"Sun Swim Snorkel"

I'm off on an adventure, and I've headed straight for the water as always! It's such a relief to have sea air in my lungs and sand between my toes again, even if the sun has been elusive.

First stop was a visit with my Mom in Sarasota, and I've headed south from there....something I never do. This will be interesting!

I love how the beach is always different......in Sarasota the water was very wavy and had rip currents, but was still beautiful. It rained every day, which is pretty unusual.

The rain followed me down to Marco Island.....but we got in a long swim before it started the deluge.......I was hoping for some nice snorkeling weather in the Keys, but with several hurricanes passing by, it's not looking too good.

I love the beach in the rain!! (But PLEASE can it NOT rain for the catamaran trip tomorrow???)

Hall tree........

I finally finished this hall tree, and I'll take it to the shop tomorrow.......it looks so simple, but it took a few days to get it done 'cuz there's so much trial and error in figuring out what should go where! One of my favorite projects is making these from old wood doors. (The basket at the bottom just hangs on the brackets, and is optional)

Showcase project.......

We needed a little showcase for smalls at the shows and shop, so using this vintage cupboard door and some wood, I was able to make one.

I think I will make the next one a little steeper to hold taller things, but this will work for jewelry, and smaller stuff.....it's about 6" high in the back.

I really wanted to leave the door pretty much as is (it has the original wavy glass), so I just cleaned it up and tried to paint the box a neutral brown. I lined the inside with some vintage wallpaper.

I have tons of old hardware, but of course I couldn't find any cool butterfly hinges (for decoration only--I have the functional ones on the back), or just the right handle I liked, so this will have to do until I find those.




BTW......here is the booth banner with the vintage letters on it (we decided on these rather than make collage tags).

Road Trip: Iron Accents

Traveling northwest of Gainesville GA on 129 (Cleveland Highway) you will find this fabulous shop as you pass through Clermont. (www.ironaccents.com)

Owner Valerie, and designer Terri have perfected every inch of this beautiful shop to make this a "must visit" destination!

The shop is set up in dozens of creative and fun vignettes, utilizing architectural antiques such as columns, windows, doors, corbels and much more, to create fabulous areas for displaying their unique home and garden accessories and furniture.

And, of course, the signature iron accent pieces of all kinds are found in every nook and cranny!

Valerie has a genius for finding the best primitive antique and new furniture and accessories.

Interior designer Terri pulls it all together with her special talent....drawing from many years of experience as a shop owner.....to make it all so fabulous!

I love how they display the rooms in a creative and practical way.....to give visitors a fresh idea of how to transform their own living spaces, or those of their clients, into a new environment....using new or vintage pieces.

I love this cool window repurposed into a functional curio cupboard.


There are awesome primitive cupboards, tables, and trunks everywhere.........

...and you'll have to go through the store several times to take it all in...... seeing new things each time.

From a merchandising point of view, their use of space is truly amazing, and I was really inspired by it all!

Be sure to visit Valerie and Terri (just click on the link at the top for info) when you are in the beautiful NE Georgia mountain area!

Road Trip: The Incredible Jane.........

Sometimes, when I angst about not being able to travel to CA or WA or TX where so much of the hot antique/art action is, I forget there are places to explore in my own backyard.

Nestled near the old downtown area of Gainesville, GA is the most incredible shop, and the most incredibly talented metal sculptor named Jane Taylor.

I practically hyperventilated when I saw this place from the road.......now this is my kind of stuff.....rust and metal and BIG junk everywhere! Then when you pull in the drive and start to focus on the unique metal sculptures of every type....everywhere.....it's just amazing!

My photography does not come close to capturing the experience of discovering the magical wonderland of creativity in metal that you'll find here......

.....from a trumpeter and child.......

.....to a trellis with gramophone and shovel-head flowers and leaves.....


.....to a wonderful ballerina......

(check out all those details)


(love those door knob knees)

.....to a spider in a web......

....to a collaged metal bench.


There are also huge wood creations and architectural structures.....


And then INSIDE the cottage are more creations!

The above shelf is my favorite piece!

Awesome chandelier.....one of dozens--all so unique....

Cool button bouquet....

There's so much to see!

I changed my mind...this shelf is my favorite piece!


Well, maybe this angel is my favorite piece.....oh gosh...I love it all!

How cute is this adorable little kitten--one of two--that Jane had just rescued the day before! She has no tail...believed to be part Manx....and is so sweet! It was hard to not take her home with me!! Jane is hoping to keep the two together and find a perfect home for them!


I was so disappointed that my photographs of the GIANT yard flowers made from shovel heads, the angel on the roof, the 4' ant made from metal chair backs, the trash can cat, and many more didn't turn out.....I really need a better camera!
But you should see this amazing art, and meet this talented artist, in person anyway. (Jane is open Wed. through Sat.)