CHEZ FIFI

IT'S IN THE BAG...............................................

...................I hade some pieces of burlap left from a large grain sack my sister made into a pillow. I love that rough texture and figured I could make a bag out of the remnants. The thing is that I wanted something unique. So, here is the bag and the instructions for making it are coming next....................

                    RUSTIC BURLAP BAG

               

                  

Sooooo EASY INSTRUCTIONS...........................

1- Take a piece of burlap.       2- Put it in hot water in washing machine with black dye. Dry in dryer. Remove when dry, fold in half and insert a paper towel between both half.

4-Put some white stencil paint in a bowl, wet a sponge-- just enough to help spread the paint-- and smear paint on fabric with the sponge making sure to make some areas look faded and others well saturated. Let some of the dark fabric show.The paint adds an interesting texture. When you wash the fabric its edges will unravel a bit but it adds to the rustic look. If you don't like it you can always trim it.

                    

5- Stamp a design of choice on the dry paint---keep in mind that the ink from the ink pad will not transfer fully but that's part of the charm--Use stencil letters and white stencil paint to add the initials (or any other design) you want to clearly see.

                  

6- Using a very big and strong needle and heavy twine sew the sides of the bag (I don't sew but I can do this because it does not require "refined" stitching. In fact the "cruder the better"... perfect for moi!...)

7- To make the handle: Cut a lenght of medium gauge wire and put through each side of the bag. It needs to be flexible enough to be bent in a handle but not too soft so that it won't hold up firmly. Keep each end in place by twisting them. Depending on the piece of fabric you have you can make the bag as small or large as you want. You can adjust the size of the handle by using more or less wire.

And, VOILA! All done!                

You can fill it with dry or faux fleurs. If using fresh flowers insert a plastic glass with water in the bag.  IF I can find the time, and that's a big IF, I will try to make one in another color, probably aqua or indigo....in fact, I would love to have several in different colors hanging from a peg rack...........although it does not take long to make them, for me, time is the big factor.

If you make the bag make sure to post your photo on your blog and let me know. I would love to see your own version and use for it.

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THE NUMBER GAME

I have received numerous emails asking about the numbers on my kitchen jars. I have scanned them so you can make your own if you can't find them anywhere. Just print them (you can enlarge them if you like) then cut them and glue them on carboard. Make a small hole with a hole punch to insert a ribbon through and hang anywhere you want. I only have these 4 so that's all I can share...................................

            

             

            

              

I hope you have enjoyed these little "gifts". I know I have enjoed sending them to you........

Lastly, I just had another birthday (don't ask!) so I treated myself to this .....................

                         

.........because in spite of my advanced age (no kidding.....here are a couple of hints: my oldest son is 40, my youngest, 37......and NO, I wasn't a "child bride") I still have a WILD HEART...........Do you?

If you would like to get one of these beauties got to http://www.gypsyville.com/store/store.asp?nProductId=23095 They have all kind of cool stuff!

See you later.....................................xoxoxoxoxo Fifi, a year older, a year wilder!

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QUICK & EASY............................................

I am in a hurry because I am leaving for New York early in the morning. Didn't want to go without saying "hi" and "thank you again" for all the very sweet comments. So, to express my gratitude, here is a VERY easy little project I would like to share.

"QUICK & EASY GLASS-LACE TABLETOP"

All you need is a glass top, whatever shape you want. I happened to have a square piece leftover from something......Some lacy fabric and white (or any color you want) spray paint. I had a can of enamel paint but it works better with an acryclic type. The enamel tends to be shiny and, personally, I like a "flat" finish better. But I used what I had on hand............

Set the glass top over a big clay pot (must do this outdoors). Overlay the glass with an old piece of "lacy" fabric..................

Spray the paint through the fabric's cutouts (the fabric will be pretty well ruined because the paint won't wash off so make sure it's not a piece that you can't part with.....)

                     

Let the paint dry (it dries very quickly, well at least it does in Florida......) then, gently, remove the fabric.........................and VOILA! You have a romantic tabletop!

