Amis Blogging

My oh my, I must order fabric, get my license renewed,
buy Kentucky bourbon for gifts, finish packing, do some
ironing, yada, yada, and I only have 24 hours left
before I depart for France. Yet, here I sit blogging!
Just another one of my addictions!
I hope to blog a bit while I am there, but if I
don't get the chance, see you when I return.
I am leaving you with some recently discovered
beautiful blogs out there that I wanted to share
with you.
They are must visits and I know you will enjoy
them!

The first is June Parrish Cookson's blog
Ink Vanilla
June is an amazing artist living in the Pacific West
and has an amazing since of style.

Next is Judy Banderia, a boutique owner in Australia.
She has some beautiful photo's on her blog
Lily-G and a boutique!
And then, we all love that Country Swedish look right?

Visit Mia at Lilla Blanka
She has a wonderful country style and
creates some wonderful vignettes, mostly
white of course.
Enjoy the blogs!!!
Oh, and don't forget about Donna's
Swashbuckler Soiree this Saturday!!
Hope to see you there!
Have a wonderful week!!
bientôt

un bon fatigué

I'm "a good tired". What a week it has been!
Finally, we have had some good weather in Louisville
so I've started planting flowers at the shop. Still a long
way to go, but it is a beginning.

I had to show you a picture of our wisteria! It just
exploded this week. It must have 50 blooms on it.
It is about 4 yrs. old and believe it or not, it's planted
in a wash basin!

I'm trying to train it to climb the zinc roof finial

I'm using a lot of impatiens and ferns due
to the shade. Sitting on the marble top bistro
is a putt-putt cup with a numbered flag and those
are art-deco era light covers from a French hotel.
They are great to use as bowls, but I haven't
filled them yet.

A fern in an old galvanized French floral
container that has Roses 5F stenciled on it.
Then of course, my shutter awnings supported
with old architectural corbels. You do know I
am a shutter fanatic.

The upstairs terrace. That's a work in progress.
Tim just finished painting, so once it is back together
I'll take photo's. Can't decide where to hang my sign???

We also had our "Simply French" cooking class last night.

A class of 20 was just the right size and the food
was AWESOME!

Chef Greg from Mirabelle Gourmet Catering
entertained us with his stories of France while
teaching us all about sauces

Thank goodness for my brother, Regan!
He owns 2Thomases Video Production,
so he worked for dinner last night.
He is a master at putting together creative
videos.
We are going to make Chef Greg a YouTube star.
Once the 60 second shots are completed, I'm
sure one will show up on my blog!
Who knows, maybe he will have his own
cooking show some day.

Meet Norma and

Tim. They are my left and right arm at the shop


Some photo's I did manage to get.

We literally clear out the front room. We lucked
out last night on the weather. The sidewalk
was full of iron beds and tables.

It was a great time and Chef Greg is beginning
to get a fan club

Thank you to those that participated!
You were great company!

And we look forward to the next time!
Now, I must go run errands and start packing.
France is waiting :)
Have a good weekend everyone!

heures d'ouverture

The Opening Hours of my next French voyage.
I love these opening introductions to the antique
and brocante hunt that is about to unfold.
All my wonderful contacts in France starting
to send me photographs of their lovely treasures.

How can I possibly pass on this weathered old
store sign "Commerce de Vins"?
Yes, I will scour the antique markets and attend
several auctions, but I do have my regulars.


Not only do I want these wonderful aged plasters,
I'll take the wall too! Good thing there is no
weight limit on my container!


I'll also be in search of pieces for clients.
Louis XV walnut and oak sideboards and
buffets, original painted armoires, farm tables,
great store display pieces, pine cupboards,
bergeres, Louis XVI daybeds, gilt
trumeau mirrors, iron gates and
zinc roof finials to name a few.

And always those accessories that
scream "Country French".
White paper bound books, limed
architectural fragments, garden bistro
tables, statuary and iron garden urns.

I can't wait to get to the Brocante markets.
Those are the best places to find old textiles,
monogrammed linens, pottery pieces,
copper cookware, toleware, old menus and
ironstone, and I'm always scanning for
items with French writing on them.

Think I should put these fauteuils on the
container?

