Time it was, and what a time it was...

Lines from one of my all time favorite S&G songs, "Bookends," a wistful little bit of prose and notes that can say so much. This year has been so much to look back on. I can hardly believe it is at an end, but it brought with it so many tumultous events and feelings, I am hardly loathe to leave it behind, but have a hard time putting it away from me, too.

We started the year by moving almost everything in our lives: two businesses and everything that entailed, bringing a daughter home and making room again in our lives for her, changed so beautifully into a young woman after living away at college and struggling a little herself. We moved my friend Maya into a storage space and watched her start a new life in London. Our garage hasn't seen a car parked in it since the many moves, which doesn't mean much to my tired old Durango, but has taken a toll on Alain's vintage Porsche. We've whittled the piles down a little, but busy lives leave little time for the sorting and sifting that is needed to empty it all out.

We did double time trying to run both businesses as full time entities, a task that was rewarding but trying for everyone in our family. Without the support (sometimes grudging) of my husband and the help of my dear daughter, who has spent many hours minding the store for me, it all never would have happened. My sister has always been there as my sounding board, for everything from ideas to temporary insanity, and my mother is the best cheerleader I could ever have, checking in on the shop every week to see what has transpired since her last visit.

I learned a lot about being a merchant, mostly what not to do. We learn by our mistakes, and I learned alot this year. I found my inner stylist, inspired by what I had to work with, and felt the little store grow more beautiful over time. With the help of others who were truly professional, I stacked up wisdom, tips, helpful hints, and a pile of IOUs that I will probably never be able to pay up. Thank you, dear friends, for all the help, the hugs, and the believing in me that made all the difference.

In the end, it was worth doing. The store, while I had my head down and was working, turned into something I never thought it might be, and for that I am thankful. I am always amazed that with few exceptions, my "transactions" begin and end with a hug. I have more friends who know what I am really about than I have ever had in my life. I will wake up tomorrow, ready to move forward in this new year, and filled with the hope that I can make a difference for someone else as well. In the parlance of the popular, I will strive to pay it forward as best I can...I have had so many shining examples over the past year.

Merci, and Bonne Annee, friends...

Love is in the air...

Amour Bracelet ~ Vintage Styled French Souvenir Bracelet
Sunday January 18, 2009 11:00a~3:00p $60.00 All Supplies Included
Nancy Jamar, designer/instructor

I've always had a fondness for the old french souvenir bracelets, and have several in my collection; one from Lourdes, several from Paris, but I have a particular love for the old mother of pearl and filigree bracelets. It has been my intent for a few years now to recreate these bracelets, and that being said, I have been on the hunt for the components I would need...


Mission accomplished! Even though I was beginning to despair of ever assembling all the things I needed, it finally did come together, for the first time in this lovely little French "Amour" bracelet. Composed of antique mother of pearl buttons, filigrees, rings, and stamped brass letters spelling out "love" in French, the bracelet is finished with a fob of brass hearts, one a locket, and another a vintage casting layered on an oval mother of pearl cabochon. A little mother of pearl bead carved as a rose links them. Each letter is separated by a beautiful faceted mother of pearl rondelle....


Class will be held Sunday, January 18, from 11:00~3:00. Cost is $60, and everything is included...just bring yourself, and tools if you have them. This bracelet will also be available as a kit ($45.00) for those of you who live outside the area. All cold connection techniques, with vintage styling and authenticity. Check in for new updates on the class blog, photos, and more, coming soon and call to reserve your kits...for the time being, they will be limited to supplies on hand.

A Bientot! Nancy

Merry Christmas!

I couldn't resist putting this picture of Ringle up for Christmas. He visited with mom Ada and Aunt Maria a few days before Christmas and posed for us in his Santa suit in front of a red and green vignette on my desk. Is this guy too cute, or what?


Here's Dede, who was visiting the same day, holding our little Christmas elf...

Here's wishing you, one and all, a very merry holiday! My heart and thanks go out to each any every one of you who has made Lily such a happy place to be this year. Looking forward to seeing each of you in the new year....

A Little Truth and Beauty...

I didn't get too fancy this year, but just brought a few of my favorite things, one of which is this lovely garland I purchased a few years ago from John Reed at Le Potager. It has beautiful luminous berries in it, and combinations of foliage that really push it over the top. I stopped in to see him the other day, and although he wasn't in, I spied some beautiful swags designed in the same way, with lots of different things that were gorgeous. His store, as always, is a feast for the eyes and senses, and I always look forward to putting out the things I have bought from him over the years.

