As Time Goes By

One thing we just don’t have enough of is time. I guess that’s why I’ve always gravitated toward clocks, watches, hourglasses, and all things related to time. My most favorite form of timepiece is the French mantle clock. I’ve a few I’d like to share, like this beauty. It has an enamel inset of angels, a pair of peacocks, and a hand painted satin glass finial. Yummy!

 This design originated in France around the 1600’s. It is ormolu or gold-gilt bronze as it is known here in the U.S.  The original process added high karat gold to the metal during the firing process.  Many of the workers didn’t live past forty from all the metal they inhaled from the process! By the next decade, they exacted a better process. Thank heavens!

 Many of the clocks we love were made by the New Haven factory that was formed in Conn. by Hiram Camp in 1853. 

 The company lasted over one hundred years, but finally closed its doors for good in 1960.

 Many of the company’s gorgeous designs still continue to warm our hearts today, like this little guy.

 Someone once inquired about my collection and asked me if they all work. In truth, I don’t know, nor do I care.

 I just love them for their beauty. It speaks of a time when form was prized over function, and people ‘did’ stop to smell the roses.

 I think each face with its delicate enameling and lovely gilt is a work of art.

 Even the tiny hands are each unique and intricately designed.

 This blown glass one with heavy gilt detail, called my name for a while until the shop owner took pity on my lusting, and a deal was made. Thanks, Ody!

Oh, this little jewel I just had to show you.  Not for the watch, but for the exquisite watch holder! It’s egg shaped with a beveled glass door. But, just look at the etched glass back. Isn’t it fabulous!  I bought it on eBay and didn’t even notice the etching until it arrived! I guess no one else did either; I got it for a song.

 This is my little ball clock I got from the same shop. She knows how I love clocks and put it aside for me. Her shop is amazing. If you’re ever in Miami, check her out at Ody’s Antiques. 

 Last, what home would be complete without an anniversary clock? I got this tiny one because of the sparkle of the four crystal cubes as they spin back and forth. (You know I can’t resist the bling!)

 Thanks for indulging me and giving me a moment of your “TIME” to share some of my treasures. Do you have a clock fetish, too? Tell me I'm not the only one. I’d love to hear about it.

Hugs,

Patti

We're Linking to the Following Parties:

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm

Knick of Time Tuesday @ Knick of Time

Table Top Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life

Twice Owned Tuesday @ House of Grace

Club G.W. @ Charm Bracelet Diva

One Project at a Time @ A Bowl Full of Lemons 

Anything Goes @ Type A

Tuesday's Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Primp Yourself Wednesday @ Primp

Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style

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

Thrifty Things Friday @ The Thrifty Groove

Farmhouse Friday @ LaurieAnna's Vintage Home

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

Homemaking Weekend Link Up@ Hope in Every Season

Saturday Nite Special @ Funky Junk Interiors

The Sunday  Showcase Party @ Under The Table and Dreaming
Sunday's Best Party @ My 1929 Charmer
Sunday Linky Party @ Petite Hermine

Masterpiece Monday @ Boogieboard Cottage

Amaze Me Monday @ Dittle Dattle

Mosaic Monday @ Dear Little Red House
Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch

Feeling Cagey Part 2

WARNING:  Liable to cause addiction!!!  This post is part 2 of a series about a vintage object that we all seem to have an affinity for… BIRDCAGES!!!  Whenever I spot one, they never fail to cause a gasp and make my heart go pitter-patter. 

First, let’s view the rare and unique.  I found it by chance one day as I was browsing in a local antiques shop.  Way down low on a dusty shelf, I spotted him. To my surprise and delight, I found out….

 He’s a clock!!! That’s right, with each tick he slowly turns to mark the seconds. The white band of numbers tells the hour and the lines mark the quarter minutes. I quickly plunked down my money, and have been smiling ever since!!!

Now, what do you think this treasure is??? No, it’s not a clock this time, but close.  It’s a German automaton. Automatons were made by clock makers as a way to show off their skills. The more functions they could integrate, the more desirable the piece.

 I’d wanted one of these for a while and had never come across one until one fine day I was perusing the Coconut Grove Antique Show in Miami, and there he was.  Funny thing, the dealer said he’d have to give me a discount as it did not work and I’d have to find someone to repair it. But ever since the day I brought him home he’s never failed to open and close his beak as he whistles his happy tune, flaps his tail feathers and turns his head from side to side. Oh, how I do treasure him!

 Birdcages are so versatile as they offer something for every taste. 

 If you lean toward a more traditional look, you might like this little cutie.  Its the keeper of books and ….. what?!

 Why I declare, has someone moved in to share the cage? Ah well, after all it is a “bird” cage, right?

 There is no end to the possibilities when it comes to where to place them. Way up high on the kitchen cabinets is this lovely trio. The larger on is made of bamboo and has a pair of cute little porcelain feeders. The other two are made of brass and date back to the early 50’s.

 Next, the boudoir is home to my girly –girl, frou-frou cage. It’s all decked out with flowers and bows.

If you look inside you’ll see my collection of old poetry books topped off with a folding lorgnette from the early 1900’s.

 Oh, and I can’t forget this little sweetie. The little bird is a saccharin keeper from back in the day before we knew it could kill us! (LOL)  He even has a magnet to hold his serving tongs in place.

 Now let’s do a little shabby chic. These babies were in need of some freshening, s-o-o….

I first spray-painted them white to lay on the first layer of shabby goodness.  Then things got really fun.  I took some wired ribbon, an old stretch pearl ring, a nosegay of flowers and tinkered some more.  Finally, I put in a few pieces of blue and white porcelain, ( but you could add plants, or candles or whatever suites your fancy). TaDa!!!

 Go ahead, peek inside.  I put in a pie bird and cup, and see the sparkly little chandy? I made it with some floral wire and a couple of bobeches. After all every home deserves a little bling.

Now, this is for all you DIYers out there. I present my "Time to Read Lamp". It's just a cute little bookshelf accent that makes me smile.

The birdcage is drilled through and the lamp kit just fits inside. Since the cage has a hook at the top it can be hung by a chain or if you like it can be mounted on a candle base as I did.

Well that’s it for today, but if you heart is still racing for more click here and check out my other lovely chippy shabby cages out on the porch. Now if you think that's all my cagey beauties, you are sooo wrong!!! Join us for our next post: "Lady Sings the Blues" 'cause I've got a couple more tricks to show you. Happy 4th!

 

Patti

We are linking up to the following blogs:

   

Masterpiece Monday @   Boogie Board Cottage 

Today's Thrifty Treasures @  
Southern Hospitality

Metamorphosis Monday @ 
Between Naps on the Porch 
Tabletop Tuesdays @ 
A Stroll Thru Life 
Wow Us Wednesday @ 
Savvy Southern Style  
White Wednesday @ 
Faded Charm 
Good Life Weds @  
A Beach Cottage
Show and Tell Friday @
My Romantic Home
Home Sweet Home @
The Charm of Home
Feathered Nest Friday @
French Country Cottage 
 French Inspiration Thursday @
The French Cupboard
Vintage Thingie Thursday @
The Coloradolady