Greetings! ...from Kimberly Shaw

The Tea Winner is...

   
I folded each lady's adorable comment like a tea bag and...

put them in a tea pot, where  Georgia reached in with her

dainty fingers and pulled out a winner!   Congratulations!

Sarah B (pretty close to Boulder) you're the WINNER of the Celestial Seasonings Tea Give Away!!!

Thanks all for playing, it's always a lot of fun for me to give out of the abundance of what God gives, and then see who is blessed by it.

Sarah, please email me your address at kimberlyscottage@att.net and I'll be happy to send your bundle of tea right off to you.

Pink Teacup on Embroidered Doily

                                                                                                                 Artwork © Kimberly Shaw
8" x 10" Watercolor on 140 lb Hot Press paper.
I've been wanting to challenge myself by painting an embroidered doily.  I love painting negative space and by letting the white of the paper be the doily, I just painted the holes.  I couldn't resist adding a pink teacup just peaking in, as though it's waiting to be filled with a relaxing cup of tea.

Celebrate 4th of July With a Tea Party

Red, White, and Blue-ish cards
on SALE at 50% OFF in my STORE.

Freedom Teacup Greeting Card

I bought this set because I thought it was funny a teacup with Paul Revere warning the British are coming reads on the bottom, "Made in England."  This card comes with Forrest Berries tea and is blank inside for a personal message.  I counted only 17 cards left in my Store.

Cherries Teacup Greeting Card

Today I'm stocking a bunch of Red, White, and Blue-ish Teacup cards for a July SALE coming up in my Store. While making this card I was thinking about George Washington cutting down the cherry tree and couldn't recall the details of the story, so I looked it up.

Washington's biographer, Mason Locke Weems, said this story as a way to show Washington's honesty.

When George was about six years old he owned a hatchet like most little boys of the day, of which he was extremely fond.

My husband bought our son a hatchet as a birthday gift once, which was used for destroying a wood fence.  So I understand George's eagerness, back to the story:

George went about chopping everything that came his way. One day, as he wandered about the garden amusing himself by hacking his mother's pea sticks, he found his father's beautiful, young English Cherry tree.  He began using the edge of his hatchet to strip the bark off. When his father discovered what had happened to his favorite tree, he came into the house in great anger, and demanded to know who the mischievous person was who had cut away the bark.

I'm picturing Mrs. Washington in the background saying, "Ask about my pea sticks, dear."  But Mr. W. is fixed on discovering who his tree assassin is.  

"George,'' said his father, "do you know who has killed my beautiful little cherry tree yonder in the garden? I would not have taken five guineas for it!''  This was a hard question to answer, and for a moment George was staggered by it, but quickly recovering himself he cried, "I cannot tell a lie, father, you know I cannot tell a lie! I did cut it with my little hatchet.''  The anger died out of his father's face, and taking the boy tenderly in his arms, he said, "My son, that you should not be afraid to tell the truth is more to me than a thousand trees! Yes - though they were blossomed with silver and had leaves of the purest gold!''

I created this Teacup card from one of my vintage hand painted plates.  It comes with a Harrisons & Crosfield English Breakfast teabag inserted in the rim of the cup, and is blank inside for writing a personal note.  It is one of my personal favorites.

Protecting My Intellectual Property

Fabri-Quilt's lawyer wrote me that his client understands I must protect my Intellectual Property, yet informed us that Fabri-Quilt was not going to contact the "numerous small stores" that carry their fabric. So I began contacting the stores myself, informing them that the designs on Fabri-Quilt's Victoria's Tea Room fabric infringes on my original copyrighted designs.  While Fabri-Quilt may understand I must protect my Intellectual Property, I'm not sure their lawyer does, because today he seemed upset.

For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,  according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. Philippians 1:19 & 20.

New York, Here They Come

One of the ways we market to stores is to simply send them one of our cards (a Thank You, Birthday, or Thinking of You) with info on how to contact us if they are interested.  Once when a store owner called to request a catalog, after receiving a card, asked how we knew it was her birthday.

