Louisiana Mardi Gras Beads

Louisiana Mardi Gras Beads

Take a look at these beads.

Enough said.

Mementos of Friendship - Square Dish - Made in Japan

Mementos of Friendship  -  Square Dish  -  Made in Japan

Japanese Square Dish

Square Dish Detail

This beautiful dish was gifted to me by a friend recently.  The dish is square shaped and decorated with painted plum flowers, peonies and a bird.

Childhood Mementos - Spin Art

Childhood Mementos. -  Spin Art

Just love the idea of spin art.  It was fun fifty years ago and is still enjoyed by young artists today.

Spin Art

Spin Art Close Up

Geometric Print Scarf - French Style - Travel Memento

Geometric Print Scarf  -  French Style  -  Travel Memento

Geometric Print Scarf

I felt fabulous as a teen purchasing this pink and blue geometric pattern scarf on my first trip to Europe. The scarf was my recognition of French style at a very young age. 

Maracas - Bermuda Travel Mementos - Hand crafted and painted Musical Instruments

Maracas - Bermuda Travel Mementos - Hand crafted and painted Musical Instruments

One of my favorite travel mementos are these maracas which were one of my first travel souvenirs.  I earned them by winning several of the youthful party games at my British hotel.  This fun memory is recalled in these hand crafted percussion instruments. They bring music to the ears and the spirit.

Black and White Drawing of Historic Square

Black and White Drawing of Historic Square

The pictures show a copy of a black and white drawing by a student artist. The work of art, which is framed in silver, depicts a famous square along which borders a museum, a church and a historic music conservatory.  A close family member attended dance classes in a building nearby.  This piece of art serves as a memento of many trips for study and enlightenment associated with this area of the city.

Travel Log Photo 7 - Taiwan circa 1978 - College Students Measure Large Tree

Travel Log Photo 7  -  Taiwan circa 1978  -  College Students Measure Large Tree

Indian Textiles - Double-Sided Embroidery Orange and Purple - Scarves (Part 3)

Indian Textiles - Double-Sided Embroidery Orange and Purple - Scarves (Part 3)

This scarf has an orange and purple swirl theme pattern back and front.

Indian Textiles - Double-Sided Embroidery Paisley Pattern - Scarves (Part 2)

Indian Textiles -  Double-Sided Embroidery Paisley Pattern - Scarves (Part 2)

The  swirl pattern is mirrored on both sides of the scarf creating the double sided embroidery with a single set of stitches.

Paisley Pattern Scarf

Double Side Embroidery

Indian Scarf with Embroidery

Indian Scarf Embroidery Detail

Indian Textiles - including Double-Sided Embroidery - Scarves

Indian Textiles - including Double Sided Embroidery - Scarves

This is the first post with examples of embroidered scarves from India.  The scarves are cream colored fine wool with decorative multi-color embroidery.  Included will be some pieces where the embroidery can be viewed as the same pattern from both back and front - referred to as double-sided.  I  purchased these scarves from a merchant in New Delhi during a trip where I also visited the majestic Taj Mahal.  I was privileged to see the many beautiful examples of this textile craft worn by the women in India.  In the United States these treasures have been worn for warmth and also have been greatly admired since their purchase in 1980.

Travel Log Photo 6 - Japan circa 1979 - Imperial Palace

Travel Log Photo 6 -  Japan circa 1979  -  Imperial Palace

Kyoto Japan Imperial Palace

The Music Box (Part 2) - The Harp

The Music Box (Part 2)  -  The Harp

A second music box below features a harp.

The Music Box - "Edelweiss"

The Music Box  -  "Edelweiss"

A very special memento, the music box combines memories of both sound and pictures. Featured in this post is one example owned by a close family member.  The tune played by the small decorated box is "Edelweiss."       

New Layout

Soap Stone Carving of Bird in Flight

Hope everyone likes the updated layout.

One More Set of Needlepoint Pillows - Mementos of a Lifetime - Needlework Handicraft (Part 5)

One More Set of Needlepoint Pillows - Mementos of a Lifetime - Needlework Handicraft (Part 5)

Last set of the needlework pillows from the same collection as the framed pieces.

Needlepoint Pillows in Grouping

Needlepoint Pillow - Princess Pattern

Needlepoint Pillows Details

Travel Log Photo 5 - Asia circa 1979 - Red Door with Gold Dog of Fu (Guardian Lion)

Travel Log Photo 5 - Asia circa 1979 - Red Door with Gold Dog of Fu (Guardian Lion)

More Needlepoint Pillows - Mementos of a Lifetime - Needlework Handicraft (Part 4)

More Needlepoint Pillows - Mementos of a Lifetime - Needlework Handicraft (Part 4)

More photos of the needlework pillows from the same collection as the framed pieces.

To be continued...

Needlepoint Pillows - Mementos of a Lifetime - Needlework Handicraft (Part 3)

Needlepoint Pillows - Mementos of a Lifetime - Needlework Handicraft (Part 3)

Here are some needlework pillows from the same collection as the framed pieces.

To be continued...

Needlepoint - Mementos of a Lifetime - Needlework Handicraft (Part 2)

Needlepoint - Mementos of a Lifetime - Needlework Handicraft (Part 2)

Here is a second needlepoint piece from the same collection.  It features an abstract print in autumn shades of navy and brown unfolding in dramatic waves across the canvas.

To be continued...

Needlepoint - Mementos of a Lifetime - Needlework Handicraft

Needlepoint  -  Mementos of a Lifetime  -  Needlework Handicraft

Needlepoint Red Blue and Gold Colors

Needlepoint Detail

Needlepoint Framed

Some of the most precious mementos that provide a tribute to last many generations are the handiwork of needlecraft.  Featured today is the first of a set of needlepoint pieces that will be showcased this month and which were created by a family member.  This one has an Asian theme with flowers in red, gold and blue threading.