MAISON de BALLARD

"In Season with John MacPherson" Inspiring PBS Show in Search of a Kickstart

2012-03-05T23:29:00.000-05:00

This is about passion, the love of food, and the chasing of a dream.

I've know John MacPherson and his wife Diane since they first arrived here in Little Washington, VA, and we have become close friends. One of the first things John and Diane did when they purchased a bed and breakfast in rural Virginia in 2004 was hop on their bicycles and explore the food treasures of the local countryside. Their first explorations uncovered exquisite farms and wineries which eventually inspired an idea for a PBS show devoted to seasonal foods.

John is a passionate lover of food and wine. He has developed a beautiful television project for PBS and now PBS wants to produce it. The issue is money. John's show was picked up by PBS with the contingency of raising $125,000. to fund the first year of programming, or 13 episodes. John developed this series devoted to his passion but it is now in need of a "kickstart" in public financial support.

Unlike many television food shows which are often competitions, this is a food show with a soul. "In Season" celebrates the joy of finding local ingredients, the sense of discovery, and it inspires viewers to seek out only the best in local foods. It showcases food that is fresh, local and in season. He ends each episode, having gathered all of his locally sourced ingredients, with a delicious and easy to prepare meal. Click below this post to get a sneak-peek preview of one of the episodes.

To raise his funds, John chose Kickstarter which is the world's largest funding platform for creative projects. It is a new way to fund and follow creativity. It's a pretty amazing funding platform and worth a closer look.

Every week, tens of thousands of amazing people pledge millions of dollars to projects from the worlds of music, film, art, technology, design, food, publishing and other creative fields. Each and every Kickstarter project is the independent creation of someone like you and me.

You can donate $1.00, $5.00, all the way up to $10,000. or more. The money is a pledge and will not be charged unless the total amount is raised. The idea is that you can be a small part of a project that is unique, creative and inspiring. As John says, he wanted to produce a show "....that introduced people to the true champions of local, seasonal and honest foods." A program that "looked as beautiful as the foods tastes."

I hope you can help "In Season" become a reality. It will not only have a positive economic effect on the agriculture of our rural area of Virginia, but John will be traveling across America seeking out unique food sources and exposing unseen areas and discoveries with you.

As of this writing, John has 20% raised. He has only 18 days left to raise the funds needed, so time is of the essence. Click here to find out how you can help "Kickstart" John's PBS show:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/49218096/in-season-with-john-macpherson?ref=live

John's cookbook available online and in our shop

Other links of interest:

inseasontv.com
fosterharris.com
tourdepicure.com
http://www.town.washington.va.us/
http://www.kickstarter.com/profile/49218096
Huffington Post article on Kickstarter: http://huff.to/x3yAYe

Gorgeous Tea Towel Designs From Le Jacquard Francais

2012-02-01T07:00:00.008-05:00

I'm feeling the love for these new tea towel designs now online from Le Jacquard Francais. This table linen company has always created stunning imagery in their advertisements and the towels here are creatively displayed as framed pieces of art hung amidst a natural setting of ivy covered walls.

My favorite designs are the "Toucan", "Kumquat," and "Datura." Their rich, intense, saturated colors were inspired from Argentinean textiles, motifs, nature and wildlife. Le Jacquard Francais has just released several new tablecloth and table runner designs as well, all with an Argentinean-inspired style and passion. I have another post coming up about these mouth-watering designs, so stay tuned!

In the meantime, give me your take on these bold colors and graphics. Would you enjoy using these towels in your own kitchen? I am stealing their great idea of framing one for my kitchen walls. Love that look!

Toucan

Kumquat

Datura

Passiflore

All designs shown here are available in my shop on Main Street in Little Washington, VA, and online @ http://www.rhballard.com.

