While contemporary interiors aren’t exactly my thing… I must say that I do love them in mini-form:
Do you love modern design? Read this New York Times article about how other enthusiasts satisfy their cravings for expensive modern spaces by indulging in the miniature version.
I’m still a Victorian dollhouse girl at heart – but in my book, anything tiny is quite lovable.
I just love Tara Badcock’s work. She’s a textiles artist based in Tasmania, Australia, well known for her beautiful, detailed free-style and hand embroidery:
She has an Etsy shop, and you can also buy some products online at Georgie Love. Read more about this artist and her work on her blog, The Teacozy Revolution, her Flickr photstream, and her website (currently under construction), paristasmania.com.
I love everything about this Black & Spiro window posted on Absolutely Beautiful Things Monday:
See those nose smudges on the glass? Yeah – that would be me.
Jackie VonTobel posted pictures of some lovely lamps recently:
I absolutely love these two and thought I’d do a little browsing around the source.
I’ve heard of Clayton Gray Home, but I’d never actually visited. Now that I have, here are some of my favorite items:
I had to include that last picture of all the wastebaskets since I looooove them. I want one in each color.
Of course, I didn’t love everything on the site since there was quite a bit of contemporary stuff. But that’s simply because it’s not my cup of tea – I can still appreciate the good quality and style.
One piece kind of made me laugh though:
That is a BOLD light fixture. It would take a very strong room to handle it. I think it looks like a Tiffany lamp met at disco ball.
Another light made me do a double take. But it’s not at all contemporary. It’s very fancy:
Is it me or do you also see this and immediately think of Cinderella’s pumpkin coach?
Anyway – I thoroughly enjoyed perusing Clayton Gray. I’ll definitely be back for more…
I discovered this wonderful online shop on one of my longtime favorites, The Paris Apartment.
Paris Hotel Boutique features “vintage one-of-a-kind pieces celebrating the glitz and glamour of a bygone era.“
I have been a fan of bygone eras for as long as I can remember. And in my opinion, The Paris Hotel Boutique delivers a delightful selection of treasures from which to choose.
But mon Dieu! How could I ever decide…I have far too many favorites…
Such as…
This Victorian Sterling Chatelaine Dance Card. Look at the detail on it. I’ve always loved the idea of dance cards…I definitely missed out on that bygone era…
This Pair of Victorian 10K Gold Cufflinks which would look great with my theoretical French cuff button down shirts.
This Vintage Italian Art Glass Pendant Lamp. I have no idea what I’d do with it in my own house – but I could see it hanging at a landing of a staircase or in a small foyer with a high ceiling.
This Early 1900’s English 9 Carat Gold Buckle Ring looks like it transported itself directly from my childhood jewelry box. While I didn’t actually have a buckle ring, I did have a couple of buckle bracelets (not nearly as fine as this gold of course).
This 1930’s Diamond & Pearl 14 Carat Arrow Brooch would be a major splurge, but what a wonderful piece to pass down to lucky female descendants. I would make up a fabulous back story about a fictional great great aunt who wore this during her Suffragette marches (the Artemis feel is very feminist, non?) And then wait to see who caught the discrepency in eras. That smartie would definitely be the recipient in my will.
This Art Nouveau 14k Blister Pearl Watch Brooch is another little one (1-7/8″ by 3/4″). I think it’s darling.
This book, Le Nouveau Voyage de France (circa 1899) is the most beautiful color and I would love to see it in a white bookcase, displayed with other books in varying shades of blue.
AND FINALLY this little Victorian 10k Gold Signet Ring reminds me so much of my childhood. Signet rings were much coveted and typically adorned pinkie fingers. It’s hard to see the monogram on this one, so you can just pretend that it’s yours.
A gift buying guide for ME that is…
I think I’ll devote the next couple of days to gift ideas for everyone’s favorite Hallmark holiday.
Here are a few items that you might want to consider (okay – for YOU if you insist – but be aware that I have ME in mind):
The lover of pretty things in me wants to display these on a shelf…
…while the book nerd in me wants to run my fingers across the spines and wish I knew how to read French.
*I was originally going to feature a gorgeous cinnabar bracelet from FrenchBlue, but by the time I came back to grab the image, it was GONE. Quel dommage… Instead I selected these books which I just noticed are also now sold. Mon Dieu, one must act fast when shopping at FrenchBlue!
Moving on… I’m in desperate need of a gold cuff bracelet.
This one will do.
And would love another Liza Hirst to hang on my wall…
I’ll take a painting of flowers (and an abstract one at that!) over dozens of roses any day.
That’s enough for now. I’ll be back tomorrow with some more gift suggestions (for me).
I recently mentioned how much I’m loving the look of one bright red piece in a room.
While I can’t afford a new piece of furniture anytime soon, this lovely butterfly that Ish & Chi makes in Amy Butler fabric would be a more affordable option.
For $25, this original cut paper piece (it’s not a print) would make a great holiday gift. And it comes in other patters too.
Could make a sweet little series above a bed or crib, along a hallway wall, in a cozy corner…
For $25 you’ll get a custom magnetic doll with your photo image plus a set of outfits in a reusable gift tin. If you would like additional custom outfits or elements created, she can do that for $15 per item. Maybe some ruby slippers for a Wizard of Oz fan, or a wedding dress for a bride to be?
I’ll take the blue vintage fridge too please!
Click HERE to see examples of: Baby, Small Child, Child/Pre-teen and Adult/Teen.
I think these are perfect for hostess gifts, stocking stuffers or maybe even just a little something for yourself. Adorable.
Put that on my list please, Santa.
When I was a little girl, I made things with paper. Old wallpaper samples of my mother’s…colorful wrapping paper…construction paper…I just loooved to cut and glue and create with paper!
So Susan Schneider’s lovely website, Shandell’s makes my fingers itch to “make stuff.”
She uses vintage paper, architectural salvage and forlorn and forgotten antiques to create all kinds of treasures.
Like lamp shades…
My only problem is that I’m terrified of lighting matches. So in order to use these, I’d have to get over my fear (they burn down so fast!) Well, I may be a fearful person, but with with a matchbox like one of these, I can cower in style!
I didn’t spend too much time decorating the twins’ nursery since we moved into our house three weeks before they were born. And aside from being titanically (is that a word? it should be) huge, I was also busy running around after Oliver who was only 18 months old.
BUT I did manage to find a couple of items on Etsy that were easy enough to toss up on the wall later in between feedings.
Middleburg Folk Art Studio, has wonderful paper mache and fabric pieces that add a touch of whimsy to any room. Not sure how I stumbled across them, but here is what I bought:
Of course they have far more than just garlands. I’m partial to their little birds. If you are looking for nursery decorations, they would be perfect for one or two baby dresser objets:
I think the little blue pair would look sweet on a sunny kitchen windowsill.
Have a lovely weekend!