Treasures for a Tailor

While at the antique show this past weekend I snapped a few photos of some sewing items I admired. Although that forlorn dressform was calling my name, I held back and settled for just a photo instead. I loved the thread display as well, but I didn't want to spend $169. The pincushion was beckoning as well, but I think I may just start collecting hatpins and mourning pins and make one of my own. How about that sewing ham?! Has anyone ever seen anything like that before ~ or know what it is used for?

{Dick was drooling over this as he loves bacon}

{beautiful old laces and notions at Beth's booth}

BH&G Christmas Ideas

Better Homes & Gardens Christmas Ideas is now on newstands everywhere ~ this year, it was exciting for me to have some of my work included! Debbie Dusenberry's (Stylist & Owner of Curious Sofa) beautifully decorated home is featured in a lovely multi page spread ~ her unique style and impeccable taste is evident in every image. Debbie borrowed some of my book sculptures and paper ornaments for the photo shoot ~ I am flattered that she chose to use my work and I love seeing how beautiful it looks in the vignettes she styled! Even though only one of the images shown below made it for the final cut, I thought the other photos are worthy of sharing too.

There are lots of great ideas in this issue, so go pick up a copy ~ visit Curious Sofa Diaries to see more of Debbie's home.

{book sculptures ~ image from magazine spread}

{Paper ornament ~ see more here}

{more book sculptures}

Fabulous Find #7 ~ Clark's Spool Display

I have to confess, the real reason Sprocket didn't end up buying much of anything at the Sparks flea market is because I spent all of our money. Here is my favorite find of the show ~ an amazing accordion style spool display ~ I plan to use it to as a display for my brooches when I participate in shows. I have another spool display that I have used in the past ~ while I love that one as well, this one may serve better for my new brooches as the trays are not as deep ~ also, the color of the display is a nice neutral gray. The photos show it all cleaned up ~ there was a free coating of dirt/dust on every surface ~ the spools came with it as well. Happy Day!

{folded up display}

{unfolded display ~ it is glorious!}

Lovely Stores ~ Anthropologie

Another of my favorite stores to visit is Anthropologie ~ I'm sure almost everyone has either visited an Anthropologie or is at least familiar with their catalog. What you might not know though, is that each store is designed according to the space it occupies. Usually a vacant building is refurbished according to the Anthropologie aesthetic, utilizing and adding to already existing elements ~ creating a unique shopping experience at each store. So although I can shop at my local Anthropologie anytime, I still think it is worth visiting their stores in other cities because the shopping experience and the displays are always unique. Below are photos from the Anthropologie in Soho this spring.

{wonderful window displays ~ bug themed cut paper patterns}

{more paper cut creations throughout the store}

{chandelier made of folded book pages}

{clever use of screen as a sculptural material}

{great cabinet ~ love the mix of greenery!}

{unique way to display a variety of knobs}

{my favorite ~ gorgeous felt flower bench}