown paper lunch bag was decorated by each of them as teenagers...each one with his name and a quickly scribbled heart, I seem to remember one that was identified as "Joe The Great"...to hang in the kitchen...on the chair rail...for Valentines Day!

Grace and Kindness Meet

This little list comes from a late-nineteenth century book entitled "Correct Manners" A little bit of nostalgia that I hope you enjoy! Nineteenth century courtesies that were valued enough to be written down to be remembered. However after reading it I sadly realize I often fall short....choosing not to berate myself or make excuses, I think today I shall remember the grace...kindness...consideration expressed by another woman many years ago.

Never break an engagement when one is made, whether of a business or social nature. If you are compelled to do so, make an immediate apology either by note or in person.
Be punctual as to time, precise as to payment, honest and thoughtful in all your transactions, whether with rich or poor.
Never look over the shoulder of one who is reading, or intrude yourself into a conversation in which you are not invited or expected to take part.
Tell the truth at all times and in all places. It is better to have a reputation for truthfulness than one for wit, wisdom, or brilliancy.
Avoid making personal comments regarding a person's dress, manners, or habits. Be sure you are all right in thee respects, and you will find you have quite enough to attend to.
Always be thoughtful regarding the comfort and pleasure of others. Give the best seat in your room to a lady, an aged person or and invalid.
Ask no questions about the affairs of your friends unless he wants your advice. Then he will tell you all he desires to have you know.
A true lady or gentleman, one who is worthy of the name, will never disparage one of the other sex by word or deed.
Always remember that a book that has been loaned you is not yours to loan to another.
Mention your wife or your husband with the greatest respect, even in your most familiar references.
If you have calls to make, see that you attend to them punctually. Your friend may reasonably think you slight them when you fail to do so.
Be neat and careful in your dress, but take care not to overdress. The fop is almost as much of an abomination as the slovenly man.
If wine or liquors are used on your table or in your presence never urge others to use them against their own inclinations.

Tea and Me

Brewing a pot of tea is like a ritual for me. In the afternoon when it is time to take a break from sketching new patterns or sewing I can sit back and savor a cup. Top shelf over the stove is my tea cupboard ... Earl Grey, Orange, Chamomile, maybe English Breakfast?....I tend to have my favorite often...Mint with honey. The sound of my tea kettle whistling is somehow comforting to me...the whistle reminds me its time for a break to stretch my legs...or on a nice day to walk along my garden. Today my cup of tea is a perfect moment to be thankful that I am toasty warm! As I peek outside the wind gusts and snow seem to be tossing the poor birds around. Whistling tea kettles must be a simple reminder of my home, as two of my sons asked for tea kettles that whistle when they got married...Tea in a china cup is extravagant...in a mug comforting...It warms the heart as well as takes the chill off an Winter afternoon.

Unconvential meets Scentimental

Satins that feel like a rose petal....Cranberry and black satin in a form fitting bustled design for an unprecedented bride....Unique as the bride who dreamed about a gown that would express her individuality! Inspired from a Godey Peterson antique magazine....created as a custom order.

Jenny's Hands

Jennifer Caroline Johnson Salmonson....my grandmother was born on May 23, 1894. One of fourteen children she knew how to make do... One hundred and one years later we said goodbye to her. I remember how beautiful Gram was to me....She smelled like ponds cold creme and fresh bread and egg coffee. I have yet to see a house as clean as her magnificent Victorian. The walnut wood always was polished to a high sheen and on holidays decorated. The tulips and daffodils she planted were tucked in vases through out the house. The dining room table was laden on Easter with hams, pickled beets, deviled eggs, rutabagas, scalloped potatoes, green beans, and creamed peas.... her homemade Parker house rolls.... Her spice cake, cinnamon rolls, coffee cakes and doughnuts were staples that I grew accustomed to. Her hands ...always crocheting lace for sheets, baby blankets and pillow cases...her knitting was so fine I still have never seen anyone who could compare. When she was old her hands still held a grace to them... I remember on Easter Sundays her impeccable taste...White gloves, pale suit, stylish hat with a little net on it and spectator shoes. When we walked into church I was so proud of her... Treasured memories of a little girl who is now a Grandmother.... I hope my home reflects the many memories my Grandmother gave me.