Sweet Millie's

2010-01-21T19:50:00.003-05:00

Helloooooooooooooooooo Blogland!

I have allowed myself exactly 3 weeks to skulk, wallow, moan, whine, and carry on about my plight...

The stroke of midnight tonight will officially start 2010, leaving behind unrest and insecurity about my future.

During my 3 week pity party I have been trying to decide if keeping the shop is a good idea.

I have been asking for a sign, a light bulb moment so to speak and I believe with a fair amount of certainty that I received just that this past Tuesday evening.

( I will preface this story by saying my conflict lies within the simple fact that I feel torn between my home and the shop, despite an incredibly supportive family I feel as if my heart has been so focused on the shop that I have lost sight of my home, things are constantly a mess, I'm not organized which drives me insane which in turn is taken out on those who mean the most and there are piles of stuff needing my attention everywhere. My soul continues to tell me that despite the need to be creative my heart belongs at home.)

So, my light bulb moment or lack there of came as quite a shock!

I arrived home from my big girl job Tuesday evening to find that our home was completely dark, and a little chilly.

Using my cell phone to shine enough light to find some candles. My first call was to my husband who asks, "did you pay the bill?".....................long pause...............my next call was to the electric company, and for the amount of $71.00 that I somehow forgot to pay, without warning they shut our electric off!!!

Can you do this without warning? Informed they do not leave messages on an answering machine in regards to a shut off, therefore if you work between the hours of 8 & 4:30 you are S.O.L in this department.

I make a payment over the phone, plea with the not so nice and or not so understanding customer service rep to hear: "it will be turned on in the next 24 hours!" The fact that it is 31 degrees outside has no bearing on this policy what so ever. In the flickering candle light strewn about the house we decide that David still has time to make it to Lowe's before closing for a generator.

Thank God for a handy husband! Thank God for an understanding family! Thank God for my sign!

(I will be the first to admit that sometimes I need to be hit over the head to drive the point home)

What was confirmed:

My home is where my heart needs to be!!!!

What was decided:

On the 19th of each month we will spend from 7pm to 10pm in the dark!!!!

there is something magical about candle light and quiet

What is meant to be:

Will be!!!!

Let 2010 unfold

For now I am

ready...

2009-12-07T14:57:00.017-05:00

I'm back!

(a sigh of relief)

Up for a photo montage?

Thank you for visiting!

2009-11-16T11:16:00.012-05:00

A sneak peek:

Here are a few photos of what is heading to the Holiday Family Festival this weekend:

I am trying to stick to a very vintage feel as the general crafters in our area don't usually mix old and new. The show is a bit of a gamble for me I could be the sore thumb sticking out or the booth with something fun, funky and fresh. We shall see!

I have to admit the show carries much less pressure than the day to day shop operations, however I did realize that despite my efforts I can not do it all... I am focusing on the show for now, then I have 2 weeks to focus on the shop to prepare for the Holiday Open House weekend then I can shift gears and concentrate on my family holiday.

Keepin' those creative juices a flowin'

xxx ooo,

Erica

A treat for myself!

2009-11-03T12:48:00.008-05:00

This is the cutest little bag ever!!! I adore vintage velvet, in case you were wondering.
It was hand crafted by my friend Maureen, she has a totally cool shop in a neighboring town and the best stash of vintage textiles you have ever seen!

you can check her out at:

http://www.thoroughbreadthreads.com

Did you ever carry a bag that makes you feel pretty?

Oddly enough sometimes that's all it takes!

2009-11-03T12:38:00.007-05:00

A few goodies; fun tags and lucky numbers!

This sign is made out of an old door molding:

(it is sparkly, but hard to see in the photo)

This is the chair and table from the previous post lightened up a bit!

2009-11-03T11:57:00.007-05:00

Alive and Kickin'

or at least I think so...

In my infinite wisdom, I signed on for a 2 day show the weekend before Thanksgiving, still continue to work a big girl job in the mornings before opening the shop and am switching out Halloween/fall for the full on holiday experience...

I am weary, a tad bit grouchy, and constantly questioning, "What in the world am I doing?" "Is this worth it?"

If you are a voice of reason and would like to send a little advice my way, I would gladly accept it!

In the mean time a few photos of what's new:

A good stash of sparkle and a few furniture pieces.

I forgot to get an after of the little 3 drawer dresser, it was white shabby and sold quickly!

