The Salvage Studio

News from the Salvage Studio

2010-07-19T12:45:00.000-07:00

Hope you are all enjoying our long-awaited summer!

We have some big news for you – we are retiring Salvage Studio. We have both decided to focus on new directions, are still good friends, and don’t want to lose track of you. We had the time of our lives doing Salvage Studio together, and are so grateful for all the friendships we made with our customers. We hope to stay in contact with each of you through our new endeavors.

Lisa’s new blog, http://www.lisaslittlehouse.blogspot.com/, will keep you up to date on all her activities and plans.

Beth’s new blog, http://www.bethevansramos.wordpress.com/, will function as her website/blog combo. A sidebar calendar will have the venues she’ll be appearing at for speaking engagements and teaching workshops.

Both blogs will soon have a section to sign up for our new email newsletters. You’ll also learn more about our new businesses.

We’ve also decided to cancel our Art Party that was scheduled for October 2. If you signed up and paid, you will be receiving your refund soon.

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for all your heartfelt support!
Beth and Lisa

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T12:12:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter to you and yours!

Carla's Cat

2010-03-22T09:55:00.000-07:00

One of my 2010 goals (yes, I have them and yes, I am still working on them!) was to take some workshops. For the past four years, we have been teaching up a storm...now it is my turn to fill myself up. Plus, being a student makes a better teacher.

Carla Sonheim is an Art Girl (a once a month meeting of some of the kindest people and most creative minds we know) and she recently moved back to the Seattle area. She is also one of the most delightful artists. I have been wearing her little cat charm on my Fork Pendant Necklace for years.

You may remember it. I love it!

She is teaching an online class...I signed up the minute I read about it. You can find the information on her website here. Care to join me? -- Lisa

Happy St. Paddy's Day!

2010-03-17T09:18:00.000-07:00

Here is a bit 'o green from my garden.

Have a Lucky Day! -- Lisa

Birds and Blooms Magazine

2010-03-09T08:21:00.000-08:00

Our book is featured in the April/May issue of Birds and Blooms Magazine. We haven't seen it yet but Stacy Torino, the editor of the magazine, says it looks "phenomenal". For a sneak peak, you can see one of the projects here.

My Favorite Spa

2010-03-03T08:52:00.000-08:00

I returned just recently from a week-long visit with my mom in Dayton, Washington. We call her place our favorite spa. We sleep good, eat great and relax.
Mom is famous in our family for her homemade bread. She has been making brioche dough lately and 3 out of my 7 mornings I awoke to fresh, hot beignets. Oh. My. Goodness.

We tried to get artsy with our shot. I juiced some organic blood oranges and we had that with champagne with our light as air pastries. -- Lisa

A flower for you!

2010-02-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

A 'friend' (she is shy) sent us these photos of flowers made from cut-up, painted plastic bottles from the downtown Anthropologie. She knew we would enjoy them and we hope you do too.

Wouldn't it be a blast to spend a day with the creative team that puts these ideas together. Hint, hint! -- Lisa

ps...even though she is shy, she asked permission to take photos...always good ettiquette.

A new Flea Market in town...

2010-02-19T06:43:00.000-08:00

Our buddy Timi, of Come Junk With Us fame, is putting together her own vintage inspired flea market.

The Collection

Friday, March 5th

Early Bird Shopping from 5 pm - 8 pm

$10 entry

Gift bags for the first 30 people

Door prize drawings

Saturday, March 6th

8 am - 4 pm

$8 entry

Gift bags for the first 30 customers

Prize drawings every hour

Knights of Columbus Hall

Bothell-Everett Hwy

Bothell WA

Visit her site for more details, a discount coupon and all the scoop
on her upcoming Junk Junket to The Farm Chicks.

Five

2010-02-16T09:09:00.000-08:00

Does this building look familiar? Yep, it is the old location of the Salvage Studio. After the Northwest Flower and Garden Show last week, Beth, Raoul and I popped into Five, the delicious new restaurant that went into our old location. Summer and Ted Clark were loyal and fun customers and they loved the feel of the space. So when they were looking to open their hip new bistro, it was a no-brainer.

Summer is one of the most talented people we know...just look at this place!

Ted on the right in the new bar area. There were some Saturday's we could have used that amenity!

A great collection of frames add sparkle and light.

Cavallini gift wrap behind old windows. Stunning and easy peasy.

A new wall with mirrors to reflect light. And we love the whiskey barrel rings on the wall.

Simple branches with pendant light bulbs.

Did we mention how talented Summer is? We kinda have a crush on her, can you tell?

And last, but not least, the food was delicious and beautifully prepared. -- Lisa

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T09:13:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

I made these little Button Flower Bouquets for a Valentine's Day Swap with a group of artists we hang out with: Women of the Arts or WOTA for short. Easy peasy and oh so darling.

Hope you get to spend some quality time with your loved one....YOU! -- Lisa

Northwest Flower and Garden Show Recap

2010-02-10T09:19:00.000-08:00

Just to start us off...Crops for Clunkers. We loved this garden. The chicken run was on the driver's side and the nesting box was accessable from the passenger side window. You can read more about this project at The Seattle Urban Farm Company.

The theme for the show this year was Sustainability. Seattle Tilth has been a pioneer in that realm for ages. And designer Jessica Bloom created a beautiful "Family's Little Farm in the City' complete with goats and chickens.

Two innovative planter systems: Coldframe and a raised bed from concrete and old bottles. Both will capture heat for your plants.

And a beautiful rain chain made from cut-off blue bottles.

We saw this wall structure throughout the gardens. Handsome and practical.

I have loved the JohnBob Cool Junk booth for years. We finally got to rub shoulders with these two at Farm Chicks last year and that makes me love their booth even more.

Beautiful vintage goods and great presentation.

This booth made us stop in our tracks. Each Rotoluxe planter is made of recycled plastic and made in the Pacific Northwest. Durable, attractive, lightweight and a great product. Visit their website for more information.

Fun container exhibit vignette by Sunnyside Nursery.

So now you can sit in your easy chair, puruse gardening magazines and dream of your garden possibilities. -- Lisa

PS...thanks to Beth for the great photos and a super duper presentation of Outdoor Entertaining Salvage Style. She rocked the room!

Taking a break...

2010-02-08T09:40:00.000-08:00

I'm taking a break from blogging for a while. Lisa will continue to post some entries to keep us on the blogging map. I have a couple of challenges going on in my personal life, am overwhelmed with preparations for listing our house for sale, and need some time to figure out where I want to invest my energies professionally. Sort of the usual, every day chain of events.
But at this moment, it's feeling like too much. I have great faith that it all will work out.
In the meantime, I'm still addicted to reading all of your blogs, and will be keeping in touch that way! -- Beth

Neighbor Lisa's House

2010-02-06T09:00:00.000-08:00

I was so happy when my neighborhood Lisa moved into our little cul de sac.

She and I share a love of decorating our homes. Plus she and her family are supremely nice! Our styles are similar in some ways, and different in others. I really admire her decorating sense, and love seeing what's new her way. This eye-catching array is what greets you in her foyer.

A lovely arrangement in her living room.

She created this stunning vignette on the other side of her living room.

Such a pleasing mantel composition.

And the final wall in her captivating living room.

Now we are in the dining room. Lisa's sense of scale is dramatic and so darn tasteful.

Even her laundry room is quite attractive. She is fearless with paint, and with touches of black.

I fell in love with this lamp! And ordered one through her wonderful shop, Elegant Clutter, in Mill Creek. So even though you don't live in our cul de sac, you can see more of Lisa's decorating style there.

In the master bedroom is this leopard chair, which used to live at our house in my studio. With all our downsizing, I had it in our garage waiting for the next garage sale. Lisa spied it and bought it on the spot. I am so happy the chair has such a classy new home, and I can still visit it now and again. -- Beth

Friday Fun at the Northwest Flower & Garden Show

2010-02-03T00:24:00.000-08:00

Here’s a sneak peek of a new creation for my upcoming seminar at the Northwest Flower & Garden Show. I’ll be there Friday, 12:30 p.m. in the Hood Room.

I am really tickled with this idea for a Junk Bar – a picnic cooler for your beverage, a meat grinder holding your bar towel, a Christmas tree stand for your ice bucket and more! There will be pretty pictures, lots of helpful info, and I hope plenty of chuckles. Lisa will be there as my technical goddess.

We would love to see you!

Ballard Blast

2010-02-01T06:43:00.000-08:00

Recently, my friend bj and I had a wonderful time playing in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle. I have to confess that I have lived in the suburbs of Seattle for nearly 13 years and I haven’t been keeping up with how hip certain neighborhoods have become. But I have loved Ballard Avenue with its’ amazing shops for a long time. It was huge fun to discover new ones, and visit my favorites like Curtis Steiner’s Souvenir . These dreamy blue bottles displaying jewelry just made my heart beat a little faster.

Curtis graciously let me take his picture.

Vintage game tiles surrounded this display case. He is a master of the vignette.

These necklaces were perfection.

Local artist, Patty Grazini created these incredible paper shoes.

Curtis fashioned these window display mannequins with grand hair-dos and attire. He is so supremely talented!

Lunch was at the Puerto Rican restaurant, La Isla. Tasty, tasty, tasty!

Another wonderful shop we visited was Tableau.

These burlap bottomed branches were great.

Faux candleholders.

I covet this sophisticated loveseat.

And then I started clothes shopping at Horseshoe and my picture taking went to the wayside. We had met the owner, Jill, when we did the fall Sand Point Antiques Market. Unfortunately, she was out of town that day, but lucky for me, her clothes stayed behind. More coveting ensued, and I left with a swingy new skirt!

Look What I Made

2010-01-29T06:43:00.000-08:00

I am delighted with this new cloche/tray I recently created.

I rescued this ceiling light fixture from a free pile ages ago. Some of the glass panels were broken, so I removed all of the survivors to get this frame.

Once it was turned upside down, I saw it would be sort of a cloche.

I fiddled around with my stash of silver-plate trays until I found one that would slide in through the flat side. I drilled a whole in the middle of the tray so it would attach with the existing hardware.

This is so unlike me, but I actually made a pattern of the bottom of the tray, folded it into fourths, and made my center hole. Usually I belong to the let's-eyeball-it-school. A pilot dimple of sorts was made with a nail and hammer, and then I drilled a big center hole with my hand-held drill.

There was an opening at the top of the dome, which begged for a knob or handle of some sorts. I attached this over-the-top lamp finial with some lamp washers and a nut.

I'm thinking it will corral my fabric flower pins and corsages. But so far, I'm not ready to cover an inch of it up! -- Beth

What to do with vintage frames

2010-01-27T07:34:00.000-08:00

This wall used to be covered with angel and madonna prints. I was ready for a cleaner look. In no time flat, I hung this collection of empty vintage frames. So easy! -- Beth

Crazy Crochet

2010-01-26T06:43:00.000-08:00

Crazy Crochet! Our dear friend Cindy is teaching a fun class this Saturday in Edmonds at the ArtHouse Mosiac Studio (in their new location at 610 5th Ave S). I am signed up and can't wait.

Cindy co-hosted the ArtParty with us last year and is a ton of fun and a great teacher.

Visit her blog, Artgirl Island, for more details and if you are aren't busy this Saturday, sign-up and join us! -- Lisa

My New Favorite Smudging Product

2010-01-25T06:43:00.000-08:00

I glean so many useful ideas and tips from reading blogs. When Heather Bullard suggested this product, I wrote it down. I found myself at Lowe’s multiple times last week and bought this antiquing glaze made by their house brand, Valspar. Heather’s had been American Tradition, another Lowe’s product. The clerk helped me look for it to no avail. So I went with the Valspar and was extremely pleased with the results. A little went a long way when applied with this section of an old sock. I’ve tried thinning paints, shoe polish and other ways to make painted things look more aged. The consistency of this glaze was dreamy. It spread and spread and spread where I wanted.

This vintage bench was shades of dark red originally. When I painted it off-white, I used only one coat and tried not to fill in all the nooks and crannies. After it dried, it looked too new. This antiquing glaze gave it the perfect smudged look. Thanks Heather! -- Beth

Freshed Up Front Porch

2010-01-22T06:43:00.000-08:00

We have a gigantic porch. It is fairly well protected from the weather and it is a whole lot of fun to decorate! It was dressed to the nines for the holidays. Once that got all put away, it was time for a simpler look. I had lots of red pieces before. Here it is looking quite patriotic. Whites and creams are calling my name these days. Between the Barn House boys and Rachel Ashwell’s new Shabby Chic look influencing me, I am embracing neutrals more and more.

The shorter white table moved from inside the house to the outside. I’m happy with how its’ shape pops against the grey wall and cement landing.

The rocker and bench went from red painted finishes to off white. In the next post, I’ll show my favorite new product for smudging up the finish just right.

And my porch’s new look has come in very handy as a backdrop for shooting pictures of outdoor entertaining pieces I am including in the presentation for the Flower and Garden Show. I have tried taking pictures on our open deck and found the weather challenging, if not darn right uncooperative. One morning was clear but the wood deck was doubling as a skating rink. Today we woke up to find it covered in fir needles and debris from a wind storm.

So yippee, for that nice, covered porch! -- Beth

Recycling Styrofoam

2010-01-20T09:23:00.000-08:00

While reading Rob’s blog, I was happy to learn about a local resource that accepts styrofoam for recycling. Styro Recycle, is located near the Renton Ikea and has drop off centers at Ikea and other locations. Please visit their website for all the useful details. They will take all those big pieces that are included as packaging, as well as the smaller peanuts.

I have had good luck donating my styrofoam peanuts to shipping businesses close to my home, like PostNet, for their use. But it is great to know where those larger styrofoam pieces can be recycled. And who doesn’t want to visit Ikea every now and then?! -- Beth

My Over 40 (Years of Friendship) Friends

2010-01-19T06:43:00.000-08:00

I have a wonderful tradition with these high school friends of mine. We set aside the third Sunday of January every year to have lunch and get caught up with each other. We have been friends for a long time. I met Jeanette (on the left) our freshmen year of high school. Laurie (in the middle) and I went to the same grade school. It is really hard to believe we graduated from high school FORTY years ago! Our group used to be larger. One friend drifted away. One moved to Colorado. And our fourth friend, Renee, was unable to join us this year, but we hope to see her next year. I am very grateful for such good friends. -- Beth

Clearing my Head

2010-01-17T18:06:00.000-08:00

I walk five or six mornings a week. It started as a way to exercise. No fancy equipment needed or special outfits required other than something waterproof, and I can do it at the times I choose. After a while, I realized how this ritual cleared my head.

Currently I walk the same route every day. I have not experienced a labyrinth, where you walk in that spiral form for meditation. But I think my routine has created a similar sense of calm. Some days I start off being peeved about something or another. Then I get distracted by listening to the birds or watching the clouds in the sky. Once in a while, I forget my gloves, so my mind spends too much time being aware of freezing fingers. Some days I get brilliant ideas. More days than not, I can’t remember everything I thought about during my walk. Those are the best walks.

Today as I returned home, blue skies emerged. It had been an especially wonderful walk. -- Beth

Flower & Garden Show Sneak Peek

2010-01-14T18:36:00.000-08:00

I am very excited and honored to be speaking at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show on Friday, Feb. 5 at 12:30 p.m. in the Hood Room. I’ll be showing pictures and talking about Outdoor Entertaining Salvage Style. Today I made some serving pieces for a photo shoot on our deck. The bowl parts are ceiling fixture glass shades – perfect for this project because the center hole is already made. And they can be found at thrift stores in some kicky patterns.

For the bases, I had these wood basket things, that I painted with a thin coat of white. Even though I made pilot holes before drilling, one got a big crack. Oh well.

I used extra lamp parts to connect everything together. Lamps are the best organ donors ever for these sorts of projects! I used a small section of threaded rod, a lamp nut and a vintage finial.

This tool box works really well for organizing all those swell lamp pieces.

Now to wait for a few hours of simultaneous daylight and no rain for some picture taking outside. Wish me luck on that part! -- Beth

Painted Lampshade Do's & Don'ts

2010-01-12T16:44:00.000-08:00

I decided to try painting this lampshade that had some unpleasant dark spots all over it. Since I had to paint some wood molding pieces for our bath remodeling project (soon to have it’s one year anniversary of duration) I used the same brush and cream-colored latex paint for the shade.

I am happy with the streaky effect, and the way the paint mottled with all the stains.

Some of the panels of the shade have this oval design because the inside and outside layers of fabric on the shade got stuck together. I’m working on embracing that look. Next time I would try to separate the layers before they dried. Spray paint would have worked, but I try to avoid using it. That nasty empty can going into the garbage is a huge issue for me.

I can be a scaredy cat about some things (head stands in yoga, going off of diving boards), but I am fearless with something like painting a lampshade or cutting up a sweater. I figure I have nothing to lose. It’s a thing that can be reused some other way, even if my first idea is a dud.

The lamp base came from the Goodwill. These monster, plaster-filled bases are plentiful, and usually come painted in colors that need covering. I kept adding layers of paint, and wiping some paint off until the right look showed up. I don’t take any chances with old lamps and their wiring. It’s easy to pop in a new socket, cord and plug.

On these dark and rainy days, a new lamp is a welcome addition. -- Beth

What to do with a Stretchy Sweater

2010-01-10T00:13:00.000-08:00

This sweater is at least 11 years old, and used to be about half this size. It continues to expand sideways. And I decided midway through last year, that my body was going to go the other direction! I was ready to donate the sweater to the Goodwill, when I had an idea to transform it into a skirt.

Here’s the sweater. First, I cut off the arms and cowl neck part. Then I straightened the edges into sort of an a-line. I don’t own a serger, so my plan was to zigzag the seam edges first with my sewing machine from the 1950’s. The edges came out ruffled. I was cranky for a few seconds, then decided I would have the seams be on the outside, and be a design element. For the waist, I simply folded the sweater over, and stitched the edge to form a tube for an elastic waistband. The hem of the skirt was the bottom hem of the sweater. To make it more ruffled, I zigzagged that edge while slightly stretching the fabric.

I am darn pleased with my new skirt. I’ll wear it with tights and some boots. Now to alter some sweaters for tops!

I have a huge girl crush on Natalie Chanin, author of the Alabama Stitch Book. She did a great post recently showing and talking about using what you have. Read it here.

And for a hilarious read of what to do with ugly sweaters, visit A Girl Named Timi’s blog, and read about her Ugly Christmas Sweater holiday party.

New Goodwill Outlet

2010-01-06T16:03:00.000-08:00

After having a house full of family and guests for the last 19 days and LOVING it, and now missing them, I found the perfect cure - visiting the new Goodwill Outlet in Everett! It opened December 15, and is a great space with lots of easy parking. It is smaller than the Seattle Outlet at 6th & Holgate. But it wasn't crowded, which was a giant plus.

