Hello friends-Haven't been here in a while! I'm working on mu illustration career these days….lots of new art…some licensing going on now…yay! There's still plenty of goodies available at French Hen, but new posts and promotions will be at my other blog for awhile. I invite you to join me there. It's Michele Starzec Illustration. See you soon!

Keys, please....

What is it about old keys?

Field Trip: CHATEAU CHIC

An inviting façade....

     The weather has turned, Spring has finally sprung! In a fit of cabin fever, I decided to take myself out on a field trip today. In my travels, I was fortunate enough to stumble upon a luscious, little jewel box of a shop that has escaped my notice on many a trip up and down Boston Post Rd. in Old Saybrook. Caught at the traffic light out front today, I finally saw it ....Chateau Chic...it's door wide open & inviting. 

Love at first sight.

It is light, it is bright, and it is floor-to-ceiling gorgeousness.  My jaw was on the floor the whole time I was there...this place is beautiful! Its a perfect balance of crystal, linen, and lace, with a drool-worthy selection of vintage beaded purses, fragrant and elegant candles, sparkling lighting, delightfully packaged soaps, and so, so much more.

Delightfully packaged soaps and stationery.

     The shop's offerings involve an enchanting mix of antique, vintage, handmade, found, upcycled, and shabby chic style furnishings and accessories. A team of artists brings new life to much of the provincial furniture currently offered, and will happily customize a hand-painted piece for you.To expand the line of elegant offerings, an inclusion work from local artisans and vendors is planned for the near future.

French Country Tabletop.

      A collector for many years, owner Jeannie Fillatti was encouraged by friends to open a shop to showcase her abundance collected goods and great taste. She and Shop Manager Lindsay Whipple, who gracefully manages the day-to-day operations, look forward to celebrating Chateau Chic's one year anniversary in May. Happy Anniversary, Ladies, and Congratulations on a job so well done!

     I can't say enough good things about the beauty and ambiance of Chateau Chic. My visit was thoroughly delightful, and I encourage everyone to experience it first hand! For a sneak peek into the shop, visit the Chateau Chic Facebook Page or Etsy Shop.

 Vignettes of creamy white and cool grey....

What shop is complete without a beautiful fashion model?

My favorite corner....

Hand-painted Antiques

Have to include a shot of Robin's Egg Blue....

Mixture of Rustic and Elegant

A pop of color in a vintage beaded purse.

East Coast Art Trunk....This Weekend!!!

Happy to to be telling you about our big happenings for the weekend...We're participating in the Art is....You East Coast Art Trunk at the Danbury Plaza Hotel. I'm very much looking forward to it, its been a while since I've peddled my French Hen wares at a show, and this looks to be an exciting venue! Here's the info:
Sunday October 9, 2011
10am – 5pm 
Danbury Plaza Hotel
18 Old Ridgebury Road, Danbury, CT
We'll have a great selection of our Vintage, French, Vintage French, and Handmade goods and supplies for sale....tags. sheet music, vintage buttons, French ephemera, our famous Paris Post Cards, Divine Twine, and so much more. Even some Hallowe'en Themed Treats! We'd love to see you there! Of course if you can't stop by, you can still peruse our beautiful merchandise at the Etsy shop.  In any case, have a beautiful Autumn weekend!

HAPPY HALLOWE'EN... in August?

Yes, it has begun...I'm starting to load up my shops with Halloween themed goods. I developed a taste for  skeletons last year, so expect to see lots of those rattling around in my closet  shop. Silvery skeleton tags, vintage anatomy pages, lots of goodies to add spooky elegance to your All Hallows' crafts and decor. Enjoy...

Cracking Eggs...

Today I'm "cracking eggs". By that I mean, I'm breaking down and opening packages of vintage goods that have so far been left sealed, and become regarded by me as too precious to work with. I opened and unbound some lengths of vintage French monogram tapes, to measure and review. I'm washing my small stash of antique french tea towels, or "torchons", to make sure they will withstand normal use and care by my clients. I've begun unfurling rolls of gorgeous vintage grosgrain ribbon to measure and cut into yardage, to be offered for sale at the shop. How can I offer these luscious goods to my dear customers if I never take them out of their packages? How can I add this vintage goodness to my own projects and crafts if I leave them untouched on my studio shelves? What does this have to do with eggs, you ask? Well, as a matter of consolation, I keep repeating this old-timey mantra to myself: "If you want to make an omelette, you've got to break a few eggs." Good words to live by. Or, in this case, work by.

Vintage Wallpaper ...

At last! I'm ready to share the stash of gorgeous vintage wallpaper I've been hoarding! Lovely chartreuse green scrolls and medallions, blue damasks, aqua geometrics. GORGEOUS!! Available in 9 x 14 inch sheets and 5 x 7 inch sheets. I think the smaller would be perfect for card-making, and the larger perfect for scrapbooking or home dec projects.

They're all packaged and ready to go at the shop.