CHANDELIER HEAVEN

Do you get weak in the knees and start hyperventilating at the sight of a gorgeous chandelier?

If you do, this post is for you! Back on August 12th, I left off sharing photos of my trip to Europe with a post about hand-painted ceramics.


Today I'd like introduce you to the chandeliers I met.


The Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace) in Naples, Italy was built over a century starting in 1738. When completed it rivaled Versaille for magnificent gardens and lavishly decorated salons.


There was so much to look at -- antique furniture, priceless paintings, world famous sculptures, gilded carved mouldings and ceiling frescoes. It was so overwhelming that I decided to focus on one feature...the stupendous chandeliers.


The metal casting on the one above is superb. It's positively architectural.


I was almost blinded by the reflections from the thousand or more crystals on this French delite.


This one won my heart for the sheer abundance of candles it could hold.


It probably weighs a ton but this huge fixture looks light and airy.


This one was one of my favorites. The arms resemble branches with dozens of golden leaves.


A blown glass chandelier by American artist Dale Chihuly caught my eye at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Let me know if you'd like to see more Chihuly's. I've shot several of his exhibits, including one of floral shapes at the NY Botanical Gardens.



In Brussels, these silk lanterns were for sale in a chic boutique. Of all the chandeliers I saw on my Grand Tour, these were probably the only ones I could afford!

*** BRAGGING RIGHTS***

I hope you don't mind, but I'd like to share some of the nice notes that I've received about my book, Waterside Cottages. Keep those e-mails coming ladies, they really make my day. And, if you get a chance stop by Amazon and write a review, too.

"Got your book and loved it!!!!! You did a great job. It's beautiful!"

Joni

Cote de Texas

"I received my book yesterday and it's absolutely gorgeous. What a cool job you and Dan have traveling around the country selecting adorable cottages and photographing lovely coastal homes then sharing the beauty. The end result is breathtaking!"

Carole

"Your beautiful book arrived today. Thank you so much it is sensational."

Alison Gibbs

"One of the best checks I’ve ever written! Congratulations on the book."

Judith

"To put it simply, your book is a masterpiece. It has been a long time since I've enjoyed a new decor book this much. You and Dan did a magnificent job."

Linda

"I received my Waterside Cottages and am in total AWE… & in heaven reading your words & looking at Dan's magical photos!! Unbelievable talent on this book-you deserve to become a zillionaire!!!!! Truly a collectible! I LOVE it & LOVE the sweet autograph. I can just imagine in 50 years having my ancestors look through this with its oldautograph from a very talented lady."

Chris

Tutti Chic

"The book arrived. It’s positively gorgeous, says my daughter. I am waiting for her to look at it and then she will let me take a peak. She loves loves loves the book. Thanks so much."

Sarah