everyday inspirations: balloons for sale

Everyday Inspirations is a series about the things that inspire me every day. Really, this is about the elements in my home that other people have put in place, but that keep me thinking creatively. Sometimes it's a decorating element, or a handmade object, other times it's just seeing the special things that make our home what it is. These things inspire me.

I feel so fortunate to have creative people in my family. Today's everyday inspiration is a pair of ceramic figures that were painted by my grandma's cousin, whom we called Aunt Carolyn. She gave them to my mom when she was 12 years old. We've had them in various spots in our house, and ever since I was very young, I've loved looking at them.





I love their colors so much...they are bright and lovely! But there's also something a little sad about them. Here they are, with their clusters of bright balloons, and yet there are no smiles. After a long life, this is all they have. Selling balloons. Of course, they have each other, so that makes it better. They remind me of the lady in Mary Poppins who feeds the birds. Is it strange that I've imagined a back story for figurines?




You may have seen some figures like this before, as this seems to be a ceramic form that was available at one time. Royal Doulton had a set that are slightly different in form this, and I've seen vintage versions of them, as well as crafted vintage pieces based on the Royal Doulton figures. For example, here's one that's up on Etsy right now.

Even better still, there was apparently a needlepoint pattern of this design, and I'm really wanting to make a set like this! I think my mom would just love them!