Collins Gifts

2011 Portsmouth NH Festival of Trees #6 of 6

2012-01-12T21:35:00.000-05:00

First I would like to take a moment to say a big THANK YOU to Portsmouth Garden Club for their wonderful fund raising efforts of behalf of the community.
This year over 7000 people attended Portsmouth Festival of the Trees. Voting in all 4 display areas was done by colored popsicle. That means the Portsmouth Garden Club needed to count over 28,000!!!

Below are pictures from the last area. The Antique Cape.

Bedroom by Seabreeze Quilt Club

Library by Spruce Interiors & Five O'Clock Fox

Hallway By In-Home

Origami Peace Tree by Carolyn Thomas

Kitchen by Portsmouth Garden Club

Dining Room by Cabot House, Uniques & Antiques,
Madeline's Daughter Bridal and Flowers by Hillside Garden

                    Sitting Room by Collins Gifts~Twas the Day Before Christmas 1950's
                  I am thrilled to announce that we won People Choice Award for the Antique Cape.
                  I want to thank everyone who voted for us and everyone who attend the 19th
                  Portsmouth NH Festival of Trees. I am looking forward to 2013!

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T20:15:00.000-05:00

2011-12-24T22:21:00.002-05:00

2011 Portsmouth, NH Festival of Trees Learning Center #5 of 6

2011-12-21T20:40:00.000-05:00

2011 Portsmouth Festival of Trees Outside #4 of 6

2011-12-01T21:39:00.000-05:00

Festival of Trees #3 of 6 Miniature Trees in Rosemary Cottage

2011-11-27T11:21:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T07:20:00.000-05:00

I would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!
May you enjoy a wonderful day with friends and family.
For those on the road drive safely!

2011 Festival of Trees Part 2 of 6

2011-11-22T20:59:00.000-05:00

We did it!! Not quite by Thursday night. We had a few minor details to address on Friday AM.
But here is the sitting room in the cottage.

2011 Festival of Trees Portsmouth, NH Part 1 of 6

2011-11-21T19:43:00.000-05:00

Monday was unload day for Festival of Trees. Karen & I had the living room in the cottage to decorate. 1950's living room & Santa's workshop we called "The Day Before Christmas".

The Festival of Trees has been a Portsmouth tradition since 1983. This festive event is co-sponsored by The Portsmouth Garden Club and the New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands-Urban Forestry Center.

Local businesses, artisans, civic groups, and individuals are invited to display a tree, decorate a room, or create an exhibit. There is no fee to participate and all exhibits remain the property of those who participate. There are no raffles and nothing is sold at this fun filled family event.

Monday the truck was loaded and we were ready to start set up.

This was the room in the cottage Karen & I would transform into a 1950's display.

Karen utters her favorite Festival phrase "A tree can never have too many lights"

We only have until Thursday night to pull this together!

Wednesday and Karen is adding more lights!

Now on to the wreaths.

RIP Thor my friend, my companion.... January 1, 2003- August 9, 2011

2011-08-11T20:25:00.000-04:00

On August 9th my 8 year old German Shepherd passed away. Maine Vet. Clinic put him on steroids for a problem which killed him. Larger dogs can have adverse reaction to steroids so if a vet prescribes steroids to your dog PLEASE ask for an alternative medication!

Thor has join his friend Katie

                                                         Hera misses the both :(
                            A dear friend sent me this wonderful poem...Thank You Marti.

                      Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
              Author unknown...

July Brimfield Part 2

2011-08-04T19:27:00.000-04:00

I think I have mentioned it a few times but I can't help it.I LOVE going to Brimfield Antique Shows in Brimfield Ma.3 times a year. May, July and Sept. I hit the 100 acres of fields over 4-5 days armed with my camera and my cart. What treasure will I find before it makes it way into someone elses cart! I took hundreds of pictures and below are just a few of some wonderful finds. If you love Brimfield please click on the link and help the community that was devastated with a tornado on June 1st. Now if you have never been and want tips, which fields open which day, where to stay, where to find the best ice cream :> just e-mail me.

Toys & Dollhouses of Brimfield MA July Antique Show

2011-07-26T08:32:00.000-04:00

I was just in Brimfield MA. for the week. I love shopping the 100 acres of fields. It seems around each corner is a new treasure I just can't live without.
This trip I was also shocked at the devastation from the June 1 tornado. I have also included some pictures. To learn more about Brimfield and also find a link to donate to the recovery efforts please click on BRIMFIELD.

This 1800's Dollhouse was amazing.It was approx.6 ft. by 6 ft. Can you picture it full furnished...

Sweet Steiff Elephant

Child's size hutch

Toy/Salesman sample stove

This 1950's ToyTown Garage just couldn't be passed up.

July 4th Sunset....

2011-07-17T10:12:00.002-04:00

I live in Rye, NH which is on a 13 mile strip of NH Seacoast.I have been here a good portion of my life but am still in awe of the beauty of the area. On July 4th we decided to take the sunset cruise out of Rye Harbor on Granite State Whale Watch.First stop The Isles of Shoals six miles off the coast and straddling the border of Maine and New Hampshire consisting of nine small islands and end with watching fire works in Hampton Beach, NH. Below are some of my favorite scenic vista's. Enjoy!

