These Are Some of My Favorite Things...

...around the house.

One of my favorites is the antique church pew that was in my grandmother's house.  At the time of her death, I was the only one in the family who had a large enough space and the only member who really wanted it.  Crazy, right?  Why would you ever turn this down?

Sorry about the shadow on the wall.  I'm still learning to take better pics and I don't have Photoshop.

I also love the doll china cabinet made by my great grandfather.  It is meant to be passed down to all of the granddaughters.  Since I am the oldest granddaughter, I got it first.  And my cousins will have to pry it from my cold dead hands. :-)

Another item from my great grandparents is my great grandmother's flatware.  I use it on Thanksgiving or for special occasions.  If I didn't have to hand wash it, I'd probably use it every day.  Some day soon, I think I will use it every day.  I'm a big believer in using the good stuff instead of it sitting in a drawer or cabinet.

To go along with this gorgeous flatware I have begun collecting a china pattern I love.  Called Brittany Majestic and manufactured by Homer Laughlin, it's just beautiful.  It's been a little difficult to find and some prices on ebay have been outrageous.

If you see this pattern ANYWHERE, let me know!

And just this past summer I started collecting ironstone.  Not all of it is "real" ironstone, but I love the way it looks and I scour thrift stores and estate sales for pieces that don't cost a fortune.  They sit in the beautiful barrister bookcases my mother let me have now instead of making me wait until she dies.  Thanks, Mom!  :-)

Ok, enough talk about death.  I have to start planning all the projects/furniture restoration that are in the garage.  Photos on those soon.

New Space

Mom and I recently acquired new space at the antique shop;  I don't know that it's necessarily larger, but I'm thrilled that we have two windows (yea, natural light) and there is more room for larger pieces.  Here are a few photos:

We are hoping that sales will improve since it's much easier to see all the items.  I'm also hoping to turn more furniture since I still have projects to finish from last summer!  Always a work in progress...

Getting Crafty

My best friend is in town for a "sprinkle" which is a baby shower for a second baby.  She's having a boy this time, so her family is throwing her a low-key shower.  I wanted to make something (since that's what I do now!) so I watched this video.  This segment as seen on the Martha Stewart show was helpful, but it's definitely not as easy as it looks!  I had to roll and re-roll several times, but I'm happy with how this sweet little onesie bouquet turned out.

I might add if you purchase something similar from a company that creates these bouquets, it's outrageously expensive.  I just used a bucket from a local discount store, onesies and socks from Target, tissue paper and a styrofoam block, and floral tape.  Lots of floral tape.  It's also going to make a great centerpiece for the gift table.

Happy New Year

I won enrollment in this class...

...taught by the very talented Jeanne Oliver and some other artists.  I cannot wait to start creating and crafting and selling.  And maybe keeping some of the items for myself!  Thinking about this is what keeps me up at night now.  And that's a good thing.

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Handmade Holiday

I've always loved receiving handmade gifts and this year I tried to make most of the gifts I gave to others.  My number one picker, Betty, a friend from school, got most of the loot!  Below is what I made for her:

cupcake ornament (idea from Pinterest)

snowglobe using vintage mason jar:

vintage box grater with greenery:

here is a group of the whole lot:

I had so much fun putting it all together.  She's always on the lookout for me and I appreciate her!

Handmade Holiday

Busily getting ready for the trunk sale Thursday.  These lovely little ornaments will be for sale...

 
Along with these that are a work in progress:

As well as a few of these...

So, come shop for beautiful handmade gifts and support local artists like me!

Jeanne Oliver Winter Collection

I have purchased a few items from Jeanne Oliver in the past and have never been disappointed.  Her new winter line is gorgeous!  Check it out: