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While I was dusting my tables at the beach house last weekend – always a labor of love – I marveled at the exquisite sea forms in this arrangement of sea souvenirs and photographed it. Most of the shells on this table are abalone shells. I purchased these here and there. It was only last year that I found one myself while I was beach combing in New Zealand. Abalone is common in New Zealand; it is popular as a food and the polished shells are used frequently in their traditional jewelry designs.

Two of the three large abalone shells are antique ink wells from the late 19^th century. I am always on the lookout for antique shell objects. There are many varieties of  vintage shell finds like shell sewing accouterments, shell ships and the classic shell cameo, to name a few.

I enjoyed adding some other beach finds, like the odd shaped flat rocks, Japanese floats and several odd shells. In addition, miniature antique books create some interest and make a great little background for found-object arrangements.

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Earlier this year we received a special request from Michele B. She wrote, “I am wondering if a “God Bless America” pin is or will soon be available? I have the angel and with a son deploying overseas soon; I thought it would be nice to wear a pin of the heart draped with the flag while he is gone.”

We made the pin for her and were inspired to add it to our Summer Pin collection.  This way others can wear the God Bless America Pin to honor a loved one that is or has been deployed or to celebrate the freedom and blessings of our country. And it’s being introduced just in time for the 4^th of July, but it’s good for all year round!

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I found these four green shell plates at the Antique Mall in Lincoln City, Oregon! They make the perfect unifying backdrop for four diverse sea- themed objects.

I used antique green marbles to crown both of the sea urchins; just for fun!

On the third plate I have a large tiger cowrie shell. It has the entire Our Father carved on the surface and is from the late 19^th century.

The fourth plate holds a collection of shells encased in a glass sea urchin. It was originally sold as a souvenir from a little beach town in New York state.

The larger purple sea urchin came from The Shell Game, a shell shop in Cloverdale, Oregon. I also found the sea urchin that I used to design the Sea Urchin Tea Light. The sea urchin lamp is cast so thin that every detail is illuminated when the candle is lit. Light up your summer evenings with this soft patterned glow

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Last week I received an email from Stephanie Turner, a tornado survivor from Harvest, Alabama. I was so moved by her story and the kindness that she extended to us to take the time to share her extraordinary experience and her sweet reaction to this little miracle in the midst of a catastrophe. I’ve included photos from Stephanie of her neighborhood, family, and the serviving angels. Take a look at the Statesmen Journal, the newspaper here in Salem, for their story on the family.

I wanted to share our email exchanges. They follow:

Hello,

I have been purchasing your angel ornaments for my two daughters since they were born (minus the few years that Ms. Furlong did not design them).  For my oldest daughter, born in 1990, I purchased a 3” Angel each and every year.  For my youngest daughter, born in 1995, I purchased a 2” angel each and every year.  I always wanted them to have a special ornament collection, so that when they were older, and left home to start their own family, they would have something to put on their trees.

Unfortunately, the tornados on April 27, 2011 took our home that was located in Harvest, AL.  Amazingly, we found 3 of the 2” angels, laying in the dirt where our home used to sit, out of their box, and out of the storage container, but UNBROKEN!  I was truly amazed and felt that God placed them there to remind us of how blessed we really are.  Even though we lost our home, we still have each other.  We have washed them off, and now have them displayed in our temporary home.

I just wanted to take a moment and share our story with you, and what these angels mean to us.

Thank you,

Stephanie Turner

Dear Stephanie,

Thank you so much for emailing us. I read your email aloud to my employees and we were all deeply touched.

I am glad to hear that this was encouraging to you and your family. It most certainly encouraged us! It is difficult to imagine losing your home and everything in it.  I’m so glad you shared your story with us; we will hold you up in prayer in a personal and specific way. May the Lord give you peace and assurance of His work to restore to you what has been lost and continue to encourage you.

Please let us know which angels were lost; we would like to fill in the missing angels for you and your daughters. You can find the angel styles with the year they were published on our website. Click the link at the bottom of the page and it will take you to the home page. Just write us back with the angels missing and when you would like us to ship them to you.

Sweet regards and tender love to you and your family.

Margaret Furlong

Thank you Ms. Furlong.

I appreciate your kind words and prayers.  My family are already encouraged so much by all the people and their good deeds in this catastrophe.  The outpouring of support from family, friends, and complete strangers has been such a blessing and just shows how God works through His people.

Yes, you have my permission to use my email on your blog/website.  I have printed off the listing of angels so that I can go home and match up with the three that I have remaining.  I will email you back tomorrow with the list we are missing.

May God continue to bless you and your staff, as you are such a blessing to others.

Stephanie Turner

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One of my favorite things to do in late winter is to enjoy spring blossoms inside. The white Japanese quince I have photographed in my dining room is from my backyard. It will bloom outside naturally in late March in my climate, but I force the blooms inside for an early and encouraging display of flowers while the winter still presides outside.

I cut long, lovely branches anytime in January or February and bring them in the warmth of my house. After I crush the cut stems with a hammer, I put them in a deep container of water and check every couple days to add more water. In two to four weeks I have a spring time of stunning white blossoms to decorate my house.

While I am waiting for the buds to blossom, the elegant branches are full of expanding buds, maturing into perfect little spheres of tender white. I believe I like these pregnant buds equally as well as the fully realized blossoms. This indoor preview of spring feeds my soul with hope and beauty for the future.

Trees and shrubs to choose for forcing:

• Japanese quinces of all colors
• Forsythia
• Ornamental flowering trees
• Fruit trees