A KISS FROM A PERFECT STRANGER

A Kiss From A Perfect Stranger

My new bracelet handmade of course by me. 

We go through life everyday and for the most part it seems we just pass each other by.  You know the people we pass on the street or in stores.  How often do we really look at them and see them as they pass us by?  How often do they notice us as we pass them by?  Today was a long day for me and my mother.  She had to go to the hospital to take a stress test.  Now for most people this would not be a big deal at all but for my mom it was almost more than she could handle.  For three days she has been a nervous wreck.  I am not talking about a little nervous I am talking about breaking out the inhaler, no sleep, shaking, not eating and so on.  I thought for sure she would back out and she did try to bolt out of the hospital once we arrived but somehow we managed to get her to stay.  After many long hours the test was done and I brought her home. That in and of itself was a remarkable feat and we were both glad that it was over.  However, during her ordeal something very profound happened and I left the hospital feeling very different than I did when we arrived.  

All of the people we encountered while at this hospital were so very wonderful and helpful and I mean everyone.  They were all caring, compassionate, patient, kind, professional, and the list goes on.  This was true for the ladies at the information desk, the registration clerk, the nurses, doctors and technicians.  I watched them as I do, especially when I am in a new place or situation and I was astonished at how well they went about doing their work.  They cared for my mother with such compassion, tenderness and understanding. I credit her staying and actually getting through the test to their work and how they handled my mom.  

Her imaging tech was named Patrick and he did such a fabulous job even though my mom was having a hard time with the machine and the fact that she had to lay flat with her arms over her head. This is very hard for my mom to do.  Yet,  somehow he manged to get her to do it and he stood with her holding her hands while the images flashed on the screen. This took 15 minutes and yet he stood there never letting her go.  We were on the last set of images and I was chatting with Patrick.  I felt the need to tell him how wonderful everyone had been and how much I appreciated everything they had done for us.  This was truly a hard day for us and they had made it okay for us somehow.  I just wanted him to know what it meant to us.  He motioned for me to lean in closer to him to say something near my ear, the machine was a little loud, and he whispered to me "thank you,  no one ever tells us thank you"  I thought that was all and he motioned again as if he had something else to say and I leaned in a little and he kissed me on my temple.  There was nothing romantic or suggestive about it or anything like that.  It was a kiss filled with gratitude for noticing a job well done.  

At first I was taken aback by his kiss not because it felt wrong or inappropriate but because it was unexpected.  It was a sweet and precious return for the gift I had given him. My gift to him was that I did not just pass him by but instead I noticed him and I let him know that I had noticed. I  did not take his kindness or patients for granted but instead I appreciated it and in return he appreciated me.  There is a lesson to be learned here I am sure of it.  The lesson might just  be that maybe,  just maybe,  we should be careful when we pass each other by because we might just miss an opportunity to appreciate each other. Life is precious and we are all carrying our baggage and you never know when you might actually change someones day, week, month or life.....  Maybe we should not miss an opportunity to make the world a better place.  For today neither myself nor Patrick let that moment pass us by. We did what we felt and in some small way I would like to think that we both had a profound effect on each other.  I am sure for the next few days he will remember what I said and he will be better for it and perhaps so will his patients. What I do know is that I was touched and changed and I am sure I will not forget his kiss for some time to come.  So today I was kissed by a perfect stranger...........
and it changed my day.

 I have not had much time lately to craft anything but I did manage to make a few bracelets.  I have plans to make a purse for a friend. Until I get around to that enjoy a few pictures of my bracelets. 

Until next time we meet,  take the time to let someone know they are appreciated without any expectations, it could change your day. 

BETTER DAYS AHEAD

Better Days Ahead

I have been away from my blog for a while so I wanted to let everyone know what has been going on with me here at Tea Cottage Pretties.  As most of you know I lost my baby brother Paul back in June of this year.  My mother and my brother had lived together all of his life with the exception of only a few years.  He was born disabled and although he manage to take care of himself independently he was never able to hold down a job.  My mother and he had a special bond and it was not until he passed away that I realized how much they meant to each other.  Without my brother, my mom has become very sick and weak and I believe it is because she is grieving.  I wish I could make everything okay for her but I know only time will heal her broken heart.  My mother told me that she was scared to be alone and I asked if she wanted to come stay with us and she said yes.

