LIVING WITH PRETTIES AND A DIY HEIRLOOM PILLOW

Living With Pretties

I like to decorate and live with the things I love.  Sometimes, because things are fragile, things get broken and I am heart broken but I manage to accept it and move on. That is the price you pay for living with your pretties but I would not have it any other way.  I am very careful about things, for example I would never sit an expensive piece of Limoges out on a side table where it would get knocked over.  Other than that I live with the things I love all around me.  If I love something I will find a prefect place for it and there it will stay.  So today while cleaning our bedroom, I was thinking about some of the things we live with in our room.....   

My camera has been acting up and I wanted to test it out to make sure it was working well, so I decided to take a few pictures of some of my things in our room. I took a series of photos and most of them came out pretty well.  This post will mostly be pictures of the things I photographed today. Hope you enjoy!

First I wanted to share my Shabby table and chairs. I found this adorable set at my favorite little shopping place- Homestead Handcrafts in San Antonio, Texas.  I love all the scroll work on it. The background is our curtains that I bought a few years back. They go with all my Shabby Chic items so well. 


One day I am going to make cushions for my chairs. 

Next is my vintage blue velvet round pillow. 

The next pillow is one I made from my daughter's outfit from when they were very small. I so loved this outfit and I could not part with it. They actually had it in 2 different sizes and they both wore them.  Once they got bigger (babies do that you know) I made a pillow so that I could always remember them and how beautiful they were in this outfit. I think it makes a very nice heirloom type piece to pass down. I will follow with instructions on how I made the pillow. It is a very easy DIY pillow. 

Next is a Sadler pink tea set.  I absolutely love this little set.  Matter of fact I keep very few pieces of porcelain that are not Limoges and this is definitely a keeper.  It is the most yummy delicious color of pink ever. It is trimmed in gold and it has a very expensive feel to it.  It is just precious. It sits on my table and on a vintage mirror that I painted white. 

Here is my Candelabra from Target.  Target offered this piece a few years back and it is just so lovely. I believe it was sold in the Rachel Ashwell line of Shabby Chic products. It has glass holders for the candles and lots of crystals. I did change the crystals because it came with plastic ones and I could not have PLASTIC crystals.  Glass I will do but not plastic. 

  

Next are 2 of my Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic jars from the Target line.  I have several of each of these because they were so beautiful and I got them at a great price. 

Another Shabby Chic dish and a vintage shaker that has been re- purposed for powder. 

For my last picture today I wanted to share a vintage fan that I painted pink.  It is an oscillating fan and it still works however, because the fan is a little dangerous I very seldom turn it on.  Your fingers can fit through the fan and well you know, it would not end up very pretty. 

Hope you enjoyed my pictures of some of the things I love and live with everyday. 

Heirloom DIY Pillow

How to make the pillow

Now for the pillow made from my daughter's outfit.  You can make these from dresses or those one piece pant outfits that little girls wear.  That is what mine is made from.  I simply cut the bottom off and hemmed it.  Then I flipped the outfit right side out and stitched the sleeves and the neck closed. I used the back button opening to fill with stuffing and buttoned it.  That was all there was to it and I now have a beautiful pillow and sweet memories. 

My next post will be more of my Limoges Collection.....

PRETTY VINTAGE PORCELAIN AND MEMORIES OF YESTERDAY

Pretty Vintage Porcelain

and

 Memories of Yesterday

Every now and then I find a piece of porcelain that is so pretty and priced so well that I just can't pass it up.  This platter was found in one of my favorite little spots in the world - Homestead Handcrafts in San Antonio, Texas.  It is a piece of beautiful pottery that has a lovely light pink background and sweet little flowers in shades of pink.   It is trimmed in gold and in very good condition.  What is neat about this piece is that it apparently was a piece from a Grocer.  When I turned it over to take a look at the back I found it was stamped:

Frank Ranalli & Son

5101 Kershaw Street

TR7-7415

Meats, Groceries & Produce

I do not know anything about this piece except that I adore it.  I thought at one time I would resale it but I have never been able to part with it.  It is beautiful and somehow it just speaks to me.  It speaks of a time when I remember the Grocer would offer porcelain and/or china pieces at a very low price.  Each week you could add a little something to your collection until you had a full set of china.  This was the only pretty china we ever had when I was a child.  I don't think my Mother ever managed to collect an entire set but I loved the pieces she had just the same.  I think this particular piece is an earlier piece than even those that I remember but it still brings back those nostalgic feelings and longings for a simpler and more pleasant life.

