Monday, June 29, 2009

Unwanted Attention

We had some unwanted attention last Saturday night. My cast iron bunny was the only witness it seems. Unfortunately I can't get him to tell me what he saw. Around 12:30am some vandals decided to ring our door bell (daaa?????) and then smash my nice stone planters on my walkway.


I tried some "Gorilla Glue" to repair the damage, but it just didn't look right so I went out and bought some new planters today. I really liked my old planters . . . but I am thankful they were not thrown through my front door or living room window. I bought some light fibreglass ones today. They can't do any damage when airborne.

You can see from the muddy foot print on my porch that the thug was pretty big.


I like having a big dog! She looks nice and calm in all my pictures but trust me . . . she won't let anyone mess with her mum. Here she is . . . shortly after our scare . . . getting lots of "good girl" pets.


P.S. We do live in a good neighbourhood. Really. Just some stupid teenagers carrying out their twisted idea of fun. My husband and I had a long chat about that with our own soon to be teenagers.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

New Driver !

My neighbor has 2 boys a few years older than our kids. He said they should be able to safely operate a riding lawn mower . . . long before they ever get anywhere near his cars! We thought that sounded like great advice. So, our 14 year old daughter learned how to use our riding lawn mower last weekend. She just did the flat part between the trees and practised turning.

Note how Cider is running for cover, LOL. New Driver!!!!



Looking good on those turns : )



Cider supervising ~ safely from the deck : )


She did seem to know it was all new.


Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Princess Lace Gown and more . . .

This Edwardian Gown is a beauty. I just love it. I have listed it on eBay . . . ending this Friday. I decided I just couldn't limit a posting to five pictures. Etsy really needs to re-think that. For really special items I like the option of posting up to 24 pictures : ). Yep, I used them all!



I have had the dress since last Fall . . . when I worked at the 3 day Edwards Estate Sale. I have enjoyed having it, but must move it along ("Selling is part of the process" my husband reminds me ~ LOL).


It has a Flocked Velvet Train ~ with a Chiffon Ruffled edge.



It is so small that my size 8 dress form could not model it for us. I would guess it is size 0.



It has a solid pink lining, with a light Chiffon lining above that.
The top layer is Princess Lace.


The train gathers beautifully and extends for about 24 inches.

The Net Lace is still strong ~ no breaks, rips or tears in the mesh.
Amazing for a 100 year old gown.



I was told by the family that this gown belonged to Catherine Wilson - wife of W.C. Edwards (1844 - 1921). Mr. Edwards was a prominent Canadian Business man (of Lumber Mills) and a Parliamentarian. Edwards served as a member of Parliament from 1891 to 1900, after which he was appointed to the Canadian Senate upon the recommendation of Sir Wilfrid Laurier (the seventh Prime Minister of Canada). The Edwards lived a life of elegance and refinement. I am sure Mrs. Edwards was the belle of the ball in this gown!

This prominent family once owned the Victorian Estate located at 24 Sussex Drive ~ now the residence of the Prime Minister of Canada.



Another well know lady owned this gown. Her name was Elizabeth Edwards. She was a world traveller and worked for UNICEF for many years. I purchased many of her dresses.



The fabric is actually hand painted. So much detail !




This gown is a more reasonable size. A size 4 - 6 instead of a zero.
I imagine it being worn by a Ballroom Dancer. The fabric sways so nicely.


Hope you are having lovely weather in your part of the world. There is only one more week (and a bit) of school for my kids and then it is summer holidays. June 25th is their last day. I have lots to get done before then . . . the count down is on, LOL.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Ribbon, Trim and Floral Embellishments

I have so many lovely trims, embellishments and florals. I know I won't ever get to using them all. June seems like the perfect month for florals. I have listed several gorgeous trims this week in my Teddy Bear Etsy shop ~ Old Soul Bears . They make lovely collars and ruffs for your favourite Teddy Bear of Victorian Doll. Perfect for mixed media projects too!



Love the pink roses !




I believe they are organdy in the center.




I have Pink, Red and Mauve florals.



The looped ribbon and cord makes a perfect Clown Ruff for your Teddy Bear.




I have it in pink or blue ~ both have gold accents.




Thanks for visiting and have a great week! Karen

~~~

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Victorian Tea Party



Welcome! Kim at The Victorian Parlor is having a Tea Party today : ) Please drop by for a visit.
I have my best lace and linen on display . . . .


This little Nippon Tea Set is so sweet . . . it has a matching cookie platter and plates.



I think Italian Lace is so pretty! This one is a beauty.



My Favorite tea set has 40 pieces ~ luncheon plates, dessert plates and cups and saucers. The teapot is very small though . . . so we'll have to be patient.



The cups have the cutest little feet . . . hard to see here but each cup has three tiny feet.



I do have lots of other tea sets so I am sure I can find a larger tea pot if needed, LOL.



Hope you have a great weekend and enjoy starting it off with a relaxing cup of tea : )

Thanks for stopping by!!!