Paper Lace and Petals: When Part of the Picture is Enough

So pretty! Just a corner of the intended photograph is enough to show you how sweet this arrangement is.  I have a new camera and it has a feature that creates an echo photo with just part of the original image.  I usually discount it, but today it is too beautiful not to share.  A bit of paper lace and a few perfect petals. Cropping or framing is so important in photography. This proves my point.

I couldn't resist putting a square paper lace doily under this arrangement of lace cap hydrangeas, yarrow, zinnias and lavender. Swoon. 

Style Trend: Lace iPad Clutch

I have been reading lots of magazines on all of flights I have been on lately and one common denominator is the fact that lace is everywhere.  Here is just one link to a recent article on lace in Lucky magazine.

I have been determined to make myself "a little something" (read: accessory) with lace this season and I was tickled when I found this beautiful fabric.  It is a lace print - white on denim blue.  It looks like lace, but since it is printed, there are no holes to snag. Bonus.  

I just finished making myself this iPad clutch.  I padded it with fusible fleece, lined it with a tiny blue and white check fabric and closed it with a narrow white zipper.  I love it!  I can't wait to carry it with my Spring wardrobe.  It may be 35 degrees out now, but daffodils and April showers are sure to be right around the corner!

Dreamy Lace Curtains

Gorgeous! I took this dreamy photo of a guest bedroom at a friend's cottage in Maine.  I wanted to show it to you today to remind you to notice the changing light of Spring. 

The days are a little longer.  The shadows are different.  The area of the house that is "a bit dark" can change this time of year and you might want to light a lamp in a different part of the room. 

Take time to notice which window has light streaming in.  Grab the Windex and make sure that window is sparkling.  It is time for a Happy Spring.

Belgian Lace Roll Basket



Say that five times fast: Belgian Lace Roll Basket (ha!).  But I can't think of any other way to describe it.

This beautiful addition to any holiday table was a gift from my husband when he was on assignment in Europe.  He went on a day trip to Bruges, Belgium and described it as "Chocolate shop, Lace shop, Hot Waffles - repeat."  He loved it, actually and climbed the 366 steps to view the city from the Belfry Tower.  

Somewhere between the tower and a waffle, he wandered into a lace shop looking for a gift for me and saw the grandmother/shopkeeper who makes these collapsible roll baskets.  She was working on one when he entered the shop and bought one on the spot.  When not in use, the lace lays flat like a doily.  But tie the opposite ribbons together and a 3-dimensional structure appears before your eyes - each compartment perfect for a dinner roll.  Does he know me or what?

Lace Curtains

Now this is my idea of a lace curtain!  I love how "mere thread" can convey such a sweet vignette.  My imagination takes off and I hear voices in the kitchen and can smell the gingerbread cookies in the oven.

I found this beautiful lace panel online and would love to find a place for it in my house.  The natural and botanical images look "a little Swedish" to me and I think it would look beautiful with light streaming through it.  A delightful way to have a little privacy.  Do you have any lace with images woven in it?