Today we have places like Wal-Mart and everyone flocks there, it all seems to rushed and almost rude.  I miss the little grocer I would visit with my Mother and my Grandmother.  I miss the beautiful smiles and happy greetings and well wishes as we went through our day.  I see people today and how they behave and I think of those yesterdays.  Maybe times does make our memories sweeter but still it just seemed more pleasant and happy.  I miss those days......

My Pretty Piece of Yesterday

Maybe that is why I have not been able to let this piece go....

I miss my beautiful Grandmother for I loved her very much.  

Thank you for the memories Grandma and the biscuits.

 Here she is with my Grandfather back in the mid fifties. 

My Angel, then and now and always.....

Elbert and Willow Batton

On a different note,  I added a background to my blog. I made this background using an actual piece of my Limoges porcelain. I know this is probably no big deal to most but to me it is a milestone.  I finally got a background and I made it all by myself! 

 Below is the Limoges Tray I made the image from:

And I saved the BEST for last!

Drum Roll

I now have 16 Followers and I wanted to thank each and everyone one of you.

You made my week!!!

 make that 17!

18 and now 19 and 20 and still counting!!!

Thank you everyone so very kindly for spending time with me here at Tea Cottage Pretties. 

I appreciate each and every one of you and

thank you for adding me. 

Hugs, Beverly

Tea Cottage Pretties

PRETTY - MY VERY OWN TEA COTTAGE PRETTIES BLOG CAT

Tea Cottage Pretties Blog Cat

My June Bug loves to draw with Paint and she makes fabulous kitty cat characters.  So she asked if she could make me a Blog Cat and I said of course you can.  So she made me this beautiful kitty named Pretty just for me for my Blog!

Thank you my sweet June Bug!!!!

MUSING: WHY DO WE LOVE PINTEREST?

Why Do We Love Pinterest?

There is something really appealing about pinterest and it seems no one can quite put their finger on it.  However, I am going to give it a try.  When I first found pinterest I was amazed at all the eye candy.  There is no other place on the interwebs that I have found where you go and it is like Christmas.  There is so much to look at and it can be a little overwhelming at times.  When it is to much I just move on but when I do look around I always find something that makes me say WOW!  

I guess pinterest is kind of like a dream book.  I remember when I was a young girl we would look through all the catalogs.  You know the Sears, JC Penney's and other numerous catalogs that our Mom had around the house.  I would make list of everything that I loved in them.  I would never have expected to get all those lovely things but dreaming about them was exciting.  That is how pinterest is I think, you can look and dream.

As a crafter pinterest offers me something else, a place to find great ideas.  I also did this with those great catalogs when I was young. I would see something and then go make it.  That is how it is for me and I think maybe for all crafters.  I never like to steal ideas but I use ideas to make something that is distinctly mine.  I am always more proud of my things if and when I make them.

Pinterest is a source of great eye candy, ideas, products and so much more.  I do think that there is truly no other place anywhere on the interwebs that offers what pinterest offers.  I saw a post on facebook the other day that said "I am quite sure that the answers to all the worlds problems will be solved and it will be posted on pinterest."  Well this might not be true but I can say that I love pinterest and if nothing else we might be able to at least escape our problems just by visiting. So keep pinning and I will keep looking and pinning.

Below you will find my most recent pinterest WOW moment picture. I tried to find who was credited for this picture but I could not find them.  If you know let me know so I can give them credit. You simply cut a pop bottle top off and put the opening of the bag through it. Fold the bag down over pop bottle top and then screw the cap back on. How neat is that........

Happy Pinning............

VINTAGE LINENS

Vintage Linens

I love all things vintage and beautiful especially vintage hand embroidered linens.  From time to time I manage to pick up a few of these lovelies. I love all sorts of linen things like pillowcases, table clothes and linen towels.  Yet, most of all I love the 100% cotton pillowcases that have been so lovingly decorated.  They seem so delicate and beautiful and they carry with them the love that was put into them in the first place.  They remind me of my childhood and a much simpler time.  I have quite a few vintage linen items but my favorite is a set of pillowcases.  This set is embroidered with southern ladies.  They are so charming and lovely and I wanted to share them.

FASHION PARIS HILTON SHOES

Fashion

Paris Hilton Bergo Shoes

Being a true girly girl I love shoes and every once in awhile I find a pair of shoes that I just love to pieces.  About a year ago I did just that, I found the sweetest shoes ever.  These flats by Paris Hilton are a perfect shade of pink and I love the bows.  They are comfortable and stylish all at the same time.  

Paris Hilton shoes come in the sweetest girly girl boxes with bright pink ribbon handles.  I of course have kept my box and I keep my shoes in it. These are very well made shoes and they have sweet little hearts on the heal and inside. There is even a little heart on the box that is used to open the box, the box slides open.

