~On a Pedestal~
“French Kissed elevates people ~ family ~ traditions and romance…”
a statement I crafted for the “About” page in an attempt to describe the French Kissed design approach.
In furtherance of this philosophy, I often find myself drawn to placing ordinary things on a pedestal.
to achieve an extra-ordinary effect…
And with a design approach that utilizes so many ordinary things, it is easy to run out of pedestals.
So I often marry one ordinary thing to another to create a pedestal.
Remember this plate that I used for the Marie Antoinette Tea Party {and here} that I created from a dinner plate married temporarily with earthquake clay to an orphaned cherub fitting I found at a thrift shop.
Or the delightful cupcake stands made from candle sticks and orphaned saucers…
story here
My design brain works in mysterious ways, and while shopping a favorite antique store I had a pedestal brainstorm when I saw this French gallery table.
With a price tag of $720, this table was far too precious for what I had in mind for it.
But a few days later, I spotted a reproduction at a local thrift shop for $29…and so the wheels began to turn and my friendly contractor’s saw kicked in and the thrifty marble topped gallery table was well on its way…
to becoming a PEDESTAL…for pastries, cheese, and decor.
I hit it with a couple of coats of ivory paint {it was still a little wet in the photo which explains the crystal coasters to keep the paint from the tablecloth}. It made its first debut at a family birthday party displaying sweet treats.
It then found its way on to my round kitchen table as more of a decorative pedestal.
It stayed through Thanksgiving…
and the photo shoots for the Tuscan table settings…
and then transitioned nicely into
Christmas.
Don’t be surprised if this simple re-purpose shows up dressed for Valentine’s Day.
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A couple of very gracious and generous ladies have recently put French Kissed on a pedestal…
I received this love-ly award from Gail who is passionate about all things French and has a beautiful blog at
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The second award was bestowed by Her Grace the Duchess of Tea...
The Duchess welcomes all to join her for the delightful ritual of taking tea at
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~ at half past four each day ~
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A heartfelt “thank you” to Gail and Duchess.
French Kissed is thrilled and honored to be put on a pedestal with these awards and I promise to do all I can to remain worthy.
Remember to seize every chance to elevate the people and the things you love and admire.
19 Comments on ~On a Pedestal~
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marina mott
January 28, 2010 at 2:54 pm (15 years ago)this post is stunning!!
Julie Harward
January 28, 2010 at 3:03 pm (15 years ago)I LOVE THE PEDESTAL TABLE THAT YOU HAVE MADE AND ALL THE WAYS IN WHICH YOU HAVE USED IT! WHAT A NEAT PIECE TO PLACE ANYWHERE YOU WANT TO AT ANY TIME. I WOULD LIKE TO DO THIS TOO. THANKS FOR ALL THE BEAUTY AND GOOD IDEAS HERE. COME SAY HI
joywaltmire
January 28, 2010 at 3:30 pm (15 years ago)YOU my dear are up on a pedestal … this is a delightful makeover ..think I’ll be thriftn on the way home today
Delores
January 28, 2010 at 4:07 pm (15 years ago)What a great make over. I love your blog too!
Jane
January 28, 2010 at 7:44 pm (15 years ago)Lovely vignettes, Jermaine. I always am learning from you! At Christmas I “married” a vintage-store Haviland plate with a depression glass candlestick to make a pedestal as a gift for a friend. She loves it. With your help I located earthquake clay–none to be found in Ohio!
Theresa Cheek
January 28, 2010 at 9:06 pm (15 years ago)How smart are YOU? LOL! I love this idea. The cloche is a perfect topper.You have me thinking now…
koralee
January 28, 2010 at 10:01 pm (15 years ago)Adore your post today….love your words and images…and creativity. I will try to elevate those around me this weekend my dear friend..thanks for the sweet reminder. xo
Obee Designs
January 28, 2010 at 11:18 pm (15 years ago)Hi Jermaine,
Thank you sooo much for the recognition of my blog on yours. It was so kind of you to even remember! I have to say, I do put you on a pedestal:) I remember when I first started blogging, your blog was one of the very first to catch my eye. I just love your sense of style. Your home is absolutely lovely. You understand the word restraint and have an eye for picking out the very best simple, classic pieces. I do believe less is more when it comes to decorating. Your home is well executed and is rich and elegant without being overdone. It takes a lot of confidence to know when to stop. You obviously have proven that. I just love your pedestal you made from the table. I remember your post probably back in November around Thanksgiving when you had used the pedestal in your tablescape. I just loved it back then. I was in an antique store shortly after the post and saw a gorgeous stand similar to yours. I ooohed and aahed over it but couldn’t bring myself to pay the ridiculous price it was selling for. I immediately thought of you and how lucky you were to have one. Now I will be on the lookout for the more modest version made with a table like yours. When you see how it was made it makes complete sense and I could kick myself for not thinking of that idea myself. I guess my creative brain is beginning to rust.
Thanks for your kind words and inspiration in this post. I’m glad you came to visit and let me know. I always look forward to seeing you.
Bonne Nuit, I must go to bed now.
Have a wonderful weekend!
XoXo
Gail
Carla
January 29, 2010 at 1:44 am (15 years ago)Hello Jermaine,
I remember the pedestal with the reindeer on your Christmas table and love all the settings you design with it as a centerpiece. I should have known that it was something you created!
Love all the pictures and can’t wait for Valentine’s Day!
Carla
Rebecca R. Dyer
January 29, 2010 at 2:45 am (15 years ago)Wonderful ideas! Thank you for sharing and inspiring.
Sherry
January 29, 2010 at 8:37 am (15 years ago)Jermaine,
Again you have inspired me! You have such a talent for creating beautiful things and I always look forward to your post.
Marie
January 29, 2010 at 9:20 am (15 years ago)Your blog is gorgeous! I just visited today and have to now be your follower. I especially j’adore your post about the Marie Antoinette Tea Party…it’s a dream tea party for me. Luv’d it!!! Will be back for more.
-marie
cielo
January 29, 2010 at 12:48 pm (15 years ago)Very pretty… I have the same silver tray on your first photograph, and I just love it! Congratulations on your awards
cielo
Bonjour Romance
January 29, 2010 at 2:40 pm (15 years ago)Bonjour Jermaine,
You create the most beautiful things. I always head right over when one of your new posts comes up on my reader. Congratulations on your two very well deserved awards – Gail and The Duchess are two of the sweetest ladies in blogland.
Bon weekend!
Duchess
January 29, 2010 at 7:08 pm (15 years ago)Hello my darling Lady Jermaine, I thank you for the sweet and kind words you posted for me on what was your award day. Congratulations on both of your awards, you and your blog both belong on a gem encrusted pedestal darling. Enjoy your tiara and wear it in good health and please continue to amaze us with your lovely posts. Have a marvelous weekend.
Love & Hugs
Duchess
Deborah Michalski
January 29, 2010 at 10:00 pm (15 years ago)Did I mention you’re a genius? I love the warmth and beauty that comes thru every post. Thank you for this really special post.
Deborah
Rhonda
February 1, 2010 at 12:22 am (15 years ago)What a glamorous elevator!!! You will get a lot of mileage out of that creation. I love it!
Rhonda
Sandy
February 1, 2010 at 4:57 am (15 years ago)Well, now I just HAVE to go thrift store hopping to find something similar! What a beautiful, functional piece you made from an odd old item!
seomoz
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