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Monday, October 31, 2011

Off the Chain

Chatelaines are one of the most beautiful pieces of jewelry to have evolved out of the Edwardian and Victorian eras. The name chatelaine historically comes from the french word châtelaine which previously referred to the female owner or wife of the owner of a rather large home, manor, or castle.  These ladies were the keeper of the keys. The term was later used for the decorative belt hook or clasp that was worn at the waist with a collection of suspended chains. As time progressed these decorate pieces were, instead of keys, scissors, a watch, thimble, vinaigrette, notebook, makeup compacts, and much more that hung from the ornate appendages of a chatelaine. 


Chatelaines were not only utilitarian, but were quite beautiful. As in all things, the chatelaine evolved into decorative jewelry that reflected the status of the woman who wore it. The chatelaine either draped over or attached to the woman's belt. The long chains dangled down her skirt and everything she needed was close at hand. The beautiful objects that hung from these glorious appendages are what we like to collect and they are "Off the Chain"

Paula's great-grandmother's coin purse with makeup compact was one of her mother's favorites to carry to the dances in college. Although the mirror is cracked and the pressed powder is gone, the memories will last forever.


This sterling silver compact belonged to Paula's grandmother; her initials are monogrammed on the cover. We still can't figure out how these women applied face powder with such a small applicator. 



A Victorian woman never left home without her money. In England they used sovereign cases.


You just slide the coins in and out with ease and grace. Couldn't find a shilling so a nickel had to do.


These women knew how to socialize in style. Not even a headache could keep them at home. So just in case, they placed their pills in beautiful silver pill boxes and attached it to the chatelaine. 


Who are we kidding? This beautiful repoussé object was most likely a snuff box.


If you must hem something, then you may as well place your needles in a sterling silver repoussé sewing safe. 




Chatelaines were also the de rigueur for evenings as well. A lady’s evenings centered around dinner and dancing. The expression, “My dance card is full”, derived from actual fact. This is a dance card from the late 1800’s.  It fans open to reveal thin sheets of ivory or celluloid upon which the lady kept the names of the suitors she’d promised a dance. Quaint, isn’t it?

These little gems are propelling pencils, which were used to write on the dance card. They were invented in 1822. I love these two sparkly ones with the jeweled tops. (It’s always about the bling!)


Another necessary item of the day was a vinaigrette. Usually made of silver, these small boxes housed cotton that had been soaked in the lady’s perfume. The perforated top allowed the lady a quick sniff to combat offensive odors, which were common since the preferred mode of transportation was the horse and carriage!


This vesta case or match safe was a common item to carry on a chatelaine. The bottom has a ribbed edge on which to strike the match. Remember the only form of heat was a fireplace, so matches were a handy tool.

As we exit for the dance, we’ll leave you with this evening chatelaine. It has a small flask for perfume, a small coin holder, a dance card and propelling pencil, as well as a small compact for powder. What more could a lady need?  We hope you’ve enjoyed this “Off the Chain” post.


Hugs,


Patti & Paula

This week we are partying with the following fine folks:
Seasonal Sunday @ The Tablescaper
Masterpiece Monday @ Boogieboard Cottage
Amaze Me Monday @ Dittle Dattle
Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch
Making The World Cuter Monday @ Making The World Cuter
Mingle Monday @ Add a Pinch
Show Off Your Cottage Monday @ The House in the Roses
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm
Tuesday's Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Club G.W. @ Charm Bracelet Diva
It's Party Time @ It's So Very Cheri
Talent Tuesday @ Vintage Wanna Bee
Time to Shine @ A Diamond in the Stuff
Anything Goes @ Type A
Market Your Biz Blog Party @ Homemaker on a Dime
Twice Owned Tuesday @ Creating a House of Grace
Take a Look Tuesday @ Sugar Bee
Show and Tell @ Blue Cricket Design
Works for Me Wednesday @ We are THAT Family
Open House Party @ No Minimalist Here
Treasure Hunt Thursday @ From My Front Porch to Yours
Time Travel Thursday @ The Brambleberry Cottage
Vintage Thingie Thursday @ The Coloradolady
Pearls and Lace Thursday @ Faith, Grace, and Crafts
Pin'Inspirational Thursday @ The ArtsyGirl Connection
Show Me What Ya Got@Not JUST a Housewife
Home Decor & Organizing Link Party @ Organize and Decorate Everything
Create and Share @ Trendy Treehouse
 Homemaking Link-Up Weekend @ Hope in Every Season
Your Whims Wednesday @ My Girlish Whims
Show and Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home
Fridays Unfolded @ Stuff and Nonsense
Home Sweet Home @ The Charm of Home
Vintage Inspiration Friday @ Common Ground
Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage
Inspiration Friday @ At The Picket Fence

