The French Cupboard

White Wednesday

2012-02-01T12:08:00.000-06:00

It's February!

It's time for love letters.

May your Wednesday be filled with love!

Love Letter Journal & Pen Sets - Available HERE

Posted by: Polly ~ Counting Your Blessings

Linked today with White Wednesday

Half Off Memberships--2 days

2012-01-30T11:54:00.000-06:00

photo via

It's been three years since French Cupboard opened it's doors here in this wonderful world of online friends. I can hardly believe it. The time has gone by lickty-split! We love that we get to work with so many talented, refreshing, unique, amazing people!! I'd love to tell you all the history about how the Friday Flea Market grew into the French Cupboard, but I know you're really wondering if we are seriously offering 50% off our memberships.

YEP, until midnight on 1/31/12 (that's tomorrow!), we are saying "Thank You" to all the boutiques out there in blogland for helping us make French Cupboard the uncommon place that it is. So we are offering 50% off our six or twelve month memberships! If you have been thinking about opening a website, currently have an online shoppe or have wondered about French Cupboard, this is a great time to dive in!. Just pop over HERE and checkout the details.

Voila! ... French Inspiration

2012-01-26T08:17:00.000-06:00

Romance is in the air ...

With all the Valentine projects I've been noticing lately

really 'put me in the mood'

for some French inspired LOVE.

What things French are stirring your heart lately?

Link on up and share the love!

See you next week,

Jill {Gypsy Brocante}

White Wednesday

2012-01-25T14:26:00.000-06:00

Sharing a bit of the vintage whites that are on my studio table this week.

I also spent a little time adding our Cupboard boutiques to the sidebar over there on the right. Now you can shop and blog at the same time. Go ahead, take a peek...

Posted by: Polly ~ Counting Your Blessings

Linking with White Wednesday

Voila! ... French Inspiration

2012-01-19T06:08:00.001-06:00

Bonjour all ... welcome to Voila! ... our weekly party where we share and inspire all things French!

Last week I gave you a peek of what was going into my preparation for the Philadelphia Home Show ... well, this week I want to show you how it turned out. If you remember, we were going for a "Parisian Boho" vibe .......

Hand painted French signage is surrounded by a few pieces of French hotel silver ...

A pretty French Provencal style desk painted in a dusky gray and blue combo pairs nicely with the French postal stamped burlap.

I LOVE these vintage canvas bags, each one with a little French accent on them.

If you want to see more of our display and a little behind the scenes video of us setting up click HERE.

... and if you have something you wish to share this week click below and link on up to the party!!

See you next week!

Jill {Gypsy Brocante}

White Wednesday

2012-01-18T11:19:00.000-06:00

Just a few bits of white around the farmhouse...

My quirky throw

The new vintage cabinet that Mr. Blessing has been working on. It used to be part of a florist shop.

Hope your day is filled with lovely whites!

Posted by: Polly ~ Counting Your Blessings
Linking with White Wednesday

Voila! French Inspiration ...

2012-01-12T05:57:00.000-06:00

Today is a pretty exciting day for me ... in about 2 hours I'll be heading over to Philadelphia to set-up a booth for the yearly home show. My partner, Beth, and I will will be selling our gypsy wares there for the next two weekends.

Over the past month we have been pulling together the "look" we are going for and found our inspiration in a French oil painting and some French furniture ... here's a peek of what we have in mind ...

Above is the French oil painting that started our minds a twirling ...

French gypsy ... Parisian boho ....

A funky gold velvet chair ......

A silk and tassel trimmed ottoman ......

A french desk painted in "French Blue" - of course!

So ..... last night we started loading up the truck ...... the first piece in? The French Desk!

We will spend the entire next 2 days setting up our French inspired vignette ... wish us luck ; )

What's going on in your French inspired world? Link on up below.

Jill {Gypsy Brocante}

2012-01-05T09:12:00.000-06:00

Bonne Annee ... and welcome to the first

Voila! party of the new year !!

{source}

Have you completed a French inspired project already in this new year of 2012?

If not, do you have one planned?

If so, what will it be?

I haven't completed mine yet, but have started one ... a little re-do of my sun porch. well, mainly just the furniture.

Here is the "before" shot of the sofa I'm tackling:

And this is as far as I've come to date ... I've managed to remove 80% of the old fabric while keeping the "innards" intact that I can re-use and cover over.

and while I was at it, I figured why not pull apart the seat cushions on the wrought iron chairs that sit opposite the sofa ..

... and that my dear friends is as far as I've made it!!

There is no heat out on the porch and yesterday it was a bone numbing 12 degrees outside. This project may be waiting for completion until spring!

Well, if you've been ambitious and have some inspiration to share ... we would LOVE to see it ... link it on up below ; )

Jill {Gypsy Brocante}

Voila! ... French Inspiration

2011-12-22T08:40:00.000-06:00

Bonjour!

Can you believe another year is about to pass?

I spent this morning cruising through Voila! posts from this past year ... revisiting links and finding an abundance of French inspiration!

Here are a dozen that grabbed my eye {again!} this morning ...

Confessions of a Plate Addict

The Gilded Pear

The Decorating Diaries

I could have posted HUNDREDS of images today ..... I am overwhelmed by ALL of the projects you gals have linked up to our little Thursday blog party!

I hope you have more up your sleeves for next year, 2012 ... and bring them all to the party to share.

I have enjoyed them all ; )

Voila! Will be taking a break next Thursday, but will be back in the New Year on Thursday, January 5th, 2012.

Wishing you the brightest and merriest of holidays,

Jill {Gypsy Brocante}

Voila - French Angels

2011-12-15T09:56:00.000-06:00

I just adore the old French angels image that we are using this year for French Cupboard's Holiday Market! I love it so much that I've been making all kinds of little holiday gifts with it. This was a super simple and cheap gift. Vanilla candles from the dollar store, old sheet music, a bit of glass glitter and some twine. I used hot glue to put it all together (because I'm a glutton for having at least one finger burned everyday) but a glue stick would work just as well.

Our sweet angel, Jill (Gypsy Brocante) isn't able to be our hostess today but she will be back! In the meantime, I hope that you'll join us this week as we begin the countdown to Christmas and enjoy some French Inspiration.
Posted by: Polly ~ Counting Your Blessings

Voila!

2011-12-08T08:06:00.003-06:00

Hello all and welcome to Voila!
This week I have a French inspired burlap stocking to share with you...

I found this burlap already stamped with French script, post marks, and stamps at my local JoAnne fabric store ... lucky me had a 50% off coupon and bought the whole bolt of burlap for 1/2 price!!

I washed the burlap several times to soften it ..... made a simple stocking pattern .......

Then embellished it with vintage lace .........

Filled with some fresh greens cut from my yard and Voila! ...

another French inspired Christmas decoration.

What have you been up to this week?

Please share with all of us below ; )

See you next week ....

