NEW & BEAUTIFUL … Elegant wide decorative ribbons are now in! These wonderful ribbons are 4-inches wide and are all wired. Perfect for making gorgeous bows, adding decorative accents, wrapped around ribbons or as trim for just about anything. There are Parisian-inspired embroidered fleur d’lys done in gold metallic threads on black and a shimmering golden burgundy. Embroidered floral vines meander through these wide ribbons with bright red and lustrous blue backgrounds. Or select our lovely red ribbon with golden bees embroidered into the ribbon. The crafting and decorating possibilities are endless. The coup d'état are embroidered ribbons with golden threads, sewn in sequins and beads. Can’t you just envision these in dozens of crafts and sewing projects! All are now in stock and available by the yard. Prices range from $7.95 to $11.95 per yard.

Vintage bride and groom wedding cake toppers have been, and still are, a fascinating and whimsical collecting field. These little figurines show so many emotions -- some seem so happy, others a bit skeptical, and we have seen a few that look down right scared! Customers love to look at the extensive selection we have in our shop. There's quite a bit of history displayed in the fashions and accessories incorporated into these little works of art. Whether these are bought as gifts for weddings, engagements and anniversaries, to start or add to a collection or just for old times sake, there is a bit of happiness that accompanies every one of them. Wedding cakes have been around for centuries but cake toppers did not take hold until the 19th century. Bride and groom toppers started appearing in the latter part of the 1800s, with commercial products first advertised in the late 1890s. Early examples were made of molded or sculpted cake icing. Through the years we have seen toppers ma...

The flowers in our yard have been absolutely glorious this year. Begs the question: When is a rose not a rose? Well, in our garden, it could be a fuchsia or zinnia, marigold or lily, petunia or johnny-jump-up. We love them all. Our area, here in the western foothills of the Santa Clara Valley on the eastern slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains, the warm (hot) days and cool nights make so many plants very happy. BTW: This area was home to excellent vineyards and fruit orchards before the sprawling Silicon Valley took over. Here's a sampling of our beautiful bloomers.

Los Gatos was filled with energy and excitement this past weekend with our second 2nd Saturday event. With over 140 businesses participating, this was the largest business event we have had in our little town. There was music and refreshments, special events and special sales, and the Town of Los Gatos and the Chamber of Commerce sponsored a raffle for visitors who gathered stickers from at least five shops. (The prizes were some free dinners, free unlimited parking in town and more.) Richard Katz, bagpiper and Irish flute musician, played a couple of sessions in front of Vintages during the afternoon. (See our earlier article about Richard on this blog.) All in all, lots of energy, lots of customers and a fun day. We will do it again on the second Saturday of August -- August 8th. Come on over and see us.

Remember these? I do!

What are crafts made of? Ribbon and paper and pieces of wood Whatever it takes to make it look so good. Die-cuts and lace and flowers too, Held together with wires and glue. A feather or two and a dab of glitter, Makes anything look a little better. But what really sets it apart Is a piece of the crafter's heart! Here’s a gallery of some of what we have for crafters at Vintages. Click here to see more of the ribbons available at Vintages.

Kanzashi is a traditional hair ornament that was worn by Japanese women in the Edo and Meiji Periods, i.e., 17th through 19th centuries. A variety of styles developed, from sticks to combs to heavily ornamented pieces of hair jewelry. These kanzashi were part of the high coiffured hairstyles common at the time and were worn mainly by brides and geisha. In more recent times, the well-dressed Japanese business lady has adapted the kanzashi as an ornament to add elegance to their rather staid business suits. These long, slender ornaments can be beautifully displayed in frames or as part of an ikebana flower arrangement. We are fortunate to have found a few of these gorgeous 19th century hair ornaments over the years. This first one is intricately handmade with delicate silver leaves and dangling b irra-birra chains of coral beads and silver bells. The flowers are also carved coral beads and the fluttering gold butterfly is supported by a spring. Even older is this colorful kan...

The reign of Queen Victoria in England covered the longest period of any modern British monarch -- from 1837 to 1901. The British Empire expanded dramatically in her time and reached the point of being the greatest power in the world, both militarily and economically. Victorian jewelry was very reflective of the tastes and trends of the era, with the transitional Georgian designs of the early years, the expansive excesses of the middle years, the subdued elegance of the years of mourning after Prince Albert’s death and the elaborate jewelry of the industrial age of the late 1800s. The late-19th century also experienced three significant design trends: Aesthetic Movement, which presented art as a goal unto itself – Art for art’s sake --; Arts & Crafts Movement, which rebelled against the industrial revolution by emphasizing intricate, hand created designs; and Art Nouveau, which featured jewelry designs built around nature – butterflies, beautiful women and flowers. There was a lo...