Something Special

Last weekend I went to an antique faire and purchased a box of passementerie (beaded trims). There was something in the box that captured my attention.

At first, I thought it was simply an old broken safety pin and almost threw it away. Luckily right as I was about to toss it out a little voice said, "take a closer look." It was then that I realized it was something special (at least it is to me). My inclination is to say that it is a safety pin, maybe Victorian in age? It is about 1 inch in length.

What do you think it is?

Beauties

Every once in awhile I find something so amazing I have to share it with you. I found this doll below the other day while combing the web for antique crèche figures. Isn't she stunning?!!

This lovely antique crèche figure was already sold, but I can still draw inspiration from looking at her.

Here is an old boudoir doll that I own. I'm thinking of creating a dress for her in the style of the doll above. If you look closely at her face you will see that she has a mole high on her cheek. I have one in the same spot!





The crown on this pretty girl was designed by Melissa Valeriote of The Holiday Queen. If you've never visited Melissa's site you're in for a treat. Visit her here.

Experimentation

It seems there is no easy solution to the low light problem and many of the issues lie in the camera. The best camera to own is an SLR camera with multiple lenses. But many of us can’t afford an SLR camera, so here are some photo tips based on your comments and from surfing the web.

Here are some tips that may help with no flash indoor photos.

I would like to thank Jill of Bailiwick Designs, Barbara of Babsarella, Constance of Rochambeau, and Karla of Sugar Bear Designs, who gave some great suggestions.

• To shoot in a low level light situation, get as much natural light into the room as possible. So pull back the drapes, open the windows, doors, etc. This may mean you can only shoot photos in that room in the morning or late afternoon.

• Use a tripod for camera stability. Hand holding a camera seems to be a no-no in low light situations unless you are amazingly steady.

• Now set your shutter speed, aperture and ISO. For a definition on what these are, look here. These settings can be found on your camera in the manual settings.

If you are shooting in automatic modes, there are a few little goodies that might help you.

1. Portable light diffuser
A diffuser placed between the light and your subject will soften shadows and reduce contrast. A portable diffuser allows you to do this whenever you wish. It might allow you to use your flash.

2. A good photo editing program.

These links may be helpful too or you can do a Google search under the subject to find more help.

1. Digital Photography School

2. DIY Network

3. Photography Tips ~ This is a membership based tips page.

Below are some photos I took today using the let in the light method.

The next two photos were taken after the light had faded. I used standing lamps to light up the subjects. I didn't use flash.

This photo was taken two nights ago. The subject was lit up by two table lamps. I like the effect.

Please feel free to leave any indoor low light photo tips you may have.

Happy Mother's Day!

I visited my MIL the other evening and she gave me the beautiful nest below. She has a rose plant near one of her outside doors where two different bird families built their nests. Her gardener hacked back the rose and exposed the nests to the elements. We were so sad when we discovered this. The bird families quickly vacated leaving behind their amazing homes. I had no idea that a real nest could be so perfect. This nest is as light as a feather and it was made with the greatest of care and love. I keep thinking of the mother bird that built it and the driving instinct to protect and care for her little ones, that comes so naturally to her. A mother’s love is a powerful thing.

Wishing all mothers a day filled with love and laughter!

Mother's Day Poems . . .

The Love of a Mother
Author Unknown


A Mother's love is something
that no one can explain,
It is made of deep devotion
and of sacrifice and pain

It is endless and unselfish
and enduring come what may
For nothing can destroy it
or take that love away

It is patient and forgiving
when all others are forsaking,
And it never fails or falters
even though the heart is breaking

It believes beyond believing
when the world around condemns,
And it glows with all the beauty
of the rarest, brightest gems

It is far beyond defining,
it defies all explanation,
And it still remains a secret
like the mysteries of creation

A many splendored miracle
man cannot understand
And another wondrous evidence
of God's tender guiding hand.

A Mother's Love
by Michael O. Adesanya

There are times only when a Mother's love
Can understand our tears,
Can soothe our disappointments
And calm all our fears.

There are times when only a Mother's Love
Can share the joy we feel
When something we've dreamed about
Quite suddenly is real.

There are times when only a Mother's faith
Can help on life's way
And inspire in us the confidence
We need from day to day.

For a Mother's heart and a Mother's faith
And a Mother's steadfast love
Were fashioned by the Angels
And sent from God above...

Floral House

I have always loved white interiors. They’re peaceful, ethereal and I feel like I’m floating on a cloud. But there is this side of me that would love to live like a gypsy.

I recently found this book called Floral House. The use of color throughout its beautiful pages is spectacular eye candy. It's definitely a great book for those seeking to use color in their décor.

The more I read this book…the more inspired I am to experiment with color.

Here are a few pages from the book and then some photos of things I’ve put together based on the color palettes they used.

The cover of this book is what captured me. I love the combination of pinks, purples and reds together.

This is the sweetest baby room. The mobile is simple and eye catching.

Pretty and Serene

This little birdie inspired my bird cage below.

The use of pink and red against this white background makes the color smoking hot!

Here is the birdcage mobile I made. This would be so much fun hanging in a nursery.

To read more about this book click here.

Swashbuckler Soiree!

Welcome to the Swashbuckler Soiree hosted by the beautiful and fabulous Donna of the Ribboned Crown. Thank you so much for hosting this fun event Donna! I've been counting down the days to this Soiree. I have made something that would have graced a Pirate Lady's dressing table. Enjoy!

Beware

She ran down the castle stairs, looking back to be sure she wasn’t being followed. Her slipper fell off her foot and she stopped to put it back on for the third time. She had taken great pains to keep her pirate identity secret. If her prince ever discovered who she really was, she would lose his love forever. But the call of the sea was strong and she longed to feel the sea mist on her skin once more.

She could see the light at the end of the tunnel and hear the crashing of the waves. When she came through the mouth of the cave there lay her ship. The most beautiful ship to ever maraud the seven seas: The Glass Slipper.

She readjusted her eye patch to hide one of her beautiful eyes. She ran the length of the sandy beach and boarded the dingy that was waiting there. Two of her burly pirates grabbed the oars and headed out for sea. She felt the familiar lurch of the boat as it was caught up in the waves. She smiled as she caressed the cutlass at her side and thought of the bejeweled necklace she had captured in her latest adventure.

“Tell me Mr. Hawkins, how are things aboard my beloved Glass Slipper?”

“Well, m’pirate lady, she is as shiny and fair as you last saw her.”

A twinkle entered her eye as she looked at him. “As it should be, Mr. Hawkins. I don’t think you would want to face your lady's displeasure.”

He held back a deep chuckle. “Aye, aye m’lady. But there is some news you should be aware of. The pirate Seadog has been hounding The Glass Slipper for the last 3 days.”

She sighed. “You would think that after all these years he would just give up. Oh well, another lesson must be taught, Mr. Hawkins. Get me aboard the Slipper quickly.” She smiled. “I have a plan.”

A treasure to decorate m'lady's chamber . . . Please click on the pictures below for a larger view.

For more Swashbuckling fun . . . Please visit The Ribboned Crown