tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6196843100928326342024-03-18T13:58:06.220-06:00French LaundryFRENCH LAUNDRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05381484084143803247noreply@blogger.comBlogger207125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619684310092832634.post-69050731249953659562019-03-31T15:18:00.000-06:002019-03-31T15:22:57.895-06:00Looking is not the same as seeing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hi my bloggie friends,<br />
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Long time no see. I hope you've been well. I have been busy, but no complaints. I had a desire to put some thoughts to paper, so I hope you will indulge me in this non-art/decor/antiques/diy post.<br />
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Have you ever thought about the difference between looking at something and really seeing it? For almost 20 years, I have been doing laundry in the creepiest 110+ year old house basement I've ever seen, complete with spider webs, bad lighting, and crumbling plaster walls-someone's attempt at making a decidedly uninviting space habitable. Maybe 80 years or so ago, it wasn't so bad, but these days, it is a place to get in and get out of as quickly as possible. And it is NEVER on the home tour, I assure you. The crumbling plaster wall is the worst right above where we have an old counter which we use to fold clothes. Yep, so before you fold, you usually have to brush off the counter or deal with the consequences of a rough sand ending up in and on your clothes. Delightful. I guess it probably was a bad plaster job to begin with and it didn't get better with age.<br />
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I have been looking at, and silently cursing, this wall for nearly 20 years, always wishing that I had the time and money to dedicate to making a proper laundry room, sans crumbling plaster, or that perhaps HGTV would call and offer to come help me out. Yes, I realize that's not how those things work, but this is my laundry day fantasy, so just work with me.<br />
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Anyway, for whatever reason, today I actually SAW this wall as I was preparing to do my folding. I don't know if it was the light coming in from the bulkhead door or what, but it struck me that it was like a piece of art-house art, if you will. I noticed the layers of paint, revealing the 1940-50's green which had been painted over the earlier peach, which was over the sandy undercoat (the part that crumbles pretty much constantly). I noticed the pits and textures and the way that it had gradations in the colors. I took the shop vac out and vacuumed the spidery webs and the fuzz that had stuck in the wall (I apologize to the squeamish for that visual!). Then, I went upstairs and fetched my camera. I played with taking pictures of THE WALL and then came upstairs to my laptop and did some cropping and was surprised at how much the photos looked like some cool piece of abstract art.<br />
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I even caught myself thinking, "I wonder if we could somehow preserve the wall for its aesthetic appeal, but keep the plaster from crumbling on our clothes?". Wait, what??? I guess it was just one of those fleeting times of actually living in the moment and appreciating the beauty that is already around me that made me want to pause, enjoy, and then write about it. After all of this time, I finally SAW the wall instead of just grumbling about how awful it and the whole basement is. I SAW the beauty in the crumbling imperfection. I think if you Google decayed elegance, you might find other images similar to this. I SAW the wall and pondered about the first person who tried to spruce up an otherwise unassuming basement with some plaster and paint-were they just looking to add some living space, maybe for their kids to play in? Were they happy with the results? Were they happy living in this old house? Did former residents cry happy tears when WWII ended? What about the people living here when WWI ended? Did they lose any loved ones? What effect did the stock market crash of 1929 have upon the people living here then? I could go on and on. It's thoughts like this that make me love my old house and allow me to overlook the fact that there is a decided lack of proper closets, I share a bathroom with my whole family, and there is always something that needs to be fixed or spruced up. ALWAYS. At least for today, I celebrate the layers of history that this old wall in the basement represents and just maybe, I have found my appreciation for what is. MAYBE next time laundry day rolls around, I won't groan when I see that wall.<br />
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Now, if HGTV called tomorrow and offered to fix the place up, would I take them up on it??? I did discover a new appreciation for what is, right? Oh heck, let's be real: I'd say YES, faster than you could say FIXER UPPER! I do appreciate the wall and the history it represents, but I'm not CRAZY! LOL!!!<br />
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Until next time, try to really see the people and things around you and enjoy the experience, transient though it may be.<br />
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FRENCH LAUNDRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05381484084143803247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619684310092832634.post-62583855821461708952018-03-11T20:31:00.000-06:002018-03-11T20:31:49.801-06:00A Little Studio Time for Myself<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hi Bloggie Friends,<br />
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It has been so very long since I've done any creating just for myself, but this weekend was a break in the cycle. A couple of weeks ago, I picked up this fun little frame at my local thrift store. It was made in Italy, was VERY gold, and did I mention, it was PLASTIC. EEEEOOOOWWW! Anyway, I thought it had potential, and went ahead and purchased it, even though my husband rolled his eyes at me.<br />
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I'm terrible at remembering to take "before" pictures because I usually just want to get to work, but I did find this image on Pinterest that is what my little piece looked like except mine was a really garish gold. I saved the little cherub for use in another project sometime.<br />
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A little chalk paint, a little wax, clear, followed by brown, and then adding back a little gold with a wonderful French gilding wax gave the frame the look I wanted. I covered over the worn red fuzzy backing with a nice damask paper and finished the back (not pictured) with a similarly styled vintage wallpaper. Then, I added a pretty lady and some gorgeous old French silk ribbon work trim. After putting her all back together, this was the result.<br />
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Beautiful details...<br />
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Love me some beautiful old ribbon work any day of the week and twice on Sunday!<br />
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And here she is, hung on the wall in her forever home (well, okay, maybe just her "for now" home, but whatever). I'm so pleased at how it turned out. <br />
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Thanks for coming along for the show and tell. It's been a long time, hasn't it? <br />
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Until next time,<br />
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FRENCH LAUNDRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05381484084143803247noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619684310092832634.post-45149189750882792332018-02-25T23:46:00.001-07:002018-02-26T09:17:11.219-07:00Happy Birthday to my Momma<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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An FYI: this is a very personal post with nothing to do with home decor, art, or antiques, but I needed to write it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom, stylish, as always</td></tr>
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February 25, 2018. Today, my mother would have been 97 years old. She would have hated that ("that's too old!" she would have exclaimed, unapologetically). She's been gone 18 years now. Most years, the day passes with just a perfunctory nod to the date on the calendar and a quick "Happy birthday, Mom" text to my 2 brothers. This year though, feels different. It hit me harder this year than in many years, for reasons known only to the universe. My only guess is that the 3 month old baby (my first child) that I know saved me from experiencing the depths of grief I might otherwise have experienced upon her passing is now 18 years old. As he prepares to embark on the rest of his journey through this old world as an adult, heading to college in the fall, I suppose I am beginning to feel that loss as well.<br />
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But let's get back to my mother...<br />
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Lullein, or Lucy, as my dad nicknamed her when they began dating their senior year of high school, lost her own mother as a 1 year old. She and her older sister spent their young childhood living with their mother's younger sister and her family. My grandfather did the best he could to visit the girls regularly and he sent them gifts when he could afford it. After 7 or 8 years, my grandfather remarried, and shortly after, the girls got to come live with their father and his new wife, Una Mae. Mae never had any children herself, but in her own way, she embraced my mom and her sister and gave them a loving, stable home. She was a tall, lanky school teacher with a keen mind and a quick wit. She wasn't super touchy feely, but I know that she loved my mom and my aunt and they loved her right back. She taught the girls many practical skills, one of which was sewing, I'm pretty sure.<br />
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My mom really took to the sewing and it was a huge part of her life. She loved fashion and she made all of her own clothes. Once she had kids, she sewed all of our clothes as well. Now before you think "homemade clothes" and create a picture out of The Waltons in your mind, let me clear something up. My mom loved Vogue patterns, even though they cost at least twice as much as the patterns from other companies. She was a perfectionist with her sewing, matching stripes and plaids, using beautiful fabrics, tailoring garments to fit like a glove, and creating outfits that would rival anything Neiman-Marcus had to offer. She knew which direction the hemlines were heading in any given year and could always tell me what color was going to be THE color of the next season. She was an introvert by nature, but she had enough pride to always want to look her best, even if she did shy away from truly being the center of attention. This pride involved being well dressed from head to toe. Now about her collection of shoes...<br />
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You see, although my mom loved to sew, I think she would have rather enjoyed buying a few things off the rack. Problem was, at a petite 5 foot 2 inches and not many "petite" sections in the stores, even if she bought something ready made, she would either spend the money to have it altered (almost never) or bring it home and alter it herself; always another step before she could actually wear the item in question. When my mom died, I took home a pair of rather new pajamas she had so that I could wear them for myself. I wore them FOREVER because they reminded me of her and since she had worn them, too, it made me feel close to her. After MANY washings, a shoulder seam on the pajamas popped, and I learned that my mother had actually altered her pajamas 1/4 inch in the shoulders to make them fit perfectly. WHO DOES THAT??? So, what's a girl to do? As she told me once, shoes just fit and you can even wear them home from the store if you wish! So, she really loved shoes because, in addition to being pretty, she could just buy them and then they were good to go. I guess my love of shoes is something that I came by honestly. Sadly, my feet bypassed hers in size rather quickly, so all of her beautiful shoes that she had when she passed away went to strangers with smaller feet. I hope they appreciated them. 😊 So, in acknowledgement of my mother's birthday and our mutual love of shoes today, I decided to go ahead and wear the pair of pink velvet heels (pink being my mom's favorite clothing color). I love those heels, but haven't worn them much since their purchase. My day job in a clinical laboratory isn't exactly a high heel kind of gig. Since I wasn't working, I rocked the heels, in my mom's honor, despite the fact that I only had the most pedestrian of errands to run.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, in my pink velvet heels</td></tr>
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What else did my mom love? Margaritas. But usually only half a margarita, because...well, because she was a lightweight! I could digress into a discussion of my younger self "helping" her drink her Margarita, but let's leave that for another day. Suffice it to say, that, in addition to getting myself put together and sporting some of my favorite heels for the day, I had a Margarita for her. Since she couldn't join me, I did have to drink her half as well as mine! I think she would have been OK with that, even if I did take the liberty of making mine as I prefer, on the rocks, rather than her favorite frozen version. A toast to the birthday girl!<br />
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I should tell you, if you haven't come to the conclusion already, that my mother was my best buddy. I was a late life baby who brought her joy and kept her young, according to my dad, but she was equally important to me and I followed her everywhere, including the bathroom! I was with her when she hung the clothes on the line to dry, when she cooked and cleaned, and I sat on the floor of her bedroom and played by her feet while she sewed. She couldn't have shaken me off if she'd wanted to, but, lucky for me, she didn't want to. She seemed to enjoy our togetherness as much as I did. When I got older, we traveled in the summer for weeks at a time in our R.V. We played a lot of games of Yahtzee, in addition to making craft projects, reading, and sight seeing all over North America with my dad.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom and her constant shadow, circa 1967<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A9ZJ82geE3c/WpOfEdAt0qI/AAAAAAAAImQ/0HJdELOnUo06n9adzF_RNjVNrRLAmtRsQCEwYBhgL/s1600/momfamily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1126" height="544" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A9ZJ82geE3c/WpOfEdAt0qI/AAAAAAAAImQ/0HJdELOnUo06n9adzF_RNjVNrRLAmtRsQCEwYBhgL/s640/momfamily.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The family helping me celebrate my 8th birthday. My eldest brother was taking the photo, so missed getting in the shot. The next month, my very pregnant sister-in-law on the right would give my parents their first granddaughter.</td></tr>
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Most of all though, what my mom loved was us. Her family and her home were the most important things in her life and I have no doubt she'd have given her life for ours. She seemed to love her role as a mom with every fiber of her being. She showed me what unconditional love looked and felt like. She'd have done anything for her husband, children, or grandchildren. She worried like crazy about us when things weren't going well and she prayed for our souls when she thought we had strayed from our paths. She lit up like a firefly when we came to visit once we were grown. Nowadays, deep in my middle age, I occasionally think I see a long haired version of her in the mirror when I cast a random glance as I walk by-it's a little disconcerting, actually. I know I feel her presence when I look at my own children, in awe that they are actually mine. I can still remember looking into her eyes as she stood by my bedside when I was in labor with my 18 year old son as though it were yesterday, and it gives me great comfort. As a child. she was my whole world. Now, many years later, my world is much larger, but I know that without her, I wouldn't be the person that I am and I feel so blessed to be her daughter. Mom, today, on the occasion of your 97th birthday, I just want to say, "Happy birthday, Lucy!" I love you with all of my heart and I miss you more than you would have ever guessed.<br />
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Thanks for sticking with me this long, gentle readers. I needed to share this today.<br />
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Until next time,<br />
Judy<br />
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FRENCH LAUNDRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05381484084143803247noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619684310092832634.post-49206719338380234812018-01-23T07:00:00.000-07:002018-01-23T13:05:04.684-07:00Where on Earth Have I Been???<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My oh my, my bloggie friends,</div>
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Where, you ask? Well, right here, living life, just not blogging. Are any of you still out there or am I deluding myself? It's been SOOOOOOO long (nearly 2 years) since I fired up my Blogger account. WHAT? How does this happen? I've missed blogging so much, but the whole full-time job thing and trying to juggle 2 kids and 2 Etsy shops (didn't do so great on that, more later on in the post), blah, blah, blah, you get it. I have started doing Instagram a small bit, but nothing like the blog-more personal, no real theme, just a real mish-mash of whatever strikes my fancy on any given day. It's great for short attention span lookey looing, but not like the blogs are. </div>
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The reason I wanted to pop over to say hello was to show you what I spent all of last week doing...reviving my sad, neglected little Etsy shops. I actually just let them whither on the vine for a while. Also sad, but apparently, what I needed. After a few months of nothing new being put on there, I finally decided enough was enough. I asked for a week off from work and got busy. I photographed and measured and cataloged. I got several new pieces up in each shop and I am now postured to be able to add more pieces much easier since I did the hard work up front. I thought I'd make little photo collages to give you an idea of what's new. I call this one "Rhapsody in Blue and Gold"-okay, just kidding, I didn't name it that, but it does kind of work, don't you think? LOL!</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7tEvMBXtPfs/WmaNct3Ob3I/AAAAAAAAINs/YOrEqE3vI5ceK_qGPVBNSpwt_4tf-pwwwCLcBGAs/s1600/TFLJAN18collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7tEvMBXtPfs/WmaNct3Ob3I/AAAAAAAAINs/YOrEqE3vI5ceK_qGPVBNSpwt_4tf-pwwwCLcBGAs/s640/TFLJAN18collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
These lovelies can be or will be found soon along with many other beautiful treasures at <a href="http://www.thefrenchlaundry.etsy.com/" target="_blank">The French Laundry</a>. <br />
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My other shop, <a href="http://www.elegantfarmhouse.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Elegant Farmhouse</a>, has also been revamped. If you aren't familiar with Elegant Farmhouse, the aesthetic is different than The French Laundry. More simple items, cleaner lines, less fancy. Funny, but this seems to coincide with my split personality when it comes to decorating. Part of me LOVES all the fancy French antiques, the more gilt the better, while another part still digs the painted primitives that I came to love when I lived in New England. Hence, 2 shops. Or, if you are Marion of Miss Mustard Seed fame, you can blend both into a wonderfully cohesive decorating style. She is so sweet and so very talented...but I digress. Back to my photo collage. We'll call this one "Study in White and Tan". I plan on adding more items every week to both shops, so pop by whenever you get the chance and have a look around. You just never know when something is going to strike your fancy. <br />
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I'll try to circle back around and share more photos when I get the chance. <br />
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Until next time,<br />
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FRENCH LAUNDRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05381484084143803247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619684310092832634.post-87721329463366789722016-02-17T07:30:00.000-07:002016-02-17T07:30:18.072-07:00My New Not So Old French Vitrine<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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So I've been looking for an antique French vitrine or curio for some time now. I never have found one that I liked that was for sale prior to the end of last year or at least not at a price point I felt I could afford. Then a couple of months ago, my husband and I visited an estate sale on the 3rd and last day. Just went for giggles, no big expectations because all of the "good stuff" was probably already gone, right? Then, what to my wandering eyes did appear but this little cutie. It was not terribly old, maybe only 20 or 30 years, but it had all of the right lines, beautiful curved glass, and since it wasn't really old, it was in great shape (read NOT a project and a half). The only reason I could figure it was still there was because it was not a great finish. Not horrible, just not inspiring. I asked the lady running the estate sale what she could do on it and it was less than $200. I snatched it up posthaste and knew it was going to be painted creamy white when I was done with it. It took a few weeks before I got "a round toit" for the redo, but I finally did it. This first collage is of the "before". Pardon the messy studio, but it is a work space after all! :-)<br />
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First, I painted her inside and out with Annie Sloan's French Linen. Already I was starting to like her better. This color is so yummy and rich, but I wanted it to be white at the end of the day, so I pressed on to get the look I saw in my head.</div>
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After it was completely dry, I painted on a layer of plain white Elmer's All Purpose Glue, working in sections. Just before it was completely dry, I painted Annie Sloan's Old White over top. After letting it get good and dry, the paint exhibited beautiful crackling, showing off the French Linen underneath. I lightly sanded a few spots where a piece would show some wear with time. I kept it pretty subtle since I wanted an authentic look, not overdone. I gave the whole piece a light sanding with 220 grit sandpaper and then wiped it down with a damp paper towel.<br />
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I then sealed the piece with A.S. clear wax. I resisted purchasing Annie Sloan's wax for years due to the cost, but my local stockist had a small can that allowed me to try it out without shelling out QUITE so much money and I have to say, it is well worth the money. It goes a long way and is SO soft and creamy. When hardened, it yields a very nice and durable finish. I also hit a few of the crevices and lightly on the body with some dark wax. I actually had Miss Mustard Seed's Antiquing Wax on hand, so I used that rather than buying yet another thing to store.Next came the addition of French gilding wax purchased from the A.S. stockist, although the brand is not Annie Sloan, it is actually a product by the French company Pebeo. I used the classic gold. I wanted to highlight all of the beautiful carving but also saw that is would be prettier if it had some gold around the top. I just applied it with my finger and got in the tight spots with a small artist paint brush. This stuff goes on like "buttah" and makes such a nice accent-it also takes VERY LITTLE to get a great look, so although the price for a tiny jar is somewhat off putting, it is more than enough for many projects . Make sure you apply it AFTER any final clear wax coat you want to add since clear waxing over the gilding wax will remove the gilding. <br />
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I'm so pleased with how it turned out. Here it is, in all it's glory, holding many of my beautiful ribbon work treasures.<br />
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So many pretties. And now I get to gaze at them all of the time.<br />
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Speaking of ribbon work, if you'd like to see the article I wrote for the Journal of Antiques and Collectibles but hadn't had a chance to get it, here is a <a href="http://journalofantiques.com/2016/features/a-fondness-for-frippery-collecting-ribbon-work/" target="_blank">link</a> to the online article. Enjoy...<br />
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Until next time,<br />
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FRENCH LAUNDRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05381484084143803247noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619684310092832634.post-50738892005944088262016-01-01T10:29:00.001-07:002016-01-01T10:29:36.293-07:00New Year, New Stuff in the Etsy Shops<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I hope you all had a lovely New Year's Eve. I can hardly believe it is 2016! Like many of you, I have high hopes for all of the things I hope to accomplish this year and it is always fun to feel like you have a blank page to start with. One of my things I hope to accomplish is to keep up with my shop keeping on my Etsy stores. First accomplishment is to load new treasures today over at<a href="http://www.thefrenchlaundry.etsy.com/" target="_blank"> The French Laundry</a>. Put a big ol' CHECK on that one. Head over and see my new goodies, fresh this morning. I'll be loading a few more throughout the day and perhaps will even get some new "merch" added to my other shop, <a href="http://www.elegantfarmhouse.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Elegant Farmhouse</a> this weekend. <br />
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Don't you just love these vintage images? Karen over at <a href="http://www.thegraphicsfairy.com/" target="_blank">The Graphics Fairy</a> always has something fun for all of those projects you know you have on your list...check her site out if somehow you've been under a rock for the last several years and have missed her vintage awesomeness. (wink)<br />
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Until next time,<br />
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FRENCH LAUNDRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05381484084143803247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619684310092832634.post-68497857860920349042015-12-30T08:00:00.000-07:002015-12-30T08:00:20.535-07:00A New Year and New Treasures Coming to The French Laundry<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hello again Bloggie Friends,<br />
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Once again, the calendar is about to turn over to a new year and it is time for me to get serious about stocking my Etsy shop, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheFrenchLaundry?ref=hdr_shop_menu" target="_blank">The French Laundry</a>. I've spent the last part of 2015 buying some awesome things that speak to my soul, a few of which are shown above. Some new pretties are listed now and a New Year's listapalooza (translation: lots of stuff for your perusal) will go live at noon Eastern Standard Time on January 1st, 2016. Come join me in between the Tournament of Roses Parade and your "Good Luck" black eyed peas for a little retail therapy.<br />
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Until next time,<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/397/5754BE10D6A81BAB9EB1229F87D130CC.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0pt; border-left: 0pt; border-right: 0pt; border-top: 0pt;" /></a></div>
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FRENCH LAUNDRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05381484084143803247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619684310092832634.post-61551027108633073562015-12-28T13:40:00.001-07:002015-12-28T13:43:07.755-07:00On a Personal Note...My First Byline!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hello Bloggie Friends,<br />
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I just had to check in to <strike>brag </strike> mention that I am so excited to have a 3 page feature article in the beautiful publication, Journal of Antiques and Collectibles. It is a publication available mostly on the east coast, featuring fun and informative articles on whatever topic is their focus for the month, Q & A's on collectibles, trending items on eBay, noteworthy auction house results, antique show schedules, etc. I was thrilled when their editor reached out to me after seeing some of my ribbon work collections on my blog and asked me if I would be interested in writing a feature talking about my favorite collectible. I couldn't say "yes" fast enough! Their editorial focus was "A Stitch in Time" and it was about sewing and related collectibles. Right up my alley...<br />
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Seeing your very first byline in print is pretty dang exciting. I know lots of my blogging friends have had this experience many times, but it was a first for me (okay, back in the day, I did do a newsletter update for the officers' wives club at the Air Force base, but it wasn't nearly as exciting as this).<br />
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Just let me go on record to say that writing an article, even on something you are passionate about, is not all that easy. Kudos to those whose words flow like a mountain stream...you are indeed talented.<br />
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I also got the joy of taking several photos of my collections for publication which was like choosing which of my children would be featured-SO HARD! Oh well, I did manage to get a good handful of shots and then turned it over to the editor's capable hands for her to make the final selection. <br />
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Well, that's all for now. I'm busy getting lots of beautiful things photographed and ready for listing in my Etsy shop. Stay tuned.<br />
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Until next time,<br />
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FRENCH LAUNDRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05381484084143803247noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619684310092832634.post-4883396684498233872015-12-23T07:30:00.000-07:002015-12-26T19:42:40.166-07:00Pink, Gold, and Silver Tablescape<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Happy First Day of Winter my bloggie friends! Today I am sharing my dining room Christmas tablescape which is lots different than in years past. When I started pulling out my Christmas goodies this year, I remembered some pale pink vintage ornaments I had and decided to set up a pale pink, gold, and silver theme rather than my usual burgandy and gold. I found some gold chargers at a yard sale this summer which made a nice underlayer to my mix and match Limoges dinner plates that have pink flowers on a white background with gold accents. <br />
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My little French cherub candleholders are regulars at my table and are perfect for this tablescape since they aren't terribly tall, avoiding having to peek around them to see your table mates.<br />
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The pretty vintage balls that were my inspiration ended up in a round Limoges casserole dish and then were set on a vintage Italian florentine tray.</div>
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I used pretty pink roses and mixed them with some Christmas greenery in what are usually mercury glass votive holders I got from Pottery Barn a few years ago. <br />
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I typically always do this embellishment to my chandelier. I drape vintage mercury glass garlands and then hang vintage ornaments from them. Sometimes I have ribbon bows to attach them, but this year, I went simple and just used ornament hangers.<br />
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My mom and dad had a few pieces of gold Pickard china which I inherited and incorporated...a cream and sugar, salt and pepper, and a little dish. I also used my mom and dad's silverware, King Edward by Gorham in addition to some antique silver plate napkin rings. </div>
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Moody lighting compliments of Mr. Cloud. LOL!<br />
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I love to tie tulle on the back of my chairs. This time I used a pale pink tulle and alternated between sparkly silver tulle and sparkly gold tulle. Lastly, I added a little ornament on each one that I got at Hobby Lobby when they were half price.<br />
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A fun little vignette on my dining room sideboard featuring a couple of my great aunt's hand painted plates flanking a pretty maiden plate that I got at an antique show a number of years ago. My little snow angel makes appearances here and there during the Christmas season.<br />
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I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas. I'll be working right up until Christmas Eve, but then I have a 3 day weekend with my family and friends. Enjoy your time with your dear ones as well. My 16 year old got his driver's license yesterday. YIKES! Time goes by so fast, so enjoy them while you can.<br />
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Sharing with Between Naps on the Porch <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/toile-christmas-table-setting-with-bon-jour-yuletide-dinnerware/" target="_blank">Tablescape Thursday</a> and Bev's <a href="http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/2015/12/merry-christmas-anything-goes-pink-saturday-december-26-2015.html" target="_blank">Pink Saturday</a><br />
