Gypsy Brocante

French Inspiration ....

2012-01-26T09:28:00.000-05:00

Have you worked on a French inspired project recently?

Have you been inspired by something French you've seen lately?

Have you cooked up a delicious French meal?

If so ... please join our "Voila!" party over at the French Cupboard site and share with all of us !!

I would LOVE to see what ooh-la-la you've been hiding up your sleeve.

Here's what popped out of my sleeve last night.

French inspired hearts ... a simple but festive addition to my kitchen hutch.

Don't be shy come on over and share the LOVE.

Jill

Winter Whites .....

2012-01-24T17:14:00.000-05:00

It's a wrap for the Philly home show ... I've been recuperating from moving furniture by SITTING at my sewing machine.

Pure bliss! ...

and what great satisfaction I have from completing the first in my "Winter Whites" gypsy bag collection.

It's been a while since I joined "the party" ...

I'm looking forward to visiting with you at Kathleen's place ; )

See you there?

Jill

Philadelphia Home Show

2012-01-17T10:16:00.000-05:00

How was your long weekend?

I hope you did something fun and relaxing!

Me? I'm pooped!!

Beth and I have spent the last month or so preparing to sell our gypsy wares at the Philadelphia Home Show ... the biggest show we've done to date.

Here's a little video I put together to show you our trip over the bridge to Philadelphia and what we did with our space at the show ...

Untitled from JIll Harris on Vimeo.

Today?

I'm fighting a new cold/sore throat and taking down the Christmas decorations ... and resting up for next weekend which will be spent at the home show as well ... what are you doing for fun?

Jill

Have you been looking for something?

2012-01-10T20:52:00.001-05:00

Have you stopped by on the first of each month looking for something here on my blog?

Only to not find what your searching for?

What the heck am I talking about?

I'm talking about Porch of the Month !!

Remember?

Well, if you've missed the monthly feature, I do apologize ... however you won't have to wait much longer for it's return. Porch of the Month will sprout back up on the first of February.

Fresh new inspiration will be coming your way with a FANTASTIC romantic porch slated for next month!

In the mean time, sit back, curl up and head on over to Debra's porch for a little mid-winter porch makeover.
There is a lot more to see!!

All of the photos above are courtesy of Debra and they are just a little tease to get you in the mood {so to speak} for next month ; )

Thank you Debra!
xo
Jill

2012-01-09T07:44:00.000-05:00

I couldn't think of a better way to begin a new year ... by enriching {maybe even discovering} your creative mind and soul with

an art class {or two} !!

Here are my two of my favorite artists that will be teaching this month, Jeanne Oliver and Jennifer Rizzo. I've had the pleasure of getting to know both of these extremely talented {and really nice} artists over the past year ... lucky for us they will be sharing their in-depth knowledge and creative skills!

First up is Jeanne Oliver's Creatively Made on-line class.

No excuses for not making it to class {actually it's classes - plural} ... you can do this one in the comfort of your own home at your own speed!

Only one catch ... TODAY, JANUARY 9th is the LAST day to register.

Skip right on over to registration, here , to save your seat and learn all about Jeanne's classes!

and next, check this out ...

Yeah, I know ... how much fun is this? Hanging out with Jen and making jewelry! Sounds like a perfect girls night out to me ... and you'll learn a new skill or build upon one you have ... plus, you'll bring home a custom piece of jewelry created by you! Okay, once again you need to register NOW ... seating is limited {only 15!!} ... hurry ... to register send Jen an e-mail at:

THECRAFTYHOME@COMCAST.NET

Happy New Year everyone! I wish you a year full of learning and enjoying your creative pursuits ; )

Jill

Just a wee bit more ...

2011-12-20T10:13:00.000-05:00

A bit more decorating took place this past weekend ....

The tree finally has it's ornaments, here a few of my favorites

The little village took it's place in the dining room ... I think the Gypsy Prince likes the village better than the Christmas tree ... he's rearranged it a few hundred times already ... maybe it's the fact that it's a great place to hide your Lego mini-figures?

