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Nana disappears into the parlor on rainy afternoons to hide away for awhile. She can usually be found with a favorite book, a cup of tea and a soft, cuddly throw for her knees. What a delight to settle deeply into the big chair and relax for a time! How soothing, the patter of softly falling raindrops. Frequently her eyes wander from the book in her lap to one or another of the cherished items displayed throughout the room. Her most creative ideas often come during these quiet hours.
Our parlor has always been filled with an
accumulation of odds and ends collected over many years — antiques,
knickknacks, notes, all manner of wonderful clutter. Some of our visitors show an interest in all our stuff, others not so much.
Either way, you're welcome to poke around and examine anything that interests you. If you have questions or comments, we'd love to hear from you.
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"These are my treasures, and I love them all.
They fill my home with mirth."
 _George
E. Davenport
"Always I have a chair for you
in the smallest parlor in the world,
to wit, my heart."  Emily Dickinson
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Le cadeau idéal - satin etui
The perfect gift! — Several years ago, faced with yet another bridal shower invitation, we designed the perfect gift. At least that's what we were told.
Inspired by a circa 1890 draw-string etui, (A small ornamental ladies' bag for personal article.) we stitched a similar satin handbag. We lined it with finest chiffon, filled it with personal beauty care items and viola! Le cadeau idéal.
In our imagination the original etui honeymooned in Europe with a Victorian bride. She lovingly packed the most treasured items for her trousseau inside for safe passage. Tucked away in her steamer trunk, the compartments (there are six) of the little satin bag held her intimate apparel, hosiery, fine hand-made lace handkerchiefs, and perhaps a strand of luminous pearls.
Fifty years later, on the day of her Golden Anniversary, the bride of our imagination went to her dressing table, tenderly lifted her pearls and lavender scented lace handkerchief from her wedding keepsake, then descended the stairs to join her husband, lover and friend in celebration of their life together. Today her little satin etui remains a treasured family heirloom.
Each time we offer one of these 'perfect' little gifts we like to think we may be giving tomorrow's heirlooms. We have presented a winter bride with a etui of burgundy satin, lined in ivory lace. A spring wedding inspired us to whip up a striking combination of ivory satin and white lace. You may order our Perfect Gift in ivory on white; burgundy or hunter green on ivory; or rose, slate or white on white. (Please note your color choice on the order form)
Item # 5007- Satin Draw-string bag $13.00 
I am careful not to confuse excellence with perfection.
Excellence, I can reach for— perfection is God's business.
Michael J. Fox |
Hand Painted Note Cards
Click on a thumbnail for larger views and pricing.
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'Love you' sachets
Every so often, while penning a note to someone dear, we have wished for a small remembrance to send along as a "love you" gift. Recently faced with such an occasion, and as usual, having more ingenuity than cash, we borrowed this design idea from a very pricey Dallas department store (which shall remain nameless here).
We stitched three small (3"x3") amethyst satin pillows, filled them with a fragrant mixture of flowers, stacked them up and tied them together with white satin ribbon and rosebuds.
The effect was stunning, but the price was not.
Our note was going to a friend in hospital so we chose the soothing scent of lavender, but you might want roses or jasmine. We can stitch up a similar Love Gift for you – just chose the scent you prefer.
We'll use lustrous satin fabric appropriate to the fragrance, white satin ribbon and white rosebuds. You add the note and the love. We won't tell a soul you didn't shop at Ne.... Oops!... that nameless up-scale department store.
Item #5002 Lavender Pillows - amethyst satin....$7.50
Item #5003 Rose Pillows - ruby red satin....$7.50
Item #5004 Jasmine Pillows - snow-white satin.... $7.50
"The language of friendship
is not words but meaning."
Henry David Thoreau
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Stuffed Stuff
After many, many years of sewing kids clothes, toys and dolls one accumulates a tremendous accumulation of bits and pieces. A particular box, stored on a high shelf in the sewing room closet is labeled Stuffed Stuff™.
Out of this box all manner of creatures are born!
No one seems to mind that they began life in a box of scraps. Each one promises to be a charming and lovable friend. When the Gift and Collectible Parlor at Nana Ellen's was only a glimmer of an idea, the creatures from that special box figured prominently in our thinking. We thought right!
