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Monday, September 26, 2011

For Whom the Bell Tolls

This week, our bell tolls for toleware. We treasure these beauties for the detail in their artistry and quality of each piece. They are loved by collectors and museums around the world for their decorative art form. 
Tole comes from the French, Tole peinte du lac which refers to painted tin. Tole began in Europe and was initially produced on tin and later on other metals, papier mache and  wood. These items were mean’t to be quite utilitarian. 
Paula uses this child's tole bed warmer to keep some of her favorite pearls safe and sound.
Tole trays were enameled and beautifully painted. These decorative trays were known to rust, so a way to combat that problem was to use a coating that was a mixture of asphalt and shellac. This created a surface that looked like the lacquer on beautiful Japanese trays. The term was then coined Japanning. 
We seem to have a preference for the classic tole tray that has a matted black background with beautiful colorful designs painted on the front. However, toleware comes in a variety of background colors which include, green, yellow, red, white and cream. The paintings always standout beautifully on toleware. Generally they are brightly colored still lifes such as flowers, animals or people hand painted with oil paints. 
These beautiful geishas are the reason Paula fell in love with this beautiful tray.


You can see the brush work that shows every detail of the actual painting, especially in flowers.  Some of the older tole trays have gorgeous inlaid mother of pearl or trimmed in gold leaf. Paula is forever on the lookout for a tole tray with a nautical scene of a sailing ship on an ocean. In the mean time she highlights the beautiful flowers in the picture by hanging tole trays around it, creating a garden of floral paintings.


In the late 1700s to early 1800s tole pieces were also gilded. During this time the fine folks from Scandinavia introduced tole painting to the New England area. Paula placed this adorable child's lunch pail on top of the refrigerator creating a diverse vignette. The colors of this toleware are a dark green background with yellow and gold flowers painted around it. 


This coal scuttle toleware with the beautifully painted rooster sits in Paula's guest bathroom. 

Toleware is very functional for everyday use. Paula fills this coal scuttle with soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and lotions she collects from various hotels when traveling.
Toleware trays can also function as snack or breakfast trays, hung as wall art in any room, or set up on legs as tables. 

Paula placed this tole tray on top of a small table from Ghana to hold her bath oil and salts which are in easy reach in preparation for a luxurious bath.


Patti loves that this tray is pretty enough to display but sturdy enough to serve tea.


She also had not thought much about tole trays for the bedroom, but this one seemed to be the right compliment to this wall vignette.


While traveling down to the Florida Keys, Patti found this beautiful magazine rack. This was a cool find from a cute little shop in Key Largo called the Pink Junktique.  


Patti almost forgot about this little table. It's so handy with lovely fitted tray, it goes just about anywhere, in a living room, a bedside, or impromptu tea. The floral stand has the most amazing painted flowers. She loves it!!!


We hope that toleware has captivated your hearts as it has captivated ours and collectors around the world for decades.


Do you have any toleware? Tell us how you display yours.


Stop by next week as we "Air our Dirty Laundry".


Hugs,


Patti & Paula


This week we are partying with the following fabulous folks:

Inspire Me Monday @ Singing Three Little Birds
Masterpiece Monday @ Boogieboard Cottage
Glitter Link Party @ Running With Glitter
Amaze Me Monday @ Dittle Dattle
Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch
Pink Hippo Party @ Pinkapotamus
Market Yourself Monday @ Sumo's Sweet Stuff

Creative Blogger's Party @ Homemaker on a Dime
Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch
Making The World Cuter Monday @ Making The World Cuter
Making Monday Marvelous @ C.R.A.F.T.
Show Off Your Cottage Monday @ The House in the Roses
Thrifty Treasures @ Southern Hospitality
Table Top Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life
Debbiedoos Newbie Party @ Debbiedoos Blogging and Blabbing

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm
Craft Link Party @ Polly Want A Crafter?

