Decorating a barn bathroom

It seems like forever since I posted on my blog.  The weeks have flown by as my husband and I have been busy landscaping, building a barn, and nursing an injured horse.  My big gelding Ben took quite a bit of my time for weeks.  The time was worth it and it is nice to be have him healthy again.  We have been able to take a few long walks in the fields and on the trails recently.

So now I am back focusing on the barn which is very close to being finished.  We decided that a small bathroom was a must for the barn.  So many friends and fellow riders have offered input for my small "water closet".  I needed to take space from my tack room for the bathroom and did not want to give up too much space nor did I want it to be impossible to turn around once one walked in.  We finally took chalk and drew lines for the walls on the concrete floor.  Work crews, my builder, my husband, and friends all took turns moving around within the chalk lines.  At last a decision was made and the walls were framed.  One small room......hours of decisions.

Fortunately the decision on what to use in the stable bathroom was not as difficult.  I chose a wall hung sink that will be skirted with burlap.  Baskets of supplies will be kept behind the sink skirt.
I found this great light fixture for the bath. 

The fixture is by Minka Lavery


The tack room will follow the classic lines of a Ralph Lauren advertisement from several years ago but the green walls will be replaced with chocolate brown.  I will of course forgo the white floor!

 

An antique weather vane that was used in my gardens in past houses now rests atop the barn.

 

 

Hopefully it will be finished in about 2 weeks and I can move onto the final finishes including landscaping

 

 

 

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

“Garden as though you will live forever.”

William Kent is quoted as saying “Garden as though you will live forever.”  I will embrace his words as I undertake the acres surrounding Chesapeake’s Cottage.  William was a highly regarded English architect, landscaper, and furniture designer in the 18^thCentury.  His accomplishments include; The Temple of Ancient Virtue, Stowe; Badminton House; Houghton Hall; along with other distinguished homes and gardens in England.

As I begin the fine-tuning process of my stable my thoughts race ahead to the surrounding landscape and inevitably I think about how it will relate to the entire property.   I trust Mr. Kent and will forge ahead knowing that it will take time to see my landscape reach maturity.   

Today I came across some breathtaking English homes with glorious gardens that just happen to be for sale.  These were highlighted in today’s Telegraph UK.  I will be looking for ideas and hope you will find some also. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Four photos from Telegraph UK

 

Just had to include one of my all time favorites!

 

Photo Veranda Magazine

 

 

Sunrise on a foggy morning...my blank slate...

quite a bit of work ahead of me

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Antique Papier-mâché

Papier-mâché,  paper mache, or papier machie?  So close, yet just a letter or two apart.   If you collect papier mache you may have a preference for the spelling.  The origin dates back as far as the invention of paper.  Paper was developed in China during the Han Dynasty (202 B.C.- 220 A.D.)  Examples have survived from ancient Tibet and Persia along with China.  The use spread to France and England where in each country craftsmen perfected methods and materials.  The term “papier-mâché” means masticated or chewed paper.   I will need to do a follow-up on the ways and methods; however, my horses are waiting to be fed or they may masticate the pasture fences.

I am always drawn to examples of papier mache.  Rich glossy black pieces inlaid with Mother of Pearl and treated to gold pen work always capture my attention on a buying trip.   My inventory normally includes boxes, trays, ink stands, and desk accessories.  Below are a few I have available now and a few others that hopefully will capture your attention also. 

          Papier Mache Tea Caddy Mother of Pearl Abalone Inlay~Bird & Floral C. 1850
                                                             Photo by D. Hartsook
           http://www.rubylane.com/item/378674-2010050/Papier-Mache-Tea-Caddy-Mother

      Antique Victorian Era Papier Mache Blotter, Folio with Floral Design MOP & Abalone
                                                                 Photo: D. Hartsook
        http://www.rubylane.com/item/378674-211126/Antique-Victorian-Era-Papier-Mache 

                      Antique Papier Mache Ink Well Inkstand Victorian Mother of Pearl
                                                                             Photo: D. Hartsook
      http://www.rubylane.com/item/378674-211010/Antique-Papier-Mache-Ink-Well

 

One of my favorites; a stunning letter box which has sold

Photo by D. Hartsook

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Antique Jewelry

The holidays seemed to fly by and now almost two weeks of the New Year have passed.  I enjoyed visiting family, time with friends, and hours riding my horse but now it is time to focus on work again.  I am beginning to focus on my upcoming trip to England and France.  Today I decided to see what was happening in London at the great auction houses.  Christie's is having a mouth watering jewelry auction on the 16th. of January at the South Kensington location.  There is no charge of course to view the on-line catalog.   So pour a glass of champagne and start clicking away.  Below are a few of my favorites

 

Christie's Jewelry Auction South Kensington

 

 

All Photos Christie's Catalog 

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Antiques-French Polish

French Polish~~~French Polishing

Some of us just like the use of the word French in front of our favorite things, wine, cheese, bread, chateaus, and more.  Now what about French polish or French polishing?  It is actually a technique for finishing wood and not a material or product.

It involves the use of many layers of thin shellac that eventually yield a glossy surface on wood that is not only time consuming to acquire but breathtaking to view.  Some collectors of fine furniture refer to the technique as “the icing on the cake”.   It is costly and also time consuming; yet the richness that is captured with the process produces a piece that captures the eye. The technique was perfected by a Frenchman or so I have read around 1820.  I have also seen credit given to Viennese craftsmen during the late 18^th century.  Next time we will go into more about the process and the little insect called Laciffer Lacca that is part of the process.  Yes, a little insect.  Below are some pictures of antique boxes with that little something extra….French Polish.

                    From the Victoria & Albert Museum-18th. C Knife box

                       
                             Two Rare Tea Boxes-Antiques.com

                         
                         A Stunning Cave à Liqueur  from my Innentory

                       A closer view of that beautiful technique called
                         French polishing; the wood is resplendent
               
                                             

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Antique Silver -Monteiths

Monteith.  Not a word you hear often or an item you hear much  about.   Ok...  What is a Monteith?

 They are considered a wine accessory.  Monteiths were vessels or large footed bowls with notched rims  that were used to chill drinking cups.  The scalloped rims were removable on some examples.  This offfered the option of a punch bowl or in the case of very large examples they became spacious cisterns for chilling bottles.  So named after a Scotsman called Monteith (or possibly Monteigh) that had a fondness for ruffled edges on his cloak.   

 

 These vessels were made from various materials including wood, copper, porcelain and silver.  Silver was the predominate material for the bowls.  Monteiths have been used for almost as long as wine coolers and buckets.    A silver Monteith with English hallmarks has been documented with a date of 1684/1685.   

 

Popular through the last two decades of the 17^th Century; cups were suspended by the foot from the scalloped edges in ice water in order to chill them.  Large and ornate with decorative scalloped edging; the bowls held court on grand carved sideboards at parties of the affluent.   After all, it was only the affluent that could afford them.

As customs and fashion ebb and flow; the use of silver cups faded and glass became the choice for serving wine or other spirts.   The use of the grand scalloped bowls diminished.  Today, Monteiths are mainly seen in museums; however, fine examples can be found at major auction houses and a few well known antique shops.  

Below are a few examples from the  Albert & Victoria Museum in London.   Their website makes a visit so easy, no plane tickets or hotel reservations, just click the link. 

http://www.vam.ac.uk/

                              Farrell, Edward ---  Albert & Victoria Museum
                                                       Silver Gilt 

                          Creator, unknown---Albert & Victoria Museum

                        Leeds England Pottery---Albert & Victoria Museum

                     

                                                           Jingdezhen, China (made) Porcelain

                                                 Date:ca. 1700-1715

                                         Albert & Victoria Museum

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Mother of Pearl

I am drawn to Mother of Pearl....Are you?  Each buying trip that I go on I find myself always drawn to anything with Mother of Pearl.  Sterling silver flatware, serving pieces, boxes, small chairs with MOP inlaid, and my list could go on.  Recently I have noticed that when it comes to the home more products are available with MOP.  I came across a few that were specifically for bathrooms.  Hope you enjoy them. 

                                          (source HGTV C. Bauman)
                                                


Bowl from Thompson Traders

I have this bowl for a bathroom without the Mother of Pearl
How did I miss this one?

                                                           

                                            Love the use of multi colors!

         
                                     Mother of Pearl Tiles-Maybury House
                                               http://mayburyhome.com/

                               More luscious tiles from Maybury House
                                                 

 

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Antique Silver

Do you collect antique silver?  Have you been thinking about it?

I have customers that collect a wide range of items. Vesta cases, snuff boxes, nutmeg graters, tea caddies, tea caddy spoons, master salts, candlesticks, card cases, wine/spirit labels, servers (asparagus, tomato, etc.), christening cups, trophy cups, napkin ring holders, timbales, and more.  Some of these items are a bit more challenging to collect.  Let’s look at nutmeg graters and yes they can be a bit more of a challenge.  Especially if you are looking for graters from the Georgian Era and you want to collect those that are whimsical in design.  I never ceased to be amazed at the details that a quality silversmith could impart to items that were both useful in form and function yet amusing in design.  Why nutmeg and why a nutmeg grater?  Here are a few facts behind theses interesting items, their purpose, and nutmeg in general.

The nutmeg (Myrstica fragrans) tree produces two spices. The spice nutmeg comes from the egg shaped seed of the tree and the spice mace comes from the covering of the seed.  It was used to flavor both food and drink during the Roman Empire,  Middle Ages, and the Renaissance Period.  The Dutch and English fought over control of group of islands that was the main source  for the spice during the 17th.  Century.   It was expensive, yet highly desirable. 

 By the late 17^th Century warm drinks were very popular on both sides of the “big pond”. Brits and Americans were drinking, coffee, tea, and chocolate.  Warm punches followed and the other warm drinks and became very trendy.  Brandy or rum mixed with strained fruit and sugar with nutmeg being used as the “final touch”.

To add that final touch; a grater was necessary to rasp the small brown seed.  Small decorative “pocket sized” graters became a fashionable item.   No different than fashionable trends today; the desire to match or exceed one's peers helped to fuel the creativity we see today in these items.   Graters were created in wide range of whimsical or novelty shapes.  It is these that are most desirable and highly collected today.  Egg shaped, melon shaped, strawberry shaped are just a few of the creative designs used.   Graters were also created using other materials such as coquille nut and enamel which are also highly collectable.  Another collection…another day.

For more information and to view some of the "novelty shapes"; visit this  site which is devoted to silver collecting:
http://www.silvercollection.it/nutmeggrater.html

                    A nutmeg grater from my inventory that is egg shaped
                                          with engraved details (my photo)

                                          Notice the star shaped grater
                       Room for the nutmeg seed and a removable grater
                                                (photo my me)

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Equestrian

The weather has been great for the last week.  So great that it has had an impact on my schedule and work.  I find it so difficult to think about leaving the barn and coming back to my desk.  Very cool mornings that warm up to  comfortable temperatures are my ideal for riding.   Once out in the fields and bridlepaths it is hard to head back to the barn and reality.

To add to the distractions the weather causes; the fall polo season is in full swing.  The past weekend I left the barn then headed over to watch hunter trials and then a polo match.   Far too many choices are coming up over the next weeks...might have to start taking my Ipad and try to fit some work in there somewhere. 

I have new inventory for my antique business that needs to be photographed and listed.  A buying trip that needs final plans.  Well, maybe tomorrow.

  
            My friend Kate and her Belgium Paint, Cracker Jack leading the way

                               Beautiful blue fall sky at the hunter trials
                                                    (photo by me)

                   
                                     Action packed fall afternooon
                                            (photo Aiken Polo)

         
                                      Who can resist a face like this?
                                                (photo Aiken Polo)

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Antique Buying in England & France

A Favorite Shop



A peak inside (photo by me)



I would like to mention one of my favorite shops at Portobello, Henry Gregory.  The shop is owned by Henry and Camy Gregory.  They have a wonderful selection of luggage, trunks, sporting items, silver service items, and boxes.  Great selection of antique silver trophy cups, desk items,  champagne buckets….I could go on and on.  The selection and condition of the items is always top notch.  Go early on Saturday  to be sure you have time to see everything since the shop can get quite crowded.  But then, what shop owner doesn’t love a busy shop? Cami always greets shoppers with a smile; I always enjoy my visits with her and always come away with some unique items.

A great find last year; thread holder in the form of a grand father's clock

Another great find;  Georgian Era Barrister's Wig...not sure how they could wear these for any length of time.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Antique buying in England & France

Call me obsessed, infatuated, or captivated by antiques. When it comes to shopping for them obsessed is a good descriptive word.   I look forward to my shopping trips abroad and am always eager to see what finds each trip will bring. I often visit small towns and villages while in France and of course, there is Paris.  Who can resist shopping in Paris? Not I.  And I will press on against all odds to get there.

Several years ago I had plans to meet my youngest daughter in Paris while I was on a buying trip.  I would be shopping during the day and we would meet some evenings for dinner.  She was staying with friends in Neuilly Sur Seine on the outskirts of Paris.  Three days before I was to leave I was jumping my horse and one of my stirrups broke over the fence.  I was fine except for one knee that hit a wooden pole.  The next morning I thought not so bad…a little more ice… a little more aspirin…and all would be well.  That was until I fell down the stairs at our house rushing to get ready to go.  The knee began to look like a small watermelon by that night.  More ice, more aspirin.  The next morning, I was packed, dressed, and ready to go.  Go yes; however, not very fast.  I could not bend the knee at all and had to walk with a straight leg.  But go to Paris I did.  How could I not go?  There were antiques waiting in Paris and I needed to go see what was there.  There were auctions to preview and shops to visit.  I had to get in cabs and slide backwards across the seat since my knee would not bend; however, the Parisian taxi drivers were very patient (yes, I said patient).  I was a bit slower getting around the Paris Markets.

The trip was a success and I went on to England for another eight days of buying and was left with great memories of Paris.  The cherry trees were in bloom and they were glorious!     I was able to meet up with my daughter on several occasions for dinner including one of her most memorable meals in Paris, a Mushroom Risotto that we have yet to be able to re-create.  We were so obsessed with the most beautiful dog that was keeping his owner company across from us; we never took time to beg for the secret to the cream Risotto.  There is always next time……

                               Trees in bloom; Spring in Paris.  My photo

     
                                          Who can resist?   My photo

                                         Shopping in Paris; my photo

         A beautiful set of 12 silver knife rests found on that buying trip

              

reade more... Résuméabuiyad