Beaded Purses and a Necklace

 

  

I came out into the Nest tonight to take photos of the blackboard.  Now, really.  Where was my brain?

Caught myself arranging this little purse on an old quilt piece...one I made long ago...it has a story by itself...so maybe I'll tell it some other time.  Anyway, out of the blue, I thought.."Oh, I'm doing the wrong thing...this isn't the blackboard."  So, pardon my lack of thought tonight, I'll do the blackboard thing on Sunday or Monday.  Some of my readers made special requests to know more about several things shown on my studio tour.  Dana, Christy and Claudine (in no particular order) asked about the beaded purse on the mannequin, the silver necklace also on the mannequin and fringe.  Hence, this post.

 

 This is the little purse I mentioned buying at the Biltmore Estate on a trip with friends, Sharon H. Jim, and Deon.  The color is pretty accurate...it's a dark bluish grey.  And, lovely.  I hope you enjoy seeing it up close.  Of course, I had to buy it...as at the time I was really into making fringed pincushions and loved the beading. 

 

So, here are some close ups...this one being the strap.  It's long...and I like that it's three strands of beading in a braided effect.  It wouldn't be hard to reproduce if you were so inclined.

 The top part of the purse is really neat....I like that the fabric peeks out.  

 

 A quick look inside.  The purse is quite small and that opening is about three inches wide.

 

Here is the little silver purse.  It was a gift from my friend, Mary Lou....and also was displayed on the mannequin.   

 

 Here it is opened up.....TINY.  So cute and lacey.  It's about 1 1/2 inches across and 1 3/4 inches up and down.  Maybe I should have put something in it for the photo...but I just now thought of it.  Some days I just don't get how my brain works....or doesn't.

 

You can see it here in my hand....pretty, isn't it?

 

 Here it is from the side.  I have some special little silver charms I should probably put inside it...that would be cute.

 

This is the back........

 

 And, here it is opened........yes...something has to go in there.  Thank you again, Mary Lou....it's right at home here...like I want YOU to feel when you come over!

 

This little purse....5 inches x 8 inches when closed like this....was displayed in that glass-topped wooden box near the jewelry boxes over all the beads in the studio tour, Part Three.  Another flea market find.  I LOVE the beading on it...including the background beading.  So pretty.

 

Embroidered and beaded.  Quite lovely.

 

Embroidered in Straight Stitches, and then beaded in several different kinds of beads.

 

In this photo, you see the flower on the back of the purse.  The background beading reminds me of 'echo' quilting.

 

Here is the purse opened up.....

 

And, here it is open and standing up.  LOVE!

 

I HAD to show this one to you....it wasn't in the tour, but I wanted you to see it anyway.  It is completely made of beads....and weighs a ton.  It's quite old and actually falling apart.  I found it at a flea market and had to 'rescue' it.  Too delicate to repair, but beautiful to see.  And, there is more fringe to look at.  These are metal beads, in a silver, bronze or brass, and gold.  They are three different shapes...in a very complicated design.  Up at the top about an inch and half down...you can see where some kind of strap or handle was removed.  The 'flaps' front and back fold down.  

 

Here is a close up of the fringe.  Quilt simple, really, but a fancy fringe would not have been necessary with the complicated beading design.  

 

Here is a close up view.

 

 And, another.  You can see that it isn't in very good shape......but consider it's age.

 

In this photo....one of the top edges is folded down...having no fabric involved means that both the inside and the outside of the bag are identical...like I said...it weighs a LOT...and it feels cool to the touch too.  It's fun to hold...very tactile.

 

Another photo of the fringe.

 

 And a better closeup.  Can you imagine beading this?  Now, how old do you think it is?  And, having nothing at all to go on....I think it is from France.  No idea why.  Claudine....do you think it might be French?  Do any of you have any guesses?  I paid $5 for it.  Just couldn't bear to leave it at the flea market!

 

 And, here it is with Mary Lou's heart over top...right in the center.  I particularly like this photo!  Hope you enjoyed the beads!  And, on Sunday or Monday, I WILL post about the blackboard.  Meantime, take care, enjoy yourself and scout out some wonderful beading or fringed items for yourself...really a couple of fun items to search for!  Take care, stay cool.  pat

 

PS.  Had to add this photo.  Now, really, look at these beads...coming off one strand of the fringe.  This is what the 'big fuss' is about.  Hundreds of these tiny beads...sewn each to the other in this little bag.  Don't you wonder who did it?  And, how....while probably in poor light.  Little tiny beads....making a BIG, BIG statement!  You gotta love it!

Mr. G and the Great Petit-Point Purse Collection

Earlier this year, my monthly group meeting was held at the home of my friend, Jim. I affectionately call him "Mr. G." He has a very interesting home filled with collections of many kinds. And I DO mean MANY. One of his collections is made up of petit-point purses. He has collected these beautiful purses over many years. Some he found at quilt shows, flea markets,
garage sales, on-line, antique shops and by word of mouth. I would say he has a strong penchant for hunting and gathering. He is not really a person you want to go hunting and gathering with, as he will find all the things you would love....before you find them. If you know what I mean. (Well, actually, it really is fun to go hunting and gathering with him...because even though he will find "IT" before you do....he is a character and a FUN person. You will laugh a lot and that is always a very good thing.)

He called this evening just to 'catch up' and afterwards I thought I'd show you his petit-point purse collection in tonight's blog post. Well, part of the collection anyway. There is a closet in his house dedicated solely to these purses. It also contains many drawers containing small items done in petit-point. Look carefully....I'm not kidding....this collection is amazing!

You can see Mr. G in one of these photographs. Accompanied by my friend, Mary Lou. These photos were taken just a few days after a massive 'reorganization' of the purses....and we were all completely amazed at the sight. I bet you are too!

I've chosen one photo of a close-up.....isn't this purse just gorgeous? Aren't they all?

As time goes by....I may choose to show you more of the amazing Mr. G's collections. He has a quilt closet 'to die for' and lots of other interesting things to see. I may even show you MY favorite things in Mr. G's house...which would include a small chair or two, some shadow boxes filled with many ancient, interesting and beautiful things....well....you'll see.

Y'all take care out there and stay cool. pat