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Monday, September 19, 2011

A Puzzling Situation

This week we are sharing a unique and (we hope) interesting post. It is a small collection of ivory puzzle balls. These amazing feats of skilled carving fascinate me!

Puzzle balls are made in China, usually of ivory, but sometimes jade, bone, or other materials are used. The ivory ones often come with a tall and elaborately carved stand.

To make the balls the sphere is first turned on a lathe and then conical holes are drilled toward the center. Layers are carved from the inside out. The more layers it has, the more intricate the piece. The largest can be over six inches in diameter and have over twenty balls inside! I just love the delicate and lacy look of the stand on this one.

Puzzle balls are very fragile and easily damaged. They are a tempting puzzle of trying to line up all the holes; but if you do try, use something soft and thin like a quill or a toothpick. This handsome guy was once a piece from a chess set. Wow! Imagine, it must have been fabulous!

 This is my latest find, and it’s incredible. 

Look closely! This one has eleven smaller carved  balls that are free moving on the outside layer! Way cool!

It takes very little force to damage the inner shells, and dropping them is usually fatal! So, one must use delicacy and patience to solve a puzzle ball. Since I have neither, I just look at mine, lol! 

Hope you enjoyed looking at them too!

Hugs,

Patti
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87 comments:

  1. My name is RietSeptember 19, 2011 at 3:10 AM

    I have never seen these balls before but they look bautiful and intriging.
    Have a nice day

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  2. Scrappy Pink CornerSeptember 19, 2011 at 6:38 AM

    Wow. Love these pieces you have. When I first was married I had lots of the ivory pieces because I had decorated my home oriental. Now I have the more traditional and antique look, but my sister still has the pieces. I always think of taking them (because I love them), back but she is enjoying them now.
    Thanks for sharing.

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  3. Pati @ A Crafty EscapeSeptember 19, 2011 at 7:43 AM

    What stunning works of art, my daughter would love these! Thank you for sharing.

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  4. Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️September 19, 2011 at 9:53 AM

    WOW! Your puzzle balls are amazing. They are beautiful works of art.

    Dee

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  5. Ann @ makethebestofthingsSeptember 19, 2011 at 10:56 AM

    Holy smoke, those ivory balls are amazing. I love intricate carvings of any kind and the level of skill required to do this kind of art is amazing. You have a beautiful collection and from looking at your blog, a very good eye!

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  6. Happy To Be/ Gl♥riaSeptember 19, 2011 at 11:24 AM

    WOW!! these are so awesome I have never seen these before..thanks for sharing these girls..Have a GREAT day..hugs and smiles Gloria

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  7. TinaSeptember 19, 2011 at 11:32 AM

    I haven't seen puzzle balls in a long time! My godmother had some but I wasn't allowed to touch them! Thank you for sharing.

    Visiting from Debbiedoos

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  8. AnnySeptember 19, 2011 at 12:08 PM

    How beautiful!

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  9. Tablescapes By DianeSeptember 19, 2011 at 3:32 PM

    Hi lovely lady.
    This Ivy ball is Gorgeous !! You have a bautiful collection..
    I would like to thank you so much for your sweet comments on my new black and white Tablescape. I hope you have a great week with your family.
    XXOO Diane

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  10. DebbiedoosSeptember 19, 2011 at 3:37 PM

    Very unique! I love the vignette. Thanks for sharing with my newbie party.

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  11. lvroftiquesSeptember 19, 2011 at 4:09 PM

    Boy howdy!! I have seen them and wondered what they were? Thank you for clairifying Patti! What a stunning collection you have! And so beautifully photographed too *winks* Vanna

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  12. Elle and LouSeptember 19, 2011 at 4:50 PM

    I have never seen or heard of these before. Most fascinating! Lynda

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  13. Grammy GoodwillSeptember 19, 2011 at 5:05 PM

    They are gorgeous. Wherever did you find them?

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  14. Just JaimeSeptember 19, 2011 at 7:53 PM

    They are really cool!

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  15. Rosemary@villabarnesSeptember 19, 2011 at 8:33 PM

    I'm puzzled. Just kidding. I've always loved the craftsmanship of these. You have a beautiful collection. Great taste, and a great eye.

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  16. BabsSeptember 19, 2011 at 9:09 PM

    Patti,
    Fabulous! Y'all find the most beautiful and unusual antiques. Thanks for sharing.

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  17. Sonny GSeptember 19, 2011 at 10:09 PM

    oh my Patty.. what beautiful unique pieces.. I know you must cherish those..

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  18. Red Rose AlleySeptember 19, 2011 at 10:43 PM

    Those are so unique. It looks like a lot of detail went into making them. They also look so delicate. Thanks for sharing the pictures and the story behind them.
    ~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

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  19. Gypsy HeartSeptember 19, 2011 at 10:44 PM

    How beautiful!! Very interesting too. I'm a new follower and I look forward to getting to know you two ladies. Stop by and say hi when you can!

    Pat

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  20. Our Hopeful HomeSeptember 20, 2011 at 12:49 AM

    I can honestly say that I've never heard of these mysterious, intriguing things! So beautiful. Thanks for sharing your collection and the history behind them. And thanks for linking up over at Club G.W. with Charm Bracele Diva!

    xoxo
    Kathleen

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  21. UnknownSeptember 20, 2011 at 2:20 AM

    These are amazing, I've never seen anything like them. The craftmanship is stunning. Thank you for sharing.

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  22. Sanghamitra Bhattacherjee(Mukherjee)September 20, 2011 at 7:10 AM

    I always enjoy my to visit your creative space. Thanks again for sharing another beautiful post.
    Hope to see you on my blog:)

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  23. GailSeptember 20, 2011 at 7:37 AM

    Thanks for sharing the delicate puzzle balls and their history.

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  24. Cottage and BroomeSeptember 20, 2011 at 10:14 AM

    Beautiful!!! I have not run across theses balls before in my treasure hunting. What a great find. Laura Cottage and Broome

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  25. DIYbyDesignSeptember 20, 2011 at 8:09 PM

    I've never seen anything like that before. It's really beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing these unique works of art at my Sizzle into Summer party.

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  26. a quiet lifeSeptember 20, 2011 at 8:14 PM

    what an interesting post~

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  27. Barb September 20, 2011 at 8:18 PM

    Hi....never seen these before but they do look interesting. I love the color...very pretty.

    Barb

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  28. AnonymousSeptember 20, 2011 at 8:23 PM

    Wow these are amazing pieces of art and engineering!! The variety is amazing! They are truly lovely to look at and I think that if the person who made each one didn't have patience in the beginning of the project, they certainly must have attained patience by the time they finished!! Would you have any idea how long it would take someone to make one and do they still create these pieces?

    bee blessed
    mary

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  29. Custom ComfortsSeptember 20, 2011 at 8:47 PM

    Those are so beautiful! I have never seen anything like that before. Where ever did you find such a sweet treasure?
    Cindy

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  30. Daphne Nicole & Lynda CadeSeptember 20, 2011 at 9:31 PM

    OMG, all of your photos are gorgeous. I love your puzzles balls, their so pretty. This is my first time to ever see one, so thanks for sharing them!
    hugs~~~ Daphne

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  31. FRENCH LAUNDRYSeptember 21, 2011 at 12:01 AM

    Wow! I've never seen these before. Thank you for sharing them.

    Happy White Wednesday,
    Judy

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  32. Castles Crowns and CottagesSeptember 21, 2011 at 5:41 AM

    HI PATTI!

    What a fabulous name for a blog! AND YOUR HEADER IS STUNNING....I SO LOVE IT and different from anything I have seen. YOUR WARES are magnificent! So you come over to me from Doré's blog? She is my sister in THEATRE making!

    MUCH LOVE AND THANKS for such a treat for my eyes this morning! Anita

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  33. LuluSeptember 21, 2011 at 9:21 AM

    You have introduced me to something new and incredibly beautiful. I'd put these lovelies in a ver secure place where nothing could happen to them.

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  34. Magali @ The Little White HouseSeptember 21, 2011 at 10:23 AM

    This is completely new to me... Very interesting and truly beautiful.

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  35. Inspired By JuneSeptember 21, 2011 at 1:52 PM

    I would just be looking too, Patti! And thank you for opportunity to look at yours! Stunning!

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  36. MeMeSueSeptember 21, 2011 at 1:53 PM

    How stunning!!

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  37. ToniSeptember 21, 2011 at 5:06 PM

    I have seen this, never knew what they where called. Thanks for the bit of history. Great, unique collection.

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  38. ReviSeptember 21, 2011 at 5:15 PM

    Hi Patti,

    Wow. I think I saw one of these years ago, and as intriguing as it was, it didn't hold a candle to your collection! They are lovely, and I should probably be kept 10 feet away at all times. :)

    Your comment over at Revisionary Life just made my day! Thank you so much for stopping by. I'm going to come back for a more in-depth visit tonight. For now, I'll start following!

    Many blessings,
    -Revi

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  39. ReviSeptember 21, 2011 at 5:23 PM

    Your photos are amazingly beautiful! And I love the vintage ones. I forgot to say that before.
    -Revi

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  40. KimMalkSeptember 21, 2011 at 6:40 PM

    What fantastic pieces of art. They are so beautiful and interesting.

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  41. ColoradoladySeptember 21, 2011 at 8:26 PM

    These are amazing. I have never seen one like this, but then if I had, I would not have known what it was! How interesting. Have a great VTT!

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  42. Teresa@1800 Farmhouse RdSeptember 21, 2011 at 8:33 PM

    I have never seen anything like this before. They do look oh so delicate, and beautiful.

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  43. Liz @ the Brambleberry CottageSeptember 21, 2011 at 11:00 PM

    You have some of THE most amazing collections I've ever seen! I thoroughly enjoy seeing and learning about them.

    Thanks for sharing your lovely items at Time Travel Thursday each week. I love having you join me.

    Blessings,
    Liz @ The Brambleberry Cottage
    http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

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  44. AnonymousSeptember 21, 2011 at 11:57 PM

    These are beautiful! What a phenom and treasure. I love them displayed there with the pearls - they go so well together.

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  45. Gayle Page-RobakSeptember 22, 2011 at 1:42 AM

    I have never seen a 'puzzle ball' before and thank you for sharing these beautifully exquisite art pieces. So elegant! Love them.

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  46. debSeptember 22, 2011 at 3:50 AM

    I've never seel these before. So ornate and gorgeous!! I think I'd just look at mine too!
    *hugs*Deb

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  47. AnonymousSeptember 22, 2011 at 5:04 AM

    I have never seen anything like them,they are beautiful and the time and work that has gone in to them is amazing,
    x

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  48. JacqueSeptember 22, 2011 at 7:37 AM

    WOW, I've never seen anything like that! How interesting!! I can't even imagine the SKILL required to make one of those. Your pieces are exquisite. Thanks for sharing!

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  49. KathySeptember 22, 2011 at 9:23 AM

    Patti,
    This is very, very interesting! I have never seen nor heard of these - I can just imagine how fantastic they are - especially knowing how delicate they are - now on the lookout!
    Great job,
    Kathy

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  50. EllenSeptember 22, 2011 at 9:41 AM

    I have never seen anything like this, I just love them.
    Thank you for sharing these gorgeous puzzle balls.
    Hugs,
    Ellen

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  51. LVSeptember 22, 2011 at 10:36 AM

    Thank you for sharing such a fascinating and interesting post on these ivory balls. In all my years, never knew of such a thing. They are very unique.

