I found these beautiful holy pictures with
parchment borders at a flea market in Paris. One was as old as 1890 ( there's an
inscription behind) You can still find them around Europe but you'd have to ask
for them. I do not speak the language but my sister in law, who lives in Paris
did and even then we had a tough time trying to explain what we were looking
for. There's one with a picture of St Catherine and I intend to frame it (It's
very fragile) and give it to my girlfried who's also called Catherine, this
Christmas. You can't believe how thrilled I was to find this momento in the form
of Parchment. Needless to say, I am filled with inspiration right now. Now, I
know why so many artists dream to live and work in Paris. Inspiration is everywhere - it's in the old windows in the churches and chateaus, the carvings
on the furniture, the embroidery and lace found on gowns worn by the nobility
and clergy. If you drive down to Brittany, you find some women still wearing the
traditional costume at times. Take a look at the lace on the shawls,
handkerchiefs and petticoats- they are beautiful.