     

I set the finished top on an old urn in the little cabana. Of course, I decided to do this at the last minute tonight.....it was getting dark so the photos are bit dark too...........but, the great thing is that it took ONLY about 10 minutes to do from start to finish..........really QUICK & EASY!

This can be done on wood just as well..........maybe to embellish the top of an old dresser or the drawers, even a side or coffee table..............

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I promised I would post photos of the "Dr. Seuss tree." Here they are.........................

My cuttings seem to have survived....................................time will tell. But I did get myself a magnolia.................................................................................

                  

It's a good size tree and has plenty of buds and gorgeous blossoms...............LOVE IT!

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Lastly, I was trying to figure a way to hide my garbage can and recycling bins. I used the frame of a wood screen  to which I attached some (cheap) bamboo blinds--had to double them because they are very thin andone wasn't enough to hide the cans-- from BIG LOT ($8 each) with large drapery rings I had. It did the trick..............................

Now I have easy access (one side of the screen is open) to the garbage can and recycle bins and the "bamboo screen" blends in nicely with the surroundings. Sometime the solution to a problem area is simple but not always readily evident. I took me forever to figure that one out!!!!!

OK. Tha's it for now. Hope you enjoy the little table project.

I won't be posting until I get back from New York...........see you then. Have a great week!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Fifi

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LITTLE FEET...................................

.............IT BEGAN A COUPLE OF WEEKS BACK WITH A FEW LITTLE FABRIC SHOES AND SLIPPERS AND GREW TO A HUGE COLLECTION---I MEAN HUNDREDS OF THESE LITTLE WONDERS TAKING OVER MY HOUSE........ (AH, IF ONLY THEY WERE JIMMY CHOOS OR MANOLO BLANICKS IN MY SIZE!!)...............NEVERTHELESS, SYLVIE'S SHOES HAVE BEEN SELLING LIKE HOT CAKES. THE STYLES KEEP MULTIPLYING AND SO DO THE SIZES............

ENTERS THE "LITTLE FEET" COLLECTION..............

                        

THESE LITTLE DARLINGS ARE ONLY $15 A PAIR (INCLUDING SHIPPING.) THEY ARE A PERFECT GIFT FOR A BABY SHOWER OR FOR A NEW BABY'S NURSERY.

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THERE IS ALSO THE "NANTUCKET" COLLECTION MADE FROM OLD FRENCH MATTRESS TICKING.

                            

DUE TO AMOUNT OF AVAILABLE FABRIC THERE IS ONLY A LIMITED NUMBER OF THESE AND THEY ARE $17 EACH (INCLUDING SHIPPING.)

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THE SAME APPLY TO THESE MADE WITH OLD French PINK TOILE.........................

 

                           

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THE BLACK AND WHITE PAISLEY IS QUITE STRIKING AS WELL................

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.........AND, LASTLY, FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE HUDDLED IN A CABIN DEEP IN THE SNOW, HOW ABOUT A COZY "CHAUSSON" TO KEEP YOU WARM?...........................

                     

...........WELL THESE ARE SOME OF SYLVIE'S NEWEST CREATIONS. WE ARE OFF TO NEW YORK THIS WEEKEND. I WILL BE AT THE OFFICE PROOFING ROMANTIC COUNTRY AND SYLVIE WILL BE SHOPPING...SO I WON'T BE POSTING ANYTHING. WE WILL BE BACK ON THE 14 BUT ONLY HOME FOR ONE DAY. GOING TO SCOUT HOUSES IN SANTA FE, NM, ON THE 26, COMING BACK ON THE 21. SYLVIE GOES BACK TO FRANCE (PROVENCE) ON THE 28. SO, IF ANY OF YOU WANT SOME OF THE LITTLE SHOES, LET ME KNOW ASAP. AFTER THAT YOU WILL HAVE TO ORDER DIRECTLY FROM HER. I WILL POST HER EMAIL ADDRESS WHEN SHE LEAVES.

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VALENTINE IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER AND DEAR DEBBIE IS AHEAD OF THE GAME. SHE SENT SYLVIE AND I THESE BEAUTIFUL HANDMADE HEARTS.