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  52. An Oasis in the DesertSeptember 22, 2011 at 10:53 AM

    I'm amazed! I've never heard of these beauties before, & certainly have never seen one. They are gorgeous! Thanks for sharing.
    :) CAS

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  53. AnnSeptember 22, 2011 at 11:03 AM

    These balls are absolutely striking and intriguing. I've never even seen one in the fanciest antique stores, You have some fantastic examples. Never been to your blog but love it. I will now be a follower.
    Ann

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  54. Joy@aVintageGreenSeptember 22, 2011 at 3:12 PM

    Absolutely beautiful - the first time I have ever seen such a treasure. Thanks for sharing.
    - Joy

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  55. pamSeptember 22, 2011 at 5:02 PM

    very pretty!

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  56. Serendipity Handmade + VintageSeptember 22, 2011 at 5:59 PM

    Those are beautiful and amazing! So glad I stopped by to see them!

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  57. VintageGrammaSeptember 22, 2011 at 7:17 PM

    Very interesting, indeed. I've never seen those before. I, myself, am a klutz, therefore I will stay very far away from your puzzle balls. They are beautiful and as my mother would say while strolling through the china departments "keep you hands in your pockets, and don't make any quick movements." Very cool!!

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  58. Ann JonesSeptember 22, 2011 at 8:04 PM

    Those are beautiful! Thanks for following my blog, following you back :)

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  59. Debs DealzSeptember 22, 2011 at 8:58 PM

    Hi Patti, Debs Dealz here to follow you back from your visit to my blog! I am so glad we connected, I love your site!!! I invite you to stop back over and link up to one of our daily hops, we would love to have you! Hop over and link up to Thankful Thursday (still open a couple more hrs), or the TGIF Blog hop!

    thanks again for stopping by, I look forward to keeping up with you!

    http://www.debsdealz.blogspot.com

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  60. Angi BarrsSeptember 22, 2011 at 9:52 PM

    Wow...these are super gorgeous. Love them all. And thank you so much for my prize. I received the gorgeous porcelain pitcher in the mail today. It is so beautiful. My mom is going to love this. Thank you again. Hugs. !!!

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  61. Honey at 2805September 22, 2011 at 10:40 PM

    The puzzle balls are beautiful and delicate looking! I can't imagine what kind of skill level you must have to make one, much less solve one! Thanks for sharing!

    Thanks for linking to Potpourri Friday and helping to make it a success! I appreciate you, sweet friend!

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  62. Debra@CommonGroundSeptember 22, 2011 at 11:06 PM

    How amazing, I've never seen one of these! so intricate and very beautiful. So glad you shared these on VIF, xoxo

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  63. c. JoySeptember 23, 2011 at 8:18 AM

    Yes, they are beautiful. But they make me 'nervous' - I can't help but look at them and be afraid they would easily break. It's amazing to me that one of those was/is a chess piece. Thanks for the beautiful pictures.

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  64. Curtains in My TreeSeptember 23, 2011 at 9:49 AM

    those are so interesting. where did you find them?

    that is old art for sure

    Janice

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  65. DiannSeptember 23, 2011 at 11:34 AM

    I have never seen these. They are beautiful and amazing! What detail! Thank you for joining TTF. Have a wonderful weekend!

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  66. AtlantaSeptember 23, 2011 at 12:09 PM

    Thank you for following Atlanta Military Mom! I am now following you as well! :)

    Mandy

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  67. vikkiSeptember 23, 2011 at 1:50 PM

    These are beautiful. I have never seen them before. Thanks for sharing.

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  68. Upscale DownhomeSeptember 23, 2011 at 2:25 PM

    Thank you for educating me about Chinese puzzle balls. They are absolutely fascinating! The craftsmanship is incredible and they are beautiful just to look at, too. Where do you find them?

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  69. At The Picket FenceSeptember 23, 2011 at 4:34 PM

    I have never seen anything like this but it doesn't surprise me at all that you would have something so amazing in your collection of treasures! :-) Thanks so much for sharing it with us at Inspiration Friday this week!
    Vanessa

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  70. MichelleSeptember 23, 2011 at 7:14 PM

    Those are amazing!

