Do you ever wonder what to do with those French Collars that you see in the flea-markets? Well here are some ideas!
I love these vintage French collars and I enjoy using them as "frames." What to frame? I frame anything and everything. For example, here are some vintage pocket watches that I hung on the wall and then nailed a collar around each of them. I find using multiple collars make more of a statement than just one.
Here are a row of collars "housing" my pocket watch collection that I place in my back foyer. I have a vintage student seamstress'body form holding other watch pieces and place that on a simple pillar. By the way, the pillar is actually a prop used in a float from a local parade! I love it.
And here are more collars that I use to frame vintage bathing beauty photos that I printed on old paper. Where the button on the collar would normally go, that is the perfect spot to hammer in a nail with a larger head. Just simply place the collar on the wall, slip the slightly fatter nail through the button hole and nail into the wall. Then take a hot glue gun and glue your adornment - be it watch faces, a button, a key, a vintage brooch - you name it.
I love these vintage French collars and I enjoy using them as "frames." What to frame? I frame anything and everything. For example, here are some vintage pocket watches that I hung on the wall and then nailed a collar around each of them. I find using multiple collars make more of a statement than just one.
Here are a row of collars "housing" my pocket watch collection that I place in my back foyer. I have a vintage student seamstress'body form holding other watch pieces and place that on a simple pillar. By the way, the pillar is actually a prop used in a float from a local parade! I love it.
And here are more collars that I use to frame vintage bathing beauty photos that I printed on old paper. Where the button on the collar would normally go, that is the perfect spot to hammer in a nail with a larger head. Just simply place the collar on the wall, slip the slightly fatter nail through the button hole and nail into the wall. Then take a hot glue gun and glue your adornment - be it watch faces, a button, a key, a vintage brooch - you name it.
Think in themes - baby themes, family themes, watches, spoons, old post cards - be creative! I hope you enjoyed this very simple, but creative way to use those wonderful French collars that are just piled in a heap at those flea-markets - well, that is, if you aren't shopping behind me. If you are - the pile will be gone!
from my house to your house,
Elizabeth
www.elizabethhouse.us
from my house to your house,
Elizabeth
www.elizabethhouse.us
35 comments:
YOu are so clever.......Love the idea although a french collar might be hard for me to find here in St. Louis:) Love the photos!
This are wonderfully inspiring and very very clever! Love how you close the collars with clocks too... I could see a 'wreath' of collars as a delightful display as well. You always treat us to visual whimsy and charm - THANK YOU!
Me again, I forgot to mention how much I like the painted details on your floors too. Did you blog about that before? The flowers under the chair, and the writing in the foyer... What kind of paint did you use that doesn't scuff off too quickly? Lovely...
Hello Ulla,
Thank you for the comments! Actually, that is not paint - I used a waterproof marker! I then "washed" the floor with a watered down light color paint - only because I wanted a certain look - but normally, you would use a varnish. Those markers are wonderful - good luck!
Elizabeth
Your designs are beyond inspiring! Beautiful colors & styles! How I wish I could visit the St. Louis area again to see your shop and work first hand. Maybe one day! Until then...I look forward to your posts on your blog.
What a great idea.I have a few Edwardian ones that I've never been sure what to do with.
Very nice! Now you have me thinking again. That can mean trouble..ha ha. You know you wake up around 3:00 A.M. and think I've got it!! I agree with lindaharre I doubt I will ever find french collars in my area.. darn it! Hmm one more thing for me to keep a look out for. Thanks for sharing!
Kathleen
Wowza, you're going to WAY better flea markets than I am, I've never seen a French collar before! Love what you're doing with them, now my life's goal is to find French collars...good luck to me in Tempe, AZ, lol!
Okay - let me say that you don't have to go to France to get French collars! They are everywhere. "French collars" not only depict its origin, but it also is simply just a "style." Sort of like "French Bread." You can get French bread in France, as well as the local grocer. Or "Fench cuffs" which we love on men's shirts and women's blouses today - again - no need to get out the passport and to buy a shirt with French Cuffs - they are everywhere. Arrow - a very popular American clothier made tons of French collars and you can find them all the time in antique malls and stores. So, go on the hunt and find them - the stiffer the better. Most are stiff, but some are soft and those are harder to work with.
Elizabeth
I just discovered you--wow, such inspiring ideas and photos!
What a stunning post...as always....
Please see my blog...I features this post...thanx
Thank you Gypsy Purple! How flattering to be "re-posted" as I like to call it.
