DECORATIVE COUNTRY CRAFT Special - VICTORIAN INFLUENCES

DESIGNS

FAUX FINISH VASE - Victorians planted intricate flower beds and rose gardens and cultivated large expanses of lawn. Roses in large bouquets of delicate ivory, white and pink hues were displayed in vases throughout homes. Rich colour combinations of burgundy and gold with braid trimmings and gold clasps, as depicted in this faux finish case by Dianne Ratcliffe, are characteristic of this period. It demonstrates many of the decorative and ornamental finishes popular in Victorian times.

VICTORIAN COAT RACK - The colours and patterns in Victorian décor were very distinctive and floral patterns were prominent. The Victorian style coat rack, designed, painted and stitched by Debbie Campbell, incorporates strong colours, delicate folk art and an unusual embroidery pattern, making it a distinctive decorative piece.

MINIATURE QUILT - This delightful miniature quilt was constructed by Beverly Barnes using prints specifically designed for making small quilts. The colours in this range of fabric are reminiscent of late nineteenth century prints which featured rich, earthy tones of deep brown, terracotta and rusty red, enlivened with gold, yellow and black. A miniature quilt can take on many decorative roles, as a wall hanging, table runner or to adorn a special piece of furniture.

FLORAL APPLIQUE CUSHION - Victorian ladies made a wide variety of articles for the home and cushions were a particular favourite. Floral designs were favoured and used in a ll forms of handwork. The availability of printed fabrics, especially Indian chintz fabrics, made the Broderie Perse style of appliqué popular. This beautiful floral appliqué cushion, designed and stitched by Robyn Wilson and Kristine Campagna, would enhance any parlour.

DUO IN SILHOUETTE - During the Victorian era, the making of shadow pictures or silhouettes was one of the many creative pursuits of accomplished ladies. Silhouettes are traditionally black paper cut into shapes and attached to a white background. However, for this project, Jenny Haskins, has used fabric to achieve a slightly different but very effective silhouette design.

KEEPSAKE ALBUM - Victorian families generally made their own entertainment, and many evenings may have been spent at home with the children, cutting our and arranging colourful scrap from magazines. Pieces were carefully pasted into keepsake albums which ultimately became family heirlooms. This stylish album, designed by Robyn Wilson, has a machine-quilted cover and the trimmings of rich heritage braid, flock medallion and silk tassel are representative of a Victorian keepsake album.

SHADOW SEED BOX - One of the benefits of improved transportation during the Victorian era was the larger range of agricultural produce available. Victorian ladies made wreaths from dried flowers, seed pods and pine cones, now had a greater variety of fruits, vegetables and seeds to work with. This shadow seed box, designed by Robyn Wilson, was inspired by the wonderful variety of seeds, lentils, beans, dried flowers and freeze dried fruit available today.

CROCHET CURTAIN - Measurements = approx. 69cm width : 88cm length - The gentle arts, lacemaking, crochet, tatting and knitting, swept into popularity during the latter part of the nineteenth century. This crochet lace curtain was designed exclusively for us by Panda yarns. The floral motif and open lacy texture have been crocheted to characterise the home decorating style of Victorian times.

UTENSIL SHELF - Victorian kitchens were no different from modern ones in that new ways to store cooking items and utensils were always being sought. This very cleverly designed utensil shelf can be utilized in a number of different ways, as a shelf to accommodate plates or ornaments, as a window pelmet with provision for a curtain rod. It also looks wonderful as a book shelf or over a doorway. The hearts and Leaf folk art design by Anne Colligan is a simple but effective one that will complement almost any decorating style.

SILK FLORAL SWAG - This beautiful floral swag is perfect for a Victorian washroom or a modern bathroom. Designed by Debbie Campbell, it has all the characteristics of a Victorian arrangement, made with large silk roses, berries and finished with rich burgundy ribbon and a gold cupid. The stems are at the base can be arranged to form any shape. The flowers are then chosen in just the right shades and the ribbon toned to match the colour of other accessories.

EMBROIDERED HAND TOWEL - Fancywork or embroidery captured the imagination of the fashionable upper and new middle Victorian classes. Floral designs were the most popular and embellished items of home décor. This elegant hand towel, designed and stitched by Rebecca Morgan, features a cottage garden design. In true Victorian style, ribbon and lace add the finishing touches.

DECORATIVE TOWEL STAND - painted furniture came to the fore during the Victorian era, with all manner of furniture pieces richly decorated with paint designs. The decorative towel stand featured here, designed and painted by Lesley Carbert, is a fine example of the patterns favoured last century. Simple but elegant it provides a beautiful and functional accessory for any bathroom.

DECORATIVE FABRIC SCREEN - No Victorian home was complete without a variety of floor and table screens. They provided shelter from draughts, were positioned by the fireplace or simply decorated a bare wall. In the boudoir they were used for privacy when dressing, decoration or for concealing the bed from inquiring glances by passing household members. The wooden frame of this screen was given a stylish faux finish by Janet Morgan. The fabric chosen is representative of the Victorian era with cotton lace and silk tassels providing the perfect finishing touches.

CRAZY PATCHWORK CLOCK - crazy patchwork was popular during the nineteenth century and was a creative way of using special small pieces of fabric, ribbons and laces. In the tradition of crazy patchwork, this unique clock, designed by Robyn Wilson, has seams decorated with lace, ribbons, embroidery stitches, delicate gold charms, lace motifs and tiny bows.

ELEGANT CAMISOLE - Jenny Haskins helps to capture the memory of an era of beauty and grace with this elegant, olde worlde camisole, highlighted with simple machine embroidery, delicate laces and satin ribbon. The garment can be worn over a skirt or pants and when not in use it can be displayed hanging on a mirror or a wall.

CANDLEWICK BOLSTER - Victorian ladies excelled in candlewicking, an elegant form of embroidery that uses small knots and other stitches to create a raised design on a fabric which is the same colour as the thread being used. This charming bolster pillow, designed and stitched by Robyn Wilson, has been embroidered in cream tones to give an antique look. The pillow is enhanced by the addition of broderie anglaise, ribbon and lace, fine pintucks and satin piping.

Although preloved, this fantastic craft book is still in very good condition, especially for its, being very clean and legible (apart from the occasional very tiny mark), having NO creasing or folds, rips or tears, writing, scribble or notes. The front and back covers, along with the spine are also in very good, sturdy condition, just displaying some minimal bookshelf wear due to storage - see scans. I am especially over critical of my books, trying to note as many details as possible - as I know how important even minor details are for collectors/buyers.