More mail

 

I opened up the fat parcel yesterday and found a lovely stack of vintage papers tied with robin's egg blue seam binding. So pretty. And I forgot to take a picture of it. But here are some of the goodies spread out over my kitchen table. Thanks to Marilyn for hosting this swap. Now what to create with all this treasure?

Tag Swap Goodies

 

There was a stack of mail to go through when we got back from our trip. Included was a manila envelope from Raesha. This was my first swap and look at all the lovely tags I have. So many creative people. Thank you, Raesha.

Enchanting Days

 

Europe is a wonderful place. Coming from a place where the oldest building was built in the mid-1800's, the history evident everywhere in France was intoxicating. Here I am in the pyramid at the Louvre where miles of treasures quickly overwhelm.

 

A charming scene from Avignon. Makes me want to dig out my paints and try. But I'm not a painter. So sad.

 

Inspiration in a shop in Avignon. The ribbon racks visible have a secret. They slide back to reveal even more luscious trims behind. Since this wasn't a shopping trip (we brought only carry-on luggage - well, what used to be carry-on size), I could only drool. I did get some French handcraft magazines for inspiring ideas.

 

As any fabric lover knows, seeing is only half of the experience. It was SO hard not to touch the gorgeous fabrics in Versailles. I wanted to stroke the silk wallpaper, run my hand over the embroidered bedding, feel the cool carvings of stone under my hand. I understand the restrictions - if we all did that, there wouldn't be anything left. But in the Grand Trianon I couldn't resist. The guard's back was turned and I reached up and quickly ran my hand over these tassels. Ah, gratification.

Home again and wanting to create. Rearrange my furniture and accessories. Make pretty things from fabric and trims. But where to start?

Paris Here I Come

You Belong in Paris

Stylish and expressive, you were meant for Paris. The art, the fashion, the wine! Whether you're enjoying the cafe life or a beautiful park... You'll love living in the most chic place on earth.

What City Do You Belong In?

What a coincidence! I found this quiz, decided to take it and voila, Paris is where I belong. Well, it just so happens that I'm going there in 5 more sleeps. Paris, Avignon, Madrid, and back to Paris before flying home. So I'll be back towards the end of June!

Tablescapes

 

I love setting the table. Dishes and table linens appeal like nothing else. Walking through displays in stores or looking at various magazines inspires me. This was the table I set for a romantic Valentine's day dinner with my husband. I moved the round kitchen table in front of the living room fireplace. The tablecloth is just a piece of organza type fabric that I cut and hemmed. I made napkin ties out of the same fabric and tied them loosely. Flowers, candles and cinnamon hearts completed the table.

 

Christmas 2006. White tablecloth, red table runner, snowflakes cut from vellum paper and individual boxed gifts wrapped in white paper and tied with red ribbon. Pillar candles in the center on a chrome tray. Simple, but it was so pretty. My china is Royal Doulton's Lavendar Rose, so the reds and pinks go well.

Guess what I did this morning

 
Yes, I planted my garden. Does anyone want some tomato seedlings? I started them in the house and I have no more room in my garden beds what with all the squash, beans and lettuces as well. The temperature here is pleasant but cool. It rarely gets warm enough here on the island for me to feel the heat. A perfect day for working outside - especially since rain is in the forecast for the weekend.

Time for a Rest

 
This used to be avocado green velour. I like it much better now and so do my daughter and son-in-law to whom it belongs. The top is removable for cleaning. I made a bunch of pillows last fall in the same red toile with solid red piping around the edges.

Aprons

 

My three beautiful daughters. I had fun making these aprons for them and trying to suit them to their personalities. I always worry that people won't like the things I make, but I can't stop making things anyway.

 

 

I don't know why the roses didn't show up yesterday - here's another try.

Sweet Roses

Although I didn't sign up for Britt Arnhild's Caring Bloggers Rose Day, I was inspired to post a couple of pictures of roses from my garden. These were taken last summer since no roses are in bloom here yet.

Paper Fun

On Saturday my husband was over in Anacortes looking at sailboats. I played at home, making tags for Raesha's tag swap. These are NOT tags for the swap, but I was inspired to make more.

And a card.

Ready to Go!

Did you see this in Marie Claire Idees?

Here's my version. It's in black linen with free-hand embroidery done in a variegated 6-strand silk thread from Gloriana. My husband and I are going to France and Spain on June 4 and this will be my book-toting, water-holding, guidebook-stashing bag.

The original bag in the magazine was not lined. I lined mine (in white to make things easier to find) and added a zipper closure.

Back to Bliss

Yes! Victoria is being re-launched! I have a collection of Victoria magazines that I refer to again and again. Someone asked me once why this particular magazine held such appeal for me. I liked to think of it as a "thinking woman's magazine." Home decor, cooking, fashion, beauty, travel, handiwork and much more were covered from a thoughtful perspective - one that didn't urge the reader to rush out and purchase more, more, more.

Victoria was a treasure to me in the years I lived in South America. During a quiet afternoon, the house more or less tidy, the rain dripping off the eaves, I would sit in my tree-shaded living room in the Amazon rainforest with a cup of tea and Victoria. It was beauty and relaxation. And after a time with Victoria I was inspired to create beauty - through a meal for my family, a flower arrangement, making a pretty gift, or just tweaking the objects on the piano.

I was also inspired to read - Catherine Calvert, Madeleine L'Engle, Francine Prose, Nancy Mitford and others were featured in the magazine. I traveled in my mind to England, France, Italy, Turkey and even to Vancouver Island, never imagining that I would one day live here.

It's both exciting and frightening to think about Victoria's re-launch. Exciting to contemplate the return of something familiar, yet frightening because I know that it can never be the same. We live in a different world. It can't be the same, but maybe, just maybe, it could be better.

Where Inspiration is Found

There's a little street downtown called Trounce Alley. Closed to all but foot traffic and just one block long, it's full of charming shops. My favourite place, full of inspiration, is The Button and Needlework Boutique.

Just to enter the store is lovely. Classical music, friendly store clerks and oodles of threads, buttons, books and patterns. Ribbons, too. I have to really discipline myself here.

I only discovered the store because my daughter works there parttime. She has become very aware of buttons. I bought a cream sweater a few months ago that had three large buttons on the front. When Ashley saw it, she said, "Mom, those buttons have to go. I'll bring you some from the store." And she did - beautiful shell buttons that make the sweater look lovely.

If you're ever in Victoria, stop into the shop. You'll be inspired to create something!

Susan Branch Interview

I've long been an admirer of Susan Branch. I love her handwritten books and playful drawings. Recently Cherry, from another blog I read regularly, initiated questions from readers to Susan Branch and posted the answers on her site. Susan was very generous and warm in her responses - there's a lot of material there so grab a cup of tea and maybe a cookie to enjoy while you read.

Chintz Tablerunner

This is a pieced and quilted tablerunner I made for my eldest daughter. The pink and green shades complementt her chintz patterned china plates. I enjoy playing with the fabric and piecing more than quilting - so most of my projects are machine quilted.

Getting Started

I've been inspired by so many of the sewing/crafting blogs to start my own. We'll see where it goes.