March 15, 2011

Fragments, Salvage, And Shop Keeping


"Click on Photos to show details, and the Wall treatment I created to my Shop- walls"

This is what I have been up to, finding pieces I can salvage, and restyle, while painting everything I can get my hands on, always looking at familiar objects in a different way. I have been tending to my shop space filling it with pieces that charm us, restyling for a use of design, and accessorizing our homes. Embracing a style with French flea market finds, fulfilling an understated, and elegant role that is also an integral important part of the whole home. French European style that is not attention seeking, yet receives attention deservedly. These pieces, and accessories are not lacking elegance- but elegance of use, pieces well loved in a life before they are found again, adding a touch of new all over again to them- used for purposeful use or ornamentation to them. While loving pieces that have acquired a soulful patina of age, I cannot resist painting the pieces that call out to be painted.



I stocked up on apothecary jars, and then got busy making my famous terrariums price range starting at $39.00 they just don't stay around more then a couple of days when I bring them in. I like to add sea shells, and little vintage bottles nested under a fern with a little message of love or inspirational piece of ephemera book art tied, and dropped into the bottle, it leaves you wondering what beautiful treasure should one seek out.

Hand made Columns with added altered pieces turned into candle sticks, making for a treasured piece for a French country ocean side home, created by "Judy Rael" a most dear, and beautiful artist friend who lives beach front with more than enough inspiration to fill all our poetic hearts.





Embracing old discarded frames, I take pride in cutting them just right where the personality of the piece adds grace, and balance to it, turning them into beautiful fragments, perfectly imperfect salvaged pieces of art that can also be found in my shop. I love to personally hang them over the tops of other frames in my home, as well as in wall groupings, mixing them into the things that are a muse of inspiration to me, giving them a paint treatment that looks to be mellowed with age.


Look what I have done by just painting my art with passion...
Loving odd pieces with a hidden charm, and letting these pieces find me is better yet. After an old chair was on its last leg it had been discarded, the bottom of the back rest split, and abused with little life or love to give to anything of use. Its small voice pleaded to me to except its less than perfect state, then allowing me to give it a deserving life. Letting this piece become my new muse of inspiration has shown me there is no ugliness in the little imperfections of what we look at daily, its all in what we see.


Showing the back side with a simple eye hook to hang from, I love the ever so slight bowed back to it, making this piece a teeter-totter on the wall, but I think this is what in most part charmed me. I did nothing to it to alter the life, and journey it had been on before it rested in my artful hands, I am not sure I should let this little sweet chair back go, I may have to keep it around awhile letting it tell me where it wants to rest.

"Loving odd things, adding to a poetic heart."
I feel like I have become a guardian of pieces with history.

57 comments:

WhiteWhispers2u said...

G'day My Friend~I have missed you and almost sent an email asking if all is o.k.
Oh I love seeing your space and all your creations.I so love the terrariums I bet they fly out the door.
I have been sick for almost 3 weeks, better now but Yuk! Lost my step brother-in-law to a virus a week ago so sad healthy 44 and got a virus went into a coma and a stroke and he passed 2 days later.So it's been a bad 4 weeks.
I do have a treat for you and did my post about your blog design.Stop over my love for a visit.Everyone has such sweet things to say about you.Your very loved! xox ~Cheers Kim

Gracefully Vintage said...

Your style-design is just breath taking, so inspiring, How a picture can do so much.
THanks for sharing SUCH creativity and inspiration
Karryann

Cathy said...

Love all of it!! Especially the terrariums and the chair piece.....so clever!
Happy Junkin.....Cathy aka GGJ

Pamela said...

Everything is so beautiful!! I love the finish on that dresser!! So many lovely pieces with that time worn weathered look!!

Pamela xo

Vintage Gal said...

Everything is just stunning ~ love the terrariums and the bird cage. Happy thrifting ;-)

Cindy Adkins said...

WOW--what can I say Dore? It's all amazing and I LOVE that birdcage--simply gorgeous!!!
XO

Susan EvelynAndRose said...

Your studio is just breathtaking! I'm absorbing each detail. What a talent you have!
Happy WW,
Susan

Okie Chic said...

So pretty I love everything in your space. The wall is really lovely.

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Oh how I love it when you visit me, Dore! It gives me a chance to pop over and be in heaven for a bit. I LOVE LOVE LOVE what you did!!! I have to ask what did you do with the pages to fade them out? Were they already faded? And of course....I sighed on the photograph of the ball of string and spineless book and I thought, "...she completes me!" I browsed a long time in your little area. I just can't imagine what you and I would do in one afternoon together. I really hope we get to find out one day. How fun would that be???? :-)

Big, big hug of admiration to you,
Love
Elizabeth - thanks for visiting me so much! Finished my evening off just lovely...

Seawashed said...

So so beautiful. Your space is so peaceful and makes me want to linger and just breath in all the softness. What is your shop called? Or do you have a space in someone elses shop? Please be careful with this flu and take care of yourself. Reading Kim's comment above is scary. This music is so lovely. sea kisses to you. ox

BonjourRomance said...

