A Day of Art & Culture

 Saturday we had the pleasure of visiting The Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA) to view the China's Terracotta Warriors exhibit.

First can I say I love visiting museums and that MIA is one of the best museums I've ever been to. I know you're thinking...what museums has she visited? My list is not long, but I've been to The National Gallery London, Tate Modern London, The Louvre Paris and many small galleries throughout the United States and I love them all!

Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Minneapolis, MN

So...the exhibit. It was located in the Target Gallery and to get to it we walked through the Asian Gallery....A wonderful collection in itself!

We were greeted by a wonderful life size chariot and horse team....then on to the warriors.

The pictures here were pulled from the MIA website...as you CANNOT take pictures of the exhibit (right John) :-)

So, here's just a peak at what we saw:

After 2000 years, he still has bits of his original paint left!

The horses were wonderful.

The exhibit runs through next weekend...I encourage everyone in the Mpls area to go, but do order your tickets ahead of time. We did, but I saw lots of people, who had not, get turned away.

After seeing this wonderful collection I'm feeling inspired to add some bits of Asian flavor to my new pieces.

                                                                 "Everyman,
                                                                   I will go with thee
                                                                   And be thy guide,
                                                                   In thy most need
                                                                   To go by thy side"

                                                      From "Three Hundred Tang Poems"

20 Best Twenty!

So excited to announce Nostalgic Summer is one of the "20 Best Twenty"

You can check out Nostalgic Summer and the other 19 wonderful artists on the list at 20BestTwenty Follow along with 20BestTwenty  for weekly updates on all 20 artists.

And here's a peak at something new from Nostalgic Summer's Etsy Shop:

Green Bangle  
Pink Bangle

Red Bangle
Paisley Bangle

Turquoise Floral Bangle
Yellow Bangle 

These new bangle bracelets  are now available on Etsy....and through Valentines day receive 15% off with code BEMINE at checkout!

*Remember Bangles Look BEST in Multiples!*

And The Winner Is.......

Tiny drum roll please!

The winner of the Tin Heart giveaway is:

CONGRATULATIONS Victoria, and thank you for always being such a supportive follower of Nostalgic Summer!

Victoria...please choose your favorite from the above photo. Email me your choice and shipping info to renee@nostalgicsummer.com 

A big thank you and valentine XOXO's to everyone who participated!

And if you did not win a Tin Heart Necklace visit my Etsy shop as the are now available to purchase!

*Friday Fun*

It has been a busy week here at Nostalgic Summer, and I am so excited to tell you of all the great things going on! I've been busy with new projects, prospects, and promotions...some have to wait to be revealed....but here's a bit of fun for Friday: (don't forget to read to the end....there's a surprise!)

The Re-purposed Tin Heart is the latest addition to the Nostalgic Summer collection. And I think I'm in love!

The Tin Heart pendant is made from vintage tins, a dangle of vintage seed beads, with a small flower bead on the end, it's hanging from a brass ball chain.

These pieces are made with the same attention to detail, care and love as all my re-purposed tin jewelry. I hand cut the heart pattern..... I cut a few trial pieces before I got the shape that I think is perfect!

I think they are sweet and charming.

AND....here's the best part! To introduce the Tin Heart Pendant to you I'm holding a giveaway!

All you have to do to enter is leave a comment here letting me know which heart you like best. Follow my blog and you will have a second chance in the drawing....follow me on Facebook at: NostalgicSummer for a third chance in the drawing! 

The contest will run through Sunday, and I will announce the winner here on Monday. Good Luck!

*Have a great weekend everyone!

~ Saturday Morning Finds ~

Around here Saturday morning is the time to snuggle in bed a bit, cuddling with the dogs, watching old movies on the TV, and paruse the internet, especially Etsy.

So....I thought I would show you a few of my favorite Saturday finds. Enjoy!

This is what we see outside the window in January, so I find myself searching for warm, cozy items.

 I love this Snow White Winter Cowl from MaybeTheWhiteDog 

And these Merino Alpaca Knit Headbands from IRISMINT would be perfect for walks with Audrey and Lily. Her scarves are yummy also!

Aren't these Pocket Hand Warmers from WormeWoole adorable! And they are "Eco Friendly."

 I do LOVE the Everyday Cashmere Mittens from purlBknit. You have to check out all her gorgeous original pattern designs....the Necklace of Falling Leaves is fantastic!

For the little ones, these Handknit Puppy Mittens from WarmWoolenWishes  are so sweet!

And this Grey Herringbone Chunky Scarf from EandAHeritage has my name all over it! I also love the Large Pashmina Scarf in tobbaco.

This wonderful chunky Hot Toddy Lap Rug from fringe is just what we need for these Saturday morning snuggle sessions!

Last, but not least...Lily and Audrey made their pick:

A girls gotta look good while staying warm, and this Alpaca Dog Sweater from k9knits will do just the trick!

Happy Saturday! Sat warm and cozy....