common ground

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

The Marketplace: Fun Gifts for Valentines

Are you like me and enjoy finding sweet presents for the special girlies in your life? Well, be sure and shop here first. I find so many wonderful one of a kind items on Etsy and from Online Boutiques. Things that you just can't find anywhere else; handmade and unique. Here are some great Valentine gift ideas from last week's party.

Red and White Women's Scarf

From Sew a Fine Seam
(I know Jill has several of these adorable scarves available to choose from)

Vintage Inspired Souvenir Charm Earrings
from The Old White House

Handmade Mini Crown
from Villa Barnes

Simply Romantic Paper Rose Pen
from Sweet Magnolias Farm

Bubble Pendants

from Junxtaposition

Valentine Journal

Fishtail Cottage

Today's Sponsor Spotlight is on Jessica from

Scrap Eco Chic

where you can find some great bundles of vintage goodies

for all your crafting ideas.

Valentine's Bundle

Tickle Me Pink Rick Rack

Pink and Aqua Inspire Me Kit

OK, time to link up all your great Etsy and Online Boutique items. (Up to three items with a direct link if possible). You don't have to have a blog to participate, more links equals more shopping fun. Please be a follower of Common Ground on GFC and it would be so nice for you to grab the party image on the sidebar for someplace on your blog. (This linky is for items that are FOR SALE only)

This linky will be open all week

so be sure and check back throughout the week for new items being listed.

Thanks so much for coming by to shop!

Sunday, February 3, 2013

French Inspired Romance

It's been quite awhile since I took the time to sit down and actually "create" something. My stash of old crosses, keys, and hearts have been calling to me to come spend an afternoon with them. Since Valentine's Day is just a little over a week away, I wanted to share a few of the new pendant necklaces that I put together yesterday.

Each one is different, and unique in it's own vintage way.

tarnished and well loved elements

with a past life...

mixed metals for some vintage romance

I've been trying to organize my cabinets in the studio, and I came across this wonderful old book that I'd forgotten about. A Wanderer in Paris which was first published in 1909 by British travel writer and essayist, E.V.Lucas.

This copy was a reprint from the early twenties. It's in pretty good condition, with just a few signs of wear. One of the best things about this travel anthology are the wonderful illustrations and images of French masterpieces.

City map of Paris

Lucas covers all the landmarks and attractions of Paris of the day, but I thought it peculiar that he didn't have any illustrations or images of our favorite, the Eiffel Tower, except this one small faint reference. You can see it to the left of the illustration below; misty and almost unrecognizable.

Here is what he writes about the modern day quintessential Paris icon:

"The merit of the Eiffel Tower is that it shows you not only Paris to the ultimate edges in every direction...but it shows you (almost) France too. How long the Eiffel Tower is to stand, I cannot say, but I for one shall feel sorry and bereft when it ceases to domineer over Paris. For though it is vulgar it is great, and it has come to be a symbol....The Tower and I came to Paris at the same time, in 1889."

My dress form, Irma, is modeling for you.

Necklaces available in my Etsy Shop,

The Petite Boutique