Everything is in big bin shaped tables. You need to be in the mood to dig. Things are sold by the pound for the most part.
Here is my haul. Wool sweaters to shrink for felt, clothing items to deconstruct and reinvent into other apparel items, and my find of the day - a grey, cable-knitted cashmere sweater. All for $12.29! -- Beth

Gorgeous Seattle Sailing Day

2010-01-02T11:00:00.000-08:00

Wednesday was one of those perfect Seattle days. My family and I were most lucky to be included in a sailing adventure with my cousins Marie and Jerry. They were relocating their beloved sailboat, Sea Wings, from the marina in Kirkland to Shilshole Bay in Seattle. I offered to bring our lunch, and behave myself enough not to fall overboard with my chronic vertigo. Everyone else pitched in with the sailing duties. The weather cooperated with dry skies and more sunshine than we had hoped for. It is such a treat to see Seattle from a boat.

Here is my son Morgan’s future brother-in-law, Bob, enjoying his first visit to the Northwest. The Mountlake Bridge is in the background. This is part of our happy group at the marine gas station. Cousin Jerry, son Morgan, cousin Marie, future daughter-in-law Eileen and her brother, Bob.

I stayed on the boat.

A real highlight was our route took us under six bridges – four of which had to open for us! As anyone who has driven in Seattle knows - too many hours of our lives have been spent waiting for bridges to open and close for boats. It felt great to be on the other end of the situation.

And we got to experience the Locks firsthand, as the water lowered to go from the fresh water of Lake Washington to the salt water of Puget Sound.
Eileen took this gorgeous video as we approached Shilshole. ( Sailor Morgan)

This marina is known as the aluminum forest. So many beautiful sailboats.

Here is a shot of Morgan and my hubby, Raoul, after getting the Sea Wings settled into her new home. It was such a special day for all of us! -- Beth

Lovely La Conner Visit

2009-12-27T11:18:00.000-08:00

We filled up our two cars with our visiting family members and headed to La Conner on Saturday. The sun was out, so the drive north was especially scenic.

I really was looking forward to visiting Hutch – Krys Kirkpatrick’s latest artistic vision. I loved it! The business tag line is “A Home for Ideas to Grow”.

We found sophisticated vignettes of hand crafted art along with vintage props for sale. It is so thoughtfully and creatively arranged. I also enjoyed visiting with Chris, the store director, very much. I’ll let the pictures give you an idea of what is to be found there.

We admired the swell baby clothes and items next door at Bunnies by the Bay. Another business venture Krys and her sister have grown. Here is a picture of my daughter-in-law Casey with baby Claire in the stroller, and Burly the pug hitching a ride.

Lunch was at Seeds. Yum. Everyone gobbled up the tasty food there.

On a walk along other parts of Morris Street, we popped into Mary Davis Vintage Lighting. What an amazing collection of restored and repurposed lighting! From crystal chandeliers to light fixtures incorporating funnels or antique phonograph horns for their shades. Mercury glass pendants, unique handmade paper shades and handsome mica shades all caught my eye. I’ll be shopping here when we get moved into our next home.

Plus we got to see the fields of snow geese filling up the fields in the Skagit Valley. It was a tiptop day. -- Beth

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-24T15:22:00.000-08:00

"Hey, is that Santa on the roof?"

Lisa and I (along with Claire and Burly, Beth’s grandpuggy) wish you a very merry holiday!

Lovely View of My Garage

2009-12-21T06:43:00.000-08:00

I am so excited! I got my car in the garage, alongside my husband’s car this week. I think it has been five years since we have had two cars in our three car garage. (It’s no coincidence, that I started rescuing good junk in 2004.) This accomplishment feels great! -- Beth

Quick Gift Idea

2009-12-17T21:30:00.000-08:00

I was very inspired by the gorgeous silk flowers Kimberly Taylor of Mimi Charmante has been creating and attaching to gloves, tote bags, hairpins and other beautiful creations. I came home from NYC with a bunch of vintage shoe clips I found at Tinsel Trading Company. I decided to sew them onto some simple gloves for spiffy presents for some girlfriends.

I used French buttons on this pair, and was pleased as punch with the results. -- Beth

Christmas at Caroline's House

2009-12-16T08:18:00.000-08:00

Our friend Caroline loves Christmas. She is a dedicated collector of vintage Christmas goodies. On a recent visit to her home, these collections were on display. I enjoyed all of them, but I really covet her pinecone pixie people!

Christmas Charm Swap Splendor

2009-12-10T22:41:00.000-08:00

The charm swap we attended this week with a dozen friends was our idea of the perfect holiday shindig - friends whom make us laugh, tasty food, and Christmas themed charms and tokens. Here are some of the lovelies.

A couple of swappers brought other fabulous tokens instead of charms.

This is my heap of swapping loot. Looks like Santa came early!

Christmas Charm Swap Preview

2009-12-09T08:17:00.000-08:00

This morning, Lisa and I are headed to a Christmas charm swap with a dozen friends. I’m packed and ready to start thawing out my car. My potluck contribution is a pineapple cake that will taste better than it looks (I hope!). A customer friend made it for us recently. I couldn’t wait to try it because it only has three easy ingredients and you get to put Cool Whip on top of it.

Hostess gift – check!

Charms – check!

Bracelet to wear made with last year’s charms – check!

More pictures of all the charm fun coming soon.

A grand Sunday at Sand Point Antique Market

2009-12-07T15:21:00.000-08:00

Lisa and I had such a good time on Sunday doing the Sand Point Antique Market. Thanks to all of our customer friends – new and old, for stopping by our booth and buying our stuff! I am going to be able to fit my car in our garage for the first time in YEARS as a result of lots of inventory going to Sand Point, and less coming back. I’ll post a picture of both of cars INSIDE our garage early next week. (We are in the middle of new tile floors going in two bathrooms, so the tile guy’s equipment and supplies need a safe place to be this week. And if you are looking for a great person for tile work, I’d be happy to recommend Florian.)

So now Lisa and I get to focus on our personal Christmas preparations and celebrations for the next several weeks. Baby Claire will be here in 11 days!

Sunday - It's the Sand Point Antique Market Show

2009-12-04T06:43:00.000-08:00

We realize it's such an extra busy time of the year with so many fun things to fit into every weekend, but we hope you’ll be able to join us at the Sand Point Antique Market this Sunday, December 6, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. We’re bringing all our Christmas 'good stuff', as well as a sleigh-full (well a ¾ ton truck and two cars’ full) of items perfect for gift giving, decorating and entertaining. Lots of newly repurposed and vintage treasures will be waiting for you!

More NYC Adventures

2009-12-02T08:33:00.000-08:00

Visiting New York City during the holiday season is magical! And better yet is having a navigator on your team to help you get to all the shops and neighborhoods you want to visit. Our son Morgan steered us through the streets and onto lots of subway and bus rides. We saw new areas, and visited a couple of favorite shops. And the level of creativity in NYC is non-stop, over-the-top inspiring! Besides seeing the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, I had my sights set on a pilgrimage to Tinsel Trading Company. The picture above is a wall of vintage and newer millinery flowers. A wall.
These beauties are under lock and key. They are sold by their weight, not length.

Intriguing drawers were filled with tempting treasures throughout the store. Tinsel Trading Company is dreamy.

Bergdorf Goodman had my favorite window displays. I could have spent hours on the sidewalks studying each of them. So many details, and mesmerizing combinations.

Barneys is well known for their window dressings, and did not disappoint. They had a tribute to 35 years of Saturday Night Live.

I got a bee in my bonnet to get a Christmas shopping bag from Bloomingdales, after seeing hundreds of their hip, neon, retro bags on the arms of other shoppers on the streets. Along the way, we had some fun with this window camera.

The outside entrance to ABC Carpet and Home was dripping with crystal chandeliers and festive paper garlands. My picture doesn’t do it justice. One window had this heap of silver paper chain. It was perfection.

Our visit could last through Saturday this time, since there was no studio needing me to be there. We high-tailed it to two flea markets in the Chelsea neighborhood – The Garage and the West 25^th Street fleas. I enjoyed both of them. We even popped into a Goodwill across the street from The Garage.

We’ll be returning to NYC next spring for another visit. Can’t wait! -- Beth

Thanksgiving in NYC

2009-11-30T11:31:00.000-08:00

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. I certainly did! I have wanted to attend the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade for as long as I can remember. Our youngest son Morgan lives in Manhattan now, so Raoul and I headed there for an action-packed visit last week.

You know your family truly loves you, when they wake up so early, that they can save the perfect spot for you right next to the parade route barricade. Raoul and Morgan got there at 4:30 a.m. and said by 5 a.m. the front row was filled. Morgan’s girlfriend, Eileen, and I even got to sleep a little longer.

Here we are at our ideal location. Everyone looks a little extra puffy as we were wearing layers and layers of clothing.

It was unreal to be so close to the balloons.

Here’s Cyndi Lauper. Lisa is one of her major fans.

Carly Simon was looking good.

These older gals were having the best time on their trikes.

But I couldn’t get enough of the balloons. And before I knew it, the parade was over. We had a spectacular time. -- Beth

A good thought

2009-11-27T09:05:00.000-08:00

Just when you thought I was done singing the praises of Silver Bella, an art retreat I recently attended, there is one more tidbit. In our welcome folder was this quote, which I feel pairs perfectly with a recent photograph of our granddaughter Claire, now 5+ months old:

"to be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you like everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting." e.e. cummings

Beth

2009-11-26T08:20:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving

to you and yours...

Anthropologie Always Delivers

2009-11-25T09:31:00.000-08:00

Who doesn’t get a major kick of out of the displays at Anthropologie? Lisa and I popped into the University Village store and left with our hearts going pitter pat! They were installing these spectacular decorations. We really made out because some were on the floor, waiting to be hung. I asked if I could take pictures (which is always nice store etiquette) and they said sure.

