Strings of Inspiration

A Victorian ensemble is never complete without multiple strands of pearls!

One of my true passions/pass-times is jewelry-making. I am a bonafide jewelry fanatic as well as a self-taught beader. I am always voracious for information on the history and inspiration behind intriguing pieces. Like any artist/crafter, I relish taking an afternoon or evening (or entire day) to create something wearable and beautiful and totally unique. But what to make? - this is la question du jour. I find it handy to keep a notebook or scrapbook of inspiration, with notes, drawings and even printed images or magazine cut-outs of ideas and things that inspire and delight me. I also find many sources of inspiration in movies! I am a cinephile through and through and will watch a film over and over just to oggle the costumes and set designs. Of course, one of my absolute favourite films is the BBC adaptation of Jane Austen's 'Pride & Prejudice' starring Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth. *sigh* So it comes as no surprise that when I spied some of the jewelry featured in this Regency masterpiece I began to wonder how one would make such pieces... One of the very first examples I became enthralled with was a necklace worn by the character of Mrs. Hurst.

Mrs. Hurst's neckline - where it all began...

One of my first signature scalloped designs

The pearls, the scallops, the artistry...it is all so elegant and refined. I searched shops for anything similar and found nothing so I decided to play with my beads and figure out how to make one for myself!

Miss Bingley in all her artistocratic glory

Another design of mine, more complicated this time

 Of course I couldn't stop there! I began to see other designs I loved and pulled elements from them into more of my designs.

Mrs. Jennings from Sense & Sensibility

One of my most intricate cameo necklace designs

A treasured motif to use for my jewelry is the darling cameo. From a young age I have loved this time-honoured symbol of true Victoriana.
























When I saw the film 'Sense and Sensibility' (another Austen adaptation *go figure* with Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet) I became enamoured with Mrs. Jennings' fantastic 3-cameo pearl necklace. I simply couldn't rest until I created something akin to it!

Helen Potter (Beatrix's mother) wears a lovely collier

Another example of a multi-strand pearl & cameo design is featured in the film 'Miss Potter' (about the life of beloved Beatrix Potter, starring Rene Zellweger).

My fresh-water pearl & cameo creation.

From Louis XV royal dramas to Regency love stories to Victorian and even Edwardian tales these stunning necklaces make an appearance every now and then. So, why shouldn't a 21st century girl get to wear one (or two or three!) as well?

So, you see, inspiration is everywhere! In the pages of a book or magazine, in stores or online or (as is the case here) within the delicate costume and set details of fabulous period films! What began for me as a relaxing hobby has transformed into an enthusiastic pursuit which I hope one day to translate into an occupation!

My latest creation: fresh-water pearl and black crystal design with cameo pendant

Now, I encourage you all, my friends, to find your inspiration - whatever it may be - and seize it and pursue it with all your heart! You shall see what wonderful things come of it!

P.S:   As I create more designs here at The Clever Cottage, we hope to accumulate enough stock to open our very own Etsy shop and website! Jewelry is just one of the many items we'll have to offer! In the meantime, please feel free to contact me for custom orders. These one-of-a-kind, personalized pieces make gorgeous accessories for weddings and special events and even for a dash of elegance for everyday!    theclevercottage@outlook.com

September Blooms

A blushing lady among her peers.

There is something truly magical about the progression of seasons from one to another.  From summer to fall there is a tangible change in the air; all of a sudden the wind changes direction and the hazey heat twists and turns away to be replaced with a cool breeze flavoured with the barest hint of chill. Here in Montreal we were blessed (some might say cursed) with a very hot summer, hot and sticky and humid enough to have me longing for the refreshing crispness of autumn. Earlier this week I was on my way from work to vote (the Quebec provincial elections took place just after Labour Day) and the day was a blaze of tropical humidity. Now, I am all in favour of warm summer weather (I love wearing sandals and summer dresses as much as the next gal) and far be it from me to complain about 30 + degree weather in Canada in September but as I trudged to the polling station, the heat of the asphalt radiating up through my shoes into my legs, my cotton blouse plastered to my back and my thick curls angrily escaping my coiffe in a fierce frizzy frenzy, I admit to being ready for Fall. "Give me chilly winds, pretty boots with long sweaters, shawls and scarves anyday!" I muttered to myself.

