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!
Showing posts with label French flower market. Show all posts
Showing posts with label French flower market. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Vintage Stenciled French Themed Crate

Bon Jour Mes Amis!
Are you attracted to vintage wood crates like I am?  Well, I'd been looking for one to redo for some time, and finally found one!  Well, I have to give my hubby credit for finding it actually, while we were out thrifting together recently.
I didn't get any before shots of this vintage wood fruit crate.  Let's just say that it was in need of some love!
Or should I say "amour", as I gave this puppy a makeover with a French accent!

 After giving the crate a good cleaning, I began by painting it with a beautiful light blue chalk paint.  I intentionally left some of the wood showing thru here and there, to add to the time worn charm.
 A bit of distressing gave it even more of a rustic feel.  I then stenciled both front and back with this lovely
"Marche Aux Fleurs", or "Market of Flowers".
And to each end I added the word "fleurs".
 I am so happy with the way it turned out.  I had alot of fun during the little photo shoot, as I placed this beauty in my Etsy shop if you care to look.
 Wouldn't it be beautiful filled with pots of lavender?
 That is one of the reasons I love crates.  Not only are they good looking, but can be used in so many ways, all thru out the house.  Fill with books and magazines, or maybe place on the kitchen counter with wine glasses and a wine bottle.  Or used in the bathroom to attractively store towels or toiletries.
So there you have it, my vintage fruit crate turned French flower market crate!
Thanks for stopping by today!

Friday, January 3, 2014

Parisian Flower Market Sign

Bonjour Mes Amis!
It is beyond cold here at the Chateau this morning, with temps at 7 below zero!  Yep, that is not including the wind chill factor!
So I am staying indoors all day today trying to keep warm and snug!
Awhile back I shared that I've been chosen to be part of the Design Team for DecoArt.
I am still pinching myself, and am thrilled to be a part of their creative team!
I thought I'd share with you my first assignment, a Parisian themed sign that I stenciled.
The assignment was pretty open ended, I just was asked to create something using DecoArt's 
"Chalky Finish" paint, as well as their stencils.



So, this is what I came up with!
My handy hubby came to the rescue and made the board for me, in the shape that I requested.  It is quite large, measuring nearly 2 feet across. 
 You know how much I love aqua. Well, I totally am in love with this gorgeous shade of their chalk paint!

 I had so much fun incorporating a variety of their French themed stencils!
"Marche Aux Fleurs" = "Market of Flowers"
 I distressed the sign just a tiny bit, then followed with DecoArt's satin varnish for a subtle and protective  sheen.
 (I've not been compensated to write this post, and all of the opinions here are my own.)
I am happy with the way it turned out, and can hardly wait for my next assignment!

 Ok, do you want to visit a real Parisian flower market with me?
Here are some of my favorites when we visit Paris!
The one below is our favorite flower and produce market, just a few blocks from our hotel.

 Just look at this amazing display, below!  It is a gorgeous flower shop right across the rue from our hotel on the Left Bank.
Just looking at these pretty blooms makes me feel a bit warmer!
 Look at these amazing blue hydrangeas, below!  That is hubby in the photo, admiring all of the beautiful hanging birdcages.

 More beautiful fleurs!
And here's one last look at my sign.
Hope you have a great weekend!
Joining the following parties:
Common Ground Be Inspired Friday
French Country Cottage Feathered Nest Friday