Some of these white fluffs were created from chicken wire as the form with common sandwich wrapping papers smushed into each opening. Others were created like giant tissue paper flowers.
We especially liked the nuances of the creamy colors with an occasional clear, sparkly cellophane flower added here and there.And another great idea - they hung large hunks of metal fencing as their grid to attach each flower.

I really admire their constant creativity. - Beth

Rollicking Good Time at Ravenna Gardens

2009-11-23T21:22:00.000-08:00

We spent our Sunday afternoon doing TWO (first one sold out, second one was added and also sold out!) sessions of Repurposed Holidays at Ravenna Gardens at University Village. It was a fast paced hour of show and tell ideas – quick, and as green as possible, gifts and wraps. We also showed some of our repurposed creations doing double duty as holiday décor. Lisa’s silverplate wind chime was holding holiday greeting cards, and my lamp parts birdbath contained ornaments. Ravenna Gardens is always a treat to work with, and their customers are a bunch of fun. How can you go wrong with people that like gardening and junk?!

This fabulous array of candle holders were for sale, with the proceeds going to Path with Art. Gillian, Ravenna Garden's owner, helped a friend make these for the friend’s daughter’s wedding. The array of clear glass pieces married with the brass bases looked divine together.

Silver Bella Workshops and Vendor Night

2009-11-21T09:26:00.000-08:00

The Vintage Rosary Necklace workshop was the ONE workshop I really wanted to get into at Silver Bella. I’ve had a crush on Kaari Meng since I discovered her business, the French General several years ago. She was as nice as nice could be in person. I loved this workshop and am thrilled with the necklace I was able to make all from components she provided in our kits.

More of her treasures were for sale during our class.

Workshop number two was Victorious Medals taught by Teresa McFayden, the founder of Silver Bella. This is a shot of our table.

Such a clever idea. Teresa photocopied onto fabric paper some of her favorite vintage medals, which we then enhanced with glitter, trims, ribbons and all sorts of lovelies. Other ribbons were newly printed for the occasion, so everyone was a winner in this class!

Charlotte Lyons was my instructor for her Wonderland Mobile. We created little houses and trees to hang from an embroidery hoop. Then you could add as much bling as you saw fit.

As you can see, I am of the more is more school of design with this project.

I could make and decorate these little houses and trees until the cows come home.

There are so many distractions during these workshops. First you have to check out everyone’s jewelry and accessories. Then you hear their stories as you try to do your fun task. This woman is the mother of triplets, with twins on the way, and she was cheerful as can be! Plus she had this clear plastic bag with lots of little openings for her ribbon stash to come out of. Really a good idea, and I think easy to duplicate with something like those heavy plastic covers they sell pillowcases in or maybe an unused clear makeup bag.

This Hodge Podge Journal was the only project I finished 100% within the three hour workshop period. Rebecca Sower was the instructor, and she is a gem. Her kit was wonderfully complete, and she set sort of a fast pace, which totally worked for me.

My last workshop was Holly-Days Countdown with Pam Garrison. This is Pam’s sample, and the idea is each holly leaf represents a day for an advent calendar.

By my fifth workshop, I was used to the fact that some of these women were finishing their projects, and doing amazing jobs. The woman beside me created this fabulous design. And had a darling tool box with the blue pom poms too.

I decided I was going to try all the embroidery stitches I haven’t done in ages. I’m saving the rest of my leaves for a long plane ride to NYC coming up next week.

Another gorgeous distraction. My new friend, Kay, had this amazing sewing kit with bark cloth pages. So functional and so right up my alley.

Vendor night was one of the best I’ve attended! Here is Beth Quinn and her marvelous jewelry.

I was charmed by Megan, aka Princess Lasertron.

Her felt flower pins are unbelievable with their beautiful stitchery. I bought a red number, and am kicking myself for not getting at least a half a dozen of them for gifts.

There was a ballroom filled with other tables like this. Vintage ephemera heaven! Willows Nest was there with their distinctive, romantic creations. This hand crafted bird was in the Raised in Cotton booth.

I have unpacked and repeatedly admired everything, and finished four of my projects (while hiding in my studio for several days this week).

I really can’t imagine I will forget how good this art retreat was. Silver Bella was very special. -- Beth

Silver Bella Swaps

2009-11-19T12:14:00.000-08:00

The three swaps I participated in at Silver Bella were crazy good!

This is my haul from the Bella Feltie Ornament Swap – 16 really charming ornaments. And let me tell you – each was packaged as the sweetest presents ever. We had a color scheme to work with – cream, pink, aqua and some green.

The ornaments were given to us in these snappy bags created by our swap hostess. Imagine a grocery bag brimming with 16 handmade little gifts!

My second swap was the Vintage Papers Swap. I signed up for this one because it was labor light. I mailed some vintage papers to our hostess, and she created these lovely folders – vintage wallpaper stitched around three sides and adorned with a gift tag I am crazy about. I am so happy with the very wonderful assortment of vintage papers I received.

And last, but so far away from least – the Sweetest Thing Recipe Swap. Eight of us each sent two recipes, each on their own decorated page, to our hostesses. We had a color palette of cream, chocolate brown, and gold with touches of burgundy and dark green. I was stunned and thrilled to receive this beautiful keepsake! Our hostesses took this swapping business seriously. The covers and assembly were breath-taking.

A few sample pages from this book:

And let’s not forget to mention that two of the swappers gave each of us samples of their recipe as additional gifts!

This closed out the first evening. Workshops and vendor night recaps will be in the next post. -- Beth

Bonus: If you are inspired to create some feltie ornaments of your own, we just listed 6 kits from our own Felted Ornament Workshop on our Etsy site. Kits include felted sweater squares, bling, trims, templates and instructions.

Silver Bella - Wow!

2009-11-17T13:22:00.000-08:00

Usually I am not at a loss for words. But when it comes to articulating how absolutely wonderful this Silver Bella art retreat was, adjectives aren’t enough. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for all the creativity and generosity I received during the three days I was in Omaha. Every single person I met was over the top friendly and talented. I am still stunned by the fantastic items I received in the three swaps I participated in. The five workshops I took were the best ever. I believe it was such a powerful experience for me, that it will take time to fully absorb how much I learned, and had to stretch. I feel like my world expanded enormously.

I’ll save the pictures and more descriptions of the swaps and the workshops for a couple of future posts. Let’s talk about the people and the good loot! Here is the folder we received when we checked in. Our door prize number is a keepsake.

At the welcome dinner, this darling tote bag was waiting for us filled with all these swell gifts. Lots of clever craft project kits, handmade items, and vintage art supplies.

Our group project was sponsored by Fiskars. Each of us received this haul. I learned I have been mispronouncing Fiskars for my whole life – it is Fis cars (like you drive). They are the fifth oldest company in our country. They started making sharp things and stuck with it.

This was a gift each of us received from our Saturday luncheon speaker, Jo Packham. She is an inspiring soul, and brought tears to most of our eyes with her words. The lid of this box says: MAY YOU ALWAYS FIND NEW DREAMS TO CALL YOUR OWN, NEW ROADS TO TRAVEL, NEW DOORS TO UNLOCK ….. All that I do is created From a Woman’s Soul, Through a Woman’s Eyes, By a Woman’s Hands. Are you reaching for a tissue yet?

Here’s a cute shot of my roomie, traveling mate and friend – Christie (on the right). We met through the Salvage Studio. She attended Silver Bella last year, and was my Big Sister this time around.I like this shot of our tablemates at the first group workshop. It was a bonding experience, as a workshop for 185+ women is crazy.

We met this mom and daughter as soon as we got off the plane in Omaha. We saw each other in workshops, at breakfast, vendor night and other times throughout the weekend. I felt so very lucky to be with such joyful kindred spirits.

Stay tuned for the story on the swaps! -- Beth

Silver Bella here I come

2009-11-13T09:24:00.000-08:00

I am so excited about attending Silver Bella, that I could spin in place! Click on their logo on the side of our blog for all the details of this super fabulous arts retreat. I am participating in three swaps. These little numbers are for the Bella Feltie Swap. I’m looking forward to six workshops, hearing Jo Packham (author of jillions of books and editor of the very wonderful magazine – Where Women Create) speak at the luncheon, and shopping/ogling at Vendor Night. Plus meeting so many kindred spirits.

I promise to take a ton of pictures! -- Beth

*************

And while the cat's away, the mice will play...I had lovely lunch yesterday with the gracious Farm Chick Serena, Decorating Goddess Debi, the Irrepressible Girl Named Timi and the Fabulous Photographer Kimberly. Yummy yum yum. -- LisaDoughnuts....pillows of yum!

Common Folk

2009-11-11T11:15:00.000-08:00

We gave ourselves a big treat on Sunday, after our event at PS Stores. A couple of our customer friends, Shirley and Katherine, have been nudging us to visit Common Folk Co., a wonderful shop in Bellevue at the Crossroads Shopping Center. Don’t you adore their invitation for their recent open house?!

We loved their combination of new and vintage product, along with artist made goods. Everyone was so friendly. (Another) Katherine, the owner, greeted us warmly the moment we entered. We gobbled up pieces of Shirley’s pineapple cake and memorized the recipe when she shared it.

Common Folk was filled with so much sparkle, that my pictures have less than ideal lighting. But I have no problem with oodles of crystal chandeliers, whimsical lamps and holiday lights blazing in a charming shop like this one!

Two fun Sundays in a row!

2009-11-09T09:28:00.000-08:00

Many thanks to PS-Stores and their fantastic customers for joining us for Holiday Green Gifts - Salvage Studio Style. Here are just a few photos of some of the items we shared with them. Hope they inspire you, too.

