Like a breath of fresh air.
Things I love…getting lost in a book, or a magazine. So easy to do. Especially when they are filled with beauty and inspiration. I finally made my way through The French-Inspired Home, several times in fact. I cannot recommend this book enough – eye candy extraordinaire! But it’s more than that, really.
The pages are styled and laid out so wonderfully, the colors so….muted and soft and…French. Of course, I am drawn to Chapter 1 – The Creative Space. I’ve discovered that my favorite thing is seeing other workspaces and studios. I love looking at the collections and the displays, and ingenious ways of storing the vast amounts of stuff that creative people are prone to accumulate.
“Whether your creative space is at home, in an old barn, or in the garage, hang up anything that inspires you.”
Those are words I live by everyday. And since my creative space just so happens to be in the garage (while I wait for my dream barn), I can relate and appreciate these words. I’m such a visual person, and admittedly, I must surround myself with things that I love – colors, fabrics, ribbons, buttons, flowers – so that when I look up from the cutting table, or the sewing machine, I can rest my eyes on something that I love. Something that makes me take a deep, relaxing, breath while it permeates my mind, so that when I get back on task, the memory is still there.
A gift wrap station! My dream house (barn) will have a gift wrap station...wait! Strike that! A gift wrap ROOM! Ribbons lined up, apothecary jars of vintage millenery flowers, buttons, brads and grommets. I love how they refashioned a spool thread holder for holding bakers twine! A fabulous idea! Who can get enough of that photo? I can't.
Another thing wonderful thing about this book are the Archives: beautiful vintage labels, button box labels, book plates, mailing labels and other graphics that are so easy to scan and play with. There are also actual instructions for many of the projects found throughout the book.
It’s perfect for sprawling on the couch with some hot tea, planning the next rainy day project; perfect for that burst of creative inspiration that we all need occasionally.
*sappy post, huh?*
Hi Carrie,
I really loved this book as well. There is so much inspiration and the photos are stunning! I'm going to take a trip to see French General. PS. Finally got my blog banner up!
Posted by: Heather | February 13, 2007 at 09:17 AM
Oh wow, I MUST get this book!
Posted by: beki | February 13, 2007 at 11:59 AM
I think I must be the only one who doesn't have this book yet. Looks simply gorgeous! And that organized ribbon and wrap is just too much - love it!
Posted by: deb | February 13, 2007 at 12:09 PM
It is a yummy book. And the store is super too.
Posted by: pam | February 13, 2007 at 01:03 PM
découverte de votre blog ! et de votre boutique ...et bien j'aime bien vos sacs, et je vois que vous aimez la toile de jouy !!!
Posted by: boubou | February 13, 2007 at 01:09 PM
Oh, I've been on the fence about getting this book forever! You may have just helped me make up my mind!
Posted by: jennicakes | February 13, 2007 at 01:22 PM
Oh, that book is absolutely one of my favorites EVER!! I look at it all the time. It's so cozy and wonderful and the rooms are just perfection. Glad you're enjoying it too!
Posted by: Jackie | February 13, 2007 at 07:35 PM
These photos are divine! I've not had the pleasure of looking through this book. But now I am determined to find it. Thanks for the inspiration.
Posted by: Tautchia | February 25, 2007 at 10:18 PM
Eye Candy for sure. I Ssoooo need to work on my studio! I also need this book. Tracy
Posted by: Junk 2 Jewels | September 14, 2007 at 05:57 PM
aloha I make things with French flair, check me out too. Love your ideas and site,
from the Islands Lilla
Posted by: Lilla | February 19, 2008 at 01:32 PM