Before and After

2009-10-22T15:47:00.005-04:00

You may remember:

Now: with a little make-over magic:

Fabby/shabby goodness!

2009-10-22T15:21:00.004-04:00

Just Arrived:

These are the most lovable bears made from vintage findings! They are created by Ronda Powell, she lives about 2 hours south of us in Pennsylvania. A few weeks back she was on a shopping weekend with a friend and happened in, isn't it amazing how kindred spirits find one another? A great conversation, a few emails, a couple of photos and voila!

She has graciously allowed me to name them, so I thought tags of vintage little girls and fun old fashioned names would be fitting.

Lola, Ophelia, Ruthy, Gittel, Mitzy and Caroline are waiting patiently for new homes, that is if I can "bear" to part with them...

2009-10-17T12:52:00.010-04:00

I love the first snowfall!

So,

Waking up, yesterday to this was a special Birthday treat:

My next special treat of the day was delivered by my very, very special friend, September, a pumpkin latte (yum! my fav!) and a little jewel that caught our eye a few weeks back

Threw in a little junkin'

Went to dinner with 5 gal pals at my favorite Restaurant. Was graced at the end of dinner by a delightfully large almond amaretto cake that we were thinking was way too generous of this restaurant to provide, however my Mom and Dad snuck in before we got there picked it out, paid for it and had it delivered at the end of our meal, sweet huh?

And ended the evening snuggling with my husband and son who gave me a gift card for the mall to buy all the things I need but hate to spend money on...

I am so thankful for all the wonderful people in my life...

I could not have asked for a better day!

2009-10-15T12:45:00.019-04:00

Thank you to all that came out for:

"Moonlight and Magic"

This was my first 4 day open house, despite the fact my OONTHEJS was in overdrive, I loved every minute of it!!!

{**OONTHEJS-overly obsessive need to have everything just so.}

{as a medical professional I have been an advocate of this diagnosis for years, remember friends you heard it here first!!!}

Anyway:

All heading to the shop for the open house. Remember the buffet/credenza type thingy... this is it, in all its pretty shabby glory!

This is Melanie from Sugarhill Farm, she has wonderful essential oils, vinegars, creams, bath salts and much much more, not to mention she is a total cutie pie.

You can check her out at: http://www.sugarhillfarmonline.com/

This funky, fashionable hat ends up on every fun loving chick's head! What is it about pink flowers?

And don't think for a minute that I didn't get up at the crack of dark Saturday morning to search for goodies that I couldn't possibly live without:

Jack pot!!!*8* French books!!!

A pile of over 25 matching doilies.

Some groovy vintage purses.

An awesome blue enamel tub, sweet green vintage wicker hamper, cool rose waste can, another (I know what you are thinking) covered cake plate, the sweetest pink and blue vintage quilt, and a tapestry pillow.

BUT, the most interesting was this:

An antique wine shipping crate from Portugal 1941...<>

Halloween Fun...

2009-10-06T16:25:00.001-04:00

Before and After

2009-10-06T16:06:00.009-04:00

Not so lovely...

Ahhhhh lovely...

Friday Finds and Saturday Treasures

2009-10-06T15:50:00.005-04:00

Slim pickins'

Not a great week for junkin'...

Did you ever notice when you have an event coming up that you want extra stock for the goods just aren't there?

Any whoooo, I did pick up this very cute or soon to be cute piece.
Thankfully since I sold my sweetie pie cream desk in the window I needed a breath taking replacement.

You just wait to see this baby in its true shabby form...

2009-10-01T14:45:00.006-04:00

Halloween teaser:

I've started the holiday window, this is just a sneak peek:Much More to Come...

Friday Finds and Saturday Treasures

2009-10-01T14:17:00.007-04:00

Last Weeks Finds, that is...

A great oval mirror with the original rose decal, very cute ruffled slip, a cute vintage umbrella (and an amazing carpet bag not shown ?can you guess who I'm gonna be for Halloween?) and a handful of great purses.

An aluminum serving pitcher, gold rimmed cream and sugar servers, books and a stash of great jewels for projects.

Along with this sweet white table.

As you know, Thursday evenings are full of anticipation for me...I can't wait for my Friday treasure hunt. So, stay tuned to the junk channel!

Sooooooo many goodies never enough time (or $$).

2009-09-29T16:02:00.005-04:00

I've been blog heckled!!!

