Thursday, February 7, 2013

The 50-cent Tapestry

I think it was priced fifty cents because it wasn't technically finished - I think those yellow Xs are basting stitches.  There was also a spot, a tiny spot, that looked to be moth-eaten.


 
 But I had eyes only for the rich colors, so I brought it home.  I mean, really, fifty cents.
 

After about two years of closing the drawer wistfully on the tapestry, I bargained with my husband:  he could hang his three Roman soldiers and I could hang my tapestry.  Both of us tolerate the other's picture.  But at least mine is cheap!  I got the frame with a coupon at AC Moore for something under $5 - I think the frame gives it an elegant, minimalist edge. 

 
the soldiers
 
 
An oil painting by a local artist who is also our friend; I do clean up the mantel sometimes, but I rarely "decorate" it.
We're gearing up to paint our living room next week while the children have an overnight at Granny and Grandpa's house.  It's taken a lot of color swatches and scheduling plans to get to this point - we are so excited!

11 comments:

Lisa said...

Are you really thinking of pink in the living room? I hope it goes smoothly.

Hazel said...

The tapestry is beautiful. My husband and I both have pictures that the other tolerates!

Margo, I've finally dug out my 'everyday' fruitcake recipe. It's a boiled fruitcake, recipe submitted to the Hairy Bikers (British TV cooks- not sure if they've made it across the Atlantic?) by a lady called Helen. We all love it, so if you still don't like fruitcake I think we must put it down to genetically and culturally inherited/acquired tastes! (And I won't be offended!)

4oz butter
6oz caster sugar (I use granulated or Demerara)
6oz currants
6oz sultanas
2oz mixed candied peel*
8floz water
1 level tsp baking soda
1 heaped tsp mixed spice (similar to pumpkin pie spice)
2 large eggs, beaten
4oz plain flour
4oz self raising flour
pinch salt

* I often substitute different fruits or change proportions. In the UK you can buy bags of mixed fruit- currants, raisins, sultanas and mixed peel, so I'd use 14oz of that. Feel free to add a few glace cherries in place of some of the fruit. Figs, dates or of course raisins would be ok, but I'd avoid dried apricots or tropical fruits, I think.

Put butter, sugar, dried fruits, peel, water, baking soda and spice in a large pan. Bring to a rolling boil and cook for 1 minute.
Cool for 15 minutes, stirring frequently, before gradually adding eggs, flours and salt.
Turn into greased and lined 2lb loaf tin (or a 23cm-ish round tin) and bake for 1 hour 15 minutes at 140C (280F). Don't overcook as it can become dry.
I would eat this with a cup of tea and in parts of the UK, fruitcake is accompanied by a slice of cheese- cheddar or Wensleydale perhaps, a hard cheese with a slightly acidic aftertaste, anyway. I have been known to do that for breakfast...

Julian said...

New paint!How exciting!we just painted our livingroom a different color. At first,it was so different I was sure id run back to get new paint. However,after a few days,and pulling colors together via blankets wall hangings& china,it now looks very nice.
Good luck with the paint!
christina

Sew Blessed Maw [Judy] said...

Absolutely beautiful..What a great find.. I love all the bright colors in it. and you are right, the frame is just perfect..
so proud you and hubby, both get to hang a picture ,that you like..
[Secret..don't tell hubby... I like yours best,lol]
Can't wait to see what color you choose to paint your living room..That will be fun.

jenny_o said...

I like the tapestry as well; it's warm and vibrant and full of life. What colour did you choose for your living room? Will there be pictures? :)

Margo said...

Hazel, you're a doll to type that all in. Thank you!

As for the queries on color, we are painting our living room pink. I'll do my best to document with photos!

Mr. Thrift said...

I like pink. They're not Romans.

jenny_o said...

Margo, your blog has been infiltrated! LOL

Margo said...

oh, pffft. Like I care what kind of soldiers they are. They're SOLDIERS.

Deanna Beth said...

I can't think where this mantle is in your house. I mean, I guess it's in the front sitting room, but I don't see it in my mind's eye.

Margo said...

DB, it's on the wall facing you when you come in the front door, in the living room. You'll just have to come again if you can't picture it!