With This Ring...

              Victorian Style Poison Ring, courtesy Cowan's Auctions

With this ring... one could hide a secret potion, poison, or elixir. During the sixteenth century the Europeans fancied such a thing. They employed these small, somewhat unassuming trinkets, to assist in their heroic adventures, and unsavory deeds.

Antique Taxco Sterling Poison/Perfume Ring, courtesy Antiques Navigator

Precious metals, and gorgeous gems were used to create these mysterious, and quite beautiful pieces.
A poison ring, (which was also referred to as a box, or locket ring) was constructed, with a small compartment, directly under the main setting.
Herein, its owner would conceal the potion, tonic, relic, or possibly a treasured memento from a deceased love.

Greek Scene Poison Ring, courtesy Austin Auction Gallery

In the 17th century, the ring was commonly made for funeral purposes. A mourner would often tuck a lock of the decedent's hair, into the ring's chamber, for safe keeping.
Today, these antique poison rings are not only highly collectible, they are affordable, and fashionable as well.

Antique Georgian Gold & Diamond Poison Ring, courtesy ebay.co.uk

Since there are a lot of cheap reproductions to be found, if you want a true antique, it is best to deal with a reputable dealer. Of course, we're not sure what you may find inside of one.... so please proceed with extreme caution.
Let us know if you have a special antique "poison ring" in your collection. We'd love to hear about it!  Cheers, Al

Vintage Poison Ring, courtesy Carroll's Auctioneers & Appraisers

Antique Musical Bird Boxes

Perhaps the most interesting, and exquisite works of art to collect, are antique musical bird boxes.
These highly sought after vintage pieces, were created with the utmost workmanship, and detail. They were crafted using the finest metals; solid gold, silver, or bronze. More elaborate decorations included enamelling, porcelain, and even further adornment with precious gems. The bird boxes were bestowed upon royalty and the like. Made in Germany, Switzerland, France, etc., these beautiful instruments have been cherished, and passed down from generation to generation.
The intricate mechanisms that lay inside these small treasures, allow the tiniest of birds to "sing"  and "take flight" atop a glistening stage, to mesmerize the child in us all.
Here are two fine examples, of these amazing musical masterpieces, in action. Please take a look....

             Video courtesy, Musical Instrument Museum, via YouTube

                           Video courtesy, Skinner, via YouTube


How beautiful, and charming these boxes are, don't you think? Here are some more images for you to enjoy....

                All photos courtesy, Gavin Douglas Fine Antiques Ltd.

What a truly unique gift to give that special person, who means everything to you, and perhaps has everything they'll ever need already. A sweet token of love that will sing it's way into your honey's heart. Or maybe, you just need to start a unique collection of songbirds for yourself.... after all, there'll be no cages to clean. -Al

The Jive Aces, "Bring Me Sunshine"

About a year ago, a good friend sent this link along to us. We would love to share it with you.
It is retro, it is uplifting, but most of all... it is fun. Enjoy! -Al

Our First "Editor's Choice" Award!

Hello friends. We wanted to let you know about receiving our first blog award! It came from Be In Style.

They are the fashion blog, filled with all of the latest shopping tips for the stylish. They are always on trend and give the "up to the minute" newsworthy information.
The editor's thought Skylark Manor, was an exceptional blog, that showcased a variety of fashion, and beautiful graphics as well.
We are honored, and graciously accept this "Editor's Choice" award. Thank you! -Al

Visit Lula Gardenia, and Skylark Manor on Etsy!

Hello friends! We wanted to tell you about the opening of our second Etsy shop called, Lula Gardenia! A little boutique, that is sure to have something for everyone who is interested in unique home decor, and accessories, inspired by the garden.
One of the items on sale now, is our beautiful preserved moss wreath (below), adorned with a gorgeous green feathered bird. It will look great on a covered porch, or even above your mantel.
We hope you'll visit Lula Gardenia soon.

At Skylark Manor on Etsy, we've added a few new goodies to our lineup of vintage and eclectic finds. One of them is the vintage anchor brooch (below), that was never found months ago in our little blog contest. It is sure to sail away, so catch it while you can! -Al

An Artist Escape, With Mariano Fortuny

Hello darlings! Today we are focusing our attention on the masterful work of Mariano Fortuny. He will forever be remembered, for his contributions to the world of fashion, and most significantly, textile design.

                                  Self Portrait, Mariano Fortuny.

Mariano was born in Granada, Spain in 1871. With his rich artistic background - his father was a painter, and his grandfather, a painter as well - it was obvious that Mariano would carry his own creativity forward and make his own mark.
Mariano's many talents included painting, sculpting, and photography. He was greatly influenced by the theatre, and had an interest in the lighting of the stage itself. He became friendly with the German composer, Richard Wagner. Mariano and he would collaborate on the creativity of grand theatrical stage productions.
Mariano sketched out the scenes and developed the look of the fashions for the actors, as well as devising inventive lighting techniques, that had never been used before.

     Mariano created the "Knossos Scarf", used as an embellishment 
     to an ensemble. Here the printed scarf is worn to cinch the dress.