Happy Independence Day

2011-07-04T09:17:00.000-04:00

Summer Has Begun!

2011-06-28T20:56:00.001-04:00

I always know the summer season is about to begin when 300 tons of sand is dropped off in Hampton Beach, NH for the Master Sand Sculpting Competition. This happened on June 17th as the artists got ready to begin their sculpting. Unfortunately we had LOTS of rain again this year.

I went down to Hampton Beach one afternoon to watch the artist sculpt then back down at sunrise on the first sunny day. I love nothing better then to be at the beach early in the morning with my camera, a mug of Dunkin Donuts coffee and donuts as I admire these amazing sand castles.

There was an old woman who lived in a show & sent her kids to summer camp.

Precious Beginnings

Precious Nature

Lamb

Brimfield May 2011

2011-06-01T21:22:00.000-04:00

April & May I spent alot of time on the road but I did manage to get to Brimfield, Ma. This is my all time favorite antique flea market.
http://www.brimfieldshow.com/
I usually go from Tuesday- Sat. But this year I could only make it for 2 days as it coflicted with the Quinlan Bear & Doll show in PA. The show was so wonderful I didn't mind missing Brimfield...but that is my next blog.
The shoppers have the right away in this town and there are 100 acres of fields to shop. There is nothing you can't find in Brimfield and there is a buyer for everything. But let my pictures tell the story...

Now where is the rest of the bear??

Karen had the greatest Steiff & Dolls

My cart taking trip 4 to the car!

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T06:27:00.000-04:00

Happy Easter!

2011-04-23T10:24:00.001-04:00

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend.

On the road again.....

2011-02-15T17:17:00.002-05:00

My bags are packed.......I'm ready to go.

I'm headed for fun in the sun. Florida.

And it will be fun!!!

I'll be exhibiting at .........

Bright Star Promotions Teddy Bear Show

February 20, 2011

Sunday - 10:00 am. to 3:00 pm

Crown Plaza Westshore

5303 W Kennedy Blvd.

(I-275 at Exit 39A or 40A )

Tampa, FL

The artists I work with have been busy...........turns out, cabin fever is a good thing!

I'll have lots of new, wonderful creations available for you to see.

I hope to see you there!

Wishing All Of You.............

2011-02-14T11:34:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

A Blog for Cindy

2011-01-16T19:52:00.002-05:00

Nubble Lighthouse, York ME

Wednesday we had another 20+ inches of snow and I planned on doing a blog of snow and church & chapel pictures. But during the blizzard my friend Cindy called. Cindy asked me to take some ocean pictures for her as she loves/misses the New England Seacoast. So as soon as the roads cleared a bit I headed out. Cindy here are you pictures...hope you enjoy them!

Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse
Newcastle, NH
Ghost Hunters filmed an episode here

Whaleback Lighthouse
Kittery, ME

A Weekend of Flea Marketing :)

2011-01-10T22:38:00.000-05:00

We spent the weekend hitting all the local flea markets. Many vendors
had wonderful Christmas treasures. Christmas cards, old tinsel, Jack & Jill,my
favorite...a Klumpe Santa, a tabaco can with Santa on it. This suitcase
with red lining was perfect for carrying all my finds.

There were great old photo's, a sewing bird, a snowman I couldn't resist
and a vintage peanut butter can.

I couldn't resist the Halloween and Chritmas Cookie Cutter's!

I also found a hard plastic doll from the 40's and Chritmas Glasses from the
50's to add to my stock pile for Festival Of The Tree's next year.
Our theme is a 50's Christmas.

Now who can pass by a child's roll top dest. I sure can't..

2010-09-01T19:30:00.000-04:00

As a child my grandfather and I would always ride our bikes down to Fuller Garden's in
North Hampton, NH to see the roses. I would just spend hours roaming thru the gardens. Though my grandfather is no longer here to make the annual trip with me I still continue to go and enjoy the roses.

Brimfield has it all!!

2010-08-27T05:44:00.000-04:00

A Week of Highs & Lows

2010-08-24T20:40:00.001-04:00

SO WHAT IS THE BRIMFIELD SHOW??? Well, it's the largest outdoor antique show in the world, held since 1959 in Brimfield, Massachusetts and in May a place I meet up with friends to shop and play. This is an annual event for Heidi, Cathy and myself. My goal is to hit all 100 acres of fields in the 4 days we are there...

After years of searching, Heidi is now the proud owner of a Steiff Studio Kangaroo.

Today's amazing find was 50 yards of antique bunting. But you can't hide from my schedule:>

It's finally time to leave the fields for the day, have dinner and work on the next days schedule!

Two days after returning from Brimfield we had a house fire, Hope to be able to return home by Christmas..I am just so happy we shipped Heidi's Kangaroo before she flew home!

Spring Trees & Flowers

2010-04-19T08:47:00.015-04:00

I was on my way to mail my NH Business Tax Forms, New Hampshire is one of those few
states that you can't e-file :<>
weekend.
I decided to take a detour on my way to some of my favorite flower spots.
Yes, we did get flurries.
Hope you enjoy a few glimpes into spring,
Wendy

Lunch Time??

