May 23, 2014

The Gravity Of White Pulls Me In

Burlap Luxe Home

Where an artisan designs around natural materials.

A rare bit of colour blends in seamlessly with the use of pale stripes.
( Ralph Lauren Linen )
Adding to my French country home of bleached linens.

Does this antique brass lamp count as colour?
It was a great find at my local thrift shop. I studied it and looked it over charmed
by it's shape, but best was its rich patina of age and the way I knew it would anchor
my room with a beautiful rustic effect.
Can you believe I paid $9.00 for it!

I love how tall it is...
34" 1/2 in height

I gently cleaned it carfully to not disturb the patina that almost looks like
aged copper that takes on that rich zinc patina.
I am not a big fan of brass, but this lamp was like none-other, and
oh so intriguing enough to count as a bit of colour with ease and rural rustic elegance.

I also happened to have loved the off and on switch on the base, tugging at my
heart with memories of my grandparents prairie farmhouse being filled with lamps
with these kind of switches; funny that would mean something to me.

A lamp with a base switch added memories and comfort to my home.

Another great find was 3 of these.
( Yard sale $5.00 for all 3)
I could not resist bringing one inside and one out on the porch and the
3rd one to a dear friend.

Made of cement, and used on block wall columns decoratively topping them off.
I love it sitting on the floor in my sitting room

I have been busy creating new pieces for my etsy shop.
Peaceful birds, artist created unique in as much as not being a mass market pattern or
product, yet created with my signature style.

They hang gently on the wall from a wire hook, aged with grey and vintage
ephemera book words with a poetic message.

The French queen of her garden carries her crown in flight.
( Wire crown created by me )

New to my etsy is my wire art pieces,
( Crowns )
I have been busy bending and twisting at request of when I will be creating more?
More to come to my etsy.

Aged and decayed with a crusty coating, and a patina of tarnished grey and touches of gold.

After a long May of creating I took and made some time to return to painting.
I did not realize how I missed it so until the first stroke of paint hit the square piece
of paneling board.

A work in progress, and will share it when it is framed.
Shown with light on it so you can see the aging of gold added.

" The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls."
~Pablo Picasso

48 comments:

justys said...

...the pictures are amazing..amazing...greetings
justys

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Oh my goodness....you are preparing me for a feast of fun this weekend my friend, as I rearrange my home and garden just a bit and this French patina is just what I'm looking for. I must purchase one of your pieces soon. That crown speaks to me, and does that circus you shared make me swoon! Much love, Anita

Sandi said...

You are so talented Dore! All your pieces are so beautiful! Love your finds also. :)
Blessings~

chateau chic said...

You are an amazing artist, Dore! Your unique style of taking the ordinary and creating such beauty puts you in a class all your own. Your lovely home is always inspiring!! I love to be invited inside!
Mary Alice

Rhonda said...

Your talent never ceases to amaze me. Your heart and soul is reflected in each wonderful piece. That painting is so gorgeous! Adore your wire crowns and sweet birds.

When you show us your found treasures it makes me want to go treasure hunting. There is nothing like it, so much inspiration in it.

I have been reading about Picasso and his life in France. He was quite charming to women. Can you imagine his studio? Full of art in so many mediums. Love his words you shared with us.

Rhonda said...

Love this post! Thank you for sharing, so talented, I can't wait to see your finished painting. It is beautiful, do you sell these in your Etsy shop?

Rosemary@villabarnes said...

I love the lamp, Dore. It has that timeworn patina that works perfectly with your decor. Loving the painting as well.

Victoria said...

That painting is amazing! I wish I could paint, it sounds like such a lovely and peaceful pastime. Love your lamp and I say yes, the brass does count as bringing some color in. Your style is so amazing and like no other! I'll be checking in on your Etsy:) Have a lovely weekend!

Laura Venosa Verbena said...

Hi Dore... you have been busy creating many beautiful & soulful things. Love it all! Thanks for keeping me up to date as you know I have fell off the blogging wagon... need to get back on soon.

Méa Strauß said...

Doré,
At first my congratulation to your finds (9,--$ brass lamp??? THIS? OmG, and I patinate hours for this shades...)- but.. which lamp? I forgot, because I saw the OTHER pictures of these sweet birds, so unique, and then, BOOOOM, the crowns. They are out of the heavens, so beautiful, your artwork is increadible. Well, I knew that - but to see it again and again, is like looking in another world. You do magic.
Greets and Hugs, Méa

Row homes and Cobblestones said...

Doré,
The Picasso quote is a favorite of mine and truly speaks to the heart of all who create. Your newest creations speaks of the soulful peaceful essence of you. Incredibly beautiful store additions and the circus tent takes my breath away. I am so enamored by the tent and the amazing wire twisted pendant banner.

A visit to your home is always an opportunity to relax and find inspiration in all your self expressions of beauty. Ralph Lauren linen stripped ... Adding depth and texture. The turn switches of the past are indeed memory stirring tactile enhancements. We have a couple and John has re-wired our table lamps with antique cloth gold cord. We grabbed a large spool of it 20 years ago at a flea market ;-) It's the simplistic touches that grace a home and you my friend grace everything you touch.
XOXO,
Vera

DD's Cottage said...

Thanks for sharing your things Dore--very peaceful and beautiful.. I love the chippy wood pieces. Have a great Memorial Day Weekend!

Tina@WhatWeKeep said...

So beautiful, Dore!
I feel like I want to spend a summer day here!

Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow said...

It's all so beautiful. xoxo

Karena said...

Dear Dore, I always love to see images of your lovely home. The brass lamp ads just the right amount of contrast!!

I have sent you an email....

Xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena

Lin from A {tiny} Cottage In The Woods said...

You have been busy creating again, dear Dore! Everything is lovely.

I love crowns, and yours are gorgeous! This past week I drew a fairy crown and embroidered a crown on a tea towel. We have crowns on our mind! :)

Sending hugs your way,
Lin

Splenderosa said...

Your rose painting is beyond beautiful. It makes me happy just to see it on your blog post. What beautiful work you're doing! xx's

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

Your spaces are all so captivating! That is one lovely sofa. I love the new RL addition. Your new bird creation is lovely! So inspiring to visit you!

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

Hi Dore,
Your cozy whites have pulled me in too! I am looking forward to seeing your painting finished ~ I love what I see so far!
Enjoy your weekend!!

White Lace and Promises said...

All the different shades of white and textures are just beautiful! I love your style.

It's me said...

Hi Dore.....like your crowns.....wowwww !!...lovely weekend darling....love from me...xxx !

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Dear Dore,
I love my visits here.. There is always such a sense of calm and beauty.. Your gifted hands create a place where one could sit for hours.. Such an enormous amount of work must go into your exquisite crowns.. Love it all!
fondly,
Penny

Suz said...

I have been crazy about all white for weeks. It's crashing with my crush on blue and white (for Summer). You've done a beautiful job with this living space-making it elegant and warm at the same time.
I like crowns because they bring an elegance to shabby chic (I feel the same about chandeliers).

WhiteWhispers2u said...

Ohhh be still my heart ! You always amaze me my friend with your creative heart.

I know just what you mean about the on and off button on that fabulous lamp.

I am so loving that Rose Painting.I have some very special pieces made by you here and there.They truly give me a sense of piece and lots of joy my friend.

Hugs Sweets, xoxo

Gail Peterson said...

DORÉ I love that you paint... it's just an other extension of how creative you are. I hope you get the chance to paint more!
Love the whites too!
A beautiful memorial weekend to you!
xo,
Gail

therelishedroost said...

There is something so wonderful about whites in Summer, they are cool and inviting. Love the painting as well! Have a wonderful weekend!

Row homes and Cobblestones said...

Doré,
Just stopping by for some mental relaxation in your beautifully serene and peaceful home. Lovely post my soulful friend. Your heart and your beauty shows through in every thing you do. I will certainly return for another visit to your magical place of whiteness and calm. Some can try an all white aesthetic in a home and it lacks the warmth, you along with some other blogs I adore are able to capture the warmth like a very welcome hug in their peaceful dwelling.
XOXO,
Vera

Marjon said...


