Barb's Botanical Garden

'Time In a Garden Jewelry'.Wearable Garden Art All Year Long!

2012-01-08T15:04:00.000-08:00

A dreary rainy day in January and I have a cold. What better way to brighten up the afternoon than to work on jewelry. My jewelry is garden inspired with vintage, new, and recycled parts, a small watch face for a bit of steampunk, all put together for whimiscal fun. I am working on small ladies in the garden sculptures from vintage cracked old porcelin pieces filling in with old pins, jewles, and watch faces. Look for them soon. You can find my jewlery at my shop in historic downtown Lawrenceville, The Little Shop Of Arts And Antiques and in the gift shop at the Atlanta Botanical Garden!

Pieces below are currently available. Contact The Little Shop Of Arts And Antiques for information! E-mail or call 404-326-7306.

Small china ladies and bugs at the Atlanta Botanical gift show last Spring. More on the way!

The Little Shop Of Arts And Antiques, Historic Downtown Lawrenceville, Ga

2011-12-14T22:46:00.000-08:00

Christmas At The Little Shop Of Arts And Antiques

Historic Downtown Lawrenceville, Ga.

The Little Shop Of Arts And Antiques

162 Crogan Street

Lawrenceville, Ga. 30046

Visit Our Website!

Antiques, Art and More! The Little Shop Of Arts And Antiques has moved to historic downtown Lawrenceville. My shop opened in Lawrenceville on October lst, just in time for the holiday season on the square. In addition to vintage and antique gift items, artist made and vintage jewelry, garden items, vintage evening clothes and western wear, the shop is home to the Gwinnett County Writers Guild. The Writers Guild meets the 2nd and 4th Thursday each month. We have a shop book club and offer writing classes. Everything I love under one roof! Except of course, the dogs. They have to stay at home, because this shop has ...carpet!... and I have hooligan dogs.

Open Wed - Sat, 11 am to 7 pm and Sundays by chance. The square has lovely restaurants and the Aurora Theater. Plenty of free parking across the street from my shop. Come say hello!

Visit the square for its New Year's Celebration! Live music and more. Most shops open to greet in the New Year.

Call ahead and I'll have a cup of tea or coffee waiting your arrival!

Today I Am Thinking Picket Fences

2011-08-10T23:15:00.000-07:00

Which is your favorite?

“I can envision a small cottage somewhere, with a lot of writing paper, and a dog, and a fireplace and maybe enough money to give myself some Irish coffee now and then and entertain my two friends.”

Lt Richard Van de Geer

2011-08-07T23:40:00.000-07:00

Changes At The Little Shop Of Arts And Antiques, In The Heart Of Old Town

New folks at the shop. Scrumptious soaps and sachets, vintage art, and cool jewelry for great gift giving - even if you give to yourself! Come say hello. Lots of vintage and gently used garden items. The video below brings you up to date! Come say hello. Hours Thurs-Fri-Sat, 11 to 5 PM. Some Fridays til 8PM. Call shop to find out. 404-326-7306.

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

A Movie Made In Old Town, Lilburn With Antiques In Old Town As The Backdrop!

2011-06-14T19:30:00.000-07:00

See You Tube Video teaser below!
Photos from the day of filming!

Outside my shop, The Little Shop Of Arts And Antiques

Saturday, June 11th the Atlanta 48 Hour Film Project came to Old Town! Members of the LobsterBoyPalmer team chose Main Street to film their 7 minute short. Antiques In Old Town was the shop they filmed the interior shots at. How cool does this look? The final movie will be seen on Friday night at 7:15 at Atlanta's Plaza Theater on Ponce de Leon. The 48 Hour Film Project was started in 2001 by a filmmaker and his partner to see if a good movie could be made in 48 Hours. The film teams get a subject, a prop and a line that has to be in the movie, at 7PM on Friday night. From there they have to write, film, edit and score a film 4 to 7 minutes in length (excluding credits) and turn it in by the deadline Sunday of 7:30 PM. This contest is world wide. Winners are picked at city levels and are entered into other competitions. The grand winner appears at the Cannes Film Festival. Check out this preview!

Dreaming of Hydrangeas

2011-06-06T21:14:00.000-07:00

My front yard is dreary! It is deep, full of tall loblolly pines and patches where the grass refuses to grow. Add into the mix, my split rail fence has started to rot and the posts have tipped, causing the rails to fall to the ground. What's a gal to do? I want the house to look softer. I need some work on my fence. I want a cottage garden in my front yard!

I thought about painting my red brick house a soft cottage yellow. Well, that won't happen. Not in my budget.

Maybe I could replace the split rail with a white picket fence. Oh, how I want a cottage look. But my yard it too large and a white fence would look silly with my late forties/early fifties brick ranch, sitting oh so far back from the street.

Then the magic word appeared: hydrangeas!

It was not my word, but the word of a landscape professional working across the street. I always ask for free advice.

"Mulch in the area where the grass doesn't grow and fill it with hydrangea bushes."

Suddenly I can see my ranch become the cottage I long for. Now I am dreaming of hydrangeas and wondering how soon can I make my dream come true!

Could this be me?

Perhaps I could hide the split rail fence entirely!

I could give garden parties on my front lawn!

Pink

Blue?

It doesn't matter. I am dreaming of hydrangeas. And now my dreams are expanding. Perhaps a cottage by the sea..... It is fun to dream a lovely dream!

Pleasant Dreams To You!

Romantic Hollyhocks For Your Garden

2011-05-18T00:19:00.000-07:00

My Love Of Hollyhocks!

My garden grows wild, unkept by me. I finally realized a few years back that my garden grows on its own. The stronger plants survive and visit me each season without any help from me. The large beds have been established for over 25 years. The plants that come back each spring vary and I am always anxious to see what blooms.

My last attempt at planting flowers was a total disaster. The first week my potted plants looked amazingly lovely. Then the drought, taking care of dogs, and writing, distracted me, and I forgot to water. I walked out on my deck to little brown stubs, that once had been pink flowers. Yet looking out into the yard the greenery was growning tall, my rose bush was flourishing, with its long arms extending every which way. I was sad again last summer that my hollyhocks were gone. They bloomed tall and hardy the first years in my house, then they disappeared, strangled out by nearby butterfly bushes. My butterfly bushes have taken over most of the yard. But how bad can that be? I can see butterflies dancing from bush to bush when I visit the yard.

To my surprise and delight I have a new visitor this spring. Last week I walked the yard with a gardener, who was there to prune back some tree limbs. I noticed a 6 ft tall stalk with buds starting to open. A Hollyhock had found its way back through the other bushes. I am watching it daily in anticipation of full bloom.

I love Hollyhocks as much as I love roses. Both to me are the most romantic of flowers.

Enjoy a few vintage postcards with pictures that will delight you! These are from my collection of antique garden postcards. If only my yard looked like these...!

I like to think this is my in my garden. The gal in the lower corner with her dark hair, my vision of how I would look gardening in Victorian times!

A dream of life in a garden!

The Little Shop Of Arts And Antiques "Secret Garden" and Mother's Day Big Sale

2011-05-01T06:34:00.000-07:00

View my secret garden and celebrate Mother's Day with a 30% shop wide sale! This Thurs/Fri/Sat.

The Lady of Lilburn stands between the two shop spaces and keeps watch over Main Street in Old Town, Lilburn.

The back deck at the shop is truly my Secret Garden! The deck is elevated about eight feet off the ground. There are no steps, just a lovely wood guard rail to enclose the 9 x 14 space to make you feel safe and cozy! The only way to enter is through the door off the second room in the shop. On lovely days it is a grand place to sit and watch city hall, folks playing tennis and the comings and goings on Railroad Street.It is truly my room with a view, as I can hide away on it, and watch all that Old Town has to offer on its park side! My Secret Garden has charming and whimiscal items for sale - you are welcome to come shop in it - or just sit in one of the big cozy wood adirondack chairs and share a cup of coffee or sparkling water and dream with me!

A peek at the garden shop as you look out the back door.

My charming hand painted sign by Becky Kidd, Snellville artist!

The best view of the city park and tennis courts, yet tucked 8 feet high about ground!

Small live plants and garden pots for sale. Live plants until my brown thumb takes over, that is!

A bit of whimsy - my metal garden dogs!

My favorite garden wreath!

Check the top of my blog for my latest You Tube video on all The Little Shop Of Arts And Antiques has to offer! There are charming rooms to rent at The Event Center, 96 Main, at reasonable prices for your special event. It is also where we now hold our book signings and soon, art and writing classes. The shelves are packed with treasures for sale, while the larger pieces are for events, and have to stay put for a short while. Come in and say hello!

Special Mother's Day sale this week (Thurs/Fri/Sat) 30% off on selected items. If you see something you like in the shop, tell me! That item will be one of those "selected" sale items!

Happy Mother's Day and Happy Spring!

Jane Harmon Book Signing/Reception at The Little Shop Of Arts And Antiques, April 2nd

2011-03-30T23:07:00.000-07:00

96 Main Street NW, Open For Business. Our new events center!

New Meeting Room Getting Ready For Jane Harmon's Book Signing / Reception April 2nd from Noon until 3 PM.

It's official! I have my Certificate of Occupancy for the shop expansion at 96 Main Street! The rooms are filling up nicely. And my events are being scheduled into July.

This Saturday, April 2nd, meet Jane Harmon from noon until 3pm for her book signing and reception. Jane's book "Pip" is the story of a young boy and his dog pip living in Tennessee during the Trial Of Tears, moving of the Cherokee Indians. Jane will bring her beloved dog Cole, who was the inspiration for Pip.

The event is free. Books will be for sale at the shop. Jane will be in my new events building at 96 Main Street, right next to the shop at 94 Main and across the street from our great neighbors, Antiques In Old Town. Refreshments will be served.

In addition to the shop's events, 96 Main Street will offer some fun extra's for Main Street. The Garden Cafe in the front glassed porch is a great place to stop and meet with friends or buy bottled water after a jog in the park. Nothing fancy, but bottled water, canned sodas and snacks. Caterers welcomed to join us with special treats.

The meeting front room with it's eclectic look of old painted furniture, modern art and old world charm is the perfect place for your special event. 96 Main Street has rooms available for event rental at very reasonable rates.

Art and writing classes are being scheduled now.

And don't miss the garden center opening off the back deck at our original location 94 Main Street.

So much to do, don't miss out. Be sure to come by Saturday and meet a very special author and check us out!

See Zvents for driving directions and more information on Jane's book signing.http://www.zvents.com/z/lilburn-ga/book-signing-jane-harmon--young-adult-novel-pip--events--176860505

April 9th meet Author Terry Kay at the shop. More on that next week, but mark your calendar! http://www.zvents.com/z/lilburn-ga/terry-kay--meet-the-author--book-signing-and-reception--events--176077925

Pre-Opening Sale for Shop Addition! Savings For All

2011-03-17T00:44:00.000-07:00

While I am waiting for my prince I think I'll shop!

The Little Shop Of Arts And Antiques has expanded to include the little grey house 96 Main Street in Lilburn.

Check out my shop blog for details on my 20% off pre-opening sale.

Remember the Lilburn Community Garage Sale Saturday morning. Visit me at 94 Main Street and meet Peggy Sullens, Lilburn artist. She will be painting plen air on the street!

Sneak peek at the beginning of my parlor at shop!

Artist Laura Martinez At The Little Shop Of Arts And Antiques, Sat. March 5th

2011-03-04T21:48:00.000-08:00

Meet artist Laura Martinez, Saturday, March 5th at The Little Shop Of Arts And Antiques, 94 Main Street NW, Lilburn, Ga.30047

Laura's paintings express her spiritual journey.

Laura will be at the shop from noon til 3PM. Her work will be on exhibit through March 12th.

This photo collage personalized with Smilebox

New Garden / Western Items At The Little Shop Of Arts And Antiques

2011-03-03T21:48:00.000-08:00

New Window Display Brings A Touch Of Spring To Shop! Come visit The Little Shop Of Arts And Antiques, 94 Main Street NW, Lilburn, Ga. 30047.

Mini-Vintage Tooled Leather Mexican Purses!

Boots, Western Themed Vintage Items, More Vintage Mexican Bags!

Boots, Mexican belts, straw cowboy hats - perfect for gardening!

Who can resist a Dog Band for the garden?

Shop hours: Thurs/Fri/Sat 11 am to 5 pm

Also, Saturday, March 5th see new folk art painting exhibit by Norcross artist Laura Martinez. Her paintings are her journey on spiritual healing!

Meet the artist Saturday, noon to 3pm!

Thoughts On Roses

2011-03-02T22:18:00.000-08:00

I was shopping earlier today and saw roses ready for a bouquet. Decided to share some roses with you today!

And she was fair as is the rose in May. Geoffrey Chaucer

The fragrance always stays in the hand that gives the rose.

George William Curtis

It is at the edge of the petal that love waits.

William Carlos Williams

Postcards from my collection. Enjoy them. All are public domain so feel free to copy if you like!

Meet Artist Becky Kidd At The Little Shop Of Arts And Antiques Sat. Feb.19, 2011

2011-02-15T23:40:00.000-08:00

Painting by Becky Kidd

Anyone who knows me, knows how I love dogs! So I am beyond excited about the next event at The Little Shop Of Arts And Antiques!

Snellville artist, and former antique dealer, Becky Kidd, will open her exhibit of dog portraits on Saturday, Feb. 19th. Come meet Becky on Saturday, from noon until 3pm. She loves dogs and all animals, so bring photos of your pets and brag a bit! Her art will be on display through the following weekend, Saturday, Feb. 26th. Visit Becky's blog.

Becky has donated a custom pet portrait to help raise funds for Animal Action Rescue . $2.00 enters you in the raffle. You can enter as many times as you like. Visit the shop, or go to Animal Action Rescue's site, to enter the drawing. Winner will be e-mailed by Monday Feb. 28th and info posted on the shop's blog.

There are some great events in Old Town the next two weeks!

Meet the artist Becky Kidd on Feb.19th.

Then on Feb. 26th, Old Town celebrates Arbor Day in the park. Event starts at 10am. The City of Lilburn and the GFWC Lilburn Woman's Club invite everyone to join in the festivities, and help plant a large Lacebark Elm Tree in Lilburn City Park.There will be kids nature activities, plus an interpretive nature walk along the Greenway Trail. Read more about Lilburn's Arbor Day on Patch.

After the celebration, come to Main Street for live music at the shop. "Questionable Characters" rock!

Visit my neighbor across the street, Antiques In Old Town ,for coffee, shopping and enter a raffle for a small tree for your yard.

All the shops in Old Town say "welcome"!

Antiques in Old Town

Old Town Flowers and Gifts

The Yellow Rose Bridal Shop

The Enchanted Forest

And of course, my shop, The Little Shop Of Arts And Antiques.

As always, free coffee and cookies at The Little Shop of Arts And Antiques. Shop hours Thurs/Fri/Sat 11am to 5pm.

Book Signing, Saturday, Feb. 12 - Meet Marion Davis, Author

2011-02-09T22:07:00.000-08:00

Meet the most incredible young author Saturday, February 12th, at The Little Shop Of Arts And Antiques, 94 Main Street NW, Lilburn, Ga. 30047, in the heart of Old Town.

Marion "Abigail" Davis wrote her novel at age sixteen. She published it in 2006. Just in her early twenties, she is an inspiration to all who want to write.

"Tis Agony to Part". Anne Clarke was a simple Irish girl, but when fate took an unexpected twist, she found herself living a life she never dreamed could come true.

She will be signing books from 1 pm to 3 pm at the shop. Books will be for sale. Come say hello, talk to the author, see the new offerings in our shop, and be sure to visit my neighbor, Antiques In Old Town for more wonderful treasures!

Main Street, Old Town, Liburn, is the place to visit on a Saturday afternoon!

Book Signing At The Little Shop Of Arts And Antiques Feb. 5th

2011-01-31T23:11:00.000-08:00

Saturday, Feb. 5th is going to be fun, fun, fun! The Little Shop Of Arts And Antiques is having a book signing. Come and meet author Emilie P. Bush. She is a former host of Georgia Public Television's Georgia Gazette. Her debut novel, "Chenda and The Airship Brofman" was a 2010 Amazon Breakthrough Award Finalist and is a rip roaring tale.

Not sure what Steampunk is? Visit Emilie's web Coal City Steam.

Book signing/reading from noon til 3PM. Shop address is 94 Main Street, Lilburn, Georgia 30047, in the heart of Old Town Lilburn.

Newsletter design created with Smilebox

The Little Shop Of Arts And Antiques Has An Etsy Shop

2011-01-27T05:47:00.000-08:00

Just In Time For Valentine's Day - The Little Shop Of Arts And Antiques has opened an online store on Etsy.

We are adding new items daily for your shopping pleasure. Many friends who are unable to visit the shop, have asked how they can buy! Or at least peek at what is for sale. Now we are on Etsy. Our storefront is ShopOfOnesOwn. Click on shop name and go straight to our sales page.

This will also be a great way for you to meet our artists who will have short exhibits at the shop as their treasures will be for sale on Etsy during their time with us.

Mark our Etsy shop as a favorite and visit often. New items up tonight and each week.

Find something special for that special Valentine of yours! Doesn't matter where you shop - just don't forget that special day. It will be here sooner than you realize.

Keep up with shop events by visiting our shop blog.

Lining up some great events and artists at The Little Shop Of Arts And Antiques. Don't miss out! We are going to rock at 94 Main Street NW, Lilburn, Ga!

Scrapbook of Opening Day Of The Little Shop Of Arts And Antiques

2011-01-23T14:14:00.000-08:00

Beautiful flowers from my good friend Cheryl Alexander to help celebrate the opening of my shop, The Little Shop of Arts And Antiques, in Lilburn, Georgia.

Visit the shop's website http://thelittleshopofartsandantiques.com/ and sign up to receive notices of upcoming events!

Enjoy the scrapbook of the day!

This free digital scrapbook generated with Smilebox

Shop Opening In Old Town Lilburn Sat. Jan. 22nd!

2011-01-14T19:45:00.001-08:00

This free newsletter created with Smilebox

Click on the arrow and see what is happening on Jan. 22nd at The Little Shop of Arts and Antiques. Hear Huey Lewis sing The Power Of Love! That song fits the shop, it is all about the power of love! Saturday's venue includes:

Special sale to benefit Friends of DeKalb Animals from 11 to 5pm.

Kick-off of 30 day photography exhibit of Haiti after the earthquake, by metro Atlanta writer and photographer, Cheryl Lewis. Read her Skirt article on finding a missing child in Haiti.

Music by Larry Joe Hall noon to 3pm.

Keep up on shop news at The Little Shop Of Arts And Antiques Blog!

Art Rubber Stamping, Fairies And Warmth On A Snow Day

2011-01-11T20:58:00.000-08:00

The weather in the metro Atlanta area is frightful! Snowed in my house for 2 days now, could continue all week. Thanks to the weather I've had to postpone the opening of my shop, The Little Shop Of Arts And Antiques, now scheduled for Sat. Jan 22. Wishing for sun to warm up my days!

Then my mother sent me a copy of a card she made using an old magazine photo and her art rubber stamps. What a wonderful gift on a freezing cold snow day....a reminder the Spring will be here soon!

I love the little fairies! There is sparkling glitter that shimmers ever so slightly in the light.

Mother's cards will be available in The Little Shop Of Arts And Antiques. They are wonderful one-of-a-kind hand stamped, colored and designed works of art to send to your friends and family.

Mother (Audrey Frank) was the owner of Stamp Augustine, in St. Augustine, Florida some years ago. She was one of the pioneers in this art form and her shop was a destination for art rubber stampers!

She no longer owns the shop, but her love of rubber stamping continues.

Some favorite fairy quotes!

A rustle in the wind reminds us a fairy is near. ~Author Unknown

Raindrops are like fairy whispers. ~Author Unknown

Hand in hand, with fairy grace,

Will we sing, and bless this place.

~William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream

And this quote reminds me that even in winter the fairies are near!

Deep within the winter forest among the snowdrift wide

You can find a magic place where all the fairies hide....

~Author Unknown

Opening A Little Shop In Old Town, Lilburn, Georgia

2010-12-20T08:22:00.000-08:00

Opening the second week of January 2011!

I will be open for business the second week of January! Can't wait. The Little Shop of Arts and Antiques will be a gathering spot where I hope you will come and sit a spell over a cup of coffee! In addition to being a place for some sweet antiques and gift items, there will be night events with book signings, writer workshops and gallery openings!

If you are a jewelry maker or other type of artist and would like a small event, please contact me! If you've published a book, let's get you in for a signing! I have some special people lined to teach writing classes.
Follow my shop blog and see how this all comes together! As soon as I am in business I will be posting events and updates there.

Oh, dreaming of a shop of one's own is so fun. I've missed being at Lakewood if anyone remembers me from there! Since then, I've written a book, launched an online dog magazine, started my own publishing company, and now am opening a little shop. I am so happy to have come full circle back to what I love!

Please visit my blog and say hello. Leave a comment with your e-mail so I can put you on my events mailing list!

Have a Merry Christmas and we'll meet again in the New Year!

Christmas Decorating With A Little Help From The Thrift Store

2010-12-11T21:08:00.000-08:00

My antique mantel is adorned with my buys from Last Chance Thrift Store in Decatur, Georgia. I love my Dorothy red glitter shoes with a shiny brite ornie in them. The Santa is a bit vintage. And on the modern side, the gingerbread metal tree and reindeer. I love the beaded bag with Christmas colors.

A Merry Christmas Thrift Store Style

I am the laziest gal in town. I just did not feel like climbing the attic stairs to bring down my Christmas decorations this year. My old feather tree in its Victorian metal stand is exactly where I left it two years ago. To the left of the of the pull down stairs on the attic floor.

Once again this year I headed to my favorite thrift shops and Goodwill. I knew there would be treasures enough to decorate my mantels, and trees with twinkling lights, to set on my tables. A quick fix to a lovely Christmas decorating plan, cheap as can be, and not a box to unpack.

I did this last year. Bought all my Christmas decorations at Goodwill! Then, after the holiday, I donated them back. Now that is what I call recycling.

I am doing the same this year. I did find a few treasures that may get tucked away with my vintage collection in the attic. Someday I will bring them all back down and visit with them again. But not this year! It's a thrifty decoration season for me again!

The farm table at the end of my kitchen is a catch all for treasures! From silverplate, nicely tarnished, to frogs peeking out around tin boxes of Peppermint Bark. The tree was a purchase at Last Chance. It has a straw wreath with a poinsettia hiding its base. The tiny white ornaments, a huge bag, filled the tree completely. The bag cost 69 cents! Plus tax, of course.

Every tree needs an angel! 99 cents! And she is so talented, a little ballerina.

Kermit insists on greeting Santa in the dining room. Metal wreath 99 cents. Kermit $1.99. Pink window mirror, priceless, from a favorite antique dealer.

Vintage tinsel boxes at 29 cents each, tall brass candlestick $4.99, and my little wooden angel 99 cents. Part of a display on my living room mantel.

A few Santa books and a lovely silverplate pitcher with fake Poinsettia compliment my garden statue collection on an end table. My fake Poinsettias are safer for a house full of dogs that sometimes like to help themselves to a tasty treat.

Foxy is so bedazzled by the brilliance of the season, she had to put on her cool shades.

