I went to my blog site Monday morning and discovered that I was the fortunate recipient of a most original and handsome suede bag, a gift from Mrs. D. of 1893 Victorian Farmhouse. She cleverly incorporated my profile portrait, as well as her signature fob with a double button. Isn't that neat?!
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There's a surprise on the inside, too!
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Mrs. D. let me know that she was going to do this project (she'd been thinking about it for a while), so I told her that I'd reciprocate with some antique buttons. This would be a blogging "cultural exchange."
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| from A Girl and Her Duenna | Murillo | c. 1670 | National Gallery of Art |
For Mrs. D., I've chosen a set of twelve 19th-century steel cut buttons, above. It's rather rare to find sets like this. It comes from a generation that removed and reused buttons, so I suppose one garment wore out, and these were set aside for another.
A view of an individual button,
which is slightly cup-shaped.
Thanks again, Mrs. D.!
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Hello Mark:
ReplyDeleteOh, the bag is absolutely splendid, what fun you will have using it! It looks to have been beautifully made and, of course, with the motif of your profile is personalised to perfection!
And, a very fair exchange, we think, your delightful buttons. Such intricate detail which has stood the test of time. We are certain that Mrs. D will be thrilled with her 'cultural exchange'. This sounds so much better than a blog swap!!!
Hello, Jane and Lance:
DeleteI'm not sure what a "blog swap" is!! Can you fill me in on that? I'm guessing that it means a guest appearance on another blog . . .
Hello Mark [again]:
DeleteWe have no idea what a 'blog swap' is either, but we have seen the term written and just thought that 'cultural exchange' was a rather nicer way of expressing a swap between two people who blog.
Mark, your bag is wonderful a work of fine artistry. A great exchange I do believe!!
ReplyDeleteThought you would enjoy...Interview with Leslie of Segreto Finishes and her fabulous Book Giveaway!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Thanks Karena — I enjoyed reading the interview with Leslie!
DeleteHello Mark, I hope you use your new tote bag to bring home lots of interesting things to write about in future articles.
ReplyDeleteThose buttons are a great reciprocation. They are akin to the popular steel jewelry of the 18-19th centuries. Today it may seem an odd material for ornamentation, but back then the point of an object was the workmanship that went into, and they developed a characteristic look for steel that brought out the potential in the metal.
--Road to Parnassus
Hello, Parnassus -
DeleteMrs. D's bag will certainly serve as a wonderful promotional piece, and I've been thinking that since it will doubtlessly draw so many comments, I will need to remember to always stock it with blog cards.
The buttons do have the look of steel jewelry. One of the things I see a lot of in antique steel buttons is faceting that resembles markisite.
Dear Mark - what a very generous gift to receive, and how lovely that Mrs D has personalised it so beautifully for you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea to have blog cards. Do you have them with your avatar and URL on them in case people want to visit you on the computer in much the same way the Victorians had visiting cards?
I am sure Mrs D will be delighted with her buttons, and put them to very good use.
Dear Rosemary - Yes, I carry cards with my profile image and url, and hand them out like business cards, but only if a conversation naturally gravitates to the subject of blogging, and the person sounds interested.
DeleteWow Mark. I think I'm going to cry. Thank you. What a wonderful gift.
ReplyDeleteThe buttons are beautiful art pieces. I love the details of design, and the fact that they are antique--is just over the top. Amazing!
I could display the buttons in an antique oval frame--with no glass, so others can touch and enjoy them. Or, I could make myself a 19th century style dress or blouse. Oh my, this will require some research--where do I begin the research? Do you have suggestions for what type of garment they would have adorned?
This is quite a splendid moment for me. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I can't wait to see them in person.
Mrs. D
You are very welcome. I'm so happy you like them. I can definitely see these being incorporated into one of your projects — that's what I had in mind when I chose them. And because the buttons are rather small, I'm guessing that they'd be perfect on one or two vests.
DeleteOh lucky you, Mark. What a wonderful gift. And to think that no one else in the world has one just like it. It is totally unique. Mrs. D does beautiful work.
ReplyDeleteAnd of course, I love the buttons you'll be sending her. What a bounty.
Yes, Mrs. D. does beautiful work, and her output is prodigious! And her ideas are always so creative and stylish, I think she should have a line of her own.
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