Grain Sack Floorcloth

You don't always need a rug under your feet.  Sometimes a floorcloth is just right.  With that in mind,

I've created this simple, yet fun, floorcloth from an old grain sack.  Just as with my grain sack fleabags, I chose to include and celebrate the stains & imperfections of the old sack.

The wonderful texture of the heavy cotton is not lost, but the floorcloth has a coating which allows light soil to be wiped off with a damp cloth.  (If you have farmboys tracking axel grease into the house, this may not be fore you....)

It's that time again...White Wednesday at Faded Charm - let's go check it out!

Down Lilac Lane at Waterloo

It's a junkalicious trifecta now at the Waterloo Antiques Mall.  At the top of the stairs, Gracie's Cottage, just to the right Altered Ever After, and now in the corner just to the right of that, my friend Kathy has set up her space, 'Down Lilac Lane'.  The following pics are from her space...a hint of all the great things you'll see!

While Kathy and I were working in her booth this past Friday, it was so busy in the mall that it was like working a show.  We met so many great folks. (Thank you all for your business...we enjoyed meeting each of you!)  I got Jean to stand still just long enough for a photo.

We'll be restocking Waterloo on Tuesday this week...I've picked up some more great things.  Come one out and catch us there!

Setting the 'Bones' at Waterloo

When you're setting up a new space, I recommend that you find a 'Kathy' to help you. 

My 'junksista' Kathy was kind enough to go out to Waterloo with me yesterday, to get the 'bones' of the booth in place.  I couldn't have done it without you Kathy - THANKS!

It's going to take several more trips to get everything in, but I hope to have most of it done by midweek next week.  

The entire mall is in a state of positive transition right now; many of the great dealers that have been there for years are moving or re-doing their spaces; you know these things take time, but when it's all completed you are going to be wowed!    I'm so excited that the terrific management and staff are moving forward with the times, and not stuck in the same ol' time-warp that many of the malls in this area seem to embrace.  

I'd love to know what you see in the malls and shops in your area; fresh ideas, or same as always?  Go ahead and name names in the comments if there are shops in your area that are keeping up with the times...better yet, go post a link to them on my Facebook page - click here.  

Gettin' Ready

I've been shopping the Waterloo Antiques Mall in Waterloo, Wisconsin for several years, whenever I was in the area.  The 10,000 sf historical building was the headquarters of McKay seeds.  The old brick structure with  gnarly hardwood floors and high ceilings is loaded with charm.   Though tucked away in  a quiet area, the mall has great energy and a stable group of dealers.  There is a nice variety throughout the mall.

I've been waiting since last year for a space to open up for ME!  Okay, not really for "me", but for Gracie's Cottage.  The 'cottage' needs a home that doesn't involve my loaded basement, garage or rented storage.  Now take a look at this space.  This will be the new home of Gracie's Cottage.  Pay no attention to what's in it - it's not mine and it's all going away.  Do notice the floors, the light, the space, the six windows, (with shelves)...  I love this space.  I hope to be all moved in and set up by the first of March.

There are a lot of other big changes and exciting happenings going on at the Waterloo Antiques Mall.
The good vibe is going to be even better soon!   I'll update you as it all comes together.

Grayslake Antique Flea Market

Day one is over, and it was a fantastic day, thanks to so many of you who came out and shopped on this beautiful day!  Don't worry, though, if you didn't get there today; the show goes on from 8-3 on tomorrow, (Sunday).  

Look who I caught sharing the joy of junk!  It's Diane Passi and Jeanine (ChiPPy!-SHaBBy!).  Both have beautiful spaces this weekend, as usual. 

There was a most unfortunate incident when I unloaded for the show last night. I opened the back of my vehicle and five beautifully aged clay pots jumped out. 

Did you know that clay pots don't have a clue about "stop, drop & roll".  They got the "drop" part right, followed immediately by "shatter".  Instead of being lovely containers for a bit of greenery, they became 'filler' for a planter box.  Ya saw it here first, folks.  I suspect that before you know it, Pottery Barn will be showcasing "shattered pots" in the catalog.  If they do, do not, I repeat, do not purchase them.  Give me a holler and I'll set up a little tutorial so you can make your own.  On that happy note, I'm dragging my sleep-deprived self to bed. 

Come on out to Grayslake...we'd love to see you!

Revisiting Serendipity Farm - Hippie Tom Has a Sale

Down the road and around the bend is Serendipity Farm, the home of 'Hippie Tom' and his wife, Sharon.  Tom was featured in the best American Pickers episode ever, IMHO, and no, he wasn't playing to the camera...he was just being himself.

Several times a year Serendipity Farm is open to the public and visitors roam the grounds and pick their way through the many outbuildings.  It's more fun than a day at the fair!  Most of the buildings were built by Tom, using reclaimed materials. My favorite is the 'church'.

