Compote Dishes

The word 'compote' means 'mixture' in French. The 17th Century Europeans believed the the combination of fruit cooked in a sugary syrup helped balance the effects of humidity on the body. The term came to mean a fruit dessert and was typically served in a long stemmed small dish.

I have long loved these elegant dishes and have collected many over the years. They are so handy for serving candies, nuts and of course the occasional fruity dessert. Most of my antique ones are sterling (another one of my passions) but I also frequently use the few with glass or porcelain bowls.

My friend's daughter termed these and all stemmed plates, 'high heel dishes'. What a great way to describe them! 

We have created some of these compotes from small vintage plates. They work well as jewelry holders on your dresser as well as soap dishes for the guest bath.

Check them out in our online store.

Lace Collars are Fabulous

A beautiful lace collar like this merino wool sweater boasts is a great way to draw attention upward to your beautiful face! The silhouette of this top with the blouson is a great choice for the fuller waist, narrower hip figure. The tapestry pencil skirt is a smart choice to complete the look. I'll be posting more tips on figure types and ways to maximize your shape with good silhouette choices soon. 

Sweater and skirt available in the boutique.

Embroidered Bird Pillows

         
I found this beautiful bird's egg blue linen while shopping in Boston. The embroidery is fantastic.

       I made these little pillows out of it and love the way the birds are 'framed' perching on their branches.

 Let them bring a bit of spring year round to any corner of your home.

 These friends are available on our etsy site.

Felted Santa Pillow

Santa here wants to remind you that his Yuletide visit is closer than you want to think.

He and other charming wool felted Kris Kringles will be available in September in the boutique. 

They are all original, handmade and unique. No two are alike.

 Each one is made from recycled sweaters and felted to create his personality. 

Look for a post soon on the technique of wool felting.

Handmade Jewelry

These handmade, one of a kind earrings are made from vintage findings. 

Combining the past and the present with original parts and pieces from all different eras 

results in these unique pieces of jewelry.

These and more available in our online store.

Town Mouse, Country Mouse

One of my all-time favorite of Aesop's Fables is the story of the two mice who each, in turn,

 learn that they are best suited to their own circumstance. It is a classic tale reminding us to be content in our own lives.

I love these fables. I went back and re-read several of them. They are so fun and the morals are still so relevant.

These sweet little white mice are the only type of mice welcome in my home, however. 

With removable felt jackets and super soft fur, they tempt even the most mature to reenact the tale. 

Available through our online boutique. 

Burlap Bags

This great over the shoulder bag is perfect for a trip to the farmer's market or a day trip downtown.

Made from burlap and printed with French script, it is lightweight and durable.  

Available in our online store.