The Sweet Lily

May 8, 2014, 5:48 pm

≫ Next: Sweetest of the Flowers

≪ Previous: Homegrown Sunshine

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"No flower amid the garden fairer grows
Than the sweet lily of the lowly vale,
The queen of flowers."

~ John Keats ~


5"x7" graphic

Printable with 3.5"x5" cards and approx. 2"x3" tags.

Printable 8.5"x11" stationery and
printable sheet of 4 notepapers, 4"x5."

Here are the free graphics &
sources used in my artwork:

*TuckDB*
1904 lily-of-the valley 

Lily-of-the valley bouquet
"Ida" lily-of-the valley

*The Graphics Fairy*
Torn paper texture
Vanilla apothecary label

*Old Design Shop*
Aged paper texture

*Lilac & Lavender*
"Antiqued" lined paper


Thank you
for stopping by!

---

Sweetest of the Flowers

May 10, 2014, 11:11 pm

≫ Next: We Bring Roses...

≪ Previous: The Sweet Lily

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"Sweetest of the flowers a-blooming
In the fragrant vernal days
Is the lily of the valley
With its soft, retiring ways."

~ Paul Laurence Dunbar ~

Tags above are 3.2" x 5.2"
and in the printable sheet below 2.5" x 4".

Round graphics above are 4".
In the printable sheet below they are 2.5". 

So excited to offer a pennant/banner for the first time!
The pennant is approx. 7" x 7.5". I decreased the size to 3.7" x 3.8"
and fit 10 to a sheet for the instant printable banner, below.

Here are the free graphics &
sources used in my artwork:

*TuckDB*
1908 lily of the valley
Lily of the valley bouquet

*The Vintage Moth*
"Royal Beauty Waltzes"

The sheet music used in the pennant/banner
is from my personal collection, c. 1940.


Thank you for stopping by today!

We Bring Roses...

June 3, 2014, 12:26 pm

≫ Next: In Full Bloom

≪ Previous: Sweetest of the Flowers

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"We bring roses, beautiful fresh roses,
Dewy as the morning, and coloured like the dawn."

~ Thomas Buchanan Read ~

 Gift tags printable ~ note the intertwining roses.
Printable 8.5" x 11" stationery with roses and handwriting, below.

I couldn't decide between postcard borders, so here are both versions.
The first postcard is approx. 5.3" x 3.5" and the second approx. 5.5" x 3.5"

Printable sheet of 4 notepapers or journal cards, 4" x 5" each.

Printable vintage roses ~ 8.5" x 11" image.

Printable featuring 2.7" x 3.2" notecards and approx. 2" x 3" tags.

Printable sheet of 12 tags, each approx. 2" x 3".

Here are the free graphics
& sources used in my artwork:

*TuckDB*
Bouquet of roses

*Carol Anne's Boutique*
1908 French letter

*Lost and Taken*
Grungy wallpaper texture

*Lilac & Lavender*
Postcard back
Postcard back, scalloped border


I also created a Facebook cover photo
which you are free to use.  It's available
on Lilac & Lavender's FB page.


Thank you for stopping by!

In Full Bloom

June 9, 2014, 11:56 am

≫ Next: Flag of the Free

≪ Previous: We Bring Roses...

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"Life and love are very precious
when both are in full bloom."

~ Louisa May Alcott ~

Blue hydrangea tags approx. 2.5" x 4" each.
Postcard graphic approx. 3.5" x 5.3"

Printable sheet of 4 notepapers, 4" x 5" each.
Vintage blue hydrangea stationery 8.5" x 11"

Printable vintage music & hydrangea tags:

Here are the free graphics
& sources used in my artwork:

*The Graphics Fairy*
Blue hydrangea
Round frame

*TucksDB*
Postcard border

*Lost & Taken*
Grungy wallpaper texture

*Carol Anne's Boutique*
1908 French letter

*Shadowhouse Creations*
Softly aged sepia texture

*Lilac & Lavender*
Postcard back

The sheet music used in the last set of tags
is from my personal collection, c. 1940.


Thank you  for stopping by!

Flag of the Free

July 3, 2014, 11:28 pm

≫ Next: September's Flower

≪ Previous: In Full Bloom

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"Flag of the free, fairest to see!
Borne thro' the strife and the thunder of war;
Banner so bright with starry light,
Float ever proudly from mountain to shore."

~ Unknown Author ~

Printable set of patriotic gift tags or bookmarks,
and printable sheet of 10 tags, 2 x 4" each, below.

Printable sheet of tags featuring lyrics to "America the Beautiful,"
and 8.5 x 11" sheet music I've scanned and partially restored,
from my personal collection of ephemera.