A Summer Souvenir

Then something caught my eye; I passed a house with flowering bushes shaping the driveway. I did a double take and stopped in my tracks. They looked like...could they be? They were roses!! Roses in full bloom in September! I don't know why but I seem to have a special kinship with roses (I adore all flowers but roses really do it for me). My favourite fragrances and images always feature roses and even my favourite colour shares this name in French. I stooped down to catch the soft rosey sweet scent of these pale pink and white beauties and couldn't help but smile. I thought to myself, "Well here now, if these pretty blooms are basking in this extended summer weather than so shall I!" After voting I changed into my summeriest of summer outfits and made the most out of the heated September afternoon. Later that day I reflected on the fleeting beauty of summer roses; just a few short weeks and they're gone for another year, just like summer. One blustery windstorm, one harsh rain and their delicate petals are shorn from their stems - so too can the summer be wrenched away with one cracking thunderstorm, leaving the whisper of autumn behind.
Indeed, I made a vow that very day; to savour and enjoy every day for what it is. To waste no time longing and wishing for better times to suit my mood, but to recognize the beauty in the Now and let Tomorrow bring what it will. Here's wishing you all the beauty of the season and the awareness to appreciate every moment.

"Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses. "
- Alphonse Karr

Treasures Found

Me, just before shopping ( with my sweet boyfriend snapping the shot).

Since I truly believe I was born in the wrong century, my heart always manages to find places, products and services which remind me of a gentler, softer time. I love to go antiquing, marketing, historic site visiting and of course: shopping! One of my favorite places to shop is in Pointe Claire Village, just outside of Montreal, Quebec. There one finds quaint cobblestone sidewalks, attractive storefronts and traditional architecture (some from as far back as the early 1800s). It's a wonderful place to leisurely browse gift shops, read a book in a quiet café or perhaps, seeing as how it's right on a beautiful lake, soak up the sun and breathe in the breeze to the gulls' cries by the shoreline.

I have visited Lakeshore Drive (or Bord-du-Lac en Français) many times but never with as much excitement as when I discover a shop with everything I could ever want! Yesterday, on such an excursion, I found Piorra Maison; talk about a Shabby Chic Heaven for this Victorian gal! The shop occupies a portion of a larger building and tantalizes customers with displays of gorgeously colorful painted wood furniture outside and hints of lace-covered mannequins in the window.

The first of many beautiful displays to greet me as I entered Piorra Maison - I wanted it all!

Entering the store is like stepping inside another time; everything seems to slow down and the senses take on a heightened aspect - one begins to note the fine lines of a cabriole leg, the gentle contrast of pastel color tones, the impeccable detailing on a sweet lace blouse and the delicately painted posies on a bone china teacup. Within the first minute I knew this was a place I could spend hours upon hours in!

It's details like these that interior designers like me are dying to see!

Being in the furniture industry myself, I was entranced by the amazing paint product used to refurbish tired dressers, commodes, desks, tables and vanities. Annie Sloan Chalk Paint www.anniesloan.com allows one to completely change the look of a piece, apparently without sanding, striping or any prep work prior to refinishing - What's this? A paint that allows me to get to the good part of giving new life to wood furniture? No sweat, just sweet? "Shabbifying" (yes, that's a word) has never been easier! Piorra is the area's leading distributor of this remarkable paint and even provides courses on how to apply it and start you off on your own path to Do-It-Yourself furniture face-lifts! "Chalk" it all up to good taste!

Everywhere I turned I found something else to delight and inspire.

