Notes from A Cottage Industry

A second little post for Thursday...

This seems to be a habit, these random second posts.
Since I just shared the Portland Peanut's nursery, I just had to share one of the treasures that will showcased there, above the changing pad, in the charming hutch. See the incredible little shoe on the left? That one is mine. I bought it from my wonderful friend Dawn. My heart melts each time I look at these sweet baby shoes. I'm going to use the baby shoe pincushion to showcase some darling vinatge diaper pins that a dear friend surprised me with yesterday. (Thank you again, Tracey! I love them so.)
    Now, that's not the only reason I am sharing this second post. Here's the cool news. Dawn is now selling tutorials for her fabulous projects on a second, new blog for selling her newest venture- Online tutorial kits, called the Speckled Egg (love the name!) and so I also bought the tutorial (it's basically an online kit of step by step instructions for event he most 'fraidy-cat beginner!!) this morning for how to make more of my own baby shoe pincushions.The tutorial arrived in my email inbox and let me tell you, the directions were great, and the pictures were close up and it's all so easy to follow. Actually, the tutorial photos are so nice that I just kept looking at them over and over!
     Why did I buy the tutorial when I already have a darling shoe on the way? I am so glad you asked. I want to make several more of these darling pincushion booties myself, and attach vintage looking tags to them to serve double duty as place cards and favors at a joint baby shower I plan to throw for the two Mama's-to-be! How cute will that be?! Oh, I am sure there are many other uses...in fact I am thinking I may make a couple of Christmas ornaments this way, skipping the cushion part and just decorating the shoes as Dawn instructs. Would that be cute?! The possibilities are endless...

See? I knew you'd want to know about this.

A nursery begins to take shape...

Are those just about the cutest little bunny slippers you've ever seen?! (They are! They are!) I got them for the Peanut while we were shopping on 4th Avenue in sweet little Camas Washington. Oh, but that wasn't all we found on the street of dreams.
One of the highlights of the past weekend's trip to Camas was playing with the furniture in the nursery, arranging it and staring at it, imagining it full of baby sounds, sights and smells.(and I knew you'd want to see our progress!) The nursery is a wonderful large, sunny bedroom, with high cathedral ceilings and it's own fabulous walk-in closet (with a window, no less!) and it's own bathroom.
     Because of the nice high ceiling we knew we needed something with some height in there for a focal point....but what?
Well.....The Mama-to-be discovered this incredible "changing station" while we were in Camas Antiques. (it's actually a reproduction piece!) We were so excited to show it to my son-law, who so sweetly said they should buy it right then and there. (He's such a good sport! I actually think he thought that's what the piece was designed for as my daughter explained that the little alcove was for a diaper changing area.) Okay, technically it's a hutch, but open your mind. Think outside of that hutch box. It's a piece of furniture that will work pretty much anywhere in a home (in so many places, and with so many options for use!) for years and years to come.
   The changing pad we bought fits perfectly in the alcove, as though it was made for it.(I am picturing a wee little banner hung back in there against that green backdrop)  Imagine this beauty filled with onesies, diapers, story books and stuffed bears. My mind reels just thinking about it.
    Since the thrifty couple had bought the crib and mattress on craigslist (which we promptly painted and antiqued to go with the feel of the room) and had a reinvented dresser and charming little table from Gramma Cupcake, (the dresser is in the other corner of the room, not shown in the photos) they decided to cut loose and buy this beautiful piece for the huge back wall of the soon-to-be nursery.

**edited to add: Here is a picture of our "practice baby" the adorable Mona Fleasa!

   This, along with the rocking chair that was used to rock my babies and some incredible old hinged doors from the fabulous retreat  team round out the room quite nicely and it is really beginning to take shape.

Now, in another couple of weeks when we know if we're having a boy or a girl, we can really get the ball rolling.

A new collection has begun...

     **Before I start this post, I'd like to comment...to thank...you for the many nice comments I received on the topic of my hair. (my hairdresser slash super model, Alexis, thanks you as well, as I was in her chair yesterday getting my "highlights" touched up..) And, the comments on my age....well, I'll admit I am a bit concerned that a lot of you folks pictured me looking older than I do. This is what 51.7 looks like, people. (I'm more than a little worried that many of you may have been picturing me all this time like Estelle Getty as Sophia from the Golden Girls.) Thank you so much for all of the oh, so kind comments. Seriously. You made my week!**

Now, on to my post about my newest collection...

