Raised In Cotton

Blizzard Decorating

Over the Christmas weekend we in the Midwest experienced what a local weatherman described as a “significant liquid event with blizzard like conditions.”  The “liquid event” started on our way home from Christmas Eve Mass with pelting ice showers mixed with snow.  We were basically snowed in for the next three days because the roads were treacherous to drive on.  Mr. PracticalPants did get me over to the farmhouse to check on everything. I was worried about the pipes freezing and walking into a “significant liquid event” of our own right inside the farmhouse.  I was so relieved to find everything was ok. Even though I was unable to decorate the inside for Christmas because of all the painting etc. I still was determined to add some Christmas spirit to the outside of the farmhouse.  Using fresh greens and a few of the red hurricanes I had left over from the Miss Frenchies Show,  proved to be just what the farmhouse needed. The added benefit was the large amount of snow that had blown up onto the porch from the blizzard proving that nature knows best how to decorate!

Mr. PracticalPants hung my swing that I have had stored for the last 15 years just waiting for the perfect porch~ Weathered bentwood with old green paint mixed with a dusting of snow and greens.

Blizzard decorating can be fun~

Peace be with you

Renovated Bathroom Video

Renovated Farmhouse Bathroom

We finally have our master bathroom completed in the farmhouse! If you remember from a previous post, the bathroom was small especially the shower. Knowing that Mr PracticalPants would not want to do a River Dance pose while trying to get his morning shower, meant that we had to come up with a plan to expand the space. This is what we came up with~

Entry~I used a set of louvered French doors for the opening to conserve space.  The flooring is ceramic tile that looks like weathered wood which I think is a  great contrast to the white walls.

 

This is my completed vanity that I designed.  I sketched an idea (crude sketch I might add) and took it to my local cabinet maker and he knew immediately what I wanted. A vanity that looked like a piece of furniture with clean lines.  The three center drawers  hide the plumbing that comes up through the floor. The open areas at the bottom, will hold baskets or a vintage crate for more storage.

The double sink top made from white marble to echo white ironstone and the fresh farmhouse feel I am after.  I added Delta faucets in a oil bronze finish for a contrast to the white top.

Simple oval shaped mirrors above the double sinks with light fixtures that have milk glass shades. I also put a mini chandelier in the center to add a little elegance.

We reconfigured the room by putting the shower on the opposite side where the stool once stood. Because it was by an existing window, we added glass blocks so we could use the space. More oil bronze finish around the clear glass shower doors.

I am thinking of adding some framed French checks with great graphics in the center between the mirrors~

I hope you like what we have done so far. I am actually working on a video to show you more details and will have posted next week.

Have a great weekend:)

Jeanne d Arc Living Holiday Magazine

Issue #6 is probably one of the most scrumptious magazines that Jeanne d Arc Living has produced thus far. I have been waiting since January for this issue and it is simply beautiful.

~ Christmas Tree Du Jour~ took my breath away!

 

So I hope you order your copy before my supply runs out.

The good news is that Jeanne d Arc Living will be publishing this lovely magazine 8 times in 2010 starting in January. The unfortunate news though is that the magazine will increase in price to $35.  The increase is due to the changing demands of US Customs and the added hours that it takes Jeanne d Arc Living to meet these rigid shipping requirements.  I will be ordering the Jan issue in a few days but probably not the cases that I usually do until I can gage interest with the price increase. 

Preview of the Jan 2010 issue~Oh MY!

Scenes From The Show

Once again we managed to transform the rustic Alexander Major’s Barn into a festive Holiday event over the weekend. The Friday evening opening was magical with the added glow of candles and the smell of fresh Christmas greens that filled the air.  We had shoppers that traveled from as far away as Arizona, Oregon, Minnesota and Illinois to attend the show.  I want to say a huge “Thank You” to everyone that attended and especially to all of the wonderful venders and my fellow event co-founders that make Miss Frenchie’s so special.  

Just a few scenes from the show to share with you~

My theme for this Christmas show  for my space(you know I always start with a theme) was a Romantic French Bedroom. I used a color and texture combination of winter whites, linen, mercury glass, feather trees, black and silver. For a pop of festive color, I added fresh Christmas greens and red! Everyone could not believe I actually was doing some red but I think it really worked.

 

The focal point was this beautiful black iron full size bed with a canopy. Instead of hauling in a mattress, I dressed the springs with a bed of fresh greens and placed lighted red glass hurricanes on top.  I also dropped a black lantern with a lighted red candle down through the top of the circular iron canopy top to hang over the bed.

I used vintage glass battery jars turned on their sides as shadow boxes and filled them with snow, cranberries and pinecones.

These are my glass bottles that I make with embellished paper collars.

Since the barn is dark, I used lots of glass and mercury to reflect off of the candle light.

White feather trees and a pair of child size skates hanging off of a vintage French door.

High button canvas boots~

One of my most favorite photo’s that I took this weekend was this one from Linda and Ludmil’s beautiful space~

I love Linda and Ludmil! They are a delight~

Gwen let Linda wear a fur coat and hat to stay warm in our chilly barn. Of course we had to dress Ludmil too in a fur. We were huddled together most of the weekend and I was lucky to get in the middle. Linda thought she looked like Lady Gaga’s Mom;)

My bud super talented Elizabeth drove over from St. Louis on Friday night with her friend Debbie. Of course we are always laughing and talking a mile a minute when we get together and this night was no exception.

I managed to snap these photo’s of Lesa Dailey and her two daughters, Sam and Cassie~Talent times three with beauty is a wonderful combination don’t you think:) 

In trying to help get the barn ready and my own space, I think I missed a ton of photo op’s but check out Karla’s blog for more spectacular shots.  I am already trying to rest up for the Spring show!

Miss Frenchie’s Holiday Brocante Vendors

Just a sample of what you will find at our Miss Frenchie’s Holiday Brocante in Kansas City this weekend~

 

From Arkansas, the incredible Angel Court Jewelry

Gwen and Teri with true French goods~French by Design

 

So excited to have the creative team of Linda and Ludmil of Willow Nest~All the way from Texas!

My talented buddy~Lesa Dailey

Beautiful designs by Julie Reed~

Fantastic paper artist~Greg Johnson~

The best vintage finds from Beth Lentz~

 

The always fabulous Karla Nathan and her cottage goods~

Super chic antique dealer Barb Farmer~

The Bon Bon Girls~

Joyce Gilpin and her incredible vintage finds~

Dianne Ripper and her sparkles~

Deb and the famous Curious Sofa~

and me;)

Check out our Miss Frenchie’s Blog for more details~

I will be away from the computer for a few days busy with the show but will have photos to share with you next week.