Since you asked:

"Therefore, to be possess'd with double pomp, to guard a title that was rich before, to gild refined gold, to paint the lily,
to throw a perfume on the violet, to smooth the ice, or add another hue unto the rainbow, or with taper-light
to seek the beauteous eye of heaven to garnish, is wasteful and ridiculous excess."

~William Shakespeare,
ca. 1595

Yup, that's us.

February 28, 2011

Gilded Giveaway!

It's way overdue, and there's no getting out of it.

Here's my dirty little secret. In the back room, in the very bottom drawer of the flat files there, live box lids full of stuff I didn't want to put away. Or didn't know where to put it. And gradually ~ even though I had the best intentions of getting around to it ~ I kind of forgot about them, a very convenient lapse of memory. Now it's all up for grabs...


And yes, I am adding things from the store and home. That is a strand of Miriam Haskell pearls you see there, as well as a hank of old ones in the corner. There are brass beads and findings, bead caps, rings, Victorian nailheads, old Japan glass, filigrees, buttons, clasps, glass flowers, chain and more...

There are rhinestone bits and bobs, old medals, religious stuff, a handful of old mother of pearl, and there are gemstone beads in there, too. Once you start letting go, it's hard to stop. Gets kinda fun...especially when I realized I wouldn't have to sort the boxes!

I'll leave this post up through the week, and will choose a winner using the random number generator method. Just leave a comment telling me why you should win all this stuff and what you will do with it. I'll take it from there, and I will keep adding items throughout the week as well. Okay, ladies, start your comments!

78 comments:

susanc said...

I could make some nice pieces of jewelry with these little treasures. LOVE the Miriam Haskell pearls; those alone are enough!

Love your new blog header too! :) Thanks for a chance to win this giveaway - I'll keep my fingers crossed! :)

Grace said...

Oh what fabulous treasures!! I would love to win your treasure trove. First I would sit there with a big cup of cammomile tea and inspect each piece individually. Then I would invite my best friend cheryl over to create some fabulous jewlery and crafts. Grace xoox

D Fritz said...

Oh the fun things I could create..just lovely.

blingqueen said...

oooooooooooohhhhhhhh how lovely!!! Treasures, treasures, treasures!!

Kelly Snelling said...

you should draw my name and then i'll come on over with wine in hand to pick it all up! i would love something, anything, to spur me toward getting my tools out and being creative!! xoxo!

NinaGibsonDesigns said...

Beautiful photos. I'm always looking for lovely bits to make interesting jewelry.

Melissa said...

Oh how I would LOVE to win!!! All of it is absolutely gorgeous~

Melissa

Unknown said...

Oh my goodness!! What treasures!! I would love to win because I hate that my "stash" if full of junk - nothing that myself or anyone else would use!

Babsarella said...

Oh my...what a fabulous stash of loveliness!! I think I would use it to create cards and collages, but I have been itching to try making some jewelry too. Oh the possibilities...

Alyce said...

Thanks for the chance to win!! I would first inspect all the treasures, dream about the beautiful things I could make, and then get busy!!! Yay!!!

JoAnn said...

As usual, it ALL looks fabulous!
I think you already know what I'd do with any of the treasures :) Winning would just be a plus.

Deryn Mentock said...

Oh, my gosh...are you kidding?! I've seen your flat files full of goodies...the stuff dreams are made of! It's all perfecto for a found object/mixed media junkie, like me. Good thing I don't live near you; I would be a fixture in your store. So kind of you to share your good blessings. Thank you for the chance!

Anonymous said...

Its like a treasure chest. I would so love to win. Thanks Audrey in Northern CA

Judy said...

OMG! Nancy! Count me in on the chance to win. BTW, had you thought about putting some of it in jars and putting it out for sale? I do that with left overs that I don't use in my art work. Just sayin! Don't want you to change your mind during the middle of this give-away! LOL!!

Judy said...

