Junk Fix this Friday

One of my favorite blogs is JunkMarket Style.  I can spend way too much time studying the fabulous creations pulled together from discards.  Sue Whitney embraced "junk" years ago, and is one of the people most responsible for the current popularity of up-cycling. 

Sue will be appearing at the Milwaukee NARI Home Improvement Show this weekend.  I can't wait to be inspired by her presentation.  See you there?

The Vintage Nest - Loved It!

A fantasy of charming old chippies & schnibbles, displayed with amazing creativity and filling four rooms of a Victorian home  - oh my!  Vintage Nest took place in Sturgeon Bay last weekend.  We were snuggled into a cozy Door County cottage for a few days and I couldn't wait to venture out into the cold first thing on Saturday to attend.

Vintage Nest was a spectacular event put together by Angie of Viva La Cottage,  Katie of Small Town Vintage, Julie of All My Best, Julie and Carol of In A Haystack.  Lovers of vintage crowded in and were delighted at every turn.  Check out Angie's blog for loads of great photos.  

If you missed Vintage Nest, you've got one more chance. It's being held over for one more weekend by popular demand and new items will be added.  Get on up there and enjoy!

 

When the Stars Align - It's Divine!

Sometimes things just all come together.  While looking for some great finds for you I came across something in Door County, Wisconsin.  Most folks think of visiting Door County in the summer when all of the little shops are open and things are bustling.  Door County is great in any season, but one of my favorite times to go is in the winter. You can actually enjoy the beauty of the peninsula without fighting your way through a crowd.

While making plans to pick up my purchases this week, the seller referred me to the owner of a charming waterfront cottage.  It didn't take long to convince my dream guy that we should reserve the cottage and sneak away for a few days. We can't wait to snuggle in and enjoy the view.

To make things even better, last weekend a customer clued me in to a wonderful event taking place in Sturgeon Bay on Saturday and Sunday, Feb 6th and 7th.  Angie from Viva La Cabin is hosting "Vintage Nest" from 10-5 on Saturday and 10-3 on Sunday. You can get a sneak peek and more details on her blog.   It looks dreamy and I know where I'll be first thing on Saturday.  I'll let you know how it goes, and if you're anywhere nearby I encourage you to go.  It looks like a can't-miss fix for the winter blues.

Victorian Parasol in the Snow to Re-Purpose - Steampunk

At Gracie's Cottage, we believe that every faded beauty deserves a chance to be re-born.  This old beauty has lost it's handle.  There are moisture stains overall, the lace and trim has some tears and has pulled loose from the ends of the ribs.  We're offering this old beauty in our etsy shop,  Most folks would say that's in terrible condition and should be thrown away.

Still, the clever artisan can find much to work with here:

The purple velvet ribbon trimming the edges is in excellent condition. 
The dingle-ball scalloped trim around the edges is some of the most fantastic I've ever seen and much of it can be salvaged. 
On the upper part, the lace netting has a swiss dot pattern and much is useable.
The wide lace on the lower part is amazing and again, much could be used. 
Even the net rosette at the tip would be a wonderful adornment on your project, as would the brass ferrule on the end.
The shaft is a most daring shade of fuscia, and the entire frame with fabric removed would have a wonderful sculptural quality perfect for your steampunk inspired projects.

We can't wait to see what this old parasol becomes in her next life!

To Keep a Symbol of Love - Antique Velvet Ring Box

The little objects I find touch my heart when I think of where they've been, or why they are less than "perfect".

This beautiful old ring box is a dreamy Victorian purple. I can picture a young bride carefully opening the box each morning to put on the ring from her beloved. For decades the motion is repeated; the hands are wrinkled, the hair turns white and still she treasures his gift.

The velvet is worn nearly to the base. It's not as "pretty" as it once was...yet I find it beautiful.   When I see  elderly folks I think of the little ring box.  Perhaps they can't present themselves as they would like.  Life has shaped them into what they are today and we need to treasure what remains.

Christmas at Old World Wisconsin

It's easy for most of us to get so caught up in the busyness of the season that we forget to enjoy the season.  Yesterday we took time out to visit Old World Wisconsin for The Spirit of Christmas Past.

With loads of fresh snow, sunny skies, moderate temps and good friends along, the day could not have been more perfect.  We joined in the old-fashioned carol sing in the church, tasted gingerbread baked in a wood stove and strolled from building to building cherishing the beautiful scenery along the way.  Enjoy the photos!

Christmas Santa and Saint Nick Books

I've been trying to ignore the huge Santa and snowman on the neighbor's lawn.  They've been all lit up like, well...Christmas... for the past two weeks.  Until then I'd been feeling a little proud of myself for getting my autumnal decor up before Thanksgiving.  Fact is, it's time to face reality. 

Christmas IS coming.  Getting together with family and friends to celebrate the Savior's birth is a few weeks away, but in the world of retail, time is running out.  It's time to discover what little Christmas goodies came home from local estates this year.   Over the next few weeks we'll show you some of our fun finds.  Here are two for starters:

This little Santa was waiting at the door for me. He's about 5" tall and was made in Japan about 50-60 years ago. He's rather serious looking, don't you think?

Next came a box; Santa posed in front of it for me.  Old Christmas boxes make great platforms for displaying Santas, elves, angels or what-have-you.  This one piqued my interest when I read the label.  "Child's Saint Nick Boot".  I'd love to see the boots that came in this box...anyone know what they looked like?