Every piece is so gorgeous Dorè. Your delicate birds are always perfect, your trademark! I would love to visit your boutique, it would be my idea of the perfect way to spend the afternoon.
Thank you for all your sweet visits and kind words. I got a bit behind, but so happy to be back to stop by your très jolie boutique!
Hope you are having a fantastic week creating;
Mimi

Brooks Interior said...

LOVE every single thing in the pictures, especially the birdcage, the chair back, and the terrariums. I've been wanting to make a grouping of those to set on my dining table for spring. I'm inspired!

Anji Johnston said...

Every piece has been bought back to life with tender loving care. Even your teeter totter plaque that you lovingly created has so much charm. I wish I lived nearer to you and your shop so I could lazily wander through the tranquility you have created. Always inspiring Dore - always.

Julia @ Vintage with Laces said...

Your space is just beautiful, Doré! I love everything I see there.
Hugs,
Julia

Faded Charm said...

Such wonderful pieces added to your shop with that special touch of your artwork. Beautifully arranged!

Kathleen

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Oh ma belle,

When I saw your comment, I was so happy; I had been waiting for a while to see a new blog post from you, but I see you have been busy, but look at the results. YOUR SHOP SPACE MUST BE a dream!!!! Everything that I LOVE SO MUCH in terms of the white BROCANTE look. Oh, you should see my home now. Today in fact, I am home from work in order to let in the electrician who is going to install our crystal chandelier from the HIGH VAULTED CEILING! I think that crystal chandeliers help COMPLETE the look of the white distressed look. AND then I am having two bookcases delivered that are NOT white, but are made of OLD OAK that has an almost grayish look to it. I am excited to see how they will look. But most of all, seeing YOU come to visit me dearest was a treat for me. With all the sadness in the world and also at my job (a dear colleague was diagnosed with TERMINAL cancer), it is comforting to carry on, knowing that LOVE ABOUNDS and never dies or is swept away. MERCI MA CHÈRE AMIE POUR TES PAROLES SI TENDRES ET DOUX. JE TE SOUHAITE UNE BONNE JOURNÉE REMPLIE D'AMOUR!!! BISES, Anita

Vintage Culler said...

I check your blog so often, looking and longing for more lovingly, artfully created pieces. You never disappoint and are a constant source of inspiration.

Wally B said...

Hi Dore,
I'm sure you could add style and beauty to a block of ugly cement if you tried. You always give me inspiration

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Oh ma chère, je m'amuse maintenant; les deux etagères sont dans ma maison, et le bois, comme tu as dit est exactement pareil au bois français, ce qu'on trouve à la broncante!!! Ce qui me plait tant c'est les variations de couleurs. Le blanc, le gris et le bois clair ensemble me rapellent de la France et à toi et tes chef-d'oeuvres. Merci encore aussi pour cette amitié si précieuse. Je vais prendre des photos après qu'on construit les poutres exposés au plafond, en bois!!!! Oh, je m'amuse bien!!!

BISES, Anita

Burlap Luxe said...

Anita my friend,

Oh! mon cher ami Anita, pas juste du tout que je ne suis pas là en personne prendre dans toute votre beauté dans la conception!

Je vais attendre de voir ce que je sais va inspirer les larmes de mes yeux quand je prends à votre nouvelle, les vieilles maisons de beauté mélancolique.

Insiring beauté française.
xoxo
Dore

Terrell said...

It's all just beyond beautiful! You're so talented and I think it's just so neat that people can have special pieces you've created in their home! Love it!!
Hugs to you sweetie!

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

So happy to see a post from you Dore!! It is so exciting to see all this beauty together ~ all so peacefully beautiful. It just calls to my heart and soul!!

time worn interiors said...

Love what you did with the walls!
Theresa
aka:tot

The Robin and Sparrow said...

Oh my goodness, just rabbit trailed into your blog! I love all the gorgeous white. I wanted to grab my down comforter and jammies and move in!
Thank you for the inspiration.
...clare

Beach House Living said...

I love your chair back sparrow. It's perfect.

Christel said...

Dear Dore..ok I admit it..I watch clean house..you know the show where they find hoarders, and pack rats, and sell the stuff at a yard sale, and then clean and redecorate..anywho, I was watching this show on Thursday, and I swear, I saw one of your BEAUTIFUL bird on a branch paintings hanging on the bedroom wall after the redecorating! I stopped, replayed, stopped again, replayed..I know this was YOUR work! I was thrilled to say OMG It's Dores art..I know who she is! lol Blessings dear talented heart xoxox Christel

retrorevival.biz said...

Hello! Just joined your blog:) Heading next to view your Etsy shop. Hope you have a happy day ~ Cindy

Curious Sofa said...

That birdcage is fabulous! I have never seen one like it. Good job!

Debra@CommonGround said...

Everything you touch is magic, Dore. Your space is so beautiful. Love the fragments with the painted birds, you KNOW I LOVE Birds!!
xoxo,
Debra

Ticking and Toile said...

Dore,
Your shop space is so beautiful!!! Wow I can't get over it! :) So you'll have to tell me about the wall treatment you did!?! Email me ..... I've been thinking about doing something very similar in my sewing studio!

xoxo,
Shellagh

June said...

Your space is so beautiful Dore. I love the way you do everything! I adore the fragments that you created from the frames. You have such a talent for display of your pieces.
sending hugs

Nancy's Notes said...

Oh my, so pleased that I found your blog, how lucky is that? You are incredibly talented! Your place is truly amazing and unique.

Nancy

Unknown said...

...oh yes Dore...EVERYTHING you touch
IS
poetry in motion!

sigh...
xo, Rosemary

p.s. LOVE the new header:)

michelle said...

Your space is just beautiful Dore! You have given life to so many different things in there and have added your charm and touch in a perfect way. It is always a delight to come see what you have created, you inspire us in so many ways. :)

Have a wonderful week!

Kelly Frances Dunn said...

Hi Dore! Sorry I haven't been by in a while. I check and check and then sometimes the little things just slip away. I am loving this post of bit and pieces. You always know how to bring everything together as a whole. Cohesive and beautiful is what you do oh so well!! XO, Kelly

Suzanne MacCrone Rogers • Italian Girl in Georgia™ said...

Hi Dore ~

What beautiful finds. I wish I was in Southern CA to shop at your store! Lovely pieces of everything.

Ciao bella,
Suzanne

La Petite Gallery said...

You have a wonderful eye for beautiful objects.
God gave you a real talent. yvonne

Martina said...

Gorgeous pieces and - i like especially how you treated these walls. It looks very good and fits to the whole style. To sad i can't come over and have a look!

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Precious friend, thank you for coming over!!! DO YOU LOVE THAT MOON? Isn't it fun that the creativity never stops? You can use that photo if you wish! And my home is starting to look so wonderful. I hope to take some pictures in the next week for I will be on spring break and will have time to snap some photos...I am loving the WHITE AND GRAYS...all I need now is a small sideboard for my dining room, the exposed beams in the new room and some lead on my windows and all is done. MERCI for taking interest!!!! BISOUS MA BELLE DORE!!! Anita

La Brocanteuse said...

Dear Dore, you ALWAYS inspire and I wish I could just pop over to see you and all your beautiful
and awesome pieces you create..
you always give me such lovely compliments that is much appreciated- I feel honored and is grateful for your kindness.
big hugs
Colette x ~Afrique du Sud

Stephanie Suzanne Designs said...

Oh goodness, it's all so beautiful. The terrariums reminded me of the 1970's. My tiny apartment was full of houseplants, terrariums and tropical fish tanks. I didn't have much furniture yet (my first apartment) and this stuff really filled it up. ♥

That birdcage is to die for! so unique...

I'm visiting for White Wednesday....

Have a wonderful day,
Stephanie ♥

Simple Home said...

It looks wonderful Dore!! I fell in love with that birdcage when I saw it in the shop. I loved everything in your booth. I will be back :-)
I hope you're feeling better.
Blessings,
Marcia

Vintage Home said...

Well I wish I could go there!

Regina said...

Amazing talent!

Anonymous said...

I LOVE coming to visit you, Dore! You have such an eye for beauty!!! All of it is gorgeous!
Happy day to you,
Zuzu

Vintage Home said...

Haha! I just keep coming back to see your dresser!

OneCraftyFox said...

So, so, so, so BEAUTIFUL!

Decor To Adore said...

Oh I adore your shop treasures~ swoon!

I am currently hosting an auction of vintage and antique linen treasures. Stop by and take a peek.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Unknown said...

Beautiful shabby chic finds!

the old white house said...

Everything looks amazing! I think I have a chair in my barn that needs a new life! The walls are fantastic too! xoxo

Debra@CommonGround said...

Hi Dore, so glad you linked up this wonderful creative post!
xoxo,
Debra

Rustic and White said...

I am so inspired by your blog. I have taken note with your lovely pieces. I am new to your blog but will definitely return. I have a lot to learn and you have a lot to share.
Thanks so much!!
Carrie

joanna said...

Dore

The feeling of absolute contentment washes over me when I look at your creations, spring time fresh is your creative touch.

Joanny

I left a comment over on Whimsical Musings Mag with your featured article.

Marie Lost Bird Studio said...

Absolutely gorgeous,Dore! Love it.
Hugs,
Marie

Dawn-Hydrangea Home said...

Hi Dore,
Love your work and your beautiful blog! Thanks so much for the visit. You have a new follower. Have a great week.
We had dinner to your blog music. Love it!

Anonymous said...

Woooooooow, your blog & your blues...... I just love all of it!!!

Agneta, a swedish one

Ali said...

Beautiful finds! I love your blog!