Saturday, April 5, 2014

Swedish Daydreams

Hi everyone,  I'm sorry I've been away so long.  I just was making minis and you know how the time just slips away.  Its spring and all I can think of is Sweden, I have never been, but seeing pictures and hearing about their outlook on life sure makes me want to go.   I read all the Swedish blogs and most of my ideas come from pieces I see from Sweden.  I think if I had to choose, Sweden would be number 2 in my book of places to live, (sorry but number 1 for me is Paris, I think you understand why).  When I think of Sweden I think of the beautiful curvy Mora clocks.  They have to be some of the most beautiful clocks.  I have always wanted one, maybe some day......   
 
 (source:unknown)
 Here is a real Mora clock, beautiful.
 
 Here is my mini version of a Mora clock.  I love the way this came out.  Now this is a Mora clock.  Too bad it already sold, but not to worry, more are coming.  So if you love this clock just be patient.
 
 My next love Vellum books, I have a small collection under glass.  I fell in love with them years ago and every time I see one, I snatch it up.  I love the creamy colors and the French writing.  Here is my mini version of Vellum books.  I love them!!!!! Two different styles and the books really open to reveal blank pages.  Wouldn't it be fun to put your secret in one of these mini books.

(source: unknown)
Here are real French Vellum books, so beautiful!!!!!
Ok I'm off to make more minis,  be sure to check out the shop on Etsy.
Make it a great day....


Monday, March 10, 2014

Old Versailles part II

Hi everyone.  Just wanted to show some new pieces I put in my Old Versailles collection in my Etsy shop.  I love this collection, its been a joy creating it and seeing the finished pieces.  If you are looking for that Marie Antoinette look for your dollhouse or just a couple of pop pieces this collection is for you.
 First is a Trumeau mirror, this one is different from the last one, as I put a rural scene in the top.  I love this mirror, just has more of the look I like.  Don't worry the relief piece Trumeau mirrors are coming back too.
 Next is the console table, this is done in a Gustavian grey with gold trim.  Imagine this in full, how stunning it would be in a foyer or grand hallway.
 Oh this one is cute.  A cherub wall panel, I have always loved that green, it looks like it could be in the French Queen's bedroom, maybe over her bed?????  I love it.
 My favorite...... Ok if you have been following my Etsy store then you recognize this, Its a French Empire daybed.  It did have French script fabric on it, but surprise I changed it to this more luxe silk velvet.  OMG can I tell you how much I love it now!!!!!! Trust me it feels as good as it looks, so luxe!!!!!
Last but definitely not least is this Bornholm tall clock.  I have been wanting to do a clock with Scandinavian roots.  The Bornholm clocks are actually Danish, but you see them in Swedish and French homes also.  Its not a Bornholm without the wreath on the bottom.  This piece really came out well.  So for all you Swedish lovers like me, this is for you.  I actually have a surprise for all the Swedish interiors lovers so keep watching my Etsy shop, this is going to be good.
I have to say I went to my first mini show this weekend.... I loved it.  It was the Atlanta Miniature Show,  I had a good time and met lots of fun mini dealers.  It was great can't wait to go again.  If you have never been to a mini show GO!!!!! It is great.  Ok I have to go work on more mini, yes I got the bug.
Make it a great day.

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Old Versailles

Hi everyone.  As you can probably tell from my previous posts I have a fascination with 18th century France especially Marie Antoinette.  Trust me I'm surprised I don't own a copy of the movie considering I watch it every time it comes on (ssshhhh even watch it on IFC on demand).  Well that being said I have a birthday coming up guess what I'm asking for?????LOL.  Having that kind of inspiration I decided to do an Old Versailles collection.  I didn't want them to feel new so I aged them a little bit so they felt like antiques.  They are also more detailed and lots of antique gold, we all know how Marie loved her gold, just don't say "Let them eat cake!!!", not a good idea.  More pieces are going to be added, but here are two I have done....
 
 Here is a gold Lyre back chair with dreamy, creamy silk velvet.  I love this chair I also most didn't put it on.....
Next are these Versailles inspired wall panels, they are antique blue with, you guessed it antique gold.  Both of these items are in my Etsy shop along with a few other pretties.....
Make it a good day

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Garden Stools and more.........

Hi everyone.  I've been having spring thoughts recently I guess I can't wait.  What's new in my Etsy shop, well this cute little garden stool.  I remember as a child my grandmother had a garden stool to work on her tea roses.  She would work on them for hours, she loves roses and I gained that love.  Funny how memories are so sweet and time goes on.
 
I also added this garden table, it has a very French conservatory feel.  A great piece in a miniature conservatory or miniature home.
 
In the Etsy shop I found a way to reduce the shipping on smaller items.  I hope this helps if you are interested in anything you see.
Make it a great day....

Thursday, February 13, 2014

French Conservatory

Hi everyone, I'd like to welcome you to my French conservatory,  well the one I dream about having.  You know go out in the morning with my coffee or tea and enjoy nature (without the bugs).  Well enough dreaming................This room box is actually an Ikea Terrarium, I took the front off and added a floor.  I also added side pictures for a little more realism.
 

 Where I serve morning coffee....
 
 ...and pot beautiful plants.
 
 This little rusty bench is ideal to sit and enjoy the outdoors.
 
 No French conservatory would be complete without a birdcage.  This rusty one hangs from the ceiling "LOOK OUT BELOW!!!!!!" 
Here is some of the inspiration,(I don't remember where the photos came from, but let me know if one is yours and I'll give you credit.)
 This conservatory, beautiful and very French.....
 
 Love the daybed.
 
 What can I say classically beautiful.
 
 There you go birdcage.......
 
I love the chandelier......
Thanks for stopping by and some of the items in my French conservatory will be in my Esty shop.  Make it a good day.

Friday, February 7, 2014

Shabby Chic Inspiration - Darcy Chair

Hi everyone,  I just put a new item on Etsy today.  I was inspired by the iconic Darcy chair from Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture.  I have always loved this chair, its strong French presence with a fun update.  I found this poor little mini broken in a box, I said to myself that looks familiar.  I got it took it home put it back together and said that looks a little like the Darcy chair.  So I set about making it more Shabby Chic, I even simulated the slipcovered seat.  I loved it so much I didn't want to part with it.  Here it goes, I hope whoever purchases it loves it as much as I loved making it.
 

 My mini Darcy Chair....
 
 (photo:rachel ashwell shabby chic couture)
The real Darcy chair....
 
 (photo:rachel ashwell shabby chic couture)
So perfect in a nursery or wherever a truly timeless chair....
 
Thanks for visiting.  Make it a good day.
French Vellum

Friday, January 31, 2014

Introduction.......

Hi welcome to French Vellum.  I am always asked what inspires my miniatures, so I decided to start a blog so I can show you exactly my inspiration, anything new I may put in my etsy shop, and any new projects I'm working on.  My overall inspiration for my miniatures is European style, mostly 18th century European style.  I am also inspired by Shabby Chic style, I love the colors of Shabby Chic and the sense of history the style embodies.  Here are some examples of my miniatures and what inspired them...  

My miniature balustrade table...
 

My inspiration.....
 

My miniature Trumeau Mirror...
 

My inspiration
(photo: tarashaw.com)
 

My miniature Napoleon III style sofa...
 
 
My inspiration...
 
There is plenty of inspiration online these days, and I'm always on the look out for minis to create.  Most you can find on my etsy shop, French Vellum.
Make it a great day.