Welcome to the latest edition of Where Bloggers Live. It’s kind of like HGTV’s “Celebrities at Home,” but…Bloggers! Who doesn’t like to peek behind the scenes and see inside people’s homes and lives.
Today’s post is “Antiques and Art”. According to Google, an antique must be at least 100 years old. Whereas “vintage” is basically “something of age”.
I don’t know a lot about art – I just know what I like or dislike. So, the art around my house is pretty special to me as several pieces were gifts, others from members of my family who are gone, it all means a lot! My DH always joked that I was running out of wall space. Not me – I can find a spot somewhere. You might notice a recurring theme – irises & elephants, but there are a few other things. So, here goes….
Secretary the belonged to my Great aunt. She used it, I’ve used it. Chuck had to virtually rebuild those fragile legs. Probably dates to around 1900.
Glass front armoir that belonged to my Great Grandfather. Sat next to the fireplace in my grandparents home (and now my home).
-
- marble top table, Koda’s guarding
-
- Gorgeous ‘iris’ vase.
-
- This was my grandmother’s wedding in 1905
-
- Dining room table
These are all antiques and some have interesting stories. The dining room table (not the chairs) came to Alabama via mules and wagon escaping the Yankees during the Civil War. Had to replace the chairs. This was in my grandparents dining room when I was growing up. I didn’t know then that it would make a square table (54″). It always had all four leaves in it then – and I use them when I have a houseful of family. It goes out to 104 leaves and takes up A LOT OF ROOM. I got it in the 1980’s and it was virtually falling apart. DH worked long and hard putting it back together with little strong oak wood strips and a gazillion brass screws. I loved it then and I surely love it now.
This has to be one of my favorite cross stitch pieces. It’s an all over cross stitch and was given to me by a friend when the cross stitch shop where I worked closed. There are MANY hours in that piece, and you have to be really close to tell it’s not a painting. One of my all-time favorites.
-
- Painting by an elephant!!
-
- Different elephant painted this one.
Now, I could go on and on and on and…. I think I mentioned that I don’t have much wall space left. But, I’m going to stop here or this will really be a long post.
Hope you enjoyed my art & antiques. Now don’t forget to check out my partners in this little adventure.
Bettye (our fearless leader) at Fashion Schlub
Daenel at Living Outside the Stacks
Em at Dust and Doghair
Jodie at Jodie’s Touch of Style
Leslie at Once Upon a Time and Happily Ever After
Sally at Within a World of My Own
Saved the best for last!! What precious pieces you have shared. The marble top table reminds me of my Grandma Bubby who had several similar tables in her living room. That dining room table is fabulous. What a history/herstory it has. And your sweet husband just made it even more special with all the work he put into restoring it. A labor of love. Cannot believe that bird picture is a cross stitch and not a painting. I love snow…birds, not so much…but that is so realistic looking…the snow on the pinecones. The shading. Just wow!!! So much work. I’m… Read more »
Leslie, you are too kind to me. I do love my “stuff”, mostly old. And the bird picture is truly a jewel (I think). Thanks for coming by and checking out my goodies.
Iris
I was wondering which direction you would take, Iris. You have so many lovely, meaningful and historic treasures. All the pieces were gorgeous and I hate singling anything out lest it indicate a lack of appreciation for the others, because wow! However, the carving on that secretary is beautiful and I would likewise use it all the time…and count me among the many who thought the gathered birds were a photo 🤯. The amount of stitches!!!
Oh my, what a nice comment. I guess I’ve lived with most of this stuff for so many years I sometimes fail to appreciate it. Most all of my antiques are family with a lot of history.
And you are right, that cross stitch required a gazillioin stitches. I’ve never done a full cover, but I sure like them.
Iris
What a great story about your dining room table! I bet some amazing tales were told at that table!
Wow, you’re right – I thought that cross-stitch was a painting!!!
And I knew there had to be an elephant element somewhere 🙂
Oh yeah, I can only imagine all those table tales. I’ve always loved that table – with I had some pictures from it’s earlier life, but there weren’t cameras flashing everywhere back them.
The cross stitch dos look like a painting – and I love it.
You knew I’d have to have elephants somewhere.
Iris
That supposed cross-stitch is obviously a painting, haha! Seriously I would never have guessed. Love the paintings done by elephants – what a take on the elephant art theme!
Sure looks like a painting – and I think of all the many hours of work that went into it everytime I look up and see it.
And, who knew elephants could paint?! I received both of those the same Christmas – one from my daughter, one from #1 DIL. I think they add interest to my wall.
Iris
I’m in awe of that cross stitch. I kept trying to figure out which one you were talking about because it totally looks like a painting.
And those fabulous pieces of furniture that were loving recreated/fixed. Talk about sentimental.
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
That bird cross stitch looks like a painting when you’re in the room with it too. Only way to tell it’s a cross stitch is up really close where you can see the actual stitches.
You’re right – lots of sentimental stuff in my house – and I love every bit of it.
Iris