C'est Chouette

Shop Make Mine Pink's Friday Shopping Event with a Twist! The theme for the month of February is "Winter Romance!".

2012-01-29T15:20:00.000-06:00

Winter is a time when the earth comes to a rest - becomes dormant - hibernates and gathers strength to burst forth with new growth come Spring. So it is with us. As the snow falls, we look towards our homes to provide warmth and comfort. There is no coincidence that Valentine's Day comes in the middle of Winter, just when our hearts look for joy. Immediately we are warmed by the magnificence of Winter's romance. Winter whites brighten up our rooms. White ironstone pitchers in various sizes hold pink roses and babies breath. Crisp white bedding and lace covered pillows beckon us to pick up a good book and snuggle up for a bit. Have a cup of tea. What is the rush?

We need all the visual eye candy we can muster up in our decor this time of year.. Rose covered lampshade casts a feminine hue over the room; distressed chippy furniture holds the collection of cottage birdhouses and vintage teapots. The dresser is strewn with a disarray of hankies, butterfly hairpins and broken china necklaces . As you look at it you realize it is a sweet vignette of a romantic evening out and you smile. It looks like a photo shoot. Now inspired, your thoughts go to Valentine's Day and you open the closet to take out all the heart decorations you can find. Simple joys. Winter romance is always in season!

Guest Writer, Susie Durrschmidt

The Polka Dot Rose

Photo Contribution 1: C'est Chouette

My Word of the Year

2012-01-23T09:32:00.005-06:00

::nourish::

nour·ish [nur-ish]
verb
1. to sustain with food or nutriment: supply with what is necessary for life, health, and growth
2.to cherish, foster, keep alive,etc.
3.to strengthen, build up, or promote
Origin:
Middle English, Old French, Latin

Happy New Year

2012-01-06T16:30:00.005-06:00

"I love this"

Thank You Melissa of DesignHer Brands for the graphic.

I, for one, am happy to face a New Year. The past year brought far too much turmoil, introspection, refection, and growth. Oh~ I will never complain about personal growth~ I just like to grow on my own terms. Well, as you know, life happens while you make plans. But I have landed in a "soft place"
Enough of the prophetic non-talk! Let's go on with life.
Of course my life always includes my tuffet business~ the softest place ever. Last year I fought shipping issues. Every day it was like shadow boxing with an invisible dragon~~~ how much would shipping cost for this pillow, that tuffet, those three over there? I didn't know. I just didn't. And it seems the postal station wasn't consistent. So I did IT! I switched to free USPS Parcel Post! Can you just believe it? Of course that is to my US customers, but my international customers will enjoy discounted shipping. There! Done! I am happy. Life is good.

Now, I want to collect all my photos and do my "Best of ....." post~ and 2011 had some of the best (except those in 2009, 2008, 2007..., well you get the idea~ I have loved many needlepoints over the years)

Have a great 2012.

2011-12-22T08:31:00.001-06:00

Sending wishes for a very Merry Christmas

and a blessed New Year

to your home from ours.

Our best to you,

Sharon & Daughters

C'est Chouette Home

Christmas is Coming

2011-12-10T12:27:00.000-06:00

Goodness ~ it's coming at a fast and furious rate,too.

I only have three Christmas pillows left on my site (right now ) ;) and I am offering them at 10% off. They will get to you or whomever you wish me to ship to in time for Christmas, I promise. Please let me know how I can accommodate you.

C'est Chouette Home's final day for shipping is December 16. After that we will be closed until the New Year for our family Christmas vacation (although it will be nothing like the Griswolds)

Merry Christmas, my Friends

2011-11-24T11:37:00.002-06:00

Make Mine Pink's "12 Days of Christmas" Shop Hop

2011-11-23T06:59:00.002-06:00

Please join us November 25th – December 6th for our annual shop hop. We have lots of great prizes to win. It's easy and fun to play. No purchase necessary!

MMP Shop Hops are a type of contest where you try to find as many “You Found It” images (as shown here) as you can. Each of our participating boutiques (see the list below) has hidden an image on its website that says, “You Found It!” on the tag. Click that image to return to Make Mine Pink and get credit for finding it. The more images you find, the better your chances of winning great prizes. See the prize list below to see what you can win!
There is no cost and no obligation to purchase anything. However, if you do happen to find some products you might be interested in, don't forget to bookmark those pages so that you can come back later! Good luck!

MMP Friday Shopping Event Friday November 4, 2011 "When Family Gathers."

2011-11-03T21:05:00.000-05:00

November brings the excitement of preparation and planning for when the family gathers. The air is crisp in Autumn and the days are short, however, nothing warms us up more than coming home. Whether if just for a day or two, there is much to do to get ready for the guests to arrive.

Furniture needs to be moved to accommodate everyone. Small side tables come out. Remember to put the extra leaves in the table and count all the chairs. Ironing the large tablecloth and linen napkins is a pleasure as visions of the holiday tablescape come into plan: soup tureens, gravy bowls, large serving bowls, extra silverware and serving pieces, candlestick holders and the very best china and crystal stemware comes out to be used and enjoyed by all.

Don't forget to plump up the pillows and add another quilt to the daybed as Uncle always loves to take a little 'cat nap' after dinner as much as he tries not to. All the youngsters can play with the tins filled with vintage old fashioned games of dominoes, cards, wooden blocks, marbles, buttons, paper dolls and Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls, to name but a few of the childhood treasures.

I cannot wait to hear the squeals of 'ooh's and ah's' as everyone sees the desserts making their grand debut.on two tiered bone china servers, cut crystal platters, Nippon candy dishes and decorative baskets filled to the brim with delicious delights. Everyone will gather around with child-like anticipation as they try to select 'oh just one of these....maybe one of those'. The tea which has been seeping in the teapot is ready to be poured into the various floral teacups. Nothing matches and that is what makes it so quaint and charming.

The apron can now come off. Tugging at my heart strings, I stop my pondering and say a prayer of thanks for when the family gathers and look forward to our time together.

Guest Writer, Susie Durrschmidt, The Polka Dot Rose

Photo Contribution 1: C'est Chouette Home

Trick or Treat

2011-10-10T11:13:00.002-05:00

Well....what would you do with an orange needlepoint? I sure didn't know. Then one sleepelss night it hit me.... a Pumpkin, C'est Chouette style.

Pink October at Make Mine Pink

2011-10-07T14:39:00.002-05:00

Each year many of the boutiques at Make Mine Pink get together to give back to a charitable organization of their choice by holding a Pink October event. This year, because October is also "Domestic Violence Awareness Month," we've decided to hold a special "all pink boutique" and contribute 10% of all sales to The Pink Slipper Project. We hope that you'll stop by and see some of the fabulous PINK merchandise that we'll have for your enjoyment.

The Pink October Boutique will open October 7th and run through October 21st.

Participating Boutiques

1. www.cottageflair.com

2. www.coeurdalenegifts.com

3. www.shabbyshanscottage.com
4. www.gailfrienddesigns.com
5. www.MarysCottageTreasures.com
6. www.palepinkandroses.com
7. www.janetscreativepillows.com
8. www.ThePolkaDotRose.com
9. www.cestchouettehome.com
10.www.cottagecollections.com
11.www.tresbelleboutique.net

12.Sweet Twinkle Stars & Sugar Plum Creations

13. Sew Graceful.com

14. Sweethearts Nest.com

MMP Friday Shopping Event Friday October 7, 2011 "Comforts of Home"

2011-10-06T07:30:00.003-05:00

Closing your eyes to imagine a place where:
Opening the door you are greeted by your sweet furry pet's unconditional love;
Making apple, cinnamon muffins is top priority to start the day;
Flowers placed in the Limogues vase graces the breakfast table;
Orange tablecloth and rust linen napkins set the tone for Fall;
Relaxing around the oak farm table with family and friends; the laughter is so refreshing;
Teacups brimming with hot chocolate and shortbread cookies on Haviland dishes;
Sugar bowl and creamer from Bavaria placed near the silver spoons will greet us when we return.

October's bounty beckons us to get out into the brisk autumn air to explore the country lanes;

Finally home with a car full of apples, pumpkins, smiley faces and our antique stash of a pink pedestal dish, antique picture frames and brass candlesticks;

Home is where your soul rests and your spirit restores on

Overstuffed bed pillows, vintage chenille bedspreads and comforting multi-colored quilts;
Magazines; a good book and a bone china English floral dish filled with chocolates on your bed side table;
Everyone now off to dreamland after enjoying all the comforts of home and looking forward to a new day tomorrow.

Guest Writer, Susie Durrschmidt, The Polka Dot Rose

Participating Boutiques

1. www.cottageflair.com

2. www.coeurdalenegifts.com

12.Sweet Twinkle Stars & Sugar Plum Creations

13. Sew Graceful.com

14. Sweethearts Nest.com

2011-09-30T14:09:00.002-05:00

C'est Chouette Home has been nominated for a Vetcy Award and has been chosen as one of four categorical winners in the upcoming Issue #4 of Victorian Etc. Magazine to be released October 1st!
If you wish, you may vote for us~HERE~ thank you.

Pink October at Make Mine Pink

2011-09-29T09:27:00.001-05:00

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

10% of all sales throughout the Make Mine Pink October event will help women and children effected by domestic violence.

MMP Friday Shopping Event Friday September 30, 2011 "Somewhere in Time"

2011-09-01T13:14:00.004-05:00

How often do we find ourselves perusing discarded trinkets and treasures at yard sales and thrift shops only to ponder what it was "somewhere in time"...

The three piece porcelain vanity set; did it once belong to a well to do lady who brought it with her from a trip abroad to Paris, France. It held the finest French perfume and softest talc. She holds her memories close to her heart.

The various pieces of bone china; if they could only talk! Would they tell us of grand dinners perhaps entertaining the local politicians or grandeur of the debutante ball and social teas? The set would be handed down from generation to generation, yet a stray broken or chipped piece is now made into a beautiful work of art, a broken china bracelet or brooch.

A delicate lace collar found deep inside a basket of frayed linens. This could have been adorned by a young lady held together by a sparkling rhinestone brooch. As they danced under the stars at the yacht club, did the stones in the brooch match her eyes as he gazed deeply into them?

Years ago at an early age, young ladies would be taught the fine art of embroidery which told the story of their life. These embroidered pieces have become very collectible and coveted today.

As you are out looking for treasures, think of what it was "somewhere in time". What excites you in today's textiles and pieces of handmade creations? They will go on to tell the story somewhere in time.

Guest Writer, Susie Durrschmidt The Polkadot Rose

Photo Contribution 1: The Roseberry Cottage | Photo Contribution 2: Mary's Cottage Treasures

MMP Friday Shopping Event August 26th "A Romantic Retreat"

2011-08-08T21:06:00.003-05:00

What does a romantic retreat mean to you? A romantic retreat is any personal place that evokes emotions of romance and can be a different experience from one person to another.

Is it a simple Summer picnic on the grounds of an arboretum surrounded by cascading rose bushes? The heirloom picnic basket set down on the cherished quilt is filled with delectable accoutrements to be enjoyed on colorful Nippon China plates as we sip refreshment out of odd and end champagne glasses. Nearby we hear the sounds of the music wafting from the students practicing their violins to Chopin and Bach.

Is it a week at the beach cottage where the living is easy? Early morning strolling the beach finding the sea glass to fill our Mason jars and having an unspoken contest as to whom will find the most coveted blue glass. Listening to the tide lapping as we sit fireside at night, stuffing ourselves with toasted marshmallows and snuggling under Grandma's time worn quilts as we count the stars grateful for the times hold near and dear.

Is it lying on the hammock under the big elm where dappled sunlight glistens over the stack of vintage romance novels? There is nothing more romantic than a good love story on a Summer's day. I pick up a wild daisy nearby...he loves me....he loves me not...he loves me;

Do we need to travel abroad to find a romantic retreat? It is no further than our own cozy cottage; be it near the sea shore, a cabin by the lake or up in the mountains. It is home on a rainy day cozy amongst our overstuffed chairs, crisp white lace curtains billowing in the breeze, needlepoint and embroidered pillows beckoning us to curl up and stay a while. It is up in our attics with Grandma's collections spilling out of the boxes; old frames, post cards, chiffon dresses; millinery and elegant gloves of days gone by.

Please stop by the boutiques at Make Mine Pink today for ideas to help you create or find your own romantic retreat.

Guest Writer, Susie Durrschmidt The Polkadot Rose

In collaboration with Heidi Wollman

Photo Contribution 1: iStock Photo | Photo Contribution 2: Shabby Shan's Cottage

MMP Friday Shopping Event August 5th "A Romantic Retreat"

2011-08-04T21:41:00.002-05:00

Guest Writer, Susie Durrschmidt The Polkadot Rose

In collaboration with Heidi Wollman

Photo Contribution 1: iStock Photo | Photo Contribution 2: Shabby Shan's Cottage

Dog days, indeed!

2011-08-01T09:28:00.000-05:00

Uuughh!!!We are out of the studio until at least Wednesday, August 3.Our air conditioning gave out at 10 PM, Sunday, July 31! No one is happy at C'est Chouette Home.
No shipping, no sewing, no creating will go on until Wednesday.

MMP Friday Shopping Event July 22nd "From My Porch Swing"

2011-07-20T07:00:00.002-05:00

Ah July! How I long for these lazy Summer days. The world is bustling with places to go and people to see, but not me. I love watching the world go by from my porch swing.

My favorite time of day is first thing in the morning, with the mist of the sea still floating through the air. The finches fly out of their bird house as if to say "Come on, get up, it's a brand new day!" The cat is curled up on the twig chair that holds my needlepoint tuffets, paying no mind to the sounds of the birds. I adjust my crisp pillow made from a vintage embroidered pillowcase, and sit on the swing. It is my quiet time for reflection and meditation. I keep it simple, and just in case, my designer clip board is nearby to jot down tidbits I want to remember.

The rose tea cozy covers my Hall tea pot. I pour the tea into my English bone china tea cup . It is perfect. The warmed scone is ready to be dotted with fresh strawberry jam from my silver jelly jar. Now where did I put that silver spoon? The cat stretches, looks over at me and then settles back to dreamland.

There goes my neighbor! We wave. She is off to find more treasures from estate sales. She needs to be first. I can't blame her. She finds the greatest loot! Why just last week she returned with a 1890 DreamLIfe Victorian book; 15 piece German child's tea set and boxed monogram notes. I was green with envy. That reminds me...I need to find some pink drop earrings and a lacey shawl to wear to the garden party.

From my porch swing my thoughts go to what July has to offer: precious family times; fireworks; sleep overs; ice cream cones; parades; patriotic decorating; long days at the beach; bbqs; laughter; gardening; a good book that you just cannot put down; country picnics and so much more. Life is easy from my porch swing.

Guest Writer, Susie Durrschmidt

The Polkadot Rose

Photo Contribution 1: C'est Chouette

MMP Friday Shopping Event July 8th "From My Porch Swing"

2011-07-07T20:15:00.002-05:00

Guest Writer, Susie Durrschmidt

The Polkadot Rose

Photo Contribution 1: C'est Chouette

MMP Friday Shopping Event June 3rd "Something Old, Something New"

2011-06-02T21:18:00.000-05:00

The Historical phrase "Something Old, Something New" we often associate with Brides. Truthfully told it does come from the Queen Victorian Era, 'Something Old' to represent our Ancestors, and 'Something New' to represent the good futuristic outlook of the Bride.

