I've often heard children say, "There's nothing to do today". I beg to differ. I'd like to inspire you to do something. Anything. Read. Bake. Hike. Fish. Plant. Sail. Climb. Play. Reach. Move. Laugh. Dream; and take time to sit with me on The Old Granite Step.

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Consignment Finds; Vintage Wedding Cake Toppers

I love anything miniature.  These cake toppers certainly fit the bill! 

They are fascinating; some are tiny and some consist of real fabric.  Just as in "life size" veils, tulle is often used on cake toppers.  Unfortunately, we don't know the exact history of the wedding cake topper.  There is a story of a baker long ago who created a symbol of marriage for his daughter that ultimately was put on top of her cake.  It's unknown as to whether or not this was really the first topper at a wedding.  They became more prevalent in the 1950's when the bride would choose a topper that reflected her personal style.  No matter when they began, I love the idea and think they are tiny works of art!
This is the smallest topper I have, barely reaching 2 1/2 inches.  They appear to be plaster.

 You can see the crack in the groom.  If not wrapped and put away properly, they were prone to breakage.

 The stamp on this topper reads "Wilton, Chicago".
 
 This is a bit more elaborate with a base and a flower garland.  Also plaster.
Standing just over 4 1/2 inches, the flowers that surround the bride and groom are fabric.
 
 I find it interesting that most of the brides I have sport long hair.
 There is a number that is no longer legible on the bottom of this topper.
This one is very special to me.  It not only adorned my wedding cake thirty five years ago, but decorated my parents wedding cake in 1951.  It has been painted several times!  It is also plaster.
 This special figurine stands just over 3 inches tall.

This one is interesting with tulle and a fabric bouquet.  Also plaster.
Her dress is really lovely from the back.
This poor couple stands less than 3 1/2 inches tall.  Time has chipped away some of the plaster.  I still love having them in my collection.
I am extra careful with these two!
This beauty has lost her groom!  She is cast iron which allows for a bit more detailed paint job.
The bottom of the cast iron statue.
Although the front has more detail, the back is quite plain.
These next two blushing brides are wearing real fabric dresses but are plastic, not plaster. Perhaps they're from the 1960's.
The ivory color of her bodice matches his tuxedo jacket.  A fancier wedding perhaps?

These two stand a bit taller because of the base they're on.  Her dress is two layers of fabric; so pretty!
Very intricate.

How Do I Love Thee?
(Sonnet 43)
Elizabeth Barrett Browning, 1806 - 1861

 
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of being and ideal grace.
I love thee to the level of every day’s
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for right.
I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.




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