A Little Bit French

Studios Occupés

2012-01-30T08:22:00.002-07:00

French themed collage journals

French themed parcels

Scraps for your art

Starter boards for your art

More starter boards today in my shops.

I hope you have enjoyed

my newest creations.

-Rhonda-

French Friday GiveAway Winner January 2012

2012-01-27T12:09:00.000-07:00

Congratulations

goes to

Jeanine of Okio B Designs

Woo Hoo !

your name was drawn

and we all congratulate you !

Please send me your mailing address

(my email is on my sidebar)

and your winning shrine will be on it's way to you.

*******

It's been a crazy month, no?

I'm movin' ahead

and creating all those

things I never had time to create in 2011.

With help from Karen

of The Graphics Fairy....

and my sewing machine...I should be busy.

Sending creative images your way....

***Rhonda***

French Laces on a White Wednesday

2012-01-24T20:36:00.001-07:00

Hidden no longer

are my creamy white

French laces.

Once stored away

in a safe place...

Never to be mixed

with just ordinary laces.

I mean....how could you possibly use these?

They are to be admired

just for a bit longer.

Glass Top Shabby Shadowbox

Home Goods Store

$14.99

Found during a shopping spree before Christmas.

Antique laces from France....priceless.

*********

Sharing with you

and Kathleen's White Wednesday

at Faded Charm.

- Rhonda -

Pour Vous

2012-01-21T12:50:00.000-07:00

Pour Vous

For You

A petite shadow box

I've finally finished.

*******************************************

A Saint necklace that I created

for my shop.

This collage is finally finished, too!

I have to create naturally....let it come together when it does.

This shabby heart has been sitting around forever.

After I finished it, I wished I had more hearts like it.

More of my art tags

These are my some of my favorite

art tags to make.

I think it's because the painted cardboard

resembles shabby wood.

I'm in a creating frenzy....

and happy that my muse

is right here with me.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Much love, Rhonda

White Wednesday and Inspiration

2012-01-18T14:37:00.001-07:00

Having a White Wednesday

and creating some

shabby pieces.

An altered candy mold piece

and

a Shabby White Heart Box

A couple of inspiration supply boxes

Sharing at Kathleen's

White Wednesday

at Faded Charm

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!

xo Rhonda

White Wednesday with Shabby Starter Boards

2012-01-10T20:16:00.000-07:00

Wanna have some creative fun?

Gather up your scraps...

shabby paint them white...

Sew on trims, images....

Add ribbon, rhinestones, words...

I've created these starter boards

to get you started.

Inspiration for a petite work of art.

Shabby whites

and ready

to embellish!

Have a White Wednesday Day

with Kathleen at Faded Charm

Sending creative shabby love, Rhonda

French Friday GiveAway January 2012

2012-01-06T09:09:00.000-07:00

It's French Friday GiveAway!

Cross your fingers

if you interested

in this petite religious shrine with easel.

This shrine is part of my

Love, Hope and Believe Series

Aime, espere et crois

Simply leave a comment

that you are interested.

Winning name will be chosen Friday, January 27th!

Have a wonderful Friday

and a beautiful weekend!

All my love, Rhonda

White Wednesday's Religious Shrine & Petite Bottles

2012-01-04T11:03:00.000-07:00

Bonjour Ladies

on this

White Wednesday

I'm sharing with you

some of my recent creations.

When a recent found Holy Card website

granted me the permission

to use their images

I almost fainted.

Pulling out the petite bottles,

ribbons, charms and laces.

Join us at

Kathleen's blog

Faded Charm

for another year of

White Wednesday!

Have a wonderful week everyone!

**Rhonda**

Sharing a New Years Day Friendship

2012-01-01T20:32:00.001-07:00

A gift from my sweet friend Shane

I could not believe my eyes....

Romantic and Soft

I kept opening gorgeous package

after package....how beautifully wrapped

and what wonderful presentation.

You touched my heart, Shane!

You are very talented, I love it all.

Merci Beaucoup sweet friend.

*********

This gift is from my new friend, Priscilla.

I love how she took one of my Saint Marguerite tags

and created this gorgeous spoon ornament.

Merci Beaucoup, Priscilla.

Our friendship is special

and I love our long online chats!

****************

This next gift is from my friend, Liz.

Liz, Liz, Liz...

I adore your art tags

and your gorgeous laces

are my favorite!

Merci Beaucoup for your generous friendship.

Sharing some wonderful artist friends

who love to create and share.

