Offering Thanks

I have collected ex-votos for many years.  Ex-votos are offerings to a divinity or saint in fullfillment of a vow.  They take many forms. The tradition of offering votive objects (that is, objects pertaining to a vow) to Christ, the Virgin, and the saints in expectation of, or in thanks for, divine aid, dates from the early years of Christianity.  My collection is mainly silver flaming heart ex-votos from churches in Italy, Portugal, France and South America. Some have the letters GR in the center, meaning Grace Received. Some are hand engraved, some ornately rendered in pure gold. It gives me so much peace to look at these beautiful milagros and think about the person who created each one, their strong faith and the connection we all have, though time and distance separate us.
At one time, my silver ex-votos hung upon the boughs of a Christmas Tree.  Their message of hope and faith seemed apropos.  However, I wanted to be able to view them year round.
I also collect ornate gilded frames.  They always make my artwork look spectacular, be it something I painted or a giclee' copy from ebay.
Since we are expecting Gracie's piano in a few weeks, I decided to begin on the Music Room.  It has been the catch-all for errant furniture, paintings, etc.
With the red velvet fabric I had left over from Gracie's nursery (just enough!), gilded frames and foam board from WalMart...and tons of staples and Duct Tape, I constructed frames for my cherished ex-voto collection...

The antique jeweler's cabinet was perfect here!  I almost gave it away!  It is over six feet long.  The ex-voto collection is over six feet high.  I could not have asked for things to go any better!  The interesting bench was a Craigslist purchase.

Ex-voto vignette with wings and candlesticks I purchased on Craigslist.

This large ex-voto expresses its gratitude in ornate gold letters...

The smaller ex-votos fit into this large frame.  This is a bit blurry because I was vying for the same spot as McGillicuddy the Big Orange Cat.  He won. McGillicuddy always wins!

This ex-voto is from Italy.

This ex-voto is from France.

This one came from Portugal.

After much contemplation I decided to paint the majority of the walls in my home white.  Since I prefer to decorate with heavy ornamentation I did not want my home to look like a museum.

Come to think of it, most museums are white.  Nevermind!

Happy Thanksgiving, my friends!  Please enjoy your many blessings and pray for those less fortunate.

xo

Andie

Participating in:

 The Dedicated House, Make It Pretty Monday

No Minimalist Here, Open House Party

My French Country Cottage, Feathered Nest Friday

My Romantic Home, Show and Tell Friday

Savvy Southern Style, Wow Us Wednesday

Primp, Primp Your Stuff