.................................
i just love seeing what folks are collecting. i guess i kind of feel it tells us just a little bit about what inspires them, what they love, and what they choose to surround themselves with in their home. today, i'm delighted to present the next in the rikrak studio's collections series: 11 & a 1/2 quick questions with a wonderful artist on what they're collecting, (apart from their art supplies! ) you can also check out my new *the collectors* series on Etsy, based on these posts! hope you'll just love: porcelain tea cups and saucers with the empty nest.
.................................
who (are you) : My name is Janet Metzger, the lady behind 'The Empty Nest' on Etsy
what (are you collecting): Something I love collecting is porcelain teacup and saucers.
when (did you start) : My fascination began 35 years ago when my good friend threw me a bridal shower and everyone there had a different teacup for their coffee and tea. I fell instantly in love!
how (many do you have?): I currently own approx 70 sets in all colors and styles. English, Japanese, Chinese and European origin.
where (do you find them) : I have purchased most of mine at auctions or thrift shops like Salvation Army and Goodwill. I have been lucky enough to have many given to me also.
where (do you keep them) : I own two china cabinets and they are crammed with teacups...I am bursting at the seams.
what (‘s a crazy/interesting story behind one) : Once at an auction in Texas, at the end of the evening, I was bidding on a beautiful 20 piece set of Japanese Nippon china tea set. Nippon is famous for the gorgeous raised 24k gold decoration on their porcelain. I got into a bidding war with a man on the other side of the room, who I could not see from my spot. I was devastated to lose to this gentleman when the bidding got too rich for me. A few minutes later the man came up to me with a box and handed it to me...inside was the Nippon china I was trying to buy. He didn't really need it that badly and he thought I would appreciate them more than him...He GAVE them to me!!
what (piece would you like to add): I don't really have anything specific I am looking for.
why (do you love them) : I just love the feminine look and the way they feel in your hands when drinking from them...just elegant. I love them all.
which (one is your favourite) & why : One of my favorites is my vintage Royal Doulton Brambly Hedge set. It is the season of Autumn from the Four Seasons Series. I adore the illustration of the little mouse asleep in his cozy bed with his stuffed rabbit...so cute.
what (else do you collect) : Aside from teacups I also swoon over gorgeous china plates and porcelain in general. Homer Laughlin and Johnson Brothers are current favorites. Recently found a 1940's Syracuse China coffee cup from an old Diner. I love the thought that a customer at the counter in an old diner drank coffee at 3 am from my cup. Absolute Americana! I'm addicted, much to my husbands dismay. He says I need a 12 step addiction program.
.....................
thanks so much, janet!
so lovely to join you for such a beautiful tea party!
thanks!
the empty nest's own beautiful artworks are a light & bright, sunny, airy complement to her collection as well! an expert of so many arts, i am always amazed as janet seemingly effortlessly masters a new artform or medium! her works in paint, fiber & fabric perfectly combine an eco-forward cottage-chic design with artisan stylings.
and best of all, i've been lucky enough to get to know janet over the past little while as a dear sponsor on my blog, and am always inspired by her thoughtful, warm, generous personality.
isn't it great when an amazing artist is a wonderful person, too!?
read on to see how you can WIN an empty nest apron!
thanks so much, janet!
so lovely to join you for such a beautiful tea party!
thanks!
the empty nest's own beautiful artworks are a light & bright, sunny, airy complement to her collection as well! an expert of so many arts, i am always amazed as janet seemingly effortlessly masters a new artform or medium! her works in paint, fiber & fabric perfectly combine an eco-forward cottage-chic design with artisan stylings.
and best of all, i've been lucky enough to get to know janet over the past little while as a dear sponsor on my blog, and am always inspired by her thoughtful, warm, generous personality.
isn't it great when an amazing artist is a wonderful person, too!?
the empty nest
shop | blog | twitter read on to see how you can WIN an empty nest apron!
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![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10sTk6nMMzWVrzhQ969DrRKjXRz6xPYuB6Tm6ZoOE0J9trlN-my1cj1JGgdtbPcOus40JjkFVDh8kdK7b6jv4KLAJHf_oIKLnDCkN6bF0cAk1HGYOA-7LRn4ffwGu9nMKxBzlu2Vw6_Kq/s400/hostess.jpg)
---> one lucky rikrak studio reader will win <---
this HOSTESS HALF APRON
WOW!