Jill {Gypsy Brocante}

Linking today with Funky Junk

Voila! .. French inspiration

2011-12-01T09:42:00.001-06:00

Okay ... will someone please tell me what today is?!
I have just spent half of my morning thinking it was WEDNESDAY!!
Not until I was bringing in the trash cans a few moments ago did the light bulb go off ... wait, trash day, Thursday, VOILA! .... and so here I am late with this week's post and my apologies.
I guess taking off last Thursday for Thanksgiving really messed up my inner alarm clock ; )

I've been excited to show all of y'all my little French inspired skate girls!!
I've "dolled" up some second hand ice-skates into romantic Christmas decor ...

A little glitter, moss, burlap and twine ....

And ... VOILA! ..... a sweet French inspired decoration for my mantel.

Joyeux noel!!
Link up below to share your latest inspiration ....

xo
Jill {Gypsy Brocante}

Cyber Monday

2011-11-28T12:31:00.000-06:00

It's Cyber Monday!

Pop on over and take a look at the unique, handmade gifts at the French Cupboard Holiday Market.

2011-11-17T05:58:00.001-06:00

Hello everyone! I've been reviewing the last month's worth of french inspired projects again and I have to say WOW! ... they are ALL impressive ... I'm amazed at the never ending stream of inspiration found here!

Can you believe next week is Thanksgiving? Not only does that mean giving thanks but also a reminder to me that it's coming time to send out Christmas cards to family and friends that I'm thankful for. I like to make my own cards for the holidays {no surprise!} and thought why not go for a little French theme this year. My "go to" place for inspiration is always Etsy ... and here are a few examples that caught my attention.

{click on photo for more info}

I know, I know ... me too!
I'm ready to get the card stock, my glue and glitter out!!
How about you? Will you be making any French inspired holiday cards, wrap or tags?
You know we would love to see them if you do.
In the mean time link on up what inspirations you have to share for this week.

xo
Jill {Gypsy Brocante}

Handmade Holiday Market is Open!

2011-11-14T16:02:00.000-06:00

French Cupboard's Holiday Market is open!

This year we are putting the focus on having a handmade holiday and we're adding new items every week.

We'll be open 24/7 from now until the end of the year so you can shop anytime you like!

Come on over and take peek around...

Click here to visit the Holiday Market

Voila! ... French inspiration

2011-11-10T05:23:00.002-06:00

Running, running, and more running.
That seems to be all I've been doing lately.
I want to sit.
Just for a minute.
Okay, maybe an hour .... or two.
Right here ...

In this pretty little French chair I spied during last week's running.
What have you been up to?
Have you had time to create or be inspired?
Please tell ; )

Okay, ...... gotta run ..... another holiday show to do tonight!

xo
Jill {Gypsy Brocante}

Voila! ... French Inspiration

2011-11-03T06:53:00.001-05:00

Hand lettering my French inspired sign ... part deux ......
Today I'm posting a bunch of pictures to show you my progress on last week's project.
I'm happy to say it's DONE!!
...and...
really wasn't as bad/hard as I thought it would be.
I thank all of you kind ladies who encouraged me to keep going!!

Here's where she resides as of today ... waiting for a new home!
Link on up to share your French inspired lovelies and have a sweet weekend!!

xo
Jill {Gypsy Brocante}

Voila! ... French Inspiration

2011-10-27T06:25:00.001-05:00

Incomplete.
If You were grading me on my progress this week ...
this is the grade you would have to award me.
Incomplete.
But, I would LOVE to show you my progress to date !!

Last week I gathered all the salvaged boards I'd been storing up for this project.
French inspired shop signs.
I was able to get them all painted and distressed ... ready to go ...

I went to my copy center and had all my images blown up to fit the various boards.
My thought was to use "old fashioned" carbon paper to transfer my designs onto the boards.
Well, that didn't work out so well ...
For some reason {maybe the softness of the paint} I couldn't get the transfer to take ...
But I was determined ...
and started the process of hand lettering.
I hate working on hand lettering!

So ..... this is as far as I've come this week ... it's slow going but I WILL finish these boards by hand, like it or not!

I will also share their completion in a future post ...... I'll be anxious to see what my final grade is ; )
Now, get busy and link on up all your fabulousness below!

xo
Jill {Gypsy Brocante}

Voila! ... French Inspiration

2011-10-20T06:28:00.001-05:00

Welcome everyone ... This past weekend I was selling my wares at a local Philadelphia market, Clover Market ... with my friend/partner/fellow FC member, Beth ... we always manage to work a little "French" into our displays.

Above is a little vignette I managed to snap a photo of before it was ransacked by hungry customers!

I made about eight faux French grain sack pillows the week before and they were a hit, each one sold ... I'm working on more for this week's upcoming show. Do you recognize the chalkboard from a previous Voila! post?

Beth has these new purses in her fall line ....... they are to-die-for! Vintage canvas, hand stamped and just so ohh-la-la French inspired. Beth's promised me one for Christmas ... can't wait!

Did you find any French inspiration on your travels this week?
Did you create any?
Please share with us all ... link on up!

xo
Jill {Gypsy Brocante}

Voila! ... French Inspiration

2011-10-13T08:11:00.000-05:00

Hello! Did anyone miss "Viola!" last week? ... I was on a road trip heading out to the Nada farm event last Thursday and in the middle of Indiana it hit me ... TODAY IS "VIOLA!"!!! Seems like with all the mad rush getting ready for my trip and preparing for jewelry class I let "Viola!" slip to the curb. My bad. ... and not much better this week. I've done nothing French inspired these past two weeks ... it's been packing, driving, and driving and driving. However, I did treat myself to a new travel mug for the ride home and it is French inspired ; )

I'm all settled back home and will be getting out the paints, glue gun, and inspiration flowing again ... back full swing next week! Please accept my apologies for the absence ; )

Now, what have YOU been up to?? Anything good? ... well, do share...link it on up below!

See you all next week!

Jill {Gypsy Brocante}

Handmade Harvest Blog Party

2011-09-30T19:27:00.002-05:00

We are sharing our handmade Harvest/Autumn/Halloween/Fall items this weekend and if you would like to join in the fun, just use the "add link" button below. Whether it's a vintage repurposed item, a handmade item... no matter the medium, you are welcome to link up with us.
In a season when every moment there are new colors out there, let's also remember the beauty of God's artistry.

Voila! ... French Inspiration

2011-09-28T19:42:00.000-05:00

Welcome all!
Here's a project I've just been dying to try.
I've seen these cute prints just about everywhere, especially Etsy.
They didn't look too difficult so I gave it a go and I was very pleased with my results. Untill I took a closer look...a closer look AFTER I had already printed, cut out, mounted, and framed my new "art".
I believe my mistake is pretty obvious. Do you see it?

Yep. My French bumble bee and wreath is flying upside down on my page!
Do you think anyone will notice?

Graphics Fairy as usual was my source for the graphic ... I thank you kindly!
One simple page of a yellowing dictionary did the trick for the paper ... put it right into the paper feed and hit print.

The vintage frame I dug out of the basement, gave it a quick shine with windex ...

and ...

