No trees were cut down for this Christmas celebration. Sadly, a rather substantial number of almonds met their demise and let's not think about the process of grinding them into a flour ... but a Macaron Christmas Tree does require at least some sacrifices. And on that note ...
Wishing you a furtastic festive season, filled with love, laughter and joy. Peace, purrs, nuzzles and blessings. x0x
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| Paris arched turquoise doors street scene illustration © Shell Sherree all rights reserved |
Drawing on Paris doors for inspiration is far easier than actually drawing the doors when they have the most beautiful arched 'eyebrows' perched ornately and symmetrically over them like these ones do.
But not being faint of heart or pencil when it comes to such challenges, I did not shy away. Nor did the bird pecking croissant crumbs on the pavement, content in the knowledge that the kitty cat eyeing it off from the floor above is the bird in a gilded cage, at least for today. And on that note ...
Happy Francophile Friday to you! PS: This gorgeous illustration is available as a fine art print directly from me via my online studio store, in a range of sizes from petite to somewhat grand, to keep your Paris daydreams alive every day. Click here, s'il vous plaît!
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| Paris book shop Le Pont Traverse illustration © Shell Sherree all rights reserved |
On a corner on the edge of the Luxembourg Gardens in the 6th arrondissement of Paris several years ago (2018 to be precise), we happened upon a treasure trove of tomes: Le Pont Traversé.
I had seen photos of this book lovers' paradise countless times on Pinterest and on the many Paris blogs that abound, but when we strolled along and unexpectedly encountered it in real life, it was a very beautiful surprise. (I wear a beret of shame that I lost any ability to plan ahead of the trip, under the weight of overwhelm over how many things there would be to see, so everything we did see was pretty much 'par hasard': by chance!)
Thankfully we did get to experience the rare and lovely nature of this gem, as sadly its loving custodian Josée Comte Béalu had to close its doors at the end of 2019. You can read more about the history of her beloved 70 year old boutique book store in this thoughtful interview with her on The Literary Hub.
While it can never replace the original, perhaps this illustration (available as a fine art print) will help keep its memory going ... close your eyes, walk inside and browse away the hours. And on that note ...
Happy Francophile Friday to you!
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| Ella Adorable Cat Christmas Sweater illustration © Shell Sherree all rights reserved |
Ella had been told about 'Ugly Christmas Sweaters' but fortunately, she believed there was no such thing.
Wishing you a Meowy Christmas and a Happy New Year, resplendent with blessings, peace, love and awesome self-esteem! Take care, shine your light and See you next year ...
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| Le Consulat Montmartre Paris Cafe illustration © Shell Sherree all rights reserved |
Ahh, Montmartre. Quaint and charming, it's easy to imagine you've time travelled to the 1800s when you're wandering there.
And Le Consulat café is a perfect way to imagine you're an artist, poet or philosopher enjoying a glass (nay, bottle!) of cheeky red wine and debating all night until the dawn whispers "Bonjour!" over the Basilica of Sacré-Coeur nearby.
Le Consulat restaurant is just a hearty cobblestone's throw from Place du Tertre and a plethora of Montmartre cafes and attractions, including the very pretty pink La Maison Rose (illustrated here), the Musée de Montmartre and Paris vineyard Vigne du Clos Montmartre. So even if you indulge in several courses of their hearty fare, you'll have ample opportunity to stroll it off before you hop on the Metro again. And on that note ...
Happy Francophile Friday to you! (Order this artwork as a beautiful fine art print here)
Le Consulat, 18 rue Norvin, 95018, Paris
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| Au Rocher de Cancale Paris Cafe illustration © Shell Sherree all rights reserved |
I'm don't know why, but this pretty Paris cafe reminds me of a wedding cake! How about you? Perhaps it's the decorative mouldings, like white fondant icing pressed onto the pastel-tinted surface.
My vintage is showing, as I'm not talking about naked cakes or smashcakes. No, I'm reminiscing about the tiered and structured wedding cakes that one of my beautiful aunts used to make for all of the family and friends in years gone by: a firm-yet-pliable royal icing carefully molded (after preparatory layers of (1) warmed jam and (2) marzipan) onto a traditional fruit cake. Do you remember those? And the slices in little rustling paper cake bags that the wedding guests would be given to take home, and if you slept with it under your pillow, you'd dream of the person you'd marry? I'd love to see how a slice of naked wedding cake hold up to that. The smashcake would look ... well, still like a smashcake. Either way, your pillows will never be the same.
Back to today's illustration, where the resident cafe cats (which may or may not be a figment of my imagination) are very much at home, and waiting for you to join them. The book on the table might well be by Hemingway, its owner off in search of the next part of Paris's moveable feast. And on that note ...
Happy Francophile Friday to you! (You can order fine art prints of this beauty Here.)