The T-Cozy

Elevating the Lowly Lunch Box

This past week, I rescued a black metal dome lunch box from the thrift store. I saw its hidden potential, especially since I grew up in the 1960's and 70's when plain lunch boxes like these were often transformed into decoupage masterpieces.

A classic construction worker style with room in the top for a large thermos, my $4.00 find is nice and clean; it barely seems to have been used at all. I decided to try my hand at transforming this lowly lunch box, so I pulled out a very unusual item I've been saving for just such an occasion.

Did you know that back in the 1950's, they manufactured draperies for the home out of paper? Seriously. This lovely flower and leaf pattern is a paper curtain panel, complete with a sewn-in rod pocket! The design is very bark-cloth-esque and it's perfect for decoupage.

So I began cutting, pasting, slapping on some polyurethane, and embellishing my masterpiece with scroll braid trim. Voilà! My secondhand lunch box has gone from boring to beautiful.

That was fun! It's good to get crafty every now and then.

(This post is linked to Kimba's DIY Day at A Soft Place to Land. Check it out!)

Susan

Morning Light

What a sunrise this morning! I shot this photo while on my walk a couple of hours ago.

And here's a view of one of my favorite Rowayton houses. I love this home because it's in its "original" state; no big additions, fancy new shingles or other architectural bells and whistles. It happens to be next to three enormous, newly constructed houses. (I couldn't bear to include them in the photo because they offend me so.) How nice that someone had the sense to leave this simple cottage alone. And this morning, it was absolutely glowing from the magnificent sunrise.

I know that if this was my home, I'd be out on that back porch with my cup of tea taking in the glorious morning light.

Susan

My Studio in Print

I am beyond flattered!  This spring, my studio will be featured in Cloth Paper Scissors' issue of Studios. They describe their quarterly magazine as "a special issue dedicated to creating beautiful, inviting, unique, and functional studios for making collages, quilts, handmade books, and other types of fiber and mixed-media art." I'm not sure I fit into that category, therefore I feel honored to be in the same publication with so many talented artists.

Studios will be available on select newsstands March 31. Or you can pre-order it by clicking here. And if you'd like a sneak peek of my studio, I have a little tour on my website here.

A heartfelt thank you to Studios editor, Cate Coulacos Prato. I am thrilled to be on the pages of her inspiring publication.

Susan

Discombobulation & Some New Etsy-ness

We're in the midst of having our master bedroom and bath painted, so I'm feeling a bit discombobulated this week. It wasn't easy finding space to store the entire contents of these rooms; my dresser is in Hannah's room, my clothes are in the guest room closet, I'm showering in the downstairs bath, my night table is in Jacob's room and I'm sleeping in the guest room. But this is the last of our large, indoor painting projects, so I can deal with the inconvenience. We've been systematically freshening up each room in our house for the last year and a half. Finally, this is the home stretch.

Fortunately, my studio is an oasis of calm, so I was able to list these new items in my Etsy shop.

I'm also having a little Etsy sale. Several listings are ready to expire and I have marked them down before they disappear from my shop. Click here if you'd like to visit my Etsy site.

Susan

Charm City Weekend

We spent this past weekend visiting my daughter in Baltimore, which is also known as "Charm City." This was our fourth trip there and we've come to realize that this town really lives up to its name. There are so many funky restaurants, interesting architecture and cultural activities to experience. Baltimore has grown on us with every trip. (We got back just in time for the Academy Awards. Weren't they fun this year? Go Slum Dog!)

Those of you who blog know what it's like to always have your camera on hand just in case something post-worthy pops up. But I decided to make my weekend "photo-free." Sometimes it's nice to simply spend time away with my family and not think about snapping pictures all of the time. Not that I didn't want to. We went to several photogenic places; like kitschy Cafe Hon that has vintage teapots lining its walls (check out their fun website) and the National Aquarium with its gorgeous array of fish and wildlife.

But I was good; my camera stayed in my handbag, until . . .

 . . . on the way back to Hannah's dorm after brunch yesterday, we passed none other than Charm City Cakes of Food Network's Ace of Cakes fame. (We all like that show.) I couldn't help myself. We pulled over and I snapped a quick photo. Oh well. It almost was a photo-free weekend.