Little commodes, coronas and
chandeliers, oh my!
If you have been looking for that
special Country French Antique to
decorate your home, this is your chance!
If you would like to add an item to
the hunt, feel free to do so!
You can email me your request and
I will be more than happy to add it
to my list. The more detail you can
me, the better and don't worry, you
won't be obligated. If I think it would
be of interest to someone else, I'll
buy it anyway, (if the price is right).
I always go with a binder full and it
makes the hunt more exciting!
Send an email or call 502.585.3111
if you prefer.

32 Bis

Je suis très content.
Two weeks from today, I will once again
return to the country that fills me with inspiration.
I'll return to my pied-à-terre at 32 Bis in France.

It is a place, this country called France, that speaks to the depths of my soul and her beauty humbles one. I'll once again be grateful that I have this moment of time to share with mon ami's.

I'll rest dan le jardin and silently try to analyze the meaning of it all with those sweet melodies (the French language) echoing in the background. (especially after a glass or two of vin rouge)

I'll ask myself, who, what, and why have I been so blessed to share a bit of life with these people (the French) and been so openly received by this lady, France???

Lady France will act as my shepherd and gently guide me to experience her offerings. I look forward to the lessons of this journey. I am like clay in her hand, her sculpture not yet finished.

She will teach me the beauty of decaying elegance and how to appreciate the footprints of those who came before me.

She will speak to me from the heavens

She will take me to some familiar places and show me things I overlooked.

She will steer me down some new roads to discover parts of her, I do not yet know.

She takes me higher and higher with every visit. Trip #44 and so much of her, not yet revealed.

Déjeuner at my favorite Auberge, she will remind me, sharing in another person's passion is one of life's most beautiful gifts.

She will show me how to create, because I am living on the edge of creation.

But, she will ask me to blend into my new creation, a part of those beautiful thoughts from the past. She whispers, "you are a part of all that has ever been."

She will share with me her bouquets.

She will leave me speechless at times.

Photo from Living Etc.

She always gives me much to ponder.

Thank you Lady France and your people for preserving

your history, embracing passion, cultivating the arts,

and realizing that 2 hour lunches give time for the

important things in life!

It is with great pleasure that I return to you once more!

And I say, Viva la France!

Objets de Romance

Okay, I'm guessing if you are reading my blog
you like this look ! Romantic don't you think?

French toile pillows with burlap

And you do know that European Antique Market
is all about the romance of French antiques
and a few new things that tie in perfectly!

Ticking stripe tablecloth with toile overlay

Park Hill Collections is one of our favorite newbies!
We love all those faded color palettes.
And we have a rather large order due in
any day now.



Antique inspired silver trophies and oval boxwood topiaries

If your a boutique owner we think you'll love them too!

A very vintage look

Cotton ball garland and wreaths

Glass Cloches and mossy covered terracotta saucers

Boxwood Topiaries in lime washed pots and French canvas panels

Cigar boxes, pottery and tole jardeniers

They are in the process of developing a website so until

then you can call my rep, Michael Gastineau at

1-888-603-3334.

The minimum order is $350.

As always, if you are not a store owner or designer,

give us a call or email and we will be glad to

order for you...or we may have it in stock!

So tell me my friends, are we speaking the

same language here?

la Soiree

Care to have dinner with good company
surrounded by beautiful French Antiques ?


European Antique Market is hosting our 3rd
"Simply French" cooking class with my favorite
French Chef, Greg Guiot from
Mirabelle Gourmet Catering.



On the menu is :
Baby Green Salad with French Vinaigrette
Crispy Salmon Purses filled with Crabmeat Stuffing
Spring Asparagus Beurre Blanc
Vegetable Provencal Ratatouille and
Foundant au Chocolat
and of course there will be wine!

Seating is limited so reserve now!
Call us at 502-585-3111

Also visit one of my favorite bloggers
Donna at The Ribboned Crown !
A blog where fantasy and imagination reign.
She is hosting what promises to be
a Fabulous Fete, "A Swashbuckler Soiree"



Be sure to join the rest of us Swashbuckler-ettes !
Visit her blog and sign up today!
See you there??????

Plus de Secrets

I have another luscious Trade Secret for you!
Hopefully, you have been wanting to come to
Louisville to pay us a visit at
European Antique Market
And we would really love for you to come...
So, I am sweetening the pot a bit!
Another reason to visit Louisville, Ky.
that will make the trip worth it!
Blue Ocean Traders

Blue Ocean is a wholesaler that is located about 10
minutes from European Antique Market in a
warehouse. He imports from Eastern Europe,
Asia and Egypt.