Today I see these meanings represent a lifestyle in which we live with home accents, apparel, and accessories in which we wear.

The mere words, Re-Purpose, Re-Create, Re-use are used today describing Items made from cherished pieces of the past. As I look around my own home, the cupcakes stands on my buffet made from cut glass candlesticks from a estate sale. Topped with vintage china bread & butter plates passed done from my Great Grandmother, make a lovely statement alongside a crystal pedestal serving plate I received as a gift at my own wedding. My powder room window valance I made from vintage handkerchiefs full of pink roses, with leftover pieces I added to white towels, complements the room.

On my telephone table lay a clipboard covered with Vintage wallpaper that adds a pop of color to the recently re-purposed old vintage table. In creamy whites with a fine sanding for a chippy shabby look but yet a clean looking piece of furniture.

Wearing a pendent made from a piece of vintage broken china encased in silver, and my sundress made from vintage linens, embellished with pieces of vintage lace. Comfortable, delicate, and pretty for a hot Summer day.

As I look around my home, eying the pieces that grace my day; all useable and functional. Something old recreated into something new, a piece unique, special, one of a kind that generates conversation to share out of creative bliss.

Join the boutiques at Make Mine Pink this Month of June as we share with you "Something Old, Something New.."

Guest Writer,

Nancy Reffle

www.coeurdalenegifts.com

Photo Contribution 1: Rose Blossom Cottage

MMP Friday Shopping Event May 27th "May Flowers"

2011-05-26T08:52:00.000-05:00

Something magical occurs in May. All the April showers are but a memory and as we travel down the country lanes, our eyes are widened by the sights of all the magnificent May flowers. The earth bursts forth with beautiful blooms right in time for Mothers' Day. Is this a coincidence or just another gift from the Universe and Mother Nature? Pink and white dogwood trees and cherry trees all popped out. Cascading phlox and hills of daffodils; wee little violets and Johnny jump ups vie for their attention and they so deserve it. The sweet smell of lilacs bring us back to our younger days and memories at Grandma's. As we pick them to bring indoors to place in our Lenox vase, we can feel Grandma's hug surround us. Oh how we love our lilacs! Fields of buttercups all yellow and perky in the breeze. Tulips in various colors line the driveways and flowerbeds as if to say "Welcome! It's Spring!". Soon the irises and lilies will take their place, proudly so. Baskets of pansies fill the porch in shades of purples, yellows and white. The hostas start filling in and getting ready to be the show stoppers for the months to come.

Our homes reflect the beauty of May flowers too. The violet dish right inside the door that holds your keys for safekeeping; the hydrangea umbrella stand keeps you ready for that expected shower. As you pass by the bedroom your eye catches the embroidered floral dresser scarf and the Victorian floral poetry book there waiting for your bedtime reading. Lilac needlepoint pillows and pansy coverlets are strewn across the daybed on the porch all calling your name to come sit a spell. Take time for tea from your favorite English violet teacup from Aunt Nancy. Your mind wanders as you get a whiff of the fresh country potpourri next to your favorite chair. You sit and ponder. The pussy willows and forsythia are in full bloom outside the window. You smile.

Just as a maestro conducts an orchestra taking one note at a time, blending it into an unforgettable symphony, so it is with May flowers, a plethora of blossoms and blooms for our enjoyment. There is no questioning it now; Spring has arrived. The world is dancing to the music of May flowers, delicate and delightful!

Guest Writer, Susie Durrschmidt
The Polkadot Rose

Photo Contribution 1: C'est Chouette

MMP Friday Shopping Event May 20th "May Flowers"

2011-05-19T18:02:00.002-05:00

~May Flowers~

Something magical occurs in May. All the April showers are but a memory and as we travel down the country lanes, our eyes are widened by the sights of all the magnificent May flowers. The earth bursts forth with beautiful blooms right in time for Mothers' Day. Is this a coincidence or just another gift from the Universe and Mother Nature? Pink and white dogwood trees and cherry trees all popped out. Cascading phlox and hills of daffodils; wee little violets and Johnny jump ups vie for their attention and they so deserve it. The sweet smell of lilacs bring us back to our younger days and memories at Grandma's. As we pick them to bring indoors to place in our Lenox vase, we can feel Grandma's hug surround us. Oh how we love our lilacs! Fields of buttercups all yellow and perky in the breeze. Tulips in various colors line the driveways and flowerbeds as if to say "Welcome! It's Spring!". Soon the irises and lilies will take their place, proudly so. Baskets of pansies fill the porch in shades of purples, yellows and white. The hostas start filling in and getting ready to be the show stoppers for the months to come.

Our homes reflect the beauty of May flowers too. The violet dish right inside the door that holds your keys for safekeeping; the hydrangea umbrella stand keeps you ready for that expected shower. As you pass by the bedroom your eye catches the embroidered floral dresser scarf and the Victorian floral poetry book there waiting for your bedtime reading. Lilac needlepoint pillows and pansy coverlets are strewn across the daybed on the porch all calling your name to come sit a spell. Take time for tea from your favorite English violet teacup from Aunt Nancy. Your mind wanders as you get a whiff of the fresh country potpourri next to your favorite chair. You sit and ponder. The pussy willows and forsythia are in full bloom outside the window. You smile.

Just as a maestro conducts an orchestra taking one note at a time, blending it into an unforgettable symphony, so it is with May flowers, a plethora of blossoms and blooms for our enjoyment. There is no questioning it now; Spring has arrived. The world is dancing to the music of May flowers, delicate and delightful!

Guest Writer, Susie Durrschmidt
The Polkadot Rose

Photo Contribution 1:Rose Blossom Cottage

MMP Friday Shopping Event May 6th "May Flowers"

2011-05-05T19:03:00.000-05:00

Guest Writer, Susie Durrschmidt
The Polkadot Rose

Photo Contribution 1: Fotolia Photo Contribution 2: C-ing Polkadots

MMP Friday Shopping Event April 22nd "A Touch of French"

2011-04-20T17:43:00.000-05:00

A Touch of French

In an age when newer, bigger, shinier, and disposable became the buzz words of style, we rebelled. We kept a touch of French without even knowing it.

We enjoy tea and croissants with friends, even if the china cup and dessert plates don't match. We treasure the cupboard with chippy paint wonder in whose kitchen it stood before it became ours. Our collection of antique rose painting grace our mantle, the sizes and colors are not perfectly matched but each is a quality painting. The silver trophy cup whose engraved name we don't recognize is the perfect vase for fresh flowers, ever present in our homes. Slipcovered sofas beg us to sit for a while, to relax, to enjoy a moment of life.

The French decorating style embraces history. Decorating in not an act; it is way of life. Collections of tiny bits and pieces found at flea markets are proudly displayed. Leather books are stacked next to ancient religious figures on hand painted tables. Rugs under our feet are threadbare, worn by the footsteps of many, and still worthy to be used for many more years. A large chandelier, dripping with antique crystals hangs above a warm wooden table, the crystals catching the sunlight and sending it to every corner.

Truly the French style becomes a search through flea markets as well as the top notch antique stores, The rule of French is easy; if you love it, it will work. All the colors blend. Pinks greens, and aquas are gorgeous on white. Yellows, turquoise, and reds pop on black. All can be used in the same floor, blending the rooms seamlessly as you wonder about , you eyes landing on each treasure.

Fabrics play a big role in French decoration. Toile pillows, velvet curtains, knitted throws, brocade upholstered chairs dripping with passementerie, and needlepoint footstools all work well in the sitting. French linens piled on the foot of the bed in all shades of white, ivory, and flax, feel softer with each washing. The damask tablecloths on the dining table have been passed from generation to generation, kept pristine first by a French laundress and now by our own loving hands, saving it for the next generation.

Living with a touch of French is as easy as displaying our family's history or the history of some unknown family. A style that welcomes us home. A respite from a hectic world.

Guest Writer:Sharon Wollman - C'est Chouette Home

Photo Contribution 1: C'est Chouette Home

MMP Friday Shopping Event April 15th "A Touch of French"

2011-04-14T19:34:00.003-05:00

Guest Writer:Sharon Wollman - C'est Chouette Home

Photo Contribution 1: Shabby Shan's Cottage | Photo Contribution 2: Tres Belle Boutique | Photo Contribution 3: Rose Blossom Cottage

MMP Friday Shopping Event April 1 "A Touch of French"

2011-03-31T18:30:00.000-05:00

In an age when newer, bigger, shinier, and disposable became the buzz words of style, we rebelled. We kept a touch of French without even knowing it.

We enjoy tea and croissants with friends, even if the china cup and dessert plates don't match. We treasure the cupboard with chippy paint wonder in whose kitchen it stood before it became ours. Our collection of antique rose painting grace our mantle, the sizes and colors are not perfectly matched but each is a quality painting. The silver trophy cup whose engraved name we don't recognize is the perfect vase for fresh flowers, ever present in our homes. Slipcovered sofas beg us to sit for a while, to relax, to enjoy a moment of life.

The French decorating style embraces history. Decorating in not an act; it is way of life. Collections of tiny bits and pieces found at flea markets are proudly displayed. Leather books are stacked next to ancient religious figures on hand painted tables. Rugs under our feet are threadbare, worn by the footsteps of many, and still worthy to be used for many more years. A large chandelier, dripping with antique crystals hangs above a warm wooden table, the crystals caching the sunlight and sending it to every corner.

Truly the French style becomes a search through flea markets as well as the top notch antique stores, The rule of French is easy; if you love it, it will work. All the colors blend. Pinks greens, and aquas are gorgeous on white. Yellows, turquoise, and reds pop on black. All can be used in the same floor, blending the rooms seamlessly as you wonder about , you eyes landing on each treasure.

Fabrics play a big role in French decoration. Toile pillows, velvet curtains, knitted throws, brocade upholstered chairs dripping with passementerie, and needlepoint footstools all work well in the sitting. French linens piled on the with a bed in all shades of white, ivory, and flax, feel softer with each washing. The damask tablecloths on the dining table have been passed from generation to generation, kept pristine first by a French laundress and now by our own loving hands, saving it for the next generation.

Living with a touch of French is a easy as displaying our family's history or the history of some unknown family. A style that welcomes us home. A respite from a hectic world.

Guest Writer:Sharon Wollman - C'est Chouette Home

Photo Contribution 1: Tres Belle Boutique | Photo Contribution 2: Rose Blossom Cottage | Photo Contribution 3: French Charmed

This is l-o-o-o-ng!!

2011-03-30T11:25:00.004-05:00

Come in...sit a while...let me tell you a tale... a tale of woe...and so it goes.....

In the wee early hours of the new year~ I woke with a start and in such great pain. I stumbled out of my bed into the hall where I leaned on the walls for support. My left knee was not functioning and it hurt like all Hades!!! Luckily my daughter was quick to come to my rescue and somehow she got me to the sofa and packed my knee in ice. By morning I was not much better, but was able to move about with support. Needless to say a doctor appointment was needed.

Now I love my doctor, she never goes to the worse case scenario first, she is a steady eddie. While she diagnosed the knee issue as a torn meniscus, she had hopes that it would heal (as the body does chose to heal) so she gave me a huge leg immobilizer and told me to rest. In 2 weeks I still was not much better, in fact I had a few set backs. One setback being the office Christmas party. Yuppers, I wore a cute little black dress and an ugly black leg immobilizer to the company party. After five hours of not much partying (I was pretty much the appointed party pooper) I was in such severe pain that even Vicodin did not touch it. I knew then that this was not going to be an easy fix.

So back to my doctor I went. She ordered a MRI and the results were not good. She called me after office hours and said "Sharon, you will need surgery and soon" and she recommended an orthopedic surgeon.

Yay! movement towards healing~ surgery? ~ I'll take it!!! But guess what? The appointment was set for two weeks out. Man!! I was in so much pain and still had to wait two weeks. And God said, "Let me see what I can do?" and he sent the coldest February day ever in history of South Dakota (well in a very, very long time anyway) and I got to fill a cancellation spot at the orthopedic surgeon.
Sure enough, he confirmed the surgery was necessary and we could schedule it in 2-3 weeks, Oh my gosh 2-3 weeks!!! He must of noticed the desperation in my eyes and he said "Hang on, I'll be right back." Five minutes later he came back and asked "What are you doing later today?" "Having surgery I hope" I quipped. You betcha I was! Because of the coldest day in February history, they had lots of surgery cancellations and I would be having surgery that day! Woohoo. And I did!

Two weeks later, I went for my check up and the doctor was happy, I was happy, every one was happy. I was walking (toddling really) I felt good, I was hopeful. Then everything changed. By the next week I couldn't put ice on my knee without crying. I couldn't put heat on my knee with out crying. I couldn't walk, or toddle, or waddle. I was in pain again! A quick call to the doctors office settled my nerves for a day or two. But things continued to get worse. I was hot, I was cold! There were cold streaks running up and down my leg. I hurt, I hurt, I hurt! I couldn't lay , I couldn't stand, I couldn't sit. And worse~ I lost all hope. Now I am not a quitter~ ever. I am almost always up to the challenge~ any challenge. But not this time. I functioned as well as I could for my family, crying silent tears all the time.. But I lost all desire to maintain my business, my need to create was gone. I did not seem to miss it! I did not reach out to friends, I was not fit company for man nor beast, I pulled the covers up over my head and just stayed there! My vision of life was so clouded by pain. I gave up.... I was done.....

Then, nothing short of a small miracle, on a Monday in March, I got up out of my bed and I could stand, I could toddle and waddle, my eyes could see clearly. And off I went to carry on the daily family activities. That day a friend called. I had not talked to her for well over a year. She is the type of friend who asks all the right questions, and ask she did. And she listened and asked some more.... then she said "Sharon, you had an infection" The skies opened and the birds sang! I had not given up~ I had given in!...into the healing my body needed to fight an infection.

I am now nearly two months out from my surgery, a surgery that is touted as a very satisfying surgery because the results are easy to measure. I am feeling those easy to measure results. It is very satisfying. I am walking in a some-what normal gait. And better yet, my creativity has returned. For those of you you know me well, you know I am not whole unless I can create. I am whole, again.

So ....let my New Year begin!

2011-03-07T16:08:00.000-06:00

Get ready for Spring! Join the boutiques at Make Mine Pink for our Spring Holidays Shop.The Spring Shop will be open from March 13th through the 19th. new products are added daily.

MMP Friday Shopping Event February 25th "Ruffles and Roses"

2011-02-24T19:09:00.000-06:00

I’ve never seen a ruffle or a rose that I didn’t love. From the time I was a little girl, the more ruffles, the better. Handmade dresses with rows of smocking and ruffles, filled my closet. Ruffled slips, and socks trimmed in lace, were a part of my everyday wardrobe.

Because of the chic style of decor when I was a child, I had an appreciation of the feminine grace and allure of a rose. From handmade slipcovers with huge pink cabbage roses, pillows trimmed with yards and yards of ruffles, to the softest, plushest carpet that was covered in sculpted roses, our home was a girls delight.

