Beauty is only TIN deep...

The fall for some is the end of the seasonal rotation just prior to the completion of natures death. However for some of us, it is the time of year in which we begin to envision the flowers of spring. As we plant our bulbs, the only thing we can do is wait.

The wait at times seems dark and uneventful. But when you least expect it, it arrives! Growing up in Southern California, we anticipated the flower fields in Carlsbad every year. The patchwork of bold colors blanketed the hillside. It was beauty at it's absolute best!!! Ranunculus are the only flower that blooms there, and as far as we are concerned, there is no other flower in comparison! Anywhere!!!!

No longer living in California, we've chosen to plant our ranunculus in different ways. Look around for the perfect container. In our case it is this vintage tin. Plant the ranunculus inside. Adding other flowers around it may create some depth, but the ranunculus can easily stand alone. Oh the excitement it will bring you defying the phrase that "Beauty is only TIN deep!"

-French Menagerie

Tis the Season to be Jolly...

Tis the Season to be Jolly!

That old familiar Christmas carol quite frankly should have been written for us "junkers"! It's such a catchy little tune! Reminds us of "It's a Small World" or" 99 bottles of root beer on the wall ;)" or maybe even "Yo ho ho ho a pirates life for me." Okay, okay, now that we cemented them in your head! Enough singing! Priorities, priorities, priorities right? It's time for "the crew" to set sail, treasure hunting... for you! We are searching high and low for great finds. Will they bring us, (or we mean you) enough to keep you singing, fa la la la la la la la la?

We hope so!!!!! Much work to be done, no root beer drinking for us! Stay tuned for progress! We can't wait to share creative ideas, and of course our fabulous pieces with you. We're right around the corner, and the final count down is on. Have a great Saturday, and happy hunting in our not so small world!

-French Menagerie

Oh the Possibilities!!!

On a good day of treasure hunting you might find a dresser to refurbish or a chair that's in need of your love and attention, but rarely do you find something that speaks to you! Well today, I heard it! It came from under piles of superfluous fabrics that in their former life supplied costumes to the local musical theatre. "Take me home it whispered!" Huh? I thought! I continued to wrestle through yards and yards of time warped fabrics until I ran my fingers across what was beckoning me. It was this! This most amazing 1973 Vogue Pattern book! Coincidently, I wasn't even alive at it's publishing, but oh how it made me feel alive today! I'm not quite sure what it will become, but Oh the Possibilities!!!!!!

-French Menagerie

chicken coop for the soul

As a modern day treasure hunter of sorts, I can honestly say that I literally get a rush when I come upon certain items that someone, for some reason has chosen to discard or sell. 

One such item was this very old, very battered set of chicken roosting boxes. Oh how my heart went pitter-pat when I spied them on that cool, fall evening leaning up against the fence!! I HAD to have them. They would be mine!

To my good fortune, they were still for sale. Oh happy day! “SOLD, to this city gal" I said! 

You may be wondering, “what in the world does one do with a reclaimed chicken roost one buys?” I knew EXACTLY what my plan was---re-purpose it into shoe cubbyholes in my entryway of course!

And, even though I have yet to clear a spot for them and they remain perched outside further enduring the elements, they are near the top of my ever-growing 'things I have every intention of doing soon' list.

Ahh, truly a literal Chicken Coop for the Soul of sorts every time I look at them...

Guilty Pleasures...

What is your guilty pleasure?

Is it the taste of fine chocolate? Is it the feeling of sliding your foot into a new pair of fire engine red heels? Is it the burn of your favorite soda going down? Is it the aroma of freshly baked bread? Is it the addition of "another" vintage blue canning jar, or is it when you happen to find the most incredible garage sale ever?

Whatever it is, indulge yourself every now and again! You are worth it! (-can you guess ours? when you find a great piece such as this green goblet, find a way to sneak that guilty pleasure in and present it with love!)

ADDICTION

Addiction is used to describe a recurring compulsion by an individual engaging in some specific activity.

Our specific activity is the hunt! So we have a confession to make!!! Yes, we are addicted. Addicted to that PERFECT FIND! The find that starts your heart pumping with excitement. Addicted to that perfect chair sitting alongside a busy street. (You know the one that makes you stop dead in the center of traffic causing all cars to swerve!) We are addicted to used furniture, linens, and tattered frames. We are addicted to thrown out aged wooden toys. We are addicted to dressers, tables, mirrors, windowpanes, and old worn shoes. We are addicted to the new paint colors, sanding machines, and antiquing finishes. We are addicted in the death of a season, and rebirth of another. We are addicted to planting flowers and succulents in unexpected and quirky containers. We are addicted to bringing you the funkiest and most unique items that will cause you to BECOME ADDICTED! Our addiction is compulsive! But it is with all good intentions! One day someone will ask you, "Where did you find that?" and you can smile and say, "it was made just for me!"

The Industrial Salvage Look

Incorporating industrial salvage adds to the look of modern-day, clean-line furnishings and creates a sense of history which, in my opinion, every home needs to have to feel comfortable. It adds character as conversation pieces and they are utilitarian as well. Bonus.

It’s also part of the collective effort in the recycling of objects and it is good to find new uses for materials instead of pitching them into the landfills.

As a refurbisher, I am always on the lookout for unique ways to reuse and re-purpose items. I ran across this cool picture of an industrial cart-turned-coffee table. I promptly broke a commandment. You know the one--about not coveting.

This has been added to what I like to call my “seek and acquire” list. I remain hopeful that I will come across this or something like it in the very near future. And, as part of my quest, I hope to offer more industrial items for sale at this season’s Flea Markets...

Make it a great day…