Chichiboulie - Fun Little Things

Lovely Share...

noreply@blogger.com (Chichiboulie) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:47:00 +0000

One of my readers was nice enough to share this photo with me. I'm a bit late in posting (isn't the end of year overwhelming for all of us?), but I wanted to share it with you all still.

Vicky used my freebie pattern to make these cute little bird ornaments. I'd made them out of paper, but think they look oh so cute in fabric. Can't you just imagine them in lovely springtime colours to welcome in the warmer weather?

You can still find the pattern to download for free over in the right sidebar. And if you feel so inclined, I'd love to see what you make of it as well!

Thank you, Vicky for sharing!

Martha Stewart Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

noreply@blogger.com (Chichiboulie) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 19:07:00 +0000

I had a request from somewhere else after mentioning this, one of my favourite soup recipes for this time of year, so I thought I would share it here as well. I got it from one of my Martha Stewart Living mags many years ago so thank you, Martha and crew for such a delicious recipe!

Ingredients:
1 Tbs unsalted butter
1 medium onion, diced
1 butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and chopped
4 red or golden apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
2 tsp coarse salt
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
2 C chicken or vegetable stock
2 1/2 C water, plus more if needed
1 jalapeno chili, thinly sliced for garnish
Sour cream

Directions:
Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften, about 4 minutes. Add squash and cook, stirring occasionally until soft, about 10 minutes

Add apples, salt, cumin, coriander, ginger, cayenne, black pepper, stock and water (just enough to cover) and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook until vegetables are soft.

Puree and thin with more water if necessary.

Garnish with diced apples, jalapenos and sour cream if desired.

I hope you try this and enjoy it as much as we do! Bon appétit!

Recipe and photo courtesy of Martha Stewart. All can be found here:
http://www.marthastewart.com/284268/apple-butternut-squash-soup

As I'm Waiting...

noreply@blogger.com (Chichiboulie) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:55:00 +0000

... to recover from the end-of-year festivities (which can be pretty heavy duty in France, believe me!), I thought I would share the finished product of the Red Mini mixed media painting I was working on as a special order present. I love this technique and hope to be making more soon!

Also, to celebrate my big 4-0 which just passed, I'm offering 10% off all orders in both my Chichiboulie and Atelier&Cie shops for the next week.

To take advantage, all you have to do is enter the code ENCORE at checkout and 10% will be taken off your order.

Best wishes for the new year!

Normand Apple Pie

noreply@blogger.com (Chichiboulie) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:57:00 +0000

...to celebrate the season!

I've been meaning to share this recipe for some time, but between making it and taking photos, it's not always an easy mix. But I've finally managed to do both.

This pie is a bit of a mixture of a few recipes I've tweaked and added to or taken away from myself. It's very simple (as you'll soon see), but receives accolades every time I make it. I hope you'll try it and enjoy!

Ingredients:
For the topping
3 Tbs unsalted butter at room temperature
1/4 C sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
2 Tbs flour

For the pie1 pie crust (either pre-made or homemade, the choice is yours)
1 C sour cream
2/3 C sugar
1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla
2 large eggs
3 Tbs flour
5-6 apples (I prefer more acidic varieties)
2-3 Tbs Cognac

Method:
For the topping
- Blend all ingredients together until well combined

- Cover and chill

For the pie
- Peel and slice the apples in approximately 1/2 inch slices

- Whisk together sour cream, sugar, salt, vanilla, eggs, flour and cognac in a large bowl

- Add the apples to this mixture and combine

- Spoon filling into the pie crust (in a pie tin of course)

- Crumble topping over the top

- Bake in the middle of the oven for 60-75 minutes. You may need to cover the top of the pie with aluminum foil near the end in order to prevent over-browning.

Enjoy!

Finally!

noreply@blogger.com (Chichiboulie) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 09:43:00 +0000

... but I've run out of paper to make it up properly. I hope you'll excuse me and enjoy this printable calendar anyway!

24 templates for 24 days of wee tiny boxes, perfect for hiding goodies and sweets! And a perfect crafting opportunity with the kids. You supply the paper and glue.

Finished boxes look like the ones below, but with a little something more.

NYC...

noreply@blogger.com (Chichiboulie) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:19:00 +0000

...from a different point of view. Once again, it's a painting in the works for my art class, but it's almost there. Almost. Just a few minor touches here and there and I think it will be done. That is, of course, until I bring it back to class next week and am informed that there is, in fact, more to be done. Until then, I'll enjoy my ignorant bliss thinking that I've pretty much completed this project.

I absolutely loved working on this and am in love with the technique. Definitely one I'll be using in the future. A mix of photo and paint and so big and bold and completely in your face. Just love it!

And as a bonus, it's gotten the thumbs up all around the house which isn't a guarantee with this crowd. Something must be working!

Newness...

noreply@blogger.com (Chichiboulie) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:57:00 +0000

... a set of new templates for your crafting pleasure. Wee little boxes in reds and greens for all sorts of fun uses - in particular hiding wee little pressies!

In a fog...

noreply@blogger.com (Chichiboulie) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 12:02:00 +0000

... literally. Since Friday. We've been in some sort of fog or another around here. From light to pea-soup, you name it, we've had it.

And unfortunately we had it for our weekend in Burgundy as well. It put a slight spanner in the works for any sightseeing we had planned as for the most part we were only about to see within a quite short radius around us.

That said, we were still able to take in all the beautiful sights that were closer to us. And more importantly, fog or no fog, we were able to enjoy the gastronomic as well as oenological delights of the region. This week is cabbage soup for detox!

Here are a few of the 'up-close' sights we were able to enjoy, among which Les Hospices de Beaune (look at that gorgeous tiled roof!).

Teamwork...

noreply@blogger.com (Chichiboulie) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 11:24:00 +0000

I've been meaning to share this for quite some time now, but life, as usual, keeps getting in the way.

Today I find myself with a little bit of downtime so also finally with a bit of time to share this with all of you. For the past... well maybe 4 if not 5 years, I've been asked every year to do an illustration for Cortney's daughter, then son, for their birthday invites. At first I did the entire invite but then slowly Cortney decided she wanted to express her own creativity and add her own touch. And with good reason! As you'll see, she's very creative.

As I've gotten to know Cortney through this venture, I look forward to hearing what ideas she has in mind each year. I know something special awaits!

This past summer, she wanted to do a pink lemonade theme. We discussed it and came up with some sketches which then evolved into illustrations which Cortney then used to create the finished invite. Here is a sample of what she put together.

How adorable is that! Teamwork indeed!

If you are interested in your own personalised party invites, I'd love to work with you!

Winter is setting in...

noreply@blogger.com (Chichiboulie) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 13:03:00 +0000

I know we're not long into autumn at this point and we've even had some rather mild weather for the season lately. But despite it all, winter is coming and the signs are setting in.

We spent last Saturday stacking the delivery of wood we received for this winter. Fingers crossed we have enough as "they" keep predicting a very cold winter for us in these parts. Although the fireplaces are lovely and toasty, they don't do much for us when it's time for bed. What to do??

For quite a while now, we've been using the good old fashioned technique of hot water bottles. Yup, just like grandma! The kids love them because they are so cosy. We love them because, well, they are so cosy but ecological too.

So in the spirit of the season, I have dug out my fabrics today and am going to make hottie covers for my kids (and myself of course). I can't get that far into the project today because my children have managed to blow up my last transformer. No, that's no a toy. It's an electrical transformer that allows me to use my American bought sewing machine on European current. Don't ask how they do it because we haven't figured that one out yet either, but they do systematically manage to do the transformers in. So while I'm waiting for the new one to arrive, I'm planning.

I have a few ideas in mind. A fur hottie cover? I have at least one child who I know would love that. Embroidered with their names? Possibly. I have time to think, so in the meantime, I'm going to share a few of my favourites that I've found on Etsy with you.

Aren't they just gorgeous?

Plan B...

noreply@blogger.com (Chichiboulie) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 15:30:00 +0000

I did have other plans for blogging today and this week. I was going to post a delicious autumn recipe, one that I haven't made for ages, but that deserves to be dug out. I was also going to do a post about vanilla. And maybe some gift tags.

But the kids are on holiday from school.

And so all of that has gone out the window. Between fixing Lego speedboats and listening to new compositions on the piano - all day long and of course with the damper and played in ff- I don't think any of that is going to happen. It may happen next week when they head back to school. Or it may have to wait another week after that while I recuperate from the coming 10 days.

In the meantime, I have been trying to get some work done and have been working on new photos for my alter-ego shop, Atelier & Cie. I do love learning my way around a photo and love seeing an ordinary photo take on a new life. So I thought I would share that with you today instead. While waiting for calm to return to the house.

