Where to begin! There is so much to cover. I may as well jump in and see where it takes me.....somewhere you will enjoy, I hope......
Several week ago I started the process of making the hearts I have wanted to create for a long time. I taught myself and learn through trial and error but I finally figured out how to handcraft them (not mass produced.)
I am going with 3 sizes: small, medium & large.
Here are photos I took to give a sense of size, design, wording, and finish. I will have other wording, initials and designs, and will also customize them as far as initials, names and ink color. They are metal (not tin) and there isn't two alike as far as distressing them goes.
Prices? Small $25, medium $30, large $39. Plus shipping, which I haven't figured out yet but will soon. Can't be that much.
Customizing costs will vary depending on the number of letters or words and colors. I will quote each individually.
These are my samples but other options will be available in the next few weeks. It's just a matter of finding the time to work on them.
As far as delivery goes, figure on 3-4 weeks.
The baby shoes will also come in pink, of course, and will have the date of birth underneath them............and if they are for twins it will say "Oh Baby Oh Baby", if the twins are a boy and a girl, one shoe will be pink and the other blue.
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Today while I was working away, minding my own business, when my friend Sue emailed me about an antique shop with some great deals. Well, since the shop is very close to my home (and I really needed any excuse to take a break) I drove there right away. I am so glad Sue called! Look at what I found, at bargain prices:
A gorgeous chair..................
....and an exquisite stool.................
Thanks Sue!! These are going to go in the guesthouse when it's completed.......
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Speaking of the guesthouse, I plan to decorate it with a mix of French and Scandinavian styles with a good measure of rustic thrown in. These are some of the things that inspire me......................
A few weeks ago I found this cool chandelier in a secondhand shop
........and I made this one (also for the guesthouse) using a wire basket---turned upside down and covered with strands of pearls from the bridal section of Michaels.........................
Here is what I used:
.........and when the guesthouse is finished I will build this little garden shade for all my tools......YES! Yet another project...........................
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Meanwhile spring has sprung here and the garden is looking luscious...........................
That's the back of the guesthouse.........
It's been great for drying clothes outside too.....................
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My sister has made new gorgeous pillows..............................
........and a sweet "First Aid" bag to hold items for "bobos" ---as we call booboos in French............
And cute lavender shoe forms.......................
As usual, if you are interested, just email Sylvie at shappy@wanadoo.fr she can tell you about prices and designs.
Her house is featured in the current issue of FLEA MARKET STYLE..........
THERE IS ALSO AN ARTICLE I WROTE ON TRANSFORMING FOUND THINGS............
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Ok, that's it! I am going to do just like this kitty. I hope this post will make up for my lack of blogging.........by the way, the lovely bed is from Debi Kahn, www.ddkdesigns.net
If you need you can email her at debi@ddkdesigns.net or call 429-461 9962. Tell her Fifi sent you.
On second thought I will treat myself to a couple of Jennifer's beautiful and yummy cookies (Jennifer@theoldpaintedcottage.com) You ought to get some because you deserve a treat too!
Bonne nuit!
xo
fifi
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Wow! You have been BUSY!!! Love that light fixture you made! Everything is so pretty! Nice work! :)
Posted by: tattingchic | March 29, 2009 at 08:23 PM
Fifi, how do you do it? You make the rest of us look like utter slackers! :)
The metal hearts are incredible and you are to be commended for simply figuring out how to do them yourself. Bravo! I want one! (I'll email you).
Your guest house is looking incredible also. Wow. Major transformation since I saw it back in November! Oh to have your seemingly boundless energy! There is more talent between you and your sister than I can believe! So great to read another post from you. Hi to Sue! :)
=Ruth
Posted by: The Beautiful Life | March 29, 2009 at 08:31 PM
I am in love with your hearts Fifi! Gorgeous!!!
And the chandeliers are lovely (as is everything else here!).
Posted by: Alice W. | March 29, 2009 at 11:58 PM
Your hearts are amazing. I love how you did the light. I've been looking for something to spruce up my living room. Maybe I'll try something like that.
Posted by: YSLGuy | March 30, 2009 at 04:19 AM
Sigh.
EVERYTHING is so pretty and inspiring.. your hearts - FABULOUS! Sylvie's creations - gorgeous! I love it all. This post is like a breath of fresh air. So YOU.
And what a great friend Sue is! I'm so glad she enticed you to go shopping - so fun and I wish I could have gone with you girls! Please tell her I said hi.. and I miss you bunches Fifi!
xo,
Kim
Posted by: Daisy Cottage | March 30, 2009 at 04:24 AM
I love the pearl light. It has me inspired to do something similar with a lamp. The hearts are wonderful. When sould we expect a new Romantic Country. I have already read your articles in Flea Market Style and enjoyed them. Have a wonderful day. Susan
Posted by: Susan Phillips | March 30, 2009 at 04:36 AM
Hi Fifi
Is your sister's home featured in the UK version of Country Homes And Interiors too, as I saw a feature in there and thought the lady looked remarkably like the pictures of your sister from your blog? x
Posted by: Hannah | March 30, 2009 at 05:40 AM
Fifi...what a chic project, love the hearts and love you:-)~xoxo to you and Sylvie from me and "carl"
Posted by: Janet (Shabbyfufu) | March 30, 2009 at 06:13 AM
Hi Fifi,
Your hearts are wonderful. I want to order one from you. I will email you about that.
Sylvie's pieces are wonderful too. I am heading out today to buy that magazine.
xo
Penny
Posted by: Penny @ Lavender Hill Studio & The Comforts of Home | March 30, 2009 at 06:26 AM
The pearl chandelier is beautiful and love the sweet little stool. Thanks for sharing all your treasures with us
Posted by: Lisa | March 30, 2009 at 06:53 AM
Fifi everything is beautiful and inspiring! I don't know how you do it all but I'm glad you do!
Posted by: Tanya | March 30, 2009 at 06:56 AM
Hi Fifi,
Absolutely amazing. I would love one of your hearts- will email you later. The magazine article was a joy. I would love to be able to stay in her B&B. Maybe someday!
Your blog is so inspiring. Thank you for the lift.
Posted by: Barb | March 30, 2009 at 09:23 AM
Your blog is always worth waiting for! I am looking forward to seeing your finished guest house and purchasing a heart :)
Your chandelier turned out amazing.
*sighs*
btw...
I just noticed we share the same first name "Francoise" :)
Posted by: Berlin | March 30, 2009 at 09:37 AM
I would LOVE to order one of your hearts! Please email me! Thank you for the gorgeous blog. Sincerely~ Philicia
Posted by: Philicia | March 30, 2009 at 09:42 AM
I always look forward to your posts. I adore your hearts, and the chandelier you made is AMAZING! I must go buy a copy of the magazine...it looks amazing!! THANKS for sharing your lovely ideas!
Posted by: Wendy | March 30, 2009 at 11:08 AM
It's always a thrill when you post, and you never disappoint. Love everything. What a great chandelier you made. You are always amazing.
Posted by: Ele at abitopinkheaven | March 30, 2009 at 11:09 AM
La Reine Des Coeurs! Ils sont magnifiques..each and every one..
You girls are so blessed and talented!
I miss when you don't blog..
I know how busy you are but I got used to seeing you more often last year~
Kitty and cookies are so beautifully photoed also.
Spring is around my corner too..a biig corner but at least I feel it coming.
I love your idea for the white and rustic.
La lampe aussi..Géniale!
Posted by: Monique | March 30, 2009 at 11:46 AM
Oh my! Everything is just beautiful! Your yard is lovely, so are the metal hearts!
Have a great week,
Tracy M.
Posted by: Tracy M. | March 30, 2009 at 03:08 PM
Oh do I love everything to do with FRENCH! Including you sweet friend. You have out done yourself..I really love the hearts you've created..Will you be selling these Fifi??
Also,Scandinavian styles.. I have quite a few Swedish Blogs that I follow that I cant get enough of..Im trying to incorporate this style in my home, but what to do with all that PINK..( Im not so into this anymore) You must do feature on this decorating Fifi...
Your sister pillows are very sweet...
Love to you
Jo
xo
Posted by: Jo-Anne Coletti | March 30, 2009 at 04:35 PM
Wow what a visual treat!!! I don't know where to start either. The chandelier idea is genius. I have tons of bead garland that just isn't sell like it used to. Your yard...what can I say~ I'm so jealous. You still have pansies that look great but you also have impatiens that look like ours do at the end of summer. Bravo!!!
