Thursday, December 4, 2008

Christmas Design: Kevin in Dallas

I am constantly amazed by the creativity and ingenius ideas of my readers and friends here at Color Outside the Lines, and today is no different. If you're not familiar with the word cloche, don't worry - I wasn't either. Cloche is the French word for bell, and though it might be used in several ways in reference to bells and bell-shaped items, we'll focus on the French glass cloche, (bell jar).

The bell jar is formed of a solid piece of glass, shaped like a dome, and was used initially to cover tempermental plants during the frost and bleak cold. You still see them used ornamentally over live and silk orchids, like below:


And today, Kevin in Dallas, author of decorjournal, gives us another use for these beautiful glass bells:

Kevin wrote that this is a yearly tradition in his Dallas home, but after the first year he chose to put together the lovely vignette with paper mache fruit. What a lovely display!

Thank you Kevin for your entry! Please e-mail me with your address, and I'll put your special Christmas Gift from me and Color Outside the Lines in the mail!

Remember to send your Christmas decor photos if you'd like to be featured here for the holidays!

14 comments:

  1. I love those bells, very nice Kevin. thanks for sharing. vickydarnell

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  2. Hi Artie... I loved this post... I have heard of these but not until I started blogging... I have seen many beautiful things under them and this was no different... just lovely... I really loved the fruit... Have a great day...

    (((HUGS)))
    Donna

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  3. Good afternoon Artie, I love the Cloche Bells..have used them now for years in many different vignettes. Did you see the one over at RMS of my Fall Open House post? I used it with a large candy corn candle and bittersweet.. this Christmas...ummmm stay tuned..
    lol :-))) hugs ~lynne~

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  4. Hi Artie

    This post is close to my heart. I have a variety of cloches. All sizes and different shapes. In fact, I did some tablescapes for a local shop & chose to be paid in store credit. One of the things I brought home was a gorgeous large cloche and stand. I can't wait to "decorate" it for the holidays. Even though they are beautiful with nothing at all in them.

    Kevin's is beautiful. I love the idea of papier mache fruit.

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  5. What pretty ideas! I love cloches too & have one large one that I used this year in my kitchen as a winterscape. Here are a couple of my Christmas posts so far, feel free to use any if you'd like. These are both in my kitchen, haven't gotten to posting the other areas yet.

    I love to see all your features!

    http://southernhospitality-rhoda.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-spirit.html

    http://southernhospitality-rhoda.blogspot.com/2008/12/more-christmas-in-kitchen.html

    Merry Christmas!

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  6. Wow! Artie, you and your readers are so nice. I had almost forgotten I sent that. When I saw Kevin in Dallas, I thought "is that me?" Ha.
    Thank you. I wasn't trying to be fancy, my Mom used cloches over her tender plants in early March & April. We've always called them cloches here. Well, Joni of Cote de Texas has demonstrated the Texas-France connection, so there you go!
    I am doing a very interesting version this year, hopefully this weekend, with the fruit all spray painted champagne metallic and dusted with German clear glass extra fine glitter. The paint is Krylon Brushed Metallic, and though the actual name is Sesame Shimmer, it's the same color as all the champagne ornaments and decor that is so hot this Christmas. Try it!
    Thanks again for choosing me. We love the cloche and in non holiday seasons, small palm trees or large mineral specimens go in them.
    I will email you my address! I'm very pleased you all liked it!

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  7. Well done, Kevin!! I've never seen cloches used like that, and it's so creative and lovely!
    I absolutely love cloches - they are so old fashioned and beautiful. They remind me of my Noni and her gardens.

    I love this series, Artie.
    xo
    Isa

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  8. Good Morning Artie,

    I love Cloches, although I don't have any, they are one of those things that have always been in my 'mental list' to buy some day. One of the garden centers up in Pa., had a very large one that was decorated for the different seasons, it was always a beautiful display.
    Thanks for sharing Kevin's.

    'D'

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  9. oops! Hi Artie, this is a great idea!

    Buffie :)

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  10. Just a tip: I bought my very large cloche on eBay, for like $14 plus 10 shipping. Mine is 24 inches tall. If you will search them regularly you can find them inexpensively.

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  11. Great job Kevin! Cloches as you know can be used in so many different ways, in any room and during any season. I enjoy forcing various bulbs in a pot under them. I REALLY like your idea of the large mineral specimens. Seasons Greetings.

    G in CT

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