Granny-Chic

Vintage needlepoint, thrifted crystal vases, limoges plates, antique gold tables with pretty-patinas and classic paintings of sewing inspire me. My decorating style marches to a vintage-vibe.

I can't wait to show you the Ballard Designs Claire chandelier I finally ordered. It wasn't the exact color I expected so I lightly painted it with some Renaissance-gold to give it an antique-gold appearance.

A new cross stitch pattern is on the horizon too. I've designed another simple heart. I'm stitching it with Paris-pink silk on crisp white linen. Stay tuned!  xx ~ Jilly
         

Castles And Candles

Tom, Ellie and I took another drive up the coastal roads near our home. We discovered a Medieval Castle.  A castle in New England, who knew? Since the interior tour was closed, we explored the outside. On the way home, I imagined the majestic castle lit up by the amber glow of beeswax candles. Beeswax candles have always been my absolute favorite.

I've partnered with Uncommongoods to review some of their wonderful products. I love this company. I'm very happy to recommend their products because I've been a customer for years. I don't do many endorsements here. I make exceptions for exceptional companies.
     

Today I'm sharing this fun, eco friendly 60 Hour Candle made from natural beeswax. The unique design blends well into any home, whether it be a castle or cottage. It complements my French country living room. It's welcome in a mancave or modern-minimalist interior too. Both my male and female friends love this candle. It's very easy to assemble and use. Uncommongoods even sells refills. It has quickly become favorite here. It sits on my coffee table for hours of enjoyment. Uncommongoods also offers a creative selection of art and pillows.

   
I live a small and simple life. But I believe in treating myself to special items that bring beauty and peace to my space. Candles are a must. They make any room cozy and inviting. This candle is like a piece of sculpture on your table. It makes a great gift, especially for a candle-lover. To purchase this coiled candle click here . To view more distinctive gifts for men and women click here.

Thanks For Visiting Me Today!

xx ~ Jilly

Coffee & Stitching

I'm stitching and sipping coffee on this lovely morning. Carolyn Westbrook's A Romance with French Living is my current read. It's a gorgeous book. The windows are open. There's a gentle breeze and the smell of fresh cut grass in the air. A slow and easy spring day is a good thing.

This is my next pattern called Butterfly Bloom. It's inspired by vintage embroidery. My favorite colors show up here: teal, turquoise, violet, pink, green and more. The design will be finished with a few optional seed beads and a crystal charm. Stay tuned!

Happy Stitching!

xx ~ Jilly

Feeling Stitchy

Hi Everyone! Spring has sprung in New England. On the North Shore of Boston, flowers are budding on the trees. I've done some spring cleaning. I've also been outside everyday, walking on the piers and in the parks. My beagle is a happy sidekick.

Salem is jumping with tourists and trolley tours. The restaurants and coffee shops are bustling. It's fun to see everyone enjoying the city. I'm also excited to start my new spring sampler pattern. I've decided to use antique-white linen and a medley of DMC vintage-y colors. In a nook of my tiny home, a work "studio" is finally set up. Yipee!

I found the pretty vintage needlework on etsy and the vintage pastel painting in Newburyport, MA. The painting was done by a lady named Sarah who lived there. It's of her backyard. Charming in its aged and faded imperfection. I love mixing old and new things together.

 

Assembling packages for my sweet customers is also very special to me!

One of the perks of living a small, creative life is you get to spend more time in nature. On my walk yesterday, I saw the sweetest young couple holding hands. I know they'll get married. They had that certain look. A few kids, covered in strawberry ice cream, asked to pet my dog. They giggled as she licked their faces. A young boy told his parents that he loved the smell of the ocean. A disabled man asked to take a photo of my dog. Life is a string of beautifully ordinary moments. Don't miss it. ❤

Hope everyone is having a great day!

Happy Stitching!xx ~ Jilly  

Our Tiny Home

As usual, Miss Ellie saunters in front of me and strikes a pose. She has beagle-swagger. After her photoshoot, she yawns and falls asleep. A doggie-diva's life. 

People ask how we can live comfortably in 800-square feet. I have no answer. It's not for everyone. We have a large storage unit, which is essential for tidiness. We clean with a robotic vacuum called NEATO (unbelievable!). We spend lots of time on the beach and we spend lots of time with each other. We worry less. We have less. It makes our lives rich in countless ways.

I share this small space with my husband and a rescued beagle. We live on the North Shore of Boston near apple orchards, farms and the ocean. This is our first home. A cherished haven. It's close to a beautiful beach. We enjoy every inch of it. We're grateful for a roof over our heads and food on the table. A large storage unit keeps our Christmas decor, luggage and other things organized and out of sight. 

I've scattered my favorite vintage embroidery and seashells around each room. There's always candles, flowers and cross-stitched pieces. I'd love to hang a French chandelier and put in hardwood flooring someday. We have no formal dining room. But that's okay, we never used it much when we had one. We're just so very happy to make our nest near the beautiful blue sea.

Raspberry Monogram

Shabby-Chic-Esque

I recently lost my case management job due to lack of funding.  I was sad for a while, laying around in my PJ's, feeling scared and sorry for myself.  After the initial shock wore off, I decided to get dressed and get on with things.