Getting Back to Business

All of our July guests have come and gone, making it impossible for me to maintain the illusion that I, too, am on vacation. It's time to get back to business.

I'm deep into my third book, Steeped: The Wanderings & Delights of a Tea Adventurer, and had been agonizing over the art. Should I find an illustrator or a photographer? What would they draw or photograph?

And then I chanced upon Sandra Evertson's 2005 book, Fanciful Paper Projects. This genius of a gal has used her collection of turn-of-the-century papers, textiles, and photographs to create fanciful paper art she calls Posh Little Follies.

It's hard to convey how thrilled I was to find this book. I had no choice but to purchase it, especially once it whispered, "Don't you dare put me back on the shelf!"

I whispered back, "Of course I'm not putting you back on the shelf! You're perfect. And, now I know what to do with my own stash of turn-of-the-century papers, textiles, and photographs!

"Well, in that case, fabulous. But, can you loosen your grip?"

"Sorry."

So this morning's task is to figure out how my 12" Gibson Girl is going to appear as if she's leaning on my antique jadeite cake plate.

But in the meantime, while I'm certainly not the photographer, do enjoy my Woman Traipsing From Tea Tin.