My beautiful and loving husband told me that he would go get my mother for me and bring her here.  He had only two weeks left before he would deploy to serve in another country for a year but he would take a week of that and go get her and that is exactly what he did.  He drove two days to get to her home in North Carolina and then he had to help get her things packed up and in storage.  My brother's girlfriend (love of his life) Trish and my Eric got the work done and then my husband headed back to Texas with my mom.  The trip was hard on him and on my mother but they made it here.  My mom is very sick and she needs a lot of care.  It is my hope to help her regain her strength, heal and become independent again.

Many things have transpired since my baby brother passed away.  I have learned many things about life, people and myself.  Some things have been very painful, some unfortunate and some just down right sad.  I have seen others behave in ways that I can't even begin to understand and it has colored what I once thought of them.  So I have lost not only my baby brother but my healthy mother and my previous notions and beliefs about others in my life. 

Although I have lost some things in life, I have gained some things as well.  First and foremost, I have gained a new found understanding of just how much my husband loves me.  I have learned how far he will go to do something just because I told him I needed him.  He unselfishly sacrificed himself to make sure that my mother got here and he has been wonderful since she arrived.  I say all this with tears in my eyes because it overwhelms me just how much this beautiful man loves me.

Secondly, in dealing with others I have learned to make better judgements.  I have learned that sometimes you must have the grace to turn and walk away from others.  Sometimes no matter what you might have said it would not have changed anything and you might actually hurt others in the process.  Conversely, I have learned when necessary I will put a stop to someones bad behavior and simply not allow them to impose more pain and heartache on those I love.  Mostly, I have learned when to know the difference between those situation when I should simply walk away and when I should intervene.  I have essentially learned to pick my battles.

Last but certainly not least, I have learned that I am stronger than I knew I was before.  I have learned to have tremendous faith and to trust in my faith.  I have learned that no matter how bad things can be you can weather the storm.  I have learned that things have a funny way of working out and that somehow God will provide what is needed to see you through the storm.   I have learned that even on the darkest of days there is always hope.  We must always trust in our faith, have hope and believe that this to shall pass and that we will see better days ahead.  

SCHOOLS STARTING, A PURSE OF MY OWN AND #22 LIMOGES COFFEE POT

Schools Starting :(

A Purse Of My Very Own

and 

#22  Limoges Coffee Pot

We have been super busy here at Tea Cottage Pretties. I have two beautiful girls that I have been trying to get ready for school.  I always hate it when my babies go back to school.  True story:  I went to provide proof of residence for my youngest at her school.  While there the secretary asked if I was glad school was starting back and I immediately said "NO".  She looked at me kind of funny and said "really????"  I said  "no, I am never ready for my girls to go back to school".  I haven't even gotten over having to send them for their first day of school when they were little. She told me I was different from most parents and that usually they are so ready for the children to go back to school. Well I am not that parent I guess but I will be okay and we will get into our routine. My girls do very well in school and I am very proud of them. That is once we finish getting ready.... almost there......

In other news.....

A Purse of My Very Own

I love the purses I have been making and I so enjoy designing them with all the little details. There are a few things I do not like about every pattern I have  found so this made me think, maybe I should make my own pattern and tweak it to my liking.  So I am currently educating myself in the school of purse making.  I love the interwebs because there are so many wonderful tutorials out there.  Just about anything you want to learn is out there somewhere.  It does take a lot of research and sorting through the tutorials but eventually you will find what you need. After much research this past week and a lot of hours and hard work I now have 2 purse patterns that I am working on.  For the next few weeks I will be working on my new adventure. Who knew a simple idea would lead to me thinking about designing beautiful purses even in my sleep. Yes, I have been dreaming of all sorts of ideas while sleeping. Once I get everything worked out perfectly I will post a picture of my new purse. Maybe in the near future I can offer them for sale. We will see where this takes me. 

