A Lovely Bit of Bliss

In the midst of chaos came this lovely bit of bliss - my Somerset Life article! It came over a week ago but I've been so swamped getting ready for the S.F. Gift Show that I am only now uploading the photos. To say that I am thrilled and honored to be included in the pages of this wonderful publication is an understatement. Thank you so much Jenny for inviting me to play!





This also came in the mail today - a beautiful little charm made by the extremely talented Mary. I love, love, love it and have the perfect bracelet just waiting for more bling! Thank you so much Mary. It's gorgeous!











As for the Gift Show, I've been in full production mode for weeks trying to get ready. My house looks like a bomb went off and I've been wandering around in sweats and a baseball hat for what feels like an eternity. It's a huge undertaking but so worth it in the long run. In any event, I shot a few photos of these "party pots" fresh out of the studio. I love the way they turned out and can't wait to debut them at the show. Fill them with candy, party favors, or a special gift, and voila, the perfect vessel for any number of occasions.

Right now my daughter is sleeping quietly next to me and it is all I can do to keep my eyes open. It has been a long day. Here's hoping for a productive day tomorrow.

Merry Christmas

From my family to yours, wishing you love and blessings for the Holiday.







My beloved grandparents.

With much love,
Molly

Just in Time for 2009

Generally I'm not the type of person who likes to wait til the last minute to do things but apparently this Christmas I've decided to do just that. (I do have good reasons but that's another Oprah show!) I confess I have not bought one present yet. Not one. I have made a few presents but my body and credit cards have not stepped foot into the mall. But, what I have been doing is shopping like crazy for the store. Really crazy! So much so that I'm having to add four new categories - Millinery, Trims & Embellishment, Soaps, and Paper Goods. I'm soooo excited to bring all of this yummy merchandise in for the New Year. It's a fabulous way to usher in 2009 don't you think? I haven't listed any of these on the website yet (come on, I have to go Christmas shopping tomorrow!) but give me a couple of days and I'll have it all finished for you. In the meantime, here's a sneak peek of things to come.....


Beautiful blue posies.


Handmade roses crafted out of silk ribbons.


Pale turquoise pom-pom garland.


Vintage pharmacy labels.





Exquisite French soaps.








Affordable little pick-me-ups for every season.

This is only a sample of the many new items arriving daily. Please check back soon for the complete listing at the shoppe. If you don't hear from me in a couple of days you may have to send in the rescue squad. I'll be the lunatic Mom in the corner of Target banging my head on the wall while mumbling some gibberish about pink Barbie cars and PS3's!! What the hell was I thinking? Have a wonderful day! XOXXOO

A Pretty Little Christmas

Okay, I know these photos were supposed to be posted yesterday but I just couldn't get to it until today. So, in honor of Heather and her Pretty Little Christmas blog party, here are a few pictures of my home for the holidays.



Hard to capture all the sparkly little lights in the middle of the day, but, oh well!














May your Holidays be filled with peace, joy, and abundance. Hugs to all of you!

Christmas Came Early

A few months ago I asked a good friend of mine to keep her eyes open for pearls. I use them in many of my projects and go through them pretty fast. I was expecting Gail to find a few strands here and there or maybe a loose lot or two but oh no, no, no, she scored! When I opened the box there were HUNDREDS of the little lovelies. White ones, creamy ones, big and small ones. It was like Christmas! Gail was even sweet enough to separate the pearls into categories for me! Thank you sooooo much for taking time out of your schedule to help me with my endless pursuit of the pearl.





In my last post I mentioned the empty pocket watches I found that I had an idea for. Well here they are in their new incarnation - mini shadowboxes encased in a wonderful old pocket watch! Wear them as a necklace or hang them in a favorite spot in your home. They'd even make a great holiday ornament. I think they're really lovely and wish I would've have bought more of them! I simply ADORE the glittered encrusted shells that house the shadowboxes and think the whole package was just too much fun! Don't you just love it when creativity makes you soar! I'm trying to think of other uses for the glittered shells. Maybe a place card holder on a festive table? Any ideas?










Have a happy weekend! XOXXOO

Trinkets and Treasures

After a whirlwind trip back East and a Thanksgiving filled with laughter and tears I made it back home feeling a bit exhausted but very grateful. Death will do that to you. It makes you cherish the small things, like the soft, sweet breath of a sleeping child. Or the sound of a full house on Thanksgiving day. Death reminds you to cherish the tiny little moments and to be more present in life, something I have to constantly work on. Thank you to everyone who sent their well-wishes and prayers. I am grateful for the support.

Last weekend I spent the day with a friend of mine scouring the aisles of an enormous flea market. I was on a mission to find some Christmas items and more bling, and of course, anything else that I simply had to have! Mission accomplished!





Unfortunately, these photos didn't capture the beautiful color or patina of the tinsel but trust me it's gorgeous. I found gold, silver, blue and pink in both the tinsel and garland, all of which will make it into a special project I have in mind. I'll post that later.



I scored a fairly large box of coral bits for only $20! I'm thinking beach collages, soldered bottles, apothecary jars filled with memories of summer....Oh lord, is it summer yet?! I also filled one of my grandmother's silver dishes with the coral and have it sitting on a side table in my living room. I think of her every time I see it.



I found a whole bunch of lace, perfect for all sorts of embellishing, and brass tags that I use for packaging my coasters. I bought an assortment of pocket watches that will debut next week after I toss a little whimsy on 'em!

Although not pictured (sorry I ran out of steam and good light) I found the most amazing pink cabinet to use for display when I do the SF Gift Show in February. It's glass fronted with 3 shelves and when I get through with it will be perfect for displaying my bottles. I'll post photos of that later too!

Again, I thank everyone for their heartfelt love and support during this difficult time. I appreciate it more than words can say. I wish you all peace, abundance, and TONS of joy and laughter during this holiday season. XXOXOO

Beloved Mimi

Well, when I said I was going to try and post more often this was not the kind of a post I was thinking about. I had in mind pretty photos of completed Christmas projects, news about the shoppe, or maybe even some favorite holiday recipes. It never occurred to me, at least not consciously, that I would be writing about the passing of my beloved grandmother. Although let's face it, at 92 years of age I knew full well this day was coming. Of course I'm devastated by the loss. This was the matriarch of our family and her presence will be missed beyond words. But my grandmother, Mimi, as we affectionately called her, lived a long and healthy 92 years. In the end, it was Alzheimer's and a tired body that claimed her. She died in her sleep surrounded by love on Thursday morning. I take great comfort in knowing that death is not the end and that love knows no bounds. She is in my heart. She is in my memories.

On Saturday I leave for Virginia where all the family will be gathered to celebrate the life of Mimi. She leaves behind 3 children, 8 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and a lifetime of love that bind us all.

Note: I drafted this on Sunday morning and then put it aside so that I could gather some photos of my grandmother. I am sad to say that I have very few and the ones I do have are profiles that don't show her face. I'm sure I'll come home with a collection of wonderful photos after the services that I can share with you later. In the meantime, these heartfelt words will have to do.



On a lighter note, and while I'm on the subject of love, I'd like to thank my husband for being such a rock during this difficult time. You are my best friend, my anchor in the storm, and I am grateful for your enormous shoulders and endless supply of hugs! Happy anniversary Clement. I love you BIG!