Delicate old lace found in Savannah is draped over a distressed dressing screen with linen panels.
This 19th-century lantern once hung in my friend Gabrielle's hallway. Because it didn't emit enough light, she decided to sell it. As David and I live in a rented Paris apartment, there's no easy way to hang the lantern, so I cut the electrical cords.
I added a bird (Christmas ornament) whose tail feathers match the purple crystals. Now the lantern holds a church candle and serves as centerpiece on a library table.
Perhaps someday we'll have a house with a hallway suitable for the lantern, in which case I'll have it rewired (always a good idea with old lighting devices).
This glass scientific display dome - which isn't leaning sideways, but apparently I was when I took the photo - features a 1927 certificate awarded to young Lucien Mathy for successfully completing handwriting exercises.
The dome also holds 19th-century leather button-up boots and a hand-painted bisque jointed doll, as well as a small collage that says "Remember me," by Colette of A Bird in the Hand.
I should sew clothes for the doll, but am not sure what would be appropriate - a sailor suit? Any ideas from you creative types out there? What items have you repurposed or recycled lately?
geez, I haven't visited in days! I am sorry but well - life happened. I always love looking at your treasures - I absolutely adore the lantern !
And that first photo of the lace over the screen - TO DIE FOR!!! LOVE IT!
Posted by: miss*R | 02 March 2007 at 06:56
It's a boy doll. A sailor suit would be perfect - I reckon he's about 1880-1890. Shame he can't have a little straw boater... I just found your blog by chance and love this stuff!
Posted by: Ms Baroque | 27 February 2007 at 23:45
I love the eclectic look of your displays. So fresh-- which is ironic as the items are old.
Posted by: ally bean | 27 February 2007 at 13:30
I would love to walk through your home and look at all your things, and how you put them together. Maybe you should give me an e-tour? ;)
My mom made a really beautiful lamp shade for me for this old lamp she found. I love it, but it did need rewiring, like you said. It caught on fire the other day! Lucky we saved the shade.
oxox :)
Posted by: Amber | 27 February 2007 at 04:13
What great displays! The lace is just beautiful on the screen - but I adore the bell jar display with the boots and doll. Pssss... I think he likes being nude - lol!
Posted by: Deb L | 27 February 2007 at 02:02
i love the lace and personally, i like the doll nude although i do like the idea of a polka-dot dress, I was just writing about vintage ones for my self portrait.
Posted by: kristen | 26 February 2007 at 23:32
What fun photos! Lovely lace; a jaunty little bird and an adorable doll (I have one slightly similar from my mother, that wears a little swiss dot nighty and bonnet). Thanks for sharing the eye candy, Tara! :D
Posted by: tinker | 26 February 2007 at 23:08
love your photos...that lace on the linen screen is beautiful! And what a clever idea for the lantern! I think sailor or something Shirley Temple like!
Posted by: nel | 26 February 2007 at 22:02
I thinkj a nice polka dot dress would look nice. I am presently working on making a bowling ball a gazing ball. I got a beat up old bowling ball and am mosiacing it with bits of old pottery and mirror tiles. It is heavy as all get out but it shore is purty!
Posted by: poody | 26 February 2007 at 20:14
lovely photographs...
x
Posted by: dandelion | 26 February 2007 at 19:45
What beautiful photographs. It is wonderful to see how you have breathed new life into these old objects.
Your little doll would look fabulous dressed in a school uniform to tie in with the certificate.
(Does Gabrielle wish that she had kept the lamp, now that she has seen what you have acheived with it!? lol)
Posted by: niki | 26 February 2007 at 16:39
What beautiful things...I had a lovely time just enjoying them. Thanx
Posted by: Gypsy Purple--Chamara | 26 February 2007 at 04:58
Your interior is fascinating!! More more!! I want to see more :)
Posted by: Mizsmoochielips | 26 February 2007 at 01:08
I'd sew a school girl outfit but I'm about as crafty as my dog Nikki ;) XXOO Love that lace!
Posted by: Tammy | 25 February 2007 at 23:35
Beautiful objects of art!
Posted by: chiefbiscuit | 25 February 2007 at 23:32
I am loving the lantern, how beautiful. Tammy told me about you, she is my stepmom. Also, thank-you for stopping by my blog for Sunday Scribblings.
I can't wait to come back here for more posts. I am an antique lover, too!
Jolene
Posted by: Jolene | 25 February 2007 at 18:47
The screen covered in lace is making my heart go pitter-patter! You certainly know how to surround yourself with beautiful, uplifting things. And what a delicious surprise to see the card in such a perfect setting! XOXOXOXO
Posted by: Colette | 25 February 2007 at 18:37
an Italian terracotta plate, drilled a hole in the middle of it, used a ceiling fixture metal frame with a metal central rod. Suspended the plate on the metal rod and topped with a small finial. Sold it as a cake plate and the owner loved it! How about short pants and a sailor shirt on the figurine with maybe one of those paper sailor hats?
Posted by: martina | 25 February 2007 at 18:17
I would put her in a sweet white school frock, with antique mini millinary flowers as a detail. I like your style!
Posted by: wendy | 25 February 2007 at 18:04
I DO see this doll in a sailor dress -
and a bow in her hair.
I love glimpses into your home.
It is gorgeous. Enchanting. Like you:)
Posted by: sophie :) | 25 February 2007 at 17:39
What a sweet vignette. I like seeing the Collette collage in amongst these timeless items. It is the perfect setting. If I were making doll clothes, I would make a little dress and hat to echo the collage.
Posted by: AnnieElf | 25 February 2007 at 17:20
Years ago I purchased two old canvas destination signs, roll signs that went on a New York subway and changed as the train changed destinations. One is huge...25" x 5". The other a bit smaller. I have finally made headboards for my guest room from one section, a sign that says "No Passengers" from another and made a book cover from a smaller piece.
I so enjoy your blog. I have been an American living abroad (LOndon and Holland) and I miss the experiences. Keep writing.
Posted by: Ginny | 25 February 2007 at 17:17
I love all of these things...especially that lace over the door:)you have beautiful tastes and I love that those bowls remind you of family..thank you thank you for that and so much more! xo
ps. I played hooky again...we are snowed in and the plow won't even get to my long drive way till early evening..it's a mess out there!
Posted by: berrie | 25 February 2007 at 16:44
Tara this is such a lovely group of photos I always enjoy viewing your trasures. The doll is so very sweet defitniely a little outfit is in order.
Colette's card is adorable, love the colors.
XO
Kristen
Posted by: kristen robinson | 25 February 2007 at 16:24
I love all that you share.
Blessings!
Love Jeanne
X0X0
Posted by: Jeanne | 25 February 2007 at 16:20