If you don't mind my being nosy, where do you stand on collecting orphaned teacups? For most of my life, I have been firmly against them. We tea lovers have a hard enough time finding places for all our teacup-and-saucer sets and teapots without adding a pile of singleton teacups to the mix. But ... this one was so beautiful! It was $3 at What's in Store, the wonderful little thrift store near my office. I bought this teacup last year not knowing quite what I'd do with it, one of those rare too-pretty-to-leave-it items.
And then I came across the wonderful article "Alluring African Violets" in the new issue of Country Gardens magazine. Is that not just the loveliest display of violets you've ever seen? The African violets in the article are mostly miniatures, but what a great way to use those pretty orphaned teacups.
The lone violet I currently own is not blooming, but I have been inspired to try rooting a new one in water, just as I used to do years ago when I was really good at growing African violets. (But before I changed my tune on collecting orphaned teacups, alas!)
If you don't mind my being nosy, where do you stand on collecting orphaned teacups? For most of my life, I have been firmly against them. We tea lovers have a hard enough time finding places for all our teacup-and-saucer sets and teapots without adding a pile of singleton teacups to the mix. But ... this one was so beautiful! It was $3 at What's in Store, the wonderful little thrift store near my office. I bought this teacup last year not knowing quite what I'd do with it, one of those rare too-pretty-to-leave-it items.
And then I came across the wonderful article "Alluring African Violets" in the new issue of Country Gardens magazine. Is that not just the loveliest display of violets you've ever seen? The African violets in the article are mostly miniatures, but what a great way to use those pretty orphaned teacups.
The lone violet I currently own is not blooming, but I have been inspired to try rooting a new one in water, just as I used to do years ago when I was really good at growing African violets. (But before I changed my tune on collecting orphaned teacups, alas!)
That is a beautiful teacup. I love it's gold trim and little feet. It would look very pretty holding an African violet. It would also make a pretty candle.
ReplyDeleteI have the same issue with teacups. I had one I absolutely loved and I turned it into a pin cushion.
ReplyDeleteI do love African Violets...
You make it too easy to keep adding to my already burgeoning collection of tea things.
A good friend, indeed. LOL!
That is a lovely cup and a great idea for using it. I am all for collecting "orphaned" cups. you just never know what you'llbe able to use them for. I use mine to hold bars of soap, odds & ends and have used them for the occasional flower as well.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet name - orphan teacup! I, too, don't want to collect anymore extra cups...but when you call it an orphan...that makes it sad! It tugs at a mama's heartstrings.
ReplyDeleteI love orphaned tea cups; I am out of room but that's all right. My Scottish great-grandmother would understand -- she loved tea things too!
ReplyDeleteWhat a neat cup. I've not seen that style before. I don't collect orphan cups. But I do like your idea of using them as a flower pot.
ReplyDeleteLove What's in Store!! I think your idea is a good one. I want a violet too. Maybe i'll try the teacup thing too!!!tammyp
ReplyDeleteI love African Violets, I've always had a soft spot for them because my mom always had several in the kitchen window growing up. My attempts at growing them have not been so successful... major bummer. But what a great use for lil orphan cups! Maybe I'll try again :o)
ReplyDeleteAfrican Violets ! I have been a member of The African Violet society
ReplyDeletesince 1971 ! Love them ! cute cup !
Ijust got that garden magazine in the mail. I love the article on the Jane Austin garden. Actually I sell the book which has the same photos so I had already seen them. Your cup could easily go inside a wreath hanging down!
ReplyDeleteI don't generally collect orphan teacups, but I agree that this one is very pretty.
ReplyDeleteSusan B.
Love orphaned cups! I taught spec ed and my students would host tea parties in the classroom to work on manners, etc. We used orphaned cups and stray saucers I purchased at a junk shop. The kids loved "matching" the cups and saucers they thought looked nice together. B-)
ReplyDeleteAngela, I'm sorry to add this to the blog but didn't know another way to tell you -- I was playing with my profile earlier this week and now it looks as if I am two different people (depending on which blog comment you read). Sometimes I'm Beverly and other times I'm BB. Didn't want you to think I was trying to pull a fast one--- B-)
ReplyDeleteHello, Angela
ReplyDeleteI can see why you bought this teacup: it's adorable! In my earlier days, I had to have 'the whole set' or both cup & saucer...
Now that I'm older & wiser, I have seen all the neat things you can do with 'orphan cups' and now I am all for them! Thanks for sharing,
Joanie
I love African violets but have never rooted one. My grandmother could pinch off a leaf and then grow the most beautiful plants from just that one leaf. I thought she was a magician. Let me know how it goes with your leaf -- it may inspire me to do it, too.
ReplyDeleteDear Angela,
ReplyDeleteWhat a delight to see my article on African violets featured on your lovely blog. It was a fun article to write and produce because I had a chance to use all those wonderful teacups and other china pieces in my collection. Thank you for purchasing the mag!
Kimber
I'm glad I'm not the only one who fell in love with that article. I immediately dug around my house and came up with an old teapot and creamer and planted a couple of African violets in them. They look adorable!
ReplyDelete