One-of-a-Kind Signs & Objects

2012-01-26T07:00:00.005-05:00

We have a new section on our website that will be devoted to One-of-a Kind signs and objects. We love unusual vintage signs and unique pieces that were once used to advertise retail establishments, restaurants, hotels, or something mysterious or special. This type of signage is an art form and each work has a history (or mystery), chipped paint (or lack thereof), and loads of character.

The sign above, Swan Inn, c. 1940, 36" x 24", wood, $695., was found in the mountainous area of Blowing Rock, NC. It is a hand made, hand painted folk art trade sign made in America. It still has it's brightly colored paint, some chipping away at the bottom. We think it is possibly from Swan Quarter, North Carolina. If you are familiar with this Inn or area of North Carolina, please send me a message!

Old Roulette Wheel, c. 1940, 26" x 15", in metal, wood, pencil, $550.

This old roulette wheel was found in a bar that was closing in Manns Choice, PA. It is a hand made gaming piece, very special and actually works. It's still retains some of the original paint and blue pencil markings, and each little prong is actually a nail that's had the head clipped off. It makes a clicky sound when it spins. This is definitely a collector's piece.

$4.00 Per Couple Sign, c. 1950 wood, $95.

This cute piece was found near Woodstock, VT. It could have been a sign made for a weekly dance, or dinner. The wood is very thick and heavy, and it seems to have been a permanent sign that was attached to a fence or other structure. There was a wire attached to the back so that it can be now hung on a wall.

Pickers Wanted Sign, c. 1920, 20 x 26, wood, metal, $395.

I'm a big fan of the television show, American Pickers,so this really tickled me. This was found in Strasburg, Virginia. A hand made sign that is made from tree branches, large nails, heavy pieces of wood and local materials. The sign must have been used to hire pickers for tomatoes. I really like the tomato which has a little metal patch that's been hammered on like a bandage.

.50 Cent Chicken Dinner, c.1920, 25" x 19 1/2", wood, $195.

This is an amazing piece of Americana. When was the last time you paid 50 cents for a chicken dinner? This was also found in Strasburg, Virginia. The sign has been painted over several times. You can just make out the words "MEALS AND LODGING" underneath the words "50 cents Chicken Dinner." Part of the wood has been disengaged from the other half so you only see a few words. The wood is thick and very old.

If you have questions or wish to purchase any of these one of a kind signs/objects, you can go to our website, give us a call at 1 888 503-3349, or shoot me an email, joan@rhballard.com. More unique pieces will be added to the website as they arrive so please check back often.

I would love to hear your feedback about these pieces so please feel free to post a comment!

New Rug Designs from Artist Laura Megroz

2012-01-23T07:03:00.000-05:00

We just received several new rug designs in the shop that are fun, fresh and colorful. We've carried Chandler 4 Corners work for many years and I was struck by the whimsical nature of the new rugs by American Folk Artist Laura Megroz.

The rugs are made from New Zealand wool, available in a wide variety of sizes, and have a contemporary yet traditional feel. Fetching in a manner that is approachable yet sophisticated, Megroz' work can fit snugly into a lakeside cabin, mountaintop refuge, seaside cottage, or even an urban flat, any environment looking for a spark of color and added warmth. They are also perfect for perking up a child's room.

Take a peek here at several new designs:

Blue Stars

Chair Pair

Bandana Stampede


Longhorn Steer

Anchor

Cowboy Boots

Golden Gertie

R.H. BALLARD WINTER SALE

2012-01-18T14:55:00.000-05:00

20% OFF

Discontinued Patterns of

LE JACQUARD FRANCAIS

TABLECLOTHS

Cite Imperial, Jade

Sari, Paprika

Rajasthan Ginger

Now through Jan. 31st, or until stock is depleted, get 20% off these designs!

Click on image & go to sale item. Enter the code "DISCJAN" at checkout.

Limited availability, order early before it's gone. Sale only lasts until the end of the month or until stock is sold out!

