French Home Made

Get your check book sorted !

2012-01-24T08:23:00.000-08:00

With this girly idea from La perchee de Service !

Check books are usually ugly (=laid in french), aren't they ?
Get creative with fabric sticker then !

Don't forget to cut angles off so it looks prettier when you fold the conners.
It should not take you long !

Taking notes

2011-11-25T08:43:00.000-08:00

Discover those beautiful pattern paper designed by the famous french Fifi Mandirac !

Homemade tags

2011-11-13T03:16:00.000-08:00

From the french blog Home Made

Christams calling !

2011-11-04T09:56:00.000-07:00

I have already started my Xmas shopping, I mean at least all the supplies !

So here is my first project for the girls looking after my little boy at the nursery (they are about 25 ! so better be a cheap but sweet item per girl !)

Mini Chalkboard (heart shape) + masking tape + metal tin + candy canes

You can find the Masking tape "Merry Chritsmas" here in my online shop : Ma petite Valisette

Photos : Ma Petite Valiette

Swap pictures !

2011-11-03T11:29:00.000-07:00

To thank you all for taking part in this first international goodies SWAP organised with I love it all, here are some pictures of your parcels :

De Bopapier.com pour Funkytime

Paquet arrivé a bon port au Canada !

Le raffinement de L'art de la curiosité (France)

Swappeuses Francaises

By Lovely Indeed (USA)

`From Paul & Paula (Hollande) for Poulette Magique (France)

The B.wise papers (USA)

Scrapbook Printables (UK)

Vintage Pear Studio / Little Red

You were more than 100 swappers around the world to take part in this event so THANK YOU everyone ! Please send me your pictures if you have more :)

A french DIY online magazine : Plumetis

2011-10-28T13:03:00.000-07:00

With some english translation !
Discover my 2 Halloween projects here : Mes petites mains :

Un aperçu pour vous :

My french parcel has arrived !

2011-10-19T02:12:00.000-07:00

Here are the pictures of the parcel I have sent to the States for the international swap ....

More pictures on Monika's blog : I love it all !

Very cool T-shirts

2011-10-17T03:51:00.000-07:00

Check out those awesome french hand printed T-shirt (made of green cotton) for kids and grown-ups !

Here is the name of the brand : Ma Locomotion. Don't wait and pick the one you prefer !

Simple gift idea

2011-10-11T00:47:00.000-07:00

I'm very lucky to have a very nice and helpful all lady for neighbor so this week end we decided with my daughter to offer her a little something for looking after the animals when we go away....

A simple flower gift wrapped in scrap paper (from Ikea) and put together with some pink washi tape.

I took the pictures myself following the tips and instructions from Ishtar Olivera Belart.

Halloween on your ceiling !

2011-10-08T10:52:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Stephanie with this simple and easy idea :

From : Stephaniebricole

Blog and Discover France

2011-10-06T04:11:00.000-07:00

What a great discovery this blog was this morning !

It's french obviously, it's called "Les gouters de Nanie" and it's also full of beautiful pictures and nice places to visit when you come to France!

Wedding on the Beach week end

2011-10-03T04:55:00.000-07:00

Just thought I should share those pictures from this week-end in Cap Ferret (near Bordeaux), where my dear cousin got married, beautiful place for a very special day !

My french parcel is ready to go !

2011-09-27T02:15:00.000-07:00

The swap has been launched since the 20th of september and we are now more than 30 french bloggers/crafters and more than 30 others from everywhere around the world : USA, Canada, UK, South Africa, Philippines, Malaysia, Dubai, Switzerland, Republique Tcheque.... I'm now preparing the list of swappers in order to contact you around the 4th of october with the details of your new craft penfriend !

While I'm adding you all the list, here is a pic I took from my parcel (well to big to save some money in the post !) I will be sending very soon to Monika, who has been very helpful, from I love it all...

More details on this international swap, here, there is still room so pop in and leave us a comment here !

DIY suitcase : all ready to craft !

2011-09-26T05:19:00.000-07:00

I have just discovered thanks to A l'ombre du marronnier, this awesome blog L'art de la curioiste, where I found this genius project of a little suitcase full of tiny useful craft item...

That would be just perfect for the biggest swap ever ! If you haven't yet sign up for it, you still have until the 4th of october to do so !

And if you are looking for some vintage suitcases like the one above, have a look at my shop and send me an email to info@mapetitvalisette.com, I can ship abroad !

