Victoriana

A fan would be most welcome here in New England.

The hottest day thus far in Massachusetts, perfect beach weather

or to stay in and make more jewelry.

Hope you are staying cool. 

 For more handmade one of a kind pieces you can visit my shop.

thanks,

Karen 

Wedding Centerpiece

 

As I am finalizing all the details for my client's daughter's wedding

for which I am the wedding planner

it occurred to me that I had not shown you the entrance piece I made for my sister's

50th Wedding Anniversary party...

My sister, Colleen,  was a beautiful bride again,

Richie, her handsome groom...

A cloud of goldtone sparkled dragonflies greeted guests...

  

A great tip, I put together the urn at home -here in my kitchen-
by filling in the base with Styrofoam

 then adding the wild natural branches...

also tested how the vintage mirror would look underneath...

so all I had to do once I arrived at the reception room was put on all

the dragonfly ornaments I had made...

they were also the guest's favors-

hope you enjoyed...

Karen

Linked with -Show Off Your Cottage Monday

 Table Top Tuesday

and

White Wednesday

all images: Brayton Homestead Interiors

my newly finished vintage jewelry creations

I am creating jewelry for Christmas gifts, and am so enjoying it. Only problem is that as family and clients see the pieces, they are asking and buying them.

Ok, it is a good problem...

Starting with a Victorian carved pin then adding a gold tone vintage dragonfly finding,

this is my newest creation

"DRAGONFLY"

It started with a whole pile of metal and jewelry findings

I have been collecting and the inspiration form gorgeous pin I purchased from

COMMON GROUND.

am linking to Faded Charm's

WHITE WEDNESDAY.

So I have decided to sell some necklaces starting at

ranging from $25.00 to $75-depending 0n the materials.

OAK- all made from one of a kind findings, many Victorian .

They can be purchased by email.

whttp://www.braytoncottage@comcast.net

There are about 10 original one of a kind pieces left to this collection

The necklaces match or compliment the handmade earrings made with Victorian crystal beads in my Brayton Cottage shop on right.

Images: all Brayton Homestead Interiors

Newport Mansion

Take a twirl with me around this grand Newport mansion, The Elms. Marble glistens, cherubs delight, a party will be here soon...

I am so fortunate to leave within an hour of the glorious Newport Mansions. Everywhere you look is a treat for the eye.

Soaring high ceilings punctuated with luscious tasseled valances with flowing damask draperies make my heart flutter...

Beautiful brass sconces hold unusual half shades creating a perfect glow to the marble sculptures. Doesn't it feel as if a party is about to start? Well you would be right. The new Barn Chick Party will be guest hosted for me at Idyllhours this Friday...

Please accompany me to the party,enchantment will ensue...

oh, I wish I had my Magnolia Pearl bloomers to wear to the

BARN CHICK PARTY!

thank you Faded Charm's White Wednesday.

IMAGES: Brayton Homestead Interiors 1-5, Regina Studio 5

Rosecliff Mansion

I have been attending a series of quest speakers, dramatic readings and more

about the book and movie "The Great Gatsby"

All events took place in the room above

at Rosecliff Mansion in Newport, R.I.

where many party scenes from the movie where filmed..

Who can forget Robert Redford and Mia Farrow in this tragic love story

by F. Scott Fitzgerald

during the roaring 20's....

Rosecliff was commissioned by

Theresa Fair Oelrichs in 1899...

A silver heiress.

The house was completed in 1902

at a reported cost of $2.5 million...

Mrs. Oelrichs hosted fabulous entertainments here,

including a fairy tale dinner and a party featuring famed magician Harry Houdini
here is the party filmed in the back yard at Rosecliff...



Can you imagine the parties, the clothing, the food, the jewels?

Will be attending a Gatsybian like Jazz concert there soon,
cannot wait.

Christmas Past and Present

My bedroom present.

For the holiday season, vintage angels adorn the gilded framed dragonfly monoprint I created a few years ago in the studio. I love burgundy mixed with cream and

PINK...

My bedroom past.

Always crazy for Christmas, not much has changed. Love dark furniture with textures of velvet and chenille. I still have my musical Santa doll and the ornaments on my tree. And, I still love

PINK...

IMAGES: Brayton Homestead Interiors

Beauty Rest...

A lovely wedding took place in our family this weekend. It was a whirlwind, elegant soiree that required resting after much dining and dancing. So, for now I think I will just rest here looking pretty. Stay tuned for wedding photos...
Image: Dust Jacket Attic

Coco would be pleased

Don't you think Coco Chanel would be please with this French inspired bedroom I designed? My wonderful clients live in a lovely old home near Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Large tapestry pillows thick with fringe play off the Claude Monet garden inspired wallpaper. To rest under the fluffy down comforter or on the chaise lounge tucked nicely in the corner, oh the choices!

Image: Brayton Homestead Interiors

Angelina in Paris

Missing Paris.
Strolling along the streets of Paris, it draws you in.

The awning the color of rich chocolate, the diamond shaped insignia in the marbled tile entrance way announces "ANGELINA".

A peak in the window provides a glimpse of the glorious cafe' and chocolate shop. Could you have resisted? The food, the aromas and the decor did not disappoint. Enjoy the view from my gold gilded chocolate brown leather chair...

Images: Brayton Homestead Interiors