Tuesday's Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Twice Owned Party @ Creating a House of Grace
Club G.W. @ Charm Bracelet Diva
Time to Shine @ A Diamond in the Stuff
Anything Goes @ Type A
Knick of Time Tuesday @ Knick of Time Interiors
Tuesday Time Out @ Reasons to Skip the Housework
Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style

Primp Your Stuff Wednesday @ Primp
Wednesday Link Party @ Very Merry Vintage Style
Home Sweet Home @ The Charm of Home
Market Your Biz & Giveaways Blog Party @ Homemaker on a Dime

Treasure Hunt Thursday @ From My Front Porch to Yours
Open House Party @ No Minimalist Here
Time Travel Thursday @ The Brambleberry Cottage
Thrifty Thursday @ Tales from Bloggeritaville
Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Creek Cottage
Vintage Thingie Thursday @ The Coloradolady
Pearls and Lace Thursday @ Faith, Grace, and Crafts
Potpourri Friday @ 2805
Saturday Nite Special @ Funky Junk Interiors

Thrifty Things Friday @ The Thrifty Groove
Farmhouse Friday @ LaurieAnna's Vintage Home
Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage
Inspiration Friday @ At The Picket Fence
@2nd Time Around @ A Picture is Worth 1000 Words 
Flaunt it Friday @ Chic on a Shoestring Decorating
Fridays Unfolded @ Stuff and Nonsense
Show and Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home
Weekend Wrap-Up Party @ Tatertots and Jello

Seasonal Sunday @ The Tablescaper
Sister Sunday Link Party @ Sisters of the Wild West
Newbie Party @ Debbiedoos Blogging and Blabbing


53 comments:

Scrappy Pink Corner said...

I am in love with your blog. I love to see all the beautiful things you show us to inspire us. I go to garage sales every single saturday and your blog has helped me to pick some really nice goodies.
Thanks for the inspirations.

A Few Pennies said...

Beautiful posting! Lots of eye candy and I stayed here way too long observing all the beauty and your lovely words. Have a great week.

Jillian's Bella Rosa Antiques said...

Great post... we can learn a lot from your info, thank you! Great pictures too and an even better collection!

lvroftiques said...

Well just slap me on the arm and label me "CAPTIVATED"!! Lol! The two of you have the most wonderful collections! And your toleware is no exception. Such beautiful pieces! and no surprise.....I'm in love with tole pieces too *winks* Sooooo you probably can't invite me over because I might have to tuck a few pieces into my BIG purse....Not my fault...A girl couldn't help herself *winks* Vanna

Debbiedoos said...

Love those tole trays. I have one with roses on it. This is a wonderful post with lots of history.Thanks for sharing with my newbie party.

Diann said...

Hi lovely ladies! You always show us the most beautiful things! I have always been a sucker for tole painted trays and you are showing some truly wonderful examples here! I have several trays that I absolutely adore. My mom, who is a fabulus artist, used to tole paint any new piece of wood furniture (mainly cabinets) that came into our home. She isn't able to paint any more but, she still has her treasures. My favorite piece she tole painted is her linen cabinet. in each of the four panels on the doors she painted a bird on a tree branch for each season. It is gorgeous! Visiting for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday. Have a wonderful evening!

Rosemary@villabarnes said...

I've always loved toleware, and you have some great pieces. How could you forget that table, it's so cute.

Geneva said...

What a wonderful post. Enjoyed every word and every picture...thank you so much for all the information you packed into it!

Jennifer Grenko said...

Beautiful as always. You ladies have such exquisite tastes.

FROM THE RIGHT BANK said...

I have a few tole pieces and they're just out on display but you've shown some great ideas for what to do with them. :) Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

They're gorgeous! I love the round black tray on the pedestal and all of your vignettes. Thank you for always sharing your knowledge of all your beautiful treasures.

VintageGramma said...

Very beautiful once again, must check out the Pink Junktique!

jeanne said...

Hello and thank you for your wonderful post on Tole Ware. You have some lovely examples of this type of art. I love it too but when I found one, I usually sold it. I used to be in the antique business,so I do not any of my own.

I have not visited lately and I have missed so much. Your Blog is inspiring and full of great information. Good job.
Hugs, Jeanne

French-Kissed said...

