* Tongue in Cheek *

Saturday Art Saves: The Candle Maker in Provence

2013-05-18T14:54:52+02:00

Each Saturday I focus on a different artist that I admire. From potters to painters, chefs to collectors, seamstress to songwriters, lifestyle to lovers... anyone who set the paintbrush, pastry brush, hands and heart on fire to create.

Those who inspire art to flow where it may.

Discover one of the last remaining Candle Makers where candles are still made as they were in the 15th century.

Photo source http://www.ciergerie.fr/

"The “Living Heritage Company” is installed in a large warehouse in Tarascon’s industrial park, a very modern place for an ancient tradition.

La Ciergerie - The Candle Maker was created in 1858 by the White Canons or Premonstratensians established in the Frigolet Abbey between Avignon and Tarascon.

In 1903, the Monks of White Canons left France for Belgium and Great Britain and they sold The Candle Maker to Monsieur Chabrier, who set up the workshop in the old stables in the heart of his Provençal village, Graveson."

Photo source http://www.ciergerie.fr/

"The handmade candles attracted churchmen as well as enthusiasts, the quality work, and the reputation of the candlemaker grew until the day.

In October 2009, a fire devastated the handsome workshop, destroying dozens of wax molds. Stéphane Richard the owner of Tissus Souleiado in Tarascon bought the company, rapidly setting up in this functional site at the entrance to the village in order to open in December a new workshop-boutique.

The Candle Maker was saved, and production continued with the same expertise."

Photo source http://www.ciergerie.fr/

"Presently, there are six young, passionate and proud Master Candle Makers. One of them, Christophe, concentrates on the finishing touches of the immense church candles, revealing two 15th-century manufacturing techniques:

“Dipped” candles produce conical candles. Cotton wicks are stretched on a frame and plunged repeatedly into a wax bath at 70°C until the desired diameter is achieved.

The second technique requires real dexterity. Each Master Candle Maker has his own technique, but the gesture must be precise, he must continuously ensure the even distribution of the wax when he ladles the wax on wicks suspended from a hoop and gauge the candles diameter…"

Photo source http://www.ciergerie.fr/

Visits and tours are available at La Ciergerie.

"A candle over fifty inches high and nearly 3 inches in diameter

requires one week to make."

Photo Source http://souleiado-lemusee.com/lunivers/la-ciergerie/

Wax prepared to be poured on the candles.

Photo source http://www.ciergerie.fr/

Now if only I can find one of those ladles from the 1600s at the brocante....

Photo source http://www.ciergerie.fr/

"Molds, are also used, which allows for the fabrication of novelty candles of varied shapes and styles. Such molds were introduced twenty years ago.

Original translucent candles are also designed at the Ciergerie, with the incorporation of Soleiado fabric, photos, assorted hues of wax, or colored candle rounds."

Photo source http://www.ciergerie.fr/

Cierges - CIERGERIE DES PREMONTRES

Candles made traditionally, as they were in the Abbey hundreds of years ago, can be bought online, varied sizes, shapes and colors.

I particular like the darker shades. Various shades, pastels to brightly colored candles are available.

Photo source http://www.ciergerie.fr/

For more information contact:

Ciergerie de l’Abbaye des Prémontrés

20 rue des Charpentiers

ZA du Roubian

13150 Tarascon

T 04 90 99 59 34

www.ciergerie.fr

Also at Souleiado:

http://souleiado-lemusee.com/

The Everlasting Path

2013-05-17T23:15:21+02:00

Along the river we walked as night fell.

Slowly this spring evening.

My prayer thought went:

The earth as anchor,

The river as spirit,

The trees growing towards the light.

This river, which is behind our home, comes from a natural source and runs toward the sea.

Though myth has it the river was created by Mary Madeleine's tears.

Since I heard of that, the river has taken on new meaning.

Symbolic meaning speaks a truth to those who listen.

... at the altar of nature and Mary's tears I set myself free.

Dream catcher deep in the woods.

Weaving dreams together:

Yours,

mine,

theirs,

ours...

Queen Ann's lace grows wildly along the riverside,

A gentle texture; As an angel's breath, whispering ever so softly.

Certainly to the unknown, or should I say, "To the unseen fairies dance underneath."

Oh I forgot to mention... myth has it that fairies live along this river too.

