Some more artwork for you today. As always, there’s a story behind everything.
This grouping is hanging above the sofa in the den. I got “Please put book back after using” from Milne Antiques a couple of years ago. Since this area of the wall is between two sections of bookshelves and since I’m a passionate reader, it seemed appropriate. It came from a library in New Hampshire. Plus, we love graphics around this house.
The large print hanging below it is one of my favorites. The frame is wood, carved in scallops. You can’t see it, but the outside edges of each scallop are a beautiful soft green. It’s very, very heavy. The story: Many years ago, I was at an auction with my friend Heidi. I spotted this piece and knew I wanted it. This particular auctioneer was slow as molasses and I waited and waited until it was close to midnight. It never came up for auction. I couldn’t believe it when he said he was going to stop for the night. The audible and negative response from the crowd made him ask if there was anything in particular anyone wanted. I raised my hand and pointed to the framed print. He asked me for a bid. I said $15.00. He said “Sold!” And that’s how I got this. A steal. Every once in a while I think of adding shelves on this section of the wall, but frankly, I would miss this print and its whimsical frame too much!
Never easy to photograph, this piece lives above the picture window in the den. It’s about 4 feet wide and mounted on wood. I spotted it in a photo on Vignette’s website several years ago. (My favorite little shop in San Diego.) I fell for it because it was so charming. It was a method of keyboard training for piano students. There are little hooks on the white keys. Lori packaged it up for me, sent it across the country, and for a long while it lived above the piano until we purchased the lithograph that lives there now. I knew that this space between the window and the ceiling would be perfect and we’ve started to collect antique keys to hang from the hooks.
There’s more in the den but we’ll get to that another day.
Some of you may have seen this on Instagram. Yesterday when I was looking for something to wear – it’s SO cold out there – I went to a basket I keep in our tiny closet and dug through it. I found this sweater that I knitted about 13 years ago. I had completely forgotten about it. Since it’s cut to be oversized and slouchy, it still fit.
It was like getting a new sweater! It’s so comfortable! I’ve not knit in a while because my frantic crocheting for the Etsy shop a few years back screwed up my wrists. The last thing I knit was about 3 years ago and it was a little project.
These bunny egg cup cozies. I adore them. They’re based on a pattern from Little Cotton Rabbits (I think that’s the name) on Etsy.
Okay. I have to go. It’s grocery shopping morning.
Happy Tuesday.
two of my favorite things … art and knitting!
i love that “please put book back” piece and the stories behind things. not that you were at the auction so late at night, but that you got such a pretty print in a wonderful frame for a bargain! love the pun about keys on keys for the piano print. thanks for more of the art tour.
and that sweater … what a pretty color! glad you found it again and hope your wrists are now better after making those sweet mice.
very cold again here, too, and five inches of snow are on the way between tomorrow and friday. not into it … but the snow sure is pretty.
happy tuesday!
kathy in iowa
So cold here, Kathy! But pretty. Thank you!
What a lovely sweater! The colour really suits you.
Glad to see the bunnies have their own woollies.
They’re nice and warm, Barbara!
I do love that everything has a story behind it. I believe it makes for a much more interesting home. And, it holds many more memories I’m sure, which naturally leads to smiles for you both. I know that happens in our home.
What a nice surprise finding that sweater…and you made it! Perfect! I’ve got my monthly Ladies Lunch today…best be getting ready. Enjoy your day! ;)
Thank you, Donna!
Love your stories about your quirky and meaningful art. Also, beautiful sweater! What nice work. The color is beautiful! So glad you found it again. XO
I am, too! Thank you, Nora!
Love the print. Sometimes we get great bargains. I have downsized to an apartment and am a true minimalist. Each item has to have a special meaning or be useful. My days of collecting are behind me-but enjoyed them. Now my family does.
Love your book reviews also.
Thank you, Brenda!
Absolutely love that print with the scalloped edging. Definitely a steal for $15! That keyboard with the hooks is wonderful, too.
Lovely sweater…I’m glad you found it!
I am, too. I hardly every buy new clothes, and this one was free! Thanks, Melanie.
I certainly enjoy hearing the stories behind your pieces of art. I too have many lovely objects with great stories attached to them. I just love the piano keyboard piece. Great idea to hang vintage, antique keys on it. It is a perfect fit!
I’m glad you like it, Carol. It’s such a treasure.
I LOVE the rings in your picture
Lovely description of your beautiful artefacts in your beautiful home
Siobhan x
The rings I’m wearing? Thank you, Siobhan!
That print is lovely. It is so soothing to look at. I enjoy knitting. It has been a while , that is one of the things I want to get back to in 2020.
Marilyn
I might give it a try again (Don said he wants a sweater. ) We’ll see. Thanks, Marilyn!
GREAT sweater! I love the color and slouchy and comfy is my thing! Cute cozies and I love the piano print. That’s such fun! And that library sign is a winner!
I love that sign! Thank you, Jeanie!
I always enjoy seeing your art collection. The sweater is a beautiful color. I never did learn to knit except the basics. I am amazed what knitters can do.
Meredith is the pro knitter – she’s excellent! Thanks, Kay.