Greetings! ...from Kimberly Shaw

Tori Higa Stationery

Tori Higa surprised me last week when she wrote to say she likes to write about stationery and greeting cards, and hoped I didn't mind she wrote a blog post about my cards.  I was floored to learning she is an accomplished Stationery designer of these impressive Vintage Fabric Cards.  Tori's "Everyday" collection is dreamy where the use of vintage fabric really pops with a classic houndstooth jacket, stylish purses, a groovy scarf, hat, skirts, and a cute doggy going for a walk in a adorable coat.

 Wouldn't these "Hostess" cards make the perfect Thank Yous for someones gracious hospitality?

Her "Travel" set makes me want to go on a journey just so I can write to say I've gone on an adventure.

It's not surprising Tori's cards have been sold to Anthopologie. But Tori's accomplishments don't stop there.  She designs for Cardstore.com, and has written two books, "Today's Top Stationery Artists," and "Today's Top Stationery Artists 2."

Info and links are fond on her delightful and informative blog, Tori Higa Mail is Fun. Plus she is opening an Etsy shop, too.

Once Upon A Tea Party

Impressive! Right?

Cookies made in the shape of a regal crown, a charming cake, a pretty purse, a cute sandal and, my favorite, an adorable teacup with my name in it. Made by Pastry Chef Robin Hampl and sent over from Liz at Once Upon A Tea Party where she creates magical Tea Parties for girls. Being in a Tea Swap is fun. Thanks, Liz!

For Peace & Brotherhood

My son, 16, took a English class this past semester at our local community college.  He came home urging me to read his assignment, Martin Luther King Jr's "Letter from Birmingham Jail"  which was written to "Christian and Jewish brothers." As a believer, it is one of the most powerful and moving letters I have ever read, especially in light of who it was writen to.  If you are compelled to read it today, the link above takes you to an printable pdf of his six page letter.

12 Days of Christmas

While there is some dispute over this translation of the song, tradition has it that in England, between 1558 and 1829, Catholics were prohibited by law to practice their faith in public or in private.  Until Parliament emancipated Catholics in England in 1829, it was illegal to be Catholic.

"The Twelve Days of Christmas" was a coded message written in England as a memory aid to help young Catholics learn the basics of their faith. Since the song sounded like rhyming nonsense, authorities would not know that is was a religious song and young Catholics could sing it without fear of imprisonment.  The song is, in a sense, an allegory with each of the gifts in the song representing something significant to the Bible.

The song begins, "On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me..."  The "true love" repeated in the song doesn't refer to an earthly suitor, but to God himself. The "me" who receives the presents refers to the believing Christian.

The "partridge in a pear tree" is Jesus Christ upon the Cross. In the song, Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge because she would feign injury to decoy s predator away from her nestlings. She was even willing to die for them. The tree is the symbol of the fall of the human race through the sin of Adam and Eve. It is also the symbol of its redemption by Jesus Christ on the tree of the cross. 

The "two turtle doves" refers to the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. 

The "three French hens" stand for faith, hope and love -- the three gifts of the Spirit that abide, mentioned in 1 Corinthians 13. 

The "four calling birds" refer to the four evangelists who wrote the Gospels -- Matthew, Mark, Luke and John -- which sing the song of salvation through Jesus Christ.

The "five golden rings" represents the first five books of the Bible, also called the Jewish Torah: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. 

The "six geese a-laying" is the six days of creation. 

The "seven swans a-swimming" refers to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit; wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. 

The "eight maids a-milking" reminded children of the eight beatitudes listed in the Sermon on the Mount.

The "nine ladies dancing" were the nine fruits of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23: love joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. 

The "ten lords a-leaping" represents the Ten Commandments. 

The "eleven pipers piping" refers to the eleven faithful apostles. 

The "twelve drummers drumming" were the twelve points of belief expressed in the Apostle's Creed: belief in God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, that Jesus Christ was born of a virgin, made man, crucified, died and arose on the third day, that he sits at the right hand of the father and will come again, the resurrection of the dead and life everlasting.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas filled with God’s rich Blessings.

