My Bookhouse

Growing up we had a full collection of these My Bookhouse children's story books.  My mom and her sisters and brother grew up with them and they have been transferred down to all the cousins at various points over the past 20 years.  I think the collections lives in Ottawa now.   I stumbled upon Number 5 "From The Tower Window" in my ramblings and thought I'd pick it up for old time's sake.  This particular edition is  copywritten 1921.  I had forgotten how stunning the illustrations are. 

Explosion in a Paint Factory II

Growing up, I remember my mom had a dress that my grandfather had dubbed "The Explosion in a Paint Factory".  I think she made it for a wedding in the 70's and it was tailored to fit her perfectly.  For years it lived in our old dress-up trunk.  I loved the intricacies of the design of the fabric - terrific bold colours with gold and sliver threads woven in.  I remember sliding it on over my clothes, holding it up as I carried on (I think I usually transformed into a princess).  My sister is almost ten years younger than I am and despite being a rather feisty tomboy as a child, got it in her head that she had to be Glinda The Good Witch for Halloween (we were all seriously obsessed with The Wizard of Oz).  This is when "The Explosion in a Paint Factory" was quickly and cleverly remodeled by my mom - sliced and sewn into a magical gown for a three year old - wand and all.  This has always remained a fond memory for me.  A couple of years ago when I was on contract in Halifax,  I stumbled upon this little number in a North End vintage shop.  It instantly brought me back to my childhood and that whimsical dress.  I had to have it and have now dubbed it "The Explosion in a Paint Factory II"

Spring has Sprung...in my kitchen at least.

One of the things that gets me through these dreary days filled with what seems like an unbearable abundance of sleet, snow and taxes is that it somehow feels like it's spring in my kitchen.  I picked up this lovely pale pink dress the other day.  It fits like a glove and I can't wait to wear it when it's not just spring in my kitchen....but spring everywhere.

Peace Bell...

We had a lovely lunch yesterday with my brother and his lady who are just back from a six week jaunt in South America.  They said that everywhere they ventured there were amazing little antique and trinket shops lining the landscape.  Seeing many things that they thought might peak my curiosity, they settled on this lovely little bell from La Paz, Bolivia.  I love how weathered it is and the intricate detailing allover.  It also has a great little ring to it.

workshop weakness....

I've been madly puttering away at things over the past few days, my workshop/livingroom might look like this...

but...

 I've managed to finally open my Etsy shop, la plume de ma tante, of course.  I'll be listing my designs and vintage wares slowly but surely over the next few weeks.  It seems that my necklaces have been moved to the front burner over the last bit but rest assured I'll also be paying some keen attention to some other delightful vintage finds.

Lace and ribbons...the key to my curiosity

 I've been busy working away at these.  Thought I'd put up a few more examples.

bold black lace.....

wildflower vintage wide lace bracelet...

here's what it looks like on with my new denim skirt...

burnt rose detailed cord......

fiery red cotton lace....

Look what the cat dragged in....

My collection of antique skeleton keys.  Soon I will string them with ribbons and make necklaces.  They are so intricate and beautiful.

Travellin' Shoes

My friend Sasha and I stumbled upon these little beauties Christmas shopping in a local vintage spot way back in December.  He pronounced that "I simply must have them" and if I didn't buy them myself he would have to buy them for me in protest (he pays keen attention to quality Italian leather and is partial to a good old fashioned, solidly crafted brogue himself).  I heeded his advice and have never been more pleased with an impulse purchase.  They have done me well over the past months.  I even took them to Halifax and wore them on stage in my last production.  I love them.

Virtual Chocolate.

I'm always looking for new things to display on the old crockery I collect.  I figured since it is that "romantic" time of the year again,  I would take a shot of something you might actually find useful.  You can find these delicacies at a place very near and dear to my heart.  XOCOCAVA, 1560 Yonge Street, just north of the Yonge and St. Clair intersection in Toronto. 
This picture is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of all the beautiful and tasty things they produce up there, so I'd suggest you head on over and see for yourself.  The folks are just as delightful as the product.

The Things We Make

My sister "Ex Libris Clocks" makes these amazing vintage book clocks.  Now available at Love Me Boutique in Halifax .  This is just an example of one - they are all one of a kind.

I used to do a lot of needlepoint as a kid.  I've returned to my crosstitch roots and have been working on several designs.  This is one that took me forever.  I spent most of Christmas day slaving away in front of the fire and managed to finally complete it.  I'm looking for the right old frame to put it in before it goes up on the wall.

Ready for Service

Here's some of the things I like to collect on my Goodwill ventures:  Milk glass (always) I'll someday fill this entire shelf.  Fancy old martini glasses.  Gold rimmed shot glasses perfect for Akvavit.  Deep mauve mini-goblets and pastel coloured creamers, tea cups and saucers.

The Art Of Plain Talk

 

A bunch of things I collected recently....now in my livingroom

"la plume de ma tante...

....est sur la table de mon oncle"

French for - "my aunt's pen is on my uncle's table"

 The expression comes from the really odd sentences used in some old vintage textbooks to demonstrate grammar.  It is often quoted as a notorious example of one such misleading statement that probably confused the student more than teaching them anything functional about the language. "La plume de ma tante est sur la table de mon oncle" is not really the sort of phrase you are likely to need in daily conversation and "plume" can also mean feather.

The phrase has since been quoted in many books and movies including a very famous scene in The Exorcist.  It was also the title of a Broadway musical.  Here is the program from the Royale Theatre in 1960.