Bugga Bugs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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