Gilding the Lily Vintage

It's beginning to feel a lot like...

2011-12-08T08:53:00.000-08:00

...Christmas!

Loving the layers....

2011-11-15T09:45:00.000-08:00

Since acquiring my tool from Crafted Findings, I hadn't had much time to fool around with it, but Sunday surprised me with a few hours I could dedicate to fooling around with it, and I managed to finish (and start) some projects. I'd made one of the Joan of Arc cuffs before, but it sold immediately, and I wanted to make another. The huge filigree below was stashed before they all sold out and it cooperated (with a little persuasion from my pliers and bale pliers) and here is the result...

I've always been fond of the old repousse cuffs, and by the time this was formed, pierced, riveted, dipped, buffed, polished and waxed, it satisfied the ideal I had in mind. Was it a process? You bet...

A view from the side, mounted on one of our hammered cuff blanks...

This was new project, built on an old stamping I found. I haven't tracked down the tooling for it yet, but have another that might suit as well. Vintage cabochons, some art from my collection, vintage and cast bronze medals, and a watch crystal paired with an ornate bezel finished the front, and old mother of pearl beads complete the bracelet. We're now a distributor for this fun little tool, so call or email if you want to know more about it....

I'm not much of a stringer, and I very nearly had a knot in my stomach by the time I finished this necklace, but I had fun experimenting with a variety of materials and stuff I had tucked in my drawers. This two sided brass locket served as the inspiration for this piece, and a vintage pewter cross rests on antique red silk velvet on one side...

And a combination of a mother of pearl cabochon, an old cut steel buckle are tucked into the other side, with part of a phrase from an old bible. Loving garnet as I do, I string the necklace from garnets, diminutive Haskell baroques, old French steel beads, and faceted brass from Nigeria...

The little caps pictured above are the very same we use in our signature bead chains, and we will be offering them to our wholesale customers in bulk. You can email or call the store for more details, and we will be adding more items like this for our designers over the next month or so, including pins, rings, and more!

We have a limited supply of these beautiful blown glass beads from Japan, and I am tucking a few to work with over the holidays. They still have their original caps and pins, but the metal is showing its age, so I am replacing the caps on mine and wire wrapping them...

This is something I am really excited about! I love book chain, and rarely find it, especially something as exceptional as this. These big links measure 11x13mm in size, and are a wonderful golden color. Of course, some of them will take a little dip to see what they look like aged, but the contrast between the ornately patterned links and the square wire links is amazing. And...we have clasps in the store for this! I'm in heaven, and can't wait to work with this chain....

Ghosts, and Ghouls and Zombies, Oh My!

2011-11-02T09:03:00.000-07:00

Halloween on Brookdale is quite a lot of fun, as people come in from all over to walk under the jacarandas, which look quite spooky at night, and travel from house to house gathering candy in this neighborhood of old homes....

This is a sampling of the over 750 trick or treaters that we get each year! The parade of toddlers and teenagers, parents and babies goes on for over three hours, and at our Halloween open house we all take turns handing out the candy. Nathalie and Erik joined us, bringing Erik's nephew Alex, who was dressed as Ron Weasley of Harry Potter fame, and we even had appearances from a Rubik's Cube, and President Obama and Joe Biden, whom Dede made dance for their candy!

Hope you had a howling good time at your Halloween celebration!

Taking the first bite...

2011-10-06T06:54:00.000-07:00

There's an old saying about 'taking the first bite out of the apple' that relates to getting there first, getting the jump on everyone else, and I have always love that Apple's logo illustrates this. Steve Jobs exemplified just that, and we delighted in watching the reveals at his keynotes, and laughed with anticipation when he would pause and say, "Stop me if you've seen this before," because, of course, we knew it would be something that no one had seen before. Something new, innovative, groundbreaking, and so revolutionary that we didn't even know we needed it. It never hurt that these things were so beautifully designed and exquisitely crafted that they took your breath away.

Steve Job's vision for Apple was so complete and reached so far into our futures that I have no doubt he has made provisions to leave more behind than a mere legacy. We move on today saddened, surely, by his passing, but looking forward to Apple's next revelation.

Welcoming Fall...

2011-09-29T08:21:00.000-07:00

Well, it is finally starting to feel like fall, and none too soon for me. I was happy to crawl up into the attic and make a trip to the garage to start pulling out items to put me in the mood. New finds were also added to the store, and I am starting to shake it up a little bit...

I am loving the colors on this table, and one little corner of burnished gold caught my fancy...

With Halloween now around the corner and people busy creating, the orange and black came tumbling out of the back room and off the shelves....

Aren't these little crepe paper nut cups the sweetest? And check out these amazing and spooky black berry sprays....

Okay, so I got a little carried away and started unpacking some Christmas! It was too delectable, and I couldn't resist. It's all been packed away in the garage waiting...

And who could resist these?

Even pink.... and more pink....

On a more sedate note, we also latched on to all these old hot type slugs and cuts...everything from numbers and letters and punctuation, to graphics, monograms, and forms...I love them!

Another welcome addition...more girlfriend snaps!

Showtime!

2011-09-18T12:29:00.000-07:00

We raced from our Danville adventures to set up for Tinsel and Treasures, and I was delighted to find that I had a little extra space. We started unloading and popping out goodies like these...

Then it was off to Colleen's house for a much needed break, lots of chatter, delicious wine courtesy of Sue, and a beautiful buffet prepared by Colleen and family...

Sgt. Wilcox behind the lens, capturing some party highlights...

Debby Anderson, Dede Warren, Sally Case, Donna O'Brien, Natalie Hansen and Charlene Geiger tucked in the back there...

Dee Foust, Sue Bartolucci, Colleen and Debby Anderson in conversation....

And Colleen's youngest child, the irrepressible Lola...what a doll! We are so looking forward to going back next year and repeating all this fun!

More from the road...

2011-09-14T08:08:00.000-07:00

We loved our trip up north, and especially checking in on favorite spots recommended by Colleen. Although we only got to a few of the eateries she recommended, we did stop in at one that particularly caught our eye, since the word "fries" was mentioned...

They were just as scrumptious as she said, crisp and served with bleu cheese dressing on the side. We paired it with cold beer and that was lunch, sitting outside on the little patio and planning our next move. We definitely wanted to pop in and see Marcia at Cottage Jewel, whom we had met at the show last year. I gotta tell you, I love this gal! What fun energy she has, great humor, and what a beautiful store. We were floored by the abundance of well, everything! And though I wanted to take everything home with me, I settled on a few small items and little surprise for Dede...

It was easy to see she had fallen in love with "Baby," but had settled for snapping a few pictures. Marcia and I conspired to get it into my shopping bag, and the deed was done. Baby, perhaps renamed by now, is surely gracing Dede's studio as a remembrance of our little trip.

Everyone knows I am foolish over pearls, and gravitated to the baroques that were hanging in Marcia's case...

And both Dede and I were simply swooning over the silver and quadruple that was massed in a nearby cabinet...

Since we knew we were on a timeline, we walked the main streets of darling Danville and popped into a few more shops, taking in sights like this...

I have to say, I felt a bit like the country mouse after seeing all this splendor, but there was no time to ponder all the possibilities for my little store, where I shall be today after a full week away. We were off to set up for the show and reunite with Iva, Colleen and other friends and artists...

More to come!

Back from Tinsel...

2011-09-12T10:16:00.000-07:00

We're finally back from a long weekend up north, which started Thursday morning, Dede at the wheel. We got things loaded in just a few minutes and were ready to take off on our drive winding northward with a few stops planned (and unplanned). Last year we flew, and the packing was crazy, trying to get a whole show's worth of make and takes and merchandise into our suitcases, and we met in Oakland Friday morning and raced through the two days we were there. This year, we were determined to make it a teensy bit more fun and squeeze in a little more fun than frantic.

One of the nicest things was the cool weather we encountered in our travels. Going up 101 took us closer to the ocean, and we were delighted to see the temperature drop, by more than thirty degrees. check it out...67 degrees at 67 miles an hour!

We had lunch at this fun destination in Arroyo Grande, McClinktock's...

...and reviewed some of the sights we wanted to see. Colleen had sent us a list of things we must see or eat, and we reviewed over lunch, as well as some referrals Dede had on her laptop. We had a great lunch there and mapped out what we were going to see in town, which included some vintage shops and antique malls. We had stopped in Summerland and I lusted over some mother of pearl handled knives and forks for well over a hundred dollars. I picked up some cheese knives in Arroyo for a fraction of that. Whoo-hoo!

Walking around town was fun, crossing the quaint little bridge with its hanging baskets of flowers, and looking down into the lush, shaded banks that lined the creek below....

Arroyo Grande is the coolest little town, and even has it's own old fashioned bandstand in the park!

Right across the street was this little gem of a shop, highly recommended to us, The Green Vase. Connie, the owner, welcomed us and showed us around, and even gifted Dede a huge dried spray from one of her yuccas, which we crammed into the already full truck and took to T&T for a centerpiece!

This shop was adorable from start to finish, top to bottom. If you are ever in the area, stop in and say hi to Connie, and tell her we sent you!

More to post tomorrow, MUST start unpacking!

What's on my desk...

2011-08-30T06:26:00.000-07:00

Kits, of course, with Tinsel and Treasures coming up... The one below is joining the rest being boxed up for the show, and more are in process today. Yesterday we tackled not one but both printers expiring at the office, but managed to get up and running by installing the all in one fax to Alain's computer. Miraculously, the printer at the store sorted itself out and stopped printing everything in blue...

I also started working with some leather I've had for a short while, taking a break from other chores on Sunday to fool around a little bit. I like working with a different, more organic texture for a change, and was pleased with this first effort, even though I spent a lot of time cutting the leather by hand...

Hello, old friend...

2011-08-29T06:31:00.000-07:00

I got a hankering the other day for something a little devilish, my common sense prevailed and I ended up making this delicious vegetarian substitution, the "DLT." Harking back to our macro days, I went to the pantry and pulled out some seaweed (yes, you heard me right), and toasted it in our panini pan, which turns out to be perfect for this task.

Now, this is not any ordinary seaweed. This is a scrumptious variety called dulse, and it is applewood smoked, much as bacon would be. Dulse grows off our eastern coastline, and was eaten by the Indians, and indeed, by the settlers when they arrived as well. So you can rest assured it is practically as all American as a hot dog.

After toasting in the panini pan, prepare as you would any lettuce and tomato sandwich. We used La Brea Bakery's beautiful bread, and a tomato from Bridgette's garden that was to die for. If you want this vegan, use grapeseed oil Vegennaise... bon appetit!

My Mouli...

2011-08-29T06:17:00.000-07:00

My sister is in the shedding mode, and gifted me with this old Mouli grater, something I have wanted for a long time. I've seen modern versions used in some restaurants, but this weathered one with it's little red handle is all the more dear to me. The hasp lifts up and you pop in a piece of grating cheese into the little compartment.

It took a turn with this chilled pasta salad last week, effortlessly churning out a cascade of fine peccorino romano at the finish. The French company, Moulinex, still makes these little graters, but if you have a yen for an old one like this, check out the online sites, and you'll most likely find one.

Getting ready...

2011-08-23T08:52:00.000-07:00

I had a heck of a time getting started on my kits this year for Tinsel and Treasures, finding it somehow hard to switch gears and put on my packaging cap this time. I guess I was dreading having to resize all my artwork and graphics to fit the new box that replaced my old trusty one. I did manage to step up to the plate, though, and started working with some of our Antiquities castings to create the bracelet shown above. There's also vintage swarovski drops and the coolest rhinestone circlet connectors. One strand on each side of the bracelet feeds through the center of those connectors.

Next, I moved on to these earrings, which were inspired by some buttons I bought from a friend. I splurged on all sorts of vintage shell buttons, and these long, triangular shaped ones immediately got the wheels turning for earrings using our little Infant of Prague drops. They're paired with vintage mother of pearl beads, aged double rhinestone rondelles, and little faceted mother of pearl beads.

These vintage gold plated crosses that came from back east were the inspiration for these earrings, making me want to pair them with something rich. I chose some old ornate Miriam Haskell bead caps, and then sandwiched those around some of the biggest Haskell baroques I had in my stash, and I love the look. A simple wire wrap and two connections, and you are done.

I still have many more on my desk right now, including two versions of an earring based on my reliquary necklaces. Stay tuned!

Culinary Catch Up....

2011-08-19T19:55:00.000-07:00

Mister made up for lost time by cooking up some wonderful meals last week. He'd been locked in on a large project and working on his web site, and decided to take a little break from the digital, and switch on the culinary vibe with a dish from his home country, Belgium. Lapin au sauce moutarde, or as we like to call it, rabbit in white wine mustard sauce. In one word, heaven.

There is cream involved, grainy mustard, wine, and little rabbit legs, seared and braised to perfection. Mushrooms bob in the silky sauce, waiting for their moment in the spotlight. I got caught sneaking one out early and was scolded...

Perfectly cooked frites to accompany this dish, cooked in the massive cast iron dutch oven I dragged around the flea market last year. It is now seasoned to perfection and does duty on big jobs like this. We hailed a neighbor walking by our open window and they came in for a plate with us! Totally what I love about our neighborhood....

This was a really decent bottle of wine. Track it down if you can and take it for a spin.

Prior to the lapin,we discovered small lobster tails on sale, and paired them with some shrimp for a rare treat, lobster risotto...

Secret ingredient alert: If you've never tried the Better Than Bouillon products, here's a heads up. You won't likely find the lobster base in your local store, but order it online. It's heaven in a jar. They make lots of great products, but this is a must have for seafood risottos and such. It has all the wonderful aspects and nuances of a good seafood stock, plus spices. Check out the result:

YUM! Lovely translucent grains of risotto, with chunks of rosy shrimp and lobster tucked in there, and fresh herbs from our kitchen garden snipped in there. Life was very, very good last week....

Catching up...

2011-08-18T08:41:00.000-07:00

Let's see, what have I been up to? Well, a lot of homebody-ing, enjoying the mild weather we've been having (knock on wood it continues), and enjoying the season's bounty. Alain came home with a stack of fresh corn that we ate up steamed, with butter, salt and lime juice all over it. One of the best things on earth, in my book...

A little decorating, moving some willow up onto the mantle and adding my new objet, a rusted urn my sister in law gave me from her garden bench. The lemon catcher seems to like the new additions...

Trying to enjoy the little corners and spaces of my home more, like our little breakfast room. These were spaces that were de rigeur in the homes of the twenties, a little room off the kitchen, usually with a window facing east to catch the morning sun.