This has been a crrrrrrrrrazy week, a trip to Ohio, a shop party, soccer, piano lessons, big girl job, junkin', a few custom signs, shop clean and window re-do prep...you know the usual life of a frazzled typical type A right? That's my attempt at an excuse for not posting...

I don't have any pic's of this weeks treasures just yet, they are still riding around with me so I thought you might enjoy a lighter note:

This would be my niece Ruby two shoes (aka Miley) serenading my son Robert on the piano.

They are so sweet together, they are absolutely mad about each other!

2009-09-22T15:59:00.002-04:00

A cute fall sign give away:

Check out this great NYS blogger:

www.christinassignsofobsession.blogspot.com

Friday Finds and Saturday Treasures

2009-09-21T15:34:00.012-04:00

Good Stuff:

At this estate sale the lady was so totally organized as you can see by the matching jars of buttons, which were purchases for the sweet look of the jars as opposed to the contents, don't get me wrong love the buttons...but I can't resist matchy jars!

These are slated for a spooktacular Halloween project.

Sometimes I have to remind myself that not everyone loves old stuff, so the little top and purse happen to be from The Limited, very cute.

Again some project stuff/some antiquey stuff.

Little composition books, on clearance at Target, just perfect to embellish. (And in keeping with the price range most customers are looking for these days: CHEAP!)

One final note, a cute sign I found at TJ Maxx:

sssssssssshhhhhhhhhhhhh don't tell David! hee hee

Shop talk...

2009-09-17T16:05:00.013-04:00

Front window nearly complete!

Out with the beach continue on with warm vanilla and texture...

A closer look at the shade I just embellished:

This is the most amazing little vintage dress!

Thank you for visiting, have a relaxing afternoon!

Friday Finds...

2009-09-14T10:51:00.013-04:00

This has been an absolutely crazy week. My sweetie was on vacation and graciously offered to start painting the front of the shop, not enough time or paint to finish but we are well on our way to a fresher, softer facade. We did however finish the new sign and set that in across the street, just needs to be landscaped...(Photos of the re-do to follow)

Friday on my way to a Board Meeting I stopped in to the BEST estate sale I have seen lately, things were totally reasonable and the sellers were desiring to off load (it was the 2nd day). Mind you , I am dressed nicer than usual and generally half the age of most attendees so the looks I get are often laughable. You can only imagine a sale of this magnitude brings a twinkle to my eye and a skip in my step, I just smile and keep adding to my pile... A few pic's but this is just the tip of the iceberg, no furniture all smalls but good smalls:

Tons of glassware, a Homer Laughlin pattern that I adore, a fantastic vintage globe, with a wooden base, great etched mirror, (I'm a total sucker for an etched mirror). Not to mention boxes and boxes of baubles, and you know how I love a good sparkle... I will be adding more to the shop daily.

The icing on the cupcake was the cutest, most adorable, sweetest vintage hand sewn pink satin, totally tricked out princess dress ever!

Oh the plans for this dreamy number...

Studio stuff...

2009-09-10T13:11:00.007-04:00

New goodies fresh from the studio:

Embellished vintage Bingo cards, sold in packs, great for a fun decoration, to use in your own projects or for that avid game'r in you life...

The sweetest smelling lavender sachets, done up vintage style, good to freshen your drawers, clipping to your car visor, under your pillow or just a little desk decoration to help bring a bit of calm to an otherwise crazy world...

Rolled vintage music sheets wrapped with old lace, seam binding and other pretties, and Shabby Shreds, instead of the colored packaging you buy in the wrapping section how better to fluff a gift for your favorite pal than in snippets from the past...

Studio stuff...

2009-09-10T13:00:00.006-04:00

Who in the world is Maude La Rue?

Well...

Do you remember:

Now:

Ooooooo La La...

Oh how I love Maude...

Shop talk...

2009-09-03T16:14:00.007-04:00

Autumn is in the air...

I'm so excited to present this section of the shop, it feels warm and yummy, kinda like nibbling on an oatmeal cookie. A little shabby, yet sweet with soft vanilla to deep brown tones, a hint of silver and gold for sophistication, tons of layers and textures. I am lovin'it...

If you have seen the latest Country Living, the whole numbers thing is very in...

As I was painting and gathering for this display, it was all being piled in my living room, (don't ask , it's like a trial run to see if it works before it really has to work?) I know my husband doesn't get it either, but I was swayed from my usual crisp whites to these warmer tones, I'm thinking it may be makeover time for my not yet made over living room/kitchen project. What do you think?

Studio stuff...

2009-08-31T12:16:00.004-04:00

Take a look at this beauty...
No photos of this weeks haul just yet, I was too busy getting this baby cleaned up and ready for my studio, not to mention getting up extra early Sat. morning to go back for it's friend... I knew as soon as I got this cool cubby home on Friday afternoon that I couldn't bring myself to part with it. The guys at the sale kept heckling me about the other one (which is identical) but since I tightened my budget, I just smiled and said no thanks.

I RETURNED to the sale promptly at 9AM Saturday made a bee line to the back with my fingers crossed, the same bunch of guys resumed their heckling because they knew what I was after.

So...as the saying goes: one for me/ one for you...

Lesson learned! Tragedy averted!

Now, off to fill up my treasure with items I like to have in plain sight but have tucked away because I can't stand clutter in my creative space....Which translates: I may actually use some of my hoarded hidden goodies on the cool projects they were intended for. Which translates: more room for more stuff!!! And oh how I love stuff...

Good Friends are hard to find...

2009-08-27T15:49:00.003-04:00

Here's the story:

In the Nursing home where I worked before shop life, there was a girl to which I refer to as, "Debbie-doodle-hopper", (for those of you that don't know me well, I tend to make up names for people, things, tools, your usual everyday life stuff, the longer your around me the easier it is to understand to what it is I'm talking about, hence the name above) any ways...Debbie-doodle-hopper is a fellow junk aficionado, collector of things, obsessor of decorating much like myself, I happened to mention I have a penchant for Mannequins, low and behold doesn't this gem get delivered to me by my BFF, not an aficionado shall we say, after a luncheon at of all places the Country Club (No, neither of us are members by any stretch, but that's a whole other story...) I squealed loudly, with joy, I do believe the fella's on the 8th hole were perplexed as I scooped and danced my way back to the car with this baby. My BFF shaking her head asking, "What the ....never mind I know you love it!"

And love it I do!!!!
My plan is to make her look very vintage, neutral beige, French stamps etc.

Let the fun begin...

Even my sweet pooch ('Cuse) to which I refer to as Dolly or Dolly-pop, again with the nicknames, wanted in on the action!!! She is very prissy and loves to stick her fat head in a good photo-op, usually I edit her out but they both looked so cute, good thing she's a quick ol' gal, or she may get added to my vintage make-over list...

Thanks Deb!

Friday Finds and Saturday Treasures Continued...

2009-08-27T14:06:00.010-04:00

You know your life is out of control when:you drive around for

5 days with a full rig of goodies that you don't have time to unload...

So...

Yesterday I got to enjoy a mid-week dose of junk as I unloaded all of my treasures. It was like the thrill of the hunt all over again. (Sometimes on the second day of an estate sale you just grab stuff and toss it in your Mary Poppinsesque bag so no one else snatches it up before you do, sounds a little crazy I know but it's a jungle out there!!!)

Who could resist vintage cake decorating and the sweetest baby book.

These are the coolest numbered tacks you've ever seen...

Great vintage ribbon and trims, and the little covered dish is filled with the sweetest little vintage hair pins.

This mailbox is waiting to be transformed into the true beauty I know it is...

Great old file folders, and oh the joy I felt when I scooped up this amazing French themed hat/wig box, with the Eiffel tower and all, don't get too excited girls this ones staying with me....

Among things not pictured well were a vintage metal flower frog, 4 wonderful French books, bingo cards, kitchen utensils, laundry basket and cool old suitcase...

Shop talk...

2009-08-22T15:27:00.010-04:00

This photo speaks for itself, how such a simple collection of mismatched do-dads can sometimes just artfully come together...

My September window front is in the works, I'm thinking warm creams and vanillas mixed with browns and soft neutrals, a hint of warn silver, and texture, loads of texture.

I hate to rush summer but my head is spinning with fall ideas.

and,
here is a little peek at a few weekend finds:

More to come...

Shop fun...

2009-08-18T14:25:00.010-04:00

5 Things

you would put in a trap

if you

wanted to catch me....

Buttons, buttons glorious buttons, any size, shape, age or color, but if you put mother of pearl buttons in the trap I would break my leg getting in.

Need I say more!!!

Vintage salt shakers, is there anything as simple and sweet???

Why pack light, Seriously!!!

And the trap wouldn't be complete with out a touch of the sparkle...

This blog was brought to you with inspiration from:http://vintagerescue.typepad.com/vintage_rescue_squad/

Out and About...

2009-08-17T15:22:00.015-04:00

The road to Madison Bouckville was long and hot but sooooooooooooo worth it...

Over 1,000 vendors very diverse, but for me there were 3 stand outs this trip:

THE FIRST WAS:

French Vanilla

So visually appealing, so French and the owner of the booth Peg Van Dyne was lovely.

THE SECOND:

A-R-T-I-F-A-C-T-S

Beth Cunningham has terrific packaging, great, inexpensive soldered charm jewelery, pendants, vintage typewriter key bracelets, lavender, the sweetest ephemera packets. This is were I spent the most money. ( Just for me!!!)

AND THE THIRD:

Denise Russo, from New Castle, PA

She was very helpful when asked, What's it like to do shows?" Just in case I may head down that road?????

Her booth was so shabby, so me!!!!

Loved it!

2009-08-17T13:26:00.005-04:00

Inside my bubble:

I have been in a bit of a funk lately, the shop is slow, the search for new goodies is just not panning out, creatively sapped, financially strapped, blah blah blah right. Everyone is feeling the poor economic climate, and the summer heat has finally hit. Sooooooooo...

We hit the road, Rob and I had a great time at the splash park this past week, he played while I caught up on my pile of magazines and new publications. Seeing all the delicious pics in the new Where Women Create and Summerset Home stirred my creative juices. Went to Buttermilk Falls on Friday with a crew of gal pals and kiddo's, also a great time.

Hit 2, yes 2 fab estate sales on Saturday morning before opening the shop, it was like something was nudging me to go, thank heavens I listened, great photos on the way. Then, the granddaddy of Antique Shows on Sunday.

New Creations!!!

2009-08-10T12:38:00.006-04:00

3 pretty blue canning jars embellished for the beach...

Friday Finds and Saturday Treasures

2009-08-10T12:30:00.004-04:00

This weekend was a little sparse but I did find a good selection of glass:

I'm not sure why but I seem to be collecting beautiful shoes, all to small to cram my big fat foot into, however there is a project out there just waiting for them I'm certain of it...

Great Book!

2009-08-06T13:38:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I bought Blogging for Bliss at Barnes & Noble,

Love it!!!!!!!!

Anyone thinking about starting a blog or enhancing their existing site must, must must grab this book... You can also check out Tara Frey's blog at:http://bellapink.typepad.com/

Shop talk...

2009-08-05T15:36:00.010-04:00

I'm a beach baby at heart!!!!

There is nothing like a day at the beach even when you live in Upstate NY...

The jewels are a creation of "Designs by Sandy," they will be on sale at the shop for the month of August. Sandy is a great local gal, who is also a beach baby at heart, her collection is fun and affordable. Be sure to stop in to check out all of the new goodies.

Shop talk...

2009-08-03T13:24:00.004-04:00

Signs Signs eveywhere Signs...

In preperation of the new window theme I have been working on some beachy signs:

Stay tuned for my progress!!!

Class is in...

2009-08-01T12:44:00.011-04:00

This past Tuesday I taught my first non-nursing class!!!

I was nervous, excited, worried, excited, freakin' out, excited, you get the idea.

...But as I began gathering supplies from my studio trying to keep within Lindsey's Wedding theme and colors I began to notice that the doo-dads in and of themselves were beautiful, falling together in a natural stream of simplicity, putting my nerves somewhat at ease. Take a look:

Lindsey is getting married in the fall and has wonderfully creative ideas, a girl after my own heart, so our goal was to antique and embellish photo frames to use as table markers for her guests. As you can see even Dollar Store frames with a little love and glitz can become the sweetest works of he"art".

Thanks for a fun night girls!!!

Family Fun!!!!

2009-07-28T15:26:00.005-04:00

This is what happens when you are the only rooster in the hen house!!!

It appears by the giant smile on his face that he is enjoying this...

Robert is the only boy cousin in the mix of five girls!!!

Emily, Olivia, Madison, Miley and Rowan

Thanks for the laugh girls, you know how I love a good sparkle!!!!

What a girl needs!

2009-07-28T12:04:00.003-04:00

3 tools that I totally could not live without!!!

Sounds crazy right?

I use these three tools more than any other in the work shop.

The sliding compound miter saw cuts like a dream, it's great for 45's (needed when making frames) etc.

The air nailer gets the job done quick without showing.

Last, but certainly not least, the sander that shabby's every edge, smooths out the rough spots and removes the paint of an occasional oops...

Aaaahhh, I love power tools!!!!!

Family Fun!!!!

2009-07-25T16:07:00.003-04:00

a man...

a boy...

a dog...

a tractor...

a view...

what beautiful things...

Before and After

2009-07-25T15:57:00.004-04:00

Good bones but blah!!!

Now wearing one of my favorite shades of blue...

With the most fab crown knob from the Hobby Lobby:

Friday Finds and Saturday Treasures

2009-07-25T15:06:00.010-04:00

A few treasures from this weeks expedition:

A little closer look:

Some junkin' weeks are better than others but the beauty of

this bounty it was all basically shop-ready with a little clean up!

Shop talk...

2009-07-21T13:45:00.002-04:00

A new hang up, literally and figuratively...

I am totally hung up on vintage hankies, not the concept of coarse (for those of you that know me I am a bit of a germophobe), so the very thought of blowing your snoot into something so amazingly beautiful and stuffing it back in your pocket gives me the heebeegeebee's. But... when you look past purpose and focus on the art I just find myself in utter awe.

I have been collecting these gems for a while topping my collection off with a good stash (22) this weekend. After laundering and ironing them I decided that keeping this little secret all to myself is just down right wrong. It's time to share a bit of my own personal bliss with everyone. (Do I really need one more collection anyway?) David don't you dare answer that question!

They are now hanging in the shop with the cutest itty bitty clothes pins, (which I found at Hobby Lobby, wow is that another whole post or what, Oh the joy of the Hobby Lobby.)

Shop talk...

2009-07-21T12:40:00.027-04:00

I realized that many of my posts were photos of what is in the works or on the way to the shop but only a few of the shop itself.

So here it is:

a glimpse into my

"Wonderland"

If you prefer the darker primitive country look, you guessed it a spot for you too:

Ta dah!!!!!!

I would love to hear what you think...

Family Fun!!!!

2009-07-20T14:04:00.001-04:00

Sometimes you just don't ask!!!!!

Shop talk...

2009-07-20T13:39:00.008-04:00

These are goodies heading to the shop...

Friday Finds and Saturday Treasures

2009-07-20T12:53:00.005-04:00

'Twas a good weekend for junkin'

Mind you everything goes to our house first, anything glass is washed either by hand or in the dishwasher, tin things and silverware are scrubbed clean, linens are all laundered in detergent, borax and bleach, yes bleach. Furniture is generally hosed down if need be, or wiped down and polished. If it smells of smoke or musty basement, it breathes outside with shots of Lysol until its no longer stinky. I go through oodles or Clorox and Lysol wipes. Not forgetting to mention the increasingly large pile of goodies awaiting a fresh coat or two of paint. Its then and only then that it makes its final trip to the shop where it waits for someone to fall in love and then I have to say goodbye...Parting is such sweet sorrow...

As an aside my seven year old, often comments: "I hate riding with you, I know there are spiders on that dirty cobwebby junk in the back." To which my response is always the same, "get a hold of yourself, I brush everything off before I put it in..."

...this morning on my way to my big girl job, a big juicy daddy long legs made it's way to my shifter, smiled at me as I nearly drove up a tree, I got a hold of myself, pulled over and by one of his long legs flung him out the window...Rob you were right!

This story will not be told but if you see a boy riding on the roof of a Hummer you'll know that somehow he found me out, and or Big Daddy's got friends...

Before and After

2009-07-13T15:10:00.005-04:00

How about a little before:

Ug! Right!, the chairs came from one place the table another but all the same dark yucky green!

After:

Oh how I love pastel colors!!! It looks like a yummy bowl of sherbet, not all together very practical but it brightens up the front of the shop... And three customers said they had to stop because of it and its only been here a few hours..... yippee!

Friday Finds and Saturday Treasures

2009-07-13T13:36:00.005-04:00

A sneak peak...

David and I took turns throughout the weekend keeping a watchful eye on our sweet pooch.

I did manage to sneak out for my fill of junk, I mean goodies...

Tragedy with our pooch...

2009-07-13T12:55:00.006-04:00

I have fallen behind posting this week due to a very scary incident with our dog, 'Cuse. My husband was throwing the ball with her just after midnight on Wednesday, (Weimeraners are very high strung and exercise before bed does us all good, trust me,)when we heard a very strange cry and then a yelp that sent me bolting out of bed running down stairs to see what could have happened. I met our sweet baby shaking as she came in the back door, when I got to her I saw that her whole side had been cut open. I grabbed towels, my husband started wrapping while I called the Vet, terrified, our regular Vet's recording gave Cornell's number and after trying 2 other local vets realized that this was our only option. We called Cornell, gave a brief description to which they responded, "get in the car and start out, call us as you get closer and we will give you directions." I grabbed our son out of bed while David got in the back with the dog and off we went. Cornell is at least thirty five minutes away, I know we all said a little prayer on the way that we would make it in time.

We did make it, her surgery went well and our baby is home, looking a little like Frankenstein, however surviving this with just a scar is amazing...

We have no idea how this happened or can be sure what exactly caused it, but what we do know is that we are very lucky that it turned out as well as it did.

A special thank you to all of our family and friends that visited, called and brought gifts for the poor sad girl. And for those of you that have never experienced Cornell, WOW!!! David and I are both in the medical field and the animal clinic was more impressive than most human hospitals. They did a great job, her drain is out and she is getting perkier every day.

Friday Finds

2009-07-06T13:01:00.005-04:00

I love Fridays!

Junking is a total addiction, for those of you that "get it" you know what I mean, for those of you that don't I would love to take you along for the ride!

I plan out my hunt on Thursday evening, and go to bed with shear anticipation of the goodies I may find in the morning. I'm generally not satisfied until my rig is totally filled. I look for anything that has good bones, things that can be transformed into something entirely girlie and of course the usual sparkle.

I have a master list of fav's like:

linens
anything galvanized
pearls
rhinestone jewels
ephemera
old books (especially known titles)
dainty furniture
anything that can be distressed to its shabby beauty
ice skates, and recently added roller skates
vintage Christmas ornaments
canning jars (don't ask me why, I have tons already)
children's furniture
vintage fabric/anything with those great old roses
floral frogs...love me some frogs!
tea cups (becoming very hard to find in a reasonable price range)
fancy dishes/ cut glass (it sparkles like nothing you've ever seen when laced with lights)
vintage picnic baskets
chandeliers
and anything, I mean anything French...

Just to name a few!

I'm sure you get the idea.

This Friday was a great day, I came skipping home with all kinds of treasures.

You know what they say; one mans junk is another crazy, obsessive, wildly creative girls treasure! (hee...hee...)

Oh the plans!

Oh my poor garage!

Oh my poor,poor family to put up with such nonsense!

New Creations!!!

2009-07-02T13:23:00.009-04:00

These are a few of my latest custom goodies:

This was for Rob's teacher, I have had the silver engraved cup for months, it has her name on it but it is hard to see in the photo, the usual sparkle and the quote reads: "Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher."

This was created for customer to give her grand-daughter in medical school. It is perched on a vintage Taber's dictionary. The quote is from Mother Theresa.

This was a gift for a master gardener, her Web site quote reads, "Gardening is the slowest form of the performing arts!" All attached to a vintage hand cultivator.

Mad Hatters Tea Party, a success!

2009-06-29T13:34:00.016-04:00

I'm excited to report that the Mad Hatter's Tea Party was a big success! I'm not the only gal in town who loves to wear a good hat!!!! (OK maybe I am, most people said they would do whatever needed to get 20% off.)

This is my overly embellished beauty!

My sweet friend Vanessa and her pal.

My most endearing bestest friend, Gail. (She wouldn't be caught dead in anything foofy, we are polar opposites, yin and yang but never the less BFF.)My SIL Jill and sweet lil' niece Miley, they bought a lovely iron bed, shabby away girls!!!

My MIL, Beth scooped up those kiddie soda chairs. We have a fondness for the pastel in life!

My Mama, can't you see where I get it!!!!!!

The lovely Carolsue, she has a terrific B&B in Montour Falls, she always has me on the look out for goodies.

Ms. Lant, her family has a wonderful dairy farm up the hill from the shop and the yummiest honey ever!A new friend, sent by Carolsue, she made her hat out of paper. Cute as can be...

The favors... Hand stamped filled with lavender.
I missed the photo-op of my neighbor and friend Kelly, she looked buff and beautiful as usual and she brought a sweet new friend Gretchen. And many more I didn't snap in the commotion, but thank you all so much for stopping by, shopping and wearing your hats!!!

Mad Hatters Tea Party

2009-06-23T12:22:00.002-04:00

Friday Finds

2009-06-23T11:52:00.010-04:00

Not much to be had lately in our neck of the woods, it has been rainy on Friday mornings leaving the ultimate search for goodies a little sparse. Here is a few photos of treasures soon to be in the shop.

This is the most amazingly sparkly fez you have seen! Had to have it, don't know if I can ever part with it!!!! (Yes David, I know you are rolling your eyes, but you have to admit it is a cutie pie...)

Also the base, horrible gold is soon to be unveiled in all its antiqued cream glory. Very cute, with a lot of detail.

2009-06-19T16:47:00.002-04:00

I lied this font makes me much happier...

What's in a name?

2009-06-19T15:26:00.010-04:00

I have been asked if I have an alias...

When we bought the building a few years ago, David, my husband starting calling me "Millie", now my mom calls me that and a few other pals, my guess is that it's a spin off of Millport? When we finished off the backroom this spring "Sweet Millie's Studio" was born.

Now in addition to antiques, new gift items, candles, dips, etc .I have slowly started featuring some of my own embellished goodies:

This is the thickest old dictionary I have ever seen, now adorned with flowers, jewels and of course a touch of the sparkle.

These are hand made gift tags, perched on a handy clothes pin, therefore you are able to attach it to anything, clip them to another package and pass it on, or just keep it for yourself to enjoy! Different vintage ephemera, gems, bits of lace and the usual sparkle or not...

This was created especially for the mothers in my life. These are the hands of my son Rob, holding a baby bird he rescued and released, it's difficult to see but the saying reads, "There are two lasting bequests we can give out children: one is roots the other is wings." by Holding Carter Jr. Each has a meaning full piece of music, for those of you that know Rob, he has been taking piano lessons for 2 years, has drums and got an electric guitar for Christmas this year. Do not know where he gets it...

All that out of a name...

Oh, I promise I will be posting photos of the studio as soon as I get a few more things organized. (Wouldn't want you to see the piles and realize I have a few pack ratting problems as well as my many addictions!!!)

And thank you September for the blogging lesson yesterday, this size font makes me much happier.

What's in the Shop...

2009-06-18T12:03:00.010-04:00

The past few weeks have been a blur, I've been crazzzy busy, between my big girl job, t-ball, ultimate junking, starting a blog, painting make-overs, you get the picture.

So here is a sneak peek at the fruits of my labor:

The sweetiest pair of child size chairs, covered with a vintage print.

Aaahhh, old suitcases, you guessed it an addiction.

oh, and another mannequin, not nearly as charming as M. Rosee but lovely just the same.

Jersey Girls...Aiding and abedding an addict!

2009-06-16T13:01:00.008-04:00

For those of you that know me, you know that I have a few addictions, not harmful per se but addictions just the same.

Mannequins are currently topping the list. Any shape and size, old or new, tattered or glitzy I love them all!

Well...

This weekend I got to do a little shopping with my BFF and sister-in-law in N.J. We happened into this lovely manni with a touch of the sparkle, had a good laugh, oohed and aahed, and I passed her by (can you imagine?) . Once back at their house, I couldn't get her off my mind, exclaiming my love, trying to convince myself that I needed her. I then mentioned this to my husband, who responded, "Didn't you just get a mannequin?" (of course I did). Trying to gain his approval, I replied "not like her, she's new, and ON CLEARANCE!, oh aaand she has the cutest rubydooby beads hanging on her." (you know this means nothing to him) He tries one more time to remind me that frugality during these times is oh so important, "Why put another thing in the shop that's not for sale?" I had already stopped listening, my need won out over frugality. Not to mention my favorite Jersey girls were egging me on (my oldest niece has the same fondness for the sparkle that her momma and I do). So, with out further ado:

This is M. Rosee perfectly perched in the window

of the shop. (her name stands for Maddy, Rob, Olivia, Sara, Emily, Erica, the first initial of my nieces, son, sister-in-law and myself) I definitely needed her don't you think?

...and so it begins!

2009-06-15T14:06:00.006-04:00

The beauty of blogging is that you truly can walk a mile in someone else's shoes!

I will tell you that I am a beginning blogger so I will be taking baby steps until I get the hang of it so... please be patient with me and feel free to offer any tips or tricks that you may have in making this road a little easier. I welcome your comments and look forward to a very successful journey.

I will tell you as my diary unfolds I have some, shall we say, personality quirks, am totally addicted to junking, and love, love, love, a good sparkle.