Chinoiserie automaton

While working on a more in-depth post of a fantastic building I visited recently, I wanted to leave you with something just to let you know I'm still around! Located at the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a collection of ingenius bejeweled objects known as automatons. These machines, popular in the mid 18th century (as so many of my favorite things were!), were mechanical moving devices; a sort of early day robot! Often they were more than a mere toy and incorporated something useful, such as the clock seen here. Made by James Cox in London, 1766, this device still would fascinate and amaze the most ardent anti-antiquarian!

Textile Museum

Located above the Museu de Arts Decoratives in the Palau Reial de Padralbes is the Barcelona Textile Museum.

Not where you would probably expect me to be spending time, but honestly, we had some time to kill! What a pleasant surprise I had in store.

The amazing collection traces the evolution of fashion: providing interesting 'how tos' such as how the 'new look' bust was created, seen above, and contrasting elements of different styles.

The patterns of these victorian skirts below were contrasted to a much later 20th century version.

And just how are those hoop skirts held high? Well, here's how! Seeing the clothing in person and relatively close up was much better than reading about them in a book or magazine.The workmanship and details on some of the pieces were amazing, especially loved this flapper look. Notice the white suit in the background, so Gatsby'esque!

Examples such as these mid 19th century Empire styled dresses were in such immaculate condition with such vivid colors you would have thought they were just sewn yesterday.Seeing this fairly recent dress compared with an Edwardian train was another example of a great pairing.And just how are those bustles kept up (throughout different periods)?The layout of this exhibit really is impeccable. I always say the right presentation can make the most mundane exhibit interesting (I recently saw a fascinating exhibit on parking garages at the NBM. Come on, I mean...they made parking structures interesting!).These bodices were in such beautiful colors.More amazing beading work.This is a whole lot of look, but in the right situation, pretty fabulous!Spain's own Balenciaga is of course represented. I loved all of his clothing they showed. Some more bizarre pairings showing yet again how things never change; they just come in and out of fashion, nothing is ever 'new'. These body conscious dresses below come from all different styles and time periods.Not everything is so beautiful, will these ever be back in style? That red men's polyester number really made my skin itch!Make sure to stop by this amazing museum, right on the metro line. You can't beat 3 museums in 1: Textile, Ceramics and decorative arts.

Happy Christmas!

I hope everyone who celebrates has a very Happy Christmas! I shared my little holiday decorating last year HERE and thought I would share some of my little updates with you.I have 2 'trees' -both artificial - in my tiny apartment. The above is ceramic and is one of my prized possessions as it belonged to my grandma. My main tree, above, is a tabletop size and holds my collection of 'fun' nostalgic ornaments.

Gold edged red ribbon wraps the tree with white lights. You can see my recycled tree skirt (from a halloween costume) - gold lame - wowza!

I've talked about these church ornaments earlier HERE and I've received a few more!The country church is a pretty blue with a red door and a little tree outside. All of these churches plug into your light string and have 'stained glass'. The colonial church has arched 'gothic' windows & doors and some great white tracery details.The adobe church has that southwestern feel. Only 8 more churches to collected (although one is currently in the mail!)

The peanuts gang sits at the base of my own sad little 'snoopy' tree!

Happy Holidays everyone!

Collection: Jasperware

I have a small collection of wedgwood Jasperware. You know the stuff I'm sure; everyone has a piece or two from their wedding!a sugarbowl and creamer; ignore the dust on the shelf!

Jasperware is a type of fine-grained, unglazed stoneware invented by Josiah Wedgwood (founder of Wedgwood potters) in 1772. It was named after the natural stone 'jasper' because of its hardness by Josiah after a lot of experimenting with different techniques of porcelain making. This quickly became what made Wedgwood famous and is still one of the products it is known for today.a small vase and another larger creamer

While most people seem to know the blue, it comes in a wide range of colors. The natural porcelain is white however and the color is added into the mixture during the manufacturing. Typically it has white applied porcelain mouldings of neoclassical scenes. I really like the deep blue color and that is primarily what I collect - something about the deep blue with white trim is just so pretty. I do however have this one pale blue vase, I couldn't resist it!

CARE: from waterfordwedgewood

We recommend that you should hand-wash your jasperware in moderately hot water with a mild detergent. For more stubborn stains, rub the Jasperware with a toothbrush or a small brush with polishing powder.Never use your Jasperware in a microwave oven, conventional oven or refrigerator. Sudden changes of temperature are likely to cause cracking or breakage.