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Friday, March 25, 2011

Favorite Things Part 1

There are so many things that I love - things that make me smile, things that I love to touch, look at, and share, that I thought I would share a few:
I love mirrors!  Round, square, small, big, metal, wood, resin - I love them all!  I especially like layering them and creating a collage.
I love old bottles!  I had a collection of them so I painted them with chalkboard paint, added a few vintage buttons and keys and created these wonderful bottles that look great on your vanity or tucked into a bookcase.  Tuck a message inside and you've created a unique wedding favor.
I love vintage cameras!  First off I love the color - black and silver, and then when you place them around people love to touch them.  Since they don't usually work, there is no danger when kids want to touch them and they are great conversation pieces - can you believe we used to take pictures with these!

I think that's all for now from me, what are a few of your favorite things?  What things do you put on your shelves that get people talking? touching? and reminiscing

Monday, March 21, 2011

Custom Work - Red Cabinet

I just finished up the most beautiful piece!  First off - I love RED!  and, I love windows!  A customer had bought this cabinet from another wonderful store in Sutter Creek and she wanted it red.  She had painted it herself but didn't like how the paint had dried and it hadn't sealed to the wood very well so it was peeling off in places.  So, I took on the project.  After stripping, primering, painting, curing, and I started the shabby process. 
I spent about 8 hours, over the course of 3 days, strategically sanding the piece down, applying a satin finish, then sanding between layers. I learned a new technique for my 'tween layer sanding that made a huge difference.  The cabinet has turned out so beautifully, with an amazing smooth finish, every time I walk past it in the garage I rub my hand across the top.

I can't wait for the customer to see it!  She plans on using it for a dresser - it is going to look great filled with sweaters and baskets.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Gift of the Basket

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Recently one of my Not Too Shabby Treasure Hunters asked me to put together a donation for her to donate to a local Folsom school auction.

So today the Gift of the Basket was created.

My Treasure Hunter took some of our AMAZING French soaps. They retail for $7.50 and make a wonderful gift by themselves. It’s amazing how long one bar of good quality hand soap will last. And they make a gift basket smell fabulous!!!

Then we added the sparkle of silver Mercury glass to add a luxury look – a wonderful pair of candle holders and a versatile stand. The stand makes both a lovely centerpiece OR cake stand.

Together we decided shells would be a great idea for an auction item, appealing to a few styles and tastes. Some large shells and starfish later and it looks amazing!!!

You can bid on the basket at:

Empire Oaks 3rd Annual Crab & Pasta Feed

http://www.empireoakspta.org/

Friday, April 8th

Folsom Community Center

52 Natoma Street, Folsom

5:30 – 11:00pm

Or stop in the shop and I can make one up for you to purchase. Bring in a basket and we can customize it to fit your special recipient together. The Gift of a Basket is always FUN to put together!