Small details are what make a home a home… I think we all agree…
I found the embroidery in a local flea market… it was unfinished and tatty but that made me like it even more…
For what was left unsaid… I could use my imagination, speculate on the reasons that the faces were bare…
Was there no time to finish the scene? Did someone loose interest? Did tragedy strike?
I love that someone’s handiwork was rescued… and appreciated…
The books are similar… worn, shabby and well thumbed…
They live near the embroidery now…
There is something simpatico in the textures, the shades and the feeling…
Small details… Great pleasure… Don’t you think?… xv
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Hello Vicki
The embroidery is beautiful and invites questions. Your letting it reside with the books is a perfect choice
Helen xx
I definitely agree, the small details impart personality in a home. Your tapestry is so thought provoking, I love that factor, the history and wonder of an old piece. Books, especially French books, so beautiful and so loved, simply gorgeous.
Cheers, Kathy
And I love the caress of detail you honor these lovely pieces with in your words this morning, Vicki.
Art is that way, isn’t it? We wonder, “What was the artist/writer thinking? What was the beholder of those books musing over as they turned the pages?” Life is good. And you know what I love about French-touched objects? The muted colors. Who can make grays and faded hues so beautiful like the French…
Anita
The piece may be unfinished but it was done by someone who knew their work. That satin stitch is so flat its almost like as if it was ironed on.
In total agreement. I am always more obsessed/impressed/consumed by the minutia than the whole. Lovely post! Phil xxxxx
Good morning beautiful Vicki! I so appreciate your visits! Yes, creativity has a way of worming its way out of us and almost like a whining child, does not let up until it is given what it wants: FREEDOM. Enjoy your flight of creativity TODAY! Anita
It’s the little things which makes a house a home. How beautiful is this embroidery ….it looks (and may be is) so precious. I like it because of the lack of the faces which makes it a bit mysterious.
The figure could be at a masquerade ball…and also the worn books
tell a story before you read them. Enjoy this litte treasures.
Hi Vicki,
The 18th c. embroidery fragment is a true treasure. I wonder what type of frame would surround it?
Yes, life is lived in the details. Have a wonderfully detailed day!
Mary
Bonjour Vicki,
There is indeed a special charm and mystery in unfinished pieces. I am thinking sometimes about writing a “book” with just a few sentences which would start each chapter leaving the rest of the story to the imagination of the readers…
Have a great day
Anne (Playing With Scarves)
Good idea… So much fun filling in the blanks…:)
what lovely finds, vicki. i so enjoyed shopping some small vide-greniers recently in paris.
hope you’ll stop by…i am now happily sharing photos and info about that recent trip.
smiles to you.
michele
Vicki I love the embroidery. It is exquisite, and you are right, the unfinished work draws you in. Look forward to seeing what you do with the embroidery.
I feel like you, often the left behind, unfinished or tattered things pique my interests more the the perfectly preserved antiques or the complete sets of everything. Blue is such a delightful color, faded, or full of al the power of deep indigo. Having had the chance to experience French flea markets first hand this past summer, I know what you are missing… and me too. They are exquisite and always filled with surprises, no?
Your pictures are lovely snapshots of all of these delights.
xoxo
Victoria
I realized this comment was meant for your flea market post, but equally fits to your latest one about the unfinished embroidery and old books. Lovely pieces you found here.I can see them next to each other connecting stories we will only dream about.
xoxo V.
That embroidery makes my heart sing.
I’ve been thinking of taking it up again.
Could you please send me a gaily wrapped box of extra hours??
xoxo,
p
When I find them I will gladly share with you Pamela…
That’s exactly why I love vintage items, too! I love to wonder why that Jadeite batter bowl has a chip in that spot, I love to dream about who embroidered the gorgeous bluebird on the silky pillow I have in my bedroom, I think about all the dreams that happened under the vintage quilts…
Oh, call me sentimental. It’s true!
That embroidery piece is so gorgeous. Faces or not. Exquisite. And I want a stack of those books to arrange under a big, heavy cloche I have in my dining room.
STUNNING!!!!!!!!!Your words are DELICIOUS too!
Truer words were never spoken + adore the embroidery + books. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
Vicki,
It’s the little things that are my favorite things in a home, for the reasons you’ve stated. There is a story, even when you have to create one in your mind…the tapestry is beautiful. The books are well loved and worn. Fun post, thank you.
Karen
Thanks for sharing. Bring back lots of memories.
.. The embroidery is divine … what a find.
There are a myriad of ways to create art…I used to do needlework’s…Like Pamela I am asking for some extra hours!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
2012 Artists Series
incredible embroidery! love my over 100 yr. old tapestry too…those things are so unique and yes special!
xo Z
All in the attention to small detail love your flea market finds! I am sure these beautiful pieces have a new home with love. Carla x
I love the mystery surrounding the unfinished embroidery. Those lovely well-worn books speak of hours upon hours of pleasure gained from reading. They are both wonderful details, indeed. Thank you for sharing such beauty.
My husband’s grandmother did the most beautiful needlework! I wish I had more of it that I do! Old Tapestry’s are a favorite of mine…I’m actually searching for one for my shop! The piece you found is wonderful, Vicki! And LOVE old books! If you walked into my shop you would find many of them! So much character! Have a wonderful weekend!
Oooooooo Vicki,
Where did you get the books from? I love them and need some for my house. I love the small details and think that they make a home. A friend of mine said that it wasn’t a good thing to use books as a ‘decoration’ but I disagree. I think that it’s those little details that bring everything together. XXXX
The local flea markets Jackie… I have been collecting these particular ones for nearly 20 years.. They are beautiful inside as well… next time I will try and show some of the illustrations…
These are just lovely but I especially love the embroidery… you are so right … there is a story there isn’t there! Leaving it unfinished does mean so much more – it is what is left unsaid… So lucky to ‘flea’ in France when you want to! Jennifer. x