I was so excited to buy new decorations for my home this year! I added my touch of France by stringing this Wendy Addison german glitter letters to say "Merry Christmas" in French. I decorated with traditional greenery and red berries and even added some to my Eiffel tower centerpiece.

Recently hung this antique chandelier I bought while at 2011 Paper Cowgirl retreat. I got it for $20.00!!! It needed a little TLC and it was ready to go. I love the way it looks hanging over my kitchen sink! Adds elegance and light to my French Country kitchen!

I was so excited to have my kitchen used as the backdrop for the website: www.austinwellnesschefs.com. Chef Allison makes delicious and healthly organic meals right in your own home! Check out the video on the site to see more. My husband, Warren, is also in the testimonials.

My talented friend, Mendy, gave me this cute little towel she made "freestyle" sewing our family name on it! So fun, I might want to give it a try too!

My husband surprised me with this gorgeous French antique clock for my birthday several years ago. It makes me happy everytime I come down the stairs and see it! It keeps perfect time and we adjusted the chimes on it because it echoed throughout the house and woke us up at night!

Found this great black and white dress form for a steal at T. J. Maxx! It's perfect for my art studio! I put vintage lace and ribbons around the neck as well as a couple of beautiful necklaces and added a glitter chipboard initial "C".

Got this cute box while at Paper Cowgirls. I embellished it with pearls(necklace), bow (hair), rhinestones(chandelier), flowers(hair and top) and the "tres-chic" ceramic label. It's perfect for storage in my art studio.

EMBELLISHED LAMP:

Here is a close up of the hand painted flower and ribbons on the crystal lamp I embellished.

I found this crystal lamp while antiquing in Waxahachie at Paper Cowgirls last week. I got a great deal on it and brought it home to embellish for a friend's upcoming birthday. I added ribbon, trim, buttons, glitter, paint and crystals. I handpainted the large flower, put a vintage button in the center and hung her initial "L" from a jewelry chain. I think it will look great in her shabby-chic art room I've been helping her decorate.

Just returned from the Paper Cowgirls Art Retreat! I took some fabulous classes, met some great people, and enjoyed good food and shopping! The Dove's Nest boutique had some beautiful French inspired shopping. Talented artist Ann-Denise taught a class on making this gorgeous wire cake topper (she also made the paper dress in the photo next to me) and I took a great class by Jennifer Stewart where I made a four seasons art piece using picket bordering as well as a fun digital art class by my good friend Mendy. It was all exhausting but fun and I'm looking forward to next year's retreat!

Finally finished my latest remodeling project! We put in new wood floors/stairs and railing. I decided to do brick (cut to 1/2" thick) risers instead of the traditional white. I had the iron railing made and faux painted. We are very happy with the result (and that it's through)!

I found these great old suitcases at our local antique mall. Lots of storage for mixed media supplies! I love the smooth and rough textures combined and some have gold stamped initials on them. The insides were in perfect shape!

Wasn't exactly Paris, but it was a close 2nd as we vacationed in Las Vegas over Christmas break.