Jason has a great selection of items for those of you

with home furnishings and accessory stores or booths.
And if you love the shabby, primitive, rustic, cottage style...

look no further!

He carries a variety of new (made to look old) and vintage

wares.

I've pictured a few of his accessories so you can get

an idea.

Tole chandeliers and sconces,

Iron by the pound,

Reclaimed painted pine furniture,

Garden urns and statuary,

Huge carved wooden bowls,

Grain buckets,

Rustic painted benches,

Industrial, mechanical items,

Hungarian textiles and grain sacks,

Zinc troughs, etc., etc., etc.,

And the prices are hard to beat!

He is a wholesaler, does not sell to the public.

I have carried a few of his items in the past, but

not much only because most gift/home decor

stores in Louisville carry it. If I lived somewhere

else I would, because it is nice stuff!

Maybe worth a try for you ???

So come to Louisville and spend a day or two!

Bring your truck and fill it with lots of goodies

from Blue Ocean and one of a kind, unique

Country French antique pieces from

European Antique Market.

If your not a designer/dealer, you can contact

me and I would be glad to purchase for you.

And yes, European Antique Market also

sells to the public.

There are many Derby activities in town

now through Derby Day, so it is a good

time to visit.

If you need help with suggestions of where

to stay, want to fly in and need a ride, or

if I can help in any planning, please don't

hesitate to contact me.

Guarantee you'll be glad you came!!!

Have a great weekend !

Atelier Home

at·elier (at′'l yā′; Fr ȧ tə lyā′)
A studio or workshop, esp. one used by an artist.

The perfect name for a place I know in the quaint
little village of Chagrin Falls, in northern Ohio.
Atelier Home / Cottonwood.

This space on Orange Street is where two lovely artists,
(Dottie & Dorine), are creating a tableaux vivants,
(living picture), rich with the icy blue and white colors
of Nordic countries, accented with the pastel palettes of
the French Countryside.
After months of sourcing product, dealing with city
permits, endless nights of painting and all those other
tasks that are associated with opening a retail store,
Atelier Home opened it's doors on March 1st.


Entering Atelier Home is like visiting your
favorite Art Gallery with compositions that are
reminiscent of 19th century Gouache's splashed with
tints of white.

Louis XV and XVI style pieces are impasto against
windows draped in silk, flirting dressmaker's details
worthy of haute couture.
Antique, weathered, time worn accessories are
grouped to resemble still life's of a day in the country.

Atelier Home is a store full of European
influences down to the terraced floor that has a
sameness to well scrubbed Swedish boards that
reflect the color of cotton.

And you will think DaVinci is alive and well,
tutoring the laws of the Golden Ratio.

They are also the exclusive Cleveland retailer for Mitchell

Gold, who has wonderful upholstered sofas and chairs.

The creativity is in the details! This has to be one of my

favorites! The French furniture words handpainted on

the risers. I love that!!

A mix of old and new.

The wall mural is from Murals Your Way. It looks

stunningly realistic in person. They have a rather

large selection on their website and some nice

French murals. Don't you adore those French

storefronts?

You can also have your own photograph made into

a mural. Something else I need to add to my

"To Do" list !

If your ever in Northern Ohio, be sure to stop by

Atelier Home. Like the French saying above the door

"Que les invités qui entrent dans cette maison,

repartent en amis."

(Those who are invited to enter this house,

leave as friends)

The Grand Opening is being planned for the

weekend of June 21.

You don't want to miss it, as they will have a

lucious container load of

"Country French Antiques"

Visages de la France

I love to go out in the garden at the store and
contemplate how I'm going to rearrange a room.
Should I change the color of a wall, what color
will dominate the garden this year, always so
many decisions.
I also like all the friendly faces around to bounce
my ideas off of, but there are times, I think I am
really here for them. It is through me that they attempt
to tell their story in hopes that others can see
their beauty.


They are gentle reminders of life in France.
Sometimes (most of the time), they all talk at once. ..
" Hey Shawn,
Remember how the pebbles crushed under your
feet, the iron charcouterie hooks that held the
blooming baskets, wire glass carriers with little
rimless pots, the jam jars filled with sand for
candles, bistro water bottles with single stems,
galvanized tubs with boxwoods, grape hoppers
full of ferns, hand forged crosses to bless
the garden, enamel body buckets for thirsty
flowers, the moss, don't forget the moss,
I want an iron day bed to watch over, marble..
put a piece of round marble on top of that urn
to hold the aperitifs and don't forget the dog..
a big galvanized pouring pan with a cushion
for le chien, hey Shawn,
we need an enamel number for the door !!!!!



Come on let's get started!! "

I run back in the store to get my notebook and then somebody else chimes in.

" Hey Shawn, don't forget us, we want to entertain too!

I want to hang from the rafter so I can see whats going on around here, set me on the Giugnol stage, Can you make me a tightrope, yeah a circus sounds like fun."

For a bunch of marionettes they sure babble a lot!

There is no escaping, (not that I really want to).

"Shawn, can I talk to you, just for a moment, I prefer to hang above the French door, put me on top of that Louis Philippe commode, can you put those leather books next to me please, I want that cream iron chandelier to be on my right side, frame me with the 18th century shutters please, oh glad you said that, where is that awning you were getting for me? Needlepoint, I need some needlepoint over here, do you think that green armoire makes my complexion look washed out? I want that crown over here, right on top of my head!"

They can be very demanding at times, those friendly faces of mine, but I wouldn't have it any other way!

objet d art nouveau

For all the Shopaholics out there, (me included),
we are having a feast today!
Even though I have an Antique/Home Furnishings
store (95% of my inventory is Country French Antiques
and Brocante), I still carry some new items.
All my Home & Garden furniture is antique and
many of my accessories are unique, one of a kinds.


Some things just have to be old and French, like the
circa 1860 Vasselier above.
But then for some things, new isn't bad. In small
doses mind you.
I know many of you also have stores and finding
the right vendors can be a time consuming process,
so ...in the future I will share with you some of my
favorites. No need to fret if your not a retailer.
I would be more than happy to sell to you, as these
are items we also carry.


The items above are from New Creative
I love the little crystal candle holder and tea stained pillows.
They also have several old window frames with botanicals
in the glass. Perfect for those Shabby Chic,
cottage style decors.
Great glass apothecary jars to hold your corks and who
can resist the scrolly iron photo frame?
My favorite has to be the galvanized bulb pans!
Their price points are pretty good, so you can't go wrong here.

These photos above are from Napa Home & Garden.

Now if you happen to be dango over Boxwoods (like me),

Napa's are wonderful. The best I have found,

(for the price). They are real preserved boxwoods.

Moss covered chargers (Très jolie) and a huge selection of

mercury glass! They also carry the famous Anduze Pottery

from France in a multitude of colors. Garden relics and

great faux lead containers.

Next we have Studio Vertu .

They have over 800 styles of wonderful Italian tumbled

marble coasters. The artwork is amazing on these little

treasures. There is no end to what you could do with these.

Just how many shadowboxes do you have?

Then there is Guildmaster

My heart be still. A real Old World look and great quality.

Beautifully painted tin boxes, simple iron chandeliers,

wire dress forms, florist tins, architectural fragments,

weathered crowns, and hand painted doors. Love

those patina's.

If you happen to like a bit more color, they also have

some fun whimsical items like the ones pictured below.


I love their lamps and gingham candlesticks. Juggling

pins and French style artwork. You really should check

them out.

Danielson Designs has to be the best for signs and frames.

If you are in to the weathered look, search no further.

All sorts of inspirational signs and many in an autre langue.

I bet you spend some money here! Just a side note too...

I have a wonderful signmaker in France that uses old

weathered, original painted wood to make custom signs.

If you can imagine it..we can do it !!

If your taste runs more to the Romantic Old World visit

the Peninsula Home Collection

Paneled doors painted with archangels, muted plaques

with paintings framed in gilt. Ooh La La !

And Sia, a "high fashion" European home decor supplier.

Their collection includes some wonderful lavender

accessories and table linens that resemble old

French ticking.

Wouldn't those squishy peaches look great in the natural

stick basket? They do have some great fruits. Little petite

cantaloupes, just like in France.

Realistic roses in moss covered pots and natural twig urns.

I love the little wood bundles and they also have a nice

selection of shells.

