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A French-Inspired Garden and Home by Judith Stringham

Crowns on the Armoire

Sunday, June 16, 2013

For the past 4 to 5 years, 
Crowns 
have been popping up in 
magazine articles, blog posts, 
do-it-yourself tutorials, and 
beautiful boutiques. 

I fell under their spell and began 
collecting a few, inexpensive reproductions, 
no genuine articles.
None from beauty queen years, 
or inherited heirlooms, or
 antique stores, or  
earthly royal bloodlines. 
As I looked at the top of the armoire 
in the living room over the past few days, I decided it was time 
to update its look with crowns. 
Christmas trees, Santa, and Reindeer 
are out of season. 
(But that doesn't stop me from keeping several 
Christmas decorations out all year...) 

A clean slate, freshly dusted with furniture polish, ready for crowns... 


Crowns...what is it about their allure? 
Little girls wear them while pretending to be princesses...
Real princesses wear them for royal banquets, balls, 
weddings, official portraits, and state ceremonies. 

When not worn, crowns are displayed as part of royal jewels, 
or stored in vaults, or perhaps, in a queen's private safe. 

Reproduction crowns are made to hold candles, or plants, 

or other starry crown votive holders.

Sometimes, crown shapes adorn our Christmas trees or 
hang from tops of lanterns. 

Crown details often reflect its lineage.
The fleur de lis on top and the small stylized fleur de lis 
around the base reflect French royal motifs. 
At once, images of French royal courts, 
chateaux, and gardens leap to mind. 

The crowns sit regally on top of the living room armoire 
even though they are not gold or silver jewel encrusted attire 
of earthly royalty.

For a little while atop the armoire, these crowns bring a smile to my face. 

Seen from various places in the living room, 

the reproduction crowns 

are but a reminder that one day I will be able to say...

 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 
Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, 
the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—
and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
NIV 2 Tim 4:7-8
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My good friend, Sarah @ Hyacinths For The Soul    
sent me a link to Decor Steals for Three French Crowns 
on sale June 17, 2013. 
If you are not familiar with Decor Steals, 
you need to know these deals are 
only good for a very short time.
Disclaimer:  I have not received 
compensation from Decor Steals, 
but love these Frenchy crowns at a great price.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sources for crowns on my armoire...
Large and small starry crowns - Wisteria after-Christmas sale
Blue planter crown - gift
Candle holder - thrift store find

French Country Christmas 2012 Event by Botanic Bleu...
White lantern
White crown hanging ornament
Silver starry votive holder
Fleur de Lis crown
~~~~~~~~~~~
Please join me at these inspiring sites...
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