A little visit to the Jardin du Luxembourg

Summer is nigh...
Just a few days ago we had a surprise sunny day in Paris, so I hurried myself along with my book for a little lay down under the sun. Could have been my last sun filled day for the next trillion months but I think I took enough in to lasts a month or so.
It's just so encouraging and lovely how these individual green public chairs are dotted in line everywhere for all to seat — though in the past I've witnessed 2 strangers argue(VERY heated) over one at the hype of Summer!! How possessive/precious something can become when there's lack of even when it's not for one's tummy.

This was all in the Jardin du Luxembourg – my favorite garden of all the gardens in Paris the 2nd largest public park in Paris(22.5hect). I have a feeling that the Le Bois de Boulogne is the largest? Anyhow, that's an entirely different kind of Park with a "different" kind of entertainment if you know what I mean.

Have to go! Making Rhubarb jammmm and boiling up some vege stock in the background.
x

200 rings exhibition starting this week!

The 4th edition of the 200 rings exhibition with 20 creators' rings at your disposal for 14 days starting from the 2nd of June. Come along this Friday on the 3rd of June for the Vernissage/Opening starting from 6pm with drinks and live music to boot. The french tend to start their opening the day AFTER the actual opening of the show... don't ask me why.
Address below:

GALERIE GOUTTE DE TERRE
46, Rue Calvaignac
Paris 75011
(Metro Voltaire)

Handmade happening May 21-22nd 2011!!

My next 'Expovente'(equivalent to an artist/handmade market or happening in Paris! How can one resist?! Grab your train or plane ticket now and come visit me tout de suite. There'll be 30 other makers/designers there to tempt you with hundreds of goodies for all to enjoy.

Here's the address:
6 Rue Beauregard
Paris 75002
Metro Bonne Nouvelle

See you there this weekend !

Tis a season to be Brocante!

April in Paris, four seasons in one day... Did the Crowded House write about it with Melbourne in mind or April in Paris? Nonetheless it seems to apply to us here of late. Anyway, all I care about is that it's the season to be jolly as the bric-a-brac, vintage, antique markets are now popping up in every arrondissement :D.
Here's to last weekend's finds(pic. wise)... no pics of my purchases sorry!

Our weekend

Whilst uploading these pics I'd remembered how my partner and I met almost 6 years ago whilst we were both on vacation, I was in fact one third way through my 6 month 'back packing' experience. We had both done our part of the Pyrenees just prior to meeting; him the French part and I the Spanish/Andorra(which I truly recommend). I guess we were both destined to meet as the chances of our paths crossing in the remote tinee tiny Hendaye train station was one in a million(there was one other person there). Though I must emphasize that it was not love at first sight for either of us, but then again it did only take a week before both our hearts pitter patter for each other.

Point is that we both love an adventure big or small, so most of our weekends no matter where we'd be living would always be filled with explorations of areas, towns, restaurants, cafes, routes etc. We hardly disagree on where to go and what to do.
Anyway, before I rat on and show my age here are some pics of last weekend's little outing to an 'outdoor/nature' expo thus the area surrounds by foot on our way home.

Pictures are of:
• A Swiss (of course)kinetic display at the 'outdoor' expo
• a unexpected stall selling herbs, spices and teas of various awesome mixes from all over the world, found at the expo of all places
• fun and interactive lenticular(I think it's making a comeback) advertising by Nespresso
• a sexy vintage Renault in cream! In bon condition... we both love

Paris Ceramic Festival 2011

Saturday was such a unusually beautiful day, a hint of Spring appeared willingly greeting the start of the weekend with hope of warmth and some curiosity.  So I thought ok since you've made an effort Mr Sunshine I will! So why not make my way to this year's Ceramic festival 2011, not far from the famous Pere Lachaise.

I'd been to the one last year and was awestruck by some gorgeous work, work that awakens one's goose bumps and wish you could decorate your whole house with and take the artist home with you to have cups of tea with. This year I was surprise to find jewelry work by Violaine Ulmer; jeweller, sculpturist/installation-ist(if there's such a word). I've exhibited with her a few times at the Gallery Goutte de terre though this time I lucky enough to see a much bigger collection as a whole installed with her own signature style of display. I mean... who would've thought to combine silver with porcelaine/clay creating a granulation effect. One day I tell myself, I'm gonna have one of those tasty morsels on my many finger. 

Here are some pictures of her work from the show, and a handful of other ceramicists that I thought you'd enjoy.

Here are links, if not their contact details:
Violaine Ulmer

www.violaine-ulmer.com

05.61.20.22.44

Benedicte Vallet
tychen@wanadoo.fr
06.37.96.43.98

Beate Ronnefarth
oseramik@neuf.fr
06.28.22.52.07

Caroline Wagenaar
lesateliersceramique.com

Virginie Preux
virginie.preux@laposte.net

Maya Micenmacher
nicolas.rousseau19@wanadoo.fr
06.19.24.04.27

Goutte de Terre
06.98.63.77.32

Thank you to all those who have agreed to have their work taken.
Enjoy!

March 19-20th! 32 Creator's event at Hotel Boheme

Hopefully by then Spring will be upon us for real, and I'd be able to store my winter woolies away for at least a few months as winter in Europe seems to take up 90% of the year. To find out, why don't you pop around to see me and 31 other artists and enjoy some warmth and smile emanating from the handmade atmosphere.

It'll be the first of the quarterly event held by Hotel Boheme at the same location each time in the 2nd arrondisement near the metro 'Bonne Nouvelle'. Without fail one will be tempted in every way possible(trust me!); to adorn yourselves/friends, decorate your home, your kids or nieces/nephews, your husband/boyfriend etc etc. Your presence will show support to small businesses and without handmade our lives will be forever taken over by big shopping centers and big brands making huge unreasonable profits... making our connections with each other less and less humane. So, what are you waiting for? Go get yourself a train or plane ticket and lock in the date!

Below are some of the links of the participants involved:
• Japanese charcoal jewelry! http://www.eskimeit.com/
• Bags ladies!! http://www.sacadidie.com/
• Cold enamel brass jewellery http://www.marinedediesbach.com/
• Cutesy home deco http://www.pieddepoule.com/

Come hither...