We’re INTO THE BOX

The birth of the Versailles Planter took place at the gardens of the Palace of Versailles.  This beautifully functional planter was designed by Andre Le Notre, the architect of the garden and was used by Louis XIV’s gardeners to move orange trees out of the cold into the Orangery each winter.  The design featured removable sides and cast iron bands, posts and hinges to access the roots of the plant for trimming and to add soil.  Today we see many modern variations on this iconic square planter and Eye of the Day offers many different versions, from  American concrete square planters to Italian terracotta squares.   Our custom square redwood planters have proven to be extremely popular AND versatile.  These planters  can be finished in any color with the highest quality exterior high gloss or satin oil-based paint for longevity and can be fitted with an optional galvanized or copper insert.  Obviously, a logical plant for this container would be a citrus tree or a boxwood topiary, in fact the square planter is interchangeably referred to as a Citrus Planter, Topiary Planter and a Topiary Square.  Whichever square planter you choose, you will know that Louis XIV would approve.

At Eye of the Day, It’s all Greek to us

Greeks may get rid of the Euro but they will never get rid of their Pitharis: While it may all be Greek to you, you should know that old Greek Pithari oil jars are singularly the most in demand antique or old amphora sought by designers for finishing their design projects.

Every home in Greece has a Pithari or similar earthenware jar containing the household olive oil. For hundreds of years Pithari have also been used for other household liquids or even to store rolled rugs, brooms and mops. Today many Greeks use them for flower planters.

At Eye of the Day we have just received a new container of old and antique Pithari jars as well as a great collection of newly made Greek terracotta pottery. Check it out!

TERRACOTTA AMONG THE PEACOCKS

Eye of the Day recently participated in GROW! A Garden Festival at The Los Angeles County Arboretum. Our booth received ALOT of attention… not just because Brent was such a relaxed and welcoming feature, or because of the omnipresent peafowl, but for our beautiful display of Italian terracotta pottery from Terrecotte San Rocco so handsomely and opulently planted by Mimi Richardson.

We also set up a Terrecotte San Rocco custom fountain conversion that inspired a lot of conversation, especially from the most vocal participants, the peacocks!

Holiday Dreaming at Eye of the Day

Eye of the Day has dreams of becoming the place to find unique, beautiful gifts.  In our recent shipment of Anduze pots from the South of France, we received a number of smaller vases and low bowls that would be perfect for a holiday table setting or to be home to a small indoor holiday tree.  An extraordinary urn with a rustic finish from Anduze could spend the holidays filled with pinecones and later coddle a houseplant.

Also from Anduze are wine coolers in the traditional style of Anduze pots, with a finish that brings to mind a frosty December evening.  In our gift shop and throughout the showroom are terracotta animals of many sizes as well as giant terracotta fruit.  Roosters, snails, birds, pigs, and a variety of dogs are waiting to please someone on Christmas morning.  Lemons, pomegranates, acorns, apples and pumpkins could adorn any indoor or outdoor setting.  It is probably safe to say that the garden-loving people on your list do not already have anything like these. For someone really special, the choice would be one perfect item from Gladding McBean, like my favorite daffodil jar or the exquisite Reclining Nude.  Or a brilliant red Oil Jar. This holiday season, treat yourself and those you love to something unique and everlasting.  A visit to Eye of the Day will inspire you.

It’s finished.

You  found it.  The pedestal  to perfectly fit the statue you love.  But it’s the wrong color or  the finish is the wrong  texture, its matte instead of high gloss.  Do you turn around and walk out the door?  Do you walk through the showroom at Eye of the Day hoping there is one in another color?  Do you settle for something you don’t really love?  NO! 
 
We happily offer you an alternative:  we will alter it to meet your needs and wants.   A formerly plain Jane grey cement pedestal has been resurfaced to look exactly like something from a 14th century French limestone monastery facade.   A new Greek pot has been colored to appear old.  A tall, graceful terracotta pot from the Terrecotte San Rocco I. Torrini line takes onthe look of an heirloom Gladding McBean pot with its magnificent Black Tuxedo glaze.   A perfect, simple steel square planter is finished to be the doppelganger of an imported zinc or lead pot.  
 
Whether terracotta, concrete or even metal, Eye of the Day has a fantastic service department that has the ability to color and re-surface every item, from concrete fountains, pots and statuary to architectural pieces that look like they are covered with moss and lichen to mimic the patina of the ages.  Your wishes and desires are our accomplishments.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BEFORE 
Plain Jane Concrete Pedestal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AFTER
Original piece of 14th century French limestone (top piece) and concrete pedestal with finish on front
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AFTER
Close up of the original limestone (top piece) and the special finish applied to match it on the bottom concrete pedestal
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BEFORE
New Greek Terracotta Oil Jar
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AFTER
New Greek Terracotta Oil Jar with Antique Finish Applied
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Authentic Antique Greek Oil Jars this finish was modeled from
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Small Business Saturday is November 26! Come help support small businesses.

First there was Black Friday, then Cyber Monday.  Now, there’s the 2nd annual Small Business Saturday, the day people support small businesses like Eye of the Day!  Pledge to Shop Small on Saturday, November 26th.

Shop Small and Get $25 Back

American Express wants to help you make a difference.  Receive a one-time $25 statement credit when you register an eligible American Express card and use that card for a purchase of $25 or more at a small business on November 26th.

 

To register your card for the $25 statement credit go here: