A friends perspective of Myeuropeantouch Design

Written by a friend
I have seen mosaic work before but never really thought about all that goes into it until I met Monika, the talent and powerhouse behind MyEuropeanTouch Design. Looking at her work is like walking through a romantic candy store.

Monika is originally from the northern part of Germany and has traveled all around the country of Germany and Europe but has lived in the States for over 35 years. She arrived in 1981 but is still close to her German friends. She was born just after WWII so Monika did not have your average childhood. Her talented parents had to make due with little so their creativity was a means of providing for their family. In her words, Monika remembers a childhood in Germany of hunger, fun, trips to the country with potato salad and Knackwurst. She played in half fallen in bunkers, and in homes and apartment homes that were toppled over. Her parents found a home for the family in one of these buildings, where one site of the apartments where still somewhat usable.

“I remember being cold all the time, no glass, or cracked glass in the windows covered with newspaper or old woolen military blankets. My first winter coat was made from old army coats my mom took apart. (Scratchy wool) An old wood burning cast iron stove in one room, wood collected from the ruins around us kept us warm. My dad warmed up old bricks on that very stove to take to bed to warm our feet and bodies. Daddy also made pots for cooking out of old steel helms that soldiers wore for protection. I remember eating from dishes that had the “Hakenkreutz” on them found by my parents somewhere. Soldiers Canteens were our soup bowls. My parents were very resourceful to make a life for us after such great destruction. Daddy later traded home grown veggies for flower, flower for a chicken, and little chickadees for a turkey and so on. We ended up with a pig, gooses, turkeys, chickens, rabbits, a large veggie garden in the back of the ruins, and Mom and Dad did their own slaughtering, canning veggies etc. I had to help with cleaning out and plucking chickens at age 6. Daddy slaughtered the pig. I had to help make sausages and all kinds of other delicatessen.”

Monika tells of playing with shards of broken china from famous German makers that she found in the ruins of buildings and trying to put them back together again. She even asked her father to help by making a flour and water paste, which didn’t last too long, but allowed her to have semi complete pieces for a short time and ate her imaginary dinner with her dolly. This love of beauty never left Monika as she still uses broken plates to create new art…though now in a very different way from her childhood. Her work has come full circle from childhood and transformed itself into one of her many passions.

Monika’s parents, as I said were very creative and loving. She remembers her mother’s love of music and all things beautiful. Monika tells of a time her father secretly made her a dollhouse but told her he was building a rabbit hutch in order to keep the Christmas surprise! Monika learned many crafty things from her grandmother; everything from cross stitch and crochet to knitting and sewing, watercolor and charcoal.

In addition to being an amazing mosaic artist, Monika also sings in a choir, solos, duets and recently joined a Senior Choir of 46 members that perform for nursing homes singing songs from older selections known by Senior Home Inhabitants. It is a ministry of joy for Monika and I’m sure for the lucky few that get to listen. She shares her home with her darling cats who allow Monika to stay and work there…gotta love cat attitudes!

As I said, I had no clue what went into mosaics or that there were different types out there until I met Monika. The process she uses is called Pique Assiette or Tesserae and is a process that involves cutting vintage and/or damaged china and porcelain as well as stained glass to create amazing mosaic artwork which is always one of a kind. Each cut piece is carefully placed and glued solid before being grouted permanently and sealed. Monika admits that the grouting part is not one she enjoys because she does not like getting dirty! She will wait until she has a few pieces ready to go so that she only get’s dirty once.

Monika began selling her creations after encouragement from a friend. She began working craft shows and was shocked that people liked her work enough to pay for it (and I can see why!). She has slowed down the in person craft shows and is now proudly selling her work online, which is wonderful for those of us that don’t live close enough to buy in person.

I know that I have not even touched the talent that this lady possesses so I would encourage you to check out her work for yourself. Her main selling sites are easy to find on HandmadeArtists and The Craftstar.com . You can check out her Facebook page as well as her blog and even find her on Flickr.

On a personal note, Monika has become a friend and I really appreciate all her support of the members of the handmade community no matter where they sell. She is always positive and uplifting and ready with a joke, though sometimes in slaughtered English! She is a joy to know and I really appreciate her friendship.

My Shop: http://bit.ly/1rL5A93
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And again I have evolved, new handmade items in my shop

Here is a Lamp Shade, Shabby chic Lamp Shade, Handmade Lamp Shade, white, Ivory, Rhinestone lace

This is  a handmade shabby chic lamp shade, covered in vintage bridal lace with pearls and rhinestone bling, ruffled laces, 3 rows of them and covered with pearls on the edge and rhinestones. The colors  are white, Ivory and cream.

Measurements: 7 x 9 x 11 a medium size lampshade

It is terribly "shabbyliscious" dont you think.....(smile)

My Shop: http://bit.ly/1rL5A93
My Shop: http://bit.ly/1z8sqMm
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Have you ever thought about a Lazy Susan in a totally different way

This overhauled large vintage handmade Mosaic Lazy Susan it's been revived. It's uses are endless, one can use it for the obvious in the dining room now for your condiments, napkins etc.

 


Picture it in your office for your pencil holders, scissor, the cup with pens, scotch tape and such....



In the baby's room for the powders, creams, wipes and lotions, one turn around and everything is right handy.





I am sure one can find even that your cup cakes look fabulous on them, even a cake. Or just set it on the counter and have your guest's admire your new treasure.





I sanded, primed, and painted this Lazy Susan in white, distressed it a bit, covered the top with a handmade Mosaic made from already damaged cut up vintage fine bone china plate rims and stained glass.
The mosaic top also has two little porcelain girls in them who used to have a couple of feather angel wings, which I removed.
The mosaic is grouted in a antique white grout and sealed. It still turns very nicely, as a lazy Susan should.
Measurements: 16 inches in diameter and 2 inches high


Thank you for looking, come on in and see what else I have to offer.....
My Shop: http://bit.ly/1rL5A93
My Shop: http://bit.ly/1z8sqMm
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New mosaic art work, Mosaic Side/End Table and Mosaic Lazy Susan, handmade Mosaic

Mosaic Side 2 Drawer Table, Shabby Cottage Chic handmade Mosaic End Table, occasional table. Mosaic made from broken cut china plate rims and stained glass in pastels and jewel tones. Lots of roses and rosebud’s amongst matching stained glass rounds on this table top.



https://handmadeartists.com/product-details/Mosaic/Tables/Mosaic%202%20Drawer%20Side%20Table%20End%20table%20Broken%20cut%20China%20Mosaic%20Side%20table%20Handmade/?pid=20150408175054c509a


I also covered the front of the two drawers with the same method and material of mosaic, gave the drawers some updated knobs to give it the new look. This side drawer table was not salvageable in it’s original condition they way I found it. I sanded, primed, painted and distressed it.





That included taking care of - the best I could- at some runny paint from a former paint job which I was not fully able to salvage, but can hardly be seen and be considered as part of the distressed shabby look.
 Measurements: 23 inches tall, 22 inches wide, and 16 inches deep
Painted in a cottage white, I then graced the top with a mosaic from vintage already damaged fine bone china plate rims, which are cut just so, as to give the impression that all of these plates are still whole. I enhanced the mosaic with all kinds of cut pastel colored stained glass and a slight splash of jewel color.





The mosaic is sealed but not meant to be outside. I used antique white grout to grout it and it is also sealed. The edges of the mosaic are covered in gimp, as to protect. This simple aesthetic two drawer side table has experienced a rejuvenation and can now be loved again for another 50 years. The trend of shabby, cottage chic, Paris Apartment, Beach Cottage is still very well alive. This occasional table will pair beautifully with traditional and modern sofas and chairs alike to rival for the most fabulous place in your home. .


 The mosaic is sealed but not meant to be outside. This table is a mosaic masterpiece and looking for a new home, maybe yours? The shipping cost quoted is just for the east coast. Other zip codes please contact me for a shipping quote.


