summer fades::

Luckily, the farmer's market had zinnias this past weekend. How the summer is fading and little signs of fall are appearing. I don't want summer to leave just yet.. plans to do some hiking with my hubby in some trails nearby our home, do some closet arranging and purging, cook up some new recipes that I've been longing to try and maybe fit in the beach. I know, it happens to the best of us. We want to cram in all the wants in such a short period of time. I'll be in and out.. hoping you're having a great summer! xo Liz

seeking rustic romance apply within::

 

     Being on vacation allows me to get things done on my checklist and gears me up for what's new and exciting. As you know, I collaborate with a creative team at Gatherings Magazine. We're thrilled to announce come Sept. 2 the fall issue themed "Rustic Romance" will be released to the general public in the printed version via Magcloud. Gatherings Magazine now an online e magazine is growing by leaps and bounds.. yahoo! We want to share our excitement along with our viewers and have some fun along the way too. So, here's the scoup.
   If you enjoy styling, photography and just plain being creative Gatherings Magazine Instagram challenge is for you! For the next 2 weeks Gatherings Magazine contributors and followers alike will be styling some photos and uploading them on Instagram. Want to participate? Here's what you need to do: Style some objects together using the theme "Rustic Romance" take a snapshot and use the hashtag #gatheringstyle. Easy.. peezy, fun. We pick a fave from the grouping each week. Post it on Fb so friends and family can see. Oh, did I mention that if chosen your photo could be featured in a future issue of Gatherings Magazine.Pretty impressive I might add and very exciting. So, have fun and play along with the Gatherings Magazine gang! We'll see you on Instagram.
  Don't forget use the theme and hashtag - Liz
  

neutral finds::

      Pairing up some neutral finds from this past weekend: ironstone, a vintage egg cup and bits of lace. I couldn't resist the fresh garlic bulbs from the farmer's market too.
    Does your summer palate of finds look like this? Or does it have hints of color throughout? The highlight of this past weekend was a visit to an estate sale overlooking the Hudson river. I could move right in this one bedroom summer cottage with wooden beams and leaded glass windows. Kept in the family for over 100 years.. now, it's history and keepsakes are up for sale. I passed up on a few things like vintage wicker, chairs, pottery, books, tools and bric-a- brac.. you know the typical stuff. oh, how I wanted the original hoosier cabinet from the kitchen-NFS
    I'm hoping to go back to the estate soon to capture some snap shots of this vintage beauty for you before it goes on the market for sale. To be continued...
   By the way, have a great week! Liz

snapdragons and blog buttons::

What's your favorite summer flower? Can you guess what my favorite is? I was so bummed last weekend. To find out the farmer who I purchase from didn't grow any flowers this season. She apologized to me and said, "next year." I even told her I would come and plant them for her on the farm personally. Do you think she'll remember me? What have I gotten myself into this time, lol. Picture of last weekends beautiful snapdragons, that I was able to snatch up. Hope all is well with each and everyone of you.

PS. See the new banner and buttons? It's a great feeling to stay connected, isn't it?
Have a great weekend- Liz

swan hollow doll repair::

This spring.. I had a wonderful opportunity to sit with Felicia Casey and talk about her business: Swan Hollow Doll Repair. We hit it off right from the start, who knew we had a lot in common. Felicia gave me a grand tour of her spacious home where it's apparent she loves to restore dolls as much as she loves to collect them. Felicia's story was ever so humbling as she spoke about her Mother and families poor roots in West Virginia. The oldest of seven children, Felicia learned from her Mother how to be a fixer and took value in doing so. Felicia now married is an Artist, Mother and Wife to a wonderful husband who supports her work. She would eventually, combine her knowledge of color,paints, clay and apply it to dolls. This would all come into play when a co-worker asked her if she knew anyone who could repair an ethnic doll in poor shape. She then volunteered, not knowing what the future would bring. Researching on the web, Felicia realized there was little if not any resources at hand. Going back to what she learned as a child, she utilized her savvy sense and applied her artsy background and went to work. She then put an ad in the local, weekly newspaper for her business. Low and behold, the phone started to ring. Felicia talked about current projects she had waiting for her and completed finalized works. It was very evident that Felicia Casey puts her heart and soul in each doll she repairs. She could reconstruct pushed in eyes, stop the aging process, paint, plaster and strengthen. Making almost any doll "look good" on a shelf when they leave her workshop. Felicia works on porcelain dolls, composition dolls from 1930's thru 1950's mostly baby dolls. She too repairs stuffed animals on occasion. Felicia a member of the UFDC ( United Federation of Dolls) finds a gem of a life in each doll she touches. Before leaving to go home Felicia, she gave me a tour of her workspace. She shared her vast collection of doll parts, doll clothing and random items used to restore. One suitcase at a time, she was eager to share her experiences and photographs of her work. A true testament in making an old cherished doll or stuffed animal look lovely again once more. I left with a heavy heart that spring day. Excited to share her story with everyone I knew. Felicia Casey is truly dedicated to her work and a inspiration to us all. If you have a doll that needs restoration or just some TLC Felicia's link is listed below.

For more information about Felicia Casey and her work visit: www.feliciacasey.com
Email: feliciacasey@gmail.com

sunflowers::

 The sunflowers in a nearby farm are magical this time of year.Rows and rows of them planted along side the road, I can't help but stop for a close up. I've been wondering what you've been up to these days? In between work, it's been leisure trips to the farmer's market, out door concerts, thrift shop and the flea of course for me. I enjoy looking forward to the weekend and being a little lazy. Have a sunny weekend. I'm on my way to the market to purchase some of these beauties. Enjoy your Saturday! Liz

                                                                                  

tuesday's vintage::

 Queen Anne's lace.. Yes, loving it paired with vintage. These tin portable shot glasses were my hubby's find over a year ago, tucked away we almost forgot about them. They make a pretty vignette instead of the standard vase. Image from my Instagam feed where, I spend most of my time these days. Stop by, I would love to chat with you! Have a great Tuesday - Liz