#22 Limoges Coffee Pot

Also, this week I wanted to share some more of my Limoges pieces.  I wanted to choose something extra special so I chose my Limoges Coffee Pot.  This piece is very stunning and it is actually my favorite of all my Limoges pieces. Well at least one of my favorites. It is highly detailed with beads, 22K gold designs and trim, beautiful handpainted roses and lovely shades of blue (with fading).  I took lots of photos to show the fabulous details of this piece.  I am a detail person and it so appeals to me.  

Here is a picture I took of it when I first got it about 5 years ago. 

And here are my new pictures taken for this weeks post. 

Back

Front 

 Handle

Spout 

Close Up 

Markings 
ELITE
L
FRANCE
Elite marking after 1900's 

To all the Moms and Children starting back to school, we wish everyone a great year!  

With Fall on the way it is time to start thinking about pumpkins and spices and good Family times together.  I am waiting patiently for that first crisp feeling in the air, telling me that Fall is in fact on it's way.  Of course living in South Texas it may be a while yet so I won't wish my days away. I am just happy to know that the very HOT summer is almost over. 

Thank you ever so kindly for visiting and come again.
Tea Cottage Pretties would like to wish everyone a very Happy Fall!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hugs, Beverly

Tea Cottage Pretties

A VERY GOOD WEEK AND MUCH TO SHARE

A Very Good Week and Much To Share

I have so much to share this week.  First I am happy to report that I have been feeling GREAT.  My Fibromyalgia has been under control as well as my Pernicious Anemia.  It kind of worked out great because we spent last week cleaning out our closets and preparing for a BIG yard sale. We did have our yard sale on Saturday and we got rid of tons of stuff and made some good money.  I always try to think of my yard sales as people stopping by and paying me to carry off the things I no longer need or use. As my girls get older they thin out their toys and clothes and it is nice to pass things on to others. Always recycle and reuse. 

While cleaning out my closets I found my sweet little porcelain night light. I had completely forgotten about this sweet vintage light.  I immediately took it and replaced a broken bulb with a pink one.  I cleaned it up and sat it on my bedside table. Finally I have a sweet little night light and to think it was there all the time, just lost waiting for me to find it again. Here are some pictures of my night light. Note it still has the original sticker on it from Japan. 

Vintage Night Light

Now I am not a  TV person and I do not make a habit of watching it however, my DH loves to watch.  So we were watching the Andy Griffith Show and Barney mentioned that he and Thelma Lou usually watch TV and share CASHEW FUDGE on Friday nights.  I looked at my husband and said Cashew Fudge??  Well we grabbed our laptop and googled Cashew Fudge and we were so surprised when we found  Thelma Lou's Cashew Fudge Recipe. So we checked our cabinets and all we really needed to make it was the cashews. Off to the store I went, it was my shopping day anyway.  After dinner my DD and I made this fudge in about 30 minutes. It is not hard to make at all, it turned out fabulous and I must say it is so very good.  It is a combination of sweet, salty, gooey, crunchy goodness.  I am sure it is very high in calories so it is not something I would eat often but it is a great treat to have occasionally. Not to mention you could really WOW your friends and/or guest with this one. 

And here is

Thelma Lou's Cashew Fudge

 You can find the recipe here:

Thelma Lou's Cashew Fudge

Like I said I have much to share this week.  My Mom was sick a few weeks ago and it was a very hard time for me.  Our Blessing was that she got better after we figured out it was a new medicine she was taking.  My Mom is doing much better now but it was a scary time for all of those who love her.  Now all better, she saw a picture of my handbag I made last week and she called me and said "where's my handbag?"  I told her that I would be more than happy to make one for her and that I was so glad that she liked it.  So I did just that and I must say it felt so good to know that I can do this for her. I am thankful that she is here and I am thankful that I could make something special just for her.  

I then worked on a bracelet that I had collected all my goodies to make.  I love to make little jewelry pieces and I loved how the bracelet turned out.  I fashioned it a little like the Betsy Johnson bracelets that I so love.  There are beads on a stretchy cord and then a chain with my pretties on it.  There is a crown with rhinestones, glass owl, engagement ring, large pearl with topper and a black bow. 

Then I went back to making handbags with the Ellen Medlock Interchangeable 1 Handbag Pattern.  Okay I can't call them handbags, this is driving me nuts. Every time I go to type handbag I start typing purse and then I have to correct it.    My Grandma and my Mom always used the term purse.  I was raised saying purse so from here on out I will call it a purse, it just feels more natural to me.

