A Sea Witch in Paris GIVEWAY - FREE Collage Sheets

Welcome all those who stop by.  I have had so many requests about my "Sea Witch in Paris" button that I decided to put it up as a collage sheet and allow you to download the sheets for FREE.  "Free" did you say?  But of course, Free.   

There is nothing this Sea Witch likes better then treasure.  Treasure that falls into your lap, found in your shoe, hidden under the bed, sitting in a closet, and even found on a blog.  I think it is the colors that have captured everyone's eye. I'm jonesing for spring and muted shades of pastels always make me think of impressionists and their artistic eye.  That is what my motivation was when I created this button and so I'm passing it on like sea glass found along the beach.  Please utilize it as you see fit.  You may add it to anything you create whether it be for personal use or resale.  

Just click on the collage and it will enlarge.  These are saved at 300 dpi and suggest you save as either a jpg or a pdf and then print from your newly saved image for ease in printing.  Do not print directly from the collage sheet as you wil only print out a portion of the largest image.    I have these saved at a high resolution so the color and image integrity remains.

 

I am adding a few other treasures to my giveaway so if you have not entered, you have until midnight on Sunday to enter.  I will pull the winner via a number generator on Monday and announce the Giveaway winner.  Have a wonderful weekend my friends.  Stay warm and blessings to all.  Sea Witch

A Sea Witch in Paris GIVEAWAY

Here it is.  It's "A Sea Witch in Paris Giveaway" with a French treasure theme.

I came across some wonderful French ephemera and knew I had to spread the wealth with the blogging community.  I know how altered artists love the written word (as I do) and the pretty french language would look wonderful in those artistic endeavors.  So it is with this antique paper my Sea Witch in Paris Giveaway begins.

  

An assortment of French holy pictures found in the Catholic prayer book above and pages from another prayer book.

Closer view of the French ephemera.

A sparkling Rhinestone brooch of the city of light. Paris!

A pretty blown glass Eiffel tower ornament.

 A small box of my favorite french chocolates from Maison Robert.

And a french style wool hat to keep your head warm and looking faboosh at the same time.  A hand knit, Sea Witch design with lots of color.

Leave a comment and you will be entered in the giveaway once.

Become a follower (unless you are one) and you will be entered in the giveaway twice.  Existing followers will automatically be entered twice upon leaving a comment.

Post my button and mention the giveaway on your blog and you will be entered in a third time.  (don't forget to post back and let me know have mentioned the giveaway so I can add you in a third time.) Giveaway button is on the left column under My Profile.

Giveaway ends on February 7th - at midnight EST.  

YES, I will ship overseas. How could I not, I swim and dive all over the world, it would be rude not to include all of you who stop by.   The winner will be drawn by a random number generator.  If I can pass the 100 followers mark, I will add a few more goodies to the giveaway.  Yea, it's shameless promotion, but I like a goal. Thanks for participating and let the giveaway begin.  Sea Witch

Sea slug delays giveaway.

Yup, you read it correctly.  A "sea slug" has delayed my "Frenchie Giveaway Post."  The sea slug is yours truly, the Sea Witch.  I finally got back in the pool last evening and jumped into my favorite aqua aerobics class. 

Between the holidays, a trip to visit my grandchildren, work, and fighting the arthritis in my left knee, it had been 4 months since my "tail" has been in the pool. 

This is what I feel and somewhat look like and why I needed to get back in the pool.  Colorful yes, but pudgy, and out of shape is not a look that I like for this sea witch. AND, the water workouts are great for that stupid arthritis in my knee.   I always have more range of motion following a water workout and I ALWAYS feel wonderful after playing in the water for an hour. 

Well in my joyous abandon in the water, I did a very stupid thing.  I continued the workout with weights on my wrists and then the highest level water resistance dumbbells in my hands for the entire 45 minute cardio blast.   I was feeling my sea oats and having a sea witch ball when I should have remembered to remove the wrist weights and ease up on the dumbbell work because it HAD BEEN FOUR MONTHS since my last workout.  Yup, you guessed it, I have some serious DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness.)  I knew it was serious when about an hour after I got home, my arms were hurting and it hurt to pick up my laptop.  Never a good sign. 

I went to make a cup of hot tea for my honey and me and found that I struggled to hold the teapot full of water.  I was so physically tired that I just couldn't get the camera area set up to snap photos of the Frenchie Giveway.   Shame on this sea (slug) witch for not taking better care of her body after 4 months of non exercise.

So, dear blogging friends, please forgive me as I must ask you to wait until tomorrow for the post on my Giveway.  I promise you, I will make it worth the delay.

Why I'm back to working out...I want to look like this sea witch!  Blessings to all.  Sea Witch

Weekend Treasure Hunt

It was cold, damp and rainy on Saturday...so miserable out that sis decided to stay at home and get over her sinus infection.  We have such a grand time running around that normally I would have hung around the house but I find that when the weather is rainy,that is the best kind of day for finding treasure or at least it is for me.  Perhaps it is the fate of a Sea Witch to thrive in a water soaked day so I was off to a few favorite haunts and they did not disappoint.

