Simon Pearce Evergreen Trees and 3 Fine Grains Giveaway Winner!

Several Christmases ago Dave presented me a beautiful box tied with a purple ribbon. I unwrapped the most gorgeous crystal evergreen tree. I had never seen one before, but Dave spied it in the city and knew I would love it. It remains one of my most cherished gifts. Each year he adds to my collection. My Simon Pearce Crystal Evergreen Trees remain my favorite collection.

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I keep them out all year, but during the holidays I add my collection of antique mirror and mercury glass trees. All together they make a spectacular display in the Conservatory on our piano. They reflect the snow and sunlight during the day and Christmas tree lights in the evening.

They are really stunning and a true work of art as each one is hand blown by master artisans in Vermont.

This year Simon Pearce added the bubble trees. These have tiny air bubbles in them to imitate snow. They are very pretty too, and prefer them mixed in with the clear ones.

Simon Pearce has a wonderful video showing the intense process and mastery needed to create one of these beautiful trees. You can view it HERE.

The Boston store has this wonderful table display using the trees as an interesting centerpiece. I just may want to create a similar display on Christmas Day on my own holiday table. The way they sparkle and catch the light is just magical.

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Finally congratulations to Morning T for winning our Grain Sack Christmas Tree. Enjoy, Enjoy!!

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And another big thank you to Kymberley Fraser of 3 Fine Grains for such a generous giveaway!

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May you all enjoy this wonderful week!

Last Chance to Enter!

The 3 Fine Grains - Grainsack Tree Giveaway is winding down - don't forget to enter - you can enter HERE.

Also remember our blog friend Kristin at Covetable Designs? She has launched an on line design business. Kristin is an incredibly talented designer, check out her latest before and afters HERE. As a Holiday gift to here readers she is giving away a free design session. Wow- isn't that fantastic?!

To enter click HERE. Thanks Kristin and best of luck to all of you!! Have a great Saturday!!

Cookie Exchange, Miracle Chase Giveaway Winner & More

Tonight is my annual Cookie Exchange. I have been hosting a Cookie Exchange almost every year since 1995. During the early years we moved often, but even though I barely knew my neighbors, I invited everyone over for some Holiday cocktails and a cookie swap. It was a great way to get to know people and have some fun. This year we are having a big turn out. My neighbors and I always look forward to it as a nice and welcome respite during the crazy Holiday season.

I usually make Pizzelles. They are a traditional Italian wafer cookie. You make them on a special waffle-like iron. My kids love them.

I wanted to make these adorable snowmen I saw over at The Decorated Cookie blog, but time got away from me. You can see the step by step directions to make him HERE.

Congratulations to PVE Designs for winning The Miracle Chase Giveaway. She will receive the 5 Miracle Chase books and the $25. Starbucks Gift Card. We will be anxious to hear how she and her girlfriends enjoy the book, and hopefully how it brings them even closer together. The authors have offered to Video Chat in to the women's get together. We will be anxious to hear how it goes.

Finally, please remember to enter our 3 Fine Grains Giveaway. Enter by Sunday at 6 pm to win this gorgeous Grainsack Christmas Tree. To enter click HERE.

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Enjoy this wonderful Holiday week and check back on Sunday night for the winner!! I am off to make Pizzelles and get ready for the party.

The 3 Fine Grains Giveaway!!!

Several years ago when I met Kimberley Fraser, owner of 3 Fine Grains, she was just starting out. An accomplished Interior Designer turned Antique Textile Artist, Kym had the wonderful idea of creating, furniture, pillows and other accessories from Antique French and German Grainsacks.

Her textiles are authentic, original, antique grain sacks. As I have mentioned in the past, these textiles are very expensive and as such Kym's beautiful items are really heirlooms to treasure

Today we are seeing the grainsack trend everywhere but Kym was a pioneer and one of the first. You might have recently seen Kym's pillows in Country Living Magazine. You see a magazine editor was visiting me and admiring my pillows from Kym. I was so happy to tell her all about 3 Fine Grains. She contacted Kym and several months later there were Kym's beautiful pillows on the pages of the October issue of Country Living! I was so thrilled for her!!

Kym has become so popular via the blog world and through her website that she has just opened up her own shop in Agoura Hills, CA called A Beautiful Mess.

The shop is gorgeous and chock full of antiques, textiles and other fabulous goodies.

I am always excited to hear about her new designs. In my experience 3 Fine Grains will always be on the cutting edge of the home accessory trends. In fact, watch for the January Issue of Romantic Homes Magazine for an article about Kym's store A Beautiful Mess! Kym's designs are getting very sought after and she is on the rise.

Unfortunately we don't all live near A Beautiful Mess, but you can call Kym and she will send out what ever you see here on Willow Decor ! Here are some of my favorites:

I love these grainsack rosettes ($25), created with found objects and bling! They can be Christmas ornaments or tie them to a wine bottle to create a really spectacular gift.