I made a black lace overlay purse. It is perfect for an evening bag but being a Girly Girl I will probably carry it just because. If I am wearing black it can go with me. It is hard to photograph black lace but I tried to capture it so that you could see the lace. I added a beautiful flower pin and a silver engagement ring ornament. Isn't is the cutest?

I had picked up a few goodies lately and they go so well with my purse and my new bracelet that I made. I also picked up a tiara for a great price.  I think I shall wear it while I wash dishes.

For my last item this week, I have a very special purse to share with you.  I love the look of those fabric book pages.  I love the lace and sweet details that make them so beautiful.  With this in mind I decided I would make a purse with a similar look and feel.  I started with a muslin fabric, added a beautiful lace overlay, worked on images that I could print on fabric and selected all sorts of decorative things to add to my purse.  The images are all vintage perfume images with overlays of crowns, the Eiffel Tower, perfume bottles, etc.  To personalise my purse one print has Tea Cottage Pretties on it and the other has Beverly and Eric on it.  This purse is gorgeous and I love love love how it turned out. It is a LOT more work and cost a LOT more than the other bags but the results are stunning. I added fabric flowers, rhinestone button, crochet trim, a lace bow and Eiffel Tower ornament. 

 The graphics on my new purse are courtesy of:

The Graphics Fairy  

and/or

Vintage Feedsacks

The collages and overlays were created by me....

There are a lot of photos for you. I made a few of them a little darker so that you can see the details. 

Front of Purse

Back of Purse

(Darkened so you can see the details)

 Inside of Purse showing pockets trimmed in crochet trim.

This concludes my post for the week. I told you I had a lot I wanted to share. Hope you enjoyed and please come back by to visit me soon. 

I now have 50 Followers and I am Tickled Pink!  This means so very much to me. I appreciate each and everyone of you and I hope you enjoy visiting my little blog. I love to hear from folks so feel welcome to leave a comment. And again Thank You Ever So Kindly!!!!

See you soon, Beverly 

Tea Cottage Pretties

INTERCHANGEABLE HANDBAG

Interchangeable Handbag

This Blog Post was updated on 8/21/2012

I always love beautiful fabric and whenever I find some I love I am always thinking "what can I make with this?"  So with that in mind I started researching handmade handbags and patterns.  I finally came across a sweet pattern that I loved. 

This pattern requires the use of an interchangeable 1 purse handle.

 I was in love!!!

So I ordered my pattern and this particular one comes with the handle. It is the Interchangeable1 Bag. There are actually several different styles and sizes.  I just loved this particular style. You can get the handle in different finishes including silver, gold, and antique bronze.   

This is a very nice pattern and the finished product is fabulous.  The pattern is easy to follow and the instruction book is really helpful and well written. Ellen Medlock has done a great job of explaining everything.  Also, this kit comes with the handle and pattern.  Therefore if you are a beginner I do highly recommend this nice pattern. 

The pattern is pricey compared to other handbag patterns.  It does not include all the pieces for everything you need to cut out including the optional inside pocket. Instead it tells you the measurements of those pieces and you have to make a little pattern part for yourself (or cut on a cutting mat with inches on it).  Although that is simple enough for anyone to do.  

You can find her here:  Ellen Medlock on Etsy. 


You can find the handles online as well. I ordered the antique bronze (with the pattern)
 and I also ordered a silver handle and chain from Etsy. 

Here is the link for the Etsy shop that I got my silver handle from,
 it was less expensive this way.  

http://www.etsy.com/shop/AmericanPurseCo

Here are some more links for Handbag Patterns

Check out the handbag patterns at  
U-handbag
This site offers affordable pattern downloads. She seems to be really helpful and supportive of those that purchase her patterns.  She also seems to take great pride in the success of others.  

I also recommend that you check out the FREE handbag patterns here:
Tip Junkie
There are some fabulous patterns here. 

Matter of fact there are literally tons of FREE patterns for handbag out there. 

 Back to my story, all my goodies arrived in the mail and I set about making my handbag.  I had previously bought all the materials I need: Fabric, Interfacing and Thread.  I made my handbag in a few hours not counting the bow which I fashioned myself to add to the bag. This is how it turned out. Please leave a comment and let me know what you think of my new handbag. 

