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Saturday, September 25, 2010

Book Love!



When the weather starts to change into it's Autumn briskness, it makes me want to get out and enjoy every moment of the sun's warmth. I want to get in every last flea and farmer's market, antique and book shop hunt before it's too cold. I love gathering up wonderful old books to stack next to my bed and plan fall and winter reading hours there. I have so many books now that I need to give away, sell or donate, and I even try at times to avoid old and used book vendors, but to no avail. I can always find just one more fabulous vintage book on entertaining, gardening, or fashion. My last found treasure was a delightful, mostly pictorial, book on the Queen Mother. The cover was so pretty, with Her Majesty in a soft yellow floor length gown accessorized with all her royal jewels, I just couldn't help myself. Besides, for $5, it was cheaper than a new pair of shoes and less fattening than a latte!



I love the whole ceremony of reading: a hot cup of tea in a pretty cup and saucer atop my silver tea warmer;a delicate beaded bookmark, bookplates with my name in calligraphy! Here a just a few fun "book accessories" to enjoy!


Instead of the expected leather or canvas book bag, why not carry this lovely tote made from a vintage velvet carpet? The seller's Mother is a European trained seamstress and made this bag extra strong to carry the heaviest of books. Even the inside is lined in red satin.
From Stock Exchange.



I love this antique book cover. Originally from the 1890's, this gem is made of ruby and emerald velvet, and one of the owners is said to have kept her letters in it. I wonder if they were love letters? How romantic! Available from Jolly Time One.




Blended Splendid offers this set of three cloisonne butterfly bookmarks. Wouldn't these be a charming addition to a satin bow atop the gift of a gardening book?




A classic rose design decorates the top of this sterling silver bookmark. What a pretty way to treat yourself while reading the latest romance novel! This vendor also has lots of great jewelry to peruse in their store...Decorating Yourself.




For something more contemporary, you may prefer this cool stainless steel bookmark. It's was designed by the famous Georg Jenson and is really retro glamorous! Visit Mascara Jones to see more really unique items.





In Ode To June's Etsy store you can find these cast marble bookends for your shelf of favorite books. The dancing maidens on each piece add charm to any library.




More pretty ladies dancing on these bookends, this time in soft colors muted from the past and trimmed in burnished gold. I think these are just charming and you can get them from another Etsy shop called At Home In Napa.




Although these planters are not actually bookends, the seller, Claudette's Vintage, suggests using them for just that! I happen to think that's a marvelous idea, they are so lovely! To me they look like something an old Hollywood movie star would have in her boudoir!




Wouldn't your favorite coffee table book look stunning on this ornate brass stand? Maybe opened up to a old movie still "close up" of your favorite silver screen actress and placed on your vanity! Talk about using books as art in your home! You can get this and other fun stuff from
Scottishart.



Speaking of decorating your home...what about this grand, hand carved biblioteque for your most precious and special books. This one just calls out to me, as does the other fabulous items in the shop called Peter and Grove.




I grew up in a mid-century modern home with a teak wall unit for bookshelves from Denmark very similar to this one. My parents still have it and the bar, coffee table, end tables and dining room set to match. You know what? The wood is prettier now than it was then, because they took special care of it. It is such a hoot to me that this stuff is so hot in home interiors now, but you can see why. Learn more about it from Designer Madness.






Whew! I haven't even gotten to all the great books available to share with you out there! I guess that's for another post. Now let's start with a little dusting of those shelves...


--Lee Ann

























2 comments:

Coffee table photo books said...

Great blog! You seem to be a happy person and you treasure life the most.

I am book lover too and I love photo books the most. My parents have been a great influence to me in collecting interesting books, I should say. Cheers!

ODE TO JUNE said...

You are a new favorite of mine! What a joy to read the blog (and yes, read a good book as well.......)So glad I found you & thanks for featuring my marble book ends.

I am off to click on a few of the other items you have listed.

Lisa
Ode to June