A Touch of Whimsy

 

As 2013 draws to a close, I can't help but reflect on what a difficult year it has been not only for myself, but so many others around me.  Faced with family health issues, and flying solo with a relatively new business, I'll be glad to put this one behind in the history books.

 

 

As if to laugh in its face, I've decided to infuse a bit of whimsy into these last few weeks of what was an all-too serious year.  Take that, 2013!  ;)

 

 

A toy spoon, image of Marie Antoinette, a military ID bracelet, tiny rhinestone buckles, the hint of spring's birdsong, an old wristwatch, royal crowns, and a little masculine / feminine juxtaposition at play are the elements making me smile this week.

 

 

Here's to ringing in the New Year with lots of love, good health and prosperity for everyone!  What do you have planned for 2014?  I'd love to hear from you!  x o

 

Just in Time

 

There's still plenty of time to order those last-minute gifts and have them delivered before Christmas!  I will ship the same or next business day, offer complimentary gift wrapping, and will send directly to the recipient if you choose.  Just drop me a note and I'll take care of the details!  ;)

 

 

Among this week's designs are lots of sparkle and hints of romantic colour.  Art Deco paste, luscious gemstones and some French whimsy are sure to please any woman still on your shopping list!

 

 

 

 

Thank you for stopping by!  And happy shopping!  x o Robyn

 

Gift Ideas from Around the World

 

One of the many things I love about Etsy is that you can find and purchase artisan and vintage items from around the world with the click of a few buttons.  While recently feeding my craving for all things lilac, I stumbled upon these goodies that were too beautiful not to share.

 

Above:  felted acorns by Fairyfolk, made in California.

 

 

 

Above:  felted owl ornament by Naughty Pig Studios, Illinois.

 

Below:  woodland hair wreath by my dear friend Coralie of Velvet Teacup, Australia.

 

 

Above:  lavender heart sachets by Handy Happy Hearts, Ukraine.

 

Below:  small clay bowl by Jo Patton Pottery, Canada.

 

 

Above:  paper mulberry flowers by butterflies661, Thailand.

 

Below:  Union Jack heart ornament by Apple Door Studios, United Kingdom.

 

 

 

Above:  lilac soap by Sweet Pea in Winter, Ohio.

 

Below:  wrap it all up with vintage lilac seam binding from Fini Ribbon, USA.

 

 

I hope you enjoyed this sampler of gifts from around the world.  Please stay tuned for some new jewelry designs of my own coming later this week!  x o Robyn

Holiday Chic

 

When my good friend Sharon recently sent me a gift certificate to Barnes and Noble, I ran right out and got the new Rachel Ashwell book, 'Couture Prairie and Flea Market Treasures'.  A long time fan of the queen of Shabby Chic, I never miss one of her books and this volume does not disappoint!  My heart nearly skipped a beat as I turned each glorious page!

 

Filled with her usual vintage romantic prettiness, soft pastels and chippy furniture, but this time mixed with a nod to the Texas cowboy culture including rough barn wood and antlers on the walls, it was just the inspiration I needed to dream up some new holiday chic designs!

 

I took a cue from Rachel while at a local gem show last weekend, and stocked up on a winter palette of stones in lavenders, blues, silvers and a hint of red.

 

 

Rachel reminded me to always juxtapose a little sparkle against more somber elements,

 

 

that the classics never go out of style,

 

 

and that I still swoon over dainty florals.

 

 

Thank you for stopping by, and a special thanks to Rachel Ashwell for providing me decades of design fantasies.  x o