Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Never Bored

Let's see. It started Monday and Tuesday of last week.  I painted this cabinet and hutch top and, of course, had to move it from the back, storage, work room so we could use it to serve libations at the Churchill's Grove meeting on Wednesday.  (It is SOLD!) Had a  really good crowd at the meeting, and I did take quite a few photos.  Unfortunately, only one photo showed up when I went to import them to my computer. 

I could not believe all the treats which arrived with the neighbors for the meeting. Churchill's Grove neighbors are certainly a most generous and gracious crew. Thank you all. 




  

Then Thursday, it was finish a few painting projects, pack up, and set up for the fabulous, fun Vintage Market. I was not able to stay for all of Friday nor be there for any of Saturday, but fortunately, after John put up the tent and unloaded, Dee was able to help me set up and be there after I left on Friday plus all day Saturday. The market went so well...a huge crowd, wonderful neighbor vendors, and great sales. The shop is looking quite spacious, since I haven't had a chance to get out and fill the holes. That's the challenge for today. 

And why couldn't I be there? Because there was a wedding in Indiana, and our daughter from S.Carolina was a bridesmaid for one of her closest friends, so after leaving The Vintage Market and packing up, we headed to Midway airport to pick up Faith whose flight was delayed, as were we, with bridges out along our customary short cut route. We didn't get to Culver, IN until after 11, but look at the sight which greeted us the next morning. 


                                 

Then came a bit of shopping in the cute little Culver business district, because, of course Renie forgot a few things like a toothbrush and ear rings. And we got to hit a yard sale and pick up a couple of goodies. Then was the wedding.

And here we are with our lovely daughter, Faith, and the gorgeous bride, Caitlin.  It was a beautiful nautical theme wedding (notice the sails on the ceiling) and so nice reconnecting with Faith's friends from college and their parents, and visiting with Rockford people we don't get to see that often.

Sunday, it was up, and pack, and hit the road by 8, since Faith had a noon flight out of O'hare. Then back to Rockford to pack up the Vintage Market tent and remaining goodies, and a big thank you to Kay and Polly for letting our tent be set up until we returned. And of course Mass at 5 PM, the Bears at 7 (couldn't stay up).

Was feeling a bit exhausted yesterday, Monday, but impulsive Renie started on the kitchen floor which has been driving me crazy for months. Another coat of varnish this AM, and we will be set to move things back in tonight.



And how was your weekend? 







Friday, September 13, 2013

Signs of the time before The Vintage Market



 having fun 
                    making a few signs 
                                                  for the Vintage Market...

                                                                                 for fall and everyday



                                            including this painting on an old screen




                                  
celebrating the farm 




and enjoying our homes



and being together.
Be sure to join us at the Harvest Vintage Market 2013


Friday, September 6, 2013

Clearing the Back Room and Garage

I have been trying to get the back room and garage stash of furniture, painted and ready to display and fill your decorating needs. Furniture hauling, painting, distressing, waxing, and buffing take a lot of energy. Who needs to go to the gym when we do what we do. 

On Labor Day, I painted a table (appropriate to labor on Labor Day?) On Tuesday, I worked on the Louis XIV chair that I had started a year ago. I spray painted the fabric with special fabric paint which is permanent and leaves the fabric soft  - wonderful if the upholstery is in good condition and has the detail which I do not have the skill or patience to replicate. 

 


Then the trim was painted with CC Caldwell chalk paint.  I had picked up a couple of samples while a few of us were on a day trip. I posted previously that the color was Seattle Mist. It is actually Smoky Mountain Grey.  Notice the paint names are American as is the paint. CC Caldwell is the American version of Annie Sloan chalk paint. The photo to the right shows the chair before the wax was applied. It looked chaulky and pale grey. 







Today, after distressing lightly then applying and buffing paste wax, the detail of the wood stands out, the color is deeper, and there is a light sheen on the trim. Looks like it's been that way forever.



The crowning touch is the lovely felted wool pillow beautifully done by Tina.  More of her creations will be coming to Just A Second as the season progresses and the weather gets cooler.

Because Just A Second will be closing a bit early on Saturday, we will open at 10 instead of 11, and we will be serving treats from the Farmers' Market. We are gathering and combining items in preparation for the Vintage Market coming in just 2 weeks - September 20 and 21. Have you marked your calendars?