Jun 9, 2014

My Favorite Things - and Gift Certificate!



Updated 26 June
please note that I just discovered many comments that never made it to my email! Please see comments section for my response, and I apologize to all who took time to comment, but never made it to me. Cyber "connections" can be so frustrating! 


My Favorite Things...

Hello!

I hope the summer is off to a good start with you. My summer is off with usual summer activities such as gardening, taking rides out to the country, and catching up on projects. While busy about doing my projects, be it just cleaning out my closet, cooking, sewing, or gathering fresh produce from the garden, I have these somewhat "crazy lady" conversations in my head (okay, I confess, sometimes, I do catch myself talking out loud - sometimes) how I wish you friends were here with me to enjoy the day. But for now, cyber visits will have to do - which brings me to today's visit with you.

A friend dropped by recently, who hasn't been to my house in some time. We were visiting as I was making a simple dinner of homemade tomato basil soup (my own tomatoes and basil). As she sat with me in our tiny kitchen and watched me cook as we chatted, she pointed out how she was so amazed at the "old-timey" tools I was using and had around in my kitchen. Honestly, I had never given it much thought, as I use my vintage items routinely, never really considered it "old-timey" as my friend found it.

Just as I was about to claim that "most" people use these old things, I stopped and realized that actually, these old things are mainly sought out for their beauty, history, and the simple joy  of having them in our homes. I would enjoy hearing about any old thing that you actually use for its purpose and not just as decoration. I would love to hear from you. For now, I will share what I actually use routinely, in a little mini series that I am calling "My Favorite Things." If you don't have the time for a visit just now, but want to get to the gift certificate give-away, just scroll down towards the end to find out how to enter a $75 certificate from a very cool website... but I hope you have time for a visit.




There are lots of good reasons to use vintage items, other than they are just simply beautiful. I always liked the idea of using vintage items mainly because I personally get joy out of using something that has the test of time (if it still works when I discover it, then most likely it was built to last, unlike so many brand new items). I also like that I am saving a little bit of the earth by not buying new, and of course, the history of the item and any possible story that goes with it gives it a lot of character that just can't be found off the shelf of a big box store. 

Above is my beloved silver sugar shaker that I found years ago and it takes permanent residence upon my countertop. The patina on this little tarnish silver beauty is a personal joy of mine. Patina equals perfect for me! It doesn't just hold sugar, no, I have both sugar and cinnamon in it for my cinnamon toast mornings - any day starts out well with a good piece of cinnamon toast and Danish butter!






And what a better way to spread that great Danish butter, than with my vintage butter knives. I have tons of them - I just love them, use them, and use them for all sorts of things. Spreads, dips, sour cream, jelly, peanut butter, curds, sour cream, condiments,...you name it. 







These little butter knives in the creamer are a permanent fixture atop my vintage breadbox - used, literally, every single day. I just realized I didn't take a picture of my bread box - never even thought about till now. I have had the bread box so many years, and use it every day, I don't even think about it.










To be honest, I can't even remember when I got this cute and really practical German salt and pepper shaker. I must have been in Germany, or on one of my jaunts at a European flea-market and I am sure I thought it was just the coolest thing (and still think that). This "TischerFreund" (Table Friend) is so neat - just push down the side of the top that holds the spice you want, and the little flap folds up to release and shake out your choice.






Such a simple design, with a divided shaker. Simple and sweet...and of course, I smile every time I pick it up and visit with my "friend."






While we can find lots of uses for glass jars, nothing is better than finding an use for an old canning jar with zinc and milk glass lid. 




I grow my own herbs and dry them. I use tons of basil all year long, especially for my homemade tomato and basil cream soup. I actually had two jars and now down to half a jar. Happily, I just cut fresh basil this evening and they are hanging to dry for use this winter. 




I love the diamond pattern on this old glass. Gives it so much character. And the milk glass lid feels nice when I open it up and hold it in my hand as I pluck a few leaves out for dinner. Sometimes, I think the feelings we get with some objects are just as nice (or nicer) than the purpose of the object itself. 





