Carousel's Of France

The carousel originated in Europe, but reached its greatest fame in America in the 1900's. The first carousels featured gondolas, carts, menagerie animals, and horses. The French developed many variations of the carousel. In one variation, the riders tried to spear gold rings with lances while the carousel rotated at full speed. This undoubtedly led to the phrase, "catching the brass ring" on later carousels.

In the mid 16th century, grand tournaments were held in France. Saddle makers, tailors, jewelers, and wig makers created extravagant costumes for both horse and rider for these occasions. Inspiration for later carousel carvers apparently originated from these events.

During the late 1800's, many skilled European carvers immigrated to the United States to produce carousels. The carvings of these immigrants were a great improvement over the first efforts of unskilled carvers. Usually the side of the carousel horse facing the audience, the "Romance" side, was adorned with carved decorations, while the inner side received little attention. The golden age of carousels only lasted 25 years, but still brings back wonderful childhood memories today. 

Gilded French Frames

Beautiful gilded frames either for a picture or mirror, catch my eye every time. I have them all over the house. I am drawn to them everywhere I go.  When I see one in a thrift shop, I don't care about anything else at the time, just zero in and go in for the kill. 

I only wish I had more wall space........

Beautiful Things I've Seen

I tired to find French Inspired things in my journey this weekend. These were just a few that I found. So many of us love the French things, because they are a thing of beauty. 

What do you have in your home that is French Inspired ?

Luster Francais

French Chandeliers, just don't come with all the crystals that we envision when the think of Chandeliers. 

They come in all forms. These are some examples of them. Mostly used in rural homes these chandeliers have stood the test of time. There's a story with these examples, I wish I knew what those were. 

But of course we still have a love affair with the crystal ones. 

Happy Easter To All

Joyeuses Pâques à tous

Happy Easter to all. 

Hope you all have a fun and wonderful Easter. 

Cast Your Eye's Upon Beauty

I found this site quite by accident. And I couldn't leave it without mentioning it or showing you what beautiful things they have. Their not all prefect which is what I like the most about old things that were used and functional for the people that previously owned them. 

So, go take a look for yourselves. Lantiques .

Wine Growing In France

There are so many regions for growing wine in France. Depending on the type of grape you grow. There are some grapes that grow better in mild weather, some in warmer regions, and others in cool. The soil is different in every region as well. Hillside to flat depends as well.  And that goes for Champagne too. Here in the US, we can't call what we make Champagne, it's sparking wine. France is the country it originated from so they have the rights to the name based on the region Champagne.

There are so many family owned winery's and they have been passed from generation to generation.

If your a wine lover, you should go for wines of France.

Zinc Is The Word

Zinc is more commonly used in Europe as a reference in color and metal. You rarely hear it used in the States. 

These are very common sites to see. Little baking tins used for candles and planters in zinc. Or cute baskets for your cutlery or even clothes pins. 

But if you want to call it Grey, that's fine too. Either way it's a universal color with universal uses. 

Foods Of France

What do you think of, when thinking of french food ?

A wonderful dish with rich butter sauce that just melts in your mouth. Or lovely cheeses that taste like no other. Then there are croissants, you can not go wrong with this for breakfast with a coffee on the go.

And then there is escargot,  with butter and herbs Yummm. If you have never had escargot your missing out, it's delish.....

Vintage French Cars

When I think of French Cars these are the ones that come to mind.  A Renault, and Citroen, and what they call "The Duck". The image I get in my head is them all over Paris in crazy traffic. 

I would feel very vulnerable in the one they call The Duck.

P.S. I will be out of town until next week. I will not post until then. Stay tune for pictures of my trip.