Fantastic Warwick china Pitcher and Bowl set. 

Nice late Victorian piece and I adore these  in white.

Lovely sterling mirror and brush set from the 1900s, a lovely gold mirror, brush and comb set from the 1950s, a pretty mirror dresser tray with roses along the edge, a cool, vintage iron from the 1950s, and the loveliest little tea pot from the 30s.  I may keep that myself.

How cool is that huge, calabash pipe and then right next to is is a tiny wooden shoe pipe.  Both vintage and still working.  Pretty little Victorian basket, nice pink darner, a rhinestone pin that spells out Paris, a pair of sterling dinner table bells and a vintage 38 special cap gun.

 Pretty vintage photograph in tin frame, lovely dresser set of a powder box and a pair of scent bottles, two books from the 1800's but the real find is a series of french missals and paper items.  I immediately thought of all of those altered artists who adore working with vintage papers and thought how lovely it would be to have some of these sheets. As I looked at them I felt a "giveaway coming on".  Yea, this would be a neat item to put in a giveaway and my honey always says to spread the wealth so look for tomorrow's post regarding this frenchie giveaway.

After cleaning items up and preparing tags, I hauled my treasure to Queen of Hearts and put most of them in my booth.  A quick rotation of stock to make the booth look fresh and I think we are good to go.  Hope you enjoy the photos.

The Victorian water and pitcher set look lovely with the purple tulips.

Moved the silver into the corner cupboard and displayed the green depression glass and vintage china pieces.

 Pretty vintage travel case, and shabby cabbage roses on china.

I love this pretty impressionistic painting in the vintage frame.

 I think the silver looks great in this vintage corner cupboard.  Nice juxtaposition of elegance and comfortable home.

Pink is such a fun color to decorate with.

...and last but not least, that pretty little teapot.  The more I look at it the more I think I want to keep it.  So that was my weekend, I had a wonderful time hunting down treasure.  I will now work on that French giveaway that I "feel coming on" and will post about it tomorrow.  Have a great Monday. Sea Witch

That's TWO, TWO, two mentions in one day.

Hello everyone.  Imagine my surprise when I ran down my daily blog reading list and I found me, Yes, ME...the Sea Witch mentioned in a post on two of the blogs that I follow.  The Adventures of GingeyGinge

and  Domestic Witch. 

Let me start with The Adventures of Gingey Ginge, a visually faboosh blog devoted to pinups and entertainment icons.  Gingey finds some of the most beautiful photos of the silver screen greats along with the most extensive array of pinup gals I have ever seen. 

 I adore pinups old and new and Gingey has so many delightful pics and many I have not seen before.  This is a visually feel good blog and if you have never visited Gingey's Adventures then you must do so.  I had only recently discovered her blog and immediately sent her one of the pin-up brooches that I make and sell.  If there was ever a woman who should have a pinup brooch it is Gingey.  She very sweetly snapped her photo wearing the brooch and posted it on her blog today.  Thank you Gingey for your sweet post.

On to Domestic Witch.  I have also recently found this blog and I love the Domestic Witch's wit and wisdom from this very "Bewitched" type woman.  I think Samantha Stevens every time I visit.  Today's posting consisted of "Things that make her purr".  With a title post like that I was already teased into stopping by and there among

• 
  
  Twilight & New Moon Soundtracks
• 
  
  Robert Downy, Jr

• 
  
  My Pretty Pink Ipod Nano
• 
  
   Michigan Cherry Coffee  

was ME!  Yes, the Sea Witch.  What a wonderful surprise to see that my blog was a "purrfect" way to spend a few minutes.  I am flattered Domestic Witch and I thank you for your shout out.

I so enjoy the blogging community for many reasons, but my personal favorite is the opportunity to meet so many unique and interesting people through this venue.  I look forward to reading your voices and hearing about your lives and all of the talents you share with us each and every day.  I thank both Gingey and Domestic for making me feel like the Queen of the Sea with your special posts.  Sea Witch

Goofus Glass - the original shabby chic

I adore "Goofus Glass."  I love the heavy pressed glass feel and patterns, I love that you will almost always find it in some kind of chippy paint condition.  I love that it is usually found with cabbage rose patterns and some of them really big and textural. I love that it comes in a variety of items and I love that you can usually find it at an affordable price.

If you haunt thrift stores, antique shops, or do the yard sale shuffle, you have most likely come across this unique item and often passing it by. 

Goofus glass is pressed glass which was cold, unfired paint decorated in America by several prominent glass factories. It's production began in the 1900s and all but ended in the 1930s.  It was made in considerable quantities and sold originally for very little. It was also given away as premiums for buying things, awarded as prizes at fairs, and was the first carnival glass preceding the iridized pieces known as carnival glass today.  Goofus glass was not originally known as "Goofus."  It most likely gained that name because the painted decoration wasn't very durable and people felt perhaps that it was "goofy" or that someone had tried to "goof - us". Produced in a myriad of colors, it is most often found in the brilliant, strawberry red, hits of brilliant green and the ubiquitous leaf gold paint background.  I just like that it was utilized as prizes at local fairs and carnivals.  (I have an affection for these unique public gatherings).