WOW!
janet writes about the prize: "This lovely half hostess apron is perfect for all you English Cottage style mavins. I have styled the apron using 5 different high end designer fabrics, some vintage lace and gorgeous vintage buttons. The waistband has a gentle gathering for softness and the fabric ties are a beautiful blue Asian fan print.The color pallette is full of pinks, blues, greens, aqua and details like butterflies, fruit and seedpods. The lovely lace square is actually a pocket which is embellished with pretty buttons. I have sewn in a handy tea towel loop and embellished it with a fabulous vintage rhinestone button. This is some apron! Need a special gift for that best girlfriend who is always there for you? Maybe your Mom needs a thank you gift for all those times she babysat for your kids. This would be a gift that says ' I thought you deserved something special'.
Waistband measures approx. 25 inches with extra long fabric ties which makes this apron suitable for most body sizes.
Apron length measures approx. 20 inches
Apron skirt from side to side measures 36 inches
Please cold water wash and hang dry."
Waistband measures approx. 25 inches with extra long fabric ties which makes this apron suitable for most body sizes.
Apron length measures approx. 20 inches
Apron skirt from side to side measures 36 inches
Please cold water wash and hang dry."
1. visit the lovely the Empty Nest shop
... tell us about your favourite goodie & why you love it!
= 1 entry
2. heart the Empty Nest Shop
... on etsy and tell us.
= 1 entry
3. follow/subscribe to the Empty Nest blog
... & tell us.
= 1 entry
4. follow the Empty Nest (she's twitter.com/theemptynest ) & the rikrak shop (that's me! twitter.com/therikrakshop) on twitter
... & tell us.
= 1 entry
5. follow or subscribe to the rikrak studio blog
... & tell us.
= 1 entry
6. tweet on twitter
... about this giveaway and come back here and tell us! be sure to include @therikrakshop so i can find you!
= 1 entry
7. tell us about who YOU'd love to have a teaparty with today!
= 1 entry8. blog about this giveaway
... come back and tell us.
= 1 entry
9. :: PLEASE NOTE:
each entry must be it's own comment.
thanks! ::
..........................................
:: RULES ::
a) it is possible to have a maximum of 8 entries total per person.b) please make sure to leave each entry as it's own comment. thanks!
c) using random.org, 1 winner of the Empty Nest giveaway will be chosen on friday august 13th @ 9pm EST.
d) open to contestants worldwide.
e) please be sure to leave me an email where i can reach you if your account doesn't link to one. thanks.
................................................
yay to things wonderful folks!
Ok Krystal...I will be the first to comment and say "Thank You" for making me look so darn good ;-)
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate all your hard work in promoting the 'buy handmade' way of life .
Thanks again,
Janet
The Empty Nest
I love tea cups as well! I have a huge collection, too. Sadly, they are all packed away in boxes =(
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I love this apron: http://www.etsy.com/listing/42783555/barefoot-in-the-park-couture-half-apron
I have added her shop to my favorites - I just love it!
ReplyDeleteI just added her blog to my blog roll, too.
ReplyDeleteI follow both of you on twitter - I am tashakaye09
ReplyDeleteyou are on my blog roll already =)
ReplyDeleteLovely, lovely pieces. I love the Toasted Coconut Cowl (and many other items).
ReplyDeleteClara
cboza(at)vna1(dot)com
I follow the rikrak studio on my Google Reader.
ReplyDeleteClara
cboza(at)vna1(dot)com
I love the cool water summer tote!
ReplyDeletemrunamistry at gmail dot com
i hearted emptynest on etsy!
ReplyDeleteusername:MrunaM
mrunamistry at gmail dot com
i follow rickrack studio blog!
ReplyDeletemrunamistry at gmail dot com
why only today? I would be ready to have Johnny Depp over for tea anytime!
ReplyDeletemrunamistry at gmail dot com
follow the empty nest blog!
ReplyDeletemrunamistry at gmail dot com
I just love this: http://www.etsy.com/listing/21223110/a-rose-is-a-rose-half-apron-as-featured
ReplyDeleteit is so pretty and feminine.
hearted on Etsy
ReplyDeletei follow you both on twitter!
ReplyDelete@hndmdegiftguide
tweeted the giveaway
ReplyDeletei follow your blog!
ReplyDeleteI would love to have tea with my Grandmother. She was the most amazing woman. I miss her so much everyday.
ReplyDeleteGreat interview - I collect tea cups also. I inherited dozens of them from my husbands grandmother and have been addicted since (they are all so unique and beautiful).
ReplyDeleteI love this item from the Empty Nest: http://www.etsy.com/listing/26544285/upcycled-spring-green-crafters-half
I enjoy doing the craft show circuit and love sporting different sellers aprons. This one is just so pretty and unique.