From Our House To Yours, Warmest Wishes For A Wonderful Holiday Season!

A Little Cottage In St. Augustine And A Mother's Love

2010-11-23T06:41:00.000-08:00

I love Geraniums. I can't get them to grow at my house. They wither, dry up, or rot from overwatering. On the other hand, my mother seems to have a green thumb and a charming eye for gardening. Her small cottage backyard is blooming in Technicolor!

It doesn't hurt that her garden blooms against robins egg blue!

A Bougainvillea stands tall where it was planted a few months ago.

Is it that Florida sun or my Mom's green thumb and eye for color? My bet is she is hard at work in her garden. The sun would fry my garden, and often does in Atlanta. And I don’t have the patience to watch over my plants to make them bloom.

But Mothers seem to do everything with love, from gardening, to taking care of her friends and family. Love, that ingredient that is important to cultivate the best in everything, from plants to people!

A nurturing Mother has that special touch that makes her children grow into the best they can be.

I know mine continues to help me blossom and showers me with love on the days I feel like withering on the vine!

A Thanksgiving hug to my mother that is full of love!

Halloween In The Garden

2010-10-29T23:47:00.000-07:00

Vintage Postcards with a delicate Halloween message!

Wishing you a Halloween that fills your garden with dreams of beauty!

Vintage Photos To Celebrate Time In A Garden

2010-09-21T07:51:00.000-07:00

I love old photographs of women in the garden. For your viewing pleasure a few Victorian women enjoying the final days of summer.

I wonder if this grew to become Stone Mountain?

If I had watered more, perhaps my potted plants would have looked like this!

Now this looks more like the growth in my garden!

The perfect Garden Party look. I adore her hat.

The Awful Truth - My True Confession

2010-09-05T06:19:00.000-07:00

A recent book review of The Unfaithful Widow by Helen Ross in Australia refers to me as naughty and cheeky. Since I had my fall on June 29, and my rotator cuff surgery on July 12, I have been behaving badly! Trying to enjoy being the laziest gal in town. So today I am confessing my awful truths on how naughty I've been recovering from surgery! Check out Helen's blog and meet one of the most charming gals around. Leave a comment below on your true confession on how naughty you've been!

My dear, that simply won't do.

The Awful Truths Since I've Been In My Sling:

I have not watered my garden and my plants

are now brown!

I eat ice cream at night and have gained five pounds.

I've found I like taking mid-afternoon naps rather than going to the gym.

My dogs were not let out timely since I couldn't move well - now I am housebreaking them again.

It's fun to do nothing and then talk about it on my cell.

I haven't been able to make my jewelry, but still order vintage parts.

I bought a beautiful cottage dresser and can't lift it out of the van.

I drive in my sling with one hand, but just to meet friends for dinner.

Margaritas are better than pain pills (of which I have taken zero pills, but have downed a few frozen Margaritas!)

I had to buy larger jeans to pull up with one hand.

I still dream of kissing the boys and making them cry!

What are your awful truths?

Visit a wonderful free art site! I found these charming images there. Art Freebies, a great blog you will love.

Meet Eliza From Canada And Her Wonderful New Jewelry

2010-07-24T07:47:00.000-07:00

Well I haven't been visiting my own blog here since I've been working on promoting my book and I had rotator cuff surgery which has slowed me down a bit! My new friend Eliza who I met on my blog book tour last month has designed a wonderful jewelry line that had its launch this week. I am giving you a link to her blog and putting some of her comments on her dream job here. Be sure to check her out. You'll love Eliza - I do! Talented, funny and so cool! (excuse any typos, I am typing with one finger while arm is in sling.)

Lily Pads
Triple strand 20″ necklace with 3″ extension chain.
Tidbit: the water lily is the birth flower of July. We have them in our water pond and our white Koi, Alice, loves to hide amongst them. Price $35.

In Nancy Anderson’s book Work With Passion in Midlife and Beyond, she says the key to your dream job is to do what you truly love. The rest, she assures, will simply fall into place.

What do I truly love?

My generic answer is being creative. But it’s more than that.

I love to work with my hands and my mind at the same time

I love variety

I love my creative endevours to enhance the well being of others

It all started out so innocently. On a whim I went out and bought some beads, wire and chain, and made myself a necklace.

My mind was fully engaged figuring out colour combinations and bead placement. My hands were bending wires and stringing beads. Way cool!

Next thing I know, different designs are flying into my head. To the point, I was actually having very vivid dreams of designs and waking up not only remembering the dreams, but able to turn the dreams into actual necklaces.

Then a friend wanted one for her very own. Then another friend. Then another friend. Soon my friends were wandering around wearing my necklaces with big smiles on their faces.

I was working with passion, and just like Nancy promised it would, everything simply fell into place.

There I was with my dream job!

Today, I am thrilled to share my passion with the Silver & Grace community and introduce the Silver & Grace Jewelry Collection.

Each piece in the Collection is inspired by one of the four classical elements: Earth, Air, Fire, Water. By thinking about an element as I create a design, I truly believe I infuse the piece with the essence of that element. The Collection as a whole represents Spirit.

Quantities of each design are deliberately kept low so that only a handful of Collection piece owners share the essence of that design.

On Fridays, I will feature a single design which will be discounted for seven days. Make sure you come back each Friday to check out the feature design and get your discount code.

However … !!!

To honour the gift of passion, until July 29th, 2010, all the designs are discounted 10%.

To immediately start your own Silver & Grace Collection:

head over to the Silver & Grace Collection store by clicking here

select what calls to you

at checkout enter discount code A8889

It’s as simple as that!

May each piece in your Silver & Grace Jewelry Collection bring a smile to your face.

What beautiful jewelry. I may go shopping myself. Having a bad hair day (days) with my sling and a piece of inspired jewelry may just inspire me.

Check out Eliza's blog Silver and Grace for the woman over 40, but for anyone who loves feeling beautiful at any age.