Voila! French inspired "art"

Looking forward to what all of you have to share this week ... link on up and inspire us!!

xo
Jill {Gypsy Brocante}

Voila! ... French Inspiration

2011-09-22T07:09:00.000-05:00

These past few weeks {months?} I have been super busy preparing for Fall shows and events.
Yesterday I ran out of price tags and thought I would make up some simple "French" tags.
These were quick and easy to make ... I kept mine plain and simple, they're just price tags ... but you could really jazz these up and make awesome gift tags! Here's my method ...

Supplies:
card stock
old french dictionary pages
hole punch
tag shaped punch
twine
super 77 spray adhesive

I sprayed my card stock with adhesive and covered with pages of dictionary ... I like to put them on at different angles for a layered look ... the edges have great aging on them. I trimmed around the paper so that I could see were I could punch out tags and got busy punching.

Within a few minutes I had a whole pile of cute little price tags.

The last thing I did was tie on some twine ... this is probably the most time consuming part ... but worth it .... look at these sweet little French inspired tags I have now to use on all my goods!

Please link on up and share your inspiration with us below ; )
xo
Jill {Gypsy Brocante}

Handmade Harvest Party

2011-09-21T12:22:00.000-05:00

That's right, we're having a party!

We're going to be sharing all kinds of handmade Fall items. And we want you to join in the fun.

All you have to do is show your handmade Autumn items on your blog and then come over and link up!

No matter what your favorite medium is (paper, fabric, jewelry, soap, couture clothing, the repurposed, etc.), if you put your hand to it, we want you to join us!

Just add our button to your blog and link it back to this post.

It's a Handmade Harvest Party!

October 1st & 2nd, 2011

The gorgeous image above was created by our friend, Beth at Tattered Vintage
We are linking up today with:
White Wednesday
Vintage Inspiration Friday
Chic on a Shoestring Budget

2011-09-19T06:20:00.002-05:00

PUMPKINS!!!!

I've been thinking about making

some pumpkins out of grainsack.

So of course, I went

to my favorite site to

get some ideas.

seapinks.etsy.com

There I found the ivory damask pumpkin above, and the velvet pumpkins below...

paperprincessstudios.etsy.com

Aren't they wonderful?

frenchhenfarm.etsy.com
Here's a gorgeous hand-dyed
velvet pumpkin...

ozmaofodds.etsy.com
...with jewels!

Here are some more
amazing pumpkins made from....

keepsakedesign.etsy.com
chenille.....and

houseofwhimsy2.etsy.com

and houndstooth....

nzimm.etsy.com

felted wool......

imali.etsy.com

floral cotton with vintage notions...

junktojoy.etsy.com
and cotton prints...and lastly,
some wooly pumpkins
below......

bearcreekdesign.etsy.com

mmwolters.etsy.com
How about a lacey
pumpkin?

parachute425.etsy.com

What will you make your
pumpkins with? Please share!
Happy Pumpkins,
Leslie

Voila! ... French Inspiration

2011-09-15T08:09:00.003-05:00

Hello and happy day to all of you!
...and thank you! Thank you for your help last week on my French frame dilemma ... all great ideas,
I especially liked the one from
Kathleen at Charm Bracelet Diva
"I've got a similar frame (still gold, yet to be painted) and am also mulling over what to do. I'm torn between the message board and blackboard. You could also string wire across the opening in rows and clip pictures, ephemera, mementos onto it. Kind of like a changeable shadow box!"

I've been looking for a cool way to display earrings that are for sale at the Gypsy Market and I think this will do the trick ... wire strung {lots of it} with earrings displayed...thanks Kathleen!

This week I started working on a gift for my daughter ... a French inspired journal.
She has always wanted to visit France and dreams of going someday ... I thought this might help keep her dream alive ... a place to write or sketch it all.

I only just started and am far from completing it.

Sorry for the photos, lighting wasn't great early this am ...

I covered a .99 cent black and white composition book with lavender velvet

on the outside and purple toile on the inside.

I added an antique cardboard photo frame with a french dictionary page and added one of her old prom photos. I embellished with old fabric and buttons and my french rubber stamps.

To give the velvet a worn look I rubbed it with sandpaper taking off some of the pile.

I'll keep you posted on my progress ... I hope she likes it!
See, your french inspired projects don't even have to be 100% finished to share ... all they have to do is inspire someone to create with a little French flair! Link on up girls ; )

xo
Jill {Gypsy Brocante}

Voila! ... French Inspiration

2011-09-08T07:57:00.001-05:00

Hello and welcome!
This week I need your help ... I need your inspirational input.
For this HUGE French frame

Sorry, no before pictures ... even though this piece has been hiding out in my basement for a few years now, once I had the urge to white wash it I couldn't be bothered to take the time to photograph it. Are you ever like that? Just picture it as all gold, flat with no luster. It's actually a vintage syrocco item and the largest I have ever seen.

Originally it held a mirror ...

So, I need to finish it's transformation from ugly duckling to swan and now I'm stuck. There are so many possibilities ... and I thought since you gals are the French "experts" when it comes to inspiration I'd ask your opinion. What to do next?? Here are the options I'm mulling over:
a.) put mirror back in
b.) make into a chalkboard
c.) use burlap and batting, stencil w/french wording use as "art" or message board
d.) open to suggestions ... help!

Shout out your ideas and weigh in ... and while you're at it link on up what you have to share this week.
Thanks for the help ; )

xo
Jill {Gypsy Brocante}

2011-09-05T10:09:00.001-05:00

Wings....

This photo has been circulating all over the internet among mothers,grandmothers, aunts and sisters.

My mother sent it to me, and now that my oldest has flown off to college... I'm

noticing wings more than ever!

celapiu.etsy.com

I thought I would share some of

the beautiful wings that I found on Etsy...

unearthed.etsy.com

beetle wings!

soapychica.etsy.com

Wings for a powder room....

lesliejanson.etsy.com

winged pendants...

idiopix.etsy.com

wings for on the go....

snipsnipart.etsy.com

crafty wings!

timor.etsy.com

and winged guardians.

Here's to the power of our own maternal

wings!

Leslie

Voila! ... French Inspiration

2011-09-01T06:20:00.000-05:00

Hello!

This past week didn't leave much creative time for me ... preparing and cleaning up after hurricane Irene was a time consuming chore and I managed to set my kitchen a blaze last Thursday, therefor spent even more time cleaning up some smoke damage. That being said ... please forgive me for not having much creative energy of my own these past few days!

I do have a little "French" style question for you to ponder today ... and maybe, as you are pondering, you will be inspired to try something new ... a new French hairdo!

My question is ... if you HAD to choose ... what kind of girl are you?
A French braid gal or a French twist lady?
Take a look ... the answer may not be as easy as you thought ........

{source}

Well?

Have you picked?

Me?

Nope.

Too hard ... I love,love,love both of these classic French styles.

I did say if you HAD to pick though ... okay, I would go with the twist.

The twist suits me better ... hanging strands of hair drives me nuts ... looks pretty, but I like everything off my face.

Looking forward to hearing what you have to say ... thanks for playing a long!

xo
Jill {Gypsy Brocante}

Voila! ... French Inspiration

2011-08-25T06:47:00.000-05:00

I'm sharing today some ultra quick French inspiration ... a quick fix for my kitchen blackboard!
Here is the before ... pretty but boring when it's left unadorned.

