Get tea in your favorite cup and come on back and click here for musica! Today, we have lots of delicious photos, plenty of color, things for tea, dishes and cake! But first . . . hello kitty. ♥
I promised Em, one of our girlfriends, who’s doing some redecorating, that I would show another photo of my chair . . . she’s looking for this fabric, or something like it, and I don’t remember where I got this. If any of you decorators out there know what pattern this is, please leave a comment here for Em!
I’ve had several requests, so I thought I’d show you some of my dishes today! We have to start with my kitchen cupboard because it’s like a toy for grownups! My dad drove out from Arizona with his tool box and his dog, to help us move into our house. The first thing I asked him to do was to take off the cupboard doors so I could see my dishes. This is how it’s arranged today, but it’s gone through many changes: I find yellow glasses, out goes the clear ones; I find pink dishes, out go the purple ones. Pretty much everything came from yard sales and antique stores. You notice there’s a bowl full of kitty toys there. They’re everywhere. ♥
That’s a Johnson Brothers “Rose Chintz” teapot, a Martha’s Vineyard decorative plate, some of my Beatrix Potter people, an antique no-name brown transferware cup (with a singing bird on it!), my purple Windsor Ware china, some of my preferred fake fruit, topped off with my pink “Two Fond Hearts” plate!
These Minton cups belong to one of the girlfriends now . . . when my cupboards were full, I donated these to the Vintage section in our web store–I know they went to a good home! I hope she’s having a Valentine’s tea party to show them off! ♥
More cups, most of them have no manufacturer or pattern names on the bottom; great shelf for display, useful too, doesn’t take up too much space.
Salt and pepper shakers, perfect for every occasion! 🙂
Very old Minton creamers and teapot (no pattern name is on the bottom of this set of dishes!).
I love to mix old and new for informal tea parties. Emma mixes so well with antique dishes!
This little gem was all alone on an antique-store shelf when I found it; no name on bottom, no saucer, but look at it! Abigail Adams probably drank out of it! It should not be living alone!
You can mix your eras too . . . This yellow earthenware Oven Ware bowl perks up the Johnson Brothers Rose Chintz.
Love to mix and match dishes, some are one of a kind, but fit right in. This sauce bowl is English, Myott Son & Co “Swing Time” — and it’s the only piece of it I have.
Copeland Spode and Emma Bridgewater — those English people really know what they’re doing!
A little mish-mash of small cups, flower salt and peppers, and one of my pride and joys, a tiny Japanese tea-for-one set.
This china has nothing on the bottom! I think it should be famous! So pretty on a summer table outside under the arbor! ♥ Makes you want to have a dinner party!
Adorable green bird salt and peppers AND, guess what? They’re going to be my next give-away! Surprise! It’ll be in the next post! (Are you dyin’? 🙂) The bottoms twist off!
Gold-trimmed acorn plates make cake and ice cream positively elegant!
Some of you probably recognize this cup; it’s part of a tea set I designed for Lenox. They’re not being made anymore, which seems to be the same thing you can say about EVERYTHING these days! One of the fall-outs from the economy, at least as far as I’m concerned, are all the fun products that were requested and designed, but never got made. Especially dishes! ♥
I designed tons of things for the wonderful 250+ year-old China maker, Wedgwood that, unfortunately, have never seen the light of day, until today!! Back around 2002, Wedgwood asked for a complete collection of everything! Sugars, creamers, cake plates, butter dishes, dinner plates, mugs, tea pots, vases, jars, dresser trays, ice cream bowls, baby dishes, hanging plaques, glasses and accessories too, and pitchers . . . I love dishes so much, this was a dream job!!!
I drew and painted lots of ideas; here’s an earthenware milk pitcher and a hand-painted glass lemonade pitcher with a bird on the lid!
It’s so fun I can show them to you now — thank you again internet! The economy started changing around the time I was painting these and, unfortunately, Wedgwood never made them (heart breaker — but I worked with really nice people at Wedgwood–it wasn’t their fault, just a sign of the times!). I designed clear-glass formal candlesticks, and these green casual candlesticks. Everything was measured, many things had back, side and top views; this candlestick came with my removable crystal bird bobêche. I wanted everything to feel a little bit vintage and have wonderful details.
I designed lots of glasses, all kinds: etched, hand-painted with little flowers, cut and colored; and I named them; this champagne glass was “Sabrina.” You have to use your imagination to hear the clear bell ring they make when you click them together — to see the sparkle they would have made when held up to the light! My ice tea glass was thin, tall, etched, and green; I called it “Katherine” — there was also “Ingrid,” and “Audrey.” I named them after old movies and movie stars.
This is a whistling tea cup. When it’s filled with liquid, you can blow the bird whistle; it gurgles and sounds like chirping.
Of course, I had to have a red-lidded jar! I had a whole line of these jars in all sizes, for cookies and sugar — the tall one for pasta had a red-striped lid.
I used lots of words; for example, I designed a set of eight cups, each one was a different shape and size, and each had different quote on them; I called them “conversation cups” because I thought they would get people talking around the table.
I guess I should stop! I could do this all day, but you get the idea! It was a very fun job, and now that I can finally show them to you, it was all worth it! We can pretend! But onward and upward, it’s another day! And my kitchen still smells like cake-baking!
Didn’t I say something about cake? Yes, I did! But I think I’ll give you the recipe for this absolutely delicious Milk Cake in the next post! (See that cake-edge? I could go around the pan and cut off the edge and eat it first, it’s so good! And the middle melts in your mouth!). Plus, on the next post, we’ll take comments for the drawing for those green bird salt and pepper shakers; the perfect way to start thinking “spring” — and why not? And remember, we’re all going to New York the end of the month, so stick with me! ♥ (P.S. If you liked the music today, it’s from the Movie Midnight in Paris, which, if you haven’t seen it, I think you would love!) Byeeeee! ♥
I am one of the lucky ones…I have 3 of your plates on my dining room wall.
Yellow and white…. It’s not what on the plate that matters, but what is on the chair. I love them….. Makes entertaining so much more enjoyable when I read that and am reminded of that.
I don’t even have any of those! Very good Lois!
Oh how I wish those drawings would have turned into lovely pieces. They look so beautiful. Love, Love dishes too, collecting from all over, such history. I also took the doors of my hutch to see the wonders of my collection. By the way, thanks for the picture of Jack, my Emily just loves seeing him.
Once again you’ve brightened my day! I would love to have been able to purchase those green jars with red lids for my kitchen. Now that we’ve seen what you designed, I know what I’m missing.