 As I delved deeper into this perfect world of vintage beauty I discovered a beautiful selection of ladies apparel! Lace, lace and more lace! And a a good helping of crochet too! Makes my heart go "Whoop-dee-doo!" Sadly I resisted the urge to dive head-first into the racks of lacy, tasseled, beaded & embroidered goodness (that will be my mandate next visit!)

I did, however, manage to find several clothing pieces that I believe I will need to add to my wardrobe. Through Piorra I was introduced to this absolutely fabulous clothing line: "Cream". Let's just say that these pieces truly are La Crème de la Crème! Romantic, feminine and fresh; each piece is a work of art and of course fit in perfectly with the finds at Piorra (I want everything else, why not some beautiful tops, dresses and sweaters too!) www.cream-clothing.com

What I did splurge on were the vintage linens! Oh my goodness gracious! The very word "Vintage" really is a synonym for Heaven isn't it? There is something so romantic and idyllic about picking up a pretty pack of cloth napkins, smoothing your fingers over the contours of an embroidered linen handkerchief and the airy feel of a hand-crocheted Swiss doily. I've said it before and I'll say it again, everything looks better behind lace! One can never have enough of it!

An entrancing pink painted vanity with everything a girl desires! This girl desired the cut-work embroidered doily on the right and took it home!

Clever jewelry displays add oodles of charm!

A treasure at every turn, I found even more inspiration at the jewelry counter. Poring over the strands of elegant fresh-water pearls and silver pendants gave me the undeniable urge to bead! Everything is presented so lovingly, right down to the pale periwinkle and sea-foam button-tufted upholstered display boards and the Shabbified chalk painted mirror (perfect for admiring oneself while adorned with such precious pearls).

Up-cycle a birdcage into a Shabby Chic candelabra!

After making my purchases and taking one last leisurely tour of the shop (I was so reluctant to leave but the hour was speedily approaching closing time) I realized I was leaving with much more than a bag of goodies. Friendly chat with owner Caroline, a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere to generate a wonderful mood, and inspiration to last a lifetime were all coming home with me.

Piorra Maison will definitely be on my list any and every time I visit Pointe Claire Village from now on. As an interior designer and aspiring entrepreneur I can absolutely see this enchanting shop becoming a top resource center for me in my work. Specializing in romantic, Victorian & vintage inspired style is a passion as well as a profession and I look forward to sharing the beauty of Piorra with my clients and my friends.

I may just have to go back for this darling dish!

Now dear friends, I implore you to take some time this lovely Labor Day weekend to stop and admire the beauty around you. Absorb the calming scent of a lavender sachet, sip tea on a balcony from a china cup, light a candle, read that book or magazine you've been saving for "just the right moment" or simply take a walk and savor the last fleeting delights of summer. And when the shopping bug bites, take a drive to Pointe Claire Village and stop in at Piorra Maison (tell them Dawn sent you!) and get lost in the treasures found!

 

Piorra Maison inc. (Détaillant)

