The French are very fond of items that show the patina of time and those who demonstrate the artisan's touch. Zinc and wire elements are very much part of the French Country interiors.
While working on the premiere issue of French Country Style I came across some of the ones I have had for many years: a frame, a finial, cache pots, a "thing" which I use as a candle holder (never really knew what it was meant for originally).....
This cache pot is not only good for potted plants but to hold a vase with flowers as well
I use this cage-like item (the top comes off) as is or to hold a small candle but the top gets very hot.......
This works equally well with one large candle but I like it best best with a grouping of short pillar-type candles.
This is an old cheese cover. Great for keeping flies away when eating al fresco!
The graphic simplicity of little wire houses make them pretty & whimsical decorating accents. Mine hang on the wall in the little cabana but I have used them indoor as well.
Wire baskets let you see what they store, which is quite practical
Check next post with more French Country elements.
Enjoy!
Beautiful and exciting photos! I am so looking forward to the new magazine!
Posted by: Jacqueline | November 01, 2012 at 01:26 PM
Fifi,
Everything is beautiful! When are you moving to Mystic? I hope your new house is ok there from Hurricane Sandy.
Xoxo,
Ann
Posted by: Ann | November 01, 2012 at 07:07 PM
Oh my, I love that covered cheese dish and those scrolled wire houses,just beautiful!!~
Hope your doing well and have a lovely night.
Sincerely,
Melinda
Posted by: Melinda | November 01, 2012 at 08:07 PM
French country style is so pretty, no wonder so many people enjoy that particular style. I love the patina on these items.
Hugs, Cindy
Posted by: Cindy | November 01, 2012 at 11:16 PM
Pretty! Love the color of those roses too. ; )
~Michele
Posted by: Michele | November 02, 2012 at 05:06 AM
I love those wire houses. You are right, they are SO whimsical!
Posted by: Janine | November 02, 2012 at 05:16 AM
I too love the wire houses...I've never seen anything like that...they are beautiful Fifi...can't wait for the new mag!!
xoxokathee
Posted by: kathee zurian | November 02, 2012 at 04:22 PM
Dearest Fifi,
It is delightful to read so much about French Country Style on your blog as this is my line on my Zen Cart powered boutique! You only underwrite that I have chosen the right direction as I certainly respect and admire you for your keen sense of style!
Enjoy your weekend and hope your move is going smooth.
Hugs to you,
Mariette
Posted by: Mariette's Back to Basics | November 02, 2012 at 05:56 PM
Oooooo, i can't wait to see more. French Country is my favorite look. Anyway, i think it is!?, i have lots of favorite looks! Those wire cages on the wall look really cool, like three dimensional art. I love that idea!
Cindy
Posted by: cindy | November 02, 2012 at 06:27 PM
I am swooning over all of them!!!!
Posted by: Lisa swifka | November 02, 2012 at 09:12 PM
Ma chère Fifi, I just love your photos, very french and very charming ! Hope to see you soon ...
Xoxo
Posted by: Tania - Grange de Charme | November 03, 2012 at 12:43 AM
Superbes photographies!
Posted by: Anne-Marie Gagliardi Maire | November 03, 2012 at 02:47 AM
bonjour FIFI
un petit coucou de France
le zinc est une matière qui s' adapte
partout et cela ne rouille pas
très jolies découvertes !!!!
tendresse
edith ( Normandie )
Posted by: iris | November 03, 2012 at 03:54 AM
Such inspiration Fifi!
xx
Anne
Posted by: Anne | November 03, 2012 at 03:10 PM
I love your photos! Especially the basket with the linens.
thanks!
Nancy
http://wildoakdesigns.blogspot.com
Posted by: Nancy Mueller | November 04, 2012 at 08:04 PM
Ces objets en zinc sont magnifiques !
Belle mise en scène qui les mettent bien en valeur.
Bonne journée
Kat
Posted by: Kat | November 05, 2012 at 01:08 AM
Beautiful! Looking forward to French Country Mag!
Posted by: Dawn-Hydrangea Home | November 05, 2012 at 06:00 AM
Oh, I love all your lovely French vintage things! And what a great idea to cluster the small pillar candles! It always amazes how simple things arranged slightly differently creates a whole fresh new look.
Posted by: WendyBee | November 05, 2012 at 09:03 AM
love that wire basket - I dragged one home from Paris last time I was there and I just love it.
hope you are finding time to relax a bit!
Posted by: Heather | November 05, 2012 at 07:05 PM
Beautiful blog and very elegant pictures. You got some lovely stuffs here.
Thanks for sharing.
Hope to see you on my blog:)
Posted by: Sanghamitra | November 15, 2012 at 05:02 PM
Hello Fifi ! The "thing" is I think what we call un "épi de faitage". I don't know the name in English, but I'm sure you understand the meaning. At he end of the construction of a house, They use to put a branches of wheat on the roof of the house to give it chance. That's the reason why they called it épi. Your can find them also in earth.
Wonderful pictures. Thank you for the pleasure.
A Paris, le temps est devenu automnal après un joli été indien. Mon lilas porte toujours quelques fleurs extraordinaire non.
xoxo from PARIS
Posted by: MY SHABBY FRENCH LIFE | November 17, 2012 at 10:01 AM
Fifi love all of your vintage metal pieces! So much charm!
xx
Anne
Posted by: anne | November 21, 2012 at 05:28 AM
Candlelight! I love it too. And little lamps in the corners of rooms instantly cozies it up. To get more various candles. Visit: www.reasonablegifts.com
Posted by: Omar Faruq | December 22, 2012 at 03:15 PM