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? 

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

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?

Getting ready for the Harvest 2013 Vintage Market on September 20 & 21

Collecting, painting, making, fixing, embellishing, Doing whatever it takes to get ready for the 2013 Harvest Vintage Market "Shop the Farm" event, wanting to give you the very best shopping experience ever.

We have been working on birch twig wreaths embellished with Vintage items such as the Weiss 50's black rhinestone butterfly brooch, on the right. 



All wreaths are one of a kind because I never know what I will find and how the elements will be combined.




And there will be a variety of styles from cottage to flea market to industrial chic.  This repainted vintage (made in the USA) hanging metal pendant light with an Edison style bulb gives you an idea of what lies ahead at the 2013 Harvest Vintage Market.  Are you getting excited?

Just A Second will include a couple added attractions which do nothing except broaden our appeal and add to the variety. More on these delightful young women another time.

Reminder, Just A Second will be closed Friday the 16th and Saturday the 17th because of family commitments. We will open again next Wednesday, August 21. See you then!

Sprucing up a bit at the shop

Our grandson, Eli, visited a couple of weeks ago to help paint our fence behind the shop and alongside the parking lot. 

Do you think it needed it?

So while John replaced some bad boards, Eli painted and painted and painted, front and back above and between, and then John joined Eli and painted and painted, having to second coat much of the thirsty, worn out wood.

I cannot imagine how long it would have taken if I had to do the project. Thank you Eli, and thank you, John.  As you can see it is a job well done.  

 






As a fun aside, look at Eli Gile backward and forward (a palindrome!) And yes, Brian did that intentionally.  I'm glad we all love the name Eli.




Then John tackled the front porch, and it just gleams, so much so that yesterday, I added a rag rug to it. That's dressed up!

However, there is much more to do.  One thing calls for another.  Doors need to be painted and the parking lot needs to be resurfaced. One day at a time, one project at a time.

With our increased visibility pending the demolition of more buildings and the completion of the new roundabout, we are wanting to put on our Sunday best. 

 



























And speaking of the roundabout, the construction is coming along beautifully.  A lot of planning has gone into the design, and it is really going to enhance our little corner of the world. One lane of traffic is open in each direction, and with a bit of maneuvering, you can still get to Just A Second.  We look forward to your visit.  

We will do all we can do to make the extra effort worthwhile - treats, new goodies for your home decor projects, and of course, special gifts for all those on your gift list - from beautiful hand knitted baby gifts, to new books perfect for your school age children, to wreaths for your front door and lovely gifts with a past.

Keeping Up with Life

Since having cataract surgery on one eye, my vision is so intense that I cannot go anywhere in the house and not see something that needs cleaning or painting or redoing in some respect.  It really makes me focus on one day at a time. Otherwise, I would be completely overwhelmed with the shop, the house, life in general, and adding a few extra vintage markets, speaking of which: 

Please join us in Capron at Twigs and Twine on Saturday, July 20, this Saturday from 10 - 5 for more of what you see above. There will be a dozen vendors joining Twigs and Twine to bring you the best of summer...items to give your mid summer season a little boost. We'll be featuring adorned twig wreaths, windows, screens, doors, and shutters. Find us at 105 S. 4th Street in Capron.  Go beyond Poplar Grove on Hwy 173, and you will find us. I think you will be glad you did.

John will be minding the store, which will be open normal hours on Saturday. He is a gracious host and will be sure to offer you iced tea and treats.  And keep in mind that it is a little oasis in the desert of construction (quiet on Saturday) and heat. Looking forward to your visit.

Playing with items and photos

Rusty old cash drawer in heavy steel

I'm gathering items to sell in my etsy store, and, of course, a picture is worth a thousand words. 


In the process  I have found out how much simpler it is to use white as a background and not try to set up a vignette as I have done in the past. We are always learning.

Black and rusty cranberry scoop

Pair of Homer Laughlin platters

It also helped that I picked out all black and white and grey items.









It's funny how our moods of the moment affect our projects and picks.  Sometimes I'll set out looking for items that fall into such a category, either to add accents to an event at home, or to set up a display at the shop.

Single square "New York" plate

By themselves, items may not stand out, but together they have an impact. These old J.L. Clark canisters are much more interesting because the finish has worn off in areas, giving them an almost rusty look, and of course, we all know that rust is in. It makes a very traditional design have a bit of an edge.
 

J.L. Clark canisters

Design detail

(Click on the link to see how some of these items can be used in your decorating scheme. justasecondonmain)

While listed on etsy, they will also be on display at the shop. So, if we have piqued your curiosity, stop in.  We look forward to 
your visit.