Stuffed Stuff™ creatures make wonderful gifts and collectibles. Here are a few you can adopt:
Kalico Kitty Kat— The amazingly realistic pose of this make-believe feline satisfies the most discriminating cat lover you know. Stitched from cotton print fabric, our kitty has ears lined in pink, whiskers and a little pink tongue. You may choose blue, rose, white or black calico for your pet. (Please specify color on order form)
Item # 0243 - Kalico Kat.... $13.00
Painted Pony— What child doesn't dream of a pony? Well, now you can grant that wish with our gallant steed. Stitched in printed cotton, our pony is loveable and very low maintenance. Choose from pink, blue, green, yellow or lavender print fabric, with harmonizing yarn mane and tail. A real dream come true. Click HERE for photo
Item # 0244 - Painted Pony.... $13.00
Rosie O-Bear— Fashioned after famous teddy bears of yore, with jointed arms and legs, Miss O-Bear is stitched in a tiny floral print cotton. You can pose her seated or standing upright to her full height of about 11 inches. She comes to you in her Sunday best, including blushed cheeks, a demure lace collar, rose ribbons and ribbon roses. If you love bears as much as we do - don't miss Miss Rosie. Should you choose to adopt more than one of the O'Bear girls, please remember, as hand-crafted toys, each is an individual. No two are ever exactly alike. Click HERE for photo.
Item # 0301 - Rosie Teddy Bear... $22.00
White Wabbit— This wonderful little white flannel bunny holds a dainty bouquet of flowers. A pink nose, ears lined with rose sprigged cotton, string whiskers and eye lashes all contribute to its whimsical personality. Our 'wabbit' sports a huge fluffy power-puff tail, which is the envy of the cabbage patch. A captivating creature by any standards.
Item # 0245 - White Rabbit... $15.00
All Stuffed Stuff from Nana Ellen's Parlor is handmade in the USA from 100% new materials. Stuffing is non-allergenic fiber fill. Toys, unless otherwise noted may not be appropriate for very small children.
How To Order
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Tiny Toy Elephant
"Mommy, what's an elafump?"— You may not be exactly certain, but any grandmother worth her salt can tell you.
It's a tiny toy elephant, just the right size to fit in a toddler's chubby fist. It's a much loved and often well worn, favorite companion and friend.
When we made the first one, some forty years ago now, it was a Christmas passenger on Noah's ark. The little boy who owned it is all grown up with children of his own. They each have an elafump that grandma made, too.
This little fellow is soft and adorable. As an addition to your collection he is rendered in gray suede-cloth, with blushed cheeks and real eyelashes. As a soft hand-sized toy for your little one, he comes in softest polar fleece with secure embroidered eyes and smile - nothing to come off in baby's mouth.
Please adopt one of these charmers soon. We understand they may be an endangered species! (Shown slightly smaller than actual size of 5 inches tall)
Item # 0241 - Collectable Toy Elephant.... $15.00
Item # 0242 - Baby's Toy Elephant.... $13.00
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Sleepy-bye Baby Doll
Ever notice how there's something completely irresistible about a new baby - especially when they're sleeping? You hold them gently, close to your heart, and press your lips and nose into the whips of hair. The sweet smell of baby powder and soap evokes special memories for almost every adult.
We designed this sleeping baby when our first granddaughter was born. Since then we've given the Sleepy-bye Baby Doll™ to new mommies, big sisters, toddlers and even a few daddies. Everyone loves the way our baby appears to be sleeping no matter where they're put down.
Dressed in softest cotton print jammies we could find, our baby wears a sweater and cap of pure white knit fabric. The wisps of hair peeking out around the cap and falling over hand embroidered eyes are actually swan's down. The only thing we've ever found that so closely resembles a tiny baby's hair. We give the stuffing a sprinkle of baby powder, just to jog those special memories of your favorite new born. Consider giving this little darling (actual size about 8 inches -- Click HERE for photo) to anyone who can't resist a small bundle of joy.
You can order can order your baby with white or pastel pink, blue, yellow or green satin ribbons at ankles and cap (please note your preference on the order form)
Item # 0135 - Sleepy Baby... $12.00
And, just in case you want to give this tiny handful to a child, you can also request hand embroidered hair (instead of feathers) that can't be pulled out by inquisitive little fingers.
Item # SO 0135 Sleepy Baby.... $15.00
How To Order.
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