Reproduction Tapestries and Wall Hangings

Who doesn't love a good tapestry? Tapestries, or a picture woven into cloth, have been around for centuries - these forms of art are practical coming from many diverse cultures.

The ancient Egyptians would use them to bury the dead. The Greek Empire would line the halls of grand buildings. It wasn't until the Middle Ages where the tapestry became a status symbol, yet were used to insulate. The Lady and the Unicorn series of tapestries are by far the most well known and an example of the most reproduced as tapestries, pillows and framed art. Reproductions allow us to enjoy superb copies of the original work of art for less cost (sometimes cheaper than buying a framed print.) You just have to know where to look!

The Noblemans Way of Life reproduction tapestry that I have hung in our bedroom - this type of scene is called Mille Fleur, meaning a thousand flowers. (For reference, this reproduction cost $200)

I love using tapestries as art in my home to bring an area to life. Being a baller on a budget, you don't have to spend an arm and a leg. With research and patience you can find original tapestries, but you will pay and the scale will be on the smaller side. Typically original tapestries of a popular scene and larger in scale I've seen start at $2,000, whereas you can get a nice reproduction starting at around $200. Many original tapestries are in museums (though even museum house reproductions believe it or not.) Today you can find large reproduction collections of this ancient craft not only as wall art, but other bespoke home accessories such as throw pillows and armchairs. When it comes to wall art you can use vintage material, weavings, antique fabrics, or even plush velvet to dress your walls.

When purchasing reproductions think about the scale, because unlike originals, repros have lesser image quality because the technique is different. For example, when you have a 12' original tapestry that was woven thread-by-thread, then you shrink it down to a 4', the threads are in lower quantity and not as fine – it's the modern day idea of pixelation. Depending the source, the color will be duller than the original. This is something to think about when comparing an original tapestry to a reproduction, and also whether a fine print is more of what you are looking for. Most importantly always do your research.

I've used this 19th century french woven silk damask jacquard original tapestry in my dining room to fill the large walls and to add texture. This tapestry pattern features beautiful women holding a coat of arms with the crown & royal fleur de liz surrounded by scrolling foliage. (For reference, this original tapestry cost $350)

Advantages of tapestries or wall hangings in the home:

• Large wall hangings create a focal point that can help anchor a room or enhance the decor you already have. Think about selecting a tapestry based on the main colors of your room OR start with a unique tapestry then build a room around it based on colors and feeling
• Like in the medieval times, tapestries can add elegance to a room. Knowing the story of your tapestry will be a great conversation starter
• If your not into ornate tapestries see mid century modern, plush velvet, Swedish tapestries
• A tapestry can add warmth and texture to a room
• Tapestries or needlepoint wall hangings can also be used as a rug or decorative throw
• Need a headboard, use a tapestry behind your bed

Tapestries and wall hangings come in all various sizes and styles – I'm personally drawn to the more intricate designs that feature medieval scenes of knights and everyday life in the millefleurs style. How about you?

When I purchased this reproduction needpoint tapestry, from Anastacias Antiques, I didn't realize my walls were a bit short for this massive piece of art. I improvised and decided to use it as a floor rug in my dining room. (For a reference point, this particular reproduction due to its condition, the cost was $300)

Here are some additional resources on where to purchase tapestries online:

Reproductions:

Mille Fleurs Tapestries / Design Toscano / The Tapestry House / Reproduction tapestries on ebay

Originals:

Mansour / Antique tapestries on ebay

Mixture of antique, vintage and reproductions:

Etsy 

When purchasing online always be sure to read the fine print to make sure you are getting what you are paying for - there is a difference between vintage, antique and reproduction. Sometimes many reproductions are 30-40 years old (which would make them vintage.)

To draw the eye up the wall and connect my bedding to my DIY bed canopy, I decided to use a vintage 1970s plush red floral bedspread to fill the space. I also used an antique 1800s ecclesiastical french altar banner hanging from the ceiling to anchor as a focal point. My grandmother's lace curtains add extra softness that flow down to the floor. This is an example of an unexpected way to use tapestries and wall hangings. 

