Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Monogram, Inc.


(Image from Town and Country Weddings)

Not so long ago, I was a bit monogram crazy. Lampshades, cell phone covers--in my mind, no surface should go unpersonalized. Now that the monogram-everything-you-can-order-from-a-catalog craze has died down a bit, we can get back to the real deal.

The beautiful linens above are by Caroline Brackenridge of Monogram, Inc.. She gathers information about each client's particular style and can weave together any number of letters or symbols. Her artwork can then be transferred to linens, glass, stationary or whatever else you may desire.

One thing I never realized, is the monogram was originally created for utilitarian purposes rather than decorative. Initials were sewn or printed on the valuable linens of wealthy households to keep them identifiable when sent in to town for washday. 19th century French Royals were the first to add elaborate embroidered crests to their linens which furthered the evolution of the monogram as a symbol of affluence.

15 comments:

a. said...

One of my favorites!

Laura said...

Monograms can become addictive. Hers are lovely--maybe one day I can have my own designed. I love this post.

Brilliant Asylum said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
TIG said...

Great post--you're on fire! Love monograms, crests--anything that adds a personal touch to everyday things.

Style Court said...

These are so lovely. Thanks again for your helpful comment on my white headboard idea :)

72 and sunny said...

i LOVE a good monogram this is a great resource too!

girl meets glamour said...

I am a sucker for monogramming in general, there's a fine line though between monomgramming too many things, that I try not to cross :) Great post!!!

~Kate

KellytheCulinarian said...

I really love monograms and embroidery in general. It just looks so classy.

katiedid said...

Thank you for the interesting tidbit. I did not know that about monograms!

Anonymous said...

i've always wanted to get a my monogram designed by an old linens company and then get it as a tattoo. maybe i still will.ht

goldenfiddle said...

monograms is yawnagrams.

Things That Inspire said...

These are beautiful...they remind me of illuminated manuscripts

Brilliant Asylum said...

Sorry to bore you GF. But to everyone else, thanks for the comments. I can't decide what to have monogrammed next.

Anonymous said...

I love this post! I think monograms can be very classy and tasteful, when used appropriately! These are beautiful examples you've posted.

Thanks so much!

franki durbin said...

everyone should have something monogrammed. Be it a pillowcase, a desk accessory...something. It ought to be a rite of passage for everyone. It says this is mine. This is only mine. And this is who I am.

I love its quiet boldness.