What Have You Been Up To Mrs. Newton?

This question you may ask yourself when I talk of sprees to D.C. (and of being lazy with my last couple of posts!). Well, I decided to take a few pictures of the new beautiful additions to our home... For this post, I'll try to focus on the larger pieces; next time, I want to share the smaller things I've been able to find.

All the furniture was purchased from my friend Beth, proprietress of Osiris. Although she's giving up her brick and mortar store, she will thankfully still be online. But since she no longer needs her large book storage pieces, Ben and I graciously took them off her hands! (To our great benefit!)

The new old antique poster over the mantel is another fabulous find - I can't describe how lucky I was to find this original c. 1910 Pierrot image. Its color and style is just what our den needed!
Another great piece is this Art Nouveau wall clock - Although not from Beth, it did hail from another dear soul- Sam, Raleigh's Resident Designer:) Find out about him at SuzAnna's Antiques (he has the best taste and the most wonderful items!)... The Gothic watercolor is from DC though- a British piece simultaneously haunting and comforting - Truly an inspiring image of the beauty of decay.

The c. 1900 Art Nouveau armoire is a piece de resistance... I never thought I'd find something in this time period that would be affordable! And yet, we have been blessed with so many wonderful friends who truly love antiques just as we do. Just look at that hardware!

And so this is what the life of an antiques' dealer consists of - The ebb and flow of items to and from one's home. Even though these items are mine for now, one day they may be passed on to another lover of old. The last couple of weeks have been occupied with moving and primping, purging and collecting - Once again finding that the flotsam and jetsam of our lives is temporal.

Ode to Summer

" Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability."

~Sam Keen

Southern Style: Baltimore Antique Show

Thought I'd share some beautiful images with you from the Baltimore Antique Show which took place over Labor Day weekend.

I love unusual items and there was no shortage of the like. Paragon Antiques, recently relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, had several religious statues and icons. Also available from Paragon was this fabulous 19th century French mannequin.

One of the best displays at the show was created by The Elephant's Ear of Jackson, Mississippi. Importing directly from Europe seems to work well for this designer- Look at these wonderful pieces!

Last but certainly not least is this lovely fairy oil painting... Entitled Nymph a la Piece d'Eau (Nymph at the Fountain), the image was painted by Guillaume Seignac, a French man born in 1870.

As you can see from the pictures, the Baltimore Summer Show is a cabinet of curiosities with its acquisitions for sale.

Rest for the Weary

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

After traveling to DC several times in the last couple of weeks, I am really beginning to feel the impact! Hopefully, a few days of routine and rest will help cure my slagging demeanor. For now, I will try to give you all some eye candy and a quote or two. I'll also try to have up some pictures of my recent finds!

Images of Beauty

The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady by Edith Holden is a delightful journey to another land- The land of Britain with its flora and fauna. Mrs. Holden's thoughts are detailed in lovely paintings and words... Much in the style of Beatrix Potter. She has written her favorite poems and observations in a collection kept in the penmanship it was originally written.

What makes Country Diary a book to be discovered lies not only in its words and pictures but also in the author's life. Edith Holden was born in 1871 at Kings Norton, Worcester. While in Warwickshire, she wrote and illustrated the treasure I mention here. She continued to paint and write and published several books focused on animals; sadly, it was her inquisitive nature which led to her tragic death. While gathering buds from chestnut trees at Kew, she drowned in the Thames at the age of 49.

I encourage you to find a copy of this book for your personal collection- Each month is breathtakingly illustrated and will be a lovely addition to your seasonal decor.

"The last of our summer visitants has taken his departure; About a fortnight ago a chiff-chaff was constantly to be seen hopping about the Gooseberry bushes in the garden; - the last to leave us, he is usually the first to arrive. But the tom-tits are returning in great numbers ..."

-- The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady, Edith Holden, October 21

Whimsical Wares

Hi all-
Before I start my series of book reviews, I thought I would share a view recent purchases ... If you're a regular reader of my post, you've probably gotten the hint that I like stuff. Not just any stuff mind you - Interesting, quirky stuff. And that's what I'm going to share with you today!

A few months ago, in either Country Home or Country Living, Poppy Treffry (http://www.poppytreffry.co.uk) was spot lighted. As a big fan of either previous mentioned mag, I took their advice and looked up the seller. Fabulous stuff- Tea cozies, bags, quirky kitchen supplies- Fun all around. Problem is - a little pricey. So, I passed and looked longfully at the bags. Speed ahead to first big Rubylane sale - Celebration time! You got it- I bought my Poppy Treffry bag! The bag is the one with the butterflies ... Whopee! It's crossing the big wide ocean now. Let's hope it's doing OK.

See the fun, fun, fun wreath- Courtesy of Katie Runnels at www. theconstantgatherer.com. Be sure to check out her links page and see her shop on Etsy. Did I say fun yet? She's a Savannah College of Art Alumni and lives in my home state of South Carolina ...

Ok- so, yes, I did buy a second pocket book this month. But I do get credit b/c the last one I bought was like 4 months ago and it was a steal (Coach for $20 at Gresham!). Anyways, the "Dream Boat Tote" is made by Lori Marie at Pretty Little Things (www.lorimarie.com). She has been featured on Martha Stewart twice, Parents Magazine, Lucky and tons more. And she's super nice! What more could one ask for??? Her little totes are adorable- Several months ago I went for the Doll Face Clutch:) So cute and looks great in the Dream Boat Tote!

The oh so precious gnome tags were a definite hit for me! I had no idea the quality and craftsmanship of these little guys when I ordered them from Shaving Kit Supplies on Etsy www.shavingkit.etsy.com. A definite must for anyone who loves red hatted small people:) And the freebie she sent was so cute- One of those vintage style pipe cleaner Halloween thingys!

Well, now that my wallet is empty, I should go back to work. I've gotta put some Halloween things out at the booths and list some new finds on Rubylane. I'd love to know if you've visited so please take a moment and comment - I'll be sure to reply back!