Collected Treasures for the home, heart, and soul

Old Canning Pot Herb Rack

2012-03-03T11:44:00.002-06:00

One of the most challenging aspects of running my own antique shop
is keeping up with the trends.

You wouldn't think antiques would have to, however,
with so many people decorating with old things,

You have to keep it fresh......
.and that is hard to do without tapping into the "China thing"......

Which I just won't do....will not, can not....ever.

You have to be creative, but it can be done.

This is a canning rack out of an old copper wash pot.

It's been painted......

Filled with hand painted chalk pots for planting your kitchen herbs.....

And looks better than anything reproduced in China.......

For me, it all about staying true to what I love,

Staying "green" by recycling, and

Supporting the economy in the USA.....and small independent businesses and growers.

That's the only way our country is going to get stronger...
Think about it.

Thanks for stopping by today,

You know I love it when you come....

Old Birdcages & the Upcoming Dolly Johnson Antique Show

2012-02-29T18:29:00.000-06:00

I was accepted as a dealer in the upcoming Dolly Johnson Antique & Art show

scheduled for March 9 & 10 at the Will Rogers Coliseum in Fort Worth.

It is a juried show so I am very pleased, as well as honored to be a part of the event.

The caveat being I am limited to antique and vintage garden items.

Not that it is a problem since I have been "stockpiling" this type of inventory

for some time now since it is so popular inside and out.

I have several .....okay, a lot of old birdcages....

I am converting some into standing floor lamps while others are becoming hanging lamps...

And call me crazy, but some are even going as birdcages themselves :)

Who would want to change the architectural appeal of what is already a piece of art within itself....

Or the historic appeal of an old Hendrix cage....

Certainly not me.

And , of course, you have to have some candleabras with a little bling as well....

Along with these few samplings, I have old concrete statues and birdbaths...

Planter, stands, pots, linens, benches, chairs, tables, columns....and more and MORE.

I'm tired just thinking about it.

In the area March 9th or 10th....?

Check out the show....there are over 75 hand chosen dealers....

and a lot of unique items.

No reproductions.....no new.....the real deal from all over

the United States.....

I'm Really NOT That Person.....

2012-02-23T10:59:00.000-06:00

Really I'm not.

I admit I DO have my obsessions....but I am past having to own all I see.

I try not to hoard

Things just got confusing as I was being rushed....as usual.

We had plans, but I was watching several antique key auctions on Ebay.

I only wanted one lot which would provide me enough keys for the jewelry

I am making.

None of the auctions ended for a couple of hours,

and I was going to be away from a computer.

Like any seasoned Ebayer knows,

You just put in your max bid and let it roll...

unless, of course, it is something you just can't live without and you "stalk" it :),

but that's a whole other story...

I had the hope and expectation of winning at least one of the auctions....

My bids weren't high,

There were a lot of bidders on each auction...

I simply put in the amount I was willing to pay.

I completely forgot about the auctions that evening,

and didn't realize until the next morning I had won ALL five auctions.

Can you say "life time supply" of antique and vintage keys?

Thanks for stopping by today...

You know I love it when you come:)

Are You Hungry?

2012-02-22T11:01:00.000-06:00

Sometimes I just love staying at home and doing all the things that

I seemingly never have time to do anymore....like baking.

I honestly believe that if I had enough time to reinvent myself again,

I would become a chef as I love to cook.

I started my day making the peanut brittle I never had time to make at Christmas...

I had all the ingredients and it's really very easy.

It's all done in the microwave and the sugar, syrup, and peanut mixture gets

extremely hot.

The "magic" part is when you add the baking soda

as it seems to take on a life of it's own :)

Once poured onto a cookie sheet to cool it becomes one big patty.

And breaks up nicely for individual servings.

An absolute must is airtight storage to keep it from becoming sticky.

Not to blow my own horn, but I've been told my peanut brittle is the absolute best.

and I think my secret is the Mexican vanilla I use in my cooking.