What an amazing stash of goodness! This is the sort of stuff I love to create with and that is just what I would do.

Anonymous said...

I would lay it all out...and DREAM OF GLITTER...I'd share ..and DREAMS WOULD BE MADE...GREAT GOODIES!! have a great day..Priscilla

Helene said...

Ooohh, wow! I wouldn't know where to start at first, but that photograph of all those treasures is indeed inspiring! I would look forward to making some thoughtful and pretty jewelry... some for myself, but also some to give away and pay the good deed forward:-)

Sheila said...

What a Magical Treasure!! I would make everyone in the family a beautiful piece to remember me by, and also something for a few sick friends.

Katherine England said...

oh the brokenness of it all. i will take this dear deconstructed orphaned gaggle of garish, giggling gems and make it whole, give it wings and create an artpiece that will make the heart of our tender imaginations skip a beat. yes, make it whole and delightsome and reborn again.

Unknown said...

I would love to win!! You always have such beautiful, whimsical finds in the store. love you C

Unknown said...

What a fantastic "stash" of treasures! I would "gift it" to my daughter (the crafty one) so that she would leave my own "stash" alone. Of course, I would have to go through it all just in case there was something there "she may not want after all". Joy! Rapture (Worth way more than just a bottle of wine!!)

Anonymous said...

So much pretty vintage stuff. I love, love, love the vintage glamour - so much workmanship in pieces meant to be worn and loved everyday. I would probably use some of it in a wall hanging I'm planning and some on accent pillows I'm planning and the rest wait until inspiration struck.

Sandy

Mizz Conchi said...

I would use some of it to adorn a box that I have been working on that will be donated to the auction for the All the Arts for All the Kids Foundation.
Then I will take the rest and make necklaces, earrings, hair accessories, adorn some vintage hats, rings of course with that one forgotten earring that has no match. I would mosaic a scene in commemoration of Gilding the Lily and donate it back to you so that you would still have all the little treasures without having to sort through any of it....The list goes on and on...

MariaC said...

Please pick me!!!!!!!!! I drive all the way from Moreno Valley sometimes just to shop at your store. There is no other store like GTL. I am getting married in November and cannot afford to buy fancy jewelry to wear with my dress so I need to make my own. I know that I can definitely make myself one of a kind accessories for my big day aswell as for my bridesmaids. Thank you for the consideration :-)

Garter Mademoiselle said...

When you mentioned wanting to do a blog give-away, I never imagined so many wonderful things!! It over-whelms one just to see it in the photos, imagine how fantastic it must all be in person! Some of the items would be perfect for my wedding garters, especially those pearls. What fun I could have playing around with all the other goodies to see how it could all be used for new garter designs.

Joanne Bradley said...

such fun stuff!! Maybe I'll use it for a craft fair that I'm doing in April...adding to necklaces and such.

Leanne said...

Brazillllll....

oh sorry. What an amazing giveaway. This would stop me from conserving the few bits and bobs I have and be more free in using them (not to mention to have more to choose from so I can find the perfect thing, not the "that'll do"...

E Makes Art said...

Oh my! Are you serious? How incredibly generous! I spy so many amazing pieces in there! I would use it for my jewelry and mixed media art. How much fun will be had by the winner.... I hope it's me!

xoEsther

Anonymous said...

Lots of interesting goodies; how exciting to sort through such treasures,and think what they once were and what they can be used for again....Arlene

belle atelier said...

So many possibilities...lovely things to create. Things to wear and things to share maybe even some things to sell to help keep two kids in art school!

BarBA said...

Oh, Nancy what a wondeful treasure trove of lovelies. I would absolutely love winning a gift such as this. What ispiration and fun. I'd share it with my friend Sharon amd make something pretty for you, too.

Rach said...

