Feb 14, 2016

Sometimes, You Just Need to Look Past the Ugly....

Many, many times I will buy the most ugliest piece at auction - then be amused by the looks I get as I proudly walk out with my "prize".  I am not scared of ugly.  As long as the bones and structure are good, I can make almost anything pretty again.

Enter this....uhh....beauty.  Yes, I am sure it was adorable in a child's room back in the day, but not today.  Not ever in this state again.  I could tell by the style without touching it that it was most likely mahogany....and it is!  VERY sturdy and nice clean lines.  SCORE!


I have been trying out all of the Miss Mustard Seed colors, and a new favorite of mine is Dried Lavender.  I absolutely adore the smokey purple color.  I've painted a few pieces with it, but nothing of this size, so I was anxious to make this my lavender beauty.


I kept it simple.  I just painted over the white gloss paint by using bonding agent in the mix on the first layer.  I was very happy that it stuck really well and gave it the uniform look I wanted.  One more coat and then I distressed it back a bit to expose some white to keep it from being too solid.  Finished it off with a couple of coats of wax and Voila!  No more kid's room dresser.


I opted for crystal knobs to keep it as simple as possible, but also because I had them in my stash.  I really didn't want anything to compete with the color. 

Then, I lined the drawers with this really pretty wallpaper I had picked up at a local Goodwill a while back.  So pretty!  I love Goodwill.


We are still in the slower months and weather hasn't helped, but we've been busy sprucing up and bringing in some new things as pieces go out.  Here are a few pics from around the shop this week.

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A really cool vintage oak teacher's desk and chair.  I painted the bottom part of the desk with MMSMP in Tricycle and left the top and chair wood.  I may do something with the chair, though.


My first piece in Farmhouse White!  This table turned out so farmhouse perfect! I seriously LOVE how milk paint enhances the imperfections of a piece!  See how the veneer is gone from the bottom exposing the planks used in making the table?  How perfect for this look!


I've been custom making "Grocery" signs and more to come.


I tend to decorate more in Seasons as opposed to Holidays.  However, there were a few signs of Valentine's Day around the shop.


We do love our vintage typewriters!  You can almost always find one or two at the shop.


As I sit here typing, it's SNOWING again.....ugh.  I am so anxious for Spring - and all the decorating I get to do with it!

'til next time!

Jan 13, 2016

And the Beat Goes On....

When I left you last, I stated that I had a huge decision to make.  Well, I have been given a little time to figure it out and am currently on leave for a few months (yes, from my brand new job) to get it off and running.  I have a great boss, to say the least.  

Since the second week of December, I have been able to devote my full attention to the shop and we made it through the extremely busy and exciting last weeks of holiday shopping with huge success.  It has now slowed down a bit and I finally have some time to breathe....to step back and start figuring this all out.  We are now open six days a week with a much more normal schedule.  

For now, I am building the shop in my vision and am quite overwhelmed at how well it is doing right now.  Of course, the key is to get us through the slower winter months and prepare for the busy late spring and summer shopping.  I have a LOT of plans for the shop and as I'm able, it will all be shared here and on our facebook page.  I am busier now than I think I ever have been.  I've been running the store by myself during the week, but am lucky to have my hubby and daughter helping on the weekends - but I honestly work seven days a week....with no break.  I am also fortunate to have a friend of mine coming in to help a couple of days a week, which will free me up to actually do some projects for the shop.  The pieces seem to be all falling into place.  As a very cautious optimist, I am excited about the opportunities ahead of me. 

For now, here are a few pics of our newest pieces in the shop...

JUST IN!

Hanover Artist Treslyn Reichert has just joined us!  Take a peek at some of her painted pieces!


Who doesn't love cows, pigs and bunnies?  There are also chickens and roosters. Her rustic style fits in the shop perfectly!





We are also so excited to have local artist, Debra Howard with us!!  I LOVE this painting!


 I am trying very hard to bring in some furniture to fill our space.  It has been challenging with such limited time, but I hope to have the shop filled by this weekend.  We had a great weekend last week and echos are sounding in the building.



The table sold the day after we brought it in, but the chairs are still available!  There is a set of six, one of which is an arm chair.  I may paint them if they sit too long, but they are in really nice condition....



Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint Classes will be starting next month!  Dates and information coming very soon.  Other types of classes are also in the works!

I am also working on another VERY exciting event.  STAY TUNED!!

Our hours are now:

Tue - Sat, 11-5
Sun, 12-4

'til next time!








Sometimes, You Just Need to Look Past the Ugly....

Many, many times I will buy the most ugliest piece at auction - then be amused by the looks I get as I proudly walk out with my "prize...