Dusting in Pearls

Dusting in Pearls on hiatus

2010-02-05T19:42:00.001-08:00

In an attempt to consolidate my blogging life, the Dusting in Pearls blog is on an indeterminate hiatus. I will continue to post about my creative adventures at Rosehaven Cottage and would love to have you visit me there.

NEW COLLECTION! The Lure of Fishing

2010-01-02T15:57:00.001-08:00

The Lure of Fishing Digital Paper

I am really excited to announce the release of a new collection of authentic vintage art and graphics at the Rosehaven Cottage Digital Download Shop--"The Lure of Fishing".

A few years ago, I acquired a collection of travel brochures that was compiled by a young girl back in the the 1950's. She had written to different boards of tourism in the various states and territories of the U.S. and received standard tourism packets in return. Each packet had been carefully preserved and untouched for over 50 years when they were given to me by the all-grown-up collector.

As an artist and graphic designer with a love of vintage illustration, I have treasured the collection as a treasure trove of inspiration and irreplaceable vintage photographs (many in color!). But for a long time, I've tried to figure out a way to share them with others in a format that would inspire others' creativity as they had inspired mine. Last month, the solution finally came to me! I could share the images in collections as digital downloads!

I carefully scan each graphic image using my high-resolution art scanner. Then I take each graphic into Photoshop CS3 and digitally restore it. Once that is done, each graphic is compiled with other coordinating graphics onto a 300 dpi digital sheet with 12"x12" physical dimensions for printing. Each coordinate sheet can each be purchased separately to mix and match. The sheets can be printed and cut apart by hand or cut apart digitally and used for a variety of creative projects.

"The Lure of Fishing" is the first of a number collections I plan to release. Click on any of the images below to read more about that particular set.

The Lure of Fishing Vintage Graphics Set 1

The Lure of Fishing Vintage Graphics Set 2

The Lure of Fishing Vintage Graphics Set 3

Print-Your-Own Gift Tags

2009-12-22T18:13:00.001-08:00

Do you have the same problem I do every year? I get around to wrapping all my Christmas gifts and then realize I don't have enough gift tags. Or I don't like the ones I have on hand. Well, if you're feeling a little creative and need a solution to the same problem, here it is!

Featuring my own original watercolor illustration "Santa's Sleigh", this print-your-own PDF file lets you enjoy creating something while you're enjoying the spirit of giving at Christmas. And it's only 50 cents!

Print as many as you wish (for your personal use) on your own printer, on the paper you want, and even embellish them to your heart's content!

Delivered in a digital PDF file that you print. When you purchase this item, a download file will be made available to you IMMEDIATELY after you checkout. You will need a free copy of Adobe Reader to view and print the file, but that's it! This file is compatible with every computer and doesn't need any special software to use.

The high-resolution full-color PDF file prints on 8.5"x11" with three large 4.75"W x 2.75"H gift tags on each page you print. Instructions and fun ideas are included on each page you print too. Once you've printed, simply cut around the dotted lines, and you have three gift tags!

Click here to download the file now!

Take-Out Twinkler

2009-12-18T14:57:00.000-08:00

Since November 2009, I've had the pleasure of being a part of a design team designing projects for Aqua-Gems using their products--Aqua Gems Liquid Marbles and BrightSPOT Submersible LED Accent Lights. I've been given permission to share my craft designs here on my blog. To see all craft designs I've featured, click on the label "craft design" at the end of this post.

Click on image to view larger

This project is so fun to make because it's really easy and very inexpensive. It's a versatile project that has a lot of possible applications (see "Ideas" section below).

Materials:

1 translucent plastic take-out container (Dollar Tree has this pre-decorated one or you could buy a plain on and draw your design on with Sharpie markers)
3 BrightSPOT submersible LED accent lights (I used blue, red and pink)
Aqua Gems (I used clear)

Directions:

Put a 1 inch layer of Aqua Gems in the bottom of take-out container
Set one BrightSPOT on top of Aqua Gems with bulb facing out about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch in from sides of container
Put another 1-2 inch layer of Aqua Gems burying light
Set one BrightSPOT on top of second layer of Aqua Gems on opposite side than first BrightSPOT
Put another 1-2 inch layer of Aqua Gems in burying light
Set last BrightSPOT on top of third layer in line with first
Fill container full with Aqua Gems burying last light
Close flaps of container and your done!

Ideas:

String together multiple Take-Out Twinklers as a lighted “garland” and hang for a party
Place multiple Take-Out Twinklers along a walkway leading up to the door to welcome guests to a nighttime party
Tie helium-filled balloons to handle and use as a centerpiece on a table or make multiple ones for a larger room with many tables
Jazz up the top by putting the stem of a single big showy flower through the small space in the top between the flaps. The Aqua Gems will keep it hydrated. A gerbera daisy would look great.

Click here to visit the Aqua Gems website for more information
or to buy Aqua Gems Liquid Marbles
and BrightSPOT Submersible LED Accent Lights for this project

Disclosure: I was paid to design the featured project. I AM NOT being paid to feature this project or product(s) on my blog and WILL NOT receive compensation for clicks through to the company website featuring the product(s)

Dancing Dear Abigail Girl

2009-12-03T18:11:00.000-08:00

After finishing up the design work on the Dear Abigail Girl for DearAbigail.net, Abby wanted me to come up with an excited dancing version of our little gal. She wanted to pair the art with one of her favorite Marilyn Monroe quotes so she could use it as a Facebook button.

Here's the exciting news...

Abby wants this art to be available to anyone that wants to buy it for only $0.99 at the Rosehaven Cottage Digital Download Shop (click here to download it). It is also available without the DearAbigail.net lettering at the bottom (click here to download that version).

I can also add custom lettering to the bottom if you drop me a note at dustinginpearls at yahoo dot com with a special request--and it will still cost only $0.99.

Dear Abigail Girl

2009-11-20T15:13:00.000-08:00

Over the past few weeks, I've had the privilege of working with Abigail at Dear Abigail to design and illustrate the "Dear Abigail Girl" to appear on a sidebar button on Abigail's newly burgeoning website for girls. Abigail had a great vision and articulated it so clearly. She wanted a curly-haired girl playing dress-up in colors that coordinated with her website's color palette. Because Abigail's website looks like a bulletin board, she wanted the illustration to look like it was taped up to the "bulletin board". So I was able to create that for her too. The Dear Abigail Girl is now being incorporated into the website by Abigail's coders and should make her debut soon.

Click here to visit Dear Abigail

Lighted Kissing Ball

2009-11-18T16:36:00.000-08:00

Click image above to view larger

The above arrangement is another of the design projects I've been working on for Aqua-Gems using their products--Aqua Gems Liquid Marbles and BrightSPOT Submersible LED Accent Lights.

I've named this design "Lighted Kissing Ball". The above arrangement is made with fresh roses and lemon leaf leaves for greens, but I also made it up in a silk sample. Here are the steps on how to assemble one for yourself.

Materials list:

1 Gala Bouquet Holder by FloraCraft (from craft store)
1 Bright Spot light (used white)
Aqua Gems (any color--I used purple)
48 fresh roses (as shown) or 24 silk roses
Ribbon
Green leaves for filler (for silks use green leaves from stems)

Directions:

Carefully open bouquet holder at middle seam and remove floral foam (slide a dull knife around the middle if necessary)
Using a butter knife or flathead screwdriver, remove plastic plug separating globe from bouquet handle
Fill hollow handle with Aqua Gems
Turn on Bright Spot and push up into the bottom of the floral foam (cut out foam material if necessary)
Replace floral foam in holder with light shining down
Snap holder back together
Arrange flowers in floral foam so the edges touch and all foam is covered
String ribbon through hole in bottom of holder to hang

Click here to visit the Aqua Gems website for more information
or to buy Aqua Gems Liquid Marbles
and BrightSPOT Submersible LED Accent Lights for this project

Lighted Carnation Parfait Centerpiece

2009-11-13T14:33:00.000-08:00

Click on any image in this post to view larger

The past two weeks I've been working on a confidential design job that I can finally write about. I've been designing projects for Aqua-Gems using their products--Aqua Gems Liquid Marbles and BrightSPOT Submersible LED Accent Lights. A number of the design projects I've created will be used in a large retail craft/fabric store account that Aqua-Gems has, but I've been given the green light to showcase them on my blog too!

The first is a lighted centerpiece I've named "Carnation Parfait". Here are the steps on how to assembly one for yourself.

Materials list:

1 parfait or sundae glass (I got mine at a restaurant supply store)
1 drinking straw
1 BrightSPOT light (I used pink)
1 package of Aqua Gems Liquid Marbles (I used pink)
6 standard carnations in a color matching the Aqua Gems you use
2 white standard carnations
1 artificial red cherry or cranberry on a pick wire (from craft store)

Directions:

1) Turn on the BrightSPOT and slide the drinking straw over the bulb of the light (see photos below)

2) Place a small amount of hydrated Aqua Gems Liquid Marbles in bottom of parfait glass and nest BrightSPOT in Aqua Gems (see photo below)

3) Fill the parfait glass full of Aqua Gems Liquid Marbles

4) Position straw just to the right or left of center

5) Cut the carnation stems to 3-4 inches in length

6) Arrange 6 colored carnations in a circle around entire rim of parfait glass (let edges of carnations hang over the edge of glass)

7) Place 2 white carnations in top center (re-position straw if needed)

8) Place cherry on top by sliding pick wire down into center

And you're ready to "serve"!

Click here to visit the Aqua Gems website for more information
or to buy Aqua Gems Liquid Marbles
and BrightSPOT Submersible LED Accent Lights for this project

One-of-a-Kind Vintage Doilie Corsages

2009-11-05T15:12:00.000-08:00

I love wearing flower brooches on my retro-looking button-up sweaters. So I came up with a way to make flower corsage brooches from vintage doilies and mismatched or disassembled vintage jewelery. I've just released the first collection in the "One-of-a-Kind Wearable Art" section at the Dusting in Pearls online store.

Each of the vintage doilies are from my favorite local antique store with each one being unique and special. I found the vintage mismatched jewelery during my thrifting trips and thought they needed a new life as something special and pretty.

Click on any of the images in this post to see details and a larger image

The One-of-a-Kind Vintage
Doilie Corsage Pin Collection
at Dusting in Pearls

Print-Your-Own Thanksgiving Invitations

2009-11-02T14:45:00.000-08:00

Click on any of the images in this post to view larger

I've just released a new design for print-your-own Thanksgiving themed stationery that is very versatile and can be used in a lot of ways. There are some pretty cool reasons for buying a PDF digital file download:

You can print as many as you need for your personal use without any fancy software--all you need is a free downloaded copy of Adobe Reader
If you remember someone at the last minute, just print out another one
Once you've printed out the stationery, you can embellish it with glitter and lots of other fun things or just leave it as-is
You can use the same file for multiple uses such as invitations, map/directions inserts in the invitations, AND place cards
If you want to customize the stationery before you print it, you can do it easily by following the instructions below

Customizing Your Print-Your-Own Stationery

You can always print out the PDF file just as you receive it and then hand-write on the stationery. But if you want to save yourself time and turn the PDF file into your own customized invitations, this is how!

I used MS Word to do these (because most people have that program), but this can also be done using Photoshop Elements, Photoshop CS, or many other programs that allow you to insert or place a graphic into a document as an independent layer.

In MS Word, open a new document that is 8.5"x11" (letter-sized). Go up to the "Insert" menu at the top of your document so it expands like this...

Move your cursor down to the "Picture" sub-menu and hover over the right-facing arrow to the right of the title "Picture" to bring up the pull-down menu you'll need to insert a picture.

Within that sub-menu you'll have some choices. Choose "From File..." so you can navigate through your file directories to the PDF file that you've downloaded and stored on your hard drive. Once you've found the PDF file, select it and click OK.

The PDF file will now appear within your Word document as a graphic. It will probably be slightly smaller than its actual size, so you'll need to resize it larger.

To resize without distorting the correct proportions of a graphic, hold down the Shift key while dragging one of the corners of the graphic. Continue to drag until the graphic is as large as your document page.

The next step is really important.

Double-click on the graphic itself and define the "Wrapping Style" of the graphic as "Behind Text". What you are doing is telling the program that you want the graphic to act like a piece of paper behind what you are going to type. You want them to act independently of each other with the text sitting on top of the graphic.

Now go back to your "Insert" menu and select "Text box" to create a text box. Size the box to fit inside the graphics by dragging on any corner of the box, then start typing just as you would type a regular text-only document. Using a text box allows you to drag the entire block of text around on top of the other graphic as if the text is it's own editable graphic.

Once you've typed all the text that you need in the text box, select the text box (if it isn't already selected) by clicking on it once.

Now go to the "Edit" menu at the top of your document and select "Copy". An invisible copy of that text box will be copied to an invisible clipboard in your computer's memory.

Now go to the Edit menu again and select "Paste". A duplicate text box will appear in the center of your document. It will float on top of everything just like your other text box.

To drag and position it on the lower invitation graphic, click on top of the text and continue to hold down your mouse button without releasing. Then drag the text box into place.

Another way to reposition a text box or graphic is to make sure the object is selected and then use the direction arrows to maneuver it around your screen (this works well for finely adjusting a position).

Once you're happy with how everything lines up, it's time to print out your document.

Set your printer the highest quality print settings to get the best results. You can print on cardstock (Wal-Mart has some nice cardstock that's inexpensive) or on some other nice paper you have.

Print out as many copies as you need and you're set to begin embellishing and/or cutting them out! Easy!

Click here to download the "Thanks" postcards featured in this post

Print-Your-Own Halloween Invitations

2009-10-22T18:00:00.000-07:00

Invite all your friends to a Halloween gathering with these sweet print-your-own invitations. Print as many as you wish (for your personal use) on your own printer, on the paper you want, and even embellish them to your heart's content!

Invitations are delivered in a digital PDF file that you print. When you purchase this item, a download file will be made available to you IMMEDIATELY after you checkout.

The PDF file prints on 8.5"x11" and has two flat postcard-style 7"W x 5"H invitations on each page you print. Once you've printed, simply cut around the dotted lines, fill out the invitation by hand, and send them out!

Each invitation will fit in a standard A7 envelope.

Click here to download!

Behind the Scenes: Mum Dreams

2009-10-16T14:32:00.000-07:00

I love to take macro shots (close-ups) of flowers. Sometimes the shot looks great just as it is, but sometimes I like to tweak it a bit to make it into an art photo. Here's a quick way that I do that.

I open the photo in Photoshop (I use CS3 but this will also work in Elements and other versions). The photo becomes the first layer in the file.

Using the "Place" command (under the "File" menu), I place a texture file as a new layer. In this case, I placed my texture "Lilac Dream". I then resize the texture layer so it completely covers the photo layer underneath it. It ends up looking like this:

The next step is to make the texture layer "transparent" so you can see the photo through it and get the effect of the texture mixed with the original photo.

In this case, with the texture layer selected I went to the "Layers" menu (in CS3 you can see it in the right hand side of your workspace) and in the pull-down menu under "Normal" I chose "Screen". It made the image look like this:

You can also experiment by choosing any of the options in the "Layers" menu to see if you like those effects better. Remember, "undo" is your friend. If you don't like the effect just "undo" and try something else. Nothing is permanent.

I liked the "Screen" effect for this texture and photo pairing. It worked very nicely. At this point, I could actually leave the photo the way it is, save it, and I'm done. But I like to tweak things a bit more after this step by accentuating certain elements in the photograph that only I can determine by hand.

First, I rasterize the texture layer so Photoshop allows me to edit it. Then, I select the eraser tool and set the opacity to 5-10%. I choose a soft-edged brush at about 45. Then with the texture layer selected, I start strategically erasing certain shadows around the center petals of the main mum. I use a digital tablet and stylus so it feels like I'm "drawing", but you can do the same thing with your mouse. Gentle strokes from the darkest shadows out toward the lighter areas mimic brush or pencil strokes. With the opacity set very low I only take away a little at bit at a time and feather out from the darker shadows. I only erase just a little here and there to draw out some of the detail in the focal points of the photo.

This is what the final product looks like:

Click here to download a free copy of this image to use as a desktop, wallpaper, or to print out at home

Behind the Scenes: Constance

2009-10-09T18:13:00.001-07:00

I've had a sketch in my sketchbook for quite some time (I called her "Constance") but have been stumped as to how to finish the dress.

As I was playing with some textures yesterday, I ran across one that is the scan of the outside of a beautiful antique botanical print portfolio. I named the texture "Library Paisley". Then I started playing with it to see if I could get it to change colors, and my experiments worked! I got a great red version that I called "Library Paisley--Red" (along with some other cool color versions like peacock, violet blue, and kelly green.

Today, it dawned on me that it was the perfect pattern I had been waiting for to use as the dress for my "Constance". I cleaned up the line drawing and elongated her legs in the process. Then I used the "linear burn" method that I wrote about in the "Downward Dog" post.

To apply the pattern to her dress, I used the masking technique in Photoshop straight from my copy of Photoshop CS3 Classroom in a Book (I couldn't have done it without my book because for some reason I have a mental block when using masks and it isn't intuitive for me). The cool thing about using a mask layer is that I can change the dress to be any other pattern I want with just a few clicks.

Then I set my brush on "Watercolor Heavy Pigments" and went to work adding color to the drawing that would coordinate with the dress.

Finally, I put the fully colored "Constance" onto a background of a scanned piece of old sheet music with the opacity dialed way down. I added type with the font Jellyka Saint Andrew's Queen (free at dafont.com) and skewed it to make it look like an autographed "photo".

Here is the final art (click on the image to view larger):

Bellhop

2009-10-07T17:12:00.000-07:00

Click on image to view larger

I felt like "playing" today with one of my sketches that I've had in my sketchbook for quite some time. I brought the bellhop pencil sketch into Photoshop for the digital coloring using the same technique I did for "Downward Dog". Once the bellhop was done, I put him into a composition using one of my own photographs, a couple of my textures, and a fun new font I found at dafont.com.

Font: Fontdinerdotcom Sparkly
Textures: Autumn Haze and an old paper texture I scanned in (if you want it ask me)
Photo: Vintage Sierra Motel Sign

Behind the Scenes: The Beaded Chick

2009-10-05T23:43:00.000-07:00

The past couple of weeks, I've had the immense pleasure of doing a design job for Kimberly over at The Beaded Chick. She contacted me after seeing my work at the Rosehaven Cottage Digital Download Shop. She needed a custom-designed logo for her sterling silver and Swarovski crystal jewelry business and wondered if I could create one for her.

Since Kimberly and I live on separate coasts of the U.S., all our communications were via email (and Flickr). Kimberly gave me a wonderful description of what her vision for the logo was. My job was to interpret it into a little chick that she would love. So the first thing I needed to do was some pencil sketching. This is the pencil sketch that I started out with...

I scanned the pencil sketch into the computer and opened it in Adobe Illustrator CS3 to do the "inking" (back in school I really used pen and ink for this step). I use Illustrator because it will create a vector graphic that will resize to any size without losing quality (no pixelated and jagged edges). I like to used a brush set on "charcoal" at various stroke widths to get the art marker look I like.

After the initial pencil sketch, Kimberly communicated an additional piece of her vision--that the little chick would be wearing a ring and a bracelet. So with those additions, the finished "inking" ended up looking like this...

Then it was time to add some color. At this point, I switched over to Adobe Photoshop CS3 and placed the image into a Photoshop document (Illustrator files are compatible with Photoshop). Then I started creating layer after layer of color by "drawing" the color on using my digital tablet and a stylus. Every time I changed colors, I made a new layer (in case I wanted to make any adjustments along the way). The "inking" layer always stayed as the top layer over the colors. Doing this part is always a lot of fun and feels like coloring in a coloring book to me.

When I was done, I had this...

Once I had the little chick completed, I was also able to design Kimberly's blog header for her. Kimberly hadn't settled on any font type yet, so I hunted around over at dafont.com to find a free font that would convey a jeweled or beaded quality. I found Razzle Dazzle and knew it was the perfect fit! I already had MA Sexy for the pretty hot pink cursive writing. Using Kimberly's blog template as a color guide, I built the header to match her beautiful color palette. And this is what the finished header looks like...

Hubby loves the little "Beaded Chick". And I have to humbly admit that I do too and it's all because of Kimberly vision. Thank you, Kimberly, for this wonderful opportunity to create her for you! I am excited to see her write about her own creative journey on "The Beaded Chick" blog.

All bold words in this post are click-able links

Uncharted waters ahead

2009-09-26T17:37:00.000-07:00

Because the summer heat around here is so oppressive, I spend the summer months indoors staying cool with the air conditioner. It isn't until sometime in October that I venture back out into the garden for the next 8-9 months until the heat drives me back inside again. So during the summer months, I do an awful lot of soul-searching and pondering. I do a lot of pondering while I garden the rest of the year, but it is often a different kind of pondering that is more spiritual in nature. My summer pondering is that of a woman in "hibernation" and often has a "cocoon effect" on me so that by the end of summer I'm ready to burst forth like a butterfly ready to take wing.

This summer, I've done a great deal of soul-searching and self-evaluation during my months of hibernation. And in counsel with my best friend (who is also my sweet spouse), I felt brave enough to take a step into uncharted waters in my creative journey. So I applied to the Academy of Art University in San Francisco to the Master of Fine Arts program in Illustration. A large part of me expected to not get in, but I knew I needed to at least go through the process of taking the risk.

My creative journey has been a circuitous one. I've been creating with a pencil in my hand since I was old enough to hold one (my mom has the home movies to prove it). Through some wonderful serendipitous circumstances, I was able to attend a public school in first grade that had an art program with a dedicated art teacher who taught her students (me included) how to draw still life at age 7! Now that I reflect back on it, I realize was an amazing and rare experience that was. As I got older, I plugged along through various public schools (we moved frequently during my childhood). By junior high and high school I was choosing to take art as an elective no matter what. I learned sculpture, pottery, drawing, painting, and just about every other medium you can imagine.

After high school, I dabbled in a few college majors before settling on Commercial Art and earned my Associates of Arts degree at a community college. I walked out of that program with the training to be a graphic artist and the portfolio to prove it. I went to interview after interview for creative positions. But no jobs materialized. My dream had been to work for Disney, so I even trekked down to L.A. for a couple of months trying to get a job there. It didn't happen. It seemed I was not destined to be a professional graphic artist. I ended up working in secretarial and data entry capacities in order to earn money (good thing my mom had strongly encouraged me to take typing and 10-key in high school).

After a few unfulfilling years working in administrative jobs, I decided to go back to school and earn my Bachelor's degree. I was drawn to Mills College and ended up in their Art History program. My two years there were an awakening for me as a 26-28 year old woman. I gained a lot of confidence and self-assurance there. I did a lot of writing for Art History and enjoyed it immensely. My professors said I showed promise and hoped that I would go on to get my graduate degrees in Art History as well. But I didn't. I had to go back into the workforce and earn money again.

"Corporate America" was a bit kinder to me after I had my Bachelor's degree. I was able to get work in project administration capacities. I tried to carve out "creative" niches in my work as a technical writer and computer trainer. I was always the one that got to do the office newsletters and flyers.

But my "real" art still remained in a portfolio and in a secret place in my heart. My creativity found outlets in the privacy of my own home. I never earned a living creating art. And it always seemed like a very sad disappointment that I felt I needed to hide. Sometimes I'd get brave and send a set of slides to a greeting card publisher. I even invested in having some cards printed up professionally but couldn't sell them to retailers. I let my inner artist slowly go to sleep in a place deep inside me.

I got married when I was 31 years old. Within months of getting married, my physical health deteriorated rapidly. I had been burdened with chronic pain since I was 15 years old, but no doctor was able to diagnose anything other than PMS. By the time I was 31, I became completely incapacitated. So my husband became the soul breadwinner in our home. I stayed home and thought it was a good opportunity to try to get creative again. I tried my hand at cross-stitching. Once (at the prompting of my brother when he gave me a beautiful wooden easel as a gift) I brought out my paints and a canvas and painted one painting. I gave away most of my art supplies to my brother who was in art classes at the time. I figured I was passing the torch on for good. All my creative pursuits were limited and very "safe" like embroidery and sewing. I couldn't venture to the place where I had taken risks a decade before. That was too scary.

A couple of years after I got married, we bought our house and I delved into the adventures of remodeling and renovation. My creativity found an outlet in home construction as I tiled, sheet-rocked, taped, textured, laid hardwood floors, and installed trim. It also found an outlet in the garden as I took our dried up lot and made it bloom into a drought-tolerant cottage-style garden.

After a few years of working on the house despite my chronic pain, I finally found a doctor that listened. A month after my 39th birthday, I underwent the surgery that revealed I had been plagued with a crippling case of endometriosis for over 20 years. I was given my life back. For me, life really did begin at 40. I spent the next 1-2 years healing my physical body. But my inner artist was still fast asleep.

It wasn't until the spring of 2007 on a vacation, when I started shooting photos on the beach that I realized there was a creative artist in me that, like Sleeping Beauty, was ready to wake up. However, because I have to allow myself to be slightly vulnerable when I create, I had to take things slowly and ease into it again. The more involved the creative method is (like painting), the more vulnerable I have to be to create. I had to take baby steps. I couldn't just jump back in with both feet. It was too scary.

First, I ventured into photography again because that was the safest place to start. I could shoot what I saw. With a digital camera, I didn't even have to worry about wasting film. If a shot didn't turn out, I hadn't taken a huge creative risk. I could just delete the image. I started dabbling in some post-processing techniques using Photoshop to get a little more creative with the photographs. But things still remained pretty safe. And it helped that I shot a lot of my images in my gardens and places that I loved.

Then after about a year of that, I started playing with some digitally produced art. I doodled using my computer and a newly acquired digital tablet. Creating that way was pretty safe too, because I could always hit "undo" or erase something. Nothing was really permanent.

I did that for a while, until I felt safe enough to get my sketchbooks back out and started sketching in them. One sketchbook hadn't been touched in over 10 years. This step was pretty hard. I found myself wanting to make every sketch be perfect. Sometimes, I would find myself paralyzed and unable to sketch anything because of the fear of sketching something wrong and not creating a "masterpiece" every time. It was very hard to make myself take risks in that sketchbook (it still is).

I also invested in a new set of watercolors (my original tubes from 20 years ago had dried up). I brought out my unused watercolor paper from 15 years before and started painting in watercolors again. I successfully took that step into a more vulnerable place.

Then my father-in-law passed away in April 2009. In his spare time, Dad was a very talented painter in acrylics and oils. After the funeral, my mother-in-law gave me all Dad's blank canvases, his vast collection of exquisite brushes, and his entire set of paints. I drove home with a mini art supply store in the back of our vehicle. I let the canvases sit for a couple of days, but they kept "calling out to me". In the midst of my grief, I knew Dad wanted me to paint something with everything I'd been given. I brushed the dust off that wooden easel my brother had given me 10 years before (it still looked brand new), and I made myself put a paint-laden brush to canvas. That was really hard. I couldn't hit the "undo" command when I was painting. It was just me, the brush, the acrylic paint and the canvas... and Dad, who I could feel quietly prodding me on. But once I got into the groove, boy, did it feel good.

Every step of the way, I felt myself getting closer to my artistic core--the place where I had to be willing to be vulnerable in order to create.

At the same time as I was taking up painting again, I also started taking floral design classes at our local adult education center. I am an introvert with some social anxiety, so going back into a classroom setting again with strangers was a huge step for me in my creative journey. I had to learn all over again how to allow my creative work to be critiqued; how to create in the midst of others observing my creative process; and how to make mistakes in front of an instructor and classmates. It was hard at first. But I persevered and can honestly say that I welcome those aspects of the creative process now. I actually thrive off of it.

It seemed inevitable that my next step would be to revisit the idea of pursuing my graduate degree after I had put that goal on hold for 15 years. I chose the Academy of Art University in San Francisco mainly because of it's online degree programs. Only a few years ago, the idea of being able to get an MFA in Illustration completely online was unheard of, and now the Academy of Art University is the pioneer in making it happen so an artist can earn an art degree and live anywhere in the world.

After I sent in my application, I braced myself for rejection, because rejection is what I've known when it came to the art that came from my core.

To my pleasant surprise, I received my acceptance letter to the Master of Fine Arts in Illustration last week! I will start the program the Summer semester of 2010 (just after I've completed my floral design certification program). This past week has been a week of letting it really sink in that this is real. The artist in me is finally fully awake again.

And now I'm taking a maiden voyage on uncharted waters. I hope you'll join me as I do. I'll continue to chronicle my artistic journey here at the Dusting in Pearls blog. And I hope that somehow as I share, my experiences will benefit someone that needs to awake their inner Sleeping Beauty as I did.

Behind the Scenes: Autumnal Bouquet

2009-09-25T22:18:00.000-07:00

For this post, I thought it would be fun to share how I go about digitally altering a photograph to make it look like a chalk or pastel drawing like "Autumnal Bouquet" (above).

The first thing I do is find a promising photograph that I've taken of a flower arrangement. I find that the best floral photos are taken in indirect natural light. That means that if the object I'm shooting is being lit by sun come in a nearby window without directly shining on the object, it'll be great lighting. I like to use auto-focus when I shoot so that I get a crisp focus. I aim at the central object in the arrangement (in this case the yellow mum) and then shoot. I take multiple shots just to be sure I've gotten one really good sharp shot.

After I take it back to my computer and bring it into Photoshop (I use CS3, but Photoshop Elements will work too), I make the photograph the first layer in a file.

Then I use the "Place" command to place a texture from a separate file into my current file as a new layer. In this instance, I used my own texture "Toasted Marshmallow".

I enlarge the texture so that it covers the original photo layer completely (don't worry, the other layer is just underneath like one piece of paper on top of another). Then with the new texture layer selected I go to my "Layers" menu and select "Screen". Then I reduce the opacity of the texture layer to 60%. And it looks like this:

Next, I use the "Place" command again to add another texture layer. This time it's my own texture "Autumn Haze".

I rotate and resize the texture so it covers the other two beneath it completely. Then I select the texture layer and reduce the opacity to 70% so it looks like this:

See how it's starting to look like a faint drawing? At this point, with the top texture still selected, I change to the eraser tool and choose a soft edged brush at 10% opacity. Using my digital tablet and stylus (you can do it with a mouse too although it's easier with the tablet and stylus). I "draw" on the edges of the petals to erase away the edges where the light highlights them. I erase away in shadows too. I change the size of my eraser depending on the detail I'm erasing. For the petals, I use a small eraser and for the background I use a large eraser.

Then if I want to enhance some of the shadows and highlights even more, I select the original photograph layer and with the dodge and burn tool set at 10%, I "draw" over a few of the highlights and shadows to really accentuate them as if I was going in with white or dark chalk and deepening those areas.

And the final result looks like this:

Dusting in Pearls Bookstore

2009-09-15T16:50:00.000-07:00

The book above is just one of my treasured references that I use in my studio for creating. I also have books that have become cherished favorites for other reasons. That's why I decided to open the Dusting in Pearls Bookstore (powered by Amazon). I've only put books in the bookstore that I've read and/or own and that I highly recommend. You'll notice that I now have a link up in the header of this blog that says "Bookstore" and also a link box in the right-hand column on the blog that links to books featured in the Dusting in Pearls Bookstore.

The departments in the Dusting in Pearls Bookstore are:

Pearly Creating--filled with books that I reference regularly for creating in my studio
Pearly Living--all books that are part of my arsenal of essential books for living
Pearly Dreaming--features books (fiction and non-fiction) that have been instrumental in helping me to dream of what I want to be now and in the future
Pearly Gardening--my collection of gardening books that I use in my adventures in the garden
Pearly Home Improvement--the books here are the critical references my husband and I used to restore and renovate our little home, Rosehaven Cottage

When you order a book through the Dusting in Pearls Bookstore, the order for new books is taken, filled, and shipped by Amazon. You get a beautiful new copy of the book shipped directly to you!

So have fun virtually snooping through my library! Click on any of the bold words in this post to go directly to the Dusting in Pearls Bookstore.

Behind the Scenes: Downward Dog

2009-09-10T15:37:00.000-07:00

Click on any of the images in this post to view larger

For this week's "Behind the Scenes" post, I thought it would be fun to share with you how I create an illustration piece from start to finish.

I did a rough sketch of a little dog on the back of some scratch paper when I was sitting in a meeting (it keeps me focused). I sketched it with the ballpoint pen that I had with me and didn't worry about the scratchy sketch lines that always happen when I sketch. I wanted the dog to be in a stretching "play with me" pose so I roughed out the basic shapes of its body lightly and then sketched in the details over the top with heavier strokes. If I make a mistake, I don't worry about it. Afterall, it's a sketch.

This sketch sat on one of my idea boards for months. My "idea boards" are a white board and a bulletin board I have behind my computer workspace with lots of sketches, clippings and ideas on them. That's where it sat until I had the inspiration to move on further with it.

Once I was in the mood to start playing with it more, I scanned it on my flatbed scanner so I had it in my computer as a TIFF file. Then I opened the TIFF file in Photoshop and started cleaning it up. For clean-up work, I use a Wacom digital tablet and digital pen on the eraser setting with a crisp edged brush at various diameters. I liked some of the sketchy lines, so I was careful to not erase those.

After the little dog was cleaned up to my satisfaction, I opened another Photoshop file and placed the cleaned up sketch as one layer and a scan of an old page of a book as another layer. To change the color of the blue ballpoint sketch, I went into "Curves" to adjust the RGB levels on the sketch layer and tweaked them until the sketch lines were a warm brown. I just eyeball it as I go and don't worry about specific numbers. Then I made the sketch layer a "Linear Burn" over the old page layer to make them more cohesive like I'd sketched the dog on the old paper.

The coloring part was next and that's always fun. I used my Wacom tablet and digital pen again. I almost always set my brush to 20% opacity or less so I can get a washy effect similar to art markers or watercolors. Everytime I changed colors, I made a new layer so I can always go back and remove a layer I don't like without destroying the rest of my work.

Once the illustration is all colored, it's done! Then I can take it and put it into composition like the one below. To make the composition below, I scanned the inside of an old library book that happened to have a fun title that worked with the illustration. I placed that scan as one layer and then placed the dog as another layer. I added a drop shadow on the dog layer to accent it. Then I added a text layer with the "Downward Dog" text down the left-hand side and reduced the opacity so it wouldn't distract the eye from the illustration of the dog.

Click here to download your own free copy of
the "Rollo at Play" texture layer

Click here to download clip art of
the "Downward Dog" for 99 cents

Click here to see the new journal/sketchbook
available now at Dusting in Pearls

Sharing creative inspiration

2009-08-31T11:44:00.000-07:00

More than anything else, I like to see others get so inspired by something that they create something new--a dessert, a garden, a painting, or even a memorable moment. Over the past summer, I've reflected a lot on how much joy it brings me to watch someone else go through that precious and very rewarding creative experience. This reflection has caused me to have my own creative epiphanies. One epiphany I had was that with my own work, I would rather inspire people more than having a profit reflected on a spreadsheet.

That huge epiphany led to another one... I could create a digital download shop where everything was free or nearly free. And the big plus with having it be a download shop is that someone has immediate access to the file instead of having to wait for an order to arrive.

As soon as I created the shop, Rosehaven Cottage Digital Download Shop, ideas started pouring in with all the different things I could share. Here are some ideas I came up with...

Textures & Overlays

Textures and overlays are the secret weapon of digital artists and are really easy to use in programs like Photoshop Elements (or the more robust CS3 or CS4) as well as any other graphic software that works in layers. Just like putting a photograph under a piece of gauzy transparent tracing paper or vellum, you can put a digital photograph under a texture or overlay layer to give it a soft look.

Here's a quick example... I took this photograph of some flowers in a vase on my mantle:

Then in Photoshop, I placed the texture Spring Dew (see above) as a new layer over the top of the photograph at a setting of 60% Screen. After a little strategic erasing with a soft-edged eraser set at 10-20%, I got an image that looks like a colored pencil or pastel drawing. Here it is...

