I've fallen hard for this little bugger.
The ampersand has taken over my life and I suddenly see it everywhere! It has become quite the household trend in the most stylish of homes across the country, so I decided to get a closer view on what makes this little symbol so appealing...
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| You can see how the symbol takes center-stage in my own living room |
Let's first start with where it came from. You know they say, "know from whence you came" so here are some fun facts on the history of the '&' thanks to Wiki:
- Pronunciation: AM-per-sand
- The name 'ampersand' . . . comes from the practice once common in schools of reciting all 26 letters of the alphabet plus the '&' sign, pronounced 'and,' which was considered part of the alphabet, at least for learning purposes. Thus, the recitation of the alphabet would end in "X, Y, Z and per se, and". This last phrase was routinely slurred to "ampersand" and the term crept into common English usage by around 1837.
- The ampersand can be traced back to the 1st century A.D. and the Old Roman cursive, in which the letters E and T occasionally were written together to form a ligature.
Not only is it pretty and fun to look at, but I also believe the symbol itself has become a universal representation of 'togetherness' for people. Used frequently in big waaavvvy script for wedding invitations, its made its way onto pillows, necklaces, glittering signs, & desktop wallpapers. It spans across all mediums now and no one can stop it - Everyone loves the ampersand!
If you're like me and enjoy this 27th letter of the alphabet way too much, I've found some amazing finds to rep it. Check them out:
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| #1: All white melamine bookends that are dual-duty. Stylishly hold your books with these lovelies. I found them on OneKingsLane last week, but be sure to creep on them because they'll be back again. #2: Designer much? Graphics play a big part in my life and maybe they do in yours. Who wouldn't love this '&' art hanging in their office? Limited Edition ampersand letterpress print from Douglas Wilson #3: How cute is this ampersand desktop for dual displays? His and hers, maybe? Love. Find them from Veer HERE |
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| #1: My heart flutters for this vintage '&' marquee light from Etsy seller AirthandOlson - Love it too? Buy it here #2: For the crafty-folk, rubber stamps are like a good pair of shoes...you have to have them all. Why not go for this ONE from Etsy seller annmarielovespaper #3: Ampersand pillows are everywhere.. I suggest a DIY so you can make it any color you want. Just get a standard pillow and print the '&' from your computer onto transfer paper. Then just iron that baby on - Voila! Photo Courtesy of DesignSponge |
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| #1: Maybe it really is near and dear to your heart. Wear it as close as possible with this Sterling Silver block ampersand necklace from Etsy seller christinakober #2: If you're a true lover of the '&' you'll put it on your most prized possession.. your iphone. Head on over to Erica Jacson Curran's Etsy shop and show some Charleston, SC love! #3: Jot down your life's biggest desires or better yet, take it to work. This hand-stitched ampersand moleskin notebook by Etsy seller elizabethrosemond will make you want to take notes! Choose your color HERE #4: Spread your love for the ampersand with these gift tags from Etsy seller 33PaperLane |
and if you still can't get enough, check out this site solely dedicated to the one & only, The Ampersand
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