Gracefully Vintage

Beauty of an old Book

2012-01-27T12:51:00.000-08:00

Beauty of an Old Book.

The Weathered Binding-Rough edge Pages.

No matter how dirty & tattered-

Stacked they are just Beautiful

Or how you use them

The History is Obvious

Just a Lovely Touch

Perfect piece of art -that is affordable-useful-

& brings that added touch to your room.

(all sources of Images on Gracefully Vintage Pinterest)

Vintage Linen Sofa

2012-01-20T20:24:00.000-08:00

The Beautiful Lines of the Old Vintage/Antique Sofas

are just so captivating to me.

The detail of the carved wood-darling feet-curvature..

They take so much time & are quite Pricey to do-half way through, I wonder why i ever take them on & sware I won't do another one.

After I Painted-Put a Finish on it-

I went with a Textured Linen-

For me I love the look of one solid cushion-

I used Vintage Tacking to trim it up-added some Coordinating Pillows.

And now that I'm done- I love -LOVE it-

Here it sits in Shoppe Front window.

The detail of the intricate wood work shows perfectly through the Beaten White paint.

And Now that this one is done-& sitting in window-

AND turned out just as I hoped.

I can't wait to work on next one:)

Either You Love it or you Don't...

2012-01-13T14:51:00.000-08:00

Either you Love it or you Don't.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE it.

The Chipped Door-with old lead based paint just falling off as you stare on..

The Thick detail & Carved Charchter of the Real Solid Old Door-

The Old Rusty-Beveled-Dingd & Damaged Door knobs with the Skeleton Key Entry-

Some Think it is ruined-garbage-junk-

BUT if You Love True One of Kind Pieces, then the more tattered-torn-worn & weathered the better.

Old Statuary Pieces-

Chipped-Stained & sometimes even leaning on one side-

All that much Better- The Imperfect Beauty...

If you Love anything Vintage-Antique-French-

You Appreciate the sculpture -

The Story Behind the Imperfection..

If You LOVE Rustic-You Marvel at the aged Copper-

The Barely there numbers of this Hanging old Scale...

If You Love the piece that has shown it's ware-

Shown someone has Loved it for quite some time-

You Love the Patina of orange rust on an Old Tin Pail more than anything...

If You Love what use to be-

You LOVE the aged old bannisters-

The apperance of what was once the owners style showing through-

The years of Color Change- The years of use...

If you Love Re-Purposing-

Using the Once Old Coca Cola Wood Crate for Something Entirely Different-

Embracing the Extremely Weathered Away Un-Even Wood-

If you Love History-

YOU absalutely Love the Story that may lie behind a Wonderful Statue-

Who chiseld away-Did someone pose for this-Who owned this-

The Wonder of What Was..

If you Love anything Old-and Appreciate someone from so long ago once used this-

You Love Pieces like this-

an Old Chippy Camera-leather falling off-bent at parts-

The idea of whose photo was taken with this-

Such mastique-

I Just LOVE these old broken-worn & weathered pieces that have such History-

To know there isn't another one like it-

To know it can't be made or manufactured-

To know it is a True One of Kind that peeks into History..

I Am One Who Just Loves It!!

How Old Are You?

2011-12-31T15:28:00.000-08:00

How old is an item-or How do you determine the age of a piece?

When it comes to Antique-Vintage pieces, there are many ways I determine the age-or at least a Ball Park idea.

1. The Look- The wear & tear on the piece- an old piece should look old-there should be some wear -and the piece should show it's age.

2. The Condition- The quality of the materials, & How it is made-with Dovetail

3. Antiques are 100 years old or older- and Usually have softer-rounded edges.

There are many reproductions-so examining the piece, can lead to which you have.

Is it made with Square Nails- which were used before 1820's

Pulling out the drawers to see the craftsmanship

* Example of the Dovetail-

Large Dovetail is Early 18th Century

Smaller Dovetail began being used in the 19th Century and if they are more evenly spaced then they were made by machines and made during the Victorian Era.

An example of an Antique Chippendale Chair-

There should be some wear on the top edge- where it would/should get the most wear from grabbing over the years from hands that have natural oils in them.(should be darker in color)

There should be some dings on arms from bumping of table-walls or other items.

These re-production Chairs (Chippendale Style) from Pottery Barn are made to look a bit worn..

When working with Upholstery-Usually the more you dig into them and tear apart the layers-the history will show through.

Older pieces-are stuffed with horse hair-and definitely more fragile- some have hand made screws or square nails inside holding the lining together & again as seen here-you can see the discoloration of the wood from age & natural wear.

Whether you buy because you Love the style-detail-character of the piece or if your buying because you collect antiques-

Always good to know what your purchasing & the value of it.

The Rose Settee

2011-12-15T14:46:00.000-08:00

Keeping with my Love of French Settee's.

I bought this Wonderful Piece from a friend of mine.

This Rose Settee.

The Detailed Carved Frame, The Lovely Curvature and Style are just Beautiful..

But not exactly in this fabric.

This was the First one I did mixing the textures-fabrics-style.

Using a Soft Neutral -Classy Darker Linen,

But leaving the original Burlap on for the back, I Did recover the back of the piece-so it has a more finished look.

Adding some Pillows ,and one with a burlap ruffle to tie in the burlap back.

They are just so sweet at the end of a bed-corner of a room-office or as an accent piece, Ive even recently seen one on a porch-How Darling would that be.

The French Settee

2011-12-05T21:12:00.000-08:00

The French Settee.

The Beautiful Hand Carved Frame,

Cabriole Legs of this one from Bella Cottage.

The Fluted Legs on this one also From Bella Cottage.

The Small Stature-Detail Flower Work along Frame all are just exquisite.

The Wonderful Simple Elegance in Linen from this one at Layla Grace.

Or this one From Gracefully Vintage (I just Brought In)with the Two Differ. Fabrics- Original Burlap Back-with tacking-Mixed with the soft Neutral Textured Linen and Over Stuffed Linen Pillows.

For Now I'm loving the Mixing of Textures especially on these Ultra French Settees with Delicate Lines.

Holiday Lighting..

2011-12-02T13:23:00.000-08:00

As I love Chandeliers, I Found some Beauties to share-

This one in Veranda -is just so stunning with all the draping of the Crystals-the Gilded Gold-Just Breath Taking.

How Darling is this one with pretty pink beads and whimsy ornaments dangling down..

So Fun, not so much a Chandelier but a pot rack-adorned by greenery-reds and shiny silver pots-pans-gives you the illusion of a Pretty Chandelier..

While this one isn't of a Chandelier -but Beautiful Sconces-

How they make the room & set the stage for Holiday Elegance

And well this one is just plain fun.

Sometimes it isn't just lighting-but the Center Piece of your home.

Spruce up Your Wreath..

2011-11-29T11:22:00.000-08:00

This Lil Wreath is from Michael's-

Cute-But a lil Plain-Small.

Went out in to our Front Yard- Cut some branches off our tree & as well as some from our Christmas Tree -So there was a variety of textures-

Clipped these ones off some bushes in our Yard as well

Bought this Artificial Bunch of Bright Greenery.

Clipped the pieces to smaller sizes-and just pieced together in the wreath- added more where needed- to give it an even look-going around and using the Branch's of the wreath that are made of wire-to some what hold together as well.

Adding the misc styles-shades-textures of greenery mixing real and artificial gives it a more realistic look and brings the smell of the tree inside as well.

I added a small simple ribbon to hang from my Hutch.

Small-Easy-Affordable way to bring Christmas to every room.

Holiday Mantels...

2011-11-25T14:48:00.000-08:00

Holiday Mantels..

Simple & Classic

Pretty with Reds & Whites..

Full with Greenery.

Soft Shades of White..

Beauitful Greens & Reds..

SO many styles-themes & all tell a story of you..

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2011-11-23T21:57:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving

-Karryann (xoxo)

Religious Relics

2011-11-19T12:44:00.000-08:00

The Beauty-The History & The Rich Sense of a look back in time. I Adore & am so Facinated with Religious Relic & Especially This time of year.

Relics of St. Cynillus Italian Romanesque

The Saints at Tabernacle

The Beautiful Aachen Cathedral in Germany

Orvieto Cathedral in Italy

St. Peters Cathedral in Vatican City

Just Breath Taking these all are, I think it is the History as well as the Beauty-the Detail that Im in love with-On my list of To Do's..

Christmas Trees..

2011-11-09T21:16:00.000-08:00

I absolutely Love Christmas.

I love the Magic it brings, I love the Spirit, the Music, I love to hunt for the perfect gift, to bake and mostly LOVE to Decorate..

If I could I would have a tree as big as the one that sits in Rockefeller Center in New York.

All lit up they are just so Breath Taking & Majestic to me.

Every Year we Drive to Grass Valley to Hunt & Cut ours down and usually get one bigger than we should and end up cutting a bit off.

There are so many themes-styles to go with when decorating your tree-and now not just meant for the Family room.

But the Dining Room.

Another Perfect Spot is the Kitchen.

Always Beautiful in the Family or Living room next to the Fireplace.

Change it up a bit and use topiary's instead to frame your Fireplace.

Bring in touches of pinks and whimsy.

Swag hung along the top of the Curtains is Lovely as well.

So Sweet is the Old Fashion Tinsel Trees with a touch of White near your Stairs..

Even in a modern setting, just a dab of Christmas with this all white wreath.

Darling is this Sparse Tree with just a bit of ornaments to welcome you in, in this entry way.

How Fun is this Room..

Why we have a Tree of some sort in every room-Just So I can decorate each tree in a differ style-theme..

Happy Holiday Decorating..

Vintage Linen Sofa....

2011-10-20T14:06:00.000-07:00

I picked up this Antique Little Gem in the Bay Area from some Brothers who have done some picking for me in the past.

While it is Totally Worn-Stained & shows it has been loved once before-

It also has such Beauty..

The Beautiful Wood Carved Trim, with little Flowers is so Darling.

The Legs are Straight and just as Decorative, with the Pretty Corner edging.

My husband & son Helped me pry out each and everyone of those tacks-One at a Time, and the whole thing was framed with them.

I spent almost one whole day stripping this Piece down to bare bones- every nail-tack-old fabric-replacing cushions-

(sometimes the stripping down takes just as long as re-upholstering them)

I use the Foam for my Cushions and then Cover in a Super Thick Batting then Thick muslin and then My Fabric.

But then again, That is the difference between today's pieces and yesterdays, They are made so well- no taking short cuts.

I Painted-Sanded to the shade I love,

Then Re-Upholstered in a Textured Linen, Made Double welting and used Vintage Tacks for the Trim work.

While I have done separate removable Cushions- I don't prefer them- Unless they are Down filled (which is quite pricey) and for Re-Sale that isn't my best option, and in order to keep the cost down so I can pass it on to customers, i choose the sleek-simple-cleans lines of all one cushion.

This Time instead of all Linen Down Filled Pillows, I went with 2 French Script with black writing and linen back-(which ties in the tacking trim) and 2 linen in the overstuffed Down-which I always include with sofa price.

All Finished and at shoppe-Thanks for letting my share!!!

Beauty of Imperfection!!

2011-10-14T20:05:00.000-07:00

Beauty of Imperfection!

The more worn-The more chippy-The more weathered, The More I'm in Love!!

This Lovely Old Antique Bakers Table from the 1800's is Just Beautiful with it's chippy worn paint-weathered wood-several touches of paint and original hardware.

Just is amazing.

How Wonderful is this Very Old Vintage Dress Form,

Once forgotten now Found..

Perfect for Jewelry-Display or as an Accent in a room..

Just Adore her..

Totally in Love with this French Milk Can & it's original blue paint and Perfect Patina...

These Lil old Bottles in shades of blue-touches of dirt-stain and a bit of history, makes them all the more special..

Precious Old Antique Rounded Front Sideboard/Buffet.

The imperfect color-the slight hint of age and the thought of the history that lies behind it..

What makes this Vintage Scale so Sweet is the

worn off color-stained front and beauty of the time worn patina.

How Darling is this Old Cabinet, Hand Made-Several shades of Paint peeking through and Just Perfect for our Vintage Religious Necklaces to showcase through the old window..

Some shine their Silver, but I LOVE the tarnished look..

All of these items are at the shoppe and All are Loved for their Imperfect Beauty!!!

Simple Halloween!

2011-10-08T21:28:00.000-07:00

Touch of Halloween!

As orange & black are not my favorite colors, I tried to find a way to make our home show signs of Halloween & Fall.

Bringing in a Custom Made Burlap Shade, Greenery with the trees, Fun Black Feather Wreath, White Pumpkin, and old Urn with some black birds and lastly a rustic face clock.

(much of this sold at the shoppe)

Then the Shelf in the kitchen, I simply added a small pumpkin on top of the old antique scale.

Then near my sink, where i have fresh ivory roses, there is a real pumpkin and a few faux.

On the Mantel I added some green moss balls in the Antique chippy cherub urns and small faux pumpkins as well.

And last next to my old luggage there are a few pumpkins just to tie it all together.

Happy Halloween Decorating!!

French Beauty..

2011-09-20T10:09:00.000-07:00

French Beauty.

Extravagant Style with Upholstered French Beds.

Tufted in Rich Fabrics..

Touch of Satins & Silks with Metal Trim and Detailed Rails.

Inspiration for your Romantic Bedroom or Sweet Sanctuary.

Very Old Vintage French Twin Day Bed with Rails,we currently are loving at shoppe.

Live with French Beauty & Sleep in Style..

Linen Chairs...

2011-09-09T12:59:00.000-07:00

Sharing of A Custom Order..

Simple Lines-Maple in Color-Worn Fabric..

I first stripped them all down to nothing-taking off seats-pulling off original piping-lightly sanded frame-Then used my Power Sprayer to prime & paint in a soft calming white.

While they were drying, I recovered the seats-sewed the new double welting in a darker shade of Textured Linen.

Slightly Sanded-Distressed the edges of frame.

While you can't see here- I completely took the backs and bottoms of each chair apart to line the back of each chair-, screwed on the new covered bottoms-did the backs

and added the double welting around whole chair..

Now these out dated chairs have a new neutral look in linen.

Vintage Linen Club Chair...

2011-08-19T12:31:00.000-07:00

As I'm in the midst of Planning-Coordinating the Annual Crab Feed for the Folsom Jr Bulldogs (1 week left)..

I had to decide what I would Donate on Behalf of the shoppe.

*So I decided to go with an Upholstered Chair-But as I'm Under a time Constraint with Working at shoppe-Working on Pieces for shoppe & planning the event, It had to be a piece that was small but also represents the shoppe.

So this little Cute Club Chair with Wood Legs..

As i thought for days which fabric to use-I went with my usual Soft Neutral Linen.

Added a simple pleated ruffle around bottom frame.

I painted the wood Column feet with a soft white-sanded & added a glaze.

While I love Linen-I had to add some Cow Hide to add some unique color & added a Linen Over stuffed Down Filled Pillow-that I made with a thicker more grainy linen to give a differ. texture to the piece.

*Hopefully Someone bids on it????

Royalty Influence

2011-08-10T14:49:00.000-07:00

For me Furniture is Art & History..

The Amount of detail put into each piece-

& how Royalty influenced Furniture.

The History Behind the Style- where it originates from & whom sat in or could of sat in it

The stories it could tell.

The Queen Anne Chair was designed during the reign of Anne, the Queen of Britain 1702-1714.

As seen in these Pottery Barn Replicas- the pieces are smaller-lighter-and more comfortable.

They have cabriole legs-cushions for the seat.

The Louis XVI chairs are one of my favorites,

they are derived from Louis XVI reign in the monarchy from 1774- 1793

They are oval-rectangle or shield in form. The once cabriole legs were replaced with Straight Fluted Legs, that were imitating the columns of Ancient Rome.

Also one of my Favorites-the Louis V Arm Chair.

These Petite Chairs with ornate carving were inspired by the empowerment of the woman.

Women became more successful and that influence was noticed on the furniture.

Where more femininity-detailed pretty carving was added.

The French Influence on Furniture is Timeless.

Upholstery with Linen

2011-07-28T15:20:00.000-07:00

The Simplicity of Linen-

The Beauty of the Antique/Vintage Frame with all it's chippy & broken trim.

The Appeal of Knowing there is Such History Behind each one of these Old Sofas.

The Detail in this Carved Piece..

The Inviting Nature of the Over Stuffed Cushions.

Charming Mix-Match of pillows.

And I Dream of the Elegant style and perfect lines.

We try to always have a linen Sofa or Settee in shoppe at all times- Just feels like home & so Inviting..

A Fancy for the Buffet/Sideboard

2011-07-22T14:13:00.000-07:00

I'm Just in Love with Buffets/Sideboards..

French, Vintage, Antique or even modern ones.

Carved edges-Darling Legs/Feet-Amazing design..

Whether all in white-cream-worn-weathered..

So Many Uses for these Beauties..

In an Entry way with photographs- Along a Hallway stuffed with linens- The Dining room to showcase china- Behind a Sofa- or as a Changing table in a Nursery..

Maybe even as a T.V. Console Piece..

What Character that would bring to a Space.

One of my favorite things about furniture-especially Vintage pieces- is the many uses you can use for one item.

Romantic ClawFoot Tub

2011-07-13T13:32:00.000-07:00

After Months of searching for an original Claw Foot Tub, My dream came true.. With a Lil stipulation of having to dig her out of a debris pile full of muddy water-twigs-brush-Lil creatures, I finally saw her buried away-As we rescued her out, My Love grew.

How Charming she is.

We Rented a Heavy Duty Power Washer-Used a Belt Sander and scrubbed as much as we could-

Then Sprayed her a new Clean Coat of Pure White.

Now all Clean-Beautiful and in Her Glory-
Resting in the front window of the shoppe for Display for all to admire, Filled with shades of Green Hydrangeas, Original Feet, Darling Wood Framed Tray-Apothecary Jars filled with french milled soaps, A Chippy Ladder to hold the towels, Vintage Crystal Chandelier to finish off this Romantic Bathroom..

The Tub says it All.

Linen Wingback

2011-07-02T20:19:00.000-07:00

Floral make-over.

Great Frame work-Beautiful Walnut wood Feet.

Now A Soft Linen, with matching Piping Trim,

Over stuffed Down Filled Pillows.

Linen is so neutral & with a Classic Wingback

A True Match..

The Finishing Piece to a Room..

2011-06-28T21:11:00.000-07:00

The Finishing Piece to a Room..

The last finishing piece to a room is the Lighting,

which ties it all together.

Your Theme-Your Style-Your Vision all in one Stunning Relied upon piece of decor..

Use a Black Chandelier with Crystals,

Add to the Living or Family room to give a -French more Sophisticated touch..

Use a Gilded Gold or Vintage Brass Chandelier in the Bathroom for a touch of Romance.

The Hallway or Entry Way is the perfect spot to show your flare with a smaller version to Welcome your guests.

Above the Vanity or even Desk is a lovely spot to bring in a Chandelier as well.

What I just Love about Chandeliers is that depending on the color-style-crystals you can bring up or tone down a room-

As I'm not done with my living -dining room make over-

One thing i will share is the mixing of a Casual -Worn Leather Masculine Couch with tacking on the sides- The Puddled Duponi Drapes on my windows the Colonial White Fireplace -Two Linen Chairs with Vintage tacks and the Gilded Gold Vintage Crystal Chandelier in the middle..

(MY Favorite item)...

Tones down the leather sofa-brings in a lil feminine to the room..

How To Table/Island...

2011-06-20T22:14:00.000-07:00

Sharing of my How to..

This Little Vintage (Government Stamped Table) is just quaint enough to be either a Farm Table-Kitchen Island or just Decorative piece..

First I painted it a French Grey & Distressed it a bit.

Purchased some Wood Planks, laid them out-Cut to the size I wanted, with a little overlay.

Once the Wood was cut to size I then screwed them in place-Puttied the holes with Wood Putty.

I sanded the filled holes-and the rest of top- all edges-and softened the corners as well..

I Lightly painted the top of wood-then sanded again-and lightly stained-and Waxed.

I just love the way it turned out- Would be Great as a Kitchen island- Table in a Nook or maybe Crafting table-

Now here it is in the shoppe, waiting for a new home..
A little French in color- rustic on top and dainty for any space..

Fondness for Industrial..

2011-06-16T12:25:00.000-07:00

Fondness for Industrial...

The Mixture of Vintage Industrial & Shabby Chic -French

is Just Lovely to me..

Just Love the Old Rustic Desks with Perfect amount of Patina on top, the Chippy paint.

Adding one Old Cabinet or Cart to a room, just adds that finishing touch..

Whether for Practical use or Decoration..

Add a Vase over stuffed with Flowers or

Use as an island in the kitchen for homework or cutting up food..

Yes, Even this Darling with almost washed away yellow original paint and Wheels..

How Sweet as a Craft Cart..

Maybe even as a Vanity??

Garden Bench or also for the kitchen..

Incorporate the Wood Apothecary Cabinet for the Office as well..

The Pretty Perfect Vintage Blue-mixed with Rustic metal top.

True Beauty with Black Metal bins...

Just Love the Industrial mixed into our Home..

Having that one piece -you know -nobody else has..

True Statement Piece..

Potatoe Sack Pillows..

2011-06-09T14:04:00.000-07:00

Time for some Patriotic Spirit..

The shoppes on Sutter St. Here in Historic Folsom, Dress up the windows to get ready for the Big Rodeo and 4th of July celebration in our town..

There is a Cattle Run-down the street-with a small parade to kick off the 51st annual Rodeo..

While we were out hunting , i came across some Vintage Burlap Potatoe Sacks and they happen to be in (red-blue) which would be perfect for our windows..

I decided to use one to make pillows.

Laying out on the floor- cutting to the size i needed.

I lined it with linen-and used same linen for the back-so it would be a double sided pillow.

Pinning the pieces in place, then Sewing Inside out..

leaving the bottom open to finish the seam.

And a little down filled red-blue burlap pillow..

( a lil hard to see with glare-but the 2 pillows i made with the old burlap potato sacks sit on the settee on top of a vintage worn flag in the front window)

This is the other window..

Happy Decorating..

French Style

2011-06-05T08:47:00.000-07:00

Beautiful French Furniture...

It is all in the Detail, That's what draws me to these pieces.

The Amazing curvature-the Style of the craftsmanship.

This lil black table has the long dramatic legs so penicl thin at the ends with the tapering on the edge..

The Fluted Legs on these ones, the mixture of techiniques-

Cane back Carved leaving, Every detail is added for a more unique finish.

This Stunning Hutch in a soft cream, with darling feet, the floral carved bottom, frame on each door.

These French style pieces are Breathtaking and show how everything made with the French Style in mind- is over the top in detail..

Even this little piece, with cabriole legs-just thin curved turned out legs.

And of course my fav. the chairs, look at each detail the arms the feet the frame all so wonderful-and then in a bright fabric-

Love the Animal Hide!!!

2011-05-28T12:49:00.000-07:00

                              A True Love for the Animal Hide

                   The Darling Eclectic Style of an Upholstered Piece.

Sweet as a Throw Rug with a Beautiful Elegant Sofa

Love the Color-the Softness-the Out of Norm..

Lovely as an ottoman

Mix & Match with Leather dark or light wood.

Or as we have done in shoppe, added to a linen settee

And for Show in our Front Window.

Little French Rustic Settee

2011-05-18T16:53:00.000-07:00

This was the Little Treasure I bought at Alamdea..

Just a Dainty little Vintage Settee..

Those Darling Curves-Sweet Feet-Pretty Carved Back, get me everytime..

I love the feminine look of these settees.

Lately I have become more of a fan of the darker original woods-but Had to paint it, as I still love the whites..

Here is how the little piece turned out, in a soft neutral linen.

I added some Over stuffed Down Filled Pillows.

For the Window Display I added my Favorite Cow Hide and my Violin...

Love the mixture of the feminine with rustic...

The New Look!!!

2011-05-09T15:46:00.000-07:00

Many of you who have followed my blog-or visited the shoppe, Know the struggle of the Construction over the past year.

We just Celebrated the "End" of the Revitalization "Construction"...

This is where my shoppe started (800) Block of Sutter.

Believe it or not- this was Beauty compared to some of what we went through.

The street was Complete Dirt-Mud for a good portion of summer-Construction workers had to escort the customers in.

Our signs were taken down to re-build the awnings..

So as you can see unless you knew my Lil shoppe was down the hall, you would never of known I was there..

I miss many of my neighbors down that hall, it was nice to have neighboring shops to visit with while it was slow..

But when a good friend of mine invited me down to the

(600) block to share rent-space-work at this location-where they had just begun the construction-

I decided, I would give it a try-Front exposure would be great, and to have someone to share space-work with would also be great for my family...

As much as I love red-yellow- My home use to be decorated in those lovely French Country Colors,

That wasn't my style or color scheme for shoppe, and as you can see there was that dirt-mud. No awning- to cover our customers-no sidewalk to lead the way..

**Here is the Final (at night) picture of the shoppe**

Now painted in two tones of Green, a Modern Framed Awning-Paneling on Front-New Large Glass Door- and Paneled roof Ceiling..

I had my Husband add a Black Chandelier out front-

and Made the sign to hang on front of building. Using a bright white-and black lettering.

(Simple-Clean-Noticeable)

Hope you can stop by to see the new look, it has been a LONG year.

We are all excited to show off the street.

{Gracefully Vintage}

611 Sutter St. Historic Folsom

French Settee Re-Covery

2011-05-04T13:03:00.000-07:00

Latest French Settee Re Upholstery..

While this sofa (too) is glorious in it's original style-fabric is a little dirty-worn &slightly outdated & just not my style.

The last one I did- that was very similar-I really liked that one, And did love the way it looked in shoppe-

So I wanted to do this one in the same style.

Sanding it down-adding some Primer-Paint and Distressing,

Sure to highlight the perfect carved features.

I went with a Beautiful Soft Neutral Linen, made some coordinating pillows, and used Vintage Tacking for a bit of Rustic ambiance.

Just looking at the detail in the wood work, makes my heart pitter-patter..

Just Darling, Super Comfortable, Super Soft and Sold!!

Can't wait to start on my next one..

If you would be ever so Kind to take a Min.. To go Vote through the link- Are little shoppe (Gracefully Vintage) is in the running for (Best Furniture) on the KCRA A List..

(Just click the link & Vote)

Little contest like these can sure help a small business out like mine.

Every Vote Counts-we were in First Place and over the weekend slipped to Second Place..

You can vote from anywhere-everywhere..

Only a few days left in the voting..

Thank YOU SO much & I could so Use some Blogging Help...

If a Painting Could Talk?

2011-05-01T16:35:00.000-07:00

If a Painting Could Talk?

A week ago, while out shopping with my family, I spotted this lil treasure of a painting in a local shoppe-

I knew I wanted it-but didn't need it..

Trouble with having a shoppe-the lines between shopping for shoppe (re-sale) and shopping for home get crossed way too often..

BUT I Oh So Loved it- I was even brave and asked for a better price- But still knew I shouldn't be buying for home, and a bit too pricey for shoppe,not that I would let it go there- so I slowly walked outside, and Apparently talked about it all the way home-and days after.

Friday Night as I was working on an upholstery piece for shoppe and wrapped in the history & magical beauty of watching the Royal Wedding..

I never even noticed my Husband sneak the Chippy Old Painting in our Laundry room.

And in my effort to multi task-putting away his boots on my way back from sewing some welting, I just about fell over-when he was sitting on our washing machine waiting for me to notice..

Isn't this the most amazing Chippy Painting Ever,

Where did this old painting sit-how did it get so chippy-who painted it-who is it- I JUST LOVE IT!!!

Yes, I do have the BEST Husband ever...

Vintage Wedding Dress /Tablecloth

2011-04-26T13:39:00.000-07:00

A Little Vintage Wedding Dress..

In all that ruffle-tulle-lace-satin, I knew I could re-use this Old Vintage Wedding Dress that was offered to me before it was going to meet it's fate in the garbage can for something.

A tablecloth would be Perfect.

Laid it out on a card table-to get a pattern-

Cut off top portion of dress-

Tacked a thin muslin fabric to the surrounding top-edges.

After sewing it-Flipped it back over and here you go,

A Vintage Wedding Dress Table Skirt/Cloth..

I added the burlap runner to the top, to add a little rustic character

Im sure whom ever this belonged to, would be pleased to know the Beauty of the Dress lives on.

A Vintage Spring!

2011-04-19T22:20:00.000-07:00

The Beauty of something so sweet, pretty in pink, and full of spring as they Hydrangeas mixed with something so old, rusty, chippy & worn as this metal cart..

The combining of two elements..

Is Just Lovely

A Happy Vintage Spring!!

French Inspired Piece..

2011-04-08T11:46:00.000-07:00

Sharing of some Upholstery on a French Inspired Piece..

Came across this Beautiful Vintage Sofa a while back, Fell in love with the carved detail, the birds, the instrument, the legs, the sides the back all of it-such intricate detail..

Once I sanded the edges that were chewed by some animal, I painted and distressed it, loving it more as i went along.

Not sure what I would do with it, keep it-sell at shoppe or just saver in our Garage that has become a holding unit for pieces I love too much to sell-but have no more room in our home.

I do love tufted backs, but for this one, I wanted a more clean simple look.

Deciding to go with neutral soft linen, I also wanted to use old tacks instead of making my welting to match.

Adding some coordinating Down Filled Pillows to tie it all together.

Took to shoppe, Sold in (ONE)day...

Alameda or Bust!!

2011-04-04T22:05:00.000-07:00

As we drove down the California Coast on our way to Alameda (Antiques by the Bay) took some beautiful shots of the Bay in my anticipation & excitement.

A Perfect place to shop for the shoppe & Me...

Amazing weather, Breathtaking View of the Bay Bridge.

Saw many familiar Vendors (Marilyn)

Her space is always lovely..

& I have to share-Saw these set of 6 chairs there for $700.

Just sold very similar set of Vintage Cane Chairs in the shoppe.

Beautiful Grain Sack Pillows...

There was lots of this and that's, You could stare for hours, and miss something.

Lots of Industrial pieces-which i love...

Met a sweet lady Georgia, who hand makes all of these signs.

Too Cute..

One of my Favorites, The Upholstered Pieces..

Of Course one of the Great Ones "Big Daddy"..

Slip Covered Pieces..

Tons of Hardware, Crystal Knobs-handles-latches and more...

Perfect shades of green furniture

Me & my daughter who was Amazing.

Her & my husband, were so sweet to not only wake up at 5am but to walk with my treasures, and push the cart as I ran ahead searching for more gems..

A little peak at some of my favorite finds..

More Industrial-Metal pieces

So many Unique off the wall finds,

One more of my fav. spots to stop at I love all the unique pieces and love the color of the linen.

More amazing furniture,

Tons of rackets,

Odds & Ends,

Great Views for the ride home..

There was just so much to see, I wish I had a bigger vehicle, and wish I was able to share more of my finds with the shoppe.

Endless Possibilites

2011-04-02T20:14:00.000-07:00

Over the Years my love for rustic architecture has grown tremendously.

What you can build or make out of nothing.

What you can design from scraps.

How nothing can become something.

For my shoppe, I had used old thin wood-painted it loosely and nailed on the wall, to give a textured differ. look..

(as you can see in my background for all my shoppe pics)

How amazing that same wood could possibly turn into a dramatic fence like this one.

Used to build a rustic barn.

Build an island or potting bench.

A darling cabinet

The idea of taking a piece that is meant for one use-and completely altering so it can be used for something else.

Is just my favorite..

This beautiful sink.

Taking a sweet buffet-cutting out center adding a sink, and now having a beautiful unique (one of kind) vanity for your bathroom-or possible kitchen.

When your willing to take the risk, your possibilities are endless.

I truly believe you can not ruin a piece of furniture-

If you don't succeed at first-try again-or turn into something else.

Antique Corbels are just stunning to me, the history-the detail work, the design-all so breath taking.

Knowing the craftsmanship behind each one.

Beautiful is the imperfect nature, the dings, the scratches the chippy paint.

How lovely they are just resting on a side table, holding a shelf up or used to build a custom fireplace.

We have several styles-sizes at shoppe , & sadly are pleased when they do not sell.

Embrace the Beauty of imperfection & Proudly toot your horn at giving a piece a new use and welcome the new possibilities with each piece.

French Settee

2011-03-29T21:20:00.000-07:00

I have had this lil piece for some time now-The legs caught my eye-and I couldn't bare to leave it behind.

Not sure what I was going to do with it.

The part I love best about my job, trying something new-seeing how it will turn out.

I have done linens, done burlap, pinks,toile, paisley, so my husband spotted this French Manuscript Fabric one day while we were at JoAnnes, So figured I would give it a try.

Instead of Doing individual Cushions, I opted for one single large one, giving it more clean simple lines-also using invisible seems.

I also decided to use tacks, instead of making my piping,

I really love the tacks, more rustic..

Before we took to shoppe, I had to set up my lil vignette in our front yard..

You can see the Black Distressed turned legs..

I made two coordinating Down Filled Pillows , one in a dark linen, and one in the same french manuscript..

And here it is on our Front Window, with all the accessories..

Think Hubby, has a good eye..

The Art of Cane in Chairs

2011-03-28T22:58:00.000-07:00

This Love, Appreciation, & Admiration I carry for Old,Vintage,Antique French /English Furniture just takes my breath away.

I have always had a "problem" with chairs. I have at least 10 at any given moment.

But the ones I have most been drawn to lately & can not bare to part with for shoppe are the ones made with cane.

Cane has been popular for many years, Known as French Caning, Each Chair done by hand and dating back over 100 years

The amount of work, The intricate hand work each piece takes, You can see why so many are so expensive and so rare.

Sadly some need some repair.

