Blue Delft Windmills

Just stopping in to share what's happening around here...I've been doing a lot of wrapping and packing, to get ready to move to our lakehouse.  As you may have heard, I will be cutting back on the number of posts for a while, as we prepare for this move.

As I was wrapping some of my teaware, I was admiring some Delft blue-ware I had received from my mother as a gift and was thinking about the history of some of this beautiful artistry.

The story of the Delft Blue, or Delft Blauw, began in China hundreds of years ago. In the 1600’s the beautiful white and blue porcelain came to Europe, and the Netherlands, with the Dutch East India Company. It soon gained major popularity and Dutch potters started to imitate the technique. Germany, England, and France potters also produced Delft, which can be distinguished not only by the difference in shape and design, but the fineness of the porcelain.

In the first half of the 17th century there were several factories in the Netherlands, especially in Rotterdam and Delft.  The earliest tiles were used for flooring , often in churches, wealthy homes or institutional buildings. When some floor tiles turned out to be too delicate for heavy usage, the tiles moved to the walls. Single tiles and whole pictures of tiles were used in kitchens, around fireplaces and as baseboards where floors met walls. The tiles were also used as insulation and protection against water seeping into houses. (Source)

Source: ebay.com via Ann on Pinterest

Why windmills? The Dutch have become very innovative when it comes to keeping out the water. They have built dykes, fortifications and last but not least wind and watermills to create new land. The oldest mill is a watermill that dates back to the eighth century. These techniques were used to pump dry hundreds of lakes and swamps and to prevent land from flooding. Today, windmills are characteristic of the Dutch landscape and a symbol of the Dutch struggle with water. With over a thousand windmills throughout the Netherlands, no wonder that they are the focus of most paintings and artwork.

I couldn't resist adding this tile set, with two teacups. This would be so pretty as a backsplash on my kitchen wall.

Source: ebay.com via Ann on Pinterest

I was noticing that I have a few teapots and plates, but no teacups with the delft blue designs. I would love to find a set of teacups and saucers like the one below!

Source: ebay.com via Ann on Pinterest

Here, also are some pretty delft blue items that I would love to find and make a part of my collection.

Source: ebay.com via Ann on Pinterest

Source

This throw has delft blue tile designs on it.....how cozy and decorative, at the same time. I could definitely sit here and sip on a cup of tea. Couldn't you?

Source: ebay.com via Ann on Pinterest

I saw this stitched piece and thought it was cute...and so true. These days, my schedule is very busy, but never too busy for a cup of tea.

Source: etsy.com via Ann on Pinterest

I never want to stop writing down the many blessings God has bestowed upon me! So, I'm continuing in the Joy Dare.

3 gifts blue

713. My Delft blue-ware (so pretty)

714. The color of the lake.

715. So many pretty shades of blue (my favorite is colbalt blue).

3 gifts found In His Word
716. Hope -

Titus 3:7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

717. Joy -
     Psalm 19:8

     The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.

718. Confidence -  
     Proverbs 3:26 (NKJV)
      "For the LORD will be your confidence,
       And will keep your foot from being caught."

A gift in a box, a bag, a book
719. All that God has provided - in many boxes, as I pack.
720. Bag of tasty tortilla chips...love the salty flavor!!
721. 2 books: "A Case for Faith" and "A Case for Christ" (Always good to review apologetics)

3 gifts unexpected

722. Water pump going out, causing us to not have water for 2 days.
723. Getting into the dentist so soon to get a crown worked on.
724. The neighbor, putting gravel in his back yard...very noisy day!

3 gifts from your childhood
725. Great memories of family vacations, holiday gatherings, etc.
726. The protection of God throughout my young life.
727. Growing up in a loving, Christian home.

A gift sweet, salty, sticky
 The perfect analogy for a good friendship: a little sweet, a little nutty & it sticks together.(source)
728. sweet - strawberry jelly
729. salty - peanuts (peanut butter)
730. sticky - good friends :)

3 gifts found in little people
731. Their innocence 
732. Child like faith is good. (Matthew 18:2-4)
733. They have a way of cheering us up/making us laugh.
 

Linking over at these blog parties:

Multitude on Mondays (A Holy Experience)
Sharing His Beauty (Beauty in His Grip)
On Your Heart Tuesdays (A Pause in the Path)

 Soli Deo Gloria  (Finding Heaven)

State of the Heart 

  Also, linking over at these blog parties:

Tea Time Tuesday (Rose Chintz Cottage)

Tea Cup Tuesday(Artful Affirmations)

Friends Sharing Tea (Bernideen's Tea time)

Tea Cup Tuesday (Martha's Favorites)

A Return to Lovliness (Delightsome Life)

Table Top Tuesday (A Stroll Thru Life)