Sunday, February 3, 2013

French Inspired Romance

It's been quite awhile since I took the time to sit down and actually "create" something. My stash of old crosses, keys, and hearts have been calling to me to come spend an afternoon with them. Since Valentine's Day is just a little over a week away, I wanted to share a few of the new pendant necklaces that I put together yesterday.




Each one is different, and unique in it's own vintage way.


tarnished and well loved elements


with a past life...



mixed metals for some vintage romance


I've been trying to organize my cabinets in the studio, and I came across this wonderful old book that I'd forgotten about. A Wanderer in Paris  which was first published in 1909 by British travel writer and essayist, E.V.Lucas.


This copy was a reprint from the early twenties. It's in pretty good condition, with just a few signs of wear. One of the best things about this travel anthology are the wonderful illustrations and images of French masterpieces.



City map of Paris



Lucas covers all the landmarks and attractions of Paris of the day, but I thought it peculiar that he didn't have any illustrations or images of our favorite, the Eiffel Tower, except this one small faint reference. You can see it to the left of the illustration below; misty and almost unrecognizable.




Here is what he writes about the modern day quintessential Paris icon:

"The merit of the Eiffel Tower is that it shows you not only Paris to the ultimate edges in every direction...but it shows you (almost) France too. How long the Eiffel Tower is to stand, I cannot say, but I for one shall feel sorry and bereft when it ceases to domineer over Paris. For though it is vulgar it is great, and it has come to be a symbol....The Tower and I came to Paris at the same time, in 1889."


My dress form, Irma, is modeling for you.
Necklaces available in my Etsy Shop,





Hope you're having a wonderful weekend, 
with a little French Romance mixed in...

joining in at
Coastal Charm
Savvy Southern Style
The Charm of Home

xoxo,
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28 comments:

  1. Decor To AdoreFebruary 2, 2013 at 1:10 PM

    What gorgeous creations! Love that book.

    I too am in the midst of creating some French flavored beauty. Stop by and take a peek. :)

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  2. BonnieFebruary 2, 2013 at 1:21 PM

    Debra, Your book is a jewel. I would love to look through it. Gorgeous. Your creations are lovely too. I enjoy my necklace I ordered from you.

    Have a great weekend.

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  3. Nita StacyFebruary 2, 2013 at 1:45 PM

    These are lovely. I still cherish my necklace you made me. I wear it on special days. What a great book!

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  4. PamFebruary 2, 2013 at 1:46 PM

    Debra, your necklace creations are divine...The book is one that I would love to read throughout! xo Pam

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  5. Cathy @ My 1929 CharmerFebruary 2, 2013 at 1:55 PM

    Your necklaces are beautiful, so wish I was wearing them in Paris! Anyone for a trip?

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  6. Julie MarieFebruary 2, 2013 at 2:33 PM

    Your new pendants are so pretty Debra!... I have my little birdnest one on today... I have to laugh that they used to (and I guess some still do) consider the Eiffel Tower "vulgar" because of it's height... I myself love it, especially because of my French ancestry... that's my French Romance for today!... I also love your vintage book!... xoxo Julie Marie

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  7. Brenda PruittFebruary 2, 2013 at 3:17 PM

    Your necklaces are all so pretty!
    Brenda

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  8. KellyFebruary 2, 2013 at 4:14 PM

    Those necklaces are so charming! I really love them. I enjoyed reading that excerpt about the Eiffel Tower too. How interesting. It is still a symbol of Paris and I can't imagine that ever changing.

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  9. AnneFebruary 2, 2013 at 5:39 PM

    What lovely creations Debra!
    xx
    Anne

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  10. 20 North OraFebruary 2, 2013 at 6:10 PM

    I love Irma!! She is such a pretty display for your beautiful jewelry.

    Judy

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  11. Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your HomeFebruary 2, 2013 at 7:42 PM

    So very pretty!!!

