Since moving into our townhouse about a year ago, I have been slowly working on the design of my studio by picking out key pieces of furniture and searching for finishing touches like lighting and curtains. I found this amazing chandelier at the St. Lawrence flea market while antiquing with my friend Janine who is the designer and publisher of Uppercase Magazine.

It has been sitting in a box for the last year and Craig and I (with help from a friend) finally had a chance to put it up this weekend with a fancy ceiling medallion as well. The studio is definitely a work in progress as it takes time and money to finish everything but I am ecstatic and thrilled that this part of my dream has come true!

Have you ever wondered why your grandmother had so many cups and saucers?

It was tradition in those days to throw a teacup bridal shower for the bride-to-be. Each guest brought a gift-wrapped teacup and saucer set. Presented with each one, was a word tucked into the teacup and read aloud as the gift was opened. Words like Patience, Cooperation, Humor, etc. were offered — characteristics one should have to achieve a happy marriage.

This explains how your grandmother came to acquire a large collection of cups and saucers. And since they were all mismatched, this allowed guests at tea parties to pick and choose which cup and saucer set they wanted to have their tea served in.

Sadly, a lot of these cups and saucers are no longer wanted or used and get banished away in a box and forgotten in the attic. They are such lovely little things and when the cup is missing or broken, I love transforming the orphaned saucer into a ring holder so it can be useful and beautiful again in its next life time.