The T-Cozy

A New Year's Thank You

Another year flies by . . . and what a year it was. For me, it was a year filled with many good times, and unfortunately, some bad times, too. Due to a serious health issue, I've had a very challenging year. I chose not to go into it here because I want The T-Cozy to be a fun, welcome diversion for you — and for me, too! But don't fret; things are looking up and I'm feeling great.

I'd like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to my wonderful family and close friends for your comfort and support. Thank you for being there when I needed you most. 

My sincere gratitude goes out to my T-Cozy readers, especially those who take the time to leave such lovely comments. Your words are most appreciated and really lift my spirits. It's so nice to know you're out there and continue to enjoy my blog. For those of you who have been too shy to say hello, don't be. I'd love to hear from you in 2011.

I also want to thank my blogging buddies for helping me feel connected. I find your blogs (which are listed in my blog roll) so inspiring. Please understand that I may not have had the time or energy to visit or comment as much this past year. 

So here's to a sparkling and bright new year. May it be filled with peace, good health, and much happiness.

Susan

Vintage bluebird image courtesy of The Graphics Fairy.

Tokens of Love: Vintage Valentines from the 1930s

Every year, I search far and wide for vintage valentines to sell in my Etsy shop. This year, I hit the mother lode --- over 50 cards from the 1930s, each more charming then the next! All of them are in wonderful condition. Plus, most have the original givers' name on the backs and are dated by the receiver; that's how I know exactly when they are from. Many of those names are ones you don't hear very often today, names like Norma, Edith, Manfred, Hilda, Esther, Florence, Dolores, Herman, Doris, Skippy, and Gladys. And there were a few names that were most unusual: Velda, Isell, Hertha, Cherry, Erna, and Pinky!

Here's a small sample of my current vintage valentine stash . . .

Aren't they wonderful? Several have sold already, but there are lots more of these tokens of love still available in my Etsy shop.

Speaking of love . . . today is the 26th anniversary of the day John and I met while riding a commuter train between Manhattan and Connecticut. But meeting him wasn't easy; it took two months of riding the same train to finally talk to one another! You can read more about how we met in this post: It Was the Ride of Our Lives.

I’m so grateful that we both decided to take the 5:17 train out of Grand Central Terminal on that cold December 28th evening back in 1984. Happy 20th Meeting Anniversary, John!

Susan

Last "Good Buys" in 2010

In this final week before we bid 2010 farewell, I'm having an end of year sale in my Etsy shop. 

At check out, type in coupon code GOODBUY2010 to save 10% on all orders through December 31. 

Susan

Remember Me To Herald Square

Whenever we take a day trip into Manhattan at this time of year, we make sure to stop by Macy's to view their beautiful holiday windows and decorations. I love historic stores like Macy's. Built in 1902, it is one of the last turn-of-the-century department stores still in existence. 

This year's window theme is "Yes Virginia," based on the animated Christmas special (it aired on CBS December 17) that was inspired by the true story of Virginia O'Hanlon. In 1897, the 8-year-old wrote a letter to the New York Sun newspaper asking if there really was a Santa. Editor Francis P. Church's eloquent reply included the now-famous lines "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus."

Macy's six window displays were made entirely from hand- and laser-cut paper. It took an army of artists, carpenters, animators and machinists 35 weeks to craft the scenes using over 315 giant sheets of paper in 100 colors. The results are magical.

The magic continues once you step inside the store. From the ceiling of the lobby covered in vibrant red ornaments . . .

 . . . to the "Believe Meter" just inside the front door. 

Macy's holiday theme this year is "A million reasons to believe." For every letter dropped into Santa's mailbox at the store, Macy's will donate $1 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation --- up to $1,000,000!

These days, department stores like Macy's are few and far between. I have fond memories of shopping at similar stores like Higbee's and Halle's in downtown Cleveland when I was a child. Unfortunately those stores are no longer, so to me, it's wonderful that a store like Macy's, in its flagship Herald Square location, is still around.

