giveaway & a collection: with the empty nest

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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. 

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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.

 

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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!

---> one lucky rikrak studio reader will win <--- 

this HOSTESS HALF APRON
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."

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 entry

8. blog about this giveaway

... come back and tell us.

= 1 entry

9. :: PLEASE NOTE: 

each entry must be it's own comment.

thanks! ::

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:: 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.

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yay to things wonderful folks!

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