{nine quiet months}

It has been around nine months since I last wrote a post on here. I should rename this blog:: 

The Dustiest Blog in the Universe.

Today I'm working on a holiday shop update and thought I'd share something (while dusting off the blog). I have these two amazing Gatsby sister necklaces that were planning on swishing into the shop over the weekend. Here they are:

That is, until I did this....

They look amazing together! I may have to hang on to these pretties for a few more days. 

In other news, there is a sale happening in the shop today through the eighth of November. Enjoy fifteen percent off any order over twenty dollars. Coupon code and details can be found in the shop announcement! 

Feliz Dia de los Muertos!!!

Mardi Gras Madness

Happy Mardi Gras! 

Growing up in the South Mardi Gras was a HUGE deal! Now that I've moved back West, I don't hear much about it. 

While I was having a Mardi Pity Party for myself this morning I stumbled across an AMAZING collection of Mardi Gras float and costume design sketches from the late 1800s. Here are a few of my favorites:

1892 Krewe of Proteus

1900 Krewe of Proteus 

There are SO many incredible costumes! You can check out the 1873 costume sketches here. This fantastic and rare collection is housed at the Tulane University Research Center.

Happy Mardi Gras!!!!

Vente de Février

A sale is brewing on the horizon and there is a sneak preview for my lovely blog readers! 

Tomorrow is the first of February and The Hidden Chamber will hosting a sale in the shop. However.....for those who read the blog, the sale begins today! 

Please use coupon code SWEET10 during checkout to receive ten percent off your order. Sorry, but the code must be entered and cannot be applied after the sale. 

The sale runs through next Friday, February 8th....just in time for Valentine's Day shopping!

Bonne Année et Bonne Santé

Happy New Year!!!

19th century token of luck

I thought I should do a quick catch-up and let you all know the results from November's Marine Corps Birthday Sale (I know....I know....I'm really late!).

Over ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS (!!) has been donated to the Semper Fi Foundation from a portion of the sales that occurred November 10-11 in the shop!

The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund is a nonprofit organization that is set up to provide immediate financial support for injured and critically ill members of the United States Armed Forces and their families. Thank you to all who participated in the second annual fundraiser sale!

Over the weekend I took down my Christmas decorations.
I hate having to put some of these old Christmas beauties in a box for another year!

 Images of Christmas from over a century ago, tiny glass bells, velvet millinery flowers, 19th century tinsel stars, flocked Künstlerschutz animals ......

1920s metal icicles, Victorian blown glass ornaments, French gilt leaves, hand made antique garlands, Antique Bavarian candle clips, German kugles and tiny mercury glass French horns.....and loads and loads of antique metal tinsel garland!

During the holiday I have been carefully selecting jewels for my New Year Collection. Over the coming weeks tons of beautiful Victorian pieces will be filtering into the shop. I think I will grab another cup of coffee (using my beautiful new mug from Mary!) and get to work! Please stay tuned for a massive shop update!

{twilight seclusion}

 Victorian mourning jewelry is so beautiful and so sentimental. Each piece is handcrafted with care - oftentimes commissioned by the person in mourning. I was sifting through my jewelry box and decided to share a small portion of my favorite pieces!

 Included in this small collection are carved cameos  - crafted out of different substances such as vulcanite, bog oak and Vauxhall glass. 

There was so much thought and consideration to symbolic details in these jewels.

"Those who wish to show themselves strict observers of etiquette keep their houses in twilight seclusion and sombre with mourning for a year or more, allowing the piano to remain closed for the same time." 

Black Friday races toward Cyber Monday

Happy Belated Thanksgiving to Everyone!

My favorite Thanksgiving decoration. Look at the tiny turkey sitting next to him on the fence!

We had family visiting from far and the food was divine. My sweetie husband snuck out of bed early this morning to hang out with the kids and let me sleep in....so I am finally getting the Black Friday SALE started in the shop!


Enjoy ten percent off your order for Black Friday Weekend! Offer ends on Cyber Monday (11.26.12) at 9pm Pacific time (midnight Etsy time).

Please enter coupon code BLACKFRIDAY10 during checkout to receive this offer!

Marine Corps Birthday Sale

{Marine Corps Birthday Sale - 11.10.12}

My Mom and Dad :)

The Hidden Chamber is hosting a sale in honor of the 237th birthday of the United States Marine Corps! 

For the last 237 years, Marines have fought tirelessly to preserve the freedom of the United States. 

THANK YOU to all the brave Marines, including my Father, who have been protecting our freedom since before the United States was born!

A portion of all sales made this weekend will be donated to aid our wounded Marines through the Semper Fi Fund - In Memory of Sgt Travis D. Pfister and all who have given their lives to keep us free. 

http://semperfifund.org/

Please enjoy 15% off your entire order this weekend in the shop! 

Use Code MARINE at Checkout. Offer expires tomorrow (11.11.12) at 9pm Pacific Time, Midnight Etsy Time.