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  12. belmoniliFebruary 2, 2013 at 7:52 PM

    Your work is SO beautiful! I love all of your items...thank you for sharing!

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  13. On Crooked CreekFebruary 2, 2013 at 9:30 PM

    Debra,
    What lovely necklaces, dear friend!!!
    Isn't it wonderful to have a place to create???
    I'm getting anxious to see a bit more progress in the updating of Studio one, but as usual, progress is s l o w!!!
    Your book is magnificient!!! I have precious memories of Paris travels with my sister and niece. However, being afraid of heights, I didn't go inside the tower. They stated the views were breathtaking in every direction!!!
    Have a wonderful, creative weekend!!!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  14. trash talkFebruary 3, 2013 at 5:29 AM

    Your pendants are the perfect footnotes.
    Deb

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  15. Vickie @ Ranger 911February 3, 2013 at 7:03 AM

    There is no better therapy to cure what ails you than time spent creating, and you've created some lovely vintage charm necklaces that look so very chic on Irma. Your old book is a fun read, too. I just love vintage illustrations.

    Now why have I not thought to name my dressmaker's form? Poor thing has lived here almost a decade and remains nameless!

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  16. farmhouse-storyFebruary 3, 2013 at 7:50 AM

    your handmade charms look beautiful against irma's lace, debra:)

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  17. ShirleyFebruary 3, 2013 at 9:15 AM

    Hi Debra, I am taking some me time catching up with my friends before going to the nursing home for the rest of the day.I like your necklaces that you have made. They are so pretty and I love the vintage part. Have a wonderful day. Hugs and Prayers from Your Missouri Friend.

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  18. Desires of the HeartFebruary 3, 2013 at 9:59 AM

    Beautiful creations, just love your combinations and especially the key and cross combinations as there is a corolation between the two for sure. Love your dressform, she looks so cute wearing all the works of art. Hope things are settling down at your house and you will have more time in your special creating place this year. Blessings, Linda

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  19. Desires of the HeartFebruary 3, 2013 at 10:00 AM

    Beautiful creations, just love your combinations and especially the key and cross combinations as there is a corolation between the two for sure. Love your dressform, she looks so cute wearing all the works of art. Hope things are settling down at your house and you will have more time in your special creating place this year. Blessings, Linda

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  20. Linda @ Itsy Bits And PiecesFebruary 3, 2013 at 11:03 AM

    Irma looks beautiful modeling all of your wonderful creations! Love them!

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  21. Diane in the ValleyFebruary 3, 2013 at 8:51 PM

    I always looking at your creations, they are so beautiful, but I really liked this post because my daughter is taking a trip to Paris for her college spring break, what a great book for her!

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  22. Courtney ~ French Country CottageFebruary 3, 2013 at 10:25 PM

    Your creations are gorgeous Debra!! So pretty!!

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  23. FRENCH LAUNDRYFebruary 4, 2013 at 3:26 AM

    Your necklaces are beautiful Debra! Your shop is one of my features in the Etsy Shop Hop over at my blog.

    Hugs,
    Judy

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  24. andrea@townandprairieFebruary 4, 2013 at 5:03 AM

    SO beautiful Debra...I'm drawn to the one with the tiny pearl. That soft contrasting texture really caught my eye. You certainly have a knack for pulling just the perfect mix of elements together in a unified balance. xoxo, Happy Valentine's! Andrea B.

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  25. Jeanette@Creating a Life StudioFebruary 4, 2013 at 12:20 PM

    Your necklaces are just beautiful!

    Jeanette

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  26. Linda@Coastal CharmFebruary 5, 2013 at 8:43 PM

    Debra,
    Thank you for sharing your beautiful creations at my party.

    Blessings,
    Linda

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  27. Cristina GarayFebruary 7, 2013 at 11:24 AM

    Oh so very charming, your necklaces and the book!

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  28. AnonymousFebruary 8, 2013 at 8:24 AM

    soooo pretty! Little Bit from www.DecorateWithaLittleBit.com

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