Good Reads for a Song

When I was quite young, my parents bought first my brother then me a subscription to World magazine, which was the children's version of National Geographic.  I really enjoyed it.  One issue I remember distinctly--it was an article (with lots of pictures, of course) of the crown jewels of England and a few other countries.  I loved that issue!  I thought those sparkles were just gorgeous and wore that issue out. Right then and there my interest began in sparkles of every kind truly began.  It's not that I want them all, but it is just pleasant to look at them and enjoy their beauty and design.  The Crown Jewels book my Mom and I both went for at the same time at a yard sale--it was 50 cents.  I let her have it knowing I could read it whenever I wished (thanks, Mom).  The other book I bought at an antique mall intending it for a gift for someone but just couldn't give it up.  They are full of information and gorgeous, inspiring pictures.

William and Kate Royal Wedding Swap from Me

Heidi at Foxgloves, Fabric, and Folly hosted a "William and Kate Royal Wedding Swap". My swap partner was Kathleen of Set to a Tea. We were supposed to spend a certain amount and put together a swap with a royal, wedding, and/or English theme. I had a great time scouring antique malls for pretties for Kathleen. I know Kathleen has a tea related business, so I tried to think of different things for her that she could not get through her business (other than those Walker cookies, I suppose...but can one have too many shortbread cookies?). What better things than those that are vintage and/or one-of-a-kind handmade.
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First of all, I wrapped everything up in gold boxes and pink tissue paper tied with English garden style floral organza ribbon. I made a card with two postage stamps (compliments of Jan from England and my nephew, Luke, from New Zealand), a rhinestone crown, and big sapphire rhinestone to mirror Kate's ring.



The show piece is this beautiful vintage teacup and saucer. It was pink on the saucer and outside the cup and had a beautiful fruit pattern inside. After I bought this, I really wanted to keep it because it is so pretty...but I sent it along to Kathleen.


Here is a porcelain rose pin from England--a vintage find--and a pair of vintage white gloves. Also, I had great fun making especially for Kathleen this British and wedding themed zipper/purse clip. It has tiny jewelry pieces in it all secured with resin--rhinestones, faux pearls, a cameo, a crown, and a pretty piece of teacup.


This is a "Woods of Windsor" vintage powder tin and a souvenir handkerchief from England.


I made these "royal jewels"--vintage jewelry thumbtacks in rhinestones with pretty jewel tones as well as an old piece with a crest.

I hope Kathleen enjoyed receiving her things as much as I enjoyed putting them together.

A Royal Treasury

Inspired by Heidi's swap, I put together and Etsy treasury entitled "A Royal Wedding for William and Kate". I thought it would be fun. Here is a picture of it, but to see all the details you may click HERE to go to the actual treasury. P.S. I just LOVE the little gold and jewel embellished carriage!

Royal Wedding Swap

After saying to myself that I wouldn't again...I am! Can't believe I am, but Heidi is a fabulous swap hostess (i.e. very strict on "flakers", as she calls them), and I had such a great time in her Very Vintage Valentine swap a few years back. She has wonderful ideas, and her idea this time is a swap to honor the wedding of William and Kate at the end of April. This is a British and/or wedding themed swap. I already have some goodies that I have tucked away and am having a ball thinking up ideas. Head on over to Heidi's blog for all the details--HERE.