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Sunday, April 21, 2013

Vintage Hanky Sachet Tutorial

I've been making these sachets for a couple of years now. Not too many ladies use pretty hankies any more,  preferring the cleanliness of a throw away tissue. But I love the charm of these dainty linens and decided to repurpose them into lovely lavender filled sachets.They are a favorite of many of  the customers in my antique store so I thought I'd share with you how I make them.


I find that a small to medium sized handkerchief  works best. Iron it smooth.
 Fold over two opposite corners so they overlap slightly, roughly into thirds. Press.
 Fold up the bottom corner and press, then fold up the bottom again 1/3 of the way. Press.
 Now you have an envelope shaped packet.
 Sometimes I stitch the sides closed, but even easier is to insert a strip of "Stitch Witchery" along each side and press and fuse the sides together. That way there are no stitches showing.
I buy French lavender buds from a wholesale source.  they have such a lovely soothing fragrance!
I make a separate pouch out of muslin the same size as my envelope , fill it with the lavender and insert it into the hankie envelope. This keeps the lavender from spilling out.
Lastly, I fold the top down and sew it closed with a pretty button or ribbon.  








These make lovely gifts for bridesmaids, housewarming, etc. Be sure to make one or two for yourself!
If interested I sell them for $8 each. Just email me at chateau.interiors@gmail.com.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Beautiful Brown Transferware


My mother's favorite color is brown. Growing up, my bedroom was decorated in browns and golds. Pretty unusual for a little girl and I did not like it. My favorite color was blue. It took me years to appreciate the warmth and richness in browns. Recently I started collecting brown transferware. I don't have much yet and the pieces are all different patterns. I literally have cupboards full of  blue and white transferware, which will always be my first love. But now I think that brown is lovely too!









P.S. I found all of these goodies at thrift stores, not more than a few dollars each!
I'll be joining
Feathered Nest Friday
Open House Party
Be Inspired Fridays
Time Travel Thursday
Wow Us Wednesday

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Painted Table


When  Kathy invited me to a garage sale a couple of weeks ago I found a pair of these charming end tables. As you can see  the finish was in pretty bad shape but the tables were solid and sturdy, definitely worth saving. I have to admit, I'm not completely sold on the idea of the painted furniture craze that is going on. If a piece has a beautiful finish I'd leave it alone. I've stripped and refinished many a poorly painted piece of furniture over the years! However, if the furniture is in really bad shape or was inexpensive go ahead and have some fun. I only paid $17 for this. 

 My local Ace Hardware store was having it's annual free paint day. Did you know they do that? It's awesome! Print out a coupon and you get a free quart of interior paint in the color of your choice. I got up early on Saturday morning so I could be one of the first in line. I chose a soft turquoise called Coventry Gardens.
 One coat of paint and little distressing and it's already looking better.
 I also did a little antiquing with some Minwax stain and then added a French graphic from The Graphics Fairy. I never get tired of browsing her blog for ideas!
Lastly, I sealed it all with a clear matte spray  finish.

Very sweet, don't you think?
I'll be joining
Show and Tell Friday

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Shopping Out of Season


When shopping for produce we are always advised to purchase fruits and vegetables that are fresh and in season. We should buy strawberries in the Spring and pumpkins in the Fall. However, when it comes to thrift shopping and antiquing I often find the opposite to be true.  Look for items that have been pushed aside and may be overlooked by shoppers because they are "not fresh". These are a few items I found last weekend on an Easter excursion to California. The most I paid for any single item was $3.00.

While the shop windows had displays of bunnies and Spring flowers I managed to find turkeys and pumpkins! Plus a lovely Burberry throw, two transferware creamers in earth tones, a bread peel and a pewter plate.

Loving this glass turkey candy dish!


I'll put my treasures away until Autumn and enjoy them when the weather changes. What have you bought out of season?