Sunday, August 24, 2025

Watch Restock and Instructions

      In order to save a bit of money, I'm not adding the usual insert into the packages for those purchasing my watches.  I have found that most people tuck it away and forget where it is, or they accidentally throw it away.  So this post is here to provide them to you.  They are also in the listings, and I can send them to you via email or a convo on Etsy.

 


 


 



Friday, July 25, 2025

The 4th of July at the Paca House and Gardens, Historic Annapolis - 1776/2025

      This year the Annapolis Living Historians were immersed in 1776 with Mr. William Paca returning from Philadelphia to tell the people of Annapolis what took place there.  This year we had several visitors to the house, and Mr. Paca was able to talk to the events leading up to their agreeing to sign a declaration against King George III.  William Paca was a signer of that document.  Our group is honored to be at this house portraying family, friends, and associates.

 









     Photos by Elizabeth Bersche on behalf of the Annapolis Living Historians.
 

Revolutionary War Weekend at George Washington's Mount Vernon - May 2025

      The Revolutionary War Weekend at George Washington's Mount Vernon is the first weekend in May (just one week after the Fort Frederick Market Fair) each year.  It is a very busy time for me and the shop!  This year was no different.



      Mount Vernon is one of my favorite places to be.  I do not live that far, so am able to go home each evening.  It is always nice to be home.  In May, we usually have some rain, so I usually dress in cotton or linens. 


     This year, I had a twin from Samson Historical!  I was honored to be dressed like her.  I am always grateful for those who came to help me set up, sell, and tear down.  I cannot do it without them, and we always have a great time.  There are events that turn hot, it can rain, we can have strong winds, or it can be freezing cold as well.  Braving the elements to help me and my horses is never taken for granted.  My set up is always evolving to make it easier for setup/tear down but also to help my customers find exactly what they need easily.

 


 






 

The Fort Frederick Market Fair, April 2025

      This year the Fort Frederick Market Fair took place as usual at the end of April.  This was, I think, my 10th year selling at this event.  It is an important show for 18th century sutlers (vendors) and buyers as we are all in one place with pretty much all you need to participate in living history, reenacting, costuming, LARP, etc.  It is the best place to find those things you need from clothing, fabric, patterns, accessories (in my shop all you may need for jewelry), military items, rifles, knives, pots, pans, pottery, shoes, and everything inbetween that.  I've been honored to sell there as the friends group does an amazing job of getting us in and out of there efficiently, and the park rangers help when there are any issues.

 

 

     This year I dressed up one day in a 1790 outfit.  It was not only comfortable, but the day I wore it we had such wind that I was able to get some great photos.  My hat and matching sash was made by Miss Benford's Emporium, gown and transition stays made by Pauper's Modiste, and shoes by Rose Galante all found on Etsy.  The outfit was inspired by a portrait of Emilie Seriziat, sister of Margaret Charlotte David with one of her sons.  The portrait below is in the Louvre.

 

 
      The other days, I wore my traditional 18th century gowns.  I usually try to mix things up a bit, and by doing that I extend my wardrobe.  I did not seem to get a photo on Friday, probably because my photographers were not there with me.  Photos were taken by Krista Jasillo and Elizabeth Bersche.

 





 




Garden Party at the Paca House and Gardens and The New York Times, May 2025

      I coordinated and participated in the Annapolis Living Historians annual garden party at the Paca House and Gardens in Historic Annapolis.  This year it was held in May instead of October, and we will be holding it in May from now on.  It is the one event that our group is able to socialize over food and drink, and meet new people who want to possibly join our group.  Visitors to the Paca House came out as we were in the summer house on the grounds.


 
     This year we had so many come out, including a reporter visiting Annapolis, and highlighted our group in an article about Annapolis and all of the things to do in town.



      It has been awhile since I had time to post on here, and am sorry it is so late!  Here are some photos of our day - the weather was absolutely beautiful!

 








Photos by Elizabeth Bersche on behalf of the Annapolis Living Historians.



Friday, April 11, 2025

Interview with Pottsgrove Manor

      Last year I was asked to do an interview with Pottsgrove Manor in Pottsgrove, PA, about my jewelry business.  It was the same time I was dealing with my horse, Mindy Lou, having health issues and having to send her to Heaven.  It was a very hard time for me, and I was not actually interested in doing anything much less a video interview.  However, they were very patient with me, I prayed on it, and decided to do it.  

     The video is on YouTube and embedded in this post.  Please like it to boost the views.  Thank you again for supporting me and my horses.  It is greatly appreciated!

 


Link is here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT68Nm7rti0

Saturday, February 8, 2025

Bread, The Support of Life, Part II - Article in Muzzleloader Magazine, January/February 2025

      I was asked a year or so ago to write articles for Muzzleloader Magazine, and my second article on Bread - Indian Corn was published!  Make sure you buy a copy or subscription to read it.  It includes receipes (or receipts as they called them in the 18th century).  There will be future articles on select articles on jewelry, and definitely more on food!

 

 



 

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Dinner and Ball at Gadsby's Tavern, 28 December 2024

      I was invited to attend a dinner and ball on 28 December 2024 to close out the year!  I have a very nice evening with good friends.  The usual suspects were in attendance!

 

     The theme was the Bals des Victimes or Survivor's Balls which were taking place all over Paris in 1795. The Reign of Terror had ended, and Robespierre had been guillotined.


     I am dressed in the later 18th century attire when in the 1790's there was a transition period. I am pleased with how my clothing came together - my gown was made by Paupers Modiste via Etsy, silk open robe by Classic Costume, jewelry by me, and my headwear was borrowed from Elizabeth Figler. You cannot see my shoes but they were made by Rose Galante also on Etsy in the gold silk pumps (and so comfortable).

Krista Jasillo and I

Elizabeth Figler and Krista

John Douglass Hall, Gema Gonzalez, Shane Kippenhan, and I

Gema, Krista, and Heather Kenney (the hostess)

Harry Aycock, Liz Webb, Elizabeth and I

Elizabeth and I

Penny Di Palma and Miss Perry

Harry Aycock and I