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

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

Visit Lula Gardenia!

Hello lovelies,
We are proud to announce the opening of our new blog, Lula Gardenia. Here we will be offering exciting home decor and accessories that are inspired by the gardens we all love.
These beautiful creations will enhance any room in your castle. Our Preserved Moss Wreath, and Decorative Cone are two of our best sellers. They are both featured in our very first posting at Lula Gardenia.

All items have free shipping, and are available for purchase within the United States only.
We are considering launching an Etsy store too, but for now you can find our various items listed here.
Any questions can be sent to skylarkmanor@gmail.com
Lastly, thanks to all of our wonderful blog friends, for their continued friendship, and positive commentary. We love you all. -Al

An Artist Escape, With Frida Kahlo

Frida Kahlo was an extremely expressive, and evocative female painter. She was born in Mexico City on July 6th, 1907. When Frida was very young, she suffered from polio, and survived a terrible accident in her teenage years. Her marriage to the artist, Diego Rivera was difficult, to say the least. There were infidelities, separations, and anxieties.

The effects of these incidents became the fabric of her art, as her life story literally unfolded upon the painted canvas, and board. Frida's various works became a sort of diary, which revealed a turbulent existence, filled with passion, pain and heartache.

For some people, Frida's artwork is too much to process. Her dreamlike, surrealist subject matter, too heavy, and depressing. That is why we decided to highlight one of her portraits, and some of her beautiful still life paintings. To reintroduce you, to this multifaceted personality.

Here are some of the most interesting pieces, that don't necessarily leave you with a feeling of dread, or fear. We feel these particular works don't always get their due. They are gorgeous examples of her fantastic ability to capture emotion, with every stroke of her brush.

                                The Frame, (Self Portrait) 1938

Flower Basket (Round) Still Life With Hummingbird, 1941

Still Life (Round), 1942

Magnolias, 1945

The Chick, 1945

Viva la Vida, 1954

Unfortunately, when Frida Kahlo passed on July 13, 1954, she hadn't yet received the huge recognition, she so deserved in this life. That would come years later, as the world slowly discovered her amazing talent. Her art is truly transcendent, and yes, it's worth another look. Ciao -Al

The Carousel

Do you find yourself daydreaming of when you were a child, and had not a care in the world? Did you ever spin yourself round and round, and then closing your eyes, drop to the floor in dizzy delight?
Yes, we remember fondly, those lighthearted, carefree moments in time. Many of which were spent on the nearby carousel, that beckoned to us in the warmth of summertime.

This fabulous attraction, for both young and old, bore bright colored lights, and sweet sounding music. Thus, calling everyone at the park to gather, for a fantastical whirring ride.
Would you climb aboard the grand white horse, with the red ribbons curling down her mane? Or did you prefer to sit on the bench-like seat, that afforded you the "feet firmly on the ground" experience?

Our beautiful, old neighborhood carousel, has recently been rescued and gloriously restored. Assuring one and all, that it may continue to speak out to new generations of amusement lovers.

Yes, it is just a simple, vintage carousel. It has no fancy loops, or twists. But it is a marvelous, hand-carved piece of historical, and magical value. A living, breathing, work of mechanical art.

We at Skylark Manor encourage you to find the nearest carousel, and take a quick ride back to your youth. It is a sure way to put a smile on your face.

Oh, and don't forget to get that gumball afterwards. Have fun! -Al

Photos via tumblr.com, maidenluxe.blogspot.com, thebalancingact.com

Add A Key To Your Heart

Vintage skeleton keys have always been fascinating little objects that reveal memories of doorways to the past. These beautiful and quite charming pieces of metal, were used to unlock cabinets, chests, and secrets of an older day. Perhaps they were the keys to what lay in the future? Ahh, maybe so.

                                            Photo from Etsy

Whatever the case, they certainly conjure up memories of the long lost days filled treasures, triumphs, and dreams.
Today, they are a great collectible that anyone's budget can afford.
Many of these little gems were made of brass and pewter, adorned with simple or more elaborate designs. They were easily slipped into a pocket or a purse, to be summoned when the time was right to gain entry to one's home or possessions. A charming personal accessory, if you will, to a private hidden treasure.

                               Photo by Thegreenj via Wikipedia

                               Photo by timeless-journals.com

Nowadays, these keys are often repurposed as jewelry, chimes, or just common trinkets on an entry table. Mysterious little characters that speak to us in the quiet of our mind. Leaving us wondering aloud, what possible secrets they once held so dear. Hmmm... I guess we'll never really know, will we? -Al

The Hat Makes The Man

Call us old fashioned, but the fedora is one of our favorite accessories on a man. (Ladies, please don't feel left out, you can take one for a spin too.) This hat just oozes class and character. Right down to how a gentleman tips it forward on his head, or takes it in hand, across his chest, as a gesture of courtesy. Ah, the good old days.
This fashionable piece has been worn by the likes of Humphrey Bogart, Frank Sinatra, Harrison Ford, Run DMC, Johnny Depp, etc. It just shows how this hat has never really gone out of style. This small sampling below depicts an eclectic group of men, that certainly knew the laws of attractive dressing, then and now. Whether for the movie set or stepping out on the town, this vintage style is so current and relevant.
With the warm weather releasing it's hold on some of us, this would be the perfect time to look into your armoire and search out that fedora. Adorn yourself, or a loved one, in a practical and oh so very stylish wardrobe staple. If you don't already own one (we won't tell) put it on your fall to-do list. You'll thank us, and definitely turn some heads. These fine lads did! -Al

                                          Humphrey Bogart

                                             Frank Sinatra

                                            Marlon Brando

                                              Cary Grant

                                                Run DMC

                                           Harrison Ford

                                             Johnny Depp

                    Brad Pitt (Poor George Clooney forgot his hat)

                                         Justin Timberlake