Wednesday 22 April 2009

Treasure (200)





One of the good things about moving is that you discover all sorts of possessions you'd forgotten all about. These little treasures have been packed away since the first World War. My grandfather served in France in the 1914-1918 Great War, and sent my grandmother all sorts of lovely things. We have a superb collection of postcards and also this little collection of goodies. I think the silk  handkerchief sachet must have been made for pre-war tourists, as it's in English. The little apron is made from the lightest of silk and the cushion covers, also made of silk, are hand painted.

I would love to display these treasures, although the fact that they have been hidden away from the light is probably the reason they are so well preserved. Does anyone have any ideas on how I could display them?

I see that this is my 200th post - wowee, I never thought that I'd get that far. I remember how impressed I was when I first started by people who had reached this milestone. So, combining this with my first full blogging year (back on 10th March) must mean that it's time for a give-away.

I've got a couple of ideas for gifts, but I'll finalise them over the next week. So, if you'd like to be in with a chance, just leave me one of your wonderful comments over the next few days. I'll probably draw a winner next Monday or Tuesday. If you'd like to mention it on your blog that would be great too, it's always nice to meet new people.

35 comments:

crafty diane said...

What lovely treasures! You are so lucky to have them. I would probably have the pillow covers framed and hang them up. As for the sachet and apron, I just don't know. You could probably frame them too in a shadow box.
Congratulations on your 200th post and one year anniversary!
Have a Blessed Day,
Diane

Vickie said...

Oh Amanda , what treasures indeed how beautiful..and you are correct they have been away from light so are well preserved.I have no idea how you would display them without them deteriorating.Wow 200 posts does that mean you talk alot..hehehe well done
cheers Vickie

Amelia said...

Gosh Amanda those treasures are almost 100 years old...I don't know best way to preserve them...may have to do some checking on the internet.

Congratulations on being a blogging buddy for so long...I have really enjoyed getting to know you...and thanks for answering all my questions.

Amelia in Oklahoma, USA

Gretchen said...

Those are beautiful and precious treasures with a great story. You could always frame or shadowbox the items and put UV-blocking glass in the frames. I think the hankerchief would love lovely framed with some of the postcards.

Karen said...

Those are treasures but I am not the one to ask how to preserve them.
Congratulations on post # 200! I hope you have many more to come. And I'll be right here waiting to read them.

Becky said...

What about framing the handkerchiefs and displaying them together in a photo type mural? There is probably a special glass available that would protect them from the sunlight. It might cost more, but would help preserve your treasures.

I'm near my 150th blog post. I'm gathering items for a give-away, too. I'll probably blog about it next week or over the weekend. Keep writing. I love reading your posts.

Di said...

Hi Amanda, those certainly are exquisite heirlooms with such family significance too. How topical since here in Australia, on the eve of Anzac Day, we are hearing lots of talk and reminiscences from the French battlefields in WWI. I'm afraid I don't have any ideas on displaying these beautiful items without exposing them to the light - just keep them away from direct sunlight, in as dark an area as possible (taking museums as your example). Love your blogs!!!! Please enter me in your giveaway and CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Cathi said...

How gorgeous!! What about making some shadow boxes for them and using glass that has been treated to block UV rays? That would keep them protected but also display them.

scraphappy said...

I guess moving can uncover all sorts of lovely surprises, even if not your missing tights! I know that they sell UV protectant spray, but I don't know how it would work on something so delicate. Congratulations on the 200 post milestone. Who could have predicted that?

ikkinlala said...

The only thing I can think of for ways to display them is to frame them with UV protective glass, but I have no idea what that would cost. I hope you find a way - they are lovely!

Congratulations on 200 posts!

Anita said...

What a nice discovery and the colors are so bright and they are in such good condition. I have a post card collection packed up somewhere. My dad used to send me post cards when he traveled. As soon as we get moved I'll have to find them and share a few of them.

maria said...

200! Wow, that's a lot of posts.
It's amazing to think how old those treasures are. I'm afraid I don'd know the best way to display them. I haven't won a give-away yet. Maybe this will be my first!

antique quilter said...

made me laugh every time we moved I found things I forgot about and some wondered why I didn't miss and some I asked why did I ever buy this???
Loved finding fabric purchases though that I forgot about and fell in love with all over again
congrats on your 200 posts!!! (almost!)
Kathie

Jo, a retired teacher said...

What fun things you found. Moving is such terrible work, it is nice to be rewarded with a treat now and then.

Judy in Michigan said...

I so enjoy your writings and pictures. I've learned so much about England through you. I've seen collages with vintage items and they were under glass - similar to a picture box = the glass doesn't touch the items. I've never done this but that's the only idea I have at the moment. I have a handkerchief that my uncle sent to me from Paris in 1944 - shortly after my birth. What treasures we have.

Terry said...

Those are wonderful treasures you've found! And congratulations on your 200th post!

Laila L S said...

Congratulations on your 200th post!
Lovely old treasures, but I can`t help with any good idea on how to display them.

Lynn said...

Beautiful keepsakes and treasures. They are very old indeed. Wondered if your grandmother ever used them - or just put them away - I think my mother would have wrapped them up and saved them. The apron is especially beautiful.
Congratulations on your 200 post! Blogger does not like me today and won't allow me to link to your blog. I'll try again later.

Chookyblue...... said...

congrats on your 200th post.......

Laurel said...

Isn't it great to have family treasures? I do, too. They are packed away in my hope chest (that gets opened once a year for my grandmother's table cloth for Thanksgiving). But other than that, I store them away. I don't know how to display them and keep them safe. Congrats on your 200th post. I have a long ways to go until then. Sign me up for your giveaway!

Shelina (formerly known as Shasta) said...

Happy Blogiversary Amanda.

miss~nance said...

Hi Amanda - love your nostalgic treasures. I was also thinking shadows boxes with protective glass.

Congrats on your 200th post. I amcoming up for 3 years blogging and will be hosting a giveaway also.

I found your blog through link on craftyDiane's blog.


Gail
NSW Australia

Amy said...

Amanda
Once again, you share a blog that has such historical "wow-ness"!!! Those are AMAZING treasures! And I'm with Vickie; I don't know how you could display them without having the light "possibly" deteriorate them; however there may be some specialty-made frames that use "protectant" glass; afterall, how else could museums display such things??

Congrats on your 200 and thank you for the chance of winning something from the other side of the world :0)

SueR said...

Perhaps you might speak with someone in a textile museum to see how to best preserve your treasures. I have a collection of about 30 handkerchiefs, some with crocheted or tatted edgings, that I wish I had an idea of what to do with. But they're not so old as yours. They're beautiful. 200 posts--now that's a milestone!

Anonymous said...

How wonderful are these treasures and well done on your 200th post, I am struggeling to get 100.

cheers
Christine

Simone de Klerk said...

Congratulations on your 200th post! Isn't that just wonderful! And I just love your treasures. Wow!

Julie said...

Hi, Amanda. Please enter me in your drawing! Congrats on reaching 200 posts.

Journeying said...

Your treasures arfe WONDERFUL! Don't have any good advice about preserving them, but I sure recommend enjoying them by having them where you can see them and smile when you do. I guess the UV blocking glass is a good idea, but I still say enjoy them - if they're safely stowed completely out of sight they won't bring much pleasure to you or your sons or anyone.

Clare said...

Wow - 26 comments! Always behind as usual, but that's me. Congrats on your 200th post and a year's blogging. Doesn't time fly when you're having fun.

Kate said...

Have you thought about getting a perspex box made, that way you can always enjoy your treasures? You are so lucky to have something that is soooooo gorgeous and so well preserved.

Happy Blogaversary

Debbie said...

Hi, I'm hoping no 30 will be lucky.Congrats on your 100th. About the treasures I always google it.

Jo in TAS said...

How lucky to own such lovely treasures. Congrats on 200 posts!!

Ruthie said...

Congratulations on your anniversary and 200th post. Time sure flies. What lovely treasures you have.

Candace said...

Wow, I'm behind the times. Better late than never, I guess. Congratulations on 200 posts, 200 plus now. I've enjoyed every one of them.

Kay said...

Congratulations on your 200th post, Amanda and here's to the next 200! Those are beautiful pieces indeed.