Hugs,
Catherine
Oh Susan, thank you for that sweet tour of your gorgeous dishes collection! I LOVE the open cabinets however I would never be able to keep them so nice and organized! I am almost in mourning over the sketches of all those beautiful serving pieces and glasses and pitchers that never came to be! So sad! They are all so precious. I especially love the teacup with the whistling bird…ingenious! Can’t wait for the next blog with the drawing for the salt and pepper shakers…cuteness!! Have a wonderful day. xoxo…kp
Well that was just the nicest Post. Thank you. I will be in line for the salt and pepper set and the cake receipe. And I really think all your dishes and extras should be on sale someplace. Maybe someday.
Nancy Jo
oh. my. stars. Words fail me. Any chance of these seeing the light of day?? We need more beauty in the world!!
I wish!!
How wonderful to see your dishes at this time in my life. After Christmas, I decided to add more tea cups to my collection. Both of my husband’s grandmothers gave me a tea cup before they died and I have one of my mother’s. As I am going to be celebrating the big 6-0 birthday this year, thought this would be a wonderful way to remember these beautiful women by using the cups. Thanks again for a wonderful way to start the day by reading your posts!!!
Oh my! Another example of why you and the girlfriends are kindred spirits! I loved the dish and cup tour. I don’t feel alone in my little pursuits. I just absolutely love your designs for Wedgewood (and oh that bird bobeche!) and wish and hope they will grace our tables, cabinets and homes someday. Take care, Susan and girlfriends.
Ahhh….I feel so joyous just reading this post. Part of my AFTER Christmas ritual is taking down all of my tea cups, tea pots, BPotter figurines and give them a good washing. It was delightful to hold each cup in my hand. The memories…the joy of it all. On to my next bookcase full of delight. Which means I should be off the computer and filling a bowl with warm sudsy water!!!
Good Morning!! 🙂 Stood outside this morning before coming into work – closed my eyes and let that brisk breeze blow over my face and hair – what a way to start the day….. that and the wonderful little clip of Jack playing – and his picture this morning. A little bit of “Jack” starts the day off perfectly! Love the glassware collection! I collect the depression glass as well – my favorite pieces are the old depression glass cracker or “biscuit” jars – have got several in green & pink. I also love “flow-blue” china – it’s just gorgeous… sigh. Well, back to work my friend! Enjoy your day – and thanks from the bottom of my heart for starting my day off beautifully! XOXO to Jack and Girl … chm
You brighten my day! Loved looking at your dishes!! Its a same your dishes were not made, beautiful. Thank-you, Susan!
I just love dishes! Some people even make fun of me for it. My dear hubby though does not. He always asks, “So which kind of plates do you want to use tonight?” Love him! But we recently moved – 2 months ago- to a much smaller house. Packing up all those different dishes, glasses, stemware, etc. really gave me a sense of how many I had and didn’t have room for anymore. Sadly, I had to give some away, and put myself on a strict no-more-new-dishes restriction. (At least for now.) I do like those nice striped mixing bowls you have there, though!
A girlfriend on the last post said she had gone all the way back to the beginning of the blog because she had just discovered it. I was curious if I had missed any myself, so I did the same thing. Maybe your website wizard could make it easier to search than going back 29 pages, one at a time. Just a thought. Did I somehow miss your one year blog anniversary on Nov. 1st? Well if I did – Congratulations, belatedly! I look forward to it everyday! THANKS!
I’ve only been blogging since June! I’m a newbie!
I don’t get that – the blog goes back to Nov. 1, 2010. ??? I scrolled back 29 pages. Are the blog gremlins at work here? ;0) Hey! I am not complaining – the more the better!
I had a web site before June; because it was a web site and not a blog, there were no comments . . . and I only updated it maybe once a month . . . I made it look like a blog, but it really didn’t have any of the bells and whistles!
Karen, I’m a ‘dishaholic” too! : )
Me too!
I love dishes too! Maybe we should start having meetings to deal with our “addiction.” I’ll bring the tea. Who will bring the cake? Thank you for sharing Susan – another joy.
I’m afraid I’d qualify for the meetings, too. I’ll bring the cake……on second thought, maybe I’d better not….I’m afraid I’ll be exposed to more dishes to be tempted by….
I have multiple addictions…I could bring cake…I have about 100 cookbooks!
I am DROOLING over all your designs! And your personal collection! But your designs, particularly the lemonade pitcher, whistling teacup, and champagne glasses, I just need in my life! Hopefully one day they all can become real (that will be the day I jump for joy!)
Susan, this post was just FULL of beautiful… THANK you! ♥
Thank you for the tour of your China Cabinet. It is all so beautiful. I do have a few pieces of the Proper Tea collection and they are treasures. Would love to see your drawings turn into actual pieces. Maybe someday!
My bestfriend is moving into a new place and getting new dinnerware. She has decided on a color scheme but each place setting will be different. We are both having alot of fun with this project.
Definitely have the tea kettle on today! In S. Alberta it is -24F. First cold snap of the season so trying not to complain. It is suppose to warm up to -2F by the weekend.
Have a wonderful day. Thanks for being our friend.
OMG -24? F? OMG I think I would hug the woodstove!
Oh, kudos to you with a -24! I used to live in Ohio, near Cleveland, and I recall one Christmas it was -10. We sat around wrapped in blankets with the heat turned all the way up, and were still freezing! Now I live in Sothern California — a huge improvement. Stay snug and warm, and best wishes for a short winter!
Minnesota is getting the deep-freeze air tomorrow (but still no snow!) Our relatives in Seattle are getting our snow this year! 🙂
Susan, thank you…you struck two chords in my heart today. First, thank you for sharing pics of your beautiful dishes and also the drawings of such exquisite designs that hopefully await production. Can’t wait to buy any/all of them. The second chord you struck was telling of your father, together with toolbox, helping you by taking down cupboard doors. My wonderful father, who died of cancer many years ago, was such a Dad…always ready with toolbox, strong skills to use them, and lots of love in his heart to create something new for me. I am glad for you that you have just such a Dad in your life.
Blessings on your day. Please tell Jack that he is too cute for words.
My mother who is gone now, had “rose chintz” by Johnson Bros. It was so nostalgic to see your collection and remember dinners at Mom’s table with her favorite dishes. Wish we had kept them. Thanks for sharing your delightful cupboard and especially your designs.
Oh, how much fun that must of been….your creative juices must have been flowing up and over……
I noticed something interesting behind one of your arrangements….picture #13…it looks like an old radio, but maybe an old hot plate or something….sure looks cute sitting back there by itself lookin’ purdy!!!
And Jack boy…..he’s as adorable as ever.
Here’s to hoping North America’s economy does a flip for the better and we start manufacturing in our own countries….I’d love a set of “conversation tea cups”….
Be Blessed,
Cindy♥
Never enough teacups, right? LOVE this post, especially on a cold January morning as we have here in the Midwest. Thank you for sharing your cupboard, and the music you add to your blog is super-duper! Thanks you!!
Susan, I just love your style! I so enjoyed the video you made of your kitchen around the holidays and I’m thrilled to see a close up of your china collection.
