Sweet Inspirations

A French Creation "Upscaled" from the Trash

2012-08-27T11:06:00.001-04:00

A while ago I found this vintage, vanity tray by the side of the road!!!

It's, drab brown, finish and glass were scratched from years of use, but it had great, cast iron handles and I could see that it still had some great potential!

Not just for serving, but for a beautiful, dresser top display. Just picture a sweet, little vase filled with make-up brushes and some pretty, fragrance jars and bottles on top!

If only I would remember to always take before photos.... I never can wait to see it finished.

So, I decided to transform it and give it a "french inspired" theme with a "glitzy" twist!

Hand stamped linen and vintage, themed postcards line the back. And a trio of peach "fleurs" embellish one corner to balance the pop of color from under the glass.

A string of "designer glitz" adds the finishing touch!

Now, wouldn't you just love to make a version of your own? Oh, the endless possibilities!!!

I'll, definitely, be looking out for more of this style to make some other varieties of styles...cottage will be first on my list maybe with some pretty blue!

Well, gotta go...gotta go...gotta go!

Today is "household day"...ya know, all of those "unfun" things that just "have to get done."

Have a great day and hope to hear from you, soon!

Hugs and Love to You All,

xoxoxo

http://vintagey.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Metal-Hanging-Heart-32-x-22-Jardin-Botanique.jpg

https://www.etsy.com/listing/105422452/vintage-vanity-tray-french-inspired

A Tribute to My Mentor

2012-08-24T12:24:00.005-04:00

Well, today, I decided to change the name of my blog to

"Sweet Inspirations"

by JP designs

After browsing, so many, wonderful blogs I realized that just JP designs was, a bit, too self descriptive. So, the new title comes from the one who is centered in my new header photo, my dear, sweet, Grandma Bea. She was such an inspiration to me and all those who knew her. It was her passion for decorating her many, beautiful homes and beautiful, holiday tablescapes that impressed me, so much, as a young child.
I was, always, mesmerized with the beauty of her feminine touches throughout her home. Visiting her was such a delight, for me, from as young as I can remember. Her "boudoir" was so romantic with beautiful collections of crystal, in fragrance bottles and gorgeous, crystal, candle holders that all sparkled so. Their dangling prisms were always, so tempting to touch, but I quickly learned to obey the rules of... "Janet... you can look, but just don't touch!"
Victorian decor and vintage glass, of amythest, were among her many her passions...."reflective purple" filled her shelves and mahogany cupboard with gifts and memories from, so many, of her loved ones and friends. The color, so often, even draped her delicate frame with the clothes that she wore and most often made by hand.
Elegant dinnerware, beautiful, lace tablecloths, polished silver and candles with all of her shining crystal were the main attraction, to the festive occasions, of dining at her home. Her table was always centered with a "runner" of mirrored glass. It's reflections of floral bouquets, seasonal pine cones, fall pumpkins, sweet bunnies and birthday cakes kept me still in my seat as I dined.
Her talent for decor was also, expressed in the way that she was able to give at least one room a "masuline" touch, as well. Grandpa's study was given the perfect, "manly finish" with his mahogany decor and shelves filled with his collections of books all arranged just so.... all, so manly, for his peaceful retreat... to study and prepare for his sermons to "GOD!"

"Thank you," to you, Grandma, for being such an inspiration in my life..... I do believe, that you were the one who gave me my start to making things "look pretty" as you always did.
I hope that I am, now, making you proud!

I think that the changes, that I have decided to make, will cover the variety of the many posts that I will do and hope will give you many ideas for your own decor and other areas of interest!

Hugs & Love

JP

P.S. a little note about my layout...I'm working on trying to "pefect" my design and my color scheme. So forgive me, for now, if everything doesn't blend and looks kind of "off"...it will be looking better soon!

Down Home Country Pickin'

2012-08-20T17:26:00.001-04:00

Sunday's country pickin's sure were great!

Now, I have many local, favorite places to shop and they're all in the area where I was born, raised and currently live...in the beautiful, Hudson Valley, N.Y. (google it and see!) About a two hour drive, north of N.Y.C; amidst beautiful wineries, gorgeous, historic sites, fabulous countrysides and river views is where you'll find tons of places to go antiquing. With everything from huge, flea markets, auction halls, antique centers, antique barns and overflowing junkyards.

