Photo of a book of old patterns for lace embroidery, found for ten euros at a market bookseller's stall. It is tied with teal silk shantung ribbon and is from Succursale at 25 Faubourg Saint-Honore, Paris.
If you are in Paris beginning Friday, September 28 through October 7, you might be interested in attending the 75th Foire Nationale aux Antiquites, a la Brocante et aux Jambons at Ile de Chatou. It's one of the best brocantes in France and not to be missed, in my opinion. So despite my miserable cold, I'll be there when the doors open at 10 a.m. Friday, along with Di of Designers' Block UK and Rel of Under the Microscope and his charming wife Diane.
David and I enjoyed a fabulous dinner with Rel and Diane last Wednesday night in Paris. On Thursday, they're coming by train from the South of France and will be staying with us Thursday and Friday nights, before returning to the US on Saturday. Di and Harvey will be having dinner with us Sunday night. Aren't we lucky?
A sample page of vintage lace patterns from the book above.
Among my favourite things to collect are 19th-century Madonna crowns, once used in religious festivals in France and Spain. Some of these you've seen previously. But I'm reposting them, in case any lovely ladies attending the Bloglandia ball today want to borrow one of these crowns!
19th-century French crown with "diamonds."
A Madonna crown with "sapphires" and "diamonds," also 19th-century French.
This crown is adorned with "rubies," "emeralds" and "diamonds." I think the missing stones add to the crown's appeal.
A starburst pattern features "diamonds," while "sapphires" adorn the rim of the crown.
If you don't like gemstones, perhaps you'd prefer the elegant simplicity of this laurel leaf, accented with golden acorns?
Simplest of all, this 20th-century French organza daisy chain once was worn by a young bridesmaid.
the richelieu books are beautiful tara!! and i would choose the golden laurel leaf wreath!!
Posted by: marita | 29 September 2007 at 10:32
What a wonderful collection! You are the fairest of them all!
Posted by: tongue in cheek | 28 September 2007 at 21:18
Such beautiful crowns...I think I will go with the french organze daisy chain..
:-)
Posted by: Bhavna | 27 September 2007 at 19:53
I hope that you are feeling better
these crowns are lovely -
I especially love the one with stars and diamonds -
may I borrow that one?
one thing about a Bloglandia Ball - it never ends...
do visit when you get a chance...
I've saved a dance just for you...
xox - eb.
Posted by: eb | 27 September 2007 at 19:19
absolutely exquisite is all that you share.
I love you
Posted by: Jeanne | 27 September 2007 at 12:02
That is such a unique, yet fabulous thing to collect. I would love to start a collection - I wouldn't even know where to start looking.. wow.
I hope you feel better - and you've been telling me to get rest!!
Posted by: holli | 27 September 2007 at 08:50
ME me me one of the first two crowns please....I will borrow them for the ball, just gorgeous!I do love majesty of those crowns. Lucky you to have Rel as a visitor, such a perfect gentleman! I can just imagine the wonderful chatter the walls will be privy to!
Hugs to all of you
Sherrie
Posted by: Giggles | 27 September 2007 at 08:46
Say hi to Rel for me. :)
:)
Posted by: Amber | 27 September 2007 at 06:30
As beautiful as the jeweled crowns are, I believe the simple daisy chain is my favorite. Guess I'm just a simple girl at heart :)
Feel better!
Posted by: Becca | 27 September 2007 at 05:17
Now I wish I were going to the ball! I don't have a dress made though! Ah, poo. I'll just wear the crown.
On second thought...maybe I'll spare everyone the agony!
What a great collection Tara. Oh, I wish I were going to be in Paris that week. I'd love to see the brocante. Maybe for us poor saps who have to stay home, you could shoot a couple of pictures for us?
Thanks, take care and have a wonderful Thursday tomorrow...
xo
Blue
Posted by: Gillian @ Indigo Blue | 27 September 2007 at 04:24
Tara, these crowns are so beautiful! I love the acorn one, as those seeds are near and dear to my heart! Good rest to you and may you feel better soon!
Posted by: Lea | 27 September 2007 at 03:02
Hi Tara:
I fainted, had to site down to recover, and am in "la La" Land looking at your crowns. I have a Kewpie doll (Josie) who admires Donna O'Brien's crowns and if she saw yours we would be on the first plane to Paris. I made her a white seed bead (they are antique beads) and copper wire faux crown for the Ball and she scoffed at me. She is such a twit : )
You showed pure beauty today!!!