Humble Adoration

So today I jumped on my soapbox again, this time to shout about a dear friend I admire.  With great enthusiasm I prepared to stand perched with her painting held high overhead to shout, "THIS GIRL CAN PAINT!"   In describing what this painting means to me personally, I found myself stepping off my soapbox to sit with my head in my hands, moved to tears under the amazing mercy of a heavenly Father.

I first saw Sue's painting when she posted a photo of it in her flicker photostream and it captured my heart instantly.  To me the happy cottage is so inviting, safely nestled against massive woods that stand to protect it from any coming storm. The warmth of the sun brighly shining upon it and the grassy knoll that leads to a lush tree standing as a landmark that this is home.

Writing these thoughts down brought to mind the trial I just came out of, where God was a shield protecting me from the attacks of the enemy, the light of His truth served to comfort and guide me, and I always felt safe as long as I remain planted in His will.

Though Sue may not have known the impact her painting would have on me when she painted it, God used it bless and encourage me. Through Sue's gracious generosity, her painting has found a home in my studio. Like a landmark it will always be a reminder that there is a trustworthy God in heaven who truly loves and cares for us. So now, back on my soapbox, I stand to shout, and by no means to deminish Sue's God given ability to paint a stunning painting, I wish to proclaim,

"My God, how great Thou art!"

But as for me, I will come into Your house in the multitude of Your mercy; in reverence of You I will worship toward Your holy temple. Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make Your way straight before my face. But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You. For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield. Psalm 5:7-8, 11-12

A Treasured Weekend!

Holy Moly! Five Etsy Treasuries featured my stationery in two days!  Check them out .

Beadin' By The Sea included my Raspberry Mouse Recipe Cards in her charming treasury titled, Gift Guide for Tea Lovers...Let's have a Spot of Tea! Sounds great to me!

Ronit Golan's hot Treasury titled Red and aRound featured my Red Toile Art Print.

Jasmine Lund created a warm and cozy treasury titled Jane Eyre - The Misty Moors and included my Great Scott! It's Time for Tea teacup greeting card.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in La Jubilee's treasury Holly and Ivy where she added my Holly Berries Teacup Christmas card.

 In this delightful Treasury A spot of Creativity (love that title), Magalerie includes my Tea Party Stickers with other charming teacups.

WOW! That's quite a line up.  I'm honored and grateful to see my stationery included with so much creativity.

Sitting Pretty

I transformed my average office guest chairs with the very beautiful "Summer Soiree" fabric designed by one of my favorite textile designers, Paula Prass,  giving them the girly look they were screaming for.  Now they are sitting pretty in my studio.

Featured in "The Tea Daily"!

"News Flash! Read all about it! Sneak peak at Kimberly Shaw's November HospitaliTea Club!"  I confess, it's a wonderful feeling to be mentioned, especially on the front page.  In the massive "www" it's a wonder I even get noticed.  But today "The Tea Daily" chose to feature news about my November HospitaliTea Club! Wahoooo!

Second confession, I had not heard of "The Tea Daily" until today, but I'm glad I know now. Filled with fascinating information and links, I had to share it with you. In it you'll find articles on the history and legends of tea, cooking with tea, the health benefits of tea, and a video of how tea flowers are made (a must see!). Patti Niehoff has done a wonderful job putting "The Tea Daily" together.  You can also follow her updates on Twitter.  I'll add a link in the Tea Section of my sidebar so you can easily pop over for the latest tea news.

Info on my November's HospitaliTea Club is in the previous post and on my website. If you want all the goodies in it, the last day to sign up is Monday Oct. 25  - in just 2 days.

Visiting Bernideen's

I wish I could personally visit Bernideen's lovely shop in Historic Old Colorado City, Colorado.  Her impressive store is loaded with gorgeous tea sets, gourmet foods, bath & body, hats, and cards.  Thanks to  Bernideen you can also find my Teacup Greeting cards & Stationery in her shop.  

As Bernideen is several states away, I'm blessed I can visit her at Bernideen's Tea Time Blog whenever I have a spare moment for pretty tea settings,  her delightful garden, tea time recipes, tea quotes, and festive tea party ideas. 

If you pop over for a peek at her blog right now you'll see the tea party she served in her garden. She gave each guest a recipe booklet sharing the recipes she served and a few favors, including my new recipe cards, thanks Bernideen!  Her tea party was also in support of an orphanage and school in Uganda.  Way to go gals!

"Tea Time" Doily

The pattern of this doily is appropriately called "Tea Time."  I'm so glad this amazing skill in creating intricate doilies and lace is not completely lost. This one was made by a very sweet friend who is also the daughter of the amazing Springerle Cookie bakers at Ivy Hill.  The teacup is my recent thrift store find depicting the Los Angeles Farmers Market I shared about yesterday.

San Fancisco Tour with Gary Holloway

Our main reason for visiting San Francisco was to join Gary Holloway on one of his historical walks through the Richmond District, ending at Katia's RussianTea Room.  Before we get started, here's a quick picture of the amazing architectural details of his 1800's Victorian home. Isn't it pretty?

 

A quick detour takes us to the Secret Garden Tea House for a delicious pot of Irish Breakfast tea and an enjoyable chat with the owner. Besides the classic tea sandwiches and crumpets, they also offer smoked salmon, grilled feta & tomato salad, baked brie & mango chutney... YUM!!!

 

Now it's time for our tour.  Gary is a very entertaining guide and his historical knowledge is extensive, making the tour very enjoyable. There were several people returning from a tour Gary lead the day before, and some had been on a number of his tours already.

The Richmond District was built on sand dunes?  You wouldn't know that seeing it today.  An Art Deco home built next to a Victorian cottage is a typical sight. 

 

A Fire house with a past.  A police woman joined the discussion to learn these offices were once the horse stables and the upper windows were the hay lofts.

 

The elementary school Gracie Allen attended and continued to support throughout her life.

 

A See's Candy store breaks the record for being in this same location for 75 years.

And now it's time for tea at Katia's Russian Tea Room!

 

We were greeted warmly.
 

The food was so delicious (eggplant caviar, salad olivier, chicken cutlets) I didn't think to photograph it until desert, Meringue Pavlove. Aren't these teacups amazing?

A few more photos around the city.

 

 

And one last stop at Lovejoy's Tea Room, but I took so many photos my camera's battery died just after I took this shot of their dogie water bowl outside.

We had a great time, and to learn all the history in San Francisco would take months, but if I had to learn it from anyone, I'm blessed I had an awesome and charming tour guide. If ever in San Francisco, I highly recommend one of Gary Holloway's tours. Sorry.

Impressive Plate Collection

Gary Holloway's beautiful Victorian San Francisco home, built in the 1800's, is like a museum filled with treasures he's collected. One such collection is his amazing blue and white plates displayed on the walls of his dining room over butter yellow walls.

 

The gold frames were custom made by his uncle to show off the artwork he'd received as gifts from artist he helped.

The homes wainscoting and custom cabinetry are exquisite.

 
Just through the door is Gary's kitchen with his impressive chocolate and tea tin collection.  Because Gary is an avid greeting card and post card sender, his collections also include  mail boxes.  You can see a green one just beyond the doorway. 

Gary was a gracious host, inviting us to stay at his home before joining him on his walking tour of the historic Richmond District in San Francisco. The tour was very enjoyable and Gary's extensive historical knowledge made the tour very interesting. It helps that he is also witty and charming. I'll  share our tour with you next time along with the tea rooms Gary took us to.

