A Graceful New Year

 

Happy New Year, mes amis!  :)  I've been thinking a lot about my hopes and dreams for 2014, and the kind of life I want to live.  Each year a friend and I choose a 'theme' word, rather than a list of resolutions per se, and this year's motto is going to be 'grace'. 

 

 

 

As I reflect on some challenges that last year brought, as well as my continued love for the gentler times witnessed in period dramas so popular now, I yearn to bring more grace into my world. 

 

 

 

I vow to accept the grace of God; to treat others with grace (including kindness, respect and dignity); and to have the grace to let go of judgment, envy or immaturity.

 

 

 

I will strive for grace and beauty in everything I create from jewelry to a loving meal for family.

 

 

 

By handling myself with grace in both social and business situations, I shall always expect a favourable outcome.

 

 

And I hope to handle life's inevitable difficulties with the grace of acceptance and strength.

 

 

Perhaps if I'm very good at it, I will even inspire grace in others.

 

 

I hope I have honoured my theme word this week by offering some 'graceful' pieces, soon to be available in my Etsy shoppe this evening.

 

 

And for my fellow Abbey fans (you know who you are!), here's a little eye candy to get us ready for Sunday night's Season 4 premier! 

 

Wishing everybody a happy, healthy and graceful New Year!  x o Robyn

 

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