It's Been Awhile......

I have found that as much as I LOVE to read and follow other people’s blogs… I’m not very good at maintaining one myself.  I hope to change that!

Lots has happened over the summer months and don’t worry I won’t try to capture every little thing… that would be one long blog!  I’ll just try touch on the high points.

I’ve really enjoyed being at Country Charm Mall and very pleased with my sales.  Pam and Ms. Hazel are amazing and so sweet.   I’m still there, so come see what I have.  I carry the most amazing candles in the world.  1803 Candles is a small company based in Hinckley, IL.  Darryl and Debra Beach pour the best soy candles and they last longer than any candle I’ve ever burned.  The Christmas line is IN and will go fast, so make sure you come by.  I will have them at the Centennial Show this weekend.

In starting this little business venture, I’ve noticed that every time you try something new, there’s always a learning curve, but I feel we’re maneuvering it pretty well.  You know my heart is in primitives, but that tends to be a small group to capture.  If you come in The Country Charm any time soon you may notice my booth taking on a somewhat of a different look.  I like to call it “eclectic”.  That’s my new favorite word because I have so much that I like that doesn’t necessarily go together, but I think can blend nicely.  I’ve gotten into the chalk paint furniture craze.  Yes I know, some like it, some hate it, and yet others absolutely ADORE it.  I’m somewhere in between, but I love how the pieces I’ve painted turned out.  It’s really fun to do, but I don’t necessarily want it in my house (I love my primitives!) so lucky you!  I have painted and sold several pieces and have more just waiting to be rediscovered.  So with all that being said, I’ve moved somewhat in that direction.  I will still have primitives and genuine antiques when I can find them, but don’t be surprised to see some chalk paint pieces, too.

Ok, next learning curve – Sistas at Heart – this is alittle business venture with my buddy Donna.  We’ve been doing shows off and on for years, but decided we’d officially join forces.  We are closer than friends, so “Sistas at Heart” was birthed this past August.  Our official first show was “Bella Rustica” in Pulaski, TN and what a huge success!  That was an amazing show (check out my slideshow) and we can’t wait for next year

Another addition you may see is my line of purses  - “Sista Sacs” -  cross body purses covered with tea-dyed fabric, lace and vintage embellishments.  Some believe that “bigger is always better”, so I’ve also come up with a larger size Sista Sac made with the same type of fabric, lace and vintage components.

Sistas at Heart  will be at the Centennial Holiday Show in Franklin, TN, November 17-18 and Tinsel & Twine in Franklin, TN, November 29-31.  Come see us and get all your shopping done!

Trip to Equality, AL

So excited to travel to my wonderful friend, Charlene’s house last Friday to pick up the 1800’s maple rope bed that I bought from her. My first major authentic, primitive purchase for my own home!  Charlene and Larry’s house is amazing. See the slideshow for pictures and believe me my pictures do not do this house justice. It’s an 1800’s Greek Revival, full of wonderful primitives and old stuff. They may have museum quality things, but it feels so homey and is beautifully decorated. She took time out her day to give me the grand tour. Of course like all primitive collectors every thing has a story on how we acquired the things we have, so I know we laughed, talked and shared those stories for a good 2 hours. I was treated to a wonderful lunch, then loaded up… and when I say “loaded up”, I came home with not only the bed, but a wonderful 12 tin oak pie cupboard. I bought it right out of her kitchen. She had her eye on a blue cupboard that would fit perfectly in that space, but again, like all collectors, sometime we have to move a piece out in order to make room for the next piece. We unloaded all the Tupperware, then loaded it up next to the bed and rug (yep, bought a neat rug for my living room, too) and headed for my next stop – Horse-N-Buggy, just down the road in Clanton, AL.   By the way, I don’t have space for the pie cupboard, so it’s for sale. Check out my pictures on that, too.

Horse-N-Buggy is the coolest shop! Wanda entertained me the rest of the afternoon and her house (like Charlene’s) is amazing! I know I use that word a lot, but I don’t know how else to describe the things I saw last Friday or the time that I had. It was definitely worth the 8 hour round trip. There were several things I would have loved to have come home with from Wanda’s shop, but beinging on a budget, I made 1 purchase - an old 3 board primitive table to go under the wall cupboard I got at a yard sale (Thanks Bridgett!!) a few weeks back.