274 Bord du lac (Lakeshore)

Pointe-Claire, Quebec H9S 4k9

514-694-7979

www.piorramaison.com

Written Musings

For as long as I can remember, I've been in awe of a single question: "What do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?" In grade school, usually on the very first day of the new school year, the teacher would ask us to write a little essay on what we aspired to become in adulthood. Oh how I wished she could have assigned something factual and basic like "How did You Spend Your Summer Vacation?" I could have rambled on and on about summers spent frolicking in the woods near my family's cottage in the Quebec Laurentians, refreshing dips in the lake and marshmallow smores around the bon-fire. Instead, I'd puzzle over what to write, pencil tip tapping on the little wooden desk, thinking; 'Why does the teacher have to make us think so hard on the first day? What do I want to be when I grow up?' Unlike many other children, who would immediately scribble down their dreams of becoming doctors, jet pilots, astronauts and ballerinas, I never quite knew what to say in response to such a seemingly simple inquiry. The problem wasn't that I didn't want to be anything, the problem was I wanted to be everything! Loving animals meant a career as a veteranarian, a starring role in the school play foretold my destiny as a Hollywood movie star and even a class trip to the cathedrals of Montreal signalled the possibility of taking vows as a Catholic nun!
When highschool years rolled around, I thought perhaps the answer would become clearer, that somehow I would 'find myself' within the crowded hallways, amid the ringing recess bells - not so! In fact, even more possible career paths became known to me as I discovered my singing talents performing in school concerts. My daydreams during class would have me at the chalkboard as a professor, and shopping trips with friends would inspire notions of setting up my own gift boutique. Sessions with the school Guidance Counsellor proved fruitless. When pondering the years to come, all I could think was if I knew where I'd be in the future, my life would be pretty dull indeed! No surprises? No adventure? Did I even want to know where I'd end up? Yet the question loomed even stronger in my mind as graduation came and went and college days crept up. Two years of art courses, cinema courses, English literature and communications courses and I graduated with honors - yet I still did not have the honor of knowing what I truly wanted. Three more years of hard-core Interior Design courses brought some clarity - creativity gives me joy, diversity excites me and beautiful things sustain me.

Amid the ups and downs and changing ideas for my future, what I failed to notice was the deep satisfaction I garnered from putting simple pen to paper ( or finger tips to keyboard ) and allowing all my imaginings, observances and wonderings to live outside of me. Why did I not notice the consistancy of my poetic scribbles to friends and family in cards, or the importance of confessing my secrets and relaying the days' events in the pages of my journal - always a cherished ritual. Jane Austen, the Bronte sisters, Lucy- Maude Montgomery, among many others, have been my silent advisors, my inspiration; pioneering women who lived and learned and loved, all the while feeding their creativity. Looking back, I realize my passion for the written word has been within me all along - the one constant answer to that awe-inspiring question.

Through my various experiences and the creative spirits of those around me I've discovered that as human beings - and particularly as women - we are forever learning, growing and changing and in doing so, we are always beautiful. Never hesitate to declare all you desire and aspire to be and remember - as I always will - that there are many answers to a question, several possibilities and every path can lead to adventure! What can we be when we grow up? Anything we want!

Charlotte Bronte's Jane

Whether I'm emersed in the fragile pages of a novel, wrapped in a blanket sipping tea in front of my television or munching popcorn in a theatre, I'll jump on any opportunity to escape to another time - especially when that time is set in England's history! A few days ago I was transported to Gothic Victorian England when I saw the latest interpretation of Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre. Having read the novel and seen a few productions, I hoped the 2011 film would bring something entirely new to the story yet it adhered to the book quite strictly but for an odd chronological sequence which may make the storyline somewhat confusing for one who is unfamiliar with the book. The majority of the film was told in the form of flashbacks into Jane's past; an understandable choice given the fact that all 38 of Bronte's chapters were squeezed into 120 minutes of cinema.
Admittedly, I feared a repeat of the infamy of 2005's Pride & Prejudice (where a classic beloved tale is dumbed down for the benefit of contemporary viewers who have barely used a book for anything but a paperweight!) Happily however, the film maintains historical accuracy in its dialogue and costume design. While I am by no means an expert, the set design of the interiors felt off somehow, I would have preferred a little less Victorian influence (which would not have been as prominent only ten years into the period) and a little more Tudor or Elizabethan (which compliments the intimidating Gothic Revival period so well). The exterior shots however, were breathtaking! I'm acquainted with the exquisitely dreary descriptions of the cold, wet moorland setting of the book and the film portrays this desolate, isolated and almost cruel land to perfection.
It also has to be said that the acting was stellar. Jane & Rochester drip chemistry (as well they should) and while both in rather small roles, considering their acclaim, Dame Judi's Mrs. Fairfax and Sally Hawkins' Mrs. Reed were two of the most memorable character portrayals.

