la Brocanteuse

Oct 13, 2013

Where has 2013 gone?...

Unbelievable how time flies!  2013 is moving at fast speed, and it has been a particularly busy year in our household. 



After 3 years of "horsing around"  in several group classes,pony camps,  dedicated private lessons, finding herself and building trust with horse and trainer , it was time  for the next "big" step.
Dd started competing full force and with all serious intent this year. Every afternoon is dedicated to training, weekends  to shows.  She has become consumed with all things "horsey",has little fear of jumping the poles higher and higher.. (well most of the time)  she has really given it her all this year.




  Competing successfully  in  the 4 qualifier events   earned her a place in the BOLAND team.
    REGIONALS in  GEORGE was her first big and serious challenge  where she competed and proud to share:
 Once again she excelled and made the WESTERN CAPE  -A team.   NATIONALS followed in Johannesburg, where with much exhilaration she rose to the event  and got  placed both individual and with her team. Extremely proud of both her and Little Copper Coin
Dd is growing up so fast now.....
                                     ~*~*~*  
Horses  may very well be her career choice one day. Her passion and dedication to this regal animal  is unsurpassed. We celebrate Dd's passion and feel blessed that we can do this as a family, dedicating ALOT of time with joy! 




 Dd and her Arabian " My Little Copper Coin" 

 


..and so back to my activities:




 French Linen and Brocante finds..

What has been a "forever" passion of mine, and a hobby that grew with leaps and bounds over the past few  years, brought me to the point where I had to decide what to do about the growing demand. Up to now I have been doing pop-up events, vintage markets, and  by invitation visits where I would open the armoires at home. It  keeps me busy throughout the year,  however,  it seems  not enough anymore. My wonderful supporters want easier access to the monogrammed French linens and Brocante finds.

So: ~  I started looking around in all sincerity for shop premises, but have to admit that I enjoy having the freedom of my time.I need to travel to France regularly to keep the Armoires stocked and to feed my soul.. I cannot be committed to the daily routine of shopkeeping.I love to share the French linen in person, enjoying the new keeper's excitement. For that reason, I want to be part of the experience when each piece that was sourced, finds a new home.







 Solution:
 L'Atelier Colette

..right here at home in Stellenbosch- open to the public on a chosen day a week, as well as  private viewing by appointment and monthly open days where I will make it a special treat with coffee and cakes /bubbly and snacks - we shall have fun! 
Right now a (petit) space dedicated to all the French "Linge" is being built and all thumbs are held  tight for finishing end of November. Hopes are high to be open in December. (rain kept builders from site, so all was delayed, but now back on track) 

Many followers and supporters have asked if I will be at  "Kamersvol geskenke" this year  - NO, not so- however I am looking forward to be at my usual BROCANTE shop at FESTIVE IDEAS at  Simondium Country lodge, from 30 October -2 November ( same venue where I have been taking  part in SIMONDIUM VINTAGE market for the past 3 years.

look out for the blue BROCANTE sign..
read the story behind this sign: here


images ~ vintage market Simondium  April 2013



I am happy to share the latest found French linen, torchons, monogrammed serviettes, lace and smalls as well as have available NINA HARTMAN'S latest book that has just been released, expected to arrive in Afrique du Sud any day now!
-will share more about that and images on arrival-

I would like it if you  follow me on my Face book page with the link at the top of this post , where I post daily.
thank you for visiting here!
until next time..
et bientôt
Colette







7 comments:

Burlap Luxe said...

Oh, my sweet friend Dd is growing by leaps and bounds looking so mature walking and riding her horse. I grew up with a Grandfather who raised Arabians and involved with riding when I was young. I so am reminded of Dd 's fearlessness in how she is handling her horse and so regally.

Now Col as for the linens and holding special day events in your home to showing of your linen line you have now made me that much more jealous that I am not living much closer so I could attend everything sounds to perfect and quaint setting to shop in.
Your linen take my breath away and to see the sacks leave my heart pounding, I see pieces I would be taking home with my before I could bat an eye at it.

Thank you for a beautiful share here.
Take care nervous Mom to Dds riding, it's okay I know exactly how you feel with holding my breath at things my daughter Hannah is evolved in.

Lots of blessings to your new and old journey.

Come visit soon, share with me a thought about my grey patina of fall decor at my home.

Beauty in all you inspire.

Bisous
Xx

Doré

Woodside Park said...

Dear Colette~
Welcome back! It's been a while since your last post (which is incredibly beautiful and one I still enjoy very much). Congratulations to Dd! She looks so poised and mature. Wonderful 'action' photos there. I wish I lived closer.....would love to attend your events. Good luck!
Cheers,
Loi

Pura Vida said...

seeing DD gave me chills...you must be so proud and scared at the same time to let her be in the midst of such "danger"...but wow...how wonderful...I loved browsing through your pinterest boards last evening

The Blue Farmhouse said...

Hello Colette,
I jumped at the chance to leave a comment...I miss you but can see that you are very busy. How wonderful it is that you can enjoy your true passions...family (Dd and your beautiful linens). I'm happy for you! Love the look of Dd's face...I'm in charge her...so follow.:)

Wishing you much happiness and success in whatever you do!

Rita

French Basketeer.com said...

Dd is growing up so fast! How great does she look, confident and serious, with her beautiful Arabian! Glad to see you are well and busy. Same here; yes, where does the time go?? Sending you all best~

farmhouse-story said...

love the last pic of your sweet girl and her friend. she's found her passion--you can see it in her face:) you have a gorgeous blog, colette:)

FARRAGOZ Notebook ~ the how, what, where of hunting for & recreating the best patina said...

Colette, thanks for a lovely post! Such gorgeous pics of Dd and her Arabian and of course of your beautiful finds in France! Can't wait to come and see your atelier once you're all settled in. Wishing you a wonderful festive season!I'd love for you to drop by my blog sometime. Yes, at last the blogging bug has bitten me too. xoxo
Tania from FARRAGOZ