Starshine Salon

"Tray" Parisien

 

Today’s French Inspiration is a really simple project, but I love the results. I braved the heat to go to Mystic Paper on Saturday, because I had to have the new Wizard of Oz paper. While I was there, I also treated myself to a beautiful piece of pale pink Paris wrap paper (I think it is by Cavallini). While the colors are muted, the design itself is fairly busy, so I wanted to use the paper in a simple way that would highlight the paper itself. My muse must be hanging out in the garage, or in the recesses of my memory, because while pondering the possibilities, I remembered a tray I bought years ago but hadn’t used. I think these were originally designed for displaying needlework. In any case, all I had to do was clean up the tray, distress it a little with some sandpaper and a little Tim Holtz Tattered Rose Distress Ink (also from Mystic Paper) and cut the paper so that the part I wanted to see would show through the oval. Et voila un plateau parisien!

 

Here it is, already serving its intended purpose! I admit it; even in the summer I like hot coffee and tea (so long as I can stay in the air conditioning).

Starshine Wishes,

Karen

Un petit oiseau

This metal tape technique is taught by Michael Putnam and Lesley Fisher of Jack and Cat Curio.  I have taken a couple of classes from them at Mystic Paper in Mesa, and I highly recommend them!  These two are very generous with their supplies and their knowledge, which makes for a wonderful class experience.  In the metal tape class, I decided to make my bird French:

 

While rummaging through the supplies provided for the class, I found the text referencing "les fenetres" (the windows) -- the perfect thing for my little bird to dream about!

Starshine Wishes,

Karen

Getting ready for the Fourth of July

The Starshine Salon at Merchant Square (space 74) is decked out for the Fourth of July.  I just took in these handcrafted pillows, made from vintage red denim, vintage ticking and tea-dyed muslin:

 

Here's one to welcome your Independence Day guests:

 

There's a great vintage dress to wear to a picnic:

 

And lots of vintage aprons to wear while you flip the burgers or make the deviled eggs (or while you sit back, relax and sip something cold and refreshing):

 

This one is displayed on a Starshine Salon original design burlap and muslin mannequin, but it will look even better on you!

Starshine Wishes,

Karen

French Inspiration

Sharing this for French Inspiration Thursday over at the French Cupboard.  I made this waxed canvas in a class taught by my friend, Tricia Samsal, of Vintage Bliss.  

 

Tricia makes lots of these beauties and other wonderful things and travels far and wide to share them with others in her Pursuit of Pretty.  And her classes are so much fun!

If your heart is in Paris...

 

If your heart is in Paris, or if Paris is in your heart:

 

or if you just love the idea of love:

 

then you will love these little cuties!  They are about eight inches long (excluding the hanging cord) and are made from burlap, tea-dyed muslin, and vintage seam binding, blanket binding, lace and buttons.  Just finished them yesterday, and they are now in their new temporary home at Merchant Square: