Wednesday, June 29, 2011

New on Etsy....

Using a vintage frame, I gathered and shaped my wire branches around the inside to create a tree shape with roots along the bottom-- to make a new version of jewelry holder.

It could also be used to hang photographs, or display interesting vintage collections, but a jewelry holder seems the most practical application.

It needed a bit of something at the bottom, so I made a wire nest to hold watches or ??


Monday, June 27, 2011

The shops of Monroe, Georgia

With antique shops still closing everywhere, it's hard to find places worth the drive to do some pickin'.... but thankfully Monroe (east metro ATL) offers a nice day's worth of shopping.
There are about a half dozen antique shops here, with the largest being the Warehouse Antique Mall located in this massive old cotton mill.
The perfectly chippy patina of the green paint on the old brick walls is worth the visit! (and be sure to look down....the maple floors are original to the building circa 1895)

The offerings here are decidedly "eclectic".......
....but my friend Becky's booth always has wonderful unique vintage merch!!
This group of houndstooth print cases caught my eye.....


......as did this metal chicken coop.

There are 513 dealer spaces in 60,000 square feet--according to the flier.


Next stop is The Cotton Depot, which is a few blocks away and closer to downtown. The restoration has been wonderful here, too......
....with a cute garden area out front.......
....and you can still see the cotton bales and the weigh scales in the floor.
The first booths inside the door are marvelous!! Pam Hall and Lenora Gambrell take decorating to a new level and do the most amazing displays! You really have to see them in person, and hopefully get a chance to meet these sweet and very talented girls.


The original brick walls make everything look fabulous in the three large warehouse sections filled with quality booths!


And of course Lane Ward never disappoints with her talent for trendy treasures and wonderful decorating!
(Cool chicken wire lampshade, girl!!)


This gigantic metal trunk is so unique.


Davis Street Antiques is located between the above two shops and is the newest one.

Owner James Woodall has done a great job acquiring quality dealers and there are lots of very interesting antiques here!
This vintage oil painting caught my eye......
....and this great trunk.

The composition baby doll wanted to have his picture taken.


I ran out of time to shoot the other three shops, but be sure to check out Hodge Podge, Ladybug, and Old Mill that are in the same area. There are a variety of places to eat here, and some beautiful historic homes.....


....as well as some great affordable vintage fixer-uppers!!

**I only had about an hour to get to all these shops and do the photography, so forgive the brevity.....and the omission of all my other dealer friends that have wonderful booths in these shops!

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Signage

I've been working on my show booth sign for awhile....trying to find the different letters was a bit challenging....
It's about 6' long.....and not easy to photograph.....
....the old muted aqua painted board was perfect for this project!



Thursday, June 9, 2011

Collections

I knew those odd little iron stands I've been hanging onto would finally be used for something! I love how my thread spool collection looks on them.


My wood box collection is dangerously approaching "hoarder" status--I think they are reproducing....I don't remember buying all those! Better start to think of something to make out of them--They are like a blank canvas....I hope I can come up with something different to do with them.

Been working on this chandelier made with my pearly crosses--not sure how this will turn out yet.

I've got WAY too much going on these days working on two on-line stores, finding merch. for several locations, stocking up for Country Living Fair, and doing business writing for Iron Accents. Of course all this takes a back seat to hanging with my best bud granddaughter Kayla this summer! Oh...and that @#!! surgery really slowed me down!


Saturday, June 4, 2011

Repurposing......

Having fun making new lamps out of old things......
.....and new things out of old lamps!