Traveling Through Time with Vintage

Time is a fascinating concept. Some imagine it as a river that flows past; others see it as a transparent amber or glass where events are preserved and you can see them, but not touch, and they become more vague as more layers grow between them and the observer. There have been many attempts at explaining the nature of time, some of them being so complex that I cannot even understand them. In any case, whatever it is, I love items which seem to capture or even manage time. Time machine, anyone?

The most obvious time machine is, of course, a clock. This one is a particularly fine exemplar.

Junghan alarm clock by GeorgiVintage

Perfume is another kind of a time machine. Who does not know the feeling of being taken back in time when feeling the long forgotten fragrance? Something your mother or grandmother used to have many years ago... and you have that strange feeling in your chest... will it be a smile or tears? These perfume bottles offered by Vintageer are perfect tiny devices to go back in time.

Vintage glass perfume bottles by Guerlain and more by Vintageer

I find that sering items are also great for storing time. They have a lot of character, they are very time-bound, and they can tell stories.

Set of four vintage dessert plates by OldTimeStories

Teacups and saucers. Remember tea-party at the Mad Hatter's? There is something magical in tea, cups and teapots. When you are having tea with a dear friend, time flies by.

Vintage Tuscan tea cup and a saucer by A Garden Cottage  

A jewelry box is an important element of capturing time - a ring bearer box is even more so, as it is related to an important milestone in a person's life. Do you remember your fascination with your mother's jewelry box? I just loved it - it was full of marvellous sparkling items which I was not allowed to take out, but I could lift the lid and peek!

Black Mercedes jewelry box by NataliaDecor

A key is an ancient symbol, and a beautiful one. It has many meanings. This one might well be the key to the past, with its mysteries and revelations.

Vintage French Skeleton Key by frenchfelt

A candle is another beautiful symbol. You can watch the flame endlessly, and memories will come without effort. Light and warm memories they will be, without bitterness and pain. 

Antique Pewter Candle Holder by MillysCollection

A book is one of the most powerful instruments of time travelling. 

Vintage books by ProjectSarafan 

A shawl is a timeless piece of clothing which can wrap around you like warm cocoon, seeming to protect you - not just from the elements, but from all fears and sadness of the world. Let the wind rage, let the snow fall - while I have my wool shawl, I feel protected and confident, just like my fore-mothers did. 

Russian shawl by MulberryWhisper

Story by Eugenie MulberryWhisper

Fairy Tales and art toys

I am a big fan of children literature, I even have a degree in it. Every time a see a colorful book I will open it to refresh my memory.

 

White rabbit felt brooch by TaniaFelt

My favorites are classics like Alice in Wonderland, Mother's Goose Tales, nursery rhymes, Mary Poppins, mysterious Harry Porter and so much more!

 Tiny black wool sheep felt by LaFiabaRussa

I also love small Fairy Tales figurines and home decor items. I am shopping for vintage items weekly and was so lucky to find some pretty, old books, Wade figurines and old resin toys from the 1960s. Some of them are older then I am!

 

Little Red Riding Hood Wade figurine by agardencottage

There are so many beautiful handmade toys, accessories and  sculptures inspired by children's literature and made by our team members. There are also lots of great vintage finds which will bring back memories. See for yourself, maybe there is something for you there! 

Cross stitch pattern, Mary Poppins by TinyNeedle 

Mini crochet umbrella by FancyKnittles

Teapot felt purse by galafilc

 

Tooth fairy pillow by CherryGardenDolls

 

Felt reindeer by TwoSadDonkeys

Crochet art doll, Red Riding Hood by Creativhook

Little Mermaid art doll brooch by miopupazzo

Vinnie The Pooh Piglet crochet pattern by PetsLair

Forest animals quiet busy book by PopelineCo

Story by Tanya (agardencottage)

Time to decorate, Fall style!

I stopped by a couple of grocery stores last week and they are all selling all kinds of pumpkins already! They differ in kind, size and color but all are stating that autumn is officially here! 

Needle felted pumpkins by shyshyru

So it's time to decorate our homes in Fall style. What's it going to be for you this year? A colorful leaf wreath, a hurricane vase filled with mini pumpkins or pretty seasonal candles? Please share your ideas with us!

Decorative cushion case by MulberryWhisper

Meanwhile, take a look at what the Russian Artists team members have to offer:

 

Autumn watercolor print by StudioFantasies

Vintage Icelandic wool throw blanket by vintageer

Felt sheep magnet/ brooch by LaFiabaRussa

 

Stained glass suncatcher pendant by DizArtEx

Original Watercolor Painting Autumn Landscape by Allaras 

Fall Fine Art photography print by yuliartstudio

 

 Story by Tanya Socksandmittens

Warm apple cake

There is nothing like a warm apple pie in the Fall. The apples are fresh and fragrant, the air is crisp and a slice of pie with a cup of steaming tea is exactly what you need sometimes.

