Brissonte'

Cake Kitchen Papers

2012-02-15T08:26:00.000-08:00

~ NEW ~

"Cake" Kitchen Papers

This beautiful line features elegant placemats, kitchen papers, cheese serving papers, table runners, writing paper and reversible placements.

The table runners come by the roll - 30" wide x 50' long. How perfect to line a cupboard or drawers, wrap gifts or even use as wallpaper.

The placemats are so lovely and look absolutely perfect on the table. What a delightful way to dress up your table.

TokyoMilk Fragrances

2012-02-07T10:26:00.001-08:00

NEW - Brissonte` now carries TokyoMilk fragrances, lip balm, shea butter lotion, Eau de Parfum and their new line of Mix-n-Match Eau de Parfum, 3 scents to layer in 6 vials. Stop in soon to try this beautiful NEW product!

Boo! I say, I'm Not Afraid.....

2011-10-10T11:41:00.000-07:00

Boo-tiful Ladies!

We have so many cute Halloween items at the shop.

Here are a few photos.....

Tara Gasparian Earrings

2011-09-20T10:39:00.000-07:00

New !!! Just Arrived.......

Tara Gasparian Rose Earrings

They look amazing on...

Don't you just have to have a pair?

Ooooo La La!

Call me at Brissonte' 978.207.1853!

Change is good!

2011-08-27T11:58:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of my beautiful Tea Room as it
looks today........

Two weeks ago I purchased a new sofa. And everyone knows what that means???? Yep, It's time for a new look.

The new sofa is a warm chocolate brown.

"Really?" you ask.

Yes, really!

I'll keep you updated as change happens.

Let the changes begin!!!

Vintage Fashion Magazines

2011-08-14T16:49:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite items to look for are vintage magazines....

Certain time periods instantly catch my eye.

Especially the 1950's.

The Dresses! The Shoes! The Bathing suits!

So fashionable, so ladylike.

Beautiful Flowers Romancing My Soul

2011-08-07T15:57:00.000-07:00

I have an "on again, off again" romance with my blog. I take pictures and never post them. I log in and stare at the page. I rehearse what I want to talk about and then never write a word. Of course all this leads to my closing the page and off I go in another direction. Only to return in a few weeks to repeat the frustrating process over and over again.

Truly, I write postings to you everyday.... in my mind that is. Instead of fretting about what to write about, I will just relax and whatever is beautiful, whatever is lovely, whatever touches my soul, that is what I will write about. Today my soul was touched by flowers.

My yard is brimming with beautiful flowers. Each one was calling my name today.

"Colleen, take a picture of me."
"No, take one of me!"
"Quiet" I said, "I will take one of each of you."

And so I did ~

Every girl NEEDS a NEW Handbag for Spring!

2011-04-12T08:35:00.000-07:00

These handbags come in 3 styles; shoulder bag, backpack, and small handbag. The shoulder bag and backpack fold up to fit in your suitcase and each has 3 pockets and zippered pouch for your phone and little stuff. What a smart designer! Prices range from $24.95 to $34.95. Lusting after one? Call me to order one at 978.207.1853 or email me at brissonte@gmail.com and I will happily ship one out to you.

Vintage Finds

2011-04-01T12:06:00.001-07:00

Pretty remnants of greeting cards of the past.

Each thread is a button lovingly handsewn onto the card.

These pretties were a lucky find one day while out shopping a few yard sales.

Her industrious nature, is my special treasure.

Lady Primrose Fragrances have arrived!

2011-03-17T07:47:00.000-07:00

"What is that Lovely fragrance you're wearing?" she asked her friend. "Oh, thank you," she replied, "It's called Tryst Noir and I purchased it at Brissonte."

Lady Primrose Bath & Body has arrived.....

We have four beautiful fragrances: Tryst Pink, Tryst Noir, Royal Extract and Celadon. Each one is available in body lotion, body cream, bath gel and silk dusting powder. The bottles are simply exquisite and, when placed in your Bathroom or Boudoir, so glamorous.

Treat yourself to a new fragrance today!

Happiness is.......

