Well, I might have recovered from Miss Frenchie's sale now! I've had a lovely, relaxing afternoon of touring holiday homes with friends, and going to a movie. Plus a book signing by another friend, who does the most amazing work.
Have you seen this book yet? It was named by the New York Times as one of the top illustrated children's books of the year. Its written by Stephen Johnson, a multi talented artist who has a whimsical twinkle in his eye. I always enjoy seeing him at parties, he has a way of making conversations go in odd little directions that are a lot of fun.
A typical question from him over the wine and cheese at an art opening or cocktail party goes like this- "Have you thought much about polka dots lately?". Not your typical topic, but somehow it was an interesting one that stuck with me long after it was over. Who knew that a group of us had so much to say about a simple little polka dot?
Here is a sample of his book, I bought a copy for the fairy grand baby. Its quite unique and totally Stephen! Lots of quirky thought went into it (along with talent.) Sorry about the bad photos. I'll bet that even if I did have that Canon Rebel I am jonesing for, the bad lighting at my house at night would still make for bad pictures. At least, that is what I am telling myself.
As Miss Frenchie's sale wound down, I managed to do a little shopping for myself from the other vendors. (more bad lighting, more bad photos, more apologizing)
The doll is from Beth, she had a shelf full of these beauties! The "crown" bowl was from Carol, French post cards from Gwen, and the ornament was made by Julie. I'd never met Julie before and didn't know much about her. We were all admiring her work (she knits too, and had one of a kind scarves). Someone asked her if she got the center medallions for the ornaments at Michaels, and she said, no, she made them.
Gwen said, "but I've seen these at Michaels". And Julie explained that she DESIGNED them for K & Company and Michaels sells them!!
I feel like I've been runnin with the big dogs this weekend!
Here is a photo of her ornies. She sold out completely, the first night, then brought in more for Saturday, just to sell out right away again. I was lucky to get one.
Julie was just one of the interesting people at Miss Frenchie's. I was thrilled to be part of the group that came together for this show.
Elizabeth was a whirlwind of energy, and manages to look beautiful the whole time. She drove in from St. Louis with a giant rented truck filled with jaw dropping goods, stayed up all night transforming the barn. All while looking like she was posing for a magazine herself, as she was busily taking photos for an article for Romantic Homes. (yes, hopefully we'll be hearing about Miss Frenchie in one of our favorite magazines!)
She had great displays, plenty to drool over. I eyed one of her small side tables all weekend, then when it was still there at the end of the sale, I ended up giving in tomy longings and buying it for myself as a souvenier of the event. I'll get pictures of it as soon as I figure out where to use it. I might put my Christmas tree on it for now. Although, putting the tree up on a table will just tempt Miss Sugarwings to climb up to get it. My tree might be more stable sitting on the ground for her to pluck pretties off of.
Bethhas an interesting post about Miss Frenchie's. She sums it up well, explaining that part of the joy of the whole weekend was that people "got it". These fellow vendors and the shoppers there understood why Elizabeth scattered book pages around the floor of her area. Although, Gwen's sweet little mom was pretty cute trying to sweep them all up!
And everyone "got it" that old starched collars looked great hanging from a chandelier.
Of all the booths, mine was the tamest. It looked more like a craft fair booth than a super dooper Miss Frenchie celebration display. I knew it going in, and felt a bit down about it, but dealt the hand I had. Or is it played the hand I had? Speaking of cards, Beth did mention that I don't exactly have a good poker face and she knew I was unhappy with my booth.
But all day today, I have been daydreaming about April and our next show…. I plan on having a spot that makes me look like I can keep up with those big dogs I am running with!
Or playing poker with. The way I am mixing metaphors, who knows what I am talking about.
Any way, I want to thank all those style mavens who made up Miss Frenchie's group and say once again how honored I was to be a part of it all. Wow, these gals can verve a booth!
