Old Sweetwater

Old Sweetwater

Monday, January 11, 2010

French - Close Up


Le Français. French. Even the word sounds poetic to me.  Oh how a French accent is alluring! No wonder I enjoy using a few French "accents" (as in home accents).  On one of my THREE sideboards (yes, you read it right), is a fleur-de-lis pressed metal container.  I purchased it about seven years ago.  It's filled with dried leaves from Old Sweetwater and other preserved terra firma.  On either side are two 27-inch twisted wrought iron candle holders that we also use outside in the summer. The glass is light amber color and they came from Gordman's.  Behind this sideboard is a painting of two lions.  If anyone's interested, I'll show you step-by-step how fine art and framing galleries make mass produced art look like custom oil paintings.  Do you like fleur-de-lis or another symbol in your decor?    The top photo is a closeup of the picture's hand carved, wooden frame. Next is the container which is 16 inches long and 11 inches high. Third photo is a close-up of the contents. Photo four is the painting. Final photo is the wrough iron candle holder with the candle burning.   




24 comments:

Karen said...

I love the warm gold, browns and blacks in your photos. Those are the colors I love the most. French is sooo foreign for me. I live practically on top of the border with the U.S. and Mexico, French is a language I only hear in the grocery store from some of our Winter Texans.. probably from Quebec.
Have a wonderful day!
Hugs,
Karen
Ladybug Creek

Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita said...

Great post, as always. I would definitely be interested in how they do that with mass produced art. Have a great week!

KTW said...

Oh so pretty! :) I am a candle fanatic and I LOVE those candlesticks. [I also love lanterns and oil lamps...guess I have a thing for fire. ;)] The painting also intrigues me. They look so tranquil.

Rebecca Lewis said...

Aren't sideboards wonderful? I just love mine. Have had it since before I was married ~ I got it from a friend of my parents who didn't want to move it with her when she moved south. My husband swears he won't move it again. (Good thing we have stayed in one place for quite a few years now though I am very sure he would for me.)
Beautiful photos, love the glow and can feel the warmth of each.
And of course; would love to know the tricks of the trade of fine art stores! ;-)
Wishes for a great day ~ Rebecca

Anonymous said...

Janean,

Your pieces are so elegant. I am interested in reading how fine art and framing galleries make mass produced art look like custom oil paintings.

Deborah

Andrea said...

Beautiful! Thank you for all your sweet comments on Arise 2 write.
andrea

Simple Home said...

It all looks so pretty, warm and inviting. I'd love to read a post about mass produced art.
Blessings,
Marcia

Debra@CommonGround said...

Such a beautiful setting, subtle and rich. Love the candlelight and the warm colors. Really brings in the ambiance. Is that a French word? LOL.
Debra

Lee said...

I think I have that tin... but where?...I need to get that out.

I would definitely be interested in a tutorial on reproduction art. I tried it once and my print bubbled.
Lee

Debby@Just Breathe said...

What a beautiful setting. I am pretty much an eceltic (?) collector. Many things combined together, if I like it I buy it and it just fits in.

Glo said...

This is a very pretty arrangement! I love the frame...really love it! Oh, and yes, I would love to know the step by step instructions!! Do tell!

Lillian Robinson said...

Tres bon, mon ami. (I think. LOL)

Beverly said...

Love every aspect of this beautiful French vingette. Yes, I love fleur de lis's of any kind. I took french in school for four years, but can only pick up a few words now. Little did I know at the time I would someday love everything french.

Luiza said...

I love the metal container!!! It´s gorgeous! Oh, now I´ll look everywhere after a simular =D...
That´s me...

I agree , that french is such romantic and poetic language, I wish I could speak it...

Come visit me, I have something for you... Something that may make you glad.

Have a wonderful day, Janean!

Hugs/
Luiza

Sylvia said...

Beautiful arrangement !
That painting is very impressive. It reminds me of a large vintage picture my grandmother used to have, with a lion and a lady.

Have a nice week,
Sylvia

Semi Expat said...

Lovely photographs... Yes, please do show us the method for making old masterpieces in a post....would be great to know - thank you!! All very elegant...x

lori vliegen said...

tres belle and oh so chic, girlfriend!!! :)))

Technodoll said...

I guess we frenchies just know how to have a good time with decorations? LOL!

Beautiful home you have! :)

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting my table last week! This is lovely -- What a pretty blog you have.

Becky Shander said...

We spent this past Thanksgiving in Lyon, France gobbling up all the lovely sights. And the food was amazing too. Lyon is very much like Paris, but without all the hectic rushing around.

Pondside said...

Gorgeous arrangement on the sideboard. I love the symbol of the heart, as well as the bee - but the fleur de lis is timeless.
I'd love to know that art shop secret!

Kim @ Starshine Chic said...

Love it!!! And I too love using fleur-de-lis in my decor. Thanks for visiting my blog & leaving me a comment. I really appreciate it.

Unknown said...

Wondeful post, I love French anything! So when I see a post like this one, I am immediatly drawn to it. Thanks for sharing and for visiting. Drop by again soon.
Sandy

Rita said...

Your home looks absolutely stunning! Love the look. That bowl is just delicious!