Tea to take away

2011-09-25T05:39:00.000-07:00

A pretty present home made by L'art de la curiosite, a box of tea for a friend

This packaging has been inspired from other projects you can find online like here.
Recover the original tea label with your own paper (here this paper is from Fifi Mandriac).
Make your own box, this one was made from the Lunch box project at Merci thanks to the explanation of the article "Take away" issued in the magazine Fricote number 2.

PYO in the Fall

2011-09-24T11:11:00.000-07:00

Taken today somewhere in Normandy with Mum and my children...

The little hen basket : lightning up !

2011-09-22T04:20:00.000-07:00

What a clever idea !

Light your egg basket up with some lights banners (like the ones you can find everywhere around Xmas).

Original idea from : Le mag de Tika

Sew a bag

2011-09-21T08:03:00.000-07:00

If like Stephanie from Ici and Maintenant (here and now) you like sewing, show us what your favorite bag would be !

This one is made from the pattern of Marie's book "Aime comme Marie"

International Blog Swap - with I love it all !

2011-09-19T22:41:00.000-07:00

What about a blog swap ?

but not any blog swap, an international swap !

I see a lot of very nice DIY projects on english/american blogs and also a lot of different supplies we can't always find here in France, so I got this idea of a blog swap where you could share your favorite or special supplies/craft item/home made objects with some french bloggers just like you. You will in exchange receive some very french surprises !

I told Monika from I love it all about this project and I was very pleased when she accepted to organize it with me ! Find her post with her parcel : here !

So to sum up...

Very simple :

- Make a parcel of 5 scrap items either purchased or home made (cards, tags, ribbons...)

- Pack it very nice

- Send it to a nice french swapper

- Wait to receive a very french parcel

To take part in this blog swap, just leave a comment here with your name and e-mail adress (obligatory but if you don't feel like it send me a private message at info@mapetitevalisette.com).

Wait to receive a message from me with the name of a french blogger to contact with this message :

"Bonjour, je participe au Blog Swap de French Home Made / Ma Petite Valisette et voici mon adresse pour l'envoi du petit colis de France : [write your adress here - be very precise]. J'attends votre reponse avec votre adresse francaise pour vous envoyer mon colis !"

IMPORTANT : make sure that your parcel is rather light as the postage fee could become quickly expensive for France (so I would recommend flat and small items)

You are most than welcome to post a picture of your parcel before sending it overseas and link it to Frenchomemade.blogspot.com and do the same once you receive your french parcel !

My french followers are getting really excited about this swap so please share this post with your followers : the more the merrier !

Really looking forward to hear from you !

Storage

2011-09-19T03:53:00.000-07:00

Simple shoes boxes painted on the outside and recovered with kraft paper inside will make very pretty storage if you decorate with bits and pieces cut out from scrap and fabric..

That's another clever idea from Marie-Claire Idees.
You will need :

Download:

You can also download the patterns of the differents boxes on their website. Look for links at the bottom of their post called Telecharger (boite = box)

Washi Tape DIY labels

2011-09-19T03:50:00.000-07:00

What a genius idea from A l'ombre du maronnier, don't you think ??

Simply print on a piece of paper some names you need to label and cover the words with some washi tape, pull them up and look at the result !

graines = seeds

Could be quite good for Xmas presents !

Fait Main = Home Made

2011-09-18T00:15:00.000-07:00

If you want to french up a bit your home made products, here is what you need !

Get them for less than 3 euros (less than 5 dollars for sure) from Cousette entre copines
on her online shop at Fee main creation (A french local version of Etsy)

Discover the blog here !

Jewellery pocket bag

2011-09-17T04:08:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post to let you discover this great french designer Kitouchy with one of her last creation :

Isn't it beautiful ??

Check out her e-chop here : http://boutique.kitouchy.com/

Fabric banner

2011-09-15T04:14:00.000-07:00

Looks like it's washi tape but it's not ! make your own with little bits and pieces of fabric !

Designed by Presksolen

Kids crate of fruits

2011-09-14T00:23:00.000-07:00

Play at selling fruits and vegetables with your kids thanks to this cute crate converted into a shop stall :

It will be the perfect spot for tyour kids to store all their secret hinted treasures such as snails, chestnuts, pebbles, flowers....

More great ideas on Marie-Claire Idees website !

Green picnic

2011-09-14T00:22:00.000-07:00

With this 100% natural wood table and stool directly cut from a tree :

Don't forget the red gingham fabric for the french touch !

More ideas here on Marie-Calire Idees...

Etsy Craft Night : Back to school !

2011-09-13T09:49:00.000-07:00

Thanks to LiliMandrill who animated the event, french women had the pleasure to enjoy a craft night organized by Etsy France last friday (09/09/11).

Five books to discover Paris

2011-09-13T09:37:00.000-07:00

Dreaming of going to Paris ? but not the time and not enough money for the moment, here is a little something (actually 5 things) which going to make your dream come true (ish).

Discover 5 great books about Paris and the Parisiennes on this french blog : Vie de miettes

Find them on Amazon.com !

Funky rabbit light !

2011-09-13T01:50:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of this very trendy rabbit light we see everywhere around France ?
Well, if not have a look here on my french blog : Ma petite valisette
(I even have few in stock if you are interested !)

But how cute is this one with its own french mustache one ??

All you need is to print a black pattern on a sticker sheet and you are done !

From an original idea of Libelul

Where to buy craft supplie in Paris ?

2011-09-13T00:43:00.000-07:00

If you are in Paris and if you like sewing, knitting or more, you have to go to those 2 shops !

The first one is called L'entree des Fournisseurs (the suppliers' entrance). The shop is not on the street but in a back yard you access from the street :

8 rue des Francs Bourgeois - 75003 Paris

Métro St Paul ou Chemin Vert

If you did behave properly in this shop and didn't spend all your euros,

you might be able to reach the second shop, called Lil Weasel, located in a typical

parisian passage,

1 Passage du Grand Cerf
75002 Paris
01 73 71 70 48

Métro Etienne Marcel / Réaumur Sébastopol / Les Halles

Paper napkin banner

2011-09-12T06:47:00.000-07:00

How easy and pretty is this idea from Dr Waouf ??

So if the sun still shines where you are, grab a pack of paper napkins and make you very own banner !
Dont't hesitate to leave a comment on this post with a link to yours with a picture of you pretty table !

Polaroid banner

2011-09-12T01:33:00.000-07:00

Super easy with this tutorial from Poulette magique (Magical ckick) :

Could it be any easier ??

My first DIY cake stand

2011-09-11T02:19:00.000-07:00

Nothing new, just a touch of England and you get this vintage cake stand made thanks to the idea The sweet adventure of Sugarbelle and a Ikea wooden candle stick.

The super glue wasn't enough so I had to get the glue gun out !!

Layer Cake Pop et Ruffle Cake Pop

2011-09-10T04:17:00.000-07:00

DIY from La Dinette, and all in english on her french blog !

Liberty Keyboard

2011-09-10T01:08:00.000-07:00

Check out this awesome idea from Presksolen to customize your keyboard !

I just hope that my husband will let me do it, well at least on my laptop he should even notice it !

Back to school in pink !

2011-09-09T11:46:00.000-07:00

With those beautiful pictures from Atelier Douceur who make you want to go back
to school every day !

Back to school apron

2011-09-09T02:30:00.000-07:00

What to wear ? here is the answer with back to school fabric from Motif personnel.

Marie Claire Idées #86
This apron has been inspired by the pattern of Thia from Blousette Rose (pattern Angelique, you can find here)

Fall is in the air : hop hop hop !

2011-09-08T04:43:00.000-07:00

Time to get my wellies out !

Share yours with us here ! and leave a comment...

ps : you can also add this linky tool by adding this code to your post html code

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Be my guest !

2011-09-07T07:39:00.000-07:00

Well I'm telling you I would love being the guest (i mean real guest not blog guest)
of this french blogger : La perchee de service !

* drink me up !

Doesn't it look very yummy ?

Pencils case

2011-09-07T07:32:00.000-07:00

Here is video to help you make this kind of cutie pencils case :

source : laetibricole - fabric from Linnamorata

The video is from Linnamorata, a french famous fabric accessories designer : click here.

High chair make-over

2011-09-07T02:08:00.000-07:00

I quite like what Aurelie has made with an old wooden high chair,
I wish I had done something that good !

I really like the grey and white dots cushion she added to it !

Vintage paper doll toppers

2011-09-06T04:03:00.000-07:00

Isn't this idea brillant ?

Have a look at this cute french blog written from New Mexico : Aux pays des cactus !

Birthday dollies

2011-09-06T01:00:00.000-07:00

What do you think of this gorgeous idea for a 3 years old birthday girl ??

Discover more ideas on Lollipop by Leonor : here !

Back to school here in France !

2011-09-05T02:27:00.000-07:00

with a free printable I made for my little girl at school today ! (I will take a picture this afternoon with it)

Thanks to the freebies from Bopapier (digital paper in the front) and from Pugly Pixels (for the tag and the digital masking tape ).

