a different direction . . .

Until now this blog has featured my furniture designs; today it's heading in a different direction . . .

Spring brings dogwood blossoms and thoughts of Easter and of course "Easter dresses" for all little girls.

A new division of Miss Hettie's has been launched--"Sweet Peas", featuring hand-sewn dresses from heirloom linens. Each dress is one-of-a-kind and may be purchased at On The Square Antiques, Troy AL Cost is $35.

Here today . . . Gone today

Snow . . . in the South! and on March 1st! Undeniably, we have wierd weather in the South--we had an 80 degree Christmas and snow today. Granted, the snow only flurried; but it came down so fast that it accumulated faster than it melted! I just wanted to share a few photos of south Alabama during the height of the "storm"!

Addiction . . .

another day--another footstool . . .

When I found this footstool it was begging to be "fluffed". It was a sad flat stool with beautiful needlepoint. Someone had taken months to finish the needlepoint--and then only tacked it down to a wooden oval and added legs. I just had to make it prettier! I added foam padding, batting, and "fluff" to make it soft and of course fringe to make it pretty. A real faceleft! Footstool is available at Miss Hettie's shop and at On The Square Antiques, Troy AL Price, $35

Oh the possibilities of it all . . . . .

Some people just aren't able to see "possibilities" in vintage furniture. This 1940's dresser was a dingy brown before I white washed the entire piece. The dresser can be utilized as a dresser (with the complementing rectangle mirror) or as a foyer table, behind-the-sofa table, kitchen desk--the possibilities are endless.

The photo below is the same "dresser" in the shop window at On The Square Antiques, Troy, AL ($98 for the dresser, $24 for the mirror, or $105 for the set) Home delivery is available in some areas.

Another "possibility" presented itself to me in this small 3-drawer chest-of-drawers--it was covered in ugly brown paint; but with some sanding and scraping it transformed into a great piece. Again, the first photo shows the finished piece and the second photo shows it transformed into a wonderful home accessory--possibily a great foyer statement! Chest and mirror are available at On The Square Antiques Troy, AL (Priced separately: chest $42 and mirror $24)

Ready for Spring . . .

Ok, so Valentine's Day has just past, but in the South our daffodils have been blooming for weeks! It is time for a Spring chair! My latest creation is a rattan swivel rocker and coordinating footstool. The chair and footstool are both "finds", I only cleaned them and constructed the cushions. I think they make a cute pair for Spring and Summer! Both are available at On The Square Antiques, Troy, Al and at http://misshetties.ecrater.com/ . Price chair, $48; footstool, $25; set $65.

How could I miss it?

How could I miss my favorite holiday?--next to Christmas that is! I absolutely love Valentine's Day! Maybe it's all the "red" you see everywhere--it just makes me happy! I decorated at the antique shop (On The Square Antiques, Troy, AL) beginning right after Christmas! Red tulle wrapped around red Christmas lights set the scene. I love vintage holiday decorations--unfortunately those that I find for resale often never end up at the shop--they are just added to my collection!
This cabinet was salvaged from the dumpster. Missing a drawer only added to its charm. I painted and distressed the piece. Shown here as a buffet or sideboard it can also be used as a dresser or chest of drawers.

Raggedy Ann sits patiently waiting for a friend. This child size bench has been painted and the cushion covered in a children's toile. The seat lifts conveniently and toys may be stored beneath.

Deer Season. . .

And in the South---Deer Season is alive and thriving--why not a footstool to capture the spirit! Yes, I have designed a footstool that would be perfect for the cabin, a den, or even a modern urban apartment. The fabric was a real find--one I couldn't wait to use. The footstood is available at On The Square Antiques, Troy, AL and at http://misshetties.ecrater.com/