I've happily hearted her shop
ReplyDeleteI follow both of you on Twitter (@BoutiqueKarma)
ReplyDelete1. visit the lovely the Empty Nest shop
ReplyDelete... tell us about your favourite goodie & why you love it!
= 1 entry
Blue Toile Cat 'n' Around Town Tote! emilyfette@gmail.com
I would love one of Janet's creations! Each one she does has a little story to it...love that!
ReplyDeleteI would have tea with my mom and grandma! :) That sounds more fun than some famous person. LOL
~Kim
I'm going to tweet about it now. :)
ReplyDelete~Kim
I love the Middleburg apron & The White Wedding one. I'm sure I'd be afraid to wear the white one, but it's beautiful! Oh, and the title makes me start singing that Billy Idol song!
ReplyDelete~Kim
Kim@everythingetsy.com
I subscribe to the rikrak studio.
ReplyDeleteI subscribe to The Empty Nest. :)
ReplyDelete~Kim
I follow both of you on twitter. :)
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this, can't you tell?
~Kim
crafters apron! love it! http://www.etsy.com/listing/26544285/upcycled-spring-green-crafters-half
ReplyDeleteSuch pretty aprons! I really love this one: http://www.etsy.com/listing/42339555/the-girl-back-home-couture-half-apron
ReplyDeletekyliept(at)gmail(dotcom
And if I could have a tea party today, it would be with the cast of 21 Jump Street!
ReplyDeletekyliept(at)gmail(dot)com
I love the New York State of Mind Tote!
ReplyDeletehrfarley at gmail dot com
Lovely giveaway! There are so many fantastic goodies in this shop.
ReplyDeleteHere's one of my faves:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/33061840/blossom-victorian-cowl-with-shipping
I am very much into pale pink these days and I LOVE anything Victorian in style.
Theresa (theresamacnaughton(at)gmail(dot)com
I hearted The Empty Nest Shop (secret admirer)
ReplyDeleteTheresa (theresamacnaughton(at)gmail(dot)com
I am following both of you on twitter
ReplyDelete@faerymoongodess
Theresa (theresamacnaughton(at)gmail(dot)com
I would love to invite all of my blogging friends for an in-person tea party. Many of us connect on each other's blogs, but how fun would it be to all be in one place, face to face. :)
ReplyDeleteTheresa (theresamacnaughton(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi, My fav thingy there is Americana Bunny Handpainted Ladies Tee . The bunny is too cute :)
ReplyDeleteContact me dear :)
liz_crowny@yahoo.com
pintaliztiirene.blogspot.com
thankies for helding this sweet giveaway and have a lovely day :)
What a great giveaway :) I would like to participate in it.
ReplyDeleteAnw i am totally follower through Google Friend Connect.
Contact me dear :)
liz_crowny@yahoo.com
pintaliztiirene.blogspot.com
thankies for helding this sweet giveaway and have a perfect day :)
i would love to have a tea party with my hubby :)
ReplyDeleteContact me dear :)
liz_crowny@yahoo.com
pintaliztiirene.blogspot.com
thankies for helding this sweet giveaway and have a lovely day :)
this is so cute: http://www.etsy.com/listing/49877818/cool-water-summer-tote-with-shipping
ReplyDeleteengh.katie at gmail dot com
shop hearted! (kting8)
ReplyDeleteengh.katie at gmail dot com
I Love the Down n Dirty Full Apron in Retro Pink n Green with Shipping Included I never am in the kitchen without an apron! Love the design!
ReplyDeleteraquelk_87 (at) hotmail (dot) com
So many sweet items in the shop. My favorite is the New Zealand Suffolk Sheep Twins Cardigan. This is such an classy piece, the twin sheep is really adorable and I like that it is nicely finished with a pretty grosgrain ribbon, perfect for sweet little girls. Thanks for the lovely giveaway.
ReplyDeleteyumihamano@gmail.com
I heart theemptynest Shop on etsy
ReplyDeleteUsername - raquelfriesen
raquelk_87 (at) hotmail (dot) com
I subscribe via email, thank you.
ReplyDeleteyumihamano@gmail.com
I follow you on twitter!
ReplyDeleteUsername – r_j_f
raquelk_87 (at) hotmail (dot) com
I would love to have a tea party with all my sweet neices!
