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I am so happy that you have stopped by for a visit!

It is here that I will try to share with you my creations, a bit of my home, my gardens and what inspires me.

Periodically, I will feature those dolls and creations that are available for purchase on my other blog:

EVI'S COUNTRY SNIPPETS SHOP ... click HERE

Thank you for visiting!
I hope you enjoy your stay here!


Wednesday, January 23, 2013

LITTLE BEAUTIES FROM THE PAST

 
I have been collecting these little sewing beauties
for some time now.
They are not easy to find, and the ones I own are
from around 1875 to 1910.
They go by the name of vegetable ivory or pierced ivory.
 
What makes me happy is the fact, that no elephant had
to give his life for these sweet sewing  trinkets.
 
These are made from the seed of a palm named
Phytelepas aequatorialis, or in short "elephant plant".
There are many other species of Phytelepas.
 
Most come from South America, but also come from
many other countries.
The seeds hardness is very similar to real ivory.
I love the beautiful detailing in these small wonders,
and am always on the look-out for others to add to
my collection.
Enjoy!
 
 
 
 
 
I believe, that there was a thimble made from vegetable ivory
belonging to this acorn at one time,
 and it got replaced with this one.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This one still has it's original thimble.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I am not sure if at one time this held a tape measure.
It is most likely.
 
 
Every time I look at these small beauties,
I am amazed at the craftsmanship and imagination
of the artists who made these tiny
treasures so long ago.
 
I feel blessed to own them and hope to pass them on
to the next generation.
 
God bless,
Evi

11 comments:

  1. These small treasures are amazing.
    I cannot say I have ever seen anything like them before.
    You are lucky to have them !
    Rose

    ReplyDelete
  2. Evi, this is a charming collection. I've admired your photos of your sewing item collection that you have on your sidebar. Being a stitcher, I've collected antique sewing items through the years too. I have one of the little acorn pieces among my items. Mostly I've concentrated on needle cases and scissors. It's fun to see your pieces, Evi. Hope you will share more of your collection sometime. ~ Sarah

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh sigh......we are sewing soul sisters....I don't have these but I do have wood turned and antique sewing tools but I just know we would be the ones that reach for the same things at a market!!! Love these pieces Evi, they are precious!!!
    Hugs,
    Mags
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  4. what an amazing collection...I have never seen anything like these

    ReplyDelete
  5. Those are so precious! I have a "thing" for acorns,so like that one the most. I don't think I've seen these or if so, surely did not know what they were. Very unusual and so wonderful!!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Dear Evi, these little treasures are very special...I especially love the acorn thimble keep! I too have always admired vintage sewing tools, and have a few, but nothing as exquisite as your collection! Thank you for sharing these with us, N.xo

    ReplyDelete
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    ReplyDelete
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    ReplyDelete
  9. Dear Evi, they are really wonderful treasures.
    Sorry for not having been around,but Im sick with the coughing bug!!
    Hugs and love, Dorthe

    ReplyDelete
  10. Oh Evi this are wonderful. I have spied them at your home before but never knew what they were called. My parents having lived in Africa did have some ivory pieces but I think they must have sold them years ago as I have never found them again. I wouldn't want them anyways:)
    Yes I see that anonymous comment and I wouldn't reply ...you never know.
    So glad about the new addition to the family. I will email you later!

    hugs
    C

    ReplyDelete

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