I'm here, I'm here!

It has been a long time...too long, I know. So let me attempt to put an end to this blogging lull of mine! A super quick re-cap...what the heck have I been doing?

Well...I am desperately trying to practice taking better photos. I am participating in an online photography workshop and have been trying to keep up with my attempts at 'self-portraits' for my Flickr group. Here are a couple...

...but I have been taking photos of others too! This is my neighbor Keeley on her way to an Indian wedding...she was so gorgeous!

and then there is Penny...she hasn't moved much since I last blogged!

and a few new pieces of jewelry...

One rainy day I didn't really feel like working at my bench...I just wanted to play so the results of putting a few random bits together from here and there were...

So there is the quick re-cap. I have been keeping up with many of you...although I haven't really been commenting much! I am going to really, really try to get back in the swing of things as far as blogging.

Hope this jogs your memory on who I am...will be back soon! :)

Brooch Bouquets...

So I have been in my new place for almost 7 months now and I am just getting to know one of my neighbors, Keeley....I was at her house Saturday night and discovered that Keeley and her Mom make the most amazing brooch bouquets. I really had never heard of anything like it and didn't know what to expect...and when she put one in my hand, I was in complete awe. They are stunning.

(I also thought it was so cool that there is a fellow Etsian right next door! She is also getting into making jewelry and we have 'jewelry nights' planned!)

Each bouquet is made of the most gorgeous sparkly vintage brooches all with a color theme...which is up to the bride of course!

One of the coolest things is that she mentioned some brides choose to incorporate a family member's brooch into the bouquet...maybe a family member that isn't able to be there in person for the special day.

Look at how gorgeous this bouquet is! {sigh}

Brooch bouquets are perfect for the bride looking for something completely unique with a vintage vibe. Please take a look at Keeley's Etsy shop...

http://www.etsy.com/shop/InspirationsByIngrid

and you can also check out her Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Inspirations-By-Ingrid-Custom-Brooch-Bouquets/136965436354315

Wedding season is quickly approaching so if you know of any brides to be,

please be sure to share!!

A favorite worth sharing...

I noticed that 6 out of my 15 'Etsy :: Favorite Listings' are from 
MARLEY & LOCKYER
and I think it is time to stop being selfish and share this wonderful shop with you. I love pillows..on my bed...couch, love seats...wherever. I love pillows. Lots of 'em! The downside? Pillows can be expensive! Especially if you like to change them as often as I do. The solution - buy cushion covers. Buying covers is nothing new, but finding special, unique, handmade and affordable pillows is...well, impossible. This is where this great Etsy shop comes in. Maryley & Lockyer offers super simple, elegant French insipired designs. I think the light colored, casual style is just perfect for Summer.

Here are a few of my favorites:

and look at these cute Easter tags! They would be the perfect touch to add on presents for my nieces!

This shop deserves your immediate attention!