         

.......................AND GORGEOUS LAVENDER SACHET (WHICH ARE AVAILABLE ON JANET'S WEBSITE.)

                           

THANK YOU DEBBIE!...............................

SHERRI SPOILED SYLVIE AND I WITH A BOX OF HER EXQUISITE TAGS..........................

   

                  

THANK YOU SHERRI! ..................................................

SO, IT HAS BEEN A GOOD DAY. THE MAGAZINE IS COMING ALONG JUST FINE, TH KITTIES ARE HAPPY, THE SUN IS SHINING AND WE GOT LOTS OF LITTLE PLEASURES.......................WHO COULD ASK FOR MORE!.....................................................................................OH, AND MY HUMBLE LITTLE COTTAGE IS FEATURED IN "COLOR IT COASTAL", A NEW BOOK BY COASTAL LIVING, TOGETHER WITH A QUOTE AND SEVERAL HOMES I WROTE ABOUT FOR THE MAGAZINE OVER THE YEARS. THE BOOK IS AVAILABLE AT MAJOR BOOK STORES.

   

(ABOVE LEFT) PHOTO BY ALEC HUMER

(ABOVE RIGHT) PHOTO BY DEBORAH WHITLAW LLEWELLYN

                

WHEN YOU GET A CHANCE, PICK UP THE BOOK. IT'S DIVIDED BY COLORS AND FEATURES MANY WONDERFUL DECORATING IDEAS. IT'S LOVELY AND INSPIRING. YOU WILL ENJOY IT. I DID.

BISOUS BISOUS....................XOXOXOOFIFI

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HI THERE......................................................

......................YES, I AM STILL ALIVE! WON'T BE ABLE TO CHAT MUCH BECAUSE I AM STILL IN THE MIDDLE OF ROMANTIC COUNTRY BUT WANTED TO TAKE A MINUTE TO SAY "BONJOUR."

I HAVE RECEIVED NUMEROUS EMAILS ASKING IF MY SISTER'S CROSS-STITCH WORK AND HER WHIMSICAL FABRIC SHOES ARE FOR SALE. THE ANSWER IS: YES. I WILL LIST THE PRICES BELOW. SINCE SHE DOES NOT LIVE HERE SHE DOES NOT SELL ON ETSY OR EBAY BUT YOU CAN ALWAYS ORDER SOME THROUGH ME AND PAY BY CHECK. PRETTY SIMPLE. OUI?

HERE ARE SOME OF HER LATEST CREATIONS. SOME ARE MADE WITH VINTAGE TEXTILES OTHER WITH NEW FABRICS.

THESE LOOK LIKE CINDERELLA'S SLIPPER.........ALL LACY AND DELICATE..............

.......THESE ARE SCOTTISH-INSPIRED..........................

                

...........SOME ARE CROSS-STITCHED WITH INITIALS OF CHOICE............

........AND THESES ARE LIKE COZY "CHAUSSONS" (SLIPPERS)............

                     

..............PINK TOILE AND PEARL BUTTONS ARE FOR TRUE GIRLY-GIRLS...(LIKE MOI!)

                      

............STRIPES ARE OH, SO FRENCH COUNTRY.........................

........ANYWAY, YOU GET THE IDEA.........................................

ALL THESES ARE THE SAME PRICE (VINTAGE OR NOT): ONLY $17 EACH (INCLUDING SHIPPING.) THEY MAKE LOVELY AFFORDABLE LITTLE GIFTS (THINK VALENTINE, EASTER, MOTHER'S DAY, BIRTHDAY......)

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AMONG THE MANY LOVELY THINGS SYLVIE BROUGHT ME FROM FRANCE, THERE IS A DELICATE VOTIVE WITH AN INITIAL EMBEDDED WITH TINY RHINESTONES (SHE COULD FIND ONLY A "B" BUT THAT WORKS FOR ME............)

                  

...................AND PILLOW CASES FIT FOR A PRINCESS......................