There is something about pink roses that draws me in! The roses in my garden all have one thing in common – the color pink. Pink roses on china=bliss!!!
I am so sorry that the Sabrina champagne glasses were never produced. They are gorgeous! I would have been first in line to buy a set. 🙂
Marilyn (in Dallas)
thank you so much for sharing the pictures. my mother-in-law had a set of the johnson brothers “rose chintz” dishes. i have a set of the same small pink salt & pepper shakers w/ the little flower on top. it’s fun to see them on your blog.
Wonderful photos ! A lot of your dishes, tea cups, tea pots and what not remind me of my mums house, looks to me there is a lot of English patterns going on there including the wonderful chair you have that I just love ! All is soo pretty . Thanks for sharing with us ! Have a lovely day !
Loved the peek at your cupboards ! As someone who is “dish-crazy” I was drooling….adn so wish that some of those pieces were made. You inspired me to make a cake and put it on my dear mother-in-law’s gold rimmed cake plate….a big plate to hold the cake and 6 little plates to serve it on. Beautiful flowers in the middle of each plate. Sadly, we found it after she had passed away, and it was still in the box, looking like it had never been used. It was being saved “for good” as my mom used to say. GOOD IS TODAY !!! It now resides in my dining room, but due to work/school/life the set does not get as much use as it should. Today seems like a GOOD day for cake – thanks for the inspiration . PS…Santa brought me Midnight in Paris….LOVE IT !
The items you designed are darling, so beautiful. Love the champagne glass, very delicate and beautiful. So sad they did not see the light of day but it is sure fun to look at your drawings of them. I absolutely love dishes, especially pinks and florals, and crystal. Even though I have several sets I have been thinking about buying “Rose Chintz”. I can not enter a department store without having a look in the china department.
I am counting the days til September when your new book will be available to buy.
What a beautiful post; just lovely to look at first thing in the morning. Thank you for sharing. My wish would be that someday your gorgeous items get produced; they should be shared with the world…and I would be first in line, especially love the lemonade pitcher. Cheers!
Heaven, I’m in Heaven…….! We all love it that you took time off from your beautiful (we know you, we know it will be!!!!!) new book, to MAKE OUR DAY! Jack & chair & pillow – wonderful way to start our day! Dad Jack, what a sweatheart – cupboard is gorgeously set with your exquisite collections! Sigh! So, after the snow people come down, the Camellia collections go up, and come down then……….my cup & saucer, old plates, etc.,etc. are going up! You’ve inspired me dear, darling girlfriend! Your designs of not to be’s, made me drool (nobody’s in here with me to see), they’re fantastic! And, the s&p birdies, my goodness you’re so generous with your treasures, we thank you! I could comment on every single picture and your writings, but I know you need to get back to those brushes & fetchin’ Jack, & wonderful Joe! So, thank you, for a beautiful blog! Blessings to you and all your girlfriends (& guyfriends)! xoxo
Thank you for sharing! I too wish the dishes had become a reality. I love the little elephant. Is it a store find? I have a Puss n’ Boots that my grandmother would always put milk in so I could pour my own. Such wonderful memories every time I look at it. I was very close to my Grandmother too. I thought she could walk on water.
Hi Susan, I too, collect Rose Chintz (my grandmother had a set) and I love it. Also have lots of Emma Bridgewater. The set with no name on the bottom is beautiful! So sweet and spring-like! Aren’t dishes a wonderful thing? I find I can’t resist them!
xo
Claudia
I really needed this post today….11 am and it’s already a “yuck” day. But this post made me a bit happier. Everything is so beautiful….I almost said out loud “my mother had those green bird S&P shakers but they were BLUE” then I saw the bit about a giveaway. Fingers, toes, hands, arms, everything crossed! And I am in love with that bird teacup that whistles. Can’t believe that was never made- so so so wonderful in every way. Thank you for a brilliant post!! xx
Thank you, Susan, for showing us your dish cupboard and all the would-be patterns of your drawings and designs. I’m sad to think that we will never be able to purchase those designs. But thank you for sharing them with us. I love dishes, too, and am always on the hunt! There’s just something about pretty table ware that I can not resist! You’re so special and it’s a joy to be in touch through your blog. Thank you for making my days begin with happiness!! Hugs to you, Barbara
Woohoo!!! Yay!!! Love Love Love this post!! Oh my gosh, your dishes are soooo pretty!! Love them!!! Thank you for sharing your lovely dishes with all of us. I think I would have to constantly be eating or drinking just so I could use them all of the time. 🙂 Can’t wait for the milk cake recipe…I don’t believe I have ever had milk cake before…sounds delicious. Yummy yum!! Oh I just love you…I do. I just want you to know that I was having a horrible morning. Nothing seemed to be going right for me and then I thought I would just look at your blog. SURPRISE!!!! Wonderful post about dishes and tea and food….HEAVEN!!! As always it is so refreshing and fun and delightful…and the post today instantly melted away my horrible morning. Thank you Thank you Thank you. I adore you!! Thank you!! GOD Bless!!! Love and Hugs, Tricia B. XOXOXOXOXOXOXO
XOXO Keep having a wonderful day Tricia!!!
What a wonderful picture of Jack on your chintz wing back chair – it would be perfect for one of your cards! Or an illustration for one of your books!
I don’t think it’s possible for you to take a “bad” picture of Jack!
Now I wish I was home making currant scones and tea!
I think you’re on to something;) that little Jack would make anything more adorable!
Hi Susan,
Ah, my favorite thing in the whole world. Taking tea in a lovely, flowery tea cup. Thank you for the peek into your cubbards. I think I will go have my morning tea now.
Jack looks fit and feisty.
xoxo Pam
Susan, I think you should show these comments to Lennox. There seems to be a real market out there for your dishes and glassware. I love it all but that lemonade pitcher is extra special! Even the new brides that aren’t going in for china and crystal would want these lovely things!
Carol, That is so funny that you mentioned showing these posts to Lenox. I was thinking that if they (or another manufacturer) saw how many of your girlfriends would buy them, they’d jump right in!! Susan, are there any manufacturers on Martha’s Vineyard that could handle such a production? PLEASE find someone to make them!!
This is a postage stamp of a place (100 sq, miles, not a single chain store here, for instance (no Taco Bell!), and no dish makers! We’d be happy to do it if some china company approached us!
Loved, loved, loved looking at your dishes. What gal doesn’t love dishes? And my belief is you can never have to many! What a shame all of those designs you did weren’t produced. It would have made all of your fans so happy. When I go to a restaurant that has dishes I love I can’t resist looking at the bottom. (When I think no one is looking that is!) I want those bird S & P shakers. How adorable. Almost forgot love your kitty on the back of the chair.