I'm going to blame her for this new addiction. I heard about hers, then I saw it on her blog (I know it's wrong, but I covet her collection!!!) and I knew I wanted to begin a collection too.I had one vintage cake topper, and I got  two more last weekend on my trip to PTown (one at Monticello Antiques and one at Molly Mo's Booth at the Barn House Sale!)
     Next to a new baby, what could possibly be a happier thing than weddings? To love and to cherish and all that goes with it. Yes, even if mine didn't go happily ever after, I am a hopeless romantic.
     You know, where there is love there is always hope.These sweet wedding cake toppers symbolize this to me in such a charming way. White lace and promises, a whole new clean slate ahead. Someone to snuggle with, cry with, and share your big and little moments with.

Oh, I love everything these little cake toppers represent.

Barn House wrap up... and Bake off.

   I know everyone that attended the event has been sharing, but here are just a few pictures of the fabulous Barn House Sale....

So much to see that we had to walk through three times...

...and midway through all of this glorious eye candy, we stopped to judge the Bake off! ( There were six entries, but I missed photo ops on some of them...)

We loved the Barn House Boys Peach Cobbler...

...and Auntie Joy's Poppyseed cake was to die for!

Here was the winner... a coconut lime bar that was decadent and deee-lish.

*sigh* We loved every minute of the whole event.

Back from the Barn House Sale.

...and, as always,  my trip was too short.
So much to show and tell. Let's see, how can I describe the trip? It was heaven on earth, really.
     The Auntie-to-be and I jumped out of bed, showered and were on the road by 7:10 on Saturday morning.  We picked up her sister, and after a quick stop at Starbucks were on the short ride down the rural road to Battleground where the Barn House Sale took place.
     For starters, it was the perfect weather and location for a vintage fair. A grassy pasture (with roosters crowing and walking around, no less) The booths were incredible. In-cred-i-ble, I tell ya. But that wasn't nearly the best part. No, the best part was meeting so many people that I have admired from afar, through the internet.       
     The first celebrity I came upon was the Lisa Johnson, of Ticked Pink and A thing for roses fame, and I wasn't bashful about approaching her. (Ignore my squinty eyes. It was very sunny.) Such a warm and friendly gal in person (I knew she would be!!) I met her partner in vintage vending, Isabell, but somehow missed getting a photo of her.

I met up with Krista Colvin (I'm so glad she suggested I fly up for this fabulous event!) and we got to visit before judging the Bake Off (more on that tomorrow!) Oh, and do you see that guy back there? That's Joe, one of the Boys of the Barn House, standing in their booth. (such fabulous stuff!)

Then, I got to meet Joy, from Auntie's Joy's. (What exactly is up with my squinting...and that cheesy, goofy smile? Sheesh. I look like a chipmunk that is really overdo for a haircut. This is why you seldom see photos of me. I'd much rather you all imagine me as an incredibly attractive, slender, non-squinting down home gal from the biggest little city.Oh well, we've shattered that myth all to heck today.)

Anyway.

Where was I? Oh yes, Auntie Joy. Her blog is called "A Day in the life"...you know her too, I am sure. Another fabulous woman. I got to meet her darling sister Toni, too. We all chatted our heads off like we'd known each other for half of our lives.
     My daughters and I had so much much fun meeting everyone, and visiting, and shopping. A perfect day, in my world. There were so many treasures to see (and buy) that I'll have to do a second post on this (not to mention, showcase the Bake off that we got to help judge)

Words to live by - week 78

...pretty profound when you think about it.
The Auntie-to-be sent me this quote on the front of a card. I like it so much that I am going to frame it and keep it on my desk as a reminder.

Barn House Flea Market or bust!

