It's hard to believe it's our 25th anniversary this year. Little did I know that in those 25 years the shop would move across the country from San Jose California, open in beautiful downtown Stillwater Minnesota for 10 years, then move to the "North Hill" in Stillwater where we are now, briefly open a shop in the Mall of America in 2004, only to close it 5 months later (Yikes!!) Exhibited at; the world famous Junk Bonanza vintage show many times, the wonderful Stationery Show in Manhattan, the Craft and Hobby shows in Anaheim, Chicago, and Phoenix, start selling on-line starting in 2011, and now it is our main source of revenue. We have been featured in many publications including Country Living, Where Women Create, Flea Market Style, Romantic Living and more.
It all started with this simple invitation:
The not so good news is that some colors of the Doublette crepe are being discontinued. We have some stock on them, but not much. The colors that are going away are White/Yellow 3404, Fuchsia/Maroon 3350, and Yellow/Peach 3408. This is a decision by Werola in Germany, not by us. We are hoping to add our own color combinations to the line in the near future.
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If you love historical fiction, like I do, especially World War Two stories, and Local authors, you will really LOVE this true, yes, true story involving letters found here in Stillwater Minnesota, that were written in a labor camp in Germany, by Marcel to his family in France. Carolyn is such a wonderful writer that when you finish the book, you will actually believe that you have known her all your life.
While following up on a rumor that the author, Carolyn Porter purchased some old letters at my shop, which led her down a 10 year journey, I just had to message Carolyn. We solved the mystery and I purchased the last copy of her book at the Valley Booksellers in downtown Stillwater. I normally reserve reading to right before bedtime, I started to read it while still parked, overlooking the beautiful Saint Croix River.
"Seeking inspiration for a new font design in an antique store, graphic designer Carolyn Porter stumbled across some old letters and was immediately drawn to the beautifully expressive pen-and-ink handwriting. She could not read the letters—they were in French—but she noticed they had been signed by a man named Marcel and mailed from Berlin to France during the middle of World War II."
Join us Saturday, July 6th from 11:00 - 2:00 for a book signing, and a mini-make with Carolyn Porter. And if you haven't found a copy for yourself, we will have some for you to purchase.
Make a quintessential French Greeting card and envelope with our fancy ephemera and papers, with Carolyn.
If you cannot come to the book signing but want the book, you can order it here:
See you then!
Michelle
]]>Every Summer we host a soirée and sale in our shop in Minnesota. This is the one time you can save 20% off everything in our shop and for those of you who simply cannot wait or are too far away to come in person, you can save 20% starting NOW on our website! Use code SUMMER19 at checkout. Last day for savings is June 22 at midnight.
Due to the anticipated volume of orders during this sale, please allow extra time for your order to be packed and shipped.
If you are local, and want to pick up your order, add a note so we will know to hold it for you to pick up at our Soirée on Friday or Saturday. We will then refund the shipping costs.
In addition to the Soirée we are having a Vintage Sale in the back room of our building. Come through our courtyard. We have gathered some fabulous and also shabby furniture, furnishings, guy stuff, old books, enough luncheon plates for a vintage wedding, prints, fabrics and more. Everything is priced to sell! (This is a separate sale and the Soirée discount does not apply.)
Some furniture featured in the Romantic Country article about Michelle's home in 2016 are in the sale. Including a totally refurbished high quality, teal mid-century sectional sofa, a small wardrobe and striped wing back chair.
Did we mention guy stuff? Yup, lots of old metal tool boxes, wood turnings, tools, games, hiking backpack, and more. And frames, frames and more frames!
Bring plenty of CASH, electronic payments will be possible, but a 10% fee will be added for sales tax and processing.
Stillwater is buzzing in June with the stunning St Croix river and valley, riverboats, gondola, fabulous new hotels and of course Air B&B's. The nightlife is very popular and the award winning restaurants and shops all along Main Street will keep you going.
Rose Mille is now located in a quiet vintage neighborhood, just "up the hill" off of Myrtle street. Easy to get to by car, and very easy to park.
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Check out these adorable fish and sailboat ornaments made from wood cutouts, vintage wallpaper, and glass glitter, finished with gold edges and cords. Stop by the shop during the month of June and make one (or two, or three) for only $5 each. Or purchase our kit to make them at home.
There is no time like the present to get started making Father's Day cards for all the guys in your life. In addition to your father, don't forget, you can give Father's day cards to your husband, your son, and even to friends who are dads!
Our wonderful Dresden die-cuts make perfect cards for Dads. Just look at the detail in the moose heads, antlers, fishes, and sailboats, truly amazing and befitting a regal card for your guys. Adding some real silver glass glitter and a bit of Dresden borders and you have an heirloom card that will be saved forever.
Not feeling crafty? We have you covered. We love to make cards to order and we have a recommended selection for Father's day or a birthday, ready to choose from.
We also have some of the adorable sailboat and fish ornaments as well as a gorgeous super sparkly anchor ornament ready made in our studio. These make the perfect gift topper that's part of the gift.
Check out our new collection on our site called "Summer", filled with everything we have that feels like SUMMER!
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I arrived at the hotel in Atlanta on Thursday afternoon. The hotel (Grand Hyatt Hotel in Buckhead) was lovely. I had a top floor deluxe room with a view through a large circle window which I spent very little time in, there was so much going on. There was a "meet and greet with Anna" which I just poked my head in on, and a room full of attendees getting creative with quick and fun make-n-takes.
Dinner was at 7:00 where I finally got to say hi to Anna. After a scrumptious meal with desert. Anna gave a friendly welcome speech, where she introduced; the 4 lucky golden ticket winners who won a spot at the event, and then the teachers for the event, (that included me) and then proceeded to give out a TON of prizes.
After dinner I was able to set up my classroom and then I checked out the "Anna Griffin" craft room. There must have been, I don't know, 30 tables of 10 or so people already making as many cards as they could with an unbelievably huge spread of every Anna Griffin card kit, card stock, "Empress" cutting machines, tools, and papers, that you can imagine! I was so overwhelmed I had to just go to my room and crash.
My Vintage Wreath Class at "Create 4"
Breakfast was at 7:30, then off to my classroom to get ready for the first of 6 classes I would teach, which started promptly at 9:00. I was ready, thanks to my amazing helper Shemane. Seriously, she was the BEST! There were also helpers that followed each group of students, thank you all! I taught the Vintage Wreath class 6 times with 40 + students each. Everyone, all 242 attendees took all the same 6 classes, 40 at a time, over 2 days. Everyone was so nice and I learned a lot from them and everyone loved their finished wreath
Sunday, Anna set up a sale at her offices for the attendees, and bus-ed them all over at different times. OMG, the deals were AMAZING, and they even shipped all the purchases for free!! There were card kits, card stock, bags, and wrapping paper, and even bow display boxes. I was able to spend a good amount before my flight home at 1:00.
All my goodies arrived just yesterday, I am so appreciative, it must have been a huge effort to get all the purchases shipped out. It really has taken me 2 weeks to recuperate from this working, crazy crafting trip. But looking back it was wonderful, and too short! I have already heard from many of the attendees and helpers, what an incredible event it was.
Thank you Anna for inviting me!
xo
Michelle
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( I may have to start drinking coffee.}
(How did this happen, you ask?]
I met Anna almost 2 years ago at a trade show in Phoenix. Everything happens at trade shows you know. I did not recognize her at first, but I liked her immediately. Especially since she was very excited, to say the least, to be in my booth. Once I realized who she was, I did get a little star struck for a minute. But she is so nice, and expressive, we hit it off immediately. She is exactly how she seems on TV during her numerous crafting events on HSN (Home Shopping Network).
Yeah, I know...I never tuned in before either. But, now I do, especially when Anna is debuting her latest collection of Dresden trims that we provide to her. It's just a ton of fun to see Anna get so excited about our product on our television in our make-shift "bohemian" home. The only problem is, I'm also shopping. I can't help myself. They offer so many awesome crafting tools, machines, and dies etc. I HAVE to get them. It doesn't hurt that most are all ivory and gold, Anna's signature colors of Cricut machines, tools and storage devices. I do love me some gold.
