WHERE IS "PEAR-MCGEE-VILLE"? ------------------------IT 'S AT THE MERCANTILE MALL!-----------

FIRST THINGS FIRST...a big THANK YOU to all of you that came to Promont last Saturday...we had a grand time meeting all of you wonderful ladies and sharing the latest fall collection of bags with you. And a HUGE THANK YOU to Tracy Lanham for inviting Pear Mcgee....Thanks Tracy! You are a lovely lady and the tremendous effort that you put forth for the betterment of Milford's Promont was exemplified in the success of the third annual Art Affaire! It was indeed a LOVELY time and any who missed it, missed not only an absolutely gorgeous day to be outdoors but MILFORD at one of it's finest hours! Take a peek at Teal Town who featured Pear Mcgee on their blog. Watch the Art Affaire VIDEO by Kellie Geist of the Community Press.

THE MERCANTILE MALL IS "PEAR-MCGEE-VILLE"

The Mercantile Mall is "PEAR-MCGEE-VILLE". It's a charming place on the corner of Main Street and Garfield Avenue in the town of Milford, Ohio. Pear Mcgee is priviledged to be part of such a diverse group of collectors of antiques, collectibles & decorative accessories who love to display & re-purpose them for our customers. The Mercantile Shoppe is abundantly brimming with furniture, table wear, linens, books, jewelry, & garden accents. I may be a bit prejudice but I think The Mercantile is one of the best "shoppes" in Cincinnati! You won't just have a shopping experience when you visit, it will be spiritual one as well, for the friendly and sincere ladies that you will meet there just might become your friend! Come visit us sometime--you won't be disappointed. Hours of Operation are Tues through Friday 11am to 6pm, Saturday, 10am to 6pm and Sunday 12pm to 5pm. 100 and 1o4 Main Street, Milford, OH 45150.

Pear Mcgee Is Going To Milford Promont House Museum's 3rd Annual Art Affaire Scheduled For Saturday September 27th

I would like to invite you to come to the Promont House Museum, Saturday, September 27th, Noon to 5PM, located at 906 Main Street, Milford, Ohio. 513.248.0324. Pear Mcgee has been honored to be asked to be part of a small group of local artisans representing different media areas that will be giving a show at the Promont on that Saturday.

Promont is a beautiful, 3-story, Victorian Italianate mansion built between 1865-67 by Wiliam McGrue. Originally set on more than 50 acres, today the grounds occupy 5 acres of lovely, mature trees and gardens. Promont is distinguished by its attached tower rising 5 stories from the basement to the tower's observation room, and is one of just 5% of Victorian structures in the country to feature such a tower

What Is It About Vintage Linen Napkins?

Just love these embroidered linen napkins...now transformed into pochettes Pear Mcgee style. Like the charm of an older home...something special. Their colorful dispositions remind me of the last days of summer, warm and sunny!

You're Gonna "Fall" For This One!!

I love summer, and I love the fact that my teacher husband is home who spoils me on a regular basis! I'm counting the days now until hubby goes back to teaching and dreading it! But as August arrives, who can help but anticipate the beautiful colors that the change of the season will soon bring? So this little excursion into green, silver, and black reminds me that the leaves are about to take their own colorful trip. I'm really excited about this new handbag design for fall. The design is fun, it has plenty of room (bottom width is 12 inches) without being too big and the vintage button is the perfect accent for the fabric. I believe when you see the rest of the collection (coming soon!) that you will share my enthusiasm! Happy August! (Please take a moment to take the survey on the right or leave your comments below, I would love to hear from YOU!)

LAVENDER SACHETS "Lavande Poche"

It has been so much fun making these lavender sachets, "lavande poche" (french). I made a special trip out to Springbrook Meadow Lavender Farm in Hillsboro, OH (www.ohiolavender.com) to get the lavender right off the farm. There is nothing like smelling that intoxicating aroma of natural lavender. If you have never experienced the "real thing" you don't know what you are missing! "Artificial" lavender products cannot produce quite the same fragrance . The "lavande poche" are also made with only the finest quality and designer quilting fabric, a colorful vintage hankie, and unique vintage button. One of the nicest things about them is that they are made to be refillable. That means three things, the filling is only made at their time of purchase, they are hand washable, and they can be used for years to come. Pictured here are some examples and a couple dressed to travel in their special box and wrapping--ready to share their lovely aroma.