The easiest and quick apple cake recipe for your recipe box:

Preheat oven to 385"F. Prepare the large rectangular baking dish by spraying it with a non-stick baking spray. Peel and chop 4 large apples, sprinkle them with some lemon juice, 1 tea spoon of cinnamon and set aside. In a large bowl, beat together 5 large eggs, 1 table spoon of vanilla and 1 cup of sugar. Add 1 cup of all purpose flour and 1 table spoon baking powder, beat together until smooth. Mix with apples and pour into baking dish. Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes. That's it!

Enjoy your apple pie and crisp Fall days!

  Apples canvas print by ReStyleGraphic

Red apples silk painting by Allaras

Collapsible vintage wire basket by agardencottage 

 Polymer clay apple stud earrings by kskalozubova

Antique silver cake server by millyscollection
 

Vintage recipe cards,USSR by SovietPostcards
 
 

Crochet apple baby toy by MiracleFromThreads 

Story by Tanya Socksandmittens

24th Annual VonSteuben Germanfest

24th Annual VonSteuben Germanfest

 

Sullivan County of New York is renowned for its spectacular scenic views and brilliant red, yellow, and orange foliage colors. It is the home to a number of great fall events, including (but certainly not limited to) Germanfest.



Despite the nasty weather the Von Steuben Day annual parade and Germanfest began in Yulan as planned on September 13th. Hundreds of folks with children and without showed up for the festival, enjoying never ending pitchers of beer, German food, the music of “Musikverein” and German dancing.


Crafters booths drown the interest of the public and the kids corner was very popular and well attended.

Founded in 1957, the Annual Steuben Parade on Fifth Avenue and an Octoberfest-fest gathering in Central Park have given New Yorkers a chance to celebrate their German-Americanheritage a bit closer to home, the Yulan parade was organazed by volunteer fire companies and sponsored by local businesses to give folks a chance to enjoy German heritage and the colorful change of seasons.

The Fall season just began and we have more events ahead to attend:
Wine Festival at Bethel Woods
•
Oct. 4, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

Craft Beer Festival and Chili Cook-Off at Bethel Woods
•
Oct. 11, noon-4 p.m., Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

TroutoberFest
•
Oct. 11-12, Beaverkill Angler, Roscoe, N.Y.

Story by Lyudmila woolsolution

Sapphire, the birthstone of September

Blue sapphire is the birthstone of September. Its name comes from the Greek word sappheiros, which means "blue stone". Some believe that the name sapphire is derived from its association with the planet Saturn. The name can roughly be translated to mean "dear to the planet Saturn".

Essentially, sapphire is the same mineral as ruby - corundum. When corundum is red or dark pink it is considered to be a ruby, otherwise it is considered to be a sapphire. This is why sapphires can be of blue, yellow, pink, purple, orange, or greenish color. There are also Padparadscha and star sapphires.



The prices of natural sapphires vary depending on their color, clarity, size, cut, quality and even origin. Price is also determined differently for sapphires of different color and rarity. Blue sapphires are relatively common and they are priced based on purity of their primary hue. Yellow and green sapphires are also commonly found. For pink sapphires, the deeper the pink color the higher their monetary value - the more they look like rubies, the more expensive they are. Sapphires also occur in shades of orange and brown, and they can even be colorless. There are also pink-orange sapphires that are called Padparadscha and are rare. Star saphires contain intersectng needle-like inclusions that cause an image of a six-rayed starto appear with a single overhead light source.

In occult, sapphire is the stone of faithfulness, modesty, and virginity. In Eastern tradition, sapphire was connected with friendship, modesty and selflessness. In modern occult sapphire pendants are used to give peace of mind, tranquility, happiness and spiritual enlightenment.


Sapphire is also considered to be a healing stone. Its influences include curing fever, seizures and delusions. It strengthens the heart, counteracts poisons, purifies blood and corrects vision defects. It is believed that sapphire increases the effectiveness of treatments by both natural and chemical medicines.

Sapphire influences the heart chakra. It protects against fear, envy and heart problems, helps to make his owner more detached and clear-minded. Sapphire helps his owner during travel and business trips, protects him from natural disasters, and will help to make him rich.



Story by Irina (Beautyland)

Translated by Alla (FleetingStillness)