Potpourri Party @ 2805

Weekend Wander @ While He Was Napping
Saturday Nite Special @ Funky Junk Interiors
Features & Simply Creations @ Simple Home Life
Friday Flair @ Whipper Berry
Tuesday Link Party @ A Bowl Full of Lemons
Inspiration Friday @ At The Picket Fence
Seasonal Sunday @ The Tablescaper
Tickled Pink @ 504 Main
Feature Yourself Friday@ Finger Prints on the Fridge
BFF Open House Link Party@ The Answer is Chocolate

Monday, October 24, 2011

Bauble, Bauble

When the frost is on the pumpkin,


When the spider catches the fly,


When all about is golden,


The witching hour is nigh.


Don your mask.


Grab your broomstick.


Gather admission, if you please.


All the guests will be waiting, 
and we don’t want to tease.


Mischief and mayhem,
 arise and take leave. 
For tonight we shall party, 
on this all hallows eve.

Happy Halloween!

Patti

We're linking to the following parties:
Anything Goes @ Type A
Club G.W. @ Charm Bracelet Diva
It's Party Time @ It's So Very Cheri
Link Party @ Homework
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm
Table Top Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life
Time to Shine @ A Diamond in the Stuff
Twice Owned Tuesday @ Creating a House of Grace
Tuesday's Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
{Wow Me} Wednesday @ Ginger Snap Crafts
Fall Into Fall @ DIY By Design
Primp Your Stuff Wednesday @ Primp
Lil’ Luna Link Partay @ Lil’ Luna
White Wednesday @ Faded Charm
Show and Tell @ Blue Cricket Design
Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style
Thrifty Thursday @ Tales from Bloggeritaville
Vintage Thingie Thursday @ The Coloradolady
A Crafty Soiree @ Katie's Nesting Spot
Creative Things Thursday @ The Vintage Farmhouse
Treasure Hunt Thursday @ From My Front Porch to Yours
Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Creek Cottage
Time Travel Thursday @ The Brambleberry Cottage
Pin'Inspirational Thursdays @ The ArtsyGirl Connection
Delightfully Inspiring Thursday @ Delightful Order
Open House Party @ No Minimalist Here
It’s A Party @A Creative Princess
Hookin’ Up With House of Hepworths@ House of Hepworths
Catch a Glimpse Party @ A Glimpse Inside
Farmhouse Friday @ LaurieAnna's Vintage Home
Fridays Unfolded @ Stuff and Nonsense
Home Sweet Home @ The Charm of Home
Vintage Inspiration Friday @ Common Ground
Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage
Inspiration Friday @ At The Picket Fence
Potpourri Party @ 2805
Show and Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home
Show and Tell Saturday@ Be Different... Act Normal
Whatcha Got Weekend @ Lolly Jane Boutique 

Saturday  Nite Special @ Funky Junk Interiors
Sunday Linky Party @ Petite Hermine
Sunday Blog Love @ Cherished Treasures 

Sunday Showcase Party @ Under The Table and Dreaming
Pink Hippo Party @ Pinkapotamus
Market Yourself Monday @ Sumo's Sweet Stuff
Masterpiece Monday @ Boogieboard Cottage
Glitter Link Party @ Running With Glitter
Amaze Me Monday @ Dittle Dattle
Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch
Show Off Your Cottage Monday @ The House in the Roses
Thrifty Treasures @ Southern Hospitality

Monday, October 17, 2011

Angels Among Us

 I’d never given much thought to collecting angels, and didn’t really see myself as an angel collector. However, as I look around my house getting ready for this post I have to confess, I may have a little problem. It all began with Botticelli images and religious carvings that always seem to astound me. This plate with image on glass spoke to me.

