From Marie Claire Idees December 2003 issue, this wreath has charmed me for years now. I'm sure you do this, too, but every month I like to pull all my favorite saved magazines from years past and do a little run-through to remind myself of what I liked, what I didn't have time to do last time, and what I might be ready to try now. This year -- today, in fact -- I'm saving time for this one. Isn't she pretty?
As far as I can tell (though being able to read Marie Claire Idees is reason enough to begin studying French again, I am still pathetic in my skills, je me regrette), this is two slit-down-the-seam sweater sleeves wrapped around the form and stitched back up, little I-cord flowers and word, bead-and-embroidery-embellished leaves and flowers, and yarn-wrapped washers (at least that's what I've got) for "berries." The sweater I'm using is a pale, powdery blue, and I'll no doubt go for a red/pink detail thing, as usual.
I'd like to get into the habit of doing one pretty-substantial Christmas craft per year, something that I can be proud of and that I look forward to taking care of. MCI is so chock-full of beautiful holiday ideas that sometimes it can be overwhelming -- I have, on occasion, just screamed and launched the mag across the room in a hissy fit of I don't know what. Creative envy? Gratitude to the publisher? Despair over my own dust-bunny-populated digs? But generally, when that brown-papered, gloriously French-stamped parcel arrives in the post for me (I finally got tired of trying to find a place to park at the specialty magazine store, walking three blocks, and then having them tell me it wasn't in yet; so I have a subscription now), I hoot with glee, and go for it, bad translations notwithstanding.
heavy sigh.
will you please post your interpretation {translation} of this wreath?
i understand your tantrums. i have years of martha stewart living magazines cataloged for that project (read hundreds) i willreally&truly do.
tis the season.
if only we can live a lifetime to make all our hearts' desire.
oh, i can't wait to see your version!
i discovered MCI about ten years ago when i was living in north carolina. i had to drive two hours to raleigh to buy it, but it was worth it. the whole aesthetic was so exciting to me. i experienced similar excitement when i discovered japanese craft books last year.
i speak french poorly (belgian french at that), but, as with the japanese books, i usually just rely on the photos and illustrations.
bon chance!
I do that too with magazines! It's the greatest inspiration for me, but the magazines were threatening to take over the house, and my husband was getting fed up! I finally just saved my *favorites*, and pulled out the pages that inspired me from the others. I then put together a "Inspiration Book" with all my favorite ideas in plastic page protectors. The funny thing is, my inspirations aren't handbags, or things I make; they're a myriad of different textures and colors found in ribbons, fabrics, combinations of china, etc. My book is here: http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y50/cdsommer/inspiration.jpg (hope that works!)
Also, I lived in Paris for a year when I was 10 (dad was transferred. Did I appreciate it? No!) and even though I totally picked up the language at the time, can't speak or read a word now!
I am IN LOVE with your blog and ESPECIALLY your shop!
Thanks to Kathleen from Liquid Sky arts for sending us this way!! (the girl knows talent when she sees it!)
I LOVE that magazine too and I have several times kept the little subscription card dreaming of a subscription but have always been overwhelmed by the French. Maybe I'll try again . Wonderful blog you have too!
I can completely relate to how you feel about all of the fantastic ideas. It's like overdosing on wonderous creations, and your brain just can't take it all in at once.
I can't wait to see your creation. You have a great eye for color.
Wow! That's amazing. I can't wait to see your take on it, and to run off to the newspaper store to see if they carry that magazine!
WOW!! that's wonderful!! I love marieclaire magazine but I lost this number!!
very pretty!!!!