Unique Unique Design

We’re packing tomorrow…. heading out Thursday to set up.

photo bucket   photo by deidramarrio

For what,  you ask?

Fri. March 12 9 am–7 pm Happy Hour Party 4-7 pm Door Prizes, Live Music

Sat. March 13 9 am – 5 pm

Will Rogers Memorial Center 3400 Burnett-Tandy Fort Worth

Admission $7 Good Both Days Children Free Parking Free

$1 Off Coupon at

www.dollyjohnsonAntiqueandArtShow.com

Rare Exhibit – The Susanna Fuller White trunk, brought to North America on the Mayflower in 1620, will be exhibited at the show on Sat. March 13, 10 am – noon. Yes, the real Mayflower!

Sneak Peek at Show Blog Who the Heck was Dolly Johnson?

“First there was Dolly Madison, then Dolly Parton, then Dolly Johnson. Or was it….”

See the blog. www.dollyjohnsonAntiqueandArtShow.blogspot.com

2010 Benefit Booth Supports MAYFEST The Tradition Continues!

FOR THIS SHOW!

And this is the mess before the finished product.

Not pretty, but necessary.

Mayron’s off getting last minute plants. A friend is picking up the fresh flowers for set up Thursday. I’m still packing, cleaning, and getting last minute things done here, before the truck arrives tomorrow. It’s been awhile since we’ve done a show outside my house. I keeping doing the “I Dream of Jeannie” blink, but somehow nothing changes. Better go actually lift, move, and pack. Looks like the only way I’ll get anything done.

If you live anywhere within driving distance of Ft. Worth, come visit us. We’d love to see you. We will post pics from the show to let you know what was there.

Blink! blink!! Darn, still have to move that tall column.

Smiles!

There are so many wonderful old tables out there. Last week Mayron and I happened to be in the right place at the right time. We bought a 10ft. long white harvest table. How great is that! It’s long but very narrow, so would, also, make a great console type table. We will use it at the show we are doing (see sidebar on coming events) in Ft. Worth. It is always great to have a long table for set up at a show….I’m excited!! But, because it is in my garage until we load (ugh!) the trailer I can’t get a pic of it. I’d have to open the garage door and stand in the driveway to take it. Problem #1 is it is pouring rain outside. Problem#2 is my garage is frightening!! Once we get set up at the show, I will get a picture and post it.

In the meantime, I’m including some really nifty long harvest type tables. Do you have one? Do you love it’s versatility? There is just sooo much you can do with one.

Feast your eyes!

light locations

Love the 2 board top and long stretcher bar between the legs.

light locations

You could put a few grandkids at this one!

photo: joann coolidge    country living

The sawhorse legs are a great touch.

light locations

Not always do they have to be used as a conventional table.

light locations

Is this french country table amazing or what! And get a load of that long bench.

country home

All white and beautiful.

vincent wolf

The contrast of the old wood table with sparkly white retro chairs is a fantastic look.

photo: robin stubbert   country living

Use ‘em outside, too!

unique unique design

I love the long narrow table used on porch with cute barstools.

unique unique design

Not as long, but a great looking industrial table with metal legs and wood top, It would seat minimum six and probably eight.

It’s almost dinner time. Better go set the table.

Hope you get to enjoy a meal with family and/or friends.

We had fun today! Mayron and I went to Canton to attend LaurieAnna’s Serendipity Market. The Market was LaurieAnna, of course, and Patina Green. We saw some beautiful things and wonderful merchandising. Talent galore among all these ladies that work so  hard to set up for this.

On the long covered porch is where Kaci and Luann of Patina Green work their magic. This is one talented Mom/Daughter team. Their space has a very natural feel with the potted hyacinths bulbs, burlap, metal pieces, botanicals, old bottles, and dried and preserved plant life. See for yourselves some of their lovely wares in the pictures below.

Fabulous set of old botanicals AND look at that seed pod stem (not sure of correct name) in the left corner.

