Petite Michelle Louise

White Thursday?

2012-02-02T07:18:00.000-08:00

I sure hope it's not too late to join in on all the White Inspiration over at Faded Charm Cottage!

I'm sharing more "White Amour" from around my home....

A petite vignette under glass.....

...I won this gorgeous layered flower from Cathryn....

Creamy roses from Trader Joe's....

.....I just love petite paper dollies...

....a lovely metal heart from Sandi....

...a simply divine tag from Rhonda...

...candles on my mantle...

...and some flowers to brighten up the kitchen.

Happy White ~~Thursday~~ Wednesday mes amies!

I'm heading on over to Kathleen's Faded Charm Cottage ~~with my tail between my legs~~ for some lovely white inspiration.

"La Belle Vie" Bag Giveaway Winners

2012-01-25T11:04:00.000-08:00

"Merci" to all who entered my "La Belle Vie" Bag Giveaway!

Without further ado, the winners are....

~*~ Veronica at "Pura Lana"~*~

~*~Brenda at "Cozy Little House"~*~

~*~Louise at "Cape Cod Washashore"~*~

~*~Michelle at "Summersoul"~*~

~*~Peet at "Fort Lapin"~*~

Please send me your mailing addresses and your French bags will be on their way!

Oh happy day!

White Wednesday

2012-01-25T07:43:00.000-08:00

Sharing a little bit of "love" from around my home and in my studio...

Tresors from Rhonda....

A petite handmade reliquary locket from Rosemary....

...a vintage French Memorial Plaque....

(will share that story in another post)

My Memere & Pepere on their wedding day.

Happy White Wednesday mes amies!

I'm joining Kathleen at Faded Charm Cottage for some Wednesday inspiration!

"La Belle Vie" Bags

2012-01-19T12:52:00.000-08:00

This giveaway is now closed...
~*~merci~*~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Have you seen these gorgeous reusable bags at TJ Maxx??

I just about fell over when I saw them at the registers!

Finally....a "chic" reusable bag!

And for only .99 cents!

How could I NOT grab a handful of them??

"One for me and one for YOU!"

This will give you an idea of its' size.

Would you like one?

Well here's your chance!

I have FIVE extras to give away so there will be FIVE winners!!

Here are the rules:

1. You MUST be one of my 750 followers. While I love meeting new people and having you follow along, this giveaway is for my followers as of 1/18.

2. Just leave a comment on this post! That's it!

~*~Winners names will be drawn on January 25th~*~

Bonne Chance!

White Wednesday

2012-01-18T07:30:00.000-08:00

Sharing my "homage" to Saint Valentine with a vignette under glass....

Angel wings I received on a xmas gift...

I painted them white and added the "Je t'aime"....

My collection of sentimental valentines...

...a lovely garden heart I found at Home Goods..

...a sweet clay valentine handmade by my son when he was quite small...

...heart-shaped rocks and sea shards...

gifts from the sea....

....a petite vintage book I've had for many years...

....an authentic French letter dated 1916....

...and some paper ephemera.

Happy White Wednesday mes amies!

Je t'aime!

I'm flying over to Kathleen's Faded Charm Cottage for more lovely inspiration!

White Wednesday

2012-01-11T06:53:00.000-08:00

On my work table....

Happy White Wednesday mes amies!

I'm heading on over to Kathleen's Faded Charm Cottage for some lovely white inspiration!

2012-01-06T12:29:00.000-08:00

One of my New Year's resolutions is to clean out my studio and either use what I have or list it in my ETSY vintage shop. So I've been cleaning out drawers and going through my inventory and stumbled upon these....

A box full of old Avon Sachet Jars and English Jam Jars.

I remember finding them at a flea market last summer and thought they were too sweet to pass up.

While in the process of preparing more wire for my newest Inspiration Holders, the thought came to me that I might transform these into petite photo holders too.

(sold)

I call them "Sweet Scentiments" (A little play on words here)....

I think they would be a sweet way to present a small token to a special someone...

....or in a studio/work space to store small supplies along with an inspirational saying or picture....

....or maybe even to hold a petite tea light candle....

They would make the sweetest favors at a shower or luncheon....

The possibilities are endless!

Soon available in my ETSY shop!

White Wednesday

2012-01-04T08:27:00.000-08:00

For this First White Wednesday of 2012, I am sharing some inspirational whites from one of my Pinterest Boards...

"Love is in the air."

Tiny White Daisies

Flicr

Modern Country

Ozma of Odds

A Cottage In The Woods

Evelyn and Rose

Cubicle Refugee

Becky Shander

Trash To Treasure Art

Brooke Giannetti

Little Emma English Home

Modern Country

Happy White Wednesday mes amies!

I am excited to join Kathleen at Faded Charm Cottage for a new year filled with what I am sure will be an inspirational year of wonderful "whites!"

Bonne Annee and a Winner!

2012-01-01T09:01:00.000-08:00

Bonne Annee mes amies!

I hope this new year brings you joy, abundance and much happiness!

I have been blessed with all of these this past year in part because of all of you, my dear readers and friends!

And now, the winner of The Somerset Life Winter 2012 Issue is.....

Marga!

Congratulations Marga! Please send me your address and I will put it in the Post!

New Year's Giveaway...

2011-12-26T11:58:00.000-08:00

Celebrating the end of the Christmas Season with a small giveaway....the Winter 2012 Issue of Somerset Life.

I took their "Tart Tin Challenge" and my submissions were accepted for publication in this beautiful issue....

It is filled to the brim with inspiration...

...delightful details....

....delicate trims....

.....clever storage ideas....

...simply lovely handmade charms...

...pretty packaging....

...inspiring images...

...and sweet sentiments.

All you need to do is leave ONE comment on this post to win this tres beau issue of Somerset Life.

You MUST be a current follower to win!

The winner's name will be drawn on New Year's Day!

Bonne Chance!

Joyeux Noel

2011-12-23T08:08:00.000-08:00

Joyeux Noel mes amies!

White Wednesday

2011-12-19T17:18:00.000-08:00

Now that the halls are completely "decked" and all of the corners are "de-cluttered", I thought I'd share some actual "room-size" views of my home this Christmas....something I don't often do....( I do love those close-ups!)

Front Entryway.....

"Look Maman, I'm a Christmas tree!"

Our son, at two years old....I just adore this photograph of him with Santa. He has the most awe-struck look on his face as he looks into Santa's eyes (AKA "Uncle Joe").

This is what I call my "Angel Tree"....

...I started collecting angel ornaments many years ago and accumulated so many ....

...that, each year, I put up a small tree in the front hall for them all.

It is a precious collection.

Stairway to the third floor....

You've seen this wall of photos before. At Christmastime, I change them all out and add photos of "Christmases Past."

They include some from me and my husband's childhood, our siblings, our son and all of our nieces and nephews taken at Christmastime.

A "Wall of Memories."

Our Christmas stockings.....Hubby, myself and Tim. I hand-stamped the years they were born on theirs...."mine?" you ask......a woman never tells. Tee hee!

Entering the Living Room....

My favorite mantle...

The view from the Sunroom....

This mantle was originally in my husband's grandparent's home....

...it spent many years in "storage" before we claimed it and brought it back to life in our own home.

One of my most favorite quotes for this time of year....

Another corner of the Living Room....

The Sunroom....

...more precious family photos....

...a petite nativity....

Our "Family Tree"...

....most of the ornaments are handmade....

...or given to me as gifts...

...a petite pair of angel wings from Susan....

Entering the Dining Room...

I found this gorgeous mantle at a yard sale many years ago for 15.00!

A Jeanne D'arc-inspired candle I made...

The "Madonna Della Scala."

A garden plaque that I brought in from the garden this year. The sun was shining just beautifully on the prisms as I snapped this picture.

One corner of the Dining Room...

(Wanna know what I keep in this? My shipping supplies!)

The opposite corner of my Dining Room....

(Wanna know what I keep in THIS one? Items waiting to be mailed!)

This hutch once belonged to my parents. I well remember it growing up...

It was a dark wood with a veneer-type finish....I love it in the "French Blue."

A vintage ornament given to me by my Mother-in-law.

A Paper Reliquary Locket from the delightful Ozma of Odds. Sigh....

View from the kitchen into the Dining Room....

Dining Room chandelier....

I love this metal spiral tree....

..it holds my most beloved family picture ornaments.

I try and add to it every year.

~My Father~

~Me & my Son~

~Tim's First Snowfall~

~My Father with his Mother and Aunt~

The Kitchen...

The Pantry....

And some Xmas gifts all wrapped and ready to give...

Celebrating my Family's Xmas at my brother's house this past Saturday....

~Hubby, "Moi" and our son, Tim~

Happy Winter White Wednesday mes amies.

Wishing you all a Blessed Xmas and a happy and healthy New Year!

Winter White Wednesday

2011-12-13T12:59:00.000-08:00

Sharing some of my petite Xmas vignettes under glass this White Wednesday....

Happy WinterWhite Wednesday mes amies!

I'm joining Kathleen at Faded Charm Cottage for another magical White Wednesday. Won't you join me?

White Wednesday

2011-12-07T08:48:00.000-08:00

Several years ago, I discovered a delightful shop in historic downtown Concord called "Nesting On Main." From the moment I first walked through its' inviting doors and every time since.....my breath has been taken away by the beauty within. It is an eclectic mix of old and new....elegant and rustic at the same time. The shop's ever-changing wares speak to everyone's soul. Every nook and cranny is filled to the brim and beckoning one to lean in...discover...and delight. At Christmastime, the shop's owners transform it into a Winter Wonderland making even the oldest of patrons feel like giddy schoolgirls once again. My friend Susan (Evelyn & Rose) and I were no exception as we walked through those magical doors together this past Sunday for their Holiday Open House. Here is "Nesting On Main: Winter Edition"....

Let me introduce to you the fabulous and creative minds of "Nesting On Main"....

Wendi (owner), Melissa (owner) & Sandy

And here we are, Susan and I (giddy schoolgirls) with Melissa and Wendi.

So..if you are ever even remotely close to Concord, MA...you MUST

treat yourself to a visit to "Nesting." You won't be disappointed!

Happy White Wednesday mes amies. I am heading on over to Kathleen's Faded Charm Cottage for what I am sure will be a whole lot of white eye candy! And don't forget to visit Susan's blog, Evelyn & Rose, to read more about our delightful visit.

White Wednesday

2011-11-30T12:54:00.000-08:00

One of my most favorite things to do to prepare for the Christmas Season is to make my own ornaments.

There are so many beautiful religious images that truly speak to my soul.

Painted metal tags and glitter ....

...are all one needs to create these beauties.

Hand rolled clay.....

....glitter and beads....

...and some vintage holy medals....

....gently pressed into the clay.....

...leave a soulful imprint.

Metal bezels...

...painted creamy white.....

...and adorned with Holy images....

(sold)

...and German Glass glitter...

...add a lovely sparkle to the tree.

Plain white coasters....

....adorned with images of statuary I photographed at my beloved seaside burial ground...

.....a little glitter.....

...a little sparkle....

.....creamy pearl beads....

...and vintage seam binding.....

....make even the simplest of ornaments....

...look just heavenly!"

Found objects....

...like old watch cases....

(O Marie is sold)

...and vintage rhinestone brooches...

(rhinestone one is sold)

...all send a blessed message of love and hope this Christmas Season.

(some....soon for sale in my ETSY shop)

Happy White Wednesday mes amies!

