fete et fleur: October 2008

Miniature Treasures

The smaller an item is the more precious it becomes to me. Do you feel the same way? There is something exquisite about a miniature. I had the good fortune to find these little beauties. I have a special project in mind for them.

They certainly look sweet all in a row like this.

A miniature abalone mother of pearl egg thimble holder

Wait . . . what is that I see inside?

This tiny one has made a home of the lovely thimble case.

Have a Beautiful Day!

The Weekend . . .

What a beautiful sunset, she thought to herself as she turned from the open window. A cool crisp breeze lifted the curls from her forehead. Her hand trailed behind as she moved from the window, caressing the wisp of voile that hung there. She picked up the lantern, set it on the table and struck a match. The lighted candle gently spluttered and glowed, illuminating the room and the roses on the table.

A sigh escaped her . . . she was looking forward to the weekend.

Happy Birthday My Love

Photo Clipart

I love you!

He's Baaack!

My hubby has a new post. Please visit him here. He promises to write at least once a week. We'll see . . .

Gold Details

A few weeks ago I received an email from someone who is remodeling their bedroom. The theme is white with accents of gold. I was asked to put together my favorite photos featuring gold details for her inspiration. I’m so sorry this has taken me so long to do. I actually was hoping to photograph some new things, but never found the time. Below is a compilation of photos from some of my previous blog posts with details in gold.

A list of suggestions for beautiful gold accents:

1. French ormolu
2. Gold filigree items as in photo 2
3. Small miniature gold frames
4. French gesso wall sconces
5. Caroyln Quartermaine’s fabric silks with gold script writing
6. Delicate scrolled brass findings
7. Italian gold leafed candlesticks

You might even consider having a local artist paint a simple gold leafed design on the walls.

I hope these ideas and photos are an inspiration to you.

Gold Montage

This powder box is stunning with its delicate filigree work

French crowns . . . these are some of my favorites!

Miniature French frame with cherub ormolu details

Layered gesso frames . . . I think this would look fabulous on a wall

When Life gives you Lemons or The Allure of Smashed Hydrangeas

Well, I finally found them. I tracked down a supplier for some dried Pee Gee Hydrangeas. I love these flowers when they are alive, but when they have been dried, they take on a romanticism that oozes delicate beauty.

I was so thrilled I had found them, I ordered quite a few. They arrived yesterday and with trembling fingers I opened the box to be wowed by their beauty. I gasped as I saw the lovely blooms and then a deep sadness set in as I realized the majority of them were crushed!! I should have known by the smashed box, but I dared to hope they would be fine. I took them out tenderly. . . there weren't many I could salvage for the dream bouquet I have always wanted. I know I probably should have returned them, but I kept thinking there must be something I could do with them.

Then I remembered the phrase: When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Lemonade.

So. . . I made this...

I didn’t have a frame for the wreath, so I created one out of jewelry wire. The crushed blooms made sweet lemonade for my wall.

Here’s the bouquet I salvaged.

Happy Day!☺

What I've Been Up To . . .

1. Painting the bathroom. . .

I've been up to my elbows in paint. This is one of the last things we have to do to get the house ready. The bathroom has three alcoves and I painted the walls a pure white. It has a Moroccan feel. I love the idea of a Moroccan bathroom so I'm using this book for inspiration.

This book is filled with recipes and ideas to bring this exotic look to your home.

This photo reminds me of Caroline Quartermaine's style.

2. Having some fun. . .

Because we've been working so hard to get the house ready. . . we decided to have some fun.

Fall is in full swing here and fall boutiques are popping up everywhere.

I like the way this material is draped under the archway.

For those of you looking for a sophisticated chandelier. I've never seen one in black.

The phantom was here.

Nasturtiums and delphinium

The next place we went to had the most fabulous French antiques and crafts

This amazing lamp is imported from France.

An antique French puppet theater. I'm in love.

3. Staging the house. . .

Wonderful Ostrich egg and dried chocolate cosmos.

The chocolate cosmos looks beautiful tied with black ribbon.

4. Reading this book. . .

I adore Jane Austen. Her book, Pride and Prejudice is my very favorite. I've always wondered what happened to the Darcy's after they married. If you are a lover of Austen, you may want to get this book. I think you'll like it.

The Shoes are Published!

I want to thank all of you for the support and encouragement you have given my artwork. I would never have dreamed this was possible. I'm thrilled to say that my shoes have been published in the latest autumn issue of Somerset Life. I especially would like to thank Somerset Life's Editor-in-Chief Jenny Doh and Editor Morgan McLaughlin for their guidance in getting my creations published.

This whole process has been one of discovery and adventure. I encourage you all to dream big. Anything is possible!

Here are some sneak peeks. This magazine is filled with beauty, inspiring ideas for fall and winter and --the best part-- many wonderful bloggers that you know. If you love our blogging community you won't want to miss this issue.

Enjoy!

Happy Birthday and Thank you!

I wanted to wish the lovely Ulla of Ullabenulla a very Happy Birthday! I have been so blessed over this last year to get to know this amazing artist. Ulla’s generosity of heart and her love of art are an inspiration to me. I hope your day is filled with joy.

You can visit Ulla’s blog here.

Here are some photos of her magical work!