Gabrielle Messina Just a Girl

French Settee Revamp

Good morning, friends! Today I'm linking up with Miss Mustard Seed's Furniture Friday  I've been wanting to share with you the vintage French settee I revamped a few months ago. I picked it up for a song almost a year and a half ago. And while there are people who could have built an entire house in that time, I needed to live with it for a while and work up the guts to tackle it. I think it sat in almost every room of my house before I had a clue what I wanted to do with it.  
The very first thing I did was apply gold leaf to the entire frame. It was a very long process that left my kitchen littered with gold specks. I think the cracks in the wood floor still have some glistening gold in them....  

This seems to be the only photo I can find right now of how it came home with me in it's very raw and deconstructed state. It's a very old piece. The burlap of the seat was torn in numerous spots which meant the slightest bump sent excelsior; the grassy, straw-like stuffing used in very old furniture falling all over the floor. Someone had painted it this chalky blue; which wasn't all bad, to a large portion of the frame but the original gold leaf still remained on all the legs and back of the frame. If you're a regular reader, you may have seen bits of the settee in pictures from past posts. Here's a close up of some of the floral detail. You can still see a bit of the blue of it's past life peeking through. I found this amazing cut velvet pink damask fabric. Now, because I am not an expert on upholstery and the fact that the fabric was not wide enough to cover the seat and would need to be stitched, also, that the excelsior would need to be replaced with foam, I brought it to a upholstery shop. A girl knows when she's in over her head. It came back to me looking luxe and feminine. I rearranged some furniture in the house and the settee is now happily residing in our bedroom. 

Lovely New {{Old}} Items

I've just started to list a few things in my etsy shop. They're things from my personal collection that I'm letting go. I still love all of these items, and they're a bit hard to let go, but I can't hoard all these beauties for myself forever! Take a peek if you wish! 

a little lady for my little lady

Want a peek at my little girl's birthday gift? Isn't she sweet? I'm most certain every five year old girl needs a life sized doll that can also store toys and treasures inside and comes complete with forget- me- nots, a rhinestone buckle and painted fingernails. I for one would certainly need one if I was a little girl again. I know my little lady's going to adore her. Right up her alley, she'll be. I used to do my little lady's hair just like this when she was a tiny babe with curls. Her big eyes and eyelashes reminded me of her too...That rhinestone buckle and dainty red fingernails.... Here's where she'll be able to keep her trinkets and her toys. Love that  form and function! Oh, and yes, that's my vacuum cleaner back there. I just finished up sprinkling her with a baking soda & lavender essential oil mixture and then vacuuming her off to freshen her up a bit. Love the dingy, time worn colors. The scent has sometimes got to go, though! I found her while doing a bit of antiquing with my husband on a date day a long while back(yes, I conned him into antiquing on a date day, and no, he'd never do it again.... It was a one sided date night, I'll admit) He thinks she's ridiculous and that no other person on earth would like her. Just goes to show you he was never a five year old girl..... I know for a fact she'll fall in love with her big dolly and she'll have a name for her in ten seconds flat, as she seems to name everything she comes across. 

treasures found....

