One-year After Publishing "Bags & Purses"

On March 19 was 1-year celebration since the book entitled

 "Bags & Purses: The Story of Chic and Practicality" was published

by Florida Author Miss Ida Tomshinsky.

The book is concentrated on fun and interesting facts about handbags, their history, design, collections and even museums. The book has color illustrations and include a deep research in the subject matter. Students and faculty of staple fashion accessory programs will find a selective list of handbag designers' biographies and their accomplishments. Fashion enthusiasts will never look on any type of a handbag or purse the same way - knowledge is power. These of you, who follow the author, are enjoying now all eight books within the History of Fashion Accessories Series.

I would like to thank the readers and fans. Special thanks to people who send me illustrations and photos of the 'special' handbags that are kept in their families. As the new facts and information will be collected and obtained, the 2nd edition will be followed.

The book could be purchased at www.xlibris.com, www.amazon.com, www.bn.com, and local bookstores. For multiply copies for the libraries and universities' bookstores,
please call today at 1-888-795-4274.

Common Birds: Doves and Pigeons

There is a debate as to whether the first domesticated bird was the pigeon or the chicken, but historical evidence shows that the world’s oldest domesticated bird most probably was a rock pigeon. Mesopotamian tablets mention the domestication of pigeons more than 5,000 years ago, as do Egyptian hieroglyphics. Research suggests that domestication of pigeons occurred as early as 10,000 years ago. There are various figurines, mosaics, and coins that have portrayed the domestic pigeon since at least 4500 B.C. in Mesopotamia.

 

In many cultures, doves and pigeons have been raised as pets for thousands of years and even used as sacrifices to appease the Gods. In most religions of the world, pigeons and doves are loved and respected, and accorded a special place. In Christianity, dove has come to represent the symbol of Holy Spirit. Because of people hunting them for food, some of the species of doves and pigeons have either become extinct or are considered as threatened. Doves and pigeons were the only birds suitable for sacrifice by the Hebrews. (Leviticus 1:14.) The dove appears as a symbol of purity on the Holy Grail in Malory’s Morte d’Arthur. As a symbol of the Holy Spirit, the dove is associated with the mystical fifth element of spirit. In Muslim lore, a dove murmured the words of God into the ear of Muhammad.

Messages to Inspire

"Let no one ever come to you without

leaving better or happier." (Mother Teresa)

 

"You make a living by what you get. You make a life

by what you give." (Winston Churchill)

 

"No act of kindness, no matter how small,

is ever wasted." (Aesop)

Shhh.. It is a National Jewelry Day

Wow! How you would celebrate the National Jewelry Day? Any jewelry is within the Fashion Accessory category. So, accessorize! Earrings, necklace, bracelet or ring will bring beauty to someone' face and hands, and, of course, will highlight the early Spring outfit. What a wonderful way to celebrate by reading and learning! There is a new book on History of Fashion Accessories entitled "Bracelets Academy" written by Ida Tomshinsky. A book is an educational tool for jewelry type who wants to read and learn more about just one jewelry item: bracelet or bracelets - their history, facts, meanings, and more. It is available at www.bn.com, www.amazon.com, local bookstores, and at www.xlibris.com To order, please call 1-888-795-4274.

Here is a good question, which “parures” people enjoy to wear the most? The “parures,” refers to two-piece set consisting of a necklace and earrings. However, these sets could vary to include a brooch, rather than a necklace, or even all three pieces: earrings, necklace and a bracelet. By the mid-17th century, jewels had ceased in expectation that individual works of art in jewelry design is expressing some idea of fancy and had instead become modest personal ornaments that were beautiful, but lacking in any deeper significance.  Consequently, as the forms of jewels tended to become stereotyped, the matching set of jewels, or parures, became the dominant style in jewelry. In the 18th century the kings of France had parures of great splendor, most made of diamonds. These pieces including everyday items such as shoe buckles, coat decorations, insignia, and sword hilts. For state occasions, the 19th-century Napoleonic court imitated the parures of the ancient régime, with the addition of the jeweled coronet of classic form.

 

Here is a strong opinion: to constitute a true parure, a set of jewelry must have at least three matching items. A set with only earrings, plus a necklace, brooch, or bracelet is not considered a parure, but a demi-parure. Deriving from the Old French verb “to adorn,” a parure once referred to the entire wardrobe or suite of jewelry, often designed to be worn all at once. The concept derived from its origins in the flamboyance of Baroque and Rococo-era, France, when aristocrats, both men and women adorned themselves with elaborate ornamentation, sky-high wigs, and makeup. People say, it’s extremely rare to find parures from the 18th-century in good condition, while 19th-century sets are slightly more common.

Delicate Flower Power

 

 

Delicate Flower-Power

Ida Tomshinsky, 2016

Photographer, blogger, Florida Author, and a long-time Librarian

Canaries

Canaries were mentioned as pets from 1796, including “Ode to a Canary” and “Elegiac Stomas on the untimely death of a young lady’s favorite canary bird.” (Waldock, 2014) Both canaries and finches seem to have been among the most popular pet birds for those of the less affluent classes during the Regency. (Kane, 2014)

When people hear the word “canary,” they probably think of a cheery, bright yellow birds. While this image is by no means inaccurate, canaries come in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and shapes. Canaries continue to be very popular pets because they are very beautiful, and the males of the species sing lovely songs.