Mustard was almost a culinary requirement during the 19th century (and before as its use dates back to ancient times) to spice up otherwise bland dishes and to cover up the off flavors of foods in the age before refrigeration and other effective food preservation techniques. The French glass barrel mustard bottle is a relatively early example of "food bottles" or glass jars, embossed horizontally on one side between two sets of rings with MOUTARDE DIAPHANE / LOUIT FRERES & CO (circa early to mid-1900s). "Diaphanous" (implying a very fine product) mustard and similar other imported versions were apparently the "Grey Poupon" of the of the mid-19th century. These bottles were usually made of colorless or aqua glass; very rarely in other colors. The bottle body has no evidence of air venting and was blown in a post-bottom mold although the side mold seam just barely curls around the heel to join with an apparent post-bottom mold seam. Little air bubbles can be seen when held up to the light. No chips or cracks. We love these little French bottles for use as a vase. Bottle measures 5 inchs tall. We have two available in our webshop, but they won't last long!
11/27/2011
11/21/2011
11/14/2011
Made in France...
How sweet are these hanging lavender-filled sachets, made in France especially for Casual Cottage Chic!
11/13/2011
Treasures for the Francophile
Just arrived from France for our customers....
11/11/2011
11/09/2011
Holiday Trees ~ A Symbol of Celebration & Traditions
Tabletop bottle brush trees made by Amy Campbell
10/27/2011
Repurpose a Vintage Folding Ruler
Here's a great way to repurpose one of those vintage wooden folding rulers you may have picked up at a local flea or antique market.... Once you've formed the ruler into a star {it takes some time to do this but you'll get it} you can attach to a holiday wreath or hang in a window or on a door.
10/25/2011
FARMERS MARKET
The perfect wooden sign for your farmhouse kitchen! Handpainted, very distressed, chippy paint and faded charcoal lettering; handrubbed with a clear wax. Perfection! Sign measures 24 inches by 16 inches. Contact us for a price.
10/07/2011
Minerva Tin Head Dolls from Germany
If their bodies had been as sturdy as their composition of metal heads, these antique dolls would survive indefinitely. Heads molded from a thin sheet of tin (or metal), Minerva dolls had kid leather or all cloth bodies. Tin heads with painted hair, eyes and lips were also sold separate from the cloth or leather bodies. The dolls were manufactured in Germany from 1894 through 1925 by Buschow & Beck. Recently doll collectors have started to appreciate the unique quality of these simple tin or metal head doll children.
This Minerva tin doll head (available on our webshop) originally had painted blonde hair, blue eyes and soft pale pink shoulders. She is still in wonderful condition considering her age. Measures 4.5 inches tall; her shoulders are 3.25 inches wide. Display with a collection of dolls or alone atop a shelf or leather-bound vintage books. Of course, if you can find a complete Minerva doll, she is highly valued by doll collectors!
10/05/2011
Rearranging Furniture In Shop...
Thought you might like to see how I've recently rearranged some large furniture pieces to improve the flow of my small (8' by 11' ) space at Serendipity Antiques in Old Town Temecula. Casual Cottage Chic is situated just inside the front door, so it's important that first glance is a positive impression! I try to add to our selection of vintage/antique treasures weekly. You'll mainly find treasures from France and England; a wonderful selection of French enamelware and touches of cottage chic accessories!
Stop in to browse when in the area. Our annual HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE is Saturday, November 5th from 10am - 6pm!
