I decorate, therefore, I am. I was at an estate sale in Stockbridge, Mass., recently and found the most wonderful vintage wall hanging for my hallway. It is perfect — absolutely perfect — against the passionate peach walls, which coordinate with the passionate peach streaks of color in the resilient tile in the hall, original to the house. And the wall hanging itself — beautifully rendered!
The artistry in this wall hanging is a marvel, a delight. It seems basically to be a “weaving”. The long strings were tied vertically, high to low… then the vase full of flowers was woven in with chunkier yarn.
Above: The artist was Primm ffrench — that’s her woven signature, above. This house was full of all manner of wonderful treasures.
Above: This hall has always been an interesting space — the vintage vinyl composite tiles are just 6″ x 6″ square — an odd size. The wall hanging is sized perfectly — that’s a lot of blank wall in a kind of tight space — and while the wall hanging is large, it’s also quite “airy” because of its peek-a-boo design. It’s like — it was designed just for this spot!
This is the kinda crafty artistry that we could all try our hand at. But, I bet it is wicked difficult to pull off well. Primm ffrench had it goin’ on.
Part of the story is that I almost didn’t get this. I noticed it on the wall shortly after I came in. There was no price tag, so I asked about it. The helper said if the tag was gone, that meant someone had claimed it. I was at the sale for quite a while, though… and maybe an hour later, finally checking out, the wall hanging was still there. I asked the leader of the sale what was up. He helped me go take a closer look — and sure enough, the price tag had fallen behind a piece of furniture in front of the wall hanging.
NABBED!
I’m so happy this lovely work found its way into my house. It gives me a zing of happiness every time I approach it.
Jay says
Very nice! You had one of those “AH HA” moments when you knew you had found just the right piece for that spot. It was the finishing touch that you were probably on the hunt for some time. Enjoyed the prose in today’s post. Nothing like a bunch of zinnias on a beautiful summer day.
shirley says
What a lovely piece and lucky find. I heart estate sales.
Geronimom says
Every once in awhile serendipity strikes and we stumble upon the “perfect” piece that makes your heart just sing! You’ve definitely experienced one of those special moments, Pam. It’s just the right everything! I always like to imagine how happy these discovered estate type items are to be rescued, appreciated and loved once again in another home by another wonderful family. It probably just hung there being ignored, unnoticed & unappreciated for many years – until now!
Rebecca says
Well said!
lynda says
Good eye! You found just the right art for your home. It couldn’t look more stunning. The hanging just really pulls the space together!
Nancy B says
It gives you a zing of happiness because it is so beautiful & so perfect for that spot!!! The color of the wall just brings out its beauty!! It is so exciting to find that very perfect something!! You just know it when you first spot it!! Congratulations & keep on zinging!!!
Pat Webster says
Oh boy…what a great piece. I remember having that same multi-colored green yarn in the mid 60’s but never used it to such an inspired effect.
stacia says
Wow. It IS perfect! That hallway is so glowy (I love that term!). Is there a window right there? Just make sure the hanging is out of direct sunlight. Although I’m sure you know that…
Rick S says
Pam,
You had a very lucky moment. You found the perfect accent for your space.
I also love your wainscoting, door casing and crown molding, so elegant. You have found a house with “good bones”. Love it.
rick
midmichigan says
She did a great job on this piece and it looks great in your home. I wonder how old it is. These were somewhat popular in the early 60’s and as art projects for kids in school where I lived. I had to do one as an assignment when I was in 4th or 5th grade. I chose a Thanksgiving theme; weaving a turkey and pumpkin in front of a field scene. It was difficult and tedious for me at that age and my mom had to push me to finish it. To this day, browns and oranges aren’t my favorite colors.
Laurel says
I LOVE it! I grew up Michigan too and made a much smaller version of a pot of flowers in my 5th grade art class that my mom hung in the kitchen. That would have been mid 60’s.
Yours is professional and whimsical and perfect a perfect fit in its new home! I love your hallway! So much peachy impact is just right in that little area and I’d have never been bold enough to try it. Now I’d copy you!
I’m drooling over the impact the tiny tiles have just because they are so different. Do you know how many people would have just just torn them up and replaced em with something ‘updated’? Thank goodness a few preservationists exist!
Janet in ME says
Pam, I would get a zing of happiness too! That piece is a work of art, and so wonderful in your house! You couldn’t have had something made to fit in so perfectly for color, size and material. I love it and what a find!