Moulin Rouge Memories ~ Part Deux. . .

Once a theme and fabulous teachers are selected, the most fun for a planner has to be transforming a space into a beautiful and festive environment in which to create. Moulin Rouge just had to be decadent, vibrant and over the top ~ so I selected the most ornate centerpieces, luxurious fabrics and gilded everything. 

Plush velvet totes filled with sponsor goodies, satin chair ties with a lovely gilded and plummed fleur de lis decorated each sweet spot. . .

Our sweet event can can girl has become a tradition. Mine sits in a vintage cup on my craft table next to last year's mermaid girl. . .

 

As always, our sponsors were beyond generous with their goodie bag donations. I am always amazed and so appreciative as I know from experience that it is no small undertaking to put together 70 gifts. You must check out their amazing sites ~ Bazzill Basics, Coastal Sisters, Farmgirls, Glitterfest, JoDee's Sealah Tape, Julie Haymaker Designs, Karla's Cottage, Lulu L'Amour, Lulu Max Jewelry, My So Called Junky Life, Peacoats & Party Hats, Retro Cafe Art, Speckled Egg, Stampington & Company, Simply Me Art and The Tragic Queen.

Tables were filled with the most beautiful ladies, both inside and out (sweet Table #8 is missing since we couldn't catch a certain someone in her seat)s. The creativity was off the hook. Projects took on the style of each artist. So inspiring. Speaking of which, our most charming can can girl, Christine Rose Elle, created a gorgeous special project for us during our Dessert Soiree & Swap evening. 

Each sweetie fashioned this beautiful "Satine's Fascinator". It was non-stop crafting at it's best with a lot of help from her last minute assistant, Jessi.

There were delicious desserts and ohhhh the swaps. It's always one of the highlights. We had 11 incredible exchanges this time. It was mind blowing. . .

Each hostess and every participant put so much love and thought into their pieces of art. It is sharing at its most precious. I have to show you some lovely surprises that came my way that evening. I say surprise because while I have been gifted with many a special swap in the past, it is never something you can count on. Only hope and not think about it unless it happens. Events are my gift so getting one in return is well, you know.

Thus, once again I was taken by surprise that in addition to creating all their goodies for each other, some of the girls also made an extra for me. Trust me ~ if I had an ounce of time, I would sign up officially for all the swaps. They are that good. But the duties of hostess come first, so the feeling of being a part of all the fun is so priceless to me. Above is my glorious "Le Bijoux Box" hosted by my sweet friend, Denise. Each girl filled a vintage jewelry box embellished by Denise with a piece of love. . .

This incredible swap was hosted by the talented Sandy Navarro, a lovely vintage pocket pillow. Sandy created this beautiful pillow for me with the event art on the front and a vintage makeup trunk pocket (you know the pretty one on the inside the case where you store your brushes). Each lady added a Parisian inspired goodie. And, oh the back ~ it has a fabric label with the name of each girl.  Sigh. . .

How can you turn down a gift from my gorgeous girl, Cynthia? A bracelet full of vintage pieces of bling, you say? Yes, please. . .

Did you dream of a necklace full of vintage bling to go with your bracelet full of vintage bling? If you know a wonderful hostess named Robin, she and her can can girls know just the ticket.

And there is more. . .

A gorgeous canvas of sweet Parisian created mini-canvases from my cupcake sweetie, Julie and her girls.

The most precious box full of positivity from most lovely ray of sunshine, Rachel and her inspirational thinkers.

And then as if a can can hostess could take anymore, at the end of the evening the most creative and thoughtful soul, Michelle handed me this gorgeous journal of pages, upon pages of Moulin goodness created by her swap partners. See what I mean about hoping? It is never as amazing as the reality. . .

Needless to say, there was severe giddy exhaustion after an evening like this but there was more fun to be had the next day. After all, this was just day TWO! I know I have said my thank you's but you can never say that too much. Really such an honor it is to be able to give so little and receive so much back in return. I dare say I am giddy with plans and preparations for next Spring. It can't get here soon enough. I'll leave you with some more pictures of a few of the best girls around. . .

 

 

 
 

 

 

Comments

[LuLu Kellogg]

The song "I've Had The Time of My Life" sums up how I feel about this event. It was the best art event I have ever attended. Period.

Love you Kim!!!
LuLu~*xoxo

[holly]

It was spectacular Kim! Somehow you always outdo yourself and this event was no exception. It was so beautiful and we all felt very special and very taken care of. Thank you ever so!
Hugs,
Holly

[Katsui Jewelry]

Kim,
You know, I follow these events of yours very closely. This one looks over the top (though they all seem over the top). I hope next year is my year!
Fondly,
Suz

[Solid Oak Tables]

I love the motif red and black combined looks very elegant.. You did had a great time there... Thanks for sharing it in here..