Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Picture Perfect!


Many, many years ago, before I had even heard the words 'shabby chic' or 'vintage' I fell in love with the pretty floral and distressed painted look that epitomises everything that is English country cottage. I didn't know of any good flea markets where I could find old watercolours or oil paintings, so I created my own vintage-style pictures at home! I painted and distressed the wooden frames and was inspired to frame all manner of everyday items that I thought were beautiful. The delightful floral picture above is, in fact, a paper bag! The one below is a greetings card. I found a delightful coloured mount which exactly matched the feature wall in our bedroom, and there it has hung ever since. In fact, I have had both of these pictures hanging on my walls for many years and despite having found some beautiful paintings in the years since, I still think they look lovely!


Of course, I absolutely love the roses paintings that I have managed to find over the years - this beautiful oil painting is one of my favourites!

I think it is a wonderful talent to be able to paint! One of my favourite artists is a blogger too! If you haven't seen Joanna's work then you really will be in for a treat!

The pretty picture below is an original 1950's print and has a very interesting history attached to it. These are roses gathered from the gardens of the Glaxo premises in Greenford, England and are awaiting arrangement as they lie on the reception desk of the entrance hall. The original was painted by Gayford Rix (what a brilliant name!) Each rose is named on the reverse of the print. This delightful print will be added to my shop later this week! How I wish I knew where the original painting was!

Is there anyone who can resist a painting of roses?!

30 comments:

  1. Hello Clare and thanks for the lovely comment left in my blogg. The photos you see in my latest posts are of objects sold in my new internet store. I have so many flea finds laying around the house so I found out that to be able to by more flea treasures I have to sell off some of my old finds. So I have opened a blogg shop - you will find the connection to it on my blogg. The name of the shop is "Sannas Lille Butikk". Love you rose painting by the way - I agree with you - who can resist a rose painting ;o)

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  2. I just might need these beautiful roses... I'll keep checking back to see if you've listed 'em yet. Also, your "Five Start Find" is GORGEOUS!!!!! =) Debbie

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  3. The roses pictures are lovely!
    But I also like your self-made "old" pictures very much. I think, one can make nice things out of nearly everything, what's important is to have the idea and and eye for beautiful things.

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  4. I absolutely can't resist! Love yours too!

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  5. I absolutely ADORE old roses paintings! If I had a wall large enough, it would have every square inch covered in rose paintings! The ones you have shown are lovely, and thank you for your blogging friend's link! As always, I will happily be browsing (shopping!) at your lovely store!

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  6. Aah! Clare. You make me homesick for Devon, primroses, bluebells, country lanes and hedgerows! Please visit me at ACROSS THE POND. I have family by marriage in Cirencester, probably not too far from you.

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  7. What a beautiful print of the roses.

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  8. Hello Clare Im a new Blogger and tring to get acquainted with some of the other gals out there. I have been looking on some of the blog sites and I came to yours. So thought I would drop you a few lines to say hi and to tell you that your a gal after my own heart. I love roses they are my favorit flower.I love the piture you have of the roses on the table waiting to be aranged. It's beautiful.

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  9. You have a houseful of beautiful art. I like your style and who can resist roses. the smell, the colors the feel. Beauty..

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  10. Hi Clare

    Another lovely post! Even though I'd seen your pictures I'd never realised what they were. You always have something new up your sleeve!! Sue xx

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  11. Love the rose pictures. You can never have too many roses I say. To me they sing romance and beauty.

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  12. Lovely....amazing what a rose can do to you....

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  13. Very pretty Clare, I too love the flower paintings, I got a beautiful one this week at the thrift store, and its not a print. I just love it and the frame is perfect. If you get a chance take a peek. You always have such pretty things.
    NANCY JO

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  14. Hi Clare,
    Who indeed can resist a rose painting?! I know I can't, I dread to think how many I have! And you say there will be one for sale on your site soon?!!!....

    Your 'home-made' art works are very inspiring too....There are so many beautiful greetings cards available, it is very tempting to frame them - in a chippy painted frame of course!

    Niki. x

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  15. Hello clare, i do the same. I use old postcards or thing like that, then it fits better with my decorations and it gets more personal :) They both looks great !

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  16. Roses roses and more roses...they're everywhere.

    take a peek at my hatboxes on yesterday's post

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  17. Hi Clare,
    I too love those rose paintings. I love them in paint, oils, chalks, you name it, I love em and I must admit I am quite jealous of your collection. VERY BEAUTIFUL!!!
    Thanks for sharing with us,
    Amy (Mom to the Four Sisters)

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  18. Hi Clare, no, I can't resist pictures of flowers either, and cottages, and animals, small children...it's all so good. I love the prints and frames you created - they're very pretty!
    Allie from Minneapolis
    www.mycozyhome.typepad.com

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  19. Oh roses!!! I love them. And I love it that you had *shabby chic,* before it was sooooo wellll known. :-)

    And thank you so much for looking in at my photo blog. I'll be so happy when the snow banks melt and the walking is good again. I have many beautiful things to picture and share, around my city. We are lucky to live in a small city, which values its Victorian architecture heritage. :-)

    Mari-Nanci

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  20. Your framed paper bag is so clever and lovely! All your rose pictures are beautiful~what great finds. Debbie

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  21. I really love the photos at your blog, so much pretty. :) I adore vintage and shabby chic myself.

    By the way, I am a girl from Norway. :) I find your blog at Debbie's-Homespun Living.

    You can visit me at; http://huldals.blogspot.com

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  22. I certainly can't resist a rose painting or a rose picture. I have many of them in my house. And I love to read about them. A yearly trip to David Austin is a must for me.

    Cherry xx

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  23. Roses ar just the best for an oil painting, I love them.

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  24. Wow, those roses are beautiful! I'd love to be more arty, I just never have the time.
    Helen

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  25. The rose pictures remind me of my school days. We used to make calendars for our mothers at Christmas, by gluing a picture onto a piece of cardboard, and adding a little calendar below it. All the girls would choose rose pictures, I wish I still had some of those calendars. This was in the early 50's...Gosh can I be that old...LOL

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  26. Oh that painting is amazing!!! I what a creative way to showcase that pretty fabric!! You share some of the best ideas!!!

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  27. Oh yes rose and flower paintings are beautiful and I too like them for a very long time already and not because they are "In" right now. You sure have a beautiful collection Clare! Hope you can enjoy spring sunny weather on your island as well right now! xox

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  28. Roses are my favourite too. Your pictures are very pretty - isn't it great when you find some treasure and even better when you make your own. Lovely blog
    Kim x

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  29. Hello Clare
    It's me again - just wanted to say thanks for the lovely comments and I would love you to add me to your list! Isn't it wonderful when you can sit outside and enjoy it. I've since seen 5 more butterflies, all of which the cats have chased around the garden!
    Kim x

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