How To; Door Mouldings and Details

I’ve had a terrible chest infection, it’s something I’ve been susceptible to since forever, but this one has been very hard to shift. It still lingers, but I’m starting to be able to join the land of the living -even if I limp away after short periods of time.

However as it’s the feast of the Sacred Heart today I thought I’d give you an update on the hallway, with its dedication to the Sacred Heart, and in particular the doorways that I’ve painted. The hallway isn’t finished so you’ll see some snags in the paintwork amongst other things which I’ll touch up prior to those final details.

The doors originally looked like this…

I’d already added the vintage fingerplates and I knew I’d paint and gild the doors as I did in the dining room, but as you can see from these picture I’ve also added a feature on the top….

These were wood mouldings bought here that I didn’t painted gold. They tie in with the wood carving over thee main door. Those of you who read the blog at that time will remember that I’d bought this old top from an armour and put it above the door (the post is here).

As you can see I’ve highlighted this in gold too. I’m considering hand painting some roses in the panel that is bare as I did with my secrétaire. When I have more energy I’ll get to it.

On the doors you can see I’ve filled the gaps between the armoir carving with these wood mouldings bought here and spray painted gold.

You can also see that I’ve added additional flourish mouldings bought here and, again, spray painted gold. I’ve also highlighted details on the door in gold too. I did this as these doors are original Art Deco, which would be great in a more modern scheme but doesn’t really go with this. I took a chance that the details would bring it in line with the rest of the room and I think they’ve worked.

Previously I’ve given how tos on the panelling (here and here) but these were literally paint, glue them on and then repaint any details that need it. I haven’t done that last part yet due to my illness and you can see that when I remove the masking tape a little extra gold and blue came with it. It will be done.

You can see the little, porcelain door handle that used to be in the dining room that I’ve now moved here as I thought they went so well with the decor theme and colours.

I gave you a sneak peak of the marble relief picture, but here it is in more detail…

You’ll notice I’ve used the picture rail. The picture is so heavy I’d taken it down for fear of it dropping and smashing. I’d ordered the wire and picture rail hooks from here and here and it had taken some time to get to France (I hadn’t seen an equivalent here). They’re the brace to the belt of the picture hook and eye system that I’d already used. I’m a little more confident now that it will remain there.

The Queen Anne chair has been pictured on both sides of the room as shortly after I took the photos my husband came in and complained about its position. He thought that as it was just in front of the door it was an inconvenience. So I moved it to the other side.

Here’s a close up of the ceramic umbrella stand which is an original Art Deco piece and suits the colouring of the room superbly. I think it mimics the central chandelier with its pink candle cap light shades and the ceiling rose that reflects the stained glass design I made (see here).

In these shots you can see the cornice I’ve added and, unfortunately, the unfinished side panels. The one drawback of ordering the wood carvings from China is that they take soooooo long getting here and I’m waiting for two more pieces.

I was going to add some more wood carvings on the ceiling and above the picture rail, but it looks ‘enough’ now, and I don’t want to spoil it by adding more. Some of them have already arrived and I think I’ll use them in the dining room where I’d intended to do something similar.

What I am also waiting for is some crystal droplets to arrive for the chandelier – I’ll post with the other details as well as one more little thing I want to add.

So I moved the chair on the other side. I covered this about three years ago and had considered recovering it in gold damask as I have some material upstairs just waiting to be used. However seeing it here I’m not so sure I’ll rush into that.

Here’s a reverse shot of the chair. I’ve always loved the rose pattern on the reverse of the chair. I think the umbrella stand looks good here too.

Above the radiator, which I’ve spray painted pale blue along with the gold shelf, are some old dress design prints. One is from a collection in 1914….

or season one Downton, and the other is from 1922….

Now is that season three or four? Doesn’t the old telephone suit them?

Anyway I think they’re beautiful and the black and gold seems to tone down the cutesy girliness of the room as does, I hope, the muted pink and taupe.

I’ve replaced the photos of my great grandmothers, again. Whenever I decorate a new room they are ceremonially moved into it it seems.

Here’s a close up of that beautiful clock. I haven’t even tried to get it going yet. I don’t think it has a key. I know I won’t be winding it up every day so why fuss?

Finally here’s a close up of my Sacred Heart statue. I’ve added some tea light holders and flowers so it doesn’t look so bare as before. I’m dedicating all my family to Him anew today. Are you?