And a little color in page from a french blogger I like : Mlle Carneto

Click on this image on her blog to print it !

French kitchen

2011-09-03T00:44:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Marie-Claire Idees, you will be able to easily make
your kitchen walls look like real tea towel !

Some red paint, brishes, masking tape and here you are !
Brillant, isn't it ?

DIY Cookies cutters

2011-09-02T13:23:00.000-07:00

This is an original idea from Sunshine of mine ! How to make your own cutters, here we go...

Use a can (like a can of coke for example), cut it very very very carefully with
a cutter in 1 cm with stripes.

Then shape those stripes as yo ulike, using a drawing to help you, again be very
careful not to hurt yourself (fingers, arms, eyes...)

Bon appétit !

How to craft when you live in a shoe box ???

2011-09-01T11:36:00.000-07:00

For most crafters, finding the place to craft can easily becomes "Mission Impossible" !

So a very ingenious girl had the clever idea to open a place for crafter to come and craft in a old plumber workshop in Paris. It is called the Etablisienne (etablis = is the piece of furniture craftmen work on).

You can borrow tools there and exchange with other crafters, how cool is that ??

The place has been furnished with all equipment from the past.

The place is open 7 days a week from 9 am to 9 pm and on sunday from 9.30 to 6pm

Here is the adress if you happen to be in Paris for a while and need a spot like that :

88 boulvard de Picpus - 75012 Paris

(Metro : Nation or Picpus)

You do need to book in advance : 01.43.46.35.32

www.letablisienne.com

source et crédits photos : blog etsy

and french original article here : http://www.thetrendygirl.net/2011/08/letablisienne-le-spot-pour-bricoler-a-paris.html

Wedding anniversary

2011-08-31T10:18:00.000-07:00

While I was celebrating our 6th wedding anniversary,Veronique (a blog friend) from So lovely moments,was celebrating her 12th wedding anniversary and for this silk anniversary, she took beautiful pictures I wanted to share with you :

Photo by So lovely moments, more on her blog !

Mini french sweet table

2011-08-31T10:17:00.000-07:00

Just discovered thanks to an american famous blog : Poppytalk this incredible french artist from Brittany (west of France right opposite the USA) called Stephanie Kilgast.

Discover her Etsy shop here and her website in english and french here.

Perfect for a doll hosue, isn't it ??

Liberty bracelets

2011-08-30T03:33:00.000-07:00

You must have guessed by now that I love Liberty fabric and especially the pattern used in this DIY...
Liberty bracelets are really famous here in France, and can easily become expensive so why not make some ourselves ?

Thanks to Au fil rouge it becomes very easy ! Have a look at her pictures and visit her blog for more information on how to.

You will need : liberty fabric (not much) / ribbons / button / press-ups

Let's start !

I have used plastic press-ups which work fine as well but might be a bit too big on small arms...

Et voila !

And here is the ones i made myself !

The little heart pocket has been inspired by one of Craftypod projects : here.

Water melon Smoothy

2011-08-29T04:17:00.000-07:00

Here is a great idea for this summer (before it ends !) from Fais moi croquer.

You will need :
- hal a water melon
- strawberries
- ice cubes

Cut the water melon in little pieces, put all the fruits in your bender machine, mix for 2 minutes.
Add some ice cubes when you serve the drink.

Enjoy !

Paper toy

2011-08-28T10:35:00.000-07:00

As it was my birthday recently, I thought I should share with you this adorable Happy Birthday stall paper toy for kids to color in and play with.

You can find more creations from Dr waouf on her website here.

Isn't it a perfect gift for a little birthday girl ??

From where I blog

2011-08-28T01:09:00.000-07:00

Just a quick pic to show you my mood board !
Home made of course...

Happy wedding anniversary hubby !

2011-08-27T00:14:00.000-07:00

6 years that we got married, time just flies...

DIY magazine online

2011-08-26T13:39:00.000-07:00

For those who know the online magazine Inspired Ideas from Inspired Co, you will be very happy to discover a french similar version online : Plumetis Magazine from Mes petites mains.

The last issue is now available and to read for free ! Enjoy !

And you will be happy to discover some of the articles in english !

Pink party

2011-08-26T04:09:00.000-07:00

Check out this awesome Pink Party from Sunshineofmine !

Find even more projects on her blog !

Lavender bags

2011-08-25T04:42:00.000-07:00

Such a pretty way to store and use lavender, thanks to Libertylle.

You will need lavender and fabric, all kinds of fabric !

And what about you ? do you use it at home ?