Cannot be combined with other offers, all sales final.

r. h. b a l l a r d 307 main street washington, va 22747 540-675-1411

shop & gallery hours: daily, 10am - 6pm

www.rhballard.com

customerservice@rhballard.com

Twilight in Little Washington

2011-12-30T07:57:00.000-05:00

I was standing outside in front of our shop & gallery recently and snapped this picture. I love twilight in December, especially here. With unseasonably warm weather throughout the month we often had our door open during the day. As I write this, the temperature is now in the 20's and it now feels like winter in Virginia.

As 2011 comes to a close and a New Year begins, good feelings and memories come forward. As any small business owner will tell you it has been a rough road these past two years, but things are looking up. This year we added several new artists to our gallery representation and more European products to the shop mix. We organized benefits, several shop events and an Art Tour, and basically worked our little tails off to make the year enjoyable and fun for us and our clientele. It is a labor of love.

To all of our wonderful customers throughout the United States, to our talented artists, fabulous suppliers, loving neighbors, blog-followers, and to all fellow small-business-owners in Rappahannock, we wish each one of you a joyful, healthy and prosperous New Year!

Year-End Sale - 20%-70% Off

2011-12-27T08:15:00.001-05:00

Yes, You've All Been
Very Good This Year...

...it's time to be rewarded with our Biggest Sale of the Year!
20% - 70% OFF

Dec. 26 - 31

Table Linens, Art, Rugs, Lamps, Purses, Jewelry, Scarves, Soaps, Lotions, Books, Holiday Decor,
and more!

in-store only

phone orders accepted 540.675.1411

.......................................

For 14 years we've celebrated the coming of new and delicious merchandise with an unbelievable After-Christmas Sale. It's long been our customers favorite time to get fabulous & final deals in our shop and gallery on Main Street.

Come out to Little Washington, VA, between Dec. 26 - 31, 10am - 6pm, and see what all the fuss is about....we think you'll love it! Mention this blog post and receive an extra 10% off already discounted merchandise. Phone orders also accepted. See you there!

r. h. b a l l a r d 307 main street washington, va 22747 540-675-1411 shop & gallery hours: daily, 10am - 6pm

www.rhballard.com

The Eiffel Tower Lights Up

2011-12-17T22:32:00.000-05:00

It's Christmas and like millions of people I too have a sweet place in my heart for Paris, the Eiffel Tower and anything French.

Paris always looks romantic this time of year, and I clearly remember the first time I saw the Eiffel Tower light up in all it's glory. I was eating dinner with friends near the Tower and had to excuse myself from the table. Outside a dramatic display of light and color was exploding and it had been sparkling through the restaurant window onto my plate of foie gras. The meal was delicious but the lights were beckoning. I stood in the freezing cold for several minutes until the sparkling stopped.

I am not sure why the Eiffel Tower has this effect on me and so many people around the world, I only know that it does.

Anyway, the cool and industrial Parisienne pieces in the photo above arrived on Friday and I could not wait to get the display up and running. After previously mapping out several ideas on paper I had decided that the front of the shop would work best for what I envisioned.

The single, rustic P-A-R-I-S letters add charm and fun, and the delightfully glistening Eiffel Tower makes a romantic statement. I surrounded the Tower with red pomegranate branches, dwarf lemon cypresses (which smell divine), and small vintage prints of the Tower. Red, green, lights, and art....the iconic monument and all decoration poise beautifully in front of an architectural window and next to our silver and white decorated Christmas tree. I loved creating this display. It's the first thing you see now as you now step into our shop at Christmas time.

I invite all of you to come and visit Little Washington, VA. It's truly the best time to visit our historic town and our shop. Hope to see you soon!

Free Shipping Until Dec. 19th!

2011-12-13T07:33:00.000-05:00

Free Shipping on All Website Orders Through Dec. 19th ONLY
___________________________________________________________________________
20% Off

All In-Store
Holiday Decor, Ornaments, Cards

__________________________________________________________________________________

Open Every Day
10am - 6pm

Phone Orders Accepted

________________________________________________________________

r. h. b a l l a r d 307 main street washington, va 22747 540-675-1411

shop & gallery hours: daily, 10am - 6pm

www.rhballard.com

Big Parade in Little Washington

2011-12-08T08:29:00.001-05:00

Chef Patrick O'Connell from the Inn at Little Washington rides in the Town Council car during the "Christmas in Little Washington" Parade.

It was an amazing, warm, clear-skies day in Little Washington, VA. Shop doors were wide open, tons of kiddies were treated to holiday sweets and goodies, and each child received a toy from Santa. The two Artisan Markets were jammed with holiday shoppers and Ben "Cooter" Jones' Garage Band rocked out in Stoneyman Square.

If you've never been to our small town parade you don't know what you are missing. It was the biggest yet for a 2-street town, with over 40 parade participant organizations. The small-town feel is wonderful, personal and warm. It's been likened to a Currier and Ives portrait, and that is pretty accurate. I look forward to it every year.

For our shop and gallery this is one of the busiest shopping days of the year so we were ready. We were also hosting a fabulous benefit for the Rappahannock High School Band, which was very well attended and which raised much need funds for the band. We are in a "tiny" town (pop. 175), so when a few hundred people descend upon us we really notice.

Here are some images I took of this festive day.

Camels were actually on parade for the first time. A camel on Main street was a sight to see.

Dr. Seuss' character Cindy Lou Who from Whoville

The Soap Box Derby Float with Rudolf was the biggest one yet.

Santa and Mrs. Claus rode in a Horse Drawn Carriage

Beautifully decorated Horses and Riders

US Army Fife and Drum Corp.

Rappahannock High School Panther Band

Bagpipers

Mysterious Horse Rider on Main Street

Brian Noyes from Red Truck Bakery

Dwight MacNeil from Red Truck Bakery handed out some delicious brownies to the crowd.

Grand Marshall COL. John R. Bourgeois

A Pink Smiling Piggy

Rappahannock High School Student Conductor keeping the band on time in front of our shop.

Big Smokey the Bear rode on top of the Washington Fire Dept. truck.

Anne Robertson played one of Santa's helpers during the day's festivities.

ABC Newsman Gordon Peterson rode in Ben "Cooter" Jones famous GENERAL LEE.

CD Signing Benefit Party at R.H. Ballard

2011-11-30T09:41:00.000-05:00

DEC. 4th, 2:00 - 4:00pm
Come out and Support the Rappahannock High School Band at a CD Signing Benefit Party!

Meet & greet COL John R. Bourgeois (USMC) Ret., former Director of "The President's Own"
United States Marine Band & also

the Grand Marshall of
"Christmas in Little Washington" Parade
COL Bourgeois will be signing copies of his new CD

"TEMPO di BOURGEOIS"

Profits from CD Sales Benefit the RHS Band!

Winners of Our Holiday Giveaways!

2011-11-29T17:20:00.001-05:00

We had a blast doing this special Thanksgiving Weekend promotion in the shop. There were almost 100 entries and the final drawing was on Monday, Nov. 28th, with Jan Clatterbuck (of the Rappahannock News) doing the honors of picking the winners out of our big shop jar.

Congratulations to all 5 winners of our

Thanksgiving Weekend Giveaways!

________________________________________________

Sarah Green, Sperryville, VA:

Grand Prize, Le Jacquard Francais "Sari" Tablecloth, 69" Square

Diane MacPherson, Washington, VA:

Set of 4 Le Jacquard Francais "Sari" Napkins

Joanne Brennan, Jeffersonton, VA:

Set of 2 Le Jacquard Francais Tea Towels, "Manosque" Strawberry

Paul Smith, Washington, DC:

Ted Pellagatta Photography Book

Fran Krebser, Flint Hill, VA:

Rappahannock Granite Soap Dish

Vintage Smith & Co: Cool Art Gifts

2011-11-28T23:33:00.001-05:00

We are now carrying a very cool group of vintage reproduction prints from an art company in San Francisco, Vintage Smith & Company.

They specialize in original, vintage, and reproduction vintage artwork including photographs, postcards, book plates, photogravures, maps, collage, and other works on paper evoking simpler times. These are an amazing and inexpensive art gift this holiday season, from $32. - $36. each.

My favorite pieces are the Nest with Blue Egg, Eiffel Tower, b&w vintage print of forks and spoons, and the Steinlein-inspired kittens sleeping with attentive mice & birds milling about. They also produce Signs of Wisdom, and my favorite is "Leap and the net will appear."

The cost is $32. - $36. each, and each piece is made in a black metal frame, glass, and hung with a quality cream-colored satin ribbon. Call for details or to order. Supply is limited.

Shop Small Business Saturday at R.H. Ballard Shop & Gallery

2011-11-24T10:23:00.002-05:00

Earn $25. from American Express

when you make a purchase

of $25. or more at R.H. Ballard on

Small Business Saturday.

Use your American Express card
online or in our Main Street shop
on Saturday, Nov. 26th only
to receive this offer.

national event.

________________________________________________________

SPECIAL MARKDOWNS & DEALS
THROUGHOUT OUR SHOP
FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY!

________________________________________________________

r. h. b a l l a r d 307 main street washington, va 22747 540-675-1411

shop & gallery hours: daily, 10am - 6pm

www.rhballard.com

customerservice@rhballard.com

Shop To Win At R.H. Ballard!

2011-11-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

___________________________________________________________

Thanksgiving Weekend Promotions!
Nov. 25 - 27

Shop at Ballard's This Weekend and

Enter a Chance To Win!*

French Tablecloth $215.

Set of French Napkins $90.

2 French Tea Towels $48.

Ted Pellagatta Photography Book $45.

Rappahannock Granite Soap Dish $59.

________________________________________________________

SPECIAL MARKDOWNS & DEALS IN SHOP
THROUGHOUT THE WEEKEND!

______________________________________________

*Offer in-shop only Nov. 25-27, one entry per customer with purchase of $25. or more. Five winners will be chosen at a drawing on Monday, Nov. 28th and notified through email/phone.
_______________________________________________

r. h. b a l l a r d 307 main street washington, va 22747 540-675-1411
shop & gallery hours: daily, 10am - 6pm

www.rhballard.com

customerservice@rhballard.com

Unique Christmas Ornaments at R.H. Ballard

2011-11-23T08:50:00.003-05:00

Look inside your ornament decoration box this year and you'll probably find many ornaments that you can attach to a particular person, place, time or family memory. Christmas ornaments are often given as a memory-gift ("this reminded me of you and our trip to....") or for adding to an existing home collection that has been lovingly collected since childhood.

Our fun and fabulous Christmas tree this year is filled with fun, quirky and artful pieces that make me smile. Some traditional, but many non-traditional designs. I really had too much fun decorating our tree this year. I think I love the spouting whales as much as the Eiffel Tower globes!

There were so many new designs to choose from this year.
If you are interested in any of these lovely pieces just give us a call at the shop!
The ornaments go fast so we do not post them on our website.

Here are just a few of our ornaments to get you in the Christmas spirit!
Which one of these designs speak to you?

Eiffel Tower Globe

Bejeweled Bug

Mercury Orb with Rhinestones

Glass Urchin

Roaring Brown Bear

Mercury Christmas Tree

Spouting Silvery Whale


Big Wolf Head White Horse in the Snow Silver Lobster Polar Bear Globe Recycled Tin Woven Star

Cal Ripkin, Lynda Carter & Friends at R.H. Ballard Shop & Gallery

2011-11-21T07:47:00.001-05:00

Cal Ripkin with Robert and Joanie Ballard, photo by Lynda Carter

This certainly was a celebrity-filled weekend at the shop! Cal Ripkin, Lynda Carter, and several of their friends (Florence Sloan and others) popped in on Saturday and Sunday to do some holiday gift shopping.

