Friday, April 6, 2012

I wish I could have gotten to go to Paris with Paula, but it just wasn't my turn to get to go this time.  It got me thinking about the time I was able to go to Paris and since that is the running theme this week..... 
Steve and Donna Smylie (originators of 7gypsies) and I were invited to teach at a big scrapbooking event in the UK.  We were also right in the middle of doing the book
 "7gypsies in Paris."  

 Steve was overseeing this book, it was to include not only the creative projects, but they were layered with artwork, sketches, pages of printed vellum and multiple fold outs and interactive pieces.  
(Steve's sketching inside the little fold out book shown above)

It also included cute and clever little stories, comments, quotes and sayings.  The cover of the book was debossed to look like an old book cover.  Usually my favorite part of the books we have done were the creative projects, but for this book it was all the details and whimsy that came out of Steve's head.  It almost didn't matter what the projects were, with all the creative layers he put into the book design...he is an amazing artist!

I was the only artist working on that book that hadn't been to Paris.  Steve and Donna felt it was important that I have that experience to make the project more authentic, and I certainly wasn't going to argue with that!  So, it was decided that since we were going to be that close we would make the trip and spend several days in Paris.  
This is where we stayed....

 The Smylie's had a connection and we got to stay at the Paris Mariott right on the Champs-Elysees.  It was unbelievable, we would have never been able to afford such luxury!  

I was curious and looked up the going rate today, it would be in the range of $700 - $1400 a night....so nice to have good connections!

Seeing Paris with the Smylie's as tour guides was incredible.  Their insight and knowledge of all the places to eat, see and experience were amazing.  We road the metro and hiked and hiked and hiked.  I loved all the museums, the flea markets and even a couple of Donna's favorite, lesser known shops that she would go to for inspiration in creating 7g product.  Thank you Smylie's for the wonderful memory!

After we got home we had to get on with getting the 7gypsies in Paris book finished.  One of my favorite projects in the book were these "mini" projects that were all created from vintage postcards, most purchased at the flea market in  Paris.  The thought was that I would put them all in a shadowbox as remembrance of our trip.  

This one, I sewed a gusset between two postcards to make a little bag and rolled all my receipts from purchases in Paris and put them inside along with tags and ephemera gathered while there.  

Here's few more up close.....

 Postcards as covers to make a mini book

The Laduree...loved that place!  The logo from the napkin was decoupaged to the postcard.  I like that it was sheer enough to still see the writing on the postcard.
 ....more ephemera from Laduree

Little bits from the trip....

All the maps and tickets I saved slipped under the twill stitched to the postcard.

One of the sketches Steve did....I managed to get to keep this one.


The book has been long out of print, so I checked out Amazon to see if it was still available.  
I found some used copies for sale from $11 - $82.....that's quite a price range!  I got a kick out of some of the sellers commenting that the owner of the book had written their name and on the first page, and in the margins.  So funny, as those were actually part of the printing...along with what appears to be a water mark stain on the inside cover....all part of the fun of this book!

I hadn't planned on doing this, but talking about our fun little book, I thought it might be fun to give one away.  If you would like a chance to win a copy of the 7gypsies in Paris, please leave a comment.  Be sure to post by Monday at midnight.  we will announce the winner on Tuesday morning when Paula tells us about her fun at the Paris Flea Market.

Here's to memories of Paris!

deb

102 comments:

  1. What a perfect book! I love it and would love to win. (Fingers, toes and eyes crossed hoping for a chance)

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  3. A friend of mine bought this book when it was released & I've been envious ever since. Shall cross my fingers. It will be treasured :) Px

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  4. My son and daughter-in-law spent 2 nights in Paris as part of their honeymoon in 2009 and it would be great to give them this book for their 3rd anniversary in May.

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  5. Oh, how fun--I love Paris and I love 7 Gypsies so what a great combo in a beautiful book. Thanks for the chance to win it.

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  6. This is my all time favorite book and I have dozens and dozens of how-to art, collage and mixed media books. Hopefully you can somehow remove me from the drawing because I already have my treasured copy and hope someone who doesn't have one will win.

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  7. Beautiful book and awesome memories! I have never been to Europe, but you took my mind there this week! Such great memories you shared. Thank you!

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  8. Oh what a delight it would be to have a copy of this book --what a treasure. I have never been to Paris, but my son and daughter-in-love spent part of their honeymoon there a couple years ago. Since we have a French last name, it is one place I would love to visit. Thanks for the opportunity to win!