I promised Anna that I wouldn't show a picture of what I am teaching before the event, because it's a surprise for the attendees. No spoilers here. But you can be sure you will get to see it, after the event is all over and done. I imagine all the makers will hopefully be showing off their creations on social media as well. I hope they hashtag Rose Mille! They do know that it is some kind of Vintage wreath. So I'm pretty sure I can say that at least. If you know me, I usually make things out of vintage bits and pieces, so it has been quite a challenge finding, not to mention designing for, enough supplies for 250 crafters'!
Here are some of the wreaths I made using vintage Christmas items:
Maybe one of these is yours? ahem (Megan)
HSN will be broadcasting a Facebook Live, live video of the event. Maybe you can figure out how to watch that. :-)) I will wave to you if the camera catches me.
Wish me luck!
xo
Michelle
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Come to our 20th Annual Holiday Soirée and Sale!
Where has the time gone. We are celebrating our 20th year since we opened in San Jose California in November 1998. We have been in Stillwater Minnesota since November 2002, which is also a long time. Come to our celebration November 10th from 11:00 to 7:00 and as our gift to you, take 20% off on everything in the shop.
]]>I immediately thought that my Festive Medallion card project would be perfect. You know we are all thinking about the upcoming holidays at the end of September right? Admit it. Especially if you are a crafter (maker). This fun, elegant project uses our gorgeous Dresden die cuts from Germany, which are still being made today on antique presses, real glass glitter, (have you seen how this stuff sparkles?) and a bit of silk ribbon if you choose to.
But then I got to thinking, why not give a choice of my other very popular project, our Minnesota collage card? We did do this one at the Pinner's conference in Minneapolis, but Junk Bonanza is a different vintage loving crowd. I cut the shape of Minnesota out of actual vintage wallpaper, added some vintage millinery flowers with my flat cards as a backdrop. Super Pretty, and Nice too.
But .... sadly, you can only choose one for this event, so start deciding now. You can always come back the next day and get yourself on the list again. Or....you can simply purchase a kit from us at our......not a booth, but a table! (or from our website of course.)
Speaking of a table. Yes!!! You will be able to shop our table throughout the 3-day show. We are bringing our kits, velvet ribbons, Dresden die cuts, glass glitter, and more. It's going to be upstairs, near the presentation area. I cannot wait, come and say hi!
xo
mi
]]>We are so lucky to have, here in the Twin Cities, the amazing Anna Gaseitsiwe, whom I met at the Pinner's Conference in Minneapolis. She is willing to share her skills in this perfect for Fall, Coneflowers and Black-Eyed Susans workshop.
Since re-locating to the area many years ago, I have noticed, quite happily that there are seasons, and months/weeks when we can count on specific flowers to emerge, well, everywhere! This month, just like last September, we have no shortage of these simple "start of Autumn" beauties. Since their visit here is rather short lived, why not extend it for a while by making some very lifelike versions for your home?
Anna Gaseitsiwe will be here Saturday, September 15 to guide you step-by-step in creating one or two of each of these lovelies. You will also have supplies to continue to make even more at home.
Anna coincidentally, is currently featured in Minneapolis/St Paul Magazine! Grab a copy for your self and sign up for our class, while there are spots available. They are going fast.
Spend a few hours, on a Saturday morning working with crepe paper, and meeting new people. We will have refreshments for you at the ready so you can keep on crafting.
Simply go to our website to sign up or follow this link:
Paper Coneflower & Black-Eyed Susan - In Studio Workshop
xo
mi
]]>It also helps to add some bling, ribbon and pearls. I always say, "If your gonna do it, do it big!"
You know what they say, "necessity is the mother of invention". In 2004, we needed to cover up some unsightly light fixtures when setting up a former (MOA) Rose Mille shop and came up with this idea! We loved it, so much that when we closed that shop, these "pendants" were promptly hung in the original, Rose Mille in Stillwater. With the high 16' ceilings, they make quite a statement.