This is the back of a piece of Goofus glass. You can see how the cold paint has chipped away from the foot of the bowl.  You must be careful when cleaning Goofus as it is often found quite dirty and dusty.  I always use a soft, warm and damp wash cloth with a little Ivory Dishing liquid and carefully clean it that way. I then allow it to air dry.  (Ivory is not a detergent and is extremely gentle on fiber so it makes it a perfect cleaning product for most antique pieces. It is the only thing I use to hand wash wash vintage whites as well as fleece and wool items as it leaves no residue and does not harm the fiber or diminish the color)   Never, ever utilize a cleaning spray or put Goofus glass in your dishwasher...those products or appliances will completely remove the cold paint which makes Goofus so "goofus".

There is a wonderful website for learning about Goofus glass and the many items produced as well as what is "NOT" Goofus glass. It is called the Goofus Glass Museum .  A wonderful source for all things Goofus, below are a few examples of the many faces of Goofus glass from that website.

Wonderful full, cabbage roses covered powder dish.

 Beautiful Gone with the Wind Lamp.  I have only seen one of these and they are extraordinary.  Can't you just see this on a parlor table at Christmas?

 The definitive flower vase. You can find these often without their paint and usually a sun purple. Wonderfully shabby.

Pretty plate.  These can be found easily and usually around $12.00.

Great berry and bowl serving set.

Nice salt shaker. 

I have been fortunate enough to find several of the opalescent Goofus glass offerings.  They are lovely to see and the opalescent really enhances the gold leaf cold paint.  These are in the pricier range ($60.00-75.00) but so worth it. 

Goofus glass can be found everywhere and at prices usually under $20.00 with smaller pieces at the under $10.00 level. A friend of mine collected this for years and would display all of his pieces on his mantle and cupboards during the Christmas holidays.  He would intertwine pine boughs and holly and pretty mercury glass garland throughout.  It was such a lovely look. I think that is why I enjoy it so much.  It truly lends itself well to all things shabby.  Sea Witch

Crowning Glory

An ornamental circlet or head covering, often made of precious metal set with jewels and worn as a symbol of sovereignty.  Or if you are a mermaid or a "sea witch" you would want to wear this symbol of sovereignty, this lovely crown fashioned from the gifts of the sea.

It is my passion, one day, to create such a crown fitting a woman of the sea. Until I do begin this artistic quest, I will look to this amazing piece for inspiration.  This was created by Sherry Litchfield of http://sherrysshellabrations.com/crowns.html.  Her work is lovely and she will do custom work from furniture to "shell phones".  

Have a wonderful Wednesday and thanks from swimming on by.  Sea Witch

My new case!

Hello friends.  I am so excited about my display case at Queen of Hearts. (I know, I know, I get excited about the smallest things...but for me it is these simple things in life that set me dancing)  I spent most of this damp and rainy Saturday setting it up and of course, adding a few more items to my booth as long as I was there.  The case is packed to the gills but I still have a few things I would like to do to it.  The back of the doors are black and with no lighting in that immediate area, I have to maximize whatever light I can find.  So I will put a pale, vintage wallpaper on the back of the doors next week.This will lighten up the case a bit and make it easier for folks to see what is inside. 

My case as you walk through the right main entrance.

Pretty vintage figurines and jewelry.

Fantastic pair of vintage Dior Noir cats eye sunglasses. These are uber FAB.

I adore vintage rhinestone jewelry. They have such sparkle and fire.

Interesting items to appeal to all kinds of collectors.

This woman's Art Nouveau flask with collapsible cup/top is a personal favorite. 

Pretty Austrian crystal drip necklace and a fantastic vintage lucite box purse.

Yes, you will be the "Queen of the Rodeo" with this smashing rhinestone rodeo queen tiara.  Perfect for the western bride as well.  My honey's film Sea Reef underwater camera outfit.  He has upgrade to a new one so it's time to pass this one on to another snorkeler or diver.

Wonderful vintage bells, antique ice cream scoops and a frozen Charlie.

I also adore crystal knife rests from the Victorian era. 

These are lovely and two are master rests.

Some pretty items to entice shoppers to my case.

This magnificent Sail Fish is Italian glass.  It stands about 16 inches high and is a real eye catcher.

With Mardi Gras just around the corner, I thought these gals looks sweet on the case.

Took a couple of shots of my booth as I am now adding more for Valentines Day, St. Paddy's and spring in general.

This is a fantastic item of natural hair color swatches from France.  Used by a hair salon.  Very 1950s.

I found two lovely Williamsburg reproduction chandeliers two weekends ago and have them lit in my booth.  They look so good that I almost want to redecorate my home just around these lighting fixtures. Well made and waiting for a new home. 

I hope you enjoyed visiting my booth and case.  As always, I so enjoy your visits and your comments.  Here's to a gentle week. Sea Witch