Nature Notes and China

More treasures I've just purchased from Kelly at Dove Grey Art Studio. The garland I've now moved to the side of the Welsh Dresser where it shows up better on a plain background, and the new Spring N~E~S~T birds and eggs banner.................................

..............................is hanging here for the time being so I could share it with you. When the Spring Cleaning (did I really mention that dastardly phrase) is over, and after the painting projects are completed, I may move this to another spot.

This close up of one section shows how beautiful Kelly's work is.

You can see I really do have a bird theme going on here on this dresser. My set of Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady china ~ love the large plate with mother feeding her young below, and the gravy boat pair on the branch of catkins above.......................

....................little pot holder birds doing just what they should ~ holding another of my decoupaged pots. I made a lot of these decorated pots and sold them at a local garden shop ~ I hope to paint more this year as I found this very enjoyable.

Kelly also gathers treasures to make delightful bundles of collage/art/antique papers and related items for scrapbooking, card making and art projects. I'm thrilled with this bird paper bundle and can't wait to use them in a Spring project of my own.

While looking at my Country Diary china, out of curiosity I decided to check what was available at Replacements, Ltd. in this pattern. I was quite shocked to discover that the pieces are so expensive now the pattern is discontinued. The china was made in Ireland by Noritake 1982-1991.

I purchased mine in the early 80's, a 'gift' to myself because I fell in love with Edith Holden's books and nature illustrations and, as many of you know, love anything with writing. The large serving platter is now $68.95, the gravy boat $92.95, and the coffee pot with lid $123.95 (you can just see it behind the banner 'T' in the second pic). I have a service for 8 as well as several extra pieces - and I probably didn't spend more than a couple of hundred dollars for everything. Anyway, I'll never sell it because I love it.......and we use it often. I like to mix it with my plain china - Mikasa's French Countryside - as I like the cream and white together.

Will just be more careful with it when washing dishes from now on!