BE INSPIRED TO RECYCLE OLD TREASURES

 

Life is all about being inspired by others!

 

Ideas - motives - the way you handle things - all come from originally being inspired by someone you admire!

Whether we want to admit to it or not there is an origin to everything ...

 

This lady is very inspiring & her show is great !

 

Check it out !!!

 

 

 

New Stock with a Difference

Even though I am limited to do big furniture at the moment - it doesn't stop me doing these ...

Enjoy!

 

Time to Heal ...

It has been a frustrating time while my back heals - it seems to be taking longer than normal, but hey, that's how backs go!!
 

 

Everyone is telling me to rest - easier said than done - but that is what it is going to take I think.  In the meantime I am staring at unpainted furniture - piles of sewing etc. etc.  I have decided to just go slow with it all & remember - There are so many millions or billions of people around the world sooooo much worse off than me - so it's away with the pity stories & one day at a time !!!

 

 

Meanwhile I am feeling so prayerful for the many victims of the Oklahoma Tornado - children still stuck in the rubble of the school - people in their homes were feeling so safe yesterday but it's just devastation today.  If you feel the need to express openingly a prayer or a word just go to my facebook page & you can do so.  Prayer, I believe is the most powerful weapon against any worldly disaster, especially when you are feeling helpless way across the world!

 

 

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Making Your Own Milk Paint

ANTIQUE LACES - SUCH PRECIOUS BEAUTY !

 

Whilst visiting a friend's home recently I was privileged to acquire a bundle of Antique Lace, Cotton & Linen Tablecloths & Doilies !!!  I was so thrilled !

 

 

I really enjoyed sorting through them when I got home & then proceeded to soak & hand wash & iron them all.  Some of them are over 100 years old & needed TLC to the max!

 

 

Some also, having been finished with tattered edging have slight faults where the thread has come apart, but considering their age, I think they are in excellent order.

 

 

As I handled each one gently I imagined the history behind each piece.  Where it was made & by whom; had it been owned by one person; was it always on show or had it been hidden for years; how much contentment had each piece given oneself; were they made by the owner or were they a gift .... it goes on & on!  I will never know but I am certainly feeling glad I came upon them & are able to share them with readers like you who admire such treasures of the past.

 

 

 

Please enjoy my find ...

Purchase these Items @

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Bed Ridden - Time Out !

Let this be a lesson to you ...

 

If  contemplating doing what I am doing as a hobby or business, first & foremost take care of yourself physically - don't think you are invincible ! 
 

 

I am at present flat on my back talking to you because I did not take the right precautions when unloading furniture from our car.  A big lesson to be learnt.  Anyway it is giving me more time to spend blogging & improving the theory side of my beloved pastime. 

 

The storage of a lot of furniture to do up is waiting for me when I recover ... hopefully not too far away !!!

 

I am therefore adding a lot of info in my blog from this day on so stay tuned for some interesting stories !

 

Here's to a healthier life ahead.

A Happy Mother's Day to all Mums

I don't really know how to begin this today ...

 

 

I guess I just want to express the gratitude to all Mum's for trying !

It is not an easy task being a Mum, and sometimes it feels like a thankless task, but, forget it is a task & it becomes rewarding !!!

For years you battle with little babies through to toddlers - then the hormones set in and soon you have teenagers & soon to be adults!

 

 

It all goes remarkably fast and without anxiety, worry, many sleepless nights, questions of achievement, sadness, tears, many laughs, rewards by the hundreds and then you watch your children, as parents, do the same.  You watch their children grow and amaze at how similar the task at hand is all over again.

 

 

The beauty now is though - you can be the wisdom giver, the listening ear, the carer, the helper, the hugger, the Mum!

 

I have travelled those very paths and now enjoy those moments to our three beautiful girls ...

 

 

 

Enjoy the moments that pass by so quickly - enjoy every day without regret !

 

Happy Mother's Day !

A REAL GOLD TREASURE - TO KEEP OR NOT ?!

I was so excited a couple of weeks ago to find this treasure at a Garage Sale.  It is heavy to lift so immediately I knew it was definitely quite old.  No plastic or even timber on this one !!!

On inspecting it closer I found it is a true oil painting as well - not a print but with no signature of identity.  The detail is exquisite in it's gold finish.  I wish I could find out more about this old 'Beauty'!

It is not small - measures 64cm high x 51cm wide & is all in great form on the back with clips & hanging wire all still in place & in working order.

The big question is "Do I keep this One?!"  I may need your help on this - please give me your opinion?!!

I was reluctant to replace the inner image or even paint the frame - that would normally be the "'Norm!"

 

Anyway I would love your opinion on this please - please - please !!!

Now to reward you for your opinion I am giving the best 'genuine idea' a Mystery French Shabby Chic Gift - you have just one week from today to do your very best !
To also qualify you need to

1. Become a Follower on this Page and ... 
2. Like my 2 x Facebook Pages @

www.facebook.com/frenchalabeach
www.facebook.com/lamaisonbellehomewares

I really appreciate your feedback!

WELCOME AUTUMN MORNINGS

I love this time of the year - everything is clear & crisp!  The sun just glistens through the trees as it reaches our sunlit balcony early in the morning!  The plants welcome the sunlight with open leaves - they look happier by the minute. 

 

There is just something about Autumn that gives you a boost !

 

 

Enjoy the Beauty of Autumn !!

 

ROUND TABLE REFURB - SUCH A CUTIE !!!

Now and then you come across a piece of furniture that already looks fabulous & you toss & turn, & ask yourself if you should do anything to it.  But then you take the jump and make it into something gorgeous. 

 

 

That's what I did with this and I am glad I did.  It is simple but chic in every way.  The stylish Queen Anne legs just enhance it's elegant style!

 

 

So if you see something you are not sure of - take the risk and have a go - you'll be glad you did!