Enticing...

The allure of this necklace is {almost} enough to have me grabbing for knitting needles.  This lovely mess of cords is vying for a place in my wardrobe.

{This Six Cord Knitted Necklace from A Alicia is screaming my name from across the pond.  Thanks for the introduction Lisa!}

Bones...

Oh my.  I need this dark and brooding jaw bone dangling over my collarbones - the mixture of metallic glamour is almost unbearable.  This porcelain skunk Jaw Pendant makes me weak in the knees.

Well done, Beetle & Flor.  Well done.

Glorious Grosgrain...

There is something about a slightly gloomy, somewhat dreary, partly sunny, very drizzly Portland Monday; grounds for all things creative.  A haphazard mound of clay, ribbon, hemp, scissors, sandpaper, buttons, pears, and bits of everything strewn about is evidence of my afternoon.  Making things makes me smile.

In pursuit of a project {my latest obsession, fabric flowers and rosettes}, I came across Grosgrain.  My dear, sweet Grosgrain has generously shared a tutorial for making perfect fabric poppies.  I will be enveloped in these poppies one day.

To further contribute to the demise of my days {into fabric flower infatuation}, this necklace is featured on Grosgrain; additional evidence that I could exist solely on the wonder of Etsy.  The aptly named Partly Sunny Necklace by Allora Handmade is to die for, just what my life needs to equalize the afternoon drizzle.

Anthropologie, sweet anthropologie...

Last weekend was full of firsts; my husband and I had our first walk among the streets of downtown Portland, my first trip to the Mecca that is Powell's Books, my first dance with the 'Pay to Park' machines {the machine wins round one}, my first adoration with the Pearl District and the Brewery Blocks, and my first brush with Anthropologie hardware. 

As I strolled through Anthropologie admiring hangers of ruffled cashmere and hand printed linen, I spotted three large stands of vivid glamour heaped in bins.  The bins are large, round, tiered, and revolving, not unlike the nail bins at a hardware store, where I used to glee at the 'tinks' of dropping nails into the galvanized aluminum buckets as my dad shopped for a myriad of household projects.  But unlike the sharp, severe nails wearing a coat that will soon fade and rust, the hardware is brilliant, glossy, feminine. 

Here is just a sample; a small, whittled, severely edited sample from those pretty hardware bins {it could be much, much larger}.

The Battenberg Iris Bracket is a graphic interpretation of lace and irises.  A rustic reclaimed shelf would look perfect lounging above a duet of distressed brackets.

A doorknob conceived in heaven, the Flora Forever Doorknob will have your hands gracefully caressing lustrous ceramic.

If you prefer subtle, delicate indication to decorative accent, the Hello Goodbye Doorknob will greet you with whimsical charm and leave you with a smile.

Anthropologie houses a collection of melon knobs that would make the produce aisle envious of their vibrant color and succulent curves.  From top to bottom, Ceramic Melon Knob {Orange, Antique Brass}, Mercury Glass Melon Knob {Silver}, and Ceramic Melon Knob {Pink, Zinc}.

A few more knobs worth revealing, from top to bottom.  Peeping Posies Knob in yellow, emitting perfect cherry blossoms with scalloped trim.  The Chronograph Knob is a timeless update by way of its stopwatch persuasion.  The delicate brass Arthurian Knob {Oval} is a filigree ellipse molded into a three dimensional wonder.

This Card Catalog Pull makes me long to be a librarian just so I can get my hands on a card catalog to adorn with pristine brass plates.

And finally, the Dunluce Hook is, "A quatrefoil filled with filigree laurels...."

And, just in case you need a lovely sparkle or two to hang on the beautiful Dunluce Hook, the Hanging Bellflower Bib Necklace {top} and the Silver Foxglove Necklace {bottom} are both just enough to compliment you and more than enough to compete with perfection of the hardware. 

The key{s} to my heart...

Lately my eye has been drawn to a particular vintage find; keys, elegant and graceful forms of metal. 

A few ideas for my newly beloved old keys: 

  {Make a composition of vintage keys hung directly on the wall} 

  {Mount them in an heirloom frame for a whimsical piece of art} 

  {Mount them perpendicular to a wall or board for a nostalgic hook} 

  {Attach them to hardware and create unique furniture handles}

  {Use one as a key ring and make all your other keys jealous}

  {Thread one, or a handful, on ribbon for a necklace that sings}

Part of the magnetism to vintage keys is the chase and pursuit.  Scouring vintage and antique stores for the perfectly ornate skeleton key is nourishing.  Not into foot traffic and musky smells?  Scouring Etsy for vintage keys is almost as merry.  Here are just a few of the Etsy shops that have vintage keys for sale:

Red Dog Foundry has vintage keys galore {literally, so many glorious options}.

Cool Vintage has an Etsy shop full of vintage keys and several vintage escutcheons {keyholes just as lovely as the keys}.  Oh, and did I mention the sale?!?

Creative Artifacts has several collections of vintage keys for purchase, there is something illustrious about two dimensional patina.

Regina's Studio sells unique, almost endearing vintage keys, and so many other distractions {Nayapaisa Antique Coins anyone?}.

Steampunk Supply has a heap of vintage key options.  Don't even get me started on the vintage clock hands.  Does anyone else see an amazing statement necklace when they glance at vintage clock hands?  Or a nostalgic brooch when they see Victorian watch movements?

Pottery Barn sells this set of seven Vintage Keys.  Admittedly, they lack the character of actual vintage finds, but they are readily available...

There is more to the attraction than just visual appeal {but they are so visually appealing}.  Beyond the beauty, they are symbols.  They optimistically open doors and chests full of hope.  They are the keys to the past; they have stories and they invite the opportunity to imagine them.

Whether it's their irregular surface and antique finish or their deep tales of ambiguity; either way, I adore them.

Ecology and elegance...

Ecology, elegance, sustainable sources, artisans, organic, and living earth; all of these amazing components and descriptions apply to the philosophy of Viva Terra.  Not only does this company stand for something beautiful, but they offer truly beautiful and unique products.  Allow yourself to admire my favorite Viva Terra goods...

This Railroad Tie Dining Table is made from reclaimed railroad ties {teak, pine, and ironwood}.  The waxed finish perfectly retains the history of each piece.

Brimming with character, this Reclaimed Pine Farm Table is made from raw materials {rafters and floor joists} harvested from gracefully aged barns in Wisconsin. 

No table is complete without the perfect vignette of glassware.  The handmade Porcelain Pear Vases {top} and Recycled Glass Balloon Vases {bottom} are both 'perfectly imperfect' and just right for holding a bloom or two of your favorite vegetation.

Here are two gorgeous options for a place to rest your head.  The charming Farmhouse Bed is on the left.  On the right, the Gustavian Vintage Bed boasts its classic Swedish design influenced by French neoclassical principles.  Both beds are a vision of reclaimed Douglas fir treated perfectly to highlight the wood.

These chic Kalamkari Pillows are the culmination of hand-printed wood blocking with natural dyes and a modern view of antique patterns.

This Vintage Fir Modern Dresser displays the beauty of the same wood as the beds above, making lovely complimentary pieces.  I am not usually one for matching bed suites, but when each piece is as lovely and unique as these, how can I disagree?

A few accessories you might fancy.  On the left, the Whitewash Trophy Lamp would bring light to any room.  On the right, this terra-cotta Laughing Buddha will surely bring a smile to your face.

Possibly one of my favorite finds at Viva Terra, this Vintage Grain Sack Rug is based on {not surprisingly} a vintage grain sack.  The texture mimics burlap but allows for a more comfortable surface.  Truly lovely!

Mirrors have long been used to reflect all things good in life.  Bring a little shine to your space with this rustic Classic Floor Mirror {top} or the delightful mango wood Talisman Mirror Collection {bottom}. 

And finally, though the next product doesn't belong on your walls, it is simply too pretty to be left out.  Wooden beads covered with vintage scarves have never looked so delicious.  Is it too late to ask for this Vintage Silk Scrap Necklace for Christmas?

Looking for more green products with the beauty and character only Viva Terra can deliver?  Make every day earth day at: Viva Terra.