The above photographic art is available for free download by clicking here

Backgrounds

For some people creating photographic art isn't their thing. Some people prefer to work with their hands with something tangible. That's where a "background" can be used. Over the past few years, I've created various different backgrounds for lots of projects. I decided I should make them available for download so others could print them off on their printers with their own paper so they could create whatever they wanted with them--scrapbook pages, origami, invitations, whatever. Or someone can also use the background in its digital form to create something like a digital scrapbook page.

Clip Art & Embellishments

I also have sketchbooks with lots of doodles and sketches in them that I realized would be great as clip art or embellishments for someone's blog, scrapbook, posters, artist trading cards, greeting cards, and more. So as I've gone through my sketchbooks, I've finalized some of my favorite sketches and made them available for download too. I've still got lots more to come.

Blog Graphics

I came up with the idea of blog graphics just last week. Every so often I'll get a really neat design idea for a blog. But I don't want to change up my entire blog just so I can see the new design I thought up. The solution is to simply make the blog design elements (header and sidebar graphics) available for download at the shop for anyone that wants to use them on their own blog. And I was even able to make this header customizable so someone can change the title to whatever they choose. The "Cheery Cherry" design is the first one I've made available, and I'm certain there will be many more to come.

My Dusting in Pearls online shop is still there for those that want to order fine stationery and art that is already done. But for those that want to do some creating of their own, please visit the Rosehaven Cottage Digital Download Shop. Then drop me a note with your feedback, ideas, suggestions and creative stories. I'd love to hear from you because it makes my own creative process even richer and more rewarding to know that I've inspired you to create something!

Latest releases at Dusting in Pearls

2009-08-12T10:59:00.000-07:00

Along with sharing the latest releases at the Dusting in Pearls online store, I wanted to let everyone know that if you order a single card with nothing else in your order it is shipped FREE. Your card will be packaged in a rigid mailer so it reaches you in perfect condition. Now you don't even have to hustle down to Wal-Mart or Target to get a card. You can do it from your computer.

Click on any of the images below to read more:

"Little Boy Clown" Happy Halloween postcard with envelope

"Sisters"

"Little Elsie Halloween Witch"

Pink layer cake with black bow ties

2009-08-10T17:45:00.000-07:00

I was watching the film "Nanny McPhee" a while back and was so intrigued by the cakes in one of the scenes later in the movie. Luckily, I had my sketchbook in hand and sketched a cake inspired by that scene. Then I went and inked it so I had a clean and crisp ink line-art version. Once I had that done, I scanned it into the computer and used Photoshop to color it digitally.

This hi-resolution non-watermarked digital clip art file is available to download for FREE by clicking here. I've also made the drawing available without color (ink line only) so you can color it yourself if you wish (and that's FREE too!).

A really fun announcement!

2009-08-07T20:39:00.000-07:00

"Gerberas and Pink Tulips" Digital Desktop/Wallpaper

Click here to download the desktop above

I am so excited to finally announce to everyone what I've been up to for the past couple of weeks. I've been sitting here at my computer coding and designing a new website called Rosehaven Cottage Digital Download Shop where all downloads are FREE to 99 cents.

This idea was born out of my desire to share many of my photographs as free desktops/wallpaper for people to download whenever they felt like a "change of scenery". But I also wanted some security for myself so that I didn't have problems with "poachers". I realized that if I created a shop of my own where people signed in before they downloaded, it would make my desires a reality.

I started building the site with the free desktops in mind and then realized that I had a lot of other textures, clip art, and backgrounds I've created (or drawn) that I wanted to share too that would appeal to scrapbookers, crafters, artists, and bloggers. I also realized that I am constantly doodling, sketching and creating things so that the inventory would always be growing.

Over the past couple of weeks, I've been hard at work building the shop site so that all these goodies are available to download. To make it even more fun, the inventory can be viewed by color palette or season of the year as well as the basic product types. You can browse only the FREE stuff if you want. I've tried to make it really easy to find just what you're looking for.

I hope you'll go over there and download some of free desktops to decorate your computer. There are some nice ones perfect for August in the Summer section.

You can get to the Rosehaven Cottage Digital Download Shop by clicking here,
or by visiting www.RosehavenCottage.com and
clicking on the Digital Download Shop button.

If you have problems downloading from the new shop,
please email me at rosehaven_cottage@yahoo.com so I can fix it right away.

Creating...

2009-07-24T23:43:00.001-07:00

Summer

2009-07-17T17:18:00.000-07:00

This time of year always has me in the mood for pink lemonade, a big floppy-brimmed hat, cool aqua waters to float in and a place in the shade to dry off after a dip.

Recently, I've been fortunate to become acquainted with the work of some wonderfully creative women whose creative pieces "feel" like all those things that I think about in July. These are the things of summer...

Click on any of the images or their titles
to read more and discover more work by that artist.

Handmade Pink Whimsical Abstract Shapes Linocut
from Karyna at Paper Squid Inc.

Sassy Orange Slices (Earrings)
by Lori at Dirt Road South

Parasols (ACEO)
by Robin Maria Pedrero

Blue Hawaii (necklace)
from the Danse de la Fleur Collection
by Karen at JMJ Creations

Crimson Haze (giclee)
by Robin Maria Pedrero

Handmade cell phone charms
by Birgitte at Sew Danish: Scandinavian Textile Art

All these amazingly talented women are part of the group Unique Women in Business.

Click here to read more about UWIB...

Little Elsie and Baby Jack

2009-07-10T17:22:00.000-07:00

While browsing through old family photo albums, I came across photos taken at a my Grammy's birthday party when she was probably about 6 or 7 years old in 1919-1920. She and all the little girls at the party were dressed in pretty starched and pressed white dresses with huge bows in their hair. There was only one little boy at the party--little baby Jack with his head of blond curls. My mixed media drawing "Little Elsie & Baby Jack" (above) was inspired by those photographs.

First, I sketched the drawing by hand with a pencil on 60 lb Strathmore sketchbook paper. Then I scanned the pencil drawing into the computer. Finally, using Photoshop, I added the texture layer of old waterstained paper that I got from a Flickr friend, playingwithbrushes, and I added the color using my Wacom digital tablet and pen.

Giclee prints of this drawing on fine art paper
are now available at
the Dusting in Pearls online store
by clicking here.

Femme Petal

2009-06-29T22:27:00.000-07:00

When I came across Erin Keys' the Etsy shop, Femme Petal, I felt like I'd found a creative soul mate. Along with being a pink papaya consultant, a mom, and a wife, Erin is an amazingly talented jewelry designer. Her work absolutely entrances me with its mix of the old and the new. It is feminine, classy, and so beautiful. I think you'll agree.

Here is a small preview of what Erin has in her current inventory (click on any image or title to see more):

The Carrie Necklace in Lilac
Hand-dyed silk ribbon in lilac connected to antique brass hammered circles and lavender glass pearls.

Summer Rose Necklace in Pink
Featuring a hand carved light pink acrylic rose
hanging in the center of glass pearls in different shades of pinks.

Embrace Spring
I'm in love with the pink and chocolate brown combo on this one!

A Fairy Cameo
Features a beautiful soft pink cameo and 3 small light pink pearls on an antique brass chain.

Click here to visit Erin Keys' shop, Femme Petal

What's new at Dusting in Pearls

2009-06-19T21:39:00.001-07:00

There's some new stuff happening at Dusting in Pearls. I thought it would be nice to share.

I'm really excited about the new categories at the Dusting in Pearls online store! You can click on any of the buttons below to go to the new category.

Then there are the newly designed gift certificates that are now available at the Dusting in Pearls online store. Gift certificates are available in $5, $10, $15, $20, $25, $50 and $100 amounts.

Unlike a digital gift certificate that gets emailed to someone, these gift certificates are printed on thick glossy paper and placed in a beautiful pink envelope. Because the certificate isn't printed until you order it, you can choose to have the certificate printed with the recipient's name and the giver's name OR you can leave them blank to fill out yourself. The certificate and pink envelope are packaged in a rigid mailer and either sent to you OR you can choose to have it sent directly to the recipient with the new fill-in feature on the listing. Click here to see more...

And one other fun addition is the "Behind the Scenes" page at the Dusting in Pearls online store. It tells the story behind what inspired me to begin with.

Click here to go to "Behind the Scenes"

Flora Bond

2009-06-12T10:45:00.000-07:00

There are times when I'll be "digging around" on the internet hunting for treasures, and I'll come across the most beautiful and delightful creations that I can't get them out of my mind. That's exactly what happened when I discovered Flora Bond. Nicole at Flora Bond has designed such beautiful neoclassical Victorian pieces that I cannot get them out of my head. She, herself states, that she infuses her "designs with a flare of romance and humor" and that has to be why I'm hooked.

Nicole uses almost all vintage fabrics that have been repurposed into something wonderfully elegant. She even does custom designs!

Here are just a few of her gorgeous creations. Click on any of the images to read more about it...

Feminine Confection brooch
vintage fabric and rhinestones with a touch of pink

Your Dream Wedding necklace

Silk and Gold brooch
Peach and pink vintage fabrics and pearls

Flying Flowers necklace
Faceted pearls, solid brass, Amazonite

Picnic of Pretty brooch
Vintage fabrics, beads, and rhinestones

Click here to visit the Flora Bond online store

Eating Al Fresco

2009-06-05T13:42:00.000-07:00

In my red and white retro kitchen, I have a vintage metal picnic "basket" I use to hold reusable grocery bags. It is covered with wonderful retro illustrations celebrating eating in the great outdoors. I love them so much, I decided to recreate them by painting them by hand on canvas. And because there were only 7 designs on the basket, I created 2 more designs to make a perfect set of 9.

I painted these in acrylics on 4"x4" gallery-wrapped canvases. Each of these cute paintings is so chunky that they can stand up on a shelf or be hung on a wall in an arrangement.

In the future, I may sell reproductions of these paintings. But I will not be painting these canvases again by hand. I am hoping that they find a good home soon with someone that will appreciate owning the only original paintings.

Click here to find out more...

Brigette B.

2009-06-03T12:02:00.000-07:00

I am completely smitten by a recent discovery... the artwork of Brigette Barrager. Brigette is a graduate of CalArts with a BFA in Character Animation. That fact alone could have easily won my heart, because way-back-when I dreamed of going to CalArts and becoming an Imagineer artist for Disney. Ah well... anyway...

Brigette's work is enchanting. She updates her blog, The Brigette Brigade, regularly with sketches and finished work (including a link to a wonderful animated ad for Swarovski crystal). Click on the title of her blog above to go over and snoop around.

Brigette has a leaning toward Audrey Hepburn and the Hollywood of yesteryear (which you know I love), as well as a wonderful way of rendering that makes characters come to life. I am so be smitten with this print, Librarian Bookended, that I'm seeing it in my head as I fall asleep at night.

Click the image to see it larger

Here are some more of my favorites among her cadre of characters. It was so hard to pick just a few to feature. Click on any of the images to see them larger.

Foxy Music

Shangri-la's

Click here to visit Brigette B.'s Etsy shop
Click here to visit The Brigette Brigade
Click here to visit Brigette's flickr portfolio

Club Shangri-la

2009-05-27T14:11:00.000-07:00

While going through an old family photo album to scan in the photos, I came across a vintage souvenir photo folder from "Club Shangri-la" in Oakland. My grandmother had saved it as a momento of a glamorous evening out. I made a digital print of the high-res scan of this folder and it is the foundation of this new collage art painting.

The dancing couple is an original watercolor painting based on the illustrations of that time period. The couple IS NOT a reproduction, but is the original watercolor sealed onto the canvas with a water-resistant protective glaze. The woman's ball gown is hand-embellished with silver paint sparkles that glimmer as if the ballroom lights are glinting off silver sequins. Her belt is adorned with black German glass glitter.

The hand-embellished giclee canvas has been painted with warm red, gold and brown tones. Gold and silver metallic elements have been added, as well as a light dusting of a fine ruby glitter that makes it shimmer.

To give the "Club Shangri-la" the look of a marquee, a string of small iridescent ruby beads have been attached to the edges.

Click here to read more...

Cupcake Baker Extraordinaire

2009-05-25T18:16:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to venture into creating original art canvases for quite some time, but I've had a hard time finding the inspiration for what I wanted to create. Then last week, I was going through my "vintage graphics" file where I put any piece of vintage paper ephemera I come across that intrigues me. In it, I found that I had stashed some wonderful travel and hospitality brochures from the 1950s. I finally had my inspiration!

