February rose tea cup, Au Nom de la Rose, Corey Amaro

There's a story behind February's rose tea cup like there's a story behind every Paris Sketch.

I once fell madly in love with... a teacup. I'd seen it on Corey Amaro's blog, Tongue in Cheek. Corey lives in Provence with her French husband en famille. If you haven't visited you must. We became internet friends as happens. I have Corey to thank for daring me to start Parisbreakfasts back in 2006. Corey's eye for antiques and brocantes cannot be topped. I'm sure I fell in love with any number of treasures on her blog...a rabbit tureen is one I remember vividly. We decided to meet up in Paris in 2007 and I begged, turned somersaults, you name it, for Corey to bring along the rose teacup so I could paint it. And paint it I did many times over.

Naturally visits were required to flower shop chain Au Nom de la Rose. I'm still visiting, this week for souvenirs to put in your Sketch letter envelopes.

Back then I needed the right companions for still life setups with the rose teacup.

I'm not even a fan of rose-flavored teas or syrups.

No matter. They are pretty to paint.

That's what counts when you're painting still lives.

So many jars of rose petal tea...

Ridiculous really...

This was my best tea cup rendition I think and became February's letter with a few additions like the monogrammed ribbon.

While I'm at it I'm mad for rose petals.

The color variations are wonderful to paint.
*Always mention your purchase at Au Nom de la Rose is a gift(cadeaux). They will fill the bag with loose rose petals and a stray rose to boot.

I looked high and low for another rose teacup but never found the right one, much like Cinderella's suitor.

As a consolation for my obsession, Corey surprised me with a charming rose demi-tasse cup found at the weekend flea, Porte de Vanves. It's one of the few things I brought over with me when I left New York for Paris.
Merci Beaucoup Corey!