MONTICELLO eye candy

I may be partial, but I still think Monticello is one of the best antique malls in the Pacific Northwest...! As I was fluffing up my space today (of which I took no pictures, go figure!), I couldn't help but be inspired by so many wonderful displays...

Screen turned wardrobe

Last summer, I found a great screen for an even greater price, and made it mine right away... It was painted white, but I had plans to cover it with some beautiful vintage wallpaper I had been saving for just the right project. 

Once glued to the screen, I wanted to give the wallpaper a worn, faded look, so I brushed it with Ralph Lauren Sunfade Glaze (found at Miller Paint). I really love how it turned out!

Then, a few weeks back I came across a picture from an Anthropologie store, and I was smitten by an old screen repurposed as a clothes rack.... I realized I could do something similar with my screen! I had my husband cut a piece of curtain rod and attach metal hooks at the ends.

I love that I can use this as a portable wardrobe, at shows or even at home, and then put it away flat when not in use... And the screen can still be used as a screen!

If you don't have a screen, you could make your own, with old doors or even shutters.. Just make sure to use the kind of hardware that allows the doors to fold in both directions. And you can use just three panels, instead of four, like mine... It will just be smaller. Also, if I wish I can reverse it so the floral part is on the outside, depending on what side is viewed the most! This was a fun project and I hope it has inspired you to think outside the box!!

A marriage of whites

So much to love about this French country home... I guess I would call it poetic country style... 

 Via

Objets trouvés (and a visit to Clovis)

We spent our Christmas visiting my husband's family in Fresno, California. We had a wonderful holiday vacation, and the kids really enjoyed spending time with Grandma, cousins and uncles and aunts. I  purposely stayed away from activities that took me away from my family, but only asked for a couple of hours in Clovis, a darling little town nearby rich with antique stores and quaint restaurants.

Everything was beautiful but very pricey, but I did manage to find something I could actually afford: three old ledger books dated from 1893. I just love the handwriting!!!

With this cold and rainy weather, I have not been feeling like getting out to shop, but I did visit a local flea market and came home with a few treasures...

... sweet old trophy...

... floral hat box...

... old measuring stick...

... vintage children's linen book...

... old sconce (gotta love the chippy paint!)

... set of vintage children's cafe curtains...

... old crochet laundry bag...

... sweet baby dress...

... Old quilted teddy bear...

... vintage beaded purse...

... old baby dresses...

And finally, at a darling little local shop (which I featured here), I bought a couple of dried rosebud garlands... The owner also makes gorgeous floral head pieces that she sells for people who attend renaissance fairs.

A feature in Somerset Life

When, a few months ago, I was invited to be featured in the winter issue of Somerset Life, I could not believe what I was reading.... I have always admired this beautiful magazine so much and the possibility of being a part of it seemed surreal to me! I am deeply grateful and honored to have been given this incredible chance, and I am so excited the January issue is finally here!!! I literally could not stop shaking when I saw my story and photographs on paper!!

What a wonderful way to start my new year...! A few days ago I was challenged by a friend to come up with a word that defines what I wish, hope, want for 2011. Without much thought, the word that instantly came to mind was {FLY}. I want this to be my year to soar, take up to new heights, see the world from an unseen perspective, start a new business, grow, travel, explore new adventures, take risks, but also uplift my soul, feel closer to the divine, become a kinder, better human being, see the world with broad, wise eyes.... It wasn't until I started reflecting on the deepness of my word that I remembered something I had learned while helping my daughter gather facts about Oregon for a school project. The state's motto is:

She Flies With Her Own Wings

I think I am off to a good start....