Saturday, December 19, 2009

The Magic of Paperwhites

A few years ago I discovered the beauty and magic of paperwhites. To me they epitomize the grace, tranquility, and delicacy, that says "Christmas".


Three years ago I started gathering vintage sugar bowls and creamers, pots and kitchen bowls, humble mismatched cups and vases; containers of every kind. I planted paperwhites and sold them at the store and gave them away to family and friends. I enjoyed it so much, they were great gifts, so this year I did the same.


These next two photos are of last year in my space at Leola's.



Milk glass and pottery and ironstone cups.
An old bread pan with checked ribbon, a little more primitive.
I think I had around thirty containers full.



This year I planted twelve bulbs in a green
transferware vegetable bowl for the Dining Room.



Christmas coffee mugs with a paperwhite bulb
I had four of these matching mugs,
 they went as small gifts.

I tied them with plaid ribbon
 and attached a "mitten" ornament and tag.



Old Staffordshire blue transferware soup tureen,
 missing it's lid, found for just a few dollars.



A little over a week ago...
And today.



Shabby china sugar bowl.



And old McCoy cream planter in the kitchen.








Paperwhite Narcissus are really easy to grow. Just find a container that doesn't drain, because they need to stay moist at all time. Place some pea gravel in the bottom, with about 2 inches of potting soil mix, then nestle the bulb, root down in the soil. Water and keep in a bright spot. You will be amazed at how fast they grow. Paperwhites bulbs don't keep well, so I just discard them after bloom time. Buy several bulbs and plant at alternating times. You can have them all winter long!

Are you finished with all your shopping?
Have a wonderful weekend!
Debra

Friday, December 18, 2009

The "Gift" of Giving

Christmas is known as a time of giving of gifts and receiving them.
 Today I was the recipient of two such precious gifts
from two equally precious ladies.

This fall, Jill from Gypsy Brocante hostess-"ed"
a weekly party, "Vintage Black Friday".
It was a dream party for me,
 because I have a lot of black in my world of decor.
And thanks to her darling son,
 I was the name he drew out of the hat!
She graciously awarded me a gift certificate
 to her wonderful site and etsy store

This is what I so happily chose!



I had to show the "after" photo first!


It came in a box with the sweetest
 pink floral fabric and ribboned bow.



Is it not just  "the best"?!!!
Can't wait to wear it!


And Donna of Brynwood Needleworks had the most fun game for us to play. She listed 10 facts that were to be about her life and we were supposed to pick the one that was false.
Well, let me tell you, this girl has lead one "crazy life". I loved hearing all about how she answered all the questions. And of course she was snickering because she made them just as wild and crazy as she could. Read about it here.



So you can guess that I picked
the one thing that wasn't "Donna".
This is a wonderful needle book or "cozy"that she made. And wow, do I need this! I'm challenged in the sewing department, so this is perfect to help me keep track of my little needles and pins. Look close at the darling acorn, her logo!



And today I want to share about the true
 spirit of Christmas giving.
Deb at "Faded Ladies" and her co-blogger Rose
 have a wonderful place to visit and be inspired.
Today, Deb shared a Christmas memory
from her past that you simply must read.
It will bless you more than you can imagine!

Find the link here.



1Week to Go!

Blessings,
Debra

Ring Ring... Hello?... Trash it's for you!

GOOD GRIEF, Charley Brown!!!

Am I the only one here with enough Hudzpuh
to show up in her REAL Jammies?
(I better get some extra points for this!)





Now I have cup full of HOT Dr. Pepper,
not luke warm, but steamin'!

I'm expecting some Fritos, Bean Dip
and some Pepperoni Pizza!


The Trash Queen is having one fabuloso
Slumber Party
and we're all invited!

So everyone get your furry slippers on and run over to
Debbie's place for her big blow-out of a PAR-TAY!
Check it all out right HERE!

She has 100,000 hits, and you know
at least 300 of them are mine!
She's everyone's favorite Trash Diva
so let's help her celebrate!

OK Everyone, quit hiding the toilet paper!!!

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