‘Scents of Provence’ Box #3 Revealed
Well, here you go ladies – the reveal of our much anticipated ‘Scents of Provence’ gift box. When you think of France, sunny Provence often springs straight to mind, and why not, it’s a region filled with ancient ruins, fragrant lavender fields, sun drenched vineyards and hill-top villages that are perched seemingly on fresh air. Wanting to bring you a selection of products that remind, smell or create images of Provence, I also thought about the colours of Provence.
Lavender, lilac, purple and sun-drenched or muted colours sprung to mind and with a pretty pop of pink for the photos I give you ‘Scents of Provence’ …
This box has something for the home, for your desk or office, for your linen press, some beauty products and a very special glamorous jewellery item. A variety of lovely items themed around Provence.
There is even a little something I picked up at the antique store, Galerie Des Arts Saint Julien, in Uzès when I was last there. Now while strictly speaking Uzès is in the Occitanie region, it is often included when people broadly speak of Provence so I’ve included this genuine little item from the South of France too.
HANDMADE LAVENDER WANDS
Every year, the famous lavender fields of the South of France erupt into riots of colour.
Using both the stalks of the lavender bush and its dried flower heads, lavender wands are used to keep insects away in linen presses or in clothes drawers but I think they can also be a decor item they are so beautiful. The flower heads are encased in the head of the wand by the stalks of the bush and all is held together with woven ribbon. Painstakingly handmade, the satin ribbon intertwines the stalks and is wrapped down the stem ending in a pretty bow. Lavender wands are a luxury item that are available in the South of France.
HANDMADE BRACELET FROM PARIS
Falling in love myself with the intricate and exquisitely made crochet jewellery by Touche Finale of Paris, I wanted to bring this special piece to you. All completely hand crocheted and embellished with the most delicate of golden beads, this bracelet is also so adjustable it will fit any wrist.
Using a draw through method to secure the bracelet to size, you can either tie your bracelet off or make a little bow for extra prettiness. Full of glamour this unique piece of jewellery will compliment any evening gown or special occasion outfit and make you feel truly special.
HONEY HAND CREAM
Lavender and bees go together like fresh scones and whipped cream and I cannot think of flowering lavender fields without thinking of the little hard worker bees.
This hand cream has honey and propolis extracts and will help keep your hands smooth. From the renown French beauty product company Panier Des Sens, I bet you will be dreaming of Provence when you use this honey hand cream. Enjoy!
BRASS BEE WAX SEAL KIT
Elegant and heralding back to genteel times, our Florentine golden wax and brass bee letter seal is in keeping with our Provence theme.
The emblem of the bee has long been associated with France and particularly in modern times with Napoleon Bonaparte. He widely adopted the bee symbol in his court and chose the bee as the emblem of his reign. The bee was also a vital symbol of French industry and one of the most prominent emblems of the French Revolution. Louis XII, King of France, even featured a beehive in his coat of arms.
Enjoy a moment of peace and quiet while you write a note to your friend (maybe using your new Vincent van Gogh notecard) and add your French bee emblem to the wax seal.
LAVENDER LIP BALM
Prettily packaged and delicately scented of blue lavender, this lip balm by Panier Des Sens will fit in your handbag or cosmetic bag easily and keep your lips soft through out the warmer summer months or chilly, windy winter months.
Enjoy!
BESPOKE PROVENCE PRINT
Lucy of Lucy Illustrations creates the most delightful artwork and has such a beautiful way of illustrating everyday scenes of France and French life. Her work is fresh and has a joy about it so asking Lucy to create a bespoke illustration from one of my photos taken in Provence for our March box was something I knew you’d love.
This original print which is available exclusively to My Beautiful French Collection Box is ready to be framed or propped up in your bookcase or on your desk. This bespoke artwork takes you straight to the charming village of Villefranche sur Mer in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.
VINCENT VAN GOGH NOTECARD
Vincent left Paris for Marseille in 1888 but on route stopped in the medieval town of Arles. He loved the town so much he stayed for fifteen months and was very productive during this time. He painted three paintings per week and his palette reflected the blazing Provençal sun as he further heightened his use of colour.
Your Vincent van Gogh notecard is blank inside so you can write your own message and it has an envelope for postage. There are a variety of cards and you will receive either: Farmhouse in Provence, 1888 (National Gallery of Art, Washington) OR Wheat Field with Cypresses, 1889 (The Metropolitan Museum of Art) OR Irises, 1890 (The Metropolitan Museum of Art).
MARKET FIND
You will find a little extra something that caught my eye when wandering around Galerie Des Arts Saint Julien, in Uzès. This antique store has huge doors that open directly onto Boulevard Charles Gide and the inside is filled with everything from antique wire kitchen whisks to huge ornate gilt mirrors.
I hope all ladies (and the few gentleman who made a purchase) enjoy your box of French goodies as much as I’ve enjoyed sourcing them and then packing them especially for you.
“Imagine traveling to another country without even leaving your couch. (I think we ALL need that right now) The smell of a handmade lavender wand and the wonderful honey lavender aroma of a beautiful rich hand cream. This dream can indeed come true my Francophiles! My Beautiful French Collection Box is created by French lifestyle blogger, Annette Charlton of A French Collection. Living part time in France for the last ten years Annette hand picks authentic French artisan and quality French inspired items to create luxury French gift boxes. And my Francophile heart simply is just in awe of everything Annette does!”
Sam from Go French Yourself
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