2011-02-23T12:23:00.000-08:00

I walk into my shop almost everyday. I open the door and head to my studio with plans of all the things I want to accomplish each day but today I took a few photos and as I was looking over the pictures I thought, WOW! How pretty everything looks. Stop in soon and see for yourself. Tomorrow I will be posting photos of my new Bath & Body line. It is so beautiful! You're gonna LOVE it!

Today it is Spring!

2011-02-17T12:45:00.000-08:00

I have a Spring-like display as you enter the door of the shop. Can wishing for Spring make it so? Just for today my wish has come true............

MORE SNOW!

2011-02-04T10:44:00.000-08:00

Here are some new photos of the driveway and the house. It's not even funny anymore. I want to run away from home, abandon ship, er, house, depart for warmer pastures. And, YES, more of that white fluffy stuff is on the radar for tomorrow. I am getting very, very cranky......

My poor house, it is getting pummeled. The icicles have icicles.

Help me!!!!!!!! I'm drowning in snow.......

A Little Bit of Spring!

2011-01-28T08:39:00.000-08:00

I just completed this custom wreath for a client and what a joy it was to design and create it. Surely Spring was at Brissonte' yesterday as I was humming joyfully and working with these lovely blossoms. My client will pick up her wreath today and I will be sad to see it leave, BUT I shall make more wreaths and fill my shop with the joyous signs of Spring.

It's snowing ........ AGAIN and again and again.....

2011-01-19T13:31:00.000-08:00

I actually really like living in New England. I especially love the seasons, however, winters with too much snow, must GO! Last week we had over 24 inches of the white fluffy stuff, then yesterday we had another 6 inches mixed with rain creating a dangerously icy Winter Wonderland and all day today it has rained and snowed. Now the weatherman tells us we will have another 3 to 7 inches on Friday. Sheesh......

So I have taken a few pictures of what life at my house looks like. It is really quite pretty if one does not contemplate shoveling on Friday or how dangerous it is to back out of the driveway. Ahhhhh...... New England - ya gotta love it : )

Christmas Open House

2010-12-18T07:02:00.000-08:00

Brissonte' is having it's Christmas Open House Saturday, December 18th, 10 to 5, and Sunday, 12 to 5, 19th. We will also have a special showing of Lucy Bernardin's 'Ellerbeads' jewelry; handmade and eclectic in design, one of a kind beautiful pieces. Come on by and join us for light refreshments and pastries. We still have a few Christmas wreaths and ornaments left. Come and get them before they're gone.

Brissonte' is located at 161 Main Street, Route 28, North Reading, MA or call us for directions at 978.207.1853

See you there! May you all have a Blessed Christmas.

And the Winner is........

2010-12-11T11:36:00.000-08:00

Well Ladies..... I finally wrote all the names down and placed them in a bowl ...... AND the winner of the Bethany Lowe Snowman is........

Moehale@_____.net

Congratulations Moe! I have sent an email out to you and look forward to seeing you soon.

The Mills of Lawrence, MA

2010-12-02T14:48:00.000-08:00

Today I visited Lawrence. I frequently drive by these amazing mill buildings of the past. As I park my car I stare at this particular mill. The stone work is so beautiful, the curved windows so elegant, the size and breadth take my breath away. And I wonder what it was like to see it built and I wonder about the first people to enter it's doors.

My great-grandparents moved to the Lawrence area from Quebec for the job opportunities in the mills.

The brass plaque on the smokestack says, "High Water Mark, March 1936" The plaque was well above my head, at least 12 to 15 feet high. Can you imagine all you see underwater from a hurricane. Scary......

Amazing

Stonework!

I just had to share these amazing photos with you. Enjoy!

Christmas Wreaths

2010-11-21T06:18:00.000-08:00

The fixings are all on the counter ready for me.

All the "stuff" that I will need to create magic.

No, I am not making Thanksgiving dinner.

It's time to make Christmas Wreaths.

The glue gun is fired up and piles of glue sticks are waiting for duty.

This is the week...... Climb up to the attic, dig it out from the basement, unearth it from the garage......

It's time to turn your home into a winter wonderland.

These are just a few of the wreaths at Brissonte'. Prices range from $39 to $49. Please call or email to order one just for yourself. We would be happy to ship one to you.

PS: Don't forget to enter our Holiday Give-a-way for a Bethany Lowe Snowman. The lucky winner will be chosen Sunday, December 5th!!!!!

Bethany Lowe Winter Frolic Snowman Giveaway!!!!!!

2010-11-09T16:24:00.000-08:00

In the spirit of giving this holiday season, we are launching our first ever blog Giveaway Event!

We are loving our new space and all of our new friends in North Reading. Thank you to all of our faithful friends from Lawrence who continue to fill our lives with sunshine.

Do you love Bethany Lowe? We adore her beautiful vintage inspired designs. Which is why we have chosen to give away this cheerful Winter Frolic Snowman. He is quite large, standing about 23 inches tall and 10 inches wide. Isn't he adorable?

To enter, you can do one of several things or all of them! You can:

1. Follow our blog by clicking on "follow brissonte" on the left hand side at the bottom and leave a comment on this post saying you'd like to be entered into the raffle.

2. Join our email mailing list by emailing brissonte@gmail.com requesting to be added to our guestbook.

3. "Like" us on facebook

4. Follow us on our new twitter account! www.twitter.com/Brissonte

5. Do all of the above and get entered multiple times! Don't forget to leave a comment here or by email, facebook, twitter, etc, and let us know that you do want to be entered into the raffle.

We will announce the lucky winner on Sunday, Dec. 5th!

Thank you so much and good luck!

Furniture Sale and Upcoming Giveaway!

2010-11-04T17:43:00.000-07:00

More pictures of our new space taken by our wonderful friend Christine. It was so wonderful to see her last week!

In other news...

Brissonte' is having a 20% sale on furniture from now until Nov. 13th!!!

Keep your eyes peeled and check back with us often, as we will soon be unveiling our first ever Giveaway! We have a very special gift in mind and we are sooo excited!

Our New Nest!

2010-10-20T15:08:00.000-07:00

Hello to everyone!

We are all settled into our NEW space and it is so wonderful to be here. I hope all of you will drop by one day soon. I look forward to seeing you.

Here are a few photos of the shop. Enjoy!

Whatever happened to Colleen & Erin?

2010-08-21T19:59:00.000-07:00

Have you visited our blog over the past 7 months and thought, "What in the world is going on with those Perry girls?" "You know, the ones who own BRISSONTE'?"

Do you have a moment? Well, actually several moments? This may take awhile......

December 2009, my Erin decided it was time to spread her wings and follow her dream to create her art. So off to sunny California she flew. It's been over 7 months, and I miss her more than words can express BUT this was so right for her and it was time for ME to spread my wings.

So I looked for the job of my dreams. And I got it! My boss was great, but sitting behind a desk all day, learning the protocol (it was a really hard job to learn) and staring at the computer all day was draining me of me. All of you will understand. I was no longer creating or sewing. Reading my favorite decorating magazines was a thing of the past. I was afraid to be inspired, for I knew how sad I would be when I could not act on my dreams. For 7 months I worked 7 days a week; 5 days at the office and weekends at the shop. My poor husband was so tired of hearing me whine.

So we sat down, weighed our options, (truly I have the best husband in the world) searched for a new location to move the shop to and EUREKA, it was right under my nose. I had been driving by it 5 days a week to and from work. So I gave notice at my job. (My boss really is a super great guy and I felt perfectly awful saying, "I'm resigning".) I've been one week unemployed today and I know I made the right decision. The minute the words, "I'm resigning", left my mouth, out came the magazines and decor books and the inspiration started flowing. I was free!

Free to close the existing shop, free to move to our beautiful new location, free to move and set up my new studio, free to start the creative process and open the doors to my lovely new shop. So BRISSONTE' in Lawrence, MA will officially close Friday this week, move to North Reading, MA and re-open in mid September. Oh, there is sooooo much to do, and I am sooooo happy to be doing it. My dear husband took 2 weeks vacation to work with me on this. He drives back and forth from shop to shop loading and unloading. He is my Prince. (Every now and then his crown gets a little crooked but then mine does too.)