These Birthday cards with Tropical White Tea are headed to New York stores.  But first I made a cup of tea, grabbed a stack of cards, 100 teabags and my double stick tape.

All that's left is to put them in envelopes and add the mailing labels.  Maybe one of these cards will surprise a New Yorker on their birthday.

Art Give-Away

My new blogging buddy Lara Harris at Vintage Touch is having an amazing ART Give-Away on her blog. 

Once on her blog, scroll down past the gorgeous Blue & White China oil paintings (but trust me you'll want to stop and admire her canvases before going on), past the luscious Strawberries on Red Spode China (wish I didn't snooze on this one, Sold already), then just past the Russian Nesting doll oil painting (I thought it was a photo) you'll find her generous ART GIVE-AWAY!

She would also enjoy receiving an encouraging note.  She just discovered her art being ripped-off by a stupid, yes I said stupid, company selling as thinking_shop2008 on ebay.  To call themselves "Thinking..." is beyond comprehension. If you are an artist, be aware.

GO TO LARA'S BLOG FOR GORGEOUS ART AND AN AMAZING GIVE-AWAY!!!

Tea Give-Away

Look at all this yummy Celestial Seasonings Teas!!! And don't you just LOVE all the pretty artwork and cleaver quotes on their teabags?  If you are ever in Boulder, Colorado visit Celestial Seasonings on Sleepytime Drive (adorable street name, right?). 

I am so honored Celestial Seasonings uses my cards to put their beautiful and delicious teas in.  We receive a shipment of their teas with a list of the cards they want. We assemble them together for their Gift Shop.  Cool, huh? They just informed us they are designing new packaging for these teas and offered to let us keep what we had.  Well, since we have plenty,  it seemed a good idea to share our blessing with a NEW Give-Away.

Celestial Seasonings offers FREE tours every day (except major holidays), Monday–Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.; and Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. of their tea production plant,  the extensive display of original artwork in their gallery, and you'll enjoy free samples of all their tea flavors.  Sounds like a road trip!!!  After your tour, you are invite to visit their Gift Shop and Cafe', where you’ll find every flavor of Celestial Seasonings products as well some of my Teacup Greeting Cards with their delicious teas in them. 

All you have to do is:
1. Leave me a comment, maybe share your favorite Celestial Seasonings Tea, if you have one.
2. Jump up and down three times and hope you'll win.
3. Hug the first person you see and tell them about this Give-Away.
4. And have a Tea Party if you are the winner.

Actually, all you need to you is leave a nice comment BY MIDNIGHT JULY 6th, I'm just playing with you.

The teas being Given Away are, 6 teabags each of English Breakfast, Lemon Myrtle Green, Earl Grey, Raspberry Zinger, English Toffee, Red Zinger, Black Cherry Berry, and Sweet Clementine Chamomile. That's 48 teabags in all!  Sound like the beginnings of a Tea Party!

I'LL ANNOUNCE THE WINNER JULY 7TH

OH MY! I GOT A BIT BEHIND...THE WINNER WILL BE ANOUNCED ON WEDNESDAY THE 8TH

Looks Like a Good Cover-Up

Edmund studied Fabri-Quilt's Victoria's Tea Room fabric and asked me what I was going to do.

Being a curious monkey he dove in under the stack of fabric on my desk and crawled out the other side.

He said it looks like it would make a good cover-up

and wants to know who Victoria is.

Trusting in Lying Words

Reaching for my Bible to continue my study where I had left off, the pink Post-It Note I use as a bookmark was moved, not by me, to Jeremiah Chapter 7

Jeremiah 7:1-27
Trusting in Lying Words

The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, ² “Stand in the gate of the LORD’s house, and proclaim there this word, and say, ‘Hear the word of the LORD, all you of Judah who enter in at these gates to worship the LORD!’” Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: “Amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place. Do not trust in these lying words, saying, ‘The temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD are these.’

“For if you thoroughly amend your ways and your doings, if you thoroughly execute judgment between a man and his neighbor, if you do not oppress the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place, or walk after other gods to your hurt, then I will cause you to dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers forever and ever. 

“Behold, you trust in lying words that cannot profit. Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, burn incense to Baal, and walk after other gods whom you do not know, and then come and stand before Me in this house which is called by My name, and say, ‘We are delivered to do all these abominations’? Has this house, which is called by My name, become a den of thieves in your eyes? Behold, I, even I, have seen it,” says the LORD.  

“But go now to My place which was in Shiloh, where I set My name at the first, and see what I did to it because of the wickedness of My people Israel.  And now, because you have done all these works,” says the LORD, “and I spoke to you, rising up early and speaking, but you did not hear, and I called you, but you did not answer, therefore I will do to the house which is called by My name, in which you trust, and to this place which I gave to you and your fathers, as I have done to Shiloh.  And I will cast you out of My sight, as I have cast out all your brethren—the whole posterity of Ephraim.

“Therefore do not pray for this people, nor lift up a cry or prayer for them, nor make intercession to Me; for I will not hear you. Do you not see what they do in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem? The children gather wood, the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead dough, to make cakes for the queen of heaven; and they pour out drink offerings to other gods, that they may provoke Me to anger. Do they provoke Me to anger?” says the LORD. “Do they not provoke themselves, to the shame of their own faces?”

Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, My anger and My fury will be poured out on this place—on man and on beast, on the trees of the field and on the fruit of the ground. And it will burn and not be quenched.”  Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: “Add your burnt offerings to your sacrifices and eat meat.  For I did not speak to your fathers, or command them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices.  But this is what I commanded them, saying, ‘Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people. And walk in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you.’  Yet they did not obey or incline their ear, but followed the counsels and the dictates of their evil hearts, and went backward and not forward.  Since the day that your fathers came out of the land of Egypt until this day, I have even sent to you all My servants the prophets, daily rising up early and sending them.

Yet they did not obey Me or incline their ear, but stiffened their neck. They did worse than their fathers. “Therefore you shall speak all these words to them, but they will not obey you. You shall also call to them, but they will not answer you.

Fabri-Quilt's "Victoria's Tea Room" fabrics

"Victoria's Tea Room" by Fabri-Quilt, Inc. Pattern #9336
 
 
"Victoria's Tea Room" by Fabri-Quilt, Inc. Pattern #9338
 

 
My single blue-banded teacup was re-designed in my office by my Graphics Designer from the stacked cups in my original painting to be used on the back of this greeting card and for stickers.

When artwork is stolen it effects people. It makes them feel violated. I am personally grieved, but so are those who also contribute to the success of Kimberly Shaw Graphics.

Adlai Kunst, owner of Fabri-Quilt, who I originally contacted is out of the picture.  He placed me in contact with John Linam of Fabri-Quilt, who thought my claim needed to be submitted to experts in this field and passed me on to their lawyer Steven Braun of Krigel & Krigel, P.C.   Mr. Braun made it very clear that while his client appreciates that I must protect my Intellectual Property, Fabri-Quilt denies liability and must respectfully decline to pay me anything.  He adds he could not see any similarities between my cards and the fabric. 

                 My cards:                               Fabri-Quilt's fabric:

Any Similarities? I don't know, maybe Mr. Braun is the expert.

Fabri-Quilt Denies Unauthorized Use of Copyrighted Artwork on Fabric

Detail from my "Getting Together" Teacup Greeting card.

                                                                                       Artwork © Kimberly Shaw Graphics
Fabri-Quilt's Lawyer is correct in stating that there is no law against the use of teacups and teapots, or stacked teacups for that matter, on fabric.

Seen on Fabri-Quilt's "Victoria's Tea Room" fabric Pattern #9335 are stacked teacups with both cup's handles on the left side, with gold trim on the rims, handles, and edging around the blue bands, blue bands of color on the teacups interrupted with an opening of pinkish-red flowers and green leaves, white cut work lace sitting on a burgundy field under the teacups. Did I forget any similarities?

However, when my mathematical hubby calculated the similarities between my Teacup Greeting cards and it's representative copies found on Fabri-Quilt's fabric, the probability that the design was independantly created by another artist (as FQ's Lawyer suggested) was conservitavely in the Nonillions.  That's 1 in a 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 chance.  Who knew?

