Treasures from Blumen Gardens

Yes, you know me well :)

I didn't come home from Blumen Gardens empty handed. LOL!

The show was before Easter, I'm just behind on my blog posts...

I bought this sweet hand blown milk glass egg to add to my collection.

I bought this galvanized carrier and wood cheese box painted grey with little sections.

These will be for future finishes - just not quite sure for what yet ;)

I bought these sweet tiny treasures from Ginny Henson. 

I think I might use the little heart as a scissor fob :)

And here is my antique treasure from Ginny Henson:

Isn't this Easter egg simply gorgeous?!

I've never seen anything like it.

The ribbons are lovely.

And the inside...

is in perfect shape.

I love the paper lace edging.

So sweet and delicate.

It just had to come home with me.

I think it looks so sweet with my Velveteen Rabbit made by Ginny Henson years ago.

I sure hope that I can go to the Blumen Gardens show again next year.

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.  Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

~James 3:17-18

Blessings, Patti

Blumen Gardens

Last month, before things started blooming, I visited 

Blumen Gardens in Sycamore, Illinois for the first time.

What a magical place!

They were having an antique and garden show that several people had recommended.

Don't you love the rustic beams with the pretty chandeliers?

It was time for me to go take a look

I loved the building - a factory built in 1869.

Such a great  setting!

And I got to visit and shop the booth of the amazing Ginny Henson!

Every item in her booth is always just perfect!

I wish that I could bring everything home with me :)

The grounds and buildings are all so lovely!

I must make a point of going back this summer.

Such a lovely getaway 

If only for a few hours

It does the heart and spirit good!

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;

    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Honor her for all that her hands have done,

    and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

~Proverbs 31:30-31

Blessings, Patti

Primitives on the Prairie

Mom and I visited several of the central Illinois primitive shows over Veterans Day weekend.

I was inspired immediately by several antique penny rugs.

I was struck by the yellow star from a distance.

Up close I loved the unusual flowers around the edge.

another beautiful penny rug.

This one also struck me.

The background looks like denim.

And it features a variegated thread or yarn.

I loved the graphic quilt, but would just love to have it all :)

Don't these make a gorgeous grouping?

Of course my one regret was not purchasing one,

although I really love the two that I already own.

The ornaments look perfect in this basket of greenery.

A beautiful vignette.

This lantern was a stunner with incredible mirrored reflectors.

Another beautiful graphic display.

The lovely both of Beth Pulsipher.

Beth had so many lovely things and I did some shopping in her booth :)

In addition to antiques, there is also some lovely primitive folk art.

Ginny Henson was at the Rural Life show, so I had to add this sweet bunny to my collection.

I love his little cupped ears.

Maggie Bonanomi was also at Rural Life and I bought this great "Thankful" cornucopia pinkeep to which I added some antique pins.

Mom bought this stunning runner from Maggie.

It's called "Remains of the Day" and was featured in her book "Thistle Down Moon".

I love the old fabrics.

And the wonderful textures.

And Mom loved that Maggie's initials are on it :)

When I got home I realized that all the antiques that I bought were from Beth's booth :)

A wonderful tin pincushion with really old fabric.

A shaker apple core spool with blue paint.

A wonderful and unusual turtle ink well.

(I've collected antique dip pens and inkwells since I was 16. I haven't added to my collection in years, but had to with this wonderful piece.)

Some wonderful lace yardage and a sweet daguerreotype of a small child.

I can't wait for the shows to return to my Mom's town in March!

We'll be there!

Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;    

make known among the nations what he has done.

Sing to him, sing praise to him;

    tell of all his wonderful acts.

Glory in his holy name;

    let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.

~ 1 Chronicles 16:8-10

Blessings, Patti

Wheaten Woolens & a little giveaway

So this is the progress that I made on "Wooly Star Table Rug" during class.

Construction makes me nervous, so I was glad to get this part completed. (And it wasn't as difficult as I thought with a great teacher and several helpful table mates - thank you!) I'm confident that I can finish the rest. Unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to pick it back up since I have been home, but hopefully I will soon.

Here is the wool and hand-dyed velvet that came home with me.

And I couldn't resist this sweet little wool pin that Beth Anne made - so darling!

This beautiful wool applique is an original piece by Ginny Henson and is based on an antique hooked rug. I hope that I didn't drive Ginny crazy as I went back to look at it a dozen times before ultimately purchasing it ;) And I am so glad that I did! 

I purchased this wee needlebook from Rebekah.

My husband and I had a black cat when we were first married. Buck the cat lived to the ripe old age of  18.

Here is the inside. A page for needles and pins and a heart pocket for a pair of scissors.

These treasures are by Rebekah's daughter Kelsey.

Isn't the necklace pretty? I can't wait to wear it!

Thanks for joining me on my day trip to Iowa!

I'd like you to share in the fun, so here is a little charm pack of beautiful hand dyed green wool to match the beautiful greens in Barry & Beth Anne's garden.

Simply comment on this post or send an email to me at pgagliardi9@hotmail.com with "Giveaway" in the subject line and tell me what is your favorite part of the month of June?

I will draw a random winner on July 3rd.

Tomorrow I am heading back down to Mom & Dad's, but there will be more on that tomorrow.

"but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint."

~Isaiah 40:31

Blessings, Patti