Collected Treasures for the home, heart, and soul

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....

My Designs Have Never Been for the Faint of Heart :)

2011-11-01T16:50:00.000-05:00

It goes without saying that my taste

Can be considered over the top in clothing and design.....

And good proof of point is my lace boa....

Full of fluff and femininity

Made with gorgeous vintage lace....

That I had bought on a bolt years and years ago.

And perfect for the girlie girl........

I'm joining Faded Charm's White Wednesday this week.......

Lots of beautiful whites.

Dressed Up Vintage Wool Scarves and Fingerless Gauntlets

2011-10-29T16:04:00.000-05:00

It's so exciting here in Texas that our weather has finally gotten cool...

Maybe that's why I'm already "cozying up" to thicker fabrics and soft wools.

I pulled these gorgeous vintage and antique wool shawls from inventory and

Decided to dress them up a bit.

First altering with laces ....

Then some with ribbons and such.....

It's a nice way to update an old look bringing a garment back to life.

Then, of course, I had to have this glorious hand crocheted

kettle dyed wool yarn Victorian "scarflette" and fingerless gauntlets.

A dear, sweet customer of mine makes these and

Does such a beautiful job.

Look for these to be for sale in the Shoppe soon...

they are luscious.

Thanks for stopping by today,

You know I love it when you come :)

Happy Weekend........

Silk Ribbon and Vintage Wicker

2011-10-26T20:38:00.001-05:00

It was just a sad vintage wicker hanging lamp,

probably once used over a kitchen table in the 60's or 70's.

It found it's way to me with a box of other more desirable items.

Sometimes you have to take it all to get the things you really want.

I repainted it and hung it in the Shoppe,

for no other reason than I just didn't have the heart to trash it.

I finally had some time to weave it with pastel silk ribbons,

trying to dress it up a bit...

Adding some bows along the way for a little extra dimension....

And now it's a cute addition with a little more style....

Perfect for a little girl's room.

Thanks for stopping by today...

You know I love it when you come.

I Ask 'em to Bring It.....and Bring it They Did....13th Trade Days Antique Flea Market

2011-10-23T20:21:00.001-05:00

Dark Forty...........

Although a lot of the heavy load in is done the day before,

Our day starts like this.....dark and early...

Of course, the sun comes up after a couple of hours and

It amazes me how all of the dealers can do such a good job

Working quietly in the dark...

Need a hat?

Tammy had so much good stuff it was difficult to

Know what to buy

This year I bought it when I saw it.....

Look for this piece to be 'married' soon-

This gorgeous boudior set simply touched my heart,

and I had to have it for no other reason.

It was such a great day.

The weather was perfect,

The dealers were great,

and

I can put another one behind me until next May......

WHEW!

Don't Forget........

2011-10-20T16:27:00.002-05:00

MAIN STREET ANTIQUE FLEA MARKET

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22ND

8AM UNTIL 4PM

THE SHOPPE IS CLOSED FRIDAY AND SATURDAY FOR THE EVENT.....

YA'LL COME!!!!

Antique Linen Closet

2011-10-19T20:22:00.002-05:00

This piece is once again a "marriage".

I've always done that creating different uses for different things.

By doing this, you can often take cast off items and give them new life.

The top portion of this linen closet was once a built in kitchen antique cabinet .

Although it is a really nice size, it isn't tall enough to "stand on it's own".

I paired it with this storage chest which also has similar block styling

and straight lines.

I worked on matching the painted surfaces

and kept the original red band around the top.....

There was just no way I was going to change that

When the original insides looked like this....

We simply added the shelving as it had all been removed.

It's now a wonderful, substantial piece of antique furniture.....

Don't pass up those "lone" pieces.....

If they have great bones and you love them....

bring'em home for another day.

Thanks for stopping by today,

You know I love it when you come.

This week I'm joining the following parties:

Honey @ 2805

Vintage Inspiration Friday

Feather Your Nest Friday

White Wednesday Slim Pickins'

2011-10-18T15:54:00.000-05:00

The Trade Days Antique Flea Market

That I host twice a year is this upcoming Saturday and

All my waking hours are devoted to getting that put together.

I did, however, complete the antique lace ornaments over the weekend, and

Think everyone should have an "ornament lamp".

This may be as far as I get into decorating this Christmas...*sigh*

My life is just crazy right now :)

Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to drop by,

You know I love it when you come :)

I'm sharing with Kathleen at Faded Charm's White Wednesday this week.

Altered Train Case fun and funky

2011-10-17T11:28:00.000-05:00

I think I would be safe in saying that most people think

Those of us that love antiques and old stuff

are most probably traditional in nature....

staying within the "norm" of social behavior,

but the people that say that would be wrong.

Most people that know me well know how eccentric

I am and can be.

My taste runs the gambit and you just never know

What direction they will go on any given day.

Imagine how surprised I am on a daily basis :)

This is an antique train case,

that's ready to travel.

Hopefully, taking you to as fun a place as the

Design suggests it will.

Definitely for the fun and funky, and not the faint of heart.

Thanks for stopping by today,

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

I'm off to get ready for the

Trade Days Flea Market

this Saturday....

Such fun!

Pink Saturday Christmas Ornaments

2011-10-15T11:54:00.000-05:00

I'm starting the process of getting ready for Christmas at the Shoppe

with these antique lace ornament balls.

Most are all white, but had to include a special pink one, too.

As my sweet friend, Penny, would say....

"That's just so Janaesque"

Happy Pink Saturday......and

check the other lucious pinks at

How Sweet the Sound

Happy Weekend!

Collected Treasures for the home, heart, and soul

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*****

My Designs Have Never Been for the Faint of Heart :)

Dressed Up Vintage Wool Scarves and Fingerless Gauntlets

Silk Ribbon and Vintage Wicker

I Ask 'em to Bring It.....and Bring it They Did....13th Trade Days Antique Flea Market

Don't Forget........

Antique Linen Closet

White Wednesday Slim Pickins'

Altered Train Case *fun and funky*

Pink Saturday Christmas Ornaments

my love affair with lace pincushions sigh

White Ironstone

Altered Train Case fun and funky