Teapot with NO LID

THANK YOU my dear blogging buddies for for your awesome support!!! I can't begin to express how encouraging your comments have been to me.   I wish it were under different circumstances that I was able to post this "You Are Special" card for my appreciation of your uplifting words.

 However, every time I make this cards I think of Fabri-Quilt's "Victoria's Tea Room" fabric.

It was brought to my attention that the teapot on Fabri-Quilt's fabric does not have a lid. Who would design a teapot without a lid unless they intended to put something in it, like a teabag?  Oh, ya, that would be me.
The "Congratulations" tag on this fabric also came from one of my card designs which I created from my climbing rose at home and a potted plant I received as a gift.

My Bible verse for yesterday read,
"Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous." 1 Peter 3:8. 
You have all demonstrated this and so much more!!!
God's Blessings for all!!! -Kim

Fabri-Quilt has now turned this matter over to a lawyer, who has stated in his letter to me that Fabri-Quilt had nothing to do with the design of the fabric, and (I quote) "Fabri-Quilt has the means and the will to vigourously oppose any baseless suit you may bring, and to file a suit against you for any false, libelous and slanderous statements you may make. I urge you to consult with an attorney" (end quote). I HAVE! 

"For You Teacher" on Fabri-Quilt's "Victoria's Tea Room" fabric

My "For You Teacher" teacup greeting card made it's debut January 2004.

                                                                                          Artwork © Kimberly Shaw Graphics

The image below on Fabri-Quilt's "Victoria's Tea Room" fabric isn't exact, but the design and arrangement of the objects are so similar there is no way it could have been created except from my original artwork.

                                                                                                                      Photo by Kimberly Shaw
The similarities include:

A red floral teacup with gold trim, it's handle on the right, with a scalloped sauce. 

The same number of multi-colored books with gold accents, 2 smaller, 3 larger1 , angled resting against stacked books, behind the teacup on the left side. 

A red apple, with its green leaves still attached, in the lower left hand corner. 

White lace angled in the same direction with the same little + design on the edge. 

A tag tied on the teacup's handle, with a red bow, which also reads, "For You, Teacher". 

Victoria's Tea Room Fabric

                                                                                                                      Photo by Kimberly Shaw
I was first introduced to "Victoria's Tea Room" fabric by Fabri-Quilt, Inc early March of this year when I received this note from one of my clients, written on her invoice.

She writes, "To Kimberly Shaw, I just bought teacup/teapot fabric for one of my employees who makes tea cozies for us & it was the design of the "Teacher" card you had designed. Do you have other designs you are licensing out? She quick "whipped" them up this week for an open house we had (I only had 1 of those cards left!)".

This is what is called Copyright Infringement. Fabri-Quilt, Inc is located in North Kansas City, MO so I quick gave the owner, Adlai Kunst, a call because I have never licensed out my designs to be used on fabric.  

The saga continues...

Pink & Peach Sets!

Summer Fun!  We have added this adorable set of four Teacup cards to our collection and are sure you will love it!  The set includes four cards that contain shades of lovely pinks and peaches - perfect for this time of year.  Check out the assortment packages section or the SALE section to find these.  They are a great value - only $5.00 for 4 cards - you save 50%. And who doesn't love receiving a note that is accompanied by a Raspberry, Apricot or Passion Fruit teabag to enjoy on a hot summer day?  These teas a wonderful iced, too!!

Tropical White Tea

Today is a prefect pre-Summer Coastal California day. The windows are all open with a light breeze filling the house with the fragrance of the rose garden.  My choice for a mid afternoon cup of refreshment is Harrisons & Crosfield's Tropical White tea.  It's just as described, "Fresh and clean with an alluring fruity flavour." 

I selected Harrisons & Crosfield's Tropical White tea to go in my "Birthday Greetings" Teacup Greeting card.  Whoever receives this card for their birthday will definitely enjoy the added treat of this fine tea. 

"Take a Bloging Friend To Work" Day

OK, so I know there is no such day as "Take a Blogging Friend To Work" day, but since my children have participated in "Take Your Daughter/Son to Work" day, I thought I'd invite you, my blogging buddies, to join me at work.  Welcome, let me tell you what's going on...

Georgia has let me know we have an order for 45 "Oceanside" Teacup Greeting cards to make for a special event. "No Problem," I said, "45 cards won't take that long to make."  She clarified by explaining  we need 45 sets.            "45 SETS!"  A set is a pack of 6.   I'm not sure I even know what 45 sets looks like. We began multiplying... 45x6=270. 270! WOW! I better get busy. Here's what I need to do...

First I need to make tea. I'm having English Breakfast with honey and milk, what can I get for you?  Next I grab 2 big stacks of cards, a box and an extra bag of teabags, and envelopes. Then I lay out  teabags upside down. I'll start with 72 teabags and add a bit of double-stick tape to the back of each one to hold them in place in the card.

Once all the teabags are taped, I'll assemble them by hand into each card & stack the cards in piles of 6.

Then I'll cross stack them so they're level, add 6 envelopes,

and bag them in custom sized gusseted bags.
 
12 sets down & 33 more to go, so I'll continue to set out more teabags, tape each, assemble, stack and bag while I sip my tea.


On to round 3, & I noticed not only is my box of tea empty, but my cup of tea is also empty.
 
So, if you'll excuse me, I'll boil water for more tea.
Are you ready for another cup yet?

We don't get orders like this very often, and I'm happy you stopped by for a visit.  Let me know if you have any questions about what we do or how the Greeting Card business operates. 

Thanks for visiting!!!

Steepster.com for Tea Lovers

I just got word from Jennifer at Tea=Bliss of a new site called Steepster.com. Just like Twitter except for tea lovers! Wow, just up my alley!  It's filled with info about teas people have tried and what they like about them!!! I'm planning on discovering more great teas from this site! If you have yummy teas you'd love to tell us about, please join and let us know.  Your hospitalitea would be appreciated!!  Just go to http://www.steepster.com

One of my ultimate favorite teas is this rich Royal Imperial Gold from Harrisons & Crosfield.  For me it's perfectly scrumptious with milk and honey, and  a shortbread cookie or two.  After a third cookie and a second cup of this robust tea, well, I'm ready for just about anything. Now I know loose tea reigns supreme, (and H&C offers this tea loose) but because I use a lot of teabags in my Teacup Greeting cards, I sample each one first to make sure it's delicious, and this Imperial is king of on my list. Of course only it's ahead of a very very close race with all the other wonderful teas I offer in my cards, depending on what I'm craving. 

Anyway, check out Steepster.com to see what others are brewing in their cup!!!

June Is A Special Time

THERE'S SO MUCH TO CELEBRATE!!!
I have three students to congratulate this year. One successfully completed his first year of High School, another is graduating from High School, and a third is completing her third year in College.

And there are dedicated teachers I need to convey my appreciation for, who not only gave my children life long skills, but the ability to accomplish whatever they put their minds to.

I can't forget to acknowledge those at school who contributed in other ways.  The Admins who kept us informed of events, the lunch lady for her kind words, the counselor for guidance, the fund-raiser ladies, the nurse, and even the truant officer.

We have two wedding to attend this month also.

A new baby definitely qualifies as a special occasion.

And there's always that one person who just needs to know they are cared for just because.

When school is finally over,
I'll hope to have more time to visit with friends.

There's a small quilt I want to make this Summer as a gift.

I have a few people to write who I haven't seen for a while.

My brother needs encouragement
for the great new job he's starting.

I don't have a sister, but I have an awesome sister-in-law who would appreciate a little surprise note.

As the month comes to a close, someone dear always
seems to move away or go on an extended trip.

But the good news is, it doesn't have to cost a lot to express your thoughts with those special to you this month, because all these 12 cards are now
ON SALE at HALF OFF in MY STORE!!!

Happy Birthday PINK SATURDAY

 
Roses are red, well these ones are pink.
We're having a birthday for an event, I think.

It was one year ago a blogger named Bev,
Decided to post an idea in her head.

One fine Saturday PINK is what she posted
The event caught on with others she's hosted.

Now many more bloggers are together in sync,
To Celebrate this Saturday by posting their Pink!

Have you ever tried sending a Birthday card,
To an event for its birthday? Believe me, it's hard.

Now if you're a blogger there's always a way,
To wish an event a Happy Birthday!!!

For this Saturday's post I just want to say,
Happy 1st  Birthday to PINK SATURDAY!!!

But I can't sign off yet without thanking our host,
For all the new friends we've met from our Posts.

To Beverly I give an enthusiastic cheer,
Of "Hip, hip, hurray!" for being so dear.

For the party Beverly made a pretty PINK cake,
Cups of  Raspberry tea I'll be happy to make!
 

All the wonderful PINK posts are easily found,
Listed together at HOW SWEET THE SOUND!

HAPPY PINK SATURDAY EVERYONE!!!

Just Playing Around

With the left over paint I used to create my son's flag and the remaining 5'x20" strip of canvas I decided to keep painting, since the painter's canvas was still on the dinning room table which has been doubling very nicely :) as an efficient table cloth.

First I laid down my favorite color combination, blue and green, horizontally.  Next I created the clouds.

Experimenting with an old course brush I stippled the colors on  to create the impression of a garden.  My daughter, an amazing artist who paints with oils, made me laugh when she said, after I asked her how I was doing, "Well, you can only work acrylic so far, because as you know, it's just plastic."
 
I was just playing around using cheep paint and old brushes, and I had a lot of fun, too!

I hope you are having a  blessed day and can find a bit of time to be creative with whatever you have just laying around!!!  After all, being creative is an attribute we received from God our creator, who made us in His image.

The LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed. And out of the ground the LORD God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. Gen. 2:8 & 9

Shaw Coat of Arms

 

I've been in a creative rut lately. Sitting like a log watching re-runs of "Home Improvement", I asked my family if they had any good ideas of something for me to paint.  My son asked if I could make him a flag of our Scottish family crest (or coat of arms). His class is representing the Medieval period for History Day at school. With some left-over canvas I cut a 3'x5' piece and went to work using Acrylic paint. 

I learned some things, too.  The colors and images have meanings, for example the Lion means Fierce Courage, the Helmet: Wise Defence,  the color Green: Hope, loyalty in love.  The Shaw motto "Fide-Et-Fortitudine" means "Faith and Fortitude", and the slogan "Na-Bean-Ris-A-Chat" means "Touch Not The Cat." 

Dear Friends

 

Happy Pink Saturday!!!

PS: I especially appreciate Beverly who created Pink Saturday and graciously invited others to join in the fun.  Visit her at How Sweet The Sound for the complete list of fabulously creative Pink Saturday participants. You'll be amazed what else you'll discover, too.

I heard it's hard for some, who have received one of my Teacup greeting cards, to remove the teabag for fear of ruining the card.  Here's a solution: Gently tear the bottom edge of the teabag wrapper and slip the teabag out, leaving the wrapper still in the card, and prepare to enjoy a yummy cup of tea.

Japanese Sencha is a light earthy tea that I enjoy with a little honey.

Last night I found this vintage cross stitch at The Grab Bag Antique Store while at Escondido's Friday Night Criusin' Grand.  I'll leave you with this photo of what was parked out front.  Isn't she sweet?

Happy Pink Saturday!!!

 

Need More Cents

It now cost 44 cents to send a letter, and with the increase comes a new challenge.  By placing the 1 cent stamps closer together horizontally, I was able to leave a narrow space through the center to add a name and address.  I'll send this one to my best Pop, which is what I call my dad.  That way Mom and Pop will have a matching set.  They moved out of the city to a very small town, where I'm sure there will be a fun discussion with the Postwoman.

Good Cents

For some reason we ended up with a lot of 1 cent stamps.  60 sheets, actually.  I didn't know this before, but the Post Office doesn't exchange unused stamps for stamps of a different value.  So I asked the Post Master if I could send a letter using all 1 cent stamps, and he said, "I guess so."  In the little rectangular space left over I wrote my mom's address. She said it arrived with each stamp hand stamped.  Now that postage rates are up again, I consider these good cents.