PRETTY IN PINK

2010-06-07T21:06:00.000-07:00

Flowers really do intoxicate me. ~Vita Sackville-West

I love pink. This lovely cart was a display item at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens Gift Shop last year and I brought it quickly when they decided to sell it. I painted it pink. It sits out in the back flower bed and a few weeks ago my tiny pale pink roses started to burst forth giving me a Kodak moment I had to take advantage of. The large garden angel is a vintage iron piece that is as tall as any human. I call her Anne, who was my special angel.

2010-05-22T05:06:00.000-07:00

We Have A Winner! The Lone Dollier.

Congrats to The Lone Dollier for winning this lovely one-of-a-kind botanical necklace! Winner picked with a random number generator. Check back the first of June for a new giveaway worth commenting about!

Perfect Sunday Morning - What Do You Do On Sundays?

2010-05-16T20:30:00.000-07:00

Hot Summer In The City! Or Rather My Yard!

Oh, how fun it is to be lazy. I rolled out of bed at 10 AM (although six dogs were up and let out at 6 AM and then all back to bed). Filled my cup with coffee and sat out on my new deck. I love my new deck. A luxury for me with all the work I had to do on the house. The dogs and I let the morning sun shine on us, a few ran down the steps to roll on the grass, and April In Paris took off after a squirrel. She was stopped by the fence and I think I saw the squirrel wave goodbye as it dashed up a tree!
What do you like to do on a Sunday morning? Today I am the laziest gal in town. My town that is.
The fabu deck built by my handy man Jimmy!

The infamous pea gravel sand box which makes me crazy. Looks like a litter box! Live and learn!

My Thrift Store Chairs - $6.00 each. Cool.

My David Austin rose finally blooming.

Can't wait for my flowers to start growing! Thyme anyone?

My little wagon from the thrift store $9.00

My resting spot for my late dog Jake. You can read about him in my book The Unfaithful Widow, available on Amazon.com

OK, we've had enough fun!

Oh these smell good! But can I eat them?

2010-05-04T09:15:00.000-07:00

Foxy Likes To Sniff The Pansies

Yes, dear Foxy. There are edible flowers. You Can Eat Flowers From the Viola Family.

A perfect spring treat! Pansy popsicles!

Ingredients:
Lemonade made from dry mix and water. Violas or pansies.
Directions:
Mix lemonade as per package instructions.
Pour into forms or paper cups about ¾ of the way full. (Use small paper cups). If using paper cups place cups on a baking sheet.
Place a few pansies or violas into the lemonade and place cups or forms in the freezer.
If using cups wait a few hours then when mixture is hard enough but still soft insert popsicle sticks and continue freezing until hard.
Pop out of form or cups and serve.
Yummy and cool. A perfect treat while sitting on your patio after a hard day of gardening!

PS: Don't forget to leave a comment for the free giveaway on May 21st.

Win This Time In A Garden Necklace By May 21st

2010-05-01T08:42:00.000-07:00

Remember to Enter!

Just a reminder friends that you are missing a chance for a fab one-of-a-kind necklace. I am always confused, I have had lots of hits but maybe the fact you can win something is not clear! So here is your daily reminder. Enter a comment or become a follower on this blog by May 21st and you may win. Vintage beetle on large piece of Turquoise colored Howite. Chunky gem stone necklace chain.

A little garden elegance to greet the first of May.

Invasion Of The Caterpillars, Floral City, Florida

2010-04-21T18:27:00.000-07:00

Remember to leave a comment or become a follower to be in the May 21st drawing to win a one-of-a-kind necklace by Time In A Garden design. You can leave a comment on any entry on or after April 12th to be included.

Photos from my sis in Floral City, Florida. So creepy they are beautiful. Nature and spring. Gotta love it.

Next time I complain about the ants crawling over the hood of my '79 Corvette, I'll remember my sister's tires. I think I'll stick with the ants.

Yikes!

Welcome Spring In All Its Glory!

photos from Pam King

Vintage Seed Catalogs

2010-04-17T23:30:00.000-07:00

Remember to check my April 12th entry for my giveaway this month. Enter a comment there to be included in the drawing on May 21st. Don't miss out!

Is there anything as lovely as vintage seed catalog illustrations?

Dreaming of an old fashion garden today!

Remember to leave a comment to be entered in the free giveaway!

New Giveaway!

2010-04-12T00:08:00.000-07:00

You know spring is here when the wisteria blooms.

Spring has sprung! This beautiful wisteria is blooming in my good friend Cheryl Alexander's back yard. Cheryl is also one of my favorite antique dealers and her booth at Antiques In Old Town, Lilburn, Georgia is the best. The shop should be on the top of your hit list. Check it out!http://antiquesinoldtown.blogspot.com/

Free Giveaway. Leave Comment By May 21st 6PM EST To Enter.

Spring is also a time of bugs and critters in the garden. So your own beetle on a turquoise colored howite stone is the perfect accessory to wear this spring. A one-of-a-kind botanical necklace made of new and vintage parts. It is from my Time In The Garden collection that can be found at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens gift shop. This piece is tucked away safely at home for my winner.

How to enter? Leave a comment on this entry giving a garden tip and you will be automatically entered. Numbering will start with the first comment as number one. I will use a random number generator to pick the winner on May 21st. Be sure I have a way to contact you. Deadline is May 21st at 6PM. Don't tally!

New Blog And Free Giveaways Starting Saturday!

2010-04-08T10:37:00.000-07:00

http://aprilinparisdivadog.blogspot.com/

The magic of a rose, transforming a quiet rescue dog into a diva who dreams of Paris. Come read April's (Miss April In Paris) diary.

Be sure to check all three blogs on Saturday. Starting a month of giveaways on each blog. So don't miss out.

Take Time To Smell The Roses

free clip art: http://www.webweaver.nu/clipart/flowers.shtml

Easter Parade

2010-04-04T10:12:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter To All!

Come See The Easter Hat Slide Show Starring The Female Dogs. Visit my blot Confessions Of The Unfaithful Widow at

http://theunfaithfulwidow.blogspot.com/

A Fairy Garden Cottage

2010-03-31T23:52:00.000-07:00

"Hand in hand, with Fairy grace,

Will we sing, and bless this place."

