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!