Vintage Postage Stamp Digital Scrapbook Freebie!

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Sophie

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While Antiquing and browsing through some Vintage Ephemera, I spotted these Vintage Postage Stamps with Chickens on them from 1948. I loved how they exuded a French Country feeling in a quintessential Americana way!

Free Digital Image of Vintage Rooster Postal Stamp

Vintage Rooster Postal Stamp for Digital Scrapbooking or Art Craft

When I first looked at the stamps through an old wax envelope ( I was afraid to touch them because they were in perfect condition ), I thought the image was a hen. It wasn’t until I took them out and examined them closely with my magnifying glass that I realized they were Roosters!

The difference between a Hen and a Rooster…SPURS!

The spur on the back of the Roosters’ feet was a clear giveaway.

I hope these Vintage Postage Stamps inspire your next Art Craft or Digital Scrapbooking Project.

To download or save this high resolution vintage JPG image, simply click on the photo and then Right-click on the JPG image and Save picture as…

Joyfully and with a curtsy,

Sophie

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Antique Silver Pickle Forks: A New Twist on an Old Goodie!

Posted on May 5, 2013 by Sophie

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Using Antique Silver Pickle Forks for entertaining today is definitely NOT passé! So, take your toothpicks and toss them out for a new twist on an old goodie!

In the late 1800′s, pickles were fashionably displayed in brilliant cut crystal pickle jars and “picked” with long opulent Silver Pickle Forks! (now that’s a tongue twister )

Long Antique Pickle Forks

Fast forward over one hundred years to 2013 and the word “Pickle Fork” sounds kind of funny today and the pickle jars at the super market aren’t quite that pretty.

So, when I spotted these grungy Antique Silver Pickle Forks while antiquing I knew I found something special and my “inner” hostess was filled with unique entertaining ideas for dinner parties at home!

my tarnished and grungy Antique Silver Pickle Forks when I brought them home

The spiral design along the center of the fork was solid and weighty which I liked, because I don’t like the feeling of something “hollow”.

Antique Pickle Forks with decorative handles

spiral stem detail on Antique Silver Pickle Forks

The beaded details along the edges added a softer more delicate element to the design which was a nice contrast to the substantial spiral center.

I haven’t met an antique lover yet who doesn’t love monogrammed silverware. So, when I spotted the letter “R” (coincidentally the first letter of someone I love ) which was engraved on the handle, I new these were “keepers”!

Monogrammed Antique Silver Pickle Fork

Now, I just had to polish them.

In a few short minutes my grungy tarnished Antique Pickle Forks began to glisten like jewels!

my Antique Silver Pickle Forks after I polished them!

So, you may be asking yourself, “Sophie, what are you going to do with these now?”

Well, you haven’t seen my Antique Pickle Jar yet! I’m saving that for another blog,

So the next time you’re antiquing and you spot some Antique Pickle Forks…

Polished Antique Silver Pickle Fork Tines with Curved Outer Barbs

Here’s a tip to incorporate them into your “modern day” dinner party at home.

1. Ditch the trays and look for some unusual glass or crystal jars to place your usual “tooth picked” hors d’oeuvres (veggies, cheese, olives, and indeed pickles) in and of course, use or repurpose your Pickle Forks! We’re so used to picking things off trays that the switch to a jar with an Antique Pickle Fork will definitely be conversational and a lot more fun!

I hope this inspired you to re-think traditional Antique Silverware and how you can turn something “old” into something “new”!

I cherish all your comments so please do leave me a reply.

Joyfully and with a curtsy,

Sophia “Sophie” Stone

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Good Friends are like Flowers

Posted on April 11, 2013 by Sophie

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Our dear sweet family friend, Maria, came to visit us the other day from Quebec. I love it when she comes here because she’s one of the jolliest people I’ve ever met and she’s always giggling around the house. Nearly four feet tall and 80 years old she has more energy than most people half her age.

She says, with conviction, her love of gardening has something to do with it!