I'm proud to know you ladies.

Keep creating!

Best New Year wishes

***Rhonda***

Looking Forward to a New Year

2011-12-30T17:19:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you

but this has been a year

of creating, organizing, re-organizing, organizing again...

you get the picture.

The man of the house

suggested this morning

that I create a catalog

of sold creations.

As I sorted through some new supplies,

I thought about that catalog.

What a great idea but where do I find the time?

He suggested that I keep a word document

just for adding images of sold items.

So, I begin my New Year resolution

to doing just that!!

I guess when he

sticks his head in the doorway

of my studio,

he isn't just admiring the mess!

Have a fabulous weekend, everyone!

I'll be posting again Sunday,

as I have many new creations

to share with you, along with....

some wonderful gifts from creative friends!

Lots of love, Rhonda

It's Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T16:21:00.001-07:00

It's Christmas Eve

and the tree is lit

the packages are wrapped

the songs are playing

and I wish you all

a magically eve of our Lord's birth.

The sweet man of the house purchased this gorgeous nativity scene this year.

May God Bless you

on this holiest eve.

and a note to you parents.....

don't forget to leave the reindeer a little something...

Santa isn't the only one who likes to eat!

I found these trees at Trader Joe's.

Have a wonderful Christmas Eve!

All my love, Rhonda

White Wednesday and Christmas Cheer Wishes

2011-12-20T18:15:00.000-07:00

A White Wednesday

to send you all

my wishes for a wonderful Christmas!

Creating a desktop Christmas vignette

so that when I'm at my desk,

I feel the spirit of this special season.

I so enjoy

opening Christmas cards

from all over the country.

Family - Friends

Keeping in touch and sending their love.

Singing loudly, as if in a choir....

'Tis the Season

Spreading some cheer with you.

Joining in with Kathleen of Faded Charm

for White Wednesday

Best wishes, Rhonda

Winner of French Friday Giveaway for December

2011-12-16T08:34:00.002-07:00

French Friday GiveAway

Announcement

This month's winner is:

Connie of She Dreams Big blog!

Your number was drawn

and now all you have to do is

email me your post box or address

to receive your French Friday gifts.

How's your week ending?

Are you still shopping, wrapping, baking?

Take time to enjoy this time of year.

Lend a hand or donate when you can.

We are fortunate, most of us, others are not.

I surprise gift a complete stranger each year.

It may be paying for their groceries

or a purchase ahead of me.

It's not a big purchase

but I can tell when someone needs a little help.

You should see the look on their face.

It all started with shopping in a local Goodwill one year.

Here my basket was full of vintage

Christmas ornaments and decorations

and

the older man in front of me didn't have

enough money to pay for his warm clothes.

He had a nice stack on the counter and

was going through them

to decide which pieces to give back.

I smiled and asked the man, may I?

as I handed the cashier the money

for his entire purchase.

It changed my life.

That sweet man thanked me, the cashier thanked me

and everyone in line smiled.

Spread some happiness this season.

You will have the memory forever.

With love, Rhonda

Enjoying the Moment

2011-12-09T12:55:00.000-07:00

Shopping....wrapping....decorating.....

Making sure our Christmas gatherings

are fun and remembered.

To top it off this little shop keeper is busy creating away.

and enjoying every moment of it.

Found this gorgeous brown paper at Lowe's.

That's right....it's masking paper for painting...LOVE IT !!!

Comes in 3 or 4 different roll sizes.

Grab some for your gift wrapping

and then add your special ribbon and tags.

Have a great weekend everyone!

xo Rhonda

Lockets that tell a story

2011-12-05T15:29:00.000-07:00

Our plane landed in Paris and

as my feet touched the French ground this past spring,

I will never forget that moment of realization....
I had made it to France!

Dreaming of French flea markets
were a thing of the past...this was going to happen.

I do still dream of this booth with all the jewelry bits.

Every locket tells a story, or so they say.

I create from my heart & soul....what I am searching for...what I long for...

a little bit of a story...a little bit of romance...a little bit of life.

These vintage brass lockets hold a part of my French trip.

A Paris flea market find.

Vintage French lace, the real thing!

I know if I had taken the time,

I might have found a locket like this in Paris.

And so starts my creative thought process....

I create what I feel I left behind in Paris.

Thank you all for taking
this journey with me.

I'd be lonely without you.

Have a great week!