Or look at these amazing grainsack Christmas stockings ($69). They also come embellished with the grainsack rosettes ($95).

Or these spectacular doves made with antique French Linen and antique button eyes. They really stole my heart. As with all of Kym's designs, because they are antiques and one of a kinds, there is a limited supply.

Because Willow Decor was the first to introduce the blogsphere to 3 Fine Grains, Kym has always had a special place in her creative little heart for us.

So in the spirit of the Holiday season Kym is giving us this wonderful Grainsack Christmas Tree. It measures 15 x 15 and retails for $325.00. Handcrafted out of antique German Grain sacks, the tree would look gorgeous in any room in your house.

The trees come in three sizes - Small which is our Giveaway Tree, Medium which is 19 X 19 and retails for $400, and Large which is 23 X 25 and retails for $495. I almost don't want to give it away. Nevertheless, it will be sent next Monday to a lucky reader. Here is what you need to do:

Visit the 3 Fine Grains website HERE or if you are lucky enough to live close by go to A Beautiful Mess in Agoura Hills, California.

Come back to Willow Decor and leave a comment on what other beautiful items Kym creates that inspire you.

For an extra chance to win become a subscriber or follower.

I will announce the winner on Sunday, December 19th -and mail the Grainsack Christmas Tree out on Monday so you can enjoy it for the Holidays.

A big Hug and huge Thank You to Kym of 3 Fine Grains for her generosity.

This is so much fun -I feel a bit like Santa - Ho Ho Ho!!!

To Contact Kym at A Beautiful Mess call 818-874-9092

To visit 3 Fine Grains click HERE

To visit A Beautiful Mess on Facebook click HERE

To read my previous posts on 3 Fine Grains click HERE.

(all photos property of 3 Fine Grains)

And Here's What The Kids Are Giving Teachers.....

Teacher gifts are always a challenge. Every year I try to find something small, but personal, that the teacher or coach will enjoy. Craft shows and handmade items are generally my favorites and this year I have found some wonderful, thoughtful gifts. I have included all the links in case you think some of them might work for you. (Please note that Willow Decor accepts no advertising of any kind. All items mentioned I purchased and my endorsement is not compensated in any way!)

My children go to a small school and in many instances both have the same teacher for different classes. Luckily none of their teachers read my blog, so I can reveal who is getting what!! First, the English teacher. He is very inspirational so we found this small quote on a canvas transfer above that he can hang on the wall of his classroom. Inspirational wall art can be found here.
Our Science teacher loves cooking and especially the science behind cooking. Alton Brown's cookbook goes deep on science while still being witty and fun! We think he's really going to like it! I found it on Amazon, but any book store has this.

The Latin teacher is always inspiring the kids and makes class so much fun. We found this wonderful copper bracelet on ETSY. It is written in Latin and means "She flies on her own wings" which really means "She is strong". You can find it on ETSY by I Am What I AM.

ETSY has so many unique items. I was practically giddy when I found these cuff links, decoupaged with vintage French music.

You see these are for the Director of Chorus, who also happens to be the French Teacher! Come on - aren't these so great?! You can bet no one else will be giving him these!! You can find them here on ESTY by ISMAY.

The Math teachers are both getting these cool Math Equation Clocks. You solve the equation to get the number (or time). They are made with recycled CD's - I think they are so fun! Also on ETSY by Geek Gear

Some of our other teachers and coaches are getting the most wonderful candy ever made. It is a fragile toffee enrobed in Callebaut Chocolate and rolled in hazelnuts and almonds called Milk Chocolate Butter Nut Munch.

It is made by the Trappistine nuns of Mount Saint Mary's Abbey in Wrentham, Massachusetts. A wonderful order of almost fifty women praying for all of us and making yummy candy as well. I love to visit the Abbey and drove out there yesterday to pick up a case, but you can also mail order it by clicking HERE. All your purchases support the Abbey and the work of the nuns. I encourage you to try it - it is so delicious!
Stay tuned on Sunday for a wonderful inspirational post here at Willow Decor- I will be sharing some personal discoveries and a fabulous GIVEAWAY! I am really excited to share it with you!!

And the following Sunday, get ready for a second fabulous GIVEAWAY from our friend Kym at 3 Fine Grains. You know we LOVE Kym here at Willow Decor. Kym just opened a new store called A BEAUTIFUL MESS so if you live near Agoura Hills, California be sure to check it out HERE or come back next Sunday to see what amazing item she has for you for the Holidays!

Have a great weekend! So excited for Sunday Night!!
xox-Gina

A Home for the Vellum Book & New Giveaway!

What a wonderful surprise to hear from Donna of The Decorated House house today. Donna was the winner of the Vellum Book so generously donated by Kym Fraser of 3 Fine Grains.

It has found a lovely home among Donna's other antique books and I think it looks stunning!! You can read all about the book's new home here. Congratulations again, Donna!