Lynda Carter and Kelly Ripkin (Cal's wife) have been wonderful customers for several years but this is the first time I had the courage to ask for a photo. Lynda is very sweet and funny and always has appreciative words, and she also offered to take the photos with Cal.

Lydna Carter and Joanie Ballard, photo by Robert Ballard

Lynda took one photo of us with Cal, and then Cal requested she take a second picture in front of our shop door so that the inside of the shop would be in the picture. That really made Robert and I smile, as you can see.

Another photo-op with Cal Ripkin, photo by Lynda Carter

Lynda said "This would be perfect for your holiday Christmas card!" We were definitely star-struck and it made for a very festive feeling in the air with the shop just recently decorated for the Christmas season.

A Big Art Fest Here in Rappahannock, VA

2011-11-04T21:45:00.002-04:00

New Painting by Patton Wilson

The Artists of Rapphannock Studio & Gallery Tour

Every year on the first weekend of November we have a Big Art Tour, or what I would call a Big Art Love-Fest.

What this means is that a couple thousand people descend upon our little, lovely area and visit all of the art galleries and open studios to view amazing art, purchase amazing art, and basically have a fabulous time.

This area of Virginia has been called the "Soho of the South", and for good reason. Lots of artists live here and also make a living here. Not on the scale of Santa Fe, NM, but it's still something to write home about, especially in such close proximity to Washington, DC. Lot's of genuine charm, beauty and hipness exudes from this mountainous area, and it is filled with talented artists of all kinds: painters, sculptors, photographers, printers, glass-blowers, iron forgers, textile designers, potters, furniture designers, jewelry designers and more.

The Artists of Rapphannock Studio & Gallery Tour begins at the Fire Hall Gallery (yes, a real Fire Hall) in Little Washington, Va. Here visitors pay a $10. donation fee and can view a representation of all the artists on this tour in a lovely gallery setting. The art tour supplies a beautiful and easy to read map of the entire area. There are docents available to help you with directions and such, although I must say it is pretty easy to get around here. There are helpful signs everywhere on the roads and at the specific art sites--every art site is well-numbered. You can enjoy your art outing and not stress out about getting lost. Check out their facebook page for more information.

Our particular gallery, R.H. Ballard, carries several Rappahannock artists who have made a solid reputation in the art world. I love all of the artists we represent and think you will too. Here are a few of their works currently on display this weekend.

Patton Wilson, "Florilegium"

Jeff MacNelly (of "Shoe" fame) Bronze sculpture of Winston Churchill

Thomas Mullany, "Orchard Light"

Nora Harrington, "Wood's Edge"

Janet Brome, "Skate"

"Restaurant" by Vivianne de Kosinsky

The Beauty of Grey & White

2011-11-03T08:06:00.000-04:00

I have always enjoyed using vibrantly colored French tablecloths but there are many occasions where a neutral palette works beautifully too. Over the years, I've experienced customers who come to my shop having searched far and wide for that perfect tablecloth color. Lately, I have been able to present one current color trend which addresses their dilemma: grey and white.

I've seen this color trend grow over the past two years in both tablecloth lines I carry. Each year more designs have been introduced with gradations of white, grey, graphite, and black. I've discovered that these hues make it much easier to coordinate with contemporary and traditional decors. Numerous china patterns also seem to work well.

Using a full length tablecloth is not the only way to create the perfect setting. There are also several table runner designs that can create a unique look as well.

Here are several options I would recommend from the tablecloth experts, Le Jacquard Francais and Garnier-Thiebaut, two of the oldest and most prolific jacquard-looming mills in France. Their designs are always stunning and unexpected, and having personally used them myself for many years I can attest to their beauty and longevity. Can you tell I am passionate about them? You bet!

Take a peek below. Can you see any of these lovely designs working in your home? My favorite in is Villa Toscane as seen above and also in this table runner version here.