Worlds Largest Tea Tin Collection

Steve and I were privileged to visit our good friend Gary Holloway in San Francisco and view in awe his "worlds largest" chocolate and tea tin collection. He said his extensive collection started with one tea tin that was too nice looking to throw away and found a place on the kitchen window sill. A second followed, then a third. Now Gary has over 1600 beautiful tea tins in his lovely Victorian kitchen with 12' high ceilings.  It was the best room I have ever been privileged to be in. I was speechless for quite a while as I gazed up in admiration.

 

 

 

Here's a sneak peek into Gary's dining room, which is equally impressive, displaying his collection of blue and white plates. I'll share his plates and other collections next time.

I first met Gary Holloway as a customer of mine.  He called one day to ask if "Kimberly Shaw" was a real person. We talked for a long time, discovering we had a ton in common. We grew up in the same area, went to the same school, both love tea, and so on.  He is very charming and we became friends instantly.  Learning he gave historical walks around San Francisco I signed Steve and I up for his walk that ended in Katia's Russian Tea Room. While in San Diego he came to visit us where we served him a high tea and gave him a tour of my studio.  While in San Francisco he offered to let us stay at his home. What a treasure it was, like being in a museum where everything has a delightful story.

Stay tuned for our adventure on Gary's historical walk in the historic Richmond District development which began in the early 1870's with scattered homes built in the sand dunes that covered the entire area, and our visits to a couple of tea rooms in San Francisco.

Breakfast Tea

In my cup this  morning is the most satisfying Irish Breakfast tea, delicious with milk and honey. It comes from my favorite local tea and coffee hangout, Pannikin Coffee & Tea.  The coffee cakes, pies and blueberry muffins are irresistible.  When I'm there in the morning I always order their Greek breakfast of scrambled eggs, feta cheese and basil with a mug of fresh brewed coffee, Ethiopian being my favorite.

When the origonal supplier for the tea I was planning to provide with my HospitaliTea Club packages wasn't available, I looked to my local shop and have been pleasently surprised at the variety and quality of teas. My March HostitaliTea Club packages came with this wonderful Irish Breakfast tea which I will never tire of.  The May Club packs I just sent out on Saturday have Queen's blend tea, and the next Club packages for July will come with Blue Lady tea.

The Pannican is family owned, cozy and welcoming with a line out the door that's worth waiting in. It's located in the charming historic Santa Fe Railroad Station built in 1888. Pannikin means a small pan or cup usually of tin. If you are unable to visit personally, you can order their fresh roasted coffees & teas online.

I'm Honored!

Check out the amazing thing Carol at My Painting Room did with my Teacup Greeting cards!

Don't you just love her shelf of gorgeous blue and white china!

Pop on over to her blog where she's having a SWEET GIVE AWAY, and while you're there check out her watercolors up close. Her blog header alone is magnificent! I have a print of her fabulous "Queen Anne's Lace" hanging in my home.

Best Teapot Fabric

Can you tell I've been on a soapbox lately bragging about artist?  Well, today may I introduce you to fabric designer Bari J Ackerman.  Remember the fat quarter I won from the Give Away of her beautiful Full Bloom Collection? OK, yes, did buy additional yardage here. I chose her yellow teapots and teacups to create a valance in my studio, gave it a girly curve, and added ball fringe. Looking for lovely tea fabric? There are two additional colors in her Full Bloom line, as well as a host of beautiful coordinating fabrics in her Full Bloom line.

 

Her second line Art Journal, also produced by Windham Fabrics, will be available mid April 2010. Her blog is a never ending amazement of all the exciting things she creates. 

Thanks Bari for giving us tea lovers the best teapot fabric to choose from.  Everything you put your mind and hands to do and create are lovely!!!

Amber Alexander's Whimsical Animals

I have always had a heart for bears, and when I discovered Amber Alexander's "Byron" reading Shakespeare and having tea, it was love at first sight. I adore a good story, and the one Amber writes about Byron is delightful. This past Christmas I was joyfully, with tears, surprised to receive him as a gift from Georgia!

