La Belle Brocante

You Probably Think ...

I am unpacking French documents.

You probably think that this is all I ever do.

There are days that I wish that were true.

But it's not.

I also worry.

I worry about which little soul needs a packed lunch.

And who has come without breakfast.

I worry about whose family is breaking up.

And who has spent too much time at the hospital.

I worry about who doesn't know their vowel sounds.

And how many headlice there are.

You can't blame me for having so many French documents.

It's a form of escapism.

They're for my mental health.

 

xoxo

 

Traveler's Notebook {the reason for the mess}

The lovely Mme. L.P. introduced me to the Midori Traveler's Notebook.

It was love at first sight.

Angels sang, and all the rest of it.

When Madame visited last month we got to discussing the creative possibilities this simple notebook structure has to offer. 

The universe graciously bestowed a 50 pound sack of leather scraps from a saddle maker and I got to work.

That lovely little compass that I shall carry with me everywhere?

From my sweet Fairy God Maman, patron saint of the Brocante.

A little gothic key of my own collection hangs from the bookmark.

Brass section markers will acquire a lovely patina over time.

Old ledger pages and documents are being crafted into a variety of inserts for the notebook.

Recycling at its best.

Friendship and creativity.

Pure bliss.

 

xoxo

 

Recycling

I am recycling.

With gusto, élan, and a vengeance.

Stacks of antique ledgers ...

... with their marbled and embossed covers ...

... are being poached of their pages.

Stitched bundles of antique documents are being separated ...

... unearthing more playing cards from the 1700s.

I have my eye on taxation stamps from centuries past.

It is possible that I am even cutting some of them out, leaving gaping holes in old pages.

Sacré bleu!

Handwritten music sheets are being trimmed and folded.

Carefully, oh so carefully.

I am making a mess.

A glorified, unruly mess.

 

xoxo

 

 

Bees and Honey

It is a friend's birthday tomorrow.

She raises honey bees.

Yes, sometimes I am rather literal.

Thank you for asking.

 

xoxo

 

True North

Small brocante finds. Components of a new creative venture.

 

For those of you who are artists, I hope you have the joy of shared creativity in your life.

Know who your kindreds are. 

Your community.

Your tribe.

And just be.

Together and apart, let your ideas develop conversations of their own.

Let them inspire and bring new meaning.

And let them enrich your life.

 

xoxo

 

Found: Vellum Caretaker of Outstanding Character

The winner of yesterday's vellum document is the lovely Melody in Texas (hello Texas!).

If you are heartbroken that you aren't Melody in Texas, there are four vellum pieces on Etsy for your perusal. They date from the 1600s - 1700s and are all suitable for framing.

Wishing you a wonderful week.

 

xoxo

 

Excuse Me, Does This Belong To You? {a giveaway}

An exquisite little vellum specimen from 1748 ... does it have your name on it?

It measures a petite 5.5" x 7.5" and is folded, so there are four sides of script. 

It was written by a mouse.

With good eyesight.

266 years ago.

If you feel that you can provide a stable and loving home environment, please leave a comment. 

New owner announced tomorrow.

 

xoxo

 

Trophies, Vellum, and Other Business

I will be listing the last of the trophies on Etsy this evening.

Some exquisite vellum pieces will be available soon as well.

I am just about finished sorting the latest box of papers, which means it's almost time for the vellum giveaway. 

1600s or 1700s?

That is all I have left to ponder.

Photos and details soon ...

 

xoxo

 

500 Years {and counting}

The latest batch of documents from the brocante.

Mostly 1700s and 1800s paper and vellum. 

Some booklets. Printed matter. A smattering of papers from the 1600s.

I sift and I sort, poring over the timbres and cachets. The bindings. The different styles of writing. The different types of paper and treatments of the vellum. 

Three documents from the 1500s. 500 years old. They are incredibly good condition. Clear script with the ink still dark and crisp. The skin bindings knotted tightly and strong.

500 years is hard to comprehend.

Where has the time gone?

 

Aquamarine {and other ideas}

Working on custom jewelry orders.

Aquamarine. Blue lace agate. Lampwork glass.

Milky seafoam.

With a side order of fabulous letterhead.

Avignon. 1803.