My Dad's horse show ribbons

2009-11-06T09:07:00.000-08:00

This was a hubba hubba day when it came to purging another closet in our house! I found my Dad’s horse show ribbons from the 1940s and 50s. I haven’t seen these for ten years! A few years ago when the altered ribbons started showing up on different blogs, I wondered where this collection might be. I finally had resigned myself to the fact that they were probably given away when we downsized my Mom’s things.

The ribbons are staying in their Frederick and Nelson box, but not going back in the big “treasures” box. It was too large, and too easy to fill to the brim. And then because it was so nice and big, I could stack a load of stuff on top of it. Easy access is one of my new mottos. -- Beth

Sentimental about shopping bags

2009-11-04T06:10:00.000-08:00

While cleaning out a hall closet (with a great deal of purging involved), I ran across this collection of shopping bags I have saved from our travels. I put the brakes on my purging progress! Is there anyone else out there, besides my friend bj, that saves shopping bags because they are sentimental? Every once in a while, I’ll part with one of my “special” bags to return a borrowed book to a friend. They rarely notice the bag. I am reminded that it’s only a bag.

So I have pared down my bag accumulation. I’ll probably go to junkers’ heaven still hanging onto my bags from the glove store in Rome and the tea shop in Paris. But if you’re buying something from us at the next Sand Point Antiques Show (December 6), don’t be surprised if your purchase gets put in a nifty bag. -- Beth

Gift Pantry

2009-11-02T09:01:00.000-08:00

This is one handy shelf in our house. I call it my gift pantry. Lots of all purpose presents – soaps, candles, pretty note pads, book plates, blank books, small games – consumable gifts. Great for women or men, and a variety of ages. When I need a last minute hostess or thank you gift, this shelf saves the day!

PS Stores + Salvage Studio = Sunday Fun

2009-10-29T16:10:00.000-07:00

What is worth leaving your cozy house for on a Sunday? Seeing all the new green gifts and wrapping ideas we have cooked up with one of our favorite business buddies – PS Stores.

Please join us this Sunday, November 1 at 1 p.m. at their Seattle store. Our snappy show and tell will share all new ideas for quick, inexpensive and fun gifts perfect for nearly everyone on your holiday list. We’ll combine green and sustainable products from PS Stores, along with easy to find items from thrift stores.

Turn an old record into the star ingredient of a chips and dip set!

Reserve your space for $10, and in return, you will receive a $10 voucher plus a 20% coupon for in-store purchases. You can’t lose on that deal. Call 206-762-0540 for reservations. Check the PS Stores website for more details.

AND if you have some other hot date for November 1, we’re offering the same zippy presentation at their Redmond store on the following Sunday, November 8 at 1 p.m.

Space is limited, so please pick up that phone!

Fall Garden Glory

2009-10-28T09:16:00.000-07:00

Here are a few shots of our friend Collene's oh so wonderful garden. It had been one of those dark and rainy days we have been having lately. By the late afternoon, the pouring rain stopped, some clouds parted, and this glorious light appeared!

These two chairs would look good any day. Different shapes united with charming color.

Who wouldn't want to park it in this lovely spot?

Fall leaves adorning a swell bird bath.

Hope you are enjoying the pretty fall colors wherever you live.

Who doesn't love a Tea Party?

2009-10-25T11:09:00.000-07:00

Lisa and I, along with one of our charm swap buddies - Debbie, spent a recent Saturday being treated like queens at an afternoon tea party given by our mutual friend Collene! We felt like such grown-ups and lapped up the lavish treatment. The food was delicious, the laughs abundant, and the fun chatter non-stop. We were even able to tour Collene's most charming garden when we first arrived. I'll share those photos in a couple of days. Debbie, Lisa, Beth

Altered Christmas Cards Workshop this Saturday

2009-10-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

There is still space available in this sure-to-be-fun workshop. Click on the link to see all the details.

Over the Top Blog Award

2009-10-19T06:43:00.000-07:00

Thank you Linda of Luluz. We are tickled that you included us in one of your picks!

Rules to the award...

1.) Thank and post URL to the blog that gave the award.

2.) Pass the award along to 6 brilliantly over the top blogs (blogs you love!) Alert them so they know to receive the award.

3.) Copy and paste this quiz... Change the answers, ONE word only!!

I am so sorry, but one word just is not going to happen. (Linda’s addition, and Beth & Lisa agree.)

4.) Have Fun

Quiz: (Beth’s answers are in Blue…Lisa’s are in Red)

Where is your cell phone? usually in the charger, being ignored; in my purse

Your hair? finally being wavy like it has tried to be for 57 years; gray

Your mother? marie, who taught me to love making things with my hands; Beth

Your father? bob, who left this life way too soon in mine; Mike

Your favorite food? Popcorn; Indian

Your favorite drink? gin and tonic; Corona

Your dream last night? a silly worry; Bejeweled Blitz from Facebook

Your dream/goal? to live in the present – no frets about the future or regrets about the past; house with a water view

What room are you in? studio; family room

Your hobby? reinventing stuff; gardening and kitty wrangler

Your fear? doing a head stand in yoga class; losing my loved ones

Where do you want to be in 6 years? spending more time travelling the world; home

Where were you last night? studio; family room

Something that you aren't? un-opinionated; athletic!

Muffin? pumpkin with cream cheese filling; chocolate with cream cheese filling

Wish list item? more free time; I second that

Where did you grow up? Bremerton, Washington; Wapato, WA

Last thing you did? surfed my favorite blogs; prepped veggies

What are you wearing? one of my uniforms – jeans and a turtleneck sweater; who’s asking?

Your TV? a semi big thing with a DVR; I second that

Your pets? Hank and Harry – 2 kitties; Grayson, John-Boy, Bunny, Delilah and Spicy - kitties

Friends? the best ever; the more the merrier

Your life? full and wonderful; delightful

Your mood? Happy; cheerful

Missing someone? granddaughter Claire; Mom

Vehicle? Subaru Forrester; Saturn Vue

Something you aren't wearing? Spanx; socks

Your favorite store? French thrift stores; Goodwill

Favorite color? Aquamarine; red

When was the last time you laughed? at a tea party this early evening; a few minutes ago

Last time you cried? felt like it yesterday, but didn’t; don’t cry very often

Your best friend? my hubby Raoul; Doug

One place you go to over and over? quiet places; Café India

One person who emails you regularly? Lisa; Karen

Favorite place to eat? my kitchen with my family; Café India

Now for the six blogs we love to visit:

Retreat

Artsy Fartsy Junk Finds

Silver Bella

2009-10-17T22:21:00.001-07:00

I am headed to a fancy schmancy art retreat called Silver Bella in mid November. You can click on the crown logo on the side of our blog for all the glorious details. I am really looking forward to the five workshops I got into from rock star crafting instructors – Kaari Meng, Pam Garrison, Charlotte Lyons, Rebecca Sowers and Teresa McFayden. As part of the pre-fun preparations, you could sign up for all sorts of swaps. I signed up for three of them, and just survived getting my second one completed. It sounded so deceptively simple – trading favorite holiday dessert recipes. But it evolved into making 32 pieces of altered art.

Since it is about receiving and not giving (sometimes), it was all worth it! At Silver Bella, I’ll receive a completed recipe book with 16 family favorites, all decorated to the nines.

Here’s a picture of my completed heap of stuff.

A little close up snippet of a page.

And since all of you can’t join us in Omaha, here are my two recipes. -- Beth

OATMEAL GUMDROP COOKIES

I found this recipe in our local Seattle Times newspaper a few years back. It has been the one cookie I make sure to bake every Christmas, no matter how hectic the holiday season is. It’s like a great oatmeal raisin cookie made even greater with the addition of gumdrops!

OATMEAL GUMDROP COOKIES

1 cup butter, softened

¾ cup brown sugar

¾ cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons buttermilk

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 ½ cups flour

2 cups oatmeal (rolled oats)

1 pound spiced gumdrops, cut into ¼ inch pieces.

(My Safeway has 13 oz bags, so I use 2 bags.)

½ cup chopped walnuts

½ cup raisins

1. In a mixer, cream together butter and sugars until fluffy. Then add eggs, vanilla and buttermilk; mix until smooth. Sift together dry ingredients and blend in. Mix in oatmeal, gumdrops, walnuts and raisins. Chill, covered, 2 hours.

2. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Drop dough by tablespoonfuls onto a greased baking sheet. Bake about 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden.

Cool on a rack.

Makes six dozen cookies.

PUMPKIN BREAD PUDDING WITH CARAMEL SAUCE

I wish I could say this was a family heirloom recipe, but it’s not. My mom could sew up a storm, but the same couldn’t be said for her cooking. My grandmas did meat and potatoes food. Now my friend Nancy is another story – you beg for the recipe every time she makes something! She discovered this delicious combination on epicurious.com. It is now one of our family’s favorite desserts.

PUMPKIN BREAD PUDDING WITH CARAMEL SAUCE

Bread Pudding:

2 cups half and half

1 15-ounce can pure pumpkin

1 cup (packed) plus 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

10 cups ½-inch cubes egg bread (about 10 ounces) – croissants are highly recommended!

½ + cup golden raisins

Caramel Sauce:

1 ¼ cups (packed) dark brown sugar

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

½ cup whipping cream

For bread pudding:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Whisk half and half, pumpkin, dark brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon and vanilla extract in large bowl to blend. Fold in bread cubes. Stir in golden raisins. Transfer mixture to 11x7-inch glass baking dish. Let stand 15 minutes. Bake pumpkin bread pudding until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 40 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare caramel sauce:

Whisk brown sugar and butter in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat until butter melts. Whisk in cream and stir until sugar dissolves and sauce is smooth, about 3 minutes.

Serve warm with caramel sauce. Makes 6 – 8 servings.

