Happy Friday, Everyone!
My name is Barbara, but I go by Barb most of the time.
I am married and have two children in college.
My daughter is studying art
and my son is studying
broadcasting and journalism.
Our house is a French ranch-style home
set into the rolling hills of Southern California.
My style is French country, Shabby Chic,
a bit Victorian with Prairie-style all thrown in!
I like that ethereal quality of English gardens,
graceful statues, boxwood,
potted plants under the patio
and
of course,
Roses!
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Inside, I like that etherealness of
airy fabrics, white and floral china,
chintzes and toiles,
gilded or over brushed mirrors.
***
(Photographs are of our Pekingese
Yoda
and
our backyard garden!)
***
On a separate note:
I have been hand-sewing since I found my mother’s
sewing box when I was seven-years-old.
At 10, I created dolls with cotton balls, paperclips,
old pantyhose and embroidery floss.
I learned how to embroider
and cross-stitch next.
My parents gave me my first sewing machine when
I was in 9th grade.
My first sewing project with it wasn’t an apron, though
I now really like them!
It was a three-tiered sleeveless dress
out of eyelet fabric with ribbons sewed
on the tiers’ edges.
I ripped out that zipper several times,
but that dress was totally ethereal at 15!!!
I also made Barbie doll clothes that summer
for my first boyfriend’s little sister.
When my children were young, I sewed
baby blankets and tooth fairy pillows, dresses
and Easter outfits.
As they grew, the sewing included patches on
Scout and soccer uniforms.
Today, I sew slipcovers for chairs and sofas,
paint rooms in our home,
decorate and redecorate for the seasons,
designing projects as I go.
Come along with me as we
create a bit of
French Ethereal-ness together!