MOM Upside-Down Spells WOW!

I am blessed by my MOM's handiwork.  As a girl she made all my adorable dresses. For my home she made me this Quilt.

Then from all the remnants of the dresses she made me in the 60's and 70's she made this colorful quilt which I recieved on my 40th birthday.  She knows I love squares.

Yes, I really wore dresses made from these wild prints.

She also knows I love 'tone-on-tone' and made me a beautiful tablecloth with Autumn leaves. WOW, like I'm really going to eat on it!

Recently, with my failed attempt to even understand the instructions of this cross stitch, she took it home, worked on it for over a year and gave it back to me as a gift. 

My mom is truly known for her labors of love, and I am WOWed by her talent.

Baby Birdies

 
The soft peep, peep peeping  heard overhead was so sweet.   A mommy Sparrow finally moved into my son's bird house that went unoccupied for so many years.  I couldn't resist climbing up for a closer peek inside.

Don't you just love Spring?

Garden Critters

This fuzzy Caterpillar was found on my Artichoke plant and this baby Black Widow crawled up for a visit.  Yes, this little white spider is a Black Widow.  I just learned that the newly hatched Black Widows are white with small dark spots, which change to stripes as it molts, before turning black.

When small,  the Black Widow is less venomous, but the adult female is the most venomous spider in North America, 15 times more toxic than Prairie Rattle Snake venom.  The Black Widow is generally shy, but she becomes aggressive when harassed or her nest is disturbed. 

I'll leave you with a prettier picture of small blossoms on my newly blooming Lady Banks Rose vine, which is what lured me into the garden in the first place.

Wool Girl Knocks My Socks Off!

I’d like to introduce you to an incredible gal, Wool Girl, whose goal is to promote exceptional, hand-painted yarns, supporting Indie fiber artists, handmade accessories, and one-of-a-kind yarns.  She has a Sock Club which sends out an amazing kit each month.

 Logo artwork ©Wool Girl, designed by Jean Kreiter, Woolgirl's mother-in-law (how wonderful is that?)

This kit was inspired by the beautiful town of Kinsale, Ireland, filled with luscious yarn and delightful tea themed treats.  Check out what’s all included in this fabulous Sock Club kit:

• 1 skein of ever so fantastic Wasonga 100% superwash merino sock yarn from Curious Creek Fibers in the stunning colorway Old Head of Kinsale, which Kristine from Curious Creek lovingly created. It is incredibly soft!
• The Crooked Brook sock pattern by Anne Hanson at Knitspot.   Georgia wants to try making these.

• StormySeas cowl pattern designed by Lisa Dykstra at A Little Bit of Knit. I want to try to make one of these with its very cute picot edge.

• A lovely tea inspired stitch marker designed by Sunne from Sunneshine Etsy shop.

• A perfect knitting tote with the Woolgirl Sock Club logo embroidered on the front, with a lot of wonderful storage compartments.
• The cutest ever teapot tape measure from Event Blossom.
• A delicious sheep shortbread cookie (yes, it WAS yummy) hand made by Cranberry Sweets.
• A very pretty hand made Kinsale, Ireland greeting card from local designer and artist Willa Landino.
• A mini suitcase which includes two adorable miniature sheep.
  
  
• And one of my “Thing To Do After I Have Tea” notepads for knitters to keep their “to knit” list.
• Also information about this months contest and the winners from last month.

That's a lot of wonderful goodies!! If you are a knitter I highly recommend you paying a visit to the very delightful Wool Girl.  She has knocked our socks off!!! 

Time For Another SALE

Find HALF PRICED Teacup Greeting cards, including Mother's Day, in my STORE.   Thank you Georgia for creatively making this very lovely SALE add.

Beeing Thankful

This little bee paused for a moment just before going into the center of this rose, as if it was giving "Thanks" to its Creator.

Once inside, it buzzed and wiggled in the pollen, like a small child who had the  multicolored balls at Chuck E. Cheese all to himself.   Oh, to be able to say, "I work all day in the center of lovely fragrant blossoms." She was a joy to watch, and I gave "Thanks" to our Creator that she came for a visit to my garden.

