My Shabby Streamside Studio: Decorating Tips from Nina Part II: Angel Wings

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Decorating Tips from Nina Part II: Angel Wings

In this immaculate doll of heaven has been conceived,

as though

No hands had shaped her, an uninvented innocence be-

queathing grace

Ring upon ring in haloes all around her, and not remote

nor kind

But only there, dispensing of all the brought light a total

larger light.

Even now her wings have assumed such shields of glory

and the pool beneath

Wheels with such wreaths of shining, the room is gath-

ered and filled

By her tall and burning stillness and, an actual angel,

her suspension wars

For a whole minute against all the dark, as if I were a

child.

from Swedish Angel by Winfield Townley Scott

As promised, I’m writing a series of posts on Nina Hartmann and how her style has influenced my decorating.

Angel wings are the first item on Nina’s list. She buys vintage wings made by mothers or nuns for children in Christmas pageants in European flea markets. Tough to find, but easy to make yourself. I merely bent bailing wire into a wing shapes, sewed scrap cotton net, painted stars with glue, then sprinkled German glass glitter on.

I can’t help feeling a little spiritual with angel wings in the house. They symbolize freedom and protection.

They impart intangible ‘heart’ in the home far more than any tchotchkes.

Avoid the $7 12" dollar store wings. I’ve seen them in magazines but the effect is perfume on a pig (they’re just toys for kids).

Check out handmade wings at:

Fanciful Design

Petite French Market

Until next time, stay shabby!