Happy Thanksgiving

To all my friends here in the States,

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Lockets for Winter

Having been so busy with my Mercantile lately, I hadn't the time to dedicate to crafting for my original etsy shop. This past weekend I created some lockets which I had been meaning to do for quite some time, and they are now in my Cape Cod Cupboard shop.

They are delicate, simple, and perfect for winter! All fashioned of vintage/unused brass lockets.

I added a pretty cabochon to this locket, and enhanced it with a vintage German glass teardrop bauble.

Thank you for stopping by! ;)

an immigrant's story

Amongst the old photos and ephemera I've been collecting for my etsy shop, I occasionally come across several photos that I just have to keep for myself. This gentleman is no exception. The photo is lovely ~ a nice and crisp image in fabulous condition ~ an interesting setting used for the portrait ~ but this one also has something special...

On the reverse of this cabinet card is a heartfelt poem this man wrote to a friend; a friend leaving his homeland of South Africa (where this photo is from) to live life anew in America. Having had most of my own family immigrate through Ellis Island, I was struck by the sweet message this gent wrote, know all too well these friends may never meet again. In my own family that was the case; my great-grandparents never returned home, and their families back in the "old country" were never able to visit America.

This is just a part of the beautiful message this man wrote:

In remembrance of friendship

the sun will irradiate it with its golden rays

as the waves rush the steamship

across its Atlantic ways.

Be brave and hopeful

great possiblities are in your way

you will never be regretful

in the country of golden spray.

Victorian Treasures

The past several days I've been adding some pretty Victorian pieces to my Mercatile on etsy.

This Victorian tiny bar pin, or collar pin, is one of these newest pretties I've added.

And another.

And another. =)

These two Victorian cherubic little girls are also listed, along with a length of cluny lace and a vintage snowflake brooch.

And this DARLING Victorian girl wearing a sailor dress! She is listed along with a stunning piece of antique lace and some pearl buttons.

A group of rather stout Victorian woman and one little girl are featured on this real photo postcard. This set includes buttons and an exquisite piece of alencon lace! The detail on this lace is just amazing.

Close-up of the alencon. Could you imagine an old stately home in Europe using lace like this for drapes (which is what many of them did)? Geesh! Hope they didn't have any cats running around the house! ;)

Plimoth

One of the wonderful things about living in Southeastern Massachusetts is the ability to drive to Plymouth to visit Plimoth Plantation. Some people (not I!) are fortunate enough to have Thanksgiving Dinner there (you must book well in advance for this event, as you can probably imagine). This really is a prime piece of real estate ~ just look at that view! ;)

Attention has been made to every detail, as the Plantation has used the original inventory records of the Pilgrims to replicate what would have been inside and outside of each building.

Even the animals are descendents of breeds common during the 1600's.

Many of the actors themselves are descendants of Native Americans or Pilgrims. I chaperoned a trip of 3rd graders to Plimoth Plantation last autumn (which is when I took these photos). It was especially thrilling for us, as my husband's family are direct descendants of John & Priscilla Alden and also of Myles Standish. I guess that makes many of the Pilgrims my inlaws! ;)

Hope you enjoyed your little visit to the Plantation!

coming soon...

Vintage rhinestone jewelry and antique laces will be added to the Mercantile this weekend.

A length of this gorgeous Victorian embroidered tulle will be sold along with a vintage rhinestone/paste brooch.

This lovely rhinestone and faux pearl brooch comes with gorgeous Victorian valenciennes style lace in white.

Another dear little rhinestone brooch, paired with the Victorian tulle.

This sweet vintage rhinestone choker-length necklace is sold alone. All would make lovely pieces for wear for the holidays!

Hope you are all having a wonderful weekend!
And please be sure to check out Monica's new shop!

refreshing!

This afternoon I treated myself (or should I say, I treated one of my etsy shops) to a new banner! I bought it from the sweet Heather of Vintage Bella on etsy. She also has a gorgeous blog: Vintage Bella. You should see the amazingly stunning graphics on her blog!

I'm currently adding some new (old!) stock to my Mercantile, if you'd like to have a look this weekend.

HAPPY FRIDAY! =)