I painted and inked the baker and his yummy treats, his baking table, and his baking flour. The painted illustrations became a part of a collage along with a harlequin design that I created for the canvas and some reproductions of recipes I found in my Grammy's recipe box (couldn't use the original family heirlooms!). I hand-wrapped the canvas "gallery style" so there are no visible staples and made it ready-to-hang with a gorgeous milk chocolate colored satin hanging ribbon.

Click here to see more photographs of this latest creation...

Angela Harris

2009-05-21T15:27:00.000-07:00

I recently started following a new blog by Angela Harris. Angela's sub-title for her blog simply states "Enjoying the pleasures of the heart & intellect". Angela's artistic sensibilities show through on her blog and in her Etsy boutique wares embodying that sentiment perfectly.

Angela's work is inspiring because most of her work is intended for the buyer to take it and use it to enhance their own creative activities. Here's what I mean...

For those that sell at boutiques, craft fairs, and antique malls, Angela has a wonderful array of very affordable sets of tags. But you don't have to be a seller to enjoy them. You could use these as gift tags or as embellishments for scrapbooks.

Adorned Pink Pearl Hang-tags

Angel Crown Border tags

For scrapbook and collage artist, Angela has a lovely array of coffee stained trim tags filled with lace, trim, and recycled fabrics. Each trim tag comes adorned with a beautiful adornment so you can even leave the tag intact and enjoy it as a piece of art (Angela suggests that they look beautiful framed).

Sapphire Filigree Lace Trim tags

Giant Lavender Floral Trim tags

And if all these goodies aren't enough, Angela also has some lovely home decor and vintage pieces that are scrumptiously elegant like this wonderful feather fan with a vintage millinery rose.

Vintage Millinery Feather Fan

Click here to visit Angela Harris's online boutique

A special honor

2009-05-21T13:04:00.000-07:00

I am so excited! Dusting in Pearls is currently the "Featured Seller" on the LolliShops home page. If you haven't been to LolliShops, then you've GOT to take a peek! If you follow the link below and scroll to the bottom of the page, you'll see the Dusting in Pearls feature!

Click here to visit LolliShops

NEW Antique Orange Blossom postcards SPECIAL INTRO PRICE

2009-05-19T16:42:00.000-07:00

I am happy to introduce the latest addition to the Dusting in Pearls stationery line...

"Antique Orange Blossom" set of 6 postcards (with envelopes)

And only for a limited time, this set of 6 postcards is available

for only 99 cents (plus shipping/handling)!

Offer expires 5/31/09.

Click here to read more...

Treasures From Hawaii

2009-05-14T14:19:00.000-07:00

Anybody who knows me knows that I lived a brief 3 1/2 months in Hawai'i way-back-when. And those same individuals have probably all heard my warning--if you go to Hawai'i you will never be the same. You will bring a piece of Hawai'i back with you in your heart, but you will also leave a piece of your heart in Hawai'i. Those pieces will call to one another for the rest of your life, and you will always yearn to reunite them back in the islands.

If you are one of the souls that faces this "plight" (as I am), than Dara Shepherd's Etsy store, Treasures From Hawaii, may be just the remedy you need.

Hailing from the lovely beaches of Kauai, Dara offers the Hawaiian Beach-in-a-Bottle. Each unique container is lovingly hand-filled with sea glass, crushed coral, sand, shells, coral pieces, and other beach finds. Dara also offers these elegant treasures in large quantities for wedding or party favors.

If you yearn for the vivid flora of the islands, Dara's Pink Hawaiian Hibiscus print may be just what you need for your office or home. Available in two sizes, the price is right to chase the Hawai'i blues away.

And whether you buy one of her prints or need a special mat for a print of one of your own treasured snapshots, Dara's Sea Glass Photo Mat is a great way to have a bit of Hawai'i with you always. Covered with hand-collected sea glass from the beaches of Kauai, this mat can be framed or displayed on an easel with your special photo showcased within it.

Visit Treasures From Hawaii by clicking here

Silk delights from bstudio

2009-05-08T12:46:00.000-07:00

I've got a soft spot in my creative heart for silk flower embroidery. So of course when I discovered Brenda's work at her Etsy store bstudio, I was instantly smitten. Brenda's interior design background shows through in her work, which is probably another reason why I've been drawn to it for quite some time now.

I think my favorite piece that she has available in her store right now has to be the Circle of Roses Pillow. Made in a lovely blush pink silk dupioni adorned with hand-embroidered roses, this pillow is the essence of "pearly"!

I also love the whimsical elegance of Brenda's Multi-Colored Dots Pillow. The rows of hand-embroidered silk ribbon dots against the silver silk dupioni remind me of "confetti cake" made with angel food cake and candy sprinkles.

As the daughter of a quilter, the Pink Patchwork Butterfly Pillow catches my eye too. The blush colored silk dupioni looks so elegant paired with the patchwork sections.

Brenda's work also includes hand-dyed silk flower hair ornaments, brooches, napkin rings, and MUCH more.

Click here to stop by her online store, bstudio.

Unique Designs by Sandy

2009-04-25T12:27:00.000-07:00

As I've delved into the world of Twitter, I've been delighted at the wonderful artisans I've found. My latest discovery is Sandy of Unique Designs by Sandy, a jewelry designer hailing from Perth in Western Australia. Sandy's wirework is exquisite and each of her pieces are a work of art. And not only are the pieces unique, the item descriptions at her Etsy store are as well. Each one gives a detailed write-up of the metaphysical properties of the stones, gems, and metals used in each piece.

Without further adieu, let me show you some of my favorites...

Cherry Quartz Sterling Silver Wire Wrapped Ring

Pink Cubic Zirconia Solitaire
14kt Gold Filled Wire Wrapped Ring
Elegant, Dainty, Stylish, Feminine, Romantic and Classy

Cherry Quartz Sterling Silver Handcrafted Earrings
Sweet, Short Length, Ornate

White Pearl Sterling Silver Decorative Bracelet
Luscious, Simple, Elegant, Lustrous and Very Stylish

Don't forget to bookmark Sandy's store so you can go back again and again
http://uniquedesignsbysandy.etsy.com

Pink and pearly goodness

2009-04-20T11:57:00.000-07:00

With the recent launch of the Dusting in Pearls online store, came the introduction of a new way of packaging orders. I wanted opening an order to be like receiving a gift. I also wanted to recreate the glamorous experience of buying something from the high-end department stores of the mid-20th century. So I hand-package every order in pink scented tissue paper in a white glossy gift box tied with a luxurious satin rope and tassel. I also include a free handmade sachet that is scented to compliment the order. If you order cards with roses on them, the sachet is rose scented. If you order something with lilacs on it, then the sachet is lilac scented.

"Pink Gerbera Dreams" Writing Set

Every purchase also includes a free set of 12 sheets of hand-embossed writing paper. The paper is vintage high-quality linen that is in pristine condition and oh-so-elegant.

I've also launched a new collection called "Choose-Your-Greeting" sets of cards. With the click of the mouse, you can easily choose from six greetings so that every card in your set has something different to say. The latest in this growing collection is the design "Sarah's Gerberas" (pictured above). "Lilac Nostalgia" is also a recent addition to the collection (picture below).

"Sarah's Gerberas" , the "Lilac Nostalgia" cards (above) and the "Red Gerberas" cards (below) are part of the special "Pearly Collection" of stationery that is printed on a gorgeous thick opalescent paper that looks like it's made of crushed pearls. I love running my hand across it.

There will be lots more additions to the store as I get products photographed and listed. You can be updated of the progress by following Dusting in Pearls on Twitter by clicking here. You can also become a fan of Dusting in Pearls on Facebook by clicking here and get the latest updates that way.

Grand Opening!

2009-04-04T21:09:00.000-07:00

I am excited to announce that Dusting in Pearls has just launched the official Dusting in Pearls online store at http://www.dustinginpearls.com.

Receive 10% off your first order with the Grand Opening coupon code 5e4c9237fe

All orders over $50 receive free shipping all the time!

Mulberry Muse

2009-03-05T12:41:00.000-08:00

A few months ago, I found the work of Wendy Paula Patterson on Flickr, and that was my official discovery of Mulberry Muse. Wendy is a talented artist from Australia that produces such gorgeous work I would like to own it all. As it is, I am the very pleased owner of a set of her Berry Bird Cards. The cards are even more beautiful in person...

It is so hard for me to pick out only a few of her other pieces to showcase, because they are all so beautiful. But here are just a few...

Paris Vintage Rose Card

The Peacock Bustle Pillow Box Collection

Vintage Roses Card

Paris Rose Collection

As a final note, my purchase from Mulberry Muse was such a delightful transaction. Despite the fact that my order was coming from Australia, I received my package much sooner than I had anticipated. And opening the mailer was so much fun it was like opening a gift on my birthday. If you want a nice treat for yourself or someone you love, Mulberry Muse is the place to find it.

Yummy Faux Goodness

2009-02-23T17:12:00.000-08:00

If you have not had the pleasure of being introduced to Brissonte', I highly recommend that you take the time to visit the Brissonte' blog and the Brissonte' Etsy store. I was originally drawn in by their decadently adorable faux felt desserts and have now found a number of favorites amidst their many lovely offerings.

And if you happen to live in the general vicinity of Lawrence, MA, you could also visit their retail shop and art studio in The Cotton Weaving Mill. Unfortunately, I am not on the right coast, so I will enjoy their online establishments. If any of you do go to visit their retail shop and studio, please drop me a note. If you take photos of your visit, I'd love to post them here.

Oh, I almost forgot, they also have a wonderful online inventory at the Brissonte' official website.

New Website and Online Store Soon!

2009-02-19T13:01:00.001-08:00

It's been a long time since there's been a new post at Dusting in Pearls. There's a reason for that. I've been deeply involved in designing and developing the new Dusting in Pearls official website and online store. I've had to be the designer and developer myself for this project and it seems to have taken over most of my time. Fortunately, I found a free open source shopping cart tool called Zen Cart that is making it a lot easier.

Official launch of the website and online store should happen before late spring 2009. I will keep everyone posted! Thanks for your patience.

New Notecards

2008-12-17T23:10:00.001-08:00

I am pleased as can be to announce the new set of 12 Rose Nostalgia Collection notecards are now available at the Dusting in Pearls Etsy store! I am so excited that now you don't have to choose which rose you like best. You can have them all!

pinc.stuff

2008-12-06T18:36:00.000-08:00

If you're looking for some adorably cute sweet calorie-free treats for the holidays, then look no further than pinc.stuff. Sheryl Ng creates and crafts such sweet delicacies that you'd think they were edible.

Chocolate Cupcake Necklace and Earring Set

I have to agree with Sheryl when she asks, "Don't these little cupcakes bring back sweet memories?" They do for me! This dainty little replicas look just like the original edibles.

Mini Marshmallow Charm Bracelet

I just couldn't resist sharing this precious charm bracelet with you! Is this just the cutest conglomeration of mini marshmallows you've ever seen?!?!

Sweet Frosted Donuts

And Sheryl lets you choose which one of this lovely dainty desserts you want on an 18" inch silver chain necklace. Oh my! It's so hard to choose just one!

Sheryl offers so many pieces that you've got to go over to pinc.stuff and see them all for yourself.

Everyday is a Holiday at Jenny's Bake Shop

2008-11-25T11:38:00.000-08:00

I have to admit right off the bat that I've been a fan of Everyday is a Holiday for over a year now. So you can imagine how thrilled I am to be able to introduce them to all my pearly friends.

Jenny and Aaron are a couple with a passion for the wonderful illustrations of the past. In their own words:

"Our love of old fashioned bakeries, sweet shops, ice cream parlors, and vintage holiday & party decorations all come together in our newest collection! All of the imagery is based on our 100% original paintings and every piece is handmade by us!"

Their work is amazing! I'll let their art speak for itself. And I'll let Jenny and Aaron's descriptions do the talking as well...

Retro Baking Gal

"Needless to say...we are crazy for anything vintage kitchen. But our favorite thing of all is vintage recipe books. Many of them are nothing more than pamphlets, but the ones with imagery inside are to die for. Sometimes we'll come across illustrations like this Retro Gal and we think 'wouldn't it be amazing to have a painting like that?' And that's what we did here. We referenced a bunch of very old black and white photos and chose the ultimate vintage kitchen color palette...LOVE the pink stove!!"