Many have asked to buy these but, really they are so "make shift", meaning they were literally cut to fit over the other light fixtures and are held up with butterfly clips and wire. I almost forgot, some were transported to a local television for a feature segment about them a few years ago. I have it on video, I will try to get it on here.
I hope to make some up that I would be proud to sell.
]]>Yes, it's mid January and the holidays are over, but I am already thinking about this years holiday inventory for the shop. Aarrgghh, does it ever stop? Maybe it's the economy, this inspiring sunny day, or the persistent need I have to create my own designs, that is causing this year to be different. . . . Finally.
I have already begun efforts towards "Make your own Magic", my new mantra. I have completed the long awaited wool rose pin kit.
The same popular flower pin class that I taught a few years ago, made from vintage wool blankets that have been "felted" (shrunk by washing in hot hot water and dried with hot hot air.)
I have also designed some simple and stylish hats from vintage wool hat bodies, briefly blocked and self trimmed with a vintage flower, a button or a gem, in an assortment of soft colors. I will make both of these items available to purchase here on this blog, as soon as I figure out how. The Kit is now available on the web shop!!!My new years resolution is to submit a blog entry a least weekly. :-)
What would I call this shop? I wanted to use my maiden name of “Rose” somehow, and at the time I was really into “millinery”, (a fancy name for hat-making) I thought “Mille Rose” would be nice, besides, my grandma Rose’s first name was Millie! But then I thought it was too close to “Melrose” since I was in California, so I just flipped it around, “Rose Mille”, whaa la!
In September, 1998, I opened Rose Mille at 1203 Lincoln Avenue, in San Jose California, right in my own neighborhood of Willow Glen. We had our Grand Opening on November 15th. My kids were still really small 2, 5 and 16, but I forged ahead anyway, with the complete support of my husband Bob. The little cottage on Lincoln Avenue was perfect. It used to be “Lisa’s Tea Treasures” a darling tea house, just like in England, so they said. I dined there many times before. It still smelled like tea when Rose Mille moved in, (it still does now, I visited it in September of ‘07!) We displayed home accessories and clothing in the living room, the check out counter in the dining room, the small bedroom had Lotions and wedding items, and also the dressing room. The second bedroom was the creative room. We even hung fabric bolts on the walls in the hallway. The Kitchen we reserved for our “back room”.
Just before I opened Rose Mille I was teaching hat-making in Los Altos which is where I met some of the creative people who would soon teach at Rose Mille. Oh, we had wonderful teachers, Candace Kling, who wrote “The Artful Ribbon”, Kenneth D. King, who wrote a book about “Designer Tips and Tricks”, Nancy Nearing, author of 50 Buttons you can make, and Barbara Willis the well known doll artist. I too, taught classes in straw and wool hat making, fabric flowers, pillow making 101 and Christmas Stockings. There were many other teachers and classes as well. The only problem with my vision from way back when, was that these creative people did not make products to sell, they were too busy teaching and writing books. So I went to San Francisco and New York to find creative people who made things from the materials we were selling, with great success. Over the years I have put together a truly wonderful collection of artists and craftspeople to pull together the look of Rose Mille.
As popular as the shop was, retail is a lot of work and is really hard to keep going, my husband Bob was traveling a lot which made things even harder. On some of his trips he went to Minneapolis, the city where I was born! My family moved away when I was just starting grade school, so I really grew up in San Jose, but I had lots of family still in Minnesota. On one such trip I was able to accompany Bob. It was then that we both fell in love with the small town of Stillwater. It is near the Twin Cities, on the St Croix River which borders Wisconsin. Of all crazy things, we decided to move there! With the proceeds from our San Jose house we were able to build a larger house for our growing children. So in the summer of 2001 we made Stillwater our home.Rose Mille stayed open in San Jose for a while after I moved, but it became clear that I needed to be there. So we closed it (April, 2002) only to re-open later that fall in my new town. Six years later, Rose Mille is thriving. Not to say it hasn't had it’s pitfalls. OMG. But all in all we are glad to be here!!! This fall will be Rose Mille’s tenth anniversary. My how time flies.