So please join me on this journey of self-discovery. I will share the ups and downs of moving 1,600 sq. ft. of stock to a new location, of learning who I am in this beautiful world God has shared with me, of having an empty nest for the first time, and of taking a leap of faith in God's plan for me in pursuing my heart desire.

Christmas at Brissonte

2009-11-28T08:17:00.000-08:00

C'mon down and get your Christmas on at Brissonte.

Antique radiator ... didn't last in the store but a day!

2009-10-28T05:42:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to post a few pictures of a lovely antique radiator that sat on the shop floor for less than a day before being purchased.

Decorative Bird Cages from Brissonte

2009-10-07T09:36:00.000-07:00

Bird cages, sans birds, are becoming quite popular in home decor these days. Brissonte's been collecting antique bird cages for awhile now and we'd like to show you what we have as well as how others are using bird cages as accent pieces. The first 5 bird cages are at Brissonte' in Lawrence. Also included some pictures from a few other blogs highlighting bird cage decor.

Enjoy!

This picture below was featured in a fabulous post by Boston's own Marni Katz over at StyleCarrot.

Definitely check out Marni's post on this.

The above picture was on PointClickHome:

Recently, we’ve been seeing birdcages just about everywhere. No longer just a decorative accessory or home for a feathered friend, birdcages are being turned into pieces for a host of other functions. And one of our latest favorites is this chic birdcage pillar holder. At an impressive 31″ tall, this is a dramatic piece for a table centerpiece and a great way to add height and visual interest to a basic console.

Bird Cage Pillar Holder, $31; ConranUSA.com

Check out a new magazine, online called LONNY

2009-10-01T14:48:00.000-07:00

Hey there, check out this new magazine online called Lonny, these lovely images came from the home of textile designer Caroline Irving. Many of the homeowners profiled profess to be flea market aficionados.

Guest Blogging at Brissonte: Check out what's in the store

2009-09-29T04:15:00.000-07:00

Decorative Anchor Plate from 181 Canal Street, the building that houses Brissonte - there is beauty everywhere!

Crowns have been showing up lately as decorative accents and Brissonte has quite a collection. July 2009 House Beautiful had two pages on crowns, must get that and post it. Click on this picture and you'll get a close up of Colleen's crown collection:

The crown below was on one of my favorite blogs, Desire to Inspire:

Below we have a vintage metal office chair, fully restored with luscious gray mohair from Brissonte:

Shot of chair without Brissonte back drop:

Here are some other chairs that were featured in posts over at Desire to Inspire:

Brissonte's first guest blogger

2009-09-28T06:33:00.000-07:00

Good Morning, my name is Christine and I discovered Brissonte' almost two years ago. There are so many reasons to love Brissonte' but my number one reason is the warm welcome you get when you walk in the door. For those of you readers who are local to the area, there are precious few places to shop vintage in Lawrence and Colleen provides a great launching pad for adventurous souls who desire to know the city of Lawrence better. Brissonte' is located in the heart of The Old Cotton Weaving House and is within walking distance to other places of interest: Lawrence Heritage State Park,New Balance Factory Outlet Store and Fisiche lli's Bakery, home of the world's best macaroons.

Colleen and I differ on many design choices and I put together this Venn Diagram to help explain where we come together

I have learned a lot from hanging out with Colleen and her cool daughter, Erin. The most important lesson is keeping an open mind, design-wise and other. You never know what you will find there.

I am going to share with you some of my favorite parts of Brissonte' and give reference to some other design/decor blogs that provide my inspiration. Colleen is too busy in front of her sewing machine to read blogs all day. I, on the other hand, have a very bad blog-habit.

Here's the Brissonte'/Lawrence version:

Linen covered settee with two chairs

From the blog SoSylvie, via a mention on Decorno:

I hope to be doing a post on Halloween offering very soon, till then,

keep punching

Things I really like!

2009-09-24T16:40:00.000-07:00

Yep, it's been a looooong time between posts again. I am way too busy and need HELP!!!!

So tonight I decided to take a couple of shots of two displays in the shop, then load them and RUN.....