Learn more about symbolism seen the medieval tapestries:

The Unicorn Tapestries »

The Lady and the Unicorn symbols »

The Fruits and Nuts of the Unicorn Tapestries »

Symbolism of Animals and Birds » (Not particularly about tapestries, but more symbols found in churches)

French Silk Screened Tapestry Bathsheba at the Palace 16th Century Style Unused Serigraph Wall Hanging

1960s Rare Swedish Vintage wall hanging tapestry with an ancient Roman motif in blue, black and white.

1950's Greek wool bedspread that is used as a rug.

Floral Still Life Painting Tapestry is really grand and elegant

Beauty And The Beast Wall Tapestry Wall Hanging that is a mix of Moroccan and Egyptian 

This minimalistic modern fiber art tapestry is in absolute contrast to ornate medieval tapestries. 

French Millefleurs Tapestry The Dancer Silk Screened a Louvre Museum Reproduction

Old Suzani Red And Black Tapestry Bedspread

William Morris Needlepoint Tapestry Pillow - a different take on the traditional tapestry

I love how this vintage mid century modern velvet wall hanging is used across this bed! 

Vintage Plush Cotton Tapestry with deer is used in an unexpected way over a chair

Want something more mod? How about this Mid-century vintage wall tapestry from the 1960-1970s?

Ghostly Painted Woman

A special gem from my grandmother’s attic, actually painted by her herself. I particularly love the folded hands of this 18th century powdered ghostly woman. Perfectly set with false hair and waves that last for days. Translucent blues and caramels are just so pleasing to the eye, she sits inside a large dark oak frame that is soon to rest on my revamped studio of dark navy skies. 

BURIED TREASURE Finds

One of my all time favorite things is searching for buried treasure, whether be antique stores, flea markets or my grandmother's attic! Once again I blew my money on junk or what I like to call Buried Treasure (and you wonder why I can't save for a house). Recently I've been in the organizing mode and realized that I was short on the odd and unusal; so where did I turn to: the Newcastle Farmer's Market.

The usuals were there; but a new face, a new horder and a place of glorious treasure. I spent about a half an hour at this man's table, he was a spanish man and looked as if he traveled the lonely roads like a gunslinger in search of rare finds. He had a collection of strange pieces in cases all hand picked by him, I was just in awe of his collections. He was an avid collector of antique religious medals like me, and had odd emblems, keys and a Victorian wooden cross that I wanted so bad. By the end of the day I came away with many new pieces; I can't wait to bring them to my shop all dolled up to adorn your neck, earrings or wrist.

Two brass lion head knocker drawer pulls, two vintage brass guards keys, brass pendant, petite bourbon liquor tag, vintage enamel deer brooch, rhinestone enamel and glass beads, miniature rope pulley, empty bullet shell, bullet pendant, royal emblem drawer pull, pocket watch, train whistle, stork snips, two pocket knives, vintage comb, 20 religious medals and rosary, petite chandelier spikes, plus much more.

The Art of Treasure Hunting!

~ Vintage enamel locket with hand painted flowers. ~ Tiffany blue enamel rhinestone brooch and script rhinestone L pendant.

I always look forward to my Saturday adventures at the flea market, my side kick Alison (from Spool) and I make our way through the crowded hillbilly dirt grounds, we are like gunslingers on a mission to find the loot. Saturday was a pretty good day, mind you I got a horrible sun burn and had to change of shoes due to the fact I was getting blisters; a little pain goes a long way when in search of buried treasure. 

The usual sellers were there, awaiting the rival street scavengers. I have a couple favs among the gang. Mike is a mix between Bobby Brown and slick salesman, a true pack rat ready for wheeling and dealing. You got the Antiques and Such lady, that doll is there every week with her husband, he sells knives and she sells vintage jewelry from the past, I managed to snag an amazing array of retro finds from the box she pulled out from her car; yes, a secret stash! Then you have the van man, we looked around and there he was with his shirt off and some hot '80s sun glasses; a black tooth grin is so welcoming. My fav character is this old man who just has the best odd & ends, I got a taxidermy raccoon's tail, three brass decanter tags, a baby doll booty and a killer toy gun and badge. I'm going to be working up a Bonnie & Cylde piece soon, bang bang!

It's just the best times down at the ol' flea market, got to love the stories too. Soon enough you will be seeing new relics and jewelry pieces popping up at Red Heart 13. I can't wait to use those decanters tags, I will be creating a new design inspired by the ever poplar Floral Nightcap necklace, stay tuned!

