Grow Your Blog 2013 Party -- and a giveaway

Thanks, everyone for entering!  The giveaway has been given away!
Welcome all, especially those visiting for the first time today as a part of Grow Your Blog 2013, a blog party sponsored by Vicki at 2 Bags Full .
Be sure to visit her blog here for a list of all the sites you can visit beginning today who are participating in this party.  Many are having giveaways, as I am -- more on that at the end of this post, so please keep reading!
My name is Laurie and I've been blogging here for more than four years. My motto is, I've never met an antique or thrift shop I didn't like, so if you visit me you'll most likely see what I've been finding on junking outings and creating from vintage paper and fabric (and more!)
one of my altered boxes
I have a weakness for vintage and antique lace...
and linens.

a fabric book page/pocket I created
a valentine I stitched

a "3 inchie" I created
a shade I stitched from vintage fabrics
I also LOVE antique china...
especially transfer ware...
and McCoy pottery.
Antique paper ephemera is another passion of mine...

A journal page I created
one of my handmade tags
one of my journal covers
and, really, anything else that is old, funky and fabulous!
I have two Etsy shops that you can find by looking on the right sidebar -->
and keeping them stocked is a joy of my life.
I also blog about vintage markets, art retreats I attend, my crafty and creative friends, my family, my pets, and anything else I feel like gushing about.
I would love it if you would follow my blog and visit often!
I have another passion which I share on a second blog I write with more than 70 others; it's called Button Floozies and it's all about, you guessed it, buttons
-- especially antique buttons.  You're welcome to visit there anytime, too -- we'd love to have you!
I live with my husband, teen aged son, and two dogs in Colorado, but I'm a native of San Francisco, CA and have also spent time living in Germany. In real life, I'm a writer.
Most of what I've had published over the years is non-fiction, but eventually I'd love to be successful with my fiction.  I am an avid reader, fan of Jane Austen and contemporary literary fiction, and have more than one as-yet unpublished novel written...and waiting.
In the meantime, I write a column on examiner.com and have lately contributed/written for a few books, like this one.  My dream is to be able to make a living by writing so if you have any leads for me, I'd love to hear them!
So, I know you want to know about my giveaway!  I picked up this lovely new book for you, The Kitchen Linens Book, and I'll be sending it to you along with a wonderful example of a vintage kitchen cotton towel.
It is the sweetest, colorful book with loads of mouth-watering photos of lovely vintage linens!  Plus, tons of great information to help you identify them, and even some recipes!
Here's a sneak peek:






And, as I mentioned, I'm including a piece of vintage kitchen linen from my own extensive collection:
It's a lovely vintage example, depicting vegetables in a rather interesting color palette!
It's ca. 1955, in very good vintage condition.
For a chance to win the book and the vintage linen towel, please comment on this post only and tell me what you love about vintage linens.  If you have a blog, please make sure that your comment links back to it and/or that your email address is just one click away on your profile.  Otherwise -- leave me your email address in your comment to be eligible to win.
One comment per person, and all comments must be left by no later than midnight Mountain Time on the night of January 31, 2013.
I will choose a winner using Random Number Generator and announce it here on February 1, 2013!
At the same time I will email the winner who will then have 24 hours to get back to me; if I don't hear back with a mailing address for the winner by February 2, I will choose an alternate winner who will also have 24 hours to get back to me.  So: be sure to check your email on February 1!
I can't wait to meet all the new visitors during this blog party.
Again, welcome, and
Thank You for stopping by!
Visit the rest of the participating blogs via the list here!

Comments

Gill said…
Hi Laurie
I've been following you for a while and I love seeing all your finds! I'm in the UK and so your finds are very different to mine! though I suspect you have far more shops to hunt in than we do! I especially love old linens because of the history involved and they feel so nice don't they??
Kelli Davidson said…
I have been following you for some time now - I found you when I googled an antique mall in my home state and your blog came up with a post about how you had visited it once. I have followed you ever since and because of your trip to Kansas recently and one of the pictures you took - it spurred an idea about a craft that I am finally putting the finishing touches on this weekend - I haven't done any kind of craft in over 20 years.....thanks for being my inspiration!
Dee in N.H. said…
Hi Laurie! What a great post! I always enjoy my visits here to see what you've been up to. Always fun!
wasn't sure if my comment went through.. But I love vintage linens for their high quality! Nothing compares to a vintage dishtowel, and don't even get me started on vintage sheets! :)
Jennifer McCoy said…
I absolutely adore the 50s. So whenever I use vintage linens to host a luncheon I feel like I am stepping back in time.
Jennifer
Sept6th@gmail.com
manomij said…
Wonderful finding you! I am in love with thrift stores so I will garanteed be back to read more about your finds!
I would love to win this.
ManonX

