Everything Vintage & French

Find us in the Merrimack Valley Magazine~ March/April '08

2008-03-22T06:00:00.006-05:00

We're happy to have had a visit by the editors of the Merrimack Valley Magazine and we're featured in their "Downtown" section (page 32).
"In “Shopping by Design,” Michelle Xiarhos Curran takes us to some of the best home design and accessory stores in Newburyport and Amesbury."

Going Green to Spring Clean ~ The French Way

2008-03-09T10:16:00.004-05:00

As "going green" has gain more social acceptance, it has occurred to us that this is something that Le Bourdon Home & Garden has embraced as its central theme since its inception. By default, LB has adhered to the French lifestyle which has always been rooted in its natural surroundings. All of its centuries old methods of soap making and cosmetics have not changed and are still using all natural ingredients. More importantly, because we have a love for everything old, we strive to reinvigorate textiles and antiques so that they can be revered and discovered all over again by new generations!

In addition to our French line of products, we have embraced US-based Mrs. Meyers Clean Day products, too. For a limited time, we are offering their rhubarb scented spring cleaning kit as our way of promoting a green cleaning season this spring!

Make sure you learn more about all of our "green" French products, too!

Winter Doldrums ~ Mourning Curiosities

2008-03-01T10:45:00.008-05:00

The winter doldrums are upon us and we are longing for the breezes of summer. We look for anything starting to think about coming up from the ground for a sign of Spring. Although the winter months of hibernation are good for the soul, mourning can be healthy too. When we take time to mourn, we can stop and appreciate what has gone past us and appreciate what is upon us.

I find that the winter months are essential to take notice of our interior space. Once the spring and summer months are here, we focus our creative efforts on what is outside. This is why I am providing a little sale to help to inspire some nostalgic embellishments and put you in the mood!

Hurry! The Winter Doldrums Storewide Sale lasts only 1 week!
This offer is valid until 11.59pm ET on Sunday 19th March
2008 and is not valid in conjunction with any other Le
Bourdon or Internet offer. Le Bourdon sale items are
excluded from this offer. This offer can be used only once.

Here are some French torchons assembled with textiles from our recent trip to Paris.

Bonjour! New French Finds & Inspirations

2008-01-29T10:40:00.000-05:00

We've just returned from our trip to Paris and although we're feeling a bit jet lagged, we have renewed our souls (and stomachs) with a taste of the French lifestyle that is so incredibly appealing. This photo of the Eiffel Tower was taken the night before we returned as it sparkled at dusk. Just a quick note that shipments are on their way and listings will follow. We will share more photos of our tour of the best flea markets of Paris, too.

LB French Vintage Bellybutton Bears

2008-01-14T11:35:00.000-05:00

Introducing our new line of hand assembled Bellybutton teddy bears lovingly created using vintage and antique french textiles and buttons . These memory teddy bears are inspired by textiles from France. These two bears are assembled with an antique quilt and vintage quilted bedding. View our vintage French bellybutton bears on our website.

The Story of Antique French Textiles

2008-01-08T08:33:00.000-05:00

In order to have an appreciation for vintage and antique French textiles, it is important to know their significance in French history itself. The French love and lust for textiles has carried them through religious persecution (of Protestants who were active in textile design and production), violence, bans, and industrial espionage. Not even the French Revolution and the loss of many aristocratic clients could halt the demand for luxury goods that resurfaced with Napoleon I, the Restoration of the Bourbon dynasty, and the Second Empire under Napoleon III.

There is no substitute to understanding why the French appreciate their textiles other than to see, touch and feel them yourself. French textiles have always been important elements to the world of interior decoration. More than a staple that is almost always incorporated into any good design, French textiles adds a touch of history, uniqueness and character to our decor.
In decorating, there must be elements of the present and past to make it interesting. Whether it is adding a Provencal coverlet, a band of fabric on drapery, or a length of period matelasse toile made into a throw pillow - a few selected elements makes the room warm, inviting and interesting. An antique tapestry pillow with exquisite trim does wonders for a brand new sofa. The old textiles add a note of quality, luxury, and history that enhances the value of the other objects there.
It is the superior detailed designs of the older fabrics, their creativity and originality, and the skills needed to product them with labor-intensive techniques that can't be reproduced to that gives them their value and longevity. Fine antique passementerie (trimming) was made by yhand using old methods. This is what is fundamental to Le Bourdon Home & Garden.
Although there are few of us that take the time to find and restore these fabrics, there are even fewer of us that are experienced enough to work with them in creating stunning accessories for your home that continue to endure the test of time. We are inspired to provide new life to these old fabrics!

Bringing in the New Year with New Inspirations

2007-12-31T10:47:00.001-05:00

It has been just over a year since the Le Bourdon Home & Garden website was launched but the years culminating was time spent cultivating a dream to bring French inspirations to the sights and senses to everyone who visits our online storefront.
For those who are fortunate enough to visit the design shop, their senses are stimulated as soon as they pass through the carriage house doors. Not only are they amazed with the colors, textiles, and antiques, but their sense of smell is always tickled (this also includes the UPS, FedEx and USPS men that make their deliveries ;-).
As 2008 is upon us, we hope to continue to find new and vintage products that are true to our belief in celebrating our natural environment and the old world French style of living. We will continue to enhance your online experience and build relationships that inspire and we hope you can give the gift of French inspiration to others.
It is our goal to help you learn about what can be incorporated into your own spaces to create balance and serenity. This year we will focus on tried and true old world French decorating style and enhancing our site with custom ordering to fit your individual decorating needs.
We are excited where we've come and where we're going and we look forward to sharing it with our inspired members!
Meilleurs Voeux 2008~

New Stock ~ Inspired French T-Shirts, French Soaps & Kitchen Linens

2007-12-22T07:58:00.000-05:00

We at LB are excited to find some new additions to our product line including more authentic French soaps, inspired t-shirts and kitchen linens & tableware from Comptoir de Famille. We've chosen our products to compliment our old world French palette of muted neutral colors with lots of texture and reflection. Here is a sampling of our new offerings:

Old World French Design ~ Holiday Style

2007-12-11T09:19:00.001-05:00

The French love the holidays but it's not overdone in any sense of the word. They embellish what is already incorporated into their lives which in its timeless architecture and simple yet ornate beauty, needs only the smallest amount of decoration.
I try to practice the same restraint in decorating my home for Christmas. I use what is already in my house and use colors that compliment what is there. I hope you enjoy looking at these pictures as much as I do living in my historical spaces.

Say it in French ~ Inspired T-Shirts

2007-12-10T09:42:00.001-05:00

We've created a line of t-shirts that is currently expanding but we thought it would be great to describe what makes these shirts so inspiring! It is not only the quality of the 100% sheer stretch cotton (with the weight and strength much like that of JCrew's tissue tee's) but the cut is very flattering with the exposed seams and bell sleeves.
But what makes these t-shirts a must-have accessory is our artwork that is applied using acrylic paints which provides clarity and long-lasting wear. (Thank you Gwen!) Now for the best part! The images we've used include a buzzing bee on the sleeve and our logo located on the back side just under the collar (which was modeled after a sign we found in Paris ~ see below).
The artwork that we've used to inspire you includes French sayings such as "sensibilite française" (the French sensibility), "simplement beau" (simply beautiful) and "la vie française" (the French life). We've also created "Je ne sais quoi" with the image of a French woman walking along the Eiffel Tower with her poodle and shopping bags, and a French vintage post card with the saying "J'adore Paris".

We sell these like hot cakes at our shows. We hope you love these as much as our many inspired customers do!

Coming soon, our new long sleeve and short sleeve logo tee's.

Our Last Chance at Decorating Before the Snow

2007-12-03T12:39:00.000-05:00

We've begun to decorate for the holidays and since it has to be done here and there without any strategy, we are purely driven by off-the-cuff inspiration! It was a mad dash yesterday to finish with the impending snow storm on the way. In another week we hope to begin decking the halls indoors. Here are some images of the outdoors @ LB...

The Essence of Linen Water ~ An Essential for Everyday

2007-12-02T14:52:00.000-05:00

There are some things that you just can't live without once you experience them. I have found this to be true about using linen water on your sheets everyday before making the bed. At our online storefront, we offer two varieties of linen water with a spray attachment as seen pictured below.
Just a few sprays and your linens and room are freshened right through the day so that when you slip into bed and the fragrance begins to relax you.

Brrr...It's Starting to Feel a Lot Like Christmas! Our Marché de Noël Show ~

2007-12-02T08:31:00.001-05:00

I'm very aware that the French hold their outdoor markets all year round and I've been to them in the dead of winter with temperatures in the twenties. We didn't fare so well in Providence, not because of the cold, but the gusty winds up the narrow street lined with Victorian era homes forced many vendors inside.
Le Bourdon Home & Garden participated in the the second annual Marché de Noël, an outdoor Christmas street market sponsored by the French American School of RI. Held in the spirit of of French and European Christmas markets, the Marché offers distinctive, quality and special goods with an accent of handcrafted items as well as seasonal foods and delicacies.
Here are some pictures of our booth setup early in the morning.