There's laundry to do - MINE! I'm running out of undies! That's never a good thing.

Faux Food

2009-06-25T12:03:00.000-07:00

I must confess ......... I LOVE faux food !

My cake stands are filled with yummy faux treats.

Lately I have been sewing cakes for

myself and the shop.

I love the way they look. They make any room feel like company is coming.

Won't you take a moment and share a treat with me?

Vintage Feedsack Tote Bags

2009-06-12T08:46:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh ……. We’ve been absentee bloggers for a wee bit. A wee bit! Nope, we did not run away for parts unknown. While running away to the northern hills of Vermont has a certain allure, I do believe I would miss the hustle and bustle of life. Needless to say we have been absorbed with obligations, situations, and sadly a lack of motivation. You know how life can overwhelm even the most stalwart of us.

So…….. Here’s what we have been working on!

These feedsack totes are made using vintage feedsacks. Each is fully lined, trimmed with black burlap and extra long sturdy 40" handles. You can easily use this over the shoulder or across your shoulder. Each one is approximately 13" deep x 18" wide with a 4 1/2" wide base.

Perfect for grocery shopping or for the Flea Market!I LOVE that each bag is unique, recycled, somewhat faded, worn, with a few holes and tells a tale. We just received more vintage bags - no wonder my hands are itching to sew.

We will be listing them at our Etsy shop www.brissonte.etsy.com. Of course, you can always contact us directly at brissonte@gmail.com

My God richly bless your day.

Colleen

For thy weary head...Pillows!

2009-02-28T07:38:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe that it has been so long since our last blog update. Does anyone know what happened to February? Unfortunately for us, we have been trading illnesses for most of the month, which is one of the reasons we have been mia. Apologies! We are so touched by all of you welcoming us so warmly to the blog world. Thank you!

I have a “thing” for pillows. At home each sofa has its very own assortment bought or created by me expressly for it. Needlepoint is a favorite and I have collected numerous finished vintage needlepoint canvases just waiting to be fashioned into beautiful pillows. Then there are those opulent silk pillows that beckon....relax with me and don’t forget your book. Let’s not forget those new fabrics made to be oh so soft. Those pillows beguile you to rest your head for a moment. "Zzzzzzz....", excuse me, was that me snoring??? Since I cannot get enough pillows, we decided to create them for the shop. Enjoy these photos of our beautiful new pillows designed exclusively for Brissonte’.

I am in love...IN LOVE...with this pillow. For a while now, making pillows out of vintage feed sacks has been all the rage, and I must admit I love the look. So last summer I went crazy locating as many vintage feed sacks as I could find (a task much more difficult than I expected it to be). After much searching we finally amassed a small collection that we are now making into pillows and handbags. So chic! $79.00

Here at Brissonte' we are currently obsessed with brown and blue. Love this color palette!

These pillows have a lovely sheen to them. Anything shiny and sparkly is good in my book.

This color scheme is so French Country.

This vintage cross-stitch was too lovely to let fade into obscurity. Now it finds new life as a pillow. Rescuing and up-cycling vintage items is one of our favorite things to do. $49.00.

~Colleen & Erin

For information on purchasing any of the pillows shown above, please contact us at brissonte@gmail.com.

All images copyright Colleen and Erin Perry. Please do not use without permission. Thank you!

Extra-ordinary Pincushions

2009-02-12T12:30:00.000-08:00

Pincushions! I have never met a pincushion I did not long to pick up and examine and think about purchasing. The more unique the cushion, the more attracted I am. I have several books about them on the bookshelf too. Recently I went through a bag of orphaned china pieces thinking I would create something really cool. So there I am staring into the bag, and my brain is perking, the smell of coffee is in the air, and eureka! Those poor orphaned teacups, creamers, sugar bowls, and planters have found new service as Pincushions. Each one is unique. All are decorated with handmade ribbon flowers, trimmed with vintage beads or charms and individually decorated. Wow, don’t you just love them? Please let me know what you think!