Have a lovely day

2011-08-24T13:23:00.000-07:00

Here is my first resolution done (out of my 30 things to achive while I'm 30 !) :

Taking part in the blog event of Sunshine of mine : Have a lovely day ! (see my previous post here)

Number 18 : check !

Vintage suitcases

2011-08-24T00:45:00.000-07:00

Very useful to tidy up your messy desk !

Find those pictures on Mes petites mains magazine and discover their great online magazines !

When a french girl...

2011-08-23T12:38:00.000-07:00

... Shows us in pictures how to make a cake stand offered online by the american blog sweetlysweet.blogspot.com I featured lately on my french blog Ma Petite Valisette (here).

Here is what you get :

It is an awesome blog called Juliette just like the french girl !

Back in France

2011-08-22T14:39:00.000-07:00

Holidays in England are over for me and my family, soon my little 2,5 years old will be back at nursery and my 4 and a half girl at school for her second year....

Time just flies, doesn't it ?

Very cool T-shirts

2011-08-21T01:49:00.001-07:00

Check out those awesome french hand printed T-shirt (made of green cotton) for kids and grown-ups !

Here is the name of the brand : Ma Locomotion. Don't wait and pick the one you prefer !

30 things to do while I'm 30

2011-08-19T15:40:00.001-07:00

It's official I'm 30 ! and to celebrate the occasion, I have decided to list 30 things I want to do for this year to come. So join in and follow along as I do accomplished them !

1. Make a scrapbook for a friend who's leaving soon

2. Make myself a mini photo studio to take proper pictures inside

3. Make another scrapbook for my cousin's wedding

4. Go and see my sister's new flat in Paris she has just bought and done up and spend a nigh there

5. Take my kids to London to visit the Transport Museum and more !

6. Take the TOEIC exam

7. Reach 1000 likers on my french blog facebook page

8. Attend my daughter's school concert

9. Ride again

10. Organize a blogswap

11. Read the last two novels of Marc Levy

12. Go to a disco – dance – aquagym night at the swimming pool next door

13. Make at least one of all the ELLE magazine receipes I have been accumulating over the years

14. Make one receipe of each english cooking books I have bought in 2011

15. Make a den for my little girl's bedroom

16. Finish off all my sewing works in progress

17. Make a princess dress for my daughter myself

18. Take part of Have a lovely day event from Sunshine of mine blog

19. Make my very own first complete craft tutorial

20. Burn all my 2008/2009/2010 pictures on to filed cds to liberate space on my mac

21. Print new pictures to frame at home

22. Wrap my X-mas presents with homemade papers and tags

23. Be “screen free” for 48hours (no tv, no phone, no computer)

24. Finish off my online shop to make it right

25. Get ride of all my old clothes/chooses I won't wear anymore

26. Make sure my 2 year old son use the pot

27. Dye my hair again

28. Use my digital picture frame

29. Go and see Cars2 on screen

30. Make my daughters like buttons (she hates them so badly !!!)

NB : I was inspired by Chelsea Costa from Lovely Indeed who has been keeping us update on what she has been doing since she turned 30 !

I'm 30 today !

2011-08-19T00:31:00.000-07:00

I'm 30 today and I just wanted to share with you the invitation for my birthday party I'm throwing soon !

Here are some pictures of the preparation : here !

PS : if like me, you're turning 30 this year, feel free to ask me for this print (pdf file) by leaving a comment on this post !

Craft beach party

2011-08-18T02:30:00.000-07:00

Organized by Etsy France in Biarritz (South West of France), take a look at the pictures :

You can see more lovely pictures of the place on the day on Sew and Laine website here.

One of my favorite DIY and creation website : Pom Le Bonhomme

2011-08-18T02:17:00.000-07:00

I can't choose only one of her projects as they all so good so you need to see them by yourself, you can also click on the union jack button on the right of her page to translate the all thing in english !

Liberty scrap

2011-08-18T02:02:00.000-07:00

Love this very simple idea to use all the Liberty scraps you might have kept without knowing what do with it but couldn't throw them away

I found this product on Mavada's blog here.
from an original idea from Pom

Just sew your little circles on a ribbon or anything else you like !

Twinkle twinkle little star

2011-08-17T03:54:00.000-07:00

Mavada is offering you a template for this cute moon and little stars made in felt in different colors for a better effect. Thick felt will work better.

Use small and bigger stars, and a cotton strand to tie them together.
Find it on her blog under this picture, the link looks like "gabarits_lune_toiles" (for personal use only).

Here are some pictures of her work !