A new addiction for breakfast. This usually has carrot and daikon in it, but we only had cucumbers that morning, but still delicious. I could eat this every day...just rice vinegar and a splash of Thai sweet chili sauce. Seriously good.

The dogs have been weathering the heat all right, opting to flop on pillows and the coolness of the leather sofa in the den. Here's Noodge, completely unconscious in an afternoon nap...

And Tini (slightly more ladylike) right next to her...

I'll try and post what chef Jamar has been up to in the kitchen soon...

Rx for a Sunday Afternoon...

2011-07-25T08:16:00.000-07:00

Nathalie and I are both lovers of the local cafe's cucumber lemonade, and we'd been wanting to try putting a cocktail spin on it for some time. Alain was making a quick trip to the grocery store, so I added a couple of ingredients to his list, and he also came in bearing fresh lemons from our tree. The crisper yielded one large cucumber, and one small Egyptian cuke willing to sacrifice themselves for the cause. Here's what transpired:

It was blissfully simple, and infused with the cooling flavor of the cucumbers, the tang of fresh lemon, all bound with a few spoonfuls of lemonade concentrate and a jigger of vodka. I used a cup or so of filtered water with the concentrate and let the blender do the rest. Vodka over ice in the shaker, add the lemonade, and shake things up. Garnish with spiral cut cucumber or mint.

Note: We drank ours frothy, but if you wanted a more traditional, clarified martini, sieve it using a coffee filter or cheesecloth...

Amy, Amy, Amy...

2011-07-23T11:30:00.000-07:00

Open Studio....Belgian Style!

2011-07-22T07:22:00.000-07:00

As yesterday was Belgian National Day, Alain decided to cook some frites for us girls, treating us to the national specialty, served up with mayonnaise, too boot. This necessitates getting down the big professional cutter...

And getting in the mood with some of the country's favorite beverage...

While Alain was doing the 'first fry' (Belgian frites require two dips in the bath...one to par cook them, a short resting period, and then a second fry to crisp them)...

The gals started gathering in the living room and dining room, conferring over projects and getting settled in for the evening. Here's Josie, Cindy and Donna giving their two cents worth on a project...

They also got their first taste of Framboise, a Belgian lambic infused with raspberries, thoughtfully provided by Pasquale and Karan...

And finally...des frites!

Our hard working fry-boys, Alain and Pasquale, celebrated a job well done with a bottle of Chimay cinq-cents, served up in Alain's vintage Chimay glasses, brought back from Belgium...

Foolin' around...

2011-07-07T09:01:00.000-07:00

Had some time last week to fool around with some old things and new things. Some old settings recovered quite by accident from one of the big drawers in back at the store proved a perfect fit for some vintage shell cabochons, and were then paired with some tiny medals, crosses, and a diminutive holy spirit medallion for our new In Spiritu earrings...

A brand new and beautiful cross will be featured exclusively in our Renaissance earrings, and we've paired them with little immaculate medals and even tinier haloed virgins. They're topped with gemstone rondelles that will vary by selection. We hope to have these kits in store by this weekend...

Another design in process is the Clarity necklace, which will feature vintage chandelier pendants paired with vintage Swarovski channel set drops, and chaining composed of vintage rolo chain, fab new brass connectors and Czech glass beads...

It's a start, and it almost feels a little like I'm finally catching up. These designs will go to Tinsel and Treasures with Dede and I in the fall as well, along with other I hope to add to our line. We'll also be restocking some of our most popular designs, starting with the Immaculate series. Stay tuned!

Summertime...

2011-07-06T07:12:00.000-07:00

Well, the past weekend and our broiling Fourth of July weekend reminded me that summer is really here. We timidly clicked on the air conditioning a couple of times when we got really desperate, but are still trying not run up our utility bill too much this season. We'll see how successful we are as summer marches on.

It has been cause for some lovely salads, though, chock full of the colorful produce we are so lucky to have in abundance, and we put together a killer black bean salad with peppers, corn, and onions...

Lots of cumin, a little garlic, a couple of spoonfuls of salsa, and a drizzle of olive oil, followed by a generous slosh of this...

Our lemon tree is producing like mad, and many dishes are getting laced with its tart goodness. Another bounty of summer we are enjoying to its fullest. What we can't use we are gifting to friends, as well as shaving off the zest, juicing them, and freezing all that for future use.

We're already seeing our little downtown slow down for the heat of summer, with streets getting quieter as people seek the cool of the restaurants and their own living rooms, or escape to the beach. This year, I've decided to close on Sundays during the hottest months, and see how that feels...

We'll still be open by appointment for those little design emergencies, and of course, our out of town visitors, so don't hesitate to call and let us know if you want to come visit. Call us at 714~349~2069 and give us a heads up...

Coma, ame, vida...

2011-06-27T17:37:00.000-07:00

This culinary story started yesterday afternoon, when Alain requested that I make pesto for some shrimp he wanted to grill for friends. We were thrilled to find pine nuts (happy dance!) at Costco for around $16 a pound, roughly half of what Henry's was asking last time I checked. It took a trip to two different stores to find enough basil, and we already had the peccorino romano that I like to use. An hour later, and a kitchen that had a light sheen of extra virgin olive oil over most of it, and we were the proud purveyors of this...

I called Bridgette at the store and told her to stop by and do a little quality control for me, which we accompanied with glasses of chilled white wine and some pieces of fresh bread, lightly toasted. The pesto passed muster, and did quite nicely on the grill last night, slathered on some skewered prawns.

This morning, Nat and I hooked up to do a little shopping, and came home with two bags of variegated zucchini, sweet onions, peppers, and two huge portabello mushrooms. We sliced them all up, drizzled them with olive oil, gave them a grind of sea salt and coarse pepper, and a generous toss of herbes des provence, our favorite. Onto the grill they went in batches, and then onto a platter for a family lunch. Alain had just sent proofs off to an agency in New York he's working with, and was ready to join us for an impromptu feast. A table!

We supplemented our grilled feast with some pasta salad, toasted baguettes and the remains of a very luxurious wedge of Delice de Bourgogne, our most favorite and decadent dairy treat. It was such a delight to share lunch with my Bean, especially over food we cooked together....

If you check in on Honey-Bean, you may see some more pictures of the grilling action and our pups...

Forties Favorites...

2011-06-25T09:19:00.000-07:00

Some of my favorite forties trims and notions that have been collecting in a basket in my studio. I don't know what I will do with them, or if we will be parted, but they are so sweet... Creamy yellow organza is trimmed in crisp black, some of it sporting a ruffled edge. The buttons came from another source, but look as though they were made for each other. From another friend, the pale organza piping at the bottom of the picture...

Here's a shot of the rest of the little covered buttons. Aren't they to die for? I love the old rayon dress prints, and the fact that they are double covered makes them doubly wonderful...

Last but not least, some adorable vintage yo-yos, also in old rayon dress prints. I couldn't resist pairing these with some more of that wonderful organza piping from my friend Dawn, this time in a delectable sea foam green...

Enjoy!

Don't Shun the Knife...

2011-06-23T13:19:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'll 'fess up to that terrible pun, as pictured below I am working with one of Alain's favorite Shun knives, and I am being careful, as I heard the sharpener running the day before. He keeps his knives in good order, and we popped for the sharpener with settings for both European and Japanese knives. I love this long parer for cutting up ingredients for our morning soup...

Here I am fussing over one of my favorite things to include...little daikon flowers.

Into the pot! There's already carrots and onion in there, everything simmering and waiting for the miso to put in an appearance. This little All-Clad pot is one of my favorites, and always does soup duty in the morning. If we want something hearty, I'll tuck a couple of vegetable dumplings in there and let them cook slowly....

The secret ingredient. Organic kuzu. Absolutely the best root starch for thickening, and used medicinally in the orient as well. We've totally stopped using other thickeners and always reach for this. Just dissolve it in cold water, and add to the simmering pot, and you'll get...

This lovely bowl full of goodness, thick and rich, with the little daikon flowers floating next to your dumpling, and the pale green of some scallions as a garnish. Breakfast, anyone?

Sunday...

2011-06-20T18:36:00.000-07:00

This was my little vintage picnic basket, waiting on the couch as we prepared to leave for Nathalie and Erik's and a little Father's Day hanging out together...

Nathalie had prepared a beautiful little spread of cheeses, vegetables, fresh baguette slices, and fruit, and I grilled some vegetables for our part of the spread, some zucchini, slabs of sweet onion, and two kinds of peppers. A little extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, fresh ground pepper, and the absolutely necessary herbes de provence...

My glass of iced tea, served up in Nat's new vintage barware, with a super cute paper straw. Check out the vintage Vera tablecloth she scored from my mom!

Here's the blog maven, shooting some pics for her new venture, Honey-Bean, which I have been following avidly. Check it out and see what my girl is up to...

Speaking of photos, check out this old one of Alain that she has hanging in the kitchen! Now you know why I married him...and he can cook!

Petals and Paisleys...

2011-06-18T10:02:00.000-07:00

This week found a little bit of time available to pot some of the succulents people have been giving me, and I combined some of the aloe vera that Ada gifted me from her garden with some kalanchoe from Linda and some big plants from the guys next door that have been waiting for my attention...

I got two pots of the aloe vera tucked in with other plants, combining them with some pups from our own garden and some divisions from the pots that Linda brought over...

Here's a couple of the big succulents from Tim and Ernie, shaded by some blue mist while they recover from the pot shock...

Another gift that arrived was a huge sack of ribbon from my friend Mary, who knows how I adore paisley! I've had some of these gorgeous French jacquards in the past, and she knew I would give them a good home. Just look at these fabulous ribbons...very swoonish stuff!

All of these beautiful French ribbons are of exquisite quality and craftsmanship, and many have the coveted trapunto style motifs that make them dimensional as well...

Look at that pale celadon and peach with double rows of ruching! Be still my heart!

And these sweet little jacquards stole my heart. I am weak for ruching and ruffles, and these pair the sweetest little floral garlands with scalloped marquees and a tiny ruffle...

So, I have my work cut out for me this weekend, as all of these must be unrolled, measured and re-bolted for the store. But what a lovely chore it shall be, with some idle hours spent with these lovely vintage ribbons in hand...

Spring cleaning...

2011-06-01T05:53:00.000-07:00

This weekend, after working Friday and Saturday, and teaching the next day, Monday really felt like my Sunday, and Alain and I worked outside on the back deck, clearing away the messes from winter storms, and sorting through our own plants (some of which had gone to seed) as well as some that my friend Linda had bestowed on me as she was packing up to move.

I got into the rhythm of dividing, making those hard decisions about who was going to stay on, and who would get along, putting them into their new homes, terra cotta pots rimed with calcium that I have had for years, and a couple of new pots from the local Ace Hardware memorial day sale. After a day of hard work, we celebrated Linda's move with her friend David, Dede, myself and mister J, who plied us with sliders from the grill.

Tuesday was my Monday, and we cleaned the front porch, pulling the huge antique bird bath Linda gave me into place in a corner of the porch. George carried the huge fern out and placed in the bird bath for me...

A trip to Lowes garnered lot of inspiration and several small succulents, with are now rooting in a little soil and some river pebbles. George says they will get enough filtered sun to flourish there throughout the summer, and I love the way they look.

A Wonderful Weekend...

2011-05-25T07:40:00.000-07:00

What you see below is the awesome, inspirational art of Diane Cook, who joined us for a weekend event that included our first trunk show of the year, and two days of workshops with the owner of Rosa & Josies. She was accompanied by her adorable husband Alan, who was a real trooper, helping with setup and assisting when needed....

Here is Diane with our lovely Connie, who has gone blonde! Don't you love it?

Josie gets in some hammer time, work hardening a piece of metal on the block...

The weather couldn't have been more beautiful, and we had the windows and french doors thrown open on the south side of the house and Buddha Bar VI playing in the background as people worked.

And here is my precious Ada, holding up her wonderful tassel for her necklace!

We had a wonderful time both days, and although both classes were packed, I'm sure there were plenty of people who would have liked to have come that were not able to. We can look forward to another visit from this creative Texan next year, but in the meantime, you can visit her Etsy store to see her lovely creations, including her new "Romancing the Cuff" kit and tutorial...

Upstairs, downstairs...

2011-05-11T08:37:00.000-07:00

This is what I smelled when I came upstairs yesterday. The kitchen was warm and yeasty, and redolent with the aromas of this fresh, crusty boule and the lemon zest and fresh rosemary that scented it. This is a 'no-knead' bread that Alain is fond of making, and it is baked in a covered cast iron pot in the big oven...

Downstairs, work awaited me, and I got busy finishing up a dozen of these necklaces for a client. They need only for the crosses to be hung on them this morning, and they will be ready for delivery...

This is also work, but a little bit more fun, as these are new designs. These are being readied for a show, and a trunk show for buyers. I am having such fun working on these, and they are full of vintage chain, as well as this custom glass chain with the handmade looking glass nuggets. I love their irregular and organic look...

These purchases from the last gem show were calling out to me, and I let myself play around with them a bit. Since finding some irregular Czech glass beads that were so evocative of the ocean, I have been attracted to that palette, and these were so perfect. They look like they were pried from a reef somewhere and tumbled in the surf...

Here's a closer look...paired with that rope textured chain, it looks for all the world like pirate's treasure to me!

I love these little beads. They're going into necklaces combining vintage glass bead chain, and a variety of vintage brass beads and filigree elements. A little time intensive, but I love how they're coming out...

I pecked away at the trunk show, culling some of the larger pieces for the trays, and tucking smaller items and collections of blink by color or type into the little acrylic boxes. Still so much to do!

I spent part of the early afternoon looking over these love letters, still tied up with cotton string from 1930. So sweet, and look at these pince nez eyeglasses! They would have hung around the wearer's neck on a lovely length of ribbon, and been perched on the bridge of the nose when needed. It translates from the French literally to "grip the nose," which they did quite admirably...

We also got the merlot vine moved from its spot by the window to just across the deck. What an undertaking! For one thing, we had forgotten just how heavy the wrought iron hinged panels were, and getting them into place at one corner of the arbor style cover was a feat in itself. Then the vine had to be coxed, tendril by tendril, off the small frame on carefully settled on its new home. We are hoping it will be happy there, and by next season will have covered more territory on the patio cover. I am envisioning grapes hanging down just within reach...

Long, long weekend...

2011-05-03T07:41:00.000-07:00

This weekend proved to be a long one, as I had a deadline to meet with the jewelry line I sold last year. So it found me working on Saturday while in the store, fitting clasp and connector assemblies to 48 necklaces, and then spending Sunday completing and packaging another 24 necklaces in two designs, as well as 48 pairs of earrings in two different designs. I was pooped by the time night rolled around, but it's good to know I can step up to the plate when needed...

I did sneak out to the flea market quickly on Sunday morning and connected with another little batch of goodies for the upcoming trunk show later this month. I was happy to pick up some amazing bone and ivory pieces, more cut steel, some cannetile silver filigree and good buttons....

I also landed on this scrumptious load of antique lace, which always makes me happy. Yards and yards of it, in beautiful aged tones, and quality and workmanship that put a smile on my face when I unrolled it all and looked at it. Simply heavenly! In the back, are rolls of openwork and pulled thread trims and there is lots of lovely old cotton insertion lace, plus a beautiful antique ruched ribbon trim edged in bronzed metal thread.

Regrettably, my trip to the flea market was really short, and I spent the rest of the day and evening in my studio, but at least there was a little truth and beauty tucked in there!

Trunk Show, ex voto redux, and a little truth and beauty...

2011-04-26T11:49:00.001-07:00

The truth of it is, that I have been neglecting my little blog! It has been two weeks since I posted, and I am going to rectify that right now. Then we can get on to the beauty parts...

We've set a date for the Trunk Show, which will be held Friday, May 20, 2011. We'll have as a special guest Diane Cook, who joins us that weekend to teach two workshops on Brookdale as well. We've been boxing up the bling, and I have actually run out of boxes for all this wonderful stuff. There are some very cool collections in different colors, many one of a kind elements, and tons of rhinestone chain to work with, of which one can never have enough...

Our Riveted Ex Voto Cuff class was absolutely the most fun, and everyone left with a beautiful bracelet crafted by themselves, and a wealth of riveting knowledge under their belts. We've scheduled another seating in May for the 29th, so check in with Dede if you've been waiting for another date to open up....

I've been sequestered downstairs in my studio working on more necklaces for an upcoming show, and having such fun with these....

I landed on some cut steel pieces that are waiting to be turned into something wonderful, and I can almost guarantee that it is going to involve riveting. I'm getting so predictable, aren't I? That's another reliquary ring at right that was just finished up...

I love these beads, and don't have a clue as yet how I will use them, but they deserved to be given their moment in the limelight. They are like tiny pomegranate seeds with an intense ruby color. I couldn't resist pairing them up with this hard glass enamel bar with the little crimson roses...

A little of this, a little of that...

2011-04-07T06:55:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful week it was, starting with my day off on Sunday, which I got to spend in the company of Leslie, Dede, and a room full of eager students, who all created amazing coptic bound book necklaces...

Noodge kept and eye on things from the living room, and was available for comment at any time...

Sunday morning also brought a quick trip to the flea market, where I found this darling little typecase with twelve drawers. This diminutive stack of storage would be prize enough, but my friend presented this find to me with each drawer filled with the bits and bobs I so love...

Pearls, rhinestones, old earrings, clasps, watch parts, rhinestone chain, filigrees and cut steel...

In this drawer, a tiny tin type and a porcelain doll head peep out amongst the jewels, as well as antique cuff links and more bling...

Heart stopping stuff, and to have so much of it means only one thing...

Trunk show! Dede and I will mount a show in May, and there will be plenty of bling for everyone! I also scooped up these bone and mother of pearl necklaces, and will be on the hunt for more...

And for the bonus round this week, the remake on the castings order arrived, and the ex voto heart I had been waiting so patiently for was in the box..finally!

The rest of my week has been peppered with work, both copy writing and jewelry making, including the start of a second round of production on my line. Here you see them lined up by the dozens, getting ready to be polished and packaged...

I snuck in a little "me time" though, to fool around with another reliquary necklace. These will be going to a gallery show shortly, and I am trying to get as many made up as possible, and having much fun while doing it...

Under the Big Top...

2011-03-28T18:45:00.000-07:00

My daughter surprised me the other day at the store with a note prefacing something she wanted to show me. In the note, she explained that although she knew I wasn't wild about tattoos, she liked them as a way to contain her memories and keep them with her.

She also wanted to think of something special about her relationship with me, and what she remembered and loved most about me. The two things she landed on were something from my past, and Gilding the Lily. She told me that they represented to her my adventurous spirit, and what I had created in the store and its ever growing community of creative women. Hence, the elephant....

...holding a lily in its trunk.

You may be asking yourself what these two things have in common. For Nathalie, they are an expression of my past and present. You see, I once ran away and joined the circus.

It was an old fashioned, big top circus, and at the time was the biggest show under canvas in the world. I joined my friend Brandon and we lived like gypsies in a trailer, and traveled the length and breadth of the United States, moving every few days. We ran a concession, worked like dogs, but made good money selling Coca Cola. Business was brisk when the weather was hot, and when it was cold, I would sneak behind the popcorn vendor and give it another shake or two of salt...

It was an international community, and my neighbors were from all over the world. I lived cheek to jowl with South American chimpanzee trainers, Czechslovakian performers, tigers, wild Andalusian stallions they finally had to geld, the bears I loved so much (especially Cindy, the cub in the little ruffled skirt), and of course, the elephants. For, besides slinging cokes and running the water for the show, I also rode the elephants in 'spec.' Short for spectacular, this was the start of each show, a parade of every performer, and many of the animals, once around the three rings inside the tent.

My friend and I were fitted for costumes, and ran before each show to the menagerie tent, where we put on our headdresses (14 pounds, no less) and climbed up on the elephants knees when they knelt down at the trainers command. One then grabbed the harness at the back of their heads, and at another command, up they went, and you'd better be ready to sling yourself over their neck and tuck your legs behind their ears. We worked hard on perfecting our waves, and in general, had a helluva good time.

It was an experience I'll never regret, and never forget...for the people, and what I learned in those two years of working in another world. And evidently, neither will my daughter. Funny, when I was doing it, I never thought it was role model material...

A respite from the rain...

2011-03-22T10:19:00.000-07:00

Sunday was rainy all day, with the wind lashing the trees outside the windows and buckets of water coming down, but our class was cozy in the dining room, while Alain kept a fire burning all day in the living room. Here's Iva with a full table of students, teaching her "Enchantress of the Sea" project.

She also brought this beautiful piece in for me to see, which had traveled down here for Glitterfest. It was completely created in papier-mache, and had a beautiful hand painted mushroom cap roof on it and a tiny elfin figure peering out of the window. I was enchanted most of all by the two little leaves that formed a little porch over the doorway...

Iva is an extraordinary artist, and we are so fortunate to have her come from northern California to teach from time to time. She and Colleen are planning a trip in the fall as they have done before, where they will both bring a project to Lily and her students.

Below is a project I have been noodling for a while, and finally got it off the ground...a reliquary ring with an antique medal, some ancient silk velvet scrap, just the right bezel and a crystal that fit. Dangling from it are some old French medals and a sterling and crystal heart. I'm contemplating putting something similar together for a kit...
Today is nice and sunny, if a bit cool, and my list is long, with a few projects to dive into while the skies are still clear. Rain coming back tomorrow, from what I hear....

Raw elements...

2011-03-14T05:59:00.000-07:00

I'm being inspired by raw and rough elements lately, things that are more organic in nature, and sometimes looking as though they are unfinished or just torn from the earth. At the last gem show, I was looking for a few favorites, and found myself with trays of pearls, of course, but also these pyrite slabs, slightly tumbled, and these rough cubes, with striations on their sides that made them look like formations pushed up between rocks. I hesitated, but only slightly, before spending on the Herkimer diamonds at the center of the picture. I buy plenty of quartz, both faceted and rough, but these had a distinctly different quality.

Herkimer diamonds are double-terminated quartz crystals that have two naturally faceted ends. It is a rarer form of crystal that forms free floating clay, and are highly sought after by those who believe in the healing power of crystals, as it is claimed that the energy in the diamonds flows both ways. There's a certain warmth to them that I like as well.Another raw element I love is raw brass. I have been avidly hunting down some chain for clients, and found quite a bit over the past few weeks. This little bit I saved for myself, though, as I couldn't let it go. It's not even a yard long, and in two pieces at that, but is an amazing solid brass baton and ring chain, with sequences of solid brass beads of varying lengths, bracketed by rings. I don't know what it will become, but it is already extraordinary...

What are you creating with this week?

We spun the wheel again...

2011-03-14T05:52:00.000-07:00

Sadly, we did not hear back from Arlene this week, so I punched the random number generator again and came up with number 32, a comment from Rachel. Imagine my delight when I discovered it was none other than Rachel Tucker, the sweetest gal who visited my shop with her mom while they were here from New Zealand! Rachel, I will be emailing you shortly to get your shipping information. Congratulations!

And the winner is...

2011-03-07T06:21:00.000-08:00

The Random Number Generator has spoken, and the loot will be going to Arlene! Arlene signed in as an anonymous blogger, so she'll need to email me at gildingthelilyvintage@yahoo.com to let me know her last name and shipping address! Congratulations, Arlene, and have fun with all your treasures! Thanks to all who entered the blog giveaway, and I treasured each and every one of your comments. You are a funny, sassy, brassy, kind and caring bunch of gals!

Gilded Giveaway!

2011-02-28T11:11:00.001-08:00

It's way overdue, and there's no getting out of it.

Here's my dirty little secret. In the back room, in the very bottom drawer of the flat files there, live box lids full of stuff I didn't want to put away. Or didn't know where to put it. And gradually ~ even though I had the best intentions of getting around to it ~ I kind of forgot about them, a very convenient lapse of memory. Now it's all up for grabs...

And yes, I am adding things from the store and home. That is a strand of Miriam Haskell pearls you see there, as well as a hank of old ones in the corner. There are brass beads and findings, bead caps, rings, Victorian nailheads, old Japan glass, filigrees, buttons, clasps, glass flowers, chain and more...

There are rhinestone bits and bobs, old medals, religious stuff, a handful of old mother of pearl, and there are gemstone beads in there, too. Once you start letting go, it's hard to stop. Gets kinda fun...especially when I realized I wouldn't have to sort the boxes!

I'll leave this post up through the week, and will choose a winner using the random number generator method. Just leave a comment telling me why you should win all this stuff and what you will do with it. I'll take it from there, and I will keep adding items throughout the week as well. Okay, ladies, start your comments!

Old friends and new...

2011-02-21T16:44:00.000-08:00

We just got a huge load of stampings in, stuff I had been waiting for and anticipating. Lots of restocks were needed, and I spent hours with the huge catalogs with awful pictures, trying to figure out what to add to the selection in the drawers. I always feel like its a bit of a crap shoot, since some of the images are so bad it's hard to tell what some of the details are. I got lucky! Below are some of the fab new pieces we got, including the beautiful fleur de lis at center, and scads of new connectors and filigrees.

There's even a sweet little bird that is new to the store, and another Damascene styled connector shown at bottom right. The huge fleur de lis that everyone loves is back in stock, and lots of the crosses we've been out of for some time. We even found some new religious medals that we love...a heart shaped medal depicting an ex voto heart with flames, and a sweet little round medal with the dove of the holy spirit. I haven't had time to create with them yet, but know they will be wonderful. But my favorite of all is the piece shown below...

Isn't it awesome? I love the detail in the crest, the flora, and most of all, the Neoclassic ribbonry at the bottom. Swoon!

I am still infatuated with my riveting tool and had to turn this fab button into a ring this morning. Finding the right bezel was the hardest part, and I love how it turned out...the button is really dimensional, and as far as I am concerned, anything that has cut steel on it passes the test! What's on your work table this week?

What the week held...

2011-02-13T17:27:00.000-08:00

Who wouldn't want to latch their eyes on to such fabulousness as this? Check out this diminutive chapeau perched on the head of none other than Miriam Dema, who visited me on Saturday...

This confection of a little hat was atop her head, soft furry felt in my favorite green, embellished with two bits of bling, and topped with a tiny felted fawn...I melted! I couldn't pull out my camera fast enough!

Miriam's smile and enthusiasm for all this Lily enamored me of her as well! She is a talented artist in many disciplines and you can see and hear more about the magic she works here....

Also very exciting was the arrival of one of the boxes of castings I have been so eagerly awaiting. Thank you Charlie!! Shown below is one of the piece that artist Cindy Gonzales so generously loaned us so we could recreate it in pewter for our Antiquities line... I think I'm in love!

Also loving this beautiful Joan of Arc casting from an old French piece. We should all be so brave! Can't wait to start using this piece...

And lest we be too serious, the forget me nots have bloomed again! Their cheerful colors and hues are here for spring once more, including some of those wonderful red, white and blue ones, that pair so beautifully with the vintage ombre French ribbon in the same colors....

Happy Valentines Day!

Foolin' around...

2011-02-10T16:11:00.000-08:00

Today is a day off for me....from the store, but not from other pursuits, like paperwork, errands, and more, but I did manage to sneak downstairs and fool around a little with some things I left on my table yesterday. Something started to gel right before a phone call, and then it was time to head for work. But today, I managed to carve out a little time to see what would happen...

An old setting, a baroque freshwater pearl, and some art nouveau stampings started the ball rolling. I paired down the chain, which I had built previously, and then started gooping it up from there. As it progressed, it seemed that the more bezel drops I added, the better it looked. The vintage Haskell pearl drops moved from their original position, taking a back seat to those bezel drops, which is unusual for me. This is where we ended up...

I moved on to a ring next. I had found this large bezel in a tray at the store last week, and fished it out of a pocket of a shirt as I was frisking it before it went into the washing machine. I bought several of these buttons (one was a focal in a necklace with ball chain), and decided it was a pretty good fit for this project. I used my new handy-dandy piercing and rivet setting tool to join the ring shank and the bezel, then set the bezel with a dab of cement and crimped it down. Et, voila, as they say on the continent!

I love fooling around with our Antiquities Metalworks castings, and this medal is a favorite. Nathalie has already claimed this ring (both of them in fact, so I will have to make some more!), but it was also riveted onto the shank, and then paired with a vintage French enamel medal. I think it's kind of fun!

This is really fooling around. We got the Twilight back in stock in 8mm, as well as another new bead, a large nugget shape in pale Colorado topaz, which I love. I paired them with some vintage bronze Haskell baroque pearls, and it is (sigh) magic. The Twilight is a crystal Czech bead with hints of smoky topaz and a half luster that really makes it special. I am noodling some companion strands, of course, but this may become one of our specialty chains, it's that good...

Button, button...

2011-02-09T08:46:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I had the opportunity to go on a little treasure hunt. A friend of a neighbor passed on the contact information for someone holding a cache of vintage Czech glass buttons. Here is what I found...

Most of the buttons are residing in a small storage in back of Mike's building. There was no light except the daylight coming in the door, so these pictures aren't the best, but they'll give you an idea of what I was able to sort through. I made it through a cursory inventory of the messiest of the boxes, since someone had organized some of the buttons into cartons with samples of the contents taped on the outside. So, I concentrated on the boxes with big, messy heaps of stuff...glorious fun!

I took latex gloves with me, but they were soon in shreds, and I was soon grimy from my labors. I managed to put together two small cartons of buttons I selected, and will go back for more in a few weeks time. If you're a button lover, you can imagine that I was in button heaven!

There's tons to choose from, but I love the lacy black glass and found a few cards tucked in here and there...

Here's some of my treasures, which includes a lot of old milk glass, something I have been collecting, and on the hunt for, with a little project in mind. I love all the different patterns...

And my favorites...these delicate little mercury glass buttons in flower shapes...oh my!

They were tucked in with a bundle of what I supposed was all milk glass, tied up with string. In another bundle of milk glass, I found two cards of beautiful green roses. So upon my return in a few weeks, I will be more carefully examining all the little bundles to see what secrets ~ and treasures ~ they may hide...

Since you asked...

2011-02-04T08:04:00.001-08:00

So many people have asked me over the years about the name of my store, and how it came to be. I remember the moment I knew that was to be the name, but it would be another three years before I would see it on the door and the sign that now hangs outside the Villa.

I was a big reader as a child, and had reasonably good comprehension and retention, which has now evolved into an ability to remember and recall countless things, an aspect of my personality that people either find charming, startling or just plain annoying. I have often said that there is undoubtedly something very important I am supposed to remember that has been forced out by some bit of information, such as what is an antimacassar, or the difference between brass, rich low brass, gilding brass, and so on. Tucked in the recesses of my mind for years was a reference to Shakespeare's oft-misquoted lines. In this case, it was fortuitous, and thus was born our Lily.

Without further ado, William's lovely verse...

To gild refined gold, to paint the lily,
To throw a perfume on the violet,
To smooth the ice, or add another hue
Unto the rainbow, or with taper-light
To seek the beauteous eye of heaven to garnish,
is wasteful and ridiculous excess.

(Of course, we know that's a lot of humbug, right?)

An early spring....

2011-02-03T08:46:00.000-08:00

Well, the groundhog didn't see his shadow yesterday, so we are promised an early spring. As cold as it is this morning, though, I feel doubt niggling at that promise. That being said, I am readying for longer days (and hopefully warmer ones), and find myself drawn to the lovely colors of the millinery flowers, shown here in corsage boxes, one of my favorite things...

I spent a good deal of my day yesterday carefully packaging up the Victorian Valentines that are now in the store. These beautiful old expressions of love and endearment are a miracle to me...pieces of paper and tissue that are well over a hundred years old, still intact and lovely. I enjoyed looking at each and every one of them, as well as the more whimsical Whitneys from the 20s and 30s. I count among my favorites these fold out Valentines with little paper hinges. Each layers sets out in front of the last, framing vignettes of amorati and bowers of blooms within...

Gale stopped by and we looked at the signatures and messages scrawled within, some in careful script, others in juvenile hand, and she remarked on how it was if you didn't get as many cards as you had hoped. We wondered if in the day it was the equivalent of not being "friended" on FaceBook. I guess for all the time that has passed since these lovely mementos changed hands, things are not so different after all...

What's in your bowl?

2011-02-01T08:39:00.000-08:00

This is what has been in our bowls for breakfast this week. It's not unusual for us to eat a breakfast of miso soup, grain and greens a couple of times a week, a holdover from our macrobiotic days, and we also have a love of Vietnamese and Indian food as well. We had planned a trip to T&J down in Little Saigon, but other things intervened, so I pulled out this Thai seasoned stock which includes a healthy dose of lemon grass and sriracha...yum! This stood in for my usual homemade shiitake ginger broth as the base for our morning soup. If you can find this at your super, latch on to some...it's delicious!

We'd had soup for dinner last night, something Alain had been wanting to try, an Indian recipe made of sweet red peppers and tons of spices. I guess we still had a hankering for those flavors this morning...here is what we ended up having...a multi-cultural breakfast!

On the right, our bowl of morning soup, jazzed up with that Thai soup stock, and loaded with vegetables: onion, carrot, and translucent slices of daikon cut in flower shapes. There are a couple of vegetable dumplings floating in there, all topped with a generous handful of cilantro and mint, cut chiffonade.

At left, is our Indian inspired side dish. There were no greens in the fridge, so yams stood in for our vegetable, wet sauteed with sliced onions, and seasoned with garam masala and some sweet curry. At the last minute we tossed in some sliced scallions and slivered almonds, for an extra little burst of nutrients. There's a whole wheat chapati, toasted on our tortilla roaster, and a dollop of non-fat Greek yogurt...sort of like the sour cream on your baked potato.

Bon appetite, Kalí óreksi, and बोन अप्पेतित !

Rainy Sunday...

2011-01-30T16:03:00.000-08:00

I love a rainy Sunday, especially when I am going to be home (at least for the most part...there was that trip to the store to pick up patina solution, some chain, and so on), and I started the day by cleaning up my little space downstairs and readying to work. Last week's breezes had laid a fine grit of dust all over everything, and as usual, the bouganvillea had managed to slip some papery brachts under the door sill. When it was all whisked clean with the vacuum, I set in to clear my work surfaces and stash projects that didn't need to be finished right away, and supplies that could go back to their drawers.

I gave up on the idea of swiveling back and forth between the two desks, admitting to myself that the area rug bunching up under the casters of my chair wasn't the most pleasant thing, and brought my second chair out of the closet. Now that the majority of my things are stowed in the flat files there (not that there isn't a lot more sorting that needs to be done), I am not perched there for hours at a time trying to make sense of it all. So here it is, in one corner of my little room, waiting for me to finish up a findings order in front of a stack of catalogs...

Two pieces of art still don't have a home and lean against the wall at right, serving for the moment as nothing more than an armature for the webs of the industrious spiders that always seem to creep in from the back yard. They'll find a home soon enough. Next to them are my favorite hat baskets, the largest one a gift from my sister years ago.

Below is the sweetest little bust. She's nothing but spelter, and well worn at that, but I do love her. Her playful expression reminds me not to take myself too seriously. Next to her is a wonderful honey and jam caddy with a spoon drip that holds my pins for now. Dede and I found it the last time we were at the flea market.

And I do have something to show for my labors today. I finished up all the token necklaces, and they are polished and ready to go. Here they are before assembly, with the ball chains and pendants waiting to be joined. It has been one of my favorite little designs, simple and just good fun. More to come...

Baby steps...

2011-01-24T15:56:00.000-08:00

Little by little, things are finding their place in the new space at home. The little closet off the laundry room has been sacrificed for the sake of storage, and I was lucky enough to find some architect's files on craigslist that fit in nicely. Once I started dragging all my stuff home, it became apparent that I would need something similar to what I had at the store to keep it "under control."

Here's a shot from the tiny space where the two sets of files reside, and my lovely little thread cabinet I scored at Glitterfest a couple of years ago sits on top of them. The drawer that is open holds an assortment gemstones, and a collection of the brass and African silver beads that I am currently working with...

This little corner was presentable enough to snap a very oblique picture. It shows part of the beautiful - no, make that astounding - shell-encrusted mirror that Judy Mackey created and I fell in love with at Iva's show up north....

Check out the gorgeous Victorian hand painted shell in the center, and her work with sea fans, little polished abalone and vintage graphics. Keep your eyes on this gal...she is so talented. More to come!

Where we create...

2011-01-23T07:58:00.000-08:00

Another wonderful class yesterday with Dede, our second here at the house. We have had such wonderful feedback from our students, who are liking the fact there is more room to spread out, and are having fun hanging out at our little old house. Here's where we have been gathering to create, my dining room with a big table and lots of natural light. The weather has been so fine, we've been throwing open the old sash french windows and letting in the breeze and the sound of birds in the vine outside...

Everyone enjoys seeing the art we have at home, too, and I was looking at the pieces hanging in the dining room and elsewhere, and thinking how appropriate they are. On the wall at the head of the big table hangs one of my favorite pieces by Ray Turner, a portrait of two women seated at a table. They seem to be gazing down very solemnly at our efforts....

On another wall is a beautiful portrait of an old woman, wearing a wonderful hat and holding an ostrich plume. I love this piece, as I bought it at a very special show of art years ago. The woman in the painting was named Lala, and she was an artists' model and muse all her life. My friend and gallery owner Sally curated the show herself, which was composed entirely of portraits of Lala done over the years, each by a different artist. Best of all, surrounded by all these artistic visions of Lala, was that she herself attended the show. She was in her nineties at the time, and it was such an incredible experience to meet the subject of the art I would soon take home with me. This portrait was painted by Patricia Terrell O'Neal...

Adjacent, in the living room, this piece by Michael Brown hangs over the piano. He was just in his twenties when he painted this, a student at Savannah College of Art and Design. Sally found him there and presented him as an emerging artist. This piece is called "Song of the Lemon Catcher," and I love the surrealistic tone of this painting and the magical quality it has. It made me think about how elusive art can be sometimes, and how when you arrive at that moment when you know it is right, it is a bit like magic...

In the hallway, this little canvas stands on a table, at least for now. Another painting by Michael, the subject is young woman who looks sidelong while a blue feather hovers over her forehead. I makes me think about how difficult it can be sometimes to balance our lives so that we include artistic expression as a normal facet of life. That is something I will be trying harder at this year, to make the hard part of art more effortless....

Newsish and swoonish...

2011-01-19T06:18:00.000-08:00

Okay, if there's someone out there whose heart doesn't beat a little faster at the sight of this, then you're a stronger person than I. When I landed on a box of metal thread last weekend, I could barely contain myself, especially when I saw the huge spool of silver tinsel, and the bolts of rose and pale pink...

So, I essentially blew my budget on the thread, but managed to turn up a few other things that day, among them a beautiful half doll lamp that will be debuting in the shop as soon as Mr. Jamar finishes rewiring her. For the time being, she stands skirtless and mortified on his desk...

These beautiful little filigrees are in the store now, as part of a jewelry design and for purchase for your own designs. I darkened them with the gold and silver darkener and burnished them a bit for their close-up...

Being a fleur girl, I couldn't resist these heavy brass pieces, and proceeded to beat one up and patina it immediately. They came to me with considerable original patina, but a little dip enhanced the texturizing. Stuff like this does tend to get the wheels turning, and I expect I will play around with this a little today while I am in the store...

My time off yielded a few new projects, and cleaning my space and doing hard time organizing has paid off, as I actually know where to find things when I need them. I am probably ready to bring another batch of stuff home and load it in to the small flat files in the closet. The earrings below were a marriage of vintage brass chandelier hoops, old mother of pearl, tiny garnet rondelles and nuggets, and antique mercury glass bugles from my stash. A little time intensive, but I love how they turned out...

I have been all over using connectors for earrings lately (and am placing an order for some this morning...stay tuned!) and these combined a three loop Damascene style piece with faceted mother of pearl rondelles, tiny brass filigree bead caps, garnet briolettes, delicate chain, and two old French religious medals...

Haskell pearls are one of my weaknesses, as you know, and I broke into a hank of little 5mm, satiny-finished ones from the 1930s. Channeling Haskell's penchant for bracketing her pearls with diminutive fluted caps, I fetched some of these up from the store and darkened them for this project. The focal bead in the middle is a recycled Nigerian glass bead. I love their hand faceted look and the slightly less-than-perfect clarity that makes them look so old. These mimic a typical Czech design from the twenties...

We have some new faceted mother of pearl in the store, as well as some flat oval mother of pearl with a great old look. I bought as much as I could, and will try and post some pictures soon of these lovely strands...

Settling in...

2011-01-16T17:26:00.000-08:00

It has been an interesting process to shake up the store. It reacquainted me with things that are under my eye and hand on a daily basis, but somehow had been lost to me. There is nothing quite like dusting and rearranging to bring you face to face with what lovely things are in your life...

Pearls, always a favorite, and I finally managed to land on some more Haskell old stock, this time hidden away in England. There are fifty strands of two different pearls on their way from across the pond, and I am mightily glad to have them. It is getting increasingly harder to ferret these beauties out, and these sample strands were inspiring, to say the least. Paired with an old dish of German mercury glass buttons makes them even more desirable...

We moved the metal thread ribbons and beaded trims to another home and lavished our attention on this beautiful carnival glass wrist bag that melded so well with the gilded tones of the ribbons and trims...

Here, some of the tinsel, thread and ribbons, which will soon be joined by a major acquisition of metal thread...stay tuned. Think gilt, coppery bobbins, even rose, and lavender....

I shot this in the afternoon, when the light was softest through the front window of the store. Very definitely swoonish and romantic. A Victorian silk scarf is tucked in next to a hand carved cloche block and some fine examples of millinery skill...

Some old bolts of millinery veiling with the original tags, stacked into the armoire....

The old Iris coffee jars my mom bequeathed to me filled with 1930s buttons, and stacked on the vintage scrollwork shelf in the alcove....

I do love neutrals, and this lovely little stack is composed of old factory samples of Irish linen with the original gilt and handwritten tags, and sweet little bridal tiaras twisted from satin petals and pearl stamens...

Lest we neglect the brighter hues, here are beautiful hanks of old rayon velvet roping that Bridgette and I tamed and stacked in the cubbies in the alcove....

Oops! How did more neutrals sneak in here? A few bolts of my favorite trims and gimps in shades of ivory and cream....

And these shaggy beauties! How I love them! More than a few of them acquired from a French woman who also sold me the bed doll with blue silk hair....

And I haven't tired of looking at all the jacquards we unearthed when we sorted out the ribbon wall....which you see below in it's newly organized glory....

I love the library table in front with the old wicker baskets tipped up on the trestle legs of the table. There are old wire gym baskets full of narrow satins tucked in on either side that are refugees from the alcove, and they seem comfortable here now. Many, many thanks to my daughter, Ada, and Bridgette for helping me sort out the store over the holidays!

Welcomed back...

2011-01-12T18:36:00.000-08:00

Well, the time off was wonderful, as well as the time spent ripping into the shop and putting it back together again. Nathalie's ideas for revamping different areas and making small tweaks resulted in eeking a little bit more space, and we had fun moving things around, including the big ribbon wall...

...what an undertaking that turned out to be! Hundreds and hundreds of bolts of ribbon taken down, re-wound and pinned and put back up again, and space all around it now with a lovely antique table in front for stacks of jacquards and special ribbons, with baskets tucked underneath for lace and such.

I also had fun unwrapping some wonderful finds for creating, including a shipment that included these vintage heart-shaped filigree drops, which will be making their debut as part of our of our first Make&Take of 2011...

These coeur couronnes, or "crowned hearts," are combined in this design with vintage Miriam Haskell baroque pearls, Ethiopian silver filigree beads, and tumbled amber nuggets. We'll be doing a little metal aging, wire wrapping and cold connecting for this project. I love the references of purity and innocence for pearls, and sanctification for amber in this design. Stay tuned for an email about this next week, and if you're not on our list, email us at gildingthelilyvintage@yahoo.com to join!

And while I'm at it, I guess the big news for this year is the transition of classes to our location on Brookdale Place in old Fullerton. We'll be holding classes there so we are not quite so limited on size, and also decided to combine our Make&Take evenings with Open Studio and hold them at the house as well. We're looking forward to it, and Dede will open our season of classes there this weekend with a soldered bezel workshop.

We're off and running! Happy New Year!

Christmas at The Villa...

2010-12-08T09:37:00.001-08:00

The historic Villa del Sol, where Gilding is happy to be a resident, is kindly sponsoring an evening of food, fun, and holiday merriment at this beautiful spot in old downtown.

There will sips and nibbles provided by the restaurants located in the Villa, including The Cellar (can you say 'lobster bisque'?), Cafe Hidalgo, Stadium Tavern, and the Brownstone Cafe. Merchants in the Villa will be offering special prices, staying open until 9:00 for shoppers to pick up last minute gifts, and visitors will be further entertained by the Dickens Carolers, photos with Santa, and the Villa will host a gift wrap station.

Weather should be perfect, and this will be a nice outing for the entire family, or even just a gaggle of girlfriends! Stop in and see us at Lily's place....

Gettin' ready...

2010-12-02T13:19:00.000-08:00

This year has been different in so many ways, so it was with relief that I took up the familiar task of unpacking the ornaments for Christmas. This tree topper was my parents, and now she tops our tree each Christmas. I love the old dresden wings and her spun glass decorations...

I keep collecting mercury glass when I find it, and always treasure looking at my favorites...

The bead garlands are heaped with the ornaments, but the beautiful tinsel garland is on the tree this year. One of my favorite ornaments is shown below...

A little bit newer but still fabulous are these colored ornaments from my mother's childhood...

I always put these out with fond memories of the set my parents had. The cat was obsessed with them, and they drove her to distraction. They were knocked from their places no matter where we put them, high or low...

Always the best for last...the "icicles" my father made from coffee can twists that he saved during the year, and then pulled out into silvery spirals lined with color. They reside in an old Salvation Army cigar box...

A tiny tree on the piano holds my most precious ornaments, those belonging to my mother's grandmother. I realized this year that Nathalie is the fifth generation of our family to hang these ornaments. I'll get some pictures of those up soon!

Trunk Show!

2010-11-02T20:43:00.001-07:00

Trunk Show
November 19, 2010
6:30 p.m. ~ 10.00

Truth, Beauty, Wine and Food
Please Join Us!

Gilding the Lily
305 N. Harbor Blvd.
Suite 101
Fullerton, CA 92832
(714) 680-8893
0r (714) 349-2069

Catching up...

2010-10-29T09:36:00.000-07:00

If anyone has been wondering what I've been up to, this says it all...

In the final throes of production, my desk is stacked with packaged jewelry soon to be on its way to the fulfillment center for the web site. I plan to finish on Sunday, and ship Monday, and will be relieved to have it off my desk for a while, until the reorders start.

It's been a heck of an experience for me, starting with really learning what goes into my jewelry, down to the last pin and ring; experimenting with how I wanted to finish it; and because it had to ship packaged, being involved with developing the inner package and executing that part of the project.

I've managed to sneak in a few minutes to work on my own stuff from time to time, but will welcome the chance to immerse myself in a few projects now, including the Trunk Show in November.

Yeah, you heard me right....Trunk Show! Get your party on, girls!

And they're off...!

2010-09-27T19:20:00.000-07:00

A few minutes after the doors opened, mayhem ensued...

Some of the incredible art, including this from Iva...

Anna Corba....

And look at these cuties!

These were just plain exquisite...

Loved this little guy...

and this little snow babe...

This little lady stole my heart...
...and Sue Bartolucci's little man had me at hello, but Dede snatched him up first!

Virginia's owls are the bomb!

But as all good things must come to an end, the afternoon found us back in the car, shuttling to the airport, and back on a plane home as the sun was setting over the bay area...

Dede's wicker picnic basket (an impromptu thrift store find in Berkeley) made it on board but wouldn't fit into the overhead, so it ended up strapped in between us....

And here are the two slap-happy girls, tired but still smilin'....

Round two...!

2010-09-24T09:35:00.001-07:00

After a lovely evening at Colleen's house, and some post-party kit making in the hotel room for Dede's make and takes, it was with some considerable relief that we finally laid our tired little heads down on the pillows, only to wake up at this god-awful hour and start over again. We needed an early start, as we would not have time to come back and check out later on, so everything was packed up, hauled down the car, and we were checked out and on the road by 6:30...

Misery loves company, so there were many of us already there in the early hours, completing our setups and putting on the final touches as people gathered outside, waiting to get into the show. I managed to get a little more height into my displays (super hard working without props!) and rammed as much product in as I could manage....

I worked with several different colorways and themes, and it was fun to pop in some of the new things I had found in the past couple of weeks, along with some old favorites, and of course, kits and more kits!

We indulged ourselves in a little bit of holiday cheer with antique glass berries, and ribbons and trims...

And piled up some fall and Halloween themed goodies as well...

Behind me, Dede's make and take area took shape with the help of these lovely fall branches and a banner sample hanging from them...

Elsewhere, art was being displayed everywhere! Check out these little guys...

And fellow Fullertonian Judy Mackay was there with her fabulous shell art...

And of course, I stopped in to see Colleen's wonderful pieces...

I'll try and post more pictures in the coming days!

Day one...

2010-09-20T09:16:00.001-07:00

Here's a welcome sight! Dede and I hooked up at the Oakland Airport baggage claim, piled all our suitcases and carryons onto a cart and raced to catch a shuttle to the car rental place a few miles away...

Once underway, we started finding our way to our first destination, Tail of the Yak. It did not disappoint...

From the incredible santos, to paper creations lavished throughout the store, there was so much to take in and look at. Thank goodness for digital photography, so this can all be revisited at a later date. It was fantastic!

This little santos tucked in the corner captured my heart...just look at her sweet countenance...

A huge urn at the desk was lavished with handmade paper flowers created by the gals who work in the store....

An old piece holds handmade artists brushes from all over the world...
Here's Dede checking out with a few treasures...

A view down the length of the store, where chandeliers hang, festooned with garlands of paper, bay leaves, and paper constructions, each more fantastic than the last...

We were loathe to leave, but had a few more places to stop and see, and then we were off to unpack our goods at the Alamo Women's Club, do a hurried check in at the hotel, and meet up with everyone at Colleen's house for dinner...

It didn't take long for Dede to sneak off to see Colleen's new studio space, a beautiful free-standing structure on their property adjacent to the patio where we were all relaxing...

The space is incredible, chock full of all the things we love, and exquisitely decorated with chandeliers, cupboards and baskets full of goodness and beauty...

If you ever wondered where the beautiful dresses for Colleen's creations come from, each one is lovingly hand-stitched from fabrics and laces that come from this magical cupboard....

One more view of the studio, and then I won't torture you anymore, I promise!

It was a wonderful evening with a group of talented women. The food was divine and well appreciated after a day on the go, and we went "home" to our little room well satisfied and sleepy...

It's almost Tinsel Time!

2010-09-13T15:27:00.000-07:00

With all the packing and shipping, there's hardly been any time for posting. It's been ages since I've gotten on a plane to go anywhere, and the thought of packing up a microcosm of my store and the kits got a little bit much for me, so the kits were all boxed up and are on their way to Iva as of this morning. I managed to get many of our favorite designs ready, and some new ones, too. Here are just a few of the GTL Make&Takes that will be putting in an appearance...

The Paris Necklace...

Chartres Earrings...

Ascension Necklace...

All Saints Rosary Necklace...

The Catharine Pendant...

The all new Immaculate Necklace...

Immaculate Ring...

Immaculate Earrings...

...and the all new Fall Leaves Bracelet!

We did our best to load these up with new findings, medals and beads, including new crosses, the beautiful acorns and oak leaves you see above, beautiful mother of pearl beads, nuggets and faceted rondelles. There are also new kits inspired by African trade beads (look for the Cape Verde kits), and more.

This week, I'll be packing up ribbons, trims, flowers, feathers, and other wonderful little things for inspiring creativity this fall and holiday season. I'll be bringing many of the new things I found on my last buying trip with Dede, and some of my old favorites, too. I've got two suitcases to fill, and one little carry on for me. I'll cram in as much as I can, girls!

We are looking forward to seeing some of you who don't often make it down to the store in Southern California. Both Dede and I will be there, and you can check in on the Tinsel and Treasures web site and blog for all the details and a complete list of artists.

Hope to see you there!

Tuesday's day trip...

2010-08-24T22:23:00.000-07:00

Check out this old ruin we found looming over us on our way to our last stop today. What a day we had, starting with an hours long rummage through my friend Dawn's garage piled with boxes of lace, ribbons, and trims, plus some lovely old stock millinery florals. After that, it was off to a little haunt of mine. I hadn't been there in at least two years, but it was still tucked in amongst the other storefronts...

This is the old stuff I am really interested in. Dede and I dove into these stacks of old boxes, and then decided we should proceed in an orderly fashion, and started taking them down in stacks and going through each one...

This was a lucky find...some beautiful old double faced satin ribbons that my friend Lilia found languishing in a corner. There was a couple of bolts of satin backed velvet in there, too...

These captured my heart and I had to bring a few home with me. Their delicate, cup-shaped blooms were so sweet, and the combination of the pink and teal was so very fetching...

Dede found this box of old velvet leaves and we both snatched up some of those....

My little pile, growing and growing....

...and my little box rapidly filling up...

Here's Lilia, writing me up on the old invoice pad with carbon paper...some things don't change much.

And her granddaughter, such a little angel, who was our official helper this afternoon!

I promised Lilia it won't be so long before I come visit her again. She has promised to go in her garage and bring me a box of old forget-me-nots for the next visit!

Un Fete de Belgique

2010-08-20T07:52:00.000-07:00

Although a few weeks late, we did get to celebrate Belgian Day at our house. Normally, the holidays fall like dominoes in July, with our American celebration taking place on the fourth at my sister's house, a nod to the French on the 14th for Bastille Day, and the 21st of July set aside for recognizing Belgium, Alain's home country. At the insistence of friends, we found a date that worked for almost everyone and gathered last Saturday to prepare the traditional moules-frites.

The boys had their requisite Friday night peeling party, preparing the potatoes for the next day and leaving a huge vat of them in water on the patio. Tom's wife Jeannie made homemade mayonnaise for dipping the frites, and Tom manned the fryer, turning out some exquisite fries. Everyone brought something to share, which turned out to be both a bounty and a drawback, as we never progressed beyond the sliders on mini kasier rolls that have somehow become a part of the traditional fare (mostly for those who can't abide mussels, but they are delectable, too). The answer? Belgian Day redux on Sunday.

Some of the same players were there, but Tom and Jeannie were not able to make it due to another commitment. Nathalie and Erik joined us, and Judi and Tony, our neighbors three doors down, joined in. Tony, an artist and painter, long ago owned a fish and chips shop, and slid into frymaster position with ease. Judi, an artist and illustrator in her own right, is one of my favorite people, and kept us all in stitches with her acerbic wit. Dennis, Bernice, Marilee, and Linda rounded out the contingent.

Here is one of the pots of mussels...one steamed in Belgian ale, the other in white wine...

And the raison d'etre...les frites!

We all ate too much, talked and laughed too much, and by the time Alain brought out his homemade cheesecake with a simmered blueberry-strawberry-Grand Marnier sauce, we were begging for mercy, but managed to struggle through somehow. The weather was divine, breezy and balmy, and it was the perfect summer celebration, out on the deck, perched among the trees. As M.F.K. Fisher said, "There is a communion of more than our bodies when bread is broken and wine drunk..."

All I'm saying is, in the midst of daily struggle, too many hours of work, and too little time for ourselves, just a little bit of that leisurely communion makes life so, so good.

Puttering a bit more...

2010-08-16T20:01:00.000-07:00

I keep stealing a few minutes here and there to pull a few more things from the garage or the back room at the store, working a few treasured items into my room downstairs. These are two of the several chalkware trinket boxes I have collected over the years. There's basically just a few designs that were produced, but you find them painted and decorated in many ways...

I found this cigar box at a yard sale a block south of us a couple of weeks ago. I loved the artists palette and brushes, and tucked it up on the shelf as some inspiration. It is sitting on top of a little wooden bank box my grandfather made, with some antique photo album covers leaning up against it...

Canning jars have to be some of the most beautifully functional items around. You can see what you have, and be inspired by it all the time. I cleaned out our pantry today and the big drawers on either side of the sink, and hauled all my zinc and porcelain capped jars downstairs to do duty as storage in the studio...

I almost sold many of these, and pulled them out of the basket at the last minute, knowing I couldn't part with them. These are but a few of my favorite millinery flowers, kept in a wicker handled basket by the window. Right now that pretty basket is draped with a towel to keep a certain cat out of it, but I snapped a couple of pictures before they were hidden from her attentions...

Just a couple of the pieces I treasure...a piece by Kelly Snelling and a lovely corsage aent to me by Maija, tucked up beside an antique doll trunk....

A piece by Poly that migrated south from the dining room when we repainted and settled in here with me in the studio. It suits the neutral aspect of the room, and I love its honesty and intimate nature...

Finally, a little French porcelain shoe I treated myself to, draped with some bangles I have been fooling around with. Nathalie gives them the thumbs up...I shall live with them a little bit more and see what happens....

