Hair Work-Mourning

Hair work jewelry dates back for several generations.

These little gems were created using pallet work.

Pallet work was for flat surfaces usually to be used in jewelry.

This post focuses on mourning hair jewelry made to memorialize a loved one.

These miniature works of art are a combination of hand-painting and hair work which was then placed beneath glass for brooches, rings, and pendants.

Sometimes personal information such as date of death, name or initials were included in the design or may be engraved on the back of the piece.

All of the above pieces are property of the Charleston Museum.

 

More on this amazing art form to be posted soon!

For additional pictures visit:

http://kimpoovey.blogspot.com

 

Blessings,

 

Kim

Hair Work

Hair work was a popular pastime for ladies in the Victorian era.

Hair was collected from family and/or friends to be woven into wreaths, bouquets, and jewelry.

Contrary to popular belief not all hair work is for mourning, it was also used as love tokens.

 

 Most hair wreaths were placed in shadow box frames while other hair work was displayed beneath glass domes.

 

The hair work of American women slowed during the civil war being that creative time in the parlor was replaced by the work duties usually performed by men who were now off fighting in the war.

 

 Some women embellished hair work with beads.

For mourning pieces a photo of the deceased might be included.

This book is a reprint of the original which provided hair work patterns.

Hair work jewelry will be discussed in future posts!

For additional pictures visit:

http://kimpoovey.blogspot.com

 

or

 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Truer-Words/218735014903523

 

Blessings,

 

Kim

Hair Receivers

 

Hair receivers were an important part of the Victorian dresser set.

 Just like modern women, Victorian ladies spent a great deal of time and effort on their hair.

For more on these little gems and their purpose visit:

http://kimpoovey.blogspot.com/2013/07/a-hairy-situation.html

 A collection of vintage hair combs is also included in the aforementioned post:).

Have a happy hair day!

 

 

Facebook Link

 

 

For those of you have tried to find my Truer Words Facebook page, here is the link:

 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Truer-Words/218735014903523

 

I don't know why it is difficult to find but for some reason it is:).

Every week I post something about the Victorian era as it relates to the main character of the novel, Emma.

Please visit the page and 'like' it.

 

You can also visit the BlogSpot for the novel at:

http://kimpoovey.blogspot.com
 

 

Thanks!!!

 

Blessings,

 

Kim

Getting Hooked!!!

One of my many collections of Victoriana are button hooks.

These tools have been around for centuries but this post focuses on those used in the latter part of the 19th century to the early 20th century.

 

 

Used for buttoning boots, gloves, and clothing, they come in a variety of sizes and materials.

Handles are often found in silver, metal, celluloid, porcelain, or wood and can be stamped with an advertisement or have initials engraved.

Some have duel hooks for both boots and gloves.

 

 

 

They are a nice collectable in that they do not take up much space, are readily available, and are fairly inexpensive.

 

Happy Collecting!

What is your favorite collection?