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Until next time,<br />
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FRENCH LAUNDRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05381484084143803247noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619684310092832634.post-65359328320927487572015-12-07T08:30:00.000-07:002015-12-08T23:47:48.953-07:00Simple Christmas Mantle 2015<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hello Bloggie Friends and Warmest of Holiday Wishes! I'll bet you thought I fell off the face of the Earth, didn't you? It has been WAY too long since we visited. Let's jump right in, shall we? Christmas is always one of my favorite times around this old house. I love pulling out all of the stops and making my Victorian sparkle. One of my favorite areas to decorate, like many of you, is my mantle. Some years it gets a fancier treatment than others. This year, I decided I didn't want to move everything off and make such a production of it, so I just changed up the books that I use as lifts and added some greenery and a sweet little snow angel and I have to say, I'm quit pleased with the look.<br />
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The books are old red and green ones that I gathered up from various bookshelves around my house. I like to use old books for color and as risers for a variety of things, from vases to lamps to underneath cloches. If you keep your eyes peeled, you can often pick up some pretty ones for a few dollars at estate sales, antique shops, and even garage sales, especially if you aren't too picky about condition. <br />
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I live in Colorado where it is decidedly non-humid, so real greenery is not a great option in the house unless you are into crispy greens, which they usually become in a day or two. My trick to get the feel is to use some nice faux greenery and plop it into my pottery vases. I add a small glass of water in there too and cut some evergreens from the yard or sometimes pick up a greenery bundle from Trader Joe's and put them in in the water. This keeps the greens fresh enough to last for a while and since there aren't too many of them, they can be easily changed out if they need to be without totally having to disrupt the decor.<br />
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I hope you are having fun this week with your own decorating and I look forward to getting around and visiting some of you as time allows. <br />
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Until next time,<br />
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Sharing with <a href="http://www.commonground-do.com/2015/12/christmas-mini-home-tour-and-come-as.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FbCGJMl+%28Common+Ground%29" target="_blank">Come As You Are Christmas Open House</a></div>
FRENCH LAUNDRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05381484084143803247noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619684310092832634.post-67127473660734489552014-07-07T21:55:00.001-06:002014-07-07T21:55:21.501-06:00Beautiful Things...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello friends,<br />
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First let me say that I got to spend the day handling beautiful things which is always a pleasure. But why am I so tired??? I don't know about you, but photographing and editing and measuring and listing just take it out of me. Maybe I'm just getting soft in my old age! Anyway, after looking at all of the beautiful photos I had just taken for items due to land in my Etsy shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheFrenchLaundry?ref=hdr_shop_menu" target="_blank">The French Laundry</a>, I decided I'd love to make a beautiful collage since I like making those and haven't done so in a while. THEN, lucky you, I decided to share with you as I do a drive by post (my nickname for a quickie-definitely NOT done while driving though). Some of these treasures are already in the shop and some will get there this week, but even if you don't stop by the shop, you can get some eye candy right from your armchair. YOU'RE WELCOME... LOL!<br />
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I've also been busy listing some pieces from one of my favorite artists/designers, Robin Brown who created the Magnolia Pearl line of romantic wear. These can be found on eBay if you're interested. If not, do feel free to feel the love right here anyway.<br />
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These beautiful pieces can be seen for auction <a href="http://www.ebay.com/sch/french*laundry/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Gotta run...those things won't list themselves!<br />
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Until next time,<br />
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FRENCH LAUNDRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05381484084143803247noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619684310092832634.post-30127575838200883082014-06-30T22:16:00.000-06:002015-10-11T23:14:58.007-06:00Lightening Up...Weight Loss and French Laundry's Virtual Tag Sale<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hello Bloggie Friends,<br />
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I have certainly missed you all. We've been busy as usual and now that the weather is finally nice, I've been trying to spend more time outside getting fresh air and exercise to hopefully get in better shape and also to naturally lower my pre-hypertensive blood pressure and high cholesterol. I'm enjoying it, but like everything else, it takes time. I downloaded a cool free app on my phone called "My Fitness Pal" which helps me to count calories and also to enter my exercise. There may be other similar or even better apps out there, but this one had very high reviews, was free, and my coworker had it too so we could commiserate. I just downloaded it Wednesday, so we'll see how it goes but it really is a good wake up call when you have to be accountable (even if only to an app on your phone) for every single thing you put in your mouth. It has a bar code scanner that you can use to enter your foods and drinks which makes it super simple. Also, it keeps track of your carbs, protein, and fats as well as your vitamins and minerals. Anyway, I'll let you know how I make out in a few weeks when I either loose a few pounds or don't and my cholesterol and blood pressure either go down or they don't. :-)<br />
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Besides trying to get my body in shape, I'm trying to get my house in shape. Part of that entails getting a handle on my stuff. It seems to have gotten out of control or maybe is just STILL out of control, but the point is, I need to lighten my load. I've got a couple of Etsy shops which will get the majority of the things, but I thought I'd try something else which sounded fun...a virtual tag sale on my blog. It gives me an excuse to visit with my cyberfriends (that's you) as well as thin the herd. I'm going to list a couple of things tonight that I have available and then add to the lot as time allows. I can't offer you a lemonade stand, but I can give you the opportunity to purchase some cool stuff at what I hope you will think are some cool prices without having to go out in the heat and pound the pavement. Shipping is available outside the U.S., but there will be more postage, so just contact me and I can let you know what the extra shipping will be if you are interested. Payments are by Paypal.<br />
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First up are some dichroic glass pendants made by Kathy King, owner of Etsy shop Kathy's Glass Galore. She really has a talent for making these beautiful pendants. We worked together for years before she retired and moved to another state so I had lots of opportunities to purchase the fruits of her labors and I did. Over and over...time to thin out the collection since I only have the one neck! These are pendants only...you can add them to your favorite chain or put them on a simple ribbon,etc. They make wonderful gifts although these are so pretty, you may not be able to part with them. Bails are gold or silver in color. Small pendants are $7, large are $10.<br />
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Sizes as follows:<br />
1. 1 5/8 inches to top of silver bail by almost 1/2 inch.<br />
2.<span style="color: red;"> SOLD</span><br />
3. 1 7/8 inches to top of silver bail by 1 inch.<br />
4. 1 3/4 inches to top of gold bail by 1 1/8 inch.<br />
5. 1 1/4 inch to top of gold bail by 3/4 inch.<br />
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Next is a darling little hanging what not from the talented Debrina Pratt and her Land of Enchantment. Debrina sells her artwork exclusively (I think) on the Earth Angels Studios website. This piece measures 7 1/4 inches by 7 1/4 inches and is signed and dated by the artist. In excellent condition.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i1ztHMChaXU/U6jlXor9DxI/AAAAAAAADnc/E0It-PVoJTQ/s1600/dprattsign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="468" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i1ztHMChaXU/U6jlXor9DxI/AAAAAAAADnc/E0It-PVoJTQ/s1600/dprattsign.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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DEBRINA PRATT HOME SWEET HOME<br />
PRICE $12<br />
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This pretty little box is, I think, meant to be a pill box, but I just used it for display on my dresser. It has a pretty little photo in the center and sparkly stones on either side. It is in excellent shape. Measures a touch over 2 1/4 inches by 1 1/4 inches and stands 1/2 inch high.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U1FdPDaTegw/U6jlbfLOGmI/AAAAAAAADn4/EkXciLAI1RY/s1600/silverpillbox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U1FdPDaTegw/U6jlbfLOGmI/AAAAAAAADn4/EkXciLAI1RY/s1600/silverpillbox.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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PRETTY SILVER PILL BOX<br />
<span style="color: red;">SOLD</span><br />
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I will try to add more items tomorrow evening. If this beauties don't speak your name, maybe something else will.<br />
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Until next time,<br />
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FRENCH LAUNDRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05381484084143803247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619684310092832634.post-39788736631460008212014-03-09T16:04:00.000-06:002014-03-09T16:04:24.528-06:00Grain Sacks, and Powder Boxes, and Mosaics, Oh My!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hello Bloggie Friends,<br />
<br />I've really been M.I.A. lately I know. This full time job stuff keeps you busy. PLUS, I've been indulging my creative side by doing a few projects. I have had this awesome utilitarian stool in my stash for a good long while, waiting for me to "GETAROUNDTOIT" to recover it. I took a scrap from one of my favorite herringbone weave antique German grain sacks and I stenciled it with a very cool design; it looks a whole lot like my grain sacks that have the original tar stencils on them. I finished it off with some black belt webbing which, to my eye, made the whole thing just pop. It is good and sturdy as well as beautiful. I'm hoping to get it listed in my Etsy shop, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ElegantFarmhouse" target="_blank">Elegant Farmhouse</a>, this afternoon, but my husband keeps eyeballing it. I told him if he had the money, he could have it, but he didn't bite! I'm really proud of the way it turned out.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JKlxc6NHoW0/Uxzb7J9TjUI/AAAAAAAADk8/-Be8PspUOTk/s1600/grainsackstooltop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JKlxc6NHoW0/Uxzb7J9TjUI/AAAAAAAADk8/-Be8PspUOTk/s1600/grainsackstooltop.jpg" height="614" width="640" /></a></div>