Requiring days of work- cutting-soaking the cane-weaving-clamping it-wetting it-gluing it-spraying it-drying- to then waiting a few days for it all to set.

You can see why many are just left in the state they are found.

(I still say beautiful)

These two, not only have amazing cane sides, but intricate carved detail and beautiful fluted legs.

Love these dining chairs, simple but pretty and just enough detail.

Mixing the Cane back, with Darling Cabriole legs, carved ornate flowers and then soft white linen, True Treasure.

While this is more unique, having a cane back and seat, it shows it's age & True Style.

Mixing the dramatic Cane Style-Fluted Legs-stuffed mixed fabric &stuffed cushion, Is- oh so Lovely, This is one of my favorites, the more unique the better.

And oh the potential these gems have, these are at auction in England.. The color -the seats-the backs

( Just Wonderful & so Charming)

The Beauty of Art in Furniture, is What I dream of at night what I wake up thinking about, and what i hope to work on in the day.

Host a Vintage Wedding!!

2011-03-24T22:33:00.000-07:00

A Vintage Wedding..

We just had ourVintage Wedding Event this Week.

I wanted to share some of our Ideas we displayed.

1# Various Sizes-Styles of Vintage Framed Chalkboards

Use to direct guests to your wedding-Use to display menu-Sign in Sheet or just Sweet Marriage, Love Quotes.

#2 Take Vintage Buttons and tie to your Favors as a sweet little gesture.

#3 Add a little slice to your old Wine Corks to slip in your Table Seating.

#4 Using our Tea Stained Tags as Napkin (rings) or decoration with a message.

#5 Lovely Vintage Framed Burlap Cork boards- Use to arrange Table Seating-Use to display pictures of the Bride & Groom- Use to pin sweet notes- or directions during the wedding.

#6 Cutting a long Block of (2x4) Painted-Sanded and added Numbers- To use as Table Numbers, so your Guests know which table to sit at.

#7 Handcrafted Burlap Table Runners- Great to add to your table or use to hang off the edge for added texture.

#8 Re-Purposed Vintage Wedding dress- Made into a Table Cloth- added a Burlap Table Runner for a Sweet Rustic Touch.

#9 Little Mini sachets of Lavender- cover in burlap or vintage lace and add a darling bow-tag with Bride & Groom names, or Date of Event or sweet simple quote.

#10 Use Vintage/Antique Scales to display flowers-favors-or little notes to your guests also use to showcase decoration pieces with a sweet style.

#11 Taking Vintage Jello Molds and add a Floral display

A unique piece with a sweet look.

Double uses for these Lil Gems, add onto a Vintage Scale and see the One of Kind look..

#12 Love these Old Vintage Typewriters.

Add a note for your guests to sign in- or just a Creative Message.

#13 Give your Guests a way to give Marriage Advice..

Take some old Branch's-leave bare or paint- stick in a decorative urn-

Glue some little flowers sporadically on the branches, and use mini clips to clip on little plain notes.

Allow your guests to write a message-advice-or inspiring quote for the Bride & Groom.

Sharing Ideas-Examples & Inspiration Such A Joy...

Place Setting Idea!

2011-03-21T18:37:00.000-07:00

A Lil Tutorial on a Wedding-Shower-Birthday Place Setting.

As we are getting ready for our Vintage Wedding Event in the Shoppe-Figured I would share one of the Lil Ideas..

Found these little mini clay pots at the One Dollar store.

I took some blue (easy removable) tape and taped off the portion I wanted to paint.

I used Chalkboard Paint ( a favorite)

Let it dry-and pulled the tape right off, and a sort of decent square.

Added a cute flag I made-some grass-and the #1.

How Cute for Table Numbers- or Seating Arrangements-You could make larger and write names-or quotes.

(Endless Possibilities or You could fill with candy and give out as Thank You's for attending.

Rustic Ambiance

2011-03-15T19:08:00.000-07:00

These little Rustic Gems, are quite the catch lately, and my favorite addition to a fancy-elegant space.

Having that one piece that is unique-out of the ordinary and brings a bit of Rustic Style to your space can absolutely make your room.

Just that touch that shows your style-nature

A tad bit added to your table

Not so sure about lighting-but definitely a conversation piece at the least.

Antlers are equal to the once candlesticks once placed on the mantle or the loose flowers added around the table for extra ambiance.

So if your not going to bring in that one piece of animal print furniture, maybe try the Antlers.

Taking that beauty of the room, with crisp whites- elegant chandeliers-orderly neat style and hanging the antlers or head is just amazingly lovely to me.

Love it.

And Yes the bathroom too..

While there are decorating rules-guidelines for color-placement & style of your pieces you bring together.

There is really no rules-

My absolute favorite is the worn tattered leather sofa- crisp cream shag carpet-wainscot-molding-hard wood floors- Elegant crystal chandelier and Yes the Antlers...

(can you tell the direction I'm going with my home)..

Embelish with Hardware

2011-03-14T12:10:00.000-07:00

There is so much art behind a piece of furniture.

The color of the piece- The detail in the carved edges- The style of the piece-The glass or edge work.

BUT one item that makes a huge difference in my eyes is the hardware.

I think it is one of the best ways to enhance a piece whether a dresser,cabinets, hutch or any piece Is to add hardware and better yet (vintage hardware).

Look at these amazing antique pulls, door handles or knobs.

The intense detail put into each piece.

The hinges- (yes even the hinges)

The keyholes, can make such an impact in a look as well.

Look at this amazing knob, the art behind the head the image.

-You can go to antique fairs or flea markets to find some of these special gems.

This is a lovely hutch but I think could sure use some pretty hardware to bring it alive.

However, this piece is just darling and oh has such beauty and I would have to say, the hardware has a play in it.

This pale shade of white is almost washed out, but the darker hardware brings some style to it.

The contrast was or is so amazing, the hardware just highlights this piece and shows off the beautiful color.

{I believe before you toss a piece or question painting a piece , add some hardware first, Im sure you'll be amazed}

Wedding Signs

2011-03-10T13:43:00.000-08:00

After a Lil Vacation with the Family In Disneyland, I'm back..

At the shoppe we are getting ready to host an event

{A Vintage Wedding}

Everything related to a Vintage Wedding..SO in doing so, I made these little signs with some wood I had.

Took two small blocks of wood, Lightly sanded & Painted.

I distressed them (just because i love everything worn looking)

I then Used my Cricut to Spell out Mr. Mrs.

Once I glued the letters in place, I decoupaged over to seal the deal.

How cute would these little blocks be at the Head Table at the wedding or even as a little present in their room.

Once i did that, i went and made a few other signs,

{Our Wedding} you could hang from a tree or on the door of the entrance or in front of the pictures..

This one in honor of our Event.

How cute for the Bride-Groom- in Black or White.

You could set against their door of their honeymoon sweet, at the Wedding Ceremony, on the car, or at the home for when they get back..