As I look back on my childhood home, and the home I’ve made for my family, I see so many similarities. Vintage fabrics, once a part of everyday decor, are now beautiful, much loved cushions and pillows. An ottoman, threadbare with age, is given new life with layers and layers of flouncy ruffles.

Roses, regally fill every vase, and are tucked in amongst the family photos on tables and shelves, as if they’ve always been there.

Paintings and prints of roses in the palest shades of pink, and white, inspired by artists from another time, and propped upon the mantle, revealing their beauty for all to share.

Ruffles and roses, a rite of passage, from christening gowns to wedding dresses, cottage decor to the finest Paris apartments. Our right to enjoy a gentle life-style and decor.

Please visit the boutiques at Make Mine Pink to help you fill your home with the gentle grace of ruffles and roses.

Joyce Lucas,Founder

Make Mine Pink

MMP Friday Shopping Event February 4th "Ruffles and Roses"

2011-02-02T19:48:00.002-06:00

Because of the chic style of decor when I was a child, I had an appreciation of the feminine grace and allure of a rose. From handmade slipcovers with huge pink cabbage roses, pillows trimmed with yards and yards of ruffles, to the softest, plushest carpet that was covered in sculpted roses, our home was a girls delight.

As I look back on my childhood home, and the home I’ve made for my family, I see so many similarities. Vintage fabrics, once a part of everyday decor, are now beautiful, much loved cushions and pillows. An ottoman, threadbare with age, is given new life with layers and layers of flouncy ruffles.

Roses, regally fill every vase, and are tucked in amongst the family photos on tables and shelves, as if they’ve always been there.

Paintings and prints of roses in the palest shades of pink, and white, inspired by artists from another time, and propped upon the mantle, revealing their beauty for all to share.

Ruffles and roses, a rite of passage, from christening gowns to wedding dresses, cottage decor to the finest Paris apartments. Our right to enjoy a gentle life-style and decor.

Please visit the boutiques at Make Mine Pink to help you fill your home with the gentle grace of ruffles and roses.

Joyce Lucas,Founder

Make Mine Pink

Photo Contribution 1: Gail Friend Designs

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

2011-01-10T17:48:00.000-06:00

I am never sure which I dislike more~ being in pain and not knowing why but still going about my daily activities ~or~ going to the doctor and finding out that is causing the pain and being told I cannot do certain activities. Well the good news is I will heal. The bad news is that I more than likely have torn the cartilage in my knee. It seems to be healing already, that is a good indicator. The ugly is that I have to wear a big. black, ugly leg immobilizer for two weeks. As my leg is immobilized straight, there will be no sitting at the wonderful new Husqvarna in my wonderful studio. But this, too, shall pass.

MMP Friday Shopping Event January 7th "Winter Romance"

2011-01-06T18:30:00.002-06:00

When I was a young woman, the two simple words “Winter Romance” had a much different meaning than it does now. Today, I find romance in so many different things. The soft glow of an antique boudoir lamp, the faint etching of roses on a glass vase. An eiderdown comforter, with a covering of pink roses, folded at the foot of my bed.

When I hear the words winter romance, it conjures up images of creamy white roses, arranged in an antique cut-work glass vase. A soft fire glowing, the fire light dancing off the teardrop crystals that drape from the chandelier. A book of old poems, laying in wait upon a down floor cushion.

An heirloom bracelet, with clusters of pink roses, or something as simple as a soft dusting of snow, beyond the warmth of creamy velvet drapes, is enough to capture the feeling of a winter romance.

Please visit the boutiques at Make Mine Pink and have a little winter romance of your own.

Joyce Lucas,Founder

Make Mine Pink

Photo Contribution 1: Rose Blossom Cottage

Expect Delays

2011-01-04T13:06:00.001-06:00

So sorry~ but shipping has been delayed! I have injured my knee and I am not functioning well and since the 2 college girls are back in classes ~ I am doing things on my own. Oh~ I wish I could tell you that I injured my knee in some skiing accident on the slopes of Aspen or in a mad crush at Macy's After-Christmas Sale, or racing sprint cars on the speedway~ but alas I injured it by helping the divine-and-long-suffering Mr. C'est Chouette clean out the garage. I knew I should have stayed in my studio ~ but seriously my studio re-do caused the mess in the garage~ so on two cold December days I worked in the the cold cold cold garage. I am such a namby-pamby. Anyway~ with the Divine Mr.'s help~ everything will be shipped tomorrow.

{some of} The Best Of 2010

2011-01-02T15:15:00.001-06:00

Thank You Thank You Thank You

To say thank you to my wonderful customers seems small~ but I humbly offer it. It has been a great year for C'est Chouette Home as these (and more) lovley pillows have found new homes. I am excited for 2011 (truthfully that is an understatement)

ps~Thank You Baby Girls Wollman ~ none of this would be possible with out you.

2010-12-27T12:16:00.002-06:00

We lost Toby, the Tuffet Tabby today. We are happy to have had him in our lives for 6 years and sad to say good-bye.

2010-12-15T08:26:00.001-06:00

MMP Friday Shopping Event December 10th "Last Minute Gifts"

2010-12-09T10:25:00.002-06:00

Last Minute Gifts

Christmas is all about family, friends, church and community. Seeing loved ones who live far away and reconnecting with those who are nearby but we don’t see as often as we wish we could. It’s about loving those who are alone at this time of year and inviting them to be part of our families too. Working with our communities to bring Christmas cheer to those in need is a very big part of the holiday season for my family. Tis the season to share the magic of this blessed holiday with everyone around us.

When we have a moment to relax, time spent sitting around the fire, enjoying the ambiance of the season. It’s hot cocoa or spiced cider, shared with a friend. Working on new stitching projects for someone we love. Telling stories from the past year and our hopes for the year to come, feeling thankful for those we will share it with.

Looking for last minute gifts that we’re sure will be loved, is an exciting part of the holiday for our family. We’re filled with excitement when we find that perfect item for someone on our list, and we feel like children, full of anticipation of the joy our gift will bring on Christmas morning.

From the planning to the feelings of love and joy, to spending time with family and friends, everything about the Christmas season is magical. Please stop by the boutiques at Make Mine Pink for all of your last minute shopping. We’re sure you’ll find that perfect something, that will be treasured for many years.

We wish you all the love and joy of this magical season.
The members of Make Mine Pink.

Photo Contribution 1: The Polka Dot Rose

MMP Friday Shopping Event December 3rd "Sleigh Bells and Winter Roses"

2010-12-02T16:57:00.002-06:00

Sleigh Bells and Winter Roses

There’s something magical about the Christmas holiday. I can still remember lying in bed on Christmas eve when I was a child ,and listening for Santa’s sleigh bells. The faint ringing in the distance meant that Santa would soon be arriving. To this day, when I hear a sleigh bell ring, it brings back the magic and excitement of my childhood all over again.

Christmas Eve has always been a special time in our home. Young and old alike gather in our home. The buffet table is always a sight to behold. Vintage China plates are stacked high with desserts and tea sandwiches, each almost too beautiful to eat. Glorious red and white winter roses fill vases of all sizes throughout our home. Bows in glittering shades of silver and gold make the roses themselves look as if they’re shimmering.

Vintage tablecloths with the reddest of roses and bright sprigs of holly, dress our holiday tables. Pillows propped on chairs and benches, embellished with Santa’s jolly face, and surrounded with bright winter roses and mistletoe.

From the most whimsical Santa to the most elegant winter rose, there’s a place for each in our holiday decor. Everything about the Christmas season is magical and seems like the perfect fit.

The Boutique Owners at Make Mine Pink wish you the most magical holiday season ever!

Joyce Lucas, Founder

Make Mine Pink

Photo Contribution 1: Holly and Glitter

Make Mine Pink Ornamnet Swap 2010

2010-11-29T11:19:00.002-06:00

I received my first ornament from the MMP Ornament Swap~ I should say ornaments~ they are from my needlepoint buddy, Jody of JodyDesigns.com. Jody sent a wonderful Man in the Moon clock to remind me that Santa is coming soon. Also you may notice in the photo some hand-painted Christmas Lights~ they are from Jody too. Thank You Jody~ I love them.

My other ornament is coming from quite a distance~ Australia to be exact~ so I will happily wait.

Visit the Make Mine Pink Blog (here) to view all the ornaments. Stop by often as we will be adding posts all week.

2010-11-24T21:38:00.000-06:00

Stocking Stuffers Shop at Make Mine Pink

Friday, November 26th – December 17th

MMP Friday Shopping Event November 19th "Simple Delights"

2010-11-18T07:44:00.000-06:00

I'm a no fuss girl and the Simple Delights of life are what make me the happiest.

An impromtu meal with family is the perfect time to pull out the mismatched vintage china and worn silverware, each setting a reflection of your passion for collecting. Make it even more special by adding an antique tablecloth or vintage linen napkins.

Tuffets and accent pillows displayed on a weathered bench in the corner of your favorite room are not only a beautiful yet simple way to decorate, but a comfortable place to put your feet up after a busy day.

I can remember my mother's jewelry box was overflowing with costume jewelry. Simple pieces are the ones I treasure the most. Strands of faux pearls, rhinestone brooches, and bracelets dressed up with lots of charms.

As I take a look around my home, I'm reminded that family images displayed in ornate frames, and rose covered bowls filled with floral potpourri are truly simple delights.

Lisa McDonald,

Pale Pink and Roses

Photo Contribution 1: C'est Chouette

Mark Your Calendar!

2010-11-11T18:17:00.000-06:00

The MMP holiday Shop opens Friday, Nov. 19th at 8:00 AM EDT and lasts throughout Sunday. More details coming soon!

Visit Make Mine Pink's Holiday Shop.

All Holiday Tuffets, Pillows, and Poufs will be listed here C'est Chouette Home and Make Mine Pink's Holiday Shop simultaneously. Visit often throughout the three day event.

MMP Friday Shopping Event November 5th "Thanksgiving - All about family and friends"

2010-11-04T06:16:00.002-05:00

Thanksgiving - All about family and friends

When our family and friends gather for the holiday, it’s always a very special time. The china cabinet sees a flurry of activity as grandma’s china and crystal is washed and dried to a shine. Even with the modern conveniences, each dish is lovingly washed by hand. Too special to take a chance.

From favorite serving dishes that held many a holiday turkey, to silverware passed down through generations and etched with time, have their place on our festive table. Tablecloths that hold memories of holidays just like this, are pressed and regally grace our dining table. These pieces are as much a part of our annual celebration as is the family gathered around the table. Each member thankful for those memories and for each other.

After the desserts been served, the children in the family are anxious to leave the table and play in Grandma’s bedroom. They gather on her soft chenille covered bed, and excitedly lift the lid of her jewelry box. Each child is filled with anticipation of what lies within. They never tire of playing dress up with the old pearl necklaces and rhinestone pins kept inside. It’s always such fun to explore the treasures and keepsakes of the past. ??

Long after dinner is over and the dishes are cleared, the women gather around the table sipping our tea from favorite vintage tea cups. Our fingers trace the soft worn designs that embellish the antique tablecloth. We talk about their own holiday projects, and favorite traditions.

Talk turns to plans for the upcoming Christmas Season. With aspirations for a handmade Christmas, we share our favorite sewing and decorating plans. A holiday quilt that must be finished in time, a Christmas stocking for the newest addition to the family, a stylish sweater knit in soft winter wools. We reminisce over past holiday traditions and plan which new ones to start this year. We’re always filled with memory-making ideas for the family and make lists to keep us organized.

When our family gathers for Thanksgiving, our home is filled with wishes and dreams, memories and love. Everyone, young and old, is filled with thanks for all of the riches in our lives.

Make your Thanksgiving memorable by shopping the boutiques at Make Mine Pink.

Joyce Lucas, Founder

Make Mine Pink

Photo Contribution 1: istock Photo |Photo Contribution 2: The Roseberry Cottage

MMP Friday Shopping Event October 29th "The Comforts of Home"

2010-10-29T12:52:00.000-05:00

When I think of the comforts of home, I think of old worn sweaters, soft and faded with time. Sitting by the fire, wrapped in a beautifully pieced quilt that my mother made so many years ago. On the sofa beside me, the colors of the quilt I’m stitching, bright in comparison. A pot of tea, steeping in a favorite tea pot, sitting on a table nearby.

Throughout my home there are many framed photographs on the wall, and placed casually among my belongings. Many of family and friends that are a part of my present, others of family no longer with us, but never forgotten.

In my home, I’m surrounded by glimpses of my past as I sip my tea from the antique cup and saucer that once belonged to my grandmother. The fragrance of the potpourri simmering on the stove, reminiscent of holiday get-togethers, and mingling with memories of my mother’s kitchen during the holidays. The lit candles, with their rich and spicy fragrance, cast soft shadows around the room, lighting up corners with memories of familiar voices and laughter.

The comforts of home reach out from the past and wind their way into those of the present. They are our own distinct style, with a touch of nostalgia mixed in. A place we create for ourselves that is warm and inviting and will one day become a comforting memory for our loved ones.

Come visit the boutiques at Make Mine Pink for all the “comforts of home.”

Joyce Lucas, Founder

Make Mine Pink

Photo Contribution 1: The Vintage Linen Press |Photo Contribution 2: Forget Me Not Dreams

MMP Friday Shopping Event October 22nd "Shades of Autumn"

2010-10-21T18:03:00.002-05:00

Autumn bursts into the season with a symphony of color. Swirling leaves of crimson, amber, and gold against a background of crisp blue sky, exciting our senses and inviting us to grab hold and enjoy every minute… before it slips away until next year.

This is a season of celebration, meant to be shared with family and good friends. We host dinners at tables covered with vintage tablecloths, embroidered with the colors of fall. We decorate our homes with colorful pumpkins and gourds. Afternoons are spent winding through corn mazes and walking in apple orchards. Cool crisp evenings wind to a close with a long country walk.

Nature’s display mingles with the glorious scent of fall. Pies baked with fresh apples, the spicy scent wafting throughout the house. Cinnamon and spiced cider, cooling in a vintage teapot on the counter. The delightful feeling as the crisp cool air rushes in when the front door is opened.

The changing of seasons from the cool greens of summer to the warm oranges and golds of fall foliage, provides inspiration for our indoor decorating. We add accents from an autumn palette of copper, rust, green and gold to highlight forgotten nooks and crannies. We warm up your our homes with the colors of falling leaves.

A colorful fall wreath graces the entryway. A needlepoint cushion stitched with rustic fall colors, displayed proudly on an antique settee. The colors of autumn infuse our quiet times. Quilts are pieced together with fabrics of warm russets and reds, crimson and gold. The fabrics remind us of swirling leaves and autumn’s irresistible allure.

The sunset colors of autumn fade quickly away, making autumn all the more beautiful.

Bring a bit of autumn into your home by shopping the boutiques at Make Mine Pink.

Joyce Lucas, Founder

Make Mine Pink

Photo Contribution 1: Esprit de Joie |Photo Contribution 2: Cottage Flair

Make Mine Pink Ornament Swap 2010

2010-10-18T06:25:00.002-05:00

Won't you join us? Make Mine Pink is having a Ornament Swap and a Blog Hop, too. We are inviting friends far and wide to join the fun. You may invite your friends, too. Here are the details:

1)You will need to fill out the short questionnaire ~here ~to sign up for the swap. . Sign-ups for this swap will be held until 10/21(ending at 11PM EST)The swap list will computer generated on 10/22(no late entries allowed)Your three swap partners' profiles will be emailed to you the afternoon of 10/22.

