it has been a really long time...

it has been a really long time since i have posted here...four years. WOW. But Amy at inspireco and 39squares has brought me out of 'retirement'. I will try and post my first(and second) square tomorrow. Happy embroidering.

Paris Flea Markets continued

Paris Flea Markets continued
Originally uploaded by kelley123.

The other half to the page shown below. The flea markets in Paris are not to be missed. You truly never know what you will find there. You may come upon a lovely set of vintage linen sheets or a perfectly embroidered set of kitchen towels. And then there are the finds like the enamelware laundry soap set that was only a few euros compared to what it would be back at home. The only chore in shopping at the flea markets is figuring out how to pack it all up to send back home.

Marché aux Puces-Paris

Marché aux Puces-Paris
Originally uploaded by kelley123.

One of the few journal pages that I managed to get done while there.

Paris Journal 2006

front-of-paris-journal
Originally uploaded by kelley123.

This is part of what I have been up to this past year. Spent a month in Paris with my daughter and mother. Wonderful time. This is the cover to the journal that went along with me.

Where did I go???

I can't believe it has been over a year since I last posted? Where did the time fly too? I will try to be more active in posting and creating. There are TONS of blogs out there to visit and that is what keeps me from doing any writing here...

Maybe a new years resolution in the works.

Secrets of Paris Newsletter

Here is another great site if you are a francophileSecrets of Paris Newsletter. Go have a peek...I think she updates the newsletter every couple of weeks...and you can have the newsletter sent directly to your inbox if you would like.

Paris' Urban Graffiti

If you have ever been to Paris and walked around any of the 'regular' neighborhoods you might have come across some amazing graffiti. The graffiti in Paris is different than the graffiti you might see in a US city...In Paris the graffiti is made up of detailed stenciling and sometimes political commentary. Take a look at Paris Pochoirs - Au rendez-vous des pochoirtistes and see what I mean. It is in French, but you should be able to figure it all out by clicking on different headings. Also check out Roswitha Guillemin's journals of Paris graffiti.

*update* After further exploration of this topic...I have found that there is indeed traditional graffiti in Paris as shown on FatCap Graffiti. Check it out!! So the graffiti mentioned above is called pochoir...if anyone knows any other sites to check out...drop me a comment.

Tour de France

Well, today was the day I have been waiting for all summer. Okay-not really, but it sounded good. Take a look here to see what is happening on "THE TOUR". GO LANCE!!!

Voila la Crepe

Jun_20_002
Originally uploaded by kelley123.

the other entry for the Everyday Matters Challenge...number 7, which was draw a bottle, tin or box from your kitchen.

Everyday Matters Challenges-You get 4 for 1

Everyday Matters Challenges 4 for 1
Originally uploaded by kelley123.

For just one peek you get FOUR challenges...I am trying to play catch-up on the everyday matters group. So here are my entries for challenge numbers 8, 11, 13 and 16. Which were a watch, glasses, telephone and a tool. Enjoy. Click on the photo for a bigger picture. Thanks for looking.

New Paris Photo Site

Since the photographer at Paris Photo Journal has decided to take an extended vacation...I give you
Paris, One Photo a Day. Take a look.(Via A Day in Paris and then An American's View of Paris)All of these blogs should be on your "daily visits" list if you are a francophile.

Need I say 'Amour'?

paris 080
Originally uploaded by ddotpalmer.

Found this on Flickr...ddotpalmer's photo blog. Check out their other Paris photos.

Finished Quilty Round Robin

Finished Quilty Round Robin
Originally uploaded by kelley123.

This quilty returned home quite a while ago, but I am just now having time to scan, adjust and post. So here it is...the finished product. The artists who added beads and trim, etc...were L. Cook, K. Henderson, S. Luck and J. Stroyeck. Didn't they do a great job. And of course, like everything else, it looks superb in person.

Oh la la! My Paris trips

This website Oh la la! My Paris trips is absolutely fabulous if you love Paris or are planning a trip. So have a little peek and daydream of walking next to the Seine eating a baguette. OHHHHHHHLLLLLLLAAAALAAAAAA!

sketchel's-customized satchel show

You have got to check out this website about sketchel's! What a great idea. Lots of great links to other websites to look at also. A websurfers dream. This site was originally posted on Moleskinerie. Let me know what you think.

Wendy Hale Davis

Okay, now you are wondering...who the heck is she talking about! In order to learn more about this great journal writer, check out wendy hale davis. Her journals are superb. I first saw her work in the fabulous book, Making Journals by Hand. Maybe you remember? Her pages are divided into columns with great writing and lettering. Sometimes she adds in little drawings. Now you are starting to remember. Go dig your book out and take a look and then check out her website.

Poisson-d'Avril-postcard

Poisson-d'Avril-postcard
Originally uploaded by kelley123.

A lovely vintage French postcard commemorating Poisson d'Avril...these are lots of fun to collect.

Happy Poisson d'Avril or where did April's Fools Day go?

A few years ago when my mom and I were in Paris we found a paper fish in the gutter. What is this we wondered outloud?? We did realized that it was April Fool's Day, but I guess I was assuming that only American's celebrated...something like a Hallmark holiday. duh,WRONG! Anyway, we also noticed as the day went on that there were fancy chocolate fish in the chocolatier windows and school children with poisson(fish) on their backs. So when we got home we decided to look up this holiday and Voila...Poisson d'Avril is now a part of our yearly celebrations! Go take a look here to learn more.Poisson d'Avril History and Games

French Mail Artists

If you are looking for some inspiration in the mail art department, then be sure to take a look at Christine LE ROY. Her artwork is definitely unique. The French mail artists have a style all their own.(Sort of Nick Bantockish, but more...if that is possible.) It is in the placement of their postage stamps and the way they roll the addresses around the envelope....I don't really know how to describe it so be sure to look for yourselves...
and be sure to visit her friend's site Roswitha GUILLEMIN Equally as impressive. After you visit roswitha's mail art contributions, be sure to click on carnets which are her journals.

EM Weekly Challenge - Bed

EM Bed Challenge
Originally uploaded by kelley123.

This is a pen drawing of my bed. Didn't quite get the proportions right because I ran out of room on a 8 1/2 by 11 sheet of paper. Go figure...Have to practice getting that right. Now for a bit of visualizing...imagine if you you will...green checked sheets, lace bedskirt and a purple toile comforter..and white iron bed...now you've got it!!!
Now to ponder next week's challenge...a favorite childhood item or toy...