Does glimmer and sparkle fade because New Years has gone by?

Well, the New Year's Even guests have thrown their last rose petal and sipped their last champagne. They've all returned home after

ringing in the year 2010 in style.
We've swept up the last of the confetti and glitter and streamers and polished the last champagne glass and now we're just hanging, wondering what there is to do now. After the holidays it's always such a let-down. A relief. But, a let-down, too.


We could go to the movies - and there are some really interesting ones out now that I would really like to see. But, we've seen so many movies over the past week or so, I don't think anything is going to stand out as special to me right now. Besides, I definitely want to be alert and chipper for the two hour premier of Durham County tonight!
So, I pulled out a few of the delightful treasures that I've received this year - some as gifts, some received in swaps, some won in contests, some purchased. All wonderful things created by wonderful artists. Here are just a few of the wondrous things I've been fortunate enough to have come to my home this year!





There are so many others! I really need someplace special to showcase them. Something that is both utilitarian and pleasing to the eye.

I'll just have to get Santa to pick out exactly the right one for me! Shall we go on a short little shopping trip?!

Perhaps this Louis XVI Ormolu Mounted Vernis Martin Vitrine by Francois Linke?

This lovely 18th century vitrine on cabriole legs has a serpentine shape, rouge marble top and extensive gilt bronze mounts including swags, cherubs, and female masks at the corners. It is distinguished for its three Vernis Martin panels.
It's a definite possibility!

Perhaps something just a tad less lavish? For instance, this French Napoleon III 1870's vitrine?

It was made in the Louis XV style during the Napoleon III period. It is made of mahogany with ormolu bronze fittings. The three bottom panels are original paintings of romantic scenes signed Hameau. The glass panels are bombe and the inside has 3 glass shelves and a mirrored back.
We definitely want to put a check mark next to this one on the list!

Now this 19th century English Chippendale style terrarium showcase is actually quite the right size to show small trinkets and treasures. But, I also have some larger pieces, such as crowns and diaramas and miniature theatres that I've been given and would want to display. Plus, as lovely as this, I feel the fretwork impedes the view of the items displayed. I think we can safely pass this one by.

Oh my! Two-Part Italian Cabinet

Italy
Circa 1820
Here we have an 18th century two-part Italian cabinet; the open upper section with wooden shelves inset behind carved and gilt wood scalloped frame with garlands, and arched top having corners with vase issuing flame motif. The base has two shelves above drawers with rosettes and leaves, and vitrine with faux marble green painted finish overall. Don't you want to get a closer look at that carving and painting?! I know I do!
Yes, without question, that is a display cabinet with pizzazz and style!

But, for some reason, I always return to my favorite style! Here we have found a fine Louis XV style bronze mounted rosewood vitrine. This exquisite jewelbox is circa 1880 French with painted bombe panels.
Another strong contender!
Even though it's too small to house all of our lovely gifts, this miniature 18th century Italian vitrine/reliquary is too marvelous not to stop and look over. This hand carved beauty would be the perfect housing for a few of the treasures...but, I really want to keep them altogether. So, with regret, we'll leave it behind and continue the search.

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Oh, wondrous! This Italian 19th century carved gilt wood vitrine in the style of Louis XV is so fanciful and enchanting! And it would fit perfectly into a corner, which is very good for feng shui, so that no bad energy is trapped in a corner! This could be the one! Except...

...I see another stunning early 19th century Italian paint decorated vitrine lined in white silk. It is finely carved with beveled glass surrounds and has gilded highlights. This looks like a gift! What a delightful display case for ... gifts!

We really should check out what America has to offer! Here we have a 19th century carved on stand vitrine with serpentine front glass. Is anything as enchanting as serpentine glass?! And, the plus is that it's from America.


Well, I just can't make up mind. I'm leaning towards that Italian hand carved two part case. But I'm just not sure. I guess I will make a permanent choice some other day.

Besides, I really should stop loafing and shopping and get back to work! There are only so many breaks I should take after such a long holiday away from the studio!But that little shopping trip certainly has improved my mood! I think I'll take off my shoes, put on my Sunday best, and go see if I can find some trouble to get into in the studio!
I know that sparkling and shimmering and glimmering and gleaming will continue well past New Year's Eve in my little corner of the world!

Thank you for spending some time with me today. I hope you've enjoyed yourself, and that you'll return soon! Until then ...

... go make something beautiful!

♥´¨)
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(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