Of course Mariano is best known for his fashion and textile designs. His exquisite usage of a variety of fabrics, and the glamorous looks he achieved were remarkable.
Here are some photos of the famous "Delphos" gown. Made of delicate silk, hand-dyed, and finely pleated. These garments would drape the figure for a simple, and very glamorous look.

                            Mrs. Conde Nast in her Fortuny gown.

Here are some samples of vintage Fortuny woven textiles. The combination of beautiful colors and gorgeous designs are timeless.

Recently sold Fortuny remnant.

Vintage 1920's Fortuny remnant available on Etsy.

Recently sold vintage Fortuny remnant.

Recently sold Fortuny remnant.

Fortuny remnant available on Ebay.

The Fortuny Company is still creating some of the most beautiful material today, using the same techniques, and attention to details, as they did when Mariano first founded the business so long ago.
We hope this post has sparked your interest, and that you share the same love of fabulous fashion, and textile design. Have a wonderful day! -Al

A New Estate Find and Etsy Goodies Too!

Hello darlings! We have been busy hunting for new items to fill our shops. First we've added a gorgeous, very vintage needlepoint handbag to our Skylark Manor ~ Estate Finds. It is a beautiful floral number set atop a cerulean background. It is a gem. A special accessory for that stylish gal. Check it out.

Next we've added a fabulous vintage petit point brooch/pendant to our Etsy shop, Skylark Manor. It is a unique accessory, that is boho, chic, and hip.

Or, are peacocks your latest must-have design element? We've found a very distinctive little fellow that may be just what you've been looking for. He is currently roosting at our Etsy shop, Skylark Manor. He's a charmer, and won't last long.

These are just some of the recent additions, please do take a peek in our shops before these beauties are gone. Also, we want to give special thanks to all of our blog friends, that leave the sweetest comments for us. We appreciate, and love you all! -Al

Antique Hat Pins, Oh So Chic!

The hat pin was invented in the early 1800's, to hold adornments to a female's hair, mainly hats, or lace veils. They measured about 8 to 10 inches long, and were decorated with crystals, semi, and precious stones, pearls, ivory, and baubles of every type.

Photo courtesy Alice M. Windgerden

Originally these pins were handmade, and often on the expensive side due to the materials, and labor involved in producing them. They soon became very popular in Europe, and in 1832, an American machine was created to keep up with the demand for this highly popular accessory.
Every fashionable woman who wanted to secure her hat to her head with confidence, chose a hat pin to do the job.

Audrey Hepburn

Their popularity still exists today, and ladies often use them to affix scarves, decorate lapels, and add some drama to the "up do".
Serious collectors look for hat pins that are made of precious metals, and stones. Over the years, the most coveted of these, are those that have been created by famous design houses, in limited editions.

"Tiara" (hat pin) by Rene Lalique, courtesy Wikipedia

Please take time to consider these charming accessories, when you are updating your wardrobe. They are timeless, and so very versatile for the modern woman to wear.

Photo courtesy Alice M. Windgerden

Set of vintage hat pins from Sweetkate on Etsy

The best place to find these vintage and "new" handmade darlings? Check out Etsy, Ebay, and any estate sale that is featuring fine accessories. For more information, you can visit the American Hatpin Society.  Ciao! -Al

A David Austin Floral Tapestry Bouquet... Simply Sublime!

Hello friends, and a very Happy New Year to you all!
Today, we've decided to venture out into our English country garden, to cut some of our favorite roses that are in bloom right now.
Ok. We'll admit it. It is the dead of Winter here, and the garden is in a very deep slumber. But here at Skylark Manor we have been craving the scent, the beauty, and the ambience that only the finest English rose can impart upon a space.
So the only alternative was to get in touch with our very special friends at David Austin Roses Limited.
They immediately suggested the cure for us, and it was the Floral Tapestry Bouquet.

From the look of the gorgeous photo on their web page, how could we resist?
The floral stems arrived securely in a container that protected them perfectly for their trip to our home.
We immediately placed the 15 stems in a vase (our own), after carefully trimming back the stems as directed and adding the plant food.
The arrangement was stunning to say the least, and was much more magnificent than we could've ever imagined. The intoxicating perfume that this fabulous bouquet gave off, actually made everyone in our home giddy with delight. Each day, as the roses open up their petals, was an even greater delight to behold.
The rose species that were included in our bouquet were Darcey, Juliet, and Phoebe. They were accompanied with some beautiful green foliage as well.
Darcey's scent is a light fruity tea. She is a crimson to raspberry-red beauty, not to be missed. Juliet is known for her large, full head and light, peachy color. Pheobe has a large full blooms, and pink petals that have a gorgeous translucence. She is truly spectacular!
Here are our pics of the arrival, and then the subsequent "unveiling" if you will, of the tender roses as they opened...

Darcey

Juliet

Pheobe

To say we thoroughly enjoyed this floral delight, is an understatement. We can still smell their wonderful scent, lingering with our memories of Grandmother's rose garden. It is said that your memories of scent are the strongest, especially if they are linked in history, reverence, and love. 

We hope you have enjoyed this post. Please remember to visit David Austin Roses Limited so you can experience this delicious treat for yourself! Don't forget to tell them that Skylark Manor sent you. Ciao! -Al