Thank you Susan! Your cupboards full of china makes me happy and nostalgic. I have a cabinet of odd pieces found in antique shoppes and hand me downs from mother and grandmother…all treasures. My favorite sugar bowl that was in use on my kitchen counter for 25 years was just broken recently and I miss it so much. I have found a few on eBay that I’ll enjoy on the counter but they aren’t the same.
Your dish and glass designs are beautiful. I’ll have to look for the “Two Fond Hearts” plate. I am now wishing I had green jars with red lids. What a shame that your designs couldn’t be made and sold. I bet the designs are frameable works of art! Love. XO
hello susan, good morning and good morning everyone!! i love all the beautiful dishes, and i love that little elephant creamer, i have one just like it and found out its worth quite a bit which surprised me. now i enjoy it even more. give the kitties a hug, they are so adorable, and yes they decorate the house with kitty toys..should see my house, i find toy mouses in the most unusual places!! hugs……. 🙂
PURE JOY!!!!!!! Thank you Susan!
loved all the dishes. Washed the dust off my Bobeches and got the Indian head salt and pepper set out of the cabinet to grace the kitchen. it is a good day. Thanks!!!
loved all the dishes. Washed the dust off my Bobeches and got the Indian head salt and pepper set out of the cabinet to grace the kitchen. it is a good day. Thanks!!!
OH, forgot too tell you, bought copy of Romantic Homes magazine. Loved your page too!!
Oh Susan…I just “love” Jack…he is adoreable! However, I don’t think my Rusty would agree with my sentiments…lol The music was so soothing…just perfect for this post! Oh..how I love all your dishes and especially how they are displayed!! Your Dad did a great job! I hope someday your designs will go into production! The whistling cup….how cute is that? I want one!! lol I can’t wait till your next post….
Blessings…and have a warm day! (it was only -2 here in Iowa! That sounds warm compared to the lady in Canada! lol)
Gert
Thank you for the tour of your dish cupboard! I could linger here all day. It must have been exciting to receive a request from Wedgewood. I would have framed the letter! A shame that they were never made, but I guess it’s good fortune for my pocketbook. BTW, I came across some old Country Living magazines with your wonderful illustrated recipes. What treasures!
Oh, how wonderful…they are, indeed treasures! What years/months did you come across, so I can keep my eyes peeled:)
Christie
They are from the early 1990s. I find them in the thrift stores and you can get them at antiques store for a dollar or two. Antique stores are a great source for reading material!
Also, 1988 and 1989, I believe. I have a few and, at least what I’ve found, they haven’t been beyond 1991. Happy hunting, Christie!
Thank you, sweet girls:)) The hunt is on!!
What a perfectly perfect way to start a day! Susan your talent is endless, and your sharing heart is borderless. I was still awestruck at your lovely post when I read Dee’s post…let me quote her again….”oh. my. stars.” I’m still laughing. Yep. That pretty much sums up my feelings, too. Susan you hold true to the belief that love only comes back to you when you give it away and so I hope you are feeling all our grateful hearts that love you for sharing so much of yourself. And may I just add that those little green birdies are the cutest little guys ever! *sigh*
This is one of the best parts of my day …. just to see the wonderful things you have to share with us! It is a shame your wonderful designs were never made! You are such a breath of sunshine and joy!! Thanks so much!
I sat down on the sofa with my cup of coffee and began opening several boxes the postman left at the door…my new/vintage teacups and saucers and creamer and sugar bowl, by Shelley, of England, called Rosebud! Don’t you just love that name? And then when I read your post…featuring my weakness!!!….I was ecstatic! Pretty dishes and names of old movies and moviestars. Sabrina being one of my all time favs! And of course, who could not love Audrey! So we’ll tuck Rosebud in there, somewhere;)
You are an absolute joy, miss Susan. I am so glad someone spoke up and requested a tour of your cupboard…I’ve tried enlarging other photos to see how you have it arranged, but today’s full on photo was perfect! I have a similar cupboard with glass doors and pink glass knobs, and I’m always rearranging, much to husbands chagrin, but he loves me, and simply smiles…very good husband!
Your drawings! My goodness, I would want one of each! Maybe one day…
As mother always says, the journey is the destination..make sure your fulfillment comes in the journey. I can tell with you, you are having a blast on the journey!
Happy day, dear friend,
Christie
I’m not sure if I’m sad or glad that you shared those wonderful designs of yours! I would like the green birdie candlesticks, the etched Sabrina glasses, and all sizes of the green jars with red lids. To start. 🙂
I love this blog post. I think that if Wedgewood had gone ahead and produced your designs for the plates, cups, candle sticks & bobeche, pitcher, and especially that lemonade pitcher, the sheer volume of purchases would have given the economy a boost. If the designs are not going to be produced into functional items, I would love to have them as art works!!!!! I am so happy that you shared them with us here on your blog. Also, Your picture of your cupboard without the doors has inspired me to go into my pantry and take down some of the doors on the cabinets where I have my dishes, teapots, napkins (all my “pretties”) stored. That way I can enjoy them even if I am not using them at that time. Since we all love to see your house, and how you decorate each season, a book about your actual real-life home would be great!
In your new book, are you going to tell us how you met “Joe”? I have often wondered……Love from Arkansas, -Donna
I’m going to write an autobiography and tell about how I moved to the island, and about how I met Joe.♥
That is wonderful and I am looking forward to your autobiography!!!! Thank you. -D
That will be fun! Will it be right on the heels of “Pancakes?” Can’t wait!
Yes!
are you doing 3 books? pancakes, breakfast with susan and your autobiography??
No, Breakfast with Susan is the real name of Pancakes . . . so it’s 2 books (plus so many others on the burners!)
WHEEEEE!!!!
Awwww, can hardly wait! xoxo
Now that is going to Be filled with Pure Love & Joy & Magic! xoxo Poof!
I agree, Angie (Tink!)!!!! I guess it’s good that Susan stays away from the blog and focuses on the books or the “natives” will get restless here!
So, now, Susan, you have us curious as to what others you have “on the burners?” One about England, maybe? You and dear Rachel could collaborate on that one! hmmm…..
Dishes! Dishes! The Wedgewood flowered platter that never was (but is in our imaginations) is a heart stopper! My pride and joy is a set of no-name dishes, cream with a rose garland border and gold rim, that belonged to my great grandmother and was passed to me by my mother. It’s a full set, except no tea cups! So, I mix in lots of different cups, all with roses of some sort. Your Rose Chintz set is delish, especially the tea pot. Can’t wait for the cake recipe. It seems perfect for a girlfriend tea. Thank you for a beautiful-to-look at post.
Oh Susan…your designs are wonderful….fabulous….. and I am sad they have not been produced. Maybe someday? We can hope.
It’s been lovely sharing this tea time with you. When your blog page came up I’d just sat down with a cup of Earl Grey and a slice of my overnight cranberry coffee cake, baked just this morning. I clicked on the music and it was perfect in my world.
I love all your dish ware and the way you display it–I love mixing things up…it is cozy I think. And anything retro or vintage, no matter the year or maker, perfecto. And I espcially love those Minton tea cups…oh my…the shape, the flowers, the colors…perfect.
Our trip to NYC will soon be here and I’m so excited…we will have fun for sure. And the upcoming drawing–my name will be in the pot.
You’re the bees knees!
Well don’t you know I want all of the items you designed. They are gorgeous!!!Thanks for sharing.
Yummy looking cake too!
Hello Susan,
Thank you for sharing your beautiful china collection with us! I love how you display the old, new, brand name & no name all together! I love Emma Bridgewater. I first heard about her from you. I now have a collection of mugs and a couple of teapots too! One of my favorite things in your cabinet is the Johnson Brothers Rose Chintz. How absolutely charming! By the way, the cake looks delicious. I’m looking forward to the milk cake recipe!! xoxo
I loved this post because I love dishes! I have been fortunate to inherit my mother’s crystal stemware from her wedding gifts (1946) and also glasses and dishes from my mother-in-law and her family that go way back. I actually have two brown plates with birds that probably match your cup. So enjoyed seeing your old drawings and ideas. Loved everyone of them! I have open shelves too in my kitchen to display all my colorful dishes. We are really kindred souls.
Love Jack on the chair. I was sad to learn today that my sister in law (who introduced me to you) and my brother just lost their beloved kitty Katama. They lost her brother Chappy last year. Yes, they were named after islands in MV!
So sad 🙁 so sorry!
Oh nice!! A post for just us! I adore dishes! This is definitely one of my favorites. It was sooooo fun seeing all your dishes and all your designs! I am the proud owner of a large bowl that had a matching pitcher. It had the pansy on them both. Also, my favorite pattern you did was the green ivy, and I found an adorable little vase with that pattern! Do you remember that? That little vase is one of my treasures! I live in a cute little small house and there’s not much room for dishes otherwise I’d have all of what you designed!! Thanks for the photo of sweet little Jack! The bird salt and pepper shakers are awesome!
Love, love, love the salt and pepper shakers. I read your blogs nearly every day and feel a real connection to you and all “our” girlfriends. I remember when I moved from Illinois to Colorado and had no friends here. It was awfully lonely. I joined a church, a newcomers group and did some volunteering and that all changed. I have lots of fun friends now and would not change anything. It did take awhile but hang in there, ladies, it will happen.
Can’t wait for the next give away….I collect salt and pepper shakers and these are adorable…..very spring-like! And even though it is still January, spring is on my mind!
Hello Susan! Wonderful, colorful post! Thanks again for it!
This is for EM: Waverly’s Norfolk Rose is a current fabric pattern and is close
to Susan’s chintz chair. You can see it on their website. Waverly has many beautiful chintz patterns available. Check your local Calico Corners, or maybe even your closest Joann’s Fabric and Crafts. Norfolk Rose is at our local Joann’s, so maybe your’s has it too!
Ebay also has Norfolk Rose fabric.
GOOD LUCK!
That’s so fantastic, thank you Patricia!! 🙂
Thank you, Patricia! And thank you, Susan!
I’ll start looking…
Em, you are welcome… if you have a Calico Corners outlet near you, that would be even better. We have one about an hour away from us in Lancaster, PA, and it is just like fabric heaven… you find yourself imagining covering your car seats in some exquisite fabric, because it is just too beautiful to pass up! Good luck!
My husband and I upholstered our love seat and chair ourselves, following instructions in an upholstery manual. They both turned out better than the piece we had professionaly done!
Just melt seeing Jack in your posts – can’t begin to imagine how wonderful he’s like in non-virtual format!!
Fell in love with your design of the champagne glasses! We live in hope that someday they may be produced!
Have a wonderful mid-week everyone!
Oh thank you, thank you for showing us all your beautiful china! It made me feel all warm & fuzzy~ I can only hope someone will see this and want to produce your charming creations — such a labor of love, and now we get to enjoy them, if only in pictures. And such beautiful paintings..
Your chair fabric is close to one I have by Waverly (? pattern). Similar fabric, different cat, lol!
Hi Susan, What a great post….you made my day 🙂 Thank you for sharing your beautiful dishes, tea cups and drawings, I just love the Lemonade pitcher…
I recently ordered Johnson Bros. “Friendly Village” dishes, cannot wait to use them and decorate the table for Thanksgiving. Thanks for making a cold winter day, fun, sun shiney and warm 🙂
I absolutely love this post..probably because I share your china “fettish” (my hubby’s word for my china collecting addiction)..starting with our honeymoon in Austria, we went straight (almost) to a museum to see the china that the Hapsburg family used during their reign..on a trip to the UK years ago, I spent hours perusing all things Emma, Wedgewood, Mason, Royal Crown Derby, etc…and loved every minute. I can appreciate those little “finds”, the one piece or one-of-a-kind item that has to come home with me. Loved seeing all of your treasures..thank you for sharing….looking forward to “our” trip to NYC…xo
Stupid Economy 🙂 Your designs could definitely make an impact on the economy!
Looking forward to the cake recipe. My mom used to make something called a “Hot Milk Sponge Cake”, and I remember the edges being irresistable…YUM!
Hi~
I make hot milk sponge cake too! I use the cake to make peanut squares. I got the recipe from my mother~ in~law. It calls for a lump of butter the size of an egg!
I
Gremlin ate it again~ I said I love old family recipes!
I just love your dishes. Both my husband and I have a thing for pretty dishes, so we keep collecting (I have a thing for Fiestaware) and hope our 5 kids will enjoy them all as much as we do some day… LOVE your lemonade pitcher – and the red lidded jar 🙂 Thanks so much for the chance to win the s&p shakers – they are WAY too cute.
Candy for my eyes seeing all your pretty things, a wonderful morning treat. Thank you for a peak at what could have been … I want them all … in my dreams. Oh, I even saw something I actually have …. the “Two Fond Hearts” dish. I must find it…I think I know right were it is but it’s hidden from sight. A friend gave it to me many years ago. It’s time for it to come out again.
Yup! The Lion, The Witch and Susan Branch for sure …..just opened another door and voila, another facet of Susan revealed! Designer exceptionale……what beautiful pieces Susan. Love the candlestick, love them all actually. I am beginning to wonder if you have ESP or what. I just finished writing a letter to one of my BF’s and told her I am beginning to think spring in spite of the zero degree weather and could I really help it if my brain was wired to think spring in late January or early February? Honest to pete, this is the truth…..lol……..you are too much! Loved peeking into your cupboards because this is all the stuff I always loved too! In fact I was doing this to my mom when I was about six years old so they tell me. Always looking in the cupboards at her dishes. lol
I so wish your Wedgewood pieces had been created!! I would have bought every piece, they are so beautiful!! No question that we are kindred spirits. Now for those bird salt and pepper shakers, the perfect compliment to my white and green/red/yellow dishes…. Thank you so much for brightening my day!