Chocolate Triple Layer Cake

"This piece is the ultimate in Cottage Bakery! An old fashioned, chocolate frosted, 3 layer cake, on a backdrop of our signature hand painted sweet & chic floral print. The background color is the perfect shade of vintage pink. The delicate floral pattern is reminiscent of vintage aprons, ticking fabric, and wallpaper. We adore the British cottage look and this piece definitely channels that love. The combination of the chocolate frosted cake and super sweet vintage floral mini print will truly cheer up your cottage inspired kitchen, dining area, little girl's room, cafe, sweet shop, coffee house, bed and breakfast, etc."

Retro Sifter Christmas Ornament

Retro Stand-Mixer Christmas Ornament

"Our ornies are all 100% handmade from prints of our 100% original artwork. They're excellent quality... made from very study artist mat board... they feel totally substantial and they're sealed with a protective clear coat. The backs are covered in various colorful patterned papers and vintage ephemera such as recipe book clippings. They hang by a length of classic bakery twine and each and every one is adorned with super fine glitter highlights."

Okay, have I tempted you enough? Head on over to their Etsy store by clicking here and see what else they have in store.

Sparkly Soft

2008-11-21T12:52:00.000-08:00

Sparkly Soft is a jewel of an Etsy shop just waiting to be truly discovered. And you, my fellow Pearly friends, will love the jewelery you will find there. All jewelry is handmade by the shop's proprietor, Kristen, and is lovely as well as practical.

My favorite piece is the pair of Constance Earrings...

Look at those precious hearts on the bottoms of the pearls! I just love it!

I am also taken with the soft pink of the Ophelia Necklace...

This dainty necklace is made from pink opals
and sterling silver wire and beads
It comes with the sterling silver chain.
Pendant is just over 1" in height
and the chain measures 18 inches.
So so pretty!

Then there is this lovely Pearl and Rose Bracelet...

Aren't the shimmery freshwater pearls beautiful?

And just in time for the holidays, Sparkly Soft has some wonderful pieces on clearance. Click here to see the Clearance Bracelets. Click here to see the Clearance Earrings. And have fun shopping!

Loretta Red

2008-11-15T15:57:00.000-08:00

At the Etsy store of Loretta Red the motto is: "...embrace the cute!" And believe me, it isn't hard to do just that when you've got such wonderful cuteness to choose from at Loretta Red. Here's a sampling of what you'll find there:

Baking Diva Cookie Dough with Cookie Cutters Necklace

Now doesn't this absolutely quality for "cute"?
And once you're done rolling out the cookies of course you have...

Holiday Milk and Cookies Necklace

But if cookies aren't what you're craving, maybe you'd like...

Fresh Apple Pie necklace

Looks like somebody already got the first slice.
Who cares! It's all delightfully "yummy"!

If you want something a little more dressy...

White Cake and Pearls Necklace

So MUCH to choose from!
There's even more in store if you head on over to Loretta Red.
I'll even make it easy for you, just click right here.

Frisco in the Fifties

2008-11-13T12:38:00.000-08:00

Click on the above image to view larger

I've got some wonderful vintage advertising hanging on my "idea board" behind my computer. Everyday, I would look at one of the models and think about an idea for an art piece.

A while back I finally ventured forth to create what I was seeing in my head. I sketched my Frisco 50's lady and then hand watercolored her. Then I scanned her into the computer again so I could "play" in Photoshop. I scanned a real vintage pearl necklace clasp and faux pearls to make her jewelry. The vintage photograph in the background is a real snapshot from the fifties that came out of an aunt's photo album.

The woman reminds me of Maureen O'Hara (I always loved her in the original "Parent Trap"). I sure wish people still "dressed" to go shopping like they used to.

Plum Blossom Spring

2008-11-09T20:30:00.000-08:00

For half of the world, it's spring! And even if you don't live in the southern hemisphere, you can still love pink year-round. That's why I've made the above photographic art piece entitled "Plum Blossom Spring" available for free download to all my pearly readers. And if you know someone that loves pink and would love this, send them over here too! The more the merrier.

This piece is a digital art composition by me using my photography. These beautiful plum blossoms were on my tree last February and will be again in only a few months.

Click on the image above to go directly to the download site.

Bugga Bugs

2008-10-31T21:21:00.000-07:00

If you're like me, every once in a while you get the desire to be super creative. That desire often fades when I realize I don't have the creativity to think up something creative to do! Or sometimes I'd just like to have a little project that I can pick up, work on, complete, and see it finished, thus satisfying that creative urge without requiring me to turn my life upside-down to make it.

That's why I love the idea behind Bugga Bugs. It's a place full of "heart-felt fun" and is chock full of all the ideas you need to be creative and feel really good about accomplishing something that looks harder than it really is.

"Each Bugga Bugs pattern comes complete with a Cover Page to help you stay organized, Sewing Tips and Tricks, Supply List, Pattern Instructions (including step by step color photographs) and Full Scale Pattern Pieces (no enlarging necessary). Patterns are e-mailed in PDF format."

Imagine making up this adorable "Bakery Sweets" set
for the special diva in your life (even if it's you!).
And EVERYTHING is made of felt!
Can you believe it?

Then make this adorable pink tea set to go along with it.
Look... the teapot really opens up!

And then make up some adorable gourmet felt cupcakes
that actually fit into a real muffin tin.

At the price of only $6.00 per pattern, you can't beat it! Some of you may even decide to make these as Christmas gifts. Head on over to Bugga Bugs to take a peek at the rest of the wonderful creativity-inspiring designs awaiting you.

Scrumptious Stationery from Chandler Michelle

2008-10-27T15:04:00.001-07:00

My latest discovery on Etsy are the wonderful luxurious cards, gift tags, and stationery from Chandler Michelle. The designs are so elegant and wonderful that I will let the cards (and their product descriptions) speak for themselves.

Marie Terese, True Daughter Of France
Vintage Mini Note Card Collection, Fifth Series

One of the sets that makes up Chandler Michelle's mini card collection it is "...dedicated to none other than the first born child of Marie Antoinette, Queen of France. She was known by the French court as Madame Royale, Marie Terese Charlotte, a true daughter of France." The full product description is just as dreamy as the cards:

"Set of six mini cards made of acid free textured Bazzill card stock in French vanilla, a creamy Ivory. Followed by a second layer in a heavenly pattern of swirls in Cotton Candy Pink. The four corners of each card are embossed into romantic victorian tips. The cards are doused in imported Authentic German Glass Glitter of the highest quality and fine fairy dust for a show stopping sparkle. Finally, three Genuine Swarovski Crystals in Violet, have been added to each card. They are then enrobed in a double faced satin ribbon in Pink and tied in a pretty bow. These are truly must have little beauties. Out of all of my mini collections, this is my absolute favorite. Pictures do not do these beauties justice!"

I have to agree, because they are my favorite too! There are many other colors and designs awaiting you at Chandler Michelle. Be prepared to fall in love with at least on of the beautiful offerings found there.

CuteAbility

2008-10-24T00:01:00.000-07:00

There are times when shopping is just downright fun. It's usually when I find a store that has such character that I just enjoy being there. Well, I found an online Etsy store that does that for me. The shop is called CuteAbility and is billed as a shop with "fun jewelry for the young and the young at heart". There is such a plethora of cuteness at CuteAbility that I had a really hard time limiting myself to what I would feature here as the sampling to whet your appetites.

Take a look...

Someday Your Prince Will Come Necklace
(because my childhood nickname was Cinderella,
I'm really wanting this)

Candy and Roses Pink Polymer Clay Cake Necklace
Isn't this just the most precious dainty pastry
you've ever wanted to wear?

Chocolate Frosted Cupcake Necklace
Nothing is better than chocolate and pink!

Baking a Cake Necklace
Is this the ultimate Dusting in Pearls necklace or what?

Long Stemmed Rose Beaded Necklace
Click on the link above to see how gorgeous this looks on!

At CuteAbility there are literally hundreds of pieces just as cute, whimsical, and fun as the ones I've chosen to feature here. I'd be interested to know which ones "speak" to you.

Cat Lover's Retro Emporium--A Hip Place for Cool Cats

2008-10-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

If you want a good giggle AND a trip down "nostalgia lane", then head on over to Cat Lover's Retro Emporium. The Emporium's proprietor, Sandi, writes:

"You have just entered a time warp back to the 1950's and 60's; where the old and discarded are turned into new and useful goodies."

Here's a little sampling of what's in store at the Emporium along with their wonderful descriptions quoted straight from the listings.

Date Night Divas Pinback Buttons

"Advertisements from a 1950's magazine were clipped and turned into these neat-o pinback buttons. These show ladies doing what they do best; primp!"

King of the Grill Jumbo Glass Gem Paperweight with Original Collage

"Bits of paper are clipped from a 1950's department store catalog and then decoupaged onto a large glass gem to create this nifty, original collage paperweight. Felt is adhered to the back to protect from scratches. Men love their grills; give this to the man in your life and let him know he IS King of the Grill!"

Apple Pie Button Ring

"Two vintage round buttons, circa 1950's and a vintage pierced button are combined to create this lovely, girly ring. A single fire polished czech bead in the center helps make it even more extra special. All are attached to an adjustable gold tone ring base."

This is just a small sampling of the delightful pieces that have been created by Sandi out of the best of yesteryear. Head on over to Cat Lover's Retro Emporium and enter one of the most fun time warps ever.

Pink Paris Paperie

2008-10-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

If you love toile and french design as much as I do, then you are going to LOVE what awaits you at Pink Paris Paperie. Designer, Paulette, is a former interior designer that focused her loves and passions into designing this delightful offering of beautiful paper products. Paulette thought of everything too. She writes:

"Watch for your order to arrive in a bright pink box , inside your paper product is packaged in lots of pink tissue and a pretty shimmering pink package, tied up with a coordinating satiny logo ribbon and the Pink Paris Paperie Seal. You'll be excited and pleased to receive your custom orders from Pink Paris. I can't wait for you to see them!"

Doesn't that sound so fun? It's like your birthday arrived in the mail!

Paulette currently has offerings at Pink Paris Paperie as well as her Zazzle storefront entitled Paulette Paris for Paper Nosh while her new site Paper Nosh is being designed and fully launched.

Here are some of my favorites in her treasure trove of wonderfulness. If you click on any of the images, you'll be redirected to the site containing more product details and where the product is available for purchase.

Crown Personalized Stationery Set with Chocolate and Lined Envelopes

Princess Chocolate and Pink Crown Card Set (with matching seals)

Royal Crown and Fleur de Lis Keds Shoe

Pink Romance Custom Monogram Notecards

There is so much more available at Pink Paris Paperie, Paulette Paris for Paper Nosh, and the newly designed and launched Paper Nosh. Please take the time to visit each of them and soak in the sheer elegance of the beautiful designs Paulette has created.

Le Core Femme

2008-10-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

My most recent find for "pearly" goodness is an Etsy shop called Le Core Femme that celebrates "unrestrained beauty, power & mystery" in many forms of "wearable art". And they've just announced the release of their new line of aprons known as "Hot Momma Aprons".

Here's what a "Hot Momma Apron" looks like...

The "Cherries on Top" pin-up style apron is reversible with halter ties around the neck and extra long waist ties. Doesn't it just say "Marilyn"?

Other wearable art at Le Core Femme includes handmade beads to inspire you to create wearable art yourself. I really like these adorable handmade pink purse and high heel shoe beads...

And one of my other favorite offerings at Le Core Femme is this beautiful "Forever and Always" sterling and lampwork bracelet.

There's so much more awaiting you at Le Core Femme. Head on over there and see what I mean.

My Flat In Paris Couture

2008-10-13T00:01:00.001-07:00

Okay, there are times when I find an Etsy store that speaks to me on SO many levels that I can't begin to delineate them all. That's what happened when I discovered My Flat In Paris Couture. Jaden of My Flat in Paris Couture says it best at her blog:

"Always look fabulous! Whether you're going on a business trip or jetsetting off to Europe, you will always look fabulous wearing Gurl Couture and My Flat in Paris bling! You deserve to be a Gurly Gurl!"