Rhonda

French Friday Giveaway December 2011

2011-12-02T06:17:00.000-07:00

A Merry Christmas

French Friday Giveaway

For the vintage lover in you.

A handmade vintage spoon pincushion

two petite pillows / pincushions

A shabby gift box with a petite charm vial

that holds a Saint Marguerite image.

You get two mini bottle brush trees, too!

White Wednesday with Love, Hope and Believe

2011-11-30T08:14:00.000-07:00

Love, Hope and Believe

My new theme

this holiday season.

I have never started

my Christmas creations

this early.

I'm told if I want to succeed,

I have to prepare

for the weeks before Christmas.

All I know is,

I create what I love

and hope someone else does, as well.

I call this one...."the girls"

Supply peat pots of shabby white Frenchness.

A little touch of aged gold

never hurt anyone on a

White Wednesday... right?

okay, then here's one more..

I'm linking to

Faded Charm's White Wednesday

with Kathleen

and many

White Wednesday delights.

Here comes December...are you ready?

With love, Rhonda

Winner of French Friday Giveaway for November

2011-11-25T07:22:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS

KIM

Tabby's Place

Your name was chosen out of the hat this month!

Shoot me an email (on sidebar)
and your gift pouches

will be on their way to you.

I love your blog....it's wonderful!

Mixed Media Artist are so inspiring.

*******
This morning, I'm listing, packing and paper is everywhere!

So I've enlisted the garden shabby chic topiary

to clip tags on.

It works!

Have a fantastic Friday and weekend everyone!

Next French Friday Giveaway is
December 2nd

with love, Rhonda

Happy Thanksgiving and then.......

2011-11-24T13:55:00.000-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving

and then....

Black Friday is just hours away.....

You don't have to venture out

in the middle of the night.....

You can shop right from home.

Have fun, wherever you shop!

With Love, Rhonda

Ooh La La and Merci Beaucoup

2011-11-19T12:55:00.001-07:00

What you are about to see is not for the

weak at heart......my beloved Saint Marguerite arrived!

A parcel from France that took only one week to arrive.

A shop I plan on visiting over and over.

Now I want to share with you

some gifts, swaps and finds that brought tears to my eyes.

Merci Marie my sweet friend.

I will swap with you any day of the week!

Marie's blog is a constant inspiration to me.

My Parisgal necklace is priceless to me.

Part Deux

Ooh La La

Please visit the etsy shop Estate Sale Treasures

Vikki posts the most fabulous finds!

She's another seller I'd love to shop with one day.

Part Three

J'Adore this good friend and her shop!

Amy of Vintage Marketplace on Etsy

Her shop and blog is as beautiful as her giving heart!

I would not be where I am today, without her.

Merci, Amy for your friendship and support.

Part 4

Another kindred spirit whose friendship, shop and blog I adore.

Michelle of Petite Michelle Louise

We swap often and share the same inspirations.

I call her my French sister.

Merci, sweet Michelle.

You've touched my heart once again.

Ending - whew - that was a long post, huh?

Let's face it ladies, without good friends

who would we be?

I guess some bitter and miserable blogger

who says mean things.

Not us, we don't behave that way.

Hold your head high.

Create from your heart & soul.

Love your friends with all your might.

If you are reading this

you are sharing with some of the

nicest bloggers out there.

With Love, Rhonda

White Wednesday & Sharing

2011-11-16T16:24:00.000-07:00

Some images from my studio as I was packing orders this morning.

I never know how I will wrap an order

until I've looked around my studio

and then it comes to me.....

I seriously never throw anything away anymore.

Recycle. Upcycle. Reuse.

That is how my shabby shadowbox

is taking form.

Left over ribbons and scraps of this and that.

I'm actually picking through my French treasures

(Thank you Corey Amaro of Tongue in Cheek blog and shop)

I'm still working on this piece

but it's getting there.

I'm joining in with Kathleen

of Faded Charm

for White Wednesday.

Won't you join us next week?

All my best, Rhonda

A Basket Full of French

2011-11-13T16:31:00.000-07:00

A vintage basket full of finished projects.

I thought I would share with you.

As I filled the basket up

I saw a photo opportunity

Seems my palette is a softer white

I love rusty, aged and mostly patina patina patina.

Visit my shops

should you need a gift

for a friend or yourself.

-Rhonda-

An Adored Saint

2011-11-09T09:53:00.000-07:00

Once I laid eyes on her

I knew I had to have her.