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I also made one more powder box using the last of the small amount of antique blue silk fabric that I had. I also dolled up the puff that came with the old French powder box used as a base. This one was a really nice size and it did make it to the other Etsy shop, The French Laundry, and it sold recently. It was a hard one to let go of, but I keep reminding myself that this is how I can continue do this little sideline-move stuff in, move stuff out, make it, sell it. True that...<br />
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Finally, the biggest reason I have been out of touch lately: I finished a mosaic self-portrait which I started 3 1/2 years ago and never finished. I took a class from the amazing mosaic artist, <a href="http://www.carolshelkinmosaics.com/" target="_blank">Carol Shelkin</a>, and after 2 1/2 days, I had finished only the eyes and part of the nose. Coming off the high of the class, I went home and worked a while longer (several hours) and got the rest of the nose and the mouth done. Then, I lost my momentum and there she sat for years, mocking me every time I walked by. Reminding me that she had been abandoned mid-work. I got a little boost after the first of the year by getting some cleaning and organizing done at my house in the month of January, so I felt good about that and decided that it was time to commit myself to making a stab at finishing the self portrait. I worked on it a little every day after work and some weekends for about 3 weeks. It went faster than I anticipated since I think hair and clothes and backgrounds aren't nearly as intense as facial features and by golly, here is the finished product. I am very pleased with it and would actually like to do more mosaic portraits. Up until now, I have never done anything realistic. I didn't think I could do it, but I guess maybe I can if I'm willing to develop my craft and take the time to practice. We'll see...<br />
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This is shown with the photo I used to create the mosaic. Not bad, if I do say so. I'm not sure I like the light grout in the hair area-it needed grout to fill in the gaps as I wasn't able to work as tight as I perhaps should have. I may go back with some darker grout before all is said and done. <br />
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Okay, so that's what I've been up to besides blogging. How about you? Do you have any unfinished projects that have been gnawing at you that you've finally put to rest? I have WAY too many, so I hope to make some progress on that front this year and hopefully report back.<br />
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Until next time,<br />
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FRENCH LAUNDRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05381484084143803247noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619684310092832634.post-69376502015347766632014-01-18T17:09:00.000-07:002014-01-30T21:12:38.638-07:00The Scoop on Antique Ribbon Work Powder Boxes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dkbT5eyvHYE/UtOBev65vXI/AAAAAAAADhs/FblzAIcd8jw/s1600/powderbox3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dkbT5eyvHYE/UtOBev65vXI/AAAAAAAADhs/FblzAIcd8jw/s640/powderbox3.jpg" height="470" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hello Friends in Blogland,<br />
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When I first started my blog back in 2008 I believe it was, I had the intention of doing more "show and tell" of the collections I have and of things that I like. I've done a FEW of those types of posts, but not many. I decided that this week, it was time that I dedicated a post to a subset of one of my favorite THINGS in the world, antique ribbon work. Today, I want to share my collection of powder and rouge boxes. No fabulous ribbon work pieces are easy to find, but these little treasures do seem to be around a bit more often than others, presumably because they were small and easy to display on a vanity table for a little dose of pretty and they were also useful as they held cosmetics. For these reasons, I presume, we do occasionally come across some of these lovelies. Never enough, but some. (SMILE) The piece at the top of the post is actually a glass powder box that has been covered in fabric and metallic lace as well as a beautiful seated porcelain figure. These glass bases are a bit more rare and this is the only one like it that I have. She is a bit tatty, but considering her age, she is still pretty darn fine. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_5KFCKSUGBc/Utr993mC6hI/AAAAAAAADi8/uwiv9rOV7MY/s1600/powderboxes1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_5KFCKSUGBc/Utr993mC6hI/AAAAAAAADi8/uwiv9rOV7MY/s1600/powderboxes1.jpg" height="410" width="640" /></a></div>
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More commonly, these boxes are cardboard that has been covered in fabric and metallic net and then the beautiful silk ribbon flowers which in all but the tiny one at the bottom in the picture above were little lengths of rosettes that were purchased by the yard just like you would have purchased lace or other embellishments. I have know people who have managed to find cards of this rosette trim which was never used. I have turned appropriately green with envy and then purchased a yard or two from them for much money. This no doubt made us both happy. This little quintet of boxes are all small with the large one in the middle being just about 1 3/4 inches in diameter. The marquis shaped one is a very unusual size and I am not sure what it was used for but the others are rouge boxes (we call it "blush" or "blusher" these days) with the exception of the largest one-it is a small powder box. I know this because when open, it has a mirror in the lid and a cake of face powder is still in it. The one on the left has a cake of red rouge and a well used puff. <br />
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I have a couple of powder boxes done in this fashion. Still cardboard underneath, but a short box, sometimes only tall enough for a puff. In the case of the one above and the one below, the puff is attached to the lid. Neither one has the metallic trim, but they make generous use of silk or rayon ribbon to create the ruffles. I love the heavily eyelashed face on the bottom one!<br />
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Below are three which I would consider large pieces. The one at the top stands a good 3 inches tall. Each has a powder puff inside made of swansdown. These pieces are difficult to find and when you do, you will pay a handsome sum for them but if these are your THING, you will find a way to make them yours, just as I did because there is something about them that just makes your heart sing.<br />
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Below is piece that is rare as hen's teeth. It is a triple powder box which sort of reminds me of a wedding cake. The top section holds a powder cake and a puff, the center a rouge cake, and in the bottom, and large powder puff. It is an exceptional piece and will, as they say, have to be pried from my cold dead hands. Hopefully not anytime soon!<br />
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These are a few more of the powder boxes in the middle size range. They are really pretty, especially the one closest to the camera as it has a bouquet of little silk flowers on the top rather than just the rosette trim.<br />
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In the more unusual category are these double powder boxes below. The one on the left has a little strap. Could have been carried by milady or perhaps just hung on the wall by the vanity. Again, these are far more rare and the ribbon work on the tops is particularly lovely.<br />
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These each have a mirror in the top and their little powder puffs-one for rouge, one for face powder.<br />
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This larger beauty may have been for talcum powder. It is still super full of loose powder which I keep saying I'm going to toss every time I open it and get a nose full of 90 year old powder, but the fact that it has survived this long has kept me from doing so thus far. This one is special because its condition is excellent and due to the fact that it is topped with a very lovely piece of French Normandy lace which is not the norm. <br />
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Finally, I wanted to share with you my own take on fancy powder boxes. These 3 have been lovingly created by me from vintage powder boxes and all antique materials. I sold one very similar to the one on the left in my Etsy shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/175464709/exquisite-french-powder-box-antique?" target="_blank">The French Laundry</a> this last year and just recently made one for myself. The blue one was originally for sale, but when she got taken for a test drive in my bedroom with the other girls...well, let's just say she begged to stay, at least for a little while. As I have stated before, it is an occupational hazard when you deal in and create things that you love. Sometimes, they just don't make it to the shop. The last one did though. She's a beautiful oval shape (very unusual for a powder box).<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MO1YHd1v1so/Uts23Kq_sxI/AAAAAAAADjM/WMzXLjZqEKA/s1600/marieovalbox2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MO1YHd1v1so/Uts23Kq_sxI/AAAAAAAADjM/WMzXLjZqEKA/s1600/marieovalbox2.jpg" height="592" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you love antique ribbon work, I highly recommend the book "The Artful Ribbon" by Candace Kling. She not only shares techniques on how to create your own flowers from ribbon, but it has lots of great historical information as well as pictures from private collections that are utterly breathtaking. In the meantime, I hope you have enjoyed your little visit to my part of Blogland and I hope to see you again sometime.<br />
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P.S. I have some price reductions in my shop, so you might want to take a peek when you have a chance. <br />
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Sharing with :<br />
<a href="http://shabbyartboutique.com/2014/01/shabbilicious-friday-link-party-33.html" target="_blank">Shabbilicious Friday </a><br />
<a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2014/01/feathered-nest-friday_30.html#more" target="_blank">Feathered Nest Friday</a><br />
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Until next time,<br />
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FRENCH LAUNDRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05381484084143803247noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619684310092832634.post-25712451553490668982014-01-05T13:57:00.000-07:002014-01-05T13:57:24.875-07:00Happy Birthday to The French Laundry<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hello Blogger Friends,<br />
