Nature Beautiful

Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature.

It will never fail you.

                                                                                -Frank Lloyd Wright, 1867-1959, American Architect

M is for Majolica

Majolica was developed by ceramist Herbert Minton in 1849 and was first displayed at the Great Exhibition in London, 1851.  This novel art form was a culmination of centuries of experimentation in Spain, Morocco and Italy with glazing techniques on earthenware using five colors -  cobalt, yellow,  red, green and purple.  It appealed to the masses during the peak of the Industrial Revolution as prosperity enabled people to look beyond white ironstone, blue and white transferware, terra cotta and other mundane dish ware. Majolica reflected the exuberance of the times;  a direct response to formality and excessive ornamentation of the Victorian Era.

Queen Victoria (1838-1901), the longest ruling British monarch (as well as longest ruling female monarch in history) exerted her influence and taste as the hallmark of elegance.  Her style was pervasive -  from architecture, furniture and clothing design to dinner place settings and menus.  To this day Victorian items command attention as accents in the modern home and garden.  Price points have quite the range and it is best to purchase from reputable dealers to ensure authenticity.                            

*To Pat, a special thank you for the use of your lovely collection.

Happy Hunting!

Mothers Day

By the time a woman realizes  her mother was right,

she has a daughter who thinks she is wrong.

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY 

Ode to My Fair Lady

My Fair Lady is a musical based on the novel Pygmalion by Nobel prize-winning Irish Playwright George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950).  The story line involves Cockney flower girl Eliza Doolittle's (played by Julie Andrews) aspirations to become a proper lady by taking elocution lessons from professor Henry Higgins (played by Rex Harrison).  There is something very sweet, something very elementary in its message.  It is comforting to view during these times of violence and rage.

         

On 29 April, 1958, My Fair Lady opened in London to a sold out venue for the first month.  It was the longest running musical production in history, and is considered the perfect musical of all time!  

Enjoy!

L is for Lovelies

There's something about vintage...

 More cool stuff here!

Happy Shopping

my Life

My life seems to take up

all of my time

Until next time...

K is for Kitchen Kraft

Homer Laughlin Pottery Company began production in E. Liverpool, OH, 1873.  The region was noted for its spectacular clay and energy supplies conducive to the establishment of many successful potteries. The 'true' china that was produced in this region virtually eliminated the need for English imports, with designs and glazes uniquely indicative of American ware.  In 1927 Roseville Pottery Art Director Frederic Rhead joined the team at Homer Laughlin, adding such patterns as Century, Fiesta, Harlequin, Riviera, Virginia, Nautilus and Brittany.  Manufacturing continued at a break neck speed catapulting Homer Laughlin into the largest pottery in the world.  Many new patterns were introduced, including the Kitchen Kraft line which was manufactured from the 1930's through the early 1940's.  In essence it was Oven Serve, often impressed with a 'KRAFT' bottom stamp. The colors echoed those of the Fiesta line: cheery reds, yellow, green and blue.  Homer Laughlin is one of the few American potteries still in existence today.                                                       Happy Hunting!