Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Fabulous French Finds

Antique French ribbon work sewing basket, metal frame, and jeweled clock


Hello Blog Friends,

Today I have the urge to share some of my wonderful French antique finds.  Given my blog name you have probably figured out that I am a bit of a Francophile, to say the least.   Armed with that fact, let's take a quick peek around my home for some of my favorite things...it's a little photo heavy, so be forewarned.

That beautiful antique Normandy lace pillow that graces the center of my blog header seems like a good place to start...Normandy lace is an exquisite and very collectible "patchwork" of laces and usually embroidered lawn or organdy.  Many laces are French in origin, many others are French in style and often misattributed to France, but Normandy is pretty much a given that it is made in France if it has the elements listed above.  I've had a few pieces with little fabric tags sewn on them stating "made in France".  Love that!


The detailing on this metal picture frame that I purchased last year is breathtaking.  I almost hyperventilated when I saw it.  


One of my favorite clocks also hails from France.  Don't you just love the jewels?  OK, they're colored glass, but I couldn't love this clock any more if they were genuine gems although I certainly might keep a closer eye on it!   


This French lawyer's document is dated 1852.  The sepia script on the old paper is awesome.


Most of these lovely little 1920's perfume bottles are from Czechoslovakia, but this one is marked "Made in France".  Found it at an estate sale.  J'adore!  It sits on a French ribbon work vanity tray, of course...


 This amazing little tiny purse holds a mirror and a powder puff.  Presumably, a powder compact would have gone in there too so you could daintily powder your nose.  It still has it's little store tag on it.


I pulled the little rose covered purse out of this cabinet of beauty which holds my prized antique ribbon work.  That is a whole other post, but let me tantalize you with a quick photo of one of the shelves...I've never shown this cabinet to anyone except my immediate family, so I must like you guys!


Back to purses, this beautiful piece was made in Paris and has a wonderful metallic beaded pattern mixed with embroidery.


This little gal sits on my dresser wearing my hands down favorite crown of my collection (yes, another collection for another time).  Don't let on to the other crowns, I wouldn't want to hurt anyone's feelings!  LOL!  It is a French saint's crown and it is called a Trembler because the large lily type flower that sits front and center is on a wire that makes it move a bit or tremble.  Not sure why this was done, but it is cool.



Last but certainly not least, I have something that I'd bet most of you have never heard of because they are fairly rare.  It is a French Laurel Award.  These were given out for doing something special the way we would have given out trophies or loving cups.  Sometimes they are just a free standing sprig of metal leaves, sometimes they are in the form of crowns with laurel leaves or sometimes oak leaves.  Mine appears to have been attached to something else since there's a place where it looks like it would have gone over a post of some sort, perhaps on a trophy or stand.  It is from the Paris International Exposition, no date, but it looks very old, so I'd guess at least a hundred years or more.  I've often wondered what someone did to  be presented with something so beautiful.  I am from Colorado Springs, where Artus Van Briggle lived and made pottery in the early 1900's and I like to imagine that this is the award he received in Paris for one of his amazing vases.  Probably not, but I like to think so anyway.


If you've stuck with me this long, thank you thank you good and faithful reader.  I can really get going when I am showing and telling about my favorite things.  Hope your week is a good one!

Until next time,




Joining these parties this week:
Knick of Time Tuesday 
Tuesdays Treasures
White Wednesday
Wow Us Wednesday
Primp Your Stuff Wednesday
What's It Wednesday
Home Sweet Home
Pearls and Lace Thursday
Feathered Nest Friday
Vintage Inspiration Friday
Simple and Sweet Friday
Fridays Unfolded 
Pink Saturday
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46 comments:

  1. Judy,
    Those are lovely finds.
    Anne

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  2. Beautiful collection. Thanks for sharing.

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  3. Oh beautiful treasures, thank you for sharing. My favourite is the amazing document. Cheers SpecialK XoXo

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  4. Oh my gosh!! What incredible treasures! All of that beautiful lace and beadwork and ribbon embroidery - gasp! The pictures alone have me hyperventilating :) How lucky you are to have amassed such a lovely collection. Thankyou for sharing it with us!
    Jennelise

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  5. What beautiful treasures you have! I love the information you have on each one. Wouldn't you love to be able to see exactly what has happened to each piece to see how it turned up in your home from 100+ years ago?
    Wasn't today gorgeous!? Spring fever!

    ~Shanon

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  6. Judy, I'm so glad you shared all these lovely things, the crowns are stunning! Now I just want to see more!

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  7. Merde! What gorgeous treasures! I covet them all and am so glad you shared them with us. I love tremblers and just learned about them last year at a vintage and antique jewelry show.
    Carla

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  8. Loved each and every photo. The normandy lace is so PRETTY!
    Thanks for showing us inside your special cupboard too.

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  9. Now this is one amazing collection, Judy! I feel like I just visited the Louvre! haha. Truly there are treasures here that I've never laid eyes on, and I HAVE been to the Louvre! That Laurel award is exquisite.

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  10. Judy the French Laurel award is so special and I adore the beaded bag!

    I hope you will come and see my new Annie Sloan projects!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  11. Oh my goodness! What beautiful treasures you have. I want to thank you for visiting me today. I love your beautiful blog. I am a new follower.

    blessings,
    Danielle

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  12. Everything is truly exquisite...real keepers!

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  13. So many beautiful things you have and the frame is my favourite *smile*.

    Hugs
    Elna

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  14. Hi Judy and thank you so much for stopping by my blog and for your lovely comment:) My goodness, your treasures are amazing!!! I'm in love with all of them but that clock is scrumptious! Thank you for sharing your cupboard with us, that is truly a treasure trove!

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  15. Hi Judy,

    I saw your blog the first time some weeks and I really love it! There are so many beautiful things to admire, your cushions are a dream! I`m looking forward to your next photos.
    With kind regards from Germany
    Katharina

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  16. You do have some beautiful things in your collection..that frame really is gorgeous!
    Have a great week!
    Rene'

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  17. Hi Judy,
    Oh, you have my heart going pitter patter! Such gorgeous Frenchy treasures you've shown. My favorite is the peek into that cabinet, YUMMY!
    We'd like to have you share with us at Ivy and Elephants, we'd love to have you!
    Hugs,
    Patti

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  18. Hi Judy...

    Oooh...sooo many beautiful french treasures!!! I sooo enjoyed each and every photo...and must admit that I was drooling a bit! Hehe! Love, love, LOVE your french ribbon collection! Your lovely french bust looks so beautiful with her crown! Sooo beautiful and truly unique! This is the first time I have seen a french "laurel" award. It's gorgeous!!! I am in the northeastern corner of Colorado...near Sterling! Hello neighbor! I would love for you to stop by my blog sometime.


    Warmest spring wishes,
    Chari

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  19. Absolutely gorgeous items! I can't even pick a favorite because I see so many things I'd love to have. Your collections are so pretty...and different. I have to say you're the only one I know who collects the laurels and crowns! But they're amazing...and I hope you share some more!
    The ribbon work items are simply beautiful...so much time and effort involved in making them...
    I'm so glad you shared them with us!!
    Blessings, Doni

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  20. Beautiful, beautiful French treasures. I can see why you love them so much. It's hard to pick a favorite because each one has a unique charm.
    Thanks for stopping by,
    Mary Alice

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  21. Oh yes....I stuck and drooled! :) I have always loved pretty ribbon work and your pieces are amazing. It's so funny, because I was just reading about Laurel Awards. LOL...I doubt I would ever find anything like that out here in the Virginia countryside.....old apple ladders maybe....but no beautiful things like that. Have a wonderful weekend! xo

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  22. Thank you for this gorgeous Tour! I really enjoy it.

    xo

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  23. Loving your french treasures Judy, especially the detail on that frame!

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  24. What lovlies you have! I read your "about me" and totally feel the same way. One day may never come if you don't live it today. I almost lost my life last year and have a totally new outlook on my someday....it's getting closer every second and I am just thrilled! So glad I found your blog!

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  25. The French Laurel Award is outstandingly gorgeous...you are a very lucky treasure hunter!

    Jermaine

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  26. Lovely blog, thoroughly enjoyed my visit, am now a new follower. Thanks for sharing, hugs Robyn

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  27. Love all your wonderful finds, they're gorgeous. You have such a beautiful French collection of unique items. Thanks for sharing this post at Simple & Sweet. Hope you have a relaxing weekend.


    Jody

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  28. Wow love your collection. Such wonderful treasures.
    HPS
    Michelle

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  29. You have THE most beautiful blog. Oh my goodness I absolutely love your header. Frankly I love it all! Your taste is impeccable!

    Want to thankyou for coming over to my blog and commenting on my easter brunch table. I appreciated so much what you said. And coming from you I know what a great compliment it was.
    I am now following you. I don't want to miss a thing.

    Nann

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  30. I'm going around visiting everyone on today's PINK SATURDAY list.....with my hot cup of coffee, of course! Just wanted to let you know that I was here! Have yourself a great weekend, and stop by my place if you've the time!

    ciao bella
    Creative Carmelina
    xo

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  31. Judy...Your treasures are wonderful...I have those special places...Thank you for letting me peek...Blessings, Becky

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  32. Hi Judy, I love it all! What a great eye you have to have found so many beautiful things. Thanks for coming by and leaving kind words about my Drexel buffet. Hope your weekend is going well.
    Hugs,
    Peggy
    pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com

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  33. Beautiful photos!
    I love each and every one of these!
    Thanks for the beautiful tour of your home!
    Happy Pink Saturday!! ~Lorraine ♥♥♥

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  34. the french laurel award! stunning and so perfectly styled by you.

    bravo.

    michele

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  35. Beautiful finds! You were a lucky girl! Love French touches.
    Linda

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  36. Judy...that letter is to die for...what a treasure....lucky girll! Thanks for all your sweet notes too..means alot to me! x0

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  37. Love that sweet little bottle..really all of it

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  38. Thanks for sharing your beautiful finds. Each is very special and must have interesting stories. Also thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a message.

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  39. What a magnificent collection! Everything is exquisite. The French Laurel Award is superb.
    Thank you for sharing your amazing treasures.

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  40. Everything is so beautiful! Love the beaded purse & metal picture frame!

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  41. Amazing collection Judy! Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

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  42. Judy,
    Just wanted to let you know that your post on fabulous-french-finds was the second highest viewed on Simple & Sweet Fridays. Congrats!
    Hope you stop by again.

    Jody

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  43. I am sure glad you like us - I really enjoyed looking at your shelf full of French beauty - wish I could super zoom in on it.
    The crown is stunning!
    Thanks for the lovely tour!
    Rhonda

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  44. Gorgeous treasures!!! You have one fabulous collection.

    Dee

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  45. Thanks so much for linking, There is another one going on right now...I would love to see you there.
    Happy Mother's day!
    Bisous,
    Isabelle

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Thank you for stopping by my blog. I love reading your comments.