Lovely French Craft Projects

Good morning Monday! My weekend went all too quickly, but sometimes you just have to embrace Monday morning and a new week with some purposeful optimism, am I right? A big mug of coffee or tea, music you love, and putting on a top or necklace in a cheery color helps :) I also like to take a few moments on Mondays to plan something fun for the following weekend – whether it is a new film to see, a book to scoop up in the bookstore, an art museum or gallery to visit, or a craft project to try, it is a nice feeling to have something to look forward to. So with that in mind, would you like to see a few projects I have had my eye on this morning? These all come from the gorgeous publication Marie Clare Maison – do you ever pick it up? Since it is an import and on the pricey side I only purchase a copy every now and again…but when I do I love it! Lucky for us, much of the content is also available online at the Marie Clare Maison website.

Of course the website is en français, so although I took high school French I mostly enjoy the lush interior photography and take inspiration from the projects rather than specific directions. Although, embellishing little jars or cans with decorative papers looks quick and fun – I imagine you could even simply use double-sided tape if you didn’t need them to last forever! Perfect for casual little spring flower arrangements from the backyard.

Have a few scraps of pretty papers laying around? I like the idea of folding them accordion-style to make tiny rosettes.

I am ready to start living outside a bit more now that the weather is getting lovely, aren’t you? I would be thrilled to have a colorful Moroccan corner like the one pictured above in my yard somewhere: two-tone wall paint, a low bench, tile patterned outdoor rug, lantern, the colors and textures of the pillows…I love it all!

Wouldn’t this bark-covered box make an excellent centerpiece for a spring or summer party? Baby shower, Mother’s Day, a birthday brunch for a girlfriend… I especially like the wild look of the flowers and grasses they chose to fill the box – I am imagining they used floral frogs inside the box, but I really don’t know. Any expert floral arrangers out there to offer tips? :)

Okay, now this idea is totally genius in my book: a trompe l’oeil rug painted on a concrete floor. A bit cheeky? Yes, certainly, but also tres chic. You could go very simple with only an outline as in the top photo, or fill it with any geometric pattern you like: big dots, diamonds, chevrons, etc. Get creative! This could be very cool on a porch, too.

What a sweet d.i.y. canopy idea for a little girl’s bedroom – now, I’m not sure that this day bed is really meant for sleeping in, but it sure looks adorable with the fairy light-wrapped headboard, delicate wings and handmade bunny, and billowing fabric hung from a branch!

If you enjoyed these projects, you can go to Marie Clare Maison to find them – along with many more, bien sur!

And I would love to hear if you are making any fun plans for the upcoming Mother’s Day weekend, crafty or otherwise? Reading any good books? Seen any excellent films or art shows? Created anything you are proud of? Let’s get inspired and fired up on Monday, okay? :) xoxo Laura

(all images: Marie Clare Maison)

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