Swede Dreams: May 2012

Thursday, May 31, 2012

In case you haven't discovered this out about me yet, I will let you in on a little secret....I have a fascination with all things Paris. The name alone conjures up chic, dreamy fabulous images in my mind. My two visits left me with nothing but happy memories and hopes to return one day soon. I am captivated by the old architecture, the landscape, the history, the culture, the fashion, the lifestyle and all that these things encompass. Over the past few years, I have discovered a group of Etsy artists who share this love of mine through their enchanting Parisian photography. They each have that special eye that captures the magic of this fascinating city. The following is a treasury featuring these talented artists whom I admire so much. I hope you enjoy this mini Parisian journey through their eyes. You may click on each individual photo for a link to the shops and more Parisian inspirations.

My favorite parisian photography on etsy....

Paris Photos - Paris in Pink... KathyFornal $20.00	Marie Antoinettes Farmhouse ... AllisLight $29.00	Postcard Set - Paris Postcar... TheParisPrintS... $15.00	Paris Carnival Photograph - ... KeriBevan $30.00
Rococo - Versailles Door, Pa... EyePoetryPhoto... $30.00	Paris in pink, Eiffel Tower,... ekaterinahashb... $25.00	Paris Photo - Blue Chandeler... GeorgiannaLane $25.00	I Love Paris (Series) - Fin... Octolite $13.50
Paris Photography Collection... TheParisPrintS... $145.00	Rainbow Over Montmartre - Pa... SonjaCaldwell $25.00	paris photo, cherry blossom,... trekkerjen $30.00	Paris Photography, Dreamy Ei... KathyFornal $30.00
Paris Cafe in Green- 16x20 F... rebeccaplotnic... $90.00	Paris Photo. Fine Art Photog... happeemonkee $35.00	Paris France- Coco Chanel Bo... AnneElizabethP... $25.00	Pink Vintage - 8x10 Photo Pr... chezjolly $22.00

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

I picked up a copy of Flea Market Style a few weeks back and came across some creative ideas for those bargain finds that I'm always stumbling upon during my junking escapades. For the cottage style home, old salvaged flea market finds make the most interesting treasures and decorative pieces, in my opinion. Even for the more contemporary home, adding a few rustic vintage finds can be intriguing and often an unexpected welcome surprise.

I find that I am constantly drawn to old frames. These can be picture frames (without the glass), the more ornate the better, or even old chippy window frames. Both options make great wall art or mantel displays with or without artwork on display. Pair a few architectural elements like corbels for even more interesting and unusual wall art. Old shutters and ladders are favorites of mine as well. Chippy paint in white, aqua, green or blue is such a great look for the beach cottage. I grab these wherever I can find them. I have been known to stop on the side of the road and bargain for these old shabby cast-offs.

Jennifer Rizzo does a fantastic job of incorporating all three elements...

old window (door), rustic old ladder, and ornate corbels.

I love the old imperfect corbels with character!

I am seriously in love with these....B is for Bella on Etsy found these amazing baby blue victorian treasures

and has them for sale in her in Etsy shop. Beach bungalow chippy goodness right here.

Creative window idea...chalkboard, memory board and floral ledge all in one!

French blogger, Le Petit Yaka Moderne shared this inspiration a few years back.

One of my favorites from Flea Market Trixie....she designed this vintage window sign,

had her local copy center blow it up, and framed it in her $1 garage sale window find. Fabulous!

Apothecary jars and mercury glass are two classic decorative pieces that add elegance and charm to any style of decor. Again, imperfection only adds to the charm and character. Fill with shells, flowers and collectibles or leave empty allowing the shine and luster to become your focal point in the room.

Seasons of Joy blogspot shared some Pottery Barn inspiration for spring or summer.

The green and white combination is stunning on this dark wood table.

Pink roses and green mercury glass...a gorgeous combination. Sherri's Jubliee shared her love of mercury glass in a past post if you are interested in more inspirations.

And the ever so elegant silver mercury glass is timeless, of course.

This inspiration comes from Style Me Pretty and photographer Heather Kincaid.

My love for candles never seems to dwindle. I tend to spend a bit more for the scented aroma candles that I love in my home, but you can also purchase basics from the dollar store and create your own centerpiece with an assortment for practically nothing. Flea Market Style suggests a display of varying sizes displayed on an old platter in every room. Add a bit of greenery to a silver platter for a fresh summery look.

Paige over at Simple Thoughts blog shared a candle collection she assembled for Thanksgiving

last year which actually works well all year round.

And for the beach cottage a bowl full of candlelight and silver!

Better Homes and Gardens featured this creation for sparkling holiday decor, but once again,

I think this could work year round especially in a romantic beach bungalow setting.

Vintage books add old world charm and huge character to your home decor. Give used books patina of years by leaving them outside until their pages get worn and faded. Remove the cover, stack several books together and tie with twine or ribbon. This makes a wonderful house warming gift idea as well.