(French Quarter Images are reproduction of my original watercolor paintings, decoupage and sealed on trays or slate)I use the old art of decoupage. See history of decoupage for more information. Polyethylene sealer is used to seal and protect image. Tray surfaces are food safe. Hand wash only, do not submerge in water. Not intended as a cutting board, sharp items will damage surfaces. Trays can be used for cheese, fruit, bread or appetizers etc. Large rectangle tray can be used as a serving tray. Not intended as trivet, sealed images are not heat resistant, for decorative use only.
Vignettes by Mimi - Original Paintings on Trays, Slate & Wood.
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Description
Hand painted trays
Wine and grape images are hand painted.
Each may vary in design or color. No two are exactly alike.
Tray surfaces are food safe.
Hand wash only do not submerge in water.
Not intended as a cutting board, sharp items will damage surfaces.
Trays can be used for cheese, fruit, bread or appetizers etc.
Large rectangle tray can be used as a serving tray.
Slate roofing tiles
Slate roofing tiles were used on buildings and home in the French Quarter (Vieux Carre’) after two disastrous fires in 1788 and 1794. Most of the French Quarter was destroyed. History says the slate tiles were mined in Pennsylvania and northern New York, and shipped down the rivers to New Orleans. Other records show that some slate tiles were used as ballasts on ships coming from France. Each tile was individually hand cut and shaped. “French quarter.com/ history/fire and flood.” Some of the antique slate roofing tiles I have acquired were salvaged after hurricane Katrina. I have no record of which buildings they came from. Most of the tiles I use in my artwork are individually hand cut and shaped. They are not uniform in size. Some have original mounting holes. Slate is a natural stone, varies in color. Most of the antique tiles I use are discolored with age and have irregular surface and edges. Antique Slate Tiles are breakable, handle with care.
Description and history of French Quarter paintings
French Quarter (Vieux Carré) Founded by the French in 1718 St Louis Cathedral: The oldest continuously operating cathedral in the United States. The first church was built in 1718. The third, built in 1789, was raised to cathedral rank in 1793. The cathedral was expanded and rebuilt in 1850. Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop: The building is a tavern on the corner of Bourbon Street and St. Philip Street. The tavern was built sometime before 1772. It is one of the oldest surviving structures in New Orleans (the Ursuline Convent, for example, is older). Lafitte’s has been called the oldest continually occupied bar in the United States. According to legend the pirate Jean Lafitte (1776 –1823) once owned the building. As with many things
involving Lafitte, no documentation of this exists. Café Du Monde: The Original was established in 1862 in the New Orleans
French Market. Cypress Swamp: New Orleans Lakefront and cypress swamp. Streetcar: St. Charles Avenue Streetcar is the oldest continuously operating street railway system in the world. The original line dates back to 1835. Steamboat: First Natchez steamer was built in 1823. The current Natchez is the ninth steamer. Hidden Courtyard: The French Quarter home had no front yard. Most of the homes had hidden courtyards in the back of house. Fleur-De-Lis: (“flower of the lily”) Emblem of New Orleans. According to French History, it goes back as far as the 12th century. The three petals represent medieval
social classes: those who worked, those who fought, and those who prayed. Traditionally, it has been used to represent French Royalty. It signifies perfection, light, and life. The Fleur-De-Lis: It is also a symbol for the Church representing the Holy Trinity. “Vieux Carré and historical facts taken from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia”