Monday, August 20, 2012

My ship has finally come in!

Last week was quite the grueling week on the ranch (meaning work). 
 I desperately needed a pick me up.


I love to walk to town on Saturday mornings to see what's new.  It's a two mile walk and I love having a destination to grab a coffee and browse the windows before my return trip.  

   My favorite new shop is Options Design and Consign
 I've had my eye on this ship for a while but really don't have a spot for it.  So great for a kid's room!

There's a pair of these charming lamps.  The color and delicate shape is much prettier in person.
  These would look lovely in my bedroom, hmmm....


Jennifer and her sister curate their finds from estate sales, auctions, and consignments.


It's so hard to find affordable art and options has a great selection of vintage and original works.


This little chinoiserie cabinet is lovely too


a great little vintage flush mount
 There are two tall skinny lamps at about 36" high.  I'd add a little drum shade...

 I don't even want to show you this cocktail set! 
 Slap me now before I run back for it.  The color and the caddy are gorgeous!



I reeeeaaallly like this little side table

 and great tufted couch,  just sit me down and bring me a cocktail in my caddy please. 
 Turn on Mad Men while you're at it!

cowboys, chaps, lasso, what fun!
Camels, anyone?


These guys would be great on a mantel.

Oh well, I didn't buy any of these things....


but this babys' mine...
 My Ship!
  It's a reverse painting on glass and I love it!
The colors are so vibrant. 
 Jennifer even let me take it home for a trial run.

I knew the minute I walked in I would not be bringing
 it back to the store.

I'm not sure where it'll end up and I can see from these pictures that my gallery wall sure needs re-arranging. 
 For now I'm having too much fun trying it out in different spots!


Reminds me of.....Lost Coastlines
And every night finds us rocking and rolling on waves
 wild and wide,
Well we have lost our way, nobody's gonna say it outright. 

Okkervil River 


Cheers!
May your days be filled with adventures, real or imagined.

Sunday, August 12, 2012

The Return of the King

I can't tell you the last time I saw traditional window treatments in a magazine.  It's been quite a while.   I thought I was done with the look of fussy, fancy valances over panels.  I find myself pleased as punch to see these traditional treatments in this months issue of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine.  


This kingston valance is not fussy at all!


Designer Jackye Lanham creates a timeless interior that's elegant, traditional, and oh so breezy in this Atlanta home.  

 Those are antique brass shipping stencils
Love the gathered valance over panels..nice, nice, nice


I am crazy about these bed drapes, so soft, cozy and dreamy....Ahhhh 
Please bring me some tea


What a cute little skirt!


 I've also been seeing a lot of sheers lately.  Is a return to classic, elegant traditional style on the horizon?  I like this cleaner, less formal look very much.

 via

For now I'm still hooked on the good old box pleated valance.
  It has the feeling of a good old suit or blazer to me. 
Timeless and Classic. 

 The box pleat valance is also one of the simplest treatments to make, great for the diyer!



Friday, August 10, 2012

Feeling a bit Bookish

 I antiqued this mirror to go with my old books....


 They go together so nicely!!!





my mirror is not quite as grand as this one....
via
a disheveled spot,
  so romantic...
I could powder my nose here for hours

Via
so lovely


  
via 

 I found so many diy versions of antique mirrors on pinterest

and there are slight variations in antiquing instructions, but most use muriatic acid sprayed and dribbled to remove parts of the mirror backing.

  I could only find the non-toxic type of muriatic acid and had a difficult time getting the more subtle result I was after...

 Don't get me wrong I still love the way it turned out, especially the paint color on the frame.  

I had to leave the acid on so long I lost too much of the mirror backing.  It was nuthin' a little gold paint couldn't cure.


For the frame I primed and then started playing with paint
I don't know about you, but I have many trial quarts of paint in the cupboard.



I used Martha Stewart, Heath and raw umber glaze.  It turned out a nice faded french green grey...


who doesn't love a little rub and buff on the edges 


maybe that's why i love these old books so much...
this golden greek had me at hello!


I love the intricate cover designs


Swords and armour, swoonworthy, swashbuckling goodness!


all the better tattered and torn


and aged like this one...


 What a great spot to spark the imagination


this one has a map of paris and a snake!






 Fencing anyone?



I love this spot!
Looking at these old books makes me want to gather specimens, press flowers, and have adventures!




I better get busy!


feeling a little vintage today....
Excuses - The Morning Benders