Shop Skylark Manor for Mother's Day

Good afternoon friends. Mother's Day is fast approaching. If you haven't checked out our shop on Etsy, today and tomorrow would be the best time to make a purchase, and guarantee delivery before May 8th. We have a wide assortment of unique gifts for her to enjoy. All come with free shipping too. At this time, deliveries are made within the United States only. Happy browsing. -Al

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Coco's Pearls

Yes darlings, Coco Chanel was known for her little black dress, the Chanel suit, and her ever present cigarette. But this treasured French fashion designer, was also known for making the pearl necklace, the ultimate, must have accessory.
Coco's influence on fashion began back in the early 1900's, when she opened her first boutique in Paris. It was called, Chanel Modes. Here, she designed and sold, gorgeous hats to celebrities and the like. Soon after, Coco's attention turned to a luxe clothing line, styled for leisure and sport. Her fashion empire continued to grow, with the addition of the Chanel perfume line. Coco also tried her hand at costume design, for the stage and film. Of course, she found success here too.

Coco was never without her string of pearls. She would layer them for added drama, in varying lengths. Always looking stylish and relevant. The classic and vintage appeal of the pearl, will go on forever, thanks to Coco's enduring legacy.
Take a tip from Coco, and dig out your treasured pearls. Or, better yet, go out and snatch them up in a wide range of colors! Experiment, and wear them with relish ladies, they won't let you down.

*If you want a more modern approach to this look, try on a bangle. Here, you can see just how hip, the pearl can be. -Al

Vintage Queen... Updated With Violins

Who can forget the British rock band Queen? Fronted by the iconic, and eccentric Freddie Mercury, their sound was unique. "Bohemian Rhapsody" was perhaps the most memorable track ever recorded by the group. The song topped the charts back in the 1970's, and it's melody and lyrics are still a hit today. Of course, we all remember the words.... right?
Here is an updated version of this international rock and roll classic. A vintage piece of music, artfully remastered by Joe Edmonds. Enjoy! -Al

The Friendly Letter...

Dear Friends,
We all have busy lives, hectic schedules, and the universal need to communicate with each other. And somewhere along the way, the art of handwritten correspondence, between those who are dearest to us, has faded and gone away. It has been replaced by the email, the text, and the Tweet. Short, abrupt, and curt.

Not very long ago, we impatiently waited for the postman. To bring the love letter, the poem, the diary of a loved one, far away. Were they at war, at play, or at rest? Many of those letters were savored, shared, and tucked away. Perhaps, in a vintage keepsake box, a hope chest, or in a pocket close to your heart.
Take a moment to send the treasured gift of a handwritten note, a thank you, a thought. See what happens.... Al

Photos courtesy Perfectly Imperfect

The Antique Garden Ornament

Important Marble Figure of Diana

The garden ornament has been a part of our landscape since the days of ancient Rome and Greece. The forms they may take are varied, from the small diminutive statuary, to their grand and expansive, larger scaled counterparts. The most common types of ornament are the urns, pots, statues, fountains, sundials, gates, columns and benches.


Pair of Classical Urns

All were produced utilizing a large assortment of materials such as wood, wrought and cast iron, copper, marble, cement, or terra-cotta. Each of the aforementioned products would wear, in various ways over time, when exposed to the elements. Thus, achieving a "patina" or aged surface area that, not only adds character to a piece, but also a much greater desirability too.
A true, authentic antique garden ornament, is a highly collectible item. And one that is sought after the world over. Therefore, many classic pieces are often reproduced, and fashioned after their originals from centuries ago.

Watts Terra-cotta Pot

If you are just starting down this path of collecting, please make a note of the following. It is important to know who you are purchasing from, if they are reputable, and the details of care for each individual item. This is especially true when investing in a significant piece to add to your landscape collection.
One such reliable resource is none other than Barbara Israel Garden Antiques based in Katonah, NY and Manhattan. Here you can find the most fantastic selection of period pieces from Europe, America, and Asia. Barbara's collection is unprecedented, and with over 20 years of experience in the field she is the authority in this category.

Marked Galloway Bench

Here at Skylark Manor, the garden is just waking up from it's wintery slumber. This spring, we are looking to add a variety of antique garden elements to our backyard landscape. We hope to have enlightened you in some way, to get out there and explore the possibilities of adding some interest to your own outdoor spaces. No matter what season, the magical allure of that special antique garden ornament, is one that you can enjoy for years to come! Ciao. -Al

All photos courtesy Barbara Israel Garden Antiques