Pots, ducks, wooden crates and dried floral.

Cute iron bed with an assortment of linen, cotton, and burlap pillows. Aren’t those nickel plated cage lights with the old fashioned filament bulb just great. Because they are in the cage, they can be laid on a shelf somewhere you need just a touch of light.

Look at that fab old buggy with the wooden box filled with dried hydrangea.

Old bottles and books.

Another view of above pic.

Keep an eye on these ladies. They are about to reveal a surprise about what they are doing next. Can’t wait to hear! Continue to check out their blog, Patina Green, for the news.

And now for LaurieAnna’s shop and her amazing displays. Laurie and her husband and her team of very talented “girls” do such an incredible job setting up the shop and not wasting a bit of space. It is mind boggling to see the amount of merchandise they can make look incredible. You can find stuff for your garden, table, kitchen, bed, bath, the furniture to put it on, and the lighting to show it off. Wow! Take a look at some of it.

Lots to chose from.

Love the old marble top scales these cloches are on!

Chandeliers, glass, concrete, metal.

Santos and wonderful clock in background.

Looking down the hall to entrance to two rooms…note the papered ceiling.

Lovely crinkly canopy over bed with not one but three chandeliers.

So many choices!!

Get a load of these absolutely wonderful old seats and luggage racks from an old train! Laurie recovered the seats and they are way cool!!

Time to set the table and there is plenty here to get the job done.

I love that metal basket with the mercury pendant inside.

That’s our tour. Hope you got an idea how fun it is to go to this Market. We came home with a few bags of goodies ourselves. If you live in the North Texas area, you definitely need to check out and follow the activities of these two businesses. Love to hear your comments.

Have a great weekend!!

Red, pink, and white…the colors of Valentine’s Day. Pink softens the passion of red with the purity of white. It represents unconditional, nurturing love such as a mother and child. Or the romantic, caring, intimate love, that is associated with  Valentine’s Day and that special person in your life. Prisons have been known to paint rooms pink to place violent, aggressive prisoners in and amazingly enough, it has successfully calmed them down.

Pink is warm, soothing, soft, romantic, tender, happy, and relaxing. In design, pink is quite versatile. Lighter pinks have a softer more soothing feel as well as having a delicate, feminine touch. When a brighter, deeper shade of pink is used it brings more passion and drama and excitement. Want sophistication? Add black or gray in with the pink. A spicy look needs reds and oranges mixed with the brighter shades of pink. And, of course, green is a beautiful contrast when paired with pink.

Quite a few years ago we did a show at my house. The living room was done in whites (of course) and some grays (even back then we loved gray). The only color I had in the room was one container on the coffee table filled with large hot pink jaw breakers. Now, we have this crazy friend (that is said with love) who thought those jaw breakers were wonderful and she had to have them!! She could have gone to the candy store at the mall to buy them, but no. She wanted ours.   Every now and then the jaw breakers come up in conversation with her. To this day she still has them!!! And, of course, she uses them for display in various areas of her home. I don’t think it was the jaw breakers, per se, that attracted her and kept her attention, but the shock of color in a very neutral room.

A lot or a little, pink is a beautiful color. I think I need to go buy some pink tulips.

Some pink for Valentine’s Day….enjoy.

harlequin.uk.com

White, pink, retro.

harlequin.uk.com

Touch of sophistication.

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Stripes and checks.

romo.com

Beautiful patterns.

harlequin.uk.com

pink and modern

harlequin.uk.com

Great combo…green and pink.

photo jeremy samuelson   house beautiful

Love that touch of pink with the black and white.

harlequin.uk.com

Very feminine.

photo james merrell   house beautiful

Not too feminine, but soft and soothing.

photo francesco lagnese   house beautiful

What fabulous pink leather chairs!

photo thomas loaf   house beautiful

That pale touch of pink sets off the gray table and tall mirror.

Hope you have a little pink in your Valentine’s Day…or at least a little chocolate!!

Happy Valentine’s Day

I went to a friend’s house today. I always love going over there and seeing what she’s done. We met Lisa years ago when we were doing the flea market at Canton. She has been a loyal and enthusiastic customer ever since. Boy, how her house has evolved since our first visit there on a New Year’s Eve many moons earlier. Back then she was into red, amber, and black. It has under gone many transformations since. Each one topping the last. Lisa is tireless and blessed with boundless energy when it comes to rethinking and redoing her home.

Her aesthetic now is much more subdued. It’s definitely less is more with a cleaner, simpler style. She’s has moved to pale grays, white, and some black. Added to that is a touch of a beautiful shade of green in her drapes and accessories. Below are several pics I took while over there. I’m sorry they don’t do justice to what she’s done, but hopefully you can get an idea.

This was one of my favorite areas in her house, but unfortunely the lighting has a pinkish color to it. I loved her round dining room table surrounded with unmatching chairs. She had a settee, an old highback tufted white chair, and two gray cane back chairs with leopard print seats. On the floor was a black and white cowhide rug. Of course, I loved the glass vase with white branches held in place by old butterpats and creamers. The plates had a touch of green in them.

Her shelves filled with white and cream vases.

This wall is really a soft gray. Lisa hand did the texture and wallpaper look! Cute sign that leads around the corner and into the kitchen.

White washed denim slipcovered sofa. Love the pillows in black and grays and greens mixed with the pattern of the drapes in same colors. Keep in mind the walls are a gray color.

A crusty old statue, a plant, and a free standing tall mirror reflecting a window looking out to her pool.

A long table with a cool retro chrome and white leather chair. This is much closer to the true gray she uses.

Very frenchy bed in her master bedroom. I was backed up against a wall, so couldn’t quite get it all in the picture.

Hope you’ve enjoyed visiting Lisa with me. I will go back one day, hopefully with a better camera and attempt to do what she has done justice. Of course, if I know Lisa it will all be changed by then….maybe by the end of the week. Thanks for a very pleasant visit, Lisa.

Hope you get a chance to  visit a friend’s home even if they haven’t redecorated.

And thanks for visiting our blog. We’d love to hear from you.

A friend called me yesterday to tell me about some “happy” news for her. In the course of the conversation, she mentioned it was supposed to snow again by Friday! We live in Texas and just don’t see as much snow as some of you. This year, though, we seem to be seeing a little more than usual. I know it’s been colder than usual for here. Lots of warm socks, hot beverages, and fires in the fireplace to help warm our bones. Of course, we do live in Texas…..land of the “never sure what the weather will be doing 5 minutes from now”…..and thus have had some pretty pleasant days just recently. But, wintery days are what has inspired this post, and apparently the “Brrr” days are coming back.

The following photos have a winter look to me. Now, to change that up you could just add a vase with a leafy fig branch or a single palm leaf or a vase of tulips and “BINGO” spring! That’s what I love about neutral palettes…so versatile.

So if you’re going out wear your warm boots!

photo getty images    flickr

If you’re not then grab a cup of hot coffee…

photo  sam mcadam     homelife

…find a comfy chair with a good book to read.  Love the textures in this picture. The colors, fabric, natural elements just give this a “curl up on a cold day look”.

photo  sam mcadam    homelife

Probably wouldn’t hurt to have this guy laying on your feet either! Looks like a snow dog to me.

photo  richard powers    sarah kaye

A winter sky in the high desert as seen through a large window. Time to cuddle.

photo  joanna henderson    sarah kaye

It’s always good to keep stocked up on firewood and blankets and what better way to do it than great looking baskets.

photo  adrian briscoe   sarah kaye

Great way to serve snacks on those nippy days…. a weathered wood table, leafless branch and snowy white plates.

photo  Adrian briscoe   sarah kaye

How about curling up on a stack of soft white mattresses with a warm down comforter and your own hot water bottle wearing a cable knit turtleneck sweater!

photo  christine bauer.com

But, first nothing beats a hot bath on a freezing day.

We hope you can keep your toes warm. Enjoy the homey, cuddly, warm things of this season, because before long we’ll be sweating and trying to remember having to back up to the fire to chase away the goosebumps.

“WARM” wishes!

I just love using branches in interior design. In the winter, bare branches add such form to a space. And for the most part, they are FREE! Yippee! Tall, short, sparse or bushy, the choices are many. Gnarly old twisted branches add such texture and shape, but we’ve, also, used branches that are 2 ” or more in diameter that are straight as an arrow for a more symmetrical arrangement in a large long container. One large branch with just two or three arms can add just the touch of drama needed. When placed against a blank wall, it works in place of a piece of  art. Earthen jars filled with lots of small branches look wonderful lined up on a buffet…no flowers needed. How about a long twisted branch down the center of a dining table. Dress it up as the occasion calls for it. Paint branches and they can add a whole new dimension. They work as well in a nature inspired room as in a polished more modern room that needs that touch of warmth. Just as the choices of branches are endless, the use of them is limited only by what you can dream up. Do you like to use branches? We’d love to hear how you use them.

atlanta bartlett

Top photo using branches on a buffet. Bottom photo is simply putting smaller wispy branches in glass jars.

kimberly rider interiors 

The top photo is branches sculpted into art, a simple natural look. I love the bottom photo for its form. In front of a blank wall the branches in the vase almost look like a painting.

photo: matthew millman    california home & design  “the new vintage”

The wooden vessel filled with tall branches and moss is great center piece for a large table.

photo: from 1st option  chesterton road

The earthy objects with the leaning branch…minimal but warm.

villa collection  denmark

In the top photo, the large white branch almost frames the artwork. The bottom photo is set up for marketing their product, but once again the layout is fabulous with the huge branch on the left giving height to the setup. Also, the smaller branches in the vase almost look windswept…much more interesting than just straight up.

found on willow decor blog originating from covetable designs blog

The single branch finishes out this lovely alcove with the beautiful patina on the chest and wonderful shell. The colors are so serene.

 photo: unique unique design

A wintery look with white branches in white jars.

photo: unique unique design

Curly willow in a very large white vase.

This is only the tip of the iceberg, but it’s fun using these gifts of nature. BTW, I haven’t been lost in the woods looking for branches. Just a myriad of things going on.

Hope you have a little fun “branching out!”

We want to add a link to LaurieAnna’s blog. Laurie came to my house for a visit  before Christmas. We’ve  had the opportunity to get to know Laurie (and the great girls who work at her shop…actually we’ve known Monica for yrs) this past yr or so. It’s been a pleasure. She wrote a very nice post about my house, plus took some beautiful pictures with her new Nikon camera. Since she has won “Best in Show” for 2yrs at the Nutcracker Show in Houston, we are honored by the great things she said about us. Please go over to her blog and check it out.

Thanks Laurie!

I am so amazed at those who can keep posting on their blog during this time of year. It’s been a very busy month! We’ve had several groups of shoppers at the house, so now have some holes to fill. That’s a good thing! Took 2 of my grandkids to New Mexico to visit 4 others. Had fun with all the kids together. We decorated cookies, worked on puzzles, rode horses, played on hayrolls, got to play a little in snow and had a fun time with the gang! We did try (try is the operative word) to get back to Dallas on Christmas Eve day, so we could get the kids back for Christmas with their parents. Well, wouldn’t you know we picked the worst day of the yr. to travel. What should have been a 6 1/2 hr trip turned into just short of 16 hrs in whiteouts, snow and icy roads. We did manage to pull a couple cars out of the snow about 11pm. We got stuck in process, but got out and pulled them out. Thought we’d all be spending the night there as the sheriff’s dept. said they couldn’t come help for quite awhile. Here’s a couple pics of the fun things. Had to post these of the 2 little ranch kids. If you took them off that fat, furry little pony they’d look a lot older then their 3 & 4 yrs. old.