A little sparkle for atop the dining room chandelier

The nutcrackers have taken their position on guard over the fireplace in the living room ......

While the nativity rests peacefully on the sofa table.

The stockings have been hung on the staircase this year ...

I'm really lovin' on my new French inspired stockings this year!!

Okay that's all for today ... not sure if time will allow me to post more home pics ...

There are still presents to make and wrap..

cookies to bake ...

and Christmas movies to watch!

Have a happy day and thanks for visiting with me!

Jill

A slow start ....

2011-12-16T07:55:00.002-05:00

I had all good intentions of finishing my decorating this week and sharing with you ... well, sometimes "life" has a way of making it's own plan! I have made a lot of progress and will have a lot more to share ... however, for today I'm posting a corner of the foyer - facing the back door.

From this angle you can also see a portion of the staircase leading to the second floor.

Okay .. I wanted to make good on my word that I would have SOMETHING to show you this week!

I'll be back!!

Wishing you a fun filled weekend ; )

Jill

2011-12-12T08:11:00.001-05:00

I'm joining up today with Jen Rizzo's house party ... a holiday home tour.

I'm sure a lot of you had a peek at the awesome homes she featured through out the week last week ... now it's our turn! You can see my post HERE ... it's a previous post from a few years back.

My plan is to do a little "before" and "after" tour this week ... and today is the "before".

Check back for the "afters" and in the meantime check out all the holiday homes on the link list over at Jen's...Enjoy!

Jill

Special 3 day weekend sale !!

2011-11-26T10:03:00.000-05:00

Did you shop yesterday?

We'll if you did and spent most of your budget ... I've got some good news!

New gypsy jewelry is ready and listed on ETSY .... and ... it's on sale, for three days only.

Today, tomorrow and Monday take 30% off EVERY item.

It's easy, use code: 3DAY30

when checking out.

remember:3DAY30

I'm off to the holiday parade ... I'll be listing more when I return ; )

Jill

White love .......

2011-11-09T07:42:00.000-05:00

A few more snapshots from this past weekend scrounging through shops in Pennsylvania.

I thought these were perfect for White Wednesday.

If I had to pick just ONE item from above to take home with me .......

It would be a tough decision.

I think I would choose the chippy cow weather vane.

No, wait ...

Those metal white and rusty lockers.

Or maybe .....

The cow statue ..... perfect for the kitchen on top the cabinets.

What would you take home, if you could only pick ONE?

Happy white Wednesday and thank you Kathleen for a wonderful party!

Jill

Are you in the mood? ...

2011-11-08T08:05:00.000-05:00

For a ~~little~~ A LOT of architectural salvage?

Okay, you asked for it!

I was tipped off to this ~~little~~ HUGE gem of a place this past week and managed one quick stop.

I didn't get to do any shopping, only picture taking ...

but, I'll be going back real soon with work gloves and a truck .... Take a look and you'll see why:

{no narration needed ... the photos will speak for themselves}

Yeah !! ... that's what I'm talking about!!

Okay, I KNOW many will ask ... and well, I hate to admit I can be stingy with my sources ...

but, considering someone sweet was nice enough to tip me off to this salvage meca .... I'll pass along the info ; )

You too can be in architectural heaven at:

Shanks

Antique connection

1200 Limestone Road

Oxford, Pennsylvania

Jill

Do you know "Terrain"? ...

2011-11-06T18:35:00.000-05:00

Not too many do.

Terrain is an over the top inspirational garden shop and cafe'.

It's full name is Terrain at Styer's and is located in the suburbs of Philadelphia ... so, if you're not 'local' you may not know Terrain.

I don't get to visit this shopping spot much, but I had to pass by it SIX times this weekend in order to get to the barn sale I was doing ... so, I just had to pop in once for a quick peek and take some quick pics to share with you ....

Very cool lighting created from miscellaneous objects.

Not only do they 'do' garden ... but also a little indoor "landscaping" if you will ...

gorgeous table settings and furniture.