http://manonpopjes-manonpopjes.blogspot.co.uk/
How fun to see you, my already blogging friend, in this party setting. How fun is that cat lace! This book is such a generous prize offer. These vintage linens are just such fun.
~Elizabeth
Barbara F. said…
Hi Laurie, visiting from the GYB linky. What great things you create. Your giveaway is wonderful. Every time I see a vintage table cloth or dish towel, I swear that my mother had the same exact one! And that is what I love about vintage linens, the instant connection to my happy childhood and my mom and favorite aunt and grandma. xo
Oh my goodness Laurie, so many fabulous vintage goodies in one post! I love everything especially your stitched lampshade and that gorgeous Victorian photo album. I would love the chance to win the Kitchen Linens Book. I love all hand stitched detail, whimsy, and color that you just don't see these days.
Kathy said…
Wow, Laurie, so many things I did not know about you! Congratulations on writing a novel. That is quite an accomplishment. Bravo!
I am so happy that blogging allowed you and to find each other.
Loretta said…
Enjoyed looking at your pretty acquisitions and creative things you do with them.

Thank you for visiting my blog.

Take care!!!

Linda said…
Beautiful posting, lots of interesting photos. A good scattering of your work/art.
Tammy said…
Hi Laurie, thanks for stopping by my corner of the world. My son has applied to several colleges in Colorado but won't hear anything back for a couple of months. Your stitched creations are all so very pretty. Sewing is not my thing, but I do love to crochet and cross-stitch. Hope you have a great rest of the weekend. Tammy
Cathi said…
What wonderful items you find! I love vintage tea towels - they are a much higher quality than what we see now and the prints are such fun!
EvalinaMaria said…
You have a lovely blog, thank you for sharing. I am your follower and 'Grow Your Blog' participant. Have fun at the party!

Evalina, This and that...
Such a lovely blog and beautiful creations. So happy to meet you through the Grow Your Blog party.
Becs said…
Hey Laurie . Love vintage linens. I use them all over my house and I use them in my art. my aprons and dolls and pillows usually have vintage linens in them . Becs
Createology said…
Thank you for participating in Vicki's HUGE party. I have been following and found you from Button Floozies. Small world that it is here in blogland. I adore your treasures that you have shared.
Sharlotte said…
I love vintage linens too, well, really all things vintage! I love your blog too and will have to check out your other one about buttons...I have a weakness for buttons as well!
I'm also following, I don't want to miss anything!
Oh I love your style and would love to win your giveaway. Oh yes, I love linens. I have some quilts that were my Nana's family, I collect all kinds of fabric. And love to use fabrics for mixed media. will be following you now. Di@Cottage-wishes. www.cottage-wishes.blogspot.com
Unknown said…
Vintage linens remind me of my grandmother and what seemed to me a simpler time. Gosh how hard our grandmothers worked!!!

http://wondrousstrangedesigns.blogspot.com/
so many great items in this post .. i love the houses that are salt & pepper shakers - so fun. decorative. cute. love the valentine & the basket full of flowers. please enter me into your giveaway. i wish you a good weekend. please stop by my blog & visit a while. take care. ( :
kathyinozarks said…
I found threw the blog party-and I am so glad I did. your blog will give me lots of inspiration. I shop alot at resale shops and make quilts and things from reclaimed cottons and wools-but have not used vintage items-so I am inspired. and I love buttons so will be checking out your button blog.
I am retired and live in rural Missouri-my blog is about sharing all my doings, all my craft projects, and recipes too Kathy
kathyinozarks said…
oops me again Kathy in Missouri I forgot to answer why I love vintage linens. I have quite a collection and I love to use them around the house. I admire the beautiful workmanship especially in the embroidered pieces
Hi Laurie,

Yes, we know of one another through Button Floozies. I was one of the first 50 members to the site. I went to put up a post a while back and didn't see my name on the list. Can you look to make sure I'm still listed? I was listed as Queen Of Dreamsz.

I love your altered box with the bird design. And I'm pleased to know that you contributed to EllynAnne's book. I'm a collection of vintage aprons too. ♥

Thanks so much for visiting with me and leaving a comment. I have photos of what my giveaway will include if you'd like to pop back in to take a peek. It wasn't posted when you visited with me the first time.