Susan

My Light Bulb Moment Helps Out A Friend

A well-know auction house and antiques gallery in my area recently relocated into a large brick warehouse that was once the old Norwalk Lace Factory. When John and I stopped in one day, I noticed, off in a remote corner, an under-utilized 1940's cosmetics counter that was too cool. Suddenly a light bulb went on above my head. I pictured my dear friend Nancy filling it with her amazing collection of vintage handbags, jewelry and accessories. I brought her back with me a few days later and she was as smitten with the case as I was. Nancy spoke to the owner about renting it and he loved the idea. Plus, he not only rented it to her, he restored the brass, rewired the lighting and moved the counter to a more prominent location with more room for her to display her wonderful items.

Nancy has spent the last week filling her new booth with sparkling rhinestone pins, earrings, Bakelite bangles, necklaces, bracelets, gorgeous handbags and more. She is one of the most knowledgeable dealers specializing in vintage accessories around. Nancy has an amazing eye and she finds the very best of the best. Her new space is still a work in progress but it's already brimming with fun finds.

 

I'm thrilled this has worked out for Nancy. These beautiful baubles are her passion and I'm so glad I could help her find a suitable venue to sell them. It's the least I can do for her as she has been a true friend for the last dozen years. She was always there to cheer me on when I took the leap and opened my shop and tea room. For that, I will always be grateful.

Full of warmth and enthusiasm, Nancy's personality is even more vibrant than her wares. Puttering around behind this neat old cosmetics counter makes her happy. And I have a feeling her amazing accessories will make others happy, as well.

Susan

The Perfect Teapot Paired With The Perfect (Free!) Tea

On T-Party's website, I take great care in selecting what I offer for sale. There are a couple of items in particular I am most pleased to offer. One is my own special blend of red tea; the other is this array of Bee House teapots in pretty Fiestaware-inspired colors.

These new Japanese porcelain teapots are both beautiful and functional. Each comes with a stainless steel infusing basket nestled inside and a stainless steel lid that slides on and off for easy cleaning. They're dishwasher safe, don't drip and are just right for brewing all loose leaf teas. They are personal-sized and make 15 ounces. And if you use really good tea leaves (like the ones I offer), you'll be able to pour more boiling water over the same leaves for a second pot. They really are the perfect teapots.

I use mine every afternoon when I have a cup of the perfect tea, my very own Susan's Blend. I'm one of those people who can't tolerate caffeine so I've always been an herbal tea drinker. A while back, my favorite Rooibos blend disappeared from store shelves and after some research, I discovered it was discontinued. I made it my mission to recreate that tasty tea. Working with my tea purveyor until we got it just right, Susan's Blend is even better than my old favorite. It consists of an herbal Rooibos, or red tea, ginseng, blackberry leaves, orange peel, rosehips, a dash of chicory, ginger root and a hint of cinnamon. Ginseng is believed to aid the body in combating illness and stress. Plus, along with being delicious plain or with milk, my tea is 100% caffeine free and packed with antioxidants. And it's a T-Party exclusive.

As a gift to my loyal T-Cozy readers, I will include a free two-ounce sample tin of my yummy Susan's Blend to whomever purchases a Bee House teapot on my web site. This special offer will run through Sunday, February 22.

I assure you that this perfect pairing of tea and teapot will not disappoint!

Susan

A Year in My (Walking) Shoes

I love my morning walk, even when it's pouring down rain or bitter cold. I get out there early and get it done before I can come up with excuses why I'd rather be doing something else. And although I do the same 1-1/2 mile route every day, I can count on the change of seasons here in the Northeast to keep the scenery I pass interesting.

Here are some views from my morning walk over the past year . . .

So pretty, at any time of year. I must remember to take my camera along more often.

Susan

Once Upon a Tea Room

Valentines Day was always one of the busiest days at my tea room. After all, there's nothing better than sitting across from someone you care about on a cold February afternoon and enjoying yummy tea time tidbits and a pot of your favorite tea. Though you can still get all of T-Party's loose leaf teas and Bee House teapots on my website, unfortunately I can't offer the food part of the meal. So here's a feast for the eyes only; a look back at what we served for Valentines Day last year . . .