Fires dot the outside ... plenty of spots to warm your hands up .....

they even provide toasty wool blankets to wrap yourself in ...

The mix of live plants with one of a kind vintage garden ware goes on row after endless row...

Baskets brimming with birch logs, glittered branches, and fluffy white twigs of cotton ....

shelves and bins stocked with various outdoor goodies ....

the cafe is adorable .... a great place where they hold workshops and events.

Another thing you may not know ... the genius behind the inspiration at Terrain? ... Urban outfitters, parent company of Anthropologie ... but I guess all you Anthro lovers {me included} spotted that right off the bat!

That's all the photos I was brave enough to take ... if you want to check out some more of this fab garden store, take a look at the Pinterest board I created from other's fine photos HERE.

Wishing you an inspired week!

Jill

Setting up ......

2011-10-26T13:52:00.001-04:00

This morning I delivered another load of gypsy wares to the market

and thought you would like a sneak peak of just some of the new items in store for this weekend!

{Lamps and shades look familiar?}

Chippy chair and vanity bench ... vintage wicker basket ... antique gray chest ... metal kitchen stool/chair ... cornucopias.

Sweet new French inspired purses.

Vintage barn stitching in original frame.

Antique lighting revived with romantic shade .... printer's box jewelry display... signs.

Market hours:

Friday, October 28th, 5-9p {Gypsy Ball!}
Free food & drink
Free Henna tattoos
Hair feathers
Card reader
Featured guest artist Anna Tumas of "Heartfelt"

also open:

Saturday, October 29th, 9-3p

Sunday, October 30th, 10-2p

For more info and directions click HERE.

Okay back to load up some more goodies ... see you all soon!

Jill

In the Dark ....

2011-10-25T20:42:00.001-04:00

Not a fitting title for White Wednesday, you think?

But that's how things are looking around here today ........

Why?

Because ...

I've figured out how to use my excess muslin to revive my lampshades ...

soft dreamy ruffled clouds of white, cream, and tea stain fabric.

Now ~~all~~ most of my vintage lamps are gussied up and ready to be sold at the next Gypsy Market .....

Leaving me sitting in the dark.

No lamp or shade will be held back ; )

Jill

Waste not ........

2011-10-24T08:08:00.000-04:00

Yesterday we did a little Fall yard work ... raked and trimmed back the hydrangeas, etc.

The blooms are still so pretty ... each year I save them to make simple wreaths to bring indoors.

I take all my gathered flowers, strip the leaves ... leaving about 5 inches of stem ... and arrange in clusters of three ... paying attention that each cluster contains a well rounded assortment of color.

Next, using a thin flexible wire, I start wiring my trios together, all the way down the stem.

Then ... I put the next cluster of flowers on top of the previous stem and wire together ... making sure everything is nice and tight ...

I keep this up until I reach my desired length or in this case used up all my flowers.

Here's what my long garland looks like at this point. You could certainly keep it just like this and use as a pretty swag ... or ... continue to wire the ends together to form a wreath.

This is what the back will look like ... the stems and wire combined will form your frame ... no need to buy anything extra ... LOVE that!

Once everything is wired up ... I tweak my wreath into shape by gently bending and molding it to the shape I want ... then I leave it to dry flat to retain that shape before I hang it on the wall.

Waste not.

Want not.

Wishing you a creative and happy day!

Jill

Weekend plans?

2011-10-15T08:22:00.000-04:00

Do you have any?

I'll be spending Sunday with my partner Beth at one of my most favorite markets in Philadelphia,

Clover Market.

We will have "shop" set up under our tent selling our Gypsy wares.

The weather promises to be PERFECT ...

a sunny, cool, and crisp Fall day!

{all photographs by Carrie Hill photography }

Here are some snapshots from last month's market.

What I like best about this market is the MIX of vendors and goods ... you can find it ALL here, no matter what your style ... the range is from mid-century modern to shabby chic ... retro to handcrafted.

Not to mention great food and live bluegrass music.

After a week in the country, it feels good to have my feet back on the city sidewalks of Philly ... I hope you'll come on out and pay us a visit, it's a great day for the entire family!

Jill

More classes added ...

2011-10-14T14:17:00.001-04:00

For all that have asked, I have added two more jewelry classes to my fall schedule ... just in time to create personalized holiday presents for your loved ones. {and yourself!}

I'll be holding class in the Gypsy Market Studio at:

600 Main Street, Riverton, NJ, 08077

go HERE for a map and directions.

The location is convenient to all of NJ and Philadelphia ... easily accessible from I-295 and the NJ turnpike.

You will have the choice of one of the following days and times to attend:

Tuesday, November 1st from 6pm to 9pm {evening class}

and

Wednesday, November 2nd from 10am to 1pm {morning class}

Class size will be small and intimate ... with attention to one on one teaching.

Seats will be held in order of payment received.

Please visit my website for full class description.

Click HERE for all the details.

Any questions?

Drop me an e-mail at:

gypsybrocante@gmail.com

Jill

Porch ofthe Month ... October

2011-10-11T20:21:00.000-04:00

Happy October and welcome all!

This edition of Porch of the Month is pretty special to me...this month I'm featuring my dear friend Beth's front porch.

Do you know someone that possesses a "magic touch?" ... I do. Beth.

Beth of Gypsy Fish

She never fails to amaze me with her creativity that flows endlessly! Whatever this lady rest her hands upon truly turns magical.

The only scary part?

I think I've seen her nose "twitch" a few times during some of her decorating transformations!

{all photos courtesy of homeowner}

Take a look at what Beth has done to her space for the Fall {her favorite time of year} ... I'll let her take it from here:

"I'm so excited to be featured on Jill's porch of the month and to share little bit about my porch...

I can only imagine in 125 years how many souls have climbed the steps and crossed the planks to enter the threshold of my old wooden house and how many different faces, generations of spiders and critters, styles , paint changes, flooring changes, railing changes, additions and subtractions this old porch has seen. However, the one thing I'm SURE has stayed the same is, it's warm inviting spirit.

For some reason even on the hottest of days there's always a refreshing breeze blowing by the porch posts,we've always wondered exactly why that is? It's magical.....makes you just want to "sit a spell" any time of year....

...for example; take any given autumn day, a hot cup of tea and a good magazine and you'll find yourself stretched out and relaxed right on the front porch. So sit with me and take a load off your feet and off your mind.......welcome to my porch.

Sounds perfect to me! Here's something fun to note ... Beth's last name is "Fisher" ... now go on back and take a second look at all of the photos a little closer ... can you spot a subtle theme here on the porch and in the garden?

Make sure you stop by Beth's place for a visit and then make sure you don't miss any of her special creations that she lends her magic talent to, like those scrumptious soldered bottles above ... currently she's working on the most amazing art dolls.

Thank you Beth!

Jill

Porch of the Month ... October

2011-10-01T06:48:00.001-04:00

Happy October and welcome all!

This edition of Porch of the Month is pretty special to me...this month I'm featuring my dear friend Beth's front porch.

Do you know someone that possesses a "magic touch?" ... I do. Beth.

Beth of Gypsy Fish

She never fails to amaze me with her creativity that flows endlessly! Whatever this lady rest her hands upon truly turns magical.

The only scary part?

I think I've seen her nose "twitch" a few times during some of her decorating transformations!

{all photos courtesy of homeowner}

Take a look at what Beth has done to her space for the Fall {her favorite time of year} ... I'll let her take it from here:

"I'm so excited to be featured on Jill's porch of the month and to share little bit about my porch...

Thank you Beth!

Jill

GIRLFRIENDS Special ... and a winnner

2011-09-26T09:21:00.001-04:00

Lucky number 13 {aka Amy} is the lucky winner of the girl's weekend art giveaway!

Congratulations Amy !! Can't wait to meet you and your friend in class ; )

There's still some time left and some seats available in class for you and your girlfriend.

For THREE DAYS ONLY I am running a class special.

Today {Monday}, Tuesday, and Wednesday if you and a girlfriend sign up together {must register at the same time} both of you will receive a 20% discount off the class fee!!

Please email me at:gypsybrocante@gmail.com

To sign up for class with a friend.

Jill

Girls ART WEEKEND giveaway !!

2011-09-19T10:28:00.000-04:00

Getting together with friends and spending a weekend filled with art workshops and classes on the prairie sounds like a pretty good time, doesn't it?

Wouldn't it be even better if you {and one of your BFFs} could attend ALL of the classes for FREE plus a FREE night of accommodations?

That's exactly what we {me, Jeanne, Jen, and Anne Marie}want to give you a chance at!

The winner and her choice of friend will win a seat in every class happening at Art on the Farm at Nada on October 7th and 8th.

You'll begin with my jewelry class, Salvaged Treasures, on Friday evening between 4pm-7pm ... where you'll spend three fun filled hours creating your own pieces of jewelry from a treasure trove of treasures I will supply you with!

If one of my readers wins you will also receive a "Gypsy Loot bag" as a special gift.

then ...

You may want to shop the vendors before you head off to

Jeanne and Jen's class at 7:30 Friday evening,

Avenues to an artful business

then ...

head on back to the hotel to rest up for a full day of creativity on Saturday.

Your Hotel stay is on us! {Breakfast included}

Wake up bright and early...

to attend Jennifer Rizzo's, Reflections of the Prairie ... mixed media art, from 9am-11am

after that ... take a shopping and lunch break...

and ...

head back to class, for an entire afternoon creating with Jeanne Oliver!

12-2:30 Vintage Art Journal

and

3-5 Vintage mixed media

plus ...

you'll have your own reserved parking spot at Nada,free admission both days, and ...

surprise goodies from Anne Marie herself!

You will need to go to Anne Marie's place HERE for all the details of how to enter this packaged valued at over $500! ... but DON'T wait time is ticking ... you only have this week m-f to enter, now what in the heck are you waiting for???

Jill

Bead Soup Blog Party !!

2011-09-17T00:01:00.003-04:00

My first bead soup and what fun it's been!

I had the luck of the draw to be paired with Dorcas of "Wondrous Strange Designs" ... she creates the most beautiful beads. You can see HERE what she sent me in our exchange....and you can see below what I have created with my treasures for today's party.

The focal point is a marriage of two clay pieces hand made by Dorcas.

The frozen Charlotte is so dear and the colors in the raku glaze are amazing, it appears to change color depending on the light and from which direction you are looking at it.

I added my own piece of antique lace behind the Charlotte to create a place of attachment for two more of Dorcas' creations ... a single wing and a leaf ... I also embellished with additional ribbons, pulling more of the necklaces primary color hues together.

For even more sparkle and interest, I added my signature touch of vintage rhinestones here and there.

I like the juxtaposition of the earthy clay beads with the crystals and rhinestones.

My bead swap package included some lovely silk {I believe to be sari?} ribbons .. in gorgeous lavenders and golds. I desperately wanted to use them in a "new to me" way in my design ... I wasn't quite sure what to do until I found THIS tutorial. BINGO! I turned my silk ribbon into wire wrapped links.

This bead soup exchange was a terrific way for me to challenge myself and stretch my imagination. I had the pleasure of working with beads created from another artist's hands and spirit, that's a pretty special feeling ... Dorcas was so generous with what she has gifted me with in this swap. I have enough beads left to do another piece of jewelry ... I'm thinking of doing a bracelet next.

Thank you dear Dorcas!!

Dorcas has an Etsy shop FULL of more beautiful designs ... you can take a look at all of them HERE.

And when you're done looking there make sure you look HERE.

Because there are about 360 MORE bead soup participants to check out!! Our hostess, Lori Anderson, of "Pretty Things", is one incredible party organizer ... I can't even imagine the hundreds of hours she has devoted to this party ... Lori THANK YOU for making this fun party a reality for all of us.