I'm heading over to Kathleen's Faded Charm Cottage for where I am sure I will find an inspirational offering of white lovelies!

White Wedenesday

2011-11-23T06:15:00.000-08:00

Happy White Wednesday mes amies!

I am so very thankful for the friendships I have found here.

White "Thursday?"

2011-11-17T07:09:00.000-08:00

I thought I was only joking, several weeks ago, when I said I was so late for White Wednesday that it might as well be "Black Friday!"

Yes....I'm late!
"Why," you might ask? Because of this.....

"Time"

I let it get away from me.

I didn't have as much of it as I had thought.

It "flew"right by me...

...and I didn't use it wisely.

It was not well spent.

I needed more of it.

"How rapidly time urges his flight; sometimes as a relentless, unsparing destroyer; but oftener as a swift-winged and beautiful angel: changing, yet not taking away this world's blessings: making our past sorrows look dim in the distance; opening many flowers of pleasure on our way, and gradually ripening our souls for the great eternity."

~William Chambers, September 22, 1921

Happy belated White Wednesday mes amies.

White Wednesday

2011-11-08T16:26:00.000-08:00

I'm sharing some tresors that I found on my week-end "junkin jaunt"....

This gorgeous framed angel picture was only 5.00. The glass is actually "beveled' as well. Sigh...

I love this old pearl necklace with rhinestone clasp...

....i love how the pearl "finish" has almost completely worn off of the beads...so nice.

Another assortment of pearl "findings....a mother of pearl utensil...

...an old choker-style necklace, earrings and strand of pearls...

I think the detail on these carved mother of pearl earrings is just divine!

These are a sweet set of porcelain bird clips...for the tree I suppose?

And these ex votos were ONE dollar...

(...you heard me rosemary....)

...ONE dollar for ALL of them!

I can never pass up old sheet music....

...I love the titles of these songs.

And, oh my, I found these in an envelope and just about fell over....

...the most delicate and delightful tatted pieces I've ever seen!

None of these are larger than a half doller....

...what patience it must have taken to make them. I wonder who she was?

And the find of ALL finds.....these stunning mercury glass door knobs!!!

(am i the only person who faints at the sight of beautiful doorknobs??)

I have been wanting to make some "upscale" Inspiration Holders and these are just what i was looking for! I think they'll make the loveliest Jeanne D'arc-inspired Christmas Inspiration Holders!

(shhhh...I'm keeping one for myself!)

Now this piece is not in keeping with the White Wednesday theme but I just HAD to share it because...well....I think it's gorgeous!

It's the front part of an old drawer....sans the "drawer." I paid ONE dollar for it..."sigh" again!

These sweet petite porcelain matchboxes were purchased from a lovely ETSY shop. I fell in love with them and couldn't take the chance they'd be gone by the time I made up my mind so I hit "add to cart!" I am NOT disappointed!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

And now some recent creations from my studio....

I think the Jeanne D'arc style is the epitome of Christmas and it has truly inspired me this year.....

...these petite matchboxes are filled with vintage tresors.

I just adore this image of Ste. Marguerite....

...these tags are sweet and simple.

And i couldn't resist using the image on one of my rusty metal tags as well.

Some Jeanne D'arc style notebooks....

...I just couldn't STOP myself!

...I made oodles of them!

Did I say I made A LOT of them??

(Jeanne D'arc-inspired tags, matchboxes and notebooks are all now for sale in my ETSY shop)

Happy White Wednesday mes amies!

I'm heading over to Kathleen's Faded Charm Cottage for what, I'm sure, will be an eyeful of white lovelies! Won't you join me?

French Grave Markers

2011-11-02T11:25:00.000-07:00

Finally for sale in my ETSY shop....

"Vintage inspired French Grave Markers"

White Wednesday

2011-11-02T06:56:00.000-07:00

We lost our power last night.....only for a moment but just long enough to light these.....