While vintage knives are great to use for their intended purpose, there are other uses as well.





I have a thing for old hotel silver, butter knives and so on. But, after a while, I realize that unless I really use them, then I can't afford the shelf/drawer space for them...




...so, I realized the other day, while gardening, that my little wooden markers were breaking...and how my old knives would make great garden markers! A little nail polish remover easily wipes off the words. After I took this photo, it started to rain pretty hard, so I still need to get an image of these in my garden. But for now, you can see how fun they can be, as well as useful.






You know, I think that is the goal in daily living - to have fun with simplicity. Simple doesn't always mean easy...just look at the Amish. The Amish live a "simple" life, but no one would argue that it is sometimes hard. Simple living to me simply means living in the  present moment, enjoying the task at hand - no matter how hard (or easy) that task may be. There is an art to that type of living, I think. 

And speaking of the art of living...here is a preview of what is to come!

SUPPORTING ARTISANS

I found a new website that I am still reading and shopping about. Like many of you, I believe in supporting small businesses, and especially artisans. I am more than happy to pay extra for something handmade by an artisan. I have to tell you this quick story. Several years ago, while in San Francisco, I was at an outdoor artisan market (sort of like a flea-market). I was amazed at the crafts and I stood there, watching this beautiful, little Asian woman knit baby clothes. Her items were just perfect, and she tells me she has been knitting for over 30 years (I swear she didn't look a day older than 30). I then witness a very sad thing: a well-dressed woman, stopped by and picked up a beautiful sweater that was only $35 (which I was amazed at inexpensive the item was). 

Well, I am sure you can guess what happened next. This "lady" proceeds to tell the artisan that this "sweater was too much...can't you do better on the price?" I was so shocked - and saddened. The artisan handled it nicely, but the customer insisted on a lower price and would not pay the asking price. I couldn't help but butt in and said, "You aren't going to find a sweater of this quality for such a great price. I am sure you realize your purchase helps support the arts." She stared at me and mumbled she would be back later. I left feeling sad and frustrated for the artisan, as I owned my store back then and knew how hard it was to find great products at prices that customers would pay - because as I was told on more than one occasion, "I can find this cheaper at Target." Which of course they can't...they can find reproductions, but NOT the real items I had in my store. I never felt awkward pointing out to those customers that then perhaps they should be shopping at Target. 

But I digress...back to the website. Here is gift certificate info:

This artisan website that I am impressed with is called NOVICA.



I  will be upfront and disclose that I was contacted by this company to review their site and was given a certificate so I could order an item for my review, while offering a $75 gift certificate to one of my readers for them to enjoy a purchase of their own from NOVICA.



All I am asking of you is to look their site and see what they are all about. I was immediately impressed because this is a fair trade site, filled with artisans that are trying to make a living doing what they love to do and have a talent for. This is something I truly believe in. While I love the old and the vintage, my heart is always for the artisans.

NOVICA is more than just a website for artisans. They work to support them and give us an opportunity to LEND small amounts of funds (only $10 and up) to an artisan of your choice, which they pay back without interest. Once the lender is repaid, the lender has the option of turning the repayment into a store credit with an extra 15% bonus.  


Here is a 1 minute video about Eka, who supports her family through her wood making. 



To learn more about lending, just click here.


And finally, a 1 min video about NOVICA Certified.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUNCO9UTfRE&list=UUAnbKbdHxLRLtN4wq33Efmw


If you would like to be entered into the drawing for the $75 gift certificate, please leave a comment and please make sure I have a way to contact you. I do not use Google plus, so please leave your email if you wish. Or send me your email via the link listed on the image of the typewriter on the right sidebar. 

NEXT POST: I will continue with my series of my favorite things and also share with you what I purchased from NOVICA. I will also give away my own handmade craft item to all who links my post to their social media. More details on my next post.

Thank you for visiting and for visiting NOVICA. I am still learning myself all that they are about, but so far, what I have read, I am very impressed with. I hope you are too.

