When I was quite young we lived in Atlanta and my father was a photographer for WSB-TV. As part of the Christmas evening newscast the station would show film of children opening their presents that was shot by the station's photographers. Pretty terrific, you would imagine, to be on TV. Except that what it meant, really, was that when I awakened and tip-toed in to wake my parents to say, "Let's go see if he came!" I had to wait on the stairs while my dad set up the lights and the camera. And wait. On Christmas morning. When I was five.
So this week when Christopher Filley called and said, "I think I have something you might like to see," I pulled on my gloves and dashed out the door. No waiting. Instant gratification.
Christopher and his partner, Rich Hoffman, had trimmed the tree. And how. They had recently acquired a goose feather tree and have adorned it with vintage ornaments and the most amazing garland. "Christopher, what is this? Where did you find it?" Strands and strands of Mardi Gras beads that he and Rich cut and pieced together drip from the branches.
Feather trees originated in Germany in the mid-19th century. The German government was concerned about deforestation and limited the number of Christmas trees to one per household. Goose feathers were plentiful and a cottage industry of tree production developed. It was, basically, the first artificial Christmas tree. You can see in the image, above, how the feathers were wrapped around wire or metal sticks to create the "needles." Some were left white while others were dyed. German immigrants introduced the trees to America and eventually production spread to the States and later Japan.
We ohed and ahhed. I stood back and moved forward and once I was full up from its wonder I turned my attention to this hand-blocked wall paper panel.
Absolutely stunning and if I only had the wall space I just might have brought it home to put in my own stocking.
Ditto this screen which I glimpsed on my way out the door. All these treasures, including the tree, and many more can be had by giving Christopher and Rich a jingle - 816-668-9974.
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11 comments:
How fascinating about the feather trees. And such a good and "green" idea, (pun intended).
Thank you for another great visit to Christopher Filley!
"Oh, Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree, how I love your branches!"
I had decided NOT to put up a tree this year, but after seeing this gorgeous tree and your entry today, Mrs. B, what was I thinking??? Thanks for the inspiration!
Ever since Martha Stewart introduced me to feather trees -- including green ones as you've shown here -- I've thought it's another option I might be able to go for. I like how Christopher's is heavily laden as opposed to being uptight. The beads are magical.
Columnist - it's the best solution for fake, I think.
Mimilee - you must! Even if it's just a small one!
Courtney - My ever-unrealized goal is to have a tree this laden. I adore the bead garland and must get started gathering some. Seems with the feather tree I might be easier to anchor in the urn. It's the kind of thing I lay awake nights thinking about.
I had not heard of the goose feather trees. Christophers's is beautiful and it is fun to see the "old fashioned" Christmas look. The beads are wonderful.Geese are plentiful here, however they are a protected bird species. (Otherwise I might be found trying to snatch feathers for a tiny tree)
goose feather trees? i've NEVER heard of this! so cool.
now I wonder if the animal rights readers will clean your clock. They probably only reserve that for fur.
I had no idea that artificial trees were so old an idea. How smart of the Germans to design and promote them - and goose feathers! Amazing!
Beautiful post - what a wonderful store
While the beads are lovely, I am intrigued by what looks like a gum chain draping around the tree--any word on its provenance? (the zig-zag stuff in the close-up shots, incase you weren't into chewing gum).
-R
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