I just love your china and glass designs and thank you for showing us the wonderful collection you have on your shelves. I recently filled my china cabinet with tea cups and saucers, teapots and cosies and a selection of my favourite teatime recipe books. Allsorts of thrifted oddments that sit happily side by side, waiting for teatime.
Dishes, dishes, dishes, I love dishes. I remember playing house at my Grandmother’s in the summer, and loved washing the old dishes she had stashed in the rabbit hutch because she didn’t use them anymore. My Uncle was giving some of those dishes away not lot ago so I snatched up what I could and am using them now. Whenever anyone comes for dinner…we eat with Grandma’s dishes! Seeing your little orange earthenware bowl reminded me of bowls we used to get out of the oatmeal box when I was a girl. I wish I had kept them. Also, when I was a teen…a friend of my mother would send me a birthday matching cup and saucer as a gift, they have various flowers on each piece and were made in England. Through the years, I managed to accumulate quite a collection. I must get them out and have tea! Thanks so much for helping me remember those fabulous dishes in my past.
Good Morning~
I find that even a piece of plain old toast tastes better on a china plate!
My grandma NEVER EVER used a paper plate~she was “green” before it was popular!
Right now there are 2 sets of china on the front porch boxed up~ I am going to investigate ~finally! ~ Thanks for the motivation! ~I make a hot milk sponge cake~ wonder if it’s the same recipe?
Blessings~
Lynn
I agree with you about everything tasting better on a pretty china plate! Just like everything tastes better in a fancy china teacup or Emma mug! I have all sorts of different plates (mostly luncheon/dessert size) and when I bring one out my breakfast or dessert, it just gives me a bit of joy in my day….it’s the little things…(sigh…)
It vanished! Smiles to you!
My comments keep getting messed up! Ending up in the wrong place or not coming through completely. Must be the something atmospheric?!
Lynn~
I’m with you Lynn, my last two comments showed up twice with one only partially written?? Susan said Gremlins so I don’t think it is anything we are doing wrong!! Hope everyone has a great cold Wintry Mix of weather this weekend. IN is predicting a mix of sleet, snow, and ICE….we haven’t had a pretty serene snow YET this season. I haven’t heard if Susan has had any snow yet?
No, darn it! There are specks of frozen white stuff out there, so maybe in the night there were flurries, it’s just edging the lawns outside my window.
I’m in Wisconsin and the snow is coming again~ thanks Deborah~I thought maybe it was just me!
Oh Susan…. how can you stand to part with those darling S&P birds??? I LOVE them. I love it when you post my three favorite things…your kitties, dishes and drawings. I’m so happy!!!
What a perfect post for someone unpacking and buried in boxes and packing paper wondering where this stuff is going to go! Whew, this helped me take a deep breath and say to myself, “I can do this.” Can I get your Dad to come and help me? LOL! I need some serious help! Thinking maybe I need to take carpentry! LOL!! Thanks so much Susan!!
Your designs are beautiful. I also like the way you have displayed your dishes thanks for sharing with us.
Oh what a wonderful post you gave us today! (Of course, we say that about EVERY post you give us – I think we all LOVE you, Susan!)
Like so many others on your site, I am a complete sucker for china – if I had more room, I’d just have to have more…more…and more! So it was so much fun to take your ‘tour’ and fun to read about your designs that never were made (I would want them all!!!) Thank you so much for sharing this with us – Beautiful!!!
Susan – I have just discovered your website recently and really have been enjoying browsing through everything. I loved your post today with all of the beautiful china. Thank you for the eye candy! How I wish your designs were able to be manufactured! I would have loved to have your lemonade pitcher to go with my pitcher collection. . Being from the south I always have my iced tea in an old vintage pitcher.
I LOVED seeing all your dishes Sue!! I too, am a ‘dishaholic’, and have found my favorite vintage pieces from some antique stores in New England. I think we paid more to have then shipped home, than we did buying them! I loved all your Waterford drawings too…maybe they’ll come back, and do them later? You have such beautiful designs, and I loved them all!! =)
And this is a message for Em, if you can get it to her?? I have a very close fabric to the one shown on your chair. It is a Waverly upholstery fabric, but it unfortunately, has been discontinued…. I bought mine about 5 years ago when it was being discontinued, and got it for $7/yd! I reupholstered my Grandma’s old chair, and a love seat with it to match, and they are beautiful!!
I just went to eBay, and did a search for ‘Waverly Upholstery Fabric,’ and there are some very similar fabrics posted there……Hope this helps…!!
One more thing….. If Em would go to Fabrics.com, they still have the Waverly fabric I have. It is called, Emma’s Garden, and it is under $10/yard! it is almost identical to Susan’s chair!~~
How perfect, Emma’s Garden for Em!
Thank you, Bonnie! I’m off to Fabrics.com!
Another wonderful post – full of lovely things! I too mourn that those pieces that you designed will not come to pass……I have a fondness for platters and bowls and teacups….and so I love that one picture of your kitchen cupboard ( which open style would NEVER do for Southern California and the earthquake awareness we must have).
And I also think that Waverly has a pattern similar to yours – not exact but similar called Bliss Clover.
I have to comment that you have the most adorable name EVER…..Noel Holly! Is that your real name? So precious!
It really truly is my name! I love it. When I was much younger and in that self-conscious stage of life and got teased alot I did not- but thankfully that has come and gone!
Absolutely Love your dishes! And Especially the ones you designed but never got made! What a Shame! Maybe Someday. (We can only Hope!) I have one, sweet little SB creamer/pitcher of yours with the saying on it, “God Bless Thee when winds blow, our home and all we know”. I found it several years back in a Pharmacy/gift shop and sits in my kitchen garden windowsill. I really wasn’t into dishes much until I hit my mid-thirties. Now I have a small teacup and teapot collection and love to find new favorites in antique and thrift stores. I love all of your different teapots and cups, too! Thanks for sharing. I didn’t get to leave a post on your last blog entry because of our recent snowstorm, but you really hit the nail on the head about girlfriends! We Do need each other!! The first book of yours that I bought was your Girlfriends book. What a treasure! I loved all the stories in it! I recently found three long-lost friends from junior high school through facebook and we’ve had a ball catching up and reminiscing about long ago times. (mid 1960’s – “Those were the days, my friend”!) All but one of us moved away, so now we are trying to figure out where and when we can get together for a girlfriends reunion. Can hardly wait!!