Well said, Jaden! And now for a just a hint of what's in store if you visit My Flat In Paris Couture...

Breakfast At Tiffanys Bracelet

Yummy bubble gum pink genuine freshwater pearls.
Has a gorgeous photo of Audrey Hepburn in "Breakfast At Tiffany's".
Beautiful acrylic diamond drop accent with the authentic brass "MFIPC" makers mark.

Breakfast At Tiffanys Mini Purse

A sparkly glitter change purse/keychain.
Altered art photo charm of Audrey Hepburn in "Breakfast At Tiffany's,"
Acrylic diamond drops with a black & white bow accent.
Authentic brass "MFIPC" maker's mark.
Will come elegantly wrapped in tissue paper with
the "My Paris Flat In London" gold collection label.

Animal Print Paris Handbag Clip

Faux leather in pink animal print change purse with a black French poodle,
acrylic diamond drop and Eiffel Tower charms.
Has pink lining with the "My Flat in Paris Couture" label on the inside.
This can be unclipped from the keyring and can be attached to whatever your heart desires!

For many more wonderfully "gurly" creations, visit My Flat In Paris Couture.

D-Lux 57 Expands Their Line!

2008-10-10T00:01:00.000-07:00

Back in September, I featured the wonderful apron designs by D-Lux 57 that I found on Cooking.com. Imagine my delight when I received an email the other day from Cynthia Berman, founder and designer at D-Lux 57, thanking me for featuring their aprons and letting me know that they have even more luscious aprons available at their website at www.dlux57.com. And then imagine how thrilled I was to have her share with me that they now have new coordinating plasticware--including trays, salad sets and coasters. I then asked if she would allow me to feature the new line of plasticware here at Dusting in Pearls. She wrote back ethusiastically:

"I would be delighted if you have us on your site. I am attaching some photos of our new plasticware so you can see it. Haven't got them up on our site yet and I am already selling matching trays with aprons. They look soooo great together as a gift. Also selling the trays and the salad sets just by themselves. Besides being on 'Bree' last week on the new season of Desperate Housewives, last night [October 6th] we made the cover of her new cookbook on the show. I am so excited."

So heads-up everyone! Here's another lovely to add to your holiday list for Santa.

Pink Pear Apron (the apron seen on TV)

As stated on the D-Lux 57 website:

"D-Lux 57 introduces a new fashion line of designer kitchen aprons. The high quality cooking aprons are 100% cotton and fully lined to protect clothing when spills occur. We offer kitchen apron sizes in little cooks, tween cooks, and adult cooks. (Great for Mother / Daughter looks)."

Pink Chocolates Apron

The thing I love most about these aprons is the story of the inspiration behind the conception of their design. It is touching and has moved me on many levels:

"The inspiration for D-Lux 57 came simply as inspirations often do. One night while cooking together, Cynthia's daughter appeared in an apron bought for her many years earlier at Harrods, while Cynthia was researching trends in London, England . The apron had long since been outgrown.

"Memories came flooding back and Cynthia vividly recalled baking bread with her aunt and the colorful quilts, so artfully created by her grandmother. This connection with simpler times has never wavered and to this day, she loves to cook and spends every night with one of her grandmother's quilts tucked cozily on her bed. That's when she decided to create this line of aprons designed to touch the lives of people in a nostalgic way.

"Made right here in the USA... with a lot of love. Each one comes in a keepsake fabric envelope, to preserve your new memories and to provide a unique way to share them. Hopefully they can become 'comfort food' for you too."

And just to whet your apron appetite even more, here are just a few of the lovely aprons in D-Lux 57's "Holiday Cheer Nostalgia Prints" line for this year...

Gingerbread Cookies Apron

Poinsettias Apron

So if you haven't already clicked on any of the links in this post, do it now and head on over to D-Lux 57. It's a party for the eyes and the heart.

Bon Bons and Other Yummies for the Bath

2008-10-08T00:01:00.000-07:00

When I first got married, I had to quit my full-time job because of health problems. I would bemoan the fact by saying to Hubby, "People are going to think I sit around on the sofa all day eating bon bons!" Hubby would always reply, "Where in the world did you get that idea? And what the heck are bon bons????" Last week as we were grocery shopping together at Trader Joe's, I stopped Hubby in the freezer aisle, pointed to a box of frozen bon bon's and said, "THAT'S what I've been talking about all these years!"

Recently, I shared this with my sister who enlightened me as to where I got this image. She reminded me of an old cartoon with a couple of pigs and a bazillion baby piglets. The husband pig was required to chase after the piglets and do all the housework while the wife pig stretched out on the sofa eating chocolates from a fancy box. My sister and I had a good laugh about how we both have issues with worrying that others think we're sitting around eating bon bon's all day.

Well, imagine how tickled I was when I discovered Soap Cafe with "yummy" soaps that look like decadent desserts. And they have a box of "Chocolate Soap Bon Bons"!

Soap Cafe also has a wonderful Heart Box of Assorted Chocolate Soaps:

For donuts lovers, Soap Cafe has the Krispy Klean Donut Soap:

And my personal favorite has to be the Cherry Cheesecake Soap Slice:

This is just a small sampling of what is available from Soap Cafe. Head on over there to see the rest. But I advise you not to visit on an empty stomach.

The Beautiful Creations at WanderLustre

2008-10-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

Pearls are my favorite accessory. It doesn't matter if it's a string of pearls, pearl earrings, or pearl bracelets--I love them! When I can find a beautiful and unique pearl accessory, I am doubly delighted. In my hunting, I have discovered the amazingly beautiful creations by Laura at WanderLustre. Laura recently wrote the following profound words on her blog:

"'Art is not a Luxury' carries several meanings for me. On one level, I think of my own need to create art. It is not something to be saved for a free moment, but something that is essential to my own well being and that therefore needs to be given a similar priority to keeping my house clean or my cat fed. On another level, I think it also speaks to how sharing and owning art can enrich a person's life, and that one should allow themselves to spend money on artwork that they really love."

Those resonate with me on so many levels. Now, let me introduce you to just a small sampling of Laura's work at WanderLustre:

Audrey Pearl Earrings

Paisley Pearl Dangles

Luna Necklace

And a little bit of pink with the Pink Candy Basketweave Drops

The Fakery Bakery

2008-10-03T00:01:00.000-07:00

In my quest for calorie-free yummy goodness, I discovered the adorable creations at The Fakery Bakery. Paula at The Fakery Bakery makes good-enough-to-eat Felt Foods and also has a line of Sweet Treat Jewelry . About the new line of Sweet Treat Jewelry, Paula says:

"Not only can you play with our foods, now you can wear them too!!"

Even though I would have loved these when I was a little girl having Kool-Aid tea parties and learning to love the color pink, I think that I love them even more as an adult! Why? Because I can appreciate how truly beautiful they really are.

Princess Tea Party Dessert Set

Felt Birthday Cake

Pink Cupcake Necklace

Key Lime Pie Ring

Strawberry Cake Earrings with Swarovski Crystal Beads

Lilley Handcrafted Loveliness

2008-10-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

Sugar cookies are so yummy and they are a weakness of mine. Imagine my sheer delight when I discovered wear-able sugar cookies that have no calories at Lilley Handcrafted Loveliness. There's lots of other almost-good-enough-to-eat creations too. Here is just a sampling of what's in store for you when you visit Lilley Handcrafted Loveliness. I highly recommend visiting the Lilley Handcrafted Loveliness blog as well.

Sugar Cookie Charm

Teatime Treats Notecard Set

Yummy Cupcake Brooch

Cupcake Buttons

Kitchen Coordinates from Now Designs

2008-09-29T00:01:00.000-07:00

When I was a little girl, my mom had a dining room set that included some chairs she had recovered in an aqua-blue color. Ever since then, the colors aqua and brown take me back to fun nostalgic memories of being a little girl. That's where this set of coordinating apron and oven mitts took me when I saw them. I was back in the kitchen dreaming of being a domestic diva someday... actually, I was probably just licking the brownie mix off the beaters.

Now Designs Kitchy Kitchen Betty Apron

Now Designs Kitchy Kitchen Potholder

Now Designs Kitchy Kitchen Mitt

The Giveaway Winner is...

2008-09-27T12:00:00.000-07:00

...comment number 2! That means that Elizabeth (who is blueviolet at The Noble Wife) wins the Bird in Bamboo Zen Art Print that she loved so much from Kootie's Closet! Congratulations Elizabeth!

Thank you to everyone else for entering this fun giveaway. Just so you know, Kootie's Closet still has a couple of days left in their "September Special", so if you fell in love with something you saw as you were entering this giveaway you could get it that way too.

Calling All Domestic Divas

2008-09-26T00:01:00.000-07:00

So I got thinking the other day, "I wonder what pink telephones are available now other than pink cell phones?" So I did a quick search on Google and, lo and behold, up pops a hit for Target (one of my favorite places to find a bargain). So I headed over to their site to see what pink telephones they had. And I am tickled pink (pardon the pun) with what I found.

Let me assure you, I have NO affiliation with Target, and I'm not getting paid to feature these products or put up the links. I just thought they were too adorable not to share. Just click on any of the images to go to the Target site if you want more information or you want to send Santa there as a hint for Christmas.

First, the Crosley Pink Princess Phone. Doesn't it come in a lovely shade of pink? (This is my favorite shade of pink, by the way. I call it "ballet slipper pink".)

Then I found this to-die-for phone that I would LOVE to have--the Crosley 1950s Pink Pay Phone! It would look great in my kitchen (hint, hint to Hubby).

Although this phone is in a brighter pink than I prefer, it is still darling and would look great in a french style boudoir--the Crosley Kettle Classic Pink Desk Phone.
And finally, for the true over-the-top diva extraordinaire... the Southern Telecom Fur Phone with rhinestone-studded receiver! Does this say "Austin Powers" or what? Yeah, baby!

Pink Lemonade Boutique Bags

2008-09-24T00:01:00.000-07:00

I think the thing I love most about authoring this blog is that I get to go on hunts for beautiful things to feature. In my most recent hunt, I discovered the work of Caroline at Pink Lemonade Boutique Bags. What I love about her bags is that they are billed as "diaper bags" which means:

"Perfect for mommies on the go, this spacious bag features 3 fully lined pockets perfect for holding your keys, cell phone, and wallet with extra room for a bottle or sippy cup or whatever you need to keep easily accessible."

"This is the perfect bag to use now as a day-trip diaper bag and transition to other uses when your baby gets older. "

Is that just the best or what?!?! Actually, there's something even better about these lovely bags... they're so gorgeous that even a non-mommy (like myself) would love to carry one!

How gorgeous are they? Take a peek at just a sampling of divine pink bags Caroline has created. There are many other colors available too--I just love pink!

Pink Chocolate Toile Boutique Diaper Bag Tote

Pink Chocolate Trellis Boutique Diaper Bag Tote

Pink Chocolate Zebra Boutique Diaper Bag Tote

Pink Chocolate Dots Boutique Diaper Bag Tote

You can visit and shop at at the following web locations for Pink Lemonade Boutique Bags:

Pink Lemonade Boutique Bags Website
Pink Lemonade Boutique Bags Etsy Store
Pink Lemonade Boutique Bags Blog
Pink Lemonade Boutique Bags Photos

Aprons from D-Lux 57

2008-09-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

I was impressed when I found this line, because the D-Lux 57 line of aprons is built on a very special idea:

"Cooking never looked so good. D-Lux 57 introduces a new fashion line of aprons. The high quality aprons are 100 cotton and fully lined to protect clothing when spills occur. Bib style aprons have a flouncy skirt that will add a little flair to housework. This two pocket apron has adjustable neck & waist ties. Teenagers will love these Tween aprons. They are just the right size for the young cooks in between a kids and an adult size. Great for gifts or just some Mother/ Daughter time together. All D-Lux 57 aprons come with a coordinating fabric keepsake pouch. They can stack neatly on a shelf or they will keep your kitchen drawers neat and free of tangled apron strings. Years down the road they become wonderful keepsakes, full of memories of baking cookies with Grandma, gardening with Mom or helping Dad outside at the barbeque. Several fun fashion prints to choose from. Made with Love in the USA."