Have a wonderful day,
Steph
Tammy said…
I'm party crashing! ;)
It's so much fun to read more about what you love to do and what you collect. I'm loving the lampshade you made!
Cassie said…
Beautiful post Laurie!! Your blog is one of my favorites and I'm so excited that new readers will discover you through this blog tour! Thanks for the chance to win such a lovely gift!
DeeDee said…
How did I not know you had this blog Laurie.. you look so cute.. what I love about linens.. they were usually made by the hands of a fabulous lady... :D
Thanks for visiting my blog. You're quite a crafty lady and I'd like a chance to win the book on vintage kitchen linens.
Unknown said…
Oh my I love your altered box and how you mix fabric and linen and lace and all sorts of different textures to create. So scrumptious to look at.

Hope you are having a wonderful blog hope.

Hugs
Caroline
I can tell from your blog that you're having the time of your life with your many endeavors!
I, too am a linen collector, especially tablecloths.
I'd love to enter your sweet give-away. My e-mail address is:
kimberlylynn73@gmail.com
I became a follower today and I look forward to visiting again soon.
Socrates said…
Thank you for visiting my blog. You are right, we share a love of lace. I love those gowns that you show on your post! Oh my!
Kathy H said…
Looking forward to reading your posts. Love the feel of vintage linen and the colors are usually so pretty.
hueisei said…
Beautiful blog and I love your lovely giveaway...I love vintage linens because they look classic and "old" :D
Unknown said…
Yours is one of my favorite blogs and no wonder - we love the same things, including vintage linens and lace! I appreciate the effort that ladies of yesterday put into their needle art and art it truly is. Also love the 50s images on kitchen linens and so would like to enter your drawing for the book give away.
Bernadett said…
Hello,

Nice to meet you in this party.:)

There is a giveaway on my blog,too.

http://petite-armoire.blogspot.com/
betikarauski@gmail.com

All the best.:)
Bernadett
Patty C. said…
Nice to meet you !! Lovely Giveaway
Pamela said…
I'm so glad I found your blog! I'm making a memory quilt that incorporates some of my grandmother's handkerchiefs and embroidered dish towels, and I was surfing for ideas. I love the history connected with vintage textiles and I like imagining the lives of the women who made and used them.
Patty said…
Oh Laurie, please pick me! lol. I love everything you love including the buttons. I will be following you and reading more. Thanks for visiting me!
Unknown said…
Hi Laurie, thanks for stopping by, I think I already follow you and I know I do on your button blog , I love-vintage, Victorian, shabby cottage and pretty much any thing I can create with or re purpose, souns like we have the same interest, though I pretty much love everything old, lol
Hugs and happy blogging.
Hugs Marilou
Michelle said…
Laurie, thanks for visiting Boulderneigh today, and for your kind words!
Maggie said…
Hi Laurie--Wow, I learned so much more about you today! Didn't realize you were a writer 'in real life'. Very cool.

WHat do I love about vintage linens? Well, I love that they evoke memories of my mom and aunts and little square card tables covered with little square brightly colored tablecloths, set with little luncheon plates. I also adore vintage linens that have hand crocheted edging: I'm always in awe that someone actually took the time and patience to do all that handwork.

Love your giveaway. Come on over to my blog and enter mine. Lotsa fun stuff:-)
Kim said…
You have so many beautiful things. I love the creations you have shown. The lampshade is gorgeous. Im visiting back from GYB linky. It is taking me a while to get through all the blogs but it sure is fun.
Anonymous said…
Hi Laurie, it's so nice to meet you on this fabulous Grow Your Blog party! Thank you so much for leaving me such a sweet comment on my blog! I don't know if I am going to make it to every participants blog but I'm sure going to try... Whew! Everyone's blogs are so diverse and beautiful it's hard to drag myself away from each one...:D
Hugs,
Beth P
Hi Laurie
I'm so pleased that Vicki's GYB party has bought me here. Yes I think we share similar loves in Vintage lace, doilies and linen, in fact, these are what I create with in my collages and fabric journals.

I've seen that you have me pinned on a couple of your Pinterest boards so you may like to see more by visiting my blog and whilst there join in my Vintage lace Giveaway.
We may like to swap followers buttons??!! In fact, I'll join your wonderful blog while visiting now.
All the very best in blogging!
Suzy
PS Love the name of your blog too!!!