2) Share the badge (click, to copy and save)on your blog as soon as possible. Please link to this post. Spread the word, invite your friends, because everyone is invited but we will limit it to 99 participants

3)You will have 4 weeks to create you ornaments. Please plan on having them in the mail to your partners by 11/19.

4)On the day of the Ornament Swap Party, 11/29, please post pictures of the ornaments you have received on your blog. Then come over to the Make Mine Pink blog and post your link. We will be using a thumbnail linking tool , so have your post ready.

5) Grab a cup of tea or coffee and blog hop with the other Swappers on the day of the Swap Party.

One more rule: All ornaments must be handmade. Please create something you would love to receive in return. That way we will all receive something wonderful~ the joy will be in both the giving and the receiving.No dollar amount will be set, create what you would love to receive.

Disclaimer: Because not all the participants are members of Make Mine Pink, MakeMinePink.com can not be held responsible for shipping dates, ornament quality, and participation compliance.

Please note: While we would love to have everyone join, if you feel you cannot adhere to the rules as stated or the ship dates, please do not join this swap. We will have other swaps that you may feel more comfortable joining. Thank You for your consideration.

Have fun creating!

Pink October Shop Hop

2010-10-11T07:02:00.002-05:00

Please join us October 11th – 16th for our annual Pink October Shop Hop. We have lots of great prizes to win. It's easy and fun to play. No purchase necessary!

MMP Friday Shopping Event October 1st "An English Cottage"

2010-09-30T20:58:00.000-05:00

If I were to close my eyes and conjure up images of an English Cottage, it would be surrounded by an explosion of colorful flowers, both inside and out. The porch, though small, would hold a whitewashed rocker, with even more fresh cut flowers peeking out of a tote hanging from the arm. A beautiful needlepoint pillow, stitched with a riotous bouquet of wildflowers, propped against the back for comfort. The first entry to my English Cottage would feel like home itself with a wreath on the door, welcoming you to step inside.

Once inside my cozy cottage, you’d find the windows draped with delicate lace curtains and gorgeous floral fabrics. Cabbage roses, trailing down each panel. A cozy window seat, made comfortable with a down cushion, provides a perfect place to enjoy a favorite book and a cup of tea. The teacup, passed down for generations and filled with memories. The hand-painted roses, now faded and worn, just enhance the beauty and the experience.

Shelves and cupboards are an essential part of any English cottage. They’re often used for storage and for display. You might see a beautiful collection of vintage dishes, or a cupboard devoted to teapots and favorite teacups. Colorful tins that once held tea, now hold buttons and sewing notions. Hand embroidered tea towels and pure white linens, help fill the shelves until they’re called upon to celebrate a special occasion.

Vases stuffed full to overflowing with fresh cut blooms, are tucked on tables and window ledges throughout the cottage. Each a reminder of the beauty that awaits, just steps outside the cottage door.

The garden, visible from the kitchen window is ablaze with color and activity. Ivy climbs the trellises and arbors, colorful bird houses and wrought iron bird baths, a refuge for our aviary friends.

With cottage touches in just the right places, the simple beauty of a English cottage can be yours no matter where you live.

Please stop by the boutiques at Make Mine Pink to help create your own English Cottage.

Joyce Lucas, Founder

Make Mine Pink

Photo Contribution 1: The Pink Rose Cottage | Photo Contribution 2: Miss Magpies's Tea & Treasures | Photo Contribution 3: C'est Chouette

MMP Friday Shopping Event September 24th "A Stitch in Time"

2010-09-23T17:59:00.000-05:00

A well worn and much loved quilt, graces the end of my bed. The stitches tiny and even, the fabric almost transparent in spots. I find myself running my hands across the time-softened fabric and wondering about the families that loved this quilt before me. With much love and care, will it someday grace the end of my granddaughter’s bed? Will she trace the stitches with the tips of her fingers and wonder about the lives it touched before her? The antique armoire sitting close by, filled with newer quilts. Some modern, with fabrics bright and crisp. Someday, they’ll be faded and worn and proudly stacked with other heirlooms, both new and old.

A needlepoint sampler displayed proudly on the wall in my sitting room - once loving stitched by someone’s great grandmother and passed from mother to daughter until it reached it’s resting place in my home. Some memories imagined, many yet to come, surround this beautifully stitched heirloom. Each piece, a stitch across time, binding us together with no regard to time or family. We’re unified by our love of all things hand-stitched.

My sewing room boasts stacks and stacks of beautiful fabrics. My love of fabric handed down for generations, and a reminder of days spent watching the magic that my mother created. I was always eager to touch the colored fabrics that were tucked in every nook and cranny of her sewing room. I'd watch her hands and as she worked her magic. She always worked with swiftness and accuracy. Slipcovers and floral panels, magically transformed our living room into a brand new space. Tiny pastel prints, trimmed in lace, became favorite new sundresses for my sister and I. A length of fabric, the hues of the rainbow, turned into prized treasures. I still feel that same enchantment and wonder today.

A hand or machine stitched treasure can be beautiful as well as practical. Handmade totes and pillows, stitched for style and practicality. Whimsical quilts, using the newest techniques and blended with treasured old fabrics, now faded with love. Each and every piece, beautiful in its own right and coming together in perfect harmony.

Table linens, trimmed in tatted lace, become the finest of heirlooms. Many have been passed down from mother to daughter or are looking for new homes to create new traditions. Needlepoints rescued and made anew with beautiful silks, each one with a story all its own, ready to make new memories in it’s new home. A beautiful handmade shawl, stitched with loving hands and eager to warm someone special on a cool summer evening.

Our love of all things stitched, transcend time, uniting us, and giving us a sense of belonging.

Please visit the boutiques at Make Mine Pink for stitched treasures that are sure to become a favorite family heirloom. ?

Joyce Lucas, Founder

Make Mine Pink

Photo Contribution 1: Cottage Collections | Photo Contribution 2: C'est Chouette Home

MMP Friday Shopping Event September 17th "Cupcakes and Polkadots"

2010-09-16T21:37:00.002-05:00

Do you remember the simple delights of childhood? How a cupcake could make you giggle and as far as you were concerned, polkadots belonged on everything. As I made the passage from child to adult, I found that some of the same things that gave me delight as a child, still brought a smile to my face. The little girl in me, always looking for an opportunity to relive the happiness of childhood. Then having daughters, the perfect excuse.

Cupcakes remind me of those happy times – and because cupcake bakeries are popping up all over, it’s given us glorious permission to partake in this delightful pastime! After-all, who doesn’t love a cupcake? The once simple confection, now piled high with frostings and toppings, indulging the child in all of us.

It’s the simple things like cupcakes and whimsical dots that bring us so much pleasure. So why not add a little whimsy to our lives? Because of this fun, new focus on whimsy, we’ve seen cupcakes and polkadots finding their way into even the most conventional lifestyles! Cupcake pillows and purses, fabrics sprinkled with delightful little cakes and colorful dots, framed prints of the grandest of cupcakes, piled high with whipped frosting and topped with a cherry, earrings dangling with the smallest of tasty confections. All a scrumptious reminder of the delight we feel when we take time to enjoy the simple things in life. The delight we feel when we let our inner child out to play, even if only for a moment.

Grandmas and Grandpas are pulling up chairs and sipping tea from miniature china cups, the table spread with the palest pink and purple polka-dot cloth. Cupcakes are served on the finest china, the delight of sharing a special moment with your favorite daughter, granddaughter or child. These are the tiny pleasures, yet building memories for a lifetime.

Cupcakes and Polkadots remind us how easy it is to escape to a place where a little touch of whimsy can brighten a whole day. A bit of fun and delight in a world that can be demanding.

All things whimsical have a place in our lives and each brings about smiles and wisps of childhood memories. Whether it is a fanciful collection or a whimsical element added to your decor, the hint of fun is a welcoming greeting to all. A ceramic cupcake, sitting amongst our heirloom teacups, a cupcake pillow, tossed on the chair by the bed, a set of brightly painted polkadot mugs, for afternoon hot cocoa by the fire, all an aide-memoire, to dream, and to remember.

It only takes a moment to think back to a special day, remembering the things that delight and refresh our senses. And if you need a little help building your whimsical collection, the boutiques at Make Mine Pink would be a great place to start.

Joyce Lucas, Founder

Make Mine Pink

Photo Contribution 1: Roseblossom Cottage | Photo Contribution 2: Gail Friend Designs | Photo Contribution 3: The Polka Dot Rose

MMP Friday Shopping Event September 10th "Cherished Heirlooms"

2010-09-09T18:26:00.000-05:00

I love to surround myself with treasures from the past. They remind me of my favorite people, my favorite things, and especially my favorite moments in time. All of these memories have helped me become the woman I am today. I hope to pass some of these memories down to my own children, and their children too. Some will be by means of memories shared, and some will be treasured heirlooms from my past.
I've always kept a family album of old photographs, some are now yellowed with age. Some of the faces I remember from long ago. Others I think I only imagine remembering, from looking at them so many times. There are weddings and births, laughing voices and forever romances recorded in these images. They are moments that live on because I remember. One day, because my girls will remember too. There will be new photos added and new memories to share. But the memories will live on in the photos captured.

One of my most cherished pieces is Dad's old pocket watch. The hands of time are still moving, although a little slower than before. I remember him pulling the watch from his pocket so many times. The case rubbed smooth from use.
A quilt that my mom started many years ago, the blocks intricately stitched and wrapped in tissue, now in a special box, waiting to be finished. Her fingers now lie still, but I remember the long chats we had while she stitched her beautiful designs. Having these treasures nearby makes me feel like she and Dad are still near.

Even the heirlooms and antiques I find at the flea market have special meaning for me. The old ornate frames, once holding a majestic oil painting, now hold family photos. One or two, fitted with mirrors and reflecting new memories within the walls of my home. A favorite collection of antique silver spoons, sitting out in a china spoon holder, each graceful design, elegantly unique.

A quilt, draped over a favorite chair, worn in spots with age, inspires me to imagine the garments the squares of fabric came from.
When my own family comes for dinner, I set the table with my mother's favorite tablecloth and china, and as we share our meal, favorite childhood anecdotes and stories, entertain us all. It seems fitting to share my cherished memories with my children and grandchildren, while creating new ones of our own. I hope they will mingle together and continue to be passed down for generations to come.

Visiting the shops at Make Mine Pink will fill you with nostalgia. Many beautiful products, rich in history, and waiting to be added to your own collection of cherished heirlooms and antiques.

Joyce Lucas, Founder

Make Mine Pink

Photo Contribution 1: istock photo Photo Contribution 2: istock photo

2010-09-08T09:19:00.004-05:00

We're so excited that the girls at Make Mine Pink will be participating in the 1st Make Mine Pink Slipper-thon! Throughout the next two weeks, (September 7th - 21st) members will be stitching slippers for the Pink Slipper project and photo documenting their progress. We can't wait to share their offerings with all of our PSP friends! Stay tuned..
Do you have a group that would like to hold a slipper-thon? We'd love to cheer you on and document your progress too! Just let us know!

Warmest Thanks,
Joyce Lucas, Founder
The Pink Slipper Project.

Grab a tissue.....

2010-09-05T16:38:00.001-05:00

..because this will bring tears to your eyes! Last week I found a gorgeous needlepoint~with this envelope attached.

Now I don't know who Ashlee is, or why this needlepoint is no longer with her. I do know Nana Nona must have finished the needlepoint with love in her heart for dear sweet Ashlee. The needlepoint was never used, framed, made into a pillow, or anything. But it soon will be. Sorry I do not have a picture of the needlepoint because it has been gently hand-washed and is already on my blocking board. It will be a pillow for MMP Friday~ our them this week ~ Cherished Heirlooms. I hope Nana Nona and Ashlee will approve.

MMP Friday Shopping Event September 3rd "Last Rose of Summer"

2010-09-02T20:20:00.000-05:00

As fall approaches, I love to take my mug of morning coffee outdoors and walk along the rose bushes. The same bushes that offered an abundance of roses during the summer are starting to show a little thinning, each needing their winter’s rest. The enchanting blooms beg the question “Will these be the last roses of summer?”

It is no wonder roses are the favorite flowers of so many people, me included. Their delicate petals are stronger than they appear against the wind and sun, their scent intoxicating. Their beauty is unquestionable. Some need very little attention and yet grab all of our attention.

We seem to have a need to fill our homes with roses. Hand- painted roses pop up in pieces of furniture, framed as wall art, and even on our favorite wine goblets. We tuck antique tea cups featuring roses into unto what-not shelves. China cabinets are filled with our wedding sets, mine in blue roses, my sisters’ in pink roses. Curtains over our kitchen sinks have a delicate rose edging. Roses are woven into the damask linens we use to each day as we enjoy meals with our loved ones. A few roses pillows tucked here and there give a quick smile as we go about our fall nesting. A flickering candle fills the air with rose scents, and beautiful rose-shape soaps welcome out guests. Teas in rose flavors call us to sit by the fireplace and relax.

Roses lend themselves well to the fall decorating theme. The bright yellows will fit nicely into fall foliage bouquet. The wonderful black rose is perfect for the upcoming All Hallows’ Eve theme. Thanksgiving tables can be accented with fiery oranges. And when Christmas approaches, the red rose becomes the perfect flower for the season. The white rose welcomes the New Year. February brings the pink roses of love.

But enough about that, for now I will walk among the bushes and enjoy today’s roses, knowing these may be the last roses of summer. But then again, maybe not, as the rose bushes love to offer a generous surprise and favor us with a few more blooms when we least expect it.

Sharon Wollman

Director of Community Relations at MakeMine Pink.com
and Owner/Designer at CestChouetteHome.com

Photo Contribution 1: Hydrangea Home Photo Contribution 2: The Roseberry Cottage

MMP Friday Shopping Event August 27th "Birds of a Feather"

2010-08-26T22:00:00.000-05:00

It seems like just a few weeks ago that I was awakened to the sweet melody of a robin cheerily singing it’s good morning greeting outside of my bedroom window. I knew spring had arrived, and the first of many feathered friends had arrived with that message. Spring and all of it’s glorious wonders was finally within reach. A time for new beginnings and rebirths.

As spring made passage into summer, the bird feeder just outside the kitchen window has been aflutter with activity. The trees that line the yard, a symphony of color and song. Brightly colored bluebirds and streaked song sparrows, flit between tree branches and perch carefully among the leaves. Serenading each other with love songs, others chirping loudly for attention from the lovely serenader.

Nests are built in every unclaimed corner. Under the eaves of neighboring homes and suspended from the tips of tree branches. Hanging baskets and old planters, a place that now becomes home.

No matter where we live, or what the season, our feathered friends inspire accessories and decor that create eternal springtime in our homes.

Beautifully reclaimed needlepoints, lovingly brought back to life and boasting the most divine of our feathered friends, adorn your favorite seating area. Bird cages, once used to house the most majestic of our feathered friends, now repainted and holding favorite plants or candles. Birds nests tucked carefully upon our shelves, filled with tiny eggs so delicate, they could almost pass for the real thing.

