A Sentimental Thrifty Journey

Early last spring I was exploring a local thrift shop. I had gone on a whim thinking maybe, just maybe I would find something I loved and had to take home. Now anyone who goes to thrift shops knows that if they have something in mind there is a chance they may walk out empty handed or may find an entirely different treasure.

I'm always on the lookout for things I love- antique linens, crystal and china, textiles, unique buttons and things with a romantic style. As I neared the back of the store I hadn't found a thing I just had to have. I glanced over at the pictures and frame section and peeking from behind a few dusty nondescript picture frames I saw a hint of white lace. My heart started to beat a little faster! Could it? Could it be? Lace crochet- the real thing- in a beautiful frame!!! 

As I reached toward the white lace so lovingly peeking out at me I had to move a couple of other photos and as I moved them into sight came two more crochet lace framed pictures. I couldn't believe my eyes! My first thought was how did these end up here?! The hand crocheted pieces had been custom framed and now they sat on a dusty thrift store shelf. I started to think of the many hours someone lovingly stitched the pieces. Who was she? Where had she lived? Who were they made for? What was her life experience while she was making these? and now how could they possibly be right in front of me waiting to be taken to a loving home.

I turned the first frame over and saw a minimal price tag and I thought to myself there is no way I can pass this up and not take all three home with me. A lucky day indeed but more importantly I connected with the stitching and the love someone had put into them. They had meant something to someone, some place and now they were to mean something to me.

I learned a few poignant lessons that day. Enjoy the talents you have been blessed with. Share them freely with others. Enjoy the fruits of your labor and live with things you create. Revere someone else's work when you see it and honor their gift. I felt a closeness to this artist and perhaps more importantly I loved myself and treated myself a little kinder that day.

I've crocheted, sewn and done handwork for most all of my life. I've been blessed with a very few small pieces of handwork from my grandmother.I wish I had more but I treasure the few items I have.  Now I have been blessed with a few more pieces of handwork someone, somewhere made and now are in my home. A treasure far beyond a thrifty find!!!
~Tanya

Sharing with:
Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson  Share your Cup Thursday
Thrifty Things Friday
The Shabby Nest - Frugal Friday

Fall Pumpkin Patch Time!

Headed off to the Fall Pumpkin Patch! Don't you just love the smell of fall?! Pumpkins, apple cider, caramel apples...

Chocolate fudge brownies!!! The gooey'er the better. Who can resist a brownie?! Not me.

Ahh yes. Fall is here! 

~Tanya

Dreaming of Paris

The romance, the freshness, the style. Paris!  La Tour Eiffel. 

Rich chocolate browns, inspiring and tranquil aqua...

 Ruffles inspired by ruffled flowers.

 To dream of Paris is to allow yourself to dream of romance, adventure, style and Love! I'm dreaming... and hope you are too.

~Tanya

Sharing with:
A Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson- Share your Cup Thursday

Butterfly Apron

Butterfly, butterfly....

So many practical uses for a shortie apron! Teachers, cooks, gardeners, market vendors and more.

Do you ever find yourself needing more pockets?! This little apron is the answer for that.

 A touch of a flirty ruffle. Not too much but just enough flirt!

 Butterfly brings good luck!

I'm having such fun making these aprons. Each one is unique and has it's own personality. If you would like to order one feel free to contact me.  Have a wonderful butterfly kind of day.

~Tanya

Sharing with:

A Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson - Share your Cup Thursday

Tell me on a Monday...

It's that time of year where the garden becomes a place of both hard work and inspiration.  I enjoy watching what grows and am amazed at how excited a simple thing such as a healthy plant can make me feel. This heather is a new plant in my garden this year and I'm already in love with it!

Enjoying a light rain today in my garden. Definitely a place to dream and become inspired. Have a wonderful Monday!

~Tanya

Tell me on a Monday

Tell me on a Monday...

A work in progress. The quilt top is finished and needs to be quilted but I loved the colors of the fabrics so much they inspired me to make a 'go-with-it' afghan too. Busy tucking in all the ends that didn't get crocheted over and still have the border to do.

 Love roses and polka dots!

Color!!!

The dimension of these blocks makes it a little cuddly!

Nothing like spending time creating.

Tell me on a Monday... what your creative fingers and heart have been up to!

~Tanya

My Old Kentucky Home

Last weekend I walked into a local thrift shop bookstore and much to my amazement on the top shelf display was this beautiful plate.It was nestled between a row of books as an accent piece so I didn't think it was for sale. I love redwork and redware so I was immediately drawn to it. As I looked closer I saw the roses and then the small inscription 'Bardstown, Kentucky.'  

My heart skipped a beat!!! I've spent a lot of time recently doing genealogy research and my family has very early ties to this county in Kentucky. I knew this piece was meant to come home with me. A real gift because it was only marked at $7-- but most importantly there is a connection to the piece that words can't describe.

Red roses are the official flower of the Kentucky Derby since 1904. Every year there are over 400 roses hand sewn into the winners garland.  

I love the details around the edges of the plate and it's in perfect condition.

 Now it's home with me and my Old Kentucky Home has new meaning for me!

~Tanya