Paper bunting : very easy !

2011-08-16T10:42:00.000-07:00

We french love your very vintage buntings, here is a DIY made in France by Pouce et Lina !
And please have a look at the rest of her blog, which is just adorable !

The triangles are made from different patterns paper, what do you think ??

Picnic time

2011-08-16T01:08:00.000-07:00

It's picnic time and here is a great idea to decorate your disposable wooden cuterly for the summer with some washi tape. Go and visit this incredible website : Griottes for some more great ideas !

This project was designed for the Etsy french blog for their Summer holiday camp (cahier de vacances).
I wish I could get a copy of this limited printed edition !

When packaging is as important as the gift

2011-08-15T07:16:00.000-07:00

Here is a very nice website (in french and in english !) called La Dinette which is all about birthday parties and great cake recipe ideas. Today, it is all about packaging. Have a look :

And for you how important is the packaging ???

A taste of my holiday

2011-08-14T11:45:00.000-07:00

Back to school

2011-08-14T11:40:00.000-07:00

To cheer you up before the big day when you kids will leave again for school, here is a little freebie from bopapier.com for whatever you'd like to make : a little notebook, your next scrapbook....

You need to join the website by creating an account (compte in french) here and then you have access to all the freebies ! Enjoy...

To do list

2011-08-13T06:42:00.000-07:00

From Papier, ciseaux, cailloux, useful for everyday !

Visit her blog here and click under the picture on the different links called "ici" (=here).

Hope you like it !

DIY paper poppies

2011-08-11T10:47:00.000-07:00

Very original for an event decoration, those red paper poppies will light your day up with color !

Have a look at Tete d'ange (Angel's head) for more pictures !

Happy half birthday !

2011-08-10T06:15:00.000-07:00

I have already introduced you to this very sweet blog So lovely moment in a previous post on a very french birthday party. Here is another one, organized by one of her friends, Elizabeth from September Bliss who is also a professional photographer, for the 6 months of her little boy.

"Servez-vous" means : "Help yourself !"
What do you think about those cherry tomatoes pop cakes ???

Discover more picture on So lovely moments blog !

Summer cupcakes

2011-08-09T13:39:00.000-07:00

When memories come back with just a smell, a taste or a picture... life becomes sweeter and yesterday doesn't seem so far away...

I really enjoyed reading the last post of this french blog : Fais moi croquer where you'll find a recipe for those rhubarb cupcakes. The writer made them remembering the days where her father used to enjoy eating rhubarb when she was to young to enjoy the bitter taste of it...

Recipe :
- 250 grammes of rhubarb sprayed with sugar for a night to get ride of the bitterness
(cut it in little pieces)
- 50 grammes of sugar
- 40 grammes of flour
- 40 grammes of cornflour
- 2 eggs
- 1 tea spoon of baking powder
- 1 vanilla pod

Icing : make it or buy a mix + purple food coloring

Directions :
- pre-hit the oven on 200 degrees Celsius
- whisk sugar and eggs until white
- add flour, cornflour and baking powder
- mix and add the rhubarb, add vanilla seeds
- bake it for 30 min
- decorate with icing

Enjoy !

Hi Paris !

2011-08-08T08:11:00.000-07:00

If you are planning on coming to France (meaning Paris for most of you) then you should definitely have a look at this awesome blog :http://hipparis.com/ , in english of course, where you will find place to stay, to eat, to drink, to shop....

And if you fancy staying for a little longer than a usual holiday, you should also subscribe to this website to get all the best deals of the Capitale de la mode : Mylittleparis

Yummy !

2011-08-07T07:17:00.000-07:00

Do you know those delicious french biscuit called "Petit Beurre" ? (= literally meaning little butter")

Well Maxime from Maxi Glob has made a cushion version :

Don't you just want to eat it ??? Unfortunately, Maxime doesn't sell them yet but he's actively working on it, you can also visit his blog as he speaks very good english !

Back to school before school

2011-08-04T11:35:00.000-07:00

With this easy to make tote bag from Papier, ciseaux, cailloux.
Do you know those school type fabric with lines on it ? rather trendy but a bit expensive... so why dont you make your own ?

A piece of white thick cotton fabric and a black or grey/blue waterproof pen and a red one, a ruller, and your're done !

Liberty summer dress

2011-08-04T02:41:00.000-07:00

Fort those you are lucky enough to wear summer clothes, here is a tutorial from L'astuce a l'oreille to make your own Liberty fabric dress.

