Keys and Such

I haven't done a post about collections for a while. Probably because I usually show you my flea market finds, which pretty much sums it up. But I also have an affinity for antique skeleton keys. Well, hardware in general. There is a very long story about why I collect vintage keys but I will save it for another day. It's actually very romantic and is the reason I started my artwork business. When I get closer to launching the website (probably mid-July or so) I will share it with you.

Most of my pieces were gathered piece by piece, which is how collections tend to grow. Although, once I happen upon an antique store that had hundreds and was able to work a deal with the owner. But I like searching for them, like little lost souls. No longer having a cupboard or door to open. An everyday object made so beautifully. Don't you wish we still used keys like this?

In other less interesting news, I thought I should post a more recent photo of myself. The one on my about page was taken last summer when I was blonde. Which lasted about 3 or so years. I got tired of the maintenance and such dry looking hair and decided to go back to what God had intended. And I was thinking that all those gals attending Silver Bella might not recognize me! So for your entertainment, this is me now, at least for this week!

Now be gentle ladies, I had to take this photo myself. At my desk, and under severe lighting conditions! I'm sure you understand. It looks like my eyes are crooked but they're really not, I promise!

Comments

[Heather Ales]

Oh my! Your eyes are absolutely gorgeously fabulous! I'd even gander to think being brunette might set them off even more - how awesome! I'm looking forward to Silver Bella!

[rhembein]

Wonderful self portrait! You have fantastic colouring ... and you eyes!!! So blue!!

I love antiques and have to agree that there is something special about skeleton keys and the lives they lived, or the chance to dream that up. ;)

Lovely blog.
~gyl

[Maggie]

I'm glad you let us in on the cha nge, I would have definitely been at a loss if I wasn't able to find you at Silver Bella to say hello. You have the loveliest blue eyes and it is true, brunettes DO have MORE fun! :) Loved the blonde too though! See you at Silver Bella and please set aside a black t-shirt for me won't you? Or can I get one ahead of time?

[Joelle DeNardo]

YOUR GORGEOUSE! NATURAL is always better & easier. your beautiful both ways. I am blonde at the moment & wanting to go back & be REAL, but im nervous because everyone compliments me being blonde & it fits my personality????? ok, whats that mean? air head, ditzy craft girl? "the creative one"... (no disprespect to you REAL blondes)ugggggggh, I want to go back & be REAL before my NEW little baby knows better. set some kind of exapmle with this one??? my other girls are dealing with this crazy world as it is. I want to have hope for this little one & others like her. : (

so this is a big delema im dealing with everyday. & its such a pain this FAUX BLONDE STUFF! ; )
haha
but seeing you post this helps a bit.
THANK YOU!
Your beautiful Just like all your work.
sorry for venting on YOUR time.
XOXO

[Rebecca]

you are lovely.

[Helle Greer]

Hey heather,
love the collection, in denmark they still use many of those old keys as well, love that.
SO here is my question? Who has more fun? Blondes or Brunettes? he he
smiles,
helle

[Rebecca]

It's a lovely photo! I think the dark hair suits you but if I was visiting Silver Bella I may not have recognized you thinking of you as a blond :)

I agree with you about the hunt. That is how I feel about my collections. I look on EBay and see lots of things I'd love to have and think how much more perfect it would be to find those things in my travels. :)

[Megan/CreativeOutletDesgins]

OH I love keys! not sure what it is about them but I love them! what a great collection!

[Rhoda]

Wonderful old keys! I have a couple of antique pieces with the original keys & I treasure them.

You look great as a blonde or brunette!

Rhoda
Southern Hospitality

[Dorothy]

What a lovely collection of keys you have there! I too, have several of 'skeleton' keys around here. Some of them we even use in our old house! Your photograph is just gorgeous! Great angle/composition as well! Lucky you that you look great as a blonde OR brunette! As always, love visiting your blog!
D~

[tammy g.]

Brunette here, so I like it. :) well, I'm brunette letting the gray come through after years of coloring. I didn't have much choice since I was losing my hair for some reason (like hormones, stress, heredity?) - I guess I'd rather be gray than no hair.
Keys. I have a few - they are neat. I remember when my sister lived in an old house & the bathroom had a skeleton key & my little nephew got locked in when he played with it & dropped it. I had to talk to him on the other side & tell him how to put it back in...nerve wracking since I was babysitting. I think tht is why they got rid of them. :)

[naturegirl]

Heather it is always nice putting a face to a name!You are gorgeous..covergirl eyes!
I am not brave enough to give up my anonymity on the web. Having said that I too got tired of the blonde which I sported for years and just gave up the whole idea of coloring!! I now am a ~silverfox!~
BTW I recieved my package today! Thank you so much!hugs NG

[jamie]

You look Lovely as a Brunett. I did it a few years back myself. Less Maintanence except for all the Grey I have to hide. Jamie

[Kimberly]

There's the Heather I remember! :) I am an old friend of Heather's and I can say that her blue eyes are real and gorgeous! You still look great after all these years! Blessings, Kimberly

[Amy G.]