Original photo: Nothing special. Just a pretty white amaryllis I photographed at Keukenhof this past spring. Photo is dark and background completely unappealing. But I'm glad I took the photo anyway...

And a few tweaks and layers later, the new, updated version: Softer, lighter, more appealing colours and best of all, a bit of sparkle!

Far from an expert, but the results are definitely more promising than the starting point. At least that's what I think.

When I get a little more practice under my belt, I'll put up an easy tutorial, but I don't think I'm quite ready for that at this point.

Something French...

noreply@blogger.com (Chichiboulie) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 09:49:00 +0000

By French sellers or those inspired by France.

Lovely treasury on Etsy highlighting France

You can of course click on the link to see it closer up and check out all the beautiful items. So pretty!

Sometimes things are said just so perfectly...

noreply@blogger.com (Chichiboulie) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 18:36:00 +0000

... that they need to be shared. This one from Artizen Magazine on Facebook.

So British...

noreply@blogger.com (Chichiboulie) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 07:31:00 +0000

Another subject that never tires me, just like the canals in Belgium and the Netherlands. But this time, it's across the Channel and onto the UK.

Perhaps it's because of the wonderful time we spent there and the memories it created. Perhaps it's because of its well-known and much loved icons. Perhaps it's something else entirely or all of the above.

Whatever it is, it inspired me once again yesterday morning and I put together this digital collage. Perfect for a teens room but why not in your sitting room as well? My prints are now all offered in A4 and A3 (even bigger) size and I'm looking into canvas options. Stay tuned!

For the moment though, you can find it listed in my Etsy shop.

Work in progress...

noreply@blogger.com (Chichiboulie) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 17:18:00 +0000

The project I'm working on this week. A mixture of reworked photos, textures and patterns overlaid with acrylique. It's still in the works, but getting there. Slowly. Quite slowly in fact.

J'adore!

noreply@blogger.com (Chichiboulie) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 10:58:00 +0000

Anyone who knows me really well will know how much I love pottery in all shapes, sizes and colours. Because of this love, I just had to share this with you. I don't know why I didn't know about this shop before, but now that I do, I'm sure not to forget it! The shop is Mud Pie Studio and you can find it by clicking here.

Just take a look at these mugs! Aren't they gorgeous? Unfortunately for us, but fortunately for the artist, bespoke orders aren't being shipped until March at this point (according to her Etsy shop announcement), but they are now officially on my Wish List.

Along with this pitcher...

and these bowls....

All you need is....

noreply@blogger.com (Chichiboulie) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 07:22:00 +0000

All three available in my Etsy shop and at notonthehighstreet.com

From the mouth of babes....

noreply@blogger.com (Chichiboulie) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 11:41:00 +0000

.... I've illustrated this in the past but it keeps sticking with me. Perhaps because I find it so well put. And that from an at-the-time 5-year-old. My daughter who is now 9 and continues on with her very well stated, no-mincing-words type of comments.

Perhaps I'm not the only one who can related to this!

To purchase your own, you can go here.

Apple for the Teacher

noreply@blogger.com (Chichiboulie) — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 19:09:00 +0000

Some beautiful items on Etsy in apple red, pink and green (some of my favourite colours)!

Click here to see the treasury on Etsy.

Boutique Newborn Baby Croc...
SOUTHERNBABY...
$12.95 USD
organic cotton sack hat st...
ohbabydotcom
$25.00 USD
Pea Pod Hat and Diaper Cov...
TizzyDee
$45.00 USD
RED crochet kufi hat and P...
jjkgirlythin...
$18.50 USD
Schoolgirl Modern Peasant ...
ButterflyBab...
$28.00 USD
Brooklyn Alley Toddler Tsh...
kendrasred
$26.00 USD
Baby Boy Handknit Cotton S...
MFcrafts
$28.00 USD
sugar maple... countryside...
sunnybrookfa...
$30.00 USD
Meandering Vines Twirly Sk...
thepolkadott...
$18.00 USD
Fall Flowers - Corduroy Fl...
ChewChewsClo...
$25.00 USD
Recycled Wool Soaker Diape...
chickadeeand...
$20.00 USD
Girl's Skirt Hot Pink ...
thetrendytot
$36.00 USD
felted high top baby shoes...
thecleverkit...
$27.00 USD
Apple Shoes Girls Pink T-S...
boygirlboygi...
$23.00 USD
Red Baby Leather Dots Moks...
scandeez
$30.00 USD
Baby Daisy Gladiator Sanda...
crochele
$25.00 USD

A new venture...

noreply@blogger.com (Chichiboulie) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 17:00:00 +0000

...recycled from an old one.

I originally started my second shop, Atelier&Cie, as an outlet for my sewing energy and a way to use up the vast stash of fabrics I've collected through the years. However, with work and children and children and children... you get the picture... I only seem to find the time to sew and embroider on very rare occasions. And so I let it go by the wayside.

But I've been thinking of a new venture for some time and thought maybe I could recycle Atelier&Cie into something different. And so here we go again! I have relaunched my second Etsy shop as a place for me to showcase various photos from travels around. I don't tend towards the exotic, rather towards images that I find reminiscent of a quieter time, simple things that make me feel serene and happy.

I've only just started working on this project so again, we'll have to wait and see where it leads. I hope some of you will take a look and maybe even let me know what you think.

Memories...

noreply@blogger.com (Chichiboulie) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 14:47:00 +0000

Contest!

noreply@blogger.com (Chichiboulie) — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 06:24:00 +0000

The French site, desMerveilles.com, is running a contest where you can win a personalised poster. It's definitely worth checking out! If your entry is chosen, you can choose from posters personalised for your daughter or son, for your family or your couple. Or, if you have another idea, why not suggest it!

The sample here is of one done for a family - perfect decoration for a family room or playroom. Any theme is possible, you choose the text. This particular example is for a couple and details their meeting, courtship and wedding. A sweet idea for new babies, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings... the list goes on!

Another (less talked about) reason....

noreply@blogger.com (Chichiboulie) — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 16:24:00 +0000

...for not leaving your 4 year old alone in the bath: He or she will surely sneak out, dress in bathing gear (complete with goggles) and pretend bath is a warm, bubbly pool!

His only regret, apparently, was that he couldn't fill the entire bathroom with water, though he made a very good stab at it!

Out of Hiding

noreply@blogger.com (Chichiboulie) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 10:25:00 +0000

Once again, it's been a while since I've posted and my apologies for that. My "catharsis" continues and I'm happily discovering so much about, well, so much! But part of my journey has been a strong desire to reclaim my private life. Although I love blogging and so appreciate those who read what I write, I began to feel too much pressure to share too much and the end result was a feeling that my life was no longer my own, at least not as much as I wanted it to be. And so a step back was necessary in order to reclaim a bit of privacy and get myself started on a somewhat new path.

I believe now that I'm well on my way, and along that path, I have also discovered a new desire to paint again. And to paint BIG! It's something that's been in the back of my mind for a long time now, but the moment just wasn't right until now. But now that it does seem to be right, I'm having a ball! With large canvases strewn about my studio and tubes of paint just about everywhere, I'm not sure my other half is enjoying the mess quite as much, but to me, all the chaos is a good sign of creative juices flowing.

And so I have a few projects in the works while I work on new techniques and ideas. My first is to (hopefully) be a series of paintings on Cornwall. It's difficult to visit Cornwall and not want to paint it and I too have succumbed to its charms. Actually I did so quite some time ago, but again, it took that catharsis to push me over the hump from thinking to painting. This first painting may be finished, I'm not quite sure yet. I'm letting it sit while I contemplate. It's 60x50cm (so about 24x20 inches) so a nice impactful size. I may keep it for myself, though I do have another in the works that's even bigger (80x80cm or 32x32 inches). I suppose time will tell. In the meantime, I have plenty of fuel to keep my paintbrushes busy for quite some time. Perhaps a new shop to celebrate? Something to think about....

Keukenhof - for Spring

noreply@blogger.com (Chichiboulie) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 08:33:00 +0000

Hailed as the prettiest spring gardens in the world, we decided it was time to have a look at Keukenhof ourselves this past weekend. The weather was sunny and clear, though perhaps not as warm as we would have liked (though 14°C isn't all that bad for the Netherlands in April to be honest), but all in all, a perfect day to spend outdoors.

I'm tempted to return because I think we were slightly early. The flower fields surrounding the gardens weren't quite in bloom, and cycling through them is a lovely ride. But despite our potentially early arrival in the season, the gardens are most decidedly not to be missed!

I could go on and on about it, I think the photos speak for themselves.