Abalone Fireplace at Brockton Villa (two)

Abalone Fireplace at Brockton Villa (two), originally uploaded by confections.

My brother and sister-in-law came for a visit in May and a highlight of their visit was brunch at a table next to this vintage abalone fireplace at the Brockton Villa Restaurant in La Jolla, California.

The historical home that houses the restaurant was built in 1894, although this fireplace with its abalone decoration is dated to the 1920's.

I've included a vintage photo from May 1928 that shows La Jolla Cove and the Brockton Villa as a private home at that time.

Handpainted Hutschenreuther Dessert Plate

Handpainted Hutschenreuther Dessert Plate, originally uploaded by confections.

My youngest sister and my niece were visiting for a week at the beginning of June, and we did lots of antiquing and thrifting while they were in town.

One of my favorite finds is this handpainted Hutschenreuther dessert plate--I love the pastels and the visible brush strokes.

I'll be posting more treasures over the next few days.

Pink Polka Dot Latte Ragamuffin Handspun Yarn

Pink Polka Dot Latte Ragamuffin Handspun Yarn, originally uploaded by confections.

I have had a little "away time" from my blog, but I've been busy in my fiberarts studio, organizing and spinning and dreaming.

Ten pounds of wool and mohair fiber arrived on my doorstep earlier this week and I have been gearing up to dye and spin much of it this month.

My new Indigo Hound Round-II-It hackle is here, too, and I can't wait to color blend some roving with it. I was inspired by Deb Menz's book Color in Spinning to purchase the hackle and experiment with this new tool.

I will have family visiting this month and next, so there will be lots of excursions to out-of-the-way places that we only seem to explore when visitors come to town. More on those adventures as they occur!