And, don't forget enter to win Dominique Browning's new book Slow Love. Head over to her blog, slow love life, and come back to WD and leave a comment! We will announce a winner on Sunday!! Read more about Dominique's exclusive interview with WD here!

Quick Updates & Giveaway!!

A quick update about what's been happening at Willow Decor!!

Thanks so much to lovely ladies over at Material Girls for featuring my home renovation on their wonderful new post: Design Bloggers Homes Unveiled - Part II - Make sure you check out all the other fabulous renovations!! And check out Part I, here, to see even more inspiring spaces from both bloggers you know and some new blog discoveries!! The response to the GIVEAWAY of the gorgeous Antique Vellum Book has been overwhelming! If you haven't yet entered please go visit Kym Fraser at 3 Fine Grains and then come back here and comment what item makes your heart sing. Click here to visit 3 Fine Grains and here read more about the GIVEAWAY and to leave your comments!!
Have a Great Day!!

Antique Vellum Books & Our Most Exciting GIVEAWAY Ever!!!

Antique Vellum Books have been used as gorgeous accents in extraordinary rooms for years. Vellum is a fine parchment made from the skin of a lamb, pig or calf. Primarily it was used in the 15th and 16th century to bind books. The skins were stretched over boarding in a way very similar to leather. The luminosity, texture and beauty of Antique Vellum has made it a favorite of designers.

(Architectural Digest via Cote de Texas)

Of course Vellum books have always been popular with the wonderful Furniture and Interior Designer Rose Tarlow of Melrose House. Here in a photo from Architectural Digest in 1991 you can see her love of these precious books.
(Architectural Digest via Cote de Texas)
Here is another angle of the same room. Notice the bookcase filled with Vellum books.

(Architectural Digest via Cote de Texas)

A shot of Tarlow's bedroom, notice the stacks of vellum books. Read a wonderful post about Rose Tarlow and her design aesthetic by Joni Webb of Cote de Texas here.

(Cote de Texas)

Above is a beautiful room from Antique Dealer and Design enthusiast Kay O'Toole. Notice the stacks of antique vellum books on her table. Cote de Texas once again did a wonderful post about O'Toole and her home read more about here.

So imagine my delight when Kym Fraser of 3 Fine Grains contacted me about her new venture into the world of Antique Vellum Books. Apparently, several months before a famous actor had contacted her. He was impressed with her love and knowledge of antiques coupled with her wonderful designer background.

An avid antique collector and design enthusiast himself, he had become the largest collector of Antique Vellum books in the United States. He had designed an exquisite room in his Malibu beach house and filled it with over 800 books. But, unfortunately he was moving and would she be interested in connecting the right designers and antique lovers with these wonderful books for him? It was important to him, that the new owners appreciate the beauty of these rare treasures.

Kym Fraser currently has over 600 of these gorgeous books. They range in age from 1572 - (yes, that is not a typo -books from the 1500's) to the late 1800's. Most books are in written in Italian, French, and Latin, and even some in Hebrew.

The books are varied and all are vellum. Some have ribbed bindings and some flat. Some are embossed in gold and some also have colored leather. Some have marbleized covers and hand painted pages. They are a varied and beautiful collection.

Most books are singular but Kym also has many sets including the most expensive in the Collection - a rare set of encyclopedias from the 1600's. This set of 9 is $13,500.

Of course, they range in price from $150 up - and interestingly the price is not determined by size, but by a variety of markers; including condition, content, outside embellishments, etc.

The photos show just a small sampling of the Vellum Collection.

Perhaps the most intriguing book to me is the one above. Stamped with the date of 1572, this book includes everything that is important to a collector. The book is a collection of the most celebrated passages of Euripides poetry. It has a gorgeous hand tooled cover, and beautiful writing on the ribbed bindings .

Add to that the incredible hand forged metal latches, patina and outstanding condition. This is a very rare book and retails for $5,500.

Here is another book with latches. This beauty is part of Kym's personal collection. She says it reminds her of her beautiful German Grain sacks. Notice the hand painted page edges in blue -Lovely!

Now here is the exciting part!! Kym has offered this wonderful Antique Vellum book to a Willow Decor reader. This book is from 1626 in Venice, Italy. Can you even imagine the Villa it resided in so many years ago??

Written in Italian, the book becomes even more valuable, because of its wonderful condition and the the exquisite flourish on the binding. This antique book retails for over $600.

Here is how to enter to win this antique treasure. Visit Kym Fraser's store, 3 Fine Grains, let me know what other items besides, these wonderful vellum books, that make your heart sing. Leave a comment back here at Willow Decor. For a second chance to win, be subscriber or follower of Willow Decor (you can sign up on the right column).

Next Sunday I will announce the winner! Best of luck!! And a huge thank you to Kym Fraser of 3 Fine Grains for such a generous giveaway. Click here to go check out 3 Fine Grains and then come back and leave your comments. Good Luck!!

(all photos property of 3 Fine Grains unless noted and not to be copied with out permission)