Gorgeous ! To find treasure like that hidden in the bottom of a drawer ...... wow. I hunt and hunt for treasure like that here in New Zealand antique stores but alas we have nothing like what you have in your amazing shop. I still cannot bring myself to make anything with the beautiful treasures that I brought while visiting you ..... I just look at them and think how lucky I was to be able to meet you in person and bring a few treasures home with me. xxx

Erin Sladek said...

Oh the possibilities! The photos alone are inspiring. This bevy of beauties is begging to be shared with friends. Sounds like a night of community and creativity is in order for whoever wins- I hope it’s me!

The Creative Bohemian said...

Who could possibly resist such a treasure trove!

I would make some fabulous art jewelry because I love up-cycling found items to wearable art.

Thank you for such a generous offer and wish the winner well!

Diane

Carol said...

I would give a wonderful new home to these treasures because it would be almost like having my own Gilding the Lily in Florida!

Breana said...

Hi there! Oh how I love treasures! I especially like the Fleur de lis. If I win, I would use these in my jewelry, collage and mosaic arts. Pick me! pick me!
Thanks for the chance,
Breana
www.vault31.blogspot.com

Lovey said...

Oh how I love the treasures! If I won I would use them to accentuate my fabric photo collages!

Christine said...

How exciting! I think I'll probably be making lots of things with these trinkets, from jewelry to mix media. It's so inspiring just to have all those mismatching trinkets laid out in front of you.

Christine
www.crispyleaves.com

shawn street said...

When I go to warehouses, I love to go to the bottom of boxes and containers to look at what is in the bottom. That is where the best, most unique items can be found. That is EXACTLY what your sweet giveaway looks like. I would use the items to use in jewelry and mixed media swaps. So much fun!

Cheryl said...

Oh my Nancy....
All the art pieces that could be made euthyroid treasures. From jewelry to an altered canvas! I'd even drive over and pick it up.

Unknown said...

Oh my gosh!!!! I would love to win these lucious baubles, because they are enchanting, delicious,resonate the charm of yesteryear, and spur my creativity! Oh! and I live close to your shop as well! :-) I'm crossing my fingers and Thank You so much for hosting such a delightful giveway! ~ Deb

canngil said...

Wow....I need some new jewelry to wear to work....don't like the boring stuff...gotta be interesting and edgy and ME!! I see a lot of ME in those photos, and wow, what I could do with it!!! I would so love to win this wonderful stash!! thanks for the opportunity@

Lifeations said...

I love it! I would need to win cause I think I was a magpie in my past life and I love all things sparkely and I can use them to beautify my aprons !

Unknown said...

Would you believe me if I told you I could bring peace on earth if I won? Oh yeah, I should win, definitely. What a score! All of this amazing bootie would make one heck of a long necklace. So generous Nanc..I hope I win!! oxorobin

Julie Bodnar said...

Nancy, I can't tell you how much I need to win this lovely gift. I can close my eyes and see myself pawing through it all! I am home sick for Gilding and all my artist friends. I may be getting a job ( Pray that I do) I plan on telling them that I need a few days before I can start as I need to take care of some business in Fullerton Cali.That would be the best reward for getting a stupid job! Jules

Tara M. Wilson said...

A muse box is definitely needed! The creative juices need a boost and exploring this amazing treasure would do the trick! I hear the pearls calling my name!
(fingers crossed)

Alice B. said...

Hi Nancy,
How incredibly generous of you to think of making a gift of this treasure trove! I know whoever wins will have a wonderful time just going through all the little marvels and imagining what they can become...then the joy of creating with so much to choose from! That's what I would do. You have so many clever comments,and people with such wonderful ideas and needs for this, that I would hesitate to even enter my name except you are choosing randomly and not by worthiness! Thank you for giving us all something to dream about!

Kim said...

Lots and lots of lovelies that make my heart sing! There's no compelling reason why I "should" win. None. However, if the random name generator was kind enough to pick me, I promise to give these bijoux a good home! They are perfect for assemblages, journal covers and of course, fabulous jewelry. Thanks for the chance!

