Saturday, September 29, 2012

Ilona......Ilona


Magnolia - Magnolia Grandiflora how beautiful and perfect for Ambrosia Place and made by the exacting hand of the beautiful Ilona from mimimumloon . Many weeks ago Ilona showed us a beautiful magnolia she made. After reading my post about Ambrosia Place she was inspired to create, as soon as I saw the beautiful blooms I knew they must find their way to live in our house. Finally the Magnolia branch arrived and I have to admit to having a tear in my eye as I held it in my hand. I had a strong feeling of my Mother looking over my shoulder and admiring the careful detail that was in the delicate and striking flowers. Every detail has been carefully crafted right down to the rusty under leaf, the lichen moss and the pollen, even a slightly browned petal. This is perfection and my photographs do not do the detail justice.




Please take note of the careful detail in every petal and leaf on the back as well as the front, it doesn't matter which angle you look, it's all there, even the little buds of flowers. Ilona was so kind that she also sent to me a collection of beautiful gifts that all had the magnolia signature that is so perfect for Ambrosia place. Above you can see some tiny linen  towels and soaps and believe me there, were many more. I sadly ran out of light before I could photograph and I have been waiting for some good light but we have been pounded with the most awful weather, it wont clear for days. So I thought best to post what I have now and the rest when the light is better, I really would like to do this kindness justice.
Dear Ilona, thank you so much for your kindness, you know how much it cheered my heart. 

Thank you my dear friend. XX

Much love to you all and happy minis.

Fi xx

Foot note : I just wanted to clarify that I commissioned Ilona to make the Magnolia after she made this lovely post about being inspired by my story of  Ambrosia Place. Click here to see the post. I'm afraid I have given the impression it was a gift, the gifts are to follow.


30 comments:

  1. Wow, Fi! That is an astonishing piece of work. I have worked with magnolia back in my floral design days and Ilona's miniature version captures it exactly. Magnificent! A big hug from your friend, John

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks John,

      I do wonder if there is any end to your expertise?

      Hugs, Fi xx

      Delete
  2. Oh, those flowers are just fantastic, wonderful job, Ilona! Enjoy your precious gifts Fi.

    ReplyDelete
  3. You're right, Ilona is one of a kind, a real artist, and such a lovely person too! Congratulations on all of your amazing gifts! xo Jennifer

    ReplyDelete
  4. Its simply perfect, Fi! The level of detail is incredible.
    What a wonderful additions, and fitting tribute.
    Love
    Simon xx

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks Si!

    I'm so pleased you seem to be getting through now.

    Big hugs, Fi xx

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wow! Those blossoms are Perfect! What an amazing creation!!! Ilona's flowers are extraordinary!!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi Fiona, Ilona "calling" :D!
    I am glad your magnolia reached you undamaged: it seems she is a vulnerable and also a tough flower ;). You've made some very beautiful pictures of this Southern beauty, Fi: you've played with the light to show her beauty, thank you so much!!
    Knowing my magnolia is at your place in beautiful Australia makes me a bit jealous :), I would love to travel to this continent and see it with my own eyes.
    Enjoy your flower and gifts, my friend, and thank you for mentioning my blog.
    Wishing you a very nice weekend. ML Ilona

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Ilona,

      Yes, she was packaged so perfectly, sheer perfection on arrival. I still feel the pictures don't do her justice but I feel it was the best way to show her delicate petals and fine work in the leaves and branches.

      Well, I know you have some difficulties getting here but when you do, you know you have a friend to visit......; )

      Thank you again for your kindness,

      Much love, Fi xx

      Delete
  8. These are lovely. I've never seen mini magnolias before and the detail is remarkable. Nice work Ilona.

    The additional little minis add such a personal touch too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Irene,

      I haven't seen a mini Magnolia before either, so I just had to have it.

      ML Fi xx

      Delete
    2. You may have started something!

      Thanks for your comment on The Tenement. Please send me your email and I'll do my best to guide you through watermarks.

      Delete
  9. Hello Fi!
    What a lovely gift.........Ilona is a very talented artist.......as are you! Those pictures are beautifully staged and photographed. I am so looking forward to seeing more of "Ambrosia Place"
    Good Wishes and ML from Ray

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Ray,

      I have left a foot note regarding Ilona's gift. I'm glad you like the photo's, I have to admit I am stalling a bit as I wait for my final items to arrive for the kitchen. What was that I said to you about spending too much time collecting and not enough building....lol

      Hugs, Fi xx

      Delete
  10. Hi Fi,

    The magnolia is magnificent and I will order some from Ilona. I follow her blog but I guess that I missed her magnolias.

    As an "almost" Virginian, I love those magnolia trees. And I have to admit that I too, had a tear in my eye when you mentioned your mother. We both understand about a garden of memories.

    Your photographs are beautiful. I never tire of looking at them.

    Life is too short not to take time to watch the flowers (real or mini) grow.
    Iris

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Iris,

      I imagine the magnolias must look amazing, I have always wanted to see Virginia and maybe one day I will.

      I whole heartedly agree with your sentiment Iris, only this week a dear friend of ours died of cancer at the age of 55, he was an amazing gardener, in fact it was his passion, along with his Harley Davidson........; )

      ML Fi xx

      Delete
  11. Hi Fi,

    Wonderful Ilona makes beautiful flowers, I was so fortunate to win her give away.
    The Magnolia is so pretty, I understand that you are happy with it.
    A lovely gift from someone who is very talented and inspiring.

    Lots of kind greetings, Alexandra.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Alexandra,

      You lucky girl to win Ilona's giveaway, she is SO talented, Ilona can turn her hand to any thing.

      Hugs, Fi xx

      Delete
  12. What lovely gifts. So thoughtful of IIona, considering the sentimental attachment you have to Magnolia's. I think they will look fabulous in Ambrosia Place =0)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Pepper,

      Yes I was blown away by her kindness, she is an amazing lady.

      Hugs, Fi xx

      Delete
  13. Hello Fi

    What a lovely, thoughtful gift, and what a beautiful flower! It is perfect! the detail is very fine indeed. I can see why you were so thrilled to receive it, plus all the other little floral tributes!!

    I am sure you will find just the right place for the magnolia to go in Ambrosia Place.

    Much love
    Andy xxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hi Andy,

    Yes, I think it will be so perfect for Ambrosia place, it has inspired me to keep moving and start on the other rooms, Ilona has really helped me realise my direction and sentiment.

    Much Love Fi xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Commission, gift, whatever, it's still beautiful!! And I am pleased to hear that it has inspired you to continue!

      Delete
  15. ¡Hola Fiona!

    Estas magnolias son una verdadera maravilla. Yo estoy totalmente enamorado del trabajo de Ilona, creo que nadie como ella es capaz de conseguir esta absoluta perfección en el trabajo. Además sus comentarios son siempre tan amables que da la impresión de conocerla en persona.

    ¡Enhorabuena por tener esta maravilla de flores!

    ¡Un abrazo enorme!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hi Pedrete
    sí Ilona es tan talentoso, ella puede hacer cualquier cosa que se proponga a, me siento muy afortunado de tener estas magnolias.

    Grandes abrazos

    Fi xx

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hey Fi, just checking your verification is gone =0) Yay.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hello Fi,
    How incredibly beautiful. The magnolia are sow ell amde and every detail is trully perfect. What a beautiful piece to have. It will definetley be to your high standards in your mini house.
    Much love,
    Giac

    ReplyDelete