Thursday, October 18, 2012

Ready, Set, Go....Let's Entertain!



Are you ready?  The entertainment season is upon us, and you don't have to spend an arm and a leg to make you and your home look like a million bucks.

It's the little touches that count. and look what Just A Second is highlighting.  Don't know how many of you get the Crate and Barrell promo online with the grandfather, grandson feature, but I was struck with how we have so many of the items which convey the same feel as their promo.  

We have a couple of wine racks, one redone.  it was missing its top and we added a marble one, and it looks fantastic, and at a fraction of the cost of a new plain one.  It holds 17 bottles of wine.

We also have a tall wooden one which holds 48 bottles of wine while it stands tall and fits in with any number of styles...from primitive or industrial to mission and traditional. It's very versatile and has a very small footprint.  Would fit in a kitchen, dining area, den, or living room.

Do you see the glitter behind the tray with the decanters? 
It is a new, never been worn, evening dress, with straps and an easy flowing, slim sillouette.  You'll have to visit to see it in all its splendor.









And talk about embellishments and accessories - these absolutely gorgeous felted wool blossoms by Tina will really set you apart - Add to a coat or a purse and watch the compliments flow.  Tina has been really busy, so we have a varied but, of course, limited, one of a kind assortment right now.  She has also made a great selection of felted wool and silk scarves as well as purses exclusively available at Just A Second.  We are so blessed to have a world class felter and fabricator right here in Rockford.
Don't forget our book nook - new signed books by John Gile, vintage children's classics,
as well as almost new with dust jacket hard cover novels, a few audio books and many decorating magazines including back issues of Martha Stewart.

So, again, from gift books to bar accessories to hand crafted unique accessories, think of Just A Second first.  Looking forward to your visit





Friday, October 5, 2012

Fall treats at Just A Second!



Greeting you right now at Just A Second is this feed sack filled with twigs.  We have so many interesting items waiting to be embellished to fit the season.  Whether we do the embellishing or you do, it is sure to be one-of-a-kind.

On the potting bench resides a vintage beer case filled with real bittersweet from our neighborhood farmers' market. Adds such a WOW autumn touch to your porch or patio, and it will carry you through Thanksgiving.








Inside the shop are everything from glitz to rustic to handcrafted, including paper embellished candles and small bags of lavender, displayed on a silver toned tiered plate and sitting on a chair all redone with a French script burlap-covered seat.  

There is a special little something waiting to be discovered by YOU at Just A Second.


  
Oh and remember Saturday is treat day, We will have hot cider and something special from the farmers' market to warm you inside and out. 
Looking forward to your visit.   


Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Shop photos from John's camera including a real Rockford, real original piece.


 



John came over and took some shop photos after we reset the front room for fall.  We changed our cover photo at that time, but haven't really focused on the vignettes in the store.  It was a bit difficult to select items because John had taken photos which took in so much of the room.

To the left is a cottage look display which includes an oval framed reverse painting on glass. All is original, including the chippy pink frame. In the foreground is a 70's lamp with metal leaf appliques on its lusterware shade.  The bottom globe of the lamp provides a night light effect when lit by itself.



 
To the right, is the black wood and metal chandelier with glass detail which John wired so it would light up the silver and crystal items on the server.  If you are looking for glitzy items to jump start your holiday decorating, we have a pretty good selection, and the silver is nicely tarnished.  (Can be polished of course.)

Finally, the simple server shown below.  It was manufactured in 1955 in Rockford and was originally a light colored wood with wood veneer I hesitated to paint it, but its simple lines and white porcelain knobs plus ceramic insets on top dictated a black redo. I love it.
You just can't beat the quality construction of earlier pieces with dove tailed drawers and all wood components.  Rockford was known for its furniture industries and its fine Swedish craftsman.

These are just a few of the reclaimed and repurposed items featured at Just A Second.

More items are constantly being added, so the shop changes frequently.