First Peony, First Day of Summer!

I love peonies and my first bloom of the year is this sweet white one. Since it is the first

day of summer, I thought I would use a few of my shells to make it special.

I even used one as a vase.

 



 

What are you doing to celebrate this lovely summer weekend?

Enjoy, Melin 

Inspirational Memory Board

 

We know these have been popular for the past decade or so. I wanted to create one in for my

home, to make me smile, but I wanted to find just the right piece for me. I was really

looking (and looking) for something cool and vintage.

 

I was at a friend's home, around the corner, for her yard sale and found a piece that I love.

 It is a newer, but vintage inspired, decorative white metal piece. I think she let me have it for

 a mere $5! It looks perfect in our blue and white bedroom hung over an antique table.

 

 

 I have very s-l-o-w-l-y added some things of meaning or that delight me. As I take a quick

glance, I see flowers, birdies, pink and cards from loved ones...all treasures!

 

 

 The angel was a gift from Aimee, when I sat on her Soroptimist Board. The birdie card was

from my Missy Birdie and the hand print is my grand-baby, Will Bug's. In the bottom center,

of the photo below, is a felt flower, beautifully handmade by my first born, Mia.  

 

 

I have seen very special boards created from vintage gates, bedsprings, small fencing,

trellis', shutters, you name it. For more inspiration, take a look at Pinterest or Google images.

What will inspire you and what will your board say about you?

Melin

 



Write a Fan letter.

How many times have you wanted to write a letter, email or note to someone who's work you  have admired? I have many times throughout my life and a few times actually did it. We all

 enjoy feedback when we have done a good job or inspired someone in any small way.

 

Yesterday, I emailed an author and artist that I have admired most of my life, Joan Walsh Anglund.

I was super and pleasantly surprised that she wrote back. Wow, that she would take the time

 to respond to little ol' me really made me feel as special as I hoped my email would do

for her. Email makes this process easier, so give it a try and make two people's day. 

 

Above is a photo of a few of my JWA collection. I remember the feel and beauty of her calendars that I received yearly from my Momma. They were heavier weight that what we get today. I kept them

for years for her illustrations and color but only their memory remains. You can see more of

her art, books and learn about her at her website http://joanwalshanglund.com. Email her

too, if she has touched your life in any way. Below is our exchange from yesterday.

"A friend is someone who likes you"  Joan Walsh Anglund

Melin

 

PS ~ Yesterday was my Momma's birthday and I know she was smiling.

 



Dearest Joan,

I just wanted to thank you for all your beautiful creativity! My Mom and I have enjoyed your works most all my life. She has been gone for 28 years now but I cherish our memories over the love and illustrations in your books. I still have many books, a few dolls and memories of calendars and so much more.

You have been an inspiration in my life and I thank you most sincerely,

Melin

A friend is not living in close proximity, it is finding a matching heart that understands.

Dear Melinda,

It made me so happy when I read your loving message to me, to know how much you have enjoyed my books over the years. I feel we have been friends for a long, long time, and now to be in personal touch is a special joy I never expected. Thank you so much for taking the time to contact me. It means more than you can guess.

With warmest love always,

Joan Walsh Anglund

Easter Tablescape

 

I like to layer old and new when creating a seasonal tablescape. It let's me use some of my

collections and fun new things. I started with a newer pink tablecloth and

 layered on a vintage one in spring colors. The vintage tablecloths can

 be smaller,  so I use it on top at a diagonal for interest.

 

At each place setting, I used vintage milk glass serving trays as chargers with pink depression glass plates and pink French goblets. The beautifully simple silver was inherited from a dear old

 friend. It is fun to blend up collections. The napkins are Ikea and I love the birdies!

To add some fun, I made paper sack bunny favors (idea from Pinterest).

I even added a "cotton tail" on the back of each.

 

 

I put a few carrot chocolates here and there (I love cute treats). These were only a dollar for

 a netted bag of several at Target. Some fun decorations on the tree and voilà!

 

 

Oh, and you just have to have a few beautiful bunnies join the party!

Wishing you a fun time decorating your home and table

for Easter, Passover and springtime.

Melin

 

St Paddy's Day Collections

I thought I would take a moment to share a few of my favorite St Paddy's Day treasures

that I have collected through the years. The ceramic leprechaun above was made

and hand-painted by my Momma. He has been present every March

for most all my life. Isn't he handsome?

 

The Shamrock bone china is from an English company, Tuscan. My parents bought a small

tea set for me on a trip we made to Canada. Like most every pattern I ever pick, it was

quickly retired. It is so delicate and looks a bit like Shelley with the light green trim.

 

 

Irish porcelain has been a part of our family treasures as has Belleek. Just a few pieces

set out in March make St Patrick's Day more special with memories of family.

We do have the usual fun shamrocks, pots of gold  and newer

decorations but somehow these oldies are still goodies!

Melin

Last minute Valentine Decorating

Valentine decorating can easily be pulled together at the last minute with a few fun things

 you probably have around the house or can pick up with a quick stop at a big box store. 

 

Set out red candies of any sort in a clear mason jar tied with a ribbon.

Other romantic colors work, as well, and are bound to bring a smile.

New towels for your kitchen and bath add a fun holiday touch.

Put a tablecloth on in the colors or lace for a romantic table.

 

 

Pull sweet romantic bits from anywhere in your home (dig through those cupboards)

and create little vignettes that speak of love. Think of dishes in holiday colors,

the more scallops and "lace" the better. Old love letters, valentines, small

faux flowers or heart anything can be gleaned from storage.

 

 

For those who like a modern touch, fill a red metal basket

 with a cozy throw and an eyelet or lace pillow.  

 

 

You can add some heart shaped lights to any basket. These are a soft pink and add

the most romantic glow to a dark hearth. I bought them at Target for $3!

I picked up green shamrocks too. 

 

 

No matter how you spend your Valentine's Day, take a few moments to make your home

just a bit more romantic and loving, for yourself and your family.

Melin

xoxo

Vintage Valentine Collection

 

I have collected valentines here and there for many years. I love my eclectic collection and have never spent more than a dollar or two on any of them. Do you collect valentines?

 

These are cards that have a stand up design.


 

These have moving parts.

 

 

The celebration of Valentine's Day began in the early 1700s with the exchanging of hand-made

 cards or notes. Esther A Howland, of Massachusetts, published the first American valentine

 in 1849, made with real lace, ribbon and "scrap". Hallmark began mass-producing

valentines in 1916. Today, over a billion cards are sold each year,

mostly for family members.

 

 

For more images of vintage and retro valentines, check out our Pinterest boards

 at http://www.pinterest.com/wrenlizgifts/.

Have fun sending your special valentines this year!

Melin