celebrate. . .

this animal print garland is destined to be a decoration at a 60th birthday bash.  A custom order from Tamatha for her mom's surprise birthday party. . .animal print fabric with touches of burlap, tulle, and gold ribbon. . .hope the party is fun!

preview. . .

of goodness to come. . .a project in the works. . .wait until tomorrow. . .

twice as nice. . .

garden chairs. . .plant stands. . .beautiful antique chairs past their prime have been repurposed into plant stands (or should I say seats?) for the garden.  Perfect on a covered porch or patio!

more storage. . .

five drawer cedar chest of drawers with tons of storage. . .pretty glass drawer pulls. . . dry brushed in a creamy white. . .great clean rustic look.

endless storage. . .

full of possibilities. . .originally a 60's "double dresser" (minus the mirror). . .now a buffet or sideboard, a TV stand, or even a dresser (again!).  Dry brushed in white it has a rustic/French Country look.  Available at Troy Antiques.

through the looking glass. . .

Perfectly beautiful 1920's vanity with glove drawer. . .near mint condition.   I knew when I saw this vanity it would be even prettier painted white. The mirrors are original to the piece and so are the wooden drawer pulls on the bottom drawers and the glass drawer pulls on the glove drawer.  If you look closely you will see the white rabbit's reflection in the mirror 

sit a spell. . .

a Southern expression meaning to have a seat (in a comfortable chair), relax, and visit with friends. . .this wicker rocker is perfect for this!  Perfect on a covered porch or sun room, the rocker is available at Troy Antiques.

Necessity. . .

is the Mother of invention. . .or so Mama would have said. . .OK so I didn't invent the wheel here but I was sorely in need of a new kitchen curtain/valance.  So why not use the osnaberg that I have sitting around the house, and sew a new curtain.  I'm a busy person. . do a lot of different things. . .and never bored (although sometimes so tired I can barely make it to bed. . .and I didn't really have "time" to make something for myself. . .but I rationalized this; thinking I could make the curtain for myself, write a blog post, and list it for sale on Etsy. . .so here's another "home" project turned into an Etsy listing.  

Tea anyone?

For those of you who "live" for tea, be is syrupy sweet over ice or straight up steaming hot, this pillow is for you.  Covered in "tea" words, the pillow cover is a muted gray/taupe color.  Works beautifully in the French Country farmhouse. 

little sister. . .

matching bedside table to go with this dresser/desk.  Both have been dry brushed in a creamy white. . .just waiting for a new home.

Happy Memorial Day!

Whether you are at the beach, lake, pool, grilling out at home or just "chilling", I hope everyone is going to enjoy the holiday.  I love any excuse to decorate for the "season". . .so here we go in a Red, White & Blue theme.  I have resurrected the red bottomless chair (I like red!) and filled it with an enamel pot and flowers (yes, "real" flowers would have been better but the porch/door faces south and nothing will survive that sun/heat). . .across the back is a small raggedy fabric garland.  Garlands are available in different length and color schemes.   The chair would also look cute in the garden. 

pure and white. . .

pieced cotton eyelets and lace combine to make this a perfect tote bag for the bride or bridesmaid.  Asimply tote is accented on the handles with vintage mother of pearl buttons.

It appears. . .

that I am "stuck" on painting white furniture. . .because it's (nearly) Summer?  because white sells better than color? (not always) or because I have an abundant supply of white paint?  Regardless, I have painted another desk white. . .and painted a plant stand white. . .and a wooden basket white!  Personally I think the white looks clean and well like Summer!  The three pieces are available at Troy Antiques.

I couldn't resist adding this photo of the dress/desk at the antique shop--great beach or cottage look I think.

Sweet Potatoes. . .

yes, this is a potato sack that once help sweet potatoes!  Now I have to admit, my Spanish is really rusty and we had to search for the Spanish/English dictionary in order to translate this.  The rustic sack is great for crafts or sewing--wouldn't it make a great pillow?  Or fill it with crumpled newspapers and sit in a corner--regardless, I am certain the buyer will find a special use for it.

Happy Mother's Day!

Yes, it's me and my Mom many years ago.

Happy Mother's Day

in memory of Mama.

International travelers. . .

a custom order for towels traveling to Japan. . .hand stamped monograms. . .hope you enjoy the towels Rie!  Ruffled osnaberg towels may be personalized with initials or numbers.

Beach season. . .

Whether you own a beach house/cottage or "want" to own one. . .this pillow is perfect.  A 20" pillow cover featuring a beach cabana design in blues and reds sets the mood for sun and surf!  Perfect on the porch to add a taste of summer.  Pillow cover features an envelope back.

Sweet baby. . .

monogrammed flannel blanket. . .handmade in an extra large size. . .perfect for swaddling the new baby.  Monogram is hand stitched embroidery in white.  Blankets are available in ballet pink, baby blue, creamy yellow, sea foam green or white.  These blankets make the perfect baby shower gift for the new mom.

Baby blankets are displayed on a vintage doll; if you are interested in purchasing this you may leave a comment here along with your email address.

a second chance. . .

Rarely do I knowingly purchase items that are monogrammed. . .they are usually a "hard sell" and I shy away from them.  Not the case with these napkin rings. . .beautiful silverplate napkin rings. . .mint condition and engraved USMC 1992.  Yes they belonged to someone in the United States Marine Corp.  And now they are going to live with another Marine Corp retiree in South Carolina.  Hope your husband loves them Sherry.

Second time around. . .

I suppose, because I was raised by a mother who did every type of craft imaginable, I love (and admire) all kinds of handcrafts. . .even retro afghans!  Now, I've crocheted my share of afghans. . .full size and baby blankets. . .but I never once attempted "the ripple". . .it was a long and laborious task to crochet this pattern.  So I suppose, when I found this "ripple" I snapped it up and listed it on Etsy.  The retro look of old afghans have been reborn at Anthropologie and at Urban Outfitters. . .so why not add a little reto love to my Etsy shop?

I couldn't resist. . .

A major perk of being an "antiques dealer" is being able to purchase things you love all in the name of business.  Now, don't get me wrong, everything I purchase will be sold either at the antique shop or on Etsy. . .it's just that some of the things I purchase "live" with me before being sold.  In this case, the beautiful brooch by Kramer of New York. . .this large brooch features a faceted cut faux topaz, surrounded by 39 clear and brown rhinestones.  Measuring 1 3/4" x 1 1/2", the brooch is the perfect statement piece.

that was quick. . .

let me explain. . .I post (or at least try to post) listings to etsy daily. . .the items usually sit in my shop a month or two and sometimes as long as eight months before someone happens by and makes a purchase. . .not the case last night. . .I listed these frames and today they were purchased. . .seriously, this is a record for me!   Personally I like empty frames (such a Pottery Barn style) and I try to keep different styles in stock in my store. . .currently I have rustic wooden frames and gold frames in the shop. . .and hopefully by next week I will have more white distressed frames. . .feel free to leave a comment if you are interested in a set of frames. 

country roads. . .

a cloudy gray day but the larkspur are ever blooming. . .once growing along the railroad tracks, a sweet lady pulled them up (yes by the roots) and brought them to Mama.  Well Mama could grow anything--she just put them in the ground and watered and we've had larkspur ever since.  This year we decided they would look nice around the mailbox. . .and they do. . .a sweet reminder of "Miss Dot" and Mama!

simple and plain. . .

a fabric covered stool for the vanity. . .gathered osnaberg is attached to more osnaberg. . .perfect the the vanity or bath.  Available at Troy Antiques.

ruffles for Mon. . .

My latest offering in burlap pillows. . .perfect for Mother's Day or birthdays.  Hand stamped Mom on a burlap pillow with an osnaberg ruffle.  This pillow fits a standard 12" x 16" pillow form.  Custom wording is available. . .for aunt, gran, nana, or personalized with a name or initial.

some enchanted evening. . .

a ruffled burlap tablecloth. . .perfect rustic charm. . .a wedding in the woods or a cathedral. . .
Tablecloths are made to order. . .please contact me to place your order. 

Burlap and ruffles. . .

another juxtaposition. . .the rough scratchy burlap is softened with a flowing ruffle made of osnaberg. . .ruffled pillow is available in my Etsy shop.  My other pillow has folded osnaberg down the center; this folding is reminiscent of the paper chewing gum chains we made in grammar school.  Both pillows are available in my etsy shop.

Relax. . .

or at least sit down. . .the latest in my "word" chairs.  Wonderful vintage chair has been dry-brushed in black and the seat upholstered with osnaberg.  "Relax" has been hand stamped on the seat.  Available at Troy Antiques or you may leave a comment with your email address.

a little me. . .

many years ago. . .today's my birthday. . .birthdays, anniversaries, and Christmas are all important to me and I believe should be celebrated on the appropriate day.  Somehow in today's world celebrations get pushed aside and replaced with "more essential" networking.  How can anyone think a text message can replace a birthday card?  and where's the birthday cake?  I have to buy my own tomorrow and yes, I am buying myself a cake!  Two dear friends remembered my birthday. . .precious presents from both. . .without them, there would have been no birthday.  As in everything, there is a lesson to be learned. . .no matter how busy or hurried I am, the people that mean the most to me should be celebrated on their birthday.

Why can't I. . .

be a "brand"?  About a week ago I decided that I "needed" (really just wanted) a (brand) label in my handmade items--I mean why not?  I sew bags, pillows, tablecloths and other items which I sell on Etsy.  When an item is purchased and shipped I am faithful to enclose a business card or two--hoping that the new owner will retain it for future reference--am I stupid?  Does anyone really "keep" business cards?  A label in the handmade item would be permanent--a way for the new owner to remember where she purchased the item and a way for her friends to find out (and hopefully come shopping with me too).
     So where do you locate personalized clothing labels?  On etsy of course!  I contacted Cassie at GutenTags and in 2 days my tags were shipped and I received them three days later.  She did a perfect job and was wonderful to work with!  She will have another order from me again soon.  Thanks Cassie!                                                                             

Furniture can be found. . .

in the most unorthodox places.  Just say that I am constantly on the "look" for small furniture items that need to be "fixed". . .while shopping at a local antique shop, I stopped by the restroom and there in a corner covered in boxes was this old "thrown away" stool waiting for me.   Yes the shop owner agreed to part with the stool and I loaded it up in the car.   The next day, the stool was painted black, the cushion was covered in osnaberg and then hand stamped "SIT".  By Tuesday, I had taken it to the antique shop and by Thursday it sold.  I wish everything was this easy!

Garden chair. . .

Vintage desk or office chair has been stripped down to the wood and white washed--and a plant stand has been born.  Chair will hold a large size fern or other potted plant--perfect for a porch or sunroom--beautiful at weddings!  May be used for a limited time in the garden


I suppose. . .

I've been in denial for many months. . . I didn't realize how much I missed not having a cat to greet me and talk to me when I stepped outside. This sweet thing appeared this morning, starving. She had a delicious tuna (yes the real people food) breakfast and then proceeded to thank me by rubbing on my legs. Now she's gone. . .maybe back to her family. . .I just hope she's safe.

Spring Picnic time. . .

the weather is still (fairly) pleasant in the South and (when it isn't raining) perfect for a picnic.  So grab you vintage dishes (melamine of course), a tablecloth (to spread on the ground), delicious food (or fried chicken from the drive thru), and your best friend. . .

Country Pair. . .

waiting for the porch swing or the next picnic.  Rustic burlap pillows ready for the rustic cabin, your beach house, or your home. . .pillow covers will fit an 18" or 20" pillow sham are available in my shop.

City gone Country. . .

a perfectly tailored pair of pillow covers ready for your city home or country cabin.  Envelope closure in back makes them an easy on and off. 

Repurpose. . .

a new word. . .a new way of thinking. . .(in reality) a way to dispose of junk/trash.
My sister in law has always been a scavenger. . .and she has uncovered some great "finds". . .but then there are those things that she's found that you want to burn or bury in the sand.   She called one day last year and told me she had found a chest of drawers. . ."a really old one". . .and she was dropping it off on the way to the beach.  I was so excited!  I knew I'd have it painted in 2 days and at the antique shop ready for sale.  Unfortunately she failed to mention that the chest of drawers was in 25 pieces and that the drawers would have to be reassembled. . .gluing furniture has never worked well for me. So the pieces sat for about a year. . .then last week I "repurposed" them. . .signs from reclaimed wood.

Primitive yellow. . .

a (sort of) matching pair of primitive end tables. . .with a yellow wash. . .ready for the porch or patio.  Available at Troy Antiques.

Spring Beach Pillows. . .

or bright Beach Pillows. . .Johnathan Adler style pillow covers. . .yellow and white wave design.  Pillow covers fit an 18" or 20" pillow form and have an envelope closure on the back.  They would be perfect on a porch or in a sun room!

moving on. . .

a 1960's tilted book shelf turned shabby chic. . .this is a custom order for Lisa. . .a new addition for her daughter's room.  Hope you both enjoy it!

See. . .

I told you so. . .those ratted primitive chair legs make a great photo prop!  Raggedy pillows ready for the beach house or cabin. . .envelope closure on the back is secured with a bright yellow vintage button; edges are left open and clipped to fray and fluff.   Quilted pillow ticking is machine wash and dry.                          

from the trash pile. . .

I am sort of a "drive by" shopper.  I will cruise slowly by yard sales to eyeball the merchandise before stopping--I tend to do the same thing to trash piles.  Last Saturday I saw a bookcase, books, and a table base--unfortunately, my vehicle was packed with 2 coffee tables, an end table, and 4 chairs.  After I unloaded at the antique shop, I made a mad dash back to the "trash" I had seen--bookcase and books were already claimed and the table base was beyond repair. 

But down another street I saw this------->

Yes, it looks rough and you wonder why I could possibly want, or need, chair legs.  To be honest, I didn't know when I picked them up but I do see possibility in them.  They would make a great primitive/rustic plant stand--just sit your potted plant in the middle and the legs will "frame" the pot; remove the horizontal spindles and the others make great architectural salvage; or use the "legs" as a great photo prop.  And this is what I did!

a name. . .

are these eggs?. . .Easter eggs?. . .or quilted eggs?

They are actually handmade Easter Eggs. . .elliptical spheres constructed from a vintage quilt.  Well now I've complicated things further. . .I've added mathematical terminology to the description. . .why can't I just call these Easter Eggs? 

To me they are handmade Easter eggs. . .ready for display in your cottage home or primitive home/cabin.  A cutter quilt (I have many) was cut and pieced together to form 7 shabby chic Easter Eggs. 

Stop by my Etsy shop to see more Easter goodies!