THIS ARTICLE ORIGINALLY APPEARED AS ONE OF MY COLLECTIBLES POSTS EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE RANDOLPH STREET MARKET BLOG REPRINTED HERE WITH PERMISSION OF SALLY SCHWARTZ

This abundance of riches taken exclusively for this article by Melissa Parks. Her Megillicutti Booth at the Randolph Street Markets, is one of my most favorites. I know I shouldn’t have favorites (and yes, I do have many at RSM, it would be hard not to!!!!) but I find we have basically the same taste in collectibles and lifestyle. I asked Melissa to take some photos of her beaded flower collection. You will see them throughout this piece.

A Melissa Parks photo…here an arrangement in a vintage cloisonné bowl.

Very Victorian, a ribbon tied nosegay or Tussie Mussie.

Found on Pinterest photo credit unknown.

I discovered this charming handcrafted art, (which was extremely popular with the Victorians but then anything romantic was on their lists of crafting), on my first trip to New York, a lifetime ago, at the wonderful long gone specialty store, Bonwit Teller, in their exquisite gift collections. I brought this delightful forget-me-not arrangement home and have added a few other pieces throughout the years.

 

This piece from Bergdorf Goodman on another of my zillion New York trips. Both miniatures in Limoges containers and both photos, not my best efforts, taken with my iPhone.

Fitting into my Lily of the Valley Collection, in its clay pot…from my collection…

“Though the main technique used to make beaded flowers is often referred to as French, examples of the art have been found from Italy (where the small glass beads were made), to as far north as England. Stories about the production and use of beaded flowers during this time are generally romantic – peasants gathered up misshaped beads that suited for noblewomen’s dresses, strung them on horsehair or copper wire, and sculpted them into flowers which they later sold to the upper classes.”

“In 1865 Godey’s Ladies Book published beaded flower patterns, and directed women to use them as personal adornments for hair or clothing. Beaded flowers started gaining popularity in America in the early to mid-twentieth century with more patterns and even kits being produced.” Both quotes from Fireserpent.com

Fast forward to 1990 when beading flowers became very popular in the States using glass beads and lots of patience. There are many books available for creating beaded flowers for arrangements and bridal bouquets, an idea I really find charmingly romantic!!

This arrangement in its McCoy vase, also from my collection, (and a couple of close ups) is from the BesBen estate auction (the incredible Chicago Milliner), again many years ago.

I found these glorious examples on Pinterest photo credits unknown.

An example of a hand bouquet.

An unusual alternate to flowers that will become an heirloom.

Fabulous shading…

Amazing chrysanthemums in vintage vase…

Asian influence…

Love this, can’t you just see this in an magnificent container, nothing prettier than a mass of the same flower.

Isn’t this spectacular…again the shading is perfection and would be a great centerpiece for a Spring party or on display year round.

Of course, I WANT this for my collection!

Books…sure…

And more from the extraordinary creative vision of Melissa Clark

Arrangement from her miniature marble bird bath collection.

Melissa collects, among many other treasures, peacocks…here holding “blooms” to replicate its feathers.

Melissa, using one color for a dramatic contrast to a weathered pewter bucket on top of brass trays and glass top table…a creative styling genius at work.

Okay, what do you think, do you want to start a new craft and make your own, or are you like me and will continue the quest for authentic French beaded flowers to fill your vintage containers. In any case an art form that might work its way into your collecting thoughts.

Another stunner, talk about a statement piece…

All photos from Pinterest photo credits unknown.