Little Details In The Hallway

I haven’t been posting or even reading other blogs as I’ve been hard at it trying to complete the front hallway.

Do you remember when I said I was only going to do a little bit at a time? Ha! I’ve put up a cornice, a picture rail, painted it, added details to the doors….I’m aching 😩, but now it’s taking shape and I’m so happy and excited 🤩.

With lots more to do I thought I’d take the time to share these little glimpses of how it’s taking shape.

Here are my beautiful, vintage Sacred Heart if Jesus and Mary statues on a gold shelf…

Without intending to it seems that the décore of the hallway compliments them beautifully.

This relief is marble and incredibly heavy. I bought the little lights when we first started coming to France. As I dreamed of living here I tucked them away. Now they’re on our wall!

This Art Nouveau holy water fountain is perfect here isn’t it? It’s in pewter and compliments the doors superbly. As you can see I’ve yet to finish the first set of panels as I’m waiting for some more pieces.

I’ll post on the details I’ve added to the doors soon.

Marian Herb Labels – Free Print Out

Have you ever heard of Mary gardens? For centuries, almost since the begining of the Church itself and especially the Middle Ages, flowers and plants have been named for and dedicated to Mary. In particular herbs have been used to represent her.  Soothing and healing herbs ones for her perfect love and mercy, bitter or sour herbs her sorrows and sweet smelling herbs her spiritual sweetness.

When we know what they represents herbs can add a spiritual dimension to our Catholic kitchens; providing an opportunity to reflect on her nature and experiences. Just like outside you can honour Our Blessed Mother in the kitchen, perhaps on the windowsill, with a mini Mary garden of small potted herbs and a Marian statue.

It was this in mind I created these Marian Herb lables for waterslide decals. Like the measurements chart, they’re super easy to do – follow the link for instructions.

You can get a print out of the labels themselves below, but there is also a part of the prayer for the blessing of herb gardens for the feast of the Assumption which I’ve also made into labels for the back. Here’s the prayer itself (of course it s only a small extract which I’ve highlighted in bold);

Our help is in the name of the Lord; 
Who hath made heaven and earth. 
A hymn, O God, becometh Thee in Sion: and a vow shall be paid to Thee in Jerusalem. 

O hear my prayer: all flesh shall come to Thee. 
The words of the wicked have prevailed over us; and Thou wilt pardon our transgressions. 
Blessed is he whom Thou hast chosen and taken to Thee: he shall dwell in Thy courts. 
We shall be filled with the good things of Thy house: holy is Thy temple, wonderful in justice. 

Hear us O God, our Savior, who art the hope of all the ends of the earth, and in the sea afar off. 
Thou who preparest the mountains by Thy strength, being girded with power: who troublest the depth of the sea, the noise of its waves. 
The Gentiles shall be troubled, and they that dwell in the uttermost borders shall be afraid at Thy signs: Thou shalt make the outgoings of the morning and of the evening to be joyful. 

Thou hast visited the earth, and hast plentifully watered it: Thou hast in many ways enriched it. 
The river of God is filled with water, Thou hast prepared their food: for so is its preparation. 
Fill up plentifully the stream thereof, multiply its fruits: it shall spring up and rejoice in its showers. 

Thou shalt bless the crown of the year with Thy goodness: and Thy fields shall be filled with plenty. 
The beautiful places of the wilderness shall grow fat: and the hills shall be girded about with joy.
The rams of the flock are clothed, and the vales shall abound with corn: they shall shout, yea, they shall sing a hymn. 

For the Lord will give goodness; 
And our earth shall yield her fruit. 
Thou waterest the hills from Thy upper rooms. 
The earth shall be filled with the fruit of Thy works; 
Bring forth grass for cattle. 
And herb for the service of men; 
That Thou mayst bring bread out of the earth; 
And that wine may cheer the heart of man
That he may make the face cheerful with oil; 
And that bread may strengthen man’s heart. 
He sent His word and healed them; 
And delivered them from their destruction. 

Almighty, eternal God: by Thy word Thou hast created heaven, earth, and the sea, all things visible and invisible, out of nothing; Thou hast ordained that the earth bring forth plants and trees for the use of men and animals; Thou hast decreed that each germinate according to its natureand bring forth fruit in due time, and Thou hast decreed that these plants should serve not only as food but as medicine in time of sickness. We humbly pray with heart and tongue that Thou wouldst bless these various herbs and plants and in Thy mercy grant a new blessing upon those powers that Thou hast caused to be inherent in these plants. May they, therefore, be a protection against all sickness and tribulation when we use them for man and beast in Thy name whose glorious Assumption we celebrate this day. 