Here are the free graphics
& sources used in my artwork:

*clkr.com Free Clipart*
United States flag
 
*imagesbykim*
Flag of the Free sheet music
 
*The Vintage Moth*
America the Beautiful sheet music 

*Lilac & Lavender*
Fabric texture


Thanks for stopping by!
Have a safe & fun holiday weekend!

September's Flower

September 7, 2014, 10:57 pm

≫ Next: Our Jack O'Lantern...

≪ Previous: Flag of the Free

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"Now violet and rose have had their day,
I'll pluck the soberer asters with good grace
And call September nothing but September."

~ Ella Wheeler Wilcox ~

I used a black ink pen to outline most of the petals and leaves...
it was fun "working" on them this afternoon.

Here are the free graphics
& sources used in my artwork:

*TuckDB*
Asters and foliage

*Graphics Fairy*
Handwritten poem


Thank you for stopping by!

Our Jack O'Lantern...

October 30, 2014, 8:24 am

≫ Next: Dreaming of a Pink Christmas...

≪ Previous: September's Flower

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"It's cold and we are sleepy,
the air is cold and still.
Our jack o'lantern grins at us
Upon the window sill..."

~ Unknown Author ~

My 9 year old daughter created this original artwork!
I transformed her sketch into digital images to share...
so from both of us ~ please enjoy!

 Above, printable bookmarks or tags in brown and orange hues.
They look great printed on cream-colored card stock.

Below, printable bookmarks or tags for kids
(or kids at heart!) to color... this was my daughter's idea.

 Below, an 8.5" x 11" printable sheet of journal or note cards in 2 sizes.
I love the texture and shading on this jack o'lantern.

Here are the free graphics
& sources used in these images:

*The Graphics Fairy*
Torn paper texture

*Shadowhouse Creations*
Softly aged sepia texture

Thank you for stopping by!

Dreaming of a Pink Christmas...

December 3, 2014, 1:39 am

≫ Next: A Sentimental Journey

≪ Previous: Our Jack O'Lantern...

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 "Blessed is the season
which engages the whole world
in a conspiracy of love!"

~ Hamilton Wright Mabie ~

Here's a list of free graphics &
sources used in my artwork:

*TuckDB*
White clematis
Pink phlox
Scalloped border

*The Graphics Fairy*
Pink rose "La France"
Back of old photograph
Torn paper texture

*The Vintage Moth*
Antique ledger

*Free Vintage Digital Stamps*
Polka dot scrapbook paper

*Lost & Taken*
Book cover texture
Grungy wallpaper texture

*Antique Images*
Handwritten journal page

*Just Something I Made*
Handwritten letter, 1908

*Aquastock on DeviantART*
Gold glitter stock photo

*Lucky Palm*
Angel with pink wings

*Vintage Feedsacks*
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Calligraphy frame

*Vintage Images*
Light pink roses
 

Thank you so much for stopping by!
Hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

---

A Sentimental Journey

December 3, 2014, 9:17 am

≫ Next: Under the Winter Snow

≪ Previous: Dreaming of a Pink Christmas...

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"Winter, a lingering season,
is a time to gather golden moments,
embark upon a sentimental journey,
and enjoy every idle hour."

~ John Boswell ~

 

This is a c. 1902 postcard that I altered from black & white
to sepia tone and pastels. I just love her expression.  Below
is a printable sheet of tags or bookmarks for you ~ enjoy!

"By recollecting the pleasures
I have had formerly, I renew them,
I enjoy them a second time,
while I laugh at the remembrance
of troubles now passed, and which
I no longer feel."

~ Giacomo Casanova ~


Where would a sentimental journey
lead you today?

Thank you for stopping by!

Under the Winter Snow

January 26, 2015, 10:19 pm

≫ Next: My Heart is Yours

≪ Previous: A Sentimental Journey

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"Every gardener knows
that under the cloak of winter
lies a miracle... a seed waiting
to sprout, a bulb opening
to the light, a bud straining
to unfurl. And the anticipation
nurtures our dream."

~ Barbara Winkler ~

 

I've made 3 printable sheets of pastel rose tags. They're similar,
with subtle differences. I know you'll put them to good use ~ enjoy!

*The Anthenaeum*
Still Life of Roses by Emile Vernon, 1902

*Vintage Feedsacks*
Perfume label

*The Vintage Moth*
Hand-penned letter


Just remember in the winter
Far beneath the bitter snow
Lies the seed that with the sun's love
In the spring becomes the rose

   ~ Amanda McBroom ~


Thank you for stopping by!

My Heart is Yours

February 11, 2015, 11:15 am

≫ Next: Those Who Wish to Sing

≪ Previous: Under the Winter Snow

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Love in your heart
wasn't put there to stay.
Love isn't love
'til you give it away.

~ Oscar Hammerstein ~

 

This is a sweet c. 1910's postcard from my collection.

