Pink Saturday New Year

A postcard from Finland just received from Postcrossing.

Happy Pink Saturday, and may life come up roses in 2011!

Viridian

Les Petites Dames of John Burbidge - VTT

 

They are 29 inches tall, but do not call them dolls.  These are to be admired and studies, not played with! They are the creation of John Burbidge and showcase fashion trends from about 1860 to 1914.

I am showing images of one of my many favorites, a ball gown from 1863.  Mr. Burbidge uses vintage and antique laces that he finds in his travels (like Paris flea markets!), along with typical doll clothing materials.  There is a book available showcasing these fashion icons (see link on left) but there is nothing compared to seeing the ladies in person.

Where are they?  Presently they are residing at Ventfort Hall in Lenox, MA, a gilded age 'cottage' built by one of the Morgans (of JP Morgan).  Ventfort Hall is in the process of being lovingly restored to its 1890's splendor - and it was full of splendor.  Visit their web page to see, http://www.gildedage.org/.

I was lucky enough to visit one afternoon.  One cannot touch the ladies of course, and I was afraid to breathe on them!  The materials are exquisite, especially the lace.  The craftsmanship is impeccable.  These look like real clothes shrunk down, not Barbie clothes by any means.  Click on the images I scanned above to see larger versions, and the detail!!!!

I am also linking in to Time Travel Thursday at Brambleberry Cottage.

Inspired, Viridian

Nearly Insane block 82

Block 82.  I'm working on these while I have time over vacation.

viridian

Nearly Insane: block 75

I don't know how many pieces are in it, but I say - too many! Paper pieced, and I still had trouble. With the paper and the seam allowances, the edges of the block will not lie flat for their close-up.

I don't think I'll do another block with so many half square triangles for some time!
viridian

Nearly Insane block #22

Which has an insane number of pieces for a 6 inch block.

And... there are even two other blocks with more pieces in them.  Really.
I took on block #22 as a personal challenge, and to slow myself down.  I'm really liking these blocks and I am finishing the group challenges quickly. [ The group is the Nearly Insane group on Yahoo groups.]

Want to know more?  Click on the book link on the left.  Disclaimer: I am an Amazon Associate, and theoretically I might even earn some money some day from these clicks.

Viridian

We make pink Christmas cookies

I am joining Beverly at How Sweet the Sound.  First: My favorite holiday movie:  It's a Wonderful  Life, for sure!  I am aslo doing her meme from last week, favorite holiday recipe.

The cookies that are evil, right - the ones that made me gain weight.  Well I should have avoided them.  It was fun for the children anyway!

Mom's Easy and Way too Delicious Sugar Cookies

Buy prepackaged sugar cookie dough - the one that looks like sausage.

Following the package directions, slice and place on cookie sheets. Take out one stick of butter to soften for the frosting.  [oh dear, I think it's time to buy new cookie sheets!]

Bake following package directions; allow to cool completely.  Meanwhile, make a huge batch of buttercream frosting, following the recipe on the back of the powdered sugar bag.

 Tint the frosting different colors, being sure to include PINK.  And be sure to have PINK sugars for topping.  Here my daughter is demonstrating how to 'dip' your cookies into the decors or sugars.

Our finished product!
Happy Pink Saturday!

Vintage Thingy Thursday: Peary reaches the North Pole!

I am joining Colorado Lady for Vintage Thingy Thursday. Click on the image above to see some wonderful old things.


I should really wait until April to share this but: here is a vintage booklet called "Peary and the Discovery of the North Pole."

 
It was published by the John Hancock Life Insurance Company of Boston MA, copyright 1927.  This is well after the fact of Peary attaining the Pole in April 1909.

Still I imagine this feat would still have appeal, such as the moon landings had appeal long after the fact.
Interesting side note: Matthew Henson is mentioned in the booklet, but no mention of the fact he was African-American (negro, they would say in those days).

Viridian
PS: no mention of Santa Claus either!!!

Evil Christmas Cookies!

They are tools of the Devil!
You may know the ones I mean: sugar cookies, with frosting and colored sugar on top - so that you are essentially eating sugar and butter.
That 22 pounds lost is not going to stay up at the top of my blog after my weigh-in on Wednesday, I predict.  22 lbs, it was great to know you, my new most pounds lost.  I'll see you again soon.

Vintage photograph for VTT

I am joining Colorado Lady for Vintage Thingy Thursday.  Click on the image above to see some wonderful old things.
Today I am sharing a photograph found in an antique store.

A sweet child, dressed in white with chubby legs.  Note that the dress is blurred becasue either there was a breeze or the child was moving.
There is no name on the back, and I have no other information on this photo.  That makes me sad, actually.
viridian

nearly Insane block ... Something

Honestly I'm losing track of the numbers now.  The camera was having trouble so the image is a little blurry.

I like how the blue looks electric against the black fabric.
Viridian