A New Addition!

I've updated my Etsy shop with 2 new styles. The KJ, a cane pattern with bamboo border, monogrammable set. And a Bon Anniversaire card in trellis with a bamboo border. Check out my Etsy shop and spread the word!

Back fat be gone!

I've got a new article up for OMFG and if I do say so myself, this one's a doozy. It's about personal style and how to look you best. i.e showing off your goods, while masking your not-so-goods. Check it out and comment, friends!

Freeze!

Popsicle Guns! Brilliant!

Thanks to TYPOGRAPHICARTSTUFF for turning me onto these. And to Florian Jenett for being such a bad ass creative mind.

Te amo.

Having a bit of a Spanish moment over here at the Chateau. Talk about brilliant product showcasing. I can't think of anything more beauteous and clever than the Theurel & Thomas Maison du Macaron. Located in Nuevo León, Mexico. Click on the pics for enlarged images. Mira!

With everything in white, the emphasis is all on their beautiful, precious macarons. These guys nailed it from the decor to the packaging to the stationery to the uniforms. Even down to the address and hours on their storefront window. ¡Bravo!

Frenchie asked what was the allure of macarons because as far as pastry is concerned it ain't the greatest. I reasoned that macarons are so much more than just treats. They're almost like edible jewels. Opening a beautiful box of tissue encased bright pompous little macarons smiling back at you, daring you to eat one is...so much more than having a snack. It's experiential. I think these guys really develop that, using their macarons as decor in the space. I can't love it enough.

Big ups to A212 and Rock My Blog for turning me onto these.

So how about you? Why do you love macarons? The taste? The experience? Or do you think it's all bunk and would gladly rather a crumbly buttery croissant on a battered cafe table?

Paper, Doll.

It's been awhile since we've done a good old run of paper, doll round these parts. A reward for all your patient waiting. Paper Mash is a super cool UK shop devoted to all things paper. Check out their adorable stationery.

And the cherry on the sundae is their DIY projects. Particularly these adorable drink parasols. Courtesy of Livy at A Field Journal. Download the instructions at Paper Mash here.

Thanks to 100 Layer Cake my favorite wedding blog for turning me onto these.

Workin it out.

Not to worry my friends. A little clearing of the air was accomplished with spectacular results. It's clear skies and calm waters ahead today. So happiness reigns supreme at the Chateau again.

Thought I would cheer your day up with a super cool DIY I managed before our guests arrived. I tacked a beautiful sari that my bro had brought back for me from Delhi to my chimney mantle. I used little black map tacks, folded the top of the silk down by a couple of inches to cover the rough edge of the silk, and then the length of silk in half vertically and started by pinning the top middle to the top middle of the chimney. Then I worked each side, pinning it very tightly, all the way down.

 The corners were kinda difficult because the fabric wrapped over the sides of the chimney causing the fabric to bunch. One way to avoid this trouble would be to get fabric that is only the width or narrower than your chimney. The other way is to pin very carefully until you get to where the mantle and the chimney meet. Then to carefully pin the silk at the mantle allowing the fabric to drape and gather gracefully around the corner. Like here.

Next I wrapped the fabric around the mantle tightly and pinned it on the underside. Voila!

I love the way my orchids look framed by the gorgeous purple silk.

So, what DIY's have you been up to lately? Anything new and noteworthy? Share the love.

What a week.

This past week. Was my birthday. Also we had guests for the week. Also my loving relationship took a turn down the bumpiest patch yet and has called me to question all things. I have been horrifically sad and my world has been turned on it's head. Imagine all that emotional turmoil when you have guests! And everyone will tell you I am the absolute worst at Poker Face. Lady Gaga, I salute you. So while being an emotive mess of a hostess [not my proudest moment], planning, cooking and baking for my own birthday fête [don't ask], and missing my friends and family so much I thought my heart would break. I didn't have the time, or energy or wherewithal to get to much blogging. Depression just zaps the creative spirit right out of me. And for some it does such wonders. Not me, I'm the happy artist type. But I hate to leave my good friends and faithful readers hanging.

Behold! Some super cool pics I nabbed at the chocolate museum in Bruges. A super fun spot even though it was far too crowded for my tastes. Oh I just detest crowds. Beaucoup d'anxiété pour moi. Anywho, the chocolate boxes and wrappers from days of yore are just the living end. J'adore. Enjoy.

In Bruges.

So lover and I went to Brugge, Bruges, or Bruge. Depending on who you are, where you come from, and how you choose to spell it. I like Bruges, personally. Bruges is a quaint Belgian town, in the Flemish part, known for it's medieval architecture and general cutie cuteness. It's called "The Venice of Northern Europe." And is well-reputed for being a top-notch romantic destination. Here's some pics we took to chew on. Let me know what you think.

We had to transfer at Antwerp. Home of the Dries Van Noten flagship store!

We happened upon this pretty park right out of the station in Bruges.

Our walk into the old town.

Went to this pretty bunk art exhibit right in the town center, by the Tower. The only 2 pieces I liked [above] happened to be by the same artist. Lieven Demunter. As luck would have it, he has a pretty cool site too.

St. Anna's church. Ha!

I think the fear of God has got this one good.

 And now for a little teaser. I found some really interesting shops while I was in Bruges. Stay tuned for In Bruges...Part Deux or Twee; depending on which side you're on.