O God, who on this day didst raise the root of Jesse, the mother of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, to the heights of heaven, we humbly pray Thee, that by her intercession and under her protection the fruit of her womb, Thy Son, might be given to us mortal men, that by the power of Thy Son and the protection of His glorious Mother we may be disposed to our eternal salvation by these temporal gifts.

O God, who didst command the children of Israel that they should bring the sheaves of new fruits to the priest to be blessed and that they should rejoice before the Lord, graciously hear our prayers and pour forth the fullness of Thy blessing upon these fruits and herbs which we gratefully present this day before Thy altar.

Grant that, wherever they may be placed, they may be a potent means against sickness and pestilence, against the poison of serpents and the sting of poisonous animals, as also against the deceits, snares, and machinations of the devil. Grant that we may be worthy to be received with our sheaves of good works into heaven through the merits of the most Blessed Virgin.

God bless!

Marian Herb jar labelsDownload

Marian Herb labels prayerDownload

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Paris Again

 

Feast of the Ascension 2018

Blessed Feast of the Assumption to all!

I must confess that, having spent far too many years away from the Church, I have only recently become aware that there are such things as holy days of obligation! As a result I’m not aware of which feasts are prescribed such a day, and I’m even more often surprised at which aren’t. So, having finished a morning cardio workout and suddenly becoming aware of what day it was, I was on Duck Duck Go for an answer at 9.30. The mass was at 10.30. I looked at the children still in their pyjamas and I confess, my heart dropped.

I don’t know how I managed it, it could only be by God’s grace, but they were dressed in HDOO finery, I got showered and looking not too shabby myself and in the car with time to spare. That never happens on a Sunday when I start getting ready a considerable amount of time before hand. Like I said, grace in action.

As we arrived at the church there was a small procession of youngsters in white forming. There numbers were too many for alter servers, although their clothes were very similar. Then it occurred to me; this profession du foi that I’d seen in the newsletter was their confirmation.

It’s a blessing here in France that feast days align with national holidays, so when you’re out of practise you get a reminder (as in this morning). But also Catholicism is still in evidence in the culture. So during this time of year you will see large photos of youngsters in their robes, candle in hand in photographers windows, the robes themselves hung outside dry cleaners, cake toppers of confirmation and communion in bakery windows… This is because these events align with the liturgy and therefore are celebrated, or at least have their presence felt, in the wider society. Yearly reminders that Someone is waiting for you.

The church was full and the atmosphere celebratory. My youngest has grown, of course, since we moved here 20 months ago and I was struck by this as I watched her twirl and dance to the opening hymn. It felt like a heartbeat away since her presence in the church meant we felt compelled to sit away from others.

The evidence of her’s and my eldest’ evident maturing have left me a little sad. I felt myself longing for more children which, unless an actual miracle happened, is sadly impossible for us. They love each other so much, kissing and hugging throughout the day. I’m sure this devotion will remain as they continue to grow, but this time and its innocence is so short. Sometimes I have to stop and force myself not to be too busy with life and things, this time is too precious.

It was such a joyful mass and my girls enjoying Bible stories on CD in the car home made these thoughts of their development continue. How do I dig deep furrows to ensure that the Gospel is implanted profoundly in their hearts, where no weeds of doubt will settle and separate them from God?

I’ve spoken a few times of what I want to achieve with this blog (here and here) and at present I’m satisfied that I’m starting to introduce joy of the faith through decorations and devotions to God, Mary and the Saints. Nevertheless I want to extend this in the coming years so that the joy of our faith is never far away.

I’ve decided that this year I will be celebrating Joan of Arc, Therese of Liseaux, and the archangels to add to my celebration last year of All Souls, All Saints and the feasts of Advent prior to Christmas. In that time I want to continue to develop their prayerbook as well as other little Catholic practices. However now I’m starting to think of not just these medium turn plans, but longer term ones as well.

Today should have been a Feast Day. I mean a physical as well as spiritual feast. Why didn’t I prepare one? I‘ve already said that with the prayer book I wanted to start a family recipe collection that specifically celebrated the feasts and when the new liturgical year begins I’m going to start then.

I’ll be focusing my first year on the HDOO and will be planning in advance – just as I do for my wreaths. If you have any way of celebrating feasts through food please let me know in the comments section.  I love to learn from others!