Click to Visit These Popular Posts

CONFESSIONS OF A PLATE ADDICT DIY Spring Tulip WreathCONFESSIONS OF A PLATE ADDICT Pottery Barn Inspired Nest Place Card HoldersCONFESSIONS OF A PLATE ADDICT Farmhouse Spring Porch 6CONFESSIONS OF A PLATE ADDICT Easy Flower Pot Wreath

24 July, 2010

Finding "Frenchiness"...Parisian and Provencal

IMG_2505 Today I am having dessert first and starting out by showing you my favorite find of the week...and a little peek into a big change that is coming for my bedroom! I immediately fell in love when I saw this lamp, but left the flea market without it. However, it later passed my “I really want it” test when I found myself thinking about it that night instead of sleeping! lol  I love it with the toile fabric…so frenchy! Doesn’t it look like it came out of a Paris apartment? I hope to make some progress this week and have something to show you soon!


IMG_2501 This little frenchy boy was a $2.00 find at Goodwill! However, I couldn’t even photograph the before! He was unfired ceramic bisque that apparently was never completely painted and as a result…he was filthy! I gave him a good scrubbing to no avail! Sooo…


IMG_2500 …I finally brushed him with a thin layer of gray craft paint mixed with water to shabby him up and help to tone down that gold trim! And here he is added to the vignette on my painted table in the living room! I think like him! Are you seeing a little lean toward a more Parisian style frenchiness at my house?  Where is that coming from? lol


page1 Of course, I can’t abandon my real love…a more provençal Country French look! Nor, it seems, can I leave behind anything that is marked as a product of France, looks French or even seems to have ever been looked at by a passing French person! lol I can’t abandon it to some buyer off the street who might not appreciate it as much as I will!  So this hand painted olive jar came home with me! I have to wonder…how did it get to the US and why did someone let it go? Don’t tell me if you saw it at TJMaxx! lol


gbs0799_l I can’t seem to take pictures of art to save me, so I am showing you this one from a photo I snitched from the web! I found this fabulous framed provençal print by Guy Buffet  called Hotel Mistral while Goodwill hunting! It was only $25…a real steal because the print alone can be $30…if you can find it because it’s out of print! Buffet is a French artist who grew up in his family’s Parisian restaurant. I hung this one over my kitchen sink because I have no window. Now I have a view of Frenchmen playing boules. And one of my other loves is even represented…goats! lol


IMG_2491 Here is where my little brain start to stretch things! I’m sorry…but isn’t this just the frenchiest little domed silver butter dish you ever saw? This is another of those “really want it” items that I let get away the first time. So when I found one again at Goodwill, I didn’t hesitate!


IMG_2492 Baby Kitty was really surprised when I opened it to reveal the little glass dish! The lid is attached and just rolls back. Do you know I found the silver domed part on one aisle and then went to the glassware aisle with my fingers crossed that the dish would be there…and it was! Woo hoo! I don’t know why they always separate things like that! I spent a total of about $5 for it.


page And finally, my best bargains of the week…free!  Two of my friends were having a yard sale and decided that I  should have these wonderful vintage-looking kitty goodies! I love the paper dolls! If you know me, you know I love little animals wearing clothes! The paper dolls are marked “Victorian” but I don’t care…they look French to me! lol I mean…look at the costumes…do you see it? And I love the little kitty tin! It is a kitty version of Renoir’s painting La Loge!  I will have to find something special to do with these!

See? I told you! I find frenchiness everywhere…from the obvious to the absurd! lol Thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed a little peek at my finds! 
Please visit these wonderful ladies and their beautiful blogs to see what they are up to and to find a list of this week’s participants!
Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday
Rhoda at Southern Hospitality for Today’s Thrifty Treasures
Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday
Linda at Coastal Charm for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday
Laurie at Bargain Hunting and Chatting with Laurie for A Few of My Favorite Things Saturday
See you next time! A la prochaine!

66 comments:

  1. Bien sur.. c'est les choses francophile... what great finds you had. I love each and every one. You really have a good eye for such finds. I would have forgotten to check the dish isle for the insert!!! Love your kitty, so sweet. oh I have the matching olive trays to your bowl (and yes, i got them where I'm not supposed to tell you :)) but I've never seen the jar there!