I discovered it years ago when I was flying into Mexico so much while a Flight Attendant.

As embarrassing as it is, you can see I have used this same recipe for along time,

as the pages stick together and are covered in peanut brittle themselves....

This is the only recipe within the book that looks like this....

I think because the process goes so quickly that there is no time for "neat".

I was then onto oatmeal cookies....

They bake flat and crispy....and were gone within a day.

The easiest thing I put together was a cherry strudel.

I used prepared pie crust, filled with canned pie filling.

I always add just a little sugar to the canned filling as I find it bitter.

I top it with a few pats of organic unsweetened butter and

Fold the crust over onto the fruit.

The strudel topping is simply equal parts of flour and powdered sugar,

mixed with softened organic butter until you have a crumbly mixture.

Add the mixture to the top of your strudel and bake until lightly browned.

It looks like you spent hours making this one, and it only takes about 10 minutes.

Impresses them every time:)

Cooking not only feeds my tummy, but my soul as well.

It's amazing how "nesting" can rejuvenate the creative process.

Looks like "tomorrow" has come...

and it's about time.

I've never posted about food before, but hope to include all items shown in my

"Tutorials & Recipes" section above when I do.

Thanks for stopping by today,

You know I love it when you come.

Maybe Tomorrow.....

2012-02-19T10:57:00.000-06:00

It's a busy time, but that's a good thing.

But there is only one of me and that is a bad thing.

I look around the Shoppe at the things I have done and

the things that are working....

I try to ignore the fact the necklace display is almost out of product....

waiting on ME to create more....

and that the supply of pillows is dwindling daily....

then I remember I have no time to actually "make" anything....

So, I schedule classes to help jump start that creative process....

In teaching, I get to create.

Putting on hold my desire to learn and to

Continue the porcelain classes I've been taking myself *sigh*

And pull energy from the things I have already completed....

Allowing myself to walk around the Shoppe realizing all

I really HAVE done.

Even if it doesn't feel like that much all the time...

Probably because my soap and spray shelves are just about bare....

With customers complaining daily that their favorite candles are all sold...

But I do have hope and maybe this antique French lace will inspire me...

Giving me "permission" to stop the daily chores for just a few hours....

And do the things I love.

The only person that can make time for me is ME.....

I've just never been good at making that happen.

Maybe tomorrow :)

Thanks for stopping by today....

You know I love it when you come.

Whatever Floats Your Boat.......

2012-02-11T15:23:00.002-06:00

I am so incredibly in love with this pillow...

Maybe because of the luscious velvet, or

Maybe because of the intricate silk embroidery...

Regardless......it melts my heart :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And not that it's at all related, but I started making these

Chicken wire table top mannequins about a year ago and posted about them then.

Aside from the chicken wire being awkward to work with,

The little forms go together very easily.

I always surprise myself when I come up with a different way to

Use something I make, when it is so obvious in the first place??

I think these little ladies look perfect used as a lamp shade over a

Stick type lamp......allowing just the right amount of lighting,

and wonderful whimsy.

Dress them up, or dress them down

for whatever look that floats your boat....

Thank for stopping by today,

You know I love it when you come...

Back to getting ready for the Dolly Johnson Antique Show

March 9th in Fort Worth....

See you later :)

~Lamp Revamp~

2012-02-03T15:28:00.001-06:00

I promise you, these are NOT the type of lamps I would go out looking for.

Definitely late 80's or early 90's and just not old enough for my liking.

Still, they were brought to me, so here they are.

One thing they had going for them was their really big size...

I am a Texas girl, after all :)

and the fact they are NOT resin....just can't do resin....ever.

The one on the left is in it's original state.....not ugly, but not good.

I quickly gesso covered each lamp base with two light coats.

It dries very quickly, so I was able to transfer my number graphics onto the bases in no time at all,

making this a relatively quick project.

I then filled my transfer outline in with black paint.

After a coat of furniture restoration stain was applied...

(not a trade secret, just all I had on hand)

a heavy rub, and lamp shades....they were done.....

I'm not "in love", but am definitely "in like" :)

Thanks for stopping by today....

You know I love it when you come....

Happy Weekend!

I'm A Purist @ Heart

2012-02-02T18:20:00.001-06:00

Truly I am.

Although I'm sure that point could be argued since I paint,

saw, reupholster, alter, and repurpose with the best of 'em.

Still, when I run across a piece like this I am reminded just why I

fell in love with antiques.

Yeah, it's a grandmother's chair, but it's old so shouldn't it be?

I adore the old silk brocade fabric....in excellent condition.

I love the rich carvings and the darkness of the wood.

I adore it all.

If you love textiles, the richness of the fabric feeds your senses....

Will it sell this way?......who knows.

Will it stay this way?.....who knows.

Will it end up white and reupholstered.....who really knows.

What I do know is for now I'm embracing it for exactly what it is...

and that is old,

and original

and beautiful.

and that's the purist in me :)

Thanks for stopping by today,

You know I love it when you come.

I'm joining Vintage Inspiration Friday,

Potpourri Friday,

Feather Your Nest Friday,

and

Furniture Feature Friday...
and of course....

Pink Friday

Happy Day!

I'm a Little Bit in Love Now.....

2012-01-28T15:06:00.005-06:00

I so wish I had taken a "before" picture of this chair,

mainly so you could be as impressed as I am with the end results :)

Picture this.......

an ugly reddish brown wood....

bright royal blue 1970's fabric.....

U~G~L~Y

and the problem was...it was a consignment piece....

in my Shoppe.....lookin' bad.

I finally told the man that if he wanted me to ever sell his aunt's chair

he would have to give me creative license.

I knew I didn't want to pay to have it recovered....

wasn't MY chair but I knew I could make a difference.

I primed and painted the wood, then applied two heavy coats of gesso to the fabric

allowing it to dry completely in between coats.

The good thing about gesso is that it still allows the fabric to move

so you can still sit in the chair as if it were fabric.

I distressed the wood....

Added the French graphics by transferring the pattern onto the gesso....

Painted it out.....and here you go.....

And I have to tell you now....

I'm a little bit in love :)

Thanks for stopping by today...

You know I love it when you come.

I'm linking to Kathleen's White Wednesday...

and Wow Us Wednesdays.

Nettie Jane Ruffle Bags

2012-01-26T17:13:00.001-06:00

I have made this style bag for some time now,

But have just started making the smaller version for

Younger girls.

This came from my sweet 2 1/2 year old Tatsey

Wanting a "GhiGhi Bag"

I have always made my own labels....

Can you see me on the far right?

But now I have a "Nettie Jane be'be" label as well.

The label is almost as big as the bag :)

Thanks for stopping by today,

You know I love it when you come.

I am linking to Potpourri Friday at Honey 2805......

Lots of fun stuff.

aka "GhiGhi" :)

Making the Best of a "Good Deal"

2012-01-25T11:30:00.002-06:00

Although I'm not a big fan of the 1940's waterfall front furniture,

I do have a tendency to be unable to pass on a really good deal.

Sometimes though, there are reasons why something is "such a good deal".

I found this piece....

The outside veneer was good....

Pulled out a drawer and all was tight....

However....mental note...

Pull out ALL the drawers to check them, even if you are in a hurry.

After beating myself up for a couple of days,

I knew I had to do something to make this work.

We removed all the drawers....

Absolute trash, and I don't say that about much.

Added "bottoms" to the drawer spaces,

Along with some decorative trim to make it look more original.

Painted it out.

Added the baskets,

And felt a whole lot better about my "good deal".

Today I'm joining White Wednesday.,
Furniture Feature Friday,
Feather Your Nest Friday, and
Vintage Inspiration Friday.

