"Keep it Simple"

Every time we have friends over for dinner, my husband says "let's keep it simple". This is because I tend to go overboard cleaning the house, planning the food, worrying about everything being ready at the correct time. After 19 years of marriage, he knows my routine. So, when we had friends over recently, I did spend the day cleaning and worrying. However, I did find some time to rearrange our entryway. And I think I kept it simple and beautiful.

I did not buy anything new, just moved some of items from around the house. I love to dress up simple old wooden tables. This one is my favorite because it is such a great shade of red.

The tole tray is an old painting on top of an oil lid of all things, the matching silver candlesticks were purchased by a friend on a trip to France, the bust of the woman was a great Hobby Lobby find, the canvas is one of my new designs and the crown hook was a recent gift. And of course, we have a few Pug accessories here and there.

I did find some time that day to make strawberry soup for dessert. It's a simple, fun summertime recipe from the July/August issue of Victoria Magazine. The recipe called for bowls, but I liked the vintage sundae cups instead.

Old-Fashioned Strawberry Soup

3 cups hulled, sliced fresh strawberries

1/4 cup of sugar

2 tablespoons of chopped fresh mint

1/2 cup peach nectar

3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt

1. In the work bowl of a food processor, combine the strawberries, sugar, and mint. Pulse to roughly chop. With the food processor running, slowly pour in the peach nectar and vinegar. Refrigerate soup until chilled, about 1 hour.

2. Spoon chilled strawberry soup into bowls, and top each with with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt.

Paris Street Market August 2009

Summer in Colorado is not predictable; after almost a week of rain, vendors and shoppers alike at the Paris Street Market, were pleasantly surprised by a beautiful, sunny day! Thank you to all who visited me - I enjoy talking with each one of you and I hope my little creation finds itself in the perfect spot to brighten your home.

A table full of my decoupage creations.

A Paris-themed display was a hit at the Market.

Early into the morning a woman came into my booth, she seemed familiar to me, though I could not recall if I knew her. As she shopped I could not help but notice the charming pink flats she wore and crochet purse she carried. As I was admiring them, it dawned on me-I had recently viewed her picture on a blog I found; I asked her if she “blogs” and it opened the door to a great little chat. The “blogger” is Jeanne Oliver and she has a fun and charming blog http://bushelandapeck.typepad.com/. She is also featured in Tara Frey's new book, "Blogging for Bliss". We talked for a bit and she shared some valuable information with me on the importance of blogging and the benefits in having an Etsy shop (number one priority for me this week-create an Etsy shop). I was so happy to meet Jeanne face-to-face; it was definitely a highlight of my Saturday!

Paris Street Market August 1st

The next Paris Street Market is just hours away on August 1st from 8:00 to 3:00 rain or shine! (and yes, I am still up at midnight finishing up some last minute items) Come and see my latest Parisian decoupage creations. I am in booth #20 and don't forget to mention that you are a blog reader for a 10% discount. Hope to see you there!

http://www.aparisstreetmarket.com/

Scenes from A Paris Street Market

Another great day at the Paris Street Market in Littleton, CO. Thank you to all who stopped by to say hello and also thank you for all the compliments on my newest creations. I have posted a few of my favorite pictures below. I love needlpoint and I try to collect a few pieces to sell at my shows. The King Charles Spaniel Pillow above is an antique French petitpoint pillow from an East Coast Estate sale. It is absoulety exquisite.

A vintage suitcase filled with my decoupage boxes. I need to send a big thank you Debi Ward Kennedy for the display idea.

Speaking of Debi, she was the inspiration behind these black and white French toile pieces I created. Debi is a designer, consultant, writer and friend. If you get a chance, take a look at her design blog http://decodivadebi.blogspot.com/

My work is now being featured in the Paris Street Market permament display window at Aspen Grove in Littleton, CO. Everything pictured above may be purchased through Vandel Antiques at 303-794-4143.

Last but not least, more little Journals and Doorhangers.

The next Paris Market is August 1st. Hope to see you there!

A Paris Street Market Thank You

Thank you to all who stopped by to say hello. It was great to see you and I wish I could have visited with you more. The challenge with outdoor shows obviously is the weather. I am still learning the best way to display items. The key word is learning. The sky was clear, the temperature was perfect, however it was a little windy. I think some of my small boxes may be found today in somewhere in Littleton. Oh well, I hope whoever finds them will enjoy. Below are pictures before the wind gusts. I need to send a big thank to my sister Piper for all her help holding down the fort - or tent in this case.

French-themed items

Close-up of some of my items that would make great gifts for Father's Day

Deer and Dog items

Bird Picture on 11 by 14 canvas

A sweet couple bought this bird picture for their cabin. They are coming back to the July 4th show for more pictures. The wife needed to see just how much wall space she had left. Her husband just smiled and handed me his credit card - so sweet.

A Paris Street Market June 6, 2009

The second Paris Street Market of the season in June 6th from 8-3. The weather forecast looks great and should be a perfect day to walk around Aspen Grove and look at the more than 120 antique dealer and artist booths. For directions visit: http://www.aparisstreetmarket.com/

New tissue box cover design based on an 1800s French Textile painting with a trinket box to match. Writing desk image from an antique biology book.

I am in space number 20, so please drop by and say hello. As promised here are a few of the things I have been working on. All blog readers will receive a 10% discount. Hope to see you tomorrow.

La Vache at A Paris Street Market

I believe "La Vache" is the French word for cow. Pictured are a few of the"La Vache" items I will have at the upcoming Paris Street Market this Saturday from 9-3 space #20 rain or shine. For directions, please go to http://www.aparisstreetmarket.com/.

The 9" x 12" canvas features a beautiful image of a cow next to a fence. The 5" x 7" canvas features a Milk Maiden with her cows. Both images are from my collection of Victorian-era trade cards. The Staffordshire reproduction Milk Maiden may not make it to the market, but might find a home in my kitchen. More sneak peaks to come this week...