Mosaic table Mosaic 2 drawer side table Mosaic Occasional table handmade Mosaic Table Furniture Mosaic Table Handmade China Mosaic End Table Gifts for her Mothers day gifts Shabby Chic Mosaic Table Beach Cottage Mosaic Table Painted Mosaic Table Gift Ideas White Shabby Chic Painted mosaic table


My Shop: http://bit.ly/1rL5A93
My Shop: http://bit.ly/1z8sqMm
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Handmade Clutches, White and Ivory Damask Fabric and different designs by Myeuropeantouch

Handmade Clutch Bags,  Clutch Purses, White and Ivory Damask elegant clutch purses. Made from Ivory or White Damask, doublesided with strong interfacing inbetween, covered with different designs.



All have a magnetic clutch closure which is concealed by these fabulous handmade designs.


All clutches are  wedding clutches extra ordinare, Bridal party, mother of the bride, Summer, Garden Party, Easter gift and if you wish, just for you, because.....



Again room enough for cell phone, money and others extras.


Measurement 12 x 7



All edges on the inside are well finished and clean.
I added a magnetic clutch purse closure 



Care: spot clean or dry clean only.



Thank you for looking




My Shop: http://bit.ly/1rL5A93
My Shop: http://bit.ly/1z8sqMm
My Blog: http://bit.ly/1qHnwlr
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And yet I dove into another art form again to test my artistry and design. Look at these lovely,
beautiful designed Journals/Notebook Covers.
A Journal, Notebook, Guest Book, which is really a cover and can be used over and over again,
as the Notebook/Journal/Guest Book can slip in there.

Hand it down as an Heirloom in the future, so many precious uses.


Padded with Quilt material, made of vintage lace, from my Great-Grandmother's hand crocheted standard pillow edges, (think late 1890's) mixed with new lace, cream and ivory gimp, faux pearl accents, handmade lace and Fabric Flowers, Rhinestones, the first notebook is enclosed.
Jeweled embellishments as well as other mixed media, this piece is sure to catch every one's eye.

Whether sat out as a display in a shabby chic room, used as a guest book for a wedding or baby shower, or loved as a journal or devotional notebook, or to pen poetry, the intricate details and patterns of everything are sure to please.
These beautiful book's have a Cream Satin Ribbon closure to ensure  the book stays closed when
you want it to.



These Journals, Notebooks, Guest Books, Wedding Books measures 9.5" tall by 7" wide when closed.
The actual cover measures approx. between 8 x 14 inches
Thank you for looking


Myeuropeantouch Design
Handmade Mosaic Art, Home Décor and Fashion
My Shop: http://bit.ly/1rL5A93
My Shop: http://bit.ly/1z8sqMm
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Started a new new line of handmade, quality clutch bags for all occassions, Design by Myeuropeantouch

These Clutch bags or clutch purses are fabulous to carry for all occasions, or "something blue"!
All seems are clean finished on the inside and they are roomy enough to hold a cell phone, money and some other extras. All have a magnetic Clutch Closure.


This clutch is covered in my Vintage hand beaded Bridal lace. The lace is about 8 inches wide and covers every single site of this clutch purse just nicely. And the shimmer and shine of all the hand beaded items, amazing.





Designs by Myeuropeantouch, quality, handmade and fabulous to look at.


Something Blue - covered in the same Vintage Bridal Lace 



For you to carry to a  Garden, Summer, Wedding, or Bridal Party.





Blue Damask, cream gimp and cream burlap flower with pearls, like the morning
dew on the roses





White gimp trim on blue damask with a handmade vintage Doily Flower





If you like fuzzy, a little frizzled lace trim with Satin flowers on blue damask





and the one for all occasions, soutache trim, with ivory lace, and handmade lace flowers with
rhinestones





For the Shabby Chic Lover, a clutch covered in all vintage doilies and lace with a handmade poufy, fluffy double flower on flap.
All items are available in my shops, the links are below. Thank you for looking at my new design line.
My Shop: http://bit.ly/1rL5A93
My Shop: http://bit.ly/1z8sqMm
My Blog: http://bit.ly/1qHnwlr
Twitter: http://bit.ly/1zmJ8nL
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/X4GW6y
Video: http://bit.ly/1gi5Ww5
Flickr: http://bit.ly/1qk81ic
HGTV: http://bit.ly/X4JIc6
http://about.me/mmyeuropeantouch

What is Shabby Chic Art and Decor

since so many misinterpret this specific style of décor or art work, I decided to visit Wiki a little while ago and get some explanation  about the Shabby Chic Décor Style - out there in the Online land.

