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Sunday, September 1, 2013

FALL TRANSITIONING

It’s too early for me to start getting out Halloween or Fall décor, but I probably need to put away some of the Summer décor.  In order to begin a transition toward Fall, French villagers have moved to our mantel.
Santons on Mantel-Bargain Hunting w/Laurie
My small collection of doll-like Santons have been collected from a few estate sales.  I had never run across any Santons at an estate sale until a year or so ago.  Within one month, I found eight of them (one of them isn’t on the mantel) at three different estate sales, and I haven’t found any since then.  (It was like somebody put out the word that there was a sucker for Santons attending estate sales in the area!) 

Mantel-Bargain Hunting with Laurie

This elderly couple has just tottered down the path from their cottage, to sell some of their produce on the street.

[From the site:  Santons Richard:

“In 1223, Saint Francis of Assisi, whose mother came from Provence, created a nativity scene with live people and animals. Shortly afterwards, Christmas cribs appeared in the churches.
In 1789, during the French Revolution, all places of worship were closed down. The people of Provence, who were attached to their traditions and could no longer pray in front of the church crèches, started making santons (Christmas crib figures).”]
Bargain Hunting with Laurie
This gentleman may be selling oil from his jugs.  I want to buy one of his jugs!
Bargain Hunting with Laurie
Maybe she is selling milk from that can.
[From the site Provence Beyond-French Provence Themes:
“Santon comes from the Provençal "santoùon…. Santons have come to typify the people of Provence, their work and their trades, and they are generally depicted in 19th-century dress.”]
Bargain Hunting with Laurie
She’s spinning wool to sell.
Bargain Hunting with Laurie
Can you smell the Lavender she is selling?
Bargain Hunting with Laurie
She sold me a few sprigs for the bows on my lamps.
Bargain Hunting with Laurie
Maybe she’s like me – she has nothing to sell; she’s just looking for a bargain to buy!
Bargain Hunting with Laurie
Don’t ask me what the Peacock feathers have to do with this French village on the mantel.  I just thought the demijohns needed something with a little color.  My friend, Cindy, whose mother raised Peacocks, gave me these.
Wishing you a safe and happy Labor Day.  laurie
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15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh, Laurie! I love it. These little dolls are gorgeous! They look perfect with your painting. You're the best.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Ruthie Miller said...

Dear Laurie,
You have quite a collection. They look marvelous. Like the peacock feathers with them too.
Best, Ruthie
http://www.ladybstimefortea.blogspot.com

Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads said...

Laurie, I have never heard of these but I will be on the lookout for them. They are so charming! Your mantel is the perfect place to display them!

Sonny G said...

oh my goodness, those little people are autumn Perfection~!
love them so much as well as how you have every detail arranged wonderfully..

it was a Joy to view.

xoxo
Sonny

Salmagundi said...

I love your Santons. I have a friend that has found just one -- guess they are quite scarce at the sales. They are so charming that people are holding onto them. Have a great holiday. Sally

ellen b. said...

They are in such great shape! A very Happy Labor day to you, too!

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Those are neat. I don't know if I ever ran across those before...Looks harvesty!

Glenda/MidSouth said...

They are perfect for a Fall display. Thanks for sharing your collection.
Hope you have enjoyed the holiday weekend.

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

They are so amazing and so detailed Laurie!
What a find and 8 of them too, wow!
You are the best estate sale finder I know.
Big Hugs,
Cindy

An Oasis in the Desert said...

I've never heard of Santons before, but they are so lovely and the story is just charming. I'd never want to put them away.

Debbiedoos said...

Those are neat little peoples. I never heard of them Laurie, but they are sure are cute. I love the peek of that piece too above your mantel..loos like a tapestry of some sort.

Melanie said...

I love these dolls/people - have never seen anything like them!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Love it, you always create the best vignettes. This is so pretty and your little people are fabulous. Thanks tons for joining Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

Curtains in My Tree said...

I like them , the little people on the mantel, they are all bust with work
I didn't know they were called santos, I only know of the santos cage dolls

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Laurie, I love the cute Santons and they are perfect on your mantle. Thanks for sharing at the Open House party.
xx,
Sherry