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  9. This book was my inspiration to start scrapbooking in 2005 after our Christmas 2004 in Paris! Pages were falling out due to the use and couldn't believe that I lost track of the book when my scraproom moved....I've torn apart the house and my room so thank you for the chance to win another copy of this little treasure!

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  10. OH YES PLEASE! I would love love love to own a copy of this book. I've been bidding on ebay but I'm never the lucky one with that extra pot of money :o( Please put me in the draw.

    I found this post really interesting, how you developed the book. The visuals are so drool-worthy!

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  11. Great book! So glad you got to see Paris! Thanks for a chance to win.

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  12. would love the chance to win this book. It looks incredible!
    Thanks for the opportunity!

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  13. The book looks amazing! Thanks so much for the chance to win and own this little gem. I'm still waiting on my turn for Paris, but I love reading about it until then.

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  14. Wow, I'd love that book, thank you!

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  15. Please do not consider me for the drawing, either.I have a copy and it has been one of my most treasured books.I still go to it for inspiration.It's timeless.:)

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  16. I would love to see each and every page of this book. It looks amazing!

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  17. What a delightful story of the story behind the book! Wonderful! Would love to own a copy. THANKS!

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  18. Wow, get me to Paris! Meanwhile, enjoying the trip virtually. :)

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  19. Crossing my fingers over here. A real treasure, that's for sure!
    We're planning on going to Paris this fall. I've been there once - but sadly just for 24hrs. Those hours included bus from the airport, a night at the hotel, 1 business meeting and then back to the airport. I did managed to see the Eiffeltower though. :)

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  20. What a lovely little book! I'd love the chance to win it. Your trip sounds wonderful and the Paris Marriott - gorgeous! Lucky you!

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  21. Oh, yes please! I would love this little book! Looks like its filled with inspiration...just what I need. And Paris...ooh la la. Thank you for the chance to win.

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  22. It looks like an amazing book..thanks for the chance!

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  23. What??? Are you KIDDING me?? Who wouldn't love this book to PIECES? Oooo...thanks so much for the chance to win it!!

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  24. Oh, my gosh! What a wonderful tribute to both Paris and the creativity of the 7Gypsies artists! I would love, love, love to win the book.

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  25. What an inspiring post! Your post made me think of the last time I was in Paris......and wishing I was into collecting/altering/scrapbooking at that time in my life....the things I could have collected. Sigh. But that was not to be. Now I'm inspired to tell my stories in the way you did.....I just have to decide which story to start with. Perhaps my wedding that's happening next month......

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  26. Hi, Deb!

    What a delight to read about the inception of this wonderful little book! Since I've been visiting your blog, I never thought to go back and check to find your contributions to it. I'm so glad that I bought one when it came out. I've shared it with so many friends. And, while I do have one, if I won this one I would give it to my good friend, Lynda, who has been one of its admirers! I know that so much time and effort has gone into this book. I hope that one day 7 Gypsies publishes an update to it. Thanks for the opportunity to one one and thanks for sharing your wonderful memories!
    Cecile

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  27. How did you get a copy pried from between your fingers! It must have taken a lot to let one go!! Iwould LOVE one if I didn.,t already have a copy. It is a very fun, inspirational little book. Lucky, the winner!!

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  28. Oh wow ... I had no idea such a book existed ... I MUST have! So many ideas for all those Paris memories ... I have the postcards, the metro tickets, the maps, the laduree ephemera ... all sitting here waiting for me to DO something with them.

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  29. What a treasure and special memories! I'd love the opportunity to win this little beauty!

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  30. I would love to win this treasure! Thank you for the opportunity!

    robin :-)

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  31. What a sweet book! I want it! LOL

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  32. What a sweet book! I want it! LOL

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  33. Seeing Eiffel is my dream, journaling is my passion, what a treat this book would be!

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  34. Seeing Eiffel is my dream, journaling is my passion, what a treat this book would be!

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  35. What an amazing experience! Great perk of the job. Loved seeing all the pictures as I have never seen this book. Thanks for sharing!!!

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  36. Oldies are goodies! This looks like history. Yet it is new, but old. Wondeful....Paris at 21 was a blur, but Paris at 75 would be ideal and totally different. Would love to win, thanks for the chance.