   My bags are packed and I'm all ready to get up to PTown for a jam packed weekend of fun and family time. First stop, Monticello Antique Marketplace. Ya, baby. This place is so big that it has it's very own cafe' and upholstery shop. (I am thinkin' the Auntie-to-be and I will have lunch here ) Then, Saturday will be spent at the Barn House Flea Market of course, shopping, meeting online friends and judging such yummy treats as peach cobbler and cupcakes. I've never been a judge in a baking contest so this will be a real treat. (pardon the pun)
     I have no doubt we'll wrap things up with a trip to Camas Antiques at some point on Sunday, (oh just wait 'til you see the hutch they found there to use as a changing table in the nursery! It's magnificent!) which is the day we plan on focusing our energy on getting the nursery layout set up arranged (How fun is that going to be?!)
     Of course, I am quite sure that the real highlight of the trip will be all the good times together; giggling and girl talk in the car, enjoying time together on the new patio the Auntie and Uncle-to-be just built, laughing, planning the details of the Peanut's room and just enjoying being together for far too short of a visit.

A second post for Thursday....

Meet Krista. (Is this gal cute, or what?!)

Make sure you pop on over to Krista Colvin's Blog at some point soon. (OK, today I am her featured "guest blogger" and I am pretty darned excited about it!) Krista is on the AM Northwest television show in the Portland Metro area, as well as a Lifestyle Expert + creator of www.theShebang.com The Smart Woman's Guide to Doing it All!  (I have had her fabulous blog linked on my sidebar for quite some time and I really enjoy her organizational tips!)

OK, one more tidbit of exciting news in my not-so-ordinary life...I'll be meeting Krista, in person, this Saturday at the oh-so-fabulous BarnHouse Sale. And I'll be meeting the incredible Joe and Jermonne, of the Barn House too (Along with some of my very favorite vendors of vintage treasures from the pacific northwest!) So, if you're anywhere near close by, you must come say hello!

Oh, and that's only the tip of the excitement  here, people. We'll be judging the Bake off at the big Barn House Sale! Oh, you know I'll have pictures and facininnating stories to tell from this big event.

*sigh* Silver linings here, folks.

Home tour!

      As promised, here are some pictures from my girlfriend's petite French country chateau. (and for the record, the red paint in her home and that I used on her furniture is Behr Brand Cinnabar, in eggshell finish!!!)  Every time I visit her I am inspired. Rich jewel tones, with ceramic roosters and charming antiques....it's such a happy house. Here are several more shots (I just love looking at all of it in detail!) from different angles of her living room and the dining room area...

And here is her oh-so-charming kitchen nook. How sweet is this space for a nice little breakfast or a cozy dinner?

...and from a different angle...

Last but not least is a shot of the family room...my photo is a little dark but you can see how wonderful it is...

It's so fun to visit my friend's homes, with such different decorating styles. It inspires me to look at my own nooks and corners with new eyes. I hope you enjoyed the tour.

Seeing red. (And neutrals and a little Robin's egg blue...)

      Thank you all so much for all of your color choice input yesterday. Lot's of great advice, and in the end I decided on keeping a lot of pieces neutral, with a small number of accent pieces in the Robin's egg blue. (My neutral pieces still need to be antiqued, and the chalkboard painted and inserted in the frame, which I will get to tonight!) I also painted two chairs, but they didn't quite fit in the picture, so I will share them later.
      I got my friend's order completed as well. Those are her red pieces in the photo up top. Her home is French country and it. is. darling. (I'll see if I can take some pictures when I deliver her order and share them with you. You'll love it!)
      I do think when autumn comes around (and it will be here before we know it) I will change things up and do a bunch of black pieces, along with some reds, mustards and deep sage greens, but for now, I am staying with the softer color palate.

Taking inventory

     My booth at the Antique Mall is looking a more than a bit sparse and I desperately need to restock. Last night I took a quick inventory of the pieces in my garage and discovered that I have unknowingly managed to start a collection of teddy bears. I also have a pretty nice selection of furniture pieces to choose from to paint, so I need to just dive in and get busy already.
     My dilemma is this: do I paint the pieces a neutral, like white, black or cream, or do I get a bit bolder and paint a few items Robin's egg blue or baby pink? Maybe a nice sage green on a table or two? A more bold Country French red?
     What are you more likely to purchase when shopping one-of-a-kind? A piece in a neutral tone, or one that is more unique in color? Hmmm?

