Saturday, March 06, 2010


Paris Chic and French Country
Burlap, Ticking, Grain Sack Pillows and Slips

Back in the day (and probably still on many farms today) burlap and grain sack fabric was used as a functional material to carry grains and other foods and supplies. Artists today are discovering beautiful ways to incorporate these  once considered “rustic” materials into exquisite home decor.

Elegance and Whimsy and my Etsy shop are now carrying a beautiful new line of chic pillows and slips. These beauties are created and hand-made right here in the U.S. They are adorned with wonderful images and text, making them a "must have" in your Paris Apartment, French castle, sweet cottage, lovely beach home or humble bungalow!

I hope you enjoy them.





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Sunday, February 28, 2010

Before & After 
Victorian Tea Tray

I decided I was going to sit and try to organize my computer desktop. Make folders and categorize my garden, home, creations, etc. It's such a pain in the behind when you NEED a photo quickly and no matter where you look on your computer ~ it's not there. Hopefully I will be able to find things much quicker now.

While I was making folders and placing photos by projects, I came across pictures of an antique tray I reconditioned four years ago. I actually was excited to see I had "before and after" pictures. WHO KNEW. I thought I would share how I transformed an antique serving tray into a scrumptious Victorian Tea Tray. 

I began by sanding down the tray frame and painting it with Kilz stain blocker. I added four floral resin designs to each corner of the tray to add a bit more glam to the top. I painted two coats of my favorite pink paint, Wispy Pink (Benjamin Moore). Luckily the glass was still in mint condition and intact so I didn't need to run to the store and get a new piece of glass cut to size.

After cutting a piece of white chipboard to fit inside the frame I added a lovely piece of rose patterned fabric. From there I embellished the top of the fabric with flat Victorian images, small pieces of vintage lace, antique glass beads, pearls, bridal flowers and embellishments, etc. 

I inserted the completed collage/display behind the glass and pushed in tiny frame teeth to hold it into place. Once securely in place, I finished the back off with a heavy brown paper stock, added four glass knobs for feet, lightly sanded the edges for a time worn look ~ and voila ~ a new Victorian Tea Tray was ready for a new home.




 

 


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