But, here's where I headed on my mission, today...

The best salvage yard around!!!

The Bottle Shop
est.1966

2552 Route 44, Millbrook, NY
(845) 677-3638

Now, this is "Kevin," my old pickin' friend ;)

And his barn is just brimmin' with great things to "pick."

A picture speaks a thousand words...well, maybe not..there's a lot of ground to "uncover!"

And a lot of digging, I did!

Starting on the outside, there's old windows, shutters and tons of old doors... cast iron, metal and tin of all kinds...wood columns, some gates, crusty mantles, old glassware and more.

There' a backyard, not pictured, that's filled with more great finds.

Then inside the door with rooms through and through... to meander and sift... you'll get real dirty, too!

There's lighting and books, silver mixed with wood...it's just all jumbled up.

More nooks and more crannies...

and "bottles galore"...that fill up more spaces in Kevin's great store!

And when browsing you'll hear his "box" playin' tunes...some great ones and oldies that will keep you in the "pickin' mood!"

There are rooms for the "boys" with their kind of things...from fittings for plumbing to hardware and tool things.

So, here, in the land of rust and gold, is where I had my mind set on finding a great, old wooden door...

one to use for my photo props....and this is where I "scored."

There she was, my cherished, pick of the day... looking so grungy and old, yet.... "oh, so pretty!!!"

This old, "cottage blue" door just had to be mine!

Not only did she still have her vintage hardware intact...

but, when I turned her around....

This was her "back!"

Now, isn't that a door just made for double duty? One side, so versatile, for my cottage themes and french style and one, so perfect, for my "Shabby Glam" and "Designer Glitz" and another side perfect for good old country.
And the nicest part of all was that Kevin was gracious enough to load it in my trunk and tie it up safely for the ride to it's new home!

Some great extra goodies that were just my style!

Gotta go back for this little beauty!

Guys...be sure to save it for me!!!

Then just when I thought my shopping was done...here, was yet, another addition to my "Sunday Pickin'" fun!

Oh-h-h, am I ever gonna have fun with this one...."Shabby Glam" here she comes!!!

Now, if someday in your travels this shop should you go... please, tell Kevin or Linda

'twas me that sent you/ Janet aka JP/ you know :)

another great link to Kevin's great barn... article

Til next time, with some photo shoots and the washstand's reveal...be happy, stay healthy and have fun!

Hugs,

xoxoxo

"Kaira Table Lamp in Antique Brass" (Google Affiliate Ad)

An Uplifting Message of Love

2012-08-18T17:20:00.003-04:00

"Grandma Bea"

born, Beatrice Lillian Knuckey/Farnum,

in Vandling, Pa; May 22, 1898 and joined our Lord in Heaven August 4, 1998

~FOREVER YOUNG~

This is and will, forever, be my "timeline photo" on my personal, Facebook page!

She touched the lives of all of those who remembered her.

A delicate, frail, deeply "spiritual" woman she was... always managing to overcome afflictions and hospital visits and still always "pulling through!"

I believe she was given the gift of her, very long, life because she lived her life so simply...not vain or dripping in gold, just plain, simple, caring and selfless...that was just her.

With her bible as her guide, yet, never quoting or preaching, she was completely content with her prayers and her writings to the "Lord."

She left deep impressions in the hearts of all who knew her, which is why this post is being written.

The following message was one that was sent to me by someone, "very special!" A relative, by marriage, not blood...but, still calls me "Aunt"...and who was deeply impacted with the gift of knowing my Grandma Bea. Sandy, my niece, with her "own heart of gold" and her father very ill took the time to write this most heartfelt message to me:

Oh, my gosh, Aunt Janet, these pictures sure bring back memories!!! Grandma Bea was one of my favorite, most precious, people in all of the world. She is still a role model for me and always will be. What a precious woman of God- I'm just jumping on to thank you so for your kind thoughts and wishes for dad. No one knows people like those who have spent time growing up with them... I guess I mean to say that children know their parents better than anyone because they are vulnerable and have to rely on their parents to truly love them and care for them. I can honestly say that, for the first twenty years of my life, I had a dad that was so dedicated and kind to me, and truly seemed to ALWAYS have my best interests at heart. He is imperfect like all of us, but somehow God made him so perfect for me. In other words he was the PERFECT dad for me!!! You and your precious loved ones are always in my prayers and I'm so grateful for you. You have to be one of the sweetest, kindest, most open people I know. Love and prayers for you always, with so much love and appreciation, Sandy

A message that will be cherished, by me forever.....from someone who really made my night...thank you, "Sweet Sandy" and may "God Bless," you and your family, too!!!

Love Always,

Aunt Janet

xoxo

My guiding light, in heaven, and in my heart you will always be...."Forever Young!"

My "Shabby Glam" Beach Cottage Mirror Reveal!

2012-08-08T21:06:00.002-04:00

Drum roll...ta-da-da-da...da-da-da-da-da!!!

And here it is, finally finished, with all it's beauty.

With it's "Shabby Glam" floral bow.

A shot outside...can you see the distortion in the mirror's reflection?

It was really hard to capture the "antique" illusion, but I think that you can see the way the birdhouse looks a little wavy.

This one shows it quite a bit more.

And another nice shot.

The pattern of the antique glass is really, much more, prominent in real life!

My vision was to take this vintage frame, upscale and distress it and give it a truly, old and nostalgic look...with of course, a touch of elegance.

I hope that if you like it you will pass this post on and on and on....I do need to get my list of follower's a whole lot higher!

So thanks for stopping by and keep watch for my next post, I think it will be the before and after of some "Designer Glitz!!!"

Once again...have a great night :)

Listing and description

"Peek a Boo" and "Gucci", too!

2012-08-06T20:33:00.001-04:00

Hello Guys!

I'm back to let you in on the progress of one of the mirrors that I showed you in my last post. I know I showed you some pics with some of the inspirations that I intended to use, but, things just don't always go as planned and hopefully, that's because they turn out better!

With teal being the new color for fall and beach cottage decor becoming more popular in interior decor these days, I decided to go with an ocean, teal blue frame. I started with a basic, vintage find that I sanded, primed and applied several layers of paint to with a crackle coat in between. A little, light sanding, an antique coat and a sealer was the start. Then came the addition of that beautiful, silk rose, a touch of shabby, white burlap and lots of bling, bling, bling!

A few nice, tight shots of the finish and the gems.

One, cute pic, outside with it almost done next to my "Little Prince" ..... Prince, Oliver "Gucci," that is!

And one more, in better lighting, by the door.

Now, tomorrow it's off to the glass shop I'll go....I'll be picking up the mirror and the glass to complete this beautiful mirror.

It's gonna be one heck of a, one of a kind, piece of "Shabby Glam" with a real primitive finishing touch

So, don't forget to check back in...tomorrow will be the "unveiling" of it in all it's glory!!!

Til, tomorrow...have a great night,

JP & Gucci

My "Shabby Glam" Mirror, Vintage Cottage Frame and a "Sneak Peek"

2012-08-01T21:08:00.001-04:00

So, I know that you have been waiting, patiently, for the results of my last post, my mirror and vintage, cottage frame and I apologize for the delay. My plans for the mirror is what's holding me up!

It's just that the ideas that I had, have now grown into a fully detailed design. It's in the works but, since there will be tons of hand adorned details and finishing tasks it's gonna take me much longer than I had planned. There's sanding, spray painting, hand painting, hand applying many, many crystals, gems, rhinestones and ribbon.

So, for now, here are some pics of the finished cottage frame and then a few "sneak peeks" of the mirror.... which, unfortunately, you'll have to come back at another time to see!

Here is the cottage frame turned "Shabby Glam," jewelry memo board

You like?

Here is "Miss Emma"

She is such a sweet match!

Here is the frame before

And a few "peeks"!

The works in progress

And so now, start imagining a "Shabby Glam," Beach Cottage, finished product and I'm planning another spectacular, mirrored addition that will be making it's debut, too!

Here are some of the things that I am thinking of using.

Hope you're getting excited and if you are, let me know :)

So, once again, 'til next time.....Have another great day!