ReplyDeleteI just love the Down n Dirty Full Apron in Retro Pink n Green with Shipping Included. omydarlingblog(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteHearted the shop @melissa0785
ReplyDeletefollow you both on twitter @omydarlingblog
ReplyDeleteI LOVE aprons!!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.etsy.com/listing/52028215/billy-idol-white-wedding-couture-apron
this one is breath-taking!!
earthdancedaph@yahoo.com
I love her aprons, especially this one: http://www.etsy.com/listing/27173162/down-n-dirty-full-apron-in-retro-pink-n
ReplyDeletebecause of the contrasting colors (the pockets) and also because it's a full length apron.
mscalitx(at)yahoo(dot)com
I just hearted the empty nest on etsy (Potof3Daisies).
ReplyDeletemscalitx(at)yahoo(dot)com
I follow the Empty nest blog!
ReplyDeleteI heart the emtpy nest etsy shop
ReplyDeleteI follow the empty nest and the rikrak studio on twitter. By the way, the link to the empty nest twitter page doesn't work, it gives you a blogger sign in page (it signed me out)? I manually added the right link http://twitter.com/theemptynest and it worked.
ReplyDeleteI follow the rikrak studio blog
ReplyDeleteI love the empty nest etsy shop! My favorite is the cat toile bag, but also adore the lilys cross stich apron and the pink daisy vintage napkins.
ReplyDeleteI would love a teaparty with my dear family members that moved to the other world, my dad for example, who has been gone for 33 years when I was just 12. Never really got to know him. That would be interesting!
ReplyDeleteI like
ReplyDeleteRuffled Makeup Bag with Shipping Included
because it is very pretty
sherrygo at hotmail dot com
blogged http://joyfultearyzone.blogspot.com/2010/08/hostess-half-apron.html
ReplyDeletesherrygo at hotmail dot com
My favorite item is the Blue Toile Cat 'n' Around Town Tote with Shipping Included
ReplyDeleteluckysluna(at)yahoo(dot)com
I heart empty nest on etsy as luckysluna
ReplyDeleteluckysluna(at)yahoo(dot)com
Great giveaway! I love to entertain so winning this would be great!
ReplyDeleteI went to their shop and love the Billy Idol White Wedding Apron because I'm getting married and it's very fun! :)
http://www.etsy.com/listing/52028215/billy-idol-white-wedding-couture-apron
Seasidesmitten@aol.com
I now heart the Empty Nest Shop (seasidesmitten).
ReplyDeleteSeasidesmitten@aol.com
I follow the the Empty Nest blog!
ReplyDeleteSeasidesmitten@aol.com
I follow the the rikrak studio blog!
ReplyDeleteSeasidesmitten@aol.com
I'd love to have a teaparty with my bridesmaids today because they are very special to me and it would be fun to dress up, drink tea, and desserts :)
ReplyDeleteSeasidesmitten@aol.com
Ny favorite item on your etsy site is : Barefoot in the Park Couture Half Apron with Shipping Included . I am learning how to sew (gah, sewing is hard!), and I can appreciate the time and effort that it takes.
ReplyDeleteBirds Egg Blue Upcycled Fingerless Gloves , my hands get SO cold on the computer, I would love something like this to keep them toasty warm, they look awsome to! Great colour!
ReplyDeletetracyschultz@yahoo.com
I love the Australian Blue Daisy Cashmere Sweater Scarf — beautiful!
ReplyDeletetessa[dot]muggeridge[at]gmail[dot]com
The A Rose is a Rose Half Apron is my favorite. I just love aprons and this one is so pretty!
ReplyDeleteI love the Little Sheila Yellow Petals Childs Sweater. I love the swingy silhouette and the yellow ties!
ReplyDeleteurchiken at gmail dot com
I adore the birds egg blue upcycled fingerless gloves. They look super soft for winter, but such a bright color to cheer up the dull winter months!
ReplyDeletedemureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com
I totally love the Blue Toile Cat 'n' Around Town Tote! ^^ The fabrics used are just amazing! Love the overall design! c:
ReplyDeletevesipisaroita [at] gmail [dot] com
I subscribe to the rikrak studio blog via email! c:
ReplyDeletevesipisaroita [at] gmail [dot] com
I would love to have a teaparty with all of my high school friends! c:
ReplyDeletevesipisaroita [at] gmail [dot] com
What lovely goodies she has!
ReplyDeleteI adore her "Pink Daisey Hand Painted Vintage Napkins!" I like
that they are vintage and the green shade of the napkins is so soft.
Of course, her hand painted daisies
really make them special...
Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
I "Hearted" The Empty Nest Shop.
ReplyDeleteAgain, many thanks...Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
Also, I follow and subscribe to The Empty Nest Blog...
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
I follow The Empty Nest and The
ReplyDeleteRikrak Studio on Twitter...
Merci, Cindi
cmh512
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
I also follow your blog via
ReplyDeleteGoogle Friend Connect~
Cindi
windycindy
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
"Tweet!"
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/cmh512/status/20562266217.
Merci, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
Today, I would enjoy having a tea party with my best friends!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
i like the rose is a rose half apron, would be perfect for a summer afternoon party, so delicate and pretty looking
ReplyDeletenannypanpan at sbcglobal.net
I love the Middleburg apron
ReplyDeleteSo lovely!
heatherkphoto@gmail.com
I love the A Passion For Pink-- Market Tote with Free Shipping
ReplyDeleteDonna
dwarrington1@gmail.com
I "heart" the Empty Nest on ETSY
ReplyDeleteDonna
dwarrington1@gmail.com
ETSY username: 2Cats4Me
I follow the Empty Nest blog
ReplyDeleteDonna
dwarrington1@gmail.com
I follow and subscribe to your blog
ReplyDeleteDonna
dwarrington1@gmail.com
I love having teaparties with my granddaughter Carley...sometimes we have them outside as well....and pretend ones in her little kitchen.
ReplyDeleteDonna
dwarrington1@gmail.com
I like the Under the Sea Jumbo Beach Tote, my granddaughter would love this for her towels and swim suit when she goes to the pool!
ReplyDeletetiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com
this apron is so LOVELY!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.etsy.com/listing/26544285/upcycled-spring-green-crafters-half
(i cant say that i'm a fan of teacups - i break them.)
muffintopdesigns@hotmail.com
and you have a heart from me!
ReplyDeletexoxo muffin
duly retweeted!
ReplyDeletexoxoox
now i am following you! (in a non-stalker-y way, of course)
ReplyDeleteand i think that i'd love to have tea with the mad hatter. :)
ReplyDeleteOh, I visited The Empty Nest shop and I really like the full apron. Retro style. And the much needed full cover upfor this messy cook!!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to win the hostess apron (but I'd be afraid to wear it when I'm REALLY cookin')!
And I love Janet's collection. I love tea cups, too.
i think the Kauai Inspired Summer Scarf is just gorgeous and it is a wonderful way to use those old napkins that are too pretty to use!
ReplyDeletesadiekate2001 at yahoo.com
i follow the the Empty Nest blog!
ReplyDeletesadiekate2001 at yahoo.com
i follow the rikrak studio blog!
ReplyDeletesadiekate2001 at yahoo.com
i think right now, i'd like to have a tea party with my two little sisters! they love tea parties!
ReplyDeletesadiekate2001 at yahoo.com
I love the "Banana Republic Rebirth Cardi with Shipping Included"...I'd like to wear thi cardigan!
ReplyDeleteContact: a.spigno@hotmail.it
I heart the shop on Etsy, ma Etsy name is: Aljna
ReplyDeleteI forget to write my e-mail address in the previous comment:
Aljna(at)hotmail.it
I follow your blog!
ReplyDeleteI visitted The Empty Nest Etsy shop and fell in love with so many of her things but my favorite was the Kauai Summer Scarf. That is so pretty.
ReplyDeleteI am a loyal follower of The Empty Nest.
ReplyDeleteI added The Empty Nest Etsy shop to my favorites on Etsy.
ReplyDeleteI have become a follower of the rikrak studio.
ReplyDeleteI would have tea with my Mom if I could have tea with anyone. She has been gone three years and we have loads to catch up on.
ReplyDeleteI like the A Rose is a Rose Half Apron. I love its color.
ReplyDeleteannabell_lee_dk (at) yahoo.com
Hearted the Empty Nest Shop. username: SweepstakeLover
ReplyDeleteannabell_lee_dk (at) yahoo.com
Email subscriber of you.
ReplyDeleteannabell_lee_dk (at) yahoo.com
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/sweepstakelover/status/21001009939
ReplyDeleteannabell_lee_dk (at) yahoo.com
Blogged: http://sweepstakelover.blogspot.com/2010/08/giveaway-with-empty-nest.html
ReplyDeleteannabell_lee_dk (at) yahoo.com
I love the Barefoot in the Park half apron. It's so sweet and pretty. I love how everything in her shop is so feminine!
ReplyDeleteabigail.lee {At} gmail.com
My fav is the Lilys Cross Stitch Club Couture half apron (kmomcrafter@yahoo.com)
ReplyDelete