Along with delicious tea sandwiches and fruit scones, we offered these delectable treats: sweetheart brownie cakes, heart sugar cookies, mini valentine cupcakes and strawberry tartlets. Is your mouth watering yet?

Happy Valentines Day!

Susan

The Corgi Connoisseur

Renaissance women, Cathy Santarsiero, can do it all; she's a home-schooling mom who is a talented artist with a love of Pembroke Welsh Corgis. Her beautiful pup Bridget just won an Award Of Merit at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show! Cathy is also a Corgi breeder and has used these expressive pooches as fodder for her whimsical paintings. I first met Cathy when she visited my tea room with friends a few years back. She was kind enough to give me this print of one of her charming paintings at our very last tea seating when my tea room was closing . . .

Cathy is an ardent tea fan and I miss her visits to my shop. Luckily, she doesn't live too far away and was able to stop by my open studio in November. It was great to see her. She has amassed quite a collection of T-Party's Bee House teapots and cozies, so I have a feeling she's having some fun little tea parties at home these days.

I chose Cathy for my (tag-free) Kindred Spirit Award because of her passion for what interests her and for her appreciation of tea, art, handmade treasures, cozy spaces and kitschy finds. And, because she is one of the nicest people around. I love her wonderful sense of humor that is evident in her paintings and in her blog called the Christmas Corgi. Be sure to check it out and visit her website here. Click here for her Etsy shop.

Thank you, Cathy, for being such a devoted T-Party supporter. I'm also a big admirer of you!

Susan

Itty-Bitty Button Bouquets

It's been a productive winter in my studio due to so many snowy housebound days. Creative juices also seem to flow when my computer isn't around to distract me, like this past weekend. While mine was away getting reformatted to fix it's latest glitch, I fashioned a new series of button bouquets to sell in my Etsy shop. Itty-bitty in size, these bouquets fill an array of diminutive vintage containers I've collected. Have a look . . .

Aren't they darling? And tiny treasures like these will fit almost anywhere. I think they would be sweet on a kitchen windowsill to keep you company while washing dishes, or anywhere else a little kitschy charm, and a smile, is needed.

Susan

Winding Up at The Rowayton Library

I have a great fondness for libraries. So when I was recently approached about sponsoring a tea at my neighborhood library, I was happy to oblige. The small area of Norwalk, Connecticut where I live, called Rowayton, is fortunate to have one of the nicest little libraries around. They always have an interesting array of free events like book talks, storytimes and speakers. I was asked to host one of their Tuesday afternoon teas in mid March where I'll bring freshly baked scones and do a little tea talk. I'll also host a children's tea on a Saturday morning complete with a tea time etiquette lesson.

To bring attention to these events, in early March I'll display some of my tea collectibles in the libraries two display cases. And when the library's director mentioned she needed something to fill the cases for February, I offered my son's wind-up toy collection.

Here is Jacob's collection displayed in the cases and paired with colorful children's books . . .

Until a few years ago, Jacob had these cool toys on a shelf in his room. But he preferred to use the shelf space for CDs, so the toys went up to our attic. I was happy to get them down, dust them off and let them be enjoyed by the patrons of the Rowayton Library.

Susan

Just Listed on Kitsch Encounter!

I had hoped to have these vintage goodies listed today on the T-Cozy's sister blog, Kitsch Encounter. But in the middle of working on this post yesterday, I had a bit of a computer snafu.

Out of the blue, I was unable to use both of my printers! I tried everything, and then I had to resort to calling Chris, my computer guru who was nice enough to come by on a Saturday to help me out. Unfortunately, there didn't seem to be a quick fix for the problem. So my computer went on a sleepover at Chris's house last night. Hopefully I'll get I got it back today so I can complete and have completed these listings, at last!

Fun items, don't you think?

Luckily, in the meantime I can use my kids' computer, but it doesn't have any of my files or photos stored on it. Why is it that a computer can work perfectly one day, and the next day act as though it's been possessed? I hope that Chris can solve has solved this new computer glitch. Thank you Chris!!!

Susan

The Knitting Gene

Do you knit? My mother was a wonderful knitter, as is my sister and niece. Not me; I seem to have missed getting the knitting gene. My mom tried to teach me, but I never could keep my stitches nice and even. Maybe this booklet would have helped . . .