Inspired "Le Petite Mannequin" ~ Our Newest Design

2007-11-21T09:09:00.000-05:00

We're so excited about our newest vintage creation! Our petite mannequin was assembled with some of our finest vintage textiles and trims from France.
What makes this accessory so interesting is that each side is embellished differently and the stand allows you to easily turn it around depending upon which look you like best. Please let us know what you think! We would love to hear from you.

French Vintage Pillows ~ My Passion

2007-11-19T08:52:00.001-05:00

There is nothing more rewarding for me than to find that worn and tattered vintage textile in France and to bring it back to life and create something beautiful with it. This is what enlivens my soul and even makes "green" sense. These textiles have been enjoyed and used generously because the French truly appreciate and admire the beauty in their surroundings.
I have spent some time listing some of our large collection of these textile creations where we've lovingly restored and repurposed everything from the smallest remnant of lace to create accessories that bring character and purpose to our interiors.
The cushion sizes you'll find are distinctive in their shape and often reflect the larger sizes that the French often use either as floor pillows or on their settees. We haven't forgotten man's best friends either. Fifi can also enjoy his/her French inspired pillows!
Our collection has taken many years to assemble. All of these cushions are assembled by hand and will continue to wear and show their age gracefully. Nothing can add texture to a room more than a vintage textile.
Browse our vast selection of cushions:
- Bolsters
- Indoor/Outdoor Cushions
- Pillows
- Lavender Cushions
- Vintage Canine

Vintage Cashmere Embellished Sweaters & Scarves ~ Meaningful & Inspiring Gift Ideas

2007-11-13T12:22:00.000-05:00

This holiday, when you're looking to find that distinctive gift that expresses a thoughtful and inspiring look for someone, our hand sewn scarves made with the finest cashmere and French vintage embellishments make memorable and meaningful gifts.

Our vintage cashmere sweaters are selected from the finest makers of cashmere (Nieman Marcus, Lord & Taylor, etc.) and add cashmere flowers with tufted rosettes, silk ribbon, and sometimes buttons to them. Pair them with our vintage jewelry line, and these gifts make a thoughtful and French inspired gift!
We've lovingly assembled using the finest and softest velvets these luxe scarves using French vintage laces, buttons, passementerie, satin ribbons and trims. Each one is different and distinctive and a gift that offers such versatality and comfort!

LB Gift Packaging - French Inspired & Unique Gift Ideas

2007-11-13T10:48:00.000-05:00

We are offering special gift wrapping for some of our most popular products that make wonderful hostess gifts or gifts for that person who has everything. We've not forgotten gifts for our best friends that include vintage blanket dog toys and Mrs. Meyers pet wipes!

If you'd like a custom gift basket assembled, please contact us and we'd love to fulfill your special inspired request!

Antique Divas Spread Their Holiday Cheer

2007-11-13T07:35:00.000-05:00

It was a feast of comfort food and the most delicious cake ever tasted thanks to Karen Dardinski, diva and expert caterer, clothes designer, florist, vintage clothing aficionado, and sixties hippie chick. We all had a great time thanks to her hard work. Here are some pictures of our setup for those who couldn't make it!

Antiques on the Island

2007-11-09T08:56:00.000-05:00

Le Bourdon is participating in a holiday antique show on Sunday at the Plum Island Taxpayers Hall in Newburyport. We hope you can join us and enjoy music, food and browsing great finds from several local flea market divas. You'll find antiques, vintage lighting, vintage clothing and jewelry, paintings, gift items and much more! A luncheon will be available.
A somewhat annoyed kitty named "Butterscotch" generously lends her Christmas spirit...she's a member of the Troupe household.
A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Merrimac River Feline Rescue Society. Here are the details:
Sunday, November 11, 2007
10AM - 5PM
PLUM ISLAND TAX PAYERS HALL
8 Plum Island Boulevard, Plum Island, Newburyport
We'll be posting pictures next week for those of you that can't make it.

LB "Bougie de Jardin" ~ Our Own Soy Candles in Hand Thrown Garden Pots

2007-11-08T13:30:00.000-05:00

We're very excited about our own line of soy candles in a variety of natural scents that sooth the senses. Our candles are cast in Campo de’ Fiori’s terra-cotta pots that are hand turned and shaped by artisans who have been practicing their craft for generations.
The scents we've chosen are all natural and are aromatherapeutic. Choose from the following:
- baie de laurier (bayberry)
- verbena de citron (lemon verbena)
- dentelle à la vanille (vanilla lace)
- lavande (lavender)
- brise d'océan (ocean breeze)
- thé verts et concombre (green tea & cucumber)
- jasmin (jasmine)
- extrait de vanille français (French vanilla)
Our candles are wrapped in white gauze and polka dot ribbon and the best part is that you can reuse the terra-cotta pot after the candle has expired!

French Santons ~ C’est bientôt Noël!

2007-11-02T09:31:00.000-05:00

Le Bourdon Home & Garden has searched for vintage French Santons, a time honored hand made figurine tradition in Provence, and will be offering them at our online storefront as they arrive from France. Not only are they beautifully crafted, each figurine represents traditional French people and their stories. Master Santon makers have been making these figures for generations and represent distinguished families such as Jouglas, Gelato, and Carbonel.

Vintage santons are hard to find in good condition but their value grows as they age. The strict guidelines that govern an authentic santon of Provence is adhered to by several highly decorated Santon makers. Likewise, as pictured, this dressed and hand-painted santon, signed "S.Jouglas" which represents Simone Jouglas, who was the first santon maker to dress the figures and who is now deceased.
Each Santon is individually hand-crafted and is unique unto itself. No two Santons will ever be alike.

Blooms & Scents for an Inspired French Decor ~ A Unique Gift Idea

2007-10-29T11:32:00.000-05:00

For a rustic, highly designed or romantic living space, flowers are always essential in completing the decor and adding a warm and lovely touch. The trouble is, flowers are an ongoing expense and their peak blooming time is extremely limited. I set out to find flowers that have been preserved in their natural state that can last and provide that burst of color and texture that is so desired. I found such a shop in Paris and for more than 35 years, Rosemarie Schulz's flowers create stunning bouquets and scents for our spaces.

What sets her apart from anything you'll find anywhere is that these flowers not only look like they are fresh but they also have the texture of living plants without stiffness. Her arrangements are exceptionally beautiful and because these are almost still living, they have maintained their scent.
Anything from her line would make a gift that can can keep giving for several years. The versatility of these bouquets is endless but if you simply want to lay a bouquet or sachet on a side table, that can be enough of a statement on their own.

Le Bourdon is the sole distributor of her products in the US. View our complete line from Rosemarie Schulz.

A French Holiday ~ Noël

2007-10-27T16:08:00.000-05:00

We've been getting ready for the holidays at Le Bourdon Home & Garden! Our advertisement will be in print in both magazines, France Today and France-Amerique during the months of November and December.
We've been assembling new and vintage Christmas decorations and gift packaging and will be posting on our web site during the next couple of weeks. Free gift wrapping services will also be offered to inspired e-mail members.
Remember, our design shop hours are by appointment. We encourage you to call us for those one-of-a-kind gifts!

Antique Transferware of Europe

2007-10-22T12:24:00.000-05:00

With its striking patterns, rich colors, and romantic patterns, it's no wonder English transferware has stood the test of time. From its onset in the late 1700's to the late 1800's, transfer-printed earthenware was developed as an affordable alternative to hand-painted wares from China. Transfer-printing patterns could be applied easily and repeatedly for the working-class who saved to buy a piece at a time.
The first color was blue; later came brown, black, purple, green, red and even pink and yellow.
In the early 1800s, dinners were usually served a la française, that is, with most of the food set out on the table beforehand which is why there are so many purpose-specific pieces in a transferware set.

Important Facts

Pattern Marks - upend pieces of early transferware will include the factory's name (or initial). Use a guide to help track down both the maker and approximate date of the piece.
The Rarest - yellow is the rarest romantic transferware color and is also the priciest.
The Process - once a master pattern was engraved on copper, it was glazed with color and transferred to thin paper, which was then applied in sections to a piece.

Transferware is highly collectible and can be used as display or for fine dining.

The French Sensibility - Feeding the Soul

2007-10-08T06:57:00.000-05:00

For a space to inspire you, it should provide a sense of comfort and speak to an individual creative style. Because the French have a sensibility to conserve and an aesthetic that is foremost in their values, vintage style can add both a sense of comfort and provide the texture and personality that can speak to anyone who enters that space.
So much of what we do today is about creating moments, experiences, and memories we can share with our families and friends. A handcrafted approach using vintage textiles and materials makes our homes more beautiful and a place where people are drawn to gather and socialize.

"Have nothing in your home that you do not know to be useful and believe to be beautiful."
— William Morris

The rural experience of France is rooted in the organic and a sense of home. The inspiration of Le Bourdon Home & Garden is a picture of this old sanctuary where natural elements such as woven textiles, garden flowers and herbs, and soaps are incorporated into a decor. This creative space can allow you to pursue your own style in an inspiring atmosphere!