Bleu de Lectoure...

If you're a big fan of the color BLUE, and if you ever find yourself in the Gers, a department in the southwest of France, find the town of Lectoure, which is located 32 kms north of Auch, the capital of the Gers, and check out an "ancienne tannerie" named

Bleu de Lectoure.

I must admit, I had never heard of the plant called woad until I went to Lectoure.  I was totally fascinated by what I saw and learned while I was there.  And, of course, I was loving every minute seeing all the various shades of blue produced by dyeing with woad!

The shop at the tannery sells clothing and art pastels and paints in the most glorious shades of blue.  It's hard to resist buying something there!  I resisted going crazy, though, as I only had a very small backpack, but I did buy a little bottle of their paint to take home with me.  I took the sample to my paint store and now every year I give my back door steps a new coat of bleu de Lectoure and dream of being in France!

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Ribbons and bows......

When I started making my Paper Doll Girls and needed some ribbon, I went searching on Etsy.  I was delighted to find a wonderful shop, A Little Scrappy, owned by Sally, who is one of the nicest sellers on Etsy.  I couldn't resist her beautiful French stamped ribbons and have used several different colors, all of which are absolutely exquisite.

Sally sells so many beautiful things, aside from the ribbon, so go check out her shop.  I'm sure you won't be able to leave without something!

Here's just a wee little sample of the luscious French ribbon she has waiting for you:

Periwinkle Blue

 

Gold 

Strawberry Glaze

 Paradise Aqua

Smoke Grey

Aquarelle

Venetian Red

Tobacco Brown

Pink Salmon

 Oatmeal

Hopefully, this has whetted your appetite for Sally's ooh-la-la French ribbons! Go on over and have a little peep for yourself! 

♥