Monday, September 26, 2011

Playing Hooky

Will be closed on Wednesday to attend a one day conference.  

Tapestry fringed pillow
Have some new old things...lots of fall plus tapestry items and an enamel top table in great condition.  tempted to keep it as a plant table at home in our sun room.  It would make sense if I didn't kill most of my plants. We'll see. Right now it's at the store, so check us out on Thursday.  Hope the flood waters recede.  I'm anticipating a moat on the sidewalk to the shop.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

We have felted wool pumpkins!

 Pumpkin displayed on primitive leather-latched pine box
Tina Rippy adds wonderful hand crafted items to our shop.  From Burlap and fabric rosettes to hand printed lavender sachets to tea infuser potpourri.  Her latest additions are rich, fall colored, felted pumpkins.  From selecting the yarns, to felting the wool, to designing and assembling the finished product, all are in Tina's capable and creative hands. Each is a work of art.

Felted wool pumpkins on vintage green ladder


Did I say we have felted wool pumpkins? a bushel basket full, and don't you love how they look on this small, paint-spattered vintage step ladder. They really complement each other.
doll cradle with felted pumpkins






















We have a hand crafted doll cradle full of felted wool pumpkins.  If made in the USA and hand crafted and natural are important to you, Tina's lovingly crafted items at Just A Second are just what you are looking for.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

the party's over

Just have to fill mini wire wheelbarrows with candy corn & pumpkins




Busy day yesterday, shopping, cooking, last minute straightening and cleaning, and finishing up the details.

It was so much fun -- laughing together, crying together, sharing stories, and thoroughly enjoying each other's company.


I mentioned how grateful I am for the Dollar Superstore-- for the bandanas (napkins and valances), the tags and raffia ties for napkin rings, and the scarecrows. Really sets the theme. 


After everyone left, husband John and I were returning table to normal position, got part way there, and John said he liked it that way.  So, for now, we are leaving the table at a diagonal--makes the area seem more open.  We'll see how long it lasts.


Friday, September 16, 2011

On the homefront


Entry way display with white pumpkins and orange leaves





Don't know about you, but I often need a bit of a push to get out the seasonal decorations for my own home.  All my time and energy seem to go to getting the shop in shape.  However, Monday I am having my mending club group (we don't really mend except for hearts and lives and friendships) for a light dinner and fun evening. Most of these girls are really into decorating and quite a few of them were at The Pink Cupboard including master decorator Sandy B, owner of that fantastic store. So started getting the house ready for the gathering. I'm in conflict, because I have decided to simplify, but I really want everything to look nice, since part of what we do is try to make everyone feel loved and special.

  

White ironstone soup tureen on natural linen
runner with collection of tarnished silver napkin rings
and real dried bittersweet (saved for as many
years as possible)























I really try to incorporate the seasonal touches amidst accessories I aleady have.  I like the way the white pumpkins in the entryway tie into the white ironstone in the dining room and how the orange touches and the aqua pedestal in the front hall complement the colors in the living room.

Check us out in a couple of days.  I'll be posting the back/gathering room with its campfire/cookout theme in full regallia.
Hint:  Love the Superdollar Store.  Can't believe what you can find there.
 

Table in front hall with orange, spice scented candle
and more bittersweet











Sunday, September 11, 2011

Falling in Love with Fall

We found this pair of coated wire mesh chairs and thought they would look as good inside as outside, so if they haven't sold by the time we close up the deck, we'll move them into the shop and include them in our "white Christmas" display, even though they are off white. In the meantime, they are surrounded by cat tails and mums and add a nice feel to our fall patio.  We look forward to your helping us celebrate one of our favorite seasons.

And speaking of inside the shop, we like it cozy and love how little lamps add to that feeling.  Pictured is a vintage Ainsley tole lamp that is in like new condition.  It's one of our favorites.


And finally we introduce "friendly Fred", an integral part of our outside lamp post display.  He needed a flannel shirt, and husband John volunteered one of his, but fussy Renie wanted something with a bit more punch, so went scouting for one, found it, and Fred seems pleased with the choice.  His smiling face will greet you as you approach Just A Second.  He is the focal point of a display which includes a hay bale, garden flag, an old bushel basket and some pumpkins.