Friday, December 16, 2011

And The Winner Is...


Diane, from Mimi's This and That! Congratulations to you! Please send us an email at skylarkmanor@gmail.com with your shipping address.

Thanks to all who entered our very first giveaway at Skylark Manor. Have a wonderful weekend everyone! -Al

Monday, December 12, 2011

Vintage Holiday Brooch Giveaway!


Hello Darlings!
To celebrate the season, Skylark Manor is having it's first giveaway! You can enter to win this gorgeous vintage holiday brooch by:

1. Commenting on this post
2. Following us on Blogger
3. Following us on Facebook
4. Tweeting about us
5. Posting about our giveaway

This charming accessory measures 1.5" x 2" The golden, red enameled holiday bow, features three little bells that dangle down a delicate chain. A sweet retro piece that any girl will love! Good luck. -Al

*All entries must be within US only. Giveaway ends by midnight EST on 12/15/11.
  Please include email address when commenting, so we may contact you for shipping info. Winner will be posted on this blog on Friday 12/16/11.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Hearst Castle At Christmas

Hello friends! The holiday season is upon us, and as we all rush to take our decorations out, dusting off the antique ornaments resting up in the attic, our mind goes wandering over fantastic images we've seen of a unique castle, all dressed up for Christmas!

Hearst Castle, located on the central coast of California, was built for newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. This national landmark, was donated to the state of California, by the Hearst Corporation shortly after Mr. Hearst's death in 1951. Designed by the talented architect Julia Morgan from 1919-1947, the site is open to the public, and draws visitors from all over the country and the world year after year.

William Randolph Hearst and Julia Morgan, 1926. Photo by Irvin Willat



Hearst Castle is filled with exquisite artwork, fine antiques, amazing architectural details, and lavish grandeur. Mr. Hearst referred to the property, fondly as "The Ranch".
Today's post is devoted to this marvelous castle, all gussied up for Christmas.








Back in the day, an invitation to an event at Hearst Castle was a very big deal. So get out your finest attire, grab a drink, and join us in the grand dining room.... Mr. Hearst is waiting to celebrate with you.
Happy Holidays! -Al

Friday, December 2, 2011

Collecting Antique Buttons

One of the most intriguing collections to possess, is that of the antique button. This modest little clothing attachment, has been around for generations, holding all types of material together, with style.


The next time you are at a thrift store, or an estate sale, make it a point to look out for antique clothing. Older coats, shirts, and dresses are a great source for glass, wood, metal, rhinestone, and even Bakelite buttons.


Many of these fantastic, and colorful buttons are adorned with floral, animal, or military motifs. Some buttons of course, are more coveted than others, by the seasoned collectors. The more ornate designs, and those cast in silver, brass, or pewter, are some of the popular ones they look for. But you can start your own search, based on what speaks to you personally.


Today, many antique buttons find themselves made into jewelry, placed onto newer clothing, etc. Some lay in dark sewing boxes, hoping to one day be put back in service.
Our own collection of buttons, look perfectly fabulous when placed, en masse, in clear apothecary jars on the mantel.


So, the next time Aunt Sadie asks you to watch her cat.... be sure to check her coat closet. There may be some beautiful old antique buttons, just waiting to start a new life. Remember, we never said a word. Ciao. -Al

Image sources: collect-antiques.net, wanderlustnpixiedust.typepad.com, duhbe.com