(Oh, if you made it down this far, I thought I would share with you that all these images were NOT taken in my home! I thought it would be funny if some readers never went down this far and left my blog thinking, Man! Elizabeth really needs to clean her windows! LOL!!)

From my house to your house,

Signature

46 comments:

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

I never noticed the dirty windows, just how beautiful your collections are! I remember my Mom's collection of old spoons in a beautiful cut glass spooner on her counter that she used every day with her coffee or tea. I'm off to learn more about Novica, sounds like a wonderful idea!
acottagemuse@gmail.com

deb said...

Hello Elizabeth ~ loved reading about some of your favourite things ~ all of which, like your photos, are gorgeous! Tomato basil soup is one of our favourites too ~ especially if made with your own tomatoes & basil ♥ I agree with you about using your vintage items & "saving a little bit of the earth". I have a few treasures that belonged to my grandmother that I love using ... little s&p shakers, tiny Sparrow dish and a mustard pot. They almost seem "miniature" in comparison to the items of today, but look lovely on the table. Love your "garden markers".
Interested in reading more about NOVICA. Will follow your link now ~ Have a wonderful day xo

Lin from A {tiny} Cottage In The Woods said...

Good morning, Elizabeth. I always enjoy your posts so much!

You wrote 'I would enjoy hearing about any old thing that you actually use for its purpose and not just as decoration.'

I believe that what worked for our grandmothers and great-grandmothers also works for us today. I own very few kitchen appliances (by choice), preferring to cut & chop with knives, mix with a whisk, and mash with a potato masher. I bake, or cook on top of the stove - no microwave. I believe in slow cooking! I use glass jars for storing food, including freezing. We use our good china and grandparent's silver for everyday. Why store these beautiful things away when we can enjoy them today?

And I agree with you. Simple doesn't always mean easy! I feel that the quality of our lives is greatly enhanced when we slow down and enjoy what we are doing in the moment.

I visited the Novica website and looked around, and I clicked on the 'Our Mission' button to read more. All I have to say is I cannot imagine a world without art, and the artisans who create it. Thank you for sharing the site with us!

And I never would have thought those were your windows. :)

Have a happy one,
Lin

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Hello Sandi!

I know of your mother's spooner - and they are certainly beautiful. My mother had a hobnail pattern spooner that my father used to put his loose change in after coming home from work. Glad you are visiting Novica - it really is a neat site.

Big hugs
Elizabeth

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Hi Deb,

I agree, tomato basil soup is best with garden fresh tomatoes - so rich and very full of flavor. I make several gallons and freeze it and it is just as good as the day I made it. (Actually, the soup tastes way better the next day after sitting all night in the fridge!) You are right, vintage items can look so small compared to modern items. I love little mustard pots - lucky you. Thank you for checking out Novica - I can't wait to see my purchase - should be in a week or so, I think.

Big hugs
Elizabeth

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Hello Lin!

I think you and I could be fast buddies - I agree with everything you wrote. I, too, love to chop, whip, and mash by hand as well. And as for glass jars, I use them for storing as well (and in the freezer) and one of my favorite kitchen items are my two vintage glass refrigerator jars. In fact, one is next to me now as I write and sip ice-cold water. Glass is the best for storing water.

I love that you use china and silver everyday! You stole my heart. We don't even own any paper plates and we use our vintage ironstone platters all the time. I agree, it is so nice to live daily life using things that make that life more meaningful.

Also, happy to know you didn't assume those windows were mine :-)

Big hugs
Elizabeth

La Contessa said...