Here's a printable sheet of tags ~ enjoy!

Happy Valentine's day!
Thank you for stopping by!

Those Who Wish to Sing

March 1, 2015, 2:39 pm

≫ Next: A Song in Spring

≪ Previous: My Heart is Yours

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Those who wish to sing
always find a song.

~ Swedish Proverb ~

              How Birds Learn to Sing

                       How do birds first learn to sing?

                       From the whistling wind so fleet,

                       From the waving of the wheat,

                       From the rustling of the leaves,

                       From the raindrop on the eaves,

                       From the children's laughter sweet,

                       From the splash when brooklets meet.

                       Little birds begin their trill

                       As they gayly float at will

                       In the gladness of the sky,

                       When the clouds are white and high;

                       In the beauty of the day

                       Speeding on their sunny way,

                       Light of heart and fleet of wing...

                       That's how birds first learn to sing.

                   ~ Mary Mapes Dodge

Facebook cover photo

*New York Public Library*
Song thrush
Robin
Nightingale

The sheet music is from my
personal collection, circa 1940's.

Thank you for stopping by!

A Song in Spring

March 8, 2015, 12:12 pm

≫ Next: Gifts of Spring

≪ Previous: Those Who Wish to Sing

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O little buds all bourgeoning with Spring,
You hold my winter in forgetfulness;
Without my window, lilac branches swing,
Within my gate I hear a robin sing...
O little laughing blooms that lift and bless!

Printable sheet of 6 tags ~ spring blossoms and branches.

Printable sheet of lilac, lined 4"x5" note papers.

Printable sheet of 10 tags ~ spring blossoms and lace.

So blow the breezes in a soft caress,
Blowing my dreams upon a swallow's wing;
O little merry buds, in dappled dress,
You fill my heart with very wantonness...
O little buds all bourgeoning with Spring!

~ Jessie B. Rittenhouse ~



Here are the free graphics
& sources used in my artwork:

*Tuck DB*
Lilac postcard
Lilac bunch & ribbon
Forget-me-nots
Red hawthorn branch

*UFDC*
Starburst pattern endpaper

*Vintage Images*
Cherry or apple blossoms

*Old Design Shop*
Aged paper texture

Thank you for stopping by...
I appreciate your visit!

Gifts of Spring

April 26, 2015, 4:38 pm

≫ Next: Filled With Possibility

≪ Previous: A Song in Spring

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"The arms of May are flower filled
With blossoms April showers spilled.
Bright, rainbow-colored gifts of spring
Arrived at her awakening."

~ Nora M. Bozeman ~

Here are the free graphics
& sources used in my artwork:

*The Graphics Fairy*
French lace label
Vintage French roses
French chocolate advert
Back of an old photograph

*TuckDB*
Pink roses
Light pink phlox
Basket of daffodils

*The Old Design Shop*
French receipt
White & yellow daisies

*Vintage Holiday Crafts*
White cosmos

*Little Birdie Blessings*
Forget-me-nots

*Free Vintage Digital Stamps*
Polka dot scrapbook paper

*Digital Two for Tuesday*
Endpaper pattern

*Boston Public Library*
Chocolate trade card

The daffodils and crabapple trees are
blooming... it's good to see vivid greens
and bright blossoms again.
Love this time of year!

Thanks for stopping by!

Filled With Possibility

May 21, 2015, 11:43 am

≫ Next: Queen Anne's Lace

≪ Previous: Gifts of Spring

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"Aaah, summer - that long anticipated
stretch of lazy, lingering days, free of
responsibility and rife with possibility..."

~ Darell Hammond ~

"Time to rise and shine and get ready for school you two!" My son popped right out of bed, while my daughter needed a little more encouragement. Without opening her eyes, she groaned, "How many more days?" I said, "Oh, summer will be here soon enough." I then kissed her forehead, and lovingly whisked away the covers. They went through the routine of eating breakfast, getting dressed, brushing hair and teeth. My son was excited about going to the zoo, and produced a zoo-themed art project to praise. My daughter reminisced about her own 1st grade zoo trip and summed it up with, "You're pretty much gonna love it." We prayed together, then they ran to the end of our driveway to chat and wait. I poured a cup of coffee and heard the bus slow and stop. I waved and they waved back as I lost sight of them down the road.

Where just minutes before there was hustle and bustle, now there was only silence. I looked down and noticed the wisps of steam rolling off my coffee. I admired them while appreciating how the pretty blue and white mug warmed my hands. Glancing out front at the garden, I noticed more purple blooms than yesterday, as well as more green. Note to self: pick flowers and pull weeds... after finishing coffee.

