Silver Teaspoon Jewelry and More

It's always interesting to observe how life happens.  Today I happened upon a silver bracelet that was handmade by an 80-year-old woman and I met a woman who was more than happy to model it for a photo so I could share it with you!  Since I have been sharing about silver teaspoons here on Gracious Hospitality, it seemed like perfect timing!  This bracelet has a silver hinge that connects the two silverware handles on the back side.  I thought it was quite unique!  Thank you, Judy, for modeling!


And thank you to Gracious Hospitality readers for your comments about how you use silver in your homes.  Here are some of the terrific ideas you shared!

Suzan said... I have all my vintage silverplate flatware in a decorative planter on the "pass through" bar between my kitchen and my dining room. I also have my everyday plates on a buffet plate rack so it is easy to grab flatware and plates to set the table. I use my silverplate everyday and keep my sterling silver for special occasions. I love digging through boxes of flatware at yard sales and flea markets looking for my favorite patterns! 

Marilyn said... I do have a collection of silver spoons which I have sitting in an old gravy dish. I am not sure I could drill holes in them.    
 

Karen said... I love old silver teaspoons. I purchased a bracelet and a ring made of spoons. I use some of my old silverware bent as a hook for hanging dried flowers or whatever. I don't have many pieces of silverware but am always looking for more.    

 

Adrienne said...I think there is such beauty in tarnished silver - the colors bring out the pattern in ways brilliant shine cannot! I love to keep my old silver spoons in my great-grandmother's carnival glass spooner. It was always on the table in her kitchen, filled with spoons for those who may need one to taste the delectable tasties coming from her oven!

 

Great ideas!  Isn't it fun to learn of the creative and effective ways that others use to express themselves with pretty vintage pieces?  If you have time, go visit the blogs of Suzan, Marilyn, Adrienne, and Karen.  I know they will be most gracious hosts!

Old Silver Teaspoons in Home Decor

 

In most kitchens, silverware has been replaced by stainless steel flatware.  But for those who enjoy vintage things, a tarnished silver teaspoon is a great find when on a thrifting adventure.  Although some may use them as intended ~ to stir a cup of tea or nibble on a dainty dessert ~ most collectors take pleasure in using them as part of their home decor.  Long past is the day when silver had to be perfectly polished to be considered beautiful.  The Shabby Chic trend favors the dark, tarnished look.  This look is elegant and beautiful in its own way.  I will admit, though, to explaining that to some of the guests in my home.  You know, the ones who still abide by the rules of home decor as established for proper homemaking years back.  In the meantime, my silver tea set remains unpolished for most of the year.  Occasionally I will give it some polish just so it doesn't turn completely black.  I like the contrast of dark and light in the scrolled pattern and fancy edges.  But, back to the simple, silver teaspoon.

 

The use of the silver teaspoon for home decor is only limited by one's imagination.  Here, a creative crafter has drilled holes in spoon handles and hung them on a wire lampshade frame as an accessory for vintage or French country style decor.  The lampshade is placed upon a simple base and a clear light bulb is used as the source of light.  Satin ribbon is threaded around the lampshade wire and small ribbons are used to attach the teaspoons.  Tiny bows are tied at each place of attachment.  This lamp was somewhat lost in the midst of a jam-packed antique mall, but I think it would be beautiful and effective in a carefully selected spot in the home.
 

 

Another use of antique silver teaspoons is to create a hanging piece of art.  Not exactly a wind chime, but similar, this array of mismatched teaspoons is effective and pretty as they hang from a ceiling on a metal frame.  This inventive piece of home decor was created by Bonnie, a friendly and talented woman who owns a shop filled with custom French country decor.  A great deal of the furniture and art she sells in her shop was created by her!  She has some amazing pieces and her silver teaspoon art especially caught my eye!

Another simple, but very effective way to decorate with old silver teaspoons is to mass them together in an old pitcher or vase.  There is something quite stunning about placing a collection of simple items altogether in one place.


What do you do with your bits and pieces of old silverware?  We'd love to hear your comments and suggestions.  Would you share them?

Friends of Gracious Hospitality

Friends of Gracious Hospitality is a wonderful place to make new blogging friends.  It has recently been updated and shows blogs by most recent post.  I invite you to spend some time visiting your blog friends there and making new ones from this resource.  If you are a Gracious Hospitality reader and have a link to Gracious Hospitality on your blog --- but don't see yours there --- please take a minute to add a comment to this post.  Let me know and I will be happy to add you to Friends of Gracious Hospitality!

Enjoy a great week and be blessed!

The Gift of Living

"Perhaps the best way to thank God for the gift of living is to appreciate the present hour, to sit quietly and hear your own breathing and look out on the universe and be content."

Lin Yutang

~ I think that Razberi agrees, don't you? ~

Waiting for Spring Gardens

There's nothing like fresh garden produce to give fresh ingredients for kitchen use.  My cozy kitchen has been void of home grown greens for too long now!
 
March is the month where winter and spring have their spats.  Sometimes winter doesn't like to give up its hold, yet spring gently pushes her way into each day.  Daffodils and crocus show promise of spring while blustery winds and chilly days share the stage.  Snow is still passing by occasionally and the distant mountains are covered with a white coat of snow. If one has garden fever, this coldness in quite inhibiting! Instead of turning the soil and sprinkling seeds, garden books and seed catalogues will have to do for now. The garden gloves and seed packets are in the garden shed, just awaiting the day when they can be used! In the meantime, if you want to sow some seeds inside, here are some tips:

Fill a clean pot or container with potting mix until about 3/4 full. Use a large spoon to tamp down the soil. Spray the soil with a kitchen faucet sprayer or a spray bottle. Spread seeds on the mix, taking care that they not be overcrowded. Poke them into the soil with your finger and then cover with a small amount of soil and pat down. If you are using really small seeds, combine them with soil or sand before broadcasting and then tamp down with the back of a spoon or your palm. All the seeds should be covered with a fine layer of soil. Gently water again and then place the pot in a large zip-lock bag or clear bread bag. Seal with a twisty and keep in a warm spot until seeds sprout. After they have sprouted, you can take them out of the bag and place them in a sunny spot. After danger of frost is past, plant them outside in your impatient and ready garden!

A Spa for Your Feet

A Spa for Your Feet

A soothing food bath enhances body circulation and boosts drainage of the lymphatic system. This benefits overall health and is helpful in the treatment and prevention of colds, flu, and headaches. Although alternating the treatment of feet by soaking first in hot and then cold tubs of water, the addition of warming and cooling oil blends augment the experience. Recipes using pure essential oils may vary, but two that are especially soothing are:

The Warming Blend

1 drop ginger essential oil
2 drops clove essential oil
1 drop peppermint essential oil
1 Tbsp. almond or olive oil

The Cooling Blend

1 drop Mandarin essential oil
1 drop lemon grass essential oil
1 Tbsp. almond or olive oil

Instructions for foot bath:

Gather two large basins. Fill one with hot water and another with cold water. Ice cubes can be added to the cold water if desired. Add the warming oil blend to the hot water and the cooling blend to the cold water. Sit comfortably and submerge your feet in the hot tub for one minute. Then plunge your feet quickly into the cool basin and hold there for one minute. Repeat this process at least 2 to 3 more times. Remove your feet from the cool basin last and pat try with a dry towel. Moisturize feet with lotion and put on warm socks to keep feet warm. Relax and enjoy the benefits of the spa treatment. Repeat the process several times; morning and night if necessary.