My mother is very musically talented. She has been playing the piano since she was about 8 years old. She also plays the organ and accordian. All she has to do is hear a song one time and she can play it…playing entirely by ear, she reads very little sheet music. I always wished I could do that! When I was a child, I wanted so badly to be able to play the piano like she did.
In 1965 when I was 4 years old, I asked for a piano for Christmas…I can remember seeing a toy piano in one of the Christmas catalogs and I wanted Santa to bring me that piano so badly! Unfortunately, by the time “Santa” ordered it, the piano was no longer available. None of the local shops had any pianos either. My mother was determined though that I would have a piano for Christmas…so, look what Santa brought!
Ok, so technically Santa brought the piano to ME for Christmas, but only because my MOTHER really wanted a piano for herself. LOL!
Here it is in my home today. I’ve been playing around this morning with different vignettes on top of it. Sometimes I have a hard time with vignettes because the top is so narrow. Most items have to be basically lined up on top.
While browsing through the thrift store Saturday, I found this wonderful gold lyre music stand. Oh yeah…it definitely had to come home with me! I bought it for a song! (No pun intended – LOL!) . I’m debating trying to antique the stand…what do you think? Antique it or leave it as it is?
It’s now holding one of my favorite pieces of sheet music – “Fairy Kisses” – circa 1908. This was an eBay find many years ago. I love the graphics on the cover…the romantic Victorian lady with her Gibson-girl upsweep and tiny fairy hovering next to her!
Two of my most favorite pieces are my antique German bisque piano babies. Both are unmarked and were made in the late 1800’s to early 1900’s.
Their little faces are so beautiful!
Featuring handpainted roses, this Victorian ewer is another favorite piece. Many times they were found in pairs and were used as decorations on fireplace mantles. When I play around with a new vignette on my mantle, this will probably be moved there. I also added some of my decorative marble eggs to the piano top.
Years ago, I found this beautiful piece of vintage needlepoint for a piano bench on eBay.
I finally got it put on my bench earlier this year. Gorgeous roses and a scrolling border…I’m totally in love with this!
The center design is petit point and the stitches are so tiny!
Someone spent an incredible amount of time making this…she must have had great eyesight!
I would so love to know who made it…what did she think about as she sat there stitching?
Was she making the piece as a gift or for herself? Guess I’ll never know.
My next project is going to be trying to antique the mirror hanging over the piano. I’m not loving the bright gold! I’ve been watching Marty at A Stroll Thru Life antique items using Mixwax and I think I’m going to give it a try.
I’m joining Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Table Top Tuesday, Courtney at French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday and Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday.
I’m so glad YOU visited me this week! I hope you’ll come back again soon.
DG
15 comments:
What a beautiful vignette you've created. The cross stitch work is gorgeous! It would be wonderful if you could find out who did the work originally. Loved the cute story of you receiving the piano for Christmas. :-)) I've also used Old English Scratch n Dent to antique mirrors and such. Looking forward to seeing your transformation. hugs ~lynne~
What an adorable post, from the sooooo sweet pic of you as a child. What a wonderful memory you have with your piano. Lovely vignette on the piano. Great post.
~Emily
The French Hutch
You were so cute as a littl girl! Your piano top is fabulous and I love your piano babies...Christine
I remember when we got our piano too! You never forget something wonderful like that. I love how you have decorated it and the warm and wonderful memories you have with the piano. Fairy Kisses is just wonderful. what a great treasure.
Your vignette is beautiful!
I love your story about your Mother and the piano. My grandmother was the same with her music. She had an amazing ear. She played the piano beautifully without ever knowing how to read music. She also had a wonderful singing voice. I was musical and sang and played an instrument, however, I was never as gifted as my grandmother. I read music but always wished I could play piano the way Granny did, just by listening.
ohh..your piono looks great and you were so cute:)
The title of your post is poetry itself, how lovely!
I so enjoyed reading the story of how you (your Mom) wanted the piano. My family all plays at least one instrument and several members have recorded various pieces. My husband also plays by ear, beautifully.
You were such a beautiful little girl! What a sweet, sweet photo!
And that needlepoint is STUNNING!
Nancy
I always wanted to learn to play the piano too! Never did learn but that didn't stop me from having two pianos! *winks* Love your vignette! The piano babies, the ewer (I have a very similar one) the antique sheet music... the petit pointe bench....the sconces! Soooo romantic! Love it all! What a wonderful picture of you as a child. You sure were a cutie! And how sweet to have been given such a wonderful gift. Vanna
Me, too....I wanted to play the piano but i guess never bad enuf to take lessons. My daughter took lessons when she was young...now her girls are taking the lessons.
I love your post..and your adorable photo.:))
Oh my I just love your piano babies. I have never had a pair and always longed for some. I also like the needlepoint bench cover, it is very beautiful and I love needlepoint. I have done a couple of bench covers, but for other people. I envy people who can play the piano, again always wanted to, to dumb. Thanks for sharing, Richard at My Old Historic House.
Love all the lovelies displayed there on your cherished piano. What a sweet and wonderful story.
You can easily tone down the gold in the frame, but the design just can't be beat. Gorgeous, be sure to show us what you do.
Hugs,
Patti
How wonderful to have your childhood piano! And what lovely things you've brought together for this vignette!!!
I'm your newest follower! :)
I love your vignette, and your Fairy Kisses sheet music is a real find, lucky you! Happy PS!
Thanks for sharing your cute childhood pic, and you treasures.
OH my goodness... this is so similar to one my grandmother made for her piano bench! I asked her once, what she thought about while she was doing it... and she told me she thought about the recipient... and whether or not they would enjoy it... and it gave her goosebumps knowing they would think about her whenever they sat on that piano bench. She was right... 50 years later, I run my hand over the stitches, and can almost feel her spirit... she enjoyed the process so much! Seeing this brought back a myriad of memories for me...
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