Perhaps we invite into our homes the same birds we see each spring as a reminder of all that’s fresh and new. A time for new beginnings, like the arrival of spring.

Please visit the boutiques at Make Mine Pink for ideas and inspiration about moving your feathered friends indoors, for a feeling of spring all year long.

Joyce Lucas, Founder
Make Mine Pink

Photo Contribution 1: C'est Chouette

A Gathering of Birds

2010-08-23T16:50:00.001-05:00

e 4

This week I am working on these lovely old needlepoints~ I think they are from the 40s. They have been stitched by a very accomplished stitch artist. I have actually held on to these for 6 years myself~ I just wanted them to be "just so"..... for this week Make Mine Pink's Friday Shopping Event ~"Birds of a Feather" ~ these needlepoint will be "just so" as scrumptious new pillows. many other bird theme pillows are underway too~ so I better get back to the new studio and work work work.

MMP Friday Shopping Event August 20th "Working Around the House"

2010-08-19T18:50:00.000-05:00

With the arrival of summer, our lives take on a slower pace. As the lazy days of summer roll in, we take the time to enjoy picnics, and outdoor family gatherings. Strolls on the beach replace our fast paced schedules. Before we know it, we start to notice the evenings are a little cooler and a few leaves beginning to change and drop.

Our nesting instincts return. With the kids getting ready to go back to school, there will be more time to spruce up your home in preparation for the upcoming season. It's time to start thinking about creating a cozy fall home, cooler days, and more family time spent indoors.

Living spaces that were created outdoors over the summer, are stored away for another summer season. Afternoon teas in the garden return to the kitchen, now fragrant with a spiced potpourri simmering on the stove. A favorite fall tablecloth spattered with warm autumn flowers, replaces the bright colors of summer. A favorite reading nook gets cozied up with a vintage chenille throw and a few new cushions and pillows, rich in the hues of autumn.

This is the traditionally the time of year we start fall cleaning, tucking away summer accents and decorations until next year. Candles rich with the spicy scents of cinnamon and apple pie, replace the lighter florals of summer.

Lace curtains that carry the breeze gently through our homes, are stored away with a lavender sachet, for warmer seasons to come. Heavier curtains in warm fabrics and vibrant shades, adorn the windows. Keeping the warmth in and the outside world out.

The fragrances of fall fill you with expectation. The familiar scents reminiscent of feelings of peacefulness and contentment. You find yourself smiling at the memories of days gone by.

When the house is all cleaned and fall accents in place, we start thinking about fall projects awaiting us. The old frames and corner shelf that you picked up at summer flea market, become the next painted projects. The vintage fabrics you found at a favorite online boutique, spread out in all it’s glory for your inspiration.

There's much to do around the house when fall moves in, yet somehow, we never seem to mind. We settle back into our routines and enjoy the results of our work around the house.

For inspiration and ideas to create your own cozy fall retreat, come visit the boutiques at Make Mine Pink.

Joyce Lucas, Founder
Make Mine Pink

Photo Contribution 1: Grandma G's | Photo Contribution 2: Patricia Rose

"Quilts and Vines" and some wine, too

2010-08-14T19:47:00.003-05:00

Today the Divine and Long Suffering Mr. C'est Chouette and I went to a South Dakota vineyard to attend "Quilts and Vines"~ a charity event presented by Strawbale Winery and Heirloom Creations in conjunction with Project Linus. Quite a sight was in store for us......

We were greeted by rows and rows of quilts among the grapes

...over 500 quilts to be exact

...quilts on a red barn~ awesome

... a nice place to sit and and take in all the beauty

...a lovely old fire truck


...an antique yo-yo quilt .... and of course the grapes

Sorry, we forgot to take pictures of the wine~ it was, afterall, a wine tasting~ and taste we did. This event will be on our schedule for next year, too. Even the D&LS Mr. C'est Chouette loved the quilts.

MMP Friday Shopping Event August 13th "Fabulous Fabrics and Textiles"

2010-08-12T16:59:00.000-05:00

If you are a collector of fabrics and textiles, you know that there are some that not only never go out of style, but become even more coveted and collectible with time. I keep a basket of beautiful fabrics, so worn with age, they no longer serve as intended. I’ve always been a fan of re-purposing vintage textiles, and am drawn to products that are created with them. An apron, trimmed with a tattered hankie, awaits a few finishing touches in my sewing room.

Vintage needlepoints, rescued, revived and trimmed with gorgeous new silks and trims. The marriage of old, rich in history, and new luxurious fabrics, exquisite!

I’m a fabric and textile collector at heart. I love old fabrics, new fabrics, vintage tablecloths that are bright and newly starched, faded linens and curtain panels that speak to my heart and grow more beautiful with time. Sure, the colors may fade, but each piece shines bright with the memory of the hands that created and cared for them.

A beautiful antique quilt, casually draped over my chair in the sitting room, serves as a backdrop for my cozy decor. It also allows me to enjoy a part of my collection every day. One day I hope to have stacks and stacks of colorful antique quilts filling cupboards and armoires, waiting to be lovingly folded over the foot of a guests bed on a chilly winter night.

On my bed, a pale yellow, vintage chenille spread, still plush, soft and inviting. I’ve always been partial to vintage chenille bedspreads. They were so intertwined with my childhood memories of summers on Cape Cod. Chenille was the quintessential “cottage bedroom decor.”

Fabulous fabrics and textiles will work in almost any décor. Monogrammed pillow cases edged with a bit of tatting - perhaps bearing your own initials or a great-grandmother's - grace our beds. A hand embroidered dresser scarf, atop an antique bureau in its rightful glory.

Some of the textiles and fabrics that we collect are not old and rich in memories, but give a feel of yesteryear with a crisp new look. Kitchen curtains crafted from new vintage inspired fabrics hang on a window flooded with sunlight. Colorful hankies draped over lamp shades, add a little extra warmth to a cozy room. A new quilted wall hanging, hung in a place of honor, combining delicate hand and machine stitchery and destined to be a future heirloom.

Start your own collection of fabulous fabrics and textiles at the boutiques of Make Mine Pink.

Joyce Lucas, Founder

Make Mine Pink

Photo Contribution 1: C'est Chouette | Photo Contribution 2: Joyce Lucas

MMP Friday Shopping Event August 6th "Colors of Summer"

2010-08-05T20:13:00.000-05:00

Summer rushes in with a burst of color that delights the senses. Where the colors of spring are subtle and soothing, the colors of summer are bold and energizing. The sun shines bright, the skies are an azure blue, and you can almost envision the sights and sounds of summer fun that awaits you on the horizon. The bright, clear colors, excite our senses and encourage us to relax and play.

Colorful planters and dishes are brought out of storage and bright colored linens, freshened up for summer use.
It doesn’t matter what your year round decor is, the summer calls for colors that are bright and whimsical. Colors that say, come join us for some laughter and fun.

Chairs fill your living space, draped with colorful throws and cushions. Summer fruits and brightly colored birds and flowers, make their way into your summer decor. A simple corner, now ablaze with the colors of summer.

This is a season of vacations and celebrations that are meant to be shared with family and good friends. Dining tables are moved onto the patio or under the shade of a large oak tree in the garden. The brightest vintage tablecloths draped casually over mismatched tables, all reminiscent of another time, bursting with memories.

Mismatched dishes in bright summer colors are used to serve the summer fare. Fresh berries and bright yellow lemons, fill bowls and glass pitchers. Colorful vases are filled with fresh cut flowers in all shades of summer. Nothing needs to be coordinated, nothing looks out of place. The colors of popsicles and beach balls, strawberry shortcake and pink lemonade, bring us back to our childhood. Memories flood in and new memories are made.

Visit the boutiques at Make Mine Pink and capture your own special times, reminiscent of the colors of summer.

Joyce Lucas, Founder

Make Mine Pink

Photo Contribution 1: Magnolia Bay Designs - Photo Contribution 2: Coeur d'Alene

NCIS-SxFls

2010-08-02T11:51:00.020-05:00

Ready to debut~ NCIS-SxFls (nearly complete Ikea studio in Sioux Falls)~ yay!! I could not take the disarray one minute longer~ but I had to~ for 4 days (full of minutes) I worked to get my studio in order thus getting my whole house back in order (but don't look in the garage.) The 4 days of work were so worth it. Here is my nearly complete studio. All that is missing are the antique architectural elements. Those need paint. The Divine Mr. C'est Chouette asked me to not paint today~he will work on it when he gets home~mmmmmm~ I pretty sure he asked because he knows I am a messy painter (works for me.)

Here it is!!! ta dah!

The fabulous storage cabinets ~ holding precious supplies


The silk cabinets~ yay!

The needlepoint cabinet~ and the shelves for the reel deal trims

Those reel deals up close and personal~ made by my friend Carol's fabulous Hubby~ Carol is the proprietress of Business In The Bag and Esprit de Joie

My sewing center~ in the closet.Under the table are three teeny tiny cabinets~ inches count and I shopped for three days to find two baskets to fit in the center cabinet

The trim cabinet and works-in-progress cabinet (sorry~ no interior shot as my camera batteries are out of juice)~ Notice my wonderful drying rack? I love it!

My worktable! woohoo I have a whole table in my 9' '9" square room.The Divine Mr. C'est Chouette talked me into this piece (thus the second trip to Ikea) and I am so happy. Of course he said (while stomping his foot and protesting that he 'does not sound like his Mother') "If I were you! (uh oh) I would try to keep that table top clear at all times" ~ mmmm ~ if I do that, then everything will just migrate to the kitchen counter (again).
Well that's all for today~ I must get to work on some tuffets.

MMP Friday Shopping Event July 30th "Summer Porch"

2010-07-29T19:12:00.000-05:00

I can’t think of anything more inviting than a summer porch. Starting your day with a cup of tea in a favorite antique tea cup or watching a sunset from a vintage wicker rocker, filled with plump cushions, inspired by days gone by.

A summer porch can be a place of solace, when you need a moment to unwind, or a place of shelter during a warm summer rain.

A welcoming porch creates a friendly entryway to your home. And with the right accessories, can become an extension of your home.

Our summer porch was always filled with pots and planters of brightly colored geraniums. It didn’t feel like summer without these welcoming blooms.

For entertaining guests, vintage chairs, painted in blues and whites, no two alike, made comfortable with pretty floral pillows propped against their backs. An ornate table, painted white and adorned with layers of beautiful white linens. A welcoming site for all that come to visit.

For cozy evenings, cut glass cups, glow with the soft flicker of a candle within. An old mason jar, one saved from grandmother’s canning cellar, is filled with fresh cut daisies. A quilting project, tucked into a favorite basket, ready to be worked on at a moments notice.

As you relax and sip your iced tea, your eyes follow the simple, uncluttered decor of of your summer porch. The vintage lace curtains, stirring in the warm evening breeze, the gingerbread window boxes, filled with summer blooms, and just beyond the porch, a whimsical pink bicycle, it’s basket filled with blooms in shades of pink. You sigh with contentment as you welcome another summer evening.

Create your own special summer porch with the help of the boutiques at Make Mine Pink.

Joyce Lucas, Founder

Make Mine Pink

"Christmas in July" at Make Mine Pink

2010-07-16T09:24:00.001-05:00

It is Christmas in July at Make Mine Pink~ please check here for all the details and the list of the participating Boutiques.

To add to the fun I have decided to give away not 1, not 2, but 3 -$25 Gift certificates to three lucky customers on my newsletter list~ please take a minute to sign up and invite a friend, too. While you are at my site~ take a moment to check out the pillows. They truly are gifts from our past ready for today's gift giving.

Have a great day.

Please Join C'est Chouette Home's Mailing List

"Simply Pink"

2010-07-15T19:29:00.001-05:00

Everywhere you look these days, pink is popping up in home decor and fashion. The color once reserved for baby nurseries, and little girl's dresses is now being incorporated into the décor of homes everywhere. Sometimes in soft summer hues and at other times, bright and bold, making a statement that is impossible to ignore.

Some of us love "all things pink", and fill every corner and space with this fun color. Furniture, curtains, and pink accessories grace our homes and closets. Others' craving for pink is satisfied with just a bit of a favorite shade here and there. You may find a pale pink quilt draped across a white chair, an antique pink chair against a warm white backdrop, or perhaps a clear crystal vase filled with vibrant cut flowers in shades of pink.

Mixing shades of pink makes a room feminine and chic, but a single pink accent in an all white room, commands just as much attention. Even when subtle, pink catches the eye wherever it's used. It’s fun, it’s feminine and it’s flirty.

Pink is the color that fits in with any theme - from girly to chic, from romantic to modern. Store windows are filled with eye popping pink accessories and furnishings. Designers are using extravagant pink fabrics or creating just a few pink touches in their designs. Websites are popping up everywhere, offering pink accessories for home and fashion.

What is it about pink that makes us love it so much? It's the color of princesses and fairytales, wedding bouquets and ballet slippers. It can be whimsical or soft and feminine. In brighter shades, it reflects a bold zest for life. It's a reminder of favorite childhood memories and future dreams.

Whether you surround yourself with pink or just like keep a special pink reminder nearby, Make Mine Pink makes it easy to add a touch of pink to your life.

Joyce Lucas, Founder
Make Mine Pink

Please join us for shopping with a twist on Friday July 16th 2010 as we present "Simply Pink"

Photo Contribution 1: istock Photo | Photo Contribution 2: Tres Belle Boutique | Photo Contribution 3: Gail Friend Designs

"Coastal and Casual Chic"

2010-07-08T22:12:00.000-05:00

Casual coastal decor often gives us the opportunity to repurpose discarded furniture and decor that no longer fit into someone’s home decor. Items that have been well-loved because of the special memories they hold or just because of the way they catch your eye, will fit in perfectly in your casual coastal space. Pale blue and white chairs, placed throughout each room to add character and casual charm.

Coastal style often represents blues, greens and shades of white. White painted furniture topped with a robins egg blue vase and filled with white daisies, at home in the center of the dining table.

A side table placed beside a bed covered in all white linens, to hold your favorite books or magazines. A beautiful vintage sailboat print, framed in a white washed frame, adds to that casual coastal charm.
Beautiful handcrafted jewelry, left casually in a vintage pale blue glove box, open, giving a glimpse of the sea glass and ivory buttons.

In the living room, you'll find casual blue and white pillows, tossed onto a white slip covered couch. Shells and pearl buttons fill glass vases and crystal cut bowls. Books filled with beautiful cottages and casual decor, gracing white wicker tables and bookshelves.

Well loved quilts and vintage chenille spreads in shades of white, grace the beds. None matching, yet in this casual space, all seeming to fit in together beautifully.

A soft breeze whispers through beautiful sheer curtains, and soothes us with this gentle space called home.

Having a casual coastal chic space is not just possible, it's easy, when you visit the boutiques at Make Mine Pink.

Joyce Lucas, Founder
Make Mine Pink

Please join Make Mine Pink for shopping with a twist on Friday July 9th 2010 as we present "Coastal and Casual Chic"

Photo Contribution 1:| Pale Pink and Roses Photo Contribution 2: Rose Blossom Cottage

"A Summer Retreat"

2010-07-01T20:55:00.002-05:00

Once summer arrives, I know it's time to plan a visit to my favorite summer retreat. That's where I go to enjoy all the simple pleasures of summer in the ideal setting. Whether I stay for a few days or for a few weeks, I always feel like I've traveled back in time to my childhood, to carefree days that ask nothing of me except to be enjoyed.

