Saturday, May 14, 2011

Cleaning, decluttering and redecorating

I have been busy for the past few weeks. I decided to clean out all of the cabinets and closets and get rid of "stuff". It really is a good feeling to be lightening up and decluttering! I have been taking things to consignment, and have taken things to work to sell as well.  I am planning to have a big yard sale Memorial weekend. Hopefully we will have finished sorting through the shed.

I have decided to sew today (instead of sorting through the shed). I have had it on my mind to make some slip covers for the dining room chairs to make them less formal. I used  a muslin type material and added pleating at the bottom. I think they turned out better than I had hoped.


Details of pleating at the bottom of the slip...

I also redressed the table for the summer. The old bowl was found in the attic and the candlestands I repainted and aged. I used burlap for the runner.



I also used the same painting and aging technique on my favorite lamp!


I made some new pillow covers today as well.


Not your typical "country prints", but the toile and the vintage print both have a bit of red and being in them.

I took down the dark colored curtains and switched out the comforter in the bedroom. It is lighter and brighter now.


I added the slop jars and lids above the jelly cabinet...



 The thing is I like too many things, old ironstone, white McCoy, and those items that remind me of my grandparents.

Things have done surprisingly well at the consignment. As you recall I now have a spot in an antiques consignment downtown selling my Americana, primitive and country decor.  My husband is planning to  retire in 3 years and he said he wants to plan to open our own business. Wow, that's a little scary, but by then everything will fall into place.

I hope you all have a blessed week. Thanks again for visiting!

Becki

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Spring cleaning and consignment...

Another weekend has come and gone. I have been cleaning out closets and cabinets and will be soon tackling the shed.  I have gone through curtains, small kitchen appliances, dishes, you name it, and will be taking them to a local consignment for sale. I may even have a big yard sale at the end of May (it depends if I get through the shed or not).

With that being said, I have been redecorating a bit as well. I have introduced more creams and whites to the living room and have take down my black and cream checked curtains for the summer and have replaced them with some lovely cream colored sheers. Although I have recovered the wicker chairs in a blue print, I am not too happy with them and have bought some tan/cream striped material to re-cover them, again. I will reuse the blue material another day.

I went to an estate sale weekend. It was a lovely story home on the water, Victorian style. They had a wonderful selection of antique furniture and collections. I did pick up a piece of yellow ironstone (pitcher). I cannot recall ever seeing one in yellow. It only cost $5.00. So I brought it home and it is currently residing on my kitchen table (awaiting some fresh cut flowers).

Business at the shop is going well. It has exceeded what I thought we would do our first month. I am pleased with the response and feedback we have received from our customers. I purchased some material from the Coverlet Museum and plan to make some kitchen towels for sale. I have also been gathering Americana items to place in the shop soon.  Wow, I can't believe it is May already!!

Well, I hope everyone has a great week!

Blessings,
Becki