Villa Toscane Table Runner in Marble

Art Deco in Pearl

Art Deco Table Runners in Pearl and Agate

Art Deco in Agate

Mille Asters Coated Tablecloth wipes clean with a sponge!

Mille Wax Coated Tablecloth in Cedre, wipes clean with a sponge!

Isaphire in Platine

Isaphire in Opaline has cream, touches of gold, and a slim border of sky blue.

Sari in Graphite

Vibrations in Ebony

Favorite 2011 French Tablecloth Designs

2011-11-01T09:03:00.000-04:00

The fall season brings new tablecloth designs from Le Jacquard Francais and Garnier-Thiebaut. My customers often say it is so hard to choose as they are all so beautiful. Well, I have picked three of my current favorites that are now in the shop and ready to grace your table.

For me, the "best of the best" is the above, "Bosphore" in Nutmeg, 100% Linen. It has soothing and rich colors that are modern but have a traditional feel and a stunning look.

My second favorite is the Christmas Limited Edition, "Joyeuses Fetes" in 100% linen. A gorgeous neutral palette, contemporary, perfect for your holiday table.

And last but not least is Garnier-Thiebaut's new color for "Isaphire," called Platine. This is perhaps the most versatile of all new Garnier-Thiebaut designs. A cool platinum, pale gold, and silver are woven in a subtle, tone-on-tone design of vines and flowers. This tablecloth can easily be used year-round for any occasion, and blends well with many china patterns.

Check out the whole Le Jacquard Francais Fall 2011 Collection online and be sure to let me know which design speaks to you!

"Bosphore" in Nutmeg, 100% Linen.

"Bosphore" in Nutmeg, 100% Linen, Napkin

Limited Edition, Le Jacquard Francais, "Joyeuses Fetes" in 100% linen.

Le Jacquard Francais, "Joyeuses Fetes" in 100% linen Table Runner.

Garnier-Thiebaut's new color for "Isaphire," Platine, in 100% Cotton.

Le Jacquard Francais & Garnier Thiebaut Tablecloth & Napkin Sale

2011-10-29T13:16:00.000-04:00

Now through November 6, 2011, receive 20% off any French Tablecloths or Napkins from

Le Jacquard Francais and Garnier Thiebaut.

Shop online @ www.rhballard.com,

or come to our lovely shop & gallery

in Little Washington, Va!

Thomas Mullany: New Mural Project for William Jeffrey's Tavern

2011-10-18T12:02:00.002-04:00

Thomas Mullany is my wonderfully talented artist/brother and I am excited to be writing about him on my blog today. We have represented him in our gallery for many years, and he is also included in many corporate and private collections throughout the United States. He not only does murals but also sculpture, decorative painting, and paintings on canvas and board. Click here to see the current selection of his work in our gallery.

This mural project is his biggest commission to date. Last night he had a little preview of his completed work for family and friends before the canvas was to be gently rolled up and transported to the soon-to-open William Jeffrey's Tavern in Arlington, VA.

Tom did lots of historical research on the 1920's Prohibition Era--clothing, architecture, interiors and exteriors--and also studied the history on the specific location of the restaurant. He included many details from the Arlington of the past, including streetcars, Model-T Fords, and delivery trucks of the time.

Here are a few sketches he did in preparation for the mural, and also the final painted sketch that he had on display at this gathering.

Below are more detailed images of the completed mural.

The huge canvas was stretched onto a wooden frame and attached to the railing on the upper level of an old apple-packing building. Tom needed to rent a large space with high ceilings that would accommodate the canvas.

There are so many interesting vignettes of bootleggers, musicians, bartenders and a well-dressed crowd all imbibing what was then an "illegal substance" of the day, alcohol.

Notice Tom's signature carved into the wine carrier.

Love the not-so-hidden flask...

I've included some bonus images from his rented studio setup. Loved seeing his clothesline of paint rags, the ladders and lighting, his suitcase filled with paint tubes, the numerous paint-mixing bowls, and the paint-splattered tarp still on the floor.

Clothesline filled with paint rags.

There were many buckets of paint brushes.

He had a few much-needed ladders in the studio for reaching the higher parts of the mural.

This is the long tube which was going to be used to roll up the final canvas and transport it to it's final destination. I am really looking forward to seeing this mural, and all of his paintings, which will be installed at William Jeffrey's Tavern in November 2011.

Just In @ R.H. Ballard

2011-10-14T08:32:00.002-04:00

We've been busy little bees here at the shop & gallery. I get really excited with all the new products coming in every day. Here are a few of my favorite items now in the shop!

Pointing Finger Bone China Votive Holder

Stag Bone China Votive Holder


Large Demi John surrounded by Mercury Votive Holders and Boule Glass Candle Holders

New HOBO Bags & Wallets: a beautiful architectural element (window frame) hangs from our French Tray ceiling ceiling and onto a vintage 1930's kitchen table.

A lovely, pear-scented "From the Garden Soap" sits upon a one-of-a-kind, hand-hone Rappahannock Granite Soap dish created by a local stone mason here in Washington, Va.

Pam Older Designs: some stunning necklaces and earrings created by American jewelery designer Pam Older, blends well with new metallic clutches from HOBO.

Long time favorite Hostess Gift: Robin's Egg Soaps and Nest Dish

Our towering display of Le Jacquard Francais Tea Towels: This towel display really sets then tone for the shop - unique, colorful and inspiring! I found this enormous herb drying rack at a local business, The Copper Fox, located in Sperryville, VA. We refurbished it (it was rusted and had decayed bolts) so that it now easily revolves and holds 48 different styles of my cherished French towels.

My current favorite lamp find! A company located in North Carolina creates these unique lamps and tables by using truck and machine parts, old gates, discarded metal and other industrial materials. I am a big fan of industrial furnishings and I am always on the look-out for unusual designs that can be worked into traditional or modern settings.

Steve Jobs

2011-10-05T22:26:00.001-04:00

Thank you Steve

Le Jacquard Francais Fall Towel Collections Now @ R.H. Ballard Shop

2011-10-04T09:03:00.000-04:00

Le Jacquard Francais, one of the oldest jacquard-looming mills in the Alsace-Lorraine region of France, has designed yet another beautiful and artful tea towel collection this year. Tea towels, you say? What is so special about a tea towel? Well, many fans of LJF consider these towels a work of art.

Take the above example. This lovely design was inspired with France's obsession of "Macarons" in mind (consider the iconic Laduree shop as seen below). I have tasted these delectable little Laduree morsels and can say (without fainting) that they are divine. They are a sweet confection created with two meringue-style cakes and a frothy frosting filling, light and airy and mouth watering. You can see in this towel design all of the favorite "Macarons" that Parisians enjoy the most: pistachio, licorice, rose, and it is best be served with hot green tea. Quite a nice little tea towel, no?

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I am posting all of the new Fall 2011 tea towels currently available on our website. Keeping with French traditions, take a look below at the cool wine and champagne imagery -- drinking glasses, antique bottle openers. These would be a perfect gift for a wine aficionado or even for use at a special holiday celebration. Some designs have the graphic feel of Andy Warhol. They are hip yet traditional, modern imagery designed in a traditional method and the color combinations are spot on. Very current and so beautiful.

Oh, and you can buy these stunning French Tea Towels in our shop or online.....I had to say it, you know. Please visit our website to learn more about what we offer and all of our Le Jacquard Francais offerings.

Tire Bouchon in Muscat

Apparat in Almond

Apparat in Bois de Rose

Apparat in Pearl

The new 2012 Tea Towel. Get one today!

Cellier in Red

Cellier in Lichen

Cellier in MUSCAT

Festival in Almond

Festival in Bois de Rose

Festival in Pearl

Mezzo Duo in Cachou

Mezzo Duo in Chlorophyll