~ Encrusted pearl Faberge egg. ~ Vintage strand of hot red beads and a tiny strawberry pendant, you can find this juicy fruit on my Strawberry Fields Necklace. ~ Two vintage cosmetic Max Factor tubes for eye pencil refills, these will be perfect for miniature relics.

~ Antique skeleton key with original frayed ribbon; spooky! ~ Vintage royal crest badge with black and cream cabs. ~ Worn doll booty and delicate fabric flowers that surround an antique Pennsylvania Rail Road photograph of a baby boy.

Buried Treasure: Flea Market Finds

Don't you just love flea markets, I can't get enough of them! Last Saturday, I spent the morning at the Fairmount Ave flea market that surrounds the Eastern State Penitentiary, the flea market returns Sat, September 12, but there are a ton more coming up you can find here. 

I've been looking forward to going for the past month and went treasure hunting with my accomplice Jess and boy did I hit the jackpot! I came home a ton of vintage jewelry, plus an antique photo album with over 20 cabinet cards of one family, from the early 1800s. Below are some of the glorious finds from my adventure! These finds should be popping up in my shop within the next couple of weeks.

Top to bottom, left to right:

• Vintage pearls with rhinestone rondelles and vintage brass bird pendant and Dogwood flowers • Red glass beads with brass bead caps and two vintage silver shoe buckles with red velvet fabric

• Vintage flower brooch with glass amethyst stones

• Two antique photo buttons, one has the most amazing crackling from aging.

• An antique Pythian Sisters badge brooch, featuring the letters PLEF: Purity, Love, Equality and Fidelity. Made of sterling silver, there is an engraved name reading Jeanette Boehm and has a crown for our queendom, the scepter for our rule and the sword for wrath. There is also a beautiful smaller badge with a sun setting into the clouds, I couldn't find any of these badges with the sun symbol online, this symbol must be rarer and means the soul rising into heaven according to headstone symbols.

• Three military medals honoring a solider in shooting training, love these!

• Embroidered silver rose bracelet with beautiful detailing of red roses

• Vintage snuff / pill box pendant, features red rhinestones and the back opens to reveal your poison of choice

• Vintage daisy blush compact and two baby pink thimbles

• Royal flourish pendant with enamel crest

• White enamel bracelet with rhinestones and cabs

• Garden heart pendant with engraved flowers

• Whimsical umbrella and feather brooch

BURIED TREASURE IDEAS: Fawn Sweet Heart!

I love the outdoors and wish I was an animal myself, with retro vintage and up-cycling ideas you can bring the woodlands into your home or create an adorable ensemble. There is nothing cutter than big eyed fawns; more and more woodland animals have become all the rage, ranging from owls, birds, bunnies and squirrels. And who cannot forget Bambi, here are four finds that will have you saying "Oh, DEER"!

R E T R O   F I N D S:

1) One of my favorite things to do on etsy is perusse through the vintage section, there is never a time where I don't find something I want to buy. Today I found this adorable Vintage 1950s Deer Lamp Shade from Coming Up Roses, wouldn't this lamp shade go perfectly in a woodland themed child's room? Imagine miniature statues of animals all lined on a shelf and embroidered blankets with feathers and a sneaky fox. You can build a room, just by  having one retro find to stir up some ideas.

2) Sweet and spicy: these Vintage Wooden Deer and Mouse Salt and Pepper Shakers from Cozy Studio, are just so darn cute. Right out of the 1950s, this pair would go perfectly in a collection of other S&P shakers or even on top of your bistro table welcoming you every morning.

D E E R I N G   A C C E S S O R I E S:

~ 3) Revamp the old and put your very own spin on a retro find, that is why I love this Up-cycled red Vintage Quilted Cluth / Purse With Black Doe from Get Red Set Clutch. You can find the cutest silhouetted animals for every gal, ranging from bold red to twinkling silver. Do you have a simple accessory at home, you can jazz it up by adding a darling brooch or even be creative by doodling silly words or your own woodland scene.