A New Hat, Katie's Fresh Cherry Pie--Elizabeth is 91!

The big day is here, mother is 91 years old! We celebrated with her favorite -- roast, mashed potates, cole slaw, carrots, biscuits, vanilla ice cream, and fresh cherry pie made by Katie. It was Katie's first pie and it was mother's first 91st birthday. My friend Linda gave mother the prettiest hat with Daisies. Only Linda could have been so thoughtful to think of the perfect gift for someone who is 91! Mother suffers from having a hard time remembering the present-- so the hat can be talked about for days to come, reminding her of her special day! Thanks Linda! It was great few moments in time that will be cherry--ished for years to come! (please view slideshow inthe right column)

Not Bad For An Old Bag!

If you want to know if Pear McGee handbags are durable. Here's a testimony from one purse owner! Linda, artist, teacher, and entrepreneur, who claims to be "really hard on bags" brought this by to show me. She has been using this Pear Mcgee since September '07 and says she just loves it because it still looks great! I was happy to see the purse again too since it was one of my favorites and very early creations.

La Vue De Poche!

Literal translation from English to French means "the view from the pocket".

What is it about the French language that is so appealing? It is the way it rolls off the tongue in such a smooth flowing manner? Is it the images of picturesque and romantic Paris? Or might it be the light-hearted tales of Peppe Le Pew that make us all laugh so much?

There have been some requests for sunglasses or eyeglasses cases down at the Mercantile Shoppe. La Vue De Poche is the result of that request. It was such fun making them, the colors are so beautiful, and of course, how could you miss the fabulous vintage buttons they are sporting? These lovely "poches" will make their way to the shoppe and on etsy shortly. . .it's hard to say goodbye!

How Do You Spell Facetious?

I was out to lunch with my almost 91 year old mother, who has a tremendous spirit but struggles with remembering what she has done in the present. She is legally blind from having macular degeneration and her hearing isn't so hot either. I am not able to remember the last time I read her exquisite handwriting. So when I was bantering with my 15 year old son about the definition and spelling of facetious, it was remarkable that my "dear old maw" (we weren't allowed to call her "mom") chimed in sharply and distinctly (before my son could utter a sound) "f-a-c-e-t-i-o-u-s!". She then informed me that the old "noodle" still worked! That may seem like an awfully small thing to get enthused about, but for me . . .well I was able to see a glimpse of the person that my mother once was and who now -- is just a shadow.

facetious [fass-see-shuss] Adjective

joking, or trying to be amusing, esp. at inappropriate times [Old French facetie witticism]

My Seventh Grade English Teacher

I'll never forget Mrs. Oligee. She was probably the strictest teacher I had in school. "Don't chew gum!" "Don't put your feet up on the rungs of the desk in front of you!"-- absolute quiet and attention was required. She was also perhaps the oldest teacher I ever had as well, her clothing, though outdated for the time, was alway impeccable and color cooridinated down to the jewelry she wore. Years later I was garage sale hopping and I stumbled on the garage sale that one of her family members was having since she was in a nursing home. There was all her jewelry! I wish I had gotten all of it but I settled for this button bracelet. The bracelet that had such a lovely jingling sound as she would pass by my desk. Now every time I wear it, my mind is flooded with those fond memories. I'm not the only one who loves it--my two daughters love it and so does everyone else that sees it. It's something that I will treasure even beyond it's stunning appearance. I hope you enjoy looking at it today!

Is Life Just A Bowl of Cherries?