    Thanks for stopping by.. glad i found your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Susan, get out! You found the silver domed part on one aisle and then went to the glassware aisle and found the other part, I want to shop with you! Oh my heavens, only $5 for it, that's just so fine!

    Have a great evening!

    Nancy
    Nancy's Notes

    ReplyDelete
  3. Debbie, you really did find a ton of treasures. I love the new lamp and I also really love the toile fabric you are showing with it. Are you going to use that in your bedroom? The jar, bust and the butter dish are all wonderful finds too. The butter dome is so pretty in the round shape. I don't think I've seen them round before. The one I have is a rectangle. Kitty is so cute, always checking things out. Hope you are having a super weekend. Thanks so much for linking to TTT. Hugs, Marty

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love those frenchy finds! Love that toile fabric, and can't wait to see that bedroom re-do!!! Nancy

    ReplyDelete
  5. Debbie, such great finds. Love that lamp and that fabric. Can't wait to see what you are doing. I love how you shabbied the bust and what great finds as usual. I have had no luck at GW.

    ReplyDelete
  6. That lamp is gorgeous and the fabric wow, can't wait to see what you do with it all. Love how you made that bust antiqued and the butter dish...oh my!! I love it and baby kitty of course. I know when I find things in GW I know is missing something I always look for the other parts...sometimes I find them! I love your frenchy look!!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I am in love with every single thing you brought home! They are perfectly French!

    Thanks for stopping in at my Lavender Hill Studio blog. Did you know that I have a home decorating blog...and I decorate French Country? That blog is:

    http://www.thecomfortsofhome.blogspot.com

    Hugs,
    Penny

    ReplyDelete
  8. I LOOOVE everything you showed, especially that toile fabric! Beautiful!!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Girl, you did it again!! LOVE the statue!! Looks fantastic shabbied up! The lamp, fabric, dish all of it! FAB!!

    Can't wait to see what you are up to!

    Lou Cinda :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Debbie, you do find the best treasures at Goodwill. I'm amazed that you found the glass liner for the silver butter dish. I recall when you found the glass well for the French ink well on another shelf at Goodwill. It is amazing that they don't keep these pieces together.
    I'll be eager to see what you have planned for your bedroom makeover. Love the fabric and the new lamp. ~ Sarah

    ReplyDelete
  11. Love that lamp and fabric...thanks so much for coming to my NIFTY THRIFTY TUESDAYS party with all your treasures.

    Blessings,
    Linda

    ReplyDelete
  12. Debbie, I love your Frenchy finds! You find the BEST stuff ever. I want to go Goodwill hunting with you worse than anything!

    And that French fabric... oooh la la! Can't wait to see what you've got up your sleever with that.

    And I covet that butter dish. Majorly covet it. Pssssssst, Baby Kitty, remember me??? How about mailing me that one for a couple of cans of tuna. LOL!

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Debbie, I am going to say it again and again and again...you find the best "stuff" at the thrift stores! Love that domed butter dish and lamp, but my favorite is the olive jar. You had a great week!

    ReplyDelete
  14. You found some great things this week but my favorite is the cat paper dolls. They are so stinking cute!

    ReplyDelete
  15. The little boy bust is gorgeous and you managed to give him the look he deserved! Wow!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Besides Marty, I have to say you have the best GW ever Debbie!
    Love the lamp, love the boy bust, love the butter tray, ok, I love, love, love it all!
    Have a happy Sunday,
    Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  17. Since I live at GW, I often will notice parts of items in different places. I have put things together more than once...it adds to the treasure hunting feel; I get to do puzzles too.
    I wanted to write to just say your happiness made me smile. Isn't it fun that we can enjoy some little pieces that make our homes so much prettier?
    And, I love Baby Kitty. Don't tell the others, but he is my favorite! Adios, muchacha!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Debbie, you just absolutely amaze me! You find the best bargains and when you pair them with your great taste- the result is awesome! Can't wait to see what you do with that lamp and the fabric.

    ReplyDelete
  19. What great finds! Baby Kitty is so adorable peeking into the dish!