I just love home made signs and gifts...

Love for the Odd and Old..

2011-02-25T15:19:00.000-08:00

Maybe my Love for anything old-antique-vintage-worn comes from my childhood.

My parents would take me to every flea market-storage sale-yard sale they could find, I can even remember "dumpster diving" after a Storage Place dumped a storage unit in a dumpster, My mom just knew there was some finds in there.

Either way my appreciation for the unique, the different those odds and ends has just grown more & more.

Old Globes, no matter the style, the size or color just grab me, and I have to have them.

Something about the earth and the history behind it.

The minute we bring one into the shoppe, it is only days before it sells.

So I'm not the only one out there who loves these little gems.

There is just something about old typewriters as well.

I always buy for myself first-and usually get talked into bringing my new found treasure into shoppe to sell.

And all the while hoping it doesn't sell so I can justify bringing back home.

These old Vintage Typewriters sell right away as well, Maybe it is the wonder of what has been typed on it, who used it, Not sure, But I love them as well.

Growing up, My Dad had this old Clock that chimed every 15 min. on the dot- actually quite annoying, and on the hour it chimed the hour when it was 12 it seemed it would never stop.

BUT now, I miss that clock, and I'm always on the hunt for old clocks. I suppose that could be why many of us adore these odd old pieces, they remind us of our childhood.

Just like with furniture, the detail put into each piece is just stunning.

Who would think that seeing all of these darling antique-vintage frames hanging from this tree would make me smile.

I just love these old frames, the same idea, what did they frame, who was in them, where did they sit.

I can tell you that this beautiful image of a fireplace mantel in the middle of no-where is just gorgeous to me, So inspirational.

The beauty of old Luggage, the ways you can use them, how they photograph so well.

For Wedding photos, in your home, to set up displays or even at a party to store favors in.

I realize all of my loves, are most bloggers loves as well, but the old vintage dress forms are one of our biggest requests and how they highlight a room.

These old ones are just so lovely, I just think these bigger ones are the best.

So Sweet for Display, to use for sewing or even to set up your outfit.

Thanks for letting me share some of my loves.

Wonder of Burlap

2011-02-16T08:51:00.000-08:00

Amazing all that you can do with one Very Reasonable Priced Fabric.

Upholster Chairs for a Nice Neutral Look.

(All that is Burlap)

Beautiful Natural Pillows

Unique Custom Curtains or

Sweet Napkin Rings

(Elizabeth Anne Designs)

Yes Even a Dress

Beautiful Door banner

Who would of Thought, Cup Holder

Darling Table Runners (These we carry at the Shoppe)

Too Cute French Stool

Burlap Lamp Shades

SO many things you can do or make with that Wonderful Burlap..

Vintage Chair in Linen!

2011-02-09T13:49:00.000-08:00

Sharing the Latest Chair I have Re-upholstered.

Luckily I have many friends who have the same love for Vintage pieces, So a while back I traded two of my wingbacks for two chairs like this-not sure if they would end up at shoppe or stay home with me.

While the blue velvet is pretty, It isn't what I wanted in our Family room.

As I have shared I'm still in the process of Re-decorating our home-

I'm going with more neutral colors & decided seeing as I have two, I will do them both in a Textured Linen allowing the tacks to show, hoping for a some what rustic touch, and the bit of the nail head is dark and ties in our New Leather Sofa..

And Yes after seeing so many blogs on the latest Country Living Article about that amazing home in San Fran-

I couldn't resist the Linen Pillow.

Getting Closer to finishing the room, can't wait to share..

The Perfect Toile

2011-02-07T15:36:00.000-08:00

Toile is one my Favorite Fabric Patterns, Has a Nice French Feel to it. I have always used it when I upholster for the shoppe as my go to fabric, when I can not think of a fabric to use on a piece.
However Lately I notice it everywhere and on everything.

There are so many styles-colors-textures of the toile.

The Lighter Shades perfect for that unique French Chair

More Vibrant in a Red for this Fainting Couch

Or Classic Floral Toile in Black w/ a mixture of textures-colors to tie it all together.

Who would of thought to do a table in toile

Very Unique and I'm sure a One of Kind Piece

How Exquisite is this one.

Sometimes just adding a touch here or there, can make a room or draw your attention to your Piece.

Look at this Darling of mixtures as well with a matching ottoman.

I do believe Toile is just one of those elements that doesn't go out of style.

French Prints

2011-02-05T22:38:00.000-08:00

My love isn't just for Vintage furniture, I have this love for these prints/paintings as well.

I have two in my home now, but they are only 8x10 I would love to come across large ones.

As I am fascinated with Old Furniture always wondering where it has been, who has sat in it what the story is behind each piece, I believe these prints are quite the same.

Some are Historical , but some are not, And as I do with furniture, I wonder what the story is behind each one.

There is something classic about each one

Many I have found are dated back to the 1700-early 1900,s, and many are of the French.

Maybe that is Why I love them so much, they remind me of the Classic French Style..

French Furniture

2011-02-03T14:03:00.000-08:00

I have this extraordinary Love for Old-Antique-Vintage Chairs. The Detail in the frame, the Grand Style, the French Style is just so Beautiful.

This little Darling is one of my Favorites, I'm on the hunt for right now- as I'm re-decorating our home, these are on the (want list)...

I think the reason , I love vintage french chairs so much, is each one is so unique and just different, the carving, the detail, the style, the patterns you can use on them.

Loving how charming this looks with the table in one color and the chairs in another.

How Lovely is the mixing of the chairs-with style and color.

I'm in love with this French sofa, the wood curvature, the tufting on the back, Just Love It..

And I always think you should have a touch of animal print in your home, whether a throw, pillow or small piece of furniture.

How Darling this wallpaper is, and the matching chair.

This Style Chair is also one of my favorite's and the style I learned to do Upholstery on..

SO Sweet.

Can not forget this little Treasure, So amazingly beautiful,

When I see french or Vintage furniture my heart skips a beat.

Valentine Window (Bow & Arrow How To)

2011-02-01T20:56:00.000-08:00

February Brings Romance..

Time for New Front Window Valentine's Day Display

{Vintage-Romantic-Simple}

Bought 1 1/2 inch Plastic Molding trim,

Cut it to the size I wanted,

Drilled holes on either side, and used twine to pull together.

I added some tissue paper on it, trying to give it some substance

Bought a wooden dowel & painted black, so I can use as the arrow.

I then painted the Bow in a (Rustoleum "New" Metallic Gold) then used my Cricut for perfect hearts and painted red and added some Martha Stewart Red Fine Glitter.

Once my wooden stick was black I used flower tape and taped the feather sticks to it, taping it on, and repainting stick black.

And this is how it turned out.

And Wa la-Our front Valentine Window..

