journey: paris-sande krieger

What Gypsies look for at the Paris Flea Market

by sande krieger

Paris is known for it's fabulous flea markets. Every Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting, right off the Porte de Vanves (line 13) metro stop is an outdoor flea that covers 2+ blocks. It is perfect for those looking for a treasure, small enough to fit in that extra empty suitcase you brought, that will remind you of your Parisian aventure.

Gypsies looking to fill their shadow boxes & letterbox trays with something to catch the eye would nab one of these tiny photo frames filled with an elegant frenchman or madame.

The fabric cards would look lovely framed or placed in one of the new 7Gypsies book stands.

Rows and rows of cabinet cards were just begging to be added to my library drawers at home.

Along with this butterfly button card.

A gypsy has to have a large roll of euros in their wallet to spring for this little gem but he's rare and would look quite dashing under a glass dome.

Vintage pastry molds are perfect for storing all your little baubles and bits.

Of course, one can't pass up a couple of decks of vintage playing cards to use in your next altered book project.

And you can't leave Paris without this little beauty to hold all your euro cents in, because after visiting this flea, that's probably all you'll have left.

inspired by: free people

apothecary bottles...free people style!

we were so excited when we saw this DIY on Free People's blog! 

the bottles are such a diverse product that we have seen used in so many fun and creative ways! 

we challenge our gypsies to get crafty with your bottles and share them with us on our Facebook page.

inspired: urban art

We've long been inspired by urban art and have finally created a collection that pays homage to this secret addiction of ours!  If you look closely at our new Off the Wall collection you'll see elements of design made popular by street art.

One noteable urban artist is BANKSY.   Here are a few of his infamous stenciled images.

The process of stencilmaking is fascinating and there is a lot of content and tutorials on the web if this style is something that tickles your gypsy fancy!  

In fact, many art supply stores are carrying spray paints and supplies for stenciling and urban art and a lot of them are geared towards artists who are interested in experimenting with this new medium for the first time, so why not challenge yourself and give it a try?

If you're curious about this style, there are also great books available that guide you through bringing stencils and urban art into your work.  

The Street Art Stencil Book is great starter: you get 20 different stencils designed by some of the worlds most famous stencil artists!  Plus it's packed with photos of the stencils in use for added inspiration.

Here's one of the cool stencils that comes in the book!  Don't you want to give it a try?? 

But if you're feeling a bit less adventurous you can always just 

use the NEW Off the Wall collection papers from 7gypsies!  (hint, hint)  

We'll be posting more on those later this week but they are available in our online store NOW!

We've found that part of the allure of urban art is the statement each artist makes.  Whether political or social, typically art on public display has significant commentary.

We enjoy the aspect of art making (in whatever medium you choose) that allows us to find our creative voice.  It may manifest itself as a certain style that emerges in your work, or the themes that you explore through creating. 

And just because we're sharing... we couldn't help not posting this great ad from Kate Spade.  Decidedly more "urban" than other campaigns, looks like she's got the urban-art-inspired bug as well!