Thanks for stopping by today,

You know I love it when you come :)

my love affair with lace pincushions sigh

2012-01-20T14:04:00.000-06:00

Over the years I have come across various beautiful antique lace.

pincushions and, if the price was right (and sometimes when it wasn't)...

I always brought them home with me.

Something about their intricate, delicate beauty.

simply speaks to me and touches my heart.

The fact that something so utilitarian would be.

made into something so gorgeous.

proves to me we are not the only ones with vision, talent, and creativity.

Except they had so many fewer materials and products.

to work with.....they were truly artists.

All are absolutely beautiful.

Thank you for stopping by today,

you know I love it when you come.

Also, please know, that if you choose to follow me....

I always follow back :)

I'm joining How Sweet the Sound's Pink Saturday where

we share the preciousness of pink.

Antique Cabinet Transformation

2012-01-18T19:44:00.002-06:00

What a great end result.

The top piece was purchased last October at my

Trade Days Antique Flea Market.

I didn't know what direction it would go,

but I knew it had great style, and

that I shouldn't let it get away from me.

It has wonderful old bead board

and great drawers and doors.

Below is it's original state.....

Nice, but in need of a fresh coat of WHITE paint....

I love the grandness of it now....

It stands about 9 foot tall with the bottom cabinet.

It's awesome.

Thanks for stopping by today,

you know I love it when you come.

I'm linking to Furniture Feature Friday,

Feather Your Nest Friday,

Vintage Inspiration Friday,

Potpourri Friday

sad little footstool ------happy little footstool

2012-01-14T15:13:00.000-06:00

This antique footstool was covered in five layers of rotten fabric....

poor thing.

But it was just so dang cute.....

And I knew it needed a new life....

And that's what it got.....

Still all the character of the old wood and definitely still showing it's age....

But with new purpose....

Recycle, repurpose, reuse.....it makes for a better world:)

Thanks for stopping by today....

You know I love it when you come.

The Preciousness of Pink

2012-01-13T18:15:00.000-06:00

What is it about the color pink that emits preciousness?

Is it because it's like a big hug, or

Because it is the color that represents little girls?

Maybe that is why I am saddened about the fact that

I am removing the majority of pink from my Shoppe.

It's simply a business decision as I have to stay with the trends

and what sells, and

preciousness isn't selling.

It doesn't mean I don't still love it *sigh*....

cause I do.

Thanks for stopping by today...

You know I love it when you come.

I'm linking to Beverly's Pink Saturday where PINK is always in.

2012-01-11T16:42:00.001-06:00

Imagine my delight today when I was told I had been accepted

as a dealer at the March Dolly Johnson Antique and Art

Showcase Sale in Fort Worth.

It is a coveted sale to participate in and I will be

taking only antique and vintage garden items.

I am committed to doing several "off campus" sales this year and

couldn't be more excited to start with this one.

Lots of hard work, but it should be a ball!!

Stay tuned for more info to come.......

In A Perfect World.....

2012-01-10T15:37:00.002-06:00

It all gets done quickly and easily.....

But I don't live in a perfect world......however....

That hasn't stopped me from starting the year with a whole new look though.

I've added more all white vignettes for impact and eye appeal.

Nothing in the Shoppe has gone untouched....

Many things just not "making the cut" and being removed altogether.

Other areas becoming cozy English reading nooks,

Focusing on comfort and beauty.

All of my laces finding a storage place where they are

Also visible and beautiful....like an old dry goods store.

It's been a busy two weeks, but I'm getting there.

So much more to come, but it all takes time.....

Thanks for stopping by today,

You know I love it when you come.

I'm linking to Kathleen's White Wednesday this week.

It's a Whole New Year.......

2011-12-30T09:59:00.003-06:00

It's always exciting to start a new year.

It's my time of the year to make new plans for the Shoppe,

Initiating new ideas for promotions and events.

I evaluate what worked during the previous twelve months,

and determine what to keep and develop

and what to walk away from.

