The Vintage Chateau: January 2016

Sunday, January 31, 2016

Marvelous Monograms

While browsing last week at an outlet store I found these lovely linen napkins from Pottery Barn. They are a soft sage green and they have my monogram! Oh, and they were 75% off! So of course they came home with me.

I love the little medallion or wreath above the initial.

I have another set of classic white with a black monogram that I've used for years.

Do you like to collect things with your monogram? I've been lucky enough to find several vintage pieces too. I love the way hand embroidering was a traditional pastime of ladies in years gone by.

These two sets of napkins I found while thrift shopping.

Of course monograms can make any item special. It's easy to find delicate handkerchiefs with initials,

antique linen towels,

as well as old silverware.

And of course, there is jewelry!

I've had this sweet little bracelet ever since I was was a young girl.

I shared how to make monogrammed pillows HERE.

Several years ago while playing with my new Cricut I even put a monogram on my mixer!

Monogrammed items make wonderful gifts so I also look for pieces with my friends initials.

I haven't figured out what to do with this set of 4 vintage napkins embroidered with an "F". If you are interested contact me!

I like to join these parties

Show and Share @ Coastal Charm

Amaze Me Monday @ Dwellings

Masterpiece Monday @ California Coastal Home

Inspire Me Monday @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Something to Talk About@The Crowned Goat

Inspire Me Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life

Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style

What's It Wednesday @ Ivy and Elephants

Tablescape Thursday @ Between Naps on the Porch

Be Inspired @ Common Ground

Share Your Style @ No Minimalist Here

Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage

Home Sweet Home @ The Charm of Home

Show and Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home

The Scoop @ Cedar Hill Ranch

Home and Garden Thursday @ Delightsome Life

Simply Sweet Home

Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on the porch

Sunday, January 17, 2016

Darling Dedham Pottery

Do you like adorable bunnies? Then you'll like

Dedham Pottery.

The Dedham Pottery company was founded in Dedham, Massachusetts by Hugh C. Robertson in 1896. Robertson was of Scottish heritage and a 5th generation potter. One source says Robertson was fascinated by Chinese crackle pottery and set out to make his own but another story is that he created the glaze accidentally while experimenting with new techniques. Whichever is true, each piece has that distinctive crackled glaze and stylized flora and fauna in a cobalt blue border. Robertson and his artists were creating during the height of the Arts and Crafts movement and you can see that influence in their designs.

There are turtles,

chicks,

moths,

mushrooms,

turkeys,

and elephants among others.

But by far the best known pattern is the crouching bunny otherwise known as the Dedham Rabbit.

I have a very small collection that includes a

covered butter dish,

a crouching rabbit,

a tiny creamer,

a wall pocket,

a cookie jar,

and a set of 4 table mats.

The company made dozens of different items including all kinds of dinnerware, plates, bowls, mugs, teapots, casseroles, candlesticks, vases, figurines, and planters.

The crouching bunny became the company's logo.

The pottery operated from 1896 until 1943 however, the Dedham Historical Society holds the trademark and The Potting Shed in Concord, Mass. makes reproductions today.