When I was a kid, even though we didn't celebrate Christmas, we always enjoyed the visual splendor of the holiday. My parents would take my sister and me on a ride after dark in our 1964 Bonneville through downtown Cleveland to view the holiday decorations. We'd wear our pajamas and take a couple of blankets in the back seat with us. It was so cozy and fun.

But what I enjoy even more than December's pretty decorations are the holiday gatherings with friends and family. Whether one celebrates Christmas or not, this time of year is all about love, togetherness, community, friendship, kindness, and generosity.

Happy holidays!

Susan

A Heartfelt Gift From Claudia

I just brought in the mail and was treated to a delightful surprise . . .

A pretty little package was addressed to me from blogging buddy Claudia of Mockingbird Hill Cottage!

Along with a lovely note, Claudia gave me a little patchwork heart. Isn't it dear? And I have just the spot for it . . .

I can just picture Claudia sitting in her tiny studio sewing up these sweet tokens of gratitude. Thank you, Claudia!

Susan

Studies in Red and Green

December is such a visual treat, don't you think? --- the twinkling lights, wreaths with red velvet bows, and ornament-laden evergreen trees peeking out of neighbors' windows. 

Ever wonder why my blog isn't brimming with views of our house decked out for the holidays? It's because we don't celebrate Christmas. However, red and green has always been one of my favorite color combinations. So in the spirit of the season, I hope you'll enjoy these views of red and green from around our house.

Love that red and green combo. (I'm a fan of red and aqua, too!)

Susan

Forgotten-Yet-Delightful, Chic, Useful, Curious, and Otherwise Commendable Things from Times Gone By

I just received a review copy of this newly published book in the mail. Have you heard of it? 

It's been so busy around here, I haven't yet had a chance to crack it open. Here is a brief synopsis:

Let's Bring Back: An Encyclopedia of Forgotten-Yet-Delightful, Chic, Useful, Curious, and Otherwise Commendable Things from Times Gone By, by Lesley M. M. Blume.

When was the last time you wore a cape to the opera? Or white gloves to lunch? Why did we ever do away with bed curtains or cuckoo clocks? Whatever happened to parlor games, calling cards, double features, duels, monocles, riddles, turbans, and parasols? Well, let's bring them back! 

Whimsical and witty, this beautifully illustrated encyclopedia of nostalgia celebrates the elegant, mysterious, and delightful trappings of bygone ages. Based on author Lesley M. M. Blume's popular Huffington Post column of the same name and featuring entries from many contemporary icons of style, culture, and letters  -- including Kate Spade, James L. Brooks, Nora Ephron, Daniel Boulud, and Arianna Huffington -- Lets Bring Back . . . revels in the past and, above all, honors the timeless tradition of artful living. 

Well, it certainly sounds like my kind of book! We may have some snow this weekend, so I hope to park myself in front of the fire with a hot cup of tea and peruse this interesting ode to the past. 

Stay warm and have a great weekend!

Susan

How Much Is That Kitty in the Window?

Last Friday, I spotted a little surprise among the bears, bows, and baubles in this Manhattan florist shop's window. Such a pretty holiday display, and what a cute kitty! Do you think she's for sale? ;)

Susan

Treasured Notions at New York City's Tinsel Trading Company

On Friday afternoon, Hannah and I took a spur-of-the-moment trip into Manhattan. It's always such fun to stroll around New York at this time of year. On our way to check out Macy's Christmas window display, we happened to pass one of my favorite stores, Tinsel Trading Company. I hadn't stopped by for a couple of years, so in we went.

As always, Tinsel Trading is chock full of beautiful wares and inspiration. For those of you who have never been there, here's a little photo tour. (Click on any of the photos for an enlarged view.)

Such a beautiful array of gifts, trims and notions! This place really gets the creative juices flowing. And everything is arranged by color so it feels like you are walking through a rainbow. Tinsel Trading has stock that is both vintage and new. In fact, some of the items have been stored away in their basement for decades by the owner's grandfather who started the business in 1933. The history of this shop is quite fascinating. Click here, About Tinsel Trading Company, to read how this very special shop came to be.

Many of  Tinsel Trading's items are offered in their online catalog. But if you ever find yourself walking the streets of New York, be sure to stop in. They are located at 1 West 37th Street, right around the corner from Lord & Taylor and two blocks from Macy's flagship Herald Square store. 

Susan

Perfectly Imperfect

Hey there. Look what I found . . .

A 1927 Gordon Grant ship print and a rare find --- a 1930s wooden soap powder holder!

As you know, I have a collection of these wonderful relics. And to me, they embody everything I love about old things. Chock full of vintage goodness, they are handmade, whimsical, and useful along with being kitschy, worn and rustic. So perfectly imperfect!

These folk art gems were found on the counters of most kitchens back when dishes were washed by hand using soap flakes or powder. They kept the soap close at hand in a pretty container and were probably the handiwork of kids in wood shop class or dads tinkering in their basement workshops.

This lovely vintage specimen still sports its original decals. I've never found one that has a nautical theme. In fact, I hardly ever come across these anymore and every time I write a post about them, I receive comments about where to find them. So, good news --- I've decided to pass this one along in my Etsy shop!

And you'll find the Gordon Grant print listed there, too.

Susan

Tea Time Gift Giving

Share some warmth this holiday season with the gift of tea. On my website, you'll find just the right gift for the tea lover on your list.

Just like the ones we used at my former tea room, I stock Bee House Teapots in six beautiful colors. Pair one up with a Tea Cozy hand sewn by me from vintage textiles.

Perfect as stocking stuffers, I offer nine different types of loose leaf tea packaged in 4-ounce tins with a see-through lid.

Ideal for a good friend, teacher, co-worker or college student, my Tea Mug and More sets are a great way to show you care. There are four different sets to choose from, each with a Bee House tea mug, a stainless steel mesh tea ball, a 4-ounce tin of loose tea and a cute little glass jar of Comptoir Du Sud sugar cubes.

My six ounce bag of Rough Cut Cane Sugar Cubes makes a sweet stocking stuffer. Most often purchased as a party favor, my From the Heart Set also makes a nice stocking stuffer. Nestled together in a cozy organza bag is a heart-shaped infuser and a 2-ounce tin of tea.

That's a little peek at some of the gift-y things on T-Party's website. I do hope I've make your holiday shopping a little easier and that you'll find something on my site that suits you to a "T."

Susan

Save 20% in My Etsy Shop This Weekend!

Is there something you've had your eye on in my Etsy shop? Here's your chance to buy and save December 3 through 5. As a thank you to all of my loyal readers, Facebook fans and Etsy patrons, I am having an Etsy shop sale. Everything is 20% off!

Buy a gift, or a little something for yourself this weekend, and you'll receive your item well before Christmas. In order to get this special 20% discount, simply type in the coupon code BUYANDSAVE at checkout. Shop away!

Susan

A Touch of Spring in December

This week, I've been working on some fun projects for my next Studios magazine article. Since my piece will appear in the spring issue, I've had to ignore the cold temperatures outside and channel some warm weather thoughts my way.

Here is a little peek at the springy things I've been working on . . .

First I painted two panels to resemble a field of wildflowers.

Next I sewed a fabric pennant banner out of some flowery vintage sheeting. I think it turned out really sweet, so I may use the remnants to make another one to sell in my Etsy shop.

Then I constructed letters that spell out the word "S-T-U-D-I-O."

Ahhh, it's a like a warm spring breeze has wafted in!

Now I'm off to work on my photographs for the article, some of which will use these whimsical elements. After that, I'll be doing what I consider the hardest part --- writing the article.

Unfortunately, that's all I can share with you now . . . until the spring issue of Studios hits the newsstands on February 22.

Susan