I have a thing for lamps..........not just any lamp.....lamps with character, and with great shades. I have some lamps I use for ambiance. They give off soft light in the evenings instead of burning candles. (I always worry the cats will knock candles over or get too curious and too close to the flame - I know, I'm a worry wart Fur Baby Mommy) Years ago one of my older brothers and his then spouse made lamp shades....they were gorgeous and they even sold one (maybe more) to Barbra Streisand (why I felt compelled to mention that is beyond me) . BUT that was oh so many moons ago - luckily I still have 3 of the smaller ones and those are the ones I use for ambiance.
Lamp 1....the fringe is all beads that make a rose design all the way around...the fabric is antique silk with lace overlay. The lamp base is old.
Lamp 2...........This is a smaller one made from hand dyed cotton fringe, embroidered antique silk and lace.
close up of embroidered fabric, the color is a delicious wine
Lamp 3.....this one is another made with embroidered silk, crushed velvet and the hand dyed fringe. This one is also in that delicious wine color. It was given to us as a wedding present. I am going to repaint this dresser that is in the living room, tone it down a bit...but for now I gathered bits and bobs to make it festive.
shade closeup
All the trims were also antique.
So you can see why they make such lovely ambiant lighting, especially on each "pony wall".
Now this last lamp was not one of theirs and is not antique so I sort of spruced it up. We've had it a while and a long time ago I painted the glass shade with cobalt glass paint and baked it so it would not come off. Recently I brought it out again and went through my stash of beaded fringe I've had for some time (I can't get enough of that stuff). I glued 3 rows of various ones around the inside of the glass shade and they just sparkle. I wish the base of this lamp was a bit more interesting so I'm working on ideas for that. In the meantime it has 2 bulbs with a separate chain for each.
The shawl I draped over this chest is one I bought at Pearl River in NYC. It is gorgeous with a giant peacock all in burntout velvet. It's the kind of thing you can wear as a shawl, or folded in half and tied around the waist so the point is to one side....... or as home decor...it's very versatile. You can't see it but it also has long lovely fringe. I adore multi-purpose items, don't you?
I've put a few Christmas items out around the living room and kitchen....just so you know it's that season. Just enough for us. We don't have a tree because again I have cats who are way too curious and a dog that is like a bull in a china shop still. BUT we may get a wee table top one if only for the scent.
We also have a few visitors.......
The Beefeater guards our castle
Carolers sing songs about snow and silent nights.
The rosey cheeks of the snowman remind us it is winter even though we do not get snow. He never melts.
The Woodsy Santa gathers twigs and berries and pinecones from the forest for a natural Christmas setting. He warms up in his woodsy cabin with a cup of hot cider and spins tales for anyone who will listen. He is quite fascinating and we love him for always hand making the gifts he gives.
The Nutcracker seems to have lost his sword....however will he guide and defend his troups? Perhaps when he turns in to a Prince it will be waiting for him.
This fellow is preparing for the Panto.....he loves making Fairy Tales and stories come to life with song and dance and getting the audience to participate. Children wait for him as well as the adults for it is a raucous time of merriment and joy and silliness. This year he is doing Dick Whittington and his Cat......never mind that he has a bird on his hat.
Lastly it is the wise and cheeky gnome with his faithful companion the owl that brings the world to you. He travels constantly....he has seen all the wonders and splendor this world has to offer and his tales are legendary. He has celebrated Christmas with various languages and customs and climates and traditions and music and dance. He has tasted the food on tables in places we only dream about. In a garden, or on a shelf or inside a suitcase or under a mushroom he is happy....for he and his owl live each day to the fullest making memories along the way. Do not underestimate the gnome.
There are moments in the still of the night when listening to the clocks pendalum ticking away that something else can be heard following its rhythm. It's the sound of giggling and light tapping upon the floor and the faint strains of music......we do not stir for it may break the magic of it all. Shhhh!
Love,
Lisa
XOXOXO
ANNOUNCEMENT:
There WILL BE another One World One Heart in 2o11 (probably the last)....the tentative dates are January 30, 2011 - February 17, 2011. Watch this blog for details coming VERY SOON!
Make sure to smile at least once today!