Here are my supplies.

I am delighted with how it turned out. I added a cute little mirror and of course my handmade bow.  The best part is the handle comes off and I can make different handbags to use with my handles.  This Girly Girl is very pleased with her new handbag. 

I think my new Ellen Medlock Interchangeable 1 Handbag is Fabulous! 


I  am also counting my blessings this week because my beautiful Mom was very sick and she is all better now.  When she saw my handbag, she called and said "where's my purse?" I told her I would be more than happy to make one for her.  I am glad she is feeling better and I am glad I can make one for her.  So next week you will find me at the sewing machine making a purse for my Mom!!!!!

MY MOM!

See you soon, Beverly

CRAFTING: DIY CROWNS AND BRACELET DISPLAY STAND AND MORE

Crafting: DIY Crowns and Bracelet Display Stand. 

DIY Crowns

This weekend I decided to do some crafting. I started with making crowns for me and my two DDs. We bought some WIDE crochet trim and we cut it to size and stitched it together on the sewing machine.  Next we used fabric stiffener and placed the crowns on a round laminated poster so that they would dry and stay shaped.  Once the front was dry enough I pealed them off and let stand to dry the inside (the backside would not dry well while sitting on laminate).  The next day we each picked our paint out and we painted them with a brush. I used regular Folk Art paint and had no problems with it at all, they came out fabulous. We then picked our glitter color and we added glitter.  Then we went through all my crafting supplies and picked out the things we loved to go on our crowns.  I hot glued our decorations to our crowns and we were done. They came out really cute. These are great for parties, pretend play and or decoration. 

Here is our resident model showing off each crown. 

Now my beautiful DDs love their crowns but I must say we made a BIG mess and it took awhile to clean it up.  I of course ended up doing most of the work.  I guess that is how it is for Moms everywhere.  The mess can always be cleaned up in a few minutes but the memories will last a lifetime.   Today my little girls are Princesses and  I love my Princesses so very much. And of course I am the BIG Princess in charge. 

On to something special for me. 

DIY Bracelet Stand 
from Store Bought Stand

My second project was to recover a store bought bracelet stand and make it my very own.  I started by figuring out how to take it apart. As it turned out it was stapled and was pretty easy to pull apart.  I then pulled all the black velvet type stuff off of it and cleaned each piece up.  I covered the pieces with white felt and then cut and covered with my fabric.  I used the fabric I pulled off the stand to cut what I needed from the new fabric.  I hot glued the new fabric back on making sure to fold the ends over. I then put the stand back together but I used nails in the bottom and glue.  then to hide the seams I added pink sequins and pretty decorations to include a bow, flower and a crystal.  I think it turned out just darling.....

I love how this turned out it goes perfectly with my decor. 
This is truly my aesthetic.


From crating to cleaning our closets and moving furniture to relaxing in the bathtub. 
I was able to get so much done today because my hubby cooked dinner for us today.  He made enchiladas and Spanish rice. It was the best dinner ever. 


My tip for today.  Do you have a beautiful vintage tea pot that you love? 
 Put your bath salts in it and then pour through spout for a nice long bath. 
It makes a lovely display and is quite useful!

The Tea Pot is a vintage Sadler pot.  It has sweet pink roses in it. 
The problem was I needed a container for my bath salt.  
We are cleaning out all our closets and rearranging some furniture and stuff. 
This usually leads to me rethinking how I use things in our home. 
Add all this together and you get bath salt in a tea pot. 

Also in this picture Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Candle Holders. 
I got them from Target years ago. Each one opens with one side being a door that latches. 
I tried to capture the flicker of the candles for you. 

The table is actually a vintage typing table (metal) that I painted and then hand painted pink roses on it. I love it so much I was never able to sell it. In the sugar shaker is my powder and the glass apothecary has my epsom salt. 

It was hard to capture an image for you of the bath salt coming out of the spout while holding the camera and all but at least you can get the idea.  

From all the Princesses here at Tea Cottage Pretties - 
have a great week and we will see ya soon. 

Beverly

Tea Cottage Pretties