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?

the hippie in me. . .

is coming out. . .This vintage afghan looked way too inviting  (and funky) when I discovered it.   My family just shakes their heads (collectively) when I bring home something random.  But you see I knew it would make the perfect photo. . .a photo to catch the buyer's eye. . .maybe an Anthro stylist (I can dream can't I?).  Regardless, the "granny square" afghan (or throw as we label then now) is ready to go home with a lucky person. . .sorry I can't supply the fence, field and trees to make a purchase complete.

Black Beauty. . .

Wonderful old vanity. . .a fresh coat of paint. . .cloth drawer pulls for interest. . .

and we're finished.

Four drawer vanity with hanging mirror is available on etsy and in the window at Troy Antiques.

Elegant. . .

In white. . . Vintage '40's dresser painted white and distressed--available at Troy Antiques, $165.

Here we go again. . .

already sold and delivered. . .on its way to Troy University and a new apartment!

Great 4 drawer chest of drawers is perfect for storing clothes and later it can transition into a buffet or sideboard for a new home.

Go to green. . .

The latest project changed midway. . .

The desk was supposed to be black but my best laid plans are often changed. Once I began sanding I realized that this was destined to become another "scraped" look. So far I've had two other pieces of furniture that transitioned into this perfectly (A Treasure and Art Deco).

Desk is available at Troy Antiques, $78.

Mean green. . .

Just "chalk this up" to me wanting to be different.

I almost always paint in (off)white or (off)black--those colors seem to sell better/quicker--this time I had to be different! This wonderful old chest has been dry-brushed in green--yes, green. I think this gives it an "anthropologie" look and feel. The drawer pulls are fabric--I realize not everyone would understand this but really it's just another "anthro" trick.

Now why can't I sell to Anthropologie?

This chest can function in a bedroom as a dresser--in the den, to hold a television--on in a dining room as a buffet or sideboard.

Available at Troy Antiques, $138.

perfectly black. . .

another wonderful dressing table. . .on its way to Tuscaloosa and the University of Alabama. . .

Great lines make this dressing table the perfect addition to a new apartment.

Already sold and delivered. . . enjoy!

1970's reborn. . .owl season. . .

The owl has been reborn. . .or rather repurposed. . .
The green fabric with the wonderful owl applique was originally a ladies' vest from the 1970's. Tattered and torn, the "shredds" were given to me along with encouragement--"I'm certain you can make something out of this".



I knew I would make a pillow and the green toile seemed to be the perfect background. . .the orange border? It just matched the accent color on the owl.



So the pillow was born and is now available at Troy Antiques and in my Etsy shop.

Hold your breath. . .

Weekend projects waiting. . .

I haven't yet quite decided what color to use--
possibly "my" white for one and color for at least one. I have some great zebra print fabric I'm anxious to use, so that may be the covering for the chair seat.

Stay tuned. . .hold your breath. . .wait and see. . .hopefully they will all be finished before Monday!

What am I?

In actuality, this is a vintage plant stand.

Now it has a multitude of uses, from the kitchen and storing dishes to the bedroom holding bags, sweaters, or shoes (unless you are like Sweethomewhever and need a room for shoes), or back to the garden holding flowers as it was originally intended. This piece is so "anthropologie", it would be perfect in their store. Available at Troy Antiques for $38

Changing ways. . .

Discarded objects salvaged and changed into great furniture. . . An old wooden door for the back. . .

Salvaged table legs. . .

A shabby window for extra decor. . .

Spoons and forks bent for hooks. . .

And a potting table is born!

Thanks to Bobby at Cottage and Cabin for his creative genius. Potting table available at Troy Antiques.

Promises fulfilled. . .

Wonderful chic shabby wrought iron table and chairs. . . Glass top ready for the sun room, dining room or patio. Available at Troy Antiques for $185.

Mary, Mary, quite contrary. . .

How does your garden grow?

No matter what you grow in your garden, this cute white wrought iron bench will add a touch of charm and a welcome place to sit and rest. Reversible throw pillows complete the look. Available at Troy Antiques for $98.

White on White. . .

Perfectly white now but this chair was once yellow with a cane back that had issues. I white-washed the chair,covered the seat in a natural duck canvas, and made a slip cover for the damaged back. Available at Troy Antiques for $38.

Art Deco. . .

meets shabby chic. . . meets anthropologie. . .

This waterfall style dresser has been painted white and distressed. A variety of drawer pulls changes the look from simple shabby chic to an anthropologie style! The antique mirror completes the look. . .the perfect combination.

Dresser is available at Troy Antiques for $78; antique mirror, $30.

the black. . .

of the bumblebee. . .

In yesterday's post I mentioned that my shop window will have the "colors of a bumblebee". . .yellow of the desk and black of this sideboard.

This is a simple piece of furniture is the "black" in the window . . .first a dresser/chest of drawers, this chest can transform into a buffet or sideboard, foyer table, behind-the-sofa table, television stand, or back to a dresser.

This piece has been painted and distressed and has just a hint of red peaking through the distressing. Available at Troy Antiques for $74.

a tale. . .

of two chairs. . .

The weekend brought "spring fever" and I finished several projects--sewing and painting (more of this later). The two chairs/stools are entirely different. Both are wrought iron and have covered cushions. The white low-backed stool is finished with a pink and green patchwork/crazy quilt cover. The center is accented with a covered button featuring pink roses.

The black low-backed stool features a gray and yellow graphic print. This stool will co-ordinate with my latest painting project. . .stay tuned!

Both chairs/stools are available at Troy Antiques.. .White chair, $32; black chair, $28.

white on white. . .

cottage chic. . .beach retreat. . .

This dressing table is perfect for many locations. It's distressed white finish is perfectly chic and shabby or beach decor. The dresser would also fit in the nursery. . .waiting until the little girl grows up and needs the mirror.

The 6 drawer dresser with tri-fold mirror is available at Troy Antiques (under $165).

A white-washed chair upholstered in a sage green, pink roses fabric completes the look. Chair available for $28.

I told you so. . .

vintage watch bracelets are here!

A different present for a special person in your life--wife, daughter, mom, or girlfriend.

These "anthropologie style"bracelets are constructed from three vintage watch faces, typically from the 1950's or earlier, joined together with a vintage watch band--creating a unique look. The watches are decorative only--occasionally, there will be one in the group that will work but stem-wound watches are tempermental at best.

The bracelets are approximately 7 1/2" but can be extended; ask for details. The bracelets are available at Troy Antiques, Troy, AL for $45.