~Colleen

This pincushion is available for purchase at our etsy shop: www.brissonte.etsy.com

For information on purchasing one of the pincushions not listed on etsy, please contact us at brissonte@gmail.com and we will be happy to assist you. Thanks very much!

All pictures and designs copyright Colleen and Erin Perry. Please do not reproduce without permission. Thank you.

Moments that bring joy to your soul....

2009-02-03T09:54:00.000-08:00

It's snowing out today here in Massachusetts....again. It's February, which means that the moment I hear the word "snow" my face immediately scrunches in displeasure. Gone is the wonder and beauty of our white christmas, and all that seems to remain is ice, slush, and sand. The snow banks on the side of our driveway are already taller than my 5'6", and the driveway itself is covered in a 2 inch layer of ice from a previous storm. Shoveling at the Perry household is now a circus act, clowns included, and we're considering taking it on the road. Might as well make some money if we're going to be breaking ankles.

In spite of all of the cold, gloom, and cabin fever, there is an undeniable beauty to winter. I love the stillness that envelopes the world in the midst of a storm. Outside my window the snow falls quietly, no people, cars, or animals to disturb the peace, and everything feels so serene. These are moments of reflection and prayer. Looking out at the cold, I can't help but feel thankful for my warm home.

I am thankful for our neighbor, who saw us struggling and rushed over to rescue us with her kindness and giant snow-blower. Without her help, I fear we might still be out there, shoveling away. I am thankful for our two beautiful cats, who love us unconditionally and never cease to drive us crazy meowing for attention when we get home from work. And I am thankful for all of the truly beautiful people in this world that never cease to inspire me to be a better person. Several days ago my mother and I were leaving our favorite McDonalds and saw the scene pictured below: an employee carefully leading two elderly ladies over the ice in the parking lot. Truly beautiful.

~Erin

Mon Amour

2009-01-21T10:36:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is right around the corner....how does time fly by so quickly? When running a retail business, it's so important to be on top of these things, and yet I consistantly feel as if I am caught in a vicious game of catch-up. I haven't quite gotten used to 2009 just yet.

But with every new season comes new stock for the store, which fills me with childish delight. I love finding new lines and products, as well as vintage bits and bobs and various antique furniture and accessories, with which to decorate our 1600 sq. ft mill space. Not always an easy feat, I admit, but I enjoy the hunt more than anything else.

So I thought I'd share some of our Valentine's Day picks. For information on how to purchase any of the products seen here, please visit the website (updates and online shop coming soon, I promise!) for our contact information or email us at brissonte@gmail.com. Please enjoy!

Our Valentine's Day display at Brissonte.

Handmade hanging heart pillows decorated with ribbon roses and other bits and bobs. Made at our on-site studio and available only at Brissonte!

This lovely heart pillow is available at our etsy shop: http://www.brissonte.etsy.com/.

I am in love with this!

All Seasons Festooning....addicting!

Adorable little treat boxes make perfect gifts.

~Erin

Welcome!

2008-12-11T12:57:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again. A season to be thankful for the past and the present, and to look ahead towards the future and the new year. For my mother and I, the passing of this year brings with it the 1 year anniversary of our design business, Brissonte'. With all of its ups and downs, triumphs and failures, adventures and misadventures, and special memories, its difficult not to feel bittersweet. I have a lovely memory of vacuuming the hardwood floors in the studio, watching the snow fall outside the 8 ft tall windows, just a year ago. It feels like it could have been yesterday. We have come so far since those first days we spent open and without heat (it broke down the first day we opened, what timing!). The store changed time and time again as we struggled to find our footing in the design world. We've knocked down walls, moved more furniture than Uhaul, and glittered ourselves silly. Still, through all the changes, our mission has remained the same; to share the sense of wonder we feel when we find ourselves in the presence of beauty. From forgotten treasures of times past, to bits of fabric and glittering jewels. From the smile of a true friend, to the delight of a child upon receiving a bit of chocolate. We delight in the world that surrounds us. As artists and designers, it's what makes us tick. We are so thankful for the opportunity to share our vision with you, and we hope you find joy and relaxation in our latest venture. We want your time with us, whether at our storefront, website, or blog, to be a time away from time.