An old, a very old, stone foot bridge.

Connecting one side to another.

There is a wire fence on the other side.

The other day I went for a walk with two little neighbor boys (8 and 10), they begged, "Come on let's hop over the fence and go to the other side."

They forgot that I was an adult... "Come on we'll hold the wire down!"

They hopped over like deers, and then kindly they held their small hands out towards me.

Foregoing reason, and rules I took a leap a faith... my inner child ran forth.

My favorite spot.

A child merging from the tree.

Do you see her?

Where does your inner child run free?

Sweet divine path.

Leads to no wrong.

Carrying you to wherever you want to go.

No questions asked, no answers given... just letting you take the steps.

Leaving behind, as you are, moving forward... past-present-future,

One step after another.

As night fell... we walked back as one.

Motorcycles, Candlesticks and the Brocante Thing

2013-05-16T20:56:50+02:00

French Husband's childhood friends came to visit us. They are motorcyclists too. When they were here we asked them what they wanted to do... and music to my ears they said, "...go to a brocante."

Yeah, they are French and brocantes are everywhere, even in Brittany where they live. But when you have the brocante bug you have the bug even on vacation. Plus, the Provence offers different old things... or at least better prices they claimed.

Pull my leg, drag me... ha... off we went to hunt the brocantes.

As usual, whenever I take someone along to the brocantes, they find a million and one things... and when my friends ask me to ask the dealer for a price, it never fails: The dealer announces a price so low that I kind of grow green and shake my head and say to myself "Why? Dang!" Lucky ducks my friends.

French Husband's childhood friends found and bought more than their motorcycle could carry. I wasn't surprised. Whenever people come to visit, it seems they buy more than their suitcases, motorcycle or container can carry.

Hence two candlesticks are living in my shed alongside of Lynn's frames, Nicol's urn, Mary's stack of linens, Katie's mirror... I don't dare to bring them into the house in fear they might take up residences.

Wednesday's Word: Tree Hugger...Un Embrasseur d'Arbres,

2013-05-15T20:40:22+02:00

Ten minutes on foot from our home, there is a wild and wonderful forest. The Huveaune river weaves through it.

When I need to breath, to let my thoughts unwind... to let my inner child/spirit feel her way my feet know where to lead.

I am not afraid to dance in the forest. The river, the birds... nature's song roots me.

Chelsea and I went for a twilight walk in the forest. It never fails to offer us a moment of mysterious wonder. As Chelsea said, "We could be in a faraway forest... who would believe this is in our backyard?"

We brought our cameras with us.

Chelsea ran alongside of the river.

Her spirit soared, mine absorbed.

The birds' song as evening fell was utterly tender. Their music takes me by the hand far and yet so near. I love when I feel transported, yet don't move.

On another note... This speaking in French thing was at first a challenge because I didn't feel myself when I spoke. But the more I do it the easier it is... except for when someone I know comes along and speaks English to me. Then I do not know what language I am speaking. I say French words instead of English ones, and English ones sound French.

I never spoke French to my children when they were living at home, simply so they would be bi lingual. And they are. So when Chelsea came home and I spoke French to her, she waved her finger at me and said, "Oh no you don't!" she laughed, "It is a mental twister to go back and forth, and in and out of conversation isn't it?"

It is ridiculously hard for me to speak English to Chelsea, while I am speaking French to Yann, as he speaks French to Chelsea and most the time English to me. By the end of the day I don't know if I am speaking French, English or Chinese!

We could barely see our way home... but we didn't care, we know the way by heart.

I asked French Husband, "How do you say, "Tree Hugger" in French?"

Yann is growing accustom to my speaking only in French, and most the time he speaks back to me in French. Hugh leap on his part. He answered, "Un Embrasseur d'Arbres."

Then I asked, "Do you say "Femme Naturelle" for a natural woman?"

"I think so," as he shook his head yes. I continued in French:

"How do you call someone who likes to hug trees, who is organic, who daydreams of being a bird... you know someone who wants to be in tune with nature?"

His eyes twinkled when he said, "Crazy!"

With that I laughed.

And came back to earth safe and sound.

Though French Husband doubts "sound" is a word that corresponds with my thinking.

Savoring the Taste that is Only Provence

2013-05-14T16:49:22+02:00

At last spring waltzes in. Provence during spring is extra lovely. Roses climb, blooming wildly against the shutters. The days stay light pass dinner time, allowing an evening walk to hear the sound of the owl cooing her lover.

The parks fill full, the sound of iron balls clashes, dusty shoes, sunglasses, dogs sleeping in the welcoming sunshine.

The new green ivy, sprucing up the old darker green.

Nature's texture adding strokes of vivid color.

Patchwork comfort against old walls.

Brocantes everywhere, every weekend, roll a dice pick one and go.

Late afternoon the cafes and bars spill out onto the sidewalk, men in tee shirts play cards, shooting the breeze with graceful ease, enjoying a moment of what is to come... summer living.

Savoring the taste that is only Provence!

The plane trees unbutton their winter coats, waving their green flags.

A welcome canopy.

Come walk with me.

Is there nothing better than to sit at a outdoor cafe and look up?

Poppies need I say more?

Oh those ruby red kisses!

The most joyous blush.

Ruins go into hiding.

Covered with over growth.

Provence, the doors opens wide, spring waltzes in...

along with flies, and the occasional cat.

The grape vines tease...

The joy of living in Provence is the gift of nature at hand, to be able to witness the unveiling of another fruitful season... leaves uncurl, petals by petal bloom, wheat shaft, almond branch robed in pink, last year's rosé uncorked.

How is spring unfolding where you live?

Three Peppers Savory Crunch, Afternoon Delight in Provence

2013-05-13T15:40:20+02:00

Three Peppers Savory Crunch, perfect beginning to lunch.

Grill lightly slices of a baguette. Bite size saves on washes up.

Saute chopped yellow, red, green and why not orange, if you have it, peppers. With a pour of olive oil, crushed garlic, a pinch of mustard seed and red onion.

When lightly golden yet with crunch factor intake, add cracked black pepper.

Spoon loving blobs on each little toast.

Put them on a lovely platter,

in my case a 1900s Provencal yellow platter will do,

Serve warm.

In a pretty tall glass, pour some creme de Cassis, enough to make your heart sing, and your taste buds sizzle for more.

Add chilled chamgane swirl... Voila, Kir Royal.

Grab a blanket or tablecloth, tuck it under your arm.

Kick off your shoes,

Hide some rose petals between your breasts, and add one to each glass of Kir Royal.

Head outdoors.

Afternoon delight.

French Guessing Game, do you know what this is?

2013-05-13T09:19:50+02:00

Saw this at the French Brocante this week, and thought of you "French Antique Guessers". Let me know what you think it is in the comment section.

On This Day oh Beautiful Mother

2013-05-12T14:58:04+02:00

"On this day oh beautiful Mother..." is a hymn from church, from my childhood, that we we would sing at the end of Mass to the Blessed Mother. It is one of my mother's favorite hymns.

And so I found it fitting to use it today, everyday really.

"On this day, O beautiful Mother,
On this day we give thee our love.
Near thee, Madonna, fondly we hover,
Trusting thy gentle care to prove.

On this day we ask to share,
Dearest Mother, thy sweet care;
Aid us ere our feet astray
Wander from thy guiding way.

Queen of angels, deign to hear
Lisping children's humble prayer;
Young hearts gain, O virgin pure,
Sweetly to thyself allure."

May the rewards of Motherhood be full, ripe, and yours today Mom.

Love you so much and I wish I could be by your side.

Saturday Art Saves: Sarah Moore

2013-05-11T21:20:14+02:00

Photo Source Sarah Moore Vintage

Every Saturday I focus on a different artist that I admire. From potters to painters, chefs to collectors, seamstress to songwriters, lifestyle to lovers... anyone who set the paintbrush, pastry brush, hands and heart on fire to create.

Those who inspire art to flow where it may... Sarah Moore for the UK.

Photo Source Sarah Moore Vintage

Sarah Moore loves to create with vintage fabrics, colorful, floral, cheerful... snippets of happiness.

"Sarah recycles, revamps and rejuvenates, a whole spectrum of imaginative ideas for every room of the house, from blanket curtains to patchwork wallpaper, clever storage crates to fun mobiles for children, as well as unique ideas for dining, sleeping and bathing."

Photo Source Sarah Moore Vintage

Sarah's classes encourage her guests to bring their own treasured vintage pieces to create with, though if you do not have your own sources, Sarah offers packets and supplies of vintage and reproduced ephemera and fabric.

Photo Source Sarah Moore Vintage

"Interweaved throughout Sarah's book are ideas for ‘one thing four ways’ to show how the same piece of furniture or a room can be updated with different look, plus handy advice on essential kit and techniques. Aimed at all skill levels, the projects can be completed in a few hours or over a weekend so you can revamp and refurbish your home in no time at all."

Photo Source Sarah Moore Vintage

Sarah Moore wrote on her delightful blog: "Spring days are finally here. The buds are bursting on the trees and there is blossom about to confetti the countryside. Handmade and bursting with colours from forget me not blue to pale hyacinth pink."

Sarah sees life as colorful, ready to bloom. Her vintage style doesn't leave any color of the rainbow behind.

Photo Source Sarah Moore Vintage

"Tea anyone?" Sarah Moore serves it on a wire.

Photo Source Sarah Moore Vintage

I admire artists who willingly share their ideas, not only through their classes and books, but more so freely on their blogs.

Sarah Moore's DIY Vintage Bean Bag:

"1: First, choose the size of your beanbag, then make a square paper template for all the sides (remembering to add in seam allowance).

2: Place your fabrics on a table with the right sides down and draw around them using chalk or a fabric marker. Cut out all the panels, except for the base. For this, add an extra 5cm to one edge to allow for a hem and opening. Then cut out this panel. Repeat the process on the lining fabric, but without allowing an extra 5cm on the bottom panel.

3: To make the lining, pin the panels together with right sides facing to make a cube. Sew along all but one of the edges, removing the pins as you go. Turn the fabric so the right sides are out, pushing the corners into a cube shape. Turn in a hem that is the width of your seam allowance on both sides of the open edge and iron in place.

4: Pour the polystyrene beads into the cube until it is nearly full, then pin together the turned-in hems. Sew the opening securely closed.

5: To make the outer cube, first lay out the bottom panel with the extra 5cm, and then cut it in half. Turn over a hem of about 1cm on this newly cut edge and iron it flat to make a hemmed opening. Sew into place. Position Velcro strips on the bottom of one piece and the top of the other so when attached they create a panel the same size as the others. Sew them in place.

6: Repeat the pinning and sewing process but, this time, sew all of the seams of your cube. Open the Velcro and turn the cube fabric right sides out. Feed in the bean bag and secure the cover shut with the Velcro."

Photo Source Sarah Moore Vintage

Photo Source Sarah Moore Vintage

Aren't these the cutest! Welcome spring with crackers!

"Eco friendly, colourful crackers containing cute and useful treasures: A packet of seeds, a mini grater and a cookie cutter, as well as a hat and a motto."

Photo Source Sarah Moore Vintage

Fauxidermy, what a clever title! Sara describes her Fauxidermy: "Mounted in traditional trophy style, you can order your favourite from our list of woodland creatures. Fab foxes, beautiful badgers, brown hares and roe deer are all made for you as shoulder-mounted trophies and whole scampering squirrels, sitting hares, badgers and foxes can be made as freestanding models."

Photo Source Sarah Moore Vintage

"Sarah knows about vintage pieces as she started making and selling them at craft fairs. Sarah also has awebsite, which sells original pieces, and useful hand made gifts. Some of her pieces have been featured in well known magazines like Vogue, Saga and Country Living."

photo via Sarah Moore Vintage

How to Contact Sarah:

Sarah Moore Vintage
Friar Tuck Cottage
Northchapel
West Sussex
GU28 9HW

Home@sarahmoorevintage.com
01428 707 678

Website, Online Shop and Blog

http://www.sarahmoorevintage.com/

Morning, Afternoon, Evening, Midnight Pickup

2013-05-11T09:10:21+02:00

When the morning is running faster than your feet can manage,

When the day is fuller than your arms can carry,

When you know you should sit down and have something to eat, but the beast in you charges forward,

When life is not black and white,

When you want to do your best but that idea stays stuck behind auto pilot,

Then that is when I have to put myself in the bathtub, yes the bathtub, you might say it is my best place to pray, think, breath, and eat macarons.

Rose, raspberry, lemon, chocolate, pistachio...

More later, just a note of Keep calm and Carry on...