What you will need :

- 1m of Liberty pattern fabric
- 78 cm of elastic tape (width of 2 to 4 cm)
- 1,5 m of silk ribbon
- matching cotton strand and a sew machine !

Step by step :
- cut a piece of 110x78 cm your fabric
- sew this rectangle together (outside on outside)
- turn it inside out
- do a hem at the top of the dress to put the elastic tape through (give an extra 0,5 cm depending on the width of your elastic tape)
- use a saftey pin to do so (so you dont loose the tape inside the hem ; really annoying :)
- sew the two ends of your elastic strap together and sew the hole where the ends come out
- sew a hem at the bottom of your dress

You can wear the dress like that with a belt around your waist.

But you can also try to make it fit better, wear the dress inside out, with the stitching in your back along your spine, with the help of a friend pin few pins around your low back on both sides. Those pins will give the depth of your next stitching. Take the dress off and sew on 20 cm long, starting under the elastic tape like that :

You can also use remnants to make accessories :

French vintage furniture

2011-08-03T08:51:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I haven't told you yet about this great shop in my town, I live near Rouen in Normandy, and near the Cathedrale, actually just at the bottom of this massive Cathedrale, there is this lovely shop where you can find vintage piece of furniture that the owner give a new like to.

Ckeck out few pictures from L'atelier du Charivari here :

Picture holder

2011-08-02T14:45:00.000-07:00

So easy and perfect for your summer decoration or your beach house !
This is an original idea from Stephaniebricole.

Some cheap forks and pebbles and you are done !

The cheapest the forks are the easiest it is going to fold them around the pebbles or the little branches for example.

PYO and Be Happy !

2011-08-01T14:49:00.000-07:00

Pick Your Own fruits and Be Happy !

Cake stand

2011-07-30T09:25:00.000-07:00

I found a lot of nice tutorials on american/english blogs on how to make the best cake stand and I made one myself actually (with the memorial plate I got for the Royal Wedding this year in the UK) but haven't had the time and the light (Mr Sun is still very lazy around here) to take a decent picture.

But I found the other day a very nice one on a french blog so here I am sharing it with you !

You can find it on Lili's skies (I know : another english name for a french blog !) that I really like.

1. Get a plate and a cup/vase of the same color or matching color
2. Use a tube of Super Glue to glue the two together
3. Let it dry
4. You can even decorate it with stickers for china/ceramic

Then put some little cupcakes on dollies with masking tape flag topper, yummy !

Off to England...

2011-07-29T11:46:00.000-07:00

Today was the last day of my 2 years old at the nursery, so I decided to make some Madeleines (easy french sweeties) for the whole team.

my daughter helped me to decorate them and had the idea to put little Union Jack flags as we are off for England next year to see her grand parents.

A paper napkin from EmmaBridgeWater in a little wooden basket from the market and some english soldier toppers...

None are left... I'll have to make some more then !

Cooking time !

2011-07-29T08:20:00.000-07:00

It's summer (or kind of, as the sun's been missing recently / probably gone on holiday in some hotter countries !) so here I am making "clafoutis" with raspberries, cherries or plums from the neighbour's garden. So I felt like showing you the result :

Photos designed on the awesome Intsagram app for Iphone

(God bless the Iphone !)

Birthday party preparation...

2011-07-28T07:49:00.000-07:00

... here are some pictures of what i'm putting together for my party :

Are you guessing the theme ??? Quite british, isn't it ?

British AIR MAIL envelops, from England (we don't sell them anymore in France) for the invitations. I transform the classic "Keep calm" into "Keep calm I'm only 30".

For the guests, I'm preparing a set of 2 pens in a craft package with air mail masking tape.

And for the tables, various messages from the original "Keep Calm" that I love, framed in Ikea frames 21x30 cm (less than 2 dollars each)

That's all for today ! I'm off to England again next week and I'm sure I will be back with great new stuff....

Business cards holder

2011-07-28T02:40:00.000-07:00

After the leather wallet yesterday, here is a book made just for business cards.
This is an idea from the french blog : Morning by Foley.

A simple notebook (like the one you used to take to school), some masking tape and you can save very easily all the nice business cards you have been keeping all those years in a box that you probably couldn't close anymore !

Find some more very pretty pictures on her blog here !

Isn't it very very pretty ??

When a recipe book becomes a craft book...

2011-07-27T13:23:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share with you the gorgeous present I have been given today by my dear dear freind Stephane.

Cadeaux Gourmands by Berangere Abraham is just how I like books : colorful, simple, easy and pure pleasure to read.

