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Sunday, January 31, 2016

Marvelous Monograms


While browsing last week at an outlet store I found these lovely linen napkins from Pottery Barn. They are a soft sage green and they have my monogram! Oh, and they were 75% off! So of course they came home with me.

I love the little medallion or wreath above the initial.

I have another set of classic white with a black monogram that I've used for years.

Do you like to collect things with your monogram? I've been lucky enough to find several vintage pieces too. I love the way hand embroidering was a traditional pastime of ladies in years gone by. 
These two sets of napkins I found while thrift shopping. 




Of course monograms can make any item special. It's easy to find delicate handkerchiefs with initials, 



 antique linen towels, 

as well as old silverware.














And of course, there is jewelry!

I've had this sweet little bracelet ever since I was was a young girl.

I shared how to make monogrammed pillows HERE.

Several years ago while playing with my new Cricut I even put a monogram on my mixer!


Monogrammed items make wonderful gifts so I also look for pieces with my friends initials.

I haven't figured out what to do with this set of 4 vintage napkins embroidered with an "F". If you are interested contact me!

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Sunday, January 17, 2016

Darling Dedham Pottery


Do you like adorable bunnies? Then you'll like 
Dedham Pottery. 
The Dedham Pottery company was founded in Dedham, Massachusetts by Hugh C. Robertson in 1896. Robertson was of Scottish heritage and a 5th generation potter. One source says Robertson was fascinated by Chinese crackle pottery and set out to make his own but another story is that he created the glaze accidentally while experimenting with new techniques. Whichever is true,  each piece has that distinctive crackled glaze and stylized flora and fauna in a cobalt blue border. Robertson and his artists were creating during the height of the Arts and Crafts movement and you can see that influence in their designs.

There are turtles,
chicks, 

moths, 
Image result for dedham pottery
mushrooms, 
turkeys, 


Dedham Pottery Turkey Border Thanksgiving Plate


and elephants among others. 




But by far the best known pattern is the crouching bunny otherwise known as the Dedham Rabbit.


I have a very small collection that includes a 
covered butter dish, 
 a crouching rabbit, 

a tiny creamer, 

a wall pocket, 

a cookie jar,
 and a set of 4 table mats. 
The company made dozens of different items including all kinds of  dinnerware, plates, bowls, mugs, teapots, casseroles, candlesticks, vases, figurines,  and planters.




The crouching bunny became the company's logo.

The pottery operated from 1896 until 1943 however, the Dedham Historical Society holds the trademark and The Potting Shed in Concord, Mass. makes reproductions today.
If you would like more information contact the

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Sunday, January 3, 2016

Top 5 Posts of 2015




As a new year begins it's always fun to review the past as we look forward to the new. I love seeing which posts have been the most viewed and commented on as it shows me what my followers are  interested in. Here are my top 5 posts of 2015.

We all  seem to enjoy fun tablescapes especially during the holidays!


It's fun to share my thrift store finds with you. Sometimes the treasures I find are not only beautiful and practical but also nostalgic. 


Many of us bloggers are collectors of one thing or another and it's fun to share those treasures that we've loved over the years.


I helped a friend find vintage milk glass vases for her nephew's wedding. It all looked so charming!
French Country Inspired Farm Wedding - milk glass table decor - Marie Antoinette wedding   Read more - http://www.stylemepretty.com/georgia-weddings/2013/08/01/french-country-inspired-farm-wedding-from-christopher-helm-photography/:

And by far my most popular post of the year, something that many of us search for in thrift stores, at garage sales and in our grandmother's attics -


Happy New Year! May 2016 be your best ever!

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