Quirky little details abound everywhere.

Why do you suppose there is an "off-on" sign above this window?

The greenhouse seems like it would be an especially happy place to be in winter, although the only things growing inside are piles of 'stuff'.

The buildings are filled.  Let me rephrase that. The buildings are stuffed. Random things...pushed in upon arrival. Precarious piles from the floors to the rafters.

This bit of 'organization' in one building is rare. Love the cubby!

You'll find anything you can imagine, from primitive to pretty.

Outside, similar items are grouped together.  How many ladders do you need?

Bowling anyone?

Shopping is a bit of a challenge because items haven't been priced. Tom has helpers, but he's the only one that can give you a price. Gather anything you have an interest in, put it in a pile and wait for Tom.  It might be a long wait.  (He loves to carry things out to the car for his buyers, so he's frequently away from 'ground zero'.  And since appearing on American Pickers, he's got legions of fans that love to chat with him.)

I loved this cheese-box drawer unit, but it was too spendy for me. 

I did come away with some fun finds including this chippy blue industrial bin...

...an old 10-yard line marker from a football field

...a shabbyfunalicious pink sign and a stack of other goodies.

Coming up with a mutually agreeable price is always interesting.  Tom truly loves old stuff and I think he secretly hates to part with anything.  He named the price that he wanted for my pile of treasures. (Tom's eyes twinkle like Santa's and you almost want to pay the asking price without negotiating.  Almost.)  I named the price that I was willing to pay.  We were a little ways apart.  Tom pondered for a long moment and asked, "Could you go any higher than ---?"  I said "sure" and named a figure $1 higher than my first offer. He laughed, said "okay", we shook hands and the deal was done.

**Tom will be making another appearance on American Pickers on November 28th. In the meantime, you can find him on Facebook here.

All text and images copyright Gracie's Cottage and may not be used without permission.

Do Not Fold - - - - - - - or Mutilate

"S-P-I-N-D-L-E "

What does that mean?  

I have a feeling that there's a 

generation or two who have no idea.

 Decades ago bills, receipts and other important

papers were organized by being stuck onto a spindle.

Many were free standing - this one hung on a wall.

Early computers relied on punched cards with 

a series of uniform holes for input & output of data.

A raggedy, misplaced hole would 

muck up the whole operation.

IBM began printing the phrase 

"Do not fold spindle or mutilate"

on the cards.  

And that's the origin of the phrase.

Have a lovely weekend!

Tis The Season - Etsy Sale!

Update:  Thanks for the great response; we're going to
extend the sale thru Cyber Monday - (Nov 29th)


We're having a sale in our etsy shop... enter coupon code: BUYNOW15 
at checkout to receive 15% off every item you purchase from Gracie's Cottage

 The fine print:  

Does not apply to previous purchases, expires Saturday, Nov 27, 10 pm CST

If you are an etsy seller having a sale this weekend, 

feel free to post your coupon code in the comments.

 

Great American Grain Sack Giveaway

It's time for a good ol' fashioned American junker giveaway!  It seems that the whole world is enamored of those expensive French grain sacks. I've got nothing against them, except that they cost un bras et une jambe, (pardon my French).  And, I love America and American made products.

Earlier this year, hundreds of American feed, seed and flour sacks found their way into my possession. I've been selling them on eBay, etsy and at shows in Wisconsin, Illinois & Minnesota. Hundreds of them have gone to new  homes.  I only wish that I could see how they've all been used.

Made of heavy cotton, most measure about 20" x 40".  Because they are seamless, there is a whole lot of fabric to work with.  They are perfect for pillows, upholstery, table runners, window treatments, totes, sachets.... You can incorporate the logo or ignore it.  (You can even stencil them with your favorite French motif!)

These are freshly-laundered authentic American "farm-used" grain, seed & flour sacks that are 60-80 years old. There are minor imperfections or small stains or marks on most of them; the imperfections are a part of the character and history of the sack.

We're giving away the three sacks pictured above. You could win one! 
1.  For one entry, leave a comment on this post.  (It's not required, but we'd love to know how you'd use it if you have one of the winning entries.)
2.  For a second entry link to this post on your blog and note that in your comment.
3.  For a third entry Tweet a link to this post to your followers, and note that in your comment.

Anyone can enter, (even non-U.S. peeps), but you need to use an ID, (entries from 'anonymous' will not be accepted).

The three winners will be picked using a random number generator.  The first winner drawn will receive the Fulton sack.  The second winner will receive the Bemis Seamless and the third winner will receive the Bemis Seamless 2 1/2 Bushels with the stripes.  On Monday, November 1st, we'll announce the winners who will then have until Friday, November 5th to contact us with their shipping info.

Spread the word and get your entry in!

We're linking ups with Faded Charm for White Wednesday... be sure to check out all the beautiful whiteness featured there!