i heart macro: Australian tea sets

As we in the Northern Hemisphere head deeper into our Winter (although thankfully it's been relatively mild so far), isn't it pretty to see such a rose, even if just a painting of a rose?

I thought at first a peony, but think it's another rose.

A bouquet, or two?

I would love these in my yard or on my table

this time of year!

These photographs are actually from an Australian tea set.

Each set comes with a cup and a small tray.
I love how a small image from the illustration
is often included on the inside of the cup.

The set is actually from
"Felix Rosenstiel's Widow & Son, Limited," London.

This next set is dedicated to all our bird photographers.   It's the closest I've ever been able to come to a close up of a bird!   

Showing this grouping in reverse order from the last--
going from distance to more close-up.

#29: "My Best Birds"

This one included the artist's name on the plate.

This cup is from the Australian Wildflower Collection,
made in Australia.
Botanical Illustrations by Philippa Nikulinksy
for the Species Survival Trust.
The plant is Eucalyptus bennettiae.

Lovely illustrations, inside and out.

I'm not Australian, but wish I could be an "honorary Australian!"  I have a strong affinity for the people, culture,  and nature  there.   I long for the hot summer days that are happening while we are having long cold wintertime.   

My husband's mother was from Perth, Western Australia.  I've been to Australia only twice, but we keep in touch with family and they sometime come to visit us.  The tea sets were gifts from our family there.

 I'm delighted to have met some wonderful people from Australia through "i heart macro" who delight us with their photos of landscape, flora and fauna!  Though my work cannot begin to compare with her beautiful nature photography, I dedicate this week's entry in particular to Carole Meisenhelter of Carole's Creative Corner.

Please visit Carole's site and others for this week's entries entries at Lori Plyer's "i heart macro" site!

Click here for more "i heart macro!"

P.S.  It's a bit after the fact, but I posted close-ups from my Santa collection last week.  If you are interested, you can still take a peek at:  "i heart macro: Christmas Special with Santa."