Spring is here! Many of us are doing our spring cleaning
and if you are anything like myself, I also tend to redecorate. I add a few new pieces on the fireplace mantel; maybe a new set of candleholders on the dining room table, something new and different.
My mantel is full of beautiful tinware handmade by "The Village Tinner"
http://www.thevillagetinner.etsy.com/ . He is by far one of the most talented tinsmiths I have ever seen. Ok, so maybe I'm a little partial- he's also my Dad!
For more than 25 years, and as long as I can remember, tin, copper and brass have been his passion. Having a home based business for nearly that long, I remember waking up to the sounds of the hammer striking the awe and pounding our beautiful tin punch panels. My mother was usually lovingly wrapping the finished pieces at the dining room table and carefully packing them up to be dropped off at the store that would find them a new home. I was probably one of the only ten year olds that knew the difference between a brake and a shear- and could tell you all about hot dipped tinplate. Cool huh! As a teenager I took metal shop with confidence- not just to meet boys.
This particular piece will always have a special place in my heart. It is a cheesemold that can actually be used. It includes a recipe for a German Egg Cheese that resembles Cottage cheese. The cheesemold is made with lead free solder. I made one for a history project that "WOWed" the teacher. I may have had a "little" help from Dad. To this day, that teacher still has that cheesemold!
All of these pieces shown are available in three finishes, which will match anyone's decor.
-The Antique finish simulates aged tinware. It is hand rubbed to highlight the patina and coated with a metal paste wax to give the metal a soft sheen. An occasional dusting with a soft cloth is all that is needed.
-The Rust finish is actually a painting technique. Each piece is primed and painted to give the feel of real rust. It has the appearance of rust without the devastating effects. Please clean with a soft dry cloth.
-The Natural tin finish is the look of shiny tinware when new. Each item is washed and hand polished. Over the years, the tinware will develop a rich patina. Clean with a soft dry cloth.
This particular item- the perfect gift for the history buff- is a Tinder Box. Before matches were introduced in 1830, a fire would have been started with flint and steel. This unit would have contained flint, steel, charcloth, tinder(strips of cloth), a candle stub and a dome shaped extinguisher.The flint, steel, cloth, and candle stub are not included. This is a great item for living history reenactors!
I encourage you to check out this brand new etsy shop at
http://www.thevillagetinner.etsy.com/ for excellent craftsmanship, wonderful customer service, and a great shopping experience. Custom orders are always welcome, as are antique restorations. Please do not hesitate to ask any questions you may have. Have a wonderful day!
Half-Pint Creations has been on vacation for the last month with a Grand reopening on September 1st. There are some new goodies and I'm bringing back some old favorites! 
My new Averi swing dress will be a perfect transition into fall with a sweet long sleeve t-shirt and leggings. They will soon be available in Halloween and Christmas prints to add a little comfort and sparkle to the holiday season.
Also coming back are the Half-Pint ornaments collection that I have lovingly named "Snowed In". They are always personalized free of cost and make a great gift for a teacher, grandparent, or loved one on your list.
Autumn is coming soon, school is starting soon, yes, it's the most wonderful time of the year! Pop on over to Half-Pint Creations on Sept. 1st and check out the new look and all of the new surprises that will keep your little one stylin' through the holidays!
All of her candles are homemade and hand-poured. They are half soy and half paraffin, the best of both worlds. They burn cleaner because of the soy and they smell fantastic due to the paraffin. She has over 700 fragrances. How can you possibly go wrong with scents like "Blueberry Cheesecake" and "Coconut Lime"? I opened my package, which arrived pretty quickly (mine was even a custom order), and inhaled deeply. She included many extras, all packed safely with care - one scent even more enticing than the last. Pure Heaven!
I encourage you to make a visit to 
Since the beginning of this year, I have done all my photos with a black backdrop and a dressform. I feel they are sharp, colorful, and different from the masses. However, while designing my new bubble bloomers, I had an outside photo shoot in mind.
I wanted something cute and "foofie", something meant to be worn on it's own and also under dresses. The new "Bubblebum" line was created. Soon to be joined by "Rufflebums", baby bottoms will never be the same. It was only natural that my little one model these new bloomies.
They are currently available at 
There are many new hand sculpted buttons as well as new "Mama made It" Kits in the shop. So grab a cup of coffee (or herbal tea if that is your thing) and stop in for a browse:)
I am incredibly lucky to still have my Mom after the things her body has been thru. I am also lucky enough to call my mother my best friend. I would move mountains for that wonderful woman. After many answered prayers and happy tears, THIS, my friends, is the best Mother's day I will ever have- my Mom is here to celebrate it with me.