    Donna

    ReplyDelete
  20. I can't believe what you manage to find, week after week! You have such a great eye. I love that fabric, can't wait to see what you do with it. And that print is gorgeous, I love all the colors and the naive technique. I bet it's perfect in your kitchen. Is Baby Kitty going to be your design consultant for the bedroom changes? Another thing to add to his impressive resume! Hugs, Kat

    ReplyDelete
  21. Deb, as always Great finds. Love the green and red toile, now I see what you were talking about for your master,hmmm???!!! Love the bust he is precious!! The butter dish is wonderful, a client of mine had one just like that and used it in her bathroom for a soap dish, something special about opening the dome to a special soap!! I never forgot that, it impressed me. Have a wonderful Sunday sweet friend, Kathysue

    ReplyDelete
  22. Fabulous finds you got! Your olive jar is an original...the ones at TJMaxx are replicas! You have that one in your corner :))

    I swear on all that is lovely I had the Victorian Cat Family book when I was younger. I fully recognize the cover.

    Blessings,
    Shanna
    www.revampedfrenchmaison.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hello Debbie, so sorry haven't been over for a while...but back now and blog looking gorgeous as ever....so much lovely things you purchase. Loving all the bargains...don't laugh I seem to get tighter moneywise the older I get. Teresa

    ReplyDelete
  24. I LOVE the new lamp and that fabric...oooh, I could see that in my bedroom! You find the best stuff! Say hello to the staff for me.

    ReplyDelete
  25. You found the most wonderful things, Debbie! I'm looking forward to seeing your room makeover.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I love it all, you always find the most fantastic things :) Nice of your friends to think of you!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hi Debbie, Looks like GW was really good to you last week. Everything is great but I especially love the Frenchy lamp.
    Hugs, Sherry

    ReplyDelete
  28. I am following you now, your Frenchy Fan! I am a frenchy lover too~I think all the things are wonderful, the bust, the bell, the lamp...what fabric was that toile by the way? I am a toile-a-holic too. Come by Maison Decor, won't you and see my Frenchy Office!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Great finds! You should make the covered dish a cat food bowl. lol

    Dropping by from Met Monday.
    Allison
    Atticmag

    ReplyDelete
  30. Great finds! I love the lamp too and the silver domed dish. Lucky you to "find" the glass dish that fit perfectly! I also adore the little boy bust. He looks great on your table! Thanks for sharing and being such an inspiration!
    Sharlotte

    ReplyDelete
  31. Oh my!!! I love all your finds you scored!!!
    ~Jennifer

    ReplyDelete
  32. They are all sooooo Francais but of course the kicker is to feed the kitty cats some caviar out of the little domed dish. But of course.

    ReplyDelete
  33. You have certainly found your "Frenchiness" and it is all magnifique!

    ReplyDelete
  34. You have captured it! I can hear "Springtime in Paris"!!! Love it all and that little domed silver dish is going to keep me up tonight thinking of "where can I get one"!!!
    Thank you for sharing,
    Donna

    ReplyDelete
  35. You have some amazing finds! I love them all! I can't wait to see what you do with your room!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Guess that not being able to sleep is a good test! I never knew that those dishes were domed butter dishes! I thought that they were odd candy dishes. :D Learn something new every day...

    ReplyDelete
  37. You really cleaned up! What wonderful goodies you found. I love the kitty things that your friend gave you. Nice to have friends like that.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Lovely finds Debbie! The boy turned out wonderfully, and the lamp you purchased is terrific!
    Victoria

    ReplyDelete
  39. Oh, I hate it when you pass a bargain by and then stay up all night wishing you had bought it. Lucky thing you found it again! Thanks for sharing your French beauties at MM. :)

    ReplyDelete
  40. I would not have been able to leave that lamp the first time. I would have been kept up all night worrying that someone else had bought it. You did a great job on the frenchy boy. It looks like stone. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  41. I think your pretty kitty thinks he has a new food bowl!!! He is so pretty he probably deserves it...Great finds and the bust is awesome!!!

    ReplyDelete
  42. You sure did find some fabulous things. I love them all but I am most impressed with the transformation of that bust! Wow!

    Best wishes,
    Natasha.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Wow you found some great stuff! I love that victorian book, they made some amazing stuff back then.
    Enjoy your new finds!

    ReplyDelete
  44. wow you have a good nose for things. i love what you did with that little boy statue. amazing. it looks fabulous

    rose

    btw if you have any tutorials for any of your fabulous transformations/creativity laying around, do come link them up with us so our readers can find you:

    http://www.finecraftguild.com/diy-tutorial-linky-party-7/


    (for future tutorials, visit ourhome page to find the latest link party. a new one opens every wednesday).

    we look forward to featuring your tutorials for great ideas!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Your finds are all fantastic, and of course, your staff is impressive in their thorough investigation of new items. I would love to go shopping with you, since I don't have a French theme going on; we wouldn't be competing for anything but perhaps your good luck would rub off on me!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Gotta love GW and the domed dish is grand. Love the little boy bust too!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Okay, it's all your fault that I am going to run off to Goodwill today and try to spend some of Hubby's hard earned money... LOL

    Love that little boy you painted.

    Di

    ReplyDelete
  48. What wonderful finds! I love what you did with the little French lad and the French poster is beautiful. What a great idea to hang it over your sink.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Your shopping finds -- formidable!

    ReplyDelete
  50. love the frenchy boy and the kitty cut outs!!!
    kate

    ReplyDelete
  51. Debbie, LOVE everything that you found! The lamp is so pretty; the butter dish is so unique- I've never seen a hinged one; the bust is adorable; and the picture will be fantabulous re-framed. What a treasure trove!! You have nailed some good things.
    hugs~ Sue

    ReplyDelete
  52. Swoon, so beautiful and all good deal finds, lucky you!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Debbie, I'm sorry to report that I will have to stop coming to your blog. I am so ashamed of the green eyed monster that comes out when I'm visiting your blog! Love that toile fabric and the lamp. What a wonderful room you are going to create! I would have loved to have seen the "before" of that sweet bust. The "after" looks like it was found in a wonderful barn in the French countryside instead of being another of your GW bargains. I can't believe you found that print framed - I really think these things find you! Such wonderful Frenchness! The cat paper dolls are just way too cute, and I agree - those cat clothes are French! OK, I'm trying to get that green eyed monster back inside, but it's not working. I may not be back to visit your blog for awhile. Or....maybe I'll be back every day to admire whatever Frenchness has found you this time! Glad you are going to link this to Favorite Things Sat. laurie

    ReplyDelete
  54. Great treasures!! I always enjoy your wonderful finds.

    ReplyDelete
  55. I love paper dolls! Mine weren't quite french as yours but I enjoyed them very much when I was a little girl. Great mosaic & great bargains!

    ReplyDelete
  56. I don't have any French genes, or jeans for that matter.
    I do like French fries, and Jimmy Buffet is the only one I know.
    But I like your finds, and as usual you do such wonderful things with them!

    ReplyDelete
  57. I think your kitty is wanting you to serve it cat food in the silver bowl! Great finds.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Love that beautiful lamp, and the fabric! The little "dirty boy" bust is adorable!

    Katherine

    ReplyDelete
  59. Wow, your pictures are just beautiful!
    Thank you for sharing!
    Have a good evening!
    Leticia
    www.msbinglesvintagechristmas.com

    ReplyDelete
  60. Love all these French things ... each such a treasure. I especially like the painting.

    ReplyDelete
  61. What a lot of fun you had!
    I smiled at your love for dressed up little animals. I have a sister who just loves anything feline dressed up - I can't pass by a pitcher, picture, doll, print etc etc for her!

    ReplyDelete
  62. Wow such a gorgeous french thingy Debbie.
    Beautiful find and post dear one.

    Regards.
    xo

    ReplyDelete
  63. You are just so lucky in finding suvh beautiful items, Debbie. I wish I could go shopping with you...Christine

    ReplyDelete
  64. ♫ ♫ Lucky-Dog~Lucky-Dog ♫ ♫
    I'm doing the happy dance for you over all your wonderful treasures!! I've had parmesan cheese served in the same type of swing top silver dish & I'm green with envy over yours.

    Can't wait to see what you're up to in the bedroom. No...wait...that didn't sound right, did it? LOL

    ReplyDelete
  65. Debbie...you were so smart to check both isles! Love the pic of baby kitty checking it out...soooo cute! Great toile fabric! Can't wait to see your bedroom....I know it will be beautiful!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to comment! I appreciate my wonderful readers!... Debbie