Here I don't have to follow the rules of decorating. I can put all my favorite items together, in whatever fashion I wish. Old pieces of furniture and accessories that no longer fit into my décor at home combine perfectly here. Somehow they make everything look welcoming and homey. On lazy afternoons, I love to stretch out on an old couch, now slip-covered in white, surrounded by cushions that would be called "mismatched" anywhere else. Here they're the perfect accessory for long summer days with nothing on the schedule. A summer breeze coming through the open window makes the lace curtains sway and I take a deep breath of the fresh summer air.

The shelves and tables are filled with my favorite summer things. Glass vases filled with flowers I picked on my morning walk. Vintage framed prints that remind me of a quieter, gentler time. My favorite books and magazines close at hand. Each carefully chosen because of the peace and comfort it adds to my summer sanctuary.

Mealtimes are always casual occasions, served on pieces of mismatched china. I don't even set a table when company comes. We carry our dishes - some vintage pieces with pink rosebuds and some more modern - out to the patio table. As the evening cools, we linger over tea and pleasant conversation.

A summer retreat should be an escape from your everyday cares and concerns, filled with all your favorite summer things. However you envision your summer retreat this year, you'll find everything you need to create one of your own at Make Mine Pink.

Joyce Lucas, Founder
Make Mine Pink

Please join us for shopping with a twist on Friday July 2nd 2010 as we present "A Summer Retreat"

Photo Contribution 1:| istock photo

Along the Garden Path

2010-06-24T18:07:00.007-05:00

Taking a stroll along the path of a beautiful garden filled with spring and summer blossoms is one of my favorite things to do. The soft sweet smell of honeysuckle, the delightful scent of different roses, each unique and just as sweet as the last. The rainbow of color and fragrance sooth away even the most stressful day.

Some of my favorite flowers greet me as I stroll– purple coneflowers, multicolored morning glories, my favorite English roses and majestic angel trumpets. A young vine ever so gracefully winding its way up a Victorian trellis catches my eye. As the path leads me back to our front stoop, I’m greeted with overflowing vintage planters and baskets that have been filled with some of my very favorite flowers.

I don't often have time for a leisurely stroll like this, but the floral accents I’ve brought into my home awaken the same sense of calm. A handmade cushion sewn from floral fabric is tucked into the corner of my favorite rose-patterned chair. In the bedroom, I've brought out a light floral bedspread for the summer and set a heart-shaped pillow covered with pink blossoms. On the hall table, I've put a bouquet of freshly cut roses in a cut-glass vase and above it a beautiful wreath covered in silk hydrangeas. Whenever it catches my eye, I feel for a moment that I'm back walking through the garden.

Pretty floral-shaped soaps are piled into a rose-covered berry dish on the bathroom shelf. I told always tell myself that they are just for company, but I can't resist their luxurious fragrance for myself. In the kitchen, the tiny buds and leaves encircling my vintage china tea cups and plates remind me of the flowers waiting for me outdoors. When I sit down with a cup of my favorite tea on a busy day, it refreshes me almost as much as visiting the garden outside my door.

When you surround yourself with beautiful floral accessories, you can re-create the feeling of a stroll along your own garden path throughout your home. If you need some help creating this delightful garden space, you'll find all the inspiration you need at Make Mine Pink.

Joyce Lucas, Founder
Make Mine Pink

Please join us for shopping with a twist on Friday June 25th 2010 as we present "Along the Garden Path"

Photo Contribution 1:| istock photo

WIP

2010-06-23T13:29:00.002-05:00

My studio (notice the name change from "workroom" to "studio" this week, next week it will be an "atelier") is definitely a W*I*P* (work-in-progress). To be honest we are ahead in the construction phase. We had planned for the west wall this past weekend~ the south wall this coming weekend and the closet (where my sewing table is housed) for next weekend~ but things went so well that we put together the corner of the south wall last weekend too. There has been a design change for the south wall so some of it will have to wait until our next trip to Ikea (woohoo another egg and shrimp sandwich for me)

Here is a picture of the west wall~ doors closed. Yay!! I have doors to close. Notice the lovely bookshelf~ my divine personal organizer (DD#2) color coordinated my books :~)

Below is a picture of the largest cabinet with the doors open~ 6!!! slide out baskets!! Wow~ I can't wait to fill them with needlepoints.

[[sigh]] aahh! the silk cabinet~ I can fit two more baskets in this one(woohoo again)~ DD put each silk in a separate baggie because they were 'stringy'~ nice job Girlie.

In the south corner is a nice sized cabinet holding more of my trims. I would have to stand on my sewing table to get a good photo ~ so that is not happening! DD#2 thinks I have enough trim to open a store. Maybe? Maybe not?

This weekend the divine-and-and-long-suffering Mr. C'est Chouette will tackle the sewing area ~ I know he thinks it will be the most difficult to do ~ so I think I will do the cooking all weekend~ now where are the take-out menus?

Shades of Red, White, and Blue

2010-06-17T21:46:00.001-05:00

When I think of the colors red, white and blue, I'm reminded of Fourth of July parties, picnics and fireworks. Our annual Independence Day celebrations are always filled with family, friends, laughter and fun. My favorite summer foods are cooked on the barbecue, almost as delicious as the company I'm in. On that day, I feel like the whole world is celebrating with me.

Everywhere I look, I find so many beautiful combinations of red, white and blue. Whenever I come across them, they make me smile with fond memories of those celebrations and family times. There's the vintage apron hung on a hook and waiting to be used when company comes for dinner. Its cheery red roses are still bright against what used to be a vivid blue, but has faded with time. When I open the linen closet, blue and white checked linens – once my mother’s finest picnic linens, still bearing traces of childhood Fourth of July picnics – always catch my eye. In the kitchen, white vintage china decorated with tiny red and blue rosebuds sits elegantly on a shelf I've painted white.

Even when I don't intentionally plan to decorate in those colors, red, white and blue find their way in, catching me by surprise. I've hung a white canvas with big red roses on a wall that's been freshly painted in a pale robins egg blue. It just seemed right to put it there. My red and blue glass sun catcher, floating in a window framed with white lace curtains, sparkles in the sunlight. On the table, my treasured velvet strawberries inside a vintage blue bowl. The tiny cracks in the glaze, giving away it’s age.

What is it about the shades of red, white and blue that tells us they belong together? Maybe it's the history behind them. Or maybe it's our own memories of the happy times. All I know is, when I'm surrounded by shades of red, white and blue, everyday is a celebration of life, freedom, and love.

Joyce Lucas, Founder
Make Mine Pink

Please join us for shopping with a twist on Friday June 18th 2010 as we present "Shades of red, white and blue"

Photo Contribution 1: The Quilt Shoppe | Photo Contribution 2: Cameo Kids Boutique | Photo Contribution 3: Esprit de Joie

Re-Do! Yay!!!

2010-06-15T18:52:00.002-05:00

It is time for a workroom re-do! If I don't get this figured out soon, I will have to move out completely. The floor space in my workroom is exactly 1/2 of my ceiling space ~ never a good thing. Mount St. Needlepoint needs to be moved ~ and I have the faith (and now the organization) to move that mountain.
With the help of the divine Mr. C'est Chouette~off to Ikea we went. With a shopping list in hand ~ I was pretty sure I knew what I wanted. Thankfully Mr. C'est Chouette listened endlessly to my needs~ he should, he lives here too~ and offered only constructive help and in a most loving adoring way (it was our anniversary after all).
We arrived at Ikea at 10:45 Sunday morn and left at 4:15 in the afternoon. We made three trips to the rented Suburban with four full carts. The Suburban was filled to the roof~ not an inch to spare. But I think we thought of it all. Mr. C'est Chouette was such a help to me~ keeping track of numbers and needs~ as much as I love an Ikea room as it sits on the showroom floor~ you still have to buy each component part~ yikes!! I am so not a details person sometimes! The divine and long suffering Mr. thinks we lifted 1000# three times Sunday and I can feel each one of those 1000# in my old bones ~ but all is neatly stacked in the garage~ we will start assembly this weekend. I think I am about to be really happy with my workroom. I will post pictures of my progress~ no "befores" though~ oh my my! no "befores"~ it is shameful to treat vintage needlepoints in such a way.

So have any of you ever eaten an egg and shrimp sandwich? Is it a Swedish thing?~ because I have eaten Swedish and Norwegian food my whole life and never eaten an egg and shrimp sandwich~ but I can't wait to have another

...a'shopping we will go.....

2010-06-14T12:35:00.005-05:00

This past weekend the divine Mr. C'est Chouette and I celebrated our 28th wedding anniversary~ and as we do for most of our anniversaries, we went antiquing. This year in Stillwater MN. I love Stillwater because it is a delightful Victorian town with tons of great houses to "gawk at" and tons of antique stores to "shop at".

Shop I did! I found tons of new-to-me vintage needlpoints and two lovely second-use needlepoint
tuffets (you know~ I never saw one like mine until I starting making mine :~0) ~ anyway these two are pretty gorgeous as they are~ but you know me~ I can't leave needlepoints alone~ these surely need to be "c'est chouette-ified"! And you know what else I am thinking? I think I love them enough to keep for myself. It is time to redecorate the bedroom and I need a jumping off point~ two tuffets just maybe will do!

Waiting for Beauty

2010-06-06T20:18:00.002-05:00

I have held on to this black needlepoint for about 4 years waiting to find the perfect silk~ finally found it in another basket in the same room ~ who knew!?!

Which girl can resist....

2010-06-02T13:39:00.003-05:00

...a good shoe?

Apparently not me~ I grabbed this adorable needlepoint of a great shoe as fast as I could. :~)

"Tea Time and Roses"

2010-05-27T11:21:00.001-05:00

Two of my favorite things have always been making time for tea and just about anything roses. When I enjoy them together, it feels like it just doesn’t get any better. Tea is used to celebrate so many special occasions – a chat with my daughter, to honor of a new bride, a visit with good friends, or just enjoying some quiet time by myself. It's always the right time for a cup of tea. And roses are always the perfect accessory.

Tea time and roses evoke so many memories for me. I don't know why, but the picture of a pink rose that I have hung in the entryway always reminds me of my grandmother pouring me tea from her favorite rose tea pot when I was a child. When I fill a vintage tea pot with the first roses of spring and sit in the middle of my dining table, the gentle fragrance always reminds me of the fresh cut roses my mother would bring in from her garden. I remember sharing a cup of tea with her as the scent of those roses filled the room.

It seems almost impossible to separate tea time and roses. But who would want to? The tea cups, saucers and pots that I have displayed on a shelf, ready to bring down at a moment's notice, are decorated with hand painted roses and rosebuds. They give an aura of elegance and romance to any occasion. The mismatched set of tea cups that I found at the flea market is sprinkled with roses in red, orange, pink, and blue. They remind me that you don't have to look like everyone else to be beautiful. In fact, they're all the more interesting to me because each one is so unique.

Tea time and roses have captured my heart and my home as far back as I can remember. I've discovered that, together, they make everything more beautiful.

You'll find so many ideas for filling your own days with tea time and roses at Make Mine Pink.

Joyce Lucas, Founder
Make Mine Pink

Please join us for shopping with a twist on Friday May 28th 2010 as we present "Tea Time and Roses"

Photo Contribution 1: Cottage Flair| Photo Contribution 2: Olivia Paige|

A Pretty Needlepoint ...

2010-05-26T18:20:00.005-05:00

...all the way from Belgium to South Dakota to......... your house?

"We Need a Little Christmas....

2010-05-25T16:19:00.002-05:00

...right this very minute~ we need a little Christmas now!"

Well not exactly now~ but in July~ mark your calendar~ the Boutiques at MakeMinePink.com will be celebrating Christmas in July from the 16th through the 20th of July. And you know what that means~ tons of gorgeous new merchandise and prizes prizes prizes! See you then.

San Fransisco and the Parrots

2010-05-23T10:19:00.002-05:00

How parrots native to South America ended up on Telegraph Hill is a mystery. Many people believe they escaped captivity or were rejected by local owners. But they are there. A flock of up to 200 parrots consisting of mostly green bodied with red heads forage for food on Telegraph Hill. There are also some blue bodied parrots among the flock.

I first saw the parrots many years ago will visiting San Fransisco with my hubby, he for work, me for sheer enjoyment of the city. Having met another "spouse of a conventioneer" we decided to walk to a distant restaurant. When I was alarmed by "screaming" in the trees, my new friend pointed out the parrots. I fell in love with the mysticism of the wild parrots immediately. Of course, being a South Dakotan, parrots are very exotic and mesmerizing.

I have learned through the years that the parrots are creatures of habit, and were recently traumatized by an old tree being cut down. Their predators are hawks, which are plentiful in San Fransisco, and house cats as the parrots love to eat fruits and berries in the local gardens.

Today~ I have for your enjoyment a Parrot among the Roses. Just too pretty!

If you ever get to San Fransisco~ check out the parrots of Telegraph Hill, but you might have a better viewing from the Coit Tower.

Poor (wo)Man's Roses

2010-05-20T19:02:00.003-05:00

My Mother loved peonies. They were not her favorite flower, but they were in her top 10. Not that she ever got to have any on her farm. Through the years, many conversations included peonies, such as “Maybe, if we move the peony bushes…”, “Why won’t my peonies bloom…” and “Oh, no, they ran over the peonies again!” The last being the most frequently heard conversation. As children, we mowed right over the peony bushes…never giving them a chance. So I went through my childhood not knowing what these illusive and mystical peonies were.

Not giving them much thought again until my wedding day, nearly 28 years ago, when my Mother-in-law brought a big beautiful bouquet of peonies to my wedding. Oh, the smell was intoxicating, they were in all shades of deep pink and the blooms were enormous. I fell in love with peonies right then and there and understood my Mother's desire to have these beautiful flowers on her farm.

When we bought our home 26 years ago, we had no landscaping or plants if any sort, but the nearby green house was closing out its stock and I purchased six peony plants at some ridiculously low price. Not being a gardener, I put them in along the sidewalk and threw some mulch on them, and ignored them. The next year I had the most glorious blooms, and have been blessed each year with more blooms than the last year. I love my row of peonies and wait every year for my anniversary when the blooms are abundant.

If they are “the Poor Man’s Roses”…then I am glad that I am the ‘poor (wo)man’.

A Spring Garden

2010-05-20T17:08:00.001-05:00

Every year I look forward to the first flowers of spring. A garden filled with spring flowers always makes my heart beat a little faster with delight. Those first flowers inspire me to fill every corner of my home and yard with signs of rebirth and new life.

To the garden growing outside my window, I add a vintage planter filled with cheerful spring daisies. Their smiling faces welcome friends, old and new. I hang a ceramic plaque engraved with a friendly message among the tulips and the daffodils. On a busy day, it reminds me to rest a while and enjoy the spring flowers. From early in the morning until sundown, spring birds fill my yard and heart with their songs. They flit from tree to tree, looking for the perfect spot to build their nests. I could spend hours watching them carefully perch on the dainty teacup bird feeders I've set out for them.