Another favorite thing, a little book printed in Germany in the late 1800s, with the poem we now know as "The Night Before Christmas," and wonderful pen and ink illustrations. I always tuck it back into the little old hankie box it was in when I purchased it, and pack it away with care each year.

Saved the best for last...my collection of mercury glass on a huge silver tray is one thing I cannot start the season without. There's a big kugel, little birds, pine cones, lots of different shapes, and some wrapped up in the old silver bouillon wire from Germany. I didn't have time to do any poking at the flea markets this year for ornaments, but perhaps next year I can add a few more to the tray...

Happy Holidays!

More Paper Party Pics and the Recipes!

Here's the Little House That Could....that could hold all of us silly women and our antics that night! Alain snapped this picture as evening was just starting to fall.


Here's Doris and I looking over some of her Christmas-themed papers, postcards, and books. I scored a series of four postcards that I am making into special Christmas cards for each of my sibs and my mom. I also found the coolest 50s card with a television set on the front, and you tuck little family members (including the cat and dog) behind the screen. Nathalie got that one!

Alain's camera takes such better pictures than my little one, but I guess that's what 17 megapixels are for!

A better pic of Nancy Deline, who was voted best dressed for the party. A very talented artist to boot. We just love her!

Who's that hottie in the Versace glasses? That's Lynn, talking up a storm; turned out she was perfect seated with Ericka and her mom, Susie, who had just gotten back from a trip to France about a month ago. Best locales, where to stay, and wine recommendations were all on the slate that night!

Look at these two hooligans! You can tell they are trouble, just by the look of them!

Here's Ericka's lovely smile, always ready to light up the room...

Another shot of the main tables in the living room, awash in paper, crepe, dresden trim, foil leaves, papers and scissors. It was a sight to behold!


Everyone so enjoyed the dinner Alain served and asked for the recipe, so here it is:

BRASATO al BAROLO ~ Serves 4

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 (3- to 3 1/2-lb) boneless beef chuck roast
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 lb sliced pancetta, finely chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 medium carrot, finely chopped
2 celery ribs, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
4 (4- to 6-inch) sprigs fresh thyme
2 (6- to 8-inch) sprigs fresh rosemary
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cups Barolo or other full-bodied red wine such as Ripasso Valpolicella, Gigondas, or Côtes du Rhône
2 cups water (Note: Alain substitutes his own homemade beef stock here, for richer flavor)

Special equipment: a 4- to 5-qt heavy ovenproof pot with lid

Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 325°F.

Heat oil in pot over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking.

Meanwhile, pat meat dry and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Brown meat in hot oil on all sides, about 10 minutes total. (If bottom of pot begins to scorch, lower heat to moderate.) Transfer to a plate using a fork and tongs.

Add pancetta to oil in pot and sauté over moderately high heat, stirring frequently, until browned and fat is rendered, about 3 minutes. Add onion, carrot, and celery and sauté, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened and golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Add garlic, thyme, and rosemary and sauté, stirring, until garlic begins to soften and turn golden, about 2 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add wine and boil until liquid is reduced by about half, about 5 minutes. Add water and bring to a simmer, then return meat along with any juices accumulated on plate to pot. Cover pot with lid and transfer to oven. Braise until meat is very tender, 2 1/2 to 3 hours.

Transfer meat to a cutting board. Skim fat from surface of sauce and discard along with herb stems. Boil sauce until reduced by about one third, about 5 minutes, then season with salt. Cut meat across the grain into 1/2-inch-thick slices and return to sauce.

Cooks' note: Beef improves in flavor if made 3 days ahead. Cool completely in sauce, uncovered, then chill in sauce, covered. Reheat, covered, in a preheated 350°F oven until hot, 25 to 30 minutes, then slice meat.


OVEN ROASTED POTATOES with FRESH ROSEMARY

These potatoes are the easiest thing in the world to make. I used two bags of red potatoes, and cut them into chunks. Lightly oil a roasting pan with olive oil, and toss the potatoes with herbes de Provence, chopped garlic, chopped onions, sprigs of fresh rosemary and more extra virgin olive oil. Roast in a 350 degree oven, tossing gently from time to time until tender. Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste. Et, voila!

