Romancing the Mantel

I wanted to bring in a little bit of a Valentine feel to my mantel. Last year I used some of my frenchy "couple" figurines, but this year I just opted for feminine and some pastels. I don't have a lot of pastels for decorating, so I turned to my kitchen china cabinet for some inspiration. How about some vintage English teapots? that sounds pretty romantic to me.

Last summer I was gifted with this precious monogrammed heart by my sweet friend Julia, from the blog Vintage with Laces. I had tried a few different things for the center of the mantel, but hanging this lovely linen heart from a scrolly mirror seemed to be the answer; a subtle nod to Valentine's Day, with just the right amount of romance.

I brought back my two white urns with faux and dried hydrangeas and roses in place of the white Wolff Pottery. This mantel is always hard for me to style as it is over 7 feet long...eeck.

My layered vintage mirrors are always my backdrop.

I would say that vintage teapots is my oldest collection, 

as I started it before I was married. 

Even though this didn't end up staying, I wanted to share this wonderful German wedding certificate that I found last year. I need to find a frame for it, but wanted to let you see it today as the graphics are so pretty, and definitely full of romance.

(just click on the  photo for a bigger image, then click again for details)

And another little random bit of romance is this little cardboard crown that I found in St. Louis several years ago and haven't yet shared with you.

Who wouldn't want to be "Queen for a Day" in this?

(yikes, do you remember that old tv game show?)

Partying at:

Savvy Southern Style
Coastal Charm
Primp
From My Front Porch to Yours
Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson
Timewashed
No Minimalist Here
Stone Gable
French Country Cottage
Shabby Art Boutique
Jennifer Rizzo

xoxo,

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!

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

Hope you're having a wonderful weekend, 

with a little French Romance mixed in...

joining in at
Coastal Charm
Savvy Southern Style
The Charm of Home

xoxo,

Be Inspired #125 Winter Lovelies

Welcome to the new and improved

Be Inspired Friday
so glad you're here!

Today I'm sharing a double feature, sort of like the old movie venues...two for the price of one! Susan linked up two wonderful posts, and I just had to share them both! She has such a beautiful blog, you'll be all swoony for her lovely pastels...

Evelyn and Rose
recent fabric purchase

and a winter vignette

I can't tell you how much I needed to see this little

 tip on how to make a ruffle "old school" from

Katie at Let's Add Sprinkles

If you've been asleep for the last week or so you might have missed

this Wonderful Valentine Mantel from Christina from
Remodelando la Casa

I adore the little vintage train cases and suitcases,
so I love the

Faux Chalkboard Cases
from Betsy at My Salvaged Treasures

Beautiful creations with a message,
are what you'll always find here and her Etsy Shop.
Take a peek at this wonderful
Valentine's Day Canvas and Mantel 
from Doreen at Hymns and Verses.

And Cathy from My 1929 Charmer created some adorable
Valentine decor with her fabric hoop rounds.

Is your sweet tooth needing a Valentine fix?

Check out these yummy treats.

Mary from Home is Where the Boat Is creates
Oreo Valentine Brownies

And Judy created these tasty treats...

Valentine Sweets  from J Bigg's Little Pieces

Today's Be Inspired Sponsor is

French Bleu Vintage

Where you'll find treasures for your home and soul.
Thanks Dee, for all the wonderful vintage goods!

I want to take this opportunity to invite you all over 

on Monday morning to come visit 

The Marketplace

If you have an Etsy Shop or Online Boutique, please come link up your items for a browser's paradise. The link stays open all week, so there's lots of time to come shop and/or to add new listings, and you don't have to have a blog to link up. There are always great items, vintage and new, handcrafted, and created by some of your favorite blogging friends. Hope you'll come by and join in on the shopping fun.

 Time to link up all your inspiring posts, new or vintage.

Be Inspired is now open to all inspiring posts, not just vintage.

Please have a link within your post to be feature.

and check out these other fun Friday parties:

 xoxo,