Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Tales of this shopkeeper - Repurposed
We've had this old utility cart in our storage area for quite some time. It's still in good shape but it needed a purpose:) This one was my husband's idea and I loved it! Here's what he did....
Cut boards to make a base on the cart. Roound the corners and stain the wood. Attach them to the cart so it looks like this....
Hmmmm, let's see. What could we use this for?
Cute, huh? Just wheel it out on your deck and place pots of your favorite flowers on top and bottom! Or how about your screen porch? We like it enough to put it in one of the shop windows....the industrial side, of course! Happy repurposing!
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Tales of this Shopkeeper - A Romantic Homes Magazine Surprise...!
On our way to the shop in the truck one night to paint, paint, paint my phone beeped and there was an email. My husband and I had both had a hectic day and, really, we were tired and just hoping to get things done at the shop in a timely manner. We were in the middle of a conversation but as I was talking (and I can talk alot!) I got into my email to see what it was.
To my surprise it was an email from Romantic Home Magazine asking if I would be interested in being featured in their shopkeeper section!!!!!!!!!
I interrupted my husband and said "Oh my gosh, listen to this??" We were so surprised and excited that the next couple of hours while painting and fixing flew by as we talked about photos and information. To say that we felt totally humbled is an understatement!!
Then came the doubts...as is my "mo." What was I going to talk about and what if I couldn't answer some of their questions and did we even have really special things in the shop to take photos of?? So silly me spent too long on that road....but, I was able to call my talented friend, Jodee Ball of JpBall Photography, and she was willing to come in early on the next Saturday morning for a photo shoot. Jodee is a spunky very busy lady who teaches fulltime, is raising a family with her husband and takes beautiful portraits as a side business. She was so willing and encouraging and we were able to have the photos ready to email in a few short days. Thanks, Jodee!! Go to www.jpballphotography.com to see her wonderful work.
After the photos were sent I received an email to set up an over the phone interview with Romantic Homes. At five minutes to the hour I was at my desk with my phone in hand... praying. The phone rang and at once I was grateful to hear the voice on the other end. This woman was so sweet and kind and interested in what I had to say. She took notes in between and we talked of things other than the shop that we both had in common. She was human!:) What was I worried about??
And now the reality sinks in...Winsome Cottage will be featured in the shopkeeper's section of Romantic Homes Magazine for the July issue!!! What a privilege!!
I have been a loyal fan for many years and just this year began advertising in the magazine which was exciting all by itself!! Please check out an issue if you aren't familiar with it. Great articles and beautiful photos not to mention many, many ideas for decorating in that time worn way. We carry issues for sale in the shop each month as well.
So.......I'm sure I will be posting about this again after the issue comes out but thought I would share the experience now! Isn't it exciting?
We are so grateful and Rebecca...if you read this, you have been a blessing! Thank you so much!!
To my surprise it was an email from Romantic Home Magazine asking if I would be interested in being featured in their shopkeeper section!!!!!!!!!
I interrupted my husband and said "Oh my gosh, listen to this??" We were so surprised and excited that the next couple of hours while painting and fixing flew by as we talked about photos and information. To say that we felt totally humbled is an understatement!!
Then came the doubts...as is my "mo." What was I going to talk about and what if I couldn't answer some of their questions and did we even have really special things in the shop to take photos of?? So silly me spent too long on that road....but, I was able to call my talented friend, Jodee Ball of JpBall Photography, and she was willing to come in early on the next Saturday morning for a photo shoot. Jodee is a spunky very busy lady who teaches fulltime, is raising a family with her husband and takes beautiful portraits as a side business. She was so willing and encouraging and we were able to have the photos ready to email in a few short days. Thanks, Jodee!! Go to www.jpballphotography.com to see her wonderful work.
After the photos were sent I received an email to set up an over the phone interview with Romantic Homes. At five minutes to the hour I was at my desk with my phone in hand... praying. The phone rang and at once I was grateful to hear the voice on the other end. This woman was so sweet and kind and interested in what I had to say. She took notes in between and we talked of things other than the shop that we both had in common. She was human!:) What was I worried about??
And now the reality sinks in...Winsome Cottage will be featured in the shopkeeper's section of Romantic Homes Magazine for the July issue!!! What a privilege!!