Anonymous said...

Nancy, I've tried to comment on you e-mail but not able to: So, I'll type here what I was trying to type there. Oh Nancy, Greed plain greed. Although hopefully my altruistic side would kick in and I would share with my crafting friends. I would invite them over to pick out some things for themselves. Playing it forward sort of speak. Don't I just sound sooo generous and angelic. Anyway, please, pleeeease choose me. Donna A.

Michele said...

Oh my gosh! I can't beleive what a gorgeous and generous giveaway you are planning! My eyes widened and my jaw dropped when I saw the photos and read your post. When I try to imagine what I might do with them all I keep getting is an image of me sitting hunched over a table, slowly moving all the pieces around, listening to the click, click, click sound - creating little piles of beauty- all the while laughing like a mad scientist! Seriusly - that's probably not to far from what would indeed happen - I do think I would be giggleing nonstop.
Many, many thanks for this truely amazing gift.

Michele's Treasures, Teacups, and Tumbling Rose Cottage said...

Oh, wow!!! This is what I look for every week--a bunch of goodies to create with. It would save a few trips to the thrift store for a week (and my children would be MOST grateful to you!). I create with bits and pieces of things and am always on the lookout. This stash would be a blessing! Thanks for the chance. ; )
~Michele
treasuresandtea@gmail.com

Cathy said...

Oh my gosh!! What a wonderful treasure. It would be great for jewelry, mixed media etc. I'm always on the lookout for unusual pieces. I would share it with my artsy friends too. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
stampczy@zoominternet.net

Marilyn Thorne said...

So many gorgeous pieces in there...I just want to dive in and see what comes out. You have such an amazing eye for treasures Nancy and you inspire all of us to be better artists. Thank you for your generosity!!
Marilyn Thorne
ontherocksjewelry@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

This would be alot of fun to play with. I love these little interesting pieces!

Mayté Bermúdez-García said...

I will use them to add a touch of vintage detail to the heirloms I made with threads of love.

Robin Sanchez said...

Ohhh such wonderful stuff!! I would be in heaven if I won it. I could embelish a lot of little heart pillows with it thats for sure. So much fun to see whats in there.
Robin
www.OnceUponaPinkMoon.blogsopt.com

Judith said...

Ms Nancy...Thank you for being so generous with your secret treasures! I need a change from office environ--this would be so stimulating! Hugs. Judith

Tammie Moore said...

Oh my heart is going pitter patter.... I would ADORE having these treasures.... I need a boost to my creativity, and this would SURELY do it.... My mom passed away three weeks ago and just can't get my mojo going again. I would make lovely jewelry and gift them to some friends and family... So PICK ME... PICK ME.... PICK ME...
God Bless....
Creatively,
Tammie Moore
mooretreasures@verizon.net

Colleen said...

Me me me!!!! You know how much I love you...and your husband...and your furry friend....and I don't mean Dede. ha ha!! Thanks for offering a super generous giveaway...Now pick me!! (purdy please) xo~c

Keli McKinley Hansen said...

ah... the back room... sweet treasure trove of wonderfuls! ah... those pearls... adore the hank I got from you... would be thrilled to have more! I'm hoping to have a artgirl gathering... in June... so this would be perfect to pull out for everyone to PLAY in! I think you should come too! Ah... that would be perfect!

Anonymous said...

I looked with intense anticipation at all the goodies you laid out in the pictures. Between the pearls and glittering rhinestones I will admit my mind went racing thinking of all the pieces of art that could come from this wonderful "clutter". My eyes raced over and over at the treasures envision long beautiful necklace with different jewels and trinkets embroidered to bring out the brilliant colors. brooches and earrings that would dangle and tickle the ear. I am thinking of making big beautiful rings too show off the color encased in the hand blown beads that would adorn it. Yes the treasure trove of goodies you are willing too part with would only enhance my art. Perhaps to a level of my favorite jeweler.... perhaps


Always
Ada L. Rivera-Pringle

Cheryl Dullabaun said...