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  37. OMG, I have been wanting this volume since it was first published! I would LOVE to win it ... and I promise to give it a good home! Thanks so much for the chance, deb!

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  38. what a fabulous book...I have never seen this.
    that attention to detail is amazing...what an amazing journey this must have been for you!

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  39. teaching in the UK? yep on my bucketlist!!!!!! looks like you had a fabulous time!!!!

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  40. Bonsoir!
    I would love to win this book. I've been reading the posts about Paris longingly. 7 Gypsies in Paris would be a little slice of heaven.
    Bon chance a tous!
    (good luck to all)
    Katje

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  41. wonderful book..I am going on a retreat with my BFF and we are going to start on our trip to Paris. This would be fabulous inspiration!

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  42. Looks like a fun book! Glad you were able to experience Paris!

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  43. Springtime in Paris! Printemps a' Paris! .....
    No matter how you say it, it sounds delicious!
    This book treasure would be my virtual trip to Paris in the springtime!
    Ohhhh, how I wish! ....

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  44. Your trip sound wonderful. The book looks great too. Thanks for the opportunity to win it

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  45. TFS this interesting book full of memories and mementos! The little post card art is so cool--the way everything is placed ... just fab! Thank you for entering me in the drawing. :)

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  46. This is simply amazing! Would love to have this treasure in my home. Thanks for the chance to win this beautiful book.

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  47. Deb, thanks for sharing all of your stories behind putting that book together. So amazing what you do and what you come up with time after time...but how awesome to have been part of that project. Amazing.

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  48. OMG! I love Paris- what an awesome city to wander around in!! I have been lucky enough to go 2 times to Paris. I would love to win a copy of this book - 7 Gypsies is very fond to my heart
    :-)

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  49. What a wonderful book and lovely memory. Thank you for sharing and for the chance to win one of these books

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  50. It looks like a really interesting book - what a good excuse to see Paris!

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  51. My dear husband has been learning french for over 8 years with weekly conversation classes. He keeps promising to take me to Paris but it hasn't happened yet. Winning a copy of this book might remind him of his promise!

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  52. Would be perfect for my trip to Paris. I am really enjoying these posts.

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  54. I spent a week in Paris a few years ago with my sister. Love the memories your post has brought back!

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  55. this looks like a wonderful book. it would be loads of fun to work with. thank you for the opportunity to win it!

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  56. Love all the bits and pieces to your story and the flea market finds. So cool!

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  57. Love all the bits and pieces to your story and the flea market finds. So cool!

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  58. This is such a beautiful memory book, I'm quite envious. :)

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  59. There are a lot of fingers and toes crossed and mine are added to the list! I have never been to Paris so I love these memories you are sharing.

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  60. Deb
    I loved your post bringing back sweet memories of my trip to Paris.I admire your beautiful ability to put together those wonderful tangible experiences on paper.Thank you for a great moment this Saturday morning!

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  61. Paris is on my bucket list. I would dearly LOVE and treasure a copy of the 7 Gypsies in Paris book.

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  62. It was so interesting to read this blog post and learn how this little book was created!! So glad you were able to go to Paris - what a beautiful place you stayed, too!

    Would LOVE to win this little book; my studio is filled with a collection of Eiffel Tower ephemera! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  63. This book is amazing. I've never heard of it but would be so thrilled to own one. It is so unique!

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  64. Thank you for sharing the 'bones' of this amazing creation! it is truly a treasure. Happy Easter.

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  65. I am heading to Paris this summer. This book looks like perfect inspiration for ways to preserve the memories and all the stuff I will collect along the way!

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  66. I was fascinated by the creation of this wonderful book! Thank you so very much for the chance to win one - I would love it!

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  67. I would ♥ one of those books ... what a little gem !!

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  68. oh oh oh - pick me, pick me! that would be an AWESOME book to have and drool over! Thanks for the mini tour - someday i might get there!

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  69. Since I'm totally sure I'm never got to Paris, this charming book would be a great vicarious substitute. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  70. I am Paris-obsessed these days-would love to have this to play in!

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  71. What a great opportunity. Please add my name to your list. Paris looks like a great place--maybe one of these days--until then this would be the next best thing.

    Thanks LuAnn

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  72. What a great journey! So happy you got to go. Love a post with detail on flea market hits (or misses). That's my dream vacation. The book looks PHENOMENAL. Can't wait.

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  73. I remember waiting too long to buy this and am thankful for the chance to win it! I miss Steve and Donna's Gypsy stories and hope they are doing well!