So.......I'm sure I will be posting about this again after the issue comes out but thought I would share the experience now! Isn't it exciting?
We are so grateful and Rebecca...if you read this, you have been a blessing! Thank you so much!!
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Tales of this Shopkeeper - Annie Sloan Chalk Paint bonding...
It's Thursday morning and I'm usually picking up my chalk paint order to run to the shop and then take off for places unknown to go junking.
This week my girl that works on Thursdays is on vacation so I'm here for the day....a long day into night as we are having an Annie Sloan Chalk Paint workshop right here at Winsome Cottage.
As the business day progresses I go over my list of things to do before it gets too late, moving furniture and getting tables set up. I make sure there is room for the ten people that will be attending. I cover tables with paper and make sure everyone has all that is needed at each place to complete their project.
It's a rather quiet business day today so I am able to finish up quickly. Several texts back and forth between Debra( the instructor) and I to make sure we have everything before the workshop begins.
Someone calls to see if they can get in to the workshop at the last minute. Couldn't I just make an allowance?? I have to be the "bad guy" and tell them we are maxed out this session so "no". This happens once or twice each time we have something like this in the shop.
I stand back and double check the set up. Looks like we're ready.
Debra Campbell is our instructor and full of information and expertise. She loves to teach and makes the workshop interesting.
Half of the people have driven quite a distance and I feel grateful to have them here. As everyone is introducing themselves I am struck by the common bond that we all have with this paint. Some hope to open a shop of their own, one painted furniture for their salon business, others are using it to transform their homes. Love being around these dumpster diving, repurpose-loving, creative people!
Debra walked everyone through the steps of applying the paint to make a chalkboard. In between she discussed and answered questions. There was time to chat and get to know a little more about each other.
Then Debra demonstrated how to use clear and dark wax on the frames and answered more questions.
A great evening and I learn something new everytime. One idea I came away with is simple "barcelona orange" over "provence." That will be the next piece! Sounds beautiful, thanks Debra!
And speaking of orange....we are now in full swing and this is the newest window piece that I just finished...
Loving that Barcelona!
This week my girl that works on Thursdays is on vacation so I'm here for the day....a long day into night as we are having an Annie Sloan Chalk Paint workshop right here at Winsome Cottage.
As the business day progresses I go over my list of things to do before it gets too late, moving furniture and getting tables set up. I make sure there is room for the ten people that will be attending. I cover tables with paper and make sure everyone has all that is needed at each place to complete their project.
It's a rather quiet business day today so I am able to finish up quickly. Several texts back and forth between Debra( the instructor) and I to make sure we have everything before the workshop begins.
Someone calls to see if they can get in to the workshop at the last minute. Couldn't I just make an allowance?? I have to be the "bad guy" and tell them we are maxed out this session so "no". This happens once or twice each time we have something like this in the shop.
I stand back and double check the set up. Looks like we're ready.
Debra Campbell is our instructor and full of information and expertise. She loves to teach and makes the workshop interesting.
A great evening and I learn something new everytime. One idea I came away with is simple "barcelona orange" over "provence." That will be the next piece! Sounds beautiful, thanks Debra!
And speaking of orange....we are now in full swing and this is the newest window piece that I just finished...
Monday, April 16, 2012
Tales of this Shopkeeper - Oh, what fun it is to create...!
My days at the shop are full of many enjoyable moments and great people and once in awhile a fun surprise....like the Saturday that Robin walked in.
Robin owns a salon. Her business partner decided to leave and now she is going to redecorate and make it all Robin:)
Her mom was with her and both ladies are as sweet as can be. Robin had an idea of what she wanted her place to look like ie. shabby, white etc.
We walked around the shop looking at different pieces and talking about how she could use them for this or that. As we talked she settled on several pieces of furniture, some shutters and a chandelier. Could we change the color of one piece? she asked and what about that chair in the backroom? Could that be used for the "nail station"? I brought it out for her to sit in and imagine how it would work with the piece she bought. Our wheels were turning and I was getting the vision for her cute little place.
Her mom was quiet but every once in awhile she would tell me how hard Robin had worked and that she deserved this. See, this is what I mean by not just a business...not just a business to bring in revenue, not at all.
