My MIL (mother-in-law) and I went to Hobby Lobby last week to buy some upholstery webbing and other supplies for current projects.  We had two fidgety toddlers, so I asked if she would get eight yards of upholstery webbing cut for me while I picked up some other things.  When we found each other, she was laughing.  The clerk at the cutting counter asked what the webbing was for.  “It’s for my daughter-in-law.”  “What is she going to do with all of it?” “She uses it to cover lampshades and things.” Blank stare. “She’s a designer.” “Oh.  Ooookay.” Some people just don’t get it.  So, I took my upholstery webbing and used it to cover a dated thrift store shade, which topped off a brass thrift store lamp that I primed, painted and antiqued.  Here’s how the lamp started.  It’s a very heavy, quality lamp, but I don’t know a

I’m sad to say that the shop that has sold my furniture and antiques for almost two years is closing this fall.  I was really bummed and scared at first, but then I realized it’s the kick in the pants I needed to take some chances.  This led to me going to the Lucketts Fair as a vendor on my own and it also led to a search for a new retail space.  I was really excited about having my own little corner of a shop that I could decorate and redecorate in my style.  It’s kinda like having a big girl doll house AND making money at it.  I put my name on the waiting list at a couple of places and was ready to pound the pavement to find a new home, but, just at the right time, a new home found me.  I received an e-mail from a woman I had

…give it another makeover and try again.  My aunt gave me this really cool antique bucket a couple of years ago.  I had just started my decorative painting business and I felt like I needed to do decorative painting on everything in order to “put my stamp on it.”  I painted a European floral motif around the middle and it sat in the shop and at three antique fairs without a second look.  It was time to give this bucket a second chance and make it look much more “me.”  I sanded off the floral painting and brushed on a layer of crackle medium.  I’m not a huge fan of crackle, but it has its place.  I wanted this bucket to look chippy and old, so crackle was perfect for this project. I then brushed on a sloppy coat of white paint and allowed it to dry.  I knew I wanted to paint some kind

First of all…I didn’t mean my last post to be a plea for praise, but I want to thank all of you for the kind words, cheerleading, and a huge boost.  You are an incredible bunch and I thank each of you for taking the time to type something to encourage me, someone who most of you have never met.  The blog world is awesome! After a long day, the booth is full and all snug for the night and we’re pooped.  I love the way everything came together under the tent and I can’t wait to decorate and play tomorrow.  We took time to shoot some video footage to share on the blog soon, so those of you who can’t be there can still see all of the action.  I’m really tired and fried AND I have a 5:00 am wake-up time, so I’m just going to let you