~ William Shakespeare (Titania, the Fairy

queen in A Midsummer Night’s Dream)

My little cottage built by my

husband many years ago. A

quiet studio to listen to nature,

smell the roses and write.

A place full of his memories

And visited by Garden Fairies.

Spread your wings and let the fairy in you fly! ~Author Unknown

Where Oh Where Is Spring????

2010-03-28T22:02:00.000-07:00

Is anyone as sick of the weather as I am? One lovely day this week that gave me hope spring was right around the corner. Then rain and coldness to chill your bones today.
But Saturday was a dream day to make you smile. My friend Sylvia showed me her garden with the creek running through the front yard and her violas and pansies blooming in pots stacked everywhere. Her 40's cottage home painted the sweetest shade of yellow with green shutters. I am thinking of painting my red brick au natural house yellow. How do you feel about painting brick? I am thinking hard on it. A yellow ranch house sitting nestled in a huge yard far from the street. So much more appealing than just plain brick. Dare I do it?
Sylvia sent me home with a bit of yellow. A huge pot of forsythia tall and willowy with its tiny yellow blossoms. I almost hugged it when I placed it on my patio.
Rain, rain, go away, come again......well, come again when I need to water my garden. When the grass smells sweet and my lavendar and rosemary are growing in my herb planters. When the elephant ears that my husband planted years ago peek through the ground again, a loving reminder of our days together in the garden. Rain come when my Butterfly Bush is waving in the breeze and little butterflies are flying by its lovely long purple blossoms. And maybe a little rain as my one lone rose bush starts to blossom on the trellis in the back bed. But shoo for now rain, and cold, I've had it. Oh how I want the sun on my face!
I am getting ready for Spring. Tomorrow, no matter what the weather brings, I will be at Home Depot in their gardening center. I am going to pebble in a huge area off my small deck and add stone pavers around it. The grass no longer grows there because of the tall tree blocking the sun. And six dogs running in the yard can make a mess of it. I am out to find stone and gravel and pebbles and brick pavers. I have a design in mind from an old gardening magazine and can't wait to get started.
What are your garden plans? I'd love to be inspired with some thoughts on how to make a large yard cozy. And what to use in place of grass, grass that does not grow in my back yard.

The Winners Are...............

2010-03-24T18:20:00.000-07:00

Foxy has put on her favorite sunflower band to announce tonight's winners!

Also mark your calendars, starting in April another one-of-a-kind botanical garden necklace will kick off a month of giveaways. So be sure to check back April lst, no foolin.

Also, check back often to see what's blooming in the garden!

Now for the winners.............................................

The winner pick from my list of followers is Hippie Dog. Starting with the earliest follower the number count began. A random number calculator was used to pick the winning number. Her prize is my little steampunk frozen Charlotte necklace.

And the winner of my frog necklace is GPC! Picked from the list of comments left. All comments were added up, using all comments on all postings after the contest was announced. The earliest comment was number one. I then used the random number calculator to find the winning number.

Congrats to both winners. I hope you love your necklaces!

Remember, check back, lots happening in the garden in April!

DRAWING TOMORROW MARCH 24 6PM EST

2010-03-23T07:38:00.000-07:00

A REMINDER, LEAVE A COMMENT AND BE INCLUDED IN MY FREE GIVEAWAY FOR THE LOVELY ONE-OF-A-KIND PIECE OF JEWELRY BELOW. DON'T MISS OUT. DRAWING MARCH 24TH 6PM EST! GOOD LUCK.

Giveaway Jewelry Items! Leave A Comment By March 24th

2010-03-08T08:38:00.000-08:00

WIN ME! WIN ME! You have until March 24th to enter my drawing! Winners to be picked by random number generator. You have two chances to win. Leave a comment and/or become a follower. You can do both and double your luck.
I've had a lot of lookers on this blog, my little counter tells me it's so, but there are only 8 - 12 entries for my giveaway. Here are the two pieces that will go to two lucky winners on March 24th at 10PM EST.
If you become a follower of my blog you will be entered in the drawing for this little steampunk botanical lady pendant and chain. A little frozen Charlotte with her orchid.

She is made with a Victorian porcelain watch face, a frozen Charlotte German doll and a vintage yellow orchid pin. On a silver toned chain with beads. Chain is new. Shown with a quarter for size.

Then leave a comment on my blog on this entry (or if you have already left a comment as early as Feb. 24th when I started my giveaway you are already entered).That winner will get this sweet frog pendant and choker chain. I love frogs and this one is very sweet! A perfect reminder Spring is just around the corner!
I will start my numbering for the drawing with the earliest comment and count til the last comment, no matter which entry you are on. Hope that is clear. My brain is not in full swing, but I am sipping my coffee and thinking hard and fast.

You can enter both! Drawing will be done with a random number generator on March 24th at 10PM EST. Be sure I have an e-mail address to contact you. I will let the winner know on the 24th and you will have five days to write me back and send shipping info! Good luck!

Botanical Gardens Show Weekend! Remember March 24th Giveaway

2010-03-06T04:49:00.000-08:00

Oh my, not used to being up this early. A night owl does not the early bird worm catch. But off and running to my show. Will tell you all about it on Monday and will show the pieces of jewelry for my giveaway then. Some folks are having trouble finding which entry to leave a comment on.(Its on Feb 24) BUT leave one anywhere and you will be entered! If you sign up as a follower you are in my second giveaway too. Have a lovely weekend. Weather here - Sunny And Bright. A perfect day to be at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens! Cheers to you!

