Chart Charm

I found this beautiful Jung-Koch-Quentell botanical chart at the Rosebowl Flea Market last weekend. I had not been really happy with the painting I had over the book case in my living room. The scale was off and the image of my Grandmother, though a favorite just didn't fit with the decor.

I think the scale is perfect and the colors are amazing. Originally made in the early 60's, these were educational tools for schools, they are now very collectable. Beautifully printed in Dusseldorf, Germany by Lehrmittelverlag Hagemann and backed with linen. I especially love the use of wooden rods to anchor the chart.

I got a great deal from Jill Kelly Mitchell, who found it in Paris and lives in San Francisco so it made quite the road trip before landing in my little living room. She also sells her wares on Etsy. A quick google and I found the exact chart being sold for several times what I paid. Just be aware, there are a lot of reproductions on the market. If the rods are black, rather than a natural wood color, then it is probably a reproduction. Still a great find but should be considerably cheaper.

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If like me you're inspired to learn more about this interesting & unusual art form, you may want to get a copy of this gorgeous book, The Art of Instruction by Katrien Van der Schueren. 

 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Dreaming of Dogwood

Last week, almost out of no where the dogwood came into full bloom. It is my favorite of the spring flowers and next month you might find me at Atlanta's annual Dogwood festival.

A lovely botanical by Donald W. Haytt, dogwood is indigenous to the South.

 Mostly you see it in white but sometimes a few pink blossoms show up.

Right now it is flowering in abundance all over my neighborhood.

Love this vintage postcard, dogwood is the state flower for Virginia.

I have mentioned this vintage bedspread I scored at an antique store is an all time favorite find. 

Here I used it as a backdrop for a shoot I did for Sandpiper a few summers back.

Groovy set of vintage Dixie Dogwood dishes I found on etsy.

Of course I love to have some in my house, stealing a branch or two before they disappear. 

I fell madly for this Whitney Smith sugar bowl topped with two dogwood blossoms.

The blooms are only around 2 or 3 weeks, if you blink you might miss them.

I found two interesting books by searching dogwood, the first; Dogwoods an actual study of the flower with a beautiful cover and reviews that suggest it would be worthwhile for serious gardeners or just to sit out on your coffee table. The other; Dogwood is an award winning novel. Though I had not heard of the author, I love southern based fiction and based on the many good reviews I downloaded the kindle sample.

all photos (except dishes) & content © Lara Rossignol

Flower Power

I love botanical prints a true old world art form. You can find vintage prints at most flea markets, antique fairs or of course online. There are also many new world artists who specialize in them, like the one above by Evelyn Binns. The royal family are among the many that collect her beautiful renderings.

I have had this book on my wish list for ages, it is said to be the bible for collectors.

This week I have started a new schedule for posting on Pie. I needed to do this to keep the content level high, avoid the risk of a burn out and to get caught up with the rest of my life. I will now be posting Mondays, Wednesday & Fridays. Whew, I feel better already!

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Congrats to Maddie, winner of the Witty Vintage Giveaway!

 content © Lara Rossignol