Happy White Wednesday mes amies!

Don't forget to light the path on your way to

Kathleen's Faded Charm Cottage for what is sure to be another truly inspiring day!

All Hallow's Eve

2011-10-31T10:23:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for the little ghosts and goblins....

~*~ Living room mantle #1 ~*~

~*~ Living Room Mantle # 2 ~*~

In the living room...

~*~Sunroom~*~

~*~ Front Hall~*~

~*~ Kitchen ~*~

Happy "All Hallow's Eve" mes amies and Happy Haunting!

White Wednesday

2011-10-26T07:42:00.000-07:00

Sharing some "wickedness" on this White Wednesday.....

Happy Wicked White Wednesday mes amies!

I'm grabbing my broomstick and flying on over to

Kathleen's Faded Charm Cottage for more inspirations in white! Won't you join me my pretties??

Inspiration Holders

2011-10-21T18:36:00.000-07:00

So sorry for the "confusion"... I told you all that my Inspiration Holders would be listed in my new online "Boutique" but some technical glitches made it impossible so...the ones that were ready are now listed in my ETSY shop. I have others that will be listed in the next few days so due stay tuned.

Merci mes amies!

Inspiration Holders..... Sneak peek...

2011-10-20T17:07:00.001-07:00

I have been busy in the studio creating more of my Inspiration Holders and wanted to give you all a "sneak peek" at what I'll be listing very soon. Each one is unique and one-of-a-kind and much love and thought is put into every detail. I hope you love them....

"Mother of Divine Grace"

**sold**

"Hope"

**sold**

"Fly"

"Love"

**sold**

"L'Automne"

**sold**

"Amour"

**sold**

"French Seamstress"

**sold**

"Amie"

**sold**

"French Dreams"

**sold**

"Too Cute"

**sold**

"Petite Bleu"

**sold**

I hope to have these listed in my new

Petite Michelle Louise Boutique in the next few days!

Merci mes amies!

White Wednesday

2011-10-19T11:42:00.000-07:00

It was a perfect Autumn week-end here in New England so I took advantage of the glorious weather to do some shopping at some of my favorite locales of interest.

Here are a few of my finds....

Delicate lace bundles.

Just look at this lovely crown and cross design....

...and these beautiful lace flowers.

I just adore ephemera...

and found a box full of old Mortgages and Deeds.

These are dated 1888 & 1891! Can you imagine??

I just had to have this serenely gorgeous Mother Mary statue....

She's the "real deal" too, not a reproduction....made of chalkware.

I adorned her with one of my favorite set of rosary beads.

I found this chalkware statue as well...

She needs a little TLC but I think she's perfectly imperfect!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Around "La Maison Petite Michelle Louise"

Jars full of my favorite mother of pearl buttons....

Can one EVER have enough of them??

I found this petite vanity mirror at Home Goods....

I thought the sweet oiseau at the top was the perfect place to hang some of my handmade necklaces from....

And the spot where the mirror is attached to the stand became the perfect place to hang my bracelets....

The bar at the bottom of the mirror provided an ideal place for my handmade earrings as well.

(my favorite pair: fashioned out of vintage Ste. Therese medals)

Happy White Wednesday mes amies! If you're looking for more inspiration, head on over to Kathleen's Faded Charm Cottage! I'll see you there!

White Wednesday and My Giveaway Winner....

2011-10-12T08:40:00.000-07:00

Sharing some finished projects from the studio on this wonderful White Wednesday.....

...petite pocket notebooks....

...just the right size to stash in your purse for making "notes on the go!"

"Mademoiselles" tags....

...with paper lace edges.

More of my "Tombstone Tags"...

Images from actual tombstones I photographed in my favorite seaside burial places...

~*~Rockport, MA~*~

~*~Boothbay Harbor, ME~*~

A petite bottle of buttons, pearls and beads.

And some collages....

