Sunday flea market - at last

I was beginning to feel withdrawal symptoms. I haven't been to a flea market in 5 weeks! Can you imagine my anticipation this morning?
We did get the forecasted snow and rain during the night - which deterred many of the usual sellers, I guess. The huge lot seemed half empty. But there were lots of huge puddles and my boots started to soak through by the time we were done.
I think I did pretty well scoring treasures, inspite of it all.

A little wooden box full of lace snippets. I haven't even looked at all the pieces yet - but I am looking forward to it!

I was delighted to find someone selling old raw stampings and castings - filigrees, settings, a bible locket and look at that hand pendant!

Some bits and pieces - a broken locket, a piece of chain and some buttons inlaid with mother of pearl.

This is what the other side of the broken locket looks like. A typical Biedermeier piece.

Hope you are all having a wonderful Sunday!

And now for something different...

 I finally have something I can show you. I have been working on things, but nothing I was able to show you yet. Yesterday, I finished these earrings - copper, brass heishis, bone and antler tips. They are fairly long and have a lot of movement.

As in - the bottom part will turn round and round.
Trying some new things - working with different materials - trying to get a different look.

We will see how this progresses.

Sunday flea market - well, almost...

No, I didn't have a flea market to go to today. I've been going through 'stuff', sorting what to keep, what to get rid of. But I know some of you are wishing it was a flea market Sunday, just as I am - so I thought I would show you some wonderful things I found at the flea market a few years ago. After all, I have been going to flea markets for most of my adult life...

I found these gorgeous old suitcases on different occasions. I have a couple of large overseas trunks similar to the bottom suitcase. They are made of very thin wood, which is reinforced by wooden bands on the outside, so they are sturdy, but not too heavy. Too bad there wasn't a matching key.

The upper suitcase is leather and one of the locks has been ripped out, which is a shame. But the wonderfully smooth leather has a beautiful patina and the whole suitcase was calling my name.

See that? It had my initials on the lid. I mean, honestly - how could I have passed up a suitcase that was meant for me?

Both suitcases are lined inside with the typically striped paper, which has yellowed with age and looks wonderful.  I keep some of my antique linens - mostly dish towels and napkins - I love antique linen napkins!, doilys and such in these.Of course, most of these are also from the flea market.

See - almost like a flea market Sunday.
Have a wonderful day, where ever you are!

antique + tool + Max = perfect Valentine

My most wonderful husband, Max, just got home from a working trip to Vienna. He had told me on the phone that he had found a wonderful shop and was bringing something home for me.

Well, this morning he handed me a fairly heavy box and said this was my early Valentine's gift (and we don't even do Valentines...). You cannot imagine my delight (well, maybe you can) when I saw what was in the box.
It is antique. It is a tool. It is gorgeous. Swoon. It is an old small rolling mill for wire. For square wire. I am smitten.

I do truly think I have the most fantastic husband in the whole wide world. Thank you, Max!!!!

Aaawww - look at that face!

Sorry - no trip to the flea market today! I went to the airport to pick up Max. And now, he is on his way to Vienna. A busy time of year for him.

As for me - well I have been invaded adopted. Last weekend's weather did not only bring very low temps, but also a young cat, that apparently shares my views about cold winter weather. He has decided to live in my studio. My kitties are really not too thrilled about him. So, I tried to discourage him - honest. But will you look at that face?

My kitties are taking it better than I expected. But I am starting to wonder. See this 'nest' I have by the front door?

Well, today I caught Socks in there. I wonder if the stress of another cat in the house has been too much for her?

Well, I think she is just goofing around and enjoying the mild weather and sunshine. But I will keep an eye open to see if she's getting into the birdseed...

Hope you all have a wonderful Sunday!

Some WIP and sharing some love

I have not been posting very much lately - I haven't really had anything to tell you. Lots of introspection and reading going on here lately. Below is a sneak peek of some work in progress. I hope I will get my mojo working again soon and have new things to show. These winter months are not my friends.

I did want to share a new blog with you - it looks like it will become a place of inspiration - the beginnings are full of promise: OopsArt Designs.
Click here to see the post featuring a very talented woman and good friend - most of you already know her, I am sure: Maire Dodd.

I would like to say that my heart goes out to all of you enduring severe weather conditions around the world - you are in my thoughts and in my heart - I am hoping you are all safe and well.