Where do you live?For some reason i think its back EAST?I use old silver, good china,vintage hotel platters everyday too!Makes me happy just to open the drawer.....
Did you have a little antique shop like me once upon a time?Me thinks YES!
I must subscribe to you but I do not think your site allows me to with my e-mail.......I will investigate!
Last note those well dressed women are THE WORST!
XX

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Elizabeth, you are hilarious. Isn't it just great to actually use old, vintage items in our daily lives? I've practically everywhere, it seems. I lived in Europe for almost six years, then the east coast, and down south and even in South Dakota (loved it!). But is ended up in the very exciting, and "fast paced" midwest - St. Louis, MO! :-) Originally from Texas, so always a Texan. Yes, I had a boutique called "Elizabeth House" where I sold antiques, found objects and my custom designed work (furniture, bedding, painted items...). Seems like years ago, and yet, I remember just about every detail of every day during that time.

Thanks for stopping by - I know you must be busy getting ready for your fab show!
Big hug
Elizabeth

Susan said...

How funny...the dirty windows part. Gosh, I want a sugar shaker and I'll be looking for one. Thanks.

Checking out novice. Thanks for. The to.

OhioLori said...

I didn't even notice dirty windows...had to go back & look! lol Loooved the pictures tho...and your favorite jars & old silverware! I love such things too!! :)

Spent alot of time on the NOVICA Site...WOW!! such Awesome things there!! Definitely saved the link...gonna share the info with my Daughter's & Friends!!

Anonymous said...

It is always exciting when I drop by and there is something new to read....and learn about! We have some things from my husband's grandmother's kitchen and I "feel" her when I use them :) How is your knee, Elizabeth? I'm battling the bone on bone knee right now..... from Mary Beth, your CreativeConnectionEvent stalker ;)

Sally said...

You have inspired me to use more of my family treasures on an every day basis. I do use a potato masher for mashed potatoes and to crush strawberries when making preserves. It's true that "simple" things in life sometimes are not easy and require more work, but it's worth it. I love your butter knives and I also love tomato basil soup!
Sally

Curtains in My Tree said...


well you know I was thinking when I was looking at that window sill, that doesn't look like the window you had in your tour of your home once, meaning yours would be not so untouched and dirty should I say ? LOL

I figured you had that picture taken in a window of an old abandoned home somewhere on your country drive around Missouri or Illinois
I love personal made art and I know after shopping flea markets people need to realize they are shopping a home made art set up , made with love and talent.
My kitchen is full of vintage items I use, like old shakers and spooners and bakelite vintage kitchen utensils and crocks and rhinsestone around the kitchen window sills LOL

It's always good to see a post from your Miss Elizabeth

Ill check out the Novica site

Curtains in My Tree said...

well you know I was thinking when I was looking at that window sill, that doesn't look like the window you had in your tour of your home once, meaning yours would be not so untouched and dirty should I say ? LOL

I figured you had that picture taken in a window of an old abandoned home somewhere on your country drive around Missouri or Illinois
I love personal made art and I know after shopping flea markets people need to realize they are shopping a home made art set up , made with love and talent.
My kitchen is full of vintage items I use, like old shakers and spooners and bakelite vintage kitchen utensils and crocks and rhinsestone around the kitchen window sills LOL

It's always good to see a post from your Miss Elizabeth

Ill check out the Novica site

Sarah said...

I use my grandmother's teacups, and the old trays and glassware and such that I find here and there. I use old mixing bowls and one of those hand crank egg beaters.

About the windows; I did actually wonder if they were yours! My thought was, "Boy, she really takes this vintage thing pretty far!" hehehe! So I, for one, appreciated the clarification. Beautiful photography, though!
sarah@forrussia.org

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Hello Susan,

Thanks for visiting - and yes, keep an eye out for a sugar shaker - I've seen them made with glass, silver, and even ironstone - once (would loved to have had the ironstone one!!)

Big hug
Elizabeth

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Hello Ohio Lori

Yes, Novica is such an interesting site and concept. So glad you enjoyed it and will be sharing it as well.

So glad you stopped by!
Big Hug
Elizabeth

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Mary Beth! (my favorite stalker!)

It is SO NICE to see your smiling photo. Thanks so much for stopping by! I agree- when we use family items, it is nice when we can "feel" that loved one.
I use an old silver cup with handle that belonged to my father, in the bath, to pour water over my hair. I love using it and it is always in the bathroom. I will be showing it in the next post. Knee is progressing as expected - thanks for asking. I hope all is well in your world!

