Summertime in Paris...

Well, well, well.... long time no see...

I must say this year has been pretty slow Olala-wise, I've had a lot of work to do and I had to put my jewelry-making aside... I miss it but at the same time, I had reached a point where I didn't really enjoy it anymore, I was getting nowhere and I was wondering if I was doing this for the pleasure or just because I had started something and I didn't want to quit... I didn't enjoy going to craft fairs anymore, I didn't enjoy spending hours on Etsy and seeing the same items over and over again, and I was getting overwhelmed with all the materials I had and all the ideas I had and all the stock I had and all the time and money I spent and... it was too much!

So, I'm taking a break... and instead of jewelry, I'll show you a few pictures from my summer vacation in Paris : )

               

                               I've always loved the flower shops in France...

                               ... and the colorful Chupa Chups!



I've discovered a fabulous design shop near Hôtel de Ville, it's called Fleux and they had these great pieces from an Italian design company, Miho - unexpected things. They are made of wood and they come in a flat sheet, the pieces are cut outs that you put together like a 3D puzzle.... I.L.O.V.E.

I had to bring back home 2 birdhouses and 1 deer head but now, I regret not buying more : (

                               Some funky plates at Fleux



                               A Maillol statue in les Tuileries....

                               Macarons....

                               .... and macarons again!

PS : You might have noticed - I love my Vintique Iphone app ; )

Hibernation...

I wish...

The art of wrapping...

anthropologie.com

I don't know about you but for me, wrapping a present is a special moment and I always enjoy being creative.... So here is some inspiration if you are getting short of ideas!

With yarn :
MarthaStewart.com

With a branch :
Gennine's Art Blog

With lots of ribbons :
Marie-Claire Idées

Joyeux Noël!

It's that time again!?!

Anthropologie Christmas ornaments

Wow, I told you it was going to be fast... and here we are, Christmas is just a few weeks away and the "Christmas spirit" is everywhere!

I thought it would be fun to do a little game like last year so... my "Advent Calendar Sale" is on again! The rule is simple : every day, I will post on my Facebook page one item from my shop that will be 15% off for one day only... and this, until December 24th!

Let's play : )

Quick, it's almost over!

How gorgeous it is to walk back from school with my kids on a sunny day and look at these autumnal colors! Of course, they are more into playing in the dead leaves and picking up branches to make "swords" and "lightsabers" but well... that's another way to enjoy Fall ; )

Inspired by the beauty around me : "L comme Libellule" earrings featuring golden copper Swarovski crystal dragonfly wings and golden chains...With their iridescent finish and asymmetrical facets, these crystal wings reflect the light in a beautiful golden rainbow of sparkles. They are absolutely stunning in real life : )

And here is a little something I am completely smitten with : my "Cubes" pendant necklace... This necklace features a gorgeous 20mm Klimt style Venetian cube with an opaque red base and a layer of 24kt gold foil. Pressed onto the bead, a mosaic of millefiori glass creates texture and an abstract pattern. This technique makes every bead absolutely unique in color and shape! I.LOVE.IT.

October

September went by without notice...

Suddenly, the days are getting shorter and leaves are turning yellow, sweaters and scarves are out, and it's time for pumpkin pies! I love Fall!

Here's to celebrate Fall : "Petite Noisette" (little hazelnut) bracelet and earrings mixing picasso jasper stones with tiger ebony wood, fireopal Swarovski crystals and copper.

And my "Couleurs d'automne" (autumn colors) necklace, also with picasso jasper, tiger ebony wood, fireopal Swarovski crystals and copper.

Happy Fall : )

Blanc d'ivoire

Something I have had in mind for a while was to make a version of my "Macadam" necklace all in white... First, because I love all-white accessories, especially in summer, and second, because I fell in love with these off-white wool felt balls : )

Now, the question was to find what combination of white beads could work with my off-white felt balls... I thought about it, looked around, tried a few combinations and finally decided to work with... porcelain!


So, let me introduce you to my "Blanc d'ivoire" collection : wool felt balls, porcelain and magnesite beads for the necklace and wool felt balls, magnesite and sterling silver for the earrings... I am thinking of making a matching bracelet but I am concerned the white wool felt balls might get dirty if worn on the wrist...


(that's me modelling my "Blanc d'ivoire" necklace and showing off my super cool All Saints Spitafields bleached zebra shirt! Note to myself : next time, wear a touch of make-up before taking pictures...)