Currently Reading

I'm currently reading American Fancy: Exuberance in the Decorative Arts 1790-1840. 

I'll let you know what I think when I'm done. 

Little FYI: Author Sumpter Priddy runs his antique business in Alexandria VA found here. Another reason DC is awesome! 

- Grace

Artwork of the Week: Red and Yellow Oyster Shells

Red and Yellow Oyster Shells is an original 5"x 7" watercolor painting by

 "Meghan" of "ArtGoods" on "Etsy" for $40. 

I don't know much about this painter, but I do know I like this piece. 

A lot. 

- Cathleen 

The Gift of a Lifetime

When the young Marie Antoinette entered France for the first time, the country pulled out all the stops to welcome her. 

Upon her arrival at the Strasbourg Catherdral, she was met with a grand ceremony that included thirty-six young shepherds and shepherdesses picked for their good looks and quintessential rustic costumes.

Twenty-four maidens from the most important families of Strasbourgh scattered flower petals at her feet. In gratitude Marie-Antoinette bestowed each with a posy as a memento and one lucky girl received the intricately carved, gem-encrusted ivory fan with a Rocaille scene painted on it that the Archduchess carried with her that afternoon. 

Amazingly the fan survived the French Revolution and is now housed at the Musse Carnavalet. Here is the *best* picture I could find of the fan online. 

Image Courtesy of blog: Too Much Stuff

Information Courtesy of the Book: Queen of Fashion, What Marie Antoinette Wore to the Revolution

- Grace

Look What I Made!

You know that jewelry class I told you I was taking? Well, allow me to present my very first completed project: a blue lace agate stone set on a wide sterling silver band! It's taken me almost 3 months of filing, hammering, soldering, setting, and polishing (and more polishing!), but it's finally done and on the hand of my wonderful sister-in-law Shannon in honor of her 30th birthday. 

That's my chicken hand above, not hers. I couldn't help myself from trying it on. And wearing it around the house. And modeling it for my coworkers in the office. But that was it, I swear. Anyway, I really hope she likes it. 

- Cathleen 

Art Teacher Essential!

Yeah, I'm going to need that. 

Can be purchased here. 

Happy Weekend! 

- Grace

Who Knew?

 When you think of artist Helen Frankenthaler do you think of this?:

Mountains and Sea.

Me too. 

But did you know Helen (we're on a first name basis) also revolutionized the face of woodcut print art? East and Beyond (below) was created in 1973 and to execute this work Frankenthaler used a jigsaw to divide the wood block and then put it back together to print. Apparently she used a new technique to put the block back together so the division line was invisible. Because of this technique East and Beyond isn't cut into and instead transfers vibrant and bold color in large abstract sections. 

East and Beyond is one of the most famous woodcuts to date. Cool!!

- Grace

Bust a Move

 

Antique Napoleon Bust, $175 from English Shop on Etsy

Nothing looks more ritzy or regal than a bust perched atop a mantlepiece or bookshelf. Here I've found some good-looking specimens that will surely class up any joint.

Antique Chopin Bust Music Box, $34 from Green Apple Workshop on Etsy

  Antique Plaster Bust, Probably Jesus, $45 from artyFactz on Etsy

1950s Spanish Flamenco Pair, $50 from Dixie Antiques on Etsy

 

Boy and Girl Resin Busts, $21 from Red River Antiques on Etsy

Lady Head Vase from Inarco, Japan, $125 from SeedWerks on Etsy

Another Lady Head Vase from National Potteries Co, Japan, $185 from Vintage Twice on Etsy

Those last two have big holes in their heads (not pictured), perfect for planting a bunch of juicy succulents or flowering cacti. You know, the usual thing you might find propped upon a lady's head.  

- Cathleen