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Monday, March 18, 2013

Lovely Linens

March is my favorite month here in Arizona. The mornings are warming up but not yet hot and in my neighborhood the orange blossoms are just coming out and perfuming the morning and evening air. On Friday mornings my friend Kathy and I go walking, not too far, just 3 or 4 miles. But Kathy called and said there was a garage sale we shouldn't miss that morning. Now, Kathy is the queen of garage sales so when she says don't miss it, I listen. Boy, was she right!  There were lots and lots of vintage items but what I loved most were the linens.

 There were dozens of charming retro tablecloths in bright, happy patterns,
 old embroidered and hand crocheted napkins, dishtowels and table runners.

 It was so hard to choose, but I brought several pieces home with me.

 Look at the dainty stitching on these linen hand towels!


 And I love the natural color of these table runners. 

 Linen has been used since ancient times for  garments and for fabrics in the home. It comes from the flax plant and has a lovely natural sheen to it. The fibers have a slight nub distinguishing it from cotton. It is very strong and light weight and has excellent wicking properties which is why it is so comfortable in the summertime. Linen irons beautifully however it does wrinkle easily. It is perfect for drying china and glassware because it is so absorbent and has little lint.
Notice the griffin and shield woven into the lace. 


 This gorgeous pillow was meant for my wing chair!

 I paid only $2-4  for each of my treasures. Don't be afraid to purchase vintage linens from flea markets and estate sales. They are a small but affordable luxury. 
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Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Easy Marbled Easter Eggs

We love coloring Easter eggs at our house and every year I try a different method. This is one of my favorite ways of dying eggs and it is very easy!


All you need are 3 ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, vegetable oil, vinegar and liquid food coloring. Oh, and eggs! Start by hard boiling your eggs.


Next, add 1/4 teaspoon of oil, 1/4 teaspoon vinegar and one or two drops of food coloring into a small bowl. Use a separate bowl for each color. I did experiment with two colors per bowl but more than that and the colors get a bit muddy.

Roll the egg around with a spoon  until it is well covered with color.

Then wipe it dry with a paper towel. Yes, your paper towel will get very messy, and your fingers a bit too! Actually, I found that the oil kept the color from sticking to my fingers too badly. It washed right off.

Aren't they beautiful? I was able to color a dozen eggs using only a few drops of each ingredient.

This a great activity sure to please your kids. Plus you'll have the prettiest eggs ever! 

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Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Flower Crates

I have had such fun turning these old boxes and drawers into vintage looking flower and herb crates. I thought I'd make a few for Spring in soft robin's egg blue. I have one on my dining room table but they would look great on a porch, patio or in the garden!







I have several available in my antique store
 Merchant Square, booth #20. Come see what's new for Spring!
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