~ 4) This one-of-a-kind Black Fawn in the Forest Necklace from Shup (G), is truly unique, from an ordinary wooden animal to a new painted bold and bright delicate fawn. The fawn sits amongst white lace flowers and a hint of sparkle. Bring out the kid in you with your creations, try using vintage miniature toys to make a necklace or fabulous key chain, how about a black plastic horse matched with a red silk ribbon?

I hope you've enjoyed these Fawn Sweet Heart ideas, you these ideas or if you have any ideas of your own, don't be shy we'd love to hear them! Stay tuned next time for more Buried Treasure Ideas!

BURIED TREASURE Ideas: Secret Garden Ornaments

When I was little, I always dreamt of a far away place enchanted by nature and my own little secrets. In reality, this surreal place never came true, but I always ventured to my father's house for the next best thing. I had cherished the finer things in life, like my clubhouse and mud pies. All are just memories now and days but I often get reminded by relics I find here and there. Today's Buried Treasure Ideas are an ode to little girls everywhere, especially the ones who dreamt of secret gardens. Here are some lovely ideas you can use to create your very own enchanted adornment.

~ VINTAGE FINDS: Last weekend, I attended the Intergalactic Bead Show that comes around a couple times a year, despite all the lovely things I found, I went way over budget as usual. On a good note, check out this unusual vintage brass key I snagged that folds open. Skeleton keys are so mysterious, where did they come from, what did they unlock? Inspired by spring, I also picked up these beautiful assortment of glass beads, I can't wait to use these for earrings, especially the pink ones.

I D E A S   T O   M A K E   S O M E T H I N G   N E W:

~ FRESH FLOWERS: Finding unique floral ornaments can add a special touch to your Secret Garden creation. The special thing about vintage finds is aged color and lovely craftsmanship, like this Spring Has Sprung vintage brooch from Carmen and Ginger. Finding a unique brooch like this, can easily be transformed into a gorgeous pendant. One of my two favorite tools for turning brooches into pendants are a screw two hole punch and a battery operated manicure set for smoothing out the back and giving newer pieces a shabby chic look.

~ CHARMING: A blooming flower can always use some love and affection, this lovely Oxidized Brass Watering Can Charm from Glamour Girl Beads, would be a perfect match for a vintage flower pendant. Charms can add a touch of whimsy to any creation and even tell a story, for example you could match a vintage clear chandelier tear drop crystal with a petite umbrella charm; how about that for April Showers!

~ INSPIRED: These two pieces look as if they have been taken from the novel The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. These Secret Garden Vintage Butterfly and Coral Earrings from Alfie Jewels, are truly exquisite and timeless. The carved bone has lovely detailing of flowers and a butterfly in a simple ivory color. And this Engraved Fairy Flower Brass Locket looks like it has been brought from the past, right out of Mary Lennox's hands. The unique thing about this locket, is that it has been kissed with an original drawing and then engraved; this is truly original and has an adorable ribbon to swoop your neck. You can find more whimsical engraved lockets from Star Creations.

I hope you've enjoyed these Secret Garden ornaments, use these ideas or if you have any ideas of your own, don't be shy we'd love to hear them! Stay tuned next time for more Buried Treasure Ideas when I talk about Girly Girly Frosted Delights!

BURIED TREASURE: Honey Bee Adornments

Today's Buried Treasure Ideas will have you BUZZING up a storm! Seems as the weather gets warmer, we all look towards nature for inspiration, whether be the tweeting of baby birds, organic shapes of budding flowers and yes the buzzing of bees. Below are some ideas that you can use to create classic honey bee adornments.

~ VINTAGE FINDS: Recently, I visited my local flea market and came home with some pleasant vintage pieces, I found this beautiful vintage brass linked bracelet shaped like honey combs and matched it with a long strand of cream and amber pearls. Taking a timeless bracelet and matching it with a couple of beads near the clasp can add a whimsical feel to any outfit. I also found a great faux pearl pendant brooch and matched it with an adorable enamel bee; this would be perfect to romance any lapel. 

I D E A S   T O   M A K E    S O M E T H I N G   N E W:

~ SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW: The beautiful thing about etsy is there is something for everyone, personally I love combining vintage finds with something new. For example, the Queen Bee earrings seen above have stunning vintage honeycomb like texture beads in a delicate crystal from Red Art Productions; I've matched them with newer brass bee gardening charms from Bare Naked Findings topped with a gold bead cap.

I also love these glass apricot beads from beadtopiavintage, not sure yet what I will create with these but a lovely idea would be to create a teardrop necklace and match the beads with a fluttering butterfly pendant, like this aged white Repousse Butterfly from the Patina Queen.

~ GO SIMPLE: If you are into a more simpler look for spring or summer how about this bubbly Meil Honey Ring from Les Precieuses, the use of the warm cluster of jade beads is perfect for that one outfit accessory. I adore the simple elegance of this Bee Blossoms Bracelet from Lara Lewis; choose from three colors to accent this charming oxidized brass bee pendant to adorn you wrist. Just by adding subtle hints of color matched with a larger center piece can have super stylish results.

I hope you've enjoyed these honey bee adornment ideas and create something special of you own. Join us next time for more Buried Treasure Ideas when I talk about using timeless finds in and enchanted secret garden theme.

BURIED TREASURE: Retro Flower Ideas

Today's Buried Treasure Ideas are just in time for Spring! I am truly fond of girly flowery vintage finds. Here are a couple finds that I picked up over the weekend, I found this filigree flower pendant that has lovely pale colors, it can be used as a center piece for a bracelet or even a necklace. I also fell in love with this gigantic 3D pear pendant, it has a hook in the back for hanging from a chain.

I D E A S   T O   M A K E   S O M E T H I N G   N E W:

~ COMBINE SIMILAR COLORS: Try combining similar colors to match modern with vintage finds. I love these pink tiny tulips seen above from MK Supplies, they would look great with the silver filigree flower pendant above; possibly swooping on a chain that leads down to the pendant. The shape is truly retro and adds a nice feminine touch. If you are into a more simple style, you can even add a vintage bead in the middle and make earrings, like I've done in my Tinkerbell earrings. Or how about the cute Green and Gold Vintage Style Leaf Beads seen above from Snap Crafty; these are perfect to top off a fruity creation; for example these Delicious Appletini earrings from my shop. 

~ ENAMEL FLOWERS: I truly love this Pink and Yellow Enamel Necklace by Raquel Castillo Designs. It is a beautiful combination of vintage retro with simple touches accented here and there. There is a nice combination of pearls with simple pink beads mixed with the enamel flowers and even a brass filigree piece for the backing. Sometimes enamel flowers are hard to find and can be a little pricey but they are truly stunning when used in a cluster like in this necklace. 

~ ODDS & ENDS: I must say, we all come across little things here and there that we save for a raining day; you never know when you just might decide to use it. That is what I love about this Canary Vintage Beaded Bracelet by The Pink Dragonfly. The bracelet combines bright simple yellow beads matched perfectly with an upcycled Japanese barrette. The tiny flowers are just so darn cute and are kissed with pale colored beads; they are a nice accent to the bright yellow beads.

I hope you've enjoyed these ideas on combining bright retro finds with simple touches. Stay tuned for more Buried Treasure Ideas when I talk about the ever most popular Honey Bee Adornments!

BURIED TREASURE: Classic Beauty Ideas

What do you do when you have piles of jewelry / vintage supplies?

Well this past weekend I ventured back to my local hot spot for all that is vintage. You can read about my experience from my previous blog Buried Treasure at the Local Flea Market.

Saturday, I came home with bag filled with all kinds of vintage finds to make new jewelry, I ended up sorting through it all and decided to take some pics and sort it out to show you how to combine various vintage pieces together. Here is the first set I call Classic Beauty; I sorted and included vintage pearls, silver wrist watches, glass rose pendants and some loose beads. This particular assortment just reminds me so much of my grandmother Sarah Elizabeth, in her earlier peacock years, she wore lace pill hats, lovely white gloves and simple pearl strands.

C L A S S I C   B E A U T Y

I D E A S   T O   M A K E    S O M E T H I N G   N E W:

~ Combine different styles of pearls, try using various sizes and colors. I am very fond of the creams with pinks.

~ Combine thin metal chains swooped with a whole strand of pearls then add a simple pendant at the end to top it off.

~ Mix vintage flea market finds with your finds on etsy, like these brass pink frosted glass dangles from Gypsy Spirit Studio. These pink dangles would look perfect with the large pink pearls I picked up this weekend, they would make charming earrings.