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  74. Thia Has always been one of my favorite books! It is a nice example of all 7 Gypsies has to offer.

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  75. No where felt more home to me than Paris - love this city and plan to go back@

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  76. OMG how cool would it be to win the 7gypsies in Paris. All the mini and pictures are so fun and romantic. Such cleaver and cute ideas! I so love to visit the city of love, Paris. Here is to hoping!!

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  77. I only recently heard about this book, and was sad to see it out of print. So how wonderful of you to offer a copy as a prize - thank you for the opportunity

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  78. Ah, Paris...it's the place that speaks to my heart. The book is amazing; it would be great if a second edition was printed. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  79. Thanks for a chance to win such a wonderful book. Who ever wins it will be very fortunate :) Good luck everyone.

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  80. WOW, this is wonderful. Getting this book will almost feel like being there. What a great vacation and a great connection.

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  81. What a wonderful story behind the making of the book! I would love to win a copy of this book! It looks amazing! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  82. Would SOOOOOOOOOOO Love a chance to win this book!

    Thank You!

    Lori

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  83. Since it will be my birthday, It would be a fabulous gift...if not, I must find one on Amazon!!!

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  84. I'm not writing to win this book. I'm writing because I love how you describe it and it's great to have some knowledge of how the book came to be. It's my absolute favorite idea book of all time and it sits neatly on a shelf at the back of my bed and I gently look through it at least 3 times a week because after all these years it still inspires me more then anything else I've ever purchased.:)

    I know you guys know how much I LOVE 7Gypsies and what a hoarder I am of all the stuff I bought in the beginning. :) Someone will be very lucky to win this prize!

    Good Luck!

    Robin :)

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  85. I am so glad you mentioned this book - I hadn't seen it before and now I am in Love - Gorgeous and inspiring xx Michelle

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  86. I really enjoyed hearing about your visit to Paris...what a special treat it truly sounds like! And 7gypsies in Paris looks wonderful. I wish I had known about it when it was more readily available. I would LOVE to win a copy, as would we all. Thanks for sharing some of the projects and ideas with us.

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  87. Thank you for such a walk down memory lane... both of you! I studied at the Sorbonne the summer of 1973. Paris is unbelievable. The city is like no other. I remember enjoying the musee Jeu de Paume... That's where the impressionists were displayed then. I was puzzled when Paula wrote about the musee d'Orsay. I wonder what else has changed. I came across some circa world war II postcards of Paris hidden in my father-in-law's small photo album after the war. What a treasure... Just like this book. I remember sharing 1 toilet and 1 bathtub for the whole coed floor. I remember professors wearing the same outfit all week. Americans are loud. I remember my first encounters with Arabic men. I remember the metro and learning to navigate my way through Paris. I remember stumbling on a beautiful organ recital in Notre Dame. Thank you... Thank you... The memories will continue... Thank you. Sue

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  88. What a terrific give-away. I would love to win.

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  89. This is a gorgeous book!

    I love Paris, it is such a beautiful city. I took a long hike one morning to get to a bakery I had heard about from a friend and got there just as they were putting out the fresh breads. They were so yummy AND gorgeous to look at.

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  90. This is my Goal...Paris...one day! Love the look of this book. Thanks for the chance to own it!

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  91. What an aweswome prize! I'd be thrilled to win.

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  92. What a great book, hope I win it.

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  93. I LOVE THIS...I took my niece to Paris last year after she graduated...I so wanted to make a book like that, but naturally haven't gotten around to it yet...beautiful...thanks for the chance to win!

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  94. It would be so fabulous to win one of these gorgeous books. I have been watching them on Ebay as well and just haven't been able to get one yet.

    Kym

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  95. My husband & I are planning a trip to Paris this summer. would love to win this lovely book!!

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  96. Oooh! I hope I am not too late - just catching up after being away for the Easter Break. Thanks for the chance to win

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  97. Both Paris & the book are stunning. I've collected so many tickets from our engagment in Paris that need a little home in this book. Its bringing back fond memories. X

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  98. What a great experience you had. The book is so lovely, thanks for sharing.

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  99. I own it, and I love it! Congrats to whoever wins it. You are in for a huge treat!

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  100. I know I'm a day late for the giveaway, but I just wanted to say what an awesome books that is. There is going to be one happy, lucky person out there today!

    Smiles~
    Marilyn

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