                

AS SOON AS I AM ALL CAUGHT UP WITH EDITING I WILL TAKE TIME FOR A LONG NICE ENTRY BUT FOR NOW THIS IS IT.

I AM GOING TO FOLLOW LUCY'S, LILY'S AND DAISY'S EXAMPLES AND GO TO SPLEEP. BUT. INSTEAD OF WRAPPING MYSELF IN A BLANKET LIKE LUCY (I DIDN'T PUT HER THERE, SHE WENT ALL BY HERSELF..............)

                   

OR CURLING UP ON A PILE OF DIRTY LAUNDRY LIKE LILY (!).............

                  

OR CUDDLING UP ON THE KITCHEN BENCH LIKE DAISY ELECTED........................

                  

I WILL MAKE MYSELF A HOT CUP OF TEA IN MY NEW "ROYAL" MUG (AN OTHER GIFT FROM SYLVIE)...................

                  

........CRAWL IN MY BED AND PUT MY HEAD ON MY BEAUTIFUL PILLOW AND FEEL LIKE A PRINCESS...................................

                   

BUT BEFORE I CLOSE, I MUST MENTION CATHERINE MATTEWS SCANLON LOVELY NEW BOOK

                        ART FROM THE HEART

                   

Catherine has been featured in Somerset Gallery, Legacy Magazine, Sew Somerset, and Creative Techniques Magazine. She teaches scrapbooking and altered-art classes in New England. HER WORK IS TRULY FROM THE HEART.

Got an album full of old family photos collecting dust? Turn those cherished shots into a starting point for creating a wistful, sophisticated look in a variety of artistic projects for gifts and decor.

* Pair antique-style photos with charms, decorative papers, ribbons, buttons, stickers, and an array of vintage items

* Over 20 projects include jewelry, tins and boxes, wall hangings, puzzles, ornaments, clocks--even a snowglobe

* Discover imaginative ideas for adding dates, names, words, and other details to make each memory piece unique

YOU OWE TO TREAT YOURSELF TO ART FROM THE HEART. IT'S AVAILABLE ON AMAZON http://www.amazon.com/Art-Heart-Mixed-Media-Catherine-Matthews-scanlon/dp/156477807X

PUBLISHED BY Martingale and Company          

................................................SWEET DREAMS..............................................

A MATTER OF TIME.........................

......................as much as I would like to blog more often there is simply not enough time lately. Just to much work to take care off. Even my poor sister, Sylvie, is feeling neglected because I can't "play" with her or take her shopping! At least she is keeping busy making her wonderful pillows with exquisite hand made cross-stitching........

.....................lavender-filled hearts.....................................

................ notebook covers........................................

..........and some very whimsical fabric shoes..................

                   

   

 

.....................in a previous post I said I would show you some of the things Sylvie brought me from France but I didn't get around to take all the pictures yet. Here are a few: I love this slate heart. It works as a blackboard. It's hanging from a mirrored heart sconce but I have to find a better spot for it...........................................................

                         

........Sylvie made these 2 pillows for me. The left one was made using an old matelasse spread I had. For the one on the right, she use old mattress ticking. She did the cross stitching for both.............I am getting another white one with different crowns......

   

She bought the gray one, on the chair below, in a little shop in Provence.

                

it's already 11.30 PM and I am not finished writing for today...though I would love to join Lucy (on the ironing board!!!!) I will be a GOOD FIFI and get back to work.............

                  

I will leave you with a few French words (happy little letters Sylvie brought me)

    &

       LOVE           &    HAPPINESS

........more next time.....................................

xoxoxoxo fifi

PS: still have not caught up with all the emails......sorry! Maybe next week..

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A BRILLIANT IDEA.......

...............and a closet, soon....

