What's Blooming in South Carolina Right Now?

With blogging friends from all parts of the country, I thought I would do a monthly post on what's currently blooming in South Carolina. Click on the photos for a larger view! So here's a little peek at what's brightening up the Boggs' world right now...



We have a really nice large stand of Iris that has been blooming for a couple of weeks now and will be finishing up soon. I've been pinching the dead side shoots off on a regular basis to keep them fresh looking.

The roses are gracing us with their first bloom, and although they have black spot, mites, thrips, and other nasty pests we will have to work hard at getting under control, they are beautiful and extremely fragrant!













These are wild roses the previous owner planted around the trees along the fence.



Columbine has always been one of my favorite flowers, and I was delighted to see this one pop up in the garden, planted by the previous owners.




The oakleaf hydrangea appears to be getting ready to bloom in the next few weeks, along with peonies, and hopefully a couple of our other rose bushes.

If you're a gardener, have fun getting dirty! 'Til next time,

Mary

Favorite Antique Buttons

Recently I decided I should photograph my antique button collection so that I could share it with other button lovers. Here's a look at some of my favorite buttons ~ shell or mother of pearl. There are many different examples of how this material was used in button making. Some are combined with metal (cut steel), are carved, or have unique shapes. Aren't there some beauties here?!!!



Clicking on the photo above will give you a much larger version to view all the fabulous detail!

'Til next time,

Mary

How to Display Your Button Collection

Moonglow...china stencil...lacy glass...victorian...paperweight...diminutives...

Over the years, on many button hunts with my equally fascinated and obsessed baby sister, I've collected some wonderful antique buttons. Each new discovery of these little works of art led to joining the NC Button Society, and buying button collecting books to learn more. At a NC Button Society show, we got to see rare buttons we could only dream about owning.

My best idea, I think, of how to display antique buttons is shown below. My living room is blue and yellow, and I had this vintage frame forever that I knew I wanted to display some of my buttons in. I gathered blue and yellow buttons for my project over quite some time. Then I hunted down a really cheap vintage Chinese Checkers game to use as a template for layout of the buttons. After marking out the pattern, I mounted all the buttons as recommended (with plastic coated telephone wire), then had the piece professionally framed with mats and non-glare glass.



Over the years, while browsing antique stores with hubby, he was always on the lookout for one of those rare, not combed through, jars of antique buttons. I think he enjoyed the thrill of the hunt as much as my sister and I. He really took an interest in being able to identify the harder-to find types of vintage buttons. It's really funny to see him walk by this framed example and rattle off the names of each kind of button ~ like a test I've given him, looking at me to see if he's right and smiling. One advantage? ~ He's bought me some pretty awesome antique buttons for Christmas over the years!

If you have a unique way of displaying your button collection, please do share!

'Til next time,

Mary

Primitive Vintage Button Doll on eBay Now!

Here's another doll from my primitive collection that I'm having to part with. Anyone who's a button lover will appreciate the uniqueness of this little lady! She's VERY well executed with her round head and stitched on eyelids...Beautiful felted on wool hair. I wish I would have put a reserve on her, but it's early in the bidding process. I hope she goes to a button lover!

'Til next time,

Mary

Happy Easter!

Wishing you all a Happy and Blessed Easter!


The darling bunny at the center of the wreath on our front door was a gift from a wonderful friend in my eBay Group, American Folkart & Primitives Mercantile, Sooz of Poplar Street Prims. She's an awesome primitive artist whom I'm sure you may remember. Unfortunately, she has become discouraged with selling on eBay, like so many of us. When the economy improves, I'm sure she'll be back!

To see a larger picture of just how adorable this bunny is, click on the image. Because it's been so cold here in South Carolina, I HAD to add a tiny blue wool scarf around her neck to keep her warm! LOL!

I know many of you may be traveling to visit friends and family over Easter. Do have a safe journey and enjoy your loved ones!

'Til next time,

Mary