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