There…I said it! My palms are sweaty, and I’m certain my blood pressure has gone up a few notches. But, I *am* addicted to the jewelry kits produced by French General…heart and soul, or should I say heart and wrist.
A few months ago I read a post on the Fig Tree blog talking about her visit to Kaari Meng’s shop (http://figtreequilts.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/08/french-general.html). Innocently I followed along and went to the most amazing website (www.frenchgeneral.com) that I’ve seen for quite a while. Beautiful photography, design, and inspiration abound…and it’s updated on a monthly basis, just to keep us coming back for more. Did these folks major in marketing at Harvard or what!
So, after having purchased a number of kits from both French General and Paula’s Kit Club (www.paulaskitclub.com) I recently talked my friend Pam into main-lining with me by sharing a membership in the Un, Deux, Trois club at French General. What is that you say…well, it’s a monthly kit club where you get limited-edition coordinated bracelet, necklace, and earring kits. (Go to frenchgeneral.com and follow the drop down menu for more information and photos of past kits.) And, when you think about it…the per unit cost of these kits is quite reasonable at an average cost of $16.66 each. All designed by the fab Ms. Meng using a combination of vintage and vintage-inspired baubles. And, since you never quite know what’s going to come your way it’s like getting a surprise gift each month. It’s not a rationalization…really.
So, the plan is that we will share the cost and then rotate the kits. One month I’d get the necklace and earrings and Pam the bracelet, and the next month flip. Well, the first box arrived on my doorstep earlier today and I’m dying to break it open and inspect the goods. (Did I mention that we agreed to only open the box when we are together! ARGH…that’s really a test of my inner strength.) So, here’s a picture of the *yet* unopened box. I will post a picture of my completed project soon. I just know that I am not going to be able to not make it up immediately.
–Penny
You left out the part that you also inspire others to join in. I always look these days to see what is new dangling from your wrist. Will there be no end to the crafts I need to learn? I think a jewelry party would be nice.
I saw this frenzy happen right here in my livingroom, everything stopped as Penny feverishly attacked her Ipod to place an order, we probably would have had to run her up to the ER if she had missed the opportunity to buy, buy, buy… LOL, Penny I love you to bits and this story is not blown out of propotion, I have witnesses..
Ronda, you had me laughing so hard I almost fell off my chair. You are so right! Hopefully you won’t have to stage a charm bracelet intervention. I’m not so certain I could kick the habit!
Thanks Penny! It was great talking with you today about beads, fabric and france!
K.