New Antique Books For My Library I Have To Share

Yesterday's mail brought

two sweet surprises

a day early.

Antique books!!

Wahooo

I was very fourtunate

recently to be offered

a copy of La Mode

at a pretty resonable

(ha)

Price

It has 18 hand colored plates

Bridal Dresses...Men in formal

attire.

Sigh...

A really lovely antique

She has a bit of an odor

but I think I can fix that.

Next

The small book

sitting on top of the La Mode

in the picture.

When Jannett

told me she had a copy

of Language of Flowers

I was not sure what to expect.

I had kind of rushed over that

in the excitement of the La Mode

But when it came in yesterday

I was flabbergasted (fun word)

This little beauty is from 1836

I think it may be one of the oldest books in my library

to date.

There are 4 hand drawn and painted

plates

The colors are exquisite

the descriptions of the flowers

and trees delightful.

My imagination takes me to

a different time.

A lovely young lady

strolling thru the gardens..or down the lane

small book in hand...Maybe

reading to her sisters

Laughing..Translating

the bouquet her beau has just

brought her...

What memories the old books hold

This one was given as a gift once...

you can see the signatures.

I had to share both of them with you all

today because they are so wonderful.

Have a fantastic day!!!

The Domino's Re-Do With A French Twist Have Arrived At Last At Leaping Frog Designs

At long last this afternoon

I added to my Etsy store

More of my Domino Re-Do's

I am in love with these little

mini canvas

This one is called

In Byron's Garden

Next is

Summer In Paris

This one has not been named yet

Next

Hot Pink Marie

And last

Simone Dreams

As you can see

There are quite a few more left

in my work tray

to finish up

and add

Tomorrow

or Friday you should see them start to show up.

Thanks for letting me share tonight.

Come Celebrate With Me Leaping Frog Designs 100th Sale On Etsy Giveaway

Well my dear friends I finally did it...My 100th sale For

Leaping Frog Designs

On Etsy !!!

It has been kind of a tough haul selling on Etsy...

But very well worth the time and effort

I have met so many wonderful people through selling and

buying.  It has been a lot of fun.

Much more fun than my years selling on eBay...

So.....

In celebration I made something to share with all of you.

One of my storage envelope books.

These have just come to my work table and I find they

are just so useful that I can not stop making them.

This Mariposa themed book has a few surprises for you.

Open it up and you find 6 vellum envelopes

stuffed full of vintage and reproduced ephemera.

I just keep adding to it, who knows how plump it will be

by Sunday night.

That is how long you have to enter my Giveaway.

Leave me a comment...be sure to leave me your email so that

I can get in touch and let you know you won.

And please

All you friends from

overseas...Please enter too!!

I am going to use the random number picker this time

You have until 9pm Sunday June 5th to enter

I look forward to hearing from all of you!

Valentine Tags Giveaway I Want To Share My Extra's

For once...I seem to be a few days ahead of a holiday.  Monday I saw these pretty images at ArtCult and just had to add them to my collection.  It seemed almost magic the way these flew together.  The pink taffeta ribbon that backs the tags was a find from my grandmothers sewing basket.  A small stash of ribbons rolled and folded I knew I wanted to make something pretty to share with my sister and friends.  These pretty tags are going to go along with decorated matchboxes filled with chocolates.  I have ended up with three extra tags and it occurred to me
that this would be a fantastic opportunity to practice run a giveaway....So here it goes.

                                 My giveaway to you this Valentines is a set of three tags.
You have to be a follower...If you are not a follower now and want to qualify for this giveaway...Just push that follow button.  Pretty easy. You can have a second chance at winning if you take my button.  Let me know in a comment you did so I can put your name in twice.  I will do the drawing Sunday evening.  You have to leave a comment to qualify.  The names of those who have left comments will be put into my Toto basket (you know...The kind Toto rode in) and my son Jordan will draw the name.  I will then post the winner.  I want to get these mailed out to you on Valentines so...crossing my fingers.  I know it is short notice...but sometimes life is more fun that way. 

A Sneak Peek Of My First Giveaway Box...Still In Process

It is still far from done...But had to share with you today some of what has been done.  This lovely box is going to be given to one of my followers when it is finished.....Instructions on how to enter will be given when I post pictures of the completed project.  I am so excited...A little bit more work on the box then time to fill it up.  As you can see I have already started collecting into it because it is so darn cute.  See you all soon!!

Can I Be Your Sweet Pea Backgammon Redux Pendant

 I just listed this sweet Matchbox set on Etsy...I am calling it.. Can I Be Your Sweet Pea?

I am so sweet...My little wings flit and fly. Can I be your Sweetest Little Sweet Pea?


Comes with a pretty silk ribbon for wearing...Or..Hang on a lamp, in your work cubical..A touch of whimsy to bring you Smiles.

In a pretty little matchbox decorated to match. Perfect Valentines Gift!!!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/66950314/can-i-be-your-sweet-pea-backgammon-redux

Dominoes Redux Paris Butterflies And Roses Quite A Little Surprise

     Last night I got a pretty big shock from my dear husband....In fact.  It is the second time he has shocked me in the last week.   He came home from work.  Sauntered over to the work table I have set up in our family space and said. 
"Can you make one of your pretty boxes for me? I want to give it to a co-worker who is totally stressed at work" 
     I almost fell over.  My hubby has always been supportive of my crafting and art.  Not always the most  excited participant.  His answers back to my queries like.  "Isn't this pair of antique carriage springs I just found FANTASTIC!!!"  or...Will you come help me pick up this antique trunk I found by the side of the road...I need the truck!  Are usually met with a slight smile and a "Yes Dear".  So when I started this little domino project.  Well I was so surprised you could of knocked me over with a feather.  He thinks these are just wonderful.  It just meant so much to me that he liked them. 

    I did not have much time to take pictures after it was finished.  He had to be out at 5 am and that is not the best time for taking shots..lol.  So Here it is. 

Dominoe Redux With A French Twist Set

Who says you have to live with ugly useless things laying around...Lol. A few months ago my wonderful dad handed me a handful of dominoes he had found in the garage. You just have to love my dad...He finds me the most amazing things to play with. He said.. "I saw these and just thought you could do something with them". Yep.. He knows me well. I would really call myself a recycle artist. I see things other people throw away and I want to make them useful..or beautiful.

I adore this little set. I can just see them tucked on an office desk...on a book shelf, mantel, bedside table. Oh my gosh..Just anywhere you want something pretty. Perfect gift too!!!


The matchbox is decorated with a sweet vintage rhinestone pin...and a lovely lovely antique black glass Victorian button. Delightful
http://www.etsy.com/listing/66347540/dominoe-redux-with-a-french-twist
 
I just listed this beautiful dominoe set on Etsy this morning!!!

Dominoes Redux With A French Twist

Who says you have to live with ugly useless things laying around...Lol.  A few months ago my wonderful dad handed me a handful of dominoes he had picked up at a garage sale for free...  You just have to love my dad...He finds me the most amazing things to play with.  He said.. "I saw these and just thought you could do something with them".  Yep.. He knows me well.  I would really call myself a recycle artist.  I see things other people throw away and I want to make them useful..or beautiful.

These beautiful images came from ArtCult on Etsy...I cut them out and glued them to the domino's with Zig glue.  Then I took some scrap Dresden gold foil edging I had and finished them off.   I had tried using the Jim Holtz Distress Ink on them..but for some reason it is not compatible with the plastic of the dominoes and does not dry.  I am going to make some more of these lovelies..and put them in some tins I am finishing (also recycled-remember when AOL used to send disks in the mail...yep. I saved the tins).  A set of them may end up in the giveaway I am planning.  These are fun and quick and easy to do.  Where will I put them..I have no idea...maybe a pretty bowl of them in the bathroom.  Or set on the mantel.  I just love them...

Nicholas Lancret Vintage Framed Boudoir Prints The Music Lesson and The Kite

Oh I almost fell over in a swoon when I came accross these delightful Nicholas Lancret framed prints. They are in beautiful vintage frames softly brushed with gold. As you can see they are both sealed. and the back paper is the most astounding fleur de lis. They both say Made in Italy. Both measure 5 1/4 inches wide and 4 1/2 inches tall. They are both in good used vintage condition.
I can just picture them on silk ribbons for hanging...The perfect little decorator touch to finish off a room and nook.
Here is the Etsy link--http://www.etsy.com/listing/60627996/nicholas-lancret-vintage-framed-boudoir

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