When the weather is warm enough, I love to host a tea party outdoors for my granddaughters. On cooler days, I sip my tea indoors by a window overlooking the garden. I love to breathe spring into my home by adding floral touches throughout. I cover my table with a cloth sprinkled with dainty spring flowers and leaves. A floral Victorian cake stand makes a perfect centerpiece for the grand occasion – the arrival of spring. I set the table with vintage teacups and saucers encircled with tiny rosebuds for drop in guests.

In my sitting room, a beautiful handmade pillow rests on the sofa, which I have slip-covered in spring colors. Another pillow covered in bright pink blossoms sits proudly on my bed, now made afresh with spring linens. On the hall console I fill a crystal bowl with spring-scented potpourri and enjoy the fragrance of the season as it fills the house. At my desk, I write notes to friends I haven’t heard from in a while on notepaper filled with butterflies and spring spring flowers.

A spring garden is nature's announcement that the world is coming back to life. With its arrival, I feel more vibrant and alive, making me want to bring spring into every corner of my life.

The boutiques at Make Mine Pink can help you create a spring garden in your life.

Joyce Lucas, Founder
Make Mine Pink

Please join us for shopping with a twist on Friday May 21st 2010 as we present "A Spring Garden"

Photo Contribution 1: Mary's Cottage Treasures | Photo Contribution 2: Cameo Kids Boutique | Photo Contribution 3: C'est Chouette

A Tough Decision....

2010-05-18T09:05:00.007-05:00

...but a decision indeed! Please know this not personal~ this is business.

For the health of my business please note**

Effective May 1, 2010~ C'est Chouette Home will no longer be doing special orders or special requests. It was never in my business model to do "specials".

If C'est Chouette Home has a needlepoint of yours in hand~ it will be returned to you shortly. If a needlepoint from my stock is being held in hopes of finding fabrics and trim~ that needlepoint will be put back into stock and will be listed on my website if/when supplies that best complement the needlepoint are found. C'est Chouette Home will no longer accept shipments of needlepoint from customers.

Thank You for your understanding,

Color Me Pink

2010-05-06T23:05:00.000-05:00

I’ve been a huge fan of pink for a very long time now. But all of a sudden, it seems that everywhere I look, I see more and more pink. I remember when pink was a color that was pretty much reserved for little girls' dresses and women's boudoirs. But now, one of my very favorite colors is being used in home décor and accessories of all kinds. I have to say, I am really enjoying the fact that pink is a color that will no longer be ignored.

In some homes, pink is finding its way into every little nook. You'll see a pink slipcover on the living room sofa, pink drapes on the windows, pink knick-knacks on the shelves. For me, my love of pink is satisfied with just a touch here and there. A vase of pale pink flowers on the table, a pink framed mirror hanging in the powder room or an antique pink teapot brought out for tea parties with the girls.

Mixing the various shades of pink can create a feminine and warm feeling in any room. But a single pink piece in an all white room can capture just as much attention. Even when it's used subtly, like pink tatting on white towels, a pink cushion on a favorite chair, pink always catches the eye.

What is it about pink that makes us love it so? Perhaps pink is so attractive to us because it can be used in any theme, from feminine to chic, from romantic to modern. Or perhaps we're drawn to pink because it's the color of play and delight.

Whatever reason that pink catches your fancy, you’ll be delighted with what you’ll find at Make Mine Pink. While Make Mine Pink is about so much more than just the color pink, you will find plenty of pink here!

Joyce Lucas, Founder
Make Mine Pink

Please join us for shopping with a twist on Friday May 7th 2010 as we present "Color Me Pink"

Photo Contribution 1: Shabby Shan's Cottage| Photo Contribution 2: Caroline Alexander|

"Blossoms and Blooms"

2010-04-29T14:01:00.000-05:00

The beautiful blossoms and blooms of spring refresh my senses and feed my soul. They usher in warmer days of working in the garden, taking tea on the porch with friends, placing fresh cut flowers in vases throughout the house. Both indoors and out, I love to surround myself with blossoms and blooms and all the pleasures of spring.

Outside in the garden, my cheery plot of bright red tulips is among the first to bloom. In the middle of their friendly faces, I plant a ceramic plaque with the words "Welcome friends." Spring birds, attracted to the rainbow of colors blooming in my yard, inspire me to add pretty painted birdhouses and wrought iron birdbaths so they'll feel at home.

Blossoms and blooms are flourishing inside the house too. They grow along the edge of the vintage linen tablecloth I put on the table each spring, in carefully placed threads of pink, red and green. A garden of spring flowers decorates the notepaper and envelopes I keep handy on my writing table and floral shaped soaps rest on an antique dish at the edge of the bath. In my china cabinet, dainty roses and buds encircle much treasured, heirloom teacups and plates.

In my bedroom, another spring garden comes to life. French ribbon roses adorn a favorite pillow. Hand built ceramic roses, replace tired and worn drawer pulls on a favorite vanity. A delicate floral pattern dances around the edge of the vintage handkerchief draped over a lamp shade close by the bed. On the bed, a needlepoint pillow displays pink stargazer lilies surrounded by burgundy roses. I'm almost certain the fragrance of spring hangs in the air as I fall asleep each night.

Blossoms and blooms, wherever they may be found, are the heralds of a new season – one filled with sunny days, dear friends, vibrant colors and rich musical sounds. In their presence, life seems more beautiful and my soul feels more alive.

Joyce Lucas, Founder
Make Mine Pink

Please join us for shopping with a twist on Friday April 30th 2010 as we present "Blossoms and Blooms"

Photo Contribution 1: Forget Me Not Dreams | Photo Contribution 2: Shabby Shan's Cottage| Photo Contribution 3: Angel Heart Designs

Mother's Day Shop Hop

2010-04-24T09:12:00.001-05:00

Please join us April 25th through May 1st for our annual MMP Mother's Day Shop Hop. We have lots of great prizes to win for yourself or that special mom on your shopping list. It's easy and fun to play. There is no cost and no obligation to purchase anything. However, if you do happen to find some products you might be interested in, don't forget to bookmark those pages so that you can come back later! Good luck!

"Celebrating Mom"

2010-04-22T19:25:00.000-05:00

I can remember wanting to be just like Mom when I was a a little girl. And now, with grown children of my own, when I catch myself sounding like my mother, or when other people tell me I somehow remind them of her, I feel a rush of pleasure and nostalgia. I’m proud that I've become like the woman I admired and loved so much.

One day a year doesn't seem enough to celebrate someone whose life has influenced ours in so many ways. Sometimes the perfect gift can convey the message of the heart so much more clearly than words.

Giving Mom gifts that have nostalgia attached to them can be a big hit. A vintage-inspired hankie might spark a memory of her mom who carried one just like it in her purse. A pretty vintage apron, bringing back memories of cooking for her own young family. Postcard pictures with images of yesteryear can stir up memories she’d long forgotten.Sometimes a carefully chosen accessory, such as a tote bag specially made for your mother or a unique piece of heirloom jewelry might be the ideal gift. A silver charm can be engraved with a special message of love, or just bear the memory of a daughter who loves her. Whenever she puts it on, you know she'll smile at the thought of having you close to her heart.

Floral designs, lace trims, satin ribbons, paper roses can brighten up just about any corner of her home or her day. Whimsical decorations chosen to sit in a favorite corner, hand-poured soaps to help her relax at night, beautiful albums of cherished memories to place on the coffee table. Carefully chosen pieces to remind her that she's treasured.

Whatever message you want to give your mother this Mother's Day, and all through the year, you'll find the perfect way to say it at Make Mine Pink.

Joyce Lucas, Founder
Make Mine Pink

Please join us for shopping with a twist on Friday April 23rd 2010 as we present "Celebrating Mom"

Photo Contribution 1: Rose Blossom Cottage| Photo Contribution 2: Antique Boutique| Photo Contribution 3: Esprit de Joie

2010-04-12T15:43:00.003-05:00

Join C'est Chouette Home and the other boutiques at Make Mine Pink for our Annual Mother's Day Shop Hop~ April 25- May 1. It is always so much fun to hop the shops. For details~ check here

Private Reserve

2010-04-09T13:28:00.005-05:00

Chocolate, wine, cigars and even gourmet popcorn all come in 'private reserve'~ the very best saved for the most discerning of aficionados.

Now tuffets come in private reserve too. All because of this gorgeous needlepoint.

I should have walked away~~~ I should not have looked twice~~ I should have just said no! But I didn't, I couldn't, I wouldn't. So I grabbed it, paid far more than I should have, and ran as fast as I could to open the vault to my other private reserve. Oh, goodness what a gorgeous piece of silk is stored in the vault~ saved for the perfect needlepoint. If you ever wondered what kind of needlepoint would make the TuffetMaker giddy~ you see it now! Soon, very soon it will be a tuffet at C'est Chouette Home. I can hardly wait~ can you?

"Keeping it Green"

2010-04-08T17:14:00.001-05:00

There are so many beautiful and creative ways to keep the earth clean. For me, reducing, reusing and recycling is much more than being environmentally friendly. It's creatively repurposing old, forgotten, and vintage items to create some of my favorite things.

I love to surround myself with rescued items that have been restored to look brand new. On my dining room table is a vintage cloth that had been buried in a box for too many years. Now it's crisp and fresh, and beautifully draped over my table. Old silver pieces, etched with time and polished to look like new, are displayed in my re-purposed china cabinet. Among them sit antique china pieces that I rescued from a flea market or auction. Their delicate rose patterns display proudly, instead of a layer of dust. The china cabinet itself was a great flea market find, worn and scratched, but repainted to match the rest of my decor.

All of these once-forgotten, now repurposed items have such stories to tell. An old needlepoint turned into a luxurious cushion that I keep on my bed whispers to me of the woman who stitched it so long ago. On the back of a pretty vintage postcard that I found in a thrift store is written a few words about a long-ago romance, now it's framed and hanging on my wall. I can't see the words, but knowing that they're there makes the postcard all the more beautiful to me.

There is nothing so small that it can't be recycled into a wonderful treasure. Even the tiniest scrap of lace can be reused to add a just-so touch and create something brand new out of repurposed items. I save scraps of colorful fabric, buttons of all shapes and sizes, bits of embellished paper, single earrings and abandoned jewels. You never know when these fragments will be just the right addition to a new creation.

Thinking green is a beautiful way to keep the earth clean. I love to find new ways to reuse, repurpose and recycle, and brighten up my little corner of the earth.

Joyce Lucas, Founder
Make Mine Pink

Please join us for shopping with a twist on Friday April 9th 2010 as we present "Keeping it green"

Photo Contribution 1: Noelle Garrett Designs| Photo Contribution 2: Cameo Kids Boutique| Photo Contribution 3: Rose Blossom Cottage

Romantic Re-do

2010-04-01T18:32:00.000-05:00

Spring is the perfect time to start thinking about a romantic re-do for your home. The world outside is changing color and bursting with new life. Let a new season begin in your décor as well. Giving my home a romantic re-do by changing just a few elements is something I look forward to every spring.

The heavy drapes hung for winter are taken down and replaced with filmy sheers in soft spring colors. The windows are opened to let in the fresh air, and the gauzy curtains sway in the spring breeze. Sparkling sunlight shines on newly hung art art – detailed paintings of roses and etchings of spring birds. Just a few simple changes like these, and my heart already feels lighter.

In the bedrooms, winter quilts are packed away. Beds are draped with pretty pale pinks, robin's egg blues, and shades of white. The colors of budding flowers and new life. Chenille bedspreads and lace tablecloths draped across the foot of the bed or over the back of a boudoir chair, adding romantic appeal. One of the final touches is a lightly scented candle by the bedside, ready to light on a quiet spring evening.In the dining room, the table is spread with a hand-crocheted tablecloth, each lacy flower intricate and full of spring. Treasured and vintage place settings, covered with pretty spring roses and beautifully etched with time, grace the dining table. An elegant candle in a cut glass holder, it’s simplicity breathes romance.

A sprinkling of the right accessories complete the transformation. Slipcovered couches in light fabrics and spring colors are layered with needlepoint pillows stitched with roses and spring flowers. Brightly colored fresh flowers and handmade silk roses are tucked into vases and creamware pitchers. Even the powder room gets a little romantic re-do with towels trimmed in lace and pretty spring-scented cameo soaps A quick romantic re-do is something that I do every spring. It's so easy to do, and makes my heart feel a flutter of romance.

Joyce Lucas, Founder
Make Mine Pink

Please join us for shopping with a twist on Friday April 2nd 2010 as we present "Romantic Re-do"

Photo Contribution 1:| The Casual Cameo | Photo Contribution 2: C'est Chouette | Photo Contribution 3: The Roseberry Cottage

2010-03-20T11:04:00.001-05:00

Please join us every third Saturday of the month from 6:00 pm – midnight EST for unbelievable buys from the Make Mine Pink boutique owners! 6 Hours and 6 hours only - once a month where you'll see buys like never before on make Mine Pink. Mark your calendars so that you don't miss this new, monthly event.
Event date: SaturdayMarch 20 6:00 PM - Midnight EST. Hey!! that's today!!

Easter Memories

2010-03-18T09:55:00.001-05:00

I can still remember the excitement of my childhood Easters. It began Easter morning when we awoke early, anticipating surprises that we knew had magically arrived. We were never disappointed.Then, after church, our annual Easter egg hunt would begin. Each of the children was given an empty basket and sent to fill it with as many more magical treats as we could. Rainbow-colored eggs filled with candies and toys were hidden in plain sight, just waiting to be discovered. We would hunt alongside our family and friends, squealing with pleasure at each others discoveries. Then we raced to see who could reach the next treasure first. Later on, after the family dinner, there was always a special surprise for the adults, too.

Today, I still feel that flutter of excitement when spring arrives with all its joys. Among them is the yearly challenge of creating the perfect Easter table for my family and friends. No longer do I hunt for chocolates and candy treats. Now my treasures are cherished pieces of antique china and colorful table linens. Whimsical and often unexpected decorative pieces add the finishing touches. Vintage tea cups or antique tins for the women, and perhaps antique shaving mugs for the men, grace the entry table. The perfect little Easter baskets, there is one for each guest to take home with them after the celebration. Artistic tags, crafted from beautiful papers, let you know which treat is yours. The altered art tags with special embellishments are as charmingly unique as each of the recipients and are a treasure all by themselves.

Inside the baskets, you might find hand poured soaps that smell as beautiful as they look, handmade charms to be worn on a bracelet or necklace, floral stationery too beautiful to write on, vintage silver cuff links for a special man. Your heart feels a familiar flutter of excitement when you discover the delights that were chosen just for you.

At Make Mine Pink, you'll always find the perfect treasures to remind friends and family of their favorite memories, and to create new ones they will savor.

Joyce Lucas, Founder
Make Mine Pink

Please join us for shopping with a twist on Friday March 19th 2010 as we present "Easter Memories"

Photo Contribution 1:RME Boutique | Photo Contribution 2:The Polka Dot Rose| Photo Photo Contribution 3: Carol's Rose Garden

Office Chic

2010-03-11T19:45:00.002-06:00

When I look around at all the beautiful and creative work spaces of my peers, I can’t help but notice that a new trend in office decorating has emerged. Office and studio spaces are no longer drab, monotonous and strictly functional. Instead, the utilitarian look we usually expect in work spaces is being replaced by chic and feminine décor. More and more, I'm seeing office spaces that are fashionable, fun and full of creativity – just like the women who use them.

