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Sunday, March 20, 2016

Pysanky-Ukrainian Easter Eggs

Last week while thrift shopping I found three more Ukrainian eggs to add to my collection. These eggs, also known as Pysanky are absolutely gorgeous! Pysanky are known all over the world for their bright colors and intricate patterns. Thousands of years ago, before Christ, people decorated eggs believing them to hold great powers. The eggs represented the coming of spring and new birth. Later Christians adopted this tradition to symbolize the resurrection and promise of eternal life.










 If you have a steady hand and are creative you can make your own"Ukrainian" eggs. The process involves drawing the design in wax and placing the egg in a succession of dyes. When the wax is removed the colors in the design are revealed. Kits are available in some craft stores and online. I've tried making them a few times. It's a lot of fun but my efforts are amateurish at best!


The kit I have has an introduction by Luba Perchyshyn who was featured last year in a lovely article. she is over 90 years old and has kept the art of Pysanky alive in America.
Read more about her HERE.
Luba Perchyshyn, 91, is known worldwide for the Ukrainian easter eggs she has handmade for the last 87 years. She posed for a photo at The Ukrainian Gift Shop in Minneapolis, Minn., on Thursday, March 26, 2015.

Luba says the legend of the eggs is that as long as pysanky are decorated, goodness will prevail over evil throughout the world. What a lovely thought! 
Happy Easter!
I like to join these parties


Friday, March 11, 2016

Flower Ring



Look what I found at the thrift store this week.  


Do you know what it is?

A few weeks ago I shared flower bricks with you (which you can read about HERE ) . 

Well this is similar, it is called a flower ring. Sometimes they are referred to as pansy rings.

 Spring flowers are bursting out in my garden including several little pansies and violas. Have you ever seen anything so adorable?
 This one is hand painted from Italy, they are actually quite rare.

Since it is doughnut shaped it is popular to place a candle in the center.

 But I decided to play a little, how about a nest surrounded by candies, 

 or a cute little Easter chick nestled among the blooms?

What a fun way to display spring blossoms!
I like to join these parties

Sunday, March 6, 2016

Tiny Toothpick Holders




The Victorians loved details, organizing and
categorizing. Thus, they had a utensil, plate, or pot for every purpose imaginable. One of my favorites is the toothpick holder. Can you imagine actually needing one of these? No? But they are so charming that I have to admit I've picked up a few over the years.



 These vintage pieces are made of sterling silver. I especially love the handled
 Loving Cup or trophy shape.






There are many cut crystal toothpick holders in a variety of shapes and designs. You can find them at most flea markets or antique stores .

They can be found in a wide range of colors too!



Some antique pieces are truly works of art.




I have a small assortment of silver toothpicks and baby cups that I have fun re-purposing. 
I keep a few in my bathroom for holding toiletries.

And I think they make the most adorable tiny vases for spring blossoms!

I like to party with