 

Amber has an incredible way of giving her whimsical animals such expressive faces. After I framed and matted Byron I hung him over the chair next to my desk.  He looked terrific, but his constant stare seemed to say, "Tilly is adorable and has a wonderful story, too." When I could stand it no longer Amber's Tilly joined the party.

Since Amber thoughtfully included a greeting card of her adorable Les Mews I framed her because I knew I wouldn’t be able to part with it.  Georgia says I work in the happiest little corner, and I agree. Thanks Amber for all the joy your expressive artwork gives. Amber Alexander is always posting new artwork on her beautiful blog. When you pop over to her Etsy Shop or Blog, (please do, her photos are way better than what I've posted here) and please, please, please don't forget to read the adorable stories she writes about her paintings, and leave her a sweet comment! I'd would really like to know if you have a favorite one of hers: a cat, a rabbit, a squirrel, birds, lady bugs, hedgehog,...  They all make me smile!

Carol's Queen Anne's Lace

I have been admiring Carol's artwork ever since I  first discovered her on Flickr.  Her amazing Cabbage watercolor was the first to catch my eye, but her Queen Anne's Lace is spectacular with its black background. I have such trouble painting dark backgrounds without loosing the subject, so I really appreciate this painting.  I was thrilled when she opened an Etsy shop: carolspaintingroom, because now I get to admire her Queen Anne's Lace every day in my home. Thank you, Carol, I love it!!! You can also visit Carol on her blog My Painting Room.

Fabrics in Full Bloom by Bari J

I know I don't even need to ask, but aren't these new fabrics by designer Bari J gorgeous!?  Her new line "Full Bloom" arrived at my house this week.  I was so excited I wanted to hug the UPS man, but he wasn't amused.

Bari graciously offered these as a Give Away on her blog and I was blessed to be a winner.  Her Teacup & Teapot design is the best I have ever seen, and it comes in 3 color ways.  The little bird, strawberry, and pretty blossoms are perfect details to inspire endless creativity.

The ideas are endless and I'll need to order more for all the projects that quickly came to mind: update my studio, design a quilt, make an apron, and sew a summer skirt.

Each fabric is a work of art, suitable for framing.
Thanks Bari, each one is more beautiful in person and very inspiring!  I first discovered Bari's talent when I stumbled over her phenomenal one of a kind handbags.  Since then she has designed this full line of fabrics, is now working on a book deal, and rumor has it she'll be working on a second line of fabrics.

Judy Shops at Pickets

Judy, a sweet Flickr friend and Blogging buddy, blessed me when she sent me a note saying, "Check this out Kim,"  with a link to these photos. While in Golden, Colorado she visited this charming store in historic downtown Golden, CO named "Pickets"  a  Home and Garden Shop.   Inside she found a rack of my Teacup Greeting cards and took a picture to share with me.  Isn't she sweet?  I hardly ever see my Teacup Cards in stores, so this was a real treat for me to see.  Judy is an incredible artist and gardener whose delightful blog Oobos, The Adventures of a Gardening Artist is a delight to read. I especially love her adorable Sumi-e birds and frogs.

Photos used by permission, Thanks Judy!!!

Methow Valley Homestead

I just discovered how fabulous the Methow Valley Homestead is when Deb Stennes, 3rd generation orchardists, included her website link with a re-order of my Teacup Greeting cards she placed for her shop.

This place has it all: gorgeous scenery, rich history, family heritage, and acres of organic orchards where they grow Cherries, Pluots, Pears, Apples and Plums.

I couldn't resist sharing it with you. I haven't been here, but if I am blessed enough to be in North Central Washington State, I'll make a special trip to visit, but where do I start.

Their Gift Shop looks welcoming, the  Restaurant's menu is tempting, but then there is also the Homemade Ice Cream topped with fresh organic fruit, or Grandma Debbie’s homemade fudge, and freshly roasted Organic Coffee brewed into a yummy Espresso. 