 My mom and I had a chance to go to the flea market together last weekend! We woke early and hit the dusty trail, just the two of us.We were able to peruse each stand ohh-ing and ahh-ing over treasures to be had. I came home with a pretty full trunk of similar hued pastels. Thought I'd do a little show and tell of a few of the things that came home with me.
I saw these lovely ceramic chandelier flowers from afar and made a mad dash to them. I asked the lady if she knew what the were. "Haven't a clue... make me an offer.... don't be shy!!" She said rather excitedly. Let me tell you I hate being put on the spot like that. Naming your own price, you know? I don't want to insult the dealer, in the same sense I don't want to go broke. There were twelve of them in total. I said "fifteen" and she said "YEA!"  I love the soft shades of pink/lavander, yellow, blue and green along with the little nicks and chips of these flowers.  I already put these to use on a project, I'll be back another day soon to show you that. The pink-ish and gold backrounnd you see, is the lid of a hatbox that also found it's way home with me. I don't know what it is about a hatbox. Seems I can never just leave them behind.   This, though was the purchase of the day. It's a tiny, petite glass armoire. Made in France in the 1930's. It was take my breath away gorgeous! I knew I had to have it, but it was more... way more than I usually pay for my things. My lovely mom{thanks Mom} offered to get it for an early birthday gift! It was mine! It deserves a much better picture than this and I'm not sure why I didn't take a better one when I took these photos a few days ago.... I'll be sure to get a better shot one of these days soon too!   The inside's line with the yummiest dusty pink silk, all tattered and torn... just the way we like things! The detail is exquisite. It's sitting in my bedroom now I can't help but to look at it  and smile. I know it will be one of the things that will never leave me.....

Her and Her Fluffy White Feathers

I really try to only bring things I love into my home, to stay true to my colors and style. If not, months go by and I question myself as to why I even got the item in the first place. Do you do this too? Often the answer to myself was that it was "really cheap..." So, if I'm tired of looking at the item after only a few months was it even a bargain? For the most part though, the things that come through the doors of this house are "me". There is one exception.... the runner on the steps.... I am not sure what ever possessed me to but that thing! It is SO NOT me! And no, I don't think I'd ever show it to you... Ok, sorry... back to the matter at hand, here. This swan... My heart skips a beat when I look at her. I found her earlier today. It was just a quick pop into the antique store.... me and my three kids. They did not think it was that quick because we were supposed to be on our way to the theme park... to meet their friends from school... and I sprung this detour to the antique shop on them at the last minute! I don't think the other mothers stopped at any antique shops beforehand... they were all on time.   It was in a case with a bunch of other junk... locked of course and I had to wait an eternity, it seemed for the kind man to return with the key so I could gingerly coddle her fluffy white feathers and crepe paper body. Crepe paper... can you believe it! She's actually a candy container fashioned of yards upon yards of crepe streamers that was meant to be unraveled. I prize is on the inside. I think I would seriously become ill if someone were to unravel my beloved girl, who I named Delilah... in case you're wondering. Do you love her crown as much as I do? 
It could very well be my most favorite thing in my home... besides those three kids and husband... And look how comfy she looks on my bed. I may sleep with her tonight . Sweet dreams! 
  

In the Details

 I don't know what it is about summer. It's just every time it rolls around, I find myself completely uninspired. Maybe it's the days spent at the pool, to much swinging with the kids, or just too much sunshine... Could that be the case? I like to try and do something creative everyday, but I've been needing a swift kick to get in the craft room and make something. Not to mention finish decorating and organizing the room itself. Seems it takes me FOREVER to finish up rooms and projects around here. I once was so good at focusing, and then following through.....{{Sigh}}  I walked around the house taking photographs of pretty things, trying to be inspired.... hasn't worked yet. This stack of dishes and some more, I found a month or so again at a thrift shop I popped into for just a minute. Twenty three pieces for five dollars! I have a creamer and sugar bowl with a very similar pattern I found a few years ago at an antique shop....  Pretty details on a few pieces of old silverware after being washed....  The Stork family... Aren't they the sweetest?   An old mirror in the bedroom. Why don't they make things like this anymore?    
  Loving these new hair clips from H&M on the vanity in our room....  More detail on another old mirror with a perfectly faded rose...    I don't know how I left this beauty of a hat out of the hat post a few posts back...    A little pink plaque with cherubs rests in the office....        The most creative thing I've done in weeks... all because of a craving for cake. So, if you're wondering what I've been up to, answer's "not much"....
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Summer Lovin'