I'm looking forward to doing some "off campus" shows and sales next year

as well as events here at the Shoppe.

I have some innovative ideas to keep the inventory moving rather than

becoming stale as it can often do in an industry like mine.

I have started to completely redesign the Shoppe,

moving and shoving furniture and display cabinets around....

thinking I am super woman, but getting it done nonetheless.

I'm purging certain items altogether and

bringing other wonderful things in to take their place.

I have a whole new blog design which makes me happy, and clean, and fresh, and new.

I'm feeling the excitement of a wonderful new year,

and I am grateful to still be here as so many small

businesses have closed in this economy.

I have all my "locals" to thank for that and I know it.

I appreciate you more than you know and

look forward to a glorious 2012.

Here's lookin' at you, kid.

Have a safe and healthly new year!!!

La Princesse' Dress Up Trunk.....

2011-12-21T17:00:00.002-06:00

Owning a retail shoppe this time of the year is busy enough,

but then take on the job of making the things your

family wants for Christmas....well, it's down to the last minute.

I wanted a dress up trunk for my sweet baby girl, Tatsey.

I started with an old army trunk,

Painted it white and distressed it a bit....

Taped off the pink stripes...

Because she is all girl, for sure.

I painted the open areas with the palest of pinks to match her room...

This made for a soft contrast....

Much softer than the picture depicts.

And added her princess crown.....

Because after all, she is you know :)

And such a precious one at that....

This week I'm joining with Honey 2805

Debra at Common Ground

Feather your Nest Friday,

and of course....

Beverly's Pink Saturday.

Merry, Merry Christmas, Ya'll

I've Got a New Picker.....

2011-12-12T19:45:00.000-06:00

I have a new picker that is bringing me one after another of these

Precious little wooden doll chests and dressers in all different sizes and styles.

This little black one had bright red rose cheesy decals between ugly knobs.

I was able to remove the decals keeping the original paint, and

Replaced the knobs with some fantastic brown and black porcelain door knobs.

The scale is completely different, which really makes the piece unique and special....

The piece sold right away at my recent holiday open house,

With two other customers calling back to see if I could find one for them...

Goes to show you, the best time to buy an antique is

When you see it :)

The little white doll dresser was painted white and distressed.

Wouldn't it make a precious jewelry box!

In between the birth of my new grandson, keeping up with Tatsey,

the Shoppe, and life in general, my time is not my own....

But it's always good.....

Happy Holidays,

I've missed you.

The One Most Important Rule of Design to Always Remember....

2011-11-27T16:39:00.001-06:00

......is there ARE no rules.

I have long told my customers to always buy the things they love.

In doing this, they will all have a common denominator...

And blend together as your own personal style

Take ideas from books and magazines,

but trust your instincts buying what you love

and not what someone tells you you should love.

By surrounding yourself with things you love,

you will feed your soul and find safety

and security within your home.

Crystal lamps in the kitchen and

using my daily dishes for display

makes me happy...

And, after all, that's what design is all about.

I Love It When That Happens......

2011-11-25T20:01:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving is but a blur, except for all of the leftover food in the fridge......

and we are already into the Christmas holiday mode, or almost everyone is it seems.

I had planned on being closed on Friday....enjoying an extra day off and enjoying my family....

But that didn't happen..

Instead I had my first Green Black Friday Sale.......

Encouraging customers to re purpose, reuse, and buy vintage and antique items which is the

Ultimate in recycling......

While customers shopped, I played.......or what I call playing.

I sorted bags of lace....finding this set of antique cuffs and matching collar,

And this beautiful old crochet purse.

I started working with my silk velvet, making ruched roses for embellishing purses, scarves,

and anything else you can think of.

The larger ones are perfect for lamp shades and large handbags.

Then I came across an old rayon ruffle from a vintage full slip,

And it became a large rose for some future project.....

Although the Shoppe was busy all day,

It was one of the most relaxing days I've had in a long time....