Upcoming Elegant Clutter Event this Saturday

2009-10-14T09:02:00.000-07:00

There is still room in the Elegant Clutter Event this Saturday.

It will be a fun show and tell/make and take combo. We will show you lots of ideas and then you get to make and take home the three projects above (you provide your own silver-plated vase). Click here to read all the details. Contact Lisa or Kelly at Elegant Clutter to register at 425-745-8002.

And, there will be refreshments!

Sunday at Sand Point Antique Show

2009-10-12T11:45:00.000-07:00

Our Sunday as vendors at the Sand Point Antique Show was one heck of a fun day! Lisa and I enjoyed visiting with so many of our customer friends and making lots of new ones. Our friendships with fellow dealers continues to grow, and when they complimented us on how good our booth looked – well we felt like we were sitting at the grown-ups table! And before I go any further, we’d like to thank the owner of the show, Dennis Eros, for our very nice location and all of his help making this show so successful.

When you do a show like this, it doesn’t matter how early you wake up, there is never enough time before the doors open. So I sadly didn’t take any pictures of other booths. Please visit My Sweet Savannah for some terrific pictures of the Queen of Tarte’s to-die-for space. Cindy’s style amazes me. Deb and Bob’s Retreat space was absolutely dreamy! As always, we love seeing Linda of Luluz (and we met her new buddy, Buddy) and JohnBob. The Sand Point Antique and Design Market blog has photo snippets of many of the other wonderful booths.

At one point, I called this child’s wheelbarrow a wheelchair. After two days of working on a cold concrete floor, that is probably what I secretly wanted.

Rusty bedsprings holding botanical prints from the 1930s. These large rusty metal spheres were hugely popular.

My favorite part of this shot is the mirror reflecting other parts of our space.

The pipe and faucet handles were wrapped with wire to hold photos or cards. Jill of Horseshoe in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle bought lots of them. It’s always great to meet other junk-loving souls who get what we are doing.

This china hutch still needs a home. But it enjoyed its adventure to the big city and back.

Message boards in and out of a rescued cage.

And still our favorite vignette of the show – our tablescape mixing it up with book covers as placemats, rusty pieces from a farm and timeless transferware. This charming table and two chairs are also still waiting to be adopted.

Please mark your calendars for December 6 for the next Sand Point show. We’re reserving our space for it today!

Sand Point Antique Show Here We Come!

2009-10-09T11:09:00.000-07:00

Here is a sneak preview of a tablescape for our booth at this weekend's Sand Point Antique Show. The show is Sunday, October 11, from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Cough up the higher admission price and get in the door bright and early at 8 a.m. For more information on location and admission prices, visit their site.

Remember these ugly duckling lamps?

Here's two of them all gussied up and ready to go out the door on Sunday.

The third one has been adopted for our home, and I'll show that reveal as soon as it's ready.

Sunday is going to be a tiptop show. Please come by and have a bunch of fun with us!

Mark your 2010 Calendar

2009-10-05T11:04:00.000-07:00

A nice and chubby envelope arrived recently from the Northwest Flower & Garden Show. The first piece of good news is the show has new owners, and will continue as one of the best flower and garden shows in our country. Next year’s dates are February 3-7. The second piece of good news is I will be speaking on Outdoor Entertaining Salvage Style on February 5 at 12:30 p.m. Last year I felt like I had received a promotion, as I was placed in one of the big seminar rooms. This upcoming assignment even has a terrific time. Lisa loves to joke that I have been the dinner show the last few years!

This photo is a preview of one of the outdoor entertaining areas I shot this summer. Lots of ooh la la! I’ll share a variety of decorating styles with lots of handy dandy tips and advice.

Remodeling is Humbling

2009-10-02T09:48:00.000-07:00

Our master bathroom remodeling is taking forever and a day! It got off to a rip-roaring start back in January, when Raoul discovered warm vinegar would easily remove the floral wallpaper. Sometime this summer, a contractor friend and his son removed acres of mirrors and shiny brass light fixtures from the 80’s. Since then, two of these dangling 60 watt bulbs have been our light source! Big ugh. But we’re on the move again – we’ve hired a professional tile guy to come in and do the floors next month. And of course, we don’t want paint to get on the new tile floors, so we’re hoping to get our bathroom homework done before his arrival. Nevertheless, don’t hold your breath waiting for a photo of the new bathroom. Our home projects run on variable speeds! -- Beth

Felting with my cat

2009-09-30T08:35:00.000-07:00

Our Felted Ornaments workshop is coming up soon – this Saturday, Oct. 3 at 10 a.m. Remember these cute samples? Well nothing like a deadline to get me going to shrink a bunch of wool sweaters I had been amassing. The Goodwill Outlet is the easiest source ever - $1.39 per pound for bulk clothing. It’s getting easier for me to spot the pure wool items in the heaps of clothing in their bins. And I usually find something new for my wardrobe while I’m at it!

Anyway, here’s my heap. I try to keep similar colors together, and into the washer they go with soap and hot water. Sometimes I’ll have them agitate for an extra while. Here’s my kitty Harry’s favorite part – the drying. We did lots of drying Friday afternoon. He got so hot, he actually pulled half of himself off the dryer.

Then this morning, I found him “guarding” the new wool felt. What a good helper.

There’s still some spaces in this workshop. Give Lisa a buzz if you’d like to join in the fun! -- Beth

ecohaus

2009-09-29T11:25:00.000-07:00

Saturday was tile shopping day. Raoul and I headed to Seattle to check out three tile places. Between stores two and three, as we were driving north on First Avenue South, I spotted ecohaus. I had been meaning to check it out, so into their parking lot we went. What an amazing resource store for sustainable home projects!

Right away we checked out their dreamy green kitchen.

A wall of stylish cork flooring samples. I had no idea there was such a wide variety available.

Another wall of true linoleum and Marmoleum samples.

A vanity sink top using Paperstone, a durable countertop material incorporating recycled paper. After watching this product be used on one do-it-yourself show after another, I was pleased to see it looked so good in person.

Is this a genius idea or what?! A small sink atop the toilet, with the waste water from the sink then filling the toilet tank.

And out in the parking lot, two spots for electric cars to charge their batteries.

Then it was back to tile shopping for us. We did find a finalist. Lunch was at this swanky taco truck on First Avenue South, just south of Rejuvenation Lighting. And oh my goodness, the food was tasty!

Our Fabric Stash ::: Purge Party Fabric Consignment Sale

2009-09-28T08:39:00.000-07:00

A friend of ours shared this link, and if you have ever had a problem with acquiring too much fabric, you'll agree that this is a very clever idea!

When my sons were little, I had a cloth doll business, and sold my creations at the Pike Place Market in Seattle. I had a bad fabric obsession at that time. So I understand the concept of too many textiles. It's under control now (only to be replaced for my fondness for good junk)!

We wish this group great success, and if you attend, please let us know how much fun you had. We are triple-booked this weekend, or I'd be checking it out in person. -- Beth

My new torch

2009-09-25T07:36:00.000-07:00

Here’s my favorite new tool – a propane torch! I’m going to use it to darken metal finishes. I have promised my retired firefighter husband that I promise to be extra, extra careful while using it outside. I set up a place in our backyard, with a hose nearby. Our nice neighbors on one side will be able to see what I am up to, but they are used to my crafting shenanigans. My husband had the brilliant idea to use our retired charcoal barbeque kettle as my work platform. Stay tuned for a picture of the junk lamp candelabras that will be making their debut at the Sand Point Antique Market on October 11.

Hoarders ala A&E TV

2009-09-23T22:27:00.000-07:00

I have started watching this television show recently, after Laurie at Crazy Aunt Purl mentioned she was watching it. Since I do tend to save things that "I might need or use someday", I can relate to these people. The first time I watched it, I did the fast forward at triple speed through a lot of it - way too much crying and turn-your-head-away filth. But then I watched another episode, and could recognize traits I have - such as so many of my possessions tell a story. Lisa and I have been invited into enough homes to salvage items, that we have seen firsthand sometimes folks can part with their unwanted things if it is going to be used by someone else. I guess I am captivated by the whole process of saving - which requires organizational skills to not be smothered by your stuff, and purging - which can become an emotional process. And who hasn't experienced the feeling of being overwhelmed, and not knowing where to start?

Art Party Day

2009-09-22T08:33:00.000-07:00

The Salvage Studio Art Party was a big heap of fun!

There were goodie bags and charm bracelet kits waiting,

banners and tissue paper flowers,

a table brimming with door prizes for everyone,

frou frou pin kits,

junque journal kits,

food and beverages,

people waiting at the door to come in,

and then focused on the workshops.

Our day together with these fun-loving and talented women was very, very special! Thanks to all who helped, and to our attendees for all the love they shared with us.

Art Party Today!

2009-09-19T07:11:00.000-07:00

Today is the day...watch for more photos and highlights of our Salvage Studio Art Party.

And if you live in our area -- Vendor Night from 5:30pm to 7pm tonight is FREE admission to the public at ArtWorks in Edmonds.

Rachel is B-A-C-K

2009-09-17T08:11:00.000-07:00

Hot diggity dog – I received my copy of Rachel Ashwell’s latest book – Shabby Chic Interiors; My Rooms, Treasures and Trinkets. Tiffany of Shabby Scraps received hers recently, and seems to love it as much as I do. I’ve just turned the pages quickly on my first once through. It is a gorgeous endeavor, and by the time I hit the last two chapters – Behind the Scenes and Details, I was even more enthralled. This is a book you want to own.

And more good news – I found out from reading Rachel’s latest blog posting on Shabby Chic, that she opened Shabby Chic Couture on September 12 at the original location of her very first store in Santa Monica. Her blog entries sharing the business challenges she has endured are truly poignant. I so admire her vision, perseverance and honesty.

The Junk Curse

2009-09-15T17:18:00.000-07:00

These diamonds in the rough were 75% off at St. Vinnie’s – a mere $2.25 each. Is it a gift or a curse that I can see bunches of potential in these? -- Beth

Note from Lisa: Both!

Perfect Mail Day

2009-09-12T04:39:00.000-07:00

Don’t you love it when your friends have really nice friends, and then they become your friends as well? I’ve known bj for a while now, and therefore I have known Tasha for almost as long. The only trouble is Tasha lives in Georgia, so I don’t get to visit with her very often. She was in Seattle visiting bj during that hot week of ours, and they ventured north to have lunch with show and tell at my house. We had a lively visit, and before you know it, Tasha found out how much I adore vintage rosaries.

Well lucky, lucky me! This is what I received today – 12 rosaries and their memorable story. Tasha’s father-in-law practiced dentistry for nearly 50 years, and always took care of the nuns from the local parochial schools without charging a fee. In return, he received lots of free passes to Sunday pancake breakfasts, afghans the sisters knitted and rosaries.

The story is sweet, and this gift is so appreciated.

Altered Christmas Cards Workshop

2009-09-10T08:34:00.000-07:00

Here's another sneak peek at an upcoming workshop scheduled for October 24 - Altered Christmas Cards. I'm sharing my stash of vintage holiday cards.

The hardest part will be selecting the three cards for your stamping, gluing and glittering! We'll have pom pom fringe, sequins, German glass glitter, Dresden gold snippets and way more for you to embellish each card. Attach hangers of pipe cleaners, ribbon or bendy metallic stuff, and you'll be leaving with three special decorations or gifts for giving. This workshop will be held at Bountiful Home in Edmonds. To register, please call Lisa at 425-330-5425.

Felted Ornament Workshop

2009-09-08T09:15:00.000-07:00

I was crabby the day I shrunk my favorite turquoise sweater. Too bad I didn't know then, that it gave its' life to become a felted ornament sample for an upcoming workshop on October 3. We'll be hosting this workshop at Bountiful Home in Edmonds. All sorts of goodies will be waiting for you to use to make three ornaments that morning.

I LOVE the little house I made.

Lisa LOVES the bird she made.

And we hope you will have as good a time as we did making these samples!

Visit our website for registration information.

Introducing our Vendor Night Vendors

2009-09-04T11:26:00.000-07:00

We are buzzing around preparing for our all-day Art Party event on September 19. There are goodie bags to pack, decorations to make, kits to compile.

But we aren't the only ones getting ready: we have a fun list of artists participating in Vendor Night. Here is who we have so far and website information for them so you can get a glimpse of some of the treasures they will be bringing for you.

Lyneen Jesse

http://dreamingofcastles.blogspot.com

Ephemera: paper, postcards, small items to use in altered projects plus cards.

Cindi Powell

Lovely jewelry using vintage components.

Cathy Mitchell

http://mudbaymusings.blogspot.com

Caroline Chastain

Jewelry and good stuff!

Joanne Cooney

Snow people and other fun items.

Sherri Robbins

www.ArtHouseMosaicStudio.com

Mosaics, garden totems, mirrors

Candy Pasion

Fun colors make up her art; from paper to charms.

Andrea Savar

www.french-flea-market.com; www.andreasavar.com

Found objects, French ephemera, old charms, beads, button from France, maybe even some of her jewelry.

Beth & Lisa

www.thesalvagestudio.com

We will have our usual fine collection of vintage ephemera along with some of our own jewelry made from vintage components.

Cindy Pestka

http://artgirl-island.blogspot.com/

Fun and fabulous, Cindy has it going on. She will have packs of ‘stuff’ and some of her own creations.

We still have openings for the Art Party. Click here for more information and registration forms. And you don't have to attend the Art Party to attend Vendor Night...Vendor Night is free and runs from 5:30 - 7pm on Saturday, September 19 at ArtWorks, 201 2nd Ave, Edmonds WA. And if you are interested in being a vendor, cost is $25 for non-attendees. Just give us a hollar.

Cousin Joe's Furniture

2009-09-03T08:27:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, was road trip day. Our youngest son Morgan, was spending a long weekend with us. We headed to Cashmere, over Steven's Pass, to visit Aunt Jean, soon to be 90 years old. The scenery was spectacular, and we found Aunt Jean in fine form! She lives with my cousin Joe and his family.

Joe has always been artist, and his current passion is creating furniture.

I loved how the glass follows the shape of the wood.

We had a tasty lunch at this table. It is a magnificent set! They loaded us up with a box of bounty from their garden, freshly canned pickles, and my favorite - a big jar of Joe's salsa. We all agreed, it was the perfect day.

Charm Swap -- a la Black and White

2009-09-02T09:16:00.001-07:00

Last Saturday, Lisa and I hosted two groups of charm swappers at my home. IT WAS A BLAST! First of all – it was tons of fun to hang out with our customer friends, and second – I received this heap of fabulous charms! The way it works is you bring 25 handmade charms, and trade with everyone in the group. Each swapper has a chance to share the story behind their creation, and then we can ask them questions like “how the heck did you get this to stick to that?”

Here’s some action shots of the charm happiness.

Elegant Clutter Event

2009-08-28T08:21:00.001-07:00

We are very excited to be doing a joint venture with Elegant Clutter in Mill Creek. It is a fabulous shop focusing on interiors and gifts. Lisa and Kelly, the owners, have created a sophisticated look that is warm, welcoming and affordable!

On October 17, Salvage Studio will be doing our first combo event – one hour of a lively show and tell demonstration followed by another hour long hands-on workshop. Our theme will be Quick Gifts and Wraps. We’ll use green products as much as possible, help everyone assemble the items in this picture, have a few tasty refreshments, and a really fun morning together!

The cost is $40, which includes all the materials (except the silver plate vase). To register, please call Elegant Clutter at 425-745-8002. Space is limited, so please don’t dilly dally.

In the meantime, pop into this stylish shop to see the Salvage Studio samples and enjoy Lisa and Kelly’s distinctive designs.

Come Junk with Timi!

2009-08-26T09:13:00.000-07:00

Our friend Timi is a genius! She has a brilliant idea called Come Junk With Us. Her first junk junket is September 12. Timi has chartered a bus for 22 lucky vintage-loving souls to travel south to the Barn House Fall Harvest Sale – their end of the season extravaganza. Joe and Jermonne are providing a lovely lunch for this select group, and having been the grateful guests at one of their parties – we know the Barn House Boys are very gracious and generous hosts. Plus a tour of their home will also be included!!! Other stops of the day will include Vintage Gatherings and Auntie Tam’s.

Salvage Studio is proud to be a sponsor of Come Junk With Us. We have donated a door prize which will be offered along with other prizes, goodies and snacks provided during this junkers’ heaven of a day.

Please check out Timi’s website for more info. She has a future trip planned to the Funky Junk Sisters Oct. 23 & 24 show in Puyallup. Then watch out – a biggie tour to the Farm Chicks June 5 & 6 show in Spokane!

Note from Lisa: I signed up for the Junk Bus!!!

Sunday Sail

2009-08-25T08:53:00.000-07:00

Instead of spending my Sunday at a sale (or show or market), I did the other kind - sailing! As a rule, we try to focus our blog on businessy topics.

But one of the major premises of our business plan is family first, and incorporating fun as much as possible!

Here I am with two of my cousins. We have been close for 57 years, which says a lot. We shared a grandma and grandpa who adored their eleven grandchildren. All of us adored them right back. They lived on Meydenbauer Bay in Bellevue in a tiny house on the water. We shared magical times there and with each other.

Marie took us out on Lake Washington on her beautiful 36 foot sailboat. She looks absolutely in her element.

My cousin Anne helped with some of the sailing chores. I have a sturdy case of vertigo, so my job was to not lose my balance and fall off the boat. I did bring one of the tastiest pasta salads I have made in a while. Thanks to reading what Alicia's (Posie Gets Cozy) favorite potluck recipe is, I had great success with this.

My husband, Raoul, turned out to be a natural sailor. Here is Jerry keeping track as Raoul guides us under the highest part of the floating bridge.

Raoul looks like he was in his element too!

Upcoming Garage Sale with Friends

2009-08-21T08:02:00.000-07:00

We’re taking some vintage items to our friends’ (Colleen and Judy) garage sale this Saturday, August 22. A couple of other dealers will be selling their antiques as well. The fun starts at 9 a.m. The address is 23903 – 76^th Ave. W. in Edmonds. This is a good one. My advice is don’t sleep late on Saturday!

Necklace says it so well

2009-08-20T07:58:00.000-07:00

One of my major weaknesses is buying jewelry made from found objects and vintage components from independent artists. Here is the newest love of my life, created by Janna of Artsy Fartsy Junk Finds. She sells all sorts of great finds, besides her Junk Jewels. And her blog is hilarious!

Altered Clipboards

2009-08-19T08:49:00.000-07:00

Lisa and I have an upcoming meeting with a corporate associate. We are presenting a potential new endeavor to them, and we want to leave them with a wonderful impression of this possible venture! Our outline of ideas will be on these altered clipboards, which each person will receive and keep. I glued on pages from an old calendar I had been hoarding. Then I attached one of our business cards. I used modge podge because I had inherited it. Elmer’s works great too. Wrinkles formed in my paper, and I embraced that look. I smushed all the bubbles as flat as can be, and called it good. For the ribbon ties, I cut lengths of rayon seam binding and the cream stuff might be for drape or upholstery use (?). I got them wet, crunched them up and let them dry. To add some interest to the cream stuff, I blotted them with my used tea bag.

Now I wish I had made an extra one to keep!

