I will be sharing photos of examples here at Pickwick Antiques. This picture is an example of both needlepoint and petit point(sometimes spelled ..petite point). The term "petit point" literally means...small point.


Although the terms, needlepoint and petit point are interchangeable, they are, in fat, very different. Petit point is comprised of small, fine stitches and is often stitched in single threads of "Penelope" canvas...or fine needlepoint canvas. Congress cloth is also used as well in this process.

This photo is the central motif on a beautiful needlepoint Queen Anne style walnut chair...Beautiful craftsmanship.

Remember..as Always...Design is in the Details!

Invest in Art

Now,before you hyper-ventilate and say... I cannot afford to invest in art....let me offer some advice.

1. Art is not limited to a canvas.

2. Love the piece that you select and think of different vignettes to use it  in.

3. Your style and taste for art sometimes changes through your life journey. ( I can assure you that this is true). 

4. Do not follow all of the fads and trends when it comes to art....in other words...just because you see it on every magazine or website for a certain period of time does not mean that it will be highly collectable in years to come.

5. Your selection of art should not be totally based on a color scheme. Many choose a piece because it "goes" with the colors in the room. 

6. There are so many price ranges and artists, especially in the word of antiques. There is NOT always  a history or provenance behind every painting, bronze or sculpture.

7. Often, there are wonderful paintings that we consider "decorator paintings"...lower in cost and not always painted by a known artist.. There is a place for these if you are cost conscious ...I have several in my own home that I LOVE!

8. Do not overlook textiles as a wonderful form of art. Besides traditional fabrics, there are tapestries, needlepoint, woven textiles, quilts, lace collections, and personal heirloom treasures. One of my favorite designers, John Saladino, uses a matelesse' coverlet on the top of his dining table. Layering of different textures makes the setting rich and more interesting.

9.  Allow your art the opportunity to "travel". Use your art in different settings ....it will take on a new life!

10. Place your art in a place where you can enjoy it daily. I always say...Put something you love on the wall in your bedroom so it is the first thing you see in the morning.

Remember....Design is in the Details!

Crystal Clear

I am REALLY suffering from Spring Fever...My Favorite type of fever!!! Everything just seems to sparkle and shine ....new leaves, blue skies....gorgeous southern temperatures and bright colors of nature.

Cut glass and crystal have ALWAYS fascinated me...I am drawn to the spectrum of light and the good ole...."ROY G. BIV" that break into the colors that we see when we use a prism.(Ok...my science teaching comes out every now and then.) Nevertheless...there is something spring-like in the beauty fine crystal.
Enjoy these pictures of beautiful items that we have here at Pickwick Antiques...so many ways to incorporate crystal into your design whether you are more inclined to antiques or modern decor. We have recently received many of the pieces that you see here.

 The prices for most that you see are SO REASONABLE that they do not stay in the store very long. Crystal is the perfect gift for weddings, graduation, birthdays, anniversaries, and "Just Because" gifts.

Shine on!!!   Please feel free to contact me at pks@knology.net.

Details in Design...

I have ALWAYS been fascinated with the construction of things...anything architectural or structural... and , of course, design in general. I get it honestly...My Texas roots go deep in these areas. I am using my background in history or furniture everyday...I loved the courses that I took in college in my design field but ... application is the best form of learning....NEVER stop learning about the things you are passionate about!

There is always something exciting to learn when it comes to antiques...I hope that I will always be a student!

Have a great day!!!

Finding An Appraiser

Anyone in the antique business will often receive calls about the value of their antique piece or family heirloom. While each dealer has their area of expertise and knowledge...no one is familiar with all areas of antiques and collectables.

Many times...someone will call or come by to find out "how much a particular item is worth." I must honestly tell them...we are not appraisers and are not qualified to give an estimate or appraisal. Often, someone will inquire about the value of a family piece of heirloom, in order to sell that item. Still...antique dealers are not necessarily qualified to give that information.

As there are specialists in other fields, so are there specialists in appraisals. Appraisers will sometimes specialize in a particular area of knowledge from fine art, porcelain, silver, furniture to very specific areas.

Helpful Hints:

• Do your homework. ..Find a certified appraiser (ISA.International Society of Appraisers, American Association of Appraisers)
• Be prepared to pay a fee for consultation as well as for time spent.
• Check online  for certified appraisers that are knowledgable about your items.

The process usually goes like this: 

1. Consultation( Ask about fees and hourly charges)
2. Invoice(Cost of Appraisal) Once agreed upon ...the next steps are as follows:
3. Research /Valuation
4. Documentation
5. Fees are usually determined by the amount of time spent and the assessment of the piece.

Imagine the time it took to make these beautiful porcelain boxes!

Baskets of porcelain, silver and majolica....garlands, swags, cherubs and ribbon....delicately crafted flowers and blooms....brightly colored birds....Beautiful things that add that special touch of spring to any decor. Enjoy the beauty of these items that I have chosen to show for spring.