Hi Patti and Paula,

Love your collection and I like that you put some of your pieces to good use...now this is the thing...I have been tempted to start collecting toleware for several years now...but I feel I am running out of room...I have resisted so far, but this post may just push me over the edge...in fact I know where there is a tempting piece...hopefully still waiting for me that may very well kick off a collection.


Jermaine

Desire Empire said...

How lovely is your tole ware. In Australia we call it folk art and my mother used to paint so much of it. Thanks for becoming a follower and I am following you now too.
Carolyn xx

Tammy @ Type A said...

i'll take one of each! i love toleware and some how own none. lol

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Beautiful tole trays, I so love the Japanese one. I enjoyed your post and loved reading your beautiful information on tole. I looove your blog, I always see and learn such beautiful things from you two lovely ladies. Thank you for sharing. Lots of hugs, FABBY

Marigene said...

I love the magazine rack...gorgeous.

faire un songe said...

Thank you.
What a great compliment ...
Regards Hetty

@nne said...

your blog is just great! nice to discover you! @nne

Jordan@the2seasons said...

I didn't know about toleware so thanks for teaching me!

Marilyn said...

I LOVE your blog, I'm obsessed with VINTAGE everything.. lol.. This is so thrilling, so much to see, I'm soo indulged.. TY so much for stopping in.. Officially a FAN.. :)) ~Marilyn..

Kim said...

How is it possible that I have been missing out on this wonderful blog for so long! I'm so glad to have stumbled upon it. You girls are awesome! I am a tole addict. I just ordered a cachepot off of Ebay and I cant wait to get my hands on it! You have great style. Happy to be a new follower. Pop over for a visit sometime!
xoxo,
Kim

Nyanser av vitt said...

Thank you so much for visiting me and your lovely words. So nice posting and Ali sly blog
Agneta

Babs said...

Beautiful toleware pieces. I have a fondness for toleware too, and have two trays which, right now, live on a shelf in my laundry area. Poor things. Great, informative post. Thanks.

Red Rose Alley said...

The black tray with the yellow roses is my favorite, and the floral stand is very unique. My mother bought me a table that is similar to the table stand that is shown here. She passed away a couple of years ago, and I cherish all of her treasures. You write so well, and always have an interesting story behind your pictures.
~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

Coloradolady said...

OH, such beauty. I am always on the look out for this type of things when I am out and about the trays around here are rather pricy when I can find them. I love the painting on black. Have a happy VTT!

Nancy's Daily Dish said...

Gorgeous tole pieces...love the elevated tray! I have a few pieces too, one little hinged box and some trays. I'd love to find some of the great big trays to hang on the wall. They're so lovely!

Great post!

Nancy

LV said...

You have a lovely home filled with wonderful treasures.

Pam@OurAdventuresInHomeImprovement said...

Great post! That toleware is so pretty!

Thanks for sharing.
Pam

Pamela said...

It all is sooo very pretty! I am always looking at those trays at the antique shop. One day I will bring one home with me!:) Thanx for coming to the party and see ya next week!:)

Tina@WhatWeKeep said...

Hi Ladies!

I have many pieces of toleware and love my trays and sconces best. I have a red lamp that I've never used but one year at Christmas! My bad. It needs a better home! Gorgeous photos and collection, as always.
~Tina

Erin of HomeSavvyAtoZ.com said...

I am a new follower and would love for you to link up at my Freshmen Friday party for new bloggers at:

http://www.homesavvyatoz.com/guest-post/

I am looking forward to blogging with you and going to go nosey around your site now!

Honey at 2805 said...

Your toile display is lovely. I allways leave your blog a little smarter than when I came because you always have a history lesson to go along with your presentation. It's just wonderful and I feel enriched.

Thank you so much for joinging Potpourri Friday. I appreciate you and hope you will make this party a weekly stop!

Danice G said...

How beautiful! I did not know about tole , what it really is. Thank you! Now following this wonderful blog :)

c. Joy said...

