Before marriage,
a mortgage,
and children…
the hubbs and I visited Europe back in 2003. And while there, we went to Paris.
You see this city in films, in photography, and in books…but none of those do this city justice. When we were there, I fell in love…the city, the sounds, the food, the people, their way of life, the cobblestones, and all the historical edifices. A city full of life, history, passion, and art…I could go on.
And with that trip, I brought back a couple souvenirs that I can’t believe I completely forgot about.
This dirt cheap drawing I bought from a peddler on the street.
And this city map that the concierge gave us at the hotel.
This subway map is actually on the reverse side of the city map.
I scanned it, printed it out & placed it in a frame that I bought from a thrift store this week.
I hung the large map in our living room.
I wanted a large frame, but didn’t find one that I liked & I didn’t want to spend the money to buy a new one. So I used a dry erase board that wasn’t being utilized, some art paper collecting dust, and just taped them all together.
The Notre Dame drawing & the subway map found homes on the side wall in my office area.
I also managed to finish the area in my office where the printer is. This is where we left off with the creative space progress.
I wanted a place to hang wrapping paper, kraft paper & my growing collection of washi tape. So I bought 1 in. wooden dowels at Michael’s, a set of 6 coat hooks from Wal-Mart, and created a little craft area above the printer.
Was gonna put this in the sewing area, but I want to keep that area strictly for sewing.
I also added more life to that wall shelf…a clay pot from the dollar store that I painted black chevrons on; the monogrammed tray; some journals, a swedish motif book, an owl friend I found at Target for $2.50, and an old painting I found at a thrift store ages ago.
I think I may have bought too much washi tape for the last DIY date though…got a lil’ carried away hehe
This space is starting to really take shape. And I can’t believe I’m gonna say this…but I’m rethinking the curtains! I know, I know…I’m soo indecisive =/ What do you guys think? Love the curtains? Or hate em?
xo, Louise
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Wow, you look very different here! Paris is still a dream for me… I really want to go one day! I love how you incorporated souvenirs (the drawing and map) into your home.
haha, I know…I think I may have gone through different phases during my early 20′s haha. Yes, go when you get the chance, it’s a beautiful city…even more beautiful when you go outside of the city. I want to go back, and stay longer, really explore the city. I felt like we were rushed when we were there….maybe a 2nd honeymoon? hmmmmm… XO
How fun that you two went to Paris! Love the idea of hanging souvenirs… that drawing is so pretty! Your crafting area is really coming together… so creative to use coat hooks and wooden dowels for storage/display.
Yes, it was so fun! I would def love 2 go back. I’m really trying to finish this space, cuz I kno that if I start to slack off it’ll never get done! :p I’ve got more things up my sleeves, can’t wait 2 show u!
XO
My husband and I are going to Paris, and around Europe in general, next fall and I am so excited!
Ohhh you will fall in love too!! So much so, you won’t wanna come back! hehe So excited for you! Get ready to eat A LOT of great food! Explore, and go off the beaten path! And take pictures of course! XO
So fun. I would love to go to Paris, or anywhere (or everywhere!) in Europe.
Those are such cool memorabilia. And I am liking your craft area
yay for washi tape!
Thx Lisha! I can’t believe I almost forgot I had those souvenirs, so glad I decided to clean! hehe XO
Ooh la la! Paris is one of my favorite cities, too. I always hope to hop over there when I’m in London but it’s never quite so simple — sadly. You two look so happy in that picture! I love your story.
Actually, I’ve been wanting to go to London (well, England in general). That is on the top of my list of places to go! Hopefully someday! Maybe we can go and then hop on over and visit Supal…we can dream rite?! hehe Thx for reading our story =) XO
I love that sweet little frame you used for the subway map! And I like how you used the dry erase board to display the other map. If you are feeling extra crafty you could spray paint or just use craft paint on that dry erase board frame to make it even more fun. I like the curtains, but I guess I want to see what the whole room looks like with them before I decide?
Thx Clare! Yes, I was actually thinking about adding a lil’ pizazz to the dry erase board, it looks a lil’ plain. Def gonna think about it while I’m on our camping trip this weekend! And I think you’re right about the curtains, I’ll keep going with the room, and then take a 2nd look at the curtains. I’ll keep u posted!