Catch-up week.

     See the cute sign in the photo? That's one of my friend's favorite sayings. She gave me the three foot long framed welcome sign that she got on clearance at TJ Maxx longer ago than I care to admit.(you won't even believe how long ago...let's just say that sign has spent all four seasons at my home)  Today I will give it to her and she will hang it in her office at work (if she remembers why she wanted it)
     I had offered to repaint it with her favorite saying and then...well, I kept putting it off, doing other things, then I actually forgot I had it after a few months...then, I remembered, and procrastinated some more. (What is up with that?! Why did I do that?!) I even printed my wording template two different times (Um, ya...I had to print it a second time, 'coz I took so long that I lost the first template.)

Anyway.

Finally, finally, this weekend, I got it finished. The shroud of guilt has been lifted! Tonight I am planning on starting to paint three small furniture pieces for another friend that has been patiently waiting since before the Tumbleweed Cotillion.

I want to get them done before autumn arrives.

Words to live by - week 77

This goes right along with blooming where we're planted.

Todays haul.

Here's a lil' peek at today's yard sale haul. I'm off to work at the Antique Mall, but I'll share more later, people!

All heart.

(**edited to add** That's my daughter in the photo above, at her bridal shower last summer, along with her two long time "gal-pals")

Those of us that are parents are all proud of our children. We are biased. I know this.

But, sometimes, things happen, extraordinary things, and in that moment, our hearts are so overcome with pride and awe, that we feel we might simply burst. Last night I had one of those moments. Have you ever had one of them? When you are so touched and so proud, even just to know this person, let alone, know that you raised them?

She thinks with her heart. More of us should try doing that.

Sandy's got a canning giveaway contest going on!

Do you like to can? I haven't canned anything in about, oh, thirty years, but I'd love to try it again myself. Sandy  has a fun giveaway contest going, with a couple of thought provoking questions to it. The drawing will be held this Thursday. (...that's tomorrow!)

Good luck!

More awards!

Yesterday was a big day for me in my email in-box. I was the lucky recipient of not one, but two awards! A big fat thank you to Pam for this award. I'm supposed to pass it on to seven more bloggers, but, as I've said in the past, that's impossible for me. There are far too many of you out there with brilliant blogs to single out only a few!!!

Then, Cindy nominated me for this incredibly cool award.

I am honored to receive this, Cindy, especially from you! ( Cindy's the Queen of furniture make overs, in my opinion.) I'd like to nominate two bloggers (well, a team of two, with different three blogs!) for this award:

 The deco diva herself, Deb, along with Mr. Deb, without whom she'd never get it all done! The Kennedy/Kennedy team is a force to be reckoned with, for sure! They don't just paint the furniture, they re-purpose, they cut and move and change parts, in shot, they create masterpieces from thrifted finds!

Speaking of furniture makeovers....I was down at my Antique booth yesterday on my lunch break from my grown up girl job and things were looking pretty picked over. It's great to be selling so much, but it made me realize I need to get back in gear. I took a little inventory of all I have left in my pile in the garage and tonight I'll be busting a move getting a couple of new pieces reinvented and I'll be sharing them with you as soon as they're ready to go in the booth. Oh, I can't wait to get busy creating!

If only I didn't have this darned grown up job getting in my way ...!

Two heartbeats beneath my feet.

These guys always know when things are not quite right. They can sense things like that. They've been following me from room to room, just reminding me that I'm not alone. See how they're sleeping? They like to lay in the doorway, so when I finish on the computer I'll have to walk right there and they'll spring into action, wagging tails and sloppy licks, just letting me know that they're glad I'm home. (Oh, and they'll want me to sing the Mary Tyler Moore theme song again---they just love that.)

Ya, whoever said you can't buy happiness never had a dog.

Lesson learned

So many lessons to be learned, and I tend to learn most of them the hard way. I think I discovered what I'm lesson I'm supposed to be working on during this latest tribulation.

Oh, I thought I had learned this lesson already. I thought I just felt pity, with a dash of disgust, but I realized that there was still a good bit of anger in there, and a drop or two of spitefulness, all held together with a holier-than-thou air about myself. (I'm embarrassed to share that actually, but there we have it.)