One can describe it as whimsy, White, Ivory, Beige, all pastel colors, made to look worn and old, distressed, meaning missing paint, chipped, roses, roses, roses, chandeliers, repainted, vintage jewelry, doilies, vintage lace, tea stained fabric, repainted furniture and other items to the color white with pastel colored china mosaic, yes - that too is shabby chic décor .....you get the point....

Shabby chic items are often heavily painted through the years, with many layers showing through obviously time-worn areas. The style is imitated in faux painting using glaze or by painting then rubbing and sanding away the top coat to show the wood or base coats, known as “distressing” the finish of the furniture. Furniture pieces that are not genuine antiques are usually selected for their resemblance to older furniture styles, and may be reproduction furniture with a distressed finish. Elaborate furniture appliques depicting flower swags and garlands, cherubs, and other motifs may be added.
Fabrics tend to be cottons and linens, with linen being particularly popular, inspired by old French linens. Pure whites, as well as ecru and worn or bleached out pastel colors. i.e. pink, mint green, light blue, peach, rose colored, are favorites.  Fabric is often stained with tea to give it the look of old fabric. Bleached and faded are terms often applied to the style.  Vintage floral patterns with pastel colors, cotton ticking patterns, or linen in light earth tones, are all typical of shabby chic style.




Antique pieces such as pie safes and jelly cupboards are popular in shabby chic décor.   Besides white, the shabby chic style also includes soft  neutral colors such as sky blue, rose pink and beige tones. Hints from French-style interior design often show in shabby chic homes such as Rococo-style lighting fixtures, (Chandeliers, Crystal embellished) and furniture or wall paneling.
The shabby chic aesthetic also expands to the garden, with the same design principles of using timeworn garden furniture and feminine accessories.
Rose gardens are popular with the shabby chic style of décor. Other popular décor items are pillows made of vintage bark cloth fabric, vintage linens, chenille bedspreads, vintage chandeliers, and anything with roses, roses, roses in the design.  It is a soft, relaxed, feminine, romantic style of decorating that looks comfortable and inviting.



Variants of shabby chic style include:
Cottage chic
Beach cottage chic
French country


The style started in Great Britain and evokes the type of decoration found in large country houses where there are worn and faded old chintz sofas  and curtains, old paintwork and unassuming ‘good’ taste. The end result of shabby chic is to achieve an elegant overall effect, as opposed to the  sentimentally cute Pop-Victorian. Recycling old furniture and fabrics is an important aspect of the look and was especially popular with modern Bohemians and artisans that made up a sidelined counter-culture movement during the 1980’s when expensive quality decor became very  fashionable with the upper middle classes. The original shabby chic interiors were usually considered in themselves works of art.




The early forms of shabby chic were rather grand but the style has evolved taking inspiration from many forms of  decoration. These range from  18th century Swedish painted decoration, the French Chateau as well as the American Shakers where simplicity and plainness was essential.
The Origin of term:
The term was coined by The World of Interiors magazine in the 1980’s and became extremely popular in the US in the ’90’s with a certain eclectic surge of decorating styles with paints and effects, notably in metropolitan cultural centers on the
West Coast of America, such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, with heavy influences from Mediterranean cultures such as French Provence and Tuscany. And then spread like a wild fire all over the states.




While Rachel Ashwell claimed the term at one point or other, the origin of that term, or style of décor and art is much older as one can see.
I love this type of art and décor, as one can plainly see in my art work in my shop, mosaic furniture and other shabby, cottage, chic décor.
Enjoy when you see it, it is comfy, non seasonal and yes, rather feminine. A guy would have to be very gracious to either like it or put up with it. (smile)
Monika
My Shop: http://bit.ly/1rL5A93
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http://about.me/mmyeuropeantouch

Wishing all a very blessed New Year 2015

To all my followers and visitors, thank you for coming by, comment and love.


I am wishing you a very healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year.
Here is to 2015 and may it be better than the last, my friends....

Thank you  very much, Monika of Myeuropeantouch

My Shop: http://bit.ly/1rL5A93
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