...to celebrate....

..."All Hallow's Eve."

Happy White Wednesday Mes amies!

I'm linking up to Kathleen's Faded Charm Cottage for her wonderful White Wednesday Party!

NOW... without further ado....my Somerset Life Magazine giveaway winner is.....

Tara from "Fabric Friend!"

Congratulators Tara!

Please send me your address and I will put your magazine in the mail today!

White Wednesday

2011-10-05T13:30:00.000-07:00

Joining in a bit late here for this White Wednesday

(if I waited any longer, I'd have to link up to "Black Friday!" LOL!)

Sharing some finds from my trip to the Maine Coast....

An old ironstone bowl filled with petite tresors...

I found this sweet ironstone soap dish and some lovely earrings and brooches...

I think you can guess what i'm going to do with these....

(from a Maine Sea Captain's estate)

I found these delicate tatted gloves and this old crazed crock...

Look at the tag inside the glove....

...and the marking under the crock...."Le Meridien, Paris" perhaps??

(Maybe my Maine Sea Captain traveled to Paris and brought these back to his beloved wife?)

Just look at the detail work on this gorgeous tablecloth.....

...and this table runner.

These sweet, hand carved wooden hands were from a jewelry store that was closing.

They are so delicate and lovely.

(I know Rosemary! Sigh...)

My Maman bought me these beautiful tin types....

This is one of my favorites...

...and this one too. Don't they look like Victorian Witches??

Happy White Wednesday mes amies!

I'm linking up to Kathleen's Faded Charm Cottage!

Giveaway

2011-10-04T13:27:00.000-07:00

This Giveaway is now closed!
~*~Merci~*~

I'm celebrating the release of the Autumn 2011 Somerset Life with a giveaway of this issue!

For those of you who have been following along, then you know that my Inspiration Holders made it on this issue's cover!

I was honored and excited to write the article as well!

The Somerset Life Photography team did an amazing job at photographing them!

This is a dream come true for me....

...and I am so very humbled by it all.

To enter to win a copy of this issue of Somerset Life.....

1. Leave ONE comment on this post. That's it!

Sorry...You MUST be a "current" follower to win.

Winner's name will be drawn on October 12th!

Merci to all of you who've shared in my excitement over my first ever publication!

A Short Getaway...

2011-09-29T07:46:00.000-07:00

Bonjour mes amies....remember this place?

Boothbay Harbor, Maine

Well...I'm going back there...today!

Spending the next 4 days with my mother and sister in my beautiful seaside haven to celebrate what would have been my beloved father's birthday. I hope you all have a lovely weekend.

See you on Sunday!

White Wednesday

2011-09-28T08:47:00.000-07:00

"Picker Sisters"

Saturday, I had the pleasure of spending the entire day with sweet Susan at Evelyn and Rose! We had become fast friends through blogging and met up with each other for the first time last spring at The Wrenthan Country Store's "White Event." It was there that we also had the pleasure of meeting Sandi ("A Cottage Muse") and Karen ("A Shabby Moment In Time").

("Moi" and Susan)

When Susan emailed to suggest we meet and go to a few stores in Essex, Ma......well, I was thrilled to say the least!

The White Elephant shops were a treasure trove of lovelies for anyone's palette!

Everything in their "outlet" store is half off as well as a bonus room where everything is 75% off!

(these were in the $5.00 pile!)

Alas...without a truck, we had to leave quite a few tresors behind! (Not to mention that Susan's STEAL of a ladder became our third "picker sister" companion!)

Here are a few tresors of my own.....

a shabby velvet-covered photo album....

...with this sweet picture inside.

The old foil star was an added bonus and, upon closer inspection, this sweet photo was printed in my hometown!!

Yup...Lewiston, Maine! How serendipitous!

(I got the whole book $for 5.00!)

This lovely book was only a dollar!

See the beautiful brass clasp??

A real treasure!