Our Sweet Friend Maria in my Gardenia Garden

So when I look out into my garden I often think of her and my mother since they’re best friends and both love flowers.

On her recent visit, my Roses were in full bloom along with my Gardenias so the garden was filled with rainbow colors and drenched in the sweet smell of flowers everywhere!

Maria and I were both staring at the garden from the back porch admiring natures beauty, when she burst out with a giggle and said, “Your house is not a home without flowers!” and she literally skipped outside to collect some flowers.

Maria picking flowers from the garden to make natural rose and gardenia bouquets

“You must fill your house with flowers”, she said like a jolly sergeant with her Greek accent. This made me stop to think of how often I collect my flowers and new quickly it was not enough!

Vibrant Single Stem English Rose from the Garden in a Vintage Champagne Glass

Sometimes, I stare out at the garden and try to capture the image like a Monet painting in my mind. I don’t want that lovely image to disappear so I can’t stand the thought of clipping the flowers for a while and often times its too late. But I realized, thanks to our wonderful friend Maria, I need to bring more of that “lovely” inside the house.

Pink Rose and Gardenias from the Garden in a Vintage Water Pitcher

So there I found myself right beside sweet Maria gathering bouquets of vibrant Roses and glorious Gardenias. We both took them inside and began to fill vases and bowls everywhere. If my house could smile and say “merci”, it certainly did that day!

Filling the house with natural rose bouquets!

I hope this inspires you to gather some flowers from your garden and bring the “lovely” in or share them with a good friend!

I read all your comments so please do leave me a reply.

Joyfully and with a curtsy,

Sophia “Sophie” Stone

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Tooth Fairy Pillows for Girls

Posted on April 10, 2013 by Sophie

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Our unique collection of Tooth Fairy Pillows for Girls and Boys has become quite popular. So when I discovered this adorable French Poodle Tooth Fairy Pillow for Girls, I just had to add it to our French and Vintage inspired collection for kids!

French Poodle Tooth Fairy Pillow for Girls

There’s a sweet little pocket on the back of the French Poodle embroidered in pink with the words, “tooth fairy”. How cute is that? You can easily slip the tooth right into it. The pink and black polka dot dress and collar are “tres chic” too!

It’s the perfect French Inspired Gift for that little girl whose tooth is lose.

(not to mention it also makes a perfect accent for a Country French or Shabby Chic Kids Room or Nursery too!)

I hope you all enjoy this adorable addition to our collection of

Tooth Fairy Pillows for Girls :)

Joyfully and with a curtsy,

Sophia “Sophie” Stone

Sophia “Sophie” Stone is a Published Award Winning Interior Designer and the author of ChateauSophie.com’s Country French Decorating Blog. She is also the founder of ChateauSophie.com, a Country French inspired On-Line E Commerce Boutique. Her interior design expertise is in Country French, French Chateau and European Interiors. She is an expert in The French & European Decorative Arts.

You can find “Sophie” on Google+ Twitter Facebook Pinterest

No Ordinary Country French Accent Table!

Posted on March 25, 2013 by Sophie

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Dear Country French Decorating Fans & Friends,

I spotted this gorgeous Country French Accent Table under a pile of books and dust in an old vintage shop just as I was about to leave! Once I took everything off the top of it, I had someone help me move it to a “sunny” spot so I could take a better look at it.

As soon as the dust came off, I new this Country French Accent Table was special. It had so many unique qualities and the Hand Painted Finish in Antique White and French Blue was truly beautiful!

Hand Painted Country French Accent Table

Can you imagine slowly fainting (with grace of course )on a beautiful French settee? Well, that’s kind of how I felt when I saw it!

The very first thing that drew my eye to this French Accent Table was the barreled compartment in the center that was enclosed in framed rectangular panels of glass. I bent down to take a closer look and noticed there was a hinged door that opened to reveal the center of the table as a large vitrine. The vitrine was visible on all sides through the glass and gave a Louis XIV “jewel box” quality to the table that I loved!

Oval Country French Vitrine with Paneled Glass Doors

The Hand Painted Finish in Antique White & French Blue was one of the most beautiful applications I had ever seen. The paints were layered in colors of white, cream, turquoise and French Blue. Peeks of the Mahogany Wood that was used to build this Country French Accent Table occasionally peered through the layers of paint which made it even more alluring.

French Blue Paint with Gilded Accents applied to Doors

Antique Paint Finishes using Antique White and French Blue

As all French Furniture Lovers agree, I also admired the moldings that were applied and carved into this French Country Table. The beaded accents highlighted in Antique Gold added a playful charm to the design and reminded me of something Marie-Antoinette might have loved too! The delicate carved acanthus leaves at the bottom also added another element of relaxed grandeur that’s quintessential in Country French Decorating.

Beaded French Furniture Moldings with Carved Acanthus Leaf Details

And there’s more…can you believe it?! The biggest surprise of all was the top. Of course, it was not a top at all but a tray. Yes, a tray that came off for serving Tea or Liqueur. And, that was the final draw…I had to have it!

French Tray Table

When I brought it home, I wasn’t exactly sure how I was going to use this Country French Accent Table or if I had the room. I knew that the Antique White & French Blue colors would work beautifully with the colors in my French Living Room so I went there first and of course, found the perfect spot!!!

I nestled the Country French Accent Table behind a large carved French Settee. There it would be easy to serve my guests Tea or Liqueur without leaving the room! I placed some Vintage Crystal Bar-ware on the top because I wanted something sparkly to offset the matte finish of the table’s paint.

Country French Accent Table used for Entertaining

I hope my Country French Find inspired you to decorate your Country French Home! Next time you spot something interesting at your local antique store take a moment to stop and take a closer look. You just might discover something you love!

I cherish your thoughts so please do leave me a reply!

Joyfully and with a curtsy,

Sophia “Sophie” Stone

Sophia “Sophie” Stone is a Published Award Winning Interior Designer and the author of ChateauSophie.com’s Country French Decorating Blog. She is also the founder of ChateauSophie.com, a Country French inspired On-Line E Commerce Boutique. Her interior design expertise is in Country French, French Chateau and European Interiors. She is an expert in The French & European Decorative Arts.

You can find “Sophie” on Google+ Twitter Facebook Pinterest

Vintage Whiting & Davis Mesh Purses!

Posted on March 21, 2013 by Sophie

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Dear Lovies,

Everytime I go antiquing and vintage hunting I always find something unique and unexpected. So yesterday’s adventure was no exception!

I felt so lucky to spot not 1 but 2 vintage Whiting & Davis Mesh Purses! Now, I have several of them but the ones I found on this vintage hunt were truly unique.

The 1st Whiting & Davis Vintage Mesh Purse I found was this dainty evening purse that had an adorable scalloped edge. There was also an elegant floral design that was imprinted onto the metal mesh. The metal frame was also beautifully engraved with a delicate scroll design.

Vintage Whiting and Davis Metal Mesh Purse

The 2nd Vintage Whiting & Davis Mesh Purse I spotted was this super fabulous Genie Bag! You can definitely say this one was my favorite! I LOVE Vintage Genie Bags and they’re definitely hard to find because someone always scoops them up.

Vintage Whiting & Davis Mesh Genie Purse

I’m definitely going to add these Vintage Whiting & Davis Mesh Purses to my collection of Vintage Handbags!

I hope you enjoyed my “yesterday’s” vintage finds today! I love sharing my antique and vintage treasures with you.

I cherish your thoughts so please do leave me a reply!

Joyfully and with a curtsy,

Sophie

Easter Eggs Dyed with Tea!

Posted on March 17, 2013 by Sophie

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Dear Country French Decorating Friends,

I’ve been decorating for Easter with a Country French Style for a few weeks now. The other day I wanted to experiment with Naturally Dyed Easter Eggs. I spotted some Organic Nectar Tea Bags in my pantry filled with warm colors of cinnamon and umber. I thought this would give a nice “antiqued” look to my Easter Eggs. So I quickly took them out of the pantry and began to brew!

Naturally Dyed Easter Eggs with Tea!

This was my first time experimenting with Naturally Dyed Easter Eggs so I tried to pick a variety of flowers and leaf textures to see which ones worked the best. I particularly liked the rose leaves and the cypress sprigs I found.

Flowers for Natural Easter Egg Decor

The color from the Nectar Tea Bags turned the water into the

deep rich color of golden honey.

Naturally Dyed Easter Eggs using Tea!

I used cheese cloth to wrap my flowers and leaves onto the eggs. It was a little difficult at first because the cheese cloth did stretch a bit, but I was able to tie a knot in the back of the egg. After wrapping a few, I got the hang of it.

Using Cheese Cloth to Color Easter Eggs

HELPFUL HINT: Use 2 or 3 layers of cheese cloth

I then dipped the eggs into the pot and let them sit there for about 30 minutes. (I added some white vinegar to the tea in the hopes that this would help the color “stick” to the eggs better. I’m not quite sure if it helped or not.)

Easter Eggs Wrapped in Cheese Cloth with Natural Tea Dye

When I took them all out of the pot I arranged them in a dish prior to unraveling the cheesecloth. I have to say that I really liked them this way! They definitely had a Country French Look to them just like that.

(This is course gave way to many more Country French Decorating Ideas! )

Naturally Tea Dyed Easter Eggs Wrapped in Cheese Cloth

Helpful Hint: Do not unravel the cheesecloth until the eggs are completely dry. If you do it too soon there will be no design! The Tea Dye will actually spread and all you will have is a brown egg.

To my surprise the leaves worked better than the flowers and especially the rose leaves! The veins from the leaves and the scalloped edges were transferred to the egg too!

Naturally Dyed Easter Eggs with Tea and Rose Leaves

Unfortunately, I have to try dyeing the eggs with the flowers one more time. This time, I’ll tie them a bit tighter and let them dry completely before I try to remove the flower!

I hope this inspires you to try something new and maybe naturally dye your Easter Eggs with Tea too!

I cherish your thoughts so please do leave me a reply!

Joyfully and with a curtsy,

Sophia “Sophie” Stone

Sophia “Sophie” Stone is a Published Award Winning Interior Designer and the author of ChateauSophie.com’s Country French Decorating Blog. She is also the founder of ChateauSophie.com, a Country French inspired On-Line E Commerce Boutique. Her interior design expertise is in Country French, French Chateau and European Interiors. She is an expert in The French & European Decorative Arts.

Country French Easter Egg Decor

Posted on March 5, 2013 by Sophie

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Dear Country French Decorating Friends,

I’m so delighted to share this DIY Country French Easter Egg Decor with you. I was inspired by a recent photo that I took and posted on our Facebook Page of Lavender Roses and Vintage Love Letters. It had that charming Country French feel that you love and put me in the mood to decorate and decoupage!

Lavender Roses and Vintage Love Letters

The various shades in the Lavender and Plum Flowers complimented the warm hues in the Antiqued Paper beautifully! I fell in love with this color scheme and had to use both the flowers and the vintage paper in my project. (This color scheme alone could inspire the decoration of an entire room!)

Materials for Country French DIY Spring & Easter Decor

The materials I needed were simple and easy to use: (you gotta love that!)

1 – Foam Egg Shape

1 – Vintage Style Love Letter Paper (you can find this at your local craft or scrap-booking store)

1 – Foam Brush

1 – Small Roll of Natural Colored Twine

1 - Decoupage Glue & Sealer in a Matte Finish

1 – Small Bouquet of Assorted Lavender & Plum colored Artificial Flowers

1 – Plume of Plum Colored Feathers (your local craft store should have a variety of these)

DIY Decoupage Easter Egg Step 1

First, I started to Decoupage a Foam Easter Egg

DIY Decoupage Easter Egg Decor Step 2

I used the back side of the Vintage Love Letter Paper to draw 4 – 4″ squares

DIY Decoupage Easter Egg Step 3

Once I had all my 4 squares cut out I was ready to glue or as the french say, decoupage!

DIY Decoupage Easter Egg Step 4

Gluing the Vintage Love Letter Paper onto the Foam Egg was fun. It was an instant way to add that charming and nostalgic Country French Style!

The large squares of paper had to be folded onto the egg shape which gave a gave a dimensional textured surface to the egg. This created a desirable uneven surface that reflected a hand-made quality that you Country French & Vintage Enthusiasts love!

DIY Decoupage Easter Egg Step 5

Helpful Hint: The cap to my decoupage glue served as the perfect holder for my egg!

IY Decoupage Easter Egg 6

With my Decoupage Easter Egg complete, I began creating the floral bouquet. The various lavender and plum colored artificial flowers were held tightly together by a green floral wire. This made it easy to bend and adjust each flower to a perfect position.

DIY Decoupage Easter Egg Decor Step 7

I positioned my plume of plum colored feathers in the back of my bouquet. I liked the way it looked toward the top center of the bouquet. It definitely added a French Marie Antoinette feel!

DIY Decoupage Easter Egg Step 8

I positioned the Decoupage Easter Egg in the center of the Floral Bouquet and used Hot Glue to secure it to the floral stems.

Helpful Hint: I glued some of the leaves together so there was a complete circle around the egg. I didn’t want to see any “holes” or “gaps” around the egg. Small yet dense bouquets always have a much more luxurious feeling!

DIY Decoupage Easter Egg Step 9

I used the roll of natural colored twine to wrap over all the floral wire. Using the twine added a Country French touch!

DIY Decoupage Easter Egg Decor

My Country French Easter Egg Decor was complete!

I think now I’ll definitely make a few more of these,

because there’s so many uses for them!

here’s just a few……

1. lay on a table at the bottom of a picture frame or vase

2. in a sweet little crystal rose bud vase (I used it this way!)

3. attach a twine loop to the back and hang on a door knob or handle (I definitely going to do this too!)

4. as the final touch to an Easter Present! Use this instead of a bow!

5. gifts of friendhsip and love

I hope you enjoyed this simple DIY Country French Easter Egg Craft.

I cherish your thoughts so please do leave me a reply!

Joyfully and with a curtsy,

Sophia “Sophie” Stone

Sophia “Sophie” Stone is a Published Award Winning Interior Designer and the author of ChateauSophie.com’s Country French Decorating Blog. She is also the founder of ChateauSophie.com, a Country French inspired On-Line E Commerce Boutique. Her interior design expertise is in Country French, French Chateau and European Interiors. She is an expert in The French & European Decorative Arts.

Country French Decorating Inspirations

Posted on February 15, 2013 by Sophie

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with a Country French Decorating state of mind…Friday’s are a great time to reflect and admire all the pretty little things in our lives, both in our home and in the garden too! Take a moment to glance around you and focus on something that makes you smile. That pretty little thing, whether it be a rose, a tea cup or a photo of someone you love is there for a reason…to bring you joy. Often times our lives are so busy that we don’t take the time to stop and focus on the things we love.

Country French Reflections & Inspirations

That’s why I love Country French Decorating. It’s a charming design style that is layered with unique colors, fabrics, trims, and furniture. This causes you to stop and look at each one individually. You can’t just glace quickly at a Country French Interior. Every element tells it’s own story.

Enjoy these pictures and remember to take a moment to reflect on all your pretty little things…

I could spend hours in this Country French Garden. Imagine all the pretty little fresh floral bouquets you could make and share. You could decorate an entire room from the colors of these flowers.

Country French Cottage & Garden

This beautiful Lilly Pond in France may quite possibly be an inspiration for a French Painting…

Lilly Pond in France

Picking colors for a Country French Room is quite easy…just look in your garden or this one too!

Country French Garden: Inspirations for Colors in your Country French Home

I hope these pictures added a bit of nostalgia and charm to your French Friday and I delightfully thank you for visiting my Country French Decorating Blog. Tell me what inspires you about Country French Decorating. I cherish your thoughts so please do leave me a note!

Joyfully and with a curtsy,

Sophia “Sophie” Stone

Sophia “Sophie” Stone is a Published Award Winning Interior Designer and author of Chateau Sophie Interiors’ Country French Decorating Blog. She is also the founder of ChateauSophie.com a Country French inspired on-line boutique specializing in Country French Decorating, french style furniture, french decor, vintage finds, antiques, and unique gifts for women, baby, and kids. Her interior design expertise is in Country French Decorating and French Chateau Decorating. She is and expert in French and European Decorative Arts. Shop her online boutique at ChateauSophie.com.

Country French & Vintage Valentine’s Day Finds!

Posted on February 14, 2013 by Sophie

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Hi Country French Friends! I hope you enjoy the Valentine’s Day Collage of my Country French & Vintage Finds today! I selected some of my French Furniture, Wall Art, Decor, & Lighting Favorites to share with you.

French Furniture, Wall Art, Lighting, and Decor

I love Tufted French Furniture so when I saw this Country French Style Sofa or Settee, my heart cheered. The quality and craftsmanship of the tufting and upholstery was exquisite. Wouldn’t this be FAAAABULOUS in a Country French Inspired Room? I would love to reupholster it in pink and antique the wood frame in white. I’m curious, what color combinations would you use to redo this French Settee?

Tufted Victorian Setee in the French Furniture Style

Tufted Victorian Settee in the French Furniture Style

I’ve been looking for a “grown up” French Style Hot Air Balloon Chandelier for a long time. So when I found this, I was delighted indeed! (it’s not easy to find truly unique styled chandeliers with a bit of whimsy) This one is made of iron and the draping detail is lovely. It would add a playful charm to any Country French Interior! Where would you hang it?

French Hot Air Balloon Chandelier in Iron

When I’m looking for French Wall Art I don’t just look at the art alone. The frame is just as important! The French Style painting that I discovered worked so well with the frame that it caught my eye immediately. I can’t decide which I love more…the ornate carving on the frame in antique white and accented in soft gold OR the Country French Colors in the painting:Greens, Reds, and Yellows. Country French Enthusiasts love these colors…and the antique white too!

Country French Wall Art

My favorite little find of all was this darling French Style Single Candle Holder made with the English Jasper technique. The ornate edge reminded me of the grand mirrors hung at the Palace of Versailles…and then I daydreamed of walking thru the Palace with my this little candle holder. Can you? Oh, and the charming little cherub right in the center was darling too!

French Style Jasper Single Candle Holder

I’m delighted you stopped by my Country French Decorating Blog. I hope browsing through my French & Vintage Valentine’s Day Finds made for a lovely day! Let me know which one of my French & Vintage Finds you fancy the most…

Joyfully and with a curtsy,

Sophia “Sophie” Stone

P.S. If your’re curious about acquiring any one of our French & Vintage Finds send us an endearment at info@chateausophie.com

Sophia “Sophie” Stone is a Published Award Winning Interior Designer and the author of ChateauSophie.com’s Country French Decorating Blog. She is also the founder of ChateauSophie.com, a Country French inspired On-Line E Commerce Boutique specializing in Country French Style Furniture, French Decor, Vintage Finds, Antiques, and unique Gifts for Women, Baby, and Kids. Her interior design expertise is in Country French, French Chateau and European Interiors. She is also recognized for her expertise in The French & European Decorative Arts. Shop her online boutique at ChateauSophie.com.

“Lovely Things For Lovely People”