Candelabra Frenzy

That is how it's been lately, working on candelabras whenever I can. Have had quite a few problems but think I have worked out a major one. I was having a lot of trouble with the solder not 'taking' properly. I had noticed a funny waxy residue around the soldered areas and thought it must be residue from the flux. It suddenly dawned on me that when I was busily making candles I had dripped candle wax all over my work area, including the little container of flux I have been using. It was contaminated with candle wax.

So I cleaned it all out, filed off the dirty solders which were a bit wobbly anyway and started again. A little easier this time but still have a few problems. This one is a little smaller than the first few which were made to go on larger outdoor tables for casual summer dining. his one is sort of shabby chic. I may add little brass candle holders tomorrow, haven't decided yet.

Dreaming of France

While sitting ruminating on how to decorate my little shop -  I'm leaning towards a French look and decided to name it Petit Parterre - I started reminiscing about my last trip to France. I've been twice, the first time was too many years ago to mention. A quick few days in the middle of winter and Paris was the coldest city I had visited on that trip - colder even than the north of Scotland.

The last trip was in 2001. My sister met me in Paris and we hired a car for a whirlwind tour of France. I was the first behind the wheel and amazingly got us out of Paris safely, around the Arc de Triomphe -  terrifying. We're both Francophiles so there was a lot of pointing and oohing as we drove along. This time it was hot, very hot, and a lot of the places we stayed weren't air-conditioned. Loved the fact that people could travel with their dogs and keep them in their rooms at some hotels, even take them to dinner. Very well behaved and well groomed though.

Tested out my new digital camera after reading up on how to use it on the flight over. A first for me - not good at reading instructions! That will have to change as I think I'll be using some kits to furnish my little plant and flower shop. I've included a before shot of the shop as I bought it several years ago. I spent a lot of time thinking about what I could do to personalise it and will post a good shot of my efforts when I have one.

Have added some pics taken on my last trip - so inspirational! Ideas for lots of miniature projects.