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  71. The Charm of HomeSeptember 23, 2011 at 9:39 PM

    What a fantastic collection. You two have the neatest things! Thank you for linking it up at Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

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  72. Richard CottrellSeptember 24, 2011 at 5:43 PM

    What beautiful unique puzzles. I have had some in the past and sold them. They must have taken a lot of skill and a steady hand to make. You always have such fun things to share. Thanks for your trip to my chicken coop, Richard from My Old Historic House.

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  73. SJ @ Homemaker On A DimeSeptember 24, 2011 at 7:05 PM

    Simply beautiful!

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  74. PamelaSeptember 24, 2011 at 7:23 PM

    How very beautiful and interesting! Lovely having you visit for Treasure Hunt Thursday! See ya next week!:)

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  75. Sissie's Shabby CottageSeptember 24, 2011 at 7:36 PM

    Hi Patti,
    What lovely and delicate works of art.

    hugs
    Sissie

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  76. SnapSeptember 25, 2011 at 8:53 AM

    Marvelous post. I've always been fascinated by these amazing works of art. I can't imagine the time and skill it must have taken to carve them. I would be afraid to touch!

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  77. BohemianSeptember 25, 2011 at 11:33 AM

    Magnificent pieces... I always marvel at the Artisan Skill necessary to create such Masterpieces of Art!

    Dawn... The Bohemian

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  78. AnonymousSeptember 25, 2011 at 3:08 PM

    Those are beautiful! I've never seen one before. Hi! New follower from the FNF blog hop! I hope you'll follow back. Thanks! :)
    Through the Eyes of a Tiger

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  79. Ramblin MamaSeptember 25, 2011 at 8:27 PM

    How beautiful!!! I've never seen these before and I am fascinated! I found you through the blog hop and I'm glad I did. I love all your finds (I've been reading through quite of few of your recent posts.) I'm eagerly waiting to see what treasures you share next.

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  80. Cottage PanacheSeptember 25, 2011 at 9:35 PM

    Amazing, I think that the only place I have ever seen puzzle balls was on the market streets in Hong Kong. Was much younger and passed them up, kicking myself now! Yours are gorgeous especial the one with the stars on the inside ball. Thanks for sharing!
    Maureen :)

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  81. Ann from On Sutton PlaceSeptember 25, 2011 at 10:21 PM

    Really pretty and so interesting. I've never seen them before. Lovely post...and the linky party list is amazing!

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  82. AnonymousSeptember 25, 2011 at 10:36 PM

    Cool!

    I'm a new follower from the FNF hop. Hope you can stop by www.mamasmusingsblog.blogspot.com

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  83. The TablescaperSeptember 25, 2011 at 10:41 PM

    These are amazing. I have never seen anything like it. So glad you're sharing them with Seasonal Sundays.

    - The Tablescaper

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  84. AnonymousSeptember 25, 2011 at 11:01 PM

    Wow! Those are amazing. Thank you for sharing :)
    Sue

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  85. very merry vintage styleSeptember 26, 2011 at 8:58 PM

    These are really interesting. Thanks for linking up to Share the Love Wednesday!
    Mary

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  86. Sherry @ No Minimalist HereSeptember 27, 2011 at 10:23 PM

    Patti, What unique and beautiful pieces! You have the most wonderful collection. Thank you for linking to the Open House party.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

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  87. DoniSeptember 28, 2011 at 4:19 PM

    Wow! I've never seen anything like that before, and here you have quite a gorgeous collection! They are absolutely wonderful! I love how you photographed them with the lacy background! Those should be featured in a magazine!!!
    Thanks so much for joining me for Pearls and Lace Thursday with your pretties! And good luck on the giveaway!
    Blessings, Doni

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Thank you so much for your comments! We enjoy hearing from you.