In the midst of all the drama that has unfolded in my little world in the past 6 days, I see now that I was completely stuck on the "how-dare-this-guy-keep-messing-up-my-life-every-time-I-think-I-might-get- ahead-of-this-mess-he-created" only to see very clearly now that I am already ahead of the mess. More financial challenges, yes.  But I have what matters. My faith, my family, my friends. (those precious grand babies on the way!)  

He, on the other hand, is an impostor, having traded his life with his children and I for a life of material things, and what he thought looked like fast rewards. He surrounds himself with like minded people so he doesn't have to defend his actions.

Does he think it was worth it? Was she worth it? I don't know for sure, but I don't really think so. I know his choices haunt him in the fleeting moments of realization at what he has done, because when these moments occur, he calls and leaves sobbing, nearly inaudible, inconsolable messages on my cell phone. This breaks my heart into two million pieces. Today, when this happened again, it hit me. I understand now just who he is.

He is a lost soul.

Surely there is nothing sadder than that. I clearly see now that it is about forgiveness. I will never understand any of the "why's" of all that has happened in the past years, but I now see that it doesn't matter. What matters is that I forgive him.

For him. For me.

A note of gratitude and a little award

     You people are simply the best. So many kind notes and sweet emails have come my way this weekend!!! I feel so loved, and while I still have a few more hurdles to overcome in the next week or so, I know that this too shall pass and once again, I am reminded that I am not the one driving the bus.(I thought I had learned this lesson already...?) Once again, I must let go and trust and everything will work out in God's perfect plan for me. I want you all to know that your friendships mean the world to me, more than ever now.
   
     Back on May first Jen gave me the "arte de pico" award and you can see my answers in this post. Then, June nominated me! (Thank you, thank you, June!) Finally,  Pat nominated me for it again. (Thank you so much Pat!)
Like I said, you people are simply the best, and I am so blessed to have you in my life.

Words to live by - week 76

Mmm hmm. That's what I'm talkin' about.

I'm back.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of the caring and concerned emails and comments.

Sometimes life is just so... hard. Sometimes I feel like I am trapped in a really bad lifetime-for-women television movie that just won't end. You know, the kind where you start to think, "Oh come on now. That couldn't all happen to one woman. Sheesh. Come on now." Ya, that kind.
Without sharing all of the drama, I have come to realize that just because your divorce is behind you doesn't necessarily mean that you get to move forward with a clean slate at all. Other people's poor choices follow you still.
As much as I struggle to stay positive, and focus on what is good and right and just, there are some days, some weeks, that just knock me to my knees. This has been one of those weeks.

Logging on to my computer late last night and finding all of the kind emails and notes filled my soul to the brim with such a warm blessed feeling that I can't even describe it. Discovering that people are praying for me and pulling for me is a very humbling and touching experience and it's a feeling I hope I never forget.

Thank you seems such an insignificant thing to say here, but I mean it sincerely. Thank you for the prayers, the concern, the kindness, the friendship.  I'm back and I'll be posting more later.

My favorite time of the day

     Early, early morning. That's my favorite time of the day. Quiet and peaceful, the pups and I go to the backyard and I water my potted plants in the stillness with no sound except the birds and the hose splashing.
     Once that's done, I come inside to my computer, with hot cocoa in hand, and I sit at the big cheerful window, with the pups at my feet, and enjoy the early morning sun and quiet a bit longer before turning on the news and getting in gear for the day.
I hope you have a fabulous day today!

Vintage bassinet make over

     I've selected the fabrics for the bassinet.( I want it to be able to go in my living room or my bedroom at the cottage.) For some odd reason the colors look kind of "off" in the photo above, but trust me, they match up perfectly.

I shared pictures of this fabric grouping, sewn into amazing pillows waaaaay back when by the Sewing Queen herself, and you can see how sweet they look together here. You also will see a Robins egg blue dresser which is exactly how I plan to paint the bassinet!
       I am going to paint the wicker my favorite signature Robins egg blue and antique it. Then, the bulk of the fabric will be this sweet floral that I have had for well over a year now, just waiting for the right project. A bit of checked fabric to coordinate, and some oh-so-soft chenille for the reverse side of the quilt and bumper pads and it is going to be so darling.

