Life’s a Beach
Could there be a better hankie to declare “It’s Summer?” The clever use of crisp stripes, repeated in angles, curves and parallel ribbons on the sailboat, beach ball and chaise lounge feel fresh, flirty and fabulous. Check out the cat eye 1950’s shades (see 50 Shades) with their flirty fashion tassels, as well as the the oh-so-hip graphic employed to depict the wind behind the sails. Terrific. Even the starfish bends and dips to do a little dance. The candy pink border underscores the lighthearted impression that indeed, Life’s A Beach! Hot Days….Cool Drinks The first requirement for a...
Read MoreInsects
Having lauded the glories of gardens and the virtues of vegetables, it’s time to acknowledge those who make it all possible…no, not gardeners….think smaller………..infinitely smaller………yep, insects. Those most beautiful pollinators – butterflies are frequently featured on handkerchiefs. “Butterflies are not insects… they are self propelled flowers.” Robert A. Heinlein, The Cat Who Walks Through Walls Their inspiring metamorphosis from crawling creature to winged wonder has led several cultures to imbue them with the symbolism of rebirth and new beginnings, which is why butterfly images are...
Read MoreBotanical Beauty
The season of growth and reawakening has arrived. A time when the sun warms both the earth and our spirits, and drops us at the doorstep of restoration. Gardens have for centuries nourished and sustained, inspired and enriched our spirit. They provide both playground and classroom for endless learning. From Buitchart to Boboli to Shalimar Bagan, from Versailles to Villa D’Este, from Giverny to Exbury and beyond. We’ll focus less on the manicured masterpieces of world renown, and instead spotlight the simple pleasures we can all enjoy. As far back as 450 B.C. the book of Ecclesiastes...
Read MoreRitva Coffron – the Joie de Vivre Artist
A Ritva Coffron handkerchief can’t help but make you smile. Light and playful, cheerful and heartwarming, Coffron designs welcome you with joyful exuberance. Like many staff artists who worked for a corporation, Coffron’s work went unsigned, and we might never have discovered her identity without the help of her niece Marja. Luckily, Marja found this blog, and generously shared her handkerchief collection and stories about her aunt. As we know, some textile designers like Tammis Keefe, Carl Tait, or Tom Lamb, had exclusives for their designs with large retailers – B. Altman, Neiman...
Read MoreOceanic
“She would be half a planet away, floating in a turquoise sea, dancing by moonlight to flamenco guitar.” Janet Fitch, White Oleander August is the month to unwind, unburden, unencumber, relax, ramble, roam, and… slumber, snooze and siesta… We take to the beach to do absolutely nada. To stroll the sandy shore and sift through the seashells. Let the wind tousle your hair, the sun kiss your cheeks, and hear the seagulls cry “ahoy, enjoy.” Whether golden sand and sky blue, or sophisticated pink and gray, I love the simplicity of these shell borders surrounding a crisp polka dot center. They...
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