 With the unofficial beginning of summer just a few days away, the ocean is beckoning me and those lazy days are calling me by name. I know I have a few weeks for that, so I've been enjoying what late spring is bringing our way a bit closer to home.  
 Our wedding anniversary is right around the corner. Looking forward to a date night and dinner with my true love... and these shoes.  The back yard is bursting with color. The peonies are in every room of the house....  and loads more of buds on the four  bushes that haven't "popped" yet as my girls would say.....Their sweet perfume makes the whole house smell like a flower shop. I filled a monstrosity of a vase and placed it on the alter.  The girls' school often has cut flowers in their classrooms. They wanted to take some into school, so I filled a bottle with some for there, as well. Flea market season is in full swing. There have already been a few visits.....  Fuchsias... just too lovely not to share....
   Local strawberries..... We took the kids to pick them Monday evening and came home with fourteen pounds. While we were picking them, I think my little guy may have eaten about that many too. LOL His shirt was evidence to some very juicy berries.  And just as soon as we came home from picking those sweet little gems, I baked some strawberry shortcake. I knew if I waited a day or two, there may not be enough. When strawberries are in season they're constantly being popped into our mouths like candy! I had strawberry shortcake for breakfast and lunch yesterday and really had to fight the temptation of having it for dinner too. Is there anything better in 90 degree weather? Those fourteen pounds are now G-O-N-E! Looks like we'll be heading to get some more this weekend. Already had to buy a new slip and slide... last year's model is  now a goner... as it's been out everyday for the past two weeks. here are thousands of little footprints from wet feet all over the wood floor. Season passes to a favorite, local theme park have been purchased and already had a few outings there too! What is summer bringing your way?

 
 

Hats

 I must admit, for the most part, I only buy hats to harvest the flowers. Over the years, there have been a very select few that are ever so beautiful, that will remain intact. This one above was the inspiration for my wedding bouquet.
  I love the soft colors and delicate floppy flowers. You will usually find this one on display somewhere in our bedroom.   This is most likely my favorite hat of all time. You may recognize it from my blog banner or maybe remember this post when I first discovered it last year along with some other beauties that have long been plucked of their blooms. Loveliness.... Pretty lavender velvet berries will remain intact....  Along with these velvet mocha berries, found a few weeks ago at the flea for only 12 dollars! No kidding!   I first showed this one way back here. I swore to myself that I would leave my hands off of it! I ended up taking a few berries off here and there. I'm now vowing again to never touch it....   This one, I think it looks like a plate of spaghetti! It's so unique that I don't think I could ever bring myself to tear it up.   I love the mix of yellow and pink....
This one is so sweet and pretty. It comes to a little point on top, like a Hershey Kiss. I began tearing it up one day and then, just stopped. I couldn't bring myself to do it.  Sadly, I completely rid the back of it's flowers. I wish I had really looked at the beauty of it before I had started pulling it apart. Seems that lately, I'm becoming more sentimental over these hats. That, and the fact that I may be finding really good hats to!  I'm finding it harder and harder to pull some apart. This is another one that's usually on display in our room.   Another one, that I've ceased the picking of flowers.... I'm loco, I know. Seems I can't make up my mind so I pick the ones you can't see....  So, here they are all together on the kitchen table. The select few that are safe from the scissors and my hands!   Oh, one last thing. In the midst of the phito shoot, this poor groom lost his head! It's rolling around the buffet somewhere....  I hope it's not a sign of what's to come in his marriage. Looks like I'll be breaking out the Super Glue! Or shall I leave it and use it as a threat against my dear husband in the event he hassles me? LOL Happy Weekend, gals!!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

I See London...