She stirred my soul

like no other saint

Her name is

Saint Marguerite

A framed print of Saint Marguerite

from France inspired this new collection

I simply could not wait for it to arrive all the way from France.

I saved the etsy image

and started creating away.

Some pieces will be available in both of my shops

later today.

with much love, Rhonda

Joining in with Kathleen

at Faded Charm

for White Wednesday

November French Friday Giveaway

2011-11-04T06:05:00.001-07:00

It's French Friday

and

that means

a GiveAway

A set of my new gift bags

3 altered muslin pouches

with my new faux tintypes

They come to you

in my new petite

Mon Amie Gift Box

Does this please you?

Oui Oui you say?

Merci, Madames & Mademoiselles

It's always my pleasure.

White Wednesday Studio Images

2011-11-01T20:27:00.002-07:00

A few random studio shots

as I join Kathleen of Faded Charm's White Wednesday

A simple white package

Bundles of white cotton fabric

makes me happy

A little bit French?

A couple of projects

ready to start

Ready to alter rusty pieces

Some rusty finds at a local garden shop.

I kept finding great rusty pieces

and saying out loud.....

mine mine mine!

Rhonda

Winner of French Friday Giveaway for October

2011-10-28T08:35:00.000-07:00

Congratulations

Lynne

Adorn blog

Number 12 was chosen today!

Your journal and romantique art tag

will be on their way.

Please email me

your address

(my email address in on my sidebar)

I'm hoping everyone is having

a terrific Friday.

Happy Birthday to a few followers!

xo Rhonda

A Mon Amie White Wednesday

2011-10-25T19:38:00.000-07:00

A secret White Wednesday Preview

Shhhhh...it's a surprise...

a secret gift to

a mon amie

a kindred spirt

a good friend

She doesn't know she is receiving this gift.

She doesn't read my blog regularly,

so perhaps she will not see this post.

A Mon Amie Gift Box

now where did the "e" go???

Fingers crossed she will love her gift.

A new special item in my shop soon.

Mon Amie Gift Boxes

Special Ordered for your mon amie.

Joining in with Kathleen of Faded Charm

for White Wednesday

xo Rhonda

A French Gem of a Sunday

2011-10-23T16:40:00.001-07:00

I'm in love with the GEM tintypes

They are small and so so sweet

I searched and searched to buy

several for my art

But alas, they were so pricey

and I'd never be able to part with them

so I created my own

Faux GEM tintypes

to use in your art

Tie them around a ribbon...

tie them with string...

hang them with a necklace chain

attach them to a gift

They look and feel like the a real tintype.

For sale soon in my shops.

xo Rhonda

White Wednesday Wishes

2011-10-18T21:09:00.000-07:00

Bonjour Madames & Mademoiselles

on this Wonderful White Wednesday

Faded Charm

Join Kathleen's

Weekly White Wednesday treat for us all.

I hope you find

a little time in your

busy day to check out

all the WW blogs.

Create is what most of us do....

Support and inspire each other, too!

Whether you write, draw, photograph or sew....(Carmelina, does it all)

we all are there to cheer you on

this you know.

(French tin measuring cups....ooh la la) more on these later.

xo Rhonda

Just Hanging Out With My Girls

2011-10-16T14:36:00.001-07:00

Romantic shadow boxes for sale in my shop soon.

I hope you are having a wonderful Sunday.

xo Rhonda

White Wednesday Frenchness

2011-10-11T17:34:00.000-07:00

Having a Jeanne d'Arc White Wednesday

I pulled out all my projects

to work outside in the fresh air.

A special merci to Michelle

for this wonderful ephemera

I framed.

I played with graphics while editing my images.

All my antique photos looked better in the natural light.

Mixing whites and sepia is my favorite.

Creating away with no interruptions.

Is it wrong to ask your angel statue to hold a book?

Projects lined up......

Only a few finished

but what a day

in the Frenchness.

Happy White Wednesday

I'm joining Kathleen at Faded Charm.

Check it out, you won't be disappointed.

xo Rhonda

Having a Shabby Chic Lunch Outside

2011-10-09T13:17:00.000-07:00

Having lunch on the patio on a Sunday.

A beautiful 77 degree Sunday.

We in Arizona wait all summer for these days.

I pulled out the linens.....

I added fresh cut lavender to the napkins....

Even the candle was adorned with a lavender sprig.

Then the man of the house says....

but I like a little color.

So I added a bright color.....viola!

Seafood salad and warm croissants with cheese.

