August 3, 2009

Loving Limoges

It's time for "Three or More Tuesday", hosted by Tam, at "The Gypsy's Corner". You will find more lovely collections at her place later today.




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I started this Limoge box collection in 1991. My first little hinged, porcelain box was 40% off retail due to water damage that occured in a jewelry store during a fire. Fortunately, the water didn't damage these little jewels. They had about nine to choose from, but I could barely afford one at that time.

Unfortunately, I became quite smitten. That small, porcelain desk ignited a desire to have a real collection, which means I needed a few more!! I had to do some thinking on how on earth I could ever get any more.

I can't claim any bragging rights for good deals or smart shopping after the first lucky purchase, but I did figure out how to get a few more. I just occasionally request one for major occasions, e.g. anniversary, birthday, Christmas, Ground Hogs Day!!!! Okay, Okay...Punxatawny Phil didn't deliver, but you can't blame a girl for trying.

Here is the way I look at it...A certain amount of money is going to be spent at Christmas, birthday, etc. So, why not ask for something that you really enjoy, something that can be handed down to my daughters. Personally, that makes more sense than one more bottle of cologne, or clothes that don't fit, or things that you don't even care about. Al actually appreciates this, since he can't make a mistake. Plus, he makes the final selection from my favorites, so I am still surprised!

I haven't added any to the collection for six years. Maybe, Santa will bring me one this year.


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My Limoges box collection displayed on an antique muffin stand in our dining room.


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My first little Limoges box. The one that sparked the passion!


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This little yellow teapot is one of my favorites.


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The violin case is another favorite.


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I love how most of them have a little surprise inside!!


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Soup, anyone?


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Once again, cuteness inside!


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A tea service all set up for a tiny party!


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I love, love, love, the flamingo!


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I am so glad that I have this New York City scene with the twin towers.


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This sweet little heart is so dainty.


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An even smaller heart is hiding inside.


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These porcelain boxes are not Limoges, but they are all special.


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The top shelf of the antique muffineer.


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I have a tiny, vintage plate on the middle shelf with these boxes.


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The little "faux" Limoges live on the bottom shelf along with a hand painted pin that my niece brought back from Russia.


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Rhonda



19 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness, these are sooo beautiful. What an amazing collection you have amassed. I do the same, ask for something I really really want for b.day, Christmas, etc.

    But Rhonda, I can't catch up with you, girl! Here you are posting for Tuesdays fun stuff, and I'm just trying respond to comments from yesterday! LOL!

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  2. These are beautiful and I love your drapes!

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  3. It is a cake stand, used at tea-time, with either fixed or folding shelves, yours looks like a folding one. Usually two large cakes, one fruit, one sponge or a seed cake from which slices would be cut and served plus a third plate of small fancy cakes or pastries. This was, of course, after the sandwiches had been handed around and consumed. Commonly used in the UK from about the 1870's to the 1960's and probably still used for that in some houses today. Mine, Edwardian, fixed shelves in mahogany is used as a bed-side table at the moment. Your Limoges collection is very pretty too.

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  4. What a lovely collection ... love the muffin stand, too. TTFN ~Marydon

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  5. I love these!! ALL of them!! I especially love the violin case too, with the little violin inside!! So precious!

    I LOVE this collection!

    Lou Cinda

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  6. You have a great collection. I've always admired the boxes but have never succumbed to owning one (although I have looked longingly at them)

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  7. Oh...I collect these too!!! One of my favorite collections!!! I started with fruit and moved on from there!!! I think they were one of my first posts!!!

    Yours are gorgeous!!! The violin is to die for!!!

    Love it!!!

    Enjoy!!!
    XOXO
    Cathy

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  8. I wanted to add that your stand is beautiful and I am dying to see more of the room with the curtains and fabulous wallpaper!!!

    XOXO
    Cathy

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  9. What a beautiful collection! I know you're very proud of them. I love them all... but that little violin in its case is sooo cute!

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  10. What an exquisite collection of miniature pieces! Each one is such a delight! But I must add my name to the growing list of those who favour the violin case and violin! That is really unique!

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  11. How sweet these boxes are.I know they are quite temping to buy.You certainly seem to love them. Enjoy your beautiful collection.

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  12. Rhonda, you have an awesome collection and I love the way you've displayed the little pieces of art. Beautiful!

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  13. Rhonda, your collection is so lovely. I've never seen these sweet little treasures before. I can see why you love them. They are precious! I enjoyed your story about them too. Nice writing!
    Dawn

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  14. Hi Rhonda..
    Your collection is absolutely amazing..they are so wonderful. I enjoyed reading your post.
    Thank you for sharing.
    ♥Ita

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  15. Rhonda you should hear me oohing and ahing
    over your precious collection! They are all so beautiful. Love the dainty heart and the pretty chair. ~Gorgeous! :)

    Thank you very much for the sweet B-day wishes and entering my giveaway! I really appreciate it. I'll be back to visit you often.

    Have a blessed day.
    ~Warmly, Melissa ;)

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  16. Hi Rhonda,
    Thanks for sharing your wonderful collection. I'd heard of limoges boxes, but really knew very little about them. Thanks for the lesson.

    The soup tureen is my favorite!

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  17. Fabulous collection. I love the violin case the best.

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  18. ahhhhh wonderful collection.. so petite and yet so pretty! i love the violin casing.. sweet!

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  19. You certainly have a great collection of Limoges boxes. I really like your creative way of displaying them as well! Thanks for sharing your treasures.

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So happy you are here - I love your comments!