 So, I've been contemplating doing a post on "London and France" for sometime now. Thought it might be a little too risqué for my online diary, though....   But,  when I found this bustier a few months ago, in the most perfect of shades with foof in all the right places, I knew I had to do that post....  My husband thinks I'm cuckoo for doing it a post on my unmentionables. I assured him he's probably right, but, not only because of this....  The back is so pretty with the deep pink satin....{{Sigh}}  I always enjoy speaking to the antique dealers when I make a purchase. It's a good way to find out where your things came from and even if they can't tell you, I've found that they are often rather interesting people. I bought this pretty one from an older couple years ago at the flea market and struck up a conversation with the gentleman. He warned me (with a grin on his face) that "wearing something like this could result in children"  and that he and his "bride" had quite a few that way! Thought I'd share that funny tidbit with you too. Your welcome. I love that he still referred to her as his bride even after all the children and so many years had come and gone. I should have gotten a better picture of the yellow one up there. It's very 60's- ish and I adore the rosettes and color.  These hang in our armoire, right in front of the bed sheets in our bedroom, there's a few more hanging on the back of the bathroom door too... I like keeping them in places people who may happen to visit our room wouldn't necessarily see. I'll often open the door for a peek. It's like a little treat just for me.... Some are vintage, some not.  I add little sachets of lavender to my drawers, armoires, baskets and closets. It's always nice to pull out linens and clothing that smells so wonderful! I grow lavender in our garden outside, but there's never enough of it so make the numerous sachets that I like to use in drawers and cabinets. You can buy it by the pound from Save on Crafts for a very reasonable price and then refreshen the sachet with a few drops of lavender essential oil when needed. The little favor bags that craft stores sell, usually in the wedding area work very well as the smaller sized sachets. Add pretty millinery and ribbons to make opening a drawer special. On a side note, my husband's sock drawer sachets don't have millinery or velvet ribbons hanging from them... On another side note, he may not like that I just told you he has sachets in his drawers..... So, what do you think, girls? Was this all TMI for you? Hopefully your laughing and not thinking why is she showing me her underwear? 

 
 

Lacy Sugar Egg

 So, right now I'm wondering why no one has ever told me about these 'til now? Sugared string eggs.... Have you heard of them? Supposedly, they were very popular in the 1920's(using rubber balloons) through the 1950's(using the latex balloon we know of today)! I was at work on Wednesday and a lovely employee of mine was telling me about how she used to make them with her family when she was little. I was captivated and continued with questions for more and more detail. I couldn't wait to get home and start one. Traditionally, you are supposed to wrap and wrap crochet string around and around an egg shaped balloon in no particular pattern. Then dip and redip into a thick sugar and water mixture. The size of your egg is up to you. Mine is about 24 inches. You can make it larger with a larger balloon or smaller with a smaller balloon.  I'll let you know now, that the first balloon I did, I used string and was a total flop. It wasn't the string's fault. I think I used too much pressure and while wrapping, the egg shaped turned to a round shape. I'd used up most if my crochet thread and then it hit me to use lace! I cut strips of lace out of lace fabric I had on the shelf and went about gluing the strips to the balloon. After this, I decided to use fabric stiffener instead of sugar. I coated and coated with the fabric stiffener. About 5 different times. Letting each coat dry. Once you are done letting the stiffener dry and the lace is nice and firm, you pop the balloon and pull it out.  Now, you should be left with a hollow shell. I held mine up to the window in the kitchen to show you just how delicate and airy the egg is when you are done.  Now, comes the fun part. You can either cut a larger hole in the egg or decorate the top with flowers, dime store fuzzy peeps, or Easter grass. I opted to just decorate the top. I don't know that my egg was hard enough to withstand cutting into it.... Perhaps I should have coated a few more times with the fabric stiffener. These are beautiful, but very delicate. They are usually meant to be hanging decorations, but, I am sure would look lovely nesting in a basket or on their own little "egg stand". Of course, I will be making more of these. Just wanted to share with you in case you wanted to make one before Easter rolls around too!  I also was a lucky duck to be able to find this vintage panoramic sugar egg while out antiquing a few weeks ago. I've loved these! Wouldn't a little collection of these be great? Sweet little chicks inside! Sweet sugary eggs! I really want to try my hand at making some of these too! I think that will be a project for next year, though. Have a sweet Saturday, girls!