Isn't that really special? So here's a sampling of some of their darling aprons (all are available in the three sizes mentioned above).

D-Lux 57 Adult Pink Ironworks Apron with Keepsake Pouch

D-Lux 57 Adult Blue Cupcakes Apron with Keepsake Pouch

D-Lux 57 Adult Cherries Apron with Keepsake Pouch

Kootie's Closet Sponsors Our First Giveaway!

2008-09-19T00:01:00.000-07:00

Glasses R Sexxy Circle Address Labels (set of 48)
Click here for matching personalized notes

Okay, if you haven't figured it out by now, I have a real passion for retro-anything! So imagine my sheer delight when I discovered the online store Kootie's Closet featuring lots of paper goods that have that retro design style I LOVE!

When I emailed the shop's owner, Kai, to ask her if I could feature her wonderful shop here at Dusting in Pearls, she responded with an enthusiastic "YES!" and the wonderful suggestion that she would like to sponsor a giveaway (the first here on Dusting in Pearls!). And the prize? Kai has offered the winner any item in her paper goods inventory in the online store as the prize! How cool is that?!?!

To enter this giveaway:

1) Visit Kootie's Closet online and browse the entire paper goods inventory to find the item you would love to win.
2) Come back to this post and leave a comment stating the item you'd love to win. And that's it! You're entered!

A random drawing for the winner will be held at noon (Pacific coast time) on September 27th. The winner and their choice of prize will be announced in a post here at Dusting in Pearls the afternoon of September 27th. [See the end of post for full rules and guidelines.]

Here is just a small sampling of the wonderful goodies you have to choose from at Kootie's Closet:

Hat Lady Personalized Notes (set of 12)

Turntable Circle Address Labels (Set of 48)
Atomic Tempo Personalized Notes (set of 12)

40s Platform Shoe Circle Address Labels (set of 48)
Click here for matching personalized notes

"Kootie's Closet Giveaway" Rules and Guidelines
Entries on this giveaway will be excepted up to 12 noon on Saturday, Sept 27th. Each person will only be counted once so duplicate comments won't help your odds (sorry). If you don't have an email link connected to the i.d. you use to leave the comment, then you'll have to check back on the day of the drawing (Sept. 27th) to find out if you won and then contact me via email so I can get your postal address privately on behalf of Kootie's Closet. If you do have an email link connected to the i.d. you use, then I will contact you off the blog as well as announce you as the winner. Basically, it's the standard blog giveaway rules that are out there in the "blog-o-sphere" already.

Breakfast at Tiffany's from Artistic Flair

2008-09-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

I think I'm like most domestic divas when I say that I have a love for Audrey Hepburn's style and the designs of Edith Head that made a lot of Audrey's style a reality. So when I happened upon this beautiful piece of fused glass art at Artistic Flair, I was smitten.

Isn't it divine in how it captures the grace and essence of Audrey in the film?
The "diamond" necklace is made of Swarovski crystals.

If you want to see the details, click on the above images to enlarge them.
Breakfast at Tiffany's Artistic Flair

Deb DiSalvo at Artistic Flair is the creator of this gorgeous piece and details her process at her site (click the link above to go there). Deb says, "My Audrey is my absolute favorite piece I've made!" I can definitely see why. I highly recommend that you also click on the links below to see some others lovely pieces by Deb.

Pretty Kitty
I DO
Shopping Diva
Betty Boop
Ballerina Girl

Jessie Steele Aprons

2008-09-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

As always, click on any of the images in this post for more information

I have recently discovered the line of adorable and feminine aprons from Jessie Steele. They are so cute, retro, and girlie. Some of her aprons come in a full style for complete coverage while others are the half apron great for the hostess.

I have to start out with the pink and brown polka dot apron by Jessie Steele because pink and brown is my favorite color combo. The polka dots just put it over the top for me. Jessie Steele also offers kid's size aprons for the little junior divas out there. So cute!

I also love cherries--particularly any retro-style cherry motiff. So Jessie Steele's retro cherries aprons and coordinates caught my attention. This one is also available in a kid's size version for the diva-in-training.

Another motiff that always catches my eye is a great French motiff--eiffel towers, fleur de lis, poodles... So this cute half apron with coordinating oven mitt is a favorite of mine too.

Miss Diva Shoes

2008-09-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

I peruse the offerings at Zazzle quite frequently to try and ferret out design gems that may be going undiscovered. That's how I found these adorable "Miss Diva" Keds Champion mini slip-on shoes by Jennie at Kurono Creations. They are so comfy and yet so stylish! The perfect combination for the busy domestic diva, right?

Click on the image above to view larger and visit Jennie's store

Cute Cat Designs

2008-09-10T00:01:00.000-07:00

Don't let the name "Cute Cate Designs" fool you. There is a lot more in store for you than cats when you visit Cat's site at www.cutecatdesigns.com. Cat offers "fresh and sassy personalized stationery" that covers a range of styles from cute to chic. Here is just a small sampling of what Cat has to offer in the treasure trove of stationery goodness she has awaiting you:

Fall Watercolor Renaissance Folded Note Cards

Hunny Bunny Chick Standard Address Labels

Pink Leopard Bag Tags

Fleur De Lis Flourish Square Book Plates

Lil Black Dress Mommy Contact Cards
Shopping Girly Girl Divas Postage

Pretty and Practical

2008-09-08T00:01:00.000-07:00

I recently discovered the Gloveables line of aprons and fashionable rubber gloves and think they're so smart! All of you know I'm a sucker for polka dots and pink which is a big plus. But the aprons are also made of oilcloth! That means I could wear this when I'm potting plants or in the kitchen. And I'd be in polka dots for either activity. I can't help but love that!

Gloveables Classic Oilcloth Apron in Pink Polka Dots

And don't forget that Gloveables also makes these adorable matching rubber gloves to wear when you want to doll up AND do housework.

Gloveables Fashion Gloves in Pink Polka Dots

Classic Clothing

2008-09-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

There is something about classic cotton shirt styles that always make me feel pretty when I wear them. Maybe it's because when I'm wearing a classic collared shirt I've got delusions of somehow looking a smidge like one of the Hepburn's--Katherine or Audrey, either one would be fine. Even if it's just a white shirt paired with some casual black cotton pants, I feel pretty. And then if I don my pearl earrings... hello!

The problem is that like many domestic divas, I am a plus-size diva. Which means that it's hard to find classic looking clothes with that Hepburn-esque quality. That's why I rely heavily on a handful of plus-size sources for the clothing I love to wear.

One of those sources is Avenue. I've ordered multiple times from them and been very happy with their service and their products. I'm in need of some new pieces to add to my wardrobe and started poking around Avenue again. These are some of the pieces I have my eye on...

Avenue Patterned Wrap Shirt *More Patterns Available* Womens Plus Size

Avenue 3/4 Sleeve Satin TrimTee Womens Plus Size

Avenue Floral Border Circle Skirt Womens Plus Size

Avenue Charmeuse Trim Pleated Skirt Womens Plus Size

In fact, now that I'm done writing this post I'm going to go back over there and get maybe one or two of these pieces (maybe three). And I SO wish I could afford this, but, alas, I cannot...

Avenue Tiger Print Topperby Anthracite Womens Plus Size

Retro and Ravishing by Modern June

2008-09-03T00:01:00.000-07:00

Kelly at Modern June has stolen my heart with her retro designs in fruit prints and polka dots. I am really taken with her shop description which says it's:

"...a shop that features Cool Stuff for the Hip Housewife!"

The Modern June line includes aprons, totes, tablecloths, splat mats, and bibs. All are hip and cute. Here is just a sampling of her delightful designs.

Click on any image to read more information

Cupcake Collection Sweet Jane Bib Apron

Cupcake Apron in Pink Polka Dots

That 50s Apron

Plus Size "The Diner" Black Cherry Apron

Diva Designs from Lady Denise

2008-09-01T00:01:00.001-07:00

If you haven't already discovered the art and designs of Lady Denise then you must head over to her online store... well, finish reading this post first, of course. Her diva art has a great retro flair to it that I absolutely love! Her designs are available at her online store on a number of products including stationery, mugs, mousepads, stickers... cool stuff! And I'm hoping, hoping, hoping that she releases a 2009 calender like her 2008 calender with 12 of her diva designs compiled together (that's a big hint Lady Denise).

Fancy Pantz Designs for the Diva

2008-08-30T01:00:00.000-07:00

I've recently discovered Fancy Pantz Designs and have got to share! Barbara Worhatch designs some wonderful pretties for women who are (in her words):

"...the Hostess with the Mostess, the Domestic Diva, the Queen of the Kitchen, or... lucky enough to Have it 'Maid'.

I have to say that just visiting the Fancy Pantz website is a treat for the eyes. I won't spoil the fun by telling you what she's got in the header... I'll just say that you've got to see it.

Take a look at some of my favorite designs that Barbara has showcased there...

If Zsa Zsa Did Dishes...!

Very Vogue

Kitschy Kitschy Ya Ya! Zebra

Wild Side Light Leopard Apron
And the Sassy Oven Mitt

Too bad the kitchen is Hubby's domain or I'd have a better excuse to ask Santa for some of these. Do you think I could get away with wearing the "Very Vogue" gloves out in the garden? Maybe if I offer to do the dishes more often, Hubby will relinquish some of his domain and Santa will be good to me this year.

Season Your Food with a Dash of Pink

2008-08-29T02:00:00.000-07:00

Who knew that there was pink salt? I didn't! This has to be the best way to season your food if you're a domestic diva.

Himalania Pink Salt is a model of perfect granulometry. 100 natural, unrefined, and containing no additives, its precious purity has been preserved. Naturally rich in elements and minerals including calcium, magnesium potassium, copper and iron, this salt has strong nutritional and health properties. These components produce the incomparable speckled pink color. Speckled on raw or cooked food, it will sing to your taste buds. Himalania Pink Salt is a delight for the sense. Himalania Pink Salt comes from the foothills of the Himalayas where it was formed more than 200 million years ago. It is a remnant of the Mesozoic era. Comes in an elegant glass jar with stainless steel lid that will give a fancy look to your table or kitchen.

It also comes in course size...
And a 4 oz rock salt size...

And of course if you buy the coarse salt,
you'll need a pink salt mill to put it in!

Of course!

If You're Gonna Wear Pearls While You Dust...

2008-08-28T11:55:00.001-07:00

...you might as well be dusting something sparkly!

Like this "Pretty in Pink Beaded 3-Light Bowl Pendant Chandelier"...

Or maybe you'd prefer something more petite like this "Petite Pink Drop Crystal pendant Chandelier"

Do you like petite but would rather have something that isn't pink? How about this blue violet "Bella Collection Four Light Strass Crystal Chandelier" ?

You could really streamline your illuminary dusting activities and simply get a strand of bubblegum pink lights from Candy Lights by Jorabeel's...

...or a pretty pink bulb to add to your favorite lamp...

...and even something special for the holidays like this candycane scented bulb for your nightlight (which is the easiest to dust of them all).

Click on any of the images above for purchase information

All chandeliers pictured above are available at LampsPlus.com - America's Lighting Superstore!

Stylish and Yummy Pin Toppers

2008-08-28T11:02:00.000-07:00

Gigi Minor at Pinks & Needles creates gorgeous and playful pin toppers. What is a "pin topper", you ask?

Gigi says:

"...as far as I know I coined the phrase 'pin topper'... Remember the good ole' days when your Grandmother's thimble or spoon collection was so fun to look at? Well, I can see that same trend happening with these little babies! Some of you may be wondering 'What in the world is a pin topper?' It's basically a sewing pin but with a surprise on the top like a cupcake or mushroom, maybe even a piece of fruit! Think of it as a little bling for your pin cushion!"

The great thing that I can see about the pin toppers is that they're each a piece of art; so pretty; inexpensive (always a plus!); the good-enough-to-eat treats are calorie-free; and they're so small that they don't take up a lot of room! It's the best of all worlds.

The Maiden Voyage of "Dusting in Pearls"

2008-08-28T00:23:00.000-07:00

I can't think of a better way to start out this blog than by featuring some cute and sassy rubber household gloves that make housework a little more colorful and lot more stylish. Chick Lingo has a great selection of gloves (one set even has a matching apron).