Peace
carole
Posted by: carole | 27 September 2007 at 01:14
a wonderful reason to visit you TAra -
so I can prance around Paris in one of your crowns!
LOL
Posted by: maddie | 26 September 2007 at 22:29
I forgot to get my ball gown ready , but I'd love to borrow the crown with the blue stones although I would probably look better in the first one shown. I have teeth and oh, wait until you see my killer shoes!
Posted by: Mary T. | 26 September 2007 at 22:10
Oh brocantes, how I miss them! And what gorgeous crowns!
Hope you're feeling better soon!
Becky
Posted by: Becky | 26 September 2007 at 21:52
Such royal beauties! Do feel better soon...I will be in Spain!! next Wed! Will be thinking of you so close by!!!
Posted by: stephanie | 26 September 2007 at 21:51
Did Rel deliver my hug I sent you? Did you give him a birthday hug for me? I'm glad you are enjoying all your company and treasure hunts but I wish you felt better. Lots of C.
XXOO
HUGS to Rel
Posted by: Tammy | 26 September 2007 at 21:12
I am swooning and gasping and trembling at the sight of such beauty. Borrow one? for the Ball? Really, you wouldn't mind? Ah but then I'd hate to twirl one too many times and have it go flying. I will just sit here and admire each and every detail and sit in awe of such a divine collection such as this.
I am so sorry to read you have a miserable cold and yet I admire your tenacity not to let it stop from a Brocante. I'll gladly carry tissues and a thermos of hot toddys for you if I can just stroll with you.
Feel better and enjoy your company!
XOXOXO
Posted by: Lisa M.S. Oceandreamer | 26 September 2007 at 20:58
Tara these crowns are gorgeous! How generous of you to allow one to borrow and wear to the ball...I am heading over on the wing of
a butterfly and will sit in the corner observing all the dancing and prancing of ribbon lace and glitter! If you would allow it I would love to trade in my crown of butterflies for the laurel leaf and acorn crown but just for 1 night! hugs NG I'm feeling a bit more human today.
Posted by: naturegirl | 26 September 2007 at 20:02
Ooooohhh Ahhhhhh Madonna crowns.
Adore! What a collection!!!!
Hope you will feel tiptop by the time Di arrives.
Must have all you wits about you when it comes time for the Brocante!!
Posted by: rochambeau | 26 September 2007 at 19:48
You had me at the book...oh my...
Love,
D.
Posted by: Delia | 26 September 2007 at 19:21
Ah, Tara. I love your crown collection. It looks like it has grown a bit since last they were shown. Hugs, Annie
Tara responds:
Ha ha! The ones pictured are only a very small portion of my Madonna crown collection. I figure the crown collection will fit into my luggage and travel wherever I go/move in my life and will only appreciate in value. One woman recently offered to buy the entire collection, but I declined. They are becoming increasingly harder to find in good condition.
Posted by: AnnieElf | 26 September 2007 at 19:09
swoon ~ what lady's inner-girl-princess heart doesn't skip a beat at seeing such?! thank you for the pick-me-up
Posted by: anjie joon | 26 September 2007 at 18:40
Oh how lovely! Yes, the sapphire one would be so lovely, hmm...or the emeralds --or any of them! Thank you, Tara, you are so thoughtful - the ball will be even more glowing now.
I'm so sorry you're not feeling well - please take good care of you, and get better soon. Stop by for a glass of asti spumanti - it's good for whatever ails you! Take care~xox
Posted by: tinker | 26 September 2007 at 18:03
If only crowns were in style to wear everyday...WOW WOW WOW!
XOX
Kristen
Posted by: Kristen R | 26 September 2007 at 17:19
oh tara i need that saphire ad diamond one...i am so coveting that book...hope you feel better...i am having a virtual dance with you anyway...come see my dress...blessings, rebecca
Posted by: Cre8Tiva | 26 September 2007 at 17:11
Ohh Tara, so sorry you are sick! I love each and every crown, even with the genuine, imitation "diamonds", "sapphires" and "emeralds". Love, love your pictures! smooches, leau
Posted by: Leau | 26 September 2007 at 16:47