   

Have you checked out their website at www.methowvalleyhomestead.com and discovered their rich history? Doesn't it look like a wonder place to visit? If you ever get an oportunity to go, or have been lucky enough to have been there, let me know about your visit.

All photos used by permission from the Methow Valley Homestead website. Thanks Deb!

TeaGuide Review

I received an overwhelming review of my Teacup Greeting cards by Janis Badarau, Editor & Publisher of TeaGuide: Reviews and Ramblings.  She is an incredible writer and her site is brimming with reviews on tea facts and products including cookbooks, tea sources, tea history, gifts, and one of my favorites "Sugars by Sharon".  You'll also find beautiful tea book reviews and numerous links to exquisite tea blogs and web stores.

Kathleen York's Artwork

I love Kathleen's expressive drawings. Not only is there an amazing amount of detail in each one, but she creates them while on a moving subway or train.  Every time I view her photostream on Flickr or read her delightful blog Life is Art, Art is Life I feel like she's taken me on a journey with her through her sketches.  She currently had 372 Subway drawings.  She also creates beautiful paintings and sketches, like these adorable sandals. 

Kathleen was very sweet to surprise me with a package of her amazing art.  I am working on a swap for her, though our origonal agreement was for my pink tea towel and a sweet little teacup.  However, the tea towel went missing and hopeful it would show up, I've been disadvantaged ever since.  So now I'm in high gear in the studio creating an origonal painting for her.  In the mean time, treat yourself with a view of Kathleen's numerous one-of-a-kind art. She now has some available in her new Etsy shop Kayork Art & Design.

Judy Beck's Watercolor

I was so blessed to receive this beautiful painting from Judy Beck who called it "One of her Crazy Sunflowers."  She even creatively painted the envelope and attached a sunflower postage stamp.  I first admired Judy's beautiful art in her photo stream on Flickr and now enjoy reading her delightful blog, "A DRAWING A DAY Keeps The Doctor Away."  You're in for a treat with her dramatic trees, lovely flowers, and adorable sumi-e frogs and birds to name just a few.

JensCloset Finds

I did a dangerous thing last Sunday.  I went shopping on Etsy, specifically JensCloset.  When I first discovered Jenscloset on Flickr I just assumed she was an avid collector and I was jealous each time I viewed her photos. 

I pined over this pretty pink vase, thinking Jen was so lucky to have it in her collection.

When it occurred to me view her profile I discovered she had an Etsy shop, now I'm the lucky owner of this adorable pink vase with pink bow and gold accents.

And now I'm really in trouble because Jen alsohas MyMilkglassShop.etsy.com, with all my favorites: Milkglass Hobnail with ruffles!  So I also choose this one...

and this one, perfect size to hold teabags.

Jen surprised me by adding a sweet milkglass bud vase in my package as an extra gift!

Each piece came beautifully packaged, wrapped in pretty tissue and lovely ribbons.

Thanks, Jen. I LOVE THEM ALL!!!

Meet Edmund

 
I was so happy the mailman delivered a Pippa Long Stocking sock monkey I ordered from the United Kingdom.  The sight of him gave me so much joy, not only because I personally think he's adorable, but I have become very fond of Pippa who created him.  I first discovered Pippa's creative art in her Flick photostream called Pippa's Arty Life.  She creates delightful sock monkeys in polka dots and a variety of lively stripes, with new ones in the works. You can find them in her etsy shop at www.pippsalongstockings.etsy.com.  She also has an incredibly moving sketchbook and delightful blog.

I first saw this striped orange, blue and yellow Sock Monkey chilling with his buddies. For me it was love at first sight. As a child I played with my aunt's brown and red sock monkeys whenever we visited her.  Now I finally had my own to share with visiting children, although my grown-up friends have become quite fond of him.  At my office he sparked a "Bring your Monkey to Work Day."

I gave him the name of Edmund, which means"rich protector" from the Old English ead "rich, blesses" and mund "protector."

He came in this adorably wrapped box tied with string, topped with an artful tag, and a surprise inside.