Saturday, January 28, 2012

French Flea Markets

10:40 PM | | Edit Post
When Heather Bullard posted a video from the Porte de Vanves flea market in Paris a few weeks ago, I found myself instantly transported back to that wonderful french market, which happened to be the favorite from our 2010 trip.  I think I watched the video three time remembering the wonderful treasures, spirit, and excitement of that particular street market.  I was especially thrilled to recognize one of my favorite vendors with whom mom and I chatted, and both made purchases from. 


If you do watch Heather's video (and you definitely should!), the vendor I'm referring to is featured at the 1:15 mark and you'll note her booth by all of the wonderful textiles, notions, and french packaging. 


Seeing that fabulous booth again inspired an impromptu photo shoot of the few products I purchased from that tent. There were so many thing I wanted to bring home with me, but space and weight are of the essence when shopping abroad so I chose only a few lovely pieces of ephemera. 
I assume this old victorian fan card was actually just the packaging for these tiny rhinestones which were ment to be sewn onto something else. I was so happy to find this package which is fully intact, and I assure you that I will never remove any of them!





I was also lucky enough to bring home two of these fabric sample cards.  Muted pink and cream tones are printed on light weight cotton swatches which were then affixed to heavy cards featuring beautiful french typography. Tres chic!







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Friday, January 27, 2012

Pinterest

10:04 PM | | Edit Post
Have you discovered Pinterest yet?
I have become absolutely addicted to the virtual pin board website and find endless inspiration there.  Although I was hesitant to get started- thinking I didn't have time for another social media network, it has now become the first website I check in the morning, and the last one I check when closing the computer for the night.   
If you are unfamiliar with the website, here is a brief description: 
Pinterest lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, and organize their favorite recipes.
Best of all, you can browse pinboards created by other people. Browsing pinboards is a fun way to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests.
I would like to personally invite all of your to follow all of my pinterest boards by clicking the link on the right side of the screen.  I curate each one of them with lots of love, and I hope you find lots of inspiration within them. 

All photos fron Pinterest
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Monday, January 23, 2012

A Sweet Tradition

10:14 PM | | Edit Post
My stepmom, Mare has a beautiful antique glass cruet in which she keeps all of her vanilla for baking.  She'd gotten it long before I was born, and we'd used it when baking sweet treats together ever since I was a little girl. I've always known that when I spot that bottle out on the counter nestled amongst sticks of butter, bags of brown sugar, and sacs of flour that something delicious about about to be made!
She had inherited her cruet from an old family friend and over the past few years it had become an antique that I was seriously coveting. Not only because I love the look of it, but also for the the memories it conjures up, and the association my brain makes to chocolate chip cookies every time I saw it. 
As you can imagine, I was beyond excited when I opened up one of my boxes on Christmas morning and found my very own antique crystal cruet! It was totally unexpected and such a heartwarming gift to receive.  The clear, thick, scalloped glass is lovely and I especially love the decorative stopper which fits perfectly. I now feel like I am part of a very elite grown-up baking club. 
Thank you Mare, I will treasure it always. I look forward to the day we can give my daughter her very own cruet and welcome her into the club!



Chocolate Chip cookies:

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups (12-oz. pkg.)  Nestle Tollhouse semi-sweet chocolate chips 

PREHEAT oven to 375° F.

COMBINE flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels and nuts. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets. 

BAKE for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. 
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Saturday, January 21, 2012

Ice

11:32 AM | | Edit Post
Baltimore has finally gotten some winter weather! We have had a very mild season so far, and I've been anxiously awaiting something to remind me that we're at the end of January!
Although we didn't get the snow I was hoping for last night, we did get lots of ice. And now it's as if every little thing is covered in a thick layer of glass.
Everything is still grey, quite, and peaceful outside so I bundled up and went out to capture some of the small details before they all melt away. 

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Friday, January 20, 2012

The Stork

3:08 PM | | Edit Post
This is favorite canvas from The French Poste. As soon as I made it, I feel in love with this guy! I love the two layers of ephemera, the subject and delicate-ness of the victorian scrap as well as the miniature size of the completed piece. I thought long and hard before deciding to part with this stork canvas, but I'm hoping he can go to a good home. As long as someone scoops him up before I change my mind ;)

All of the canvases in The French Poste shop are hand-made by your's truly, and feature layers of century old ephemera and an original victorian die-cut.  Antique French ribbon makes these little canvases ready to hang, although they can also be set on a shelf or any other surface.
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Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Bullion

11:16 PM | | Edit Post


Old bullion and tarnished sequins are so dreamy. Don't you agree...
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Sunday, January 15, 2012

The French Poste

9:41 PM | | Edit Post

I am SO happy to announce that I've just launched my second etsy shop! A shop that focuses on all of my handmade projects and the antique ephemera that I love! I hope you can stop by and check it out. I'm still have lots of additions to make (both new styles and items), but I'd love to hear what you think so far.











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Thursday, January 12, 2012

52 Flea Give-away

7:59 PM | | Edit Post
One of my new blog buddies, Laura, is having a fabulous give away on her blog. Laura writes the beautiful blog 52 flea that I'm sure many of you have visited before. I have been a long time fan of Lauras, and always find myself inspired by the beautiful way she photographs her antique treasures. She has a great eye for choosing "ordinary" pieces and staging then in just a way that they become works of art. I love that! Laura also takes her readers along to some of the most fabulous shops in New England and on regular trips to her serene lake house. 

Until tomorrow 52 Flea is hosting a give-away for this lovely, perfect-for-market, vintage inspired bag. (I especially love the striped lining!) All you have to do to enter is swing the blog and leave a comment.  Easy as pie!
Trust me, this will be a blog you want to bookmark! 
Thank you Laura, and congratulations on your 800th post. I look forward to many more, and wish you and Mr. Flea anniversary!
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