Thursday, April 25, 2013

I'm Lovin' Majolica!


Bright colors.
Intricate designs.
Amazing artwork.

All these things are what I love about the new plates I purchased recently.
 I love antique Majolica ceramics!
Unfortunately, these are modern pieces. I would LOVE to be able to find and purchase real "Majolica". 
The round and square plates here were purchased at WalMart and are made of melamine, so at least I know they will last. I love the "ombre" colors in the blue!
 
 The napkins were a recent purchase, as well (at Pier 1 Imports). They match closely with the placemats, which I have had for a few years, now.
I wanted to do a unique tablescape, as these items are really the only Italian style things I presently own. I thought a combination of some of my favorite things would make a great setting.
I recently bought this small cloche with a bird handle. I had been wanting to purchase a cloche for a while, but couldn't find one I liked at the right price, till this little cutie showed up at TJ Maxx.
I just love the etched design in the glass, as well as the sweet glass birdie on top!
 Inside it is a gift from our friends/neighbors, who just recently returned from their winter home in Florida. What looks like a wood-carved flower is really a Macadamia nut and shell.  
 
I love seashells and have an extensive collection, so I decided to use some of my shells, as well as some pretty rocks, in the decor.
The bowl holding the seashells matches the blue plates.
This little finch was a decor item I got last year. So glad he returned for the spring weather.
 His mate is in the picture below.
 This picture says it all, as one of my other favorite things is fishing. As you can see out our window, a few fishermen are braving the cold April breezes and have started fishing already.

Last, but not at all least, is this sign I have in my window.
It is a reminder to me every day to give thanks to my Maker for the many blessings He provides in my life.

Have you seen or do you own any Majolica?

Here is some interesting information on this style of pottery.  
What is Majolica? 
Majolica is a kind of earthenware made in imitation of Italian maiolica ( fine earthenware with colored decoration on an opaque white tin glaze), originating in Italy during the Renaissance

Majolica (or Maiolica in Italian), meaning ‘enameled ceramic’ dates back to the 9th century, when the art form was first produced by Islamic cultures. By the 11th century as trade flourished, the art of glazing terracotta with an opaque or white glaze became increasingly more popular and widely produced. Gradually the island of Majorca, off the cast of Spain, became of the major trading posts between Spain and Italy, thus allowing for the influence of Majolica to spread throughout Italy.

Many of the artisans’ products come from families who have been producing ceramics since the Renaissance.  Each piece is hand painted creating some subtle differences and uniqueness from piece to piece. The vivid colors, beauty and richness of detail and technique became revered and vastly produced. They often had colorful glazes and molded surfaces. 
(Definition taken from Apple Computer Dictionary Version 1.0.2)

There are other kinds of Majolica, but in my opinion, none compare the the Italian style/designs. Here are a few examples of different types of Majolica:
Italian Majolica.

ceramic majolica g06 plate blue yellow green 739 20cm

 English Majolica

SIX ENGLISH MAJOLICA PLATES IN THE 'STANLEY' PATTERN AND TWO LOBED PLATES,  
Mexican Majolica
Mayolica Fruit plate
Victorian majolica 

 Now, I am on the search for some beautiful (and affordable) Italian Majolica!
Ann
“Better joy in a cottage than sorrow in a palace” Spanish Proverb

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Monday, April 22, 2013

Springing into Style

It's been quite a while since I've done an outfit post. It seems that spring is taking forever to get here, so I've not been wearing a lot of my spring wardrobe yet. Just today, I got around to packing up my winter sweaters and unpacking shorts, swimsuits, and tank tops. Hopefully, I'll soon be wearing them! Till then, I have a few new pieces that I can wear.

It looks like stripes and the colors peach/tangerine are what I'm drawn to this year. I didn't realize till I did this post that I really need to go spring shoe shopping, too. I have just a couple pairs of flats, which are great when boots are too warm and sandals/flip flops are too cool, yet.
 skirt, black and peach tops: Rue 21
Scarf: WalMart
Shoes:WalMart

White lace dress: K-Mart
Shoes: WalMart
Jewelry: WalMart
Top and stretch jeans: WalMart
Necklace and bracelets: Kohls


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Friday, April 12, 2013

Crazy Few Weeks ~ Favorite Pinterest Sites

I wanted to touch base here at Cairn Cottage. It's been a few weeks since I last posted anything. It has been a little crazy around here. First, we had my son home for Easter and spent some time with family. Then, I attended a baby shower for my niece, who ended up having her baby early (4 weeks early) this week. I've also not been feeling well the past week. Our weather here in Indiana have fluctuated from 75 degrees one day to 45 degrees the next. We've also had so much rain the past week that I feel like a drown rat, going out to do anything. 

I have so many things I want to post about, but just have either been too busy or not up to taking the pictures and sharing. 

I have also been surfing all the beautiful pictures/ideas on Pinterest and just wanted to share a few sites that I recently started following. I'm also sharing my Pinterest page, if you want to see all I have added. Feel free to follow my page, as well.


My Pinterest Page HERE

 Favorite Pinterest sites I recently started following from some great bloggers:

 Stash Tea
The Stash Tea Blog also shares some craft and decor ideas, as well as sells a variety of natural teas. 
The mug may be our everyday favorite, but the teacup holds a special place in our cupboard. Shop our teacups >



Cottage Blessings (Janet's Cottage)
Creative ideas, home decor, and much more!
To see her blog go HERE.


Completely Coastal Decor Ideas:
Decorating blog featuring ideas for coastal decor, beach decor, seashell decor, nautical decor, DIY and Crafts Projects, Home Decor Products, and more.(Here is the blog)


Jessica Colaluca( Creator of Design Seeds)
Both her Pinterest page and blog page, (Fresh Hues) share color inspirations and trends.
Pinned Image



Hope you've enjoyed checking these sites out! Till I get around to posting regularly again, which I hope will be very soon, have a great day!
Ann
“Better joy in a cottage than sorrow in a palace” Spanish Proverb

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