This morning routine will only last for a few more days, then we'll be on to summer vacation. I'm relieved. Although I appreciate the quiet and regained sense of independence when they're in school, it'll be nice to have the kids back home in the nest. There's another kind of freedom and peace in that. Most days we'll have nowhere to be. When we stay home, we'll have a picnic lunch or go for a nature hike in the woods. We might take a bouquet of flowers to the neighbors and return with a bag of green beans or a carton of eggs. Other days, we'll go swimming with friends, go to a 4-H meeting, or a learning activity at the library.

Aaah, summer - that season when I am reminded of the younger years: younger kids, a younger me. It'll be good to slow down and savor these: the long, lazy days, childhood, and motherhood. All filled with possibility. 

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Queen Anne's Lace

July 3, 2015, 1:21 pm

≫ Next: Pitcher & Simple Country Bouquet

≪ Previous: Filled With Possibility

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"The great lesson is
that the sacred is in the ordinary,
that it is to be found in one's
daily life..."

~ Abraham Maslow ~

Printable sets of large and small tags, featuring
my favorite wildflower. Click here to read
a little more about the Berry Seed Company.

Printable Queen Anne's lace stationery (8.5 x 11").

I love Queen Anne's lace. At first glance, it looks simple... but
when you really look, you notice all the beautiful, intricate patterns.
I wonder how anyone could call it a weed. It's welcome in all my flower
beds, and makes itself at home right next to irises, daylilies, and roses.
I don't think I'll ever tire of seeing it bobbing in the breeze...
whether it's along a country road, or outside my kitchen window.

Here are the free graphics
& sources used in my artwork:

*Antique Images*
Queen Anne's lace

*Old Design Shop*
Aged paper texture

*Vintage Feedsacks*
Label ~ "lace" pattern

*TuckDB*
Scalloped border

*The Sum of All Crafts*
Delicate rectangular label

*Lilac & Lavender*
Berry Seed Co. ephemera
 

"The whole world is a series of miracles,
but we're so used to them
we call them ordinary things."

~ Hans Christian Anderson ~


Thank you for stopping by!

Pitcher & Simple Country Bouquet

July 8, 2015, 3:59 am

≫ Next: Those Who Bring Sunshine...

≪ Previous: Queen Anne's Lace

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I love enamelware pitchers. Add
a simple country bouquet, and you
have a real thing of beauty.

I'm patiently waiting for the perfect pitcher, so I can
have a bouquet like this on my kitchen table. Until then,
 milk glass vases and mason jars will do just fine.

Here are the free graphics
& sources used in my artwork:

*Antique Images*
Enamelware pitcher

*Flickr: perpetualplum*
Umbel illustration, 1917

*Shadowhouse Creations*
Softly aged sepia texture

*Lilac & Lavender*
Berry Seed Co. ephemera

Thanks for stopping by!

Those Who Bring Sunshine...

July 17, 2015, 10:40 am

≫ Next: Love the Light

≪ Previous: Pitcher & Simple Country Bouquet

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"Those who bring sunshine
into the lives of others cannot
keep it from themselves."

~ James M. Barrie ~

I made these tags to price late summer & fall items
in my booth. It's nice to have a few different sizes...
Enjoy!

Here are the free graphics
& sources used in my artwork:

*Internet Archive*
Silver-leaved sunflower

*TuckDB*
Scalloped border

*Lilac & Lavender*
Fabric texture


Thanks for stopping by!

Love the Light

September 16, 2016, 10:16 am

≫ Next: September Kitchen Decor

≪ Previous: Those Who Bring Sunshine...

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"I will love the light
for it shows me the way,
yet I will endure the darkness
for it shows me the stars."

~ Og Mandino ~

Morning light casts such pretty shadows on my living room curtains.

This book's cover was in rough shape. Looks much better without it.

Until next time... thanks for stopping by!

September Kitchen Decor

September 22, 2016, 11:40 am

≫ Next: Sleigh Bell Polka

≪ Previous: Love the Light

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"When you change the way
you look at things, the things
you look at change."

~ Wayne Dyer ~

I just salvaged this rusty metal bucket from a farm dump! The bottom's rusted away, but you can't even see it. I placed a wide glass vase inside for wildflowers.

This pastel pitcher sat in my booth for months before I decided to bring it home.
I was glad to have it handy for an overflowing bouquet of hydrangeas.

One of the first ways I decorated our home for fall on a budget was with apples.
They used to be growing in our backyard. Now I just pick them up at the grocery.

This rusty wire wreath was a flattened oval jumble when I found it.
I carefully pulled it into a wider oval shape. It's hanging on a clear pushpin.

My husband found these insulators in a ditch! Took quite a bit of scrubbing,
but now they're a colorful focal point on the countertop (or windowsill).

Just by bringing in a few fresh elements, I now feel so much better
about my kitchen. Ready to do some baking and welcome fall!

How about you... are you ready for the change of season?