 
What a hoot! I spent the latter part of the 1960's wearing bangs and pigtails like that (but never had the flip do). Aside from some great hairstyles, this booklet is actually filled with practical instruction and lots of patterns for things like mittens, baby booties, an afghan and more. They even have a spread devoted to five fancy stitches which look a little scary to me but are said to be easy to do.

But I'm knitting challenged and there probably isn't much hope for me. So I'll be passing along this knitting guide plus other vintage goodies on Kitsch Encounter, the T-Cozy's sister blog, sometime this weekend.

Be sure to check back soon. Have a happy Friday!

Susan

Vivian, My Garden Muse

To get me through these last few weeks of an extra-snowy, extra-cold winter, I've started thinking about my garden.

For inspiration, I look to a hand tinted vintage garden photograph. No, it's not a long-lost relative, just a picture from a secondhand store. Signed and dated on the back, it's a photo of "Vivian" taken September 1933 in New Hampshire. It was given to someone named Bert for Christmas that same year. Who were these folks? Were they courting? Married? Brother and Sister? We'll never know. But I do know I adore Vivan's garden.

I also know that I am so ready to say goodbye to snow. Here's my front garden taken just this morning, and then again last May.

Perhaps others have gardening on their minds, because one of the tea cozy sets from my website has been popular lately.

The cozy is made out of vintage fabric from around the same time as Vivian's photograph.

Isn't this fabric darling?

During yesterday's snow event, I sewed up a few more teapot cozies. Having so many snowbound days this winter has certainly increased my productivity!

But I don't really mind spending time in my studio. It's my favorite place to be. However, I look forward to gazing out of my studio windows and seeing all green instead of all white. In the meantime, I'll look to my gardening books for some inspiration and, of course, to Vivian.

Susan

Button Bonanza

While my family watched the Super Bowl, I spent Sunday evening sorting through my vast button collection. I'm not a big football fan. But I do like vintage buttons! Here are some of the ones I gathered to list for sale on my Etsy site . . .

Aren't they yummy?

Susan

My Pie Safe Revisited

While housebound due to Wednesday's snow and ice storm, I went ahead and gave my pie safe a face lift. (Are you as tired of this winter as I am?) I was glad to do this long overdo little project. And since I like fiddling around with display, it was a pleasant way to spend a quiet morning. Once I emptied everything out of the cabinet, I wiped down the wood and cleaned the glass so it was all ready to fill back up with my favorite vintage kitchenware.

My pie safe nestles into a narrow area of my kitchen. For the longest time, I searched for a cabinet that would fit this small space, but I was never able to find one. Plus, I wanted it to have glass doors so I could enjoy my cheerful collection. Luckily, about ten years ago on eBay, I came across a furniture maker down south whose specialty was pie safes. I contacted him and he was happy to make me a cabinet to my exact specifications.

Most pie safes have door panels of punched tin or mesh screens. Originally used as a place to store freshly baked goods right out of the oven, pie safes kept pesky flies away from cooling bread, cakes and other bakery items. Since my cabinet would only be used for display, I opted for glass in the doors and side panels to keep out pesky dust and allow a clear view of my whimsical kitchenalia.

Same stuff, refreshed arrangement. Let's take a closer look inside . . .

Above left: standing ready for tea time on the top shelf, a set of Steubenville Pottery in the Woodfield pattern. On the next shelf down, above right: vintage Japan pottery mixed in with new Majolica-style dessert plates. And there's the new addition, my charming stacking teapot!

Alongside my pie safe hangs a couple of useful folk art relics; a cat match safe and a Boston Terrier string holder.

Above left: my Nasturtium motif items feel like summer all year round. Above right: the small Jade-ite collection I amassed, before Martha Stewart sent the prices through the roof.

On the very top of the pie safe, below left: the kitschiest 1950's Androck sifter. Below right: My weakness for vintage metal pieces. (Do you remember my enormous picnic tin collection? Might be time to share those with you again.)

And finally, on the very bottom shelf, you'll find my cherished vintage tablecloths sporting colorful fruit and flowers.

From top to bottom, my pie safe has a new look. Of course, there's a good chance I may be the only one who notices it. But by simply moving things around, I'm enjoying a fresh view of the splendid stuff that make me smile.

Susan