Jack rides around the round pen with one hand in air like a bronc rider. Then when he passes you he tips his hat!!   I never managed to catch the hat tipping with my camera, but it is so funny!  “Howdy Ma’am”,

Ellee looks like a teenager until you look at the horse and she’s only 4yrs old. Note the hand in the air in the photo on the right.

City girl’s first ride. She’s not real sure about all this. Photo on right…stopping the decorating for Mops to take a pic! What a bunch of little ragamuffins!

And just to show a few things that aren’t actually grandkid pics…..

These are some of the Christmas flowers we have used around the house.

Orchids in large glass container. We have a pair of these.

Paperwhites we started from bulbs.

Single white lily.

White lilies and paperwhites in acrylic shell.

And of course, the more traditional white poinsettias.

What type of flowers do you like to use this time of year?

Even though these flowers are gorgeous and our families are precious to us, the amazing gift of this season is the baby in the manger!

We hope your Christmas was wonderful! And if you celebrate Hanukah we hope it was too.

Since I have family coming in later this week, I don’t know if I’ll be back before New Years day. So, we pray 2010 will be a great year for all, with new lessons learned, and exciting things in store for us.  May God watch over our military and bring them safely home to their families.

Thanks to all who follow our blog and a Happy Happy New Year!!

Marcie and Mayron

I can’t believe how time is flying by. Before you know it, it’ll be hot again here in Texas. No not that! We have been really  busy with Thanksgiving, shopping for grandkids, shoppers shopping at my house, getting the house ready for shoppers, doing some fun stuff with friends, checking out great shows in this area, and the list goes on. Mayron and I went out to east Texas for Judy of J. Hill Designs Open House. Of course it was over the top wonderful. I managed to get a few pics there. Mayron has been to a couple shows I haven’t been able to go to because of other commitments. She enjoyed her trip to Winnie and Tulula’s Open House and, also, Primitiques Open House. So much to do…so little time. From the pics I’ve seen, it looks like both were beautiful. Below is a photo of 5 of several reasons why things have been a little hectic lately. Haven’t been blogging or reading blogs much in the last couple weeks, but finally posting something new. Since it “tis the season” am, also, adding a few Christmasy pics.

Not easy getting all 5 of these guys holding still long enough for the camera to record anything but movement!

This is a large twig chandelier over Judy’s dining room table. It’s decked out with aluminum tree branches, birds, and ornaments. Quite stunning in person!

Some funky metal columns by Judy’s sink in her kitchen.

Mercury trees and candleholders sitting on glass blocks at Judy’s.

This crib decked out with paper chain made from sheet music is sooo much cuter than the photo indicates. Very creative, Judy!

This display was on Judy’s island in her kitchen. Check out the old metal table. The “boy” on top was pretty tall. It was a great display!

Happy decorating and shopping!

We’ve been having small groups over to my house to shop, so we try to bring in some type of plant life for pretty touch. Our amaryllis have done great. They are the white with pink as seen in previous posts. As the flower starts drooping, I cut it off and put it in a clear vase of water. They are still very pretty and we get a few more days of life out of them. We, also, added yellow accents to my mostly gray and mirrors powder room. Yellow lilies and lemons in a rectangular battery jar added a lovely yellow touch. The silver beaded fruit adds a bit of sparkle…of course, these require no water or tending to as they are fake. Much easier to care for!. We have, also, started some paperwhites for the Christmas and the holiday season. They are not very far along yet. And for a bit of the exotic we placed orchids in large clear containers. They are really pretty, too. Usually their blooms last fairly long, so that’s nice. The test is if they rebloom! Anyone out there that knows any tricks to get them to bloom again? Would love some advice on that.

unique unique design

The pinkest tinge in this photo comes from the sunset casting it’s light through the window.

unique unique design

Please don’t eat the fruit!

unique unique design

Not all of the paperwhite bulbs have taken off yet.

unique unique design

Setting sun shining on orchid.

Hope you have some flowers in your life!