My husband's job is journalism…Catholic journalism.
He has a colleague in France who has seven children (and if you think it's a challenge raising a big family in America, you should count your blessings). This interesting, amiable fellow has sent two of his sons here to stay with us to practice their English (despite my repeated cautions that we live in the middle of nowhere — no public transportation, no neighbors, no sidewalks for goodness sakes — it's not Paris —
— it's not even Worcester).
They've spent about 5 summer weeks each, and their sister is coming this year, in August. I'm not sure what the attraction is, since our life is simple and quiet to the point of boredom when you aren't being worked to death with chores. Oh well, they learned a little bit about painting a porch and weeding! In English…
When Deirdre wondered how she could immerse herself in French, I pointed out that Jean-Marie had been urging us for years to take him up on his offer to reciprocate. Last week, off she went!
Her plan, which I think is fabulous, is, for six weeks (part in Paris, part in Lorraine —
–where I assume she will be quiet to the point of boredom or be made to paint a porch), refusing to speak English and drawing and painting.
Consequently, her two suitcases and huge “purse” (more like a suitcase that you insouciantly carry over your shoulder, with an aim to hoodwink airline personnel into thinking you only have one carry-on bag) are jam-packed to the scale-tipping point (which is nerve-wracking, but apparently an easel is a necessary accoutrement) with art supplies, including all these pens, pencils, and brushes, for which we spent a considerable time in our favorite stores trying to find carrying-cases.
So we're in that spaced-out state you get in after a few hours of shopping, and I'm trying to get her to describe to me what she wants…and of course I already made her a pencil case long ago…
{although in trying to be clever and use a scrap of fabric with a zipper already installed, I ended up making a ton of work for myself. You know those moments when you are so smart? The shortcuts that aren't so short?}
…and finally I say, “I'll make you what you want.”
Of course.
We don't buy stuff like that.
We make it!
If only because we are worn out with shopping!
I have these upholstery samples…want to use those?
They have some paper backing for the book that has to be removed.
Some soft white flannel (just an old sheet) to line the one with the brushes…
I like this faux bark-cloth idea:
No pattern, just think about what you want and what has to go in there.
The fun part: rummaging in the trims!
At first we thought of sewing sections, but she liked the idea of being able to open up that flap and really see what is in there, then spread the brushes evenly and roll it all up.
The ribbon is sewn on the edge of the outer side. It won't fall off.
Colored pencils and pigma pens to go…
She wanted patchwork for the lining of the pen case (the pink and blue below), so I used some of the smaller pieces for that. Sorry I didn't take photos of the insides of the other two (or of her burdened down with luggage, for that matter).
Here you see the three I made this time around: in the back, the brush case, then the pencil case, then the pen case.
The latter two close securely with velcro.
Cram them in your bags and go!
Bon voyage, ma petite!
The Kampers says
What fun to spend the summer in France learning how to have a conversation about painting a porch!:) And love the cases! I have been making knitting needle cases and they are so much more fun than anything you could find at the store!
Anonymous says
What a great idea to make your own cases! I want to try it for my knitting needles. They keep poking me and/or my knitting bag when I go places. I've made my own embroidery scissor cases and needle books in the past. It is fun to customize them to suit yourself. It's a great gift idea as well. We have a similar opportunity to exchange children with my brother who lives near Geneva. My oldest son is hoping to go spend several weeks and immerse himself in French next summer and when my brother's children are older, they will come here for English (which they already know some) and American culture. It's a great opportunity for travel without breaking the bank.Joy
Anne R Triolo says
Oh, those are so pretty! I am sure they will inspire her. Who wouldn't want to draw/paint something lovely if it meant opening such pretty cases?
Sue says
Ooooh, I love that roll up case. It looks really Japanese, actually. We have a similar one that came with colored pencils, but it's just plain navy and not nearly as pretty. My girl would love one of those for her brushes. Unfortunately, my sewing machine has been put on the back burner again, since our washing machine died yesterday. That definitely takes priority!Bon Voyage to Deirdre! I'll try not to be too envious.
Briana says
Wow, lucky girl! France and pretty cases! I would love to be bored in France.
Betsy says
What fun and what pretty bags! Your story brings back memories of going to Europe a few years back with my husband. I can absolutly picture that "purse", I did the same thing. Have a safe and fun trip!
sarahovertherainbow. says
Thanks so much for sharing with your blog, I've been much encouraged reading. I found it (your blog) a couple days ago and have since tried the refrigerator breakfast mix with much success.
Anonymous says
ah. THIS is why they love to come to your house. you.deb meyers
Margo says
my favorite kind of sewing! Playing with color and making it up as I go 🙂 Yours look beautiful and I'm so envious of your daughter – the trip and the brush/pencil cases.
Livin' in the S says
This is such a cute idea. Love it! Thanks!
Deirdre says
For the record, I'm now home and catching up on LMLD (because I didn't read a word of it while I was away "in immersion") and I would just like to say that A) I succeeded in hoodwinking the airline officials, B) I was not bored for one single second (of course) and C) the cases were perfect! 🙂