Set To A Tea

Delicate pink rose Teacups, petite Tea Spoons, a sweet Heart tea infuser, luscious Raspberry tea all on a vintage lace table clothe... Well, I can't think of a better way to relax this Mother's Day!  But I cant forget the kids, the husband, and the dog (which my hubby got on Mother's Day).  Without them I wouldn't have a reason to celebrate.  Hurray!!! Mother's Day will be here soon!

Wouldn't this demitasse trio be a perfect grouping on a Mother's Day breakfast tray?  These small spoons and service pieces are hard to find.  If you've been looking for these too, your search is over, I've made them available in my Store.

Tea House

Isn't this Tea House Tea Infuser adorable? I've always loved this little infuser which reminds me of having tea with friends around my kitchen table.  This petite Jam Spoon is also perfect for stirring milk and honey in delicate teacups, not to chunky, with a charming antique teapot on the end.  For a special treat I love serving Harrisons & Crosfields delectable Forest Berries tea with it's fragrant aroma and gorgeous deep pink color. The flavor comes alive when slightly sweetened.  If these are 'Your cup of tea' or you'd like to give them as gifts I've made them available in my Store.

The original watercolor painting in the background is reproduced on my Mom Teacup Greeting card and matching Things To Do After I Have Tea Notepad, both come with a yummy teabag attached.

Silver Tea Set

Silver is so hard to photograph.  No mater where you stand, sit or kneel, you are always reflected in its image.  In fact the whole room is reflected.

The stripes in the reflections are from my black shelving with white boxes of greeting cards ready for pick-up or delivery.  I was able to hide behind the Creamer's spout on the Teapot, but the Sugar Bowl and Creamer are trying to rat-me-out hiding behind my black camera and aqua sweater.

I've made this pretty vintage Tea Set available in my Etsy Shop. It was made by “Sheridan Taunton Silversmiths, LTD” which I’ve just learned is a division of Lenox, Inc.

Mothers are Best!

"For all the caring and thoughtful things,
 you have done for me,
 I'm wishing you a wonderful day,
 with a relaxing cup of tea.
 Happy Mother's Day"     
          ...is the message inside this painted rose teapot and teacup.  This watercolor was inspired from one of my hand painted Bavarian plates.

The card was so popular we designed a matching "Things To Do After I Have Tea" Notepad.  Both come with a Regal Afternoon Darjeeling teabag for Mom to enjoy.  The set is available in my Etsy Shop or sold separately in my Store if you want to add some yummy Teas or Tea Party Accessories to your gift.

Mums the Word

I love how the English call their mothers "Mum".  This card was inspired by all the thoughtful women who have cared so lovingly for my children.  Their acts of kindness have been as seeds which they have generously sown into their lives.  It has been a blessing to watch them blossom as a result.

A little seed pack with Sweet Peas, Babies Breath, and Johny Jump Ups are representative of my two daughters and one son.

The seed pack was added to the back with another message and the inside was creatively designed by my pal Georgia, a designer here at Kimberly Shaw Graphics.


This card comes with a luscious Raspberry teabag from Harrisons & Crosfield.  It is available in my Etsy Shop or in my Store if you want to browse other Tea Party Accessories and other yummy teas.

For Mom

My mom has made a lasting impact on me.  The Mother's Day cards I've created are influenced from the lovely life she has modeled before me.

The inside of this card reads, "I Love You," and comes with a flavorful Jasmine teabag inserted in the rim of the teacup.  It is designed to be given any time of the year.  The Matching Notepad is one of my personal favorites.  This matching set is available in my Etsy shop. The Teacup Greeting card and Notepad are sold separately in my Store if you are looking for other charming Tea Party Accessories or Delicious Teas to add as gifts.

Sneak Peek

Creating is always fun, Especially when it's pink!

I'm going to be gone today, but I look forward to seeing all your pretty pinks tomorrow.  Happy PINK SATURDAY to all my pink pals, especially Beverly at HOW SWEET THE SOUND!!!