Obsession: exquisite tiny things

Little treasures: A pair of earrings, messages in bottles, sand from a Buddhist mandala, pearl and glass beads, a wooden match.

I'm not sure why, but I'm incredibly drawn to tiny things. Like scale models and miniatures. Maybe it's left over from a childhood love of doll houses. Or perhaps it's because I'm a small lady, and tiny things make me feel big. And of course, I admire the skill and care it takes to make something extra, extra small.

Here's a miniature my brother-in-law bought me in Germany. The photo doesn't really show how tiny the little veggies are. The potatoes on the cutting board are smaller than peas! And the knife is about a 1 mm wide and about 10 mm long. 

Anyway, my love of tiny things attracted me to these tiny corked vials and bottles at the Hobby Lobby. They're part of the Tim Holtz Findings product line. I love, love, love the Tim Holtz products. They're so industrial, and steampunk-y. I used his sprocket gears for my Steampunk Gift Machine post last December, remember?

I know, Jolie Colis is about fancy giftwrapping. But you don't always have to hide a gift to present it with style. Besides, a reusable gift container like this is incredibly green. Who would throw away such a precious, sweet thing?

Happy holidays!

I know, it's early. But a recent trip to London has inspired me to get in the Christmas time mood. In particular, a visit to Fortnum & Mason got me really excited. F&M is easily the most gorgeous and elegant retail experience I've ever had. And a bit surreal, to be honest. You come up the centuries-old staircase to an inviting, but not overwhelming combination of cinnamon and pine fragrance. There's just enough room to walk around, and every square inch of merchandise space is used to the max. It was just captivating: sparkling ornaments arranged perfectly in glass pedestal bowls, artfully decorated trees, rolls of glittering gift wrapping paper. I wanted to buy one of everything; this is visual merchandising done right.

I was especially tempted to buy one of these (fuschia) beauties, but sadly, it was more than I could pay for something that might not make the trip home in my suitcase. The whole display was a feast for the eyes, and well, F&M does sell online, so there's still time if I change my mind.

And of course, I had to visit the gift wrapping department. I love the glamorous chandelier over the counter. Maybe I need one for my shop...

I could have stayed there all day. The papers in the shop weren't too different than what I find here in the states, but it was (naturally) the presentation that struck me! You could tell that the wooden display tables had been lovingly maintained, the employees were incredibly knowledgeable, and even the brass plates on the door hinges were polished regularly. All of this points to an immense pride in the work, which really appealed to me. Though I'm very happy with my dayjob, I had a little fantasy of donning the tidy F&M waistcoat and bowtie, and standing behind the gift wrap counter, wrapping exquisite treasures in gorgeous, fine paper and silk ribbon. Who wouldn't?!

That said, I'm brainstorming a Fortnum & Mason-inspired prezzie series. Stay tuned.

PS: In case you were wondering, the signature robin's egg blue of Fortnum & Mason came 130 years before Tiffany & Co.