 These guys are my absolute favorite. They are carved and hand painted German figurines.

 The detail is extraordinary and so soulful.

 This 3-D pair I chose to showcase in a gilt frame. They are very “Les Misérables”, 
don’t you think?

 I bought this lovely pair of Limoges trinket boxes from a beloved friend “Anya” who deals in antiques. They were probably commissioned as gifts.

 I love the French titles and elegant trim, but the muted color is the best, so unique for Limoges, which is usually quite colorful.

 Next is a “flue cover”. A flue was a hole in the wall where the stovepipe exhaust would be. When the pipe was not in use, they began making beautiful covers for the gaping holes. This is a Bessie Pease Gutmann. I love that little doll face, her work always calls to me.

 I find these little ceramic angels everywhere for a song. Don’t pass them up. They make great tablescapes. This planter with ivy…

 changes to hydrangeas. Very versatile. Hmm… gives me a great idea for Christmas. I can’t wait!

 This is the sweetest little bottle I found and thought I’d glam it up. I found this angel pin and knew it was a match made in… heaven!?

 Outside we go for some lawn décor. These guys hold a plant near the door

 while this sweetheart watches over some succulents.

 Here in the guest bath I kinda have an angel theme going. The kissing angels are so romantic, I couldn’t resist. They’re displayed on an easel flanked by these Italian beauties.

 Although I love them all, the little guy sitting on the soaps is my favorite. However, the Bacchus angel with the dangly grapes is a close second. Can you believe it’s a barrette by Kirks Folly?

 This is the door to my little grandson’s room, 

 because he’s Nana’s little angel!

 Last but not least is the doorstop I use at my bedroom door, my guardian angel so to speak. I always get a chuckle as he is, (wouldn’t you know it)… ASLEEP! Explains a lot, LOL!

Thanks for joining my little intervention for Angels Anonymous. 
Are you a closet collector too?

Hugs,

Patti


We're linking to the following parties:
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
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
Market Yourself Monday @ Sumo's Sweet Stuff
Pink Hippo Party @ Pinkapotamus
Mosaic Monday @ Little Red House
I Made It! Monday @ Ninth Street Notions
Monday Craft Linky Party @ Polly Want A Crafter?
Motivational Monday @ Three Mango Seeds
The Sunday Showcase Party @ Under The Table and Dreaming
Creative Bloggers' Party & Hop @ Homemaker on a Dime
Sunday's Best Link Party @ My 1929 Charmer
Sister Sunday Link Party @ Sisters of the Wild West
Thrifty Treasures @ Southern Hospitality
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm
Tuesday's Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Time to Shine @ A Diamond in the Stuff
Tuesday Timeout @ Reasons to Skip Housework
Anything Goes @ Type A
Twice Owned Tuesday @ Creating a House of Grace
Knick of Time Tuesday @ Knick of Time Interiors
Table Top Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life
Fall Into Fall @ DIY by Design
Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style
Wow Me Wednesday @ Ginger Snap Crafts
Primp Your Stuff Wednesday @ Primp
White Wednesday @ Faded Charm
Treasure Hunt Thursday @ From My Front Porch to Yours

Open House Party @ No Minimalist Here
Time Travel Thursday @ The Brambleberry Cottage
Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Creek Cottage
Vintage Thingie Thursday @ The Coloradolady
Pearls and Lace Thursday @ Faith, Grace, and Crafts
Pin'Inspirational Thursday @ The ArtsyGirl Connection
Thrifty Things Friday @ The Thrifty Groove
Farmhouse Friday @ LaurieAnna's Vintage Home
Fridays Unfolded @ Stuff and Nonsense
Home Sweet Home @ The Charm of Home
Vintage Inspiration Friday @ Common Ground
Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage
Inspiration Friday @ At The Picket Fence
Potpourri Party @ 2805
Simply Link Party @ Simply Designing
Feature Yourself Friday @ Fingerprints on the Fridge
Show and Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home
Whatcha Got Weekend @ Lolly Jane Boutique
Show and Tell Saturday @ Be Different Act Normal





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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