Home of The French Marketplace

La joie c'est le partage
{ the joy is in the sharing }

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

The Finished Cherubs!

Good Morning!

I wanted to thank everyone who took the time to read my post about my painting dilemma and also to each one of you who left me a comment. I read every single one (more than once) and after considering all of your ideas and opinions, I chose to paint the cherubs and the chair. I felt the creamy paint would go best with my decor so that's what I did! I'm so happy with the way they turned out and now know that I made the right decision. Thank you all so much for your input. I really appreciate it very much!!

I really liked the idea of adding a plant too so for now I have added some ivy that I had. Eventually though, I'd love to put some drippy moss in there.

I will be completing the chair today so I will post it tomorrow.

Thanks again and have a blessed day everyone!
xo,
Kathleen

Monday, June 22, 2009

A Tisket, A Tasket, A Cute Little Basket...and...I Need Your Advice

Okay...the advice first. I really need it!! I found this set of two adorable cherubs at the flea market and I purchased them with the intent of painting them white. I brought them home and then kind of liked their original color so I left them as is for awhile. That was about 4 months ago and now I'm back to wanting to paint them again. So what do you think? Do you think they would look better a creamy, antiqued white or left in their original gold leaf (sort of) look? I need help - I don't know what I should do with them.

Okay, now here is the second item up for opinion! My mom rescued this old, and I mean really old, chair from the curb and she gave it to me knowing how I love old tattered things. I have re-covered the seat with blue and white ticking stripe fabric and again, don't know whether to leave the wood as is or paint it creamy white. I don't know what my problem is, I never used to be this indecisive when it comes to painting furniture. I used to just paint it, no question! But now, I really need help deciding. Please, please, please leave me a comment and let me know what you think. I'm begging!

Now to the cute basket...I was perusing the Salvation Army again with my mom and found this wonderful basket that is perfect for holding bread out on the counter top. I love it because the bread is easily accessible for making sandwiches but it's kind of hidden too!

I love old baskets. There are so many creative uses for them and they just look pretty. Plus, they seem to be very easy to find and very inexpensive too at the flea markets. So economical in these times!

Enjoy your day and please, please, please let me know what you think about the painting. (uh oh, I'm begging again)

xo,

Kathleen

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Sunday Reflections~Happy Father's Day!


My son, if your heart is wise, my heart too will be glad. My soul will rejoice when your lips speak what is right.
Hear, my son and be wise, and direct your mind in the way.
The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who begets a wise son will be glad in him.
My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.
Psalm 23:15-16,19,24,26

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Sunday Reflections

For God alone my soul waits in silence; from Him comes my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly moved.
Pslam 62:1-2

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Vignettes

Ahhhh, vignettes...such fun to create and to change around (for me, this is quite often - hee hee). I love to go around the house and rediscover things I'd forgotten I had. I like to showcase them again and give them new life in a fun vignette!
My latest craze is dinnerware - you remember the post about the fleur-de-lis dishes? I decided to put them out on my bakers rack along with the new flatware I mentioned from Target. I added a really worn old silver tray that I picked up at a flea market and I love the vintage look that it adds even though the dishes and flatware are new. The bakers rack sits very near the table in our kitchen so it's quick and easy to set the table for dinner. Plus the kids can easily reach it and are able to help set the table too. I knew there was a good reason for doing this!!



On the shelf above, I added a few of my favorite coffee mugs too. I love that everything is within easy reach and I can actually see our dishes instead of just hiding them away in a cupboard. Why didn't I think of this before?? Hmmm...

And here we have a sweet cherub fountain sitting amongst everything which adds the lovely, tranquil sound of flowing water to our mealtimes. Whether having breakfast, lunch or dinner, it's a very relaxed atmosphere. A little hint...I have found that if I light candles and play soft music in the background during dinner, the children are calmer at the table during mealtimes. Plus, it's a soothing way to come together at the end of a long day!
Enjoy!
xo,
Kathleen

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

A Beachy Touch to this French Cottage

I was reading through blogs yesterday and I found the coolest thing here. It was posted by Layla at The Lettered Cottage and I instantly fell in love. I really, really liked it a lot and was inspired to try to make one too. (Hope you don't mind Layla, it really wasn't my intent to shamelessly copy you. I just loved it sooo much :) Anyway, here is my finished sailboat. I liked the classic look of the ticking fabric and since I had some red ticking fabric left over from the making of my sofa pillows, I decided to use it instead of the blue that Layla had. I'm happy with how it turned out and it now sits proudly on my mantle. Thank you for the inspiration Layla!

Have a blessed day everyone!

xo,

Kathleen

Monday, June 8, 2009

Fun With an Old Door!

Yes, I know, it's been awhile. So sorry! Let's just say between end of year field trips, meetings and other end of school year activities, we've been a little preoccupied around here! As I'm sure you've noticed, I had to put my little project on hold too. Anyway, that's neither here nor there. Summer vacation is here and I'm thrilled!! I did get a chance to work on a little project and wanted to share it.


About a year ago, I found this fabulous old chimney cupboard door. It came right out of an old local house and I got it at a yard sale that the family was having. I loved it although I wasn't quite sure what I would do with it. I knew something would come to me though, so I bought it. Then, recently I had a fun idea for it. I would paint it and turn it into a cool chalkboard. Yes!! Everyone needs a cool kitchen chalkboard and I'm kind of a chalkboard nut anyway. So here is the before picture...

And the after!


I love it! I'm finding that I put everything on it and use it more than my calendar. Wow! What did I do before I had this?


Have a great day everyone!!

xo,

Kathleen