Crocheted Flowers

Once I get an idea in my head it consumes me. My husband will verify that! One day I decided to crochet some flowers. The last time I crocheted was about 7 years ago when I taught my daughter the skill. Well, I was walking through Joann's Fabrics one day when I saw this book. PERFECT! I spent hours selecting the right sized hooks and yarn. I began crocheting, then it all came back to me. One flower turned into several. Several turned into quite a few! Of course, this project didn't stop there. My crochet supplies had to have a home!

I purchased this large vintage sewing box at the Rose Bowl last year. Just a little white paint. . . and new glass knobs. . . . My favorite feature is the inside thread/bobbin tray! Now, it stores my yarn, hooks and scissors!

Please tell me I'm not the only one who can turn a simple idea into a time-consuming craft project AND a furniture makeover!

French Garden Flea Market

Saturday, February 28, was a special day, indeed! Hidden Chateau & Gardens was the venue for several vendors selling their wares at a "French Garden Flea Market." Any chance to visit the grounds is always a pleasure!This historic landmark was built in 1934 - 1936 by silent movie actor, Francis Lederer. It was named a Historical Cultural Monument on December 4, 1974 by the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission. The 1.5 acres of shaded grounds and meandering stone paths are truly magical!Of course, a day of shooting photos for a fabulous blog post was diminished by an uncharged camera battery! I took only a handful of photos while anxiously awaiting the gate to open. Vendors were still setting up their booths.These cute shopping carts were painted shabby PINK! They were available for shoppers to cart around their treasures, but they weren't for sale (darn!) Coffee and pastries were served, but everyone rushed in to shop rather than to sip and nibble!This is a sampling of the items sold and the last photo I took before I heard that dreaded beeping on my camera! I had a great time shopping, though. I bought only 4 items:I saw these rusty cast iron planters calling out my name! They're quite rusty, but so charming! I love the front wreath detail.When I saw these chairs, I knew they would be perfect in front of my fireplace! I'm loving French decor of late, so bits and pieces are finding their way into our home. Seems everywhere I turn I see burlap on chairs. I thought my chairs needed some feminine flair, so I added a down filled accent pillow. I have only one pillow made so far, so here's a photo of the one I completed.