I pulled some French wording from the Graphic Fairy's "French Collection" ... found here.
My "go to" source for any graphic inspiration.

I did the lettering first ... knowing it wouldn't be perfect, knowing it would be off center, knowing I could balance out the mistakes with the flourishes ....

This was a fun project ... next I'd like to try an entire menu ... that would look cool!

... and Viola! ... a new "old" chalk board sign straight from a sidewalk cafe in Paris ... now if I could just get some fresh croissants in the empty covered dish!

Can't wait to see what you have to share today on your French inspired menu! Link on up below ... and thank you for joining in the fun!
xo
Jill {Gypsy Brocante}

French Blue

2011-08-19T19:50:00.000-05:00

French blue is hard to describe, yet we know it the second we see it....

joyfulcollective.etsy.com

It's not quite an eggshell or a Tiffany blue,

rosameyer.etsy.com

it really doesn't have periwinkle in it....

sissidavril.etsy.com

it's a soft blue.....

textileartlace.etsy.com

French blue is velvety....

LaManche.etsy.com

It is perfect with white....

lesliejanson.etsy.com

oddandold.etsy.com
...it has a bit of gray in it...

flattirevintage.etsy.com

coralroot.etsy.com
and it mixes so nicely with other blues...

janastreasures

I hope you've enjoyed all of these Etsy French blue items.....how would you describe

French blue?

All my best,

Leslie

Voila! ... French Inspiration

2011-08-18T07:23:00.000-05:00

Happy Thursday and happy Voila!
Last weekend was my monthly market I hold with my friend Beth, The Gypsy Market.
Today I thought I would take you on a shopping trip, French Inspired of course, through our little market.
There's a lot of photos ... better grab a chair and a cup of coffee ... pop in a French cd ... and let's go virtual shopping:

We always have a little touch of France in the shop ... our customers never get tired of the look!
Link on up below to share your French inspired goodness ...
See you next week!

xo
Jill {Gypsy Brocante}

Voila! ... French Inspiration

2011-08-11T07:21:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone! Yesterday I took a little time off from creating purses to organize a portion of my sewing room ... and ... I think it's a perfect little project to share with you for some French inspiration.

I started with an abandoned French Provencal dresser drawer {funny how these items are so easily found lurking in the basement!} ... it was just the right size for what I had in mind, long, narrow, and not too deep.

A quick dry brushing coat of creamy paint in "Swiss Coffee" ... ala Home Depot

I painted the entire drawer inside and out ... all the way around. Always love the french style brass hardware.

Back up to the sewing room and here is what I intend to use my new French drawer for ...
My stash of forever falling over and multiply and unraveling rolls and rolls of seam binding!
Here's the before shot:

... and here's the after:

VOILA! HUGE improvement wouldn't you say?

Now I can see all the color choices at first glance, no digging thru the pile and it's so pretty {maybe} I'll be encouraged to keep it looking so organized! Plus now the seam binding is not taking up valuable fabric space on the shelf ... it slides easily under my work table. {light bulb!!} ... maybe I could add little wheels to the bottom?

Hope everyone enjoyed my little bit of French inspired inspiration ... and are enjoying the rest of your summer .... see you next week!

xo
Jill {Gypsy Brocante}
ps. Stop by my blog to say hello and enter my giveaway ; )

August Button Fest

2011-08-08T07:50:00.000-05:00

oooooooooooooooooooooo

It's a button fest! When I wear and sell my button jewelry, women speak to me and come clean about their button jars.

According to my unscientific survey,

most women covet their button jars...

They keep them for years and years.

The button jars move from house to house.

Every once in awhile, the jar is

sought for a quick repair of a missing shirt button. And we are reminded of the wonderful sounds our button jars make!

When I was at the Metropolitan Museum of Art recently,
I almost fell over when I saw the art of
El Anatsui. Brace yourself...

His gorgeous giant textiles are composed
of bottle caps among other cast-off materials. He flattens them, and up close they resemble
buttons....

Maybe that spectacular artwork has

been fueling my August button fest...

Next week I am going to inspire

us with some amazing button artists!

(This will give us some time

to get out our button jars.)

All my best,

Leslie

lesliejanson.etsy.com

Voila!...French Inspiration

2011-08-04T07:29:00.001-05:00

French Toile ... Confession: I have a "love ~ hate" relationship with toile ... it's not the toile, it's me and admittedly I'm fickle. There are some days I swoon over it and others I can't stand the repetitive pattern. My creative hands have been working with many different vintage and antique fabrics of late. I've been designing and sewing up purses by the armload. Last week my girlfriend called and said she had some "French Toile" she picked up years ago at the flea market and offered me a "deal". If I made a purse for her {out of the toile} I could have the remaining yardage of fabric. Great. {insert sarcasm}...just what I wanted tons of toile. To my surprise I fell in love ... at first sight ... take a look:

the scene is so amazing ... villagers, dogs, boys playing ball ... farm animals ... each time I look closer at the print I notice something new ... goats or a man on horseback.

And the colors are to die for!

Rich browns mixed with teal,ed,mustard yellow and a bit of lavender with just the slightest thread of metallic gold running throughout.

I couldn't wait to start creating new bags with it ... slipping in little pieces here and there

big bold pieces cover an entire backside ...

So now I'm smitten with toile again ... and next time a friend offers up yardage of the stuff I'll be less likely to turn up my nose so quickly!

Link on up below and show us what French item you're smitten with ....

xo
Jill {Gypsy Brocante}

ps. I just posted a bag giveaway ... if you want a chance {or two, or three} you can enter HERE

Trend: Color Blocking

2011-07-31T09:46:00.000-05:00

BexVintage.etsy.com
As seen in Neiman Marcus' new online catalogue, color blocking is an Autumn'11 trend. We've been there before, haven't we, ladies? (Well, some of us have!)

VintageDove.etsy.com

And in keeping with the "trend" to not spend our pennies, and to reuse and recycle, I am
taking us on a vintage color block shopping spree on Etsy....

pineapplemint.etsy.com

There is both vintage color block apparel out there,

jessjamesjake.etsy.com

as well as color block accessories...

Matangi.etsy.com

all vintage, of course,

farfromhere.etsy.com

some in muted tones,

dirtybirdiesvintage.etsy.com

bOmode.etsy.com

and some in bright jewel tones!
A colorful belt will color block any outfit!

bOmode.etsy.com

A vintage color block bag.

We can enjoy Autumn 'll trends, not spend alot of money, and have our purchases arrive at our front door? That gives us time to stop and smell the roses.. :)

All my best,
Leslie
lesliejanson.etsy.com

Voila!...French Inspiration

2011-07-28T07:04:00.000-05:00

Since it's been so dang hot here, like many places, we've been cooking inside ~ the kitchen, to be exact! ... and NOT cooking ourselves outside! I also cleaned out the butler's pantry and went through some favorite cook books. I own one French cookbook and it's my favorite {and NOT because it's my only!}. Ina Garten's "Barefoot in Paris"

And the one recipe I've made over and over is the Creme Brulee ... it has come out excellent every time and is simple to make. Do yourself and family a favor and try it ... you're not going to be disappointed.

Ingredients

1 extra-large egg
4 extra-large egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar, plus 1 tablespoon for each serving
3 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon orange liqueur (recommended: Grand Marnier)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix the egg, egg yolks, and 1/2 cup of the sugar together on low speed until just combined. Meanwhile, scald the cream in a small saucepan until it's very hot to the touch but not boiled. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the cream to the eggs. Add the vanilla and orange liqueur and pour into 6 to 8-ounce ramekins until almost full.

Place the ramekins in a baking pan and carefully pour boiling water into the pan to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the custards are set when gently shaken. Remove the custards from the water bath, cool to room temperature, and refrigerate until firm.
To serve, spread 1 tablespoon of sugar evenly on the top of each ramekin and heat with a kitchen blowtorch until the sugar carmelizes evenly. Allow to sit at room temperature for a minute until the caramelized sugar hardens.

Topped with fresh berries ... VOILA! and totally yummy !!

Jill {Gypsy Brocante}

White Wednesday

2011-07-27T16:03:00.000-05:00

A couple weeks ago I was poking around in the garage of local shop owner who is going out of business. I spied this old radio way in the back, barricaded in. Of course, I climbed over the stuff and started digging out the radio. As it turns out, it works... sorta. It sounds all crackly and doesn't pick up a single radio station on the AM dial (because there is no FM dial). So I have an idea. Maybe it's a stupid idea. I want to keep the guts (because who knows - it could be worth something, especially if it has all the original parts) but I want to connect the speaker to my own cd/ipod player. I tried it and I can even play Pandora radio off my android phone through this super cool old radio.

Here's the dilemma... Will it ruin the authenticity of it? Is it any less historically beautiful if the music is coming from an ipod rather than old tubes?

Posted by: Polly ~ Counting Your Blessings
Return to White Wednesday

Crochet Masters

2011-07-25T07:43:00.000-05:00

Do you crochet? I only know one stitch, but my grandmother was a crochet master...I've culled some crochet masters from Etsy to delight and inspire us....

ayca.etsy.com

Crocheted ring:
lilyja.etsy.com

Crocheted Lamps!
yoola.etsy.com

Check out her other gorgeous items, including custom crocheted banners here:
reraeshop.etsy.com

This bold wall sculpture made in Vermont features crocheted copper wire...
twobeans.etsy.com

and last, but certainly not least, is
this wonderful crocheted rock...
stitchhappens7.etsy.com

I hope that this has inspired you to get out your needles and yarn, and to think outside the box!

All my best,

Leslie
lesliejanson.etsy.com

Voila! ... French Inspiration

2011-07-21T07:07:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone! I didn't create anything French this past week, however, I did manage to take a little vintage {my favorite!} shopping trip to France ... via Etsy .... come on and check out my "purchases"!

Vintage dress from the 50's ... pretty floral print in blues, greens and tan.

1920's French doctor bag

... amazing purse ... just big enough for my essentials!

Vintage heels

Dreamy vintage leather platform shoes in the perfect camel color ... ooh-la-la

French straw Hat ... not too small ... not too big ... VERY chic, I must say.

A little bit of sparkle around my neck.

Vintage necklace.

A splash of fresh rose water behind my ears and on my wrist ....

Grab a pair of retro sunnies and I'm off to stroll the streets of Paris!

I hope I've inspired you to shop for some vintage French goodies for yourself or just for fun, like I have!

Jill {Gypsy Brocante}

Ugly Duckling

2011-07-20T15:08:00.001-05:00

We had abused this cheap bifold door over the years, and it stood in the back of our garage for way too long.

Then one day I realized I needed it to hide

some ugly plastic bins in my sewing room...

So I laid the doors flat on my dining room table, searched high and low for the staple gun, batting and raw linen, and began

to stretch the linen over a layer of batting.

I stapled the linen to the outer edges of the doors. And I covered the back of the panels with linen without any batting. Which left me with miles of ugly stapled edges. But I had some linen left,

so I sewed up some "tapes" to cover the stapled edges. Then I searched high and low again for my glue gun, and began gluing.

In this fuzzy photo you can see how the tape

covered the stapled edges nicely, and left room for the hinges.

Here's another view.

and now I have a nice upholstered bifold panel to hide all of (ok, some of) my big plastic bins of fabrics.

I bet you have an old bifold door in the back of your garage....want to try upholstering it?

I'm going to try upholstering this little ugly ottoman next....maybe in grain sack....

Wish me luck!

Leslie

lesliejanson.etsy.com

Voila! ... French Inspiration

2011-07-14T06:40:00.000-05:00

Lavender ... fresh and lovely lavender ... a favorite plant to many of us, me included.

The end of June to mid August is the height of the lavender season in France.

I can only imagine what walking through a lavender field must smell like ... I'm sure it's intoxicating!

Since I won't be touring the fields of France this summer I thought the next best think {well maybe?} would be making some new lavender sachets for my closets and drawers.

Easy and simple burlap bags stitched up and filled with lavender buds ...

A little French stamping and tied up with a scrap of fabric ribbon with purple flowers.

Adds a small touch of the scent of Provence every time I open my closet ... Voila!

Link on up and share any of your French inspiration.

Jill {Gypsy Brocante}

Summertime Mother of Pearl

2011-07-10T21:35:00.000-05:00

Summertime is mother of pearl time! I hope that you enjoy these pearly Etsy treasures, and that you will get out and use your stashes of mother of pearl.......

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

dagmarsdesigns.etsy

oooooooooooooooooooooooooo

lennilap.etsy.com

ooooooooooooooooooo

hopscotch22.etsy.com

oooooooooooooooooooooooooo

TheTreasureSeekers.etsy.com

ooooooooooooooooooooo

lesliejanson.etsy.com

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

TheHomeCentric.etsy.com

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

babilandbijou.etsy.com

ooooooooooooooooooooo

What mother of pearl treasures do you use every summer? Please share!

All my best,

Leslie

Voila! ... French Inspiration

2011-07-07T06:56:00.000-05:00

About a year ago I ran this rosette tutorial on my blog, it was a pretty popular post, so ... I thought I would bring it back one more time to share with you here for "Voila!"

My way of making a very simple and pretty hand-stamped French rosette:

Supplies you'll need:

A silk flower of your choice{I like roses and peonies for this project}

Rubber stamps in a French theme

ink pad {I use waterproof ink}

a center piece, a crystal, a piece of jewelry ~ anything pretty that you can "wire"

florist wire

pin back

wire cutters

scissors

miscellaneous material, lace, scraps

Glue gun and glue

a little imagination ...

Let's get started by pulling apart your silk flower ...

Discard plastic stems

lay out your petals on something you don't mind messing up with the ink

and

start stamping, covering as much or little as you want ... going off the edges gives a nice realistic touch

{it's okay to go outside the lines here!}

Finish all your petals

and

gather your other scraps you want to incorporate into your rosette

I like to fold the material in half, cut out petals, open and make a small hole in the middle. Don't worry too much about size here ... just make sure your cut petals are big enough, you'll want to come back and trim them to your liking once your flower is assembled.

Wire your center with the florist wire, bringing both ends together to form a "stick"

you will gather your various petals along the wire.

Remember, you're working "backwards" in size ... small petals go on first working up to larger ones.

I usually do a "layout" of petals before I start to wire them ... this way I can change them to my liking without pulling everyone off the wire.

Once you have them all on and you're happy with the look ...

pull everything tightly together

and start bending your wire back and forth to secure your petals

wrap as many times as you wish, cut off extra wire

hot glue your pin back on

{oh, be careful NOT to glue your pin shut ... trust me, it happens!}

Take a scrap of material, cut to fit over ugly glue and glue into place for a finished look.

and lastly, my favorite part ... trim your petals to the shape and size you like

and then

start squishing and crumpling and rubbing between your hands

this will fray your raw edges giving your rosette a time-worn look

Fluff it all back out and viola! You've created a Parisian rosette!

Not too shabby, huh?

I hope you didn't mind today's "re-run" and hope you have some time to make rosettes ... would love to see what you come up with ... would also love to see your French inspiration below, link on up and join in!!

Jill {Gypsy Brocante}

Vintage Summer

2011-07-04T12:14:00.005-05:00

~~~~~~~~~

Why drive to the big chain stores before our vacations,
when there are so many repurposing shopping options
that can be shipped directly to our front doors?

Let's pack our bags with these vintage goodies, and hit the beach!
Let's grab our sunglasses......

marybethhale.etsy.com

~~~~~~~~~~~
and let's throw on our sundress, put on our straw hat, grab our purse and picnic basket, our parasol and pillow, and head for the shore!....

mellowdayss.etsy.com
~~~~~~~~~

ethanollie.etsy.com

~~~~~~~~

bOmode.etsy.com
~~~~~~~

rhapsodyattic.etsy.com
~~~~~~~~~~

MaudandMabel.etsy.com

~~~~~~~~~~

lesliejanson.etsy.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I hope you enjoy these vintage summer goodies.....and that your summer is off to a good start!
~~~~~~
All my best,
Leslie

Voila! ... French Inspiration ...

2011-06-30T06:40:00.000-05:00

Created in France and given to America as a gift from the French people to celebrate our independence....The Statue of Liberty.

I can't think of anything more "French inspired" or more inspirational to all Americans to share for this upcoming Holiday weekend.

Thank you France !!

and

Happy Fourth of July everyone !!

Click on wording below to enlarge :

And to learn more of the history of our Statue of Liberty you can always read here.

Link on up below to inspire us with your "French" ideas.

Jill {Gypsy Brocante}

Frenchy Etsy

2011-06-27T06:27:00.000-05:00

Bonjour!

---------------

All lovelies here are from wonderful vintage Etsy shops...

to inspire you....enjoy!

xoxo

------

rosamystica.etsy.com

lacaprice.etsy.com

thehopetree.etsy.com

frencheclectic.etsy.com

studioflowerpower.etsy.com

samcoins.etsy.com

bodegaofplenty.etsy.com

houseoftwinkle.etsy.com

lesliejanson.etsy.com

I hope that this has inspired

you to get out and use your

own French lovelies...

xoxo

Leslie

Voila! ... French Inspiration

2011-06-23T07:24:00.002-05:00

French inspiration has gone to the dogs.

Literally.

As soon as I found this graphic, here, I immediately knew what I wanted to create for today's party.

This:

Sure beats this bag of treats that usually resides on my cupboard!

This was so easy to make ... all I did was print out the graphic and modpodge it to a large vintage glass canning jar. Fill with biscuits ... looks like I need more biscuits!

As soon as the pooches heard the treats rattle into the jar they came running ... this is "Abby", she's half French half English ... a Yorkie-Poo .... she's an old gal {14 ~ human years!} ... the jar is about as big as she is ... she sat and whined until Mom gave her a treat.

Then came "Mac" .... a true gentleman .... he always waits for her to finish first ... then his nose was right in the jar! Mac is our rescue pup ... we had 10 puppies one year, all brought up from a high kill shelter in NC ... all were adopted out ... we kept "Mac" and he is awesome!

Love how the simple B&W graphics go so well with my kitchen ... thank you Graphics Fairy for another awesome idea!

Now link on up below and show us all what you got !!

Jill {Gypsy Brocante}

White Wednesday - Altered Couture

2011-06-22T13:52:00.000-05:00

I've had a sewing bug this week.

Market Bags, Prairie Tops, etc

When it comes to my wardrobe, one of my favorite ways to create is to alter. Take the ruffles off of one top and add them to another... Add a rosette... Remove elastic... Add lace trim... Change the buttons... Add ribbons... Altering an inexpensive way to get fresh new outfits & handbags. Sometimes it's easier to start from scratch but sometimes just a minor change can turn a store bought item into your own Altered Couture.

Posted by: Polly ~ Counting Your Blessings
Linking up with: White Wednesday, French Inspiration, Vintage Inspiration, Chic on a Shoe String Budget

Repurposed Vintage

2011-06-20T08:40:00.001-05:00

Repurposed Vintage

--------

******

I've been "working" with vintage fabrics and jewelry bits in my studio, which really means, I've been playing. As often as I can! If you look in the back of your jewelry box, in your dusty tool chest, in your button box, and in your linen closet, I guarantee you will find treasures that yearn to see the light of day. And...if you are in "midlife" as I am, you will discover that your treasures are now vintage! If you play with them, I guarantee that you will come up with satisfying, personal, repurposed little creations that you can wear and enjoy. Here are some pieces from my shop...

a brooch inside an old pocket watch

antique mother of pearl button with a

'50s charm and various goodies

a vintage door latch, antique button, and

odds and ends...

another watch, a '50s souvenir brooch, and

some vintage-style wings...

part of a belt buckle, antique perfume bottle,

with pearly bits...

here I mixed buttons from the 1800's to the present

to stack into rings...

here I've lined a cuff in soft grain sack

and topped it with a vintage rhinestone piece

.........

xoxoxoxoxoxox

I hope that I've inspired you to get out your

toys, and to play!

All my best,

Leslie

lesliejanson.etsy.com

Outdoor Lace Screens

2011-06-17T20:23:00.001-05:00

As some of you know, our historic farmhouse didn't come with farm LAND. We actually have neighbors within feet of us on both sides. Sometimes it's necessary to create some privacy. This Summer I thought I'd try something new...

I drew inspiration from the lace curtains that I saw in blogland on Moon to Moon.

We found some large porch screens at the local salvage store for $5 each. We attached the frames to the back of our deck and hung different sizes and colors of lace tablecloths from the frames (right over the old screens - it keeps them from blowing around).

Pardon my dying flowers -I keep finding the vase "mysteriously" spilled on the ground after the boys have been playing football.

The afternoon light that comes through the lace is sweet and it blocks the view of neighbors that sometimes wear their birthday suits in the hot tub.

Posted by: Polly ~ Counting Your Blessings

Linked up with:

Pink Saturday, Vintage Inspiration & Chic On a Shoe String Budget

Voila! ... French Inspiration

2011-06-16T07:13:00.001-05:00

This week I've been playing around with my photos by adding textures ... for Voila! I thought I would try some French script overlays. I chose to work with simple pink rose images ... since the script is "busy" I thought the simplicity of the roses would make a nice combination.

{click on images for larger view}

I use Picnik for my editing and I found these wonderful FREE French letter graphics HERE.

Happy "Texturing"!

Jill {Gypsy Brocante}

White Wednesday - Northwinds Perenniel Farm

2011-06-14T18:20:00.001-05:00

Last week our family took a day-trip to Northwinds Perennial Farm. They were having their annual open air antiques market. I loved visiting with some of our friends that were selling on the grounds but I think that this time, my favorite part was the barn. There were so many gorgeous, chippy, old things to explore!

Wouldn't you just love to have that gazebo in your garden?!

This area was a perfect backdrop for a wedding.

I love how they use the opening for the barn door as a picture-perfect peek into the barn!

Hope your White Wednesday is "grand".

Posted by: Polly ~ Counting Your Blessings

On Sale now at Victorian Rose Prints at Ruby Lane!

2011-06-13T17:53:00.014-05:00

OMG! These are some of the most beautiful engravings, prints, and books available right now at our website on Ruby Lane: www.rubylane.com/shop/victorianroseprints. Hop on over via the link and check them out. We'll be posting more soon!

Voila! ... French Inspiration

2011-06-09T04:58:00.001-05:00

French enamelware makes my heart sing ... something about it's rustic beauty really speaks to me. It's pretty and practical.

French coffee pot found here.

An enamel rack to hold utensils or towels, from here.

A simple kitchen colander resides here.

This is unique ... a liquid measuring container, take a peek here.

I would LOVE to have a few French enamelware pieces in my kitchen .... I feel a NEW collection bug coming on! What French item has inspired you lately? Pass on the inspiration below ... we'd love to see what your fancy is!

I have to apologize for not visiting each and everyone of you as I try to do ... this has been an extremely busy month for me and will continue to be so for another week or two. But I HAVE been taking a look at your posts and diggin' what I see ... you gals sure do have a wealth of French inspiration to share and I thank ALL of you for doing so. I'll be back making my rounds very, very soon ; )

Jill {Gypsy Brocante}

White Wednesday - Nellies Barn Sale

2011-06-07T20:53:00.001-05:00

Last weekend the Blessing Farmhouse was feeling a little naked.

We dug into our storage areas and brought out all kinds of goodies to the Nellies Barn Sale. I was sharing space with my mom and a friend. I think we pretty well took over poor Nellie's lawn. Here a few of our "white" corners...

I ordered another ruffle lamp just in time for the sale. Those of you who follow my blog might remember that I made my previous ruffle lamp into a skirt to wear to the Boho Ball at Na-Da.

We had a sweetly old fashioned bath & body area with soaps made by our very own Sweet Harvest Farms.

And, of course, I was dipping candles at about 11:00 p.m. the night before the sale. Because I'm insane!

Hope your White Wednesday is crazy beautiful.

Posted by: Polly ~ Counting Your Blessings

Voila! ... French Inspiration

2011-06-02T06:26:00.000-05:00

Hello! I'm still trying to settle in from traveling the past few weeks ... one of my stops was at Nada, a fab barn market on the prairie in Illinois .... well I may have been out on the American prairie, but I managed to capture a little French inspiration, it's everywhere really! Take a look for yourself .....

All items pictured are from Nada dealers ... trust me, they were FABULOUS!!

What's your latest French inspiration? Please share with us below!!

Jill {Gypsy Brocante}

White Wednesday Market

2011-06-01T12:14:00.000-05:00

It's been ages!

The Blessing farmhouse is having a big clearance market this weekend.

We'll be out at Nellies Barn Sale with some new handmade items and some larger items that we don't normally sell in our online shop. If you're in the Wisconsin area, we would love for you to stop by and visit with us!

Posted by: Polly ~ Counting Your Blessings

Return to White Wednesday

Voila! - French Inspiration

2011-05-26T09:52:00.000-05:00

I was reading HERE about how the elite French in the 1700's used to bathe in zinc tubs outdoors and then drain the water into their gardens (hence the term "garden tub"). I don't know if I would actually bathe outside (other than on my honeymoon, when we got stranded on an island... that doesn't count, right?!). But I did get the chance to enjoy the idyllic setting of a zinc tub on the prairie when we were out at the Na-Da farm sale last weekend. Wouldn't you love to have a little piece of peace like that?!

Posted by: Polly ~ Counting Your Blessings

White Wednesday - Farm Table

2011-05-25T11:56:00.000-05:00

Have you ever used something in your home for so long that you forgot you had it?

This old farm table was sitting under a hutch in the kitchen for years. When Mr. Blessing and I replaced the hutch with another very old farmstyle hutch (I was ready for a new old look), I suddenly had a glorious table for our deck!

Now if we could just get the tornado-ish weather to pass!

Posted by: Polly ~ Counting Your Blessings

Return to White Wednesday

Voila! - French Inspiration

2011-05-19T08:51:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited to be able to share the French Inspiration at Blessing Farmhouse this week!!

Our very own Miss Fifi and her photographer, Mark, spent a lovely day with us photographing our home. Stop by Counting Your Blessings to read a little more about the day.

White Wednesday

2011-05-18T14:57:00.000-05:00

Mr. Blessing and I took a very brief break from preparing for the Na-Da Farm Sale last weekend to go to the pre-buy at The Pec Thing. I was looking for some old cupboards. When it comes to buying furniture pieces from a large flea market, the key is getting there early. The Pec Thing is only open twice a year and the crowds really pour in so it's worth paying a little extra for the pre-buy ticket. This year, the rain poured in too but I dragged the kids through the rain, like the junkie that I am.

I found a couple of cupboards that fit what I needed and it was worth the rain.
Hope your Wednesday is lovely shades of white. Happy 100th White Wednesday!

Posted by: Polly ~ Counting Your Blessings
Return to White Wednesday

Voila! ... French Inspiration

2011-05-12T05:46:00.000-05:00

This is a little shabby dresser I found at my local thrift store yesterday ... it needed tons of help and I needed something French to blog about today! So, we helped each other out ... here's the result, what do you think?

The sun was going down so the color in the photos is a little "off" .... the base color is a deep olive green with a dry brushing of creamy cottage white on top .... the lettering is done in a deep almost black green ... and when distressed the color around the lettering turned a nice bright apple green.

Curious to see what this piece looked like before it's makeover? Take a peek here.

Can't wait to see all the French inspiration you have to share today!

Link on up below ....

Jill {Gypsy Brocante}

White Wednesday

2011-05-11T18:11:00.000-05:00

I've been a bit of a photography nut for years. Like so many bloggers, I started out with a simple digital camera and took pictures of every little thing that I encountered. As the years have passed, I graduated to a digital SLR and created some "backdrop" areas for pictures for the website, etc., especially during the colder months.. I thought I'd share one of the most versatile backdrops that I have.

