Rose Meadow Cottage Ramblings

Friday Flea Market Needlepoint

2009-09-17T12:28:00.000-07:00

I find these vintage needlepoint pictures so charming! This one shows a little girl with her dolly in a bassinet ~ don't you love the little details? I just added this to Rose Meadow Cottage Designs in time for Friday Flea market. The stitching is nice and even, and the colors are bright. You could leave it in this frame, which measures 14 and 1/2" by 11 and 1/4" or re-frame with a colored mat. Please drop by and take a look at my other Found Treasures - we've had some great fun out antiquing in early September.

Purse Plates for Friday Flea Market

2009-08-13T09:43:00.000-07:00

I came across these sweet little dessert plates at a recent flea market, and thought they would be just the thing for all of us who love shopping at shabby chic boutiques for that perfect handbag! This is a set of four, and each plate is about 8" in diameter. They have cute candy striped borders and there is a different saying on each plate; my favorite is "No outfit is complete without a fabulous purse." I think these would be fun for your next ladies' lunch.

You can find these plates, along with other sweet accessories from some recent antiquing expeditions at Rose Meadow Cottage Designs ~ look in Found Treasures!

Some French Window Shopping

2009-07-22T15:39:00.000-07:00

The store windows are all so tempting. These little jewels above are French macaroons ~ dainty little cookies which appear in every shade and flavor imaginable. They are a bit pricey, but a very delightful treat, and well deserving of their elegant display! You can purchase them in beautifully arranged gift boxes ~ but we each selected just one. Mine was lavender. Other flavors included raspberry, green apple, mango, white chocolate, black cherry, butter cream... and so on. Wouldn't they make a wonderful hostess gift?

These are cannales, a traditional pastry of the Bordeaux area. They are small cakes, and I understand that are baked at high temperatures, which causes the outer edge of sugar to brown and carmelize! The cannales are made using a batter more like crepe batter, and the outer edge is somewhat hard, while the inside stays yummy and moist ~ very rich indeed!

The "Les Mis" look seemed to be popular in France this summer ~ lots of layers of soft, feminine, lightweight clothing, always in neutrals, creams, lavenders and pale pinks.

Colorful faience ceramics from Brittany. Faience is an earthenware pottery covered in an enameled glaze, and then typically hand-painted with intricate flowers, birds, and characters. It was hugely fashionable in France in the 17th and 18th centuries. The quimper faiencerie was founded in the late 1600's and their wares, depicting Breton figures, remain popular today.

And an interesting cracker (?) that we found in our bread baskets in Brittany - the craquelins are shaped like a very shallow bowl.

Looking in a charcuterie window and wanting to try one of everything! Here you can find prepared meats (sausages, pates, terrines), along with a tempting array of quiches, stuffed tomatoes, and all manner of inviting veggie creations ~ is there a child in France that doesn't like his vegetables!?

And this is the store window that caught my husband's eye ~ antique books and maps. You can see he's proudly holding the purchasehe made there.

France in Bloom

2009-07-20T07:33:00.000-07:00

France in June is a magnificent rainbow of color ~ poppies dot the roadside, lavender fills the air, and roses are lush with blooms! Whether it be in elegant formal gardens, rustic kitchen gardens, civic plantings, or front yards and window boxes, flowers are in abundance. It's enough to make a gardener with even half a green thumb positively swoon. This photo was taken at Langeais Castle ~ nothing like a chateau to dress up some simple daisies!

I was captivated by the poppies ~ their vibrant colors along the road side always brought a smile.

And the hydrangeas were breathtaking ~

These are the formal gardens at Chateau de Chenonceau ~ on one side there are gardens designed by Catherine de Medici, Henri II's wife, and on the other side - gardens designed by Diane de Poitiers, his mistress of long standing. Both ladies were instrumental in the design of this famous chateau.

Inside the chateaux, we found outstanding fresh flower arrangements ~

And the flowers for these arrangements typically are provided by their own kitchen gardens, which provide a wondrous palette of bright colors and variety of flowers ~

These are the amazing gardens at Chateau de Villandry. This first photo shows the vegetable garden, which is laid out in nine separately patterned grids, with each grid having a different geometrical design and combination of plants. This garden will be completely replanted for the summer / autumn growing season.

Still at Villandry ~ these are more of the formal gardens. See the heart designs? There are four knot gardens here - each representing a different aspect of love ~

Almost every village we visited, charming in its own right, was further graced with colorful floral displays ~

The gardens at Chateau de Valencay ~ And at Chateau de Cheverny ~

This next one requires some explanation, I guess! Every summer, Chaumont-sur-Loire hosts an international garden festival. Designers from all around the world conceive and plant a 'garden' that reflects some vision or concept of theirs - think of this as gardening modern art. This particular garden had laundry in shades of pink, lavender, and blue hanging over flowers of the same hue.

Here I am with the roses ~

And a little garden nook just perfect in its simplicity ~

Home from France

2009-07-16T12:23:00.000-07:00

Our vacation in France this summer was glorious! Before I say one more word about our experiences ~ the magnificent sights, lush gardens, delicious food ~ let me say that most wonderful of all was the opportunity to share this adventure with my sweetie husband and our lovely daughters. France is a special destination for us, but family vacations anywhere and anytime are moments to be cherished!

We spent one delightful week at the very charming Berry-sur-Cher, a longere - a long white stone farm house - built from 1750 to 1890. Owned by a woman who lives in Boston, she rents out her beautiful home when she is not in residence - it was an extraordinarily fortunate 'find' for us as we were searching for houses to rent in the Loire Valley. It was located on the outskirts of the tiny village of Meusnes, which had a church, a boulangerie (a bakery - of course!), and a post office. Our nearby town was Selles-sur-Cher, where we could find several nice cafes and shops, plus a good size market on Thursday mornings.

I loved the outdoor eating areas!

There was this cute table just outside the back of the house that was just perfect for breakfasts.

Late in the evenings we would return from touring and have dinner in this lovely dining room. It stays bright in France till well after 10:00 p.m. so your touring day can be quite long! We would spread out one of the pretty tablecloths, and unwrap the day's collection of cheeses, sausages, and pates, break apart the ever present baugette, open the wine ~ and spend an enjoyable hour discussing our adventures and planning for the next day. Oh, and then, there were the almost-too-pretty to eat pastries that we just couldn't seem to resist!

Our living room was rather elegant, but we found it comfortable and inviting. A couple nights we had a fire in the fireplace - despite the warm late June days, these old stone houses retain their coolness except during the height of summer's heat.

Our kitchen was well equipped and thoughtfully stocked with condiments and tea, plus a welcome basket with wine and cookies!

A cozy place for breakfast ~

And a charming cupboard of plates, cups, bowls, and pitchers ~

I loved all the details ~

To celebrate our homecoming, and just in time for Friday Flea Market, I am offering free shipping on all my Provence pillows ~ these cheerful pillows feature French fabrics that are bursting with the colors of southern France. You'll find several more to choose from ($36 -$40) on my website ~ Rose Meadow Cottage Designs.

This says Spring to me.......

2009-04-27T09:01:00.000-07:00

...when I look out my dining room window and see flats of new flowers placed around this old maple tree just waiting to be planted! Filled with anticipation and optimism, we made our first major foray to the garden shops on Saturday late afternoon. Nothing too fancy here ~ some bright little annuals that will edge my herb garden, geraniums, and a couple new hostas.

And speaking of optimism - see those tomato plants on the left? My husband is planning bigger and better squirrel protection for this summer! Despite vows to purchase all our tomatoes at the local farmers' market this year, he can't resist a challenge!

Saturday morning found us at the Webster Groves Herb Society's annual herb sale. Those in the know arrive at least a half hour early, eat a portable breakfast in line, and chat with other gardeners. Ladies from the Herb Society circulate with slices of lavender pound cake and rosemary shortbread. As you approach the sales area, there were tables set with vintage tablecloths and more goodies to sample ~ herb flavored cheese spreads and mint infused lemonade. Wish I had brought my camera! This is a lovely sale with a fabulous variety of herbs, and we returned home with plenty new additions for our herb garden.

Our Solomon's Seal is in bloom. This elegant plant with graceful arching stems enjoys the shade and has these dainty white flowers in the Spring ~

Rose Crocheted Afghan

2009-04-01T14:34:00.000-07:00

This is just about the sweetest crocheted afghan ever! I rescued it from a flea market a couple weeks ago, and have now completed a few repairs where joined blocks had pulled apart so that it's all ready for Friday Flea Market. With lovely old fashioned 'granny' squares ~ every other one has a pink rose with green leaves ~ this afghan is worked in cotton thread and represents hours and hours of effort! It measures 88" by 72" not including the 5" knotted fringe along three sides.

Lovely layered pink petals ~

Please notice that most of the squares are worked in snowy white, while some are done in a more creamy white color.

Lots of ways to use this pretty piece; it's cheerful and feminine, and ready for your cottage ~ it looks charming draped over a wicker chair, but would also make a darling bed cover. You'll find it in Vintage Linens at Rose Meadow Cottage Designs.

Sweet Dressing Table Lamp

2009-03-19T15:34:00.000-07:00

I was so enchanted when I found this darling 50's era lamp in a back corner of an antique mall. Can't you just imagine it sitting on a little girl's skirted dressing table? The pastel china flowers are so delicate! And, they are in perfect condition. This lamp is 18" high, including the shade, which could be original. The wiring is in good condition, too. There are a few yellow spots on the base, and the shade has some also - you could easily replace it if you wanted to. Look for this sweet little lamp ($25.00) in Found Treasures at Rose Meadow Cottage Designs, and remember, shipping on items in this section is free during March.

2009-02-26T08:52:00.000-08:00

I found this wonderful vintage white glass plate and of course thought of Friday Flea Market! It is more 'platter' size (13" in diameter), and just right for displaying your yummy iced cupcakes and fancy decorated cookies. I love how you can run a ribbon through it to dress it up - which makes it perfect for any season of the year! Look for it in Found Treasures at Rose Meadow Cottage Designs ~ shipping in this category and Vintage Linens is free through the end of March. This plate is in great condition - no chips or scratches. The edge is really pretty ~

Easter Egg Pastel Chenille Pillows ~ Friday Flea Market

2009-02-13T14:48:00.000-08:00

I just finished a bunch of my patchwork chenille pillows in these soft pastel colors. I use my vintage chenille that is leftover from making quilts ~ all from those lovely old cotton bedspreads that are so soft. The pastel colors reminded me of Easter baskets filled with a delightful assortment of dyed eggs!

Each pillow measures about 16" square, and is gently stuffed so they are soft and comfy. I keep them simple, with just bows, buttons, and tiny ribbon roses as decoration. The chenille colors, patterns, and textures are so lovely to look at I don't think they need much more than that!

The backs are flannel ~ they're pretty cute, too.

If you are interested in purchasing my chenille patchwork pillows (each $22.00), please visit my website, Rose Meadow Cottage Designs by clicking here, where you'll find more details and photos.

Pinwheel Cookies

2009-02-11T13:20:00.000-08:00

I've been wanting to try these cookies ever since I came across the recipe in the Woman's Day Holiday Cookies magazine. And by holiday - that was Christmas, actually..... My ambition for fancy cookie baking in December exceeded the time available, but I thought they would be very pretty for Valentine's Day, and I even managed to nudge several of them into being round!

The cookies are made up of three flavored doughs - chocolate, of course, and then the pink is made with dried cherries, and the green with pistachios. They did take me a while to make! Oatmeal with butterscotch chips, toll house cookies and those peanut blossoms with the Hershey kisses are my usual fare, so these were kinda fun. I would be glad to share the recipe with anyone who wants it.

These (well, the really round and pretty ones!) are on their way to Chicago for my daughter in her Valentine's Day box - filled with all things pink. Even though our girls are young ladies now, I still enjoy packing up a box filled with holiday 'goodies' for them.

Friday Flea Market ~ Roses!

2009-02-05T16:58:00.000-08:00

This week I have a few pieces that are so rose meadow cottage-y, that I just couldn't wait to share them with you. First is this sweet apple green pitcher with beautifully detailed pink roses. It stands 7" high and has a very graceful shape, which is accentuated by delicate gold gilt lines. I am imagining it filled with pink roses from a summer garden! Here's a close-up on those roses ~

If you would like to purchase any of my Friday Flea Market items, please click here to go to my shop, Rose Meadow Cottage Designs ~ you'll find these in Found Treasures.

Next is this snowy white bowl with delicate pink roses and a lacy embossed edging. It's in very nice condition - about 9" in diameter.

And here is a wonderful earthenware pitcher with very pale purple grapes nestled in some colorful leaves. The glaze gives this pitcher a pale pink or lavender hue depending on the light. It measures 6 and 1/2" high.

The bottom of this pitcher is stamped in gold ~

"Compliments of W. J. Matthews, Jr., Windle, Tenn.,
The same goods for less money, Better goods for the same money."

Lunch in New Harmony

2009-02-04T07:49:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday we were on the road again, and ended up in New Harmony, Indiana, for lunch at one of our favorite restaurants ~ The Red Geranium. Not so unusual of course - except that we happen to live in St. Louis, and all of southern Illinois lies in-between! My husband loves to drive; more on that topic later. We arrived in New Harmony to find it snow covered, and the trees and bushes glistening with ice. It was simply beautiful. We had snow at home, too, but several sunny, warmer days had melted much of it away. I would have loved to have wandered around town taking more photos, but the walking surfaces were treacherous, so my picture taking was curtailed.

