Thursday, March 13, 2008

Pink Roses Swap

A while back I discovered the fantastic blog of the incredibly artistic and talented Suzanne Duda. I have talked about her blog on my blog before. Many of you know her. Her pictures and collections really spoke to me and we commented back and forth for a bit. Last month I proposed to Suzanne that since we have such similar styles that we do a swap, you know, supplies kind of stuff. She agreed and let me tell you how much fun I had putting together some things for her. I picked a little bit of all my favorite things and packed them all up in a box for her. You can see what I sent to Suzanne on this post. She took such incredible pictures that made everything look lovely.

Last week my package from Suzanne arrived and I was so excited to open the box. I went very slowly to make the experience last. I couldn't believe all the goodies she sent me. She says I sent her more, but I don't think so. Vintage wallpaper, labels, flowers, fabric, ledger paper, buttons, rhinestones, miscellaneous jewelry, and much, much more.



I truly felt like it was Christmas opening each and every thing. I want to again thank Suzanne for her thoughtful gifts. I can't wait to start some serious crafting. I already have a neat project in mind for the wallpaper. The little Eiffel tower and the neat lady hat stand have already landed in special spots in my home. Now, every time I look at them, I will think of my new BFF Suzanne.

19 comments:

Natasha Burns said...

Oh you were both lucky and gave and received fabulous vintage finds!!! I keep saying it, you find the best stuff!

Martha, Vintage Trifles said...

How cool is that?!? What a wonderful collection of stuff. Lucky you! I'm sure Suzanne feels the same way. That was a great idea and I might have to try it with someone. Hope to see you at Flourishes tomorrow. Xoxo M.

Anonymous said...

loved seeing what suzanne sent to you! actually, i found your blog through suzanne's when she posted the pix of your stuff-swap, and found suzanne through heather bullard's...it's what makes blogging so much FUN!!!

FrenchGardenHouse said...

How fun, Christmas in March! What a wonderful surprise package of vintage finds. :)
xo Lidy

Sandi McBride said...

I know how that is, the suspense over what the box will contain then once opened, what you will construct from this bounty...please let us know what you ultimately make of the bounty.
Sandi

Michelle said...

How lucky to find a friend with the same passion for pink roses, or anything! Be sure to show us what you create with your new goodies.

Michelle

Alison Gibbs said...

What a fabulous idea to swap some gorgeous pretties with each other.
Alison

Linda said...

Oh I think it was Christmas! I love all your vintage goodies...you are going to have such fun. Enjoy, Linda

Alicia ~ Time Worn Style said...

Lisa you lucky thing, you are going to have so much fun with all those goodies!!
Alicia ~ time worn style

Miss Rhea said...

Wow, she is a good friend !! Lots of pretties there. You have a beautiful blog. :)

the said...

A crafting swap, what a fun idea!!
Hope you are having a wonderful weekend,
Stephanie

ps- you got some really cool stuff :)

Kathy said...

Enjoyed seeing the lovely things on your blog. I definitely share the love of pink roses!

Monika said...

I LOVE these soooo much!

Bristol said...

I love Suazanne's blog. I happened upon yours and I love it~ What wonderful goodies you got. Have a great Sunday.
Bristol

Pat said...

I read Suzanne's blog and saw what you sent her. Now I see what she sent you. You both seem to be very generous people and after reading what you and Suzanne have said about each other....I bet you become very good friends. It's lovely to see this friendship as it blossoms. Thanks so much for sharing the experience! And, gosh...do I ever love seeing the stuff!! Thanks, Pat

Lori said...

You both had grat ideas!! Suzanne is such a princess to me in a million ways, gotta love her! Don't ya just love all our colorful "grown-up" toys???? Happy St. Pat's Lori

Boxwood Cottage said...

Oh wow what a fabulous swap! You both did a wonderful job, but I literally love ALL the items that you sent to Suzanne! I'm new to your blog coming over from Niki's Nostalgia at the Stone house and I'm just soaking it all in! Best wishes from Germany sends you
Carol

Anonymous said...

Hi Lisa,
Thank God there are some people out there who can enjoy antiques and can give them a home such that they can go on living and not end up in a dumpster.

Your tattered and chipped old painted dresser (reference: Fri Mar 28, 2008)is charming and should be restored to give it the dignity it truly deserves. Strip it down by hand, give it a light sanding. Once you have done this you may simply add a stain of your choice or simply apply a paint color of your choice should you tend toward the shabby chic look.

I being more of a purist would restore it as minimal as possible to bring back the old country charm by fixing any broken boards, scrub it down on the inside and outside back. After drying apply a clear lacquer or varnish to seal the old smell that may permeate from old wood that has not been properly stored.

As for the exterior, strip it and stain it with a nice walnut stain.
Once you have done this you will have yourself a very nice late Victorian dresser worthy of a home decor accent piece to be envied by your friends.

You will only realize your little treasure once you have nursed it back to health by the loving touch of your gifted hand to turn what looks like a piece of trash into a true treasure.

Your dresser, from the photos, looks to date somewhere from 1880-1890 and once restored should fetch between $600.00-$800.00. Not bad for a $20 dollar find!

Good Luck in your endeavors!
John from Toronto

Anonymous said...

Hi Lisa,
Thank God there are some people out there who can enjoy antiques and can give them a home such that they can go on living and not end up in a dumpster.

Your tattered and chipped old painted dresser (reference: Fri Mar 28, 2008)is charming and should be restored to give it the dignity it truly deserves. Strip it down by hand, give it a light sanding. Once you have done this you may simply add a stain of your choice or simply apply a paint color of your choice should you tend toward the shabby chic look.

I being more of a purist would restore it as minimal as possible to bring back the old country charm by fixing any broken boards, scrub it down on the inside and after drying apply a clear lacquer or varnish to seal the old smell that may permeate from old wood that has not been properly stored.

As for the exterior, strip it and stain it with a nice walnut stain.
Once you have done this you will have yourself a very nice late Victorian dresser worthy of a home decor accent piece to be envied by your friends.

You will only realize your little treasure once you have nursed it back to health by the loving touch of your gifted hand to turn what looks like a piece of trash into a true treasure.

Your dresser, from the photos, looks to date somewhere from 1879-1890 and once restored should fetch between $600.00-$800.00. Not bad for a $20 dollar find!

Good Luck in your endeavors!
John from Toronto