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!

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

French Accent

Bon Jour Mon Amis!
Parlez-vous francais?
Oui?  Non?
I think I need to start practicing my French more often, as I am getting a bit rusty! 
At any rate, I thought I'd share with you a few of my latest French inspired creations, no translating required!
  Oooh, la, la!!
 I love the look of altered bottles!  I added one of my favorite French labels from the Graphics Fairy to this vintage apothecary bottle.  Of course I had to add glitter, as well as some wonderfully crinkly seam binding.
 And, because you can never have too much glitter, I added a silk glittered hydrangea blossom!  I also added the neatest key, stamped "journey", and now we are all set to travel to Paris!  (ah, dream on.............)
While in Paris, we will take a day trip to Versailles and visit Marie Antoinette! 
I have been on an altering kick lately, and had alot of fun creating this book stack.
 I embellished it with a glittered Marie Antoinette from the Graphics Fairy, mounted on a page from a vintage French book.  More yummy seam binding, and a silver fleur de lis charm and it is just ooozing in shabby elegance, don't you think?
 This was my first attempt at ripping the covers off from the books (which almost felt sacrilegious, I might add!), and it wasn't as easy as I thought it would be!  My arm and hand is still sore today! hahaha!
  I have added the book and altered bottle to my Etsy shop, if you care to take a look!
And now, I will day dream about my next trip to Paris!!!

11 comments:

Musings from Kim K. said...

You'll have to share your secret for crinkly ribbon. Gorgeous stuff. It adds the perfect touch. Just wait until you see the treehouse floor! It's a pale aqua color. I think you'd approve!!

Okio B Designs said...

We totally have the same tastes and same favorites from GF! Love the bottle! I don't add glitter to mine b/c it always gets all over the place. =( BOO!

Jeanine

NanaDiana said...

Donna- Really cute ideas! LOVE the graphic on the front of the bottle AND the books. You just keep getting better! Hugs- Diana

Girl in Pink said...

What lovely Frenchy creations! Very very pretty! I am inspired!
Best Wishes and Blessings,
Amanda

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Donna,
I just love your Paris bottles and book bundles.
They are so lovely and well designed.

You're really filling up your etsy shop and good for you!!

hugs
Sissie

Debbie said...

Hello Donna,
The book is wonderful, and the bottle is just beautiful!!! I love how you combine the labels, glitter, metal pieces, and the crinkled seam binding to make a "masterpiece"!
Very nice.
Smooches.
Debbie

Tete said...

Lovely, but you haven't posted on where you are now buying all this glitter...maybe you are still using the old stash you brought with you.
Do you have a Hobby Lobby there?
Where do you find the keys? I am not sure where to find them here. I haven't seen anyone use them here at all.
Hugs- Tete

Cindy Adkins said...

Oh total perfection, Donna!!! Oooh-la-la! What exquisite creations!!!
XO
Cindy

Blooming Rose Musings said...

Donna, the bottle is perfect! I love the graphics. Very lovely.

I also enjoyed the tour of Pike Place Market in your previous post. Thanks so much for taking us along with you!

saltbox
treasures
said...

I heard it was your birthday.
Happy Birthday! Love your Marie Antoinette altered book. I have the French language discs to learn French; I must get going on it. It is such a beautiful language; written and spoken.
Have a great day!
~ Julie

Trisha said...

I am dreaming right along with you!! I hope you had a wonderful Birthday!!

~Trisha