Beautiful i love the whites...and the painting is adorable also the stone bird and the crown...great....have a nice weekend en greetings from Marjon

michele said...

so much purity in your surroundings and sensibilities and creations. i'm off to your etsy with pleasure.

michele

Home and Lifestyle said...

I also like it to visit thrift shops, I have found the most wonderful things for nice prices. Love the lamp and your items of cement.

Wish you a wonderful day! Hugs, Ingrid

ilmiocottage said...

Hi , I'm an italian girl and I love your blog...if you want come in my cottage you'll very velcome...hugs!
Serena
www.ilmiocottage.blogspot.it

must love junk said...

Dore, so much beauty here! I love it all...your fantastic finds, your charming bird and crown, and your gorgeous painting! Such inspiration!
Susan

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Bente said...

Oh my, you are so creative. LOVE the painting. Everything you do is just gorgeous, my friend.

Hugs from here

Unknown said...

You know I love everything you do, Dore. Everything in your home is so peaceful and I so appreciate that. One of these days, I am going to get myself one of your crowns. They are just so lovely.

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Your words have touched my heart.
Thank you Dore, for your visit.
I am just honored to have my little mice on one of your beautifully crafted Theatre's, in the home of dear Vera, who is such a special woman, as are you.
With admiration and fondness,
Penny

Unknown said...

I literally get excited when I realize you have a new post up - it's like a favorite magazine arriving ( actually much much better) I would love to have you come by and decorate my house for me everything is just sheer perfection Dore !
XOX

Alicja said...

My dear Dore,

Thank you for sharing your new creations:)))
I'm in love with your birds! And in crowns of course!!!! Love, love, love them!
Warm hugs from Warsaw,
Alicja

Cindy said...

Oh my goodness gracious. So much beauty in one post. Your sofa looks like a soft fresh white pillow i just want to bury myself in. All the natural fabrics are wonderful. And the lamp is incredible. Just look at those rich colors, grays and bronzes. The shape the height, it's amazing. I love the little switch too. And, as always your beautiful creations, the crowns, and now the precious little birds. The colors and texture on your painting are so yummy. I love the gold in the mix... wow. You amaze as always

Cindy

Christel said...

Dear Dore, hopefully, a third try will be the charm. I have tried, unsuccessfully, to leave you a message, but something is messed up in my browser, and just froze up each time I tried! I deleted, and re installed Google chrome, so maybe now it will work! I also responded to your email last week via email, but obviously I ended up in the junk mail bin! lol I love seeing your art. The painting is gorgeous! I love the subtle hints of gold. Like a dewy morning, as the sun raises it's head. Shimmering light adds a golden glow. It will be a treasure when framed! The crowns have that little touch of whimsy, yet resonate a regal call. My mother instilled a love for birds in me when I was very young. She too is an artist, and has painted sweet chickadees, and round bellied song birds often. I love your birds, the messages, and musical notes are the perfect touch! So wonderful seeing your art. Please post the circus piece, I know everyone who has not seen it, will truly LOVE it! xooxo Christel!

La Petite Gallery said...

Brother, do you have talent. I am
also a lover of white. All my sheets and bedding are white and painting a house white will make it look bigger and cleaner, to sell.
yvonne

Mammabellarte Rita Reade said...

Beautiful! I love your painting.....

diane said...

such a lovely blog ... I anxiously await your posts!!!
I was never a fan of whites until recently ... now I ♥ whites!
diane @ thoughts and shots

June said...

I don't even know where to start Dore! SO much beauty all in one post and I am sighing over it all my dear. I adore your crowns and the birds you just created for your Etsy!!!!
The lamp is truly a treasure and I'm so glad it found it's way to your lovely home.
sending hugs...

Anonymous said...

Beautiful post as usual and your painting is so beautiful. Those flowers come to life in the canvas.

Angela Harris said...

Gorgeous paintings! Love the colors

Unknown said...

Hello Dore. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your experiences with the HD chalky paint. I will definitely be trying out a sponge roller. Love your floral painting in progress.
It is lovely to see another California blogger.
Traci

Leslie Harris said...

What a beautiful paint job. And I love those glass knobs with plaster paint, they are a perfect touch...I agree, the cabinet should be someplace where it can be seen and admired.