la petite chaise

Well, I got another one of my big ideas: to make new dining room chair pad covers from a curtain panel. Let's just say my sewing machine and I are still getting acquainted and I'm becoming frustrated. Since there is no chocolate in the house to ease my stress I will relax by writing a quick post about something I can do: paint.



This little red chair is from Ikea. We purchased 4 of them when the boys were toddlers. Back then the chairs were the perfect size to instantly turn an end table into a dining set just the right scale for a playdate snack. With my boys a bit older and the other three chairs broken and discarded, this lone chair ended up in the basement. Time for a rescue.



I wasn't quite sure if this 2 ounce sample could get the job done.



But it did. {Color: lily lavendar}



The little chair might find a place upstairs

in the pale blue bathroom.

Okay, deep breath. Time to get back to the ol' Janome. Wish me luck!

xo
elyse

girl meets wallpaper

I think the above photo pretty much sets the scene:

Girl GASPs over wallpaper idea in magazine*
Girl figures paper must be Cath Kidston; Girl is correct
Girl rationalizes purchase with money from her online shop
Girl gets wallpaper



Girl's family is initially unsure of what she plans to do



But trust Girl's instincts



Girl looks for other non-committal ways to enjoy wallpaper



Girl even has enough wallpaper to tinker with. Girl will be adding new items to shop(s) soon.



Girl further rationalizes that if you're going to pay for international shipping, you might as well make it worthwhile.

xo
elyse

Credits:
Girl: Elyse
Wallpaper: Antique Rose Bouquet

*Romantic Homes • April 2010 • FRENCH STYLE
A Work in Progress, pages 34-49

swoon~mail

How lovely is this?!



I just received this in today's mail: pretty little packages and punched paper strips from sweet Keren at the Free Pretty Things for You blog. No note, no swaps or trades, no giveaway win, just a little gift pure and simple.



Thank you so much, Keren. I am swooning over every piece and will so enjoy using it all to create things (if I can make myself undo the lovely and clever packaging, that is)! The colors are perfect!

Keren's new blog is full of resourceful and pretty ideas and she has giveaways going on all the time.

{Okay, back to my crazy project, which I hope to share soon!}

xo
elyse

le petit mariage

It seems like just yesterday ...



there were fittings



and visits to the tailor



all in preparation for the very big day.



Lots of bonding: "Anyone got a lint roller?"



Even some flirting



But then the crowd hushed as the music began to play



and the bridesmaids marched softly down the aisle.



A collective GASP as the bride made her appearance.





"I wood"



Perhaps a honeymoon on Block Island?



And they lived happily ever after.




I had this idea to create a wedding party with clothespin dolls. In between keeping my boys busy with activities indoors and out, this is what I have been doing during small stolen moments of February break. Where else but in Blogland could I share a post like this?

I hope you enjoyed this little ceremony.

xo
elyse

*fun fact: my clothespin girls all wear floral undies. tee hee

sweet new blog

My sweet blogging friend Terri just started a second blog. It's called Sweet Nest Desserts and it shows how to make lovely treats.



Terri is also great at packaging her creations, and I love pretty packaging!

I hope you'll give Terri's new blog a visit and say hello.

xo
elyse

craving yellow

While attempting some organization in the Girlie Office, I was drawn to the yellow craft items and grouped a few favorites.



No wonder! This winter has been cold and cloudy without much snow so everything outside is very brown and matted. I am craving yellow.


Click to enlarge

February vacation begins for the boys today. While they are playing with what seems to be every toy they have ever received, I will be doing a little playing of my own in the Girlie Office. I just framed some beautiful fabrics from Vintage Lizzie. What do you think?

xo
elyse

meeting for breakfast

Guess who I had breakfast with Saturday?



Claudia of Mockingbird Hill Cottage!

Claudia and I have been blog pals for a while now, although neither of us can remember for how long or how it all began. She emailed late last week to let me know she would be in Providence to coach at the production of Beauty and the Beast; would I have time to meet? You bet! We decided on breakfast. We both admitted later that we were nervous.

When I picked Claudia up at her hotel we were both giddy with excitement. We hugged and laughed and then off we went to breakfast.



We had a delicious breakfast at Olga's Cup and Saucer. Magazine addicts may remember it featured a few years ago in Victoria magazine.



Claudia and I talked non-stop for three hours! We both delighted in the fact that we clicked immediately and felt like we'd known each other forever.



Our patient waiter Cody was kind enough to take photos of us, be in a photo, and let the two of us giggle-on about it being our first meeting.



Before leaving the cafe, Claudia and I roamed around taking photos
because that's what bloggers do, right?



It lightly snowed the entire morning, which just added to the magic.




Claudia and I brought little gifts for each other because that's what bloggers do, right? I adore the sweet floral hankies and pretty tag (Claudia's first!) I received. I put together a little grab bag of treasures for Claudia, too.



I smiled all day thinking about my special morning with Claudia.



After many hugs, I dropped Claudia off at her hotel and headed to the good HomeGoods. Because that's what bloggers do, right? Claudia brought me good luck because I found this Cath Kidston teapot at the clearance section for $5.00. GASP!

I am so happy that I got to meet the multi-talented, cool and pretty Claudia. We had the best time and I know we'll make plans to get together again!

xo
elyse

a dozen uses

The other day while taking a little errand detour into TJ Maxx, I found this set of mini salt and pepper shakers. There are enough of them that I can use some for their intended purpose . . .



and others to hold small crafty items.



I am thinking they will also make sweet vases for small spring flowers.

They were on the clearance table and cost just $2.00 for the set. Looks like I got "the max for the minimum" or in this case, the minis for the minimum!

xo
elyse