An old book featuring short stories by Edgar Allen Poe was also just a dollar.

WARNING: If Rhonda is reading this...please sit down now and take a few deep breaths before continuing...

Susan spied these and quickly brought them to my attention....

...sweetly bundled and oodles and oodles of gorgeous and beautifully-aged gauze & cheesecloth!!

And ALL for only $6.00!

(Can someone say "Start the car!! Start the car?!")

When I was touring Susan's beautiful and lovingly-decorated home, I spied one of these on her mantle.....

...a worn and rusty... heavy metal piece of architectural salvage.

Lucky for me, she purchased it at The White Elephant and they had MORE!

So I took a few home for my dining room mantle!

(the pair were just $17.50)

All in all, I would have to say that it was just about the best day of pickin' I've had in a long time! And, to spend it alongside sweet Susan was just the icing on the cake!

Now DO go on over and see Susan's newly-opened Etsy Shop: "Evelyn and Rose." You won't be disappointed!

And stay tuned for Part Two of "The Adventures of The Picker Sisters!"

I'm joining Kathleen's Faded Charm Cottage on this gorgeous White Wednesday!

White Wednesday

2011-09-21T06:34:00.000-07:00

My lampshade got "crowned"....

...and so did She....

Happy White Wednesday mes amies!

I'm linking up to Kathleen's lovely Faded Charm Cottage on this wonderful day!

"Merci"

2011-09-17T11:10:00.000-07:00

I am shamefully way behind in saying "Merci" to some very dear friends, bloggers and Etsians for the treasure trove of lovelies that have found their way to my petite nest this past spring and summer. Now, before you all go getting "green" with envy, not all of these were giveaway wins (although I've been pretty lucky in THAT department these past few months). Some were purchases I made in gorgeous ETSY shops, some were "art swaps" and , last but not least, some of them were gifts from the dearest of kindred spirits....sent to me at a time when I needed them the most.

So...here is my "merci" to all of you....

Rhonda

"ALittle Bit French"

Rosemary

"Ozma Of Odds"

Susan

"Evelyn & Rose"

Dorthe

"Den Lille Lade"

Amy

"Vintage Market Place"

Rae

"723 Plain and Simple"

Carmelina

"Creative Carmelina"

Becky

Marie

"Lost Bird Studio"

Betsy

"My Salvaged Treasures"

Lynn

"Trash to Treasure Art"

"M"

"Tales From an OC Cottage"

To all of you...your art, your creations, your generosity and your thoughtfulness have warmed my slowly-mending heart.

~*~MERCI~*~

My White Wednesday Post...again!

2011-09-14T08:42:00.000-07:00

Happy White Wednesday mes amies!
My original post hit some snags so I am posting something new and quite late at that....

...signs of autumn around my home...

I'm heading over to Kathleen's Faded Charm Cottage for more white lovelies....

Never Forget....

2011-09-11T07:22:00.000-07:00

To those whose lives were tragically lost .....

...may we never forget.

"What's A Girl To Do?" (Part 9)

2011-09-09T14:02:00.000-07:00

What's a girl to do when she covets THESE but can't seem to find them anywhere?

She takes these.....

...and makes these....

French Grave Markers or Mourning Plaques....

~authentic~

~mine~

I've long admired these for their rustic beauty....

~authentic~

....and their spiritual value.

~mine~

Simple metal tags.....

...with a rusty-colored patina....

...are adorned with images from actual grave stones....

...and old French Prayer cards.....

...to create the look of my coveted French Enamel Mourning Plaques.

Torn paper edges....

...and ink give them that "old world" feel.

Authentic French Grave Markers can be found in most every burial ground in France.

Many are left to rot in the ground.....

...their beauty left unappreciated....

...and their sentimental value disregarded.

One day, I'd love to find an authentic one for my own....

...to always remind me of those souls whose sacred resting places they mark.

(soon for sale in my ETSY shop)