Have a wonderful weekend ... You can find me hopping around in Bead Soup all weekend!

Jill

Salvaging treasures .......

2011-09-13T18:24:00.000-04:00

I spent this past weekend salvaging treasures ... from my own studio.

Didn't hit one flea market or estate sale.

Didn't have to.

I have a Gypsy's stash of treasure right here.

I'm starting to prepare for my jewelry class at "Art on the Farm" ... a Nada event.

That means pulling together an amazing class "kit" for each student ... I want everyone to feel as though they have just unearthed something magical to create with ....

I've harvested vintage and antique rhinestone clasps from piles of pearls ...... these are gorgeous, each one unique!

There is so much to sift thru ... many vintage jewelry boxes full of possibilities ....

Forgotten cigar boxes loaded with rhinestones to sort ... brooches, shoe clips, cameos, crystals, watch parts, souvenirs.

Interesting old keys ... just waiting for embellishment in their afterlife.

Organizing and compiling ...

I haven't even ventured up to the attic.

That's the place to gather antique tin types and photographs,

plus vintage millinery, scraps of lace, and ephemera ...

all to be fashioned into art ... made by YOU!

I am so looking forward to class and sharing this time together.

To those of you that have already registered, I'll be sending an e-mail out soon with more class prep suggestions.

To those of you that haven't signed up yet and are thinking about it ... don't hesitate. Registration is required and there are a limited number of seats. If you have any questions at all, don't hesitate to contact me at:gypsybrocante@gmail.com

You can register HERE

You can also register for MORE art classes on the farm by Jen and Jeanne .... These gals are teaching some uber cool mixed media art classes ... don't miss out and save your seat early ; )

Happy salvaging!

Jill

Class is OPEN for registration ...

2011-09-05T09:44:00.001-04:00

Happy Labor day!

I hope you all are enjoying yourselves and celebrating the end of summer with family and friends!!

School starts tomorrow and I've been working on my own class ...

I've been spending the past few days gathering ALL the information for my upcoming Jewelry class at Art on the Farm, a Nada event. I hope this post answers the many questions that have been arriving in my mailbox about class ... Registration is now open here!

You’re invited to join me for class ...

On October 7^th between 4pm and 7pm class will be held on the prairie in a peaceful setting of the old barn. Upon entering each person will receive a Salvaged Treasure jewelry “kit” … a treasure trove containing various found objects and reclaimed pretties to make an enchanting necklace or bracelet, plus a pair of earrings. Each kit will be carefully culled from my own personal stash of salvaged treasures and will contain more than enough items to create your jewelry with, no two kits will be the same. An example of what your kit may contain …. brass locket, skeleton key, antique buttons, vintage rhinestones, old rosaries beads, crosses, cameo, vintage beads, various ephemera, shoe clips, antique watch parts, tin types, pearls … really the list and possibilities are endless, all discarded and forgotten treasures have wonderful potential {your kit will also contain wire and findings}… everyone will leave with their own unique piece of wearable art!

This class is well suited for ANY level of experience you may or may not have in jewelry making. ALL are welcomed, from beginners to advance! We will have fun creating and relaxing together, plus munchies and admission to Nada’s opening shopping night are included in your class.

I encourage you to bring your own salvaged treasures to class … incorporating your own sentimental pieces and interesting found objects will make your jewelry even more special. Great places to treasure hunt are: flea markets, estate sales, antique malls, thrift shops, and your grandmother’s old jewelry box … oh, and don’t forget what your grandfather may have lurking in the basement in those old glass jars, this is a super place to unearth rusty objects likes keys and hardware. Textiles can also be used in jewelry making, think tattered laces, scraps of cloth, or vintage seam binding. Use your imagination!

In class, I will help you with the design process of your piece, giving you ideas and suggestions. You’ll then learn how to wire wrap, connect, and oxidize metals. Incase you have an item without a hole to attach to your piece, I’ll also have my drill with me and we can work on that as well. You’ll learn how to incorporate the unexpected into your jewelry … making it a personal statement piece.