P.S. The salad comes from Costco, and is called the "Grand Parisienne." It comes with everything: nuts, cranberries, crumbled cheese, and that wonderful white balsalmic dressing. It's a winner!

To everyone who attended, let me say thanks for your wonderful company, and the support you have lent me throughout this first year as a standalone store. The emergence of Lily as a hub of creativity for so many talented women has been an unexpected surprise, and undoubtedly the greatest gift I could ever have received. Santa doesn't have to leave a thing under the tree for me this year; I have a wonderful, supportive husband, a daughter who never lets a day pass without telling me she loves me and believes in me, and a circle of friends who have enriched my life beyond all telling. Thank you, again ladies, for each moment we have spent together this year. Happy Holidays!

Paper Party on Brookdale!

Thursday night's Paper Party was so much fun, and I started the afternoon by lighting the rooms with candles sent to me from my "German-Jersey" friend Deb. Aren't they wonderful? They looked so beautiful on the dark green table covers, and started warming the room immediately with their soft light...

The calm before the paper storm...somehow I managed to have enough table space and chairs to seat everyone, between the dining room and the two tables in the living room...


I love this! I found a wine for us to share that fit the occasion nicely, lending a little "Gilded" frivolity to the evening...

We were once again graced with the presence of Mr. Ringle Pringle, this time decked out for the holidays. He got to meet Noodge, 'Tini and Cricket for the first time, and took a liking to little Cricket, of course, who is the most like him in size. 'Tini, being the nervous Nellie she is, barked and shrieked at one point, and Noodge seemed perplexed by the whole turn of events...

Here is one of the beautiful ornaments created at the party, Diane McKillip being responsible for this bit of loveliness. She inspired many others to turn the frosted Japanese leaves in their goodie bags into similar creations...one talented lady!

Another little Santa on his way to being incorporated into an ornament or tag...

Some of the activity in the living room: I see Becky, Sabrina, Kathy, Maria, Ada and Alicia hard at work, while that layabout, Linda Hayward soaked up the firelight like a cat!

Our Dede was sitting across from Susie Overland and her daughter Ericka, and next to Nancy Deline who was a welcome surprise, and dressed to the nines in a holiday outfit make from vintage Christmas fabrics and the most darling and magical boots you ever laid eyes on...

Connie and her friend (an my new friend!) Nery chat while they settle in and unpack their supplies. Connie is really becoming quite the wiz at jewelry making, and now Nery has caught bug, especially for buttons! She designed an amazing button bracelet with vintage chain and some beautiful Victorian black and gold intaglio buttons...

Here's Karen, Connie's partner in crime, who also have been working on projects lately in the store, and creating some lovely necklaces with an extraordinary collection of lockets she has. And Marilyn from on the rocks was able to join us as well!

Becky brought her little Featherlight and created a beautiful tag with a miniature quilted pinwheel on it. Ada had Ringle tucked in his little sling next to her heart, even though you can't seem him in this picture. That little man has been taking classes at Lily with Ada, and is the most remarkably well-behaved puppy I have ever seen...

Here's Ada again, sitting across from Kathy, and Celia working away next to her. We had such fun that night, and it was a lovely way to round out our year, just spending time together.

Alain's wine braised tri-tip was a big hit, as well as the oven roasted potatoes with fresh rosemary and herbs. We filled our tummies with that and a lovely salad, and lots of little bites that everyone brought to share. Mr. Gilding acted as our "event photographer", too, getting out his equipment and snapping some pictures, so I will post more photos and the recipe for the tri tip! Stay tuned!

Holiday Make and Takes!

We had a delightful group of moms and daughters visit last weekend, and we prepared some projects for them, and they spent the afternoon creating some wonderful little holiday gifts and stocking stuffers. A couple I know, were going to favorite teachers, and some left around the necks of the little artists themselves. The rest are now in the store as make and takes. Pictured below is the Snow Baby necklace, featuring vintage filigrees or lace edge findings, old brass bezels and magnifying lens. Choose from our selection of antique images, and complete your necklace with vintage chain, faceted glass bead, and clasp. Cost: $10.00


These were a favorite, too. Simple to do, but oh so cute! Vintage brass frames with their own bail frame your choice of vintage Christmas stamps dating from 1940-45. Finish them off with a large brass ring and thread some vintage seam binding through for a holiday necklace or feather tree ornament. Cost: $7.50


Last but not least, our little Christmas messages in a bottle. This easy little make and take features a diminutive glass bottle which you can fill with mica or glitter, the message of your choice, and tiny holiday glitz. Finished with a hanging loop in the cork, 24 inches of vintage brass chain, rings and clasp, it says 'Merry" indeed! Cost: $5.00


Supplie are limited to those on hand for these projects. Pop in soon to get yours, or call to schedule table time!