I was just so excited about finding these adorable shoes that I has to share them.  Have you had any great finds lately?   I know I will be wearing these pink beauties for a long time to come.  

Just adorable!

Hugs, Beverly

Tea Cottage Pretties

#17 LIMOGES DEMITASSE

Limoges Demitasse

Today I wanted to share the only Limoges demitasse cup and saucer in my entire collection.  I personally have never seen to many of these little darlings but I must say I love this little beauty.  The artist did a beautiful job painting this tiny cup and saucer.  I love that it is pink of course and has beautiful little roses.   It is light and delicate and oh so beautiful.

A demitasse (French for half cup) or demi for short is used to serve espresso.

Both pieces are marked

Elite

Limoges

France

Bawo & Dotter

1920-1932

As promised I am continuing to post pictures of my Limoges Collection. This will take some time to get everything on my blog. Be sure to come back to see more lovely pieces of Limoges and other vintage porcelains.

TIPS AND THINGS: LAVENDER EPSOM SALT

Lavender Epsom Salt

Imagine climbing into a tub filled with warm water and fragrant lavender epsom salt.  Around you are candles which flicker a soft glow and beside you a glass of your favorite wine or perhaps your favorite beverage.  Now imagine using that same lavender epsom salt as air freshener for your closet, your car, or for any room in home.  Imagine washing your 100% cotton sheets and using lavender epsom salt in the final rinse to add a lovely and fresh fragrance to your sheets.  Imagine what you can do with a bag of lavender epsom salt.  

I use lavender epsom salt for all these things and it is fabulous.  In the bath it refreshes and invigorates and helps sooth sore achy muscles (at least for me it does).  In my closet it freshens the air and keeps my clothes smelling fresh and wonderful and it cost way less than those pricey air fresheners.  

I also add a little to my rinse cycle to freshen my sheets in the washer.  I simply put some lavender epsom salt in a cup and dissolve it in water.  I then add it to my rinse cycle.  You may want to check with your washer manufacturer to make sure this is safe for your type of washer.  For my washer it is fine and it makes our sheets so luxurious to sleep in.   Even my husband says that it makes the sheets feel so much better.

I am not promoting any brand or product here and I know there are different lavender epsom salt products out there. There are also other fabulous fragrances that you might find you like more.  Find what you love and try using it in different way.  You may find hidden treasures where you never thought to look.

Relax and sweet dreams.......

For other uses for Epsom Salt visit eHow......

#16 LIMOGES VASE WITH PINK ROSES....

Limoges Vase with Pink Roses

Today I wanted to share my sweet little Limoges vase.  I stumbled upon this darling vase several years ago and I paid just a few dollars for it.  Most of my pieces I have collected over time and I always look for a great deal. This piece is no exception. 

I got it home and I had a perfect glass dome to put it under and some extra silk flowers.  All I had to do was paint the wooden base for the glass pink (of course).  I had been looking for the perfect piece to sit on my faux fireplace (a gift from my sister) in our bedroom and this fit the bill.  Perfect for a Shabby Chic Bedroom....

 Outside the glass

The back of the vase

 Markings

 D & C

France

Delinieres, R (D&CO.)

1894-1900

VINTAGE SPUN COTTON

Vintage Spun Cotton

Today I was looking at some of my pictures and I stumbled across some of my vintage spun cotton ornaments.  These little jewels were made in Japan circa 1960's.  they are near and dear to my heart mostly because they remind me of my childhood.  Childhood memories can be the most precious of all memories. Seeing things from the 60's bring about all sorts of nostalgic thoughts and feelings. 

So I went back through my blog to see if I had posted any of my spun cotton treasures and I found that I had posted some things around the holidays.  However, I had left out some really cute things.  So today I wanted to share some of my spun cotton ornaments and such with you.

First I wanted to share my vintage snowmen and angels.

Here are my 2 little Snowbabies.

 I have a set of three large Angels that are mint in box. I just love these little angels.

 These are my vintage snowmen.  I added these to my little collection this past Christmas.  They were all I wanted for Christmas.

 What Girly Girl could resist this beautiful vintage PINK snowman?

 Last but not least my pink angels. I have a set of 8 of these.

Next Post will be more of my Limoges Collection....

FASHION LACE RUFFLES PEARLS and DENIM

Fashion

Lace, Ruffles, Pearls and Denim

My Shopping Trip

Being a Girly Girl I of course love to shop especially when I find something fabulous.  Today my daughter Tiffany and I went out for a short shopping trip.  We always have the best time ever when we go out looking around.  Some days we just look and not buy anything and other days we score.  Today we scored and both of us got some fabulous things at fabulous prices.  I wanted to share my outfit that I found because it is so beautiful and sweet.  I found an adorable lace dress that was about 85% off and a denim jacket with ruffles that was about 50% off. Like all girls I LOVE a bargain.  Then while checking out I found an endless glass pearl necklace.  I love pearls and I could not resist adding them to my finds for the day. So here are my beautiful new clothes and my pearls......