Nope, sorry to say it's not. My mother who is about to celebrate her 91st birthday in July told me a saying one time. "It's a great life if you don't weaken, but then who wants to be strong?" I was always puzzled at that until I got older and now I think I realize what she meant. I found this vintage linen pouch at an antique store a while back. It's such a simple item, so simplistic in its structure, yet it brings me such joy to have it. So when life doesn't seem to be handing out cherries (like today) I get this out and just look at it, contemplate the simpler things in life, and encourage myself to be a stonger person!

I Live In Cicadannati!!

I was perfectly fine with the cicada (you say cicada, I say secada?!) infestation here in Cincinnati--you know--thinking of all the good they must be doing, providing such a delectible snack for the hungry birds---etc--that is up until today, when one of the the red-eyed demons tried to fly in my ear coming out of Main Cup in Old Milford at lunch! But now, it's no more Mrs. Nice Person! "Get out of my way Mr. Cicada!" (note the tribute to the male gender) We've had them now a few weeks and as far as I am concerned they have worn out their welcome!

Anyway, for a few chuckles about these pesky creatures, follow this link--http://www.cincinnati.com/freetime/cicadas/

Caution: Sea Creatures Lerking About

I've had so much fun making and using this bag. The silk material for the outside is so lightweight and it takes all my abuse and keeps looking great. The inside is full of sea creatures and could be exploited for all kinds of merriment. I just posted this on etsy...there is just enough material for one more bag like this one. I hope I get a bite...er pinch?

Wheel Just Have to Wonder

The funniest things show up to get their picture taken with my creations. This glass-wheeled slipper rolled in this morning. Roller skates make you think of 1950's rootbeer stands, skating car hops and milkshakes. All the makings of a good old-fashioned American summer. What you wouldn't expect is a victorian, heeled shoe paired with wheels. What WERE they thinking??

From The Inside Out

There is a children's song that starts out, "from the inside out...da da da." It's always interesting when I peddle for honest feedback from my two wonderful, grown-up daughters--their idea of what should be the inside and what should be the outside don't always match with what I have in mind. I just love the materials that I chose for the latest Pear that I made last evening. The textures and patterns are so subtle but offer just the right background that is needed for a particular look that I am going after. There isn't much left of these two fabrics and when I use the last of them it's like saying goodbye to an old friend. The button on this is just fabulous I think. I don't know whether it's "that old" so not sure it can be classified as mother of pearl...probably more like "plastic of pearl"..(lol) . ..nonetheless...it's beautiful.

BAM!

I decided to take it up another notch by adding custom bead-work from AllyBeads. Joellen really knows how to design the perfect complement to any Pear. The shells are perfect for summer but a unique touch for any season! Today I woke up and just had to sew before I left for work. Does this make me obsessed?

A New Tradition

In about a week it will be my 28th wedding anniversary. Just out of curiosity I looked up a list of the traditional wedding gifts corresponding to years. My husband and I never took part in this little custom but looking back I wish we had. Maybe it isn't too late to start? Apparently silver is the traditional and modern gift for 25 years together but after your 15th anniversary the traditional gifts taper off into increments of 5 years. So I guess I have to wait for the big three-zero. Wait...I think I might have an idea for all of those in-between times. Maybe...I don't know...FABRIC? I absolutely love getting new fabric! Getting new pieces always inspires me to create a new bag with a totally different feel than the one I made before. Speaking of bags...I added this new one to my shop!

I Didn't Use This Picture

Okay...I know what you’re thinking. What IS that creature perched atop my newest pochette? A tiny demon? An ugly child? Well no, it’s called a pixie and actually quite collectable. Beauty certainly is in the eye of the beholder-- and to me these little sprites are kind of cute. Yesterday I added this new FUN and very PINK pochette to my shop on Etsy (pearmcgee.etsy.com). Joellen, of AllyBeads in Milford, designed the beaded zipper-pull with beads from her shop and a beautiful, handcrafted, lampwork bead from fellow Etsian rufusandroxie. It also features a festive, pocketed interior to match the spunky, pink fabric on the outside. Making this bag certainly put me in a summery-SPIRIT!