The very first thing I would do is sit in a very quiet, spot with a glass of champagne (French, bien sûr !)and carefully examine every piece and enjoy my new treasures. I would plan some new projects and then share and teach my daughter, niece and their young friends the joy of creating their own jewelry.
Thanks for your generosity, whether I win or not!
Cheryl Dullabaun

Sue M said...

Because it's all about the "pretty". What yummy things.

Anonymous said...

LOVE, LOVE LOVE all the treasurers. I am sitting here have so much fun just imagining going through all the pretty things. You made my day a little more fun! Thanks (: Cynde

Susan Elliott said...

OH! If I were to have the joy of winning this treasure chest...I would try to use each bit and bob to its best advantage in my art...and I would do my best to find other artists who would benefit from their beauty and share my bounty with them. A joy shared is a joy doubled...

Thank you for the opportunity...

ginette nourse said...

Dear Nancy:
Making your Make and Take kits with my daughter has been such a joy for both of us.
Winning this amazing offer would complete my little girl dream of becoming the little balerina in the jewelry box.
Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity.
Merci Mon Amie,
Ginette

katinkabelle said...

I need this because I am an addict of the best and worst kind I most have the pretties.

J.Bhang said...

Oh, how I would love to be gifted these beautiful findings that you have collected! I am the queen of embellishment and making my own handmade jewelry and would be thrilled to have them to create with. These unique findings would add such beauty to each piece. I recently met you at your store and took a great class with Dede. I was very inspired by your art pieces, soulful vignettes throughout your store and the charming hats and items you have displayed in such a unique setting. I know each one of the charms and findings has a special story behind them, and that makes it more enticing to work with!

Kathy said...

I hope its not too late - what a great collection! Why would I need this collection and what would I do with it? Hmmm - I have taken a class from Diane Cook and so I might design a piece using her techniques as inspiration!
But I have also taken a class from Susan Kazmar and so I would probably do a cross between the two and come up with a unique piece!

Unknown said...

mmmmm i should love to win these delicious goodies;to dream is almost as good as to win... thank you for that. Should the dream come true, well what to do, memory making - creating goodie bags, altered art and jewelry, for sharing and wearing.Thank you Nancy.

Anonymous said...

wow!!! what a win this would be! of course i would have to admire each and every piece, maybe place it all in a beautiful glass vessel and turn it around and round and just enjoy it. then have my two daughters come over, dump it all out on the table and take turns taking the pieces we want for collages, jewelry making and all the creative uses we could think of. how fun would that be! geri xx

Linda Randall said...

It was LOVE at first sight for me.
For the love of all things vintage, of course. I NEED to win so that I can:
Love
Cherish and Adore the wonderful treasures all the days of my life.

Leslie said...

What an incredible collection of treasure! Somebody is going to be a very lucky girl!

Trudi said...

If I were the winner, I would do a three way share. Ok I admit that I would choose a few choice pieces for myself but them I would parcel out the rest into 2 groups one for the beginner jewelry group I have started at work and the other for some very seasoned jewelry makers to use for a planned benefit at the end of the year. Thanks - Trudi

Gilding the Lily said...

What will I do with the Gilded Giveaway? Well first of all this is so very generous of you to do for us. Thoughtful. If I won and after I got done rolling around in all my treasure, I'd probably make list to the tune of My Favorite Things from 'The Sound of Music" or since I have been know to talk very fast when I get excited, I could make list to the tune of 'The Modern Major General from 'Pirates of Penzance'. Ah, what would I use the treasure for...well I would embellishing pincushions, wool soft art, make jewelry of sorts, incorporate it into some sculpting, painted pieces and other mixed media art. I'd use it. However, at first I'd just revel in it.

Cindy Woods

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