I will have some extra treasures for you to hunt through for sale as well … you may just find something that speaks to you and can’t live without!

Supplies you’ll need to bring with you:

Jewelry pliers, round nose and flat nose {two flat nose, if you have}

Wire cutters, preferably flush cutters

Any additional salvaged treasures {the more the better}

Additional link chain, can be old or new and clasps, findings

i m a g i n a t i o n

if you have any additional questions please feel free to drop me a note at:
gypsybrocante@gmail.com

I hope to see you in class!
xo
Jill

Porch of the Month .... September

2011-09-02T08:29:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Porch of the Month ... I believe September is a real treat of a porch ... not only is it a feast for the eyes but, also a feast for your soul ... and could only be created by one very special artist, Kecia of Lemoncholy's Flight of Fancy.

Before you dig into Kecia's enchanting porch and garden space you need to know a little bit about the creator behind the scenes.

"Creating is my key to another time. It unlocks the gate to my secret garden; my refuge. It takes me to another era where things were simpler and I find the process soothing to my soul. Lemoncholy’s Studio began with my fondness for vintage items. Searching flea markets, I find items long forgotten, sometimes damaged, but still purposeful. They just need some love and attention. I want these found objects to tell a new story, have meaning and to be inspiring. I have a vision for them to begin again. Intuitively I combine elements in an enchanting way to provoke a narrative response that alludes to something we seek without knowing it. Often, it is a reminder of our childhood. My jewelry is about craftsmanship and virtue but not perfection. By removing perfectionism, I free my imagination to play and ultimately, this freedom results in whimsical pieces of grace and beauty."

{all photos courtesy of homeowner}

Okay Kecia ... give us the tour .... we're chomping at the bit!

"Hi my name is Kecia Deveney and I live in Wall Township, New Jersey. I have lived here for 15 years. I am originally from California, but for the time being will
continue to reside on the East coast. ....

... This is my ﬁrst home and being that I didn’t really know anyone when I moved here, I dedicated a lot of my free time to turning my house into a home. It is decorated with ﬂea market ﬁnds, thrift store cast offs, curbside ﬁnds and more. My unique decorating style isn’t just conﬁned to the inside though. I’ve given my special touch to the outside as well. My inﬂuenced is definitely from California and that shabby, weathered look. My style is more eclectic in merging elements that blend comfortably together without a “matchy matchy” look. ...

... Outside I have created little nooks with seating arrangements where you can go and quietly read a book or entertain some friends. As you sit there, you will be surrounded by a few of the many vintage or handmade birdhouses sitting on old columns, that I have all over the yard. There is a “girls only” gypsy cabana that is a great place to sit and have coffee or maybe an cocktail, later in the day; all the while, having a great view of the plentiful wildlife that my atmosphere lures in. ...

... I often hold events with artsy workshops or entertain friends at a BBQ and we all congregate to the back yard. About 5 years ago, we bought a camper and parked it in the back yard. It is a little getaway spot and it too has been decorated in an artsy style. It makes a perfect guest house, but I’ve been known to “clock out” and spend the night in there with glass of wine and a great book. ...

... All in all my home has spilled to the outdoors as well. My son, 18, loves to have his friends over and they usually spend most of their time out back. Often they play musical chairs as I’ll ﬁnd them in one spot and then later they are lounging in yet another. It is very comfortable and inviting and I love that this environment that I have created, has been referred to as “fairyland”."

Kecia is a mixed media/jewelry artist/instructor that teaches through out the country ... if you have a chance to take one of her classes, just DO IT!! I learned how to solder with Kecia and I can attest to what a wonderful teacher she is! You can find an entire list of her upcoming classes over at her blog here.

...and..

You can find her artwork online here.

Below is a little teaser of Kecia's beautiful jewelry ...

Pretty wonderful, wouldn't you agree? Stop by and introduce yourself to Kecia ... she'd love for you to visit!!

Jill