Have you ever been standing, gazing into thin air, as if you were asleep?  You were very much awake, but in a trance-like state, focused on the enormous task before you and how little you felt you were accomplishing?  Possibly, you wonder why you ever began!

That’s where we find Zerrubbabel (now that’s a mouthful!). He had been having a conversation with an angel, and apparently, he had to take in what all had been told him….

“Then the angel who had been talking with me returned and woke me, as though I had been asleep.  “What do you see now?” he asked.

The angel and Zerrubbabel continued their conversation of what had suddenly become visible to the eye, and what it all meant.  Zerrubbabel had been given divine direction to build the Lord’s temple.  He must have become a bit discouraged that the work was extensive, and that he was laboring alone (or so he thought) to do the work set before him.  But the angel spoke to him….

“Zerrubbabel is the one who laid the foundation of this Temple, and he will complete it…..do not despise this day of small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin….” (Excerpts from Zechariah 4)

Wow.  My take-away?  Don’t despise what the Lord has given you to do no matter how small it looks to you in the beginning.  He is surely working His purpose out in and through your obedience to Him.  And that is key….obedience.

So with that in mind, I have decided to focus on “smalls” in this blog….those seemingly insignificant pieces that adorn your home and work spaces.  The fact is, without those small pieces, the rest of your very large space would appear dull!  (Boy, that could preach too!)

At least once every day, you and I take an article of clothing from a hanger.   But how often do you and I use silk hangers???  These beauties are a thing of the past, yet every closet/home should possess at least one!  Why?  They absolutely will not wrinkle your freshly ironed clothing, they have nothing on them to snag or tear the fabrics you place on them, they work for any item because you can slip a pin into the hanger to hold a skirt in place….I could go on and on.  And oh yes, they’re pretty!  Suffice it to say, these are new and fabulous.  You should take one (or two) home with you!  Oh, and did I mention that they make great gifts?!

Let’s talk tissues….what has become of putting those much-needed items in a pretty shell to hold them?  These two are beauties for sure.  I really like how the one on the left shows through the color of the box!  But oh, those roses on the right….

Who doesn’t need more storage?   These floral canvas tote boxes are ideal for the car, the closet or to put by a chair.  Guess what?  They will also hold a tissue box!  Just sayin’….

 I admit I’m missing my granddaughters more than normal today.  I’ve had several “Mimi”s come in today with their grandchildren.  These little enamel cups and bowls are the perfect size for them to enjoy “baking” or having a tea party with.  And the good news?  They can’t break!

Need a small gift to let that special friend know you are thinking of her?  This may be just the ticket!

These zipper bags come in four sizes and just as many patterns.  Perfect for carrying a cell phone, credit cards and keys in, or makeup in the largest size (it’s lined to wipe clean!).  Lightweight and pretty….the perfect combination!

 I keep a bottle of olive oil on my kitchen counter for easy access.  This holder would be a gorgeous accent instead of a plain bottle!  And I love that Biscuits Tin!  I had to ask my English friend what our equivalent to biscuits are….any idea?  How about cookies!

These etched sherbet dishes are the perfect size for a taste of dessert!  Lovely, yet practical….again, a great gift idea or a wonderful addition to your own kitchen collection!

Who remembers these potholders?  These particular ones are quite special because they are hand-crafted locally by a 13 year young man.  This young man’s grandmother saved old socks from when her children were small, made the dye herself and then crafted the loom for her children in their youth to use in making potholders themselves!  Her grandchildren are now reviving this past art with their grandmother’s help while having fun “going vintage” with me this summer!  Don’t miss that each one of these crafted items has a uniquely different design woven into it!  (And my personal testimony is that I have taken one home to use and wash…..all of which worked beautifully!  They are made from socks so of course they launder well!  Thicker than most, they also won’t allow a burn to the hand when using them.)  And again, a great gift idea for anyone on your shopping list!

The season is ripe for picking flowers to bring indoors.  Choose from a collection of vases and allow the beauty of the buds to enhance the use of the vessel.  And don’t let your imagination wane….anything can become a vase!

I often marvel at how well-thought-through were the older household items.  Take these silver encased glasses for instance.  The silver is not only attractive, but it holds the chill of the beverage!  The glasses remove for washing.  Yep, I’m tempted to take these beauties home with me!

Some small things are just plain cute!  Love all the vintage planters, and succulents are hard to kill so I’m liking these even more!

Thanks for considering the “small” things this week.  Drop by sometime and I’ll show you a few more of my favs!  Until then, remember that obedience to the “small” tasks God has given you matters.

~ Blessings,

Connie

 

I think it’s the flowers.  Or maybe it’s the things that remind me of the beach.  No, it could be the spring breezes turned warm under the heat of the sun.  Perhaps, just maybe, it’s a reminder that almost a full year has circled the calendar since I opened Burlap & Lace in its current location.  Let me just suffice it to say…..summertime’s calling me….and I’m listening.

I’ve come out to the porch to blog this afternoon, rain finally giving way to sunshine after weeks on end of deluge.  And the coolness of the breeze brings a surprising pleasantness to the day.  So I’ve snipped back flowers, tip-toed through the dandelions overgrown in the grass too wet yet to mow, and I’ve chatted with friends on the porch.  It’s a lovely day in every way.

This is my perching post today.  Why not come join me?!?  Check out the succulents and plants….all for sale at Burlap & Lace!  Think my scrabble wish for them to “grow up” will work?  Sure hope so!

Most of you likely dream of tides at the beach and flowers in the spring, but do you wake up having dreamed of how to use this tobacco bookshelf in a new way?  I did!  I think it would be fabulous on a porch with those garden succulents and inspirational books and magazines that make you want to sip lemonade and view your magnificent garden after a hard day’s labor!

I finally gave up on dumping rain out of my wagon and brought it into the dry.  And how neat that I can just pull it out when the rains stop!  Love these pinks with the red of the wagon….

Step into the cool with me for a minute and take a peek at these great chenille pillows!  What I love most about them is that they are made from bedspreads….so if they need washing, just slip the covers off and throw them in!  They come out just as beautiful as before!  These pillows are statement pieces for sure.

Stephanie is rocking it this month!  Her English style soothes the senses.  Come browse her room and see for yourself!

So much I love in her space, from the furniture to the smalls…..

Stephanie has displayed two pairs of lamps….ideal for any room in your home.  And don’t overlook these ladder back chairs….great accent pieces in any room as well! French Country never looked so good!

This wardrobe is my newest addition this week.  In near-perfect condition, it’s the perfect piece for the guest room that always needs more space, the bedroom that doesn’t like clutter (tuck it away in here!), or the kitchen/dining area….yes, you heard me correctly!  Hang those table linens, use the tie rack for hanging up odd utensils rarely used but handy when you need them; store that crock pot and other cumbersome items on the shelf and tuck away candles, cookbooks and other odds and ends in the drawers.

Take in the above shelf….perfect for the kitchen, the bath or the bedroom.  Small books will fit between the posts if needing a bedroom piece, and perfect for displaying the things you need daily like cream pitchers in the kitchen and toiletries in the bath.

When you’re all done browsing, come sit on the porch and take time to still your soul.  I may even join you there!  And until we meet again….

~Blessings,

Connie