Much success and good wishes to you,
Elizabeth
Now you've put the bug in me! :-) Where in Vienna could I find French Collars? Maybe I should check next time the Emperor sells his clothes? ;-)
Have to hide this post of yours from my daughter, I'm afraid she'd immediatel go and paint her floor with waterproof markers. It looks great on yours, though. :-)
Oh my gosh, I just knew it was going to be wonderful. You inspire so many people we are just so lucky that you share your great display techniques with us.
I will never pass up another collar! I will be happy to give you credit if we use this in our store, I think all of our customers need to know about you.
Cindy
What a clever idea! And I especially love it when you've added the old skeleton keys! I've never found those old collars here though (perhaps that means you already scooped them up)!
wow. your blog is beautful. I would love to paint some of the still lifes you've created. The whole coloring/feel/look of your site is wonderful. Can't wait to revisit.
Amazing, as always! Who'd of thought? Umm, Elizabeth, of course. How very clever and so "Ralph", of whom I am also a fan from way back! I also have a collection of dysfunctional pocket watches and a passion for the often humorous bathing beauty photos, which I place in my guest bath. Underneath my yardlong of beauties, I placed 3 water faucet handles - they all say "HOT". Hot, hot, hot bathing beauties spying on our guests, behind our aptly signed door "La Toilette". Joviality reigns! - Angela
Oh - you got such a lovely blog!
Just brillant or as in french
"brillamment (brijama). I keep a french dictionary by my computer.
Though, sometimes the page I am looking for is missing to a collage!
Elizabeth,
Thanks for stopping by my blog. I someday want to go to your shop, but in the meantime I'll catch glimpses through your blog. I'm a huge fan! I really enjoyed reading about you on Chris Brown's site.
Take care,
Theresa
What a lovenly idea. The french collars look wonderful as frames.
Best regards from Wiesbaden, Monika
Elizabeth, thank you so much for stopping by my blog and posting a sweet comment...I appreciate it.
Love your idea for the collars...very clever!
Came across you blog...and I love it! I too am a flea market fanatic and I just love your idea about the collars and the watches! The season is starting and I am so excited...Love your shop/apartment. Tres chic!
Fantastic idea! I saw a group of them framed at the flea market and an American guy bought the piece.
Thought I posted here yesterday, but don't see it. Just stopped by to say I enjoyed looking at your lovely blog. I love thrifting & yardsaling too...you're a very creative person from the pics.
Rhoda
Southern Hospitality
Hi Rhoda,
I think you left a comment on another post, not the collar post. I appreciate your comments and taking time to write them!
Elizabeth :-)
Hello Elizabeth...
I'm enjoying visiting your wonderful blog. I hope to visit your shop, someday. I'm just north of St Louis.
Love the French Collars! I'm going to store this idea away.
Pat (Back Porch Musings)
Your blog is a new discovery for me, I will be back, very nice.
A book? Might there be a book in the works with your unique photography and sense of style? I'd be first on the list to buy one!
I never get bored visiting your beautiful pages...
Lana
I loved seeing your lovely photos...what a clever and practical use of a vintage treasure!
Thank you, thank you. You have helped me to find a solution for what to give my soon to be "82" year old mother for her birthday in July.
I have been given a wedding announcement for her Grandmother and a small sterling spoon from her silver service. The light bulb came on! Use the collar as a frame for the announcement and use the spoon as a charm from it. My Mother is difficult to buy for and over the years I've done paintings, needle work, etc. for her, but this will be wonderful. It will have special meaning for both of us and be something to pass down for generations to come. And I have a picture of my Great Grandparents (who I remember and loved)and guess what, his shirt had the french collars and cuffs. Now I need to find 2-one for the announcement and one for the picture.
I just hope I can find what I need.
Thank you again for the inspiration--sometimes it just takes a while for the ideas to come.
God bless you and have a wonderful weekend.
What a terrific idea! You know, these photos look like they came straight out of Cote Ouest (my favourite decor magazine). Gorgeous!
ton blog c'est le paradis du passé composé pour une passionnée de jolis objets comme moi, je découvre ton univers avec émerveillement et je ne m'en lasse pas !
ton blog c'est le paradis du passé composé pour une passionnée de jolis objets comme moi, je découvre ton univers avec émerveillement et je ne m'en lasse pas !
Hello Joann,
What a lovely gift you are creating! Email me at my website, www.elizabethhouse.us with your email address and I will see if I can find a collar or two for your project.
Take care,
Elizbeth
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