It's a real shame I can't get to show you the inside but let me to describe it for you : just imagine a perfect combination of craft paper and packaging, with nice little labels and twine, washi tape and ribbons...

Thanks you so much for this present !

Simple but very chic wallet !

2011-07-27T11:20:00.000-07:00

How many cards do you have ? If you are like me, with all the different cards you have to carry along all the time : bank cards, loyalty cards, business cards.. you are likely to get lost !

So here is a very easy step-by-step tutorial from Made by Mlle (mlle = mademoiselle = miss) to make your own card holder :

You will need :
- plastique folder or plastique sheet
- some Liberty fabric
- some leather or fake leather

1. Make a rope with your sew machine and the liberty fabric

2. Sew it in the middle of the leather, only at the end of each side

3. Cut out the plastic piece in order to get the same size that the piece of leather and then sew it on the inside and make some pockets

4. Cut the whole thing into your cards size

A simple idea to enhance your pop-cakes

2011-07-27T10:58:00.000-07:00

Just a simple and very easy idea to present your pop cakes next time you make some !

Chicoulascrap shows you in pictures how to put this together :

What you will need :
- jar
- cheap rice
- scrap paper
- pop cakes

1. Cut out a strip of paper big enough to go round the jar (inside), use some tape to make sure it doesn't move
2. Add the rice up to the top
3. Stick your pop-cakes in it

You can also add some patterns, cut out from the original paper, in the jar and on the stick of your pop-cakes.

Find more pictures on her blog : here !

Print and craft on !

2011-07-26T10:39:00.000-07:00

Here is very very cute and colourful website where you will find plenty of great stuff to do with (or without) kids for every occasion of the year !

It's called Papier, ciseaux, cailloux... (from the kids game with hands : paper, ciscos, stone...)

Here are some patterns to inspirate your next work... visit her blog here and click under the picture on the different links called "ici" (=here).

She will be more than delighted if you send her some pictures of your work once finished !

Hope you like it !

Craft room made in France

2011-07-25T23:25:00.000-07:00

With a touch of Tilda style, come and discover the craft room of a french blogger who has been following me since the beginning : Sweet and Poppie (yes a lot of our blogs names are in english ! it makes them sound better !)

You can see more pictures of her craft room here.

Etsy France

2011-07-25T14:26:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you all know everything about Etsy, right ? But it's quite new for us here and since not long, we now have our own Etsy France !

And what is good about it, it's its blog ! especially now for the holidays, they are organizing a kind of online summer camp with a new project everyday ! just go and have a look by yourself : here.

*cahier de vacances = kind of home work kids have to do during the summer holiday

Rabbit neck-less

2011-07-25T13:53:00.000-07:00

Don't you wonder sometimes about what you could do or make with all the little plastic and annoying tinny toys your kids gets anywhere from everything ?

Well here is an idea, from VERT CERISE (=green cherry)

Take that tinny useless rabbit your kid found in a easter egg last April, strap a knot around its neck with those tinny little ribbon you found in new clothes you buy on coat hangers, yes the stuff you always forget to cut out, and pass it through a tinny ring from a nice neckless chain and you're done !

DIY (french) Holidays

2011-07-24T14:41:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you must all know the famous Cath Kidston designer, very popular in the UK for all her vintage fabrics, bags and accessories. I wrote a post about an article on camping holidays from her magazine recently (here on my french blog).

Here is a picture from a french version of DIY camping ! This is the work of the incredible Laetibricole.

You can find more pictures of the inside on her blog.

Marie-Claire Idees

2011-07-24T13:51:00.000-07:00

Or the equivalent of the english Countryliving or the american Martha Stewart (but probably not that big). In France, we have Marie-Claire Idees for craft ideas and more !

Here is a very nice idea for wedding, especially when you don't know what the weather is going to be like (like in Normandy, where I live..). Very simple : just tied or pin few ribbons of different colors around your umbrella and let them flow in the air (or the rain !).

We also have the paper version every 2 months.

"Made in France" party....

2011-07-24T11:40:00.000-07:00

For her son's second birthday, Veronique from So Lovely Moments organised a prefect party.
Check out the pictures here and even more on her blog !

She even brought hay bales in her living room for people to sit on ! How amazing ?!

(fresh milk tag)

Design by : {Marjolaine Jacques}

Photos by : So Lovely Moments

Free tags printables

2011-07-24T08:37:00.000-07:00

To follow up on my last post "Operation Bonne Journée", here are some free tags printables from bopapier.com.

You need to join the website by creating an account (compte in french) here and then you have access to all the freebies ! Enjoy...