Santons or "Little Saints"

I've never really been much into dolls, but these figurines are a bit different. These are French santons made in Provence. Santon means “Little Saint”. These charming clay figurines date to the 1700’s in France. During the French Revolution citizens were denied the freedom to worship as they pleased. Especially during the Christmas season nativity displays were forbidden. So the locals started making small figures representing everyday life such as farmers, weavers, bakers and fishermen. Each figure carries an item to represent their profession. These characters were placed in shop windows and homes but on Christmas Eve the Christ Child would be placed among them and the simple peasants stood in for the Magi bearing their humble gifts for the baby. Santons are still made in Provence today and are valued by collectors.

Santons are lovingly made by artisans who sign their work usually by a stamp in the clay.

The attention to detail is amazing.

I love seeing the simple peasants gathered around the Holy Family.

source

So if you see a little French peasant doll, remember the story of the Little Saints who  have come to worship the Christ Child.

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Danish Sterling Tray

Five years ago I posted about my love of silver trays which you can read about HERE.  I use them for home decor on my walls, in tabletop vignettes or holding toiletries in the bathroom as well as serving elegant desserts.

I've been an antiques dealer for about 15 years and vintage silver trays are always a popular item in my shop. But as I mentioned in my old post these are silver plate trays, not sterling, which is very pricey! (And hard to come by).

As a dealer, I frequently get asked what my best "find" has been. Well, here it is - a sterling silver tray from Denmark that I found at an estate sale! A friend invited me to the sale knowing there would be some silver items that I might be interested in. I bought several silver trays, bowls and other serving pieces that were all quite tarnished and in need of a good cleaning. I was charged $1 a piece.

  I was drawn to this tray in particular as it has the stylings of a Georg Jensen piece. Georg Jensen was a very well known Danish silversmith and jewelry maker.

Here's the tray I found, and 

here is the Georg Jensen. Very similar!

  It wasn't until I got home and cleaned this piece up that I saw the marking on the bottom, "sterling". Wow, what a find! And I only paid $1.00!

I think this is one reason why so many of us love collecting - it's the thrill of the hunt and never knowing what treasure might be found today! 

Happy hunting!

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Jefferson Cups

Are you familiar with Jefferson cups? They are easily recognizable by their short, rounded stature and smooth polished surface. The history of these cups date to 1810 when it is said that Thomas Jefferson had been bequeathed two silver cups by his friend George Wythe. Jefferson liked them so much that he had the cups melted down and made into 8 smaller cups by silversmith John Letelier.

Jefferson cups are traditionally made of silver or pewter and are perfect for adding a monogram or medallion. New ones can be ordered from the Monticello gift shop, but I often find them while thrifting or antiquing at very reasonable prices.

        Most Jefferson cups feature a hallmark on the bottom.

     
I like to use them in the bathroom for drinking or holding   toiletries. They also make great candy or nut cups or would                    look elegant used as desk accessories.

        Jefferson cups are a lovely traditional gift item with 

                                     a nod to history.

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Lenox White Linen China

When you are traveling what do you like to shop for? Is it shoes and clothing? Or jewelry and souvenirs?

 Me, I head to the local thrift stores.  

I set out for the local Goodwill yesterday in search of a couple of things and look what I found! Two lovely bone china covered vegetable bowls. I spied the smaller one first and thought it was quite charming so into my basket it went. Around the corner on another shelf was a very large covered dish equally charming. Wait, could these two go together?  I flipped them over and very clearly on the bottom they were stamped LENOX.

You're familiar with the Lenox china company aren't you? It is considered America's premier bone china manufacturer. The company was founded in 1889 by Walter Scott Lenox and is still thriving today. No less than 6 Presidents have chosen Lenox china to grace the tables at the White House.

This pattern is called White Linen and features flowers and vines trailing up a basket weave design. 

The smaller bowl has fluted sides interspersed with flowers.

 Oh, and here is the original price tag on the smaller of the two. Let me just say, I paid WAY less than that! I've seen the larger dish on Replacements Ltd. for $279.00!

My daughter chose a Lenox pattern when she got married  four years ago. The classic Federal Platinum is a favorite and I know she uses it often for holidays and other special occasions.

I've said it before and I repeat - white dishes are my favorite!! They are so versatile, can be dressed up or down, used every day or for special occasions. But I do believe in quality. Look for well known manufacturers whose products have stood the test of time and you won't be sorry.

I haven't decided yet whether to keep these. They might be a bit challenging to take home to Arizona, so if you have any interest email me at chateau.interiors@gmail.com.

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Urban Relics Consignment

I'm back in Georgia and had to stop in at one of my favorite consignment stores
Urban Relics.

What exactly is a consignment store and how does it differ from a thrift shop or antique store? Well, a consignment store takes items from clients on approval to do the selling for them. So if you are moving or remodeling and don't want the hassle of having your own garage sale or using ebay or craigslist, that's where a consignment store steps in . They can tell you what your item is worth and how much you might get for it. Most consignment stores take 50% of the sale price. Consignment stores are a great place to shop for gently used items. They will NOT take all of your broken, cast off and outdated items. 

So, back to Urban Relics...

 Debbie Greene has had her shop for about 5 years now.Consignment stores are very eclectic but she does an amazing job of making everything look put together.

The front of the shop has some great displays, 

very Farmhouse Chic

 and Martha's Vineyard Nautical .

In a consignment store you can find anything from charming sets of vintage children classic books, 

to gleaming copper, 

 and my favorite, ironstone!

There were lots of baskets,  

a wonderful antique tiger oak  sideboard,  

and a contemporary mirrored dresser. 

At Urban Relics you won't find clothing, but there are gently used designer handbags, 

and lots of fun jewelry. 

 Of course, I found a couple of fun things to take home with me. I know I'll wear this beaded necklace with my lavender and turquoise t-shirts. And I love these new aqua tumblers from Pottery Barn at a fraction of the original price.

It's well worth a stop in to Urban Relics whether you're redecorating or just browsing!

Located at 4651 Sandy Plains Rd, Roswell, GA

Urban Relics Consignment

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