North to North Bend

2009-08-16T06:43:00.000-07:00

Doug and I took a drive up to Snoqualmie Pass to cheer a friend on during a bike race. On the way home we stopped in North Bend for a delicious lunch at Rhodies BBQ.

Then I made Doug do a quick U-turn when I saw this sign.

I thought this place was super-cool and the prices were really reasonable. Items for everyone from fancy to funky; from jewels to junk. My kind of place. Plus the house kitty, Page, let Doug carry her all over the store.

I got lots of treasures in this funky shop but this vintage candy stand was my favorite. Once again our car was full to the brim...ha!

We drove home the scenic route and hopped out to see Snoqualmie Falls. There seemed to be less water than usual but that is not surprising in the middle of summer and especially after all the record breaking temperatures we have been having.

Nice day for a drive...but an even better one for junk!

Art Party Prizes

2009-08-13T07:59:00.000-07:00

Here’s a sneak peak at some of the Art Party door prizes. Rumor has it that there will be so many give-a-ways, that every person will receive one! Plus go home with a goodie bag and their three workshop creations. Fun, food and good loot! There’s still some spaces waiting for you to join in the fun.

Fall Schedule is on our Website

2009-08-10T08:02:00.000-07:00

Our Fall Schedule of workshops, events and speaking engagements is up on our website. We are so excited about our fall lineup. We are speaking at PS-Stores again in November -- always a fun time -- and we have added a few new adventures! Check it out.

Plus, we still have space available in our Art Party extravaganza on September 19. Guaranteed to be a jam-packed day of fun, laughs, workshops and prizes.

Bike Works

2009-08-07T07:26:00.000-07:00

Recently we did a blog posting about a really handy website called Donate Seattle. After reading through all the listings of worthwhile charities that would like donated bikes, I chose Bike Works. The tagline on their business card reads: “Building sustainable communities by educating youth and promoting bicycling”. It was easy to find in the Columbia City neighborhood of Seattle. Check their business hours before you head down there, as they vary somewhat.

I was delighted when I saw their cheerful looking shop. The sign on the side is spelled with bike reflectors!

The front of the building sports wonderful mosaics, including this bike wheel by the front door.

And in case my sons are reading this blog entry, here is a last look at one of your bikes, which will be put to good use soon.

HGTV Design Star: Home & Garden Television

2009-08-05T09:19:00.000-07:00

I have a new guilty pleasure - watching Design Star on HGTV. I had heard about it the last couple of years, but managed to not get hooked. Well this summer I gave in - tried watching it, and now have it taking up space on our DVR. It's a reality show, but they seem to play nice so far. And I am enjoying some of the designers and their talents a bunch. My favorite is Dan. Is he everybody's favorite?

Urban Craft Uprising

2009-08-03T09:07:00.000-07:00

I had always wanted to check out the Urban Craft Uprising here in Seattle. For the last three years, I was committed to the studio on the weekends. It’s amazing how many fun things occur on Saturdays, and I am doing my darndest to get caught up on them! This was the first time Urban Craft Uprising had a summer show, and it was hopping!

Right away I ran into four of our customer friends and spotted a few others while taking it all in. I saw lots of fresh faces and ideas. Here are a few of my favorites.

Alchemy Goods, http://www.alchemygoods.com/, had a terrific display of messenger bags, totes, belts and wallets made from bike inner tubes collected at Seattle bike shops. I bought a nifty business card holder from them.

These striking candle holders were created by Red Barn Woodworks, http://www.redbarnwoodworks.com/. (I’m sure the lighted candles made my retired firefighter husband a little nuts!) But I loved their look.

Felted Style, http://www.feltedstyle.com/, had a lovely array of handcrafted wool accessories for the home. Her color selection and the quality of her work were brilliant.

There were a hundred of these kind of artists. Visit the Urban Craft Uprising website to find out about future shows in Seattle, and to receive their emails with all the latest inside scoop.

How to Beat the Heat

2009-07-31T08:05:00.001-07:00

Meet Burly, my grandpuppy pug - a former Washingtonian, now living in steamy Corpus Christi, Texas. He's figured out a grand way to stay cooler while exercising - hitch a ride on Baby Claire's stroller! And get pushed for the last mile or so by Casey, my daughter-in-law. He's looking pretty pleased with this system.

Or you can attend this 'cool' event this weekend.

Favorite Sign

2009-07-29T08:54:00.000-07:00

Usually this sign is on my work table in my studio, so I am able to be reminded of its’ valuable message often. Today I placed it in our hydrangea garden for a prettier background shot to share with you.

Hope you are enjoying this weather and/or finding a way to stay as cool as possible!

Vintage Summer Garden Market -- Part 2

2009-07-27T10:07:00.000-07:00

We spent our sunny Saturday having a wonderful time at the Vintage Summer Garden Market hosted by Bountiful Home in Edmonds.

Here are some photos of our booth,

and even a couple of happy customer friends, Colleen and Judy.

There is a lovely rumor that Todd may host another similar shindig like this one in the fall. Check our website often for hot updates!

Vintage Summer Garden Market

2009-07-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

We’ve got the truck packed with all sorts of wonderful new finds and creations for Saturday’s (July 25) Vintage Summer Garden Market at:

Bountiful Home
122 – 4^th Ave. S.
Edmonds
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more info or directions, please contact Todd at 425-775-3800 or Lisa at 425-330-5425.

We’ll be waiting for you in the always-lovely backyard nursery area.

AND....we are happy to announce that Lyneen is our Art Party Giveaway Winner! Congrats, Lyneen...watch your mailbox for some Salvage Studio love! Thanks to all who posted comments and entered our giveaway. And don't forget there are still spaces available for the Art Party. It is shaping up to be quite the event.

Charm Swappers Needed

2009-07-23T08:48:00.000-07:00

Our next Salvage Studio charm swap is August 29. We have two groups of 25 fun-loving customer friends who will get together and swap handmade charms with everyone in their group. We have five openings in the afternoon gathering, which will meet from 1 – 3 p.m. Sometimes people can’t attend in person, so Lisa and I are their proxy traders. This invitation is extended to our blog friends who live all over the place if you’d like to play with us! You would mail your 25 charms to us, and in return receive 25 fabulously different charms sent back to you.

Here are a few guidelines we have found are useful:

Each charm should not be bigger than 1 ½”.
Try to make them as water resistant as possible.
Please remember to cut back on the charms’ weight when
possible.
Your charms can be all the same or a variety.
We found it is really helpful if your name is attached
someway to each charm. A simple paper tag is fine.

The necklace in the photo is adorned with charms I have received in our swaps. If you’d like to swap charms with us, please leave a comment, and I’ll get more info to you!

Piano on Our Wall

2009-07-22T09:34:00.000-07:00

Several months ago I was the lucky recipient of a vintage piano that had to be dissected a bit to get it out of a basement. One part is the intact keyboard with lovely old ivory keys. I’m saving that for a special future project. The other part are the “insides”. I call them striker bars, but I’m probably making that name up. From the moment I laid eyes on it, I considered it a piece of sculpture. I recently got around to hanging it on a wall in my foyer.

I’m darn happy with how it looks!

Hazardous Waste Disposal = Happy Homeowner

2009-07-21T08:51:00.000-07:00

It took me awhile to figure out how easy it is to rid our garage of used paint thinner, crusty cans of oil paints and such. The Snohomish County Hazardous Waste Drop Off Station is simple to find on 3434 McDougall in Everett. Just a block east of Broadway. Check their website for the hours and days of operation since it isn’t every day. Also find out all the things they will accept – yes on used batteries and no on electronics, for example.

As the sign says, they no longer accept latex paints. But I was lucky finding a home for lots of mine. Deb and Bob of Retreat rescued lots of mine, and are putting it to work lickety-split. I had a couple of partial cans of latex paint that were unusable. I was a bit skeptical that adding kitty litter would dry them out in a reasonable amount of time, but it was sort of fun to do and worked quickly. Then those cans could be put in with our regular garbage.

Here’s an action shot of a happy homeowner!

Art Party Giveaway

2009-07-17T09:18:00.000-07:00

The Art Party, our all day art retreat on September 19 is getting closer! And there are still openings left, so it isn’t too late to register. As a little preview of the door prizes that we will be sharing at our future day of fun and frolic, is this extra clever package of art supplies. Our Art Party partner, Cindy, assembled these nifty items, and rounded them up with a vintage pants hanger. You have a chance to win this now. Just leave a comment below. We’ll announce the lucky winner next Friday, July 24.

Please click on the Art Party logo on our sidebar for more info. Lots of goodies will be waiting for you there!

Refresh with Paint

2009-07-16T08:20:00.000-07:00

Another way of creating more simplicity in my life is embracing more neutral shades of color in our home decor. Creamy whites, that burlap color and maybe a touch of aquamarine here and there are very appealing to me these days. I found this can of antique white paint out in the garage. It was left by the previous owners 12 years ago, and I was really surprised that once it was stirred up, it was in great shape. I covered up some of those “1980s country” colors still lurking on a few things here and there with a light coat of the white. One coat did the trick on a few things. Gone was some brick red, with mustard right behind! And this took no time at all. Now this little side table will be a two-coater.

Two coats of paint, some sanding and a coat of paste wax really didn’t take that much more time.

I’m not missing the former brick red tops on these!

Rug Flipping

2009-07-15T08:38:00.000-07:00

Here’s an idea I came up with a couple of days ago. I wanted to put a rug in my girly bedroom with subdued colors. I had this Oriental rug that needed a new home.

I decided to see what the back side of it looked like, and I found the perfect rug! The softer colors were exactly what I was looking for, and the texture was rougher and more worn looking, which was a bonus. One rug equals two looks!