Bottled French water and great conversation,

all on a Sunday afternoon.

Won't you come over next weekend?

I'd be thrilled to have you.

xo Rhonda

French Friday GiveAway

2011-10-07T08:21:00.000-07:00

Bonjour

on a French Friday GiveAway

A French themed set

for your desk or nightstand

A shabby petite journal and an art tag

A little bit French

and a little bit shabby

If this set suits your fancy

please leave a comment

Winner will be chosen and announced

Friday, October 28th

Ooh La La

Will it be you

who keeps her inner most thoughts

in this shabby journal?

xo Rhonda

Pacquets and Tags

2011-10-02T17:31:00.000-07:00

I coffee stained tags

I tore French writing paper

I glued and cut

I rubber stamped

I tied ribbon

The country side of France

was calling me big time.

After creating with laces and romantic images

I needed a little

stained and worn

a little French farm style in my life.

xo Rhonda

La French Heart Fabric Collages

2011-09-30T10:13:00.000-07:00

He peered into her heart

Through all the layers

of her protected soul.

He saw her love for France

and her adoration for Paris.

It started with a wooden shaped heart

(made by the man of the house - merci my love)

I shabby chic painted the hearts,

I added layers and layers of fabric,

only to reveal the antique French book page

from France

(thank you Corey)

The second French heart

was a bit more simple

as I wanted to

reveal the shabby wood underneath.

Amour

Passion

xo Rhonda

Altered Shabby Frame Du Mariage

2011-09-28T20:36:00.001-07:00

Vintage lace and paper flowers

Du Mariage French document reprint

in a shabby frame

and a little bit French, non?

Joining Kathleen

at Faded Charm

for White Wednesday

- Rhonda -

A Little Bit French Shop is Open

2011-09-26T16:48:00.001-07:00

Thanks to all of you for your kind words of support.

Blogging, creating and selling

has been a journey.

I pray this new venture

is as great of an experience

for my customers, as it is for me.

xo Rhonda

French Romantic Lace Creations

2011-09-24T17:22:00.000-07:00

For my new shop opening

vintage lace

regency themed

vintage rhinestones

and more

Grand Opening Day

MONDAY, September 26th

5:00pm MST

xo Rhonda

Stretching Out the Days

2011-09-21T17:25:00.000-07:00

Time is precious...this we know

Keeping your day planned out takes good strategy.

Keeping organized takes time and a plan

Staying focused means being disciplined

Follow your dreams and follow your heart

Make each day count

Even if it's a little something

it's better than nothing

xo Rhonda

A Little Bit French My New Online Shop

2011-09-17T13:16:00.000-07:00

Here is a sneak peek

of what I've been preparing
for the opening of my new online shop.

La French Supply Tins

Altered with French Laces

and full of French themed supplies.

Romantic supplies for your creative soul.

Petite bundles of inspiration.

French Envelopes

filled with French Tags

I hope you've enjoyed
this preview.

I will be posting so much more
when I open up this month.

Stay tuned........xo Rhonda

White Wednesday's Vignette

2011-09-13T19:40:00.000-07:00

A White Wednesday Vignette

I'm sharing with you

as I pull together some petite new creations,

gifts from friends

and treasures I cannot part with.

It started with these vintage earrings

I bought them to use on one of my art pieces...

just couldn't do it...I love them so much.

Using my newly altered matchboxes,

along with petite gifts from friends (merci Marie)

my vignette grew....

All shades of ivory and whites

and another letter holder I painted and

filled with French supplies.

I leave you with a wonderful

treasure from my friend Lilla

Lilla's art has changed my life.

I won this beautiful shabby brooch creation from her blog.

It's base is a waxed French ephemera page and

I worried every day how the Arizona heat might harm it

sitting in my mailbox.

It arrived safe and beautiful.

Merci Lilla!

xo Rhonda

Joining in with Kathleen

at Faded Charm

for White Wednesday.

Famille, Antiquing, Finds and a Car

2011-09-10T09:56:00.000-07:00

How to Squeeze A Lot of Fun In 5 Days

"It's so nice to have this time together", my father and niece sang this song to everyone and there wasn't a dry eye in the house. As I hang onto the memories of this trip, helped by my niece's 35 videos she took with my camera, I replay them and hear laughter, more laughter, crazy laughter.

If you've never antiqued as a family, you are missing out. My brother found this incredible matchbook. I looked in that booth twice and missed it. Thank you Scott - I am so happy to have this. I researched it and found out more about it.

Giant feature matchbook from Chicago's famous French Casino (1934-1939) All Girl Revue.
TRIVIA: In 1934, during the Chicago World's Fair, it became French Casino. The French Casino is where John Dillinger spent his birthday, June 22, 1934, a month before he was shot.

I found so many interesting things this trip

The hunt is what it's all about.....

but the true delight was doing it as a family.

Oh, did I mention a car?

My baby brother surprised us all when he drove up with his new car....sigh

My niece says it has a peace sign.

Okay, if my baby brother is driving a Mercedes, does that make me old?

Yep, it does.

My only niece, Kayla, took this photo.

I think she is a future blogger. Smile.

Tomorrow is September 11th and a sad day for us all.

Keeping those families who lost someone that day

in my prayers and thoughts.

xo Rhonda

Happy Holiday and Family Time

2011-09-01T18:50:00.000-07:00

Enjoying some quality Family Time.

Hope everyone has a fun and safe Holiday weekend!

See you after the Holiday.

French Friday GiveAway

will resume on Friday, October 7th

xo Rhonda

White Wednesday and My Busy Paintbrush

2011-08-31T06:47:00.000-07:00

Upcycling an ugly and worn

letter holder found at Goodwill last year.

Using a Graphics Fairy French Label

Yes, I have boxes of finds

just waiting to be recycled

It gives me something to look forward to

Because after they are finished

I can't help but think

why didn't I do this sooner?

Touches of aged paper

pop against the stark white

A couple of candle holders that look like crowns

(a little art piece I bought from an artist on Etsy - I absolutely love it

and I've been searching for tiny bulldog clips ever since)

Two vintage paperbacks were

falling apart until I covered them in soft fabric,

then added my France label & ribbon

May your Wednesday be everything

you want it to be.

Joining in with Kathleen

of Faded Charm

for White Wednesday.

xo Rhonda

Silver & Lace

2011-08-28T11:56:00.000-07:00

I worked until late last night.....

between watching the hurricane coverage

and typing close friends for updates.

I pulled out the stash of silver trays

along with tin molds and lace

Added ribbon, rhinestone buttons and English scrim

Some of my antique and vintage images

Romantic touches to capture your heart

Another framed piece

I created for my shop

I hope I've inspired you

to create something today.

xo Rhonda

French Friday GiveAway Winner

2011-08-26T08:01:00.000-07:00

Bonjour on this last Friday of the month of August.

It's time to announce that lucky winner!

Karen of Todolwen blog

Congratulations your number was chosen!

How lucky is that?

Send me an email (on my sidebar)
and your sweet pouch and lace
will be on their way!

My work table has been cleared
for some new projects and
I'm creating away all day today.

I created this for the photographer in all of us.

The French image compliments from The Graphics Fairy

Happy French Friday Everyone
xo Rhonda

White Wednesday in my Studio/Hallway

2011-08-24T08:09:00.000-07:00

Bonjour on this August day!

I'm joining in with Kathleen

at Faded Charm for White Wednesday

When I have my paintbrush in hand

nothing is safe.....

Some pieces I display

were already white or ivory

and if they are chippy, well, I'm in love with them

Sharing my artist friend's creations

Keeping me inspired

and focused

A little bit of my studio

for a glimpse inside

where I create

Much Love, Rhonda

Creating Supply Boxes

2011-08-20T17:41:00.000-07:00

I could spend all day

creating these supply boxes.

Actually, I did today...come to think of it

Choosing carefully each piece

Sorting through more supplies,

as I worked

One for your art

and one for your desk

Having a good weekend

and hope you are as well.

xo Rhonda

French Ephemera Altered Boxes

2011-08-15T20:20:00.000-07:00

Every since my friend Michelle sent me an altered matchbox,

I've been addicted to creating them.

From vintage brides

to Communion images

to this French school image

from French Kissed

I'm in love with them all

Sweet and Petite

xo Rhonda

Romantic Wedding Theme and Mini French Books

2011-08-12T22:03:00.000-07:00

I'm so in-love with an antique wedding theme.

I've got a lot of projects all lined up.

These are my newest additions to the worktable....

An altered vintage bottle and a shabby shadowbox.

Part Deux

What do I do with all the

left over vintage French book pages

used in my art?

I make mini books, of course...

Aren't they cute?

So petite and sweet.

xo Rhonda

Inspiration from a Bride

2011-08-08T17:42:00.000-07:00

Just look at this bride's hat and veil.....I want one just like it.

It's proof I was born in the wrong era, for sure.

I keep creating pieces

that appear to be

of another era

left behind

only to be found again

admired and loved again

Amour comes in many forms

Don't you think?

xo Rhonda

August French Friday Giveaway

2011-08-05T10:04:00.000-07:00

Bonjour Madames!

Ooh La La the summer heat is upon us

and what better time to create away.

This month's giveaway

is a sweet French themed pouch

Inside the pouch

one of my reproduced French vintage music card

wrapped with yards of vintage lace.

Feelin' French yet?

Leave me a comment you are interested

and I will add your name

to the hat!

Winning name will be chosen

Wednesday, August 31st

Just Keepin' it French

xo Rhonda

The Last Thread & Merci Marie

2011-08-01T20:15:00.000-07:00

Finishing a project for me is so exciting.....I can never wait to share it with you!

I try to post about it here first.

My smashed coffee filter flowers

turned out better than

I could ever imagine

I added a snippet of sewn

scraps and ribbon

to the base of each flower

These antiqued inspired

flowers can be added to

just about anything

I'm receiving requests

for more

so it's back to the pantry I go.....

*****************************************

A special MERCI BEAUCOUP

to Marie for the lovely

gifts she made me.

A beautiful Eiffel Tower Pendant

And a precious "Merci" charm

Marie, you touched my heart

Ooh La La

xo Rhonda

July French Friday Winner and Petite Projects

2011-07-29T07:57:00.002-07:00

A summer giveaway winner

of this altered supply box

Congratulations to.........

Cindy of Lillys Lace blog

your name was chosen this month!

Email me your address

and your altered supply box

will be on it's way!

Thanks to all who joined in

on the French Friday fun!

Now, a little glimpse

at some recent sweet

little projects going on

in my studio......

Petite paper and lace
embellishments

and these little pretties

were inspired by....

these vintage butter pats

They screamed to me....

make something woman!

Quiet....listen....do you hear it?

If you wait long enough

If you are patient enough

The inspiration will come

You may never know when

it will come to you

but....it will

Take for instance...

stark white coffee filters

White coffee filters just sitting in my pantry

for I will only use unbleached

coffee filters in my coffee pot

I soaked them in coffee....

I baked them in the Arizona sun

Then I gathered up the bottoms

to make a bouquet of flowers

and then

I SMASHED THEM FLAT...

I'm so delicate...no?

I tried to softened them

with adding my French labels

My first love, paper with touches of fabric
ala Francaise

Forever yours, Rhonda

This post is dedicated to Amy
The paper and fabric guru
We miss you Amy!

French Music Sheet Cards

2011-07-24T13:22:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the wonderful sellers in France,

I've started a wee collection of

wonderful aged French Music Sheet Cards

A lightbulb went off in my head yesterday

and I decided to scan a couple of them

to use in my art

I'm sharing them in my shop as I love the way they turned out

Bonjour on this wonderful Sunday xo Rhonda

Antique Style Le Petite Crocheted Pouches

2011-07-21T12:21:00.000-07:00

I bought this a long time ago

and kept thinking about

re-creating one similar.

I finally finished them and
these were the most fun project

I've done in a long time.

It helps that I found some fabulous ribbon

from the Remants Globe AZ shop on Etsy

Her ribbons are hand dyed

dried in the Arizona sun

and right now she is offering

Free Delivery

Le Petite French Pouches

xo Rhonda

A White Wednesday Post

2011-07-20T07:17:00.001-07:00

It's true, we love the worn and chipped

As I get ready for a

creative day.....

I thought I would join in

Kathleen's White Wednesday

at Faded Charm

Our guests are gone

but I let the memories linger

A white candle

getting ready to be

wrapped in sweet tea ribbon

My wire caddy

that I love so much

You can find one at

Olive Manna

You won't be disappointed

Her shop is delightful and fresh

Happy White Wednesday

xo Rhonda

Sunday's Faith

2011-07-17T12:31:00.000-07:00

Taking some time to reflect

Taking some time to connect to Faith

Creating with religious themes keeps me content

Sharing the peace faith brings to me with you.

xo Rhonda

Cabinet Card French Themed Journals

2011-07-15T07:30:00.001-07:00

My new journals are just big enough -

in case you want to add more pages

Vintage ledger sheets

meet cabinet cards

meet French themed fabric labels

Filled with creamy white blank pages

and various French themed pages

A one of a kind journal

to write your thoughts

or store a few precioius photos

Each one was created

with an original

cabinet card

Smaller versions are being

created this weekend.

Stay tuned.....xo Rhonda

Friends

2011-07-09T14:25:00.003-07:00

We all have friends

April in Paris

(why is that girl looking at me like that?)

We all have different kinds of friends

My friend Mr. Pigeon at La Tour Eiffel

There are friends who live miles and miles away

There are friends you see in your everyday life

(I really don't know these ladies)

There are friends you chat with online only

There are friends who you have known your whole life

(A true friend will hold you up)

But then, you meet those friends that share
all your same thoughts and dreams

Who send you gifts, just because

I call those friends - kindred spirits

(Merci, my friend, you've touched my heart)

You share, you laugh, you cry and most of all you know they are there no matter what

Thank you to all my friends, I know some of you can't leave comments

But I know you are there - I love you -
I am here if you need me - stay true to your heart

xo Rhonda

Frayed and Worn Necklaces

2011-07-03T17:17:00.000-07:00

I had a little time this morning

to create some more

of my fiber necklaces

Not only are they raw and stringy

they are layered with color

You can use them as an

adornment to

a book

a journal

a candle

Looking very old world

and worn

Using a French prayer card

from my personal collection

xo Rhonda

July French Friday GiveAway

2011-07-01T08:55:00.002-07:00

Ooh La La - it was a wild evening last night!

Here's the breakdown......

Transformer fire in the east valley yesterday morning - saw huge smoke in the sky from my office at work - no electricity until 7:30pm - 104 degrees outside -rolling blackouts - time for a Margarita - joined others for a nice Mexican dinner - restaurants with electricity packed - hope today goes well and Saturday is supposed to be 115 degrees - this giveaway almost didn't happen - so...

I cut, glue, punched and created a delightful
French themed supply box

Whew - drama - what's life without it?

Leave a comment you are interested in this giveaway.

Viola...that's it..

you are in like Flynn

Winner's name to be announced Friday, July 29th

As long as I have electricity,

I will be sewing and posting today.

xo Rhonda

White Wednesday Post

2011-06-29T07:04:00.000-07:00

I love posting for Kathleen's White Wednesdays
at Faded Charm

My creative taste

seems to always

be in creamy white

I'm drawn to the whites with worn edges

May you have a Wednesday

of your dreams....

xo Rhonda

Le French Collage Book

2011-06-25T16:38:00.000-07:00

Take a look at my new fabric, ephemera and lace book.

It is a very detailed

and time consuming journal.

A normal person would have

created this journal

spanning several days

maybe weeks.

Not me, no, I started on it

this morning and

did not stop.

10 collage pages

inside a collage book

That's a lot of collages!

xo Rhonda

June French Friday GiveAway Winner and a Video

2011-06-24T11:11:00.002-07:00

Is June almost over?

Wow...another month of creativity....

It's summer!

Let's celebrate!

Let's announce that lucky winner of the June GiveAway

CONGRATULATIONS

MARIE of Lost Bird Studio

Your name was chosen

and I know I couldn't be happier for you!

This lovely giveaway will be on it's way to you.

Here's a look what is going on in my studio....

busy busy busy...

And now to take you back to Paris

A request from my sweet sister

This park was my favorite.

This fountain video I made

was my favorite.

...turn up your speakers

...listen to the water

...listen to the French birds

Sunday in Paris

xo Rhonda

The French Muse of the Moment

2011-06-22T15:04:00.000-07:00

Oh, you can bet she's French.....and

you can bet I've been holding onto her image for about a month now.

Dwelling on what to make with her image was keeping me up at night.....

laces and pouches and boxes were swimming around in my head....

I wonder if I mumble during the night....

oui oui...more ribbon....

voila...it looks great!

Her name is Jeanne de Boulogne

How can you explain how much her image inspired me last night?

Romantic French Images

xo Rhonda

Refillable French Themed Journals

2011-06-20T17:31:00.000-07:00

Ooh La La

Refillable Fabric French Themed Journals

Why didn't I think of this sooner?

Hmmmm....

Refillable journals, once you've written on all the pages...

you simply undo the ribbon

and add more clean pages...viola !!!

After I created these journals...

I created a Marie collage....

I guess you'd say I had a Marie weekend....

I used a different technique by making my own fabric paper....

distressing the fabric a little....

I had a little fun with it.

xo Rhonda