THE FRENCH TREND

http://www.etsy.com/listing/66394444/la-tour-eiffel-red-ticking-set

As you all know, I love vintage, I'm crazy about vintage, a real sucker for vintage! And now I've discovered the vintage/french style of creating. The art of combining the french look and vintage items makes for the most interesting and lovely creations. There are some artisans who do outstanding work and have a real creative flair.


http://www.etsy.com/listing/67788823/french-script-love-birds-pillow-cover
http://www.etsy.com/listing/66275532/french-inspired-winter-in-paris-glassine

http://www.etsy.com/listing/40669614/treasury-item-french-inspired-gift-tags

http://www.etsy.com/listing/65625183/sale-paris-france-inspired-glass-tile

In searching Etsy and Artfire you can find the simple digital sheets and stamps that allow you so do your own creating.

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2813163

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2527334

And you can find jewelry, jewelry bags, gift bags, gift tags, journals, journal covers, market bags, pillows, hats, clothes, and just really unique and clever stuff.
 
pepper/Helmet Head

I've Been Playing

Two weeks ago I posted how to make the paper blossoms, and since then I've been playing. My idea is to take this blossom and create a complete line of products from this one "creation". So far these are what I've come up with.

                                                          
                                                                   The gift bag...

                                                                   The gift tag...

                                                                 The blank card...

                                                                Thank you note...
I've also been playing with the color. Using the computer to do this is so much more fun and so much easier than doing each individual blossom and stem by hand. Not as original, but makes for better cost management.
 

I want to try a tee shirt and a tote, but don't have them ready to post today.  Does anyone have other ideas? I'd love to see just how many products can be made from this one little blossom.

Pepper/Helmet Head

Upcycle with Cutter Fabric, Lace, and Linens

Those old stained and worn linens and fabrics can be upcycled into wonderful new items. So many times we see them at flea markets, thrift shops, and garage sales for just pennies, but we pass them by because they aren't perfect,

Look closely at the trim and needlework. Is it in good condition? If it is, these sections can be cut out and reused. The salvaged trim and needlework are beautiful on pillows, purses, clothing, and anything else your creative mind can imagine. Look closely at the fabric, are there large enough sections that can be cut out and reused?

Check out these shops to see just how wonderful the upcycled items can be.

I thought this blouse was so unique. I've never seen recycled fabric used this way.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/39905675/pink-lime-button-shirt-top-upcycled



Look at this tote made using salvaged fabric.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/56033592/animal-farm-cotton-tote?ref=v1_other_2


And look at the wonderful use of vintage doilies in this pillow.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/40503471/beach-shabby-chic-throw-pillow?ref=sr_list_4&ga_search_query=the+shabby+chic+pillows&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=2&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title



The next time you run across a treasure trove of vintage linens, stop and take a closer look at them.  For just a little bit of money, you can make wonderful keepsakes by upcycling them.  Have fun and set your imagination free!

pepper