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I can't believe that a year has gone by since I first opened my Etsy shop, The French Laundry, but as of January 6, it will be a full year. It was a great 2013 and I am looking forward to bringing you more beautiful treasures in 2014. I'm still trying to find my way around balancing shopkeeping and working full time, but it is getting a bit easier. I'm challenging myself to get more organized and stop hoarding (well, maybe just cut back on the hoarding :-) I am, after all, a collector myself ). I also have a few small home projects/purchases to do this year, so the income from the shop becomes even more important. With all of that in mind, I'd like to offer a little "Happy Birthday" gift to you in honor of my first year in business. Just stop by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheFrenchLaundry" target="_blank">The French Laundry</a> from now until midnight tomorrow (1/6/14) and enter HAPPYBIRTHDAY20 at checkout to receive 20% off on all purchases over $20. Now that Christmas is over, it is a good time for you to pick up that special something you've been wanting for yourself at a special price.<br />
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Until next time,<br />
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FRENCH LAUNDRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05381484084143803247noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619684310092832634.post-90174588942499288122013-12-12T16:00:00.000-07:002013-12-12T16:07:51.167-07:00Time in the Studio...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hi Bloggie Friends,<br />
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Christmas time is almost upon us. Yikes! I am so incredibly behind. One reason is I've been spending more time in my studio which is a good thing. I made these pretty little altered boxes which hold what I am calling prayer ribbons/bookmarks. <br />
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Each one is different. I altered the boxes which were vintage pharmacy boxes with vintage wallpaper and antique paper, lace on some, ribbons on others, a beautiful image of either Mary or Mary and Jesus, and, of course, a little glitter. Finally, a special word was added.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M4h2ap6G_9w/UqVEa8MIUgI/AAAAAAAADfs/ZC1sAmvcF3o/s1600/prayerribbon1c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="634" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M4h2ap6G_9w/UqVEa8MIUgI/AAAAAAAADfs/ZC1sAmvcF3o/s640/prayerribbon1c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The medals came from France and the beads are all vintage from my stock of treasures. <br />
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The crinkle on the ribbon part is intentional. Hope people "get" that. WINK...<br />
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These little pretties are available in my Etsy shop <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ElegantFarmhouse?ref=search_shop_redirect" target="_blank">Elegant Farmhouse</a> and would make a great gift for either yourself or someone else. Hope all is merry and bright wherever you are.<br />
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Sharing with <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2013/12/feathered-nest-friday_12.html" target="_blank">Feathered Nest Friday</a>.<br />
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Until next time,<br />
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FRENCH LAUNDRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05381484084143803247noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619684310092832634.post-34482613513504286152013-11-15T22:20:00.000-07:002013-11-15T23:40:32.887-07:00Beautiful Prayer Shrines<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Just a quick little check in to let you know there are more beautiful prayer shrines up in my Etsy shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ElegantFarmhouse" target="_blank">Elegant Farmhouse</a>. These are SO pretty with their French Nordic influence and antique materials. They would make a great gift for yourself or someone special. My pictures do not do them justice. These are my original designs and each one is one of a kind, created with love and much attention to every detail. <br />
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FRENCH LAUNDRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05381484084143803247noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619684310092832634.post-83870112893052412922013-10-04T23:22:00.001-06:002013-10-05T21:05:06.529-06:00A Petite French Theater of Dreams<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hi Blogger Friends,<br />
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Today I'm sharing a project that I have wanted to do forever. I had seen a few little miniature theaters out in cyberspace and always thought it would be fun to make one. I guess I always figured I'd construct one with found hardware, spindles, etcetera, but when I found this jewelry box at my neighbor's yard sale late this summer, I knew that I had found my theater. All I had to do was give her a makeover and we'd be good to go. Sorry for the crummy "before" picture. I apparently was too excited to get started painting to bother making sure my camera settings were right! It was very pretty, but I had envisioned a white theater, so out came the Annie Sloan's chalk paint in Old White.<br />
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I gave her a good coat, leaving a little gold peeking through here and there. I then lightly sanded some areas, giving a little distressed look. A coat of clear wax was followed by some VERY judiciously placed dark wax in the areas I wanted to age a bit more. The detailing was so pretty, it wasn't too difficult to make it sing. I LOVE the way it turned out.<br />
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Some beautiful lace curtains seemed appropriate for a Theater of Dreams...I wanted to evoke a sense of ethereal beauty where the audience would get lost in the magic of the performance.<br />
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M<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="fr"><span class="hps">on petit</span> <span class="hps">théâtre des reves (theater of dreams)...</span></span><br />
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In MY dreams, a chandelier illuminating the stage was a must. I raided my stash of crystals and wire and came up with a design that I found pleasing. A little twist here, a little bend there and VOILA! A petite chandelier to go with my petite stage... <br />
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The back needed to have a little pizazz, so a vintage page from a French encyclopedia did the trick.<br />
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The addition of a couple of beautiful mademoiselles to dance on my stage was the finishing touch. Of course, they had to be dolled up a little more with some layering, artist chalks, and glitter. Much better... <br />
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Fairy wings or butterfly wings...what do you think? Or should I say, what would you see in YOUR dreams?<br />
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I hope you enjoyed seeing my little project. I look forward to peeking in on you and see what projects you've been up to. I just went out this evening and clipped all of my roses since we are supposed to have our first hard freeze tonight. BRRRR!!!<br />
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Sharing with <a href="http://www.timewashed.com/2013/10/blissful-whites-wednesday.html" target="_blank">Blissful Whites Wednesday</a><br />
<a href="http://www.commonground-do.com/2013/10/be-inspired-159-farmhouse-porch-decor.html" target="_blank"> Be Inspired Friday </a><br />
<a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2013/10/feathered-nest-friday.html#more" target="_blank">Feathered Nest Friday</a><br />
<a href="http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/2013/10/blast-from-past.html" target="_blank">What's It Wednesday </a><br />
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Until next time,<br />
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FRENCH LAUNDRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05381484084143803247noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619684310092832634.post-27322100274455462112013-09-19T05:00:00.000-06:002013-09-23T09:14:21.715-06:00Vintage Trinket Jewelry Course and Some Treasures for Sale<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hi everybody,<br />
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I want to share with you a couple of things I have made recently. I have been having a good time playing with my <strike>hoarded</strike> saved up vintage jewelry parts. I finally made 2 necklaces after taking an online class taught by the very talented <a href="http://velvetstrawberries.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Andrea Singarella</a> over at Jeanne Oliver's Ning site. It was so fun and so inspiring. Definitely a nice diversion.<br />
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This necklace is my favorite. I had purchased the frame looking piece which I think has garnets or garnet colored glass at an estate sale a couple of years ago. Same with some of the faceted beads and chain. The others I had purchased at Michael's and Etsy. I added the beautiful Madonna picture and coated it with Diamond Glaze to give it that "under glass" look. Several videos later, I learned how to wire wrap and how to turn beads into something that could be connected to other beads. Handy info...<br />
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This piece features a really pretty old rhinestone dress clip and some rosary connectors in addition to some antique macaroni beads from a chandelier.<br />
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I wore it out to dinner last weekend with Mr French Laundry as we celebrated our 17th wedding anniversary.<br />
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Hard to believe it's been 17 years already...time flies when you're having fun I guess!<br />
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If you want to have some fun and take this jewelry making class, I believe you can still get in...cost is a very reasonable $10 and the videos are available until January 2014. I highly recommend it. Just pop on over to <a href="http://jeanneoliver.ning.com/" target="_blank">Jeanne Oliver's Ning</a> site and check it out.<br />
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PART 2 of the post is about me reluctantly editing my collections. It is hard letting go of things you love, but sometimes you end up with more than you need and then, the time has come to let them go to someone else who will love and appreciate them. Usually, I put these things in one of my Etsy shops, but these are all hand made items by other artists, so in order to comply with the Etsy rules, I will just list them here. I am hoping my Paypal purchase buttons work properly. First come, first serve, like new, but for a discount over what I paid. International buyers are welcome, but be advised that I will send an invoice for the additional shipping as listed on each item. Happy Shopping!<br />
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A stunning hand painted silk ribbon rose pin from <a href="http://www.meadowstreet.com/" target="_blank">Meadow Street.</a> Never used, still on the original card as sent by the artist. Measures approximately 2 3/4 inches in diameter, not including the pretty streamers.<br />
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Beautiful Rose Pin $16 + $4 shipping (US ONLY). If you are outside the U.S., you may purchase, but the shipping will be an additional $4 USD invoiced separately.<br />
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<span style="color: red;">ROSE PIN IS SOLD.</span><br />
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A beautiful altered antique shoe by talented blogger Rene' of <a href="http://www.missgracieshouse.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Miss Gracie's House</a>. Measures 11 inches by 3 inches and stands 5 1/2 inches tall. There are a few cracks in the creamy white paint, just adding to the character in my opinion. Would be a great accessory for a vintage wedding, a gift for a bride, or just to use, as I did, in a spot where you want a little vintage romance. See the photos for a better idea of just how lovely this piece is.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tYynfB26UgA/UjpjhGA-tfI/AAAAAAAADYY/3c_ACsCk4cI/s1600/shoe2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tYynfB26UgA/UjpjhGA-tfI/AAAAAAAADYY/3c_ACsCk4cI/s640/shoe2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Altered Art Shoe $8 + $6 shipping (US ONLY) If you are outside the U.S., you may purchase, but the shipping will be an additional $6 USD, invoiced separately.<br />
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"Congratulations" tie on glass tags made by a Colorado Springs artist. These are great to tie on to a bottle of wine or as a little extra thing on a package. Each measures 3 inches by 1 inch and the vintage rayon seam binding ribbon adds an additional 4 inches.<br />
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Congratulations tag $5 (for one tag) + $3 shipping (US ONLY) If you are outside the U.S., you may purchase, but the shipping will be an additional $3 USD, invoiced separately.<br />
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<tr><td><select name="os0"> <option a="" value="TAG ">TAG "A" $5.00 USD</option> <option b="" value="TAG ">TAG "B" $5.00 USD</option></select> </td></tr>
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For any of the above items, I am happy to combine shipping if you purchase more than one thing. Just go ahead and purchase and I will refund through your Paypal account. <br />
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Until next time,<br />
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FRENCH LAUNDRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05381484084143803247noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619684310092832634.post-181411530501823882013-08-26T06:30:00.000-06:002013-08-30T17:30:35.424-06:00Playing in My Studio<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K7P3m-PHB7U/UhrTePCg3oI/AAAAAAAADV4/MevO5yjvdbE/s1600/hearts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K7P3m-PHB7U/UhrTePCg3oI/AAAAAAAADV4/MevO5yjvdbE/s640/hearts.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hi Bloggie Friends,</div>
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I am so excited to show you what I've been up to these last few days. I took a couple of days off this week to celebrate my birthday (yes, 39 AGAIN!) and decided that my number one priority was to go to my studio and create. I can't tell you how good it felt...I made these pretty little hearts with beautiful images of Madonna and Baby Jesus. They didn't start out this cute...they were rather gawdy bright gold and bright silver Christmas ornaments but they had great bones, so I had to pick them up a while back. I did some magic with Annie Sloan's Chalk Paint in a few different whites and layered clear wax followed by the dark wax and then added the beautiful prints which made my heart sing. </div>
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I'm pleased with how they turned out and would like to do up some more if I can locate the hearts again. In the meantime, I will be listing these this week in my Etsy shop, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ElegantFarmhouse" target="_blank">Elegant Farmhouse</a>. I also had some fun with some old tintype or daguerreotype cases. Although I love them in their original state, I just had an idea that these would be great altered to be a little shrine. I keep one by my bed as a reminder to quiet down and just BE once in a while amidst the whirlwind that is my life. I hope you like them. I may put one in my Etsy shop and if it sells quickly, I will definitely be on the lookout for some more to "do up". They are usually pretty pricey, but I am willing to hold out for a price that is affordable-a fixer-upper is fine with me since I am altering them anyway. </div>
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This case is so beautiful...almost looks like a stylized cross or perhaps a stained glass window. </div>
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This one started out so sad looking but was transformed with a little love and effort. The same can happen in our lives, oui? <br />
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I am in love with this case. It has such beautiful detail.<br />
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I have missed you all. I hope your summer was fun and that your fall will be beautiful. Don't forget to take a little time out to do something that makes your heart sing. You'll be glad you did! I'm sharing this week at <a href="http://www.timewashed.com/2013/08/blissful-whites-wednesday_28.html" target="_blank">Blissful Whites Wednesday</a>, <a href="http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/2013/08/perfect-scents.html?utm_source=Friends" target="_blank">What's It Wednesday</a>, Feathered Nest Friday, and <a href="http://shabbyartboutique.com/2013/08/shabbilicious-friday-link-party-20.html" target="_blank">Shabbylicious Friday</a>.<br />
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Until next time,<br />
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FRENCH LAUNDRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05381484084143803247noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619684310092832634.post-49942047721953402942013-07-30T23:44:00.001-06:002013-07-30T23:44:45.460-06:00A Thrifty Nifty Weekend<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I hope everyone had a nice summer weekend. I managed to do a little thrift shopping and had a lovely time. I thought I'd share my finds with you...</div>
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Can you spot a theme? From the cream date night top I scored to the old ironstone creamer, it seems that I had a thing for white in all of its glorious shades. Applause, applause, applause! I just never tire of all of the shades of white. The large vintage shell with just a beautiful touch of pink was an awesome find and I can't wait to get to creating with those pretty lace appliques.<br />
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These pretty little metal tags will be incorporating into something fun one day.<br />
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Love those beautiful scalloped edge oval dishes and the pretty creamy saucer.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KGlYJwuI9Xw/UfiiuzNQVlI/AAAAAAAADVk/9dvUo88VNqM/s1600/ironstone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KGlYJwuI9Xw/UfiiuzNQVlI/AAAAAAAADVk/9dvUo88VNqM/s640/ironstone.jpg" width="626" /></a></div>
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That's about all for now. Remember that the sale in my Etsy shops ends July 31st. Now is a great time to pick up something that you've been eyeing. <br />
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Until next time,<br />
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FRENCH LAUNDRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05381484084143803247noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619684310092832634.post-74369267266972310992013-07-18T22:43:00.000-06:002013-07-18T22:52:38.202-06:00Some Pretty Just Because and a Special Sale You Won't Want to Miss<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I was taking some pictures of a beautiful antique lace scarf on my antique dress form and after I redressed my dress form after her photo shoot, I couldn't help but fall in love with my pretty gal all over again. She is all dressed in her finest frippery...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jCyLWF8gl0c/Uei_uW5-B_I/AAAAAAAADTk/agnoBLhZAmc/s1600/dressform.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jCyLWF8gl0c/Uei_uW5-B_I/AAAAAAAADTk/agnoBLhZAmc/s640/dressform.jpg" width="384" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i1mQSfC0KX8/Uei_v4suDLI/AAAAAAAADTs/Ve4BqmvACNU/s1600/dressformembroidery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i1mQSfC0KX8/Uei_v4suDLI/AAAAAAAADTs/Ve4BqmvACNU/s640/dressformembroidery.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OxafqKLT24s/Uei_yZtS6lI/AAAAAAAADT0/YmrO6ZHc9gE/s1600/dressformlace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OxafqKLT24s/Uei_yZtS6lI/AAAAAAAADT0/YmrO6ZHc9gE/s640/dressformlace.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3btNfRm9NP8/Uei_y3jracI/AAAAAAAADT4/PtX1srPi4rs/s1600/dressformtop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3btNfRm9NP8/Uei_y3jracI/AAAAAAAADT4/PtX1srPi4rs/s640/dressformtop.jpg" width="390" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6vLoLWY_TUw/Uei_y2a1bVI/AAAAAAAADT8/mQbQcx9KTp0/s1600/dressformwreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6vLoLWY_TUw/Uei_y2a1bVI/AAAAAAAADT8/mQbQcx9KTp0/s640/dressformwreath.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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She's been dressed in this same beautiful outfit for some time but I just can't seem to find anything that looks as lovely as this, so she just keeps her same duds on. Oh well...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lv4KNWHE32Q/UejBQfBpMHI/AAAAAAAADUU/elKjJzaAg-w/s1600/13mari.1.600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lv4KNWHE32Q/UejBQfBpMHI/AAAAAAAADUU/elKjJzaAg-w/s640/13mari.1.600.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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On a non-related note, baby needs new shoes so I am running a sale in both of my Etsy shops like nothing ever seen before. Visit The <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheFrenchLaundry" target="_blank">French Laundry</a> or <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ElegantFarmhouse" target="_blank">Elegant Farmhouse</a> between now and the end of the month and use the code SUMMERSUN to receive 30% off of your purchase of $50 or more. Sorry, does not apply to items "On Reserve" or on layaway.<br />
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Until next time,<br />
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FRENCH LAUNDRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05381484084143803247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619684310092832634.post-63992967684910720382013-07-10T05:30:00.000-06:002013-07-10T05:30:00.966-06:00Nothing Beats a Dose of Pretty for Making Me Smile<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-76x79Q1i48k/UdzlLRwzQxI/AAAAAAAADSU/YgQi9gZZ0_I/s1600/ironstoneroses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="522" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-76x79Q1i48k/UdzlLRwzQxI/AAAAAAAADSU/YgQi9gZZ0_I/s640/ironstoneroses.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hi Bloggie Friends,<br />
