Revelations Of A French Flea

I've been corresponding lately with my friend Marie Aimee who has generously offered to hit the French flea markets in search of treasures for me.  The other day, I received a package...all the way from France.  And, oh...what treasure was revealed!

The first thing that caught my eye was this beautiful, old missal.  It's all in French, of course, and illustrated so beautifully.  The covers are the softest leather and I spent some moments running my fingers over them.  This little book will be a cherished addition to my collection of antique Bibles and prayer books.

 

You can see the wonderful, metallic endpapers in this photo, along with an incredible rhinestone buckle.  Some of the rhinestones are missing but that doesn't detract at all from it's beauty, in fact, that only adds to it's vintage appeal.

 

Some of my favorite finds from Marie Aimee were the religious medals and crosses she found.  Such wonderful details...

 

I've already put one of these pieces to work.  You might recognize the cross above from my blog banner.  I mixed it in with some other treasures to create this piece:

 

"The Flower"

I found the shabby, pink flower in Austin at the wonderful shop, Uncommon Objects.  It's an old, painted metal flower from a vintage chandelier or some other vintage work of art.

 

Everything Marie Aimee sent me is so beautifully unique.  It was such a treat to open her package.

 

 

 

 

In return, I have a few things to send to France.  I'm tucking this pair of earrings into her package.  They're made with vintage rhinestone findings and these gorgeous, faceted amethyst drops in the palest green.  Thank you, Marie Aimee!

 

Comments

[fibuline]

I discover your blog grace to Marie-Aimée !Your work is magnificent. I was lucky to admire earrings on Marie-Aimée... a marvel !!!
that of beautiful treasures of antiquity also on your blog!! I love I love I love

[karen cole]

What a stunning piece, Deryn.

When I was in Paris in April I hit a French flea market. It is truly amazing. You are one lucky blogger to have found such a generous friend.

[Michelle]

What gorgeous treasures! I can't even think of which one I would say is my favorite as they are all so wonderful! Lucky girl! Love your post too - you always take such great pictures to go with you writings!

[Nerissa Alford]

what amazing pieces you've created! how wonderful that you have a french friend. i hope to make it over to a paris flea market while we're over on this side of the world for the next 2 years!
nerissa

[Christine Damm]

So much to look at in that necklace and it's all beautiful! Hmmm-- I just sold a piece to a woman in Paris-- maybe she would be my "flea friend"? She did invite us to stay with her when we visit France-- now that's friendship! Can't wait to see what you do with the goodies!

[Charlene]

I love all the things you got! All those religious goodies are wonderful. And the earrings you made will be a wonderful gift in return. Can't wait to see what all you come up with.

[Seth]

What an amazing stash to receive. Just fantastic!!

[Pattie]

First,

You are getting very good with your photoshop Deryn. Your new banner is excellent!!

Exchange buddies are the best!! It's such a great way to trade different culture's triffles. The unique little everyday things of no real monetary value but help define a culture. :)

What wonderful treats you have received!! The old relious metals are amazing!!! It's so hard to find the old heavy one any more. Even here!! :(

Have a good weekend!!
Pattie ;)
Mazatlan Mx.

[Kelly Jeanette]

All I can say is wow! What lovely finds these are. I look forwward to seeing them in future jewelry pieces.

[Susie Land]

Woohoo, what a surprise! When I saw the title "French Flea" I had to check it out right away...see, here in New York state it's flea season, ya know, the bug kind. And I wanted to see what a French flea looked like (I don't get around much)
So it was a treat to see all your treasures and a bit of a let down (can you believe it?) 'cause I was expecting to see bugs. ha ha ha
There's an idea here for having trades with women of other countries....
Anyway, love looking at your loot, it's all so beautiful!

[lee w.]

All I can say is...YUMMY!!!!!!!!!!

[Sandra]

wow, how lucky! I love all the pieces; what beautiful gifts!

[Maria]

Beautiful baubles, and I'm sure your earrings will be well received! :)

Maria

[Mixed Media Martyr]

Wow! Such beautiful stuff!!

[Tami Roth]

Such beautiful items that she shared with you, Deryn! I bet it was fun for her too!

[Erin Prais-Hintz]

How do I find a French connection friend?!? I love all the stuff that she found you because I know that you will make some stunningly beautiful trinkets with them...Marie is one lucky girl to have such a great friend to correspond with...one who makes her the most heavenly earrings! Thanks for sharing your treasures with the world. Enjoy the day! Erin

[Sharon]

Wow!! Thanks for sharing all your beautiful gifts.So special....

[Shuku]

What -beautiful- things! Makes me want to visit France now...ahh well someday maybe.

Just wanted to let you know I started the jewellery idea journal - I was going to photograph it for you but my camera is on loan to a friend. Still have very little in the way of inspiration, but things are coming together maybe. Slowly. I never realised what a trial it was to keep getting these periods of mental blocks; how -do- you keep your business going? You have so much more mental fortitude!

I am reading just a handful of blogs these days - not too many, because if not I get dreadfully depressed at all the incredible things people can do - but yours, I always go to because no matter how down I feel, your pieces always cheer me up.

[nicole merkens]

do theselittle beauties cost an arm and a leg over there? I am jealous!
xo- nicole

[Renate]

Oh my Deryn, what beautiful treasures! Excuse me, I'm drooling again...
Just love what Marie Aimee sent you!
And those earrings she is getting are just down-on-my-knees gorgeous!

[Carolyn Mallin]

Such beautiful objects. All pieces of art.The earrings that you made for her are so lovely.

Seeing all these treasures makes me feel like hitting the antique stores in town here. However,it's very hot here today, so I think I'll just stay home and make jewelry :0)

Carolyn

[Denise Tucker]

Wow!
Can Marie Aimee be my friend, too?

Great finds!

[Karen Burns]

OH MY! The Flower is just exquisite! Lucky, lucky you having a personal shopper in France!

[Tongue in Cheek]

Wonderful finds! I wish you were here too!

[Tina]

What a wonderful package you received..I'm sure more wonderful things will come of that vintage goodness!! Thanks for Sharing!

[kris]

Ohhh, haven't you been blessed! I'm in love with all the little bits and bobbles you rec'd. I can't imagine going to a French Flea. I might die on the spot from overexcitement! Love the necklace you made and especially the metal flower.