Welcome to my blog!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I believe that everyone can have a beautiful home without spending a fortune! One of my favorite things to do is find creative ways to re-purpose things I already have on hand, or have picked up at yard sales and thrift stores. Join me as I share with you some of my favorite ideas for crafting and decorating, as well as travel adventures, and fun things that I pick up on my treasure hunts! Much of my work is influenced by my love all things French, nature, and of course shabby chic! I have gotten so many creative ideas from you very talented bloggers out there, and I hope that I can be an inspiration to you as well!

Monday, January 17, 2011

Everything's Coming Up Roses!

Bon Jour, Mon Amis!
It may be the middle of a very long, cold winter here at the Chateau, but I can still be dreaming of roses!  French roses, to be exact!
Today I wanted to share with you a few of the projects that I have been working on lately.
I am in love with this beautiful frame!  Isn't it gorgeous?  When I found it, it was a gold tone and just begging for a coat of Heirloom White!  After a bit of distressing, she was feeling much better and oh, so shabbylicious!
Aren't these white roses lovely?  I added a vintage print of roses by Pierre-Joseph Redoute.  Redoute was the premier botanical illustrator in France in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.  He offered drawing instructions to nobles and socialites, including the infamous Marie Antoinette, and Napoleons wives, as well!
Redoute's work even drew the attention of John James Audubon, another artist whom I admire.  Audubon even took a trip across the pond to visit with him!
Oooh, la, la!
I am always excited when I find oval frames.  This one was also gold when I discovered it.  I immediately knew that it would be so much prettier in creamy white!
After adding another of Redoute's rose prints, I think this former dated frame (that came with a really ugly picture!) is much happier!
More distressing love!

And I was extra excited when I discovered this vintage frame!  It was brown when I found it, and though I really liked the original finish, I knew that it would be the perfect addition to my framed rose collection.
I added this pretty wooden applique.  What a difference it makes!
I think the shape of the frame is so neat, I've never seen one just like it.  Below is what she used to look like.  All three of these framed roses are going in my Etsy shop, which you can visit here if you would like.

Ok, this baby is not for sale!  She is a keeper!  You may remember me showing you this a few months ago.  My mom gave me a very old and dusty window, in dire need of a makeover.  Several coats of paint and Redoute prints later, and she is looking just gorgeous!!!


One last thing I'd like to share with you today is my sweet friend Cindy Adkins' new on line magazine!  I am so excited for her! Cindy will be featuring several creative bloggers each week, as well as sharing her many talents with us!  She currently has two giveaways that I know you will love, so be sure to visit and check out her new venture, Whimsical Musings Magazine!
Au Revoir!! 
I've linked up with the following parties, be sure to visit!
Faded Charm White Wednesday
Beyond the Picket Fence Under $100 Party 
The Speckled Dog Favorite Things Friday 
Between Naps on the Porch Metamorphosis Monday

21 comments:

Kelly said...

You distressed the frames perfectly!

Kelly

NanaDiana said...

I am headed over to check out the magazine. I love your frames...you aren't SPRAY painting them in the GARAGE over there, are you? We all know that it is a NO NO in the winter here. Got caught at least once doing that...not pretty...soooo not pretty..

Have a great week. Hugs- Diana

Musings from Kim K. said...

You do such good work. I love the prints and your special frames. Can't wait to check out the magazine.

Cindy Adkins said...

It's ALL gorgeous, Donna!!! Perfect for a beautiful cottage...wow!!!'And thank you so much for telling people about the magazine--I hope they will all enjoy it and enjoy seeing your story!!
XO

Donna said...

You think of the most amazing transformations...beautiful!!

Tete said...

Your prints and frames were made for each other. Love all of them! I like the window and would be keeping that one myself too!
Great post for a winter day!
Hugs- Tete

Rebecca said...

Great transformation-love the end result! Better watch out-I'm coming over to steal your hubby!!! Have a Great Week!

Leo said...

Love your new creations!! So beautiful. And I'm on my way to check out Cindy's new online mag. That's my next stop. Have a great day.

Erin said...

Love your framed prints Donna, you know I love me some roses! Will check Cindy's magazine out!

Ann@A Sentimental Life said...

love the window frame, I have a vintage storm door window I want to do something similar,

The Charm of Home said...

Beautiful frames and botanicals. They are each very pretty!
Sherry

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

All your roses projects turned out beautifully! And the window looks perfect with the roses prints, too! You are sure doing some lovely things!

kathi @ traybella said...

oh la la is right! tres fabulous!! that large frame is so amazing...love it!
cheers!
kathi

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage said...

I've loved Redoutes rose prints ever since I first saw them. They look so nice in all your pretty distressed frames!

Fishtail Cottage said...

i love that first frame!!! i have searching for one of those myself...i have frame envy! xoxo

Unknown said...

Donna, your flowers are gorgeous surrounded with all the shabby white paint.
And the blog for the new magazine is pretty cool as well!
xo
lynn

Magali said...

Wow!
I've been looking for an old window in order to make a mirror for my future bathroom... But you sent me in an other direction with your Redouté's roses frame... So I guess I should be looking for at least two old windows now...
Magali

Biljana said...

I love all, so gorgeous:-)
Hugs, Biljana

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

I love that frame - so pretty. Also, I have some Redouté prints - aren't they beautiful! Linda

foreverdecorating said...

I love roses and not just because it's my middle name! Your frames are what give the roses personality. Great job.

Ethereal PLUS what I Love said...

Hi Donna, The window came out lovely ... thanks for sending me the link. I love the floral prints that you used.
I love seeing things get transformed.
You have a great night, Francine
PS Thanks for checking out my blog :)