And I love it when that happens.

Just How Does a Tradition BECOME a Tradition?

2011-11-23T11:33:00.000-06:00

It was quite by accident, I assure you.

Nothing that I put hours into thinking about trying to come up

with the perfect tradition my family would remember always

and continue after I'm gone.

Of course, special family dinners always start with a beautiful table....

Never, ever any paper plates or napkins here.......

And plastic utensils, or plastic anything.....oh, my....just can't do it!

But the year I came across these glass star candle holders was the year it all made sense.

Several things were going on within our family group......my breast cancer, Papa's George's stroke, an armed robbery effecting my daughter directly......and more than I need to share.

We all needed hope, we all needed faith, and we all needed to focus on what was good rather than bad.

I placed one of these inexpensive glass stars with a candle in each place setting, lighting them right before the family sat down.

Grace is always said first, and after that, but before we start passing all the wonderful plates and bowls of luscious foods prepared just for the day....we stop.

One at a time, we go around the table with each person stating in just a few sentences what they are grateful for......then they make their silent wish and blow out their candle. It helps everyone to realize that regardless of the trials and tribulations in life, there is always something to be grateful for. There is sometimes laughter.....often times tears, but

Always a wonderful closeness that is treasured by all of us.

We do this each family gathering, whether it be Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, or whenever....

It makes us that much closer.

I'll be cooking all this evening and tomorrow and there will no time for blogging,

I wanted to make sure I shared my best wishes and love with each and

every one of you with the hopes you are as blessed

as I am.....

and that your Thanksgiving is as special as I know mine will be.

Be Safe.

Stone Crosses

2011-11-09T16:01:00.002-06:00

Recently I saw some crosses at a little shop that attracted me....

That is, the design, not the price :)

Because I seem to have supplies to make just about anything,

I decided to make my own.

Simple to assemble, with beautiful results.

and mine didn't cost $50 :)

I used the supplies I had on hand,

Which included concrete patcher rather than grout adhesive.

I like the way the grey mortar looks with the washed natural rocks,

So it worked out well.

They were done in a flash :)

Thanks for stopping by today,

You know I love it when you come.

I'm joining this week with
Time Travel Thursday

Vintage Inspiration Friday

Honey at 2805

Feather Your Nest Friday

White Ironstone

2011-11-08T17:48:00.000-06:00

I never tire of the way old ironstone looks and feels.....

And trust me....if it's white, it's coming home with me.

I started collecting these magnificent pieces years ago

When you could still find them at a decent price....

With or without their original wash basin bowls,

I love them all.

And don't even shy away from the "fancy"ones either....

Then, of course, there is all the old McCoy ironstone pottery......

I have to have all I find....it's a sickness of sorts :)

And I actually use the platters for serving

Large family meals....

Thanks for stopping by today....

You know I love it when you come.

I'm joining Kathleen's White Wednesday with my collection today....

Collected Treasures for the home, heart, and soul

Old Canning Pot Herb Rack

Old Birdcages & the Upcoming Dolly Johnson Antique Show

I'm Really NOT That Person.....

Are You Hungry?

Maybe Tomorrow.....

Whatever Floats Your Boat.......

~~~~~~~Lamp Revamp~~~~~~~

I'm A Purist @ Heart

I'm a Little Bit in Love Now.....

Nettie Jane Ruffle Bags

Making the Best of a "Good Deal"

my love affair with lace pincushions *sigh*

Antique Cabinet Transformation

sad little footstool ------happy little footstool

The Preciousness of Pink

In A Perfect World.....

It's a Whole New Year.......

La Princesse' Dress Up Trunk.....

I've Got a New Picker.....

The One Most Important Rule of Design to Always Remember....

I Love It When That Happens......

Just How Does a Tradition BECOME a Tradition?

Stone Crosses

*****White Ironstone*****

~Lamp Revamp~

my love affair with lace pincushions sigh

White Ironstone