You've Got Paris Mail !

No, I did not fall into the Seine this week.

I've been walking round the island fishing for an idea...something to entice you with.

It's impossible to go two steps on Ile Saint Louis without noticing marine influences...

Like this ornate golden dolphin at Hotel (particulier) de Lauzun. Granted if you live by the water (the Seine) decorative marine ornaments are a natural are they not?

As a big scallop lover I moved to the right part of town.

Multiple variations on a theme everywhere.

At one time scallops/coquille were rare and highly prized by the wealthy who kept them as keepsakes and displayed as a sign of luxe.

 On a more practical level traveling monks carried the shells around as eating implements.

Their sinuous curves suited 17th century Rococo designers perfectly. The word Rococo/Rocaille means rock - shell garden.

I see Rococo curves in the many ice cream holders/support pour cornets on the island.

I'm starting a new monthly subscription sketch letter on Etsy. The February sheet is full of scallop shells on Ile Saint Louis among other nonsense.

You can subscribe for 6, 12  or 18 months and receive a piece of Parisian whimsy in your mail.

I'm not sure exactly what the subject will be from month to month. I'd love to hear your ideas. I'm open to suggestions.

Of course there will be bits and pieces of Paris paraphernalia.

THE 1ST 100 SUBSCRIBERS WILL RECEIVE A BONUS GILLOTT WATERCOLOR SCRAP added to their envelopes. Bear has subscribed. He lives right here (and is French !) 

Please take a look on Etsy .
Do tell me if you'd like to get mail from Paris.

Bon Week-end PBers.