This is just an old divider/screen. Mine is large and has four sides but you could use almost any trifold screen.

Each side has layers of fabric that are easily lifted for different styles. One side is sheet music - I tend to use that one the most lately. When I come across a new/old fabric or curtain that would be a pretty backdrop, I just get out the staple gun and add a new layer. Each layer flips up and can be flung over the top so that it's out of the way. My screen is on casters so that I can roll it around to where the better light is. And it's a great for hiding messes too!

Posted by: Polly ~ Counting Your Blessings
Return to White Wednesday at Faded Charm Cottage

P.S. Join us Thursday for the French Inspiration Party!

French Inspiration - Thursday

2011-05-10T14:04:00.000-05:00

Join us Thursday and show off your French Inspired projects!

Romantic Homes "Mini"

2011-05-09T09:55:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday! I hope that your Mother's Day weekend was especially sweet. Our Blessing Farmhouse is just a buzz with preparations for Na-Da these days, which is why I haven't had a chance yet to mention one of French Cupboard's new website features. If you have seen one of our ads in Romantic Homes, this will help you locate the featured boutiques easily. You'll find a "mini" ad on the side of every page of our website. Just click that photo and you'll be directed to the shops within that month's ad.

Go ahead - take a peek...

Voila! ... French Inspiration

2011-05-04T17:36:00.001-05:00

Mother's Day and a treat ....

How about making Mom some French inspired toast this weekend ... stuffed with strawberry flavored cheese and topped with fresh strawberries ... or as in France "fraises fraîches"

{love these cute recipe cards ... you can generate your own HERE}

Here's the recipe plain and simple ... it really is delicious, I've made it a few times ...sorry no pictures, but I'll be sure to take some this weekend!

Fraise {Strawberry} French Toast
8oz Ricotta Cheese
8 oz Cream Cheese
1 Jar strawberry ice cream topping
2 Tbsp powdered sugar
1 Loaf sour dough bread, sliced thick
3 Eggs
½ cup milk
1 tsp cinnamon sugar mixture
½ stick butter
Fresh strawberries for topping

Directions:
Combine ricotta and cream cheese until smooth. Add ¼ cup ice cream topping. Add 2 Tbsp powdered sugar. Set aside. Mix together in a small bowl, the cinnamon/sugar, milk, and eggs. Set aside. Spread each slice of bread with about 3-4 Tbsp of the strawberry cheese mixture. Press two slices together to form a sandwich. Dip the sandwich into the milk and egg mixture. Heat half the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted. Carefully, add the French toast. Cook until lightly brown on each side, about 3-5 minutes. Remove to plate and let cool slightly. Top the French toast with more more strawberry ice cream topping, fresh strawberries, and powdered sugar.

Link on up below with all the French inspiration you have to share ... we LOVE all of it!!

xo
Jill {Gypsy Brocante}

White Wednesday Ruffles

2011-05-03T18:10:00.000-05:00

I'm working on some ruffles this week that will go with us to the Na-Da Farm Sale.
I think the old military style duffle is my current fav. WISH I more of them but it's actually something my daughter found at a sale and I just gypsyfied it a bit - sorry, there's only the one. But if you're in the Chicago area, swing by Na-Da Farm on May 20th or 21st. It'll be in the big barn waiting for you. *smiles*

Posted by: Polly ~ Counting Your Blessings
Return to White Wednesday
Return to Vintage Inspiration Friday

Voila! .... French Inspiration

2011-04-28T05:17:00.000-05:00

Hello and welcome to Voila! ... A blog party to share and inspire

anything "French" !!

Here's a little French chair makeover I did a while back ...

I was lucky to find these two beauties curbside {at a neighbor's house} on my way to the grocery store ... even luckier that they spied me pickin' their trash and asked me if I wanted to come back for the matching table the following week .... uhmmm, YES!!

Two coats of black spray paint in a satin finish ...

A little black table I already had ... perfect to complete the trio ...

Faux French grain sacks ... new burlap stenciled with black acrylic paint ... washed a few times to give it a time worn look.

... And ...

Voila!

a brand "new" French set ... all under the price of $10 !!

{considering I had most supplies on hand and the chairs were FREE}

Thanks for stopping by ... looking forward to what you are sharing today,

link on up and let's be inspired ; )

Jill {Gypsy Brocante}

Paper Florals

2011-04-27T14:00:00.001-05:00

We're getting ready for the Spring Na-Da Farm Sale here at the Blessing Farmhouse and I'm hoping to have gobs and gobs of paper floral arrangments to take with us.

I love how the paper peony clips are turning out.

I'm still working on the tea-dyed roses but they are pretty so far.

What are you working on this fine White Wednesday?

Posted by: Polly ~ Counting Your Blessings

p.s. Join us tomorrow for Voila and share your French Inspiration!

Creme Brulee Colors of Paris

2011-04-26T08:26:00.004-05:00

Have you ever wondered why those enamoured with Paris and all things French, are attracted to and seem to create with a myriad of soft and creamy white, ivory, caramels and creams? We just returned from another fabulous group shopping trip to Paris and Her exhilarating flea markets, once again, I was inspired by the sweetness and never ending variety of whites...

Would you like to win your own little slice of Paris? Pop on over to our BLOG, chronicling our Paris Flea Market Trip, leave a comment and be entered to win a fabulous Paris Package!

Valarie, Oh Pardon My French at the Red Shed

Voila! ... French Inspiration

2011-04-21T05:33:00.000-05:00

Joyeuses Paques ! ... Happy Easter !

Aren't these vintage French Easter postcards sweet?

As sweet as a chocolate bunny or as in France a chocolate fish ... yes fish shaped chocolates are a popular Easter treat for children, as are chocolate bells.

Why bells?

It's the bells flying back from Rome that bring the children their Easter eggs!

Glorieuses Paques ...Glorious Easter

Wishing you all a happy holiday !!

Jill {Gypsy Brocante}

Voila! Thursday .... French Hemp Grain Sacks

2011-04-14T05:51:00.001-05:00

Nothing compares to the feel of an antique French grain sack.

It's rustic, heavy, nubbly texture is heaven ... not to mention the shades of cream, ecru, and white striped with blue or red. A monogram or graphic on the sack provides even more beauty. One can only dream of a sack that has a hand mended hole adding to it's glory.

I found a website, 3 Fine Grains, that specializes in grain sacks and found the best description of their history here. If you have a moment to check it out ... it's very interesting.

We've seen the popularity of these beauties soar ... so much in fact, it's said that the supply will soon be gone! They are being used for just about everything in the home ... pillows, upholstery ,drapes ... you name it ... you can find it.

Here are some not so ordinary French grain sack inspirations I found on-line ...

Grain sack purse

Pot holders

Market tote

That was enough to get my wheels turning ... what could I do {a little out of the ordinary} with my inspiration? Here's what I came up with ... painted galvanized buckets.

If you want to learn more, I've posted an easy-peasy tutorial today. {here}

au revoir
xo

Jill {Gypsy Brocante}