No, this isn't this weekends snow but prettier!

A Big Thank You

2010-04-13T08:22:00.011-04:00

A Big Thank You!
I want to thank my son Nicholas who is a student at Embry Riddle in Daytona Beach, Fl and his 2 friends Jackie & Sara.
I was recently in Tampa as a vendor at Bright Star Promotions Bear Show and Nicholas, Jackie & Sara came to help me set up and break down. They also went with me in search of pelicans!
Thank You Nicholas, Jackie & Sara...PS I will be back next year hope you can help again.

My Table at Valerie's Bright Star Promotions Show

in Tampa, FL

Check out the youtube video:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaSo05rwe7w

Valley Forge, PA

2010-02-19T07:06:00.012-05:00

What a difference a day can make! I was recently in King of Prussia, PA on a buying trip. Everytime I go to King of Prussia I always make time to go to Valley Forge National Park to share sunrise with the deer. This past trip I went Thursday morning. Friday there were blizzard warnings for Saturday. These warnings were not exaggerated we woke Sat. morning to over 24" of snow. That meant a trip Sunday morning back to the park to trapse thru the snow. I have to say I did spend hours there and took 178 picutres of deer.

Winter Trees

2010-02-11T21:25:00.035-05:00

I have always been fascinated by winter trees. There is something so serene about watching them sleep..waiting for spring. I often wonder what surprises they might hold behind them....

Snow Day

2010-01-04T00:09:00.000-05:00

I Love snow days. As a child I was out the door building snowmen, forts

and snow angels.

Now it's a chance to take snow pictures. I trudge thru the snow

looking for birds day dreaming of the spring flowers to come, trees

covered with snow and ice and other wildlife. There will be trees in

another blog post. Later this month I will be going to my favorite place

for wild deer pictures.

2009-12-30T19:16:00.000-05:00

Here is my Festival of the Trees display. I could have never done it without the
help of my friend Karen. Karen is the Queen of Lights and in all the years we

have been doing a display for Festival this is the first year Karen has not sent me out

to buy more lights!I would like to thank Rye Mantel Company for the amazing mantel.

Also all the artists who made special pieces for the display.

Shari Lutz for the greatest life size Santa.Heidi Steiner for the large center seam bear and the smaller bear in Santa's pack.Cathy Pendleton for the snowman in the shoe, the bird cage angel and the 3 kitten's in the basket. Vergie Lightfoot for those wonderful realistic cats and mouse.

Barbara Scott for her great Jenny Lind doll. Craig Yenke for the reindeer on the mantel.

Julie Marcotte for the special large Raggedy in Santa's pack.

Antique Cape Dining Room by Susan-Just The Thing-Dover,NH

2009-12-23T11:50:00.000-05:00

My friend, Susan from Just The Thing in Dover turned the dining room of the antique cape into a wonderful whimiscal room. Susan spent many nights sewing all the stockings, covering the chairs and making the table cloth. The cake is an all sugar creation by a friend of Susan's and the cats & mice are all Vergie Lightfoot Originals. Congratulations Susan your room was amazing!

Susan's sister Linda takes one final look before the crowds come to admire!

The Outside Trees

2009-12-17T07:49:00.001-05:00

"Rolling With The Season" "Twelve Neighs of Christmas"
Wadleigh Falls Veterinary &

The Tack Shack

"A Whale of a Holiday" Amazing train set display along tree ornaments

Piper Boatworks

What would a Festival of the Trees

be without a Tribute to

The Boston Red Soxs

2009-12-03T06:59:00.000-05:00

We have just finished doing Portsmouth Festival of Trees. This is our 12th year participating. Area businesses set up a display and people pay to see these display's.The money raised is awarded as scholarships and grants to students and community groups in the Seacoast area. This year there were 7500 viewers of 80 displays.
I will be doing a few blogs with pictures of all the wonderful displays. The Festival is divide into 4 sections.The Learning Center, The Outside Trees, Rosemary Cottage & The Cape. I will start with The Outside Trees.

2009-11-17T10:09:00.000-05:00

I have had lots of friends telling me I should do a blog. I was brought up as a traditional Northern New England Yankee "Make it brief and to the point". Many of my e-mails are one or 2 liners and on occasions my subject line is actually my e-mail. But then again that's how family members also send e-mails. Recently there was a cook-out at my sister's house. The subject line said COOKOUT JULY 5th 1:00 RSVP. I replied also in the subject line : Wendy -Yes- 4.

So what do I blog about? Arrival of new work from artists-I send out an new arrival e-mail plus the greatest website person in the world -Marti posts all new info. I will take this moment to thank Marti as I sure couldn't handle a website and webshows without her. So I think posting on in a third venue would be overkill.

So as many of you know I am never without a camera. I am always on the lookout for that perfect scenic vista or some cute creature. This being said I have decided to use my blog as a photo portfolio.

The foliage change in New England this year was especially wonderful due to all the rain we had this summer. I guess this is the one benefit of an awful summer.