I have the privilege of being a part of precious bits and pieces of peoples lives and help them enhance whatever their situation with some great find that makes them happy. What a job!!:)
One of the pieces she bought was small enough to fit in her vehicle and as I walked out with them and Robin was loading her purchase, her mom came over to me and gave me a hug..."Thanks for helping her" she said.
And that, my friends, makes all the difference in the world to this shopkeeper!
Robin owns a salon. Her business partner decided to leave and now she is going to redecorate and make it all Robin:)
Her mom was with her and both ladies are as sweet as can be. Robin had an idea of what she wanted her place to look like ie. shabby, white etc.
We walked around the shop looking at different pieces and talking about how she could use them for this or that. As we talked she settled on several pieces of furniture, some shutters and a chandelier. Could we change the color of one piece? she asked and what about that chair in the backroom? Could that be used for the "nail station"? I brought it out for her to sit in and imagine how it would work with the piece she bought. Our wheels were turning and I was getting the vision for her cute little place.
Her mom was quiet but every once in awhile she would tell me how hard Robin had worked and that she deserved this. See, this is what I mean by not just a business...not just a business to bring in revenue, not at all.
I have the privilege of being a part of precious bits and pieces of peoples lives and help them enhance whatever their situation with some great find that makes them happy. What a job!!:)
One of the pieces she bought was small enough to fit in her vehicle and as I walked out with them and Robin was loading her purchase, her mom came over to me and gave me a hug..."Thanks for helping her" she said.
And that, my friends, makes all the difference in the world to this shopkeeper!
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Tales of this shopkeeper - A Vintage Twist
I have been in business almost three years now and when I first opened the shop it was very shabby chic; very feminine and very pink and white. Flowers and ruffles and pretties all over and I loved it!
Over the years I have found that there are so many things that I love ie. shabby, industrial, classic and, yes, even mid-century modern and different aspects of each of those decorating styles have crept into Winsome at one time or another.
I really enjoy mixing the romantic feminine with a more edgy color or style. After all, opposites attract, right? Why not burlap and lace; soft lines and hard lines; zinc topped on curvy, cabriole legs...you get the picture. Such is Winsome these days and this week has been no exception!
It was time to change out the window that held the beautiful cream colored 30's dresser with accessories. What to do, what to do?? Time to change it up!!
Enter....barcelona orange from our wonderful selection of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint (www.anniesloanunfolded.com for a retailer near you).
I am NOT an orange person. Don't really wear it...ever. It just doesn't look good on me and maybe that's why I don't use it to decorate in my home or haven't associated it with that shabbyness we love at Winsome...until this week!
So...I found this great mid-century modern piece that has quickly taken on a beautiful shade of barcelona orange in the past few days. It needs some dimension so I have started distressing and will add clear and dark wax and ooooh la la! This picture is a bit dark but here's a corner of one of the doors.
Oh, yeah, can you just imagine it?? Coming soon enough!
Well, my plan was to get this done for today, Saturday for 10:00 a.m. in the window with another compatible piece and these hanging from the ceiling.
Cute, huh? Are you seeing a color theme here? Anyway, this didn't get done in time and last night my husband and I were up at the shop thinking it would be a very late evening. BUT...our talented couple that creates and sells in the shop showed up with a great old piece with a funky new finish AND in orange!! I had mentioned earlier to Rachel that I was thinking of using orange for summer so she made up some great pillow slips to compliment orange and then found this victrola cabinet, painted it and let her creative fingers fly over the front of it in this great argyle pattern! The bonus was a cute curvy chair padded in another twist of satiny orange/pink.
Guess what ended up in the window last night AND guess what sold five minutes after I opened this a.m.? So fun and I asked the customer if we could keep it in the window until my other piece is ready. She is fixing up a home before they move out of their old one so she was fine with it!
Do you love it? That's Winsome's new look for the summer...more to come but expect shades of orange and yellows and greens! And btw...the colorful balls hanging from the ceiling are made with coffee filters.
At Christmas last year I found a project online for a wreath made from these. We even had a contest in the shop to guess how many filters I used.
And true to her creative mind, Rachel not only tried those wreaths but tried dipping the filters in food coloring and then gluing them to a 2" ball, thus...what is in the window. Easy peesy and so pretty for display.
So...our new look. You have to change it up once in awhile. I love the difference it makes even though I have stayed with whites and lights these past years it's so fun to change directions!
Over the years I have found that there are so many things that I love ie. shabby, industrial, classic and, yes, even mid-century modern and different aspects of each of those decorating styles have crept into Winsome at one time or another.
I really enjoy mixing the romantic feminine with a more edgy color or style. After all, opposites attract, right? Why not burlap and lace; soft lines and hard lines; zinc topped on curvy, cabriole legs...you get the picture. Such is Winsome these days and this week has been no exception!
It was time to change out the window that held the beautiful cream colored 30's dresser with accessories. What to do, what to do?? Time to change it up!!
Enter....barcelona orange from our wonderful selection of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint (www.anniesloanunfolded.com for a retailer near you).
I am NOT an orange person. Don't really wear it...ever. It just doesn't look good on me and maybe that's why I don't use it to decorate in my home or haven't associated it with that shabbyness we love at Winsome...until this week!
So...I found this great mid-century modern piece that has quickly taken on a beautiful shade of barcelona orange in the past few days. It needs some dimension so I have started distressing and will add clear and dark wax and ooooh la la! This picture is a bit dark but here's a corner of one of the doors.
Well, my plan was to get this done for today, Saturday for 10:00 a.m. in the window with another compatible piece and these hanging from the ceiling.
Guess what ended up in the window last night AND guess what sold five minutes after I opened this a.m.? So fun and I asked the customer if we could keep it in the window until my other piece is ready. She is fixing up a home before they move out of their old one so she was fine with it!
At Christmas last year I found a project online for a wreath made from these. We even had a contest in the shop to guess how many filters I used.
So...our new look. You have to change it up once in awhile. I love the difference it makes even though I have stayed with whites and lights these past years it's so fun to change directions!
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Tales of this shopkeeper.....Truck treasures
It's my regular Thursday junkin' day....last night I mapped out where I wanted to go and now I'm heading north. Even with mapquest and gps on my new phone which I haven't mastered yet, I tend to make a wrong turn at least once. Usually I'm day dreaming and pass an exit and have to turn around and go back. No worries...it's my day and I don't have any particular schedule.
I come to my first stop and enter the place I was really looking forward to seeing. Not at all what I was expecting so I hurry out, check more shops and end up in my truck a half hour after parking. Onward....
I'm down the road a bit and find a garage sale sign off the beaten path. Love those! But it's full of all things plastic and not my cup of tea so back in the truck I go and head east. Finally, I end up in a great place with lots to explore and, yes, I find some great things! Treasure!
Okay, I'll give you a better view...
So, lots of ideas for these things!
I come to my first stop and enter the place I was really looking forward to seeing. Not at all what I was expecting so I hurry out, check more shops and end up in my truck a half hour after parking. Onward....
I'm down the road a bit and find a garage sale sign off the beaten path. Love those! But it's full of all things plastic and not my cup of tea so back in the truck I go and head east. Finally, I end up in a great place with lots to explore and, yes, I find some great things! Treasure!
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Tales of this Shopkeeper....The Liebster Award Surprise!
Last week a friend of mine gave me the Liebster Blog award. I have known Debbie for many years. She is one of those people who you can tell truly listens to you when you're talking. You like her instantly when you meet her. She is beautiful inside and out. Our hearts share the same love affair with God and Debbie models that unashamedly in her life. She and her husband have opened their home weekly to high school and college age kids for years in order to encourage them in their walks with God. Both my kids have been impacted by their strong faith and warm hospitality. Debbie has been blogging since 2009. Her descriptions and instructions are clear and precise and her photos make me want to jump right in to whatever project she's working on. I love that she talks about life and family (and she has raised a beautiful one) in between her knitting and purling. Thank you, Debbie, for thinking of me! So...here are the instructions....stringsofpurls.blogspot.com
1. Thank the person who gave you the award.
2. Link back to their blog
3. Copy & paste the Liebster Award to the blog
4. Pick 5 blogs that you feel deserve to be in the spotlight(they must have under 200 followers)
5. Blog about it and leave a comment for your nominations to let them know you have chosen their blog.
And now I will pay it forward....
