Although there is evidence that Romans played backgammon on special boards, the games table did not become popular until the concept of the Medieval ‘great hall’ gave way to the building of smaller homes (called hotels in France) with individual rooms for different functions. One room was designated for games of chance. Gambling was rampant amongst the aristocracy and required furniture for that purpose. Enter … Continue reading What is a Games Table?
Have you ever been to Quebec City? Did you know that it’s one of only two surviving walled cities in North America? (The other is in Campeche, Mexico). Quebec City is totally unique – and it’s in Canada. At the end of August my travelling partner and little sister, Gisele, and I visited the city. It wasn’t our first trip to La Belle Province but … Continue reading Travels in Quebec Part 1/3
There are hundreds of art techniques and approaches out there and not all of them resonate with me but sometimes you just have to take a leap of faith. Given that I’m off for the summer I’ve had time to do a bit more art and I’ve enjoyed it – but you can’t always do the same thing. I’ve dabbled a bit in acrylics and … Continue reading Discovering an Art Technique
There’s no shortage of talented interior-decorators-to-be in the Residential Interiors Certificate Program I teach for the University of Alberta in Edmonton but occasionally I come across a student that is not only talented in that field but also in another. I’ve written blogs on other students before but this time I’m talking about Cindy (Cynthia) McLaren, interior decorator and artist. Cindy was born in Prince Edward County, … Continue reading Double Talents: Cindy McLaren
An email from a reader: Dear Johanne: Today I bought a teacup that I’m having a hard time finding what year it was made. It’s quite a plain yellow teacup with a black rim and white inside and a green stamp on the bottom saying “Salisbury crown China English” I thought it was quite odd that it said English, not England, and haven’t been able … Continue reading Fake Mark on a Tea cup & Saucer
Johanne Yakula 