New Harmony is a charming town. It was founded in 1814 as home to the Harmonie Society, a religious group pursuing Christian perfection in all aspects of their daily lives. When the Harmonists returned to Pennsylvannia ten years later, the entire town was purchased by Robert Owen. His goal was to create a Utopian society where social equality and education would flourish for all. Many of these early structures have been preserved, and a tour of this historic town gives you a fascinating glimpse into a past in which men and women strived for a better life.

This is the outside of the Roofless Church. The artist's concept was that only one roof, the sky, could encompass all of worshipping humanity.

Yes, my husband loves to drive. It's never any surprise to me that we end up 200 miles from home just for lunch. Our second date, many years ago, was a Sunday drive. (I was still prone to getting carsick back then, and undoubtedly feel asleep halfway through. Apparently my company had been sparkling enough earlier on to compensate for my snoozing!) Just ask our daughters ~ they are pros at the 1,000 mile road trip. One of our daughters went to college in Maine, and of the dozen or so times we traveled to Brunswick, ME (moving in, moving out, Parents' weekends, etc.), we drove there at least half the time. We do this because we love stopping and exploring along the way - sites large and small, cities and towns, country roads and local diners!

Friday Flea Market ~ My First!

2009-01-29T14:47:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to be part of Friday Flea Market, joining dozens of talented ladies who enjoy creating beautiful things!

I love making little pillows using vintage postcards that date from the early 1900's. I think the artwork and the sentiments are charming! The Valentine's Day postcards are no exception, and they were the inspiration for this group of pillows. The one pictured above features a postcard that is postmarked 1900. It is framed with antique laces and trims, along with vintage shell buttons. This pillow measures 10" by 11" wide, not including the 2" ruffle.

To purchase any of these pillows, please click here to visit my online shop ~ Rose Meadow Cottage Designs. You'll find more details and additional photos there!

The postcard gracing this pillow says "Roses ~ Emblem of Fond Love." I used sweet shabby chic rose print fabrics, antique trim, and made a pretty little ribbon rose. It is 10" by 9" wide, not including the 2" ruffle.

This romantic pillow is soft and pink, with ruffles and a bow, and heart shaped shell buttons. It measures 9 and 1/2" by 11" wide, not including the 2" ruffle.

And here's one with a cute little girl and her ruffled parasol. This pillow measures 9 and 1/2" by 9" wide, not including the 2" ruffle.

Sunday Auction

2009-01-26T08:25:00.000-08:00

Sunday morning dawned chilly and gray ~ a perfect day for a drive and a country auction. Braving the cold and just getting out was the point; we had no plans to buy anything, of course! But we signed up for a bid number ... just in case. You never know what little treasure is going to make an appearance. When one did, my husband, who was holding the bid card, was gazing in deep contemplation at a beautiful old clock across the room. He wasn't exactly paying attention to what the current offering was. But, sweetie that he is, when I turned to him and said "BID" he just pushed our bid card up in the air and waved it back and forth, while saying "How high?" ... as in how high are we willing to go on whatever that small thing is that the auctioneer is holding up.... Happily, there wasn't much competition for this item that had caught my fancy. Here it is ~

"Practical Hints on Paris - Offered by the American people through the American Red Cross" ~ a darling little guidebook with a copyright date of 1919. Here's the preface ~

There are keys to pronunciation, sections on theaters, churches, shops, and restaurants (the restaurant section provides the whereabouts of the American Red Cross canteens - meals for 75 centimes, and coffee and sandwiches for 50 centimes!), plus there are these clever maps that unfold and show you where everything is located. Here's the map for 'Artistic Paris' ~ you can see the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, plus all the other places that have been visited by tourists for centuries.
It's a clever little book, 90 years old, and a wonderful piece of history. But the reason I was so enchanted with it is that our younger daughter is getting her Master's degree in France. She has been to Paris many times, and I knew she would be fascinated to see what had changed since World War I, and what has remained the same. But more than that, finding little treasures like this for our daughters helps me stay connected to them even when they are miles away and I hope lets them know that I am always thinking about them.

And so, with this post, I have joined the delightful world of blogging. It was one of my New Year's resolutions to do so. Over the last few months, as I have read the entries of others, I have been continually impressed with their inspiration, wisdom, humor, and creativity. After much angst over how to begin.... I realized that I just had to start! I'm looking forward to this new adventure.

2009-01-07T13:19:00.001-08:00

Well, here it is - my own blog!