A little Monday morning apron love

We're starting off the work week (for me anyway) with  a little apron love from the Sewing Queen of northern Nevada. Oooh la la! I adore this first apron. (I should, I picked the fabric out!) I must admit that the chocolate brown satin ribbon the sewing queen chose really is the defining detail though.

And here we have one more of the Yippie -ki-yi-yay aprons. So retro, so cute!

Both sell for $38 plus $5 shipping and packaging. Email me if you must have one, and I will get it sent, post haste!  Thanks so much! Both SOLD!

words to live by - week 75

A very special NeSt

Deco Diva Debi was selling one of her most special signature creations at the Tumbleweed Cotillion, and she gave me one of my own at the close of the fair. They're called NeSt's and she does them when the mood strikes, for the seasons, or for special events, such as the Tumbleweed Cotillion, so they are all limited additions. I have no idea if she has any of them left, but if you're interested, contact Deb.

I have an Autumn NeSt from a couple of years ago and I treasure it.
This latest one was designed especially for our event, and I adore the detail of the button and the lavender. I'm going to keep this one in my bathroom, on a small pedestal silver tray. So sweet!

Thanks so very much, Deb!

It's all about those grandbabies

   

...you better believe it.

You wanted to know what I bought at last weekend's Tumbleweed Cotillion, so here it is. The sweetest vintage bassinet I've ever laid my eyes on, for starters! I love the old wicker and those big wheels, and just wait until you see what I'm going to do with it.(here's a little clue_ the sewing Queen is going to be busy after I get home from the fabric store!) It will stay at my home, for when any of the grandbabies come over for a visit. I think I'll be keeping it in the corner of the living room, but I am not 100% sure yet.

I also snagged 2 matching baby spoons, one for each of the little peanuts, and the adorable, soft musical teddy bear.
     We don't know if we're having any girls yet, but I just couldn't resist the little hat (How could I not buy that?!) And are you noticing the awesome vintage baby scale? I actually sold it to a friend that had a baby shop  way back when, and she sold it back to me at the Cotillion (picture it filled with little tiny newborn diapers!)

The sweet vendor that sold me the vintage bassinet gave the mama-to-be this vintage velveteen bunny as a little gift for the nursery. Oooooh! It's just so precious! It will be perfect in the vintage themed room we are planning!

The land of the free and the home of the brave

Happy 4th of July, everybody!

Meet the Grand Diva of the Tumbleweed Cotillion

...and I mean that as the most sincere compliment! She's dubbed herself Deco Diva Debi and she is an absolute marvel to watch in action, along with her soulmate, "Mr.Deb" (Bob the amazingly get-er-done kind of guy!)
     Her trained eye knows just where to place delicate little NeSt's and vintage paper collections. Chairs are stacked precisely upon tables and sideboards, and little treasures are tucked here and there. 

Lighted vintage lamps added a romantic ambiance to her ten by ten indoor gazebo space that felt exactly like a little piece of vintage French heaven. (and are you loving that table and chair set that Mr. Deb painted?! Ooh! La La! )

Even Deb's fabulous makeshift dressform, Mme. Foofy, looked oh-so-terribly-French in the booth, no? (are you lovin' her tumbleweed hairdo that Mr. Deb rustled up? I know I am.)
     The booth was decked out, floor to ceiling, and every inch a thing of beauty. Rue de reTreat was the epitome of a class act at the Tumbleweed Cotillion and shoppers and vendors alike were inspired by the creativity and genuine warmth they showed during the fair.

These people are simply the best, and I am so proud to call them my friends.

Tumbleweed Cotillion vintage French market pictures

There are so many wonderful pictures from this latest Tumbleweed Cotillion that I wasn't even sure where to begin!

Our shoppers were treated to so many visual delights and treasures that I felt like we all needed to walk through twice to see it all.
 

There were vintage finds from so many eras and the barn oozed with a French Flea Market feel!

Friday night we had so many shoppers that you could barley get around inside the barn...such fun!

If you were there- thanks so much for attending. If you missed it, I hope you're enjoying these pictures! I'll share more tomorrow!