~Silver Illusions of Grandeur~

"Grandeur" aptly describes the

pageantry of the Dallas Gift Market,

 especially at the Midwest showroom.

I had the pleasure of Maureen's tutelage on my

maiden voyage through Market Hall.

Below is a vignette in Wendy Addison's realm.

Displays were over-the-top, literally and figuratively.

This abundant creation cascaded from the ceiling,

showcasing fantasy adaptations inspired by nature.

Avian themes were prevalent.

Shimmering silver.

Glimmering mermaids.

Vining, Victorian style settees.

Today marks the fourth installment of

Silver Sunday, at Gypsy Fish Journal.

One of my own favored silver pieces is this

shell dish with highly stylized fish handle and

wonderfully detailed feet.

It is no wonder that the bountiful gifts of nature

have influenced designers throughout history ~

imaginations abound with creative renderings of the

original, unique creations that are

bestowed upon us so graciously and abundantly.

And for that, I am grateful and inspired.

More Silver Sunday sharings can be seen at

Beth's Gypsy Fish Journal.

Enjoy the silver sharing!

~Silver Movers and Shakers~

It is week four of Gypsy Fish's Silver Sunday Soiree.

Below is a portion of my collection of
silverplate serving pieces,

 which includes an entree fork,  master butter knife,

 berry spoon and strawberry fork.

Details are most impressive!

Below ~ a selection of

 sterling lid crystal salt shakers and sugar pourer.

The lids generally have beautiful detail.

Often, sterling lids are misshapen from use and their

propensity for malformation due to the softness of sterling.

Closer images show the detail of the lids.

Especially enchanting ~ star shaped perforations.

Another favorite silver detail is seen on these

silverplate baby utensils

~stars on the handles along with endearing "Baby" ~.

Enjoy more Silver Sunday by visiting Beth's list at

Gypsy Fish Journal.

Have a wonderful week, Baby!

~Tarnished, Yet Still Silver~

It's week 3 of  Gypsy Fish's Silver Sunday.
I've posted a few "silvers" here as
well as some thoughts I've had that
I hope are not too "preachy".
This week has been a ponderous one.

Feeling a bit overwhelmed with the news from Haiti,

I wonder if each little bit that we all

contribute to help and healing

can bring peace to the suffering. 

Faith dictates that

 yes, indeed, every little bit can help. 

It is with that faith that we can take a step back and

 remind ourselves that even the simplest things can

often be taken for granted, when in fact they are

gifts that should not be taken lightly and

 should be shared with others.

We are all in this together.

It is faith that allows us to

step back in and refocus

 in order to see the whole picture.

To really see.

To appreciate.

To listen

To hope.

And to put forth our best effort, our best selves,

 to make certain that the ravages of destruction

do not tarnish our views completely, but

instead make us wiser and stronger,

more grateful, more compassionate and

helpful to those in need.

Everyone, especially the young, needs to know that,

 even in the shadow of despair, there is

hope and goodness.

Blessings to all who are affected by strife

 and to those who aid the weary.

Visit Gypsy Fish for more Silver Sunday sharing.

And join Linda at

Robin's Egg Blues

 for a fabulous giveaway!

~Sweet Silver Sunday~

It's week two of the

Gypsy Fish

Silver Sunday. 

Let's begin with a

Victorian silverplate sugar dish

loaded with silver and white heart ornaments. 

Goodies awaiting Valentine jewelry creations

include silver filigree heart charms,

sterling content soldered charms, and a

cut steel filigree shoe clip.

This past week provided time for creating

Valentine tags, some embellished with silver glitter.

Silver, highly textural paper provides the backdrop.

~AMOUR~

  a banner of silver-glittered hearts.

And finally, a crystal, sterling lidded shaker.

For more Silver Sunday, please visit

Beth, at The Gypsy Fish.

Wishing you all a

 STERLING

 week!

~ Silver Sunday ~

Beth, at  The Gypsy Fish, is hosting
 Silver Sunday.

I've joined the list of silver sharing,

with focus this week on Victoriana.
Below is a timeworn napkin ring.
,

I am especially enamored with the filigree design.

Next, a sugar spoon adds

silver detail  to an

apothecary jar filled with

pearlized, pastel gifts of nature.

Swirly details amid

 pearly seashells.

Juxtaposition of ornate silver and

 delicate shells piques interest.

Another finery of the Victorian era ~

 silverplate egg cup perched upon wishbone.

 Once glistening silver,

now patinaed with the ravages of time,

 still beautiful in form and function.

A gift from a dear friend.

For more silvery shine, visit

The Gypsy Fish

 list of Silver Sunday participants.

Best wishes to all for a

 glistening new year.