You definitely made up for lost time.
Carole
Posted by: Carole | March 30, 2009 at 05:08 PM
Hi Fifi!
I want a heart in each size and can't wait until you begin taking orders as I already know what I want each to say (surprised - non!). Love the chair and stool and your guesthouse in Scandavian/French style will be a dream. So good to hear from you again and of course, I'm inspired by all that you do. Adding a hunt for the Flea Market Style magazine to my list for tomorrow. Did I tell you we have a new chat? "Gigi". Take care, sweet Fifi. xoxo~Tracie
Posted by: Tracie~My Petite Maison | March 30, 2009 at 10:27 PM
J'adore votre monde enchanté.
Chez vous, je retrouve mon âme d'enfant dans un royaume de conte de fée.
Passez une très belle journée.
Bien amicalement.
Mouchette.
Posted by: Mouchette | March 30, 2009 at 11:50 PM
Hello fifi, ~Missed you! Your hearts are fabulous, & you are ever the stylist..love the way you have each one displayed!:)They are going to be a big hit! The hard part is choosing which one I can't live without!:)
The stool is adorable, but the chair..oh I LOVE THAT CHAIR! So excited about your guesthouse, can't wait to see! The chandelier..oh my it's stunning! And the one you created is so fabulous~ I want one just like it! And I Love the first capture of it!! A morning brightener ~your post... & then you brighten it even more with your gorgeous garden pics~ so jealous you already have gorgeous flowers..roses..& heavenly blue moring glories, petunias, & so many more beautiful blooms! Beautiful captures of Your white linens on the line! And your kitty is adorable~what a bed!:) The cookies look almost too pretty to eat. Your sisters pillows are even more fabulous than the last ones!! ~Hope I can find the magazine! Enjoyed your fabulous post fifi~Wishing you a most beautiful day!
xoxoxo
Cat
Posted by: Catherine | March 31, 2009 at 07:45 AM
YOU ARE THE BEST!!! ALL THAT YOU DO... YOUR HEART ARE HEAVENLY JUST LIKE YOU!!
XOXOO LAURA
Posted by: LAURA DELLAPORTA | March 31, 2009 at 07:59 AM
Thank you Fifi for sharing such beauty for us to start our day with! I lived in Naples for a few years, amidst the tract homes and glittery condominiums, and never knew such charm existed elsewhere in Florida. And of course you have a way of making everything look so special. It's all fantastic, and has me feeling so creative now! I've got to go right away and get that magazine. Cheers, Andrea
Posted by: Andrea at Opulent Cottage | March 31, 2009 at 08:39 AM
What a wonderful post.....thank you for the ideas...inspiration....how to's...your place looks divine!Be well, Laura
Posted by: Laura | March 31, 2009 at 06:18 PM
As usual, you have been very busy! I love the hearts, especially the ones with the twine. I like the twine near the top of the heart the best.
I can't wait to get a copy of the magazine with your sister's home. Your home pics are fabulous.
~elaine~
Posted by: Elaine L. | March 31, 2009 at 08:03 PM
I forgot to mention that I have bought several of those beaded garlands, in different colors, at Michaels during the fall and Christmas. I twine them into my chandeleirs for the different holidays. They're really pretty.
~elaine~
Posted by: Elaine L. | March 31, 2009 at 08:07 PM
Wow Fifi ~ you have been busy busy !! I love the hearts, they are just as sweet as can be ~I also love seeing your beautiful yard and ideas ~ they are always so inspirational ~~
Those cookies look yummy !
xoxo,
Lori
Posted by: Lori | April 01, 2009 at 06:24 AM
Dear Fifi,
Oh my!! Every time I visit your blog I am amazed!! Gogeous eye candy, LOVE....LOVE....LOVE your hearts...your photos are gorgeous and I really can't say enough! You are such a talented lady! Can;t wait to see what's next!
Please stop by and visit me sometime.
Hugs,
Debi
Posted by: Debi | April 01, 2009 at 08:17 AM
Good Morning Fifi! Thanks so much for the post..just brightens ones day!! I adore your hearts and will be emailing you with my order. Also love love your sisters pillows. I did pick up my copy of Flea Market Style and knew right away that was your sisters home...just beautiful! You have inspired me to get busy on my projets. We would all love to see more of your guest house...can't wait! xoxokathee
Posted by: kathee zurian | April 01, 2009 at 09:04 AM
Fifi,
A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!! I got the flea market style magazine last night and plan to read it on my vacation - starting Friday! As always, everything is breathtaking! I would love to purchase a large heart!
Thanks for sharing,
Anita
Posted by: Anita | April 01, 2009 at 04:03 PM
I always enjoy your blog, so much eye candy. Your hearts are wonderful, you are just so talented. Thank you for sharing!
Posted by: Michelle | April 01, 2009 at 04:31 PM
Hello Fifi; What a wonderful post, I love your Hearts. and all of the beautiful photos of your gorgeous flowers, and the chandler you made,,, wow so great. I am going to pick up the magazine and gaze upon your sisters lovely home, and try not to drool all over it... lol
Hugs;
Alaura
Posted by: Alauar Parrish | April 01, 2009 at 07:19 PM
Hello, Fifi.
Wow. What a display of so much beauty! I am so inspired by your creativity. Love that white chair and stool! I love gardening too. Yours is so lovely.
It's always a pleasure to visit your blog.
Peggy
Posted by: Peggy | April 01, 2009 at 09:39 PM
Dear Fifi,
I am so touched and honored to be mentioned on your blog, thank you! And I'm absolutely loving those hearts. Great job on those!
oxox
Jennifer
Posted by: Jennifer Grey | April 02, 2009 at 07:32 AM
The light...is ..so..FABULOUSLY wonderful...thanks so much for sharing. I'm just enamored with it...
Posted by: Anita | April 02, 2009 at 09:46 AM
Well, Sweet Fifi, I've missed you so, but then I'd just pull out a magazine and enjoy your creativity that way! Have a wonderful day and thank you for sharing of your busy busy self! xorachel
Posted by: A Romantic Porch | April 03, 2009 at 05:39 AM
Love that chair! So lovely! Your garden is beautiful as well!
Posted by: Mo | April 04, 2009 at 10:15 AM
Is RC still being published? I can't seem to find it at my usual stores. Shelia
Posted by: Shelia | April 04, 2009 at 06:34 PM
Oh Fifi such a fabulous post.
Love your heart signs. i could not believe it when I saw the A & R with the wedding cake as my daughter Amy married her fiance Ryan this weekend. Check my blog for a couple of pics. of the wedding day and also Amy's sweet Riley too>
Alison
Posted by: Alison Gibbs | April 05, 2009 at 10:11 AM
Hi Fifi,
Beautiful post, I love the hearts, so lovely. I recently found something similar only square with a pretty design, it came with decorative fleur de lis magnets. The hearts are just adorable. Lots of work I'm sure! Precious... Hugs, Kimberly
Posted by: Kimberly Ryan | April 06, 2009 at 08:36 PM
Such beautiful hearts and your guest house is lovely. Thanks for sharing.
Jodie
x
Posted by: Jodie from the team at cherrymenlove.com | April 07, 2009 at 07:23 AM
I love your hearts, Fifi, and everything else too!
Posted by: Donna | April 07, 2009 at 01:50 PM
What a great post.... fill with so much prettiness! Every picture was a treat to the eyes, mind, and soul... thank you, Fifi!
cielo
Posted by: cielo | April 08, 2009 at 08:53 AM
Just so lovely! Those hearts are precious, I'll take one of each! Just picked up the new romantic country and I can't put it down! I love the aqua urn withg old roses on the coffee table on page 65 and would love to know what it is!?.I love everything! AAhh! Makes me want to shop and foof my nest!
Posted by: Andrea | April 08, 2009 at 09:49 AM
Fifi, I just got my issue of Romantic Country in the mail today and it is AMAZING!!! I think this is the best issue EVER!!! Each issue seems to get better and better and I can hardly wait for the next!!! I know it must be a lot of hard work but it's really paying off! You just amaze me!!! Keep up the great work!!! You're the best!
Posted by: cindy~my romantic home | April 08, 2009 at 08:23 PM
Your hearts are wonderful! What you did to the chandelier is pure magic! Thank you Fifi for all the beauty. You just made my day! ♥
Posted by: Betty Jo | April 09, 2009 at 03:42 AM