I'm In Denial That Was Not Snow, But Sugar Drops

2010-03-02T19:01:00.000-08:00

My own Mr. Bill, folk art sculpture. OH NOOOOO. It snowed today, not a lot, but enough that you knew it was snow. Over it, over it, over it. Spring came knockin on my door yesterday teasing me. The air so sweet with a hint of coolness. Sun bright in the sky. Dogs rollin' on the grass. I was in a glorious mood. Walked around the yard wondering where I'll plant my flowers soon. They said snow on the weather channel, but I didn't take them seriously. They got it right. Darn. Today a snuggle bug day with the dogs and new issues of my favorite magazines. Glorious roses peeking out from the pages and folk art filling yards with pink blooms all around them. Thats a photo of my Mr. Bill from last spring. He and I are waiting to sit in that comfy chair again and sip a cool lemonade on a warm sunny day. Soon. Soon. Soon. I am in denial it snowed today. My head in a cloud of spring.

Meet Florrie Funk, Artist, Poet and Her Mosaic Garden Mary

2010-03-01T00:50:00.000-08:00

The most incredible yard art by my artist and poet friend Florrie M Funk. Florrie lives in Midtown, an intown neighborhood of Atlanta, minutes from downtown. I had to share this with you. It takes my breath away. Florrie has a gift for finding beauty in things many would overlook and is a true artist who can turn the ordinary into a masterful creation.
Here is Florrie's story on her Mary:
The bath tub came out of our house in Newton, Mass when we had a 1920's bathroom renovated. We brought it with us when we moved to Atlanta. I creatd the inside mosaic with bits of broken china, glass, stones and miscellaneous junk and figurines. Some of the pieces I picked up from the ground as I walked my dog around my Midtown neighborhood, pieces of broken street lights, car windows, ceramic tiles, mirrors, "found objects"... We bought the statue of the Virgen in Miami while visiting my Cuban mother-in-law. (Miami is a town that loves its lawn ornaments, sacred and profane) Mary arrived home via UPS with her head broken off so I Gorilla Glued it back on. I call her Nuestra Senora de la Caridad de Midtown ATL. The tub measures 28 inches wide by 36 inches tall with another 12 inches or so planted in the ground. This is my belief: "In all creation there are no insignificant pieces." I believe that to be true in terms of biological diversity, mosaic art, poetry, and other stuff.

I Love A Surprise Free Giveaway Enter Up Til March 24th.

2010-02-24T14:31:00.000-08:00

To celebrate my new blog I am offering two surprise giveaways. I will give you a hint, each will be one of my vintage botanical pendants. A little clock part and a little flower and perhaps a bug or two. To enter for the first drawing, leave a comment on this posting and be sure to include an e-mail address where I can contact you if you win. If you sign up as a follower there will be a second drawing and the winner will be picked from my list of followers. (My current followers are automatically entered in that category, if you want to be in the comments category add a hello here)You can enter both! I will have pictures later of the pieces. Starting today and ending on March 24th. Come say hello and win a whimiscal one of a kind piece of spring jewelry. Some examples of my work in earlier posts.

Waiting For Spring

2010-02-23T22:19:00.000-08:00

Oh how ready for Spring I am. I have enormous plans for my garden this year. The past year found me changing things inside the house and my garden neglected. Lucky for me it is full of flowers that come back without my help. I came across some photos from June and they made me smile remembering sunshine days in my yard. More my shabby garden art than cottage flowers. Come take a peek. I am getting ready for some hot chocolate at this late hour and have my latest garden magazine ready to find ideas for spring.

My favorite old aqua chippy paint chairs waiting for garden elves.
Vintage garden cement frogs romancing under an umbrella. And a lovely vintage shell art Madonna.

And the best old chippy paint garden gate!

Time In A Garden

2010-02-21T15:34:00.000-08:00

That little bisque doll head peeking out of the herbs on my kitchen window sill is reminding me I need to make jewelry. My show is in a few weeks and I have a lot to do to get ready. A new box of china heads came in the mail and they will be on my steampunk botanical pieces with a doll head. Storybook creations of young victorian children taking time in the garden. I'll share photos here when the pieces are completed. Now off to create!

Orchid Market Weekend March 6 - 7, 2010. Come Visit With Me

2010-02-19T12:24:00.000-08:00

I am so excited. I will be a jewlery vendor at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens Orchid Market Saturday March 6 - Sunday March 7. ( 9am to 5 pm). Visit the Hardin Visitor Center for special, awesome orchid-inspired shopping. There will beautiful live orchids from local growers, experts to answer all your care questions and orchid artwork, glass and jewelry. My jewelry is featured in the garden gift shop, and I will be one of the vendors that weekend.With me will be my friend Lillie who makes the most exquisite glass beads. So come see us! And be sure to visit the Atlanta Botanical Gardens wonderful web site. http://www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org/home.do .

It's Time For A Spring Garden

2010-02-18T01:33:00.000-08:00

I'm putting on my other hat, that vintage straw hat with the floppy brim and the big old daisy barely holding on by a thread. The hat that reminds me I love all things garden. I've been working hard on my book (oops, my other blog) and need a diversion. This blog will be my flowering garden. I can chat about my jewelry, my cottage antiques and home filled with frogs and flowers and puppy dog tales. Not shabby, not chic, but so comfy. An indoor garden with walls full of vintage floral paintings, and rooms bursting with old garden statues and patchwork quilts in ice cream colors. I like to talk about these things and share my home with my friends. Right now I am sharing it with my six dogs. Dogs who think vintage quilts are the perfect spot to drop their butts. Nothing sweeter than a dog sleeping soundly, all curled up surrounded by the softness of an old cotton quilt. So welcome friends, pull up a wicker chair, you know the one with the big pillow covered with 40's roses barkcloth fabric. It's just a little rickety and the white paint chipping oh so perfectly but it is the best seat in the room to share a cup of coffee with a friend and muse over what Spring will reveal.

Sharing some of my favorite old crusty chippy vintage garden statues with you. Purhcased over the years from my friend and antique dealer Cheryl Alexander. We used to set up at the Lakewood Antiques Show together. You can find her at one of my favorite shops, Antiques In Old Town, Lilburn, Ga. Put that in your GPS ladies! View the shop at http://antiquesinoldtown.blogspot.com/