And lastly, if your looking for moderately priced, nice

quality pillows, Peking Handicrafts is it.

Loads of needlepoint and embroidered

pillows, nice tiebacks and a host of other accessories.

Just a tad bit French don't you think?

Hope you enjoyed the photo's, courtesy of the

websites listed and maybe you found a new

vendor?

I'll share more with you in the days to come,

just in case you don't make it to High Point.

AND if you do go be sure to stop by the

EJ Victor Showroom to see the

Carol Hicks Bolton collection. Their displays

are always amazing!

Belle Maison Design

Just thought I would post some Inspiration
A Collection of some favorite Country French rooms from
Marie Clair Maison

I love the silky butter color of this kitchen paired with
the textured stone walls. An antique buffet deux corp with
glass doors serves as storage while treasured ironstone
platters are proudly displayed on the wall. Antique glasses
within arms reach and rich glazed pottery helps with
organization.

Those glorious French shuttered windows that open inside.
It's almost impossible to find those here!

The following photo's are from Artistic agent and chinor,
Aurélien's Maison. He too, travels France and Europe
in search of his treasures.
Those textured chalky walls are the perfect backdrop
for the Swedish consoles and gilded metal appliques.

The Louis XV bed and painted table are the perfect

compliment to one another.

Love, Love, Love that wall!!!

The fabric knotted around the bedpost seems to soften

the weathered finish of the bed. I can hear the violet and

vert linens whispering my name.

Isn't that a wonderful combination of colors?

Again love the textures here! Looks like cheesecloth

and burlap.

An aperitif on this terrace? Anytime!

I think the lavabo placed low on the wall is interesting

and pebbled terraces are quite common in the

countryside.

I've always wanted a velvet upholstered Louis XVI

fauteuil in my salle de bain. So unexpected, but a

wonderful place to put on your slippers, don't you

think?

And oh, if I had the means, I would have garden statuary

in every room of the house! Did you notice the high-gloss

paint on the ceiling? The chandelier is to die for!

Don't you love the polished look with those drapes

and the statue? I personally would have chosen a

claw foot tub, but it is still luscious!

Simple and beautiful! I actually did crackle finishes on my

claw foot tubs.

Also adore these corona's over bathtubs.

I don't know, I might have to re-paint one of my tubs this

bronze finish. I'm really liken it!

Well, hope you enjoyed some of my favorite

photos.

Have a wonderful weekend and

GO CARDS!!!

Les Bonbonnes Verre

French Antique hand blown Bonbonne Verres,
Dame Jeannes, Demijohns, carboys, whatever
label you prefer to give these beauties, every maison
should have one.
Perfectionnez pour l'Ambiance française.


I love their grand statement and even though some are
large, (they range from 1 to 10 gallons), there is a
lightness and simplicity to them.
Simple to decorate with and an easy way to bring a
bit of spring indoors. Cut a few branches from
your blooming lilacs, cherry blossoms or star magnolias
and viola, you have an elegant composition. Don't
forget to add the sparkling water!
You can also purchase the candle holders for bottles
and let the wax drip to your hearts desire.
With the quality of artificial today, if you opt
for something your garden can't grow, try something
Frenchy like branches of chestnuts, olive or
walnuts.

A variety of colors, sizes and wraps,
European Antique Market always keeps a few in
the cellar. Most are $125.00. I can never go to
a French market without loading up on these!

From the 17th Century these unique hand blown bottles
were used to store cognac, after the aging process
in oak casks. When the Master Distiller wanted to
stop the maturation of the Cognac, it was transferred
to glass demi johns. Unlike wine, cognac will not mature
when stored in glass and aging in oak, beyond 50 years,
does nothing to enhance its velvety taste.

To protect the liquid gold from light and during transport,
many of the bottles were wrapped in wicker or rattan.

This is a photo of a gabare (sailing barge) on the

Charente River in the Cognac region of France.

Bonbonne Verre's also make wonderful
wedding gifts as, no two are alike.
And if you feel like splurging, include a bottle
of that Grande Fine Champagne!
Sante!
Hope everyone had a lovely Easter and Thanks
to everyone who sent well wishes my way!
If you have a Bonbonne Verre, how do you
use yours???

Joyeuses Pâques

To all my Blogging friends and readers
Hope You Have a Wonderful Easter!