Odd Pictures From Paris

While reviewing a set of photos from Paris I noticed that there was street in the 6th District that I walked along while taking photos. I know it was the 6th because some of the store fronts I easily recognize. But this photo appeared in the grouping and I can't recall taking it.
Clearly the title caught my eye: Exercice du silence.
Or maybe I liked the tin duck?

Two photos later I took this picture of how people park in Paris.
Hmmmmm. "Exercice du patience" I think.

French Macaroons!

Truth be told I would rather photograph a macaroon then eat one. I love how various bakeries make them in so many different colours.

But this store had my favorite macraoons ever! Watercolour style painting on a t-shirt.

Oh so french! I could try and make something similar with some of my own pictures!

macaron (French spelling) or macaroon (English spelling)

The Carriage By The Door

What is it about vintage baby carriages? So many of us love them. This one was very unusual. All I kept thinking was how low you would have to bend to put a baby in this carriage. Ouch. Think of the aching backs!
In Paris, parked in front of a store painted purple, it is a picture worth taking. I was dying to knock on the door and ask who the stroller belonged to. The flowers were fabulous.

What I Do With Parisian Vintage Ribbons

I bought this vintage ribbon in Paris at the big antique market.
These are the ribbon samplers that a sales person would have had when they were visiting store keepers. You have the same pattern in many different colours.

Jacquard ribbon is so lush and thick. I always knew that one day I would do something special with these pieces.

This is what makes my heart race in Paris. Boxes of vintage ribbons and millinery supplies. My sample ribbons were very expensive. Today I know they were worth every penny! I am so glad I didn't put them back after picking them out of a bin. I could never have made these beads look this way without these unique patterns.

These are the beads I hand sewed this week. The rose was the one feature on the ribbon I tried to keep as is. I sewed beads all over the bead and thoroughly enjoyed the process.

My finished necklace. This piece is featured on my other blog today.

The Paris Flower I Can Not Name

Aren't these stunning?
This April In Paris this flower was everywhere and I fell in love.
I thought they were roses, then poppies then I started to ask people.
The problem was that each time I asked for the name I was given one in French which I immediately forgot.
In the antique market, I spotted yet another bouquet.

The vendor was amused with how much I wanted to capture these flowers in a photo. She took the time to write the name of the flower on a business card..which I can't find.
Blog readers. Help! Do you recognize this flower?

Things I Do Differently in Paris

It's a cool rainy Sunday morning. I am so happy to be home with a hot cup of coffee. Later I'll venture out to visit my parents but for the most part it has been a quiet weekend at home.
If I was in Paris, I would not have been indoors for one minute during daylight hours. Today I would be at one of the outdoor antique markets. Everyone always asks me about those markets. I write about them in my book so you don't end up going to the wrong place.
Today my camera would be fully charged and I'd have back up disks and batteries in my purse. Most likely I would have a few cotton bags with me...just in case I bought anything.
Have I ever come back empty handed? Everything interests me there.
These doll heads in luggage make me smile. I have a few readers who say these pictures creep them out. I have never bought a doll head but I take lots of pictures of them. They seem to have the inside track on what might be happening in the market. I suspect at night they locate something they can use for a body so they can take a stroll down a few alleys to visit friends.

Brazil in Paris

During my 2005 trip to Paris I spent a lot of time in one department store that had a special month of events dedicated to South America. This fabulous necklace was one of dozens I admired.

They really were ahead of their time. Dangles and ribbon embellishment have become very popular now. Samples like this influence my subconscious when I get home. I now have my own ribbon printer...but I have yet to add dangles like these to a necklace. I will soon though!

Paris Window Shopping

If I take a picture of something in a Paris window it usually means I think the item is something I might try to recreate when I get home. I finally cleaned up this photo digitally today. It was bothering me for a while as I needed to have a better view of the pillow. I thought the pillow was the reason for the photo.

Then I remembered the necklace! I loved it! The ribbons and embellishments are beautiful. I am so glad I enhanced the picture since I do have an idea that I want to try now that I am seeing this picture through fresh eyes.

And check out these moon shaped jewelery display items! I can make these too!

My Best Friend In Paris

This is my adopted dog in Paris.

He works at the big antique market.
Five years ago I met him when he blocked my entry into several stalls. He looks after several and his owner (or owners) often wander away and leave him in charge. Every year I return simply to find him. I have many photos of our meetings. The year I went after my number one dog passed away we had a tearful reunion. I think he knew. This year I did notice how old he is getting. I am just praying he'll be there in April like always. Paris would not be Paris without my dog.
Today I am thinking about my best friend in Paris.

And The Vintage Paris Winners Are!!!!

Okay, I printed all the comments and put them in a bowl.

Then my hubby picked ten names!

Here they are! If you are one of my winners you just need to email me your address!
My email address is carmimail@aol.com

Rachel
Harper
donnajean
Suzanne
Linda
Andree Lachapelle
Lulubelle
DeeAnne
Barbara Williams Webb
Kas

Thanks to everyone for participating. I'll start my regular Paris posts again tomorrow!

One More Day Until I Pull Out Ten Winners!

The winners for the vintage Paris giveaway will be pulled from a hat at 6pm my time tomorrow which is Tuesday September 7th! Thanks for participating and I'll post the winner names here tomorrow evening!