Big hugs
Elizabeth

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Hello Sally,

My heart sang when I read that you are inspired to use more of your family treasures, daily! I just LOVE when people use treasures daily - and not just "when company" is present. I have a short story, my mother had this really nice white bone china with a gold rim around the edges - very simple, not fancy at all. I was visiting her way back when I moved from Germany to the states - around 1990?

I happened to come across the dishes accidentally and asked her when did she get these? She told me she had them way before I was even born!! I freaked out that I was around 27 then, and NEVER even knew of their existence! I told her what a shame that I have zero memories of any holiday dinner, birthday dinner, or ANY dinner using these dishes. Her reply? "They are too nice to use." I think right then and there, I changed the way I lived and thought about my treasures. If something breaks, chips, stains, or tears because of my using it, then so be it. I'm careful, but don't want to live in a museum. It's funny what can instigate one to change one's way of thinking.

Thanks for sharing with me today!

Big hug
elizabeth

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Sarah!

I smiled when I read that you thought about my "vintage" windows (very nice way of saying "filthy") and I laughed. I just KNEW that someone reading /viewing my blog would have thought that. I'm glad you made it down to the end to learn the truth.

I am so happy that you use your treasures - makes daily life (which can be not so exciting at times) a little more special.

thanks for sharing,
Big Hug
elizabeth

Emily C said...

I love your useful antiques. Most people just collect. I would use them too, esp. with them being so useful.

{having my} druthers said...

Elizabeth,

I had never heard of this website, but try hard at supporting the smaller businesses as well as individual artists. It's a win/win situation, because the product is always of superior quality (what I have found, at least). Thanks for spotlighting this!!

Tracey
havingmydruthers@gmail.com

l. katherine roberts said...

Hello Elizabeth-

Most of the aged items I utilize are associated with my family’s heritage, so their use in my everyday life is especially meaningful. Some of my favorites include a pressed glass pitcher I use for serving syrup and homemade chocolate sauce, simple ball jars that act as storage containers for my pets’ treats and birdseed, and a multitude of vintage buttons I incorporate into cards and gifts for others.

One other comment-- I am very appreciative of artisans, like you, that continually remind me of the beauty to be found in the broken and discarded. I believe this truth escaped me for many years.

My best to you- l

l. katherine roberts said...

Hello Elizabeth-

Most of the aged items I utilize are associated with my family’s heritage, so their use in my everyday life is especially meaningful. Some of my favorites include a pressed glass pitcher I use for serving syrup and homemade chocolate sauce, simple ball jars that act as storage containers for my pets’ treats and birdseed, and a multitude of vintage buttons I incorporate into cards and gifts for others.

One other comment-- I am very appreciative of artisans, like you, that continually remind me of the beauty to be found in the broken and discarded. I believe this truth escaped me for many years.

My best to you- l

Michelle said...

I'm glad I'm not the only one who uses beautiful unusual items in my kitchen, most of my friends find it 'different' but totally me, they couldn't see it being any other way....and here I was admiring the "patina" of your woodwork! Lol!

Kim Gaynor said...

I love this post and am inspired to copy your idea one day! I LOVE your salt and pepper shaker. How cool is that? Anyways, I enjoy my vintage kitchen collectibles every day. I love using my Jadeite dishes, especially my salt and pepper shakers. I also own a vintage bread box that I use exactly for that purpose. I have many, many old jars (large and small) that I use to store coffee creamer and essential recipe ingredients that I use all the time like flour, sugar, breadcrumbs, brown sugar, etc. etc. Why buy new things or ugly vintage plastic things (like Tupperware) when you can surround yourself with vintage beauty? I'm also about to hang a small chicken feeder that I'm going to use to keep my kitchen sponges nearby but out of sight!

Anonymous said...

Dear Elizabeth, I just love reading your blog, I especially enjoy your photos, I have one for my wallpaper. It is from the quilt book , a photo of a quilt
over a chair in an industrial district. I checked out the Novica site.....beautiful pieces. I have bought jewelry from a fair trade site called Noonday. I came upon it from a blogger that I enjoy reading. Have a wonderful weekend. Mickey in PA. cybulski1@windstream.net Ps. I did notice the woodwork, I live in an old farmhouse.

Anonymous said...

So happy I found your blog- you're photos are beautiful! I love that salt & pepper shaker- sometimes I wonder why cool ideas like that didn't catch on. I love vintage/ antique serving pieces and my goal is to accumulate enough vintage china plates to serve Thanksgiving dinner(I've got a long ways to go!). Novica has lots of fun stuff- I can see myself ordering gifts from there this year- thanks for sharing! Sarah: crjandsbj(at)netzero(dot)com

Burlap Luxe said...

Hi Elizabeth,
Oh to be that friend sitting with you while the smell of soup is served. To sit and take in the beauty and grace of forgotten functional pieces designed to artistically create a meal of desert would be my most pleasure in the visit. As you go on about the varied pieces of old-timely pieces I had reflected instantly on my old faded of orange plastic handle potato smasher that to this day is front and center in my kitchen drawer of handiness! I will smash almost anything with it down to the boiled eggs for egg salads. You know that smasher with its tiny square wholes has served me well.
I had rescued it from a family yard sale when I was just 18 and moving out on my own.
Not sure why I felt I needed it so, but surely have.

Elizabeth, I am more and more convinced you are my soul sista!! With every photo taken of your old each one become new all over again with you beautiful use.

I would love to enter, being one who so looks for the morn in life and the uniques in all things finely crafted with joy of the heart. You know the love that goes into something created by hand, and sharing that love is that much better so.....COUNT ME IN !

Elizabeth, your often unexpected beauty in creating, writing, and paying it forward is one of your most valued gifts, with a win or not I always find a visit with you or one with me a gift-giveaway in its self.

Know that a part of you is in my home and thought of fondly often. A beautiful inspiring post of buying up all the old in doing good for the earth, I so feel and share your values.
As for a dirty window? It's life, well lived.

Xoxo
Dore

hilary said...

I'm always excited when you post. I've read every post you've ever written. I used to visit your shop when I'd visit my daughter in St.Louis. We loved your inspirations. Also loved the area you were in. I'm from the Dallas area and wanted to move to St.Louis but I knew the min. I did, they would move. Sure enough, they are in Dallas now. I'm in the country in a small cottage that is decorated with all my antiques and loves. I use everything daily. I never understand why people "save for special". When is it ever more special than what could be your last day on earth? I live with that in mind and find great joy using pieces that have a history. I imagine others going through the simple tasks as I'm doing. BTW, don't get me started on the mistreatment of Artisans. I'm an artistic creator and people ask me to make something they want . I politely tell them I doubt they really want it if I told them how expensive it is to create. People have shopped Walmart and Target so long, they forget quality and uniqueness. Such a shame as hand crafted us always so much more beautiful, comfortable, unique. Thanks for being a lover of the Arts. I've always been. Would love to see some of the projects you are working on.
Hilary

Bohemian said...

We too use my Vintage Treasures often, some daily, and for many of the same reasons you Love them so much. I would feel perfectly at Home in your Home as it exhudes the same Charm that I Enjoy in this Old House. I Love every imperfection, every quirk, and the Patina of Time imparted on everything around me. Perhaps that is why I've also never had a problem with growing Old, when you look into the faces of the Elderly the Life they have lived is much more evident in their countenance and the Soul shines thru much more visibly. Blessings from the Arizona Desert... Dawn... The Bohemian

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Thank you Tracey for supporting artisans. I am so glad you stopped by to visit - hope you come back soon!

Big hugs
Elizabeth

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Michelle, you are so funny. I love meeting others who truly enjoy using the old, the worn, the loved.

Thanks for sharing
Big hugs
Elizabeth

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Hi Sarah,

I tend to favor that little salt and pepper shaker too! What a neat idea to use NOVICA for christmas shopping later this year....they will gift wrap your items too. :-)

Big hugs
Elizabeth

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Hi Dawn,

Always enjoy your comments. You know, it's funny, the other day, I was watching something on TV with hubby, and there was an old lady on it...oh wait, it was a movie...I am horrible at remembering titles. It was about an elderly couple where the wife was getting dementia and her husband was going to build a new place for them to live, but had issues with city permits. Anyway, the old lady, I thought, was so pretty. And I turned to my hubby and said, "You can tell she was a real beauty when she was younger." And he agreed. I love that older people really seem to have a real beauty that can only come with age.

Big hugs,
Elizabeth

Elizabeth Maxson said...

To My Dear Readers:

A quick note to all until I can respond individually:

I JUST discovered quite a few comments that never made to my email! Have no idea what happened, but at least that explains why so few comments...I was beginning to think that my readers didn't find free gifts or a certificate very interesting! Ha-ha. And I was pretty sure I knew my readers and gifts pretty well. :-)

Thank you so much for visiting me!
Big Hugs
Elizabeth

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Thank you Emily for stopping by. And congrats on your accomplishment! Very happy for you!

big hugs
Elizabeth

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Hello Tracy S.

I don't have google plus, when to your site and was really impressed with your photos! Thank you for stopping by - sorry about the delayed response - as I stated these comments JUST were discovered. I am happy that you support artists when you can.

Big Hugs
Elizabeth

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Hello Katherine Roberts!

Thank you so much for stopping by. If any of my readers are reading this comment, I encourage you to visit Katherine's blog - and see such beautiful card making! I love how you use your vintage items - warms my heart to know that there are many of us doing that. It really is neat to use them, isn't it?

Big hugs
Elizabeth

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Hello Michelle,

I laughed when I read you were "admiring" the patina in the kitchen. Hahah. I bet you are "different" in a way that I would find a soul sister :-)

Don't change and big hugs,
Elizabeth

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Hi Kim,

I tried to leave a comment on your blog but it wouldn't take. I wanted to tell you that I literally said out loud, "Mmmm!" when I saw your lasagna photo! Yummy! I am so with you about the ugly, plastic containers. They are handy at times, but I prefer glass whenever I can. Makes the ordinary seem special.

big hug
Elizabeth

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Hi Mickey

Thank you for visiting and the lovely comment. I am always so flattered when someone finds my photos pretty enough to actually use as their own screen wallpaper. I will have to cheek out noonday site - never heard of it!

Big hug
Elizabeth

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Hi Sarah,

I am so happy you found me too! I know, the little salt and pepper shaker is a cutie. Collecting plates for a Thanksgiving dinner sounds like fun - are they all going to be different or are you looking for a set? A nice, vintage plate can make a ham and cheese sandwich seem gourmet!

big hugs
Elizabeth

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Hello Dore,

Your comments always blow me away at how very thoughtful and lovely they are. I am always smiling (like really BIG smile) when I read a comment from you. So sorry for the delayed response, as I stated earlier, the comments didn't get discovered until today! But, all the same, so happy to hear from you. Someday, I am sure, we will truly sit and have some soup together (after a morning of painting)!

Thinking of you more than your realize,
Big hugs
Elizabeth

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Hello Hillary!

So glad you stopped by and thank you so much for the very lovely comment. I always am so happy to meet a prior customer again. Your cottage sounds just adorable and filled with love. You are right, don't get ME started on how artisans aren't paid fairly. You are correct that our culture has trained us to look for a "good buy" when usually that translate into a mass produced item that falls apart almost as soon as it is out of the box. Thank you for the support of the artisans!

Big hug
Elizabeth

Luxury Apartments Lady said...

Vintage items are a MUST for me! And these items are absolutely GORGEOUS, you're a lucky person to have this sort of collection!

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