Basil bliss....

2010-07-31T11:28:00.001-07:00

Thursday night's pesto party at the house was very fun, and enough pesto was consumed to render us all socially unacceptable, but very full and happy. Thanks to Melissa's beautiful organic basil, I was able to make a large batch of my favorite recipe with a few tweaks...

The price of pine nuts right now is astounding, so I only sprang for a half pound, opting to replace the rest with some beautiful walnuts. My favorite peccorino romano was available, eliminating the need to season the pesto further, shown here with some fresh baguettes from La Brea Bakery....

Just so the pesto wouldn't get lonely, or perhaps smug and boastful being the only dish on the table, I prepared a few other little dishes to nosh on, including this salad of grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, red onions and Italian parsley. A little bit of the pesto went into this, too...

As far as I am concerned, you can't have good bread and not have olives, so I prepared one of my favorite mixes, a big bowl of black, green and kalamata olives (no picholines on hand, unfortunately), drenched in good oil, cloves of garlic, bay leaves, lemon zest, thin slices of lemon, sprigs of fresh rosemary, and a good sprinkling of mignonette pepper....

Alain grilled up red, green and yellow peppers, zucchini, and Italian sausages, which, with the addition of some delightfully vinegary dilly beans, some spicy asparagus, and pepperoncini, finished off our little repast....

Mangia bene!

Pearls upon pearls....

2010-07-22T15:45:00.000-07:00

You can imagine how thrilled I was to get a call about this wonderful treasure trove...all old stock hand carved mother of pearl from the 1930s, with exquisite detailing and patterns. It's always at the top of my list when I go out hunting, and to have this much of it show up at one time was just phenomenal...

The lot~ which came to me in two different batches ~ included earrings and brooches, strands, bracelets, necklace sets and two sizes of hand carved crosses with their original bails. I hope to have time to steal a few of these away and create with them myself...

Moving...but slowly

2010-07-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

With all the hubbub going on around here, I haven't had too much time to devote to actually moving back into my studio space. Nathalie's move with Erik left the space empty, but not quite, with stacks of books, canvases, small furnishings and her bed still hanging out in there. Well, the bed has finally made its exit, and we started redistributing things from around the house that were moved out to turn the space into Nathalie's bedroom during her final year of school...

My collection of matte white pottery is coming downstairs, piece by piece, and some of my little baskets and such are creeping back in, living for right now in the side by side, the major piece of free standing storage in the room. Baskets of magazines, supplies and so on are starting to crowd back in, and I am bringing a few things back from the store...

In the midst of what might be called madness anyway, I have been completing the development and design of a line of jewelry for a client, and producing the samples for the photo shoot, which is taking place upstairs in our newly renovated living room. We have the drapes closed and the lighting boom up, tripods and backdrops, so it's really looking nutty up there. Hoping to finish up by the end of this week, and get back to some sort of normal.

Here's the side by side, which dear husband and I carried up from the garage. Thankfully, this old French art deco piece comes apart and made it possible to carry it up the stairs and into the studio space. I actually have the matching desk stashed in the back room at the store, but for now, the prospect of what it would take to make that exchange has proved a little too daunting for me. I have a flat surface to work on, and I'm happy for that...

Lots of natural light in this room, but I will need much more to be able to see what I am doing! For right now, there's one work surface, although my other desk will be joining us down there shortly, as will my computer. Still much to be done, including cushions for the window seat, window coverings, and floor covering, but I am loving the bouganvillea outside the window and the lovely breeze that comes up the hill...

Breakfast bowl...

2010-07-13T09:48:00.001-07:00

This is what breakfast looks like at our house a few times a week. We are seemingly addicted to the combined flavors of cilantro and mint, and have melded that with our traditional macro-meal for a new fresh spin....

We try to eat some brown rice for breakfast a few times a week, and combining our favorite seasoned tofu with it, topped with some Thai chili sauce or Sriracha sauce makes it even better. Here's the star of the show, the seasoned tofu, a dish we have always bought from our local Asian market. I've searched for recipes for it for a couple of years, and finally came up with a good approximation on my own. If course, a matter of days later, a recipe popped up on a search, and it turns out I wasn't far off. If you like tofu, you'll love this dish...

Take some firm tofu, slice and drain it, wicking the water out with some absorbent paper towels like Viva. In a medium bowl, mix equal parts toasted sesame oil, water, soy or tamari sauce, and red pepper paste. Chop green onions and add toasted sesame seeds to the mix and start spooning the mixture into a glass container. Lay the slices of tofu down in layers, spooning he mixture over each layer, and top with remainder. Allow to marinate in refrigerator for a few hours (if you can wait that long) before diving into this.

Our breakfast bowl contains brown rice (long grain for summer), steamed kale and cabbage with onion, and a small slaw made with cabbage, cilantro and mint, garnished with bean sprouts. Maybe not for everyone, but one of our favorite breakfasts!

Little Bits of Beauty....

2010-07-13T09:01:00.000-07:00

I haven't had too much time lately to fuss with the shop, but did have fun adding some new things to the mix. I've had these gorgeous silk leaves before, but never in this color combinations, a bronzey gold with hand painted accents of turquoise. They had to hang out with these ribbons, some pearls, and a vase of vintage hand-parried feathers in the same color....

Chief amoung the recent acquisitions was a trunk full of vintage flowers, which I had fun steaming and see them transform from squashed little bits of silk to gorgeous, flamboyant roses and posies....

Nathalie and her friend Lexie used to love to steam the flowers for me, standing in front of the huge copper kettle in the kitchen, brandishing tongs with flowers in them so their little fingers wouldn't get burned by the steam. The dining room table would be covered with their efforts...

Every color of the rainbow here, tucked in baskets at the back of the store....

A little bit of whimsy here, these adorable little chenille bees from Japan, in several colors, including white, pink, aqua, yellow and more....

I remember these old cotton batting birds from my childhood. We had a little wicker birdcage hanging in the corner of our kitchen nook with flowers and some little birds perched in there, and my grandmother had a faux bamboo in her foyer, where an assortment of birds perched and preened....

You can never have enough of these little darlings, especially the really old ones like these. The color range was just exquisite, and their soft, downy little petals so dear...

Make and Take Monday!

2010-07-11T13:10:00.000-07:00

I hope you all had a lovely Fourth of July holiday! Ours was spent with family here in Fullerton and we had a little relaxing on tap...nice for a change! But now we're back on track, and will be holding our Make&Take Monday tomorrow night. We are releasing two new kits, a pair of earrings, and a bracelet. Shown below, the Costa del Sol Earrings....

These are fun summer earrings, composed with some of the new findings that we have in the shop. The stars in this piece are the vintage square wire rings in two sizes, and the tiny solid brass drops suspended with aged brass rings. These are topped with lovely horn beads with little fluted caps top and bottom. Totally a cold connection ring and pin project, these lovely little earrings can take you through summer and into fall! Kit Price: $6.50

Shown below, the Tide Pools Bracelet...

Lots of fun vintage stuff in this kit, including old 6mm ball chain, vintage brass cable, vintae baroque pearls, glass beads, mother of pearl nuggets and tiny vintage shells! The project is pulled together with a hammered brass ring and funky oversized spring ring, and we'll be using lots of fun tools and techniques for this one.

We'll hammer our ring closure, as well as two tags for our bracelet, so you'll be using a bench block, two different hammers, letter stamps, and aging your metals using our patina solutions. You'll design the placement of your tags, select the words you want (I stamped 'soleil' and 'la mer', 'sun' and 'sea' in French) and the sequence of your vintage and semi-precious stone beads. Feel free to bring additional goodies to hang and dangle, or add them later on. Kit Price: $28.00

If you have hammers or blocks of your own, please bring them, as well as tools. We'll be sharing mine for the class.

If you're not in the mood to make either of these kits, feel free to look at our other kits.

In Stock Now:

Cruz de Flores • Chartres Earrings • Immaculate Bracelet • Prague Necklace

De la Rosa Necklace • All Saints Necklace • Junk Drawer Necklace (1 left!)

Call to reserve your kits! (714) 349-2069

Monday, July 12, 2010
6:00p ~ 8:00p

Gilding the Lily

305 N. Harbor Blvd. Suite 101

in the historic Villa del Sol

Fullerton, CA 92832

(714) 680-8893

World Cup Fever...

2010-06-27T20:52:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a whirlwind week of soccer (the "beautiful game") in our house, and one of my most favorite things has been the three minute Nike tribute backed by the Focus-driven rock-fueled utterly awesome "Hocus Pocus" rock anthem that I remember so well. This is rock at its head banging best, and Alain and I have been indulging ourselves to the max, hence its appearance on my blog. It's just TOO GOOD. You are listening to the ultimate six minute version right now...

I mean, do you you remember this? Gawd, my head was bangin' listening to this, and we listened to it more than once. More like five or six times. I forgot how great Focus was, and in particular, how phenomenal "Hocus Pocus" was. Yikes, and double yikes. This was an unbelievable band, and I am ordering up a CD today, and another for Nathalie and Erik, who need to listen this one up.

It's been a fabulous World Cup week, with matches delivering more and less than we expected, and our own United States team delivering more and less than we wanted, but keeping us in the game longer than we might have expected. Landon Donovan delivered in the final moments, and we will see what the sport offers up to him in the coming months...EPL teams wanting to scoop him up and pay the big dollars (or pounds) to bring this phenomenal talent to bear. Donovan, don't forget from whence you came...

At any rate, I've enjoyed how the rock anthem has pumped people up. How, in listening to its driving beat, people have moved toward adopting a sport that has previously not enjoyed such universal appeal. Here, in the backwater of Fullerton, we've watched soccer take a front seat this year, and that is rewarding in and of itself.

Make and Take Monday...

2010-06-19T15:09:00.001-07:00

Come join us and make this vintage-inspired necklace with south of the border flair! A beautiful repousse rose that would make Frida happy is the focal point of this necklace, that pairs vintage bone beads with rose-cut Czech beads in turquoise with a coppery picasso finish. Lovely copper plated rhinestone rondelles add a little bling to this necklace, and a single rose bead dangles from a wire swirl. All beads are finished with diminutive copper filigree caps.

Call to reserve your kits! (714) 349-2069

Monday, June 21, 2010
6:00p ~ 8:00p

Gilding the Lily

305 N. Harbor Blvd. Suite 101

in the historic Villa del Sol

Fullerton, CA 92832

(714) 680-8893

Spellbinding...

2010-06-17T06:34:00.000-07:00

I have been moving things back and forth from room to room, trying to get situated in my old studio space now that Nathalie has moved out. One basket yielded some old treasures, including this speller that belonged to my grandfather...

This little book is over a hundred years old, and proudly inscribed, "Herbert Killen," with three stars marching along the top of the word,"Speller," and more stars underneath...

We are always amazed to find out little tidbits about our elders, and here it is, proof positive: Herbert Roy Killen was a doodler!

Another little known fact, he evidently had quite a crush on Louise Walker (not my grandmother, I might add)...

I do know that his mother was quite religious, but was tickled by both these messages, solemn, yet playful in a way I never expected from her. One reads: "This book is pretty old. Your old mother." And the second inscription reads: "Herbert Roys Mother Killen went all through this book. Now pray, pray on, pray always. Amen."

I'm not sure what kind of grades he got, but he surely had the right people on his side. The back panel, thought tattered and partially missing, bears my grandfather's name again, numerous Hs and Ks, some ink blots, and his own additions to the great seal of California...

I knew my grandfather to be a quiet, gentle man who loved gardening and reading. He was of a generation of men who changed into khaki pants and shirt and rubber soled canvas shoes to tend his garden, and I don't remember him raising his voice but once or twice. More often I think about him lifting me up to see the tiny bird eggs hatching in his hanging planters. It is something else again to think about him as a boy, brow furrowed, pen in hand, wading through the Book Two Speller...

This one is getting tucked into my little wicker case of treasures. More on that later...

Feet up, and thoughts out..

2010-06-06T19:41:00.000-07:00

Just a short post, but to catch up on the past week. I took a big spill in the back room at Lily, and have been trying to catch up to life ever after. A big swolled-up knee, and subsequently puffy foot, have put me behind the eight ball, and thank goodness for help from Ada, Bridgette, and my newly acquired intern Sian, who miraculously appeared on my horizon Saturday, and sat and priced baskets of old flowers and leaves, and proclaimed herself happy to do so! Oh, how blessed am I!

At home, catching up to fitting out the reclaimed studio space downstairs. I thought we might move the old French art deco side by side back up this morning, but Mr. Jamar has been working relentlessly on illustrations for some automotive clients and we are happy to have that in the hopper! So today turned into some work in the morning, a few errands midday, and time at home in the afternoon. All good. Tomorrow morning, God willing, and the knee cooperating, we will tug the behemoth up the steps in back and I can start organizing the mess that is me into the shelves that are so abundant in that wonderful piece of furniture.

We purchased it years ago from a friend of ours who was importing French antiques from the continent, and it included the huge side-by-side, a desk, and a chair. We still have them all and I hope to include them in the new space. Stay tuned....

In the meantime, I am working on a teak desk from our old office (Crate and Barrel), a wonderful old Hon desk chair (beautiful lumbar support), and am surrounded by boxes, bins, baskets, and tubs of stuff that I have deemed necessary to my art and production ( the latter being very important lately) and wondering how the whole thing will sort itself out. Again, we must stay tuned....

Alors, mes amies! Or, as my older brother so often says, 'Onward, into the fog.'

Talk to you tomorrow...

From the simple to the sublime...

2010-05-31T11:04:00.001-07:00

In doing a little housecleaning at the shop the other day, some things came to light when I emptied one of the old cases, like these old clay tiddly-winks chips. I just love the colors, and don't know how on earth they stayed hidden so long from sight...

I can't say these have been hiding, as they are something that just arrived, but I love them as well. I have a thing for thimbles, and when I had the opportunity to purchase these old brass ones, I couldn't pass the up. They're the personification of simple, and I know you clever girls will think of many things to do with them...

Some new ribbons arrived, too, which always makes me happy. I love these little ribbons, their simplicity paired with a strand of silk chenille zig-zagging down the length of the narrow binding...

Climbing up on the fancy scale, now. Jacquards are much too hard to come by nowadays, so I gather them in when I can. This sweet little peach and blue garland is flanked by ruffles on both sides....