Hello Sweet Sue…Love When You Visit in Twitterville! Yay! 🙂 I Love How Your Daddy Helped You take those doors off The Cupboards…I Love how You can See all Your Beautiful Dishes…(Love the Kitty Toys in the Bowl!) Meow! The Pic of Jack on Your Cozy Chair…Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrfection! 🙂 I want those Birdie salt & pepper Shakers! omggggggggggggggggggg & I Love Your “Sabrina” Champagne Glasses! & omgggggggggggggg The Actual Whistling Teacup! Pure Magic! Tweet Tweet….Your Blog is Pure Heaven Today Sweet Sue & I Thank Thee! Warm Hugzzz & Love & Always lots of Pixie~Dust Yay! xoxo Poof! 🙂
Love seeing your dishes and those that might have been!
I love dishes and all things to serve my family and friends in the prettiest way possible!!
Your blog is the best!!
Susan….Susan….Susan….
You are such a “sneaky Pete”! I stopped by the blog to check in on the girlfriends’ comments and was so pleasantly surprised to see a new posting! As I listened to the music and scrolled down, I drifted into such a sweet, sweet trance, gazing at the beautiful dishes…saw the ADORABLE s&p shakers….still smiling in my trance…then WHAT!!!! GIVE AWAY???!!! I literally had to catch by breath! How you can part with them…I’ll never figure but how generous of you!
I think this weekend, I’m going up to the attic to haul out a box that my Grandma left me….a set of dishes and random tea cups and saucers. I’ve looked at them many times over the years and used them occasionally but I have NEW eyes now. I think I need to take another look.
Have a Happy Day, Sue…..btw…love the sprinkles on your ice cream and cake…makes it very festive!
xoxoDebbie
hi susan… ok..so you have inspired me yet again…i have my grandmothers and mothers wonderful rose pattern china packed away..but not for long!!! i am going to get out at least a few tea cups and saucers to use…my grandmother collected tea sets…but oh..so long ago…not many survived..i rescued a bunch of mismatched cups and saucers when she passed away and have been lugging them around with me for 22 years…they are lovely and will be put to good use!!! Yesterday, when i got home from work, there was a package on the front porch..the tea towel i had ordered from you…just love it!!!! thanks again for the smiles today… love, cindy
How charming your dishes look in your open cabinet! I love old dishes and sincerely believe food taste better on them. Especially the pieces that have been in my family for several generations. The stories they could tell! I’m so sorry your designs never made it to fruition with Wedgewood–so sad! Thank you always for the lovely post! ♥
Dear Susan,
I love your dishes, cups and just everything!– vintage is just so beautiful and I inherited my fondness of it from my Mom. Also, she would never, and I mean never, ever use a paper plate. She so loved the elegance of beautiful china, especially cups. The bird salt and pepper shakers are just adorable and would be a wonderful addition to my collection of salt & pepper shakers…..I just don’t know how you can part with them. I have never seen bottoms that screw off, very unusual. Thanks for sharing all your nice collections.
How I love dishes…..old dishes particularly. I think it is because my grandmother let me have a “playhouse” at her house and filled it with her very own dishes, silverware, and linens…..I absolutely love antique shops and flea markets…and finding that special piece that I didn’t even know I was looking for! And I still want to hold Jack! Precious Kitty.
Blogging brings such wonderful connections! I am a newbie blogger, too!
One wonderful gal who follows both your blog and mine alerted me to your post today about Rose Chintz china… I posted about mine yesterday and I think you might enjoy reading it. My blog is:
Justgrandeko.blogspot.com
Hope you have a minute to pop over. The post is called Dejavu and the little red boots. Mi will be following your blog now. I have many of your books and have been a fan for years.
Best wishes,
Eri
Thank you for another delightfully, cheery post. My mom gave me a Johnson Bros. teapot and 2 cups and saucers (Rose Bouquet pattern) for Christmas when I was 8. I didn’t appreciate it then, but it’s a treasure now. Just knew the teapot in the third picture was Johnson Bros. I also treasure my grandma’s Wedgwood China. Such a loss that the dishes were never made – all so lovely – especially the Wedgwood flower plate. Look forward to the scrumptious sounding Milk Cake recipe. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dear Susan,
Who do we contact at Wedgewood? They have just got to reconsider! It’s all too fantastic! Your designs must be made! Can I pre-order? I will!
Love to you, Lucy
I, too, am a chinaholic. Your collection is just beautiful; I particularly love the green bird salt & pepper shakers and the pink Minton creamers & teapot. I so wish that the collection you designed for Wedgwood had become a reality – I’m sure that more than a few of them would have come home to live with me!
OMG! This is the blog of the year! I wish I could give you an academy award or something!
I love old dishware and have to constantly stop myself from collecting it. I would have a home full of transferware, chintzware etc. and all sorts of odd cups etc. It’s just so much fun. I collect jadeite, depression glass, transferware of all sorts – plus for the more modern – lenox china and on it goes.
I LOVE your collection. This blog made me so happy. One of the great regrets I have is not owning your Lenox collection. I just missed it for some reason. It was pre-your-blog and I just wasn’t aware. I keep looking on ebay – but no luck. Of course not. Who would part with those lovely plates?!
Thanks so much for sharing – the BEST BLOG!
LOL Academy Award! Love it!
Lovely to see your treasures! Of course, being in CA, I’m thinking “there’s no museum wax on those glasses and dishes!”
CAKE! Wow, I want that diet. Will be looking forward to the recipe.
Blessings for your day and thank you for sharing your heart and treasures with us. Life is bueno!!
Like minded thinking on the open cupboards here — fewer earthquakes in MV! Even with doors and good latches I worry at times but have lately put all the wedding china and good glassware into the kitchen cupboards and am using it — after all why save it for someday — today is THE day.
I feel for you in CA. I’m in VA and we had an itty bitty earthquake last year. I had a mess in every room of my house when I got home, and the kitty was traumatized. Despite the mess, I thought I’d gotten off pretty easily w/ actual breakage. I opened all my cupboards and everything was fine. . . until the last one. I confidently opened the door and numerous china pieces came tumbling out. . . on top of me, the counter, the floor. I lost a number of irreplaceable items. But it could have been worse, and the kitty recovered quickly.
It’s such a shame that Wedgewood didn’t get around to using your designs Susan, they’re gorgous. Your china is so pretty. I’d be having cups of tea and snacks all day just so that I could use it!!
While I enjoyed the dishes and the arrangements also — the “plenty of color” is what most appealed to me this morning. The Abigail Adams lone tea cup called to my color sense as did the green birdies s&p set so my name will be in the pot for sure. I have been collecting a few birdies in recent years and those are perfect companions to a couple of my favorites thus far. I have given my few pieces of ovenware to my girls who are very much dedicated to vintage when it comes to dishes and cookware — the younger one now has and uses her Grandmother’s Pyrex stovetop percolator, for example. I love browsing the china and glassware in antique stores and malls with tiny little stalls full of hidden treasures and searching the shelves of the trhift stores.
But back to the color thing — I began married life with a basic blue, white and green plan in mind but it eventually expanded and about ten years ago, I fell in love with some bedding in a wildly colored pattern which has become my new pallette for about fifty percent of my home decor. I’ve dubbed it the Mediterranean colors and alternatively the jewels — buttery creamy yellow, sky blue and deep royal/French/Greek blues, salmon/coral, pinks and reds of a great range (your roses and pinks and blues fit right in there!) and greens. They speak to me of Impressionist landscapes and the colors of foods and nature’s beauty. The other fifty percent? Leaning more to the jewels — deep amethysts, blues, greens and all the wonderful pinks and blues again — as in my teddy bears, roses, hydrangeas and hearts room which I mentioned in an earlier post. I am beginning to mix my softer colors into the latest pallette and finding that it works very well — a bit like mixing the older dishes and glassware with the newer pieces. Thank you for your continuing inspiration and lovely images.
Loved Jack perched on your lovely chair — and loved the pillow!
What lovliness, grace, whimsey and elegance is added to our lives with lovely dishes and accoutrements, and yours are a major treat! I particularly want to thank you because of my small studio apartment…well, as a friend commented when I told her of a lovely on which I passed, “Where would you put it, anyhow?” Now when I’m tempted to aquire another goody, I can visit your blog and enjoy without having to figure out where would I put it. Your lovely designed dishes need to be OUT THERE (and in here — I would easily sacrifice a few books for the lemonade pitchers and that wonderful candlestick) What about the Martha Stewart Susan Branch Collection? Midnight in Paris is so wonderful. I’m a Francophile — I’ve been trying to learn to speak French for most of my adult life. I think you need to go live in France to get enough practice. And your blog and books are such an inspiration. Looking forward to your new book(s), but very grateful the blog and your past books are ‘out there’ (or here as the case may be) in the meantime!
Susan Susan Susan, this has to be my favorite post so far…… I could feel my heart beating faster as I read and saw each little beautiful cup, glass, tea pot and inspiration for what might have been. I am in love with tea cups, china, tea pots, for me its like living in another world….the tea world where there is only beautiful, aged, used and loved china from a delicate little china cup to a chipped faithful one that served with love. What I wouldn’t give to have that cup and saucer that you did for Lenox, I never new you did that….maybe I’ll find it somewhere, someday. AND…the whistling tea cup, omg, someone must make that for you, it’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.
I always think as to what else you can inspire me with but I swear every day I take something from your blog, whether its a decorating tip, cleaning tip, friendship tip, and many many more. I feel like your are one of my best friends even though we have never met. Thankyou Sue for being you.
I’m looking at it this way, Sue — When the right time rolls around again (and it’s bound to), you’ll already have those dishes designed and ready to go. I’ll be needing the “Katherine” iced tea glasses for my granddaughter, Katherine, but you’re going to have to name something “Penelope” so I can get something for my other granddaughter, too :-).
I don’t know how I missed the Minton cups when they were in your vintage shop. I’ve loved them since you first posted a picture of them. One has to be fast when shopping with kindred spirits!
Loved the post and the peek at your china. xoxo
Yes, kindred spirits are famous for their speed! 🙂
Oh I love all of the drawings you did for Wedgewood. The whistling tea cup is a.dor.a.ble!!!!! Can’t wait for the bird salt/pepper shaker giveaway. I LOVE birds!!!!
Some people have an addiction to shoes, you and I have an addiction to dishes :-). Much more practical, don’t you think? I’ve been searching out anything that has your art work on it for years ! Thank you for the music from my new favorite movie!
By the way, it finally snowed here in Washington state. We have 12″ and it is just glorious. I have fed the hummingbirds and am sitting drinking my tea watching them devour their lunch! Oh, and I’m listening to Christmas music! Life is good, don’t you think? Thank you for sharing your life with all of us!
What a shame those dishes were never made! Love, Love, Love the first floral plate shown on the blog and the green jars with red lids!
Oh my!! What a post. I just told my husband, we (you and I) were actually separated at birth!! We love so much of the same thing. 1) I have the same little elephant pitcher 2) I have Welch love spoons just like the one you show 3) I love dishes–all dishes. I could buy new dish sets every week if my husband would let me. Don’t you think that if all of us girlfriends, signed a petition, BEGGING for Wedgewood to make your dish set, they might reconsider?? I’d even promise to buy it. How could they not?? Thanks for sharing. Made my day. Love the picture of Jack, also. Love Kathy
Oh be still my heart! I do love, love, love glassware and dishes! What a fun tour!!!! Too bad all your designs didn’t get made! : – (. Love the green candlesticks and the green jars with red lids, and all the phrases on the plates and cups! Now I’m all a-twitter thinking about all those lovelies!!!! Wish I could pull up a chair – right in front of your china cabinet, and sit for a spell! What fun would that be??? The bird salt and pepper set is just darling! Maybe I’ll be the winner????
Oo0o0oO, those darling bird salt and pepper shakers must come home to me! They would look adorable in my kitchen!!! Green is so my color (almost any green…goes well with all those fabulous autumn colors!!!)! So, dear RNG, please pick me!!!! ♥ (Thanks, Sue, for you wonderful post today. Love looking at your dishes!).
OK, now THIS was fun….like sitting and flipping through a Country Living magazine, but we have a narrator telling us about all that we are looking at and the story behind it all. Your creativity is just amazing…..so sad about the Wedgewood not coming to fruition, but your lovely ideas are still treasures….all beautiful each and every one.
We have VERY similar tastes, I can tell you….why don’t you come on over and take a look….and I’ll make some tea….
xoxo
Joann
I’m a “Dishaholic”, too! Loved looking at your dishes, Susan, and reading all the comments. And I was the girl who said I only wanted ONE set of dishes when we got married 28 years ago! 🙂 We have the Johnson Bros. Friendly Village plus a tea set of that pattern as well as 12-place settings of the Liberty Blue dishes and a tea set of them. Susan, the latter dishes I collected because each type of dish has a different scene from colonial America and I thought it would make for good conversations at the table–which it has! I love setting the table at Christmas with a bright red tablecloth and the blue and white dishes–reminds me of a photo in one of Tasha Tudor’s old books. And for Easter they look pretty on a pale yellow tablecloth with flowers in a blue vase. But the Friendly Village dishes look really nice on an ivory, brown, or cranberry tablecloth, too, both for Christmas and Sundays! We use Yorktown Pfaltgraff for every day. At one time I bought a set of Longeberger dishes in blue but am thinking of selling them because they are just too heavy for my arthritic thumbs–as silly/funny as that sounds! 🙂 Who would have ever thought…??? 🙂 I love serving tea with either the Liberty Blue or the Friendly Village dishes but also have a small (place setting for only 2) tea set of pink/white English dishes. I think they make the tea taste better! 🙂