Thanks to:
French By Design
Sisters and Partners – Gwen McClure and Teri Elliott
Featured at Mission Road Antique Mall
Elizabeth Maxson, formerly of Elizabeth House, St. Louis
Designer, Stylist, Photographer
Contributing editor, Romantic Homes magazine
Website: elizabethhouse.us
Co~owner Raised In Cotton
Embellisher of Vintage Inspired Goods, antiques and adornments
Website: www.RaisedInCotton.com
Blog: http://raisedincotton.typepad.com/
Knit, Crochet & Felted Fancies (scarves, brooches, bracelets).
Etsy: Reed Design's Shop
Blog: bricolage-julier.blogspot.com
owner of Curious Sofa
Debbie will feature new antiques, custom designed products and Curious Sofa favorites.
Website:curioussofa.com
Blog:curioussofa.blogspot.com
Glad to hear you are having another show in APRIL! If I plan now, I am hoping I can make it!! Sure gives me something to look forward to! The pictures on your post and Beths, look amazing!
This looks like it would have been awesome! I love Julie’s ornaments!
Hey girl, I was in your booth at Silver Bella and it was fabulous. At least you know big dogs and are running with them. I am sure your booths can compete! Just wish I could be there in the spring. Never knew I wanted to go to St. Louis and KC as much as I have learned lately. Thank goodness we have a friend who moved to KC so I PLAN to be there this summer! Chin UP!!
Karla – So glad to have finally met both you and Beth. The sale was fabulous and I’m looking forward to the next one in the Spring! Also, I don’t think you have any probelms running with the big dogs – your booth showcased your work beautifully!!! Can’t wait to see what you talented gals come up with when you have more than 3 weeks to pull everything together!
It must have been such an awesome time!
As for the booth, “live and learn”, as they say. Now, you know what to expect. You’ll be runnin with the best of them, next time.
~elaine~
Glad your already thinking about april Karla, I’m sure it’s going to help blow those unsure feelings that you have about your booth away. Here’s onefor ya…paint up some big white roses and paint some gold polka dots on them and then you might try some small pink and blue polka dots on the background wallpaper mingled with some rosebuds. Joy joys.
What a fun post. I think I would have needed a week to recover and you are apologizing for mixing up one or two sayings, which I of course didn’t notice anyway! I like it that you are already treating us with those delightful photos. Thanks! That picture of Gwens mum triggered me: when my father was still alive he always was trying to clean worn stuff lol!
Oooooh. Spring! That sound marvelous. First because it’s freezing with snow in Chicago right now, second because I could actually get “home” to K.C. in the spring. If I drive I can get lots of stuff!! What delightful thoughts to get me through the winter.
Karla, I think you ARE one of the big dogs. Look in the mirror kiddo. That’s YOU!! From your photos I think all of your wares displayed beautifully! It looks like it was lots of fun. – Kathy in Chicago
What an affair! I’d love to have seen it! So glad you are going back! I can’t wait to check on all those links you gave us.
The book for Sugarwings is so sweet! What a treasure for her to have!
Love your post! The pictures ar FAB to me. I am glad you had a great time, enjoyed your friends and new friend, and the book is adorable.
my name is Karla with a “K” too… that should make me a winner right there!! enjoy your day. thanks for sharing!!
Great pics of some fun stuff! Thanks for sharing them with us!
Karla, I’m sure your booth looked wonderful! And how great that you are already thinking about April! I so wish I lived close enough to attend.
Wonderful photos of a wonderful event.
You are nuts girl! You were keeping up with the big dogs, your booth was gorgeous! You are too hard on yourself! wish I could have been there!
xoxo, Tiffany
I’m so glad the event was such a hit on such short notice. That goes to show what a following you talented girls have.
Looks like a great time was had by all.
4 gals from Minnesota, may just have to plan a road trip around the April in Paris event next Spring. We were already starting to plan a trip to the “Curious Sofa”, so we’ll have to see what works out.
Thanks for the great post, it was fun to see more pictures.
Btw Karla, you are a big Dog too.