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I woke up feeling tired and cranky this morning...not good when it is only Tuesday. I decided that the best way to shake off the Grinchiness was to play with the camera and take some pretty pictures just because. I love the awesome antique linens I got recently and roses, china, and white ironstone is a trifecta for beating the blues, at least for me and lots of my peeps out here in cyberspace (you know who you are). I've had this amazing cup and saucer for ages. The roses in this photo are from my garden and smell SOOO good. I took them into my office in a little milk glass vase and it made the office smell so nice...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6gva2rl-i1Y/UdzoFEVtMmI/AAAAAAAADTU/mvRDGzb9PF8/s1600/cherubcs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6gva2rl-i1Y/UdzoFEVtMmI/AAAAAAAADTU/mvRDGzb9PF8/s640/cherubcs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Butter pat love for sure...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ito21Ck_768/UdzlT2DkJxI/AAAAAAAADSk/ingTmIBTloc/s1600/pats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ito21Ck_768/UdzlT2DkJxI/AAAAAAAADSk/ingTmIBTloc/s640/pats.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The little enamel Roman numerals make my heart go pitter patter. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kzRuDGoRlRU/UdzlcsFCxgI/AAAAAAAADSs/HtzAjnBrepg/s1600/ironstone2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kzRuDGoRlRU/UdzlcsFCxgI/AAAAAAAADSs/HtzAjnBrepg/s640/ironstone2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I can't help but smile even editing the pictures. Got the French cheese heart mold (couer a la creme is it's proper name) in Brimfield about 5 years ago and I LOVE it! I clearly need to make time to play with the camera more often. It's cheaper than therapy! I'm sharing today's post with <a href="http://www.timewashed.com/2013/07/blissful-whites-wednesday_9.html" target="_blank">Blissful Whites Wednesday</a> over at Timewashed.<br />
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Until next time,<br />
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FRENCH LAUNDRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05381484084143803247noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619684310092832634.post-65044450920351297662013-07-08T05:30:00.000-06:002013-07-08T05:30:00.547-06:00Summer Roses-What's Not to Love?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NO5b-uwEeSc/Uc0PqxzVChI/AAAAAAAADQE/3Wl8R_StPtI/s1500/orangeorton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NO5b-uwEeSc/Uc0PqxzVChI/AAAAAAAADQE/3Wl8R_StPtI/s640/orangeorton.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I know this isn't the first time I've bragged on inexpensive grocery store roses, but these little beauties are worthy of a mention. First of all, they lasted well over a week and looked great the whole time. In fact, they went to full on full bloom after a couple of days and were even more beautiful than when they were brought home and the Alstroemeria stayed gorgeous for almost 10 days. The way the petals curled down reminded me of the Victorian roses painted by Catherine Klein and Paul Delongpre (and contemporary artist Christie Repasy). <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tLrIwgWa7SQ/Uc0PrIjZHvI/AAAAAAAADQM/idLsjjGldYE/s1500/orangeroses2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="418" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tLrIwgWa7SQ/Uc0PrIjZHvI/AAAAAAAADQM/idLsjjGldYE/s640/orangeroses2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The way the light was shining on the roses, it almost made them glow like the sunshine itself.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PxEaFzVDmVc/Uc0PsrCpBMI/AAAAAAAADQc/JtNnHVMsaxk/s1600/orangerosesonchair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PxEaFzVDmVc/Uc0PsrCpBMI/AAAAAAAADQc/JtNnHVMsaxk/s640/orangerosesonchair.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I put them on a sweet little vintage folding chair that I painted with Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint in Luckett's Green. I love the way it turned out. The pictures didn't even begin to do justice to the depth and dimension this paint has to it when it goes on.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t69J4nFV8fo/Uc0SPrWexSI/AAAAAAAADQw/4otXs5ndr64/s1500/green+chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t69J4nFV8fo/Uc0SPrWexSI/AAAAAAAADQw/4otXs5ndr64/s640/green+chair.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jK1H8OVpNQQ/Uc0SPfxViHI/AAAAAAAADQs/_Kukdjo5gtM/s1500/greenchairclose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jK1H8OVpNQQ/Uc0SPfxViHI/AAAAAAAADQs/_Kukdjo5gtM/s640/greenchairclose.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
You may see this one in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ElegantFarmhouse">Elegant Farmhouse Etsy</a> shop one of these days, but for now, "she's with me". (SMILE) I hope my U.S. friends had a nice holiday weekend. I had a wonderful 4 day weekend, but tomorrow it's back to the salt mines, so that's all for now. <br />
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Until next time,<br />
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FRENCH LAUNDRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05381484084143803247noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-619684310092832634.post-33671159800581207802013-07-03T06:00:00.000-06:002013-07-08T19:26:19.868-06:00July 4th Decor for the First Time in a Long Time<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NGdis4cAg38/UdOR1P0wmzI/AAAAAAAADRE/lc4AHDw6IOc/s1500/july4mantel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="528" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NGdis4cAg38/UdOR1P0wmzI/AAAAAAAADRE/lc4AHDw6IOc/s1500/july4mantel.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Happy July 4th Almost! I have not managed to muster the energy to decorate for July 4th in several years. I suspect it has to do with the fact that I used to do it up big because my parents and their long time friends would come up to our house every year for a cookout... after my mom and the lady of the family friend couple had passed away 13 years ago, I continued to have my dad and his buddy over, but then 7 years ago, my sweet daddy passed away and I guess I stopped decorating for the holiday at some point after that. Didn't seem important I suppose. But I always regret it when I don't because I love the whole patriotic theme. SOOOOOO...this year, I finally pulled out the goods and had a little fun spreading some Independence Day love around my house. I hope you enjoy taking a peek. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-77ULipJxrCM/UdOSENKSElI/AAAAAAAADRo/kMuoJxn4U-k/s1500/eagle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-77ULipJxrCM/UdOSENKSElI/AAAAAAAADRo/kMuoJxn4U-k/s1500/eagle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The bunting is antique, purchased many years ago from eBay. The eagle is also old, picked up at a flea market a few years back.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aM0kScsj8R8/UdOSVQuM7wI/AAAAAAAADRs/YbN3KIRskQM/s1500/july4vig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aM0kScsj8R8/UdOSVQuM7wI/AAAAAAAADRs/YbN3KIRskQM/s1500/july4vig.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
A little vignette of odds and ends that have been collected here and there. I have a thing for postcards and when I went to the box of "stuff", I found quite the stash of patriotic postcards-I used about half of them for this vignette.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zCC8-ENXAb8/UdOSC6UiBdI/AAAAAAAADRU/6yRq_oqb0R8/s1500/1776pc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zCC8-ENXAb8/UdOSC6UiBdI/AAAAAAAADRU/6yRq_oqb0R8/s1500/1776pc.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
This little basket as well as the cone were purchased some years ago from an Etsy seller called Moth to a Flame I think although I can't find a shop by that name, so if you recognize the artist, let me know so I can put a link in. Her work is beautiful and she uses vintage materials at least in part to make her treasures.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--c5kBHKqsio/UdOSDL1ZJ0I/AAAAAAAADRc/ee-qkN22AQY/s1500/basket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="530" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--c5kBHKqsio/UdOSDL1ZJ0I/AAAAAAAADRc/ee-qkN22AQY/s1500/basket.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-obVcS5O3gP4/UdOSD8RKQZI/AAAAAAAADRk/YVG7f_FXleM/s1500/cone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-obVcS5O3gP4/UdOSD8RKQZI/AAAAAAAADRk/YVG7f_FXleM/s1500/cone.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
This was an old cylinder from Columbia Phonograph Company. I found it at a Goodwill shop in West Palm Beach last fall and thought it would be cute for the Fourth decorating. Did you know that Columbia was an old name for the United States? According to Wikipedia, "<b>Columbia</b> is a historical and poetic name used for the <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_of_America" title="United States of America">United States of America</a> and is also the name of its female personification." District of COLUMBIA...Columbia, the gem of the ocean...well, you get it. I think it is charming although I can't tell you why. Probably cause I'm just a sap...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IY1amdb14Ww/UdOS5UAQC-I/AAAAAAAADR0/2OgMMsKTot8/s1500/columbia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IY1amdb14Ww/UdOS5UAQC-I/AAAAAAAADR0/2OgMMsKTot8/s1500/columbia.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The postcard on the left no doubt has another iteration of Columbia. The one on the right is so stinkin' cute with her little turban and "safety first" on her diaper!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9IugmU6zzgE/UdOTALM3XZI/AAAAAAAADR8/Chg_4pBvyWU/s1500/pc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9IugmU6zzgE/UdOTALM3XZI/AAAAAAAADR8/Chg_4pBvyWU/s1500/pc.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Classic patriotic beauty...
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MRo1x4LMQ5I/UdOTAWr4s3I/AAAAAAAADSA/FEb5CdO3JmM/s674/pc2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="490" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MRo1x4LMQ5I/UdOTAWr4s3I/AAAAAAAADSA/FEb5CdO3JmM/s674/pc2.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Well, that's it for now. I hope you enjoyed this little peek into my red, white, and blue theme.
Happy Independence Day! I'll see you after the long weekend.<br />
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Sharing with <a href="http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2013/07/make-it-pretty-monday-week-57.html" target="_blank">Make It Pretty Monday</a><br />
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Until next time,<br />
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<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/397/5754BE10D6A81BAB9EB1229F87D130CC.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0pt; border-left: 0pt; border-right: 0pt; border-top: 0pt;" /></div>
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FRENCH LAUNDRYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05381484084143803247noreply@blogger.com13