Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Celebrate the Season Swaps!

...or, a festival of lessons in generosity and procrastination. Generosity from all of my swap members, and procrastination on my part in posting about them!


Earlier this fall, right after Halloween, the wonderful faerwillow announced this year's round of Swaps. Four in number, I opted to participate in all! Why not re-create the wonder of years past when the post contained lovely packages from afar, with goodies unknown? I joyously anticipated each swap arrival..


On Yule, I opened all of my packages..


** When reading, click on any of the tiny images to open them in a new window, full-size **


First, I exchanged 3 gifts to give with our Mistress of Swaps, faerwillow, and received a box of delights from nature and from talented and crafty (in only the best possible way!) hands.


Blessings Petits_cairns
Lovely_ornaments_1 Ornament_closeup Star_ornament_closeup

Handmade Blessings, Petits Cairns, Ornaments that Delight


Music_box Candles

Boxes of Music & Tools of the Trade, all with instructions for use!


I did not photograph a lovely Blue Bauble and some sweet-smelling pine needles, but they are well-loved. Speaking of pleasure, I do think that this lovely Willow wand I received has a new would-be user:


Willow_wand



Next, a Yule~holiday card arrived in the post from Moontides. Bright-red and full of cheer, it has a warming influence on my mantel:


Greeting_card


Moontides was also my ornament exchange swap partner, sending along a quartet of Angels to guide and inspire:


Two_angels Two_more_angels


Tracy of The Faerie Castle was my book exchange partner sending along this touching tale of giving, grief, and the reclamation of hope:


Holiday_book
 I highly recommend it for all of your little friends.. and grown-up ones, too..


I am so blessed to have been a participant in these swaps.. Let's keep this going in 2011 and beyond!


 


 


 



Thursday, December 23, 2010

All of my new Twitter followers will get a coupon code for 10% off everything in my #etsy shop, Miss Howe's Curiosities! Please follow me on Twitter (see the link on the right hand side) and get a little something nice for yourself in the shop! http://www.etsy.com/shop/misshowescuriosities

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Thrift Share Monday : Brooches and Braces and Pearls, oh my!

Welcome to my belated edition of Thrift Share Monday! A few bits and pieces were found, and I think they have a lot of pizzaz..


First, this nifty little brooch, with paste stones and black and yellow enamel:


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A funky pair of '80s enamelled,wedge-shaped pierced earrings:


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I found this wonderful pair of vintage men's braces - or suspenders, depending on where you're from ;) - modelled by my boyfriend!


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..and of course, the aforementioned, if plastic, pearls:


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I've been pleasantly surprised by what I've been finding in the markdowns or clearance sections of consignment shops. Although higher priced than your average thrift store find, there are bargains to be had and the items have already been cherry-picked for their condition and quality.



Monday, December 6, 2010

Thrift Share Monday: Last Minute Holiday Crafts and Decor

I made a quick stop into the much-maligned Central Square Goodwill, just to see what Holiday-themed goodies I could find. Hoping to find Christmas and other December holiday gear, may I say that I was not disappointed.


First, I found this tiny, tiny Nativity Set - no more than 2 1/4" high by about 1/2" wide. It's probably destined for my etsy shop:


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For you last minute crafters, an assortment of faux "bulbs" from a company that is still in business ..


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.. and a packet of 12 plastic reindeer with wire stakes, perfect for a holiday cake or a wreath.


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Entertaining, and worried about your glass tumblers being broken? I found these 8 plastic Old Fashioned glasses, some of them new in their individual sleeves, and still in their original, if somewhat battered, boxes:


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I was hoping for some more Boonton Ware, as I found a couple of months ago, but instead found a plethora of Holiday wares. Happy Hunting, all!


 



Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Children's Christmas Book Giveaway at My Mink Betty

The Fabulous Betty at My Mink Betty is having a Children's Christmas Book Giveaway! I've just entered, so do stop over and enter to win  7 Christmas-themed children's books..


She's also got a great post on her family Advent Calendar, too.. I'm preparing to get one for the first time..