When I was a little girl, my grandmother had a set of Italian Florentine nesting tables, and I loved everything about them. I think every Italian Nonna had these tables, or at least something Florentine, back then. To this day, my grandma still has one of the tables set up next to a chair in her living room.
Years later, when I went away to college and would have my own apartment, she asked me if I wanted one of them. I did of course, and thus began my love affair with these hand-painted, gilded treasures.
These days, I especially love finding and using old Florentine trays, which I've had luck finding at flea markets, antique shops and even on etsy. They have a thin layer of lacquer over them, so you can actually serve drinks from the trays and not worry about spills. Such pretty patterns and detail.
I've found that these smaller ones are handy for keeping beads and findings from rolling off of the work surface when I'm designing jewelry. You probably know by now that I love form as much or more than function.
Jewelry boxes are another item commonly painted in Florentine style. This little one was a flea find from many years ago. I keep little prayers cards inside.
Teeny carved scallops on the sides.
But lately, it's not just the Nonnas who are loving Florentine pieces. It seems to be a trend right now, and lots of home decor boutiques are selling new reproduction pieces as well as the old ones. It can be hard to tell them apart, but the authentic ones are still carved, hand-painted and gilded in Italy.
I have a few of these pretty trays and would like to give one to one of you.
You girls are a such an important part of my creative world.
And I love to give gifts. Just love to.
Simply leave your name and email addy, and I'll pick a random winner this weekend. Sound good?
This round one with a scalloped edge and an aqua and cream motif is the one I'll be gifting away.
And I'll also send along a bunch of my favorite Italian Amaretti cookies. The wrappers alone are irresistible, and the pillow-soft Amaretti are divine. The whole package will be wrapped up like a present and tie with ribbons {but of course!} and sent off to the winner sometime next week.
**On a side note, thanks so much for all of your votes for Mario. He didn't win, but he was close, and I know so many of you cast your votes for him more than once! You're awfully sweet for taking the time to do that for my little guy. It was a fun photo shoot and contest to be a part of.
Well, I'm going to go get Sleeping Beauty from her nap now, and think of something to make for lunch for me and Sammy. Have a lovely day, Lovelies!
EDIT: Comments have now closed for the drawing. Thanks!
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