Best Vintage Find...EVER!

So, this morning I took a ride with the family to my favorite Charlotte antique mall, The Sleepy Poet. I must say, the name itself lures me in, but in addition to the dreamy name this place is loaded full of vintage lovelies! So much to take in! I'd say it seriously has to be the equivalent of modern day pirate treasure, ummm, if pirates liked antiques and old stuff that is. So above is the few treasures I collected today. I was pretty picky this trip.
I found the cutest little rose teacup and saucer (and on sale-yeah!), a few tiny silver spoons, some old earring bits to repurpose for use in my jewelry, and these funny little vintage lady wooden cutouts in stands. I enjoy the whimsy and humor of them, and they add a lovely bit of quirk to my workspace!
But, yes, I have saved the best for last, the Pièce de résistance if you will:
So I know you are thinking, it's just a picture of a rose. Well, I guess you would be right. At first I was taken in by the lovely colors. The roses were done in either watercolors or markers (yes I should be able to tell the difference, but hey, I am no expert) and I just love the contrast against the carved black frame. The big surprise came when I flipped the frame over to check out the price. On the back of this frame lies the most endearing sentiment I have ever laid eyes upon:

That Paul sure does have a way with words, doesn't he? We got such a chuckle over this that I knew no matter the cost, it was coming home with me! Such a treasure was mine for only $6! Can you believe it? hahaha

One rose teacup- $5

Bits of old beaded trim- $10

Old silver spoon- $2.75

Letting the world know just how much you love your mom's smelly feet- PRICELESS!

Paul if you are out there, I just want you to know that I will treasure your work of art always. Not only does it look great with my little art and mirror collection, I know that if ever I have company over and am in need of a conversation starter, I can simply say, "Have I ever shown you my lovely rose picture?" If that won't get the conversation started maybe it's time for the company to go home- haha!

Hope you are all having a lovely weekend!

Hello Spring!

Well, I wandered around downtown the other morning while my daughter was in nursery school. Low and behold the crabapple trees were covered in blooms. Truly stunning! Practically overnight mother nature had replaced the dark dreary winter sky with the glow of spring ushering in singing birds, patches of fresh green grass, and an unbelievably blue, almost cloudless sky. Lets not forget the emergence of flowers. Beyond happy about that! Yes, after this long cruel winter I think we can say hello to spring! I've been working on what I hope will grow into a beautiful cottage garden, and have also been creating new lovelies inspired by spring, like these little flower earrings:
and this sweet little pink and white flower brooch:
Both will be available at Eclectic Orchid soon! Hope you are enjoying the start of this beautiful season as much as I am! Have a lovely weekend!

Slow Start

Well, we started off our day very slowly today. By we, I mean my daughter, my little fuzzball, and myself. Some days are meant to be slow- take in the beauty, savor it! I sat down to a good cup of coffee this morning and began to peruse a wonderful book on illustrator/writer Tasha Tudor that my grandmother loaned me. My grandmother simply adores Tasha Tudor, and after reading a few pages about her life, I can see why. I soaked in the pictures and words, enjoying the glorious sun that is streaming through all of the windows in my home today. I also took some time to enjoy the gorgeous bouquet of flowers that my husband had waiting for me in a vase on our kitchen table for our anniversary. All the while, my daughter is playing with her princesses in our living room. She has such an imagination! I wonder what she will channel her creativity into when she grows up? Tasha has inspired me to plant bulbs outside today the colors of a rainbow. I have gladiolas and dahlias ready to go, but I think we will take a trip to the store to see if we can find some peonies and wildflower seed. Tasha's motto is in my head- joy is there for the taking, life is to be enjoyed.

Thank you Tasha and grandma (since you loaned me the book) for inspiring my day! I leave you with a quote that I found particularly magnificent:

"The gloom of the world is but a shadow; behind it, yet within our reach is joy. Take joy."

Have a beautiful day!

Sneak Peek at Spring Collection

Well, I've got lots of new pretty things coming your way, just have to find the time to list them! New embellished lockets, flower pins and headbands, brooches and fab new necklaces! Lots of soft Spring colors, romance, and flowers! Oh yes, lots and lots of flowers!

For now, I'll leave you with a little sneak peek of things to come!

My Prettiest Little Lovely

I love looking at all the pretty sparkly jewels and beads I have collected for my jewelry making. I have a grand time rummaging through all of my vintage treasures, especially my sparkly button collection. Nothing, however, puts a smile on my face like my prettiest little lovely- my wonderful daughter. She reminds me just how special every day is and how beautiful and magical the world can be through a child's eyes. And did I mention she is hilarious? After sitting down this morning to answer emails, check the shop, and proceed with the usual morning ritual, she informed me (in her exact words), "Mom, I am going to get big like you. I am going to get my own house and buy breakable things." I do't think I have ever laughed so hard. I didn't know she wanted breakable things that badly! So, in honor of my prettiest little lovely, I think we will have a fun filled day taking it easy, playing, minor cleaning, and maybe...just maybe...we will go out and buy something.. breakable (maybe that little mirror I had my eye on- I know even my daughter will appreciate it-4 year olds love their own reflection)!



Have a beautiful day!

A Glimpse Into My Creative Space

Well, the weather continues to keep us indoors as it has been blustery and cold, but at least the sun was out today. I have been spending some time getting things tidied up around the house, and organizing here and there. It is quite a feat for someone who who would much prefer to dwell in chaos, but it might be fun to actually know where things are for a change! This especially rings true for my little creative space, otherwise known as my studio/guest bedroom. The light coming into the room was so beautiful this afternoon, that I decided to snap a few shots of my favorite space and the special, pretty little things within it that inspire me! It may look a bit cluttered, but I love to be surrounded by things that bring to mind thoughts of fairy tales, happy memories, and beauty, color and whimsy. From my grandfather's old worn hat, to a vintage dress form clad in my mustard dress and a scrap of lace, everything in this space inspires me to create. The room is filled with fun antique shop finds, thrift store treasures, my paper umbrella collection, tiny mirrors, colorful art, and my own photography. So, come on in and grab a glimpse into my little creative space! Hope you enjoy seeing the world of Eclectic Orchid!

Much love!

Happy Birthday Little Man!

Well, yesterday was my little man's 6th birthday! I really can't believe he has been a part of my life for so long! And yes, I am speaking of my dog. In this house your birthday is celebrated all the same. He dined on his favorite meal of pancakes and was begging for more. You may wonder (or not-haha) how we do indeed know that pancakes are his favorite. Well I'll tell you a little story. When he was just a wee pup my husband and I had just finished up a delicious pancake breakfast and were sitting at the kitchen bar sipping coffee. In the corner of my eye I caught sight of my then tiny pup dragging a pancake across the kitchen floor. Yes that's right- he had taken one peek into the garbage can and decided that tasty dish was not going to waste. I have never again seen him dig anything out of the garbage, so that's why we are absolutely certain they are his fave. Make's sense, right?

My daughter and I surprised him with a delicious box of doggy gourmet cookies (which my daughter was upset she could not taste) and a few fun toys- a sock monkey stuffed with a water bottle that crackles super loudly (also encourages recycling which is cool), a squeaky popcorn box, and the best dog toy I have ever seen, a squeaky doggy beer! Needless to say, I figured it was time this pooch had a beer since he is 42 in human years and seriously needs to relax. It is hilarious watching him walk around with the bottle. Don't worry- it's just a chew toy!

So Happy Birthday little man! Couldn't ask for a better friend!