Ritually Adorned....

Robin Dudley-Howes joined us again, this time for her class in jewelry design and composition using cold connection techniques and tools. Check out all the tools and gadgets Robin brought with her, and she explained the uses for all of them, demonstrated them and gave resources as well. Tons of great information, plus a great class...

Students brought their own bits and bobs to work with, and this was Pearl's stash, which included some awesome old earrings she was repurposing, chandelier crystals, rhinestone findings, old brooches, filigrees and more...!

Below you can see the bones of Pearl's necklace taking shape. She incorporated old baroque pearls, buttons, beads, rhinestone rondelles, and a beautiful chandelier cyrstal with an incised design in it. Really great stuff, and can't wait to see the final on this one....

A Banner Event

Look at these frothy little bags of goodness, all waiting to be transformed into Kristen's delightful "Ethereal Joy" banner. A beautiful presentation, just like getting a present...

...and even more goodies tucked in beside them; lovely old sheet music, glittered letters, scrap, tags and more.

Here is the artist herself, teaching her first class at Lily. Those who attended Kristn's class now know what a wonderful and sweet person she is, filled with talent and goodness in equal measure! We are looking forward to her next class, "Links of Love," in January...

Heads down and hard at work! The feathers were flying in this class, and that's no joke! Here you can see tulle and feathers being worked together, and a set of the beautiful banner flags with the glittered letters...

Beautiful, and indeed ethereal! The banners were lovely to behold, and a wonderful evening was had by all. This was also our first evening class; Saturdays are pretty much booked out through April, so we are now scheduling classes on Sundays and Friday evenings. Stay tuned for new dates!

A few more pictures...

Just had to share with you this photo of Ada's shadow box, dedicated to her mom. It really came out wonderful, so sweet, and laden with birds, buds, blooms, beautiful crepe fans, and a lace and dresden border.

Okay, I promise, this is the last picture of Ringle...until next time! In this photo, Ringle is modeling his new outerwear, designed and knitted for him by Ada, of course (is there anything this woman can't do?), and he was quite fetching...sort of a Fair Isles look for our little guy, in oatmeal neutrals and a large cable knit...

Dollybelle Atelier comes to Lily!

We were blessed with a visit from Christine Rose Elle again this last weekend, and she brought these lovely little packages for each student who attended the class on Vintage Shadow Boxes...

Here's Christine giving an overview of the class before everyone dove in and the paint and paper started flying. In the foreground you can see one of Christine's wonderful shadowboxes, "Little Miss Bees Knees"...

Here is one of my favorites, her "Dollybelle Atelier" shadow box, layers and layers of all the things we love...

Here's Ada working on her shadow box, with a little help from her little mister, Ringle....

One of Christine's French boudoir dolls being dressed for her moment in the spotlight, with ribbons, crepe, and paper lace...

Carole's pink and black confection taking shape with some velvet millinery leaves and some exquisite jet beaded trim on silk net that was very swoonish. All this framing a tiny ballerina in an old chocolate mold against antique sheet music...

The bones of Lora's shadow box taking shape; layers and layers of shaped paper, French jacquard ribbon, gold Dresden trim and beautiful art paper inside...

Jeannine framing out her box and pondering the possibilities...the exterior, painted in my absolute favorite green!

Here Christine guides Ada (getting a little giggly!) through placement on her shadowbox, while Alicia measures off trim for hers...

I have more photos to post, maybe tomorrow morning! I got caught between uploads at store and home, and have two little batches of photos from this class that need posting...silly me.

All in all, a delightful afternoon. I so enjoy Christine, and we are looking forward to her next class, "Holiday Harlot Reliquaries." For those who did not make it on to the first class seating, here is the hot tip: Look for another seating in February for "Valentine Vixens"!