A Diversion ...

I saw this project on Paint Me White
the other day and had to dive straight in and make one. I didn't have any old hardcover books that I could carve up so made do with some old photography mags I acquired a while back. The paper isn't as firm so not quite as neat as Sandy's but I quite like it on our big mirror. The centre bit is my own creation. Oh, and I am sporting a couple of whopper blisters from the hot-glue gun (ouch) hadn't used it for ages.

Also dived in and made this low, long stool from ice-cream sticks I bought last week. A spur of the moment idea and not much pre-planning but there will be a use for it in the Petit Parterre I am sure. I made lots of pitchers a couple of weeks ago and I have added some patina of age since I took the photo, they look a bit too new.

Oh, and just to let you know where the giveaway items are headed, the chandelier is going to Ewa, The Sunny Hours in Poland, and the bed to Patty, Mini Babies in the USA.

Welcome new followers, I am slowly catching up on everyone's blog, it is great to see what projects everyone is working on.

A bientot!

The Winners Are ...

Sorry everyone for the delay in announcing the winners. A combination of computer trouble, a very sore wrist from tendonitis and a bad headache has conspired to slow the process. After my partner Brad printed out all the comments of everyone wishing to enter the competition, I cut out all the entries and drew two winners.
The first drawn from the first 200 followers chooses which prize she prefers, the second drawn from all followers receives the remaining prize. I must wait to hear the decision of the first prizewinner, who is ...
Ewa, The Old Maid.
Second drawn is ...
Patty, Mini Babies!
Congratulations to you both, I hope you are happy with your prizes. Thank you everyone who entered, it would be great to be able to give a prize to all of you. You may have better luck next time.
A bientot!

Giveaway Ends Friday 19 Nov!

Shabby Chic Electrified Chandelier

The two giveaways finished.

They're finished. I made some cushions for the doll/miniature antique-style bed and completed the electrified chandelier I promised. I had to settle for a single light one or I may never have finished it. The light is at the base, with some hanging crystals to add some glitz. Of course it is very distressed, something you might find in a brocante. If I weren't making these as a giveaway I may never have finished them, so I am glad I did and hope the winners will enjoy them.

As I said, the first drawn winner from the first 200 followers gets to choose which they prefer. The next draw from all followers who entered the competition will receive the remaining prize.

Ending 7pm Friday 19 November, Sydney time. I will email the winners to advise of their win. Good luck!
A bientot.

Reclaimed Mirrors and Welcome

This is one of the pair of mirrors I painted and distressed, also experimenting with aging the actual mirror as a brand new one didn't seem appropriate for these frames. I think they look like 'reclaimed' frames, once gilt now painted 'shabby'.

Also, welcome new followers, things have been moving slowly here lately but hope you will visit again and I would love to hear your comments.
A bientot!

Tweet, tweet ...

No I'm not referring to Twitter, this is my new, 'old' aviary I may include in the Petit Parterre. It is fairly high so a decent size bird would be happy residing there, smaller ones would just fly between the wires anyway. I'll be on the lookout for something unusual.

I didn't make this I bought it from a decorating shop. It was shiny black so I had to age it a bit, give it some patina. I also bought some plastic Christmas tree decorations that I will use as mirror frames. I have painted and distressed them somewhat and I am quite pleased with how they turned out. I think they will be great when I find mirrors for them. I will show them on a post when finished.

Now I must welcome all you new followers, I have been a bit remiss lately. I am so pleased to see the numbers growing and everyone is welcome to enter the draw for my giveaway, which you'll find a few posts back. I messed up a little with the chandelier and am now waiting on more lights!#* Won't be too long before I can finalise the date for this, promise.
A bientot!