“It doesn't matter if you're born in a duck yard, so long as you are hatched from a swan's egg!”
~ Hans Christian Andersen, The Ugly Duckling
I adore the surreal, fairy tale look of taxidermy, yet there is no way I would ever have it in my my home! Still...
I found myself perusing the internet, in search of a reasonable alternative. Surely, if we can put men on the moon we can create a realistic looking goose or even a swan?
Enter this swan from the Linens and Things website! He needed a bit of touching up to make him more realistic.
With a bit of black paint, Annie Sloan Dark Wax and a crown votive candle holder I was able to create a Hans Christian Andersen fantasy atop the bibliotheque in the Library! The hardest part was removing the base that was welded on the votive holder! I knocked all the stars off the crown and had to reapply them with JB Weld!
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I just love him!
He seems happy here...
He rests upon the story of The Ugly Duckling written by Hans Christian Andersen.
Seems fitting, no?
xo
Andie
I had a pet swan when I was a kid growing up on the farm. I called him ,"Honk", sound he made. He was a sweet heart. In winter he lived in our chicken house with the chickens. He had his own little area and the old hens never minded. Come spring he was escorted back to the pond, down behind the house. He was very happy there, swimming gracefully day end and day out. Old Honk died after I left home. He was about 10 years old. My mother loved him more than I did. He used to really talk, honk ,at her when she feed him. He loved kitchen scraps. We had a peacock too." Beauty", was her name, I guess it was, he , as he had a beautiful tale. He would set on the roof of our screen porch at night and scream if some on or some thing came into the yard. Sounded like a lady, yelling like she was being murdered. I could mock him, and he'd talk back.Beauty used to come up on the back porch and eat peas and green beans that we were shelling for supper. My mother always had an extra hand full for him. Beauty lived about 8 years, he would hide sometimes for days and we would worry and wonder, then he would appear all of a sudden and dance about the yard with that tale held high. Some time I will tell you about my pig," Pink Honey."Richard from My Old Historic House.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea Andie! You bring such lovely energy into your home.
ReplyDeleteMe too. Things in my house that I could not imagine having purchased.
ReplyDeleteYet they look great,,,,,to me.
Garden & Be Well, XO T
He looks lovely in your room!
ReplyDeleteLove Hans Christian Anderson's fairy tales - that you added whimsy to your decorating to reflect one of the stories is delightful.
ReplyDeleteKathy
He looks perfect in his new home! Funny thing, I'm going on a class trip tomorrow with my youngest and we're going to see a childrens play of The Ugly Duckling.
ReplyDeletehaha I get such a kick out of you! you have this high style from days gone by in castle like lands and then you live in the pages of a story book too and make them all blend together under your shingled roof. What fun you must be in real life as a friend. xo
ReplyDeleteAndie I would be very happy there, so I know that your lovely swan is!
ReplyDeletePray for me Monday as I go in for another surgery; it must work this time!
Love and Hugs,
Karena
Art by Karena
Andie, you think of everything! I bet life at your home is enchanting.
ReplyDeleteHe looks so much more realisticf after you touched him up! Love the crown too! I'm with you. I don't think I'd like taxidermied animals in my house either! Hugs, Leena
ReplyDeleteOh Andie , I adore your divine swan! Immediatly went to the site to order one for myself, sadly they do not accept payment or ship outside USA. Thank you for sharing, I shall keep searching for my swan. Love your room! Colette xx
ReplyDeleteOi Andie. Que lindo seu cisne. Tenho medo desse pato eles correm atrás das pessoas. Aqui tem muitos. Minha infância foi aterrorizada por esses cisne.
ReplyDeleteMas eles são muito bonitos e embelezam os campos. Amei o seu.
THeve a nice weekend.
WOOOOO HOOOOO! Oh Andie, you have created the fairytale setting so perfectly. I too have been entertaining the thought of having at least some ANTLERS in my décor! The swan is fabulous and your library, a dream. Anita
ReplyDeleteGod your room is gorgeous Andie and so is your swan. I love how your mind and eyes work in the most wonderful way. You know I would be a semi rich woman if I had half your imagination!
ReplyDeleteXXX
Debra~
Andie, I love your cute new friend and the crown he is wearing.
ReplyDeletexx, Sherry
My gosh! Anybody else did this, and I'd be thinking "Are you NUTS?" but you made this happen and he looks like he belongs there! I LOVE IT, Andie..you have a talent, that's for sure! xxx
ReplyDeleteI love it! Good for you for getting something that you like and finding the perfect spot for it. I like seeing people step out of the box and add something a little different to their decor.j
ReplyDeletexxL
Your swan looks fabulous in your beautiful room! Love it!
ReplyDeleteOh, Andie, you never stop to amaze me! I would never think "what my library needs to complete it is a Swan from the Ugly Duckling". Since we are on the subject of fairy tales, you and Gracie might enjoy this - a bit of another story by Hans Christian Andersen, "The Snow Queen"
ReplyDeletehttp://polonicahomeagain.blogspot.com/2013/02/travels-snow-queens-castle-w-podrozy.html
Hugs.
How is it dusted? Vacuumed?
ReplyDelete