Going for a Simple Window

Using a Vintage Wolf Dress Form,

adding some Beautiful Feathered Wings,

The Bow & Arrow I made and adding a sweet Gold Chandelier to highlight the scene & lastly a large

Gold Vintage Framed Chalkboard sharing our wishes of a

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Amazing Pickers

2011-01-31T10:08:00.000-08:00

Bloggers are the Best!!!

A few weeks ago, i did a post on how I was re-decorating my living-dining-room.

I was going from bright reds-yellows french country to a more

Neutral Calm Elegant French style using all of my Vintage Pieces.

Well one of the things I desperately wanted was a Leather sofa from (Restoration Hardware $3500) way out of my budget.

I described the leather sofa (Worn-Brown-with metal tacking on arms) this is what I wanted.

This past week an AMAZING reader of my Blog called the shoppe and left a message for me, that she spotted one at the

Salvation Army & it was half off..

I didn't get the message till 5:45 pm- I debated to even drive all the way down town to check out , during rush hour traffic-based on someone I don't know calling the shoppe.

BUT (what if) it were the one..

So we packed up the kids in the SUV and trucked on down, making it there 30 min. before they closed.

Hallelujah!!

As I spotted the back and saw the color- then moved to the front of it, I heard Angels Singing..

THE EXACT leather Sofa I wanted...

Worn- Brown-Metal tacking and in Perfect Condition, & THE BEST part at half off ONLY $75!!

Thank you anonymous Blogger who called my shoppe.

Months ago I bought this Antique Chandelier from a Picker friend of mine, and this is wear it has sat for the entire 2 months- Until this weekend.

My daughter scrubbed every nook-cranny for me with a brush, I cleaned every crystal & gave my husband a big KISS to Hang for me.

I LOVE IT!!

My heart just pitter patters every time I look at it or my new sofa..

To know that someone read my blog, and took the time to call my shoppe to tell me about the sofa, or a friend thought to call me with an amazing antique chandelier knowing I would love it, Just Makes my heart so Happy..
SO to both of You, Know that every time I walk in the family room, I'm so excited & Thrilled with my treasures that are bringing my vision come to life because of you.

Thank God for Thoughtful Picker Friends & the Kindness of Amazing Bloggers who I also think of as Blessed friends..
xoxo Karryann
p.s. still working on curtains-chairs..

Architecture with Doors

2011-01-29T14:08:00.000-08:00

At the Shoppe, we have sold lots of Old Vintage Windows & Doors recently as well as many customers ask what you could possibly do with them.

There are so many uses,

Out in your Garden,

Against a wall & add a fountain or ivy or in the Flower Bed

Turn into a Table,

Even as Grand as this with a Chandelier in a Dining room,

Turn into a Chalkboard for Taking Notes or even decoration in Home

Hang long ways turning panels into Chalkboards

Can become a statement in the room

Headboard for a Sweet Bed

Set outdoors for a Perfect Photo -Op.

Sometimes do nothing, just allow the architecture to show through.

Romance with Lighting

2011-01-28T14:06:00.000-08:00

Amazing How One element can transform a Room.

Lighting & Chandeliers to be specific

They can bring Romance to a Living room, Class to a Dining room or Luxury to a Hallway.

Whether they are filled with Clear Beautiful Crystals

Or strung like pearls reflecting the light

Or Hung to bring Class & Style

Even in a Dainty Gold with sparse Crystals and Shades

can bring an elegant but Charming look to a room

Loving the Shabby Vintage style of this Dining space

Bringing in two chandeliers, Perfect in size to not take away from the gorgeous dining set.

And even adding a chandelier to a hallway or entry way can highlight your style.

Giving off a Feeling of Romance-Class or Luxury all with one piece.

Shabby Chic China Hutch

2011-01-19T14:52:00.000-08:00

Trial & Error!

Sometimes i envision a certain look, but once i try it, realize not the best idea.

So i originally painted this Darling Hutch a blue/grey color, but it was too dark for what i was really aiming for.

Love the pieces that can come totally apart

I really wanted a two toned piece. I do a lot of shades of white, and black for the shoppe, SO this one I wanted to be different.

Using a few differ. Samples of (oops)paint mixing them to get this blue shade.

I painted the inside this pretty blue.

I used a rustic gold and hand painted the edge of the bottom portion.

Then added Vintage Music Sheets for the backing, one thing about having a shoppe is I can try differ styles,colors, techniques allows for such Creativity.

Once the light is lit up inside and glass shelves are put back in, This Vintage China Hutch will be such a Sweet Piece.

Cement Blunder!

2011-01-16T20:04:00.000-08:00

Helpful Hint!

Remember this Beautiful Old Fountain/Cherub Statue I purchased at the Sacramento Antique Fair?

I So so Loved it..

Well as you can imagine, this piece is SUPER heavy total concrete.

We placed it on our front porch, well I wasn't sure if I wanted it towards the front of porch or in corner,
So before school one day I had our 15 yr old son help me move each piece carefully to one spot-

Decided I didn't like it there, so we attempted to move it back to the original spot-

WELL as we carefully set it down, we heard this crackle (like)noise and saw the cracks-cracking away.

I thought I was going to Cry (kind of did)

There they were 3 huge cracks-I though maybe I could use (wood putty)to seal it back together (umm, NO)

So my husband brought this stuff home (quickrete adhesive) to cement back together.

Cost about $7

My husband used his caulking gun and squeezed into all the cracks and we shoved the rest with our fingers so we were sure it was all the way in there.

Not the Prettiest, But for my own porch, & not worried about anyone peaking into it, and I won't be using it as a fountain.

AND Truly i don't mind the scuffs-scratches-cracks in pieces I have in my own home,I think it adds Character & Charm

I just wanted it all in one piece again.

You can see the inside-bottom, not so bad, Held Very Well.

Now I have my beautiful fountain/sculpture piece all together again..

My first big antique splurge on our own home, and i broke it (2 days into it)

BUT now all better & glorious on our Front Porch..

I promise you I will not be moving anytime soon.

Love all those amazing products, that can rescue our mishaps.

So I would Highly recommend this Quickrete Construction Adhesive product (found it at Osh Hardware)if you ever have a cement blunder as I did.

New Year, New Style, New Front Windows!

2011-01-11T19:30:00.000-08:00

A New year , New Design, New Style!

We are on our way into 2011, New Front Window Displays

Doing one in the Classic Black, with the Clock set at 12 for the New Year Celebration.

Love the Style of this Vintage Dresser with Original Hardware, Detailed Carved edges, amazing Charm.

Look at these fluted legs, and character, Upholstered in Toile.

The Other Front Window, went with Shades of White,

One of my Favorite pieces in shoppe, this Vintage Chest of Drawers.

The Crisp Bright White of this gem, is just so sweet just like the handles on the front.

My Husband built this Fireplace mantle and did such an amazing job, he used several moldings, thick wood and was very meticulous.

Best thing about the New Year is a Clean slate.

Taking the opportunity to start fresh, with organization, plans, promises or Style.

Begin your new year with a new design,style or uses for beautiful pieces in your home.