A Partridge in a Pear Tree

The first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, a partridge in a pear tree...

I know that it is actually the second day of Christmas today, but as has been the case throughout 2021, I am running late!  Here is a Winter afternoon scene, the light is fading fast and the fire has been lit...

The chair has been made ever so slightly more comfortable by a tapestry cushion with a lovely pear motif

There is a ripe, juicy pear to enjoy with a hot chocolate...served in porcelain decorated with pheasants and partidges.

The chocolate set started life as some beautiful items I ordered from Elizabeth Causeret back in the summer.  I was very pleased to find out that her studio is not far from Lyon, and I will hopefully make a trip there next year.  

Her porcelain is stunning and delicate, and though I had planned to paint it, I havered for quite a while, as it almost seemed sacrilegious to alter it!

I based the design on some Copeland Spode porcelain that I have, an elegant design in a beautiful dark red, almost brown.  I used white tack to hold the pieces as I painted them.  You need a good light for this, and a steady hand!

(Please excuse my work desk mess, I have so many projects on the go at the same time!)

The tray will eventually go in the Master Bedroom - it was a very lucky find made by Nicole Walton Marble - the columns are absolutely tiny!

A little silverware always improves any table setting. I made the candles in cold porcelain, and used the bristle of a hairbrush for the burnt wicks - though they are so fine you can hardly see them in this photo!

 Behind is a bust of the ill-fated Stuart king Charles I, poor man.

The light really is terrible, though very authentic for a miserable December evening.  The rug and the upholstered stool make the Great Hall seem a little cosier than usual.

I started this rug in August, and it is also destined for the Master Bedroom.  I saw a beautiful Persian rug at a friend's house and it inspired the centre medallion

Here it is in progress.  You can see my methodology:  I start in the centre, complete one side and then copy that on the other side.  I work from the centre outwards.  I don't create a chart first, and allow my imagination to run a little wild!

The upholstered stool was a quicker creation.  I used a stool made from  a McQueenie kit and stitched a flamework seat pad.  Then I made a fringe from embroidery threads and finished with some corner tassels.  

Peeking out from behind the table is a lovely curfew made by Huibrecht that he so generously gave me.  It is just the perfect authentic touch by the fireplace!

The following item is a beautiful Christmas present: a tiny working clock by Keith Bourgourd.  I like that it is quite small as it doesn't overwhelm the mantlepiece, and the baroque black is perfect here.

I was very, very excited to receive this, as I have a weakness for miniature clocks that work.  They add such realistic air.

My photography definitely doesn't do it justice at all!  One of my New Year Resolutions is to learn how to take better miniature photos.

I'm already onto my next project - not a rug, but a tapestry!  It's good to start a new project heading into the New Year. 

I'll keep you posted on my progress....

I hope that you have a wonderful Twelve Days of Christmas,

and wish you all a Very Happy New Year!

Jonquil