And this one...well, swoonish describes it best. It was one of my favorites that I found. Soft and silky in hand, this pale blue jacquard with tiny ruffles on each edge is simply fab. It perches atop two bolts of another favorite ribbon, double bands of jacquard garland bracketing a ruched central field...

You must be thinking, "She's got ruffles on the brain," but they are irresistible, especially these satiny ones in deep olive green and rose, shot through with metal thread...

And last but not least, these were worth going into hock for. Around three inches of delectable textile wide, these had me at hello. And lest you think we have reached sublime, read on...

My new favorite thing in the whole world. Thierry wasn't sure I would like it because it wasn't one of the velvet crucifixes I love so well. Croix avec velour, move over...

I love the beautiful mother of pearl inlays on this crucifix. They radiate a special glow that makes it impossible to look away from. Each arm of the cross is embellished with leaves and blooms...

...and at the base of the figure, a pierced sacred heart is placed prominently, crowned with a cross and embraced by thorns...

At the top, a dove holding a branch of olive in it's beak swoops downward...

Sublime.

Make&Take Monday....

2010-05-15T18:19:00.000-07:00

This coming Monday, May 17, we'll offer this lovely little necklace featuring lots of vintage components like the chain, elaborate bezel, enameled cross and religious charm. The asymmetrical design makes the most of each component, allowing each to shine on its own.

The vintage components are paired with beautiful Czech glass beads, two shapes of mother of pearl beads, vintage Miriam Haskell grey baroque pearls, and all the findings necessary to create this necklace. At this time, we have only 12 kits available. Please call to reserve or order kits by calling Nancy at (714) 349-2069.

Cruz de Flores Necklace : $20.00

Make&Take Monday
6:00~8:00 p.m.
Gilding the Lily
305 N. Harbor Blvd. Suite 101
Fullerton, CA 92832

Store: 714-680-8893

Make and Take Monday Rides Again!

2010-05-03T14:56:00.001-07:00

I think everyone must have thought I'd abandoned our Make&Take Mondays, but we are finally getting back on track after taxes, sales tax returns, a bout with stomach flu and other little diversions, I am back and releasing three new kits into the wild!

Shown below, is our Junk Drawer Necklace, made with vintage brass swivels, bone and mother of pearl buttons, old metal snaps, and a variety of vintage brass beads and bone beads. It's just plain fun, and can be added to as you wish, with dangles and fobs. It measures 36 inches when finished, long enough to wrap twice.

Junk Drawer Necklace : $15.00

Shown below are some yummy earrings made after a design I created late last year. My original was made with emeralds, but I have substituted one of my favorites, green amethyst, for the stones in this piece.

Chartres Earrings : $22.00

Last but not least, is the St. Catharine Pendant, which uses some findings I have been trying to hunt down for a while. I've paired them with a beautiful old holy card illustration, antique brass beads and chaining, and some of our fabulous vintage Swarovski bezels.

St. Catharine Pendant : $22.00

We'll try to stock these kits on a permanent basis, but as always, with vintage components involved, supply always keeps us wondering how long we can offer some designs. Email or call to reserve kits: gildingthelilyvintage@yahoo.com, or 714-349-2069.

A wonderful weekend...

2010-05-03T14:32:00.000-07:00

Just now catching up to recapping our fabulous weekend hosting artists Colleen Moody and Iva Wilcox, who came from northern California to teach and brought a wonderful trunk show with them. Here is Colleen and Iva, right after setting up the show on Friday night...

The show featured Colleen's handmade dolls and Iva's exquisite paper and mixed media creations. Also on hand was the premiere issue of Prims magazine from Stampington, in which Colleen was a featured artist...

More and more loveliness to behold, almost more than the eye could take in...

Iva's sea-themed creations were stunning, and I chose one for myself before they were all gone...

Colleen's dolls, each one sweeter than the rest, were beautifully staged, and pure inspiration to the students who came to take her class...

We even got a peep at Halloween and some Christmas....

Creative touches abounded with each piece of art...

Gold and glitter, dresden and dolls, and more dolls, all waiting to be scooped up by visitors to the trunk show and class attendees...

"D

Here were the kits set up for class outside on the courtyard...

Students hard at work on their Bellina Bluebirds...

Dede and Ada with their handiwork...

And afterward, a trip to our house for dinner. Mr. Jamar slaved over a Le Creuset pot all day making us Barolo-braised beef with vegetables, ladled over creamy polenta. He surprised us with his mango cheesecake with lemon biscotti crust, served with a sweet basil sauce. Here's Iva, Dede, and Colleen, tired but happy and full of food and wine!

Noodge, who had a mad crush on Colleen, couldn't help herself and snuck in one last wet kiss as they were leaving...

And after that? Heaven in a bowl the next morning....a fresh egg over the creamy polenta we had left over....yum!

Update and thank you...

2010-05-03T14:28:00.000-07:00

I wanted to update those of you who helped out over the past week, and let you know that we have raised almost a thousand dollars for the car fund. Though that amount is not large enough to repair the car or purchase another used car, it is much appreciated and I am hopeful that we can add to that in the coming weeks. Another request to those of you who have not yet contributed but may still want to: please send checks to my attention at the store: 305 N. Harbor Blvd., Suite 101, Fullerton, CA 92832. Thank you so much to all of you who reached out for this person in need. I cannot tell you how much it means to both me and to her. You really are 'a village'....

Your help is needed...

2010-04-26T15:08:00.000-07:00

Dear readers:

I am usually posting something a bit more entertaining, but I hope you will not mind me putting out a very special request. I have a friend, another woman, who is experiencing great difficulty in her life right now, and could dearly use our help. She desperately needs an expensive repair to her car, or another automobile so she can continue to work and support herself.

Our list is nearly 500 women strong, and I am asking any who can afford to help to do so. I think this is an opportunity for us to make a difference in one woman's life, and it is something I know she would never ask for herself. As well, it is not something that I alone can do for her.

If you would like to help, I have a separate paypal account in which we can gather funds, and donations can be sent to me using the email address njamar@alainjamar.com. Please put the words "auto fund" in the message line. If you would like to send a check to help, you may drop it by the store or mail it to the address shown below. If you send a check, please make it payable to me, Nancy Jamar, and I will see that it goes to the fund. Do not make checks out to Gilding the Lily, as this is not related to my business. This is a personal plea for help for a dear friend. If anyone has a car they would like to donate, please contact me directly at (714) 349-2069 on my cel phone.

Our hearts are so often torn by the plight of people who are far away from us, the victims of natural disasters and so on. We have the opportunity here to help someone close by who has no where else to turn. She will probably be mad as a hornet that I am doing this, but we are all she has right now. Please help if you are able.

To mail a donation:

305 N. Harbor Blvd. Suite 101
Fullerton, CA 92832

How fun is this...?

2010-04-22T06:55:00.000-07:00

I found these vintage brass bangles a week ago and had time to play around with them day before yesterday. They have a channel down the middle and a raised edge that is perfect for collaging just about anything. I landed on some inky black rayon velvet ribbon and started fishing through the drawers for findings...

I came up with one of my favorites, a little vintage brass pronged filigree that sets off the ribbon perfectly. They were spaced along the ribbon in no time, punched through and hammered on, and then the whole kit and kaboodle was slathered with E6000 and clamped within an inch of its life. I'm going to drill one edge and put a sassy chain tassel on it with a filigree bead cap next to up the ante a little.

Whaddya think?

Artists Trunk Show at Gilding this Weekend!

2010-04-20T05:56:00.000-07:00

Gilding the Lily is pleased to welcome back

Colleen Moody and Iva Wilcox!

This weekend, Gilding will have back to back workshops with these talented artists, and host a trunk sale of their very special works to the public. Even if you are not signed up for the workshops, don't miss an opportunity to meet these artists and see their work in person.

Colleen will also have limited copies of the inaugural issue of Stampington's Prims magazine on hand, in which she is featured. Stop in to get your copy before they sell out and have it signed by Colleen!

Gilding will also have a small trunk show of special items, with some trays of loveliness spread about, and the latest items from our sources back east including new vintage chains, findings, and a wonderful selection of our specialty and rosary chains.

Light refreshments will be served throughout the day for our guests.

Artists Trunk Show and Spring Sale

Saturday, April 24th, 11:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.

Gilding the Lily

305 N. Harbor Blvd. Suite 101

in the historic Villa del Sol

Fullerton, CA 92832

(714) 680-8893

Al fresco...

2010-04-08T06:56:00.000-07:00

This is one of the latest additions to the Jamar household...

It's our new dining table for the deck, which Alain repurposed from an old drafting table we had tucked in the rafters of the garage. He's been wanting to do something with it for years, but it's just too darn big for any of our small rooms in this old house, so...

He cut it down in width, height and sanded the bejayzus out of it. You can still see the pin holes on the top where artwork and boards were pinned in place, pre-dating the use of tape. There were some great coffee rings all along one edge, but those were removed with the sanding. Wonder who sat at this old table and designed...?

We kept the old metal tag from the bottom rung of the table and put it smack dab in the center so we can also remember its humble origins. Now it sports a spar varnish finish that will protect it from the elements out on the deck, and we have a spot for our summer dining adventures...

This was the inaugural meal at our table. A salad made with great white northern beads, celery, onion, sun dried tomatoes, peppers and shrimp, served with some fresh bread, goat cheese and sund dried tomato pesto. I could live on this!

Hippity Hoppity...

2010-04-02T09:06:00.000-07:00

We'll be staging our first Easter egg hunt at Lily on Saturday, and all visitors to the store can find and keep three eggs each until they are gone! Some of the eggs will be filled with just plain old goodies (C-A-N-D-Y), but most will be filled with goodies from the store, all hand-picked by me.

They'll include vintage rhinestone findings, gemstones, ribbons, buttons, lace, findings, filigrees and more! And some of the eggs will have gift certificates for the store as well. I will be stashing the eggs all over the store this evening after closing, and all Easter egg hunters are encouraged to join us!

We hope to see you there!

F I R S T A N N U A L E A S T E R E G G H U N T
Saturday, April 3, 2010 ~ 11:00 a.m.

Gilding the Lily

305 N. Harbor Blvd. Suite 101

in the historic Villa del Sol

Fullerton, CA 92832

(714) 680-8893

Reflecting...

2010-03-24T09:41:00.000-07:00

Life seems to offer little time for reflection these days, and unbelievably, we are one quarter of the way through this year already. I often feel like the White Rabbit, always late, always rushing, always falling short of my own goals and feeling frustrated by my inability to do it all... I'm sure I'm not alone, and that, indeed, is some consolation.

Because I've fallen so short of my blogging goals, I've been trying to get back on track, and have been snapping photos here and there, hoping at least to find time to post a little truth and beauty. Alain reclaimed the "tub" for the living room, and this spot where the huge canvas hung seemed so bare. So I enlisted the art thief himself to help me hoist this old mirror from France up from behind the case and onto the big drawers that hold the findings. I rather like it there. What do you think?

It gives me a whole new perspective on the store, opening a window in the wall that provides views of the cloches in their case across the room, a backwards view of whatever is in the show window, and a lovely multiplicity of the pressed glass dishes and etched goblets that hold whatever someone gathers up. It is so interesting to me what defines beauty for each of us....

This lovely creature was with me too short a time, captured forever by our Dede, who fell swoon to her captivating charms. But, in spite of losing her, I know that she is being treasured by someone I know, and that makes the parting sweeter.

This is something I find so simple, and so beautiful...these lengthy strands of old mother of pearl, shaped by hand and all nuggety the way I like them. The subtle variations in color and size make them all the more desirable to me, accentuating their uniqueness and the qualities that don't stray too far from nature...

And this lovely, plucked from the fertile earth of my friend Pilar's mind, who made me one of these adorable brooches for my birthday. They are all the rage, and Maija presented me with one made from her heart as well. Each one is so individual, a gathering of colors, pattern and textures that is unique to each artist. How can one not want to gather armloads of them up from this garden of creativity?

There! I think I got my groove back, even if for just a short while. It felt good, and I needed a little truth and beauty right about now. It's off to work I go...

I can't help myself...

2010-03-19T21:15:00.000-07:00

I should have been working in the back room, and to my credit, I did eventually get back there and move things around a bit, but the new bits I have been accumulating and some other things that came in from back east captivated me too much, and I digressed...

These old rhinestone bezels have been accumulating in a bowl on my work table, and the larger one called out to this old French coin, while the small oval immediately bonded with the old mercury glass cabochon that arrived wrapped in tissue paper from back east. The franc was paired with a silver ring shank, and the mercury glass went with an antique brass filigree shank from my stash.

I keep acquiring these coins, as I love their art deco look, and quite frankly, they'll be gone soon enough, replaced with the ubiquitous euro...

I managed to convince Joyce to send me more of these old mercury glass cross cabachons, so we'll have a small supply of them starting next week. Get 'em while you can (and before I decide I need to hoard them all...did I really admit that? Yikes! I'm such a findings ho', but that's not news to any of you).

We also got some beautiful chain in from back east...old Japan stock, half inch faceted bugle beads in jet, and some solid brass curb. In the meantime, I'll get back to work and try to stay on task. Let's consider the above a minor aberration from the scheduled programming....

Make and Take Monday!

2010-02-13T19:10:00.000-08:00

Monday we will undertake this project, the broche-souvenir, Maid of Heaven.

I designed this piece in the context of an antique French souvenir pin, putting my own spin on it by adding some chain maille and other components.

This project incorporates one of our new castings, a beautiful big antique Joan of Arc commemorative finding, along with several other medals, including a fleur de lis and radiant cross. The beads shown were selected for their meaning in Christian lore; the pearl symbolizing God's truth formed through suffering and sacrifice, and the amber (I chose some Victorian cherry amber from my own stash for this piece to symbolize her martyrdom) for purification and sanctification.

We will be doing some metal aging, drilling and connecting, and collage a pin back on the reverse, but the most challenging part of this piece will be the chain maille, which I wanted to use to symbolize Joan's armor. We will be using the most simple and elemental pattern in European maille, and I think you will be surprised at how easy the steps are for this pattern.

We hope you'll join us to create this piece. We have a limited amount of kits at this time, but will do our best to accommodate those who wish to come Monday night. Kits are $24.00 for this project, and instruction is free. RSVP to (714) 349-2069 or gildingthelilyvintage@yahoo.com to reserve yours!

And while we're on the subject...

2010-02-12T19:52:00.000-08:00

I absolutely, unquestionably, and passionately adore the following passage written by MFK...my literary food idol. Mary Frances Katherine Fischer, who (yes, even before Julia) went to France, lived the life, ate the food and wrote eloquently about the experience.

