Tuesday, July 3, 2007

And the winner is..........

Kathleen Grace

The winner of Aunt May's Cottage June drawing is Kathy Grace from MICHIGAN. I was amazed, when my daughter pulled her name from the hat, that the winner lived in my home state! I'll bet that won't happen again.

Congratulations, Kathy! Next month it may be one of you that wins! It's so easy to enter.....just go to my web site, http://auntmayscottage.com/, and sign my guestbook! It's as easy as that. The winner doesn't even have to pay the shipping! So rush right over and take a little look around. Then sign the Guestbook to enter.

July's drawing item will be this sweet little lamp shade! It's made from a bridal gown bodice from white satin and a lovely, very heavily beaded lace overlay. Also adorning the shade are several satin ribbon roses and pearl drops.

This shade has the heavy beading on all sides. It can be used on a boudoir lamp, a nightlight or a votive candle holder with stem as shown here. I've even used these on stemmed glassware with a floating candle! So sweet and a wonderfully warm glow.

Just look at the detail on this beauty! I love working with these beautiful fabrics. How can you end up with anything less than spectacular with fabric this lovely?
All beading is done by hand and it takes hours to accomplish this look.

If anyone wonders why I make items from bridal fabric and trims, it's because I am addicted to them.

For over 22 years I designed and made bridal gowns and evening wear. I've always had a love for fine fabrics.....satins, silks, brocades, organdy, embroideries, velvets and lace of any kind.

In a day of career women, I was a stay at home mom. I wanted to see my children on and off the school bus, be there with milk and cookies when they got home and be available for any problems they might have and help with homework.

To make extra $$ for the "wants" of the family, I began sewing. First for the family, then for friends and soon for complete strangers. I lost count on the number of weddings I did, but I believe it to be around 240. A few were just the bride's gown, but most were the bride, bride's mother, groom's mother, maid of honor, bridesmaids and flower girls. Many included the decorations for the wedding and sometimes the reception, too.

More about my "sewing" days at a later time. I have dozens of stories about people for whom I've sewn and designed costumes over the past 40 years. Some of them are hilarious!

7 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh Bertie! What an inspiration you are! I have never seen such beautiful items! What woman could resist items made from a wedding dress! I am so hoping to come into your shop and buy soon! I have a long list of things that I want for my bedroom! With 5 boys, we can use all the romance we can get!! And my mom loved the damask floral pillow slips and I would love to get her those along with the fairy wreath, as she collects dolls! I can see myself becoming addicted to your store! You have the prettiest most unique items on the internet! Thank you so much for sharing your talent and beautiful items! I am in awe of them all!

Many hugs and smiles,
Amy

Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents said...

What a gorgeous lamp shade! Your talents never cease to amaze me. I didn't know you created bridal gowns in a past life! :0)

Can't wait to hear some of your stories!!!

BTW, you asked when I'm doing the Gone With the Wind posts ~ will probably be later next week. I can't wait, but need to have a little time to get all organized in my mind, 'cause I have quite a bit!!

I'm loving my new plates sooooo much, sweetie!

Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents

Secondhandrose said...

Bertie, it's always a pleasure seeing someone use their God-given talent. Thanks for sharing.
Karen

vickie said...

What beautiful pillowslips, all your work is so pretty, Bertie.
Love your website.
Vickie

Yummers! said...

If you were a fan of Victoria magazine, then check my site for some exciting news. I've read blogs where people have talked about the magazine... just can't remember 'who'.

Joni

Ele at abitofpinkheaven said...

Oh that is just beautiful. You are always amazing! Just love learning about your gifts.
Ele

Mrs. Cherry Heart said...

Bertie I am so glad Kathy won...
she is a real sweet heart!
And a michigander too!

This lamp shade is beeeutiful!
I loooove it!
You are sooo talented...
This would be soooo pretty in Emmas nursury!

I want to be in your drawing.... keeping my fingers crossed!

Luvs ya, Dolly