LACE, RUFFLES, PEARLS and DENIM!
SCORE

Now think of all the things I can add to this ensemble - vintage brooches, scarves, bracelets and more!

I found this quote on pinterest and I so loved it that I wanted to share it. 

Lovely ladies in lovely dress, there's something classy about that I think...

INSPIRATION PAINTING ROSES - LIMOGES

Inspiration for painting Roses

Limoges of course.....

When you are a crafter you never know where you will find inspiration.   From my love of Limoges porcelain came a love for painting.  Back when I first started collecting hand painted Limoges porcelain I was always amazed at the beautiful roses on my pieces.   Actually I was kind of jealous and I wanted to be able to paint too.   So I set about searching the interwebs for instructional videos.   I was delighted when I found that YouTube had quite a few videos.   After some research I went out and bought myself some supplies.   Then I sat down and  I just kept painting until I got something that looked like a rose.  I am not a professional painter however, I became good enough to actually paint some items for myself.   I even eventually sold some of my hand painted items. 

I love to recycle and reuse vintage things and I always see things for what they could be and not what they are.   This led me to combine my love of vintage items, recycling and painting.   Although, I have previously talked about many of my hand painted items, I wanted to share them again today.   If you are so inclined please leave a comment and let me know what you think of them.

First, here is a cake saver that I painted. The inside was in perfect condition and I can still use it as a cake server.  I only painted the outside and the bottom of the inside.  It has a clear glass cake plate inside.

This is my coal bucket complete with shovel. This beauty was in terrible condition when I found it.  I cleaned and cleaned and cleaned it then I was able to paint it and turn it into the treasure you see here.

My Drop Leaf Table is next and when I found this is was in very sad shape. I think I paid about $8.00 for it. The top of it was laminated and someone had left it in the rain.  The prep work for this table took  forever as I had to remove the laminate and sand the entire table.  I turned it into a tea table and I love how it turned out.

There are 2 upcycled chairs in this picture as well.

This was an old window I found and I wanted to try my hand at painting on glass. I was very pleased with how it turned out. This was one of my earlier pieces and I was still learning how to paint roses.  
This piece still hangs in our quest powder room. Oh and I painted the blue and white stripes in our powder room as well.

The last item I want to share today is an old sewing machine draw.  This piece was also in very sad shape when I found it.  I brought it home and after much love I have a lovely storage box. I even gave it a beautiful fabric top.

 I  have many more hand painted items but I thought I would share just a few today and save some for later.

So be sure to come back and look for more hand painted items in the future.

Thank you for stopping by

and for letting me share my hand painted items with you!

Hugs, Beverly

Tea Cottage Pretties

#15 LIMOGES TEA POT

Limoges Tea Pot

This is one of my favorite Limoges pieces and my absolute favorite tea pot.  It fits into my decor so well with it's beautiful blues and pink roses.  I love the 22K gold accents on this piece. the artist did and outstanding job on this beauty.  It makes you want to put on a beautiful hat and dress
and have a tea party.  

Elite L France
Bawo & Dotter, Mark 5
After 1900 

Have a beautiful day, 
Beverly

Tea Cottage Pretties

#14 LIMOGES BOWL

Limoges Bowl

This is a very stunning Limoges bowl.  It is beautifully hand painted with pink roses and a beautiful pale blue.  What I love about this piece is the shape. It is unusual and this adds to the beauty of it.  I of course love that the  artist used pinks and blues to decorate this bowl and they even painted the outside of the bowl a lovely pale pink.  

Just a beautiful dish. 

The back is painted a soft pink. 

Marked

A Seynie

 Limoges

P.P.

France

Paroutaud Freres

1902-1916

#1 TEA STRAINER UNKNOWN MAKER HARD PASTE PORCELAIN

Tea Strainer
 Unknown Maker
Hard Paste Porcelain

This is just the most lovely porcelain tea strainer.  This piece has no factory markings but it is a hard paste porcelain.  It is signed by the artist and is dated 1974, not many of my pieces are dated this late in the 1900's.  It is in excellent condition and displays beautifully. 

Hand painted in soft pinks,  adorned with beautiful roses and then trimmed in 22K gold, this piece is so beautiful and fits so well into my Shabby Chic decor. It is one of my favorite pieces and a treasure to own.  

Thank you ever so kindly for visiting us 

here at Tea Cottage Pretties. 

See you next time, 

Beverly

Tea Cottage Pretties