I owe this next idea to my Canadian friend, Monique, who turned me on this light project. So, I hurried to the Home Depot to buy a couple of glass blocks. I was going to ask "Wilbur-the-closet-guy" to drill a hole in them for me but, yesterday, he was sick and didn't come to work. The compulsive/obsessive Fifi (you haven't not been formaly introduced but you already know about her....) had to RUN to the hardware store to buy a glass bit for my drill....this morning, dressed for the occasion---high heels, summer dress and sunglasses (it's still 90 degrees here and so humid!)---I took my tools and glass block outside, in case it shattered in the process, and--with some trepidations---began to drill the hole. WELL, that glass is pretty thick and the bit pretty big....I figured it took a good 35 minutes---not counting the pauses in between drilling--to finally get the hole big enough to get the string of lights through. I thought I would never get through and started to look like the retarded woodpecker who, after 10 years, hasn't figured out he can't drill a hole on the metal ridge of the chimney.....

PHASE ONE: THE GLASS BLOCK, as you can see it's quite thick (and only $3.45 each)...................................

 

PHASE TWO: THE DRILLING BEGINS. PHASE THREE: THE HOLE IS GETTING BIGGER...........

PHASE FOUR: INSERTING THE STRING OF CHRISTMAS LIGHT.....PHASE FIVE: CHECKING IF IT WORK (SHOULD HAVE DONE THAT BEFORE INSERTING IT!!!!.....(BUT I AM NOT "THE BRIGHTEST LIGHT BULB iN THE CHANDELIER".....IF YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN.........) YEAH! IT WORKS!!!..

PHASE 6: LOOKING GOOD FROM ALL ANGLES.....................................................

PHASE 7: PUTTING THE FINAL TOUCHES: WHITE ORGANZA RIBBON WITH LITTLE CROWN AND/OR WITH KEY?..............HUM...LIKE IT BOTH WAYS..................

 

FINAL CHOICE WITH THE KEY.......................................................................

                   

AS SOON AS I HAVE THE TIME (!) AND MY ARM MUSCLES STOP HURTING FROM THE HEAVY DRILLING, I WILL MAKE A FEW MORE. I HAVE SOME TINY PINK LIGHTs AND ALSO SOME PALE AQUA ONES THAT, WITH THE RIGHT RIBBON AND ORNAMENT, WILL LOOK QUITE NICE.

***WORDS OF WISDOM AND CAUTION: IT'S EASY ENOUGH TO DO BUT IT'S VERY HARD TO DRILL. IF YOU ARE GOING TO TRY IT, PLEASE, MAKE SURE TO WEAR GLASSES OR GOGGLES TO PROTECT YOUR EYES. THE DRILLING CREATES A VERY THIN GLASS DUST THAT CAN EASILY GET IN THE EYES. FOR THE SAME REASON, YOU SHOULD ALSO WEAR A MASK AND WORK GLOVES. I WILL NEXT TIME. THE DRILL BIT GETS VERY HOT AND IT COULD EASILY MAKE THE GLASS SHATTER. IT'S A GOOD IDEA TO STOP EVERY 10 MINUTES AND LET IT COOL OFF (AND GIVE YOUR ARMS A REST!)

WHEN YOU GET CLOSER TO THE END BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO PUT PRESSURE ON THE DRILL. LASTLY, I AM GOING TO TRY TO FIND A GLASS FILE TO SMOOTH THE OPENING BEFORE INSERTING THE STRING AS THE RIM OF THE HOLE IS VERY SHARP. I ENDED UP PUSHING THE LIGHTS VERY GENTLY WITH MY FINGERS BUT HAD TO USE A PEN TO PROTECT THEM (FINGERS) WHEN PUSHING THE STRING IN.

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CLOSET PROGRESS: DRYWALL IS ON, TOMORROW THE SHELVES GO UP............

               

SOMEBODY ASKED ME WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THIS WINDOW? THE FACT IS THAT IT'S NOT BEING USED BECAUSE IT'S ON THE WALL BETWEEN THE GUEST ROOM AND MY OFFICE, WHICH IS LOCATED IN WHAT USED TO BE AN OPEN FRONT PORCH, WHICH WAS ENCLOSED LONG BEFORE I BOUGHT THE COTTAGE. SO, THE WINDOW WAS PRETTY WELL USELESS AND I WON'T MISS IT. THERE IS ANOTHER WINDOW THAT OPENS ONTO THE GARDEN.

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STILL WORKING ON THE OTHER ACORNS. HAVE TO FIGURE OUT WHAT KIND OF JEWELS TO DRESS THEM WITH. RIGHT NOW THEY ARE ONLY PAINTED........................................

                  

....................AS FOR THE FINISHED "FAUX MERCURY" JAR, HERE IT IS....................THIS WAS MY FIRST ATTEMPT AND NOW I KNOW I HAVE TO BE VERY CONSERVATIVE WHEN APPLYING THE SILVER LEAF. DON'T WANT TO PUT TOO  MUCH...ALSO, IT MIGHT BE GOOD TO MIX IT WITH JUST A SMIDGEN OF GOLD LEAF SO IT WON'T LOOK TO SILVER AND MORE TARNISHED LIKE THE OLD MERCURY............WILL MAKE ANOTHER ONE SOON..............SO MANY PROJECTS.........AND I HAVE TO WRITE YET!

               

By the way, Elaine, I tried to answer your question regarding "mercurizing" the inside but the email would not go through! So, here is the answer: I silvered the outside but doing the inside instead makes a lot of sense! Yes, you could still put stuff inside because the final coat of sealer prevents the silver from peeling.I also like the idea of doing clear Christmas balls....you are a very clever girl! xo fifi

WELL, THAT WIILL DO FOR TODAY. BACK TO WORK............................................................................

FAKING IT AND OTHER GOOD STUFF

I love mercury glass but the real stuff is quite costly. Fortunately there are some very nice reproductions and also some new mercury that's down right cheap. For me it all began with some hearts ($3.99 each) I bought 3 years ago at Christmas time at Home Goods..................

   

...................shortly after that I went on a photo shoot in California and found a new item in a lovely shop in Carmel. Of course, since it was in Carmel, it was more expensive ($50!)  

...........then I began to find more in various shops all over the country, prices varied according to the cities but most were between $10 and $40. I also began to add color mercury.............and the collection grew...........................................................the stack of balls (on the right) is actually 2 round candle holders on top of each other and the little pink thing is a votive.................the green bead garland is a candle wreath..........it also works with just one ball and the votive...................................

 

here is a close up of the pink votive. It's nicely "beaded."

                     

last year I splurged when Pottery Barn had their big sale after Christmas and bought most of the tall candle holders. The pink vase and the aqua holder came from The Cat's Meow....I found the small hanging votives in a darling shop, Magnolia Creek, in Encinitas, CA.

 

Today, I really scored! I stopped at Tuesday Morning and found this beautiful ornaments ($4.99 each).............................................

...............and this great bowl ($14.99)........................................

..........and finally the jar on the right (but that one was $39.99!...hum....) they have them in various shapes and sizes, the largest one is $50. BUT, it gave me an idea.............

      

..........I figured that if I got some silver leaf I could make my own "faux mercury." So, I went to Michaels and bought a package of silver leaf, the adhesive and the sealer for a total of $13.00. I took the lid from one of my ordinary glass jar and proceeded to experiment............

Bottom right: the lid before, left: pack of silver leaf............................................

..........adhesive and sealer         a silver leaf being applied (it's very thin and flies around easily so do it where there is no air movement...)

First, apply a thin coat of the adhesive to the glass. It takes about 30 minutes to dry to a tansparent finish. Next, take a "page" of silver leaf and place some pieces on the sticky surface by dabbing it with a dry brush.

        

When you have added all the silver leaf you want (make sure to leave some uncovered areas to get a mercury-like finish) apply the sealer very sparingly with a dry brush and VOILA! For a few dollars you now have a faux mercury finish...............

 

...................Guess what? I am going to "mercurize" quite a few things..................what can I say? I am a bit on the obsessive/compulsive side....OUI?

Going Nuts.............

............or so one might think in regards to my obsession with dressing up the season's bounty...it occurred to me that if I could make "fantasy" pumpkins and gourds why not take the idea to ...nuts, or, in this case some big and small fake acorns I had bought a couple of years back....I have only made one so far but 3 more will be finished soon.

This acorn was dark brown. I spray painted it silver, glued rhinestones around the stem then added glass beads to the remainder of the upper portion. It's easy enough to do but you have to work fast as the glue dries quickly on that type of surface. The rhinestones and glass "stones" came from the craft shop.

    

The other acorns are already painted (in different colors) but I have not had time to add the "jewels."

Since I had a couple of pumpkins left I also finished another one. It has a lustrous black and white diamond pattern punctuated with small rhinestones...................

   

...........and there is still one left to do.....then I think I will be done with my "Fall Follies."

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HAVE A HEART..................

I thought I was getting better but that was wishful thinking....this stupid pneumonia is hanging on and I feel very "caca" (as we say back home.) Yesterday I thought I would take a "little" nap around 7.00 PM then get back to work. WELL! I snuggled up on my bed with my kitties and........never woke up until 8.00 this morning....wow! That was a full 11 hours! I should have felt much improved when I got up but somehow that feeling of exhaustion remained all day. I did get some more work done but at the pace of pregnant turtle wearing concrete boots in a snow storm....you get the picture....Anyway, I wanted to share with you some more "lovelies" I received.

I wish Debbie would start a blog so you could see all the great things she makes. This time she sent me a box full of fabric hearts in all shaped and patterns. I have so many now that I put them together in a basket.

    

                        

As if this wasn't generous enough, Debbie also made this wonderful key holder (I am not sure how else to describe it but it's very elegant and luscious...)

                        

      

Debbie, your gifts are delightful but you MUST stop spoiling me! THANK YOU!XOXOXOXOXOXO

A week or so ago I saw some very sweet wooden hands on Sara Duckett's blog (http://sadieolive.typepad.com/) I asked her where she got them and she was nice enough to tell me they came from "Blessings" a shop in Orange, CA, which is close to where she lives. I called the shop and the person who answered wasn't too keen about mailing the hands so Sara went to get them for me. She sent them with an extra one she included as a present as well as a glittering letter "B" and a "Blessings" sign! Her willingness to help and her kind gifts made me feel very special. THANK YOU Sweet Sara!XOXOXOXOXOXOX

   

  I also made myself a glittery "MOI" word for one of my boards...why not? The more glitter the better

                      

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My sister, who knows me, oh so well, sent me 2 very "blingy' key rings. Just love them. They will probably end up as decorations on something.....................

   

                      

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I am slowly taking out more Christmas ornaments but because the kitties love to play with them I have to keep them in glass jars......

    

Have you ever seen these beautiful cakes? They are the gorgeous work of pastry chef Susan Morgan (http://www.elegantcheesecakes.com/) Take a look at all the amazing cakes she creates and keep in mind they ship all over the country.

I am going to do a (food) story on Susan's coastal inspired-cakes for Coastal Living.

   

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Spell it Out: I got these signs in Connecticut last winter. If you like them you can get them from Michelle Ward's shop (Taken For Granite, 409 Leetes Island Road, Stony Creek, CT 06405- phone 203-488-0557- info@forgranite.com) Michelle hand-paints them herself. She can also write anything you want! Tell her "Fifi sent you....." 

 

                    

VOILA! That's it for today. Time to get back to bed and hope tomorrow will be a good day. Sweet Dreams! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo             

GLAMOROUS GOURDS & MAGIC PUMPKINS

I love pumpkins & gourds and fall colors but, as you may have noticed, oranges, yellows and browns don't fit my cottage color palette. So, what's a girl to do? The answer is quite simple: call on the Fabulous Fifi's style to transform them, which translates by glitter, glitz, shimmer and a little bling, of course..... All it took was some stencil paint and a few sparkling embellishments to plastic pumpkins and gourds I have had for years.....

Keep in mind this is still a work in progress and I have a few tricks & treats left for their completion. I took some quick photos but will reshoot them with my good camera when they are completed, hopefully before Halloween......

                        

Each is decorated with items I had: rhinestones, crowns, tiaras, mask and "jewels" that were on old napkin rings...everything is hot glued so they can easily be removed if I decide I want to change them.....I have been known to change my mind...it's a girl thing....

  &n