My Monogram RB

I made this version of my monogram long ago and just found it on someone's blog. I'm so happy to have it back. Happy Day! xo

Here it is on an old post.of mine.

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Interesting Antique Calligraphy

Superimposed Letters Spelling the Names of Illustrious Women of Ancient Rome: Faustina, Lucretia, Virginia, Vittoria, Giulia, Flaminia from Mira Calligraphiae Monumenta or The Model Book of Calligraphy (1561–1596) by Georg Bocskay and Joris Hoefnagel. 

Original from The Getty.

My Set of Antique Copper Pots with Monogram

I discovered this matched, graduated set of old copper pots at an outdoor antiques show years ago. Each one has this monogram on the front opposite the handle. Somebody was really proud of them and so am I because they look wonderful on the top shelf of my pantry. The large dovetails are beautiful too. The bottom of the biggest one is marked on the bottom with an incised E. I don't know what that signifies but it's probably a maker's mark. I didn't look on the bottom of the others. They fit inside each other nicely in a nest for easy storage. I like them lined up better. At my former house, they were displayed on a standing pot rack. The insides need to be re-tinned so I don't use them. Plus they are really heavy! I have posted this photo on my blog in the past but in view of questions about them, I decided to post it again. This set must have belonged to a gentleman cook with the initials B.M. Jr. 

I shall enjoy this rainy Sunday. All of the snow has melted so I will be seeing more snowdrops soon and maybe some blossoms too. xo

My Monogram

Copied from one of my antiquarian books.

It was nice to work outside today. I shoveled my balcony because it might rain tomorrow afternoon and the deck has been covered with snow almost all winter. It was a big job but I finished. So happy. 

Georgian Wedding Ring

This is absolutely gorgeous, agreed? via

Royal Embroidered Monogram Crowned Initial 'E'

This is beautiful needlework, isn't it? I'm assuming it's for Queen Elizabeth II but I'm not really sure. See it full size at Townmouse on Flickr. You will be flabbergasted! 
Here's what she says about this piece in her embroidery photostream: "From an old, long out-of-print Italian book on beautiful monogram embroidery. It includes some of the best examples of this type of work I've ever seen. Many of these pieces were ebroidered for royal and titled families over the last century, hence the use of crowns in quite a lot of the work. The text is in italian."

I'm Back from The Basement

Illumination on paper faux parchment. The letter B is gilded with fine gold leaf and is painted in egg tempera, pigments and egg yolk. via studioartemesia

I woke up early Sunday morning (hurricane Irene day) to some water in the basement, the Amazon River flowing past my house into the wetlands, and a day of hard work ahead of me. 

Luckily we had power so I set up my pumps, got the big wet vac out of the garage, put on a pot of coffee and did not stop for one minute until almost 7pm.

This letter seemed perfect for my post today since it is my initial, and also signifies that I'm back from the basement. 

The sun is shining brightly and all of my sticks have been picked up. I have fans and dehumidifiers set up downstairs so all in all everything seems to be back to normal. The water coming into the house was more of a seepage problem than anything. Just enough to be a royal pain in the *#@! if you know what I mean.

I hope all is well with all of you. xo

Perfect His and Her Bath | Betty Lou Phillips

Betty Lou Phillips has created a wonderful his and her bathroom in her own home. Monsieur and Madame monogrammed towels and mosaic on the floor to clarify who stands where.

Go get your own towels. HIS are in a wonderful shower shown in the complete article. The zinc tub, marble floors, walls, and window surrounds are fabulous.

An old medical cabinet was refurbished and is perfect in this bathroom for storing marked terry cloth bath linens. I have a similar one in my attic studio but there is no room for it in my bathroom. Read more...

Books by Betty Lou Phillips

This post should not in any way make you dislike what you have. I just wanted to show you something amazing to inspire you. Maybe you got an idea or two. Hope so!

Monograms Galore

Whenever I want to look at the prettiest and most interesting monograms ever, I go here. Hold on to something when you check out the prices. 

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Monograms for Hand Embroidery

A is for Alphabet.

B is for Beautiful.

C is for Celtic.

D is for Design.

E is for Embroidery.

F is for Font.

The rest of this Celtic Knotwork Alphabet can be found here along with other vintage alphabets for hand embroidery. When the page loads scroll down a bit past the ads to see the wonderful designs. Aren't you glad I found these for you? Now I want to monogram some linens. Click images to enlarge. Print and use your scanner to enlarge or reduce. You can also use your photo editing program. You can make stationery too. Have fun however you decide to use this and the other alphabets.



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My Monogram "RB" . . .

You are in luck if your initials are RB. I bought a fabulous 19th century book at a small antiques show recently.

It has every imaginable combination of initials and a beautiful monogram for each. I love mine. It reminds me of the engraved initials on antique sterling silver hollowware.




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M is for Manicure | Great Logo . . .

I think this letter M is such a clever design for a manicure cutlery company.

I got a vintage pair of pet nail clippers for Webster at at estate sale last week. The company is still in business using this logo. I wonder if MILLERS FORGE products are guaranteed perfect today?