The 2011 version is, in my opinion, far superior to the 1996 William Hurt version - I just can't seem to take him seriously in the role of Rochester, although Charlotte Gainsburg is amazing. Yet by far my favourite Jane Eyre rendition is the 2006 Masterpiece Theatre mini-series. If you have the wherewithal to enjoy the entire three and a half hours of romance and torment, I promise you'll feel the same.

For now, on this rather splendidly dreary May afternoon, I think I'll curl up and read Edward Rochester's professions of love to a passionate yet plain young governess and savour the melancholic and romantic prose of a most talented 19th century writer as the grey rain spatters against my windowpane.

La-Tea-Da!

Ah, wonderful tea! Tea has been a soothing beverage in my family for generations. I can remember drinking tea as young as four years old (perhaps even younger!). Putting "kettle on" and grabbing a "cuppa" is as natural for us as drinking water...perhaps more so. The tea of choice in my home has always been black tea (Orange Pekoe) steeped strong with lots of milk, no sugar. In England it would be referred to as "White Tea" (ie: black tea made "white" with milk). Oh I've tried a variety of green teas and herbals teas but nothing quite compares to good ol' black leaf tea. I can drink a good cuppa morning, noon and night, finish a cup before bed and still sleep like a baby.

One of the many joys of tea is it's versatility. Taking tea can be as casual as pouring boiled water straight into a mug, or as ornate as setting out one's finest china cups with matching tea pot alongside scones, sandwhiches, cookies and cakes. I had always believed that Queen Victoria had been the one to appoint High Teas in England. It had been said that one of her ladies in waiting suggested a meal between lunch and supper to qwell the hunger pangs felt between the two repasts, but further research shows that tea came to England as early as the 17th century when King Charles II and his wife Catherine de Braganza from Portugal both drank tea at court.

Either way, it's so much fun to make an occassion of "taking tea". I can remember playing with a friend as a young girl, dressing up in lace hats and gloves and serving tea out of my mother's antique Royal Doulton tea cups (a fact she never knew about...until now! Uh oh!) But what fun we had, mimicking British accents, nibbling on cucumber sandwhiches and raisin scones between delicate sips. Today I still love to visit tea rooms - a vanishing art - to enjoy the delights of this simple yet beautiful beverage.

Whatever your preference, whether Tetley, English Breakfast or Earl Grey, from kettle to mug or pot to cup, I hope you will commit to carving out some special time for yourself each day to enjoy a good cup of tea. The ritual of tea; boiling the water, pouring the cups and sitting down to sip the steaming liquid, has proven psychological benefits (not to mention the proven physical benefits of anti-oxidants found in tea leaves).

Now all this chatter about tea has my throat mighty dry - best go put kettle on for a cuppa before bed!

*For more information on the history of tea, take a peek at the following site: www.victorianbazaar.com/tea.html

Year End Reflections

With every December 31st I take a little time to reflect on the happenings of the past year. I sit, sipping hot tea from my china cup, sprays of painted roses beaded with the dewy steam upon the cool porcelaine, and watch the gentle snowfall out my window. I think of twelve months worth of accomplishments, of hard work and leisure, of family and friends come and gone and those that remain close to my heart. The ebb and flow of the changing seasons, from the gentle hesitant buds of spring to the fiery blazes of autumn colour. I think of special events, birthdays, weddings, graduations, happy times and countless smiles. I also ponder oportunities missed and chances lost, of regrets that have taught me to live well and to seize every moment. Best of all, I think of the future and plan out my dreams and devise ways of achieving my ambitions. By the time my cup is empty, my heart is full and I am ready for a fresh beginning with all the beauty, joy and love from the year ending.

What memories, experiences and joys are you grateful for in 2010? What do you look forward to in 2011? I invite you to sit with a favourite beverage and reflect upon this year you have lived. Have you lived it well? Whatever your conclusions, stir a little sugar into your cup and remember that with every ending, there comes a new beginning and a fresh start for all your hopes and dreams.

Happy Holidays to You and Yours and All the Best for a Very Hopeful, Heartful and Harmonious Year Ahead!

Much Love from The Clever Cottage xox