I can't tell you how many times I have picked up my dog-eared copy of The Art of Eating, to reread the foreword to, "The Gastronomical Me," notably one of the most favorite of her books. She wrote:

People ask me: Why do you write about food, and eating and drinking? Why don't you write about the struggle for power and security, and about love, the way others do?

They ask it accusingly, as if I were somehow gross, unfaithful to the honor of my craft.

The easiest answer is to say that, like most other humans, I am hungry. But there is more than that. It seems to me that our three basic needs, for food and security and love, are so mixed and mingled and entwined that we cannot straightly think of one without the others. So it happens that when I write of hunger, I am really writing about love and the hunger for it, and warmth and the love of it and the hunger for it...and then the warmth and richness and fine reality of hunger satisfied...and it is all one.

I tell about myself, and how I ate bread on a lasting hillside, or drank red wine in a room now blown to bits, and it happens without my willing it that I am telling too about the people with me then, and their other deeper needs for love and happiness.

There is food in the bowl, and more often than not, because of what honesty I have, there is nourishment in the heart, to feed the wilder, more insistent hungers. We must eat. If, in the face of that dread fact, we can find other nourishment, and tolerance and compassion for it, we'll be no less full of human dignity.

There is communion of more than our bodies when bread is broken and wine drunk. And that is my answer, when people ask me: Why do you write about hunger, and not wars or love?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I find myself always stilled by her words, and contemplative about the equation of food and life. We're admitted foodies, and follow all the contemporary lights in that constellation, but for me, none compare to MFK. And as much as I loved Julie and Julia, Fisher's words resonate with me in a way that no other food writer's have done to date. If at this writing I remain unconvinced of those who might challenge her worth, I shall wait, nonetheless, for one who can surpass her eloquence and passion...

Kitchen to table...

2010-02-11T08:20:00.000-08:00

Even though our little kitchen is one of the oldest and shabbiest remnants of our work in progress of a house, I still do love it...sometimes. There are parts I definitely want to keep if -- when -- we dive into renovating it. The tall shelves that hold my mom's old flour and coffee jars that flank the windows over the sink are a favorite that I would love to keep. The little arched doorway will go away, unfortunately, taking out the entire wall and the old pantry to open up the kitchen enough for a small island in front of the stove. The rooster stays!

We finally got the ignition fixed on the stove, and now we have the electrical side of the equation back in play for our dual fuel monster. Welcome back convection oven. Goodbye lighter.

We're all over the map in our reading materials, as you can see. Everything from Alain's well worn copy of Bourdain's Les Halles classic to the new Vietnamese cookbook, Batali, Florence, Julia (of course), the two RD Handbooks on ingredients and herbs (now out of print...if you can find them, snatch them up!), a couple of our vegetarian favorites, and the indispensable Fundamental Techniques.

A stack of my vegan books, interspersed with a few of Maya's cookbooks, and a couple of my old standbys...

The copper needs cleaning...again.

One of my favorite things in our little kitchen. A small piece by Gerard Bourgeois, depicting an egg, a salt cellar and a head of garlic. I love it even more now that we are cooking a lot of Vietnamese food, since Gerard is French-Vietnamese. I feel like he is watching over our efforts.

We ended our day yesterday at my friend Sher's house for dinner. She was planning on cooking, but ran late and dashed out to get some takeout sushi for us. A phone call later, we found out the sushi restaurant was closed, and she came home with Vietnamese food instead! Here she listens to Alain about the merits of Sriracha...

You can see the ubiquitous bottle of the "Vietnamese ketchup" in the foreground of the photo above, and flanking the bowl of pho below...

I'll leave you with this one...here is Amelia mugging it up for my camera...

Ciao for now, or should I say... tạm biệt!

Good words...

2010-02-05T17:34:00.000-08:00

I had a little time today to scoot around the web and visit some blogs, and there is so much to see and hear out there, much of it good. I find myself standing in wonder at the creativity, the intellect, the values and goodness that inhabit this world of blogging...so much caring, concern, and a sense of community that stretches from end to end of this planet of ours.

Our ways of communicating are ever-changing. I don't expect that I will ever cease to be amazed at how creative people will get in speaking their minds, promoting their businesses, and gathering together to make a difference. I can look back and assign decades to technologies, then years, but we are now at a point where human communication, no matter to what purpose, will continue to evolve at an exponential rate. There's no stopping us now.

The message written above dates from 1879, and is truer now than ever. Our words cost us little, but mean much. The digital revolution and the evolution of blogging and social networking have once again elevated the word, the phrase, and the value of thoughtfulness. For that I am thankful. The keyboard may have replaced the pen, but we are thinking again. We are talking again. We are.

Parting is such sweet sorrow...

2010-02-03T16:24:00.000-08:00

Can't believe I am letting this go, but hoping to get more (the story of my life!). It's a stunning vintage bezel connector chain in a pale, smoky grey, glass stones with brilliant cut facets and metal work in varying degrees of patina, all good. (Diane, if you're reading this, sorry you missed this chain on Monday, but it just arrived Tuesday afternoon!)

Today was a cruisey day at the store with visits from some old friends and lots of chitty-chatty nonsense. I loved the quiet nature of the day, and how it allowed me to just be there and move amongst my things as I so seldom get to do. I should have gotten more done, but tomorrow is another day, Scarlett...

A soulful bowl...

2010-02-03T09:10:00.001-08:00

This is what is anchoring our days now...big bowls of shiitake broth with all sorts of good things swimming around in it. This was dinner the other night, which included buckwheat soba, seared tofu, snow peas, carrots, napa cabbage, mushrooms and lots of fresh scallions. Since we developed the habit of having miso soup for breakfast several mornings a week when we were eating macrobiotically, now we are alternating that with these lovely bowls of ginger scented stock and whatever fresh vegetables are in the fridge. I'll enjoy this as long as our cool spring weather lets me...

Hopelessly addicted...

2010-01-31T13:07:00.000-08:00

...to Czech jewelry, that is. Which, in turn, got me spinning on a new kit and Make & Take for Monday. The inspiration sprang from this lovely dapped casting in brass, with leaves that arch over each other and wrap around tiny acorns set on a graceful oval.

Soon, little bits of chain, beads, caps and bling were congregating on the countertop, and I started composing this necklace. It reminds me of the old Czech pieces that incorporate filigree, faceted beads and chaining. It took me two tries to get it right, but this is the result...

The chain and filigree are aged with our patina solution, and the chaining is a lovely engraved rolo. Brilliant cut crystal beads and rondelles lead away from the focal and into the chain, appearing once again at the back of the neck. Tiny vintage rhinestones are set into the two acorns at the top, and aged rhinestone beads and drop hang from the other two.

We hope you'll join us to create this piece. We have a limited amount of kits at this time, but will do our best to accommodate those who wish to come tomorrow night. Kits run $22.00 for this necklace. RSVP to (714) 680-8893 or gildingthelilyvintage@yahoo.com to reserve yours!

Make&Take Monday
6:00~8:00 p.m.
Gilding the Lily
305 N. Harbor Blvd. Suite 101
Fullerton, CA 92832

Sweet thoughts...

2010-01-28T09:13:00.001-08:00

In the midst of all the hubbub of CHA, classes, make and takes, and the 'normal' goings-on at Lily, Valentines day is creeping up on us. It is amazing how our busy lives can crowd out such important things, but I know plenty of you must be starting on wonderful artistic endeavors with this sweetest time of year in mind...

I love taking out the antique Valentines and marveling over the workmanship, the motifs, and (sigh) the paper lace. I saw some incredible laser-cut papers at the show with marvelous detail, but of course, until they get the fine embossed detail in there, it won't be enough for me. I passed them by, regretfully. I did get to see my German friend Andreas and look at all his lovely things, and you will find some Dresdens in the store right now for Valentines day creating. Beautiful heart motifs, amourettes holding diminutive love letters, angel wings and Cupid's arrows...

And, it may not be antique paper lace, but we do have some vintage doilies, and of course, Andreas' wonderful die cut scraps with sweet, romantics themes, full blown roses, birds flying loves letters to sweethearts and more. Be inspired, and bold in love!

Resolutions and changes...

2010-01-26T08:16:00.000-08:00

I resolved late last year to recapture our url for the store, and move the web site to a new location, which has finally been accomplished! There seemed to be too much confusion about the online presence and if we really had a brick and mortar store, that it seemed the right thing to do. This year we will move forward using www.gildingthelilyvintage.com as a vehicle for introducing people to our store, the classes and events, and post photos there and information about how to find us and our hours.

The website has a new name and a new url, www.vintagedesignresource.com. After a nervous weekend of not being anywhere in particular, and then showing up without template or graphics, it has finally been sorted out, thanks to the helpful people at Pappashop, and Catherine at Avalon Rose Design. Thanks guys!

We've been adding new items, restocking the chains and rosary chain, and putting in our specialty chains that are proving so popular, including this interval chain composed of old Haskell pearls, rhinestone rondelles, and our pretty stacked rondelle beads...

We'll also be repackaging our make and take kits with new clear boxes and graphics, and making them available online to our customers. We're pretty excited about this project and anxious to get it going. The only part we weren't excited about was drafting all the instructions! Instead, any kits that require instructions will come accompanied by a link to a YouTube video. Nathalie will be helping her not-so-tech-savvy mom with that little job...

For those of you who haven't been in to the store lately, we are putting out our Valentines and starting on Easter. The new Dresden trims are in for Valentines day, and includes hearts, arrows, wings, cherubs and more. Our Easter boxes are underway, and will be an evolution of last year's little 'Peat Pot Pretties,' this time jam packed with fun stuff to work with, including ribbons, Dresden, glitter, flowers, crepe and scrap, all tucked into a clear corsage box.

Well, I had better get back to work. As always, one step not taken forward seems to equal three taken back. Sometimes I feel like a shark...I had better keep moving or sink to the bottom! Ciao for now!

Make & Take Monday...

2010-01-24T19:28:00.000-08:00

I've been relishing getting back into the normal groove after the holidays, and tomorrow night will be our second make and take of the year. I barely got the email out on this, as I was trolling the aisles at CHA all day, and it dawned on me that I had better pull it together...like pronto! So, I'm putting it out on the blog, too, to counteract my procrastination...

Tomorrow night's Make&Take project will be this rosary styled necklace, shown below. We'll be using our new antique silver hardware in pins and rings, pairing it with semi-matte crystal Czech glass beads, our own Antiquities line of castings, and aged rhinestone beads and baubles.

This is a great project for those who really want to nail down their pinning skills and get them more consistent. We'll be doing a total of two strands (50 beads) for this necklace, and yes, practice does make perfect! We'll also use the new Dremel Ion to customize some of the medals with additional holes for linking. You'll want to go out and get your own after you use it...it drills through metal like it's buttah! Robin sold me on this little update to the Dremel line and it's a dream....

As always, kits will be available for those who cannot make it in on Monday evening. Call ahead and let us know if we can expect you, or if you would like a kit set aside for you. The components for this project price out at retail in the store for over $30, but we will be offering this kit for $24 for a limited time.

G I L D I N G the L I L Y

Make & Take Mondays!
305 N. Harbor Blvd. Suite 101
Fullerton, CA 92832
(714) 349-2069
for reservations or more information

An Easy Virtue...

2010-01-12T09:32:00.000-08:00

New Year's resolutions can be easy to make and hard to keep, especially the ones about reining in our inner gourmet. Alain and I both so love to eat, and cook, and experience other cuisines and their foods. So, when we discovered Phans55 late last year, we were doubly enchanted, knowing we could tuck into a good hot meal there anytime, guilt free.

The place itself is a gem, a space that features soaring ceilings with beautiful modern chandeliers, compact and dripping light down into the seating areas, and still manages to remain cozy and warm. Simply delineated, the space is beautiful, spare and artistic, and always comfortable, for a whole crowd, or just two...

Alain saw an ad for the restaurant in a local review magazine, and we decided to drive the 10 minutes up the hill to try it out. In early fall, the weather was still balmy, and we sat outside on their charming little patio, where we were shaded by umbrellas that punctuated the space with their vibrant color. On our first visit we tried some spring rolls, another appetizer and one of their specialties, sea bass cooked in a clay pot. I will never forget it. The service was extraordinary, and has never dipped below that benchmark. Warm, never intrusive, and always welcoming.

The bar is extraordinary, a beautiful space carved out of the back of the restaurant, and tended by a well-informed staff. We love their Vietnamese beer with the hot dishes, but they have a lovely offering of wines as well.

The kitchen is amazing, and the proprietor, Clervil Heraux, took us on a tour the first night we were there, explaining how the huge woks are fired and then cooled by a sheet of water running down the stainless steel back splash. We got a first hand view of the massive four square burners that are trundled in and out of the kitchen where they make all their own stocks and broths for the restaurant.

Here's a view of part of the dining area, where you will find families joined over bowls of warm, translucent noodles, spooning the fresh garnishes of mint, cilantro and spiced condiments into their bowls. The food is fresh, healthy, and would be an easy virtue for any one seeking to be resolute in the new year. Our hot tip for local dining. Tell Clervil we sent you!

Phans55
Vietnamese Bistro and Bar
1981 Sunnycrest Dr.
Fullerton, CA 92835
(across from St. Jude Hospital)
www.phans55.com

Never better said...

2009-12-23T10:09:00.001-08:00

The tag above puts it so simply and beautifully...

Our little tree filled the corner of the living room, and the tree skirt I fashioned from two antique Victorian capes looked lovely but is so deliciously dark that you can hardly see the detail on it at night. I had never considered monkey fur a Christmas trim, but that has all changed for me now...

Above is a lovely ornament the oh-so-talented Priscilla made for the tree...

We had a lovely fire going in the grate with many happy faces shining just as brightly...

The light curved up around the coved edges of the ceiling, and the mantel was lit up with candlelight and tiny little bulbs...

In the kitchen, Alain's two pans were both on the flame, and the stacks of crepes grew steadily, only to be diminished just as quickly when they reached the dining room table...

They were lovely little confections, ready for their fillings...seafood, mushroom, spiced apples and fresh berries with mascarpone cheese...

Here, Karen Vickie and Lynn sample some of the crepes, and share some conversation...

None of this would have happened on time if Priscilla had not arrived in the nick of time to slice, chop, and saute! Here is the sous chef of the day with her able assistant, Cricket!

My thanks to all who came to share the evening's good cheer. You are all treasured, and your friendship is the best present one could wish for!