A LOVE Affair with Tole Art

Hi Sweet Bloggy Friends!

In past posts I have shared with you my many collections.

Today I wanted to show some of my favorite

things that I collect...tole art
also know as toleware.

Now, my Love Affair began about 12 years ago.  As

someone who was learning how to paint roses, I became

enthralled in the hand painted art of others.   I can SOOOOOO

appreciate the time and skill that those who have

painted these lovelies have put into each one.

This tray was a STEAL for $10 at on of my FAV places

in Ann Arbor, MI called Treasure Mart!  It happily

resides in my Victorian Parlor Styled Living Room.

Being and avid shopper and treasure hunter has helped me

amass the many unique shapes and sizes of trays 

that I have for a fraction of what you may find them for

in antique stores.

You can see that I have found some wonderful different

sizes.  Most all of these were thrift store finds for

probably $1-2!!!

This top rectangular shapes one is my latest find!  I

am thinking that his is probably a newer version

of tole.

This tray looks to be a souvenir tray from Mt. Vernon, VA.

This is NOT a mass produced tray and is all hand painted.

This tray is very unique and if you look closely you can see that

it has a hole in the middle.  Well, when I found this tray

in a small shop in Washington state it came with a

metal holder which gave the tray

 the function of a serving or tidbit tray.

These next few pictures are of *reproduced* tole ware

that have been placed on metal tins or trays but

are not actually hand painted.   But I just had to have

them because of their floral and rose content!

     

Below are 2 very large reproduced trays that I just adore!

These are so large that I believe they may have been

intended to use as lap trays.  

The one on the right actually has

mental legs that pull down so that you could be served

in bed! Cool huh!

Then I am taking you into my laundry room where I have

hung some reproduces trays as well as some

smaller newer hand painted tole trays.

As you can see, these have flowers that are much brighter

in color from the ones I have displayed in my Living room.

So a few years back when we painted out laundry room I choose

to used these trays and well as a few well placed roosters in

here to go with the GORGEOUS Red Floral fabric I use

on my windows and around our deep tub/sink.

I just LOVE these colors on each tray!

A little about tole...

I do know that artist many years ago did not have the types

of art supplies readily available to paint on as we have today.  

Metal trays were what they used to express themselves

and became pieces of art in themselves.

Tole is just another word for Metalware and

many of these pieces became useful in homes.

Next you browse ebay, etsy or other sights that

sell these beauties, you will be amazed at the

details and how beautiful these trays can be.

I know that what I have shared are are much

simpler than many you will see.

I hope you have enjoyed your visit!

Blessings