Cottage Frame and Mirror Inspirations....I've Got Work to Do!

2012-07-19T00:45:00.000-04:00

A bed full of inspirational items and two projects to complete...

I've got work to do!

I've got a great "Hollywood Regency" mirror that I've been wanting to do. So, I'm gonna do it up in a soft, white finish, distress it to show some touches of gold, add some pearls and rhinestones and make it a touch of "Shabby Glam!"

Then, I'll finish the adorable, vintage, cottage frame.... leave it's sweet, original paint...add some pearls, buttons and ribbons, all within the floral design. I'm thinking of adding some lace and layering it over a hand stamped, linen background. I think it will make a great a tabletop accent to display some beautiful jewelry!
What do you think about that?
Can't wait to get started, so, I guess I'd better get to work...I want to post the finished "Glam" for you in my next post!

Til next time....Have a great day!!!

My Weekend Finds and Some Cottage Pics

2012-07-08T20:15:00.000-04:00

This was sure a hot weekend with temps here, there and everywhere in the high 90's again. I still braved the heat and dragged myself to my favorite, junkyard and barn. I think you'll see why I managed to spend over two hours there just meandering inside and out and inside and out again!

I, definitely, was on "on a mission" to find something great.

This swee-e-et, cottage, lusterware teapot was my fav of the day...another beauty that I'd like to keep since it looks right at home in my little, cottage room.

Then, there was this....

another pretty piece of cottage lusterware that fits right in!

See what I mean?

More, more, more! Some beautiful, hand painted fruit bowls.

And eight of them "to boot!"

Don't they look perfect layered with these others dishes?

This cottage lamp goes so-o-o perfectly with those same dishes and my tole tray. How am I ever gonna part with them?

Just another shot of my dresser again with it's "half view."

My room is also my storage/work space and it's not always picture ready!

I did manage to get some more great things before dashing home to jump in the pool but, since everything in this post just flows, so well, I think I'll keep this one as is and show my other treasures on another day :)

So, 'til next time.....keep cool and do come back and visit me again!

Cottage Chic Photography

2012-07-03T13:01:00.000-04:00

I am working on becoming a photographer.

Not a professional, just someone that can get some great shots to pass along.

And this is a beauty that I am striving to achieve!!!

It's just so crystal clear with that, slightly out of focus, blurred background and foreground that just "POPS."

I have found plenty of great tips online but, since I'm a real "hands on" person, I'd much rather take a class so all the new info. can really sink in!

Cottage Rose Porcelain Dish

This candy dish is one of mine that I edited on "Pic Monkey" (another great photo editing site) I think it turned out pretty good.

Cottage Rose Lithograph

This "vignette" needs some work...more lighting/highlights. I need to do some editing. Time is that interfering factor!!!

Nippon Porcelain Powder Jar

Not bad....but I want that "blur!"

Cottage Rose Plates

Not perfect yet, just pretty!

Getting there!

Porcelain Powder Shaker

Nahhhh.....gotta get workin' :(

Guess it's time for me to read up on some of those great tips I have in my "favorites."

If you're interested and have some time, too....pull up "that chair~up there" and read it with me :)

Here is a great link!

Another "great one"...thanks to "Kevin & Amanda!"

Til next time...Good luck with your photo improving and would love to hear from you!

Last Minute July 4th Trifle is just..."Sinful!"

2012-07-02T22:02:00.002-04:00

This is going to be a quick, little post....mainly, because I am just too exhausted from our, weekend long, 4th of July Bash with our family and friends.

All entwined with some great stories and tons of laughs, this is how it went...

Great food, frozen cocktails, the sun, the pool and late night t.v.....Great food, frozen cocktails, the sun, the pool and late night t.v.....Great food, frozen cocktails, the sun, the pool and late night tv!!!

Then, another memorable holiday occurs and I have no great pics to share. Unfortunately, once again my camera has failed to co-operate and the shots that I thought that I was going to post are all a bunch of "blurs." I, now have another task to add to my list...learn to use my camera!!!

Well, thankfully, I do have one great pic to share which is of the fabulously, sinful,

"Patriotic Berry Trifle"
that I made and I just had to share the recipe with you!

It is a "knockout!"

Enjoy!!!

Some "Designer Glitz!"

2012-06-02T00:18:00.001-04:00

Well, I sure am pooped!!!

I've been going like crazy making more of s selection for my "Designer Glitz" line, in my shop, It's a little bit, shabby chic, but with a bit more glitz!

I had this little, piece of french linen around for a while now that had been sitting in this pile of odds and ends that I wanted to use. Then, I remembered that I had this nice, old frame that needed to get freshened up.....so, I put together some scraps to make a flower and a little bit of glitz and this is what I came up with.

Now...I love this picture but, I realize now that I am gonna have to do a re-take. That's NOT a big, shiney, white egg...it's a white, vintage porcelain knob!!!

The rusty rod just blends, way too much with the rustic wood that I have displayed it on. So, it's back to the photo shoot, I'll soon be!

This picture turned out sweet...and there's that egg again. This time I think that it looks more like what it really is, I hope!

Then, I made a french inspired, canvas pouch as something to wear or just hang off a chair or something.

Now, last but not least, is this little, Paris pillow that is now just waiting for someone to want. And in case it's you, I've got that great, little vanity bench that I posted in my very first post, Shabby Glam and Designer Glitz. It's been waiting for it's facelift for a few months now, so I think that I'll make a match!

Well, now it's time for me to sleeeeeeeeeeeeeeep. I'll be back next time with the bench re-do.. my first DIY for the scrappy, fabric flower and a french inspired window that I can't wait to show you, too!

Til next time...be well and keep enjoying life!

Yes, I will do a few versions of this one....how about you?

My Day With Buttons, Pearls and Lace

2012-05-19T20:30:00.001-04:00

Yesterday was the kind of a day that was filled with a little of this and a little of that...weeding, cleaning and laundry chores, with the latter part of my day playing around with some buttons, pearls, pins and lace. I had some cute little, canvas bags, and a tiny, vintage, glass bottle that I was dying to "Glam" so, this is how they turned out...

Sweet and Shabby, my version of "Shabby Glam!"

Canvas, lace and pearls, "oh my!"

The little, vintage, glass bottle looks pretty sweet with the addition of "glam"...don't you think?

Then just when I thought I was done...I spied a little, honey brown, picnic basket, sitting in a pile of "things to sell." It was screaming for some attention, too, so, out of the pile it came and with some whitewash paint and stuff from my stash of "glam"....VOILA...a "Glamorous" basket she became!

And now, it's time to get myself into the kitchen and cook my man somethin' simple....turkey, brie and cranberry wraps with some nice battered rings on the side, I think he'll like that!

Next time maybe I'll post some "Designer Glitz!"

'Til next time....

Have a Happy Day!

JP

***Items in this post are now listed for purchasing @ JPdesignedcreations

A Beautiful Day!

2012-05-14T21:39:00.000-04:00

Mother's Day was a beautiful day filled with LOVE from my girls and relaxing in our
"garden cafe."

We finally finished our spring clean up, so it was a pleasure to enjoy the "back to normal" sounds of the waterfall and beautiful garden surroundings. We will now look forward to many more, fun gatherings, for the next several months, with our family and friends!

The pergola was a perfect place for my photo shoot the other day. I was able to get some great shots of my beautiful, estate sale finds. I love the way the leaves cast such beautiful shadows in the shaded area beneath the pergola!

This entire set of 18th century, porcelain "necessities" can, now, be yours, through my store

JP designs

My Day with Ribbons and Lace

Til next time...Have a wonderful day!

Purple and Some Great Photography!

2012-05-02T23:51:00.006-04:00

It's been a long, few days for me and to unwind I've been browsing some sites of beautiful photography, hoping to pick up some tips for improving mine.

This is one that I hope to be able to achieve and make newbies like me green with envy...

It's Perfection!

Then this one, in particular, caught my eye since I just adore the color purple, lavender and candles.

It just looks so calming and peaceful. Now, I really can't wait for my lavender to bloom to harvest so I can make a bunch of these for myself and maybe a few "special" friends!

And now the one that makes my heart pitter patter, even more is this, incredible, lush landscape of purple, purple and more purple...the garden of my dreams!

So, with that thought, I bid you adieu for tomorrow is another day and I have more fun things to do...so, I'll say goodnight and bid you adieu for I've some peaceful "dreaming" to do!!!

"JP"

Tuscan Eggplant Lasagna Recipe

2012-04-26T21:49:00.000-04:00

So, here it is just as I promised, my recipe for....

Tuscan Eggplant Lasagna

by

"Mama JP"

Ingredients for the Sauce

2 cans of plum tomatoes

1 medium eggplant cut into cubes

2 sliced onions

4 tbsp. freshly chopped garlic

1 handful of fresh basil torn into pieces

8 tbsp. sauteing olive oil for the onions and eggplant

1 tsp. grated nutmeg

1tbsp. baking soda

2 tbsp. white sugar

1 tbsp. butter

salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients for Layering Lasagna

1 lb. mini penne pasta cooked to al dente

Your freshly made Tuscan sauce

Diced, fresh mozzarella and freshly grated asiago or

pecorino /romano cheeses

1 ladle full of cooked pasta water

The Cooking Process

You'll need 2 pots~one for the sauce and one to cook the pasta in,

one large saute pan to cook the onions and then eggplant in and one medium baking dish.

1- Start by sauteing your sliced onions in about 3 tbsp. of olive oil over medium heat. Add more oil and lower heat if neccessary. Cook until tender.

2- Heat your sauce pot and add 1 tbsp. olive oil, add the chopped garlic. Lightly brown then quickly add the sauteed onions, 2 cans of tomatoes and remaining ingredients.

3- Using your saute pan, add the remaining oil and brown the eggplant until tender but not over cooked. Add more oil as necessary. Remove from the oil and set aside.

4-Fill your other pot with water, add salt and 1 tbsp. of oil. When water boils add the pasta and cook 'til al dente.

5- Drain pasta (saving one ladle of the water in a small bowl)

6- Return pasta to pot, add the water and coat with a bit of the sauce and set aside...do not continue cooking.

7- Pre-heat oven to 350

Layering the Lasagna

1- Coat the bottom of your baking dish with some of your sauce.

2- Add a layer of pasta and coat with some sauce.

3- Add some eggplant and the two cheeses.

4- REPEAT the above with an additional one or two layers.

Note: You should have enough sauce remaining to serve on the side.

5- Bake @ 350 for 25 to 30 minutes

6- Let it cool and then

"Mangia!"

Enjoy and be sure to let me know how it was!!!

A "Tuscan" Inspired Dinner

2012-04-26T14:18:00.003-04:00

~A Tuscan Evening~

Last night's dinner inspired my post for today.....it started with my afternoon fixation with "The Chew," an eggplant lasagna, hunger pains, and what to cook for dinner. So, it was off to the market I ran!

Since, I didn't pay much attention to the details of the recipe I created one of my own... a little of this and a bit of that and voila...

w/ Tuscan Eggplant Lasagna

I received five stars and a lot of appreciation from my 100% Italian, better half....a real pat on the back to know that my lessons learned from my own "Italian raised" (not born) background

were worth the effort.

The recipe is pretty easy, with a sauce that doesn't take hours to simmer and is absolutely "Delish!"

Good ingredients are key to my recipe which "I PROMISE" to share....just be patient, follow this post and it will soon appear!!! :)

The Table Decor

I had a "quake," aka "a brain jolt," to set a dinner themed table and my rooster plate was the start to igniting my theme. So, while the eggplant was cooking, I decided and to snap some good pics for this "Tuscan Themed Post."

Then out came my dishes to add to the setting with some accents of flowers that just make me smile!

The Centerpiece

Quick!!!....I had to make a centerpiece! So, I grabbed my new little, "Goodwill" find, the aged, verdigris milk can ( $2.99 I must boast!) my burgandy floral, serving plate, another woven placemat, some candles and luckily, some flowers ( a gift from my "Tanya" (TYVM...I love you!) to complete my design.

My "Honey's" Surprise!

So, home came my man and he walked in the door, his face filled with pleasure, then he questioned..."What for?" and "What did I forget, now?"...............

"Nothing, Honey....,just a nice little dish, just a little somethin' special for my hardworking and very hungry guy!!!"

xoxoxo mwah!

I hope you enjoyed today's little post and will remember to come back for the recipe...I will be working on that real soon!

Best Wishes for a Wonderful Day!

Garden Photos and Today

2012-04-21T23:30:00.002-04:00

Garden Photos and Today

Today was a good day....accomplished a lot more spring cleanup in our yard and gardens. It was more backbreaking work and we still have a lot of ground to cover, but as you will see, in my posts to follow, it will all be worth it for, yet another. enjoyable warm season in our little piece of "heaven on earth!"

Took some pics to work on improving my "photography skills" and thought I'd share them here. Just an assortment of landscape garden shots that are kind of cute....hope you like them!

Tomorrow is another day, it's supposed to rain,,,,thank GOD , we need it! It will be a sleep late, brunch for two, morning and a shop for groceries, clean and cook kind of day. I'm sure a little time will be spent admiring my "treasures'" from my "Goodwill" shopping spree that I sneaked in, after dinner tonight! I'm already having a "mind freak," just thinking about the prices I paid for them and the "glam" and "glitz" they'll soon be adorned with. More collections to be added for your temptations ;)

Til next time..........I hope you enjoyed today's little post...keep me in your favorites and look out for "Goodwill Hunting!" my next post on my treasure finds!!!

"Shabby Glam" and "Designer Glitz" and my Tag Sale Finds

2012-04-18T14:36:00.000-04:00

JP designs

"Shabby Glam" & "Designer Glitz"

Well, here is my latest attempt to captivate you with my blog! ;)

So, here it goes!!!

Right now, I am stressing a bit, no...... a lot, over what to do first. Should I edit my page and background to make it related more to JP designs or should I just continue to write my latest entry? Hmmmm....well, I'm choosing to begin here...

I am, currently, in the process of re-vamping my Etsy store

( http://www.etsy.com/shop/JPdesignedcreations?ref=si_shop )

with a new banner to reflect my latest collection of vintage finds.

I have a new one in the works, new business cards, tags and more promotional materials to design. Then there's finishing touches to my items that need to be professionally shot. (I'm not happy with my photo talents, yet, and I'm hoping to get some good tips to improving mine, soon!)

So, the tag sales have begun and my garage is filling up again. I'm supposed to be getting rid of stuff in the event that we can, finally, sell our house and move to "greener pastures" ......Myrtle Beach to be precise :)

"SNEAK PEEKS"

things that you can, soon, purchase!

~And a few that I am anxious to "Glam" or "Glitz"~

"TAG SALE FINDS"

My first find of the day was the great little, vintage, vanity bench. It's a great one that someone attempted to make look shabby chic, but I think it needs some updating. So, should I update it to my version of

"Shabby Glam"

with a nicer, floral fabric, better padding, a nice distressing and finish it with some great button details? Should I paint it white or green? I'm leaning towards a soft, garden green! Or...should I make it

"Designer Glitz"

with a black finish, a great, red floral fabric, a short, leopard ruffle and of course some buttons, pins, pearls or gems? The problem is...I love both, but which would be a more popular choice, for selling purposes, for a bedroom or dressing room decor?

Here's my second find and I love it!!! I am, definitely, going to do a great white distress and turn this into a mirror. The frame is so beautiful with it's detail and thickness and you'd never guess that it's........

plastic!!! And you'll never know that when it's done ;)

And, my last buy of the day was this 1930's or early 40's, huge, wood framed, oil painting.

And I mean a huge, 42" x 29 1/2"!!!

I will be definitely making this one into a memo board. Any takers for the signed oil on canvas??? And now, another decision to make...black frame or white....floral...solid damask or printed script, fabric backing? Decisions...Decisions...Decisions!!!

Well, my blogging for the day must come to an end...I've got cleaning and laundry and banking to do... a shower to take, dinner to prep and Christian's first tee ball practice @ 6! Tomorrow is another day to continue my list of never ending" to-do's"....sounds familiar, right? So, 'til next time, good luck to you and your lists, I'll be working mine and please, come back again!!!

<3 Janet