Love the 'jewelry box.' What a clever idea. I've been looking for a tray or two - your blog has given me a reason to look harder. Everything is beautiful.

Christine @ Stonehouse Living said...

Hi Paula & Patti,

What an amazing collection of toleware!! Great post! Love all the different details of your pieces...
Thank you for your visit today! I have become your newest follower as well.
Have a great weekend!
All the Best,
Christine

Doni said...

Hello Ladies! I'm really excited that y'all share so much history about your faves! And the photos are wonderful. Y'all have a great bog and I'm always so excited to see what you're sharing next! Thank you so much for joining me for Pearls and Lace Thursday. You help make the party a special one!
Blessings, Doni

Unknown said...

Love this stuff. Thanks for following, I'm following you back.

Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR said...

Patti/Paula...just saw this posted over on Treasure Hunt Thursday. I remember my mother having toleware when I was a child. I still have my childhood home in Louisiana. I am going to look for it the next time I'm there. I would love to incorporate it into my home! So much eye candy over here!!

The French Hutch said...

hi girls, What great collections of toleware. Your trays are so lovely. I have four trays my MIL gave to me and I love them and use them often. Great inspiration in your collections. Happy Fall!

~Emily
The French Hutch

Anna at the Doll House said...

Thank you so much for visiting and leaving such sweet comments.

Your post on toleware is so interesting. My Norwegian Tine is painted in a modernised take on the Scandinavian rose-painting which you referred to.

I realize that since visiting you last I have missed-out on so many wonderful topics that I haven't hesitated to sign-up as your newest follower.

Anna

The Charm of Home said...

What beautiful tole pieces you two have. I love the trays. Thank you for linking it up at Home Sweet Home!
Sherry

Anonymous said...

Your collection is just stunning! and i am in love with the little chain bag with roses haging from a gloved hand on the wall,just too beautiful.
Thank you for the history behind tole i learned a thing or two from your post,
xx

Debbiedoos said...

Thank you again for sharing your beautiful pieces of art with the newbie party. It is a pleasure to have you and I will be congratulate you next week as you come to end of the party participation.

Gina said...

Believe it or not, I don't have any toleware, but I always admire it when I see it! You ladies have quite a lovely collection. I would like to thank you for visiting my blog today. Nice to "meet" you.

Rose H (UK) said...

Goodness, what gorgeous Tole items.
I love the way you use them too. I don't have any toleware items, I'm afraid to start anymore collections, but I'm so pleased that you shared yours with us.
Thank you for your visit and lovely comments. I feel so blessed to have won the Ramsign number plate :o)
Best wishes, have a great week
Rose H

Cindy Adkins said...

Oh my goodness, I'm in love with that little table in the last photo! Your blog is always so lovely! No, I don't have any toleware, but it's beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Cindy

Amy Chalmers said...

I have a few pieces of tole myself and sell some in my etsy shop...I am always looking for different pieces. I just bought a very pretty green tray that I have over my mantle. I loved this post, and loved seeing the nice collection. I have never seen a tray painted with geishas before.

The Tablescaper said...

Love your collection of tole ware, but that little table is just precious. Great to have you be a part of Seasonal Sundays.

- The Tablescaper

Karen said...

You two have a beautiful collection. This is a great post so informative and beautiful. It's always a pleasure to visit your blog.

Flea Market Lynn said...

I have a set of my Mom's tole tv trays. The trays snap off.....so I am wanting to hang & display the tops, so I am reminded of her. They are gorgeous!

Chris said...

Hi Patti and Paula, what an interesting blog. You have so many gorgeous pieces. I would love to be able to "find" stuff like that. I should start going to garage sales, etc. Anyway, I found you and am now following you through Bloggeritaville and will stop by more often. Please check out my blog and perhaps you could follow me also. I would love that. Have a wonderful day. Hugs, Chris

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Gratitude is the Memory of the Heart ~ French Proverb ~ We are so grateful that you stopped by ~ Please visit again soon! ~ Much Love, Patricia and Paula