Winning Treasury - Challenge #31

Some words from trekkerjen......

I truly love being part of this team because each week I am entirely astounded by the treasuries created. I simply marvel at the fact that an item is chosen, in this case a photograph and from that point forward each individual weaves a web of magic around it. It is endlessly interesting to see how each item is interpreted by each individual. There is emotion behind this photo for me because it is evocative of a place where my heart (partially) belongs - Paris.

Thank you to all who participated for taking me on your personal journey. I was swept away in a sea of romance, stolen glances, chance encounters, afternoon trysts, secret rendezvous and the ubiquitous French kiss. There were naughty boudoir interpretations with bold strokes of red and burgundy and black which were visually stunning and just a tad steamy. There was also a different interpretation - a darker one, with touches of despair, wanting and betrayal and a sad little pregnancy. There were ideal mornings, where one would wake to a sumptuous coffee in a cafe, a leisurely read of the paper and then on to explore the cities markets and endlessly beautiful streets. I found my mouth to water and my memory to roam upon seeing the ideal French meal in any of its forms (le petit dejeuner, dejeuner or diner)... the crusty baguettes, the well aged fromage, the deep dark red wines, chocolate and of course the macarons. There were the romantic lacy collections with more than just a hint of vintage Paris that seem to be part of the collective impression of Paris. We were taken on personal journeys where one was reliving their youthful bohemian student days or remembering a perfect family trip. Paris is known as the city of light, and I do believe that some of you truly captured that essence with ethereal light in each piece. The globetrotting collections allowed us a more macro view of the world and made me want to pack my suitcase at that very moment. What seems to be true is that we all have a little place in our hearts for travel and in particular Paris. Oh Paris, you are indeed a temptress.

On to the judging - I started with my favourite - all 85 of them!! Oh my goodness, this is/was a near impossible task! Seriously... how can I choose just one? I truly loved each treasury created not only for their visual aesthetic but for the individual effort and creativity put forth. Again, I am just astounded at the individual interpretation of one photograph! I could look at all of these collections for days and believe I will. I have found new pieces to treasure and heart, that I will most likely buy because after all is said and done I am indeed an addict of Etsy and the artistry contained within this site. I am awed by my fellow Etsians (feels weird to use that word) you are all so incredibly talented. In the end I chose based solely on how the treasury made me 'feel' which is entirely subjective. Thank goodness I could also pick some honourable mentions - which was also ridiculously hard to narrow down. Thank you fellow non-teamies this was REALLY fun!!!!

Best to you all,
Jen


Join Me for Coffee and Tea at the Patisserie by karinagracejewelry

Congrats to karinagracejewelry! How about showing her treasury some NonTeam love?
She will be choosing the Inspiration Item for Challenge #32. She'll also be judging it.

Check back here on Thursday at noon (eastern time) for the start Challenge #32!