Thursday, May 20, 2010

The Ultimate Fleur-de-Lis

One of the most popular and elegantly classic decorating accents is the fleur-de-lis design.

You see it literally everywhere these days. On clothing ...

And on shoes and purses ...

Even umbrellas!

There's fleur-de-lis dinnerware, fine Italian stemware, and silverware ...

Fleur-de-lis designs are found in just about every home decorating magazine and catalog, and you can find countless accessories and decorating accents online, like this elegant wallpaper.

I love that wallpaper, and can just picture it in a powder room or guest bathroom, can't you!

And I love these gorgeous gold note cards with their embossed fleur-de-lis design.

Here are a few more of my favorite fleur-de-lis accessories I found on the Internet ...

And for the discriminating pet owner, what pampered puppy or kitty cat wouldn't love napping on this elegant little bed!

I'm sure you're probably wondering where this is leading, and I do have a reason for sharing the pictures of the above accessories.

The literal meaning of the word fleur-de-lis is lily flower, and although there are some beautiful man-made fleur-de-lis designs, there is no way any of them can hold a candle to God's creation of the ultimate fleur-de-lis -- the Louisiana Iris blossom.

I would like to share some pictures I captured of my little patch of Louisiana Irises growing in my backyard, and I think you will agree that they epitomize the perfect fleur-de-lis.

You can click on the images to enlarge them, if you'd like to see the exquisite details of these beautiful little flowers.

In the following picture, the center reminds me of a candle and flame ...


I hope the next time you see something with a fleur-de-lis on it, you will remember these beautiful little flowers. I think they are truly one of God's most glorious works of art.

9 comments:

Deb said...

I will...love the comparisons....nice post...

Marla said...

Oh my goodness, I just got schooled. I love it! Why did I not know this? I love your Iris, who am I kidding I love all flowers. Beautiful post!

PAT said...

Gorgeous Gorgeous Gorgeous!

I love the iris shots and knew where you were going as soon as I started reading, because I've thought of this, each time I photographed our Irises this Spring.

Wonderful post, Janie!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

These irises are so beautiful, Janie! I loved seeing them. And I love the Fleur-de-Lis. I have a French Huegenot cross that has them at each junction, and it is also the symbol of our antiques club. Enjoyed reading this.

XO,

Sheila :-)

RachelD said...

What a wonderful compilation of all the different displays of that classic shape!!

And your segue into the iris---just perfect. Your eye just amazes me, and your photos are simply stunning.

9405018--Pat said...

Great post....your irises are so beautiful thanks for sharing....Pat H

southerninspiration said...

Love it!! Your posts are filled with your fantastic photography, which I always enjoy!!!

Suzanne

Tonja said...

I did not know that! How interesting! I have some of those irises and I have just gone and moved them to the Creek House.

I'm craving those denim sneakers!

Sheila (TCW) said...

I have some of those same irises, but I never knew the name of the plant. I've always marveled at where this plant blooms. They're gorgeous.