1. Vanhook & Co., my friend, Rachel....I have blogged a bit about her and her husband. Rachel is a busy mom, wife and very talented, creative artist. She loves God and it is evident in the choices she makes in her life. Her blog is full of her amazing creations and events in her life. It is well written and photographed. We have a business connection as Rachel and her husband have allowed us to sell some of their wonderful items in our shop. I am grateful to know Rachel's precious mom as well. They are both blessings!
2. FleurishCreativeStudio, my new friend,Colleen...She moved to Ohio last year from the west coast. I always enjoy talking with Colleen when she comes into the shop. She is fun and full of energy. We share a love of vintage. Colleen collects old vintage parts ie. chandelier crystals and recreates them into pretty pieces of jewelry. She has been published in "Jewelry Affaire" magazine and I believe will be published again soon. Colleen's blog is full of wit and humor and definitely worth reading.
3. East Street Design...I have never met Keri but have been checking in to see what she is up to on and off. We share the same love of transforming old worn out furniture into fresh new looking pieces. She has done some beautiful work and is using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint something else we have in common. Her online store offers unpainted furniture for you to choose from and then the opportunity to have it finished the way you want it. I look forward to her before and after photos and enjoy her descriptive language. She is in Ohio as well.
4. What's Old Is New.....very new for me. Cathy commented on my last blog and I'm so glad as I have enjoyed catching up with hers and look forward to following her from now on. She is an educator and speech pathologist. She also loves vintage and I really enjoyed how she draws analogies between the children she has taught and the treasures she finds.
5. The Summer Kitchen Girls....also very new. This is going to be one I really enjoy as well. Two sisters with differing ideas on home decor but together make a nice ecclectic blend. Love it! They commented on my last blog and I have caught up with them on theirs and really look forward to following them.
So, ladies, if you are interested....pay it forward:)
I am new to the blog world both in reading and writing but I believe these blogs are deserving of the Liebster award for their content and creativity.
1. Thank the person who gave you the award.
2. Link back to their blog
3. Copy & paste the Liebster Award to the blog
4. Pick 5 blogs that you feel deserve to be in the spotlight(they must have under 200 followers)
5. Blog about it and leave a comment for your nominations to let them know you have chosen their blog.
And now I will pay it forward....
1. Vanhook & Co., my friend, Rachel....I have blogged a bit about her and her husband. Rachel is a busy mom, wife and very talented, creative artist. She loves God and it is evident in the choices she makes in her life. Her blog is full of her amazing creations and events in her life. It is well written and photographed. We have a business connection as Rachel and her husband have allowed us to sell some of their wonderful items in our shop. I am grateful to know Rachel's precious mom as well. They are both blessings!
2. FleurishCreativeStudio, my new friend,Colleen...She moved to Ohio last year from the west coast. I always enjoy talking with Colleen when she comes into the shop. She is fun and full of energy. We share a love of vintage. Colleen collects old vintage parts ie. chandelier crystals and recreates them into pretty pieces of jewelry. She has been published in "Jewelry Affaire" magazine and I believe will be published again soon. Colleen's blog is full of wit and humor and definitely worth reading.
3. East Street Design...I have never met Keri but have been checking in to see what she is up to on and off. We share the same love of transforming old worn out furniture into fresh new looking pieces. She has done some beautiful work and is using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint something else we have in common. Her online store offers unpainted furniture for you to choose from and then the opportunity to have it finished the way you want it. I look forward to her before and after photos and enjoy her descriptive language. She is in Ohio as well.
4. What's Old Is New.....very new for me. Cathy commented on my last blog and I'm so glad as I have enjoyed catching up with hers and look forward to following her from now on. She is an educator and speech pathologist. She also loves vintage and I really enjoyed how she draws analogies between the children she has taught and the treasures she finds.
5. The Summer Kitchen Girls....also very new. This is going to be one I really enjoy as well. Two sisters with differing ideas on home decor but together make a nice ecclectic blend. Love it! They commented on my last blog and I have caught up with them on theirs and really look forward to following them.
So, ladies, if you are interested....pay it forward:)
I am new to the blog world both in reading and writing but I believe these blogs are deserving of the Liebster award for their content and creativity.
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