You are beautiful, just like your blog! Can't wait to hear your romantic story. Take Care, Amy

[paige]

oh your dark hair makes your gorgeous eyes stand out!!
can't wait to hear the romantic hardware story!

[Karla]

Well you are just adorable and your eyes do not look crooked in the least bit! I love skeleton keys as well. I happened upon a vendor at a flea market that had boxes of them and I still kick myself for not buying every last one!
Karla

[Tongue in Cheek]

Blonde or Brunette you and your blue eyes are ever so lovely.

note:
Since most of the doors are old in France, and very beautiful, they still have the old locks and keys.

[Laura Bray]

I just found your blog & it's now in my regular rotation. Beautiful blog, beautiful blogger!

[Renee]

You look fantastic, plus you have the prettiest blue eyes, it is a great picture! I love skeleton keys too. There is something so magical about them!

[Tracy Rizzo]

The dark hair lights up your eyes-lovely!

[Sarah]

I was happy to see you'll be at
Silver Bella--and as a vendor! Panic sets in, "will i have room for everything i fall in love with and buy?" :-) With the way everyone is talking..i'm thinking i should pack not only an extra bag...but maybe a box or two to mail home...a girl needs to be prepared! LLLOOOVVVEEEE your blog..always inspiring and beautiful. See you in November.

[Teresa (French Poppy)]

I agree with Trisha, you do look like two entirely different people. My cousin and I were just talking about me going blonde :) Not that brave :) You look beautiful either way my dear!! I seriously can't wait for your website, my curiosity is killing me!

Teresa

[Gina]

You look fantastic - beautiful blond or brunette, gorgeous blue eyes & skin. I don't think many women look great as both. I love reading your posts - thanks!

[Tina]

OK...my first post to you makes no sense at all...what I wanted to say was..From one brunette to another...lol! I need to go to bed! Goodnight...

[Jeanette]

And what a lovely brunette you are.

[Tina]

To one brunette to another...hello! I just found your sweet blog..and I'm so happy I did. Please come and visit me...

[Rosemary]

Don't be silly, you are a beautiful lady. Really pretty eyes. I love dark hair. (I have dark hair).
I love the keys. I bought a vintage armoire with the original key still in it. I was very excited about that.
I really love your blog.
Rosemary

[junk2jewels]

Beautiful inside and out!(( hugs))

[Jill]

Wonderful key collection and photo.

Jill 00

[Andrea S.]

Oh my goodness! I would have walked right past you.....if I was lucky enough to be at Silver Bella that is! (i'll be in labor instead....)
Anyway, you are just beautiful either way! (I'm a bit partial to the dark hair though!)
xo andrea

[Marylin]

I enjoy your blog. It will be nice to meet you at Silver Bella.

[gillian]

I must say that that is one fab collection! Strange how something old and rusted can be so beautiful especially in groupings like yours. Very cool.

[Mary]

I find old keys so romantic, full of mystery and possibility. When I recently purged my rubber stamp collection, I hung on to my key and keyhole stamps -- no way I was parting with those! Love the new pic of you, too! The brown hair really makes your blue eyes shine.

[Vickie Coonfare]

You look marvelous :D I have a key collection too.

[Nancy]

You look gorgeous with dark hair!! Love the blue eyes! Also, look forward to reading your blog each day!

[Debbie P]

Your eyes are beautiful, and I love the color of your hair, it's like mine. ;)

Several years ago I found a bunch of old keys at a yard sale. I didn't do anything with them for such a long time, so I gave them to my son. Your collection has me wanting to go on a key search, to start a collection of my own.

I love your blog, and look forward to reading, and seeing your photos every day. Thank you.

[anita]

I think you look fabulous! And those blue, blue eyes....real?? They are gorgeous as well regardless!

[Wende]

Oh, I think the dark hair suits you! It certainly makes your eyes pop. :D

[psmullican]

love your hair dark-makes your gorgeous blue eyes just pop! looking forward to the launch of your website!

[Joy]

Wow - the dark hair is fabulous on you! You look completely different!

[nel]

Hi Heather, haven't been by for a while...been taking a break. It has been so inspiring catching up on all the posts I have missed, beautiful as always. And I love your hair, you look gorgeous! Nice to drop by again...Nel

[Trisha Evans]

You look like two entirely different people, and you have the most gorgeous blue eyes! Oh, please give us some teasers about the website!

[Michelle A.]

I REALLY love you as a brunette!!!! Keep it that way. You looked great before but you look wonderful with brown hair!!