Take your office furniture, for example. Your chair, desk and work table don't need to look boring to be comfortable and practical. In fact, it's easy to take ordinary furnishings and create a look that's chic and inspiring. A light and airy slip cover will freshen up an old desk chair. A coat of pale blue paint will give new life to an old desk. Add some whimsical drawer pulls or fabulous decals to complete the picture. Let your imagination help you create a peaceful place – one where you will enjoy spending so many hours of your day.

Unexpected embellishments make everyday office items pretty and fun, while still being useful. Try adding a clipboard that's been trimmed with beautiful papers, tied with ribbon and hung on a decorative hook until it's needed. It's a useful and now beautiful accessory. Vintage and antique items can serve in unusual ways to make your work space even prettier. A stack of file folders, propped up in a vintage wire basket, adds just the right amount of chic to the corner of a desk, and will work great for keeping you organized.

When you work in a space that is pretty as well as calming, your imagination and creativity will flourish. I know that I immediately feel more relaxed and creative when I'm surrounded by calming colors and chic accessories. Try breathing new life into your own office space by adding chic and feminine touches, and watch your creativity soar to new heights.

Joyce Lucas, Founder
Make Mine Pink

Please join us for shopping with a twist on Friday March 12th 2010 as we present "Office Chic"

Photo Contribution 1: Pale Pink and Roses | Photo Contribution 2: Business in the Bag | Photo Contribution 3: Shabby Shan's Cottage

My office is my home/my home is my office~ Life is sweet!

A Touch of Whimsy

2010-03-04T18:44:00.002-06:00

Every now and then, it's fun to take a detour from the everyday by adding playful touches to our routines. It doesn't even need to be something outrageous. Sometimes, adding just a "touch o' whimsy" is all it takes to spice things up.

It can be fun to add whimsical touches to our homes too. Having a beautiful home doesn't mean you can't let your playful side shine through. In fact, I think it's just the opposite. If you find something that makes you smile or gives you a feeling of pleasure, you should joyfully include that piece in your décor. It's those special little touches that bring your unique personality into your home and make it truly special.

Fanciful touches that make you feel just a twinge of joy are never out of place, even in the most elegant surroundings. Tucked into my favorite painted and chic china cabinet, sits a beautiful pedestal bowl filled with hand-shaded velvet strawberries. They're bright and pink, and completely unexpected. But they add a touch of whimsy that makes me smile whenever I pass by that corner. My white-painted kitchen shelf displays fine canvas prints of the most beautiful roses, vintage china tea cups and mini creamers. But beside one of the canvases, filled with the most exquisite roses, I've placed a whimsical pink polka dot tea pot. Think it doesn't belong? On the contrary, its presence brings the entire shelf to life.

Where could you add a whimsical touch or two to your home? In your most elegant display, or a forgotten nook? Let your imagination play. Faux pastries trimmed with lace on a table set with your grandmother's vintage china. A whimsical wreath made from ribbons and treasures, hung on the wall of a Victorian room. A cupcake cushion placed on a refinished antique French chair. If it brings you the tiniest feeling of delight, it belongs.

Celebrate your whimsical side and surround yourself with things that make you smile.

Joyce Lucas, Founder
Make Mine Pink

Please join us for shopping with a twist on Friday March 5th 2010 as we present "A Touch of Whimsy"

Photo Contribution 1: Sweet Hummingbird Lane | Photo Contribution 2: Esprit de Joie| Photo Contribution 3: Gail Friend Designs

NOLA!

2010-02-27T11:15:00.008-06:00

The white room in the mansion at Nottoway Plantation (near New Orleans)

We are New Orleans bound. Darling Daughter turns 21 and wishes to spend her birthday in NOLA~ with me! How can I turn her down? Okay~ we won't be stay in the photo above~ but I can dream~ right?

2010-02-25T19:44:00.001-06:00

For as long as I can remember, roses have captured a very special piece of my heart. From the gentle scent of the first spring rose, to a delicate hand painted rose on a favorite piece of repurposed furniture, I love to surround myself with their beauty.

In recent years, I've noticed that my love of roses is shared by many others. Collections of roses, real and in art form, abound. New artists strive to paint the perfect rose. Some are reminiscent of the famous rose artists from days gone by. If we're lucky enough to find an antique rose lithograph, it would be displayed in a place of honor above a fireplace mantle or antique brass bed. Vintage postcards with big, beautiful roses are framed and hung on walls or set on side tables.

If you pick up a romantic decorating magazine, you'll find rooms filled with the inspiration of roses. In a bedroom, it may be a rose needlepoint cushion, trimmed in the finest silk, adorning the seat of a boudoir chair. Or perhaps a beautifully stitched heirloom pillow, boasting lavish roses and lace, to adorn the bed. In a powder room, a porcelain bowl hand painted with gorgeous roses, might be filled with rose petal potpourri.

As I look around my home, I see I have included roses in the décor wherever possible. Vintage tablecloths with colourful roses fill my china cabinet. Mismatched china pieces decorated with softly faded roses sit on the shelf nearby. Linen pillowcases embroidered with tiny, perfect rosebuds are neatly folded in the linen closet. On my dresser, a pink porcelain rose is tucked into the corner of the vanity tray that once held my mother's prized perfume bottles. The memories of her that the tray brings back are as sweet as the rose itself.
Whatever memories roses hold for you, you'll find the perfect rose waiting to capture a piece of your heart at Make Mine Pink.

Joyce Lucas, Founder
Make Mine Pink

Please join us for shopping with a twist on Friday February 26th 2010 as we present "Romantic Roses"

Photo Contribution 1: Rose Blossom Cottage| Photo Contribution 2: C'est Chouette | Photo Contribution 3:Victoria rose Cottage

Roses and Pearls

2010-02-11T18:49:00.002-06:00

When I think back to when I was a little girl, I remember the pretty off-white and pink pearls that my mother and grandmother wore for what I always assumed was "dress up." Whenever they went anywhere special, like church on Sunday morning, or celebrated a special event like a family birthday party, they slipped on their strings of pearls.

Sometimes they let me try them on too, as long as I was careful. I remember admiring myself in the large mirrors on top of their dressers, framed by pearls and sitting on a rose covered bedspread.

Thinking back, pearls and roses have always been a common theme in my life. Both my mother and my grandmother had furniture that was slip covered in big, bold rose fabric. Even the carpeting had sculpted roses and floral patterns. I can still see my mother and grandmother, wearing their pretty pearls against perpetual backdrops of roses.

No wonder I both love and surround myself with anything pearls and roses, whenever possible. They remind me of the times I spent with my mother and my grandmother, growing up, listening to their stories, learning how to become a woman. Women of my generation must all experience the same feelings of nostalgia that I do when they discover themselves surrounded by roses, pearls, and anything pretty. My love of pretty things extends to vintage hankies, hand-embroidered with beautiful roses to tuck into a handbag or display like a doily on a nightstand. A teacup from someone's vintage china pattern – it never mattered to me if it matched anything else in my cupboard, or if it was handed down from someone that I knew. It's the delicate beauty that captures my heart and makes it part of my collection. Feminine quilts in pink and off-white roses remind me of the hours I spent stitching and talking with my mother and grandmother. Somehow, even then, knowing that no other moment in my life could ever make me feel as complete.

When you visit the boutiques at Make Mine Pink, you'll find yourself surrounded with beautiful collections that will fill you with nostalgia for your own memories of pearls and roses.

Joyce Lucas, Founder
Make Mine Pink

Please join us for shopping with a twist on Friday February 12th 2010 as we present "Roses and Pearls"

Photo Contribution 1: The Casual Cameo | Photo Contribution 2: Caroline Alexander

Summer Day Dreaming.....

2010-02-07T14:53:00.004-06:00

....... on such a Winter day. Doesn't this bright Hollyhock needlepoint remind you of hot lazy summer afternoons lounging in the hammock and playing 'dancing dollies' with the hollyhock blossoms? Too bad we had more snow last night. It is a sloppy gloppy mess around here. I am going to grab a minty ice tea and create a pillow.

A Little ShoppingThreapy!

2010-02-01T18:37:00.004-06:00

We are in the 'dead of Winter' here in South Dakota~ frankly it bites~eerrmmmm~ I mean the cold bites your nose! I have been avoiding any outdoor exposure at all~ even running errands. Last week the avoidance had to come to an end. So I warmed up my car~ turned the seat warmers to high and off I went. I had a list, a plan of attack and a mission. At 6* the mission was to be back home as quickly as possible. But alas~ a distraction! There was one of my favorite antique stores with a parking spot right smack dab in front of it~ a quarter in the meter and I got to shop for 22 minutes. A temptation to good to resist. Well worth it~there waiting for me was this gorgeous needlepoint. Magnolia blossoms~ I have never seen Magnolia Blossoms up close and personal so this needlepoint will have to do for now. By the way~ it is snowing again today and I am very sure there is no hope for the groundhog tomorrow~ not only would he have to dig out of his burrow but he would have to dig through 12 inches of snow cover to even take a chance to see his shadow~or not. Oh well~ 6 weeks is just 6 weeks ~ right?

2010-01-28T21:13:00.000-06:00

Valentine’s Day evokes thoughts of nostalgia and romance. Memories tied together with faded ribbons and trimmed with antique laces, telling of first romances long ago past, loving grandparents holding hands, and loves that have endured across long years and distances.Romantic memories stirred by your great-grandmother’s secret love letters, bound carefully by silk ribbons and bows, and tucked into a hat box stored in the back of a closet shelf. Stacks of vintage postcards, with words of love gracefully written across the back and faded images of another time. They speak of long-ago romance and promises that would be kept for many years to come.

A vintage handkerchief, hand-embroidered with tiny hearts and delicate flowers, tucked into the corner of a handbag or decorating the top of a night stand, adds a touch of romance to your everyday life. You were never sure where it come from, except that it belonged to someone who treasured this delicate souvenir of her love. Lifting the lid of an antique dresser box, a silver locket, still hanging from its antique chain, which once kept those loved dearest, close to heart.

Faded photographs placed in vintage frames upon an antique bookshelf, that tell of romance and happy times. The stories of lives built together fill the pages of a vintage photo album, now gracing your coffee table. You pick it up and slowly flip through, remembering the faces you used to know, and imagining stories about the ones you don’t recognize.

Beautiful vintage boxes for candy and romantic treasures, decorated with old-fashioned fabrics, handmade lace and satin ribbons, perfect for storing your favorite Valentine memories that your children and grandchildren will treasure for years to come.

Add a touch of romance to your home or gift giving this Valentines Day.

Joyce Lucas, Founder
Make Mine Pink

Please join us for shopping with a twist on Friday January 29th 2010 as we present "My Vintage Valentine"

Photo Contribution 1: The Pink Rose Cottage | Photo Contribution 2: Tres Belle Boutique | Photo Contribution 3: Coeur d'Alene

Winter Whites

2010-01-21T16:25:00.001-06:00

Decorating with whites can be very calming and serene. White is the color of new snow under sunny skies and fresh linens drying in the breeze. Winter whites represent everything that is clean, chic, and sparkling. They create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.

But when decorating with this monochromatic tone, your design elements can easily blend into one another and become lost in a sea of white. It’s almost essential to break up an all-white pallet by adding visually interesting pieces to your décor. These will draw the eye up and away from the all-white background, and make the winter whites all the more stunning in contrast.

You can use pieces like long, interesting branches sprayed in silver with glitter glass to fill a tall vase in the corner of a winter white room. Antique mirrors with attention-getting frames, turned into trays to hold reflective candles, their dainty shadows dancing off the white painted walls. Or vintage candlesticks, tarnished with beauty and years, as an eye-catching centerpiece on a white linen cloth, in a dining room of winter white.

Warm beige and understated accents can add warmth to a room decorated in cool winter white. A chandelier in pale green when hung from the ceiling of a winter white room. A special pitcher in the color of the sea combines nature’s own pallet with your winter whites. A floral wreath that bids everyone welcome.

Stitched items can bring interest and a feeling of coziness to a winter white décor. Creatively designed cushions tucked in to the corners of a white sofa or lounging chair. Vintage needlepoint pillows in pastels or tonal colors and hand-stitched quilts to hang on a white wall, with designs that capture the imagination.

Don’t let the pristine coolness of winter whites keep you from decorating in this elegant tone. A few interesting accent pieces will help you create a white décor that refreshes the eye and the spirit.

Joyce Lucas, Founder
Make Mine Pink

Please join us for shopping with a twist on Friday January 22nd 2010 as we present "Winter Whites"

Photo's provided by: istock photo

"In With the New"

2010-01-14T11:35:00.001-06:00

The New Year comes in, bringing with it permission to try new things that you hadn’t considered before. Or perhaps this is the year for something you’ve always wanted to try but hadn’t quite dared. You can give your entire home a New Year makeover, make some changes in a favorite room, or just add new touches to a special corner.

Perhaps cottage chic is the look you wanted to try. You can combine floral patterns with checks and ticking, in colors ranging from bright hues to muted tones. Top comfortable overstuffed couches with beautifully handmade pillows and hang bright artwork on the walls. You can set an inviting table set with charming vintage plates, a vintage buffet in the corner to display your favorite collections.

Maybe you’ve been thinking about adding a rustic look of French Farmhouse to a large room or to a cozy nook. You can make this change by adding painted furniture. White or cream dressers and shelves, maybe a table top decoupaged with French-style wrapping paper would make the perfect accent piece. The key is to add small touches that make it unique. White pottery canisters, pitchers and urns are perfect for holding utensils and flowers on a counter or table top to complete the look.

If you’re a romantic at heart, there’s nothing better than roses in a vintage vase or dried as potpourri in an antique bowl. Dainty vintage china adds a romantic air to the kitchen, especially when adorned with a floral pattern. Antique wood frames hanging from grosgrain ribbons and mismatched tea cups make the perfect accessory. With an abundance of antique and vintage china, this look is an easy look to try.

Victorian design represents the opulence of Queen Victoria’s reign. Rich, vibrant colors like deep greens and blues distinguish the Victorian room, or you might choose light tones to show off exquisite rugs and needlepoints. Displaying collections of antique dolls and toys in an ornate cupboard, while also using an abundance of lace, linens, crocheted tablecloths and doilies, will complete this look.

Shabby chic celebrates the simple life and the comforts of home. Pastel greens, pale pinks, sky blues, muted grays, mixed together with all shades of white. Previously owned and well-loved items that have been handed down through generations are abound. Vintage wicker baskets, wrought iron candle holders, interesting lamps, they all combine to create a feeling of home and the comfort of time.

Give yourself permission to try something different, and celebrate the new year with a new décor. You’ll find everything that you need right here at the Boutiques of Make Mine Pink.

Joyce Lucas, Founder
Make Mine Pink

Please join us for shopping with a twist on Friday January 15th 2009 as we present "In with the new"

Photo Contribution 1: The Pink Rose Cottage | Photo Contribution 2: Cottage Flair | Photo Contribution 3: C'est Chouette