Gretchen
I love all the pictures here and in the post below. Thanks for listing the blogs too! I want to be where people “get it”. For now, I’ll just have to be happy looking at all the great pictures online!
Looks like a great book too!
The show sounds fantastic! Wish there was something like that in my neck of the woods!
Happy December!
~Lolly
I’ve heard about that book but have not seen it yet. I’ll have to look for it next time at the book store. I think your booth was fabulous! Don’t ever think your displays aren’t as good. I think you are very talented and had a lot of beautiful stuff to look at. Hugs to you 🙂
TypePadthanks, Shawn, but I knew going in that I didn’t have the time or resources to do something really special. My spot was fine, and I did ok in sales, but man, did you see the displays the others had?? Wow! I am making big plans for April in Paris!
TypePadThat is why the blogging community is so great, we can find and enjoy all the others who “get it”!
TypePadDefinately! If you are coming to visit Deb, come during the show and you’ll get to see the whole group! The next show will be even bigger and better!
Karla, I thought your booth was gorgeous! Nobody can do sparkle and glitz like you can:) Take pride in who you are ~ it’s all good! Glad I got to be there and see you this weekend.
Thanks for being part of a great show! I loved it.
Karla, this new comment form threw me for a moment. It sounds as if you all had a very successful show. and I bet your April one will be unbeleivable. All of you alls booths looked grand. What displays. You know don’t worry about your display not being like the others. If everyones displays looked the same, it would be very boring., Everyone has their own unique style and I love yours.
Have a wonderful evening.
Jean in Virginia
TypePad Yes, I really hate this new comment form and am trying to figure out how to get it back the way it was. This is inconvenient. I can’t click on the commenter’s URL in the email sent to inform me of a new comment, or email them directly! I really HATE THIS!
Sounds like a fabulous weekend! Wish I were closer to a bit of that lifestyle shopping heaven.
Great blog, I could look at the goodies all evening, but someone probably wants dinner. I haven’t been to a good show like that in ages. Carline (drooling on the keyboard) in SW Washington State
Hey Karla; I sure wish I could have been a bit closer to make the show. It looked very grand, all those gorgeous booths. Happy to hear that all went well.
Have a great week
Hugs;
Alaura
I love the snowflakes !! They are so pretty and gorgeous 🙂 You have the most fun, I swear. One day on your schedule would wear me out for a month, lol !! Love the sweet dollie from Beth. Cant wait to see what you do with her 🙂
Everything looks so amazing! I could sit and stare at these photos forever, I love the decorations, how everything is staged. I am so jealous you got to go shopping amongst all the beauty!
I have a little something for you over at my blog, stop by whenever you get a chance.
Have a great day!
Karla, it looks like such a fantastic sale event. I know everyone loved you, and we already think you are a “big dog”. 😉
Hi Karla,
Thanks for the wonderful posting on the show – I sure appreciate all of the nice comments you made about me and my work!
I really enjoyed meeting you and thought your booth was every bit as beautiful as everyone elses! I guess I had a bit of booth envy myself – maybe the grass is always greener?!
Looking forward to the spring show!
Well thankyou for my beautiful Gift Karla! I love it! I posted a photo of it on my blog.. and a thankyou to you for being so thoughtful!
Oh Karla, it feels so good to be able to come visit with you! My life has been crazy these past few months and I am happy to come over here and drink in all of this lovliness!
Hugs,
Joy
xo
Karla, you ARE one of the big dogs! I’ve been reading about your work in magazines for years. You really are living my dream life. Your art, your creativity, your humor, your style & your relationship w/ your granddaughter…you’re living the life, girl!
I just found your website after hopping around on the net this evening. I simply love your style 🙂 I’m glad, and sad, that you’re so far away from southern Indiana lol. I’d surely be broke.
You gals are so creative and energetic! I loved all the photos from the show. Wish I could have been there. It’s so nice to find people who have the same sense of style. I hope to make it for the April show. Thanks for the inspiration!
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