Anya said…
Hi Laurie, your creations are very interesting! I come from Vicki's GYB event. I invite you to visit my blog http://bogomillahoppkids.blogspot.it
You're wellcome
Bogomilla
Carola Bartz said…
Laurie, thank you for visiting my blog!! Isn't it fun that you used to live in my former home (Germany) and I am living close to your former home (San Francisco)? Your blog is lovely, I will make sure to come back and read more. I also looked at your button blog, what a fun idea!!
Hi, Wow, you are the 100th follower on my blog! I am so thrilled to have a hundred followers! Anyway, I just visited your blog (and your button blog too) and now I'm your newest follower! We like a lot of the same things. I love love love that cache of lacy skirts you have hanging in the sun. I'll have show and tell one of these days. Linda
houseofbeautifuldogs.blogspot.com
Barbara said…
Thanks so much for visiting my blog, always glad to meet a fellow lit addict! What a wonderfully creative person you are, I love your embroidery and your 'finds'. And I am seriously coveting some of those buttons for my black velvet swing coat! x
Sami said…
Thanks for visiting my blog Laurie. I love your collections of beautiful old fabrics, buttons, china...
You sure are a busy lady with your beautiful crafts and the writing.
Thanks for visiting my blog as well.
Once upon a time I also lived in Germany for almost 6 years.
When I read the name Laurie, it always reminds me of a cousin my husband has in the States, but that we have lost track of.
Naperville Now said…
The display of long white linens and lace looks like so many Victorian brides standing in sunlight. You are a person with many interests -- and the images you chose are a feast. Thanks for stopping by. Bless Vicki for the chance to connect with so many creative people.
Sue
Marrianna said…
Hi Laurie,

I've looked at both blogs and they are fantastic. I love this one especially because I absolutely LOVE vintage, as you saw on my own blog. Vicki's Grow Your Blog Party has been a delight because I'm finding a lot of "new" eye candy.

Blessings,
Marrianna
email: marrianna65@gmail.com
www.reddancerstudio.com
Gabriela said…
Hi!Love everything you do!If I had to find just one favorite I have to say is the lamp shade!Gorgeous!Come visit my blog also!!!
kareninkenai said…
OMGosh, what a fabulous blog. I know I will visit often. Love the textures and all that you do - and, such a beautiful smile you put on to welcome us through Vicki. Hugs from Alaska. kareninkenai@gmail.com (www.alaskabluemoose.blogspot.com) or (www.karendorcas.com) - It will be great to follow you. Come visit for my giveaway if you haven't already.
Derrith said…
Well, I just love your blog. I'm glad I got to see your newer posts too. So many fun projects to get inspiration from. I am a new follower. I also love vintage linens and make and embroider and applique my own dishtowels. You can take a peek at a few I've done on my blog: tiedupinribbon.blogspot.com. Thank you for sharing your talents! -Derrith
Ronda Walker said…
Hi Laurie, Returning your visit. Your blog is so much fun.
CatieAn said…
Hi Laurie
Thank you for visiting my blog! I love both of yours. I have so many buttons and more buttons! I know we would be great thrift/antique/salvage buddies in real life!! HA
catieAn
Hi Laurie, what beautiful things you create! I love vintage linens because I grew up with a grandmother and great grandmother who set great store by their linens. I still have a set of dish towels that I embroidered (similar to your photos) as a young teenager. Lynda at highknollhomestead@gmail.com
Becka said…
Hi Laurie-
How lovely to meet you.
I am visiting from Girasole Farm via GYB Party.
I want to thank you for stopping by earlier at my blog.
I'm fascinated by your fabulous designs. You're positively amazingly talented.
I will be visiting often to enjoy being inspired.
Looking forward to getting to know you better.
-Becka @ Girasole Farm
hula-la said…
We surely are kindred souls...I collect just about everything that you...love the linens, the china, the pottery...oh my...the papers, and oh, the buttons...I have loads of buttons. I am very picky about what I use them on, too! Great post! I am having great fun at the Blog Party. Hope you are too!

Aloha from Vicki
Lily Whalen said…
Loved reading about you and all your creative passions, Laurie! Just beautiful work! And what I love about vintage linens are the images they conjure up of days gone by - a connection to the past and the people who lived in it.
Maureen said…
Love, love love it all! I don't think I've EVER seen lace with cats in it! Thank you so much for visiting my blog and leaving such a nice comment. So great to find you too!
Unknown said…
I love vintage linens too, maybe because they are so ordinary but yet extraordinary, if you know what I mean. I just posted about my latest vintage textile finds on my blog, annespocketfinds.blogspot.com

So glad I discovered your blog! Please check mine out if you have a moment.

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