Can't wait to make another trip to LA (lower Alabama) - no eating lunch out for awhile - gotta increase my budget for more primitives!

Goodbyes are always so sad....

This wasn't a decision I made quickly, but took lots of prayer.... I met a wonderful friend in Peggy at the Blue Hydrangea.  She took me in and got me started in my first atnique booth.  As much as I would love to stay in Hendersonville, I'm not able to devote the time that I would like to in order to keep my space fresh and festive, plus gas prices don't help matters.  I won't be packing up til mid-June, so please come visit me.  I'll continue with my booth at The Country Charm Mall in Franklin, so I'm not gone for good... I'll be down the road just aways.

Mother's Day was complete...

Claire, Chase, Bella, Autumn and Adam - got to see the whole family today, so my Mother's Day was complete.  Gotta smile when you see these precious girls

The Thomason Wedding

Remember the Engagement Party I hosted last Fall?  Well the wedding finally came around this past weekend.  I honestly have to say it was one of the most beautiful weddings I've ever attended.  Could have something to do with the sweet young couple that is so dear to my heart.  Congrats McKinley and Laura!

The Country Charm Mall - Franklin, TN

I’m alittle late in getting this posted, but I am now settled in at The Country Charm Mall located at 301 Lewisburg Pike, Franklin, TN.  Miss Hazel and Miss Pam have an amazing antique mall with some great vendors, several outbuildings and lots of yard art.  Would love for you to come and visit.  I have (now famous) 1803 Candles on hand along with my Vintage Fork Jewelry.  Yea… my friend Donna has been trying to get me into jewelry for years, but I’ve resisted… (like I need another hobby - LOL!) but recently gave in when I came across repurposed vintage silverware jewelry at The Tailgate Show in Nashville.  I had to try it!!  So see what ya think.  It’s been fun to find the silverware and to work at adding vintage beads and different elements.  Wait til you see my “fork” bracelets!  Hope to have pictures of those soon.  I look forward to seeing you soon!

Thanks! The Gathering Show was a Huge Success!

Years ago when were moving into a rental house and I was running around like crazy, Billy made a comment to his dad and said "she doesn't know if she's pitchin' or catchin' ", well that was pretty much me, again, last week.  BUT last week was so much more fun than that moving day 25 years ago.  I had the best time and met the nicest people.

Me & Miss Jackie w/ Antiques on Maple (she runs an amazing show by the way)

Me & Miss Joyce w/ Little Red Hen

Me & Carrell w/ Country Charisma

The weather broke at just the right times for me to load and unload. Seriously, I had just enough room for myself.... we had my truck and Mom's truck loaded down!

The weather didn't stop anyone from coming out to shop.  I enjoyed meeting so many people and look forward to seeing them again at the next show.

Celebrating Another Birthday

The Gathering Show didn't consume all my time.  We were still able to celebrate Chase's 23rd birthday on Sunday with the family.  We barbequed ribs and I made twice baked potatoes... some serious eating was going on!  Baskin Robbins makes a fabulous fudge crunch cake - yum!

Bella, Autumn, Claire & Chase

Not sure if Autumn realized the napkin on her head - LOL

We had time for the creek, too!  I love living in the country.  God has truly blessed our family.

Mr. Ingram's barn

Come to The Gathering Show in Nashville This Weekend

Recovery efforts are encouraging in Henryville.   I’ve been in constant touch with my mama, following facebook and newspaper articles to keep up with all that is happening up there. Again, it’s hard to be here… my life going on as normal, and knowing there’s lots of friends and family up there whose life is upside down.

My “normal” right now includes preparing for The Gathering Show www.thegatheringshow.com in Nashville this weekend. Billy and I have been busy, busy, busy…. my husband has always been a talented carpenter and builder, but he’s now creating the most beautiful corner cupboards, raised candle bases, candle holders, plate holders and this bench is amazing!!!

It’s made out of 2 old wheels salvaged from a doctor’s buggy, along with whatever old wood he found in the shop. He created and made this! I’m so proud of him. Kinda hard to let go, but alas we don’t have a place for this at our house, so it will be for sale at The Gathering.

These chairs turned out gorgeous and just in time for Spring! Don’t you love the robin egg blue color! The milk can came from an auction in Indiana (not in that color of course) but seems like it’s lacking something…. ideas anyone? Anyway, again compliments of my husband…. I found’em and bought’em, but he did all the sand blasting and painting. Geez, I hope I have enough room in my booth space for all this stuff!

I’ve found a new hobby…. yea, I know, like I needed one... but I love to repurpose items and came across some beautiful jewelry at the Tailgate Show in Nashville a few weeks back. I bought a necklace and earrings made out of vintage silverware and thought “I can do this” and I’ve had the best time! Billy just rolls his eyes at me, because he knows that these little projects not only involves me, but him. He has to teach me how to use the tools in the shop and then sometimes help me figure how to do, what I want to do. I have a new appreciation for jewelry making!

 I hope you enjoy the pictures and I’ll definitely have an update from The Gathering Show. Please come out and visit me at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds (also known as the Nashville Fairgrounds) in the Creative Arts Building (first building on the left as you come up the BIG hill). The Show opens Friday, March 16th 9am – 4pm and continues to Saturday, March 17th 9am – 4pm.

Welcome Spring and Happy Shopping!!!

Henryville, IN is my hometown....

I was so consumed with our severe weather warnings here in Tennessee, that I had no idea what had hit my hometown of Henryville, IN... until my mama called.  Her first question was if we were ok.  The news was full of severe weather all around the South and Midwest.  We heard later on the national news that over 100 tornadoes had touched ground across the U.S. within 48 hours.  She next told me that my high school and town that I had known since 4th grade was basically gone.  March 3rd is a day that alot of us will not forget.... it's been a week and I'm just now able to write about it.

I started attending Henryville Elementary in Mrs. Coombs 4th grade class.  She had sheep and a small farm, so we hit it off immediately.  Come to find out she lived down the road from me.  Her farm was in the path of the tornado and as of today, I'm not sure it's still standing.  Mrs. Coombs passed away several years ago.  The tornado took her neighbor, Mr. Hunter.

I had some of the best teachers... Mr. McKay / 5th grade was one of my favorites.  Elementary and High School classrooms are all on the same campus, so when I entered Jr. High, we just went across the hall.  When I entered High School, we just went across another hall.  I always loved our small school.  Everyone basically got to participate in any activity, sport, club or extra-curricular that you wanted.  Even though we were small, we were still able to compete and do pretty well.  We had/have a state award winning band - Henryville High School Golden Band... wow the memories that come flooding back from band camps, practices, competitions... seems like most of the Jr. High/High School was in marching band or color guard.  I started band in 5th grade playing the clarinet.... my folks were so happy when I made color guard in 7th grade - evidently I was a terrible clarinet player - LOL.  Mr. and Mrs. Barber put The Golden Band on the map and they worked our butts off!

I’ve not touched the surface on all the memories that have come flooding back, but I’ve rambled long enough… please pray for this little community of 1,500 people.  Many were employed by the school, many are still with power, water.  I’m going up the end of this month to help with recovery efforts.  I’ll keep you posted… I just know the Lord is going to do some amazing things in this community, just wait…. He is just that good.

Well, I'm gonna do it!

I'm taking a leap... no not off a cliff, but sometimes I feel like it!  I have signed up for my first official primitives show.  It's called The Gathering Show and will be held at the Nashville Fairgrounds, March 16-17 from 9am-4pm.  I can't wait! (but yet I can.... I have so much to do!)  Billy, my wonderful husband, has been busy in the shop making up beautiful reproductions for me.  I've been busy painting and sewing away.  Stiched up the cutest lil' dolls and primitive sheep.  Check out the link http://thegatheringshow.com/.  My mind is flying with all kinds of ideas to set up shop.  It's nice to have a holiday right around the corner to decorate for, so not only will I carry spring merchandise, but also Easter.  Maybe a few velveteen rabbits, easter eggs, baskets... just so much to decorate with!

Got lots of ideas from the Tailgate-Music Valley Antique Show this past weekend.  The new venue at the Hendersonville Expo Center was awesome!  Saw some ol' friends from the Leiper's Fork Yard Sale and ran into a new friend that I had met at our Christmas Open House at The Blue Hydrangea Antique Store.  I guess that's part of the reason of why I'm doing this.... setting up a little business, going to shows, blogging ... I get to meet so many nice people.  Hope I get to see you at The Gathering!  Happy Stitching!

Love is in the air....

Christmas tree and all decorations are packed up and put away for another year.  Time to get ready for the next holiday - Valentine's Day!