Unique Unique Design

Was back in New Mexico with my daughter, Erin. We were at Casey’s “ranch” for more cattle business. We go there to help. Erin in the riding and round up department….me in the cooking and dishwashing department. It’s always fun to see a real working ranch in action.  Round ‘em up and move ‘em out!

Three days after we got home, we had some ladies come over to shop at my house. Mayron came a day early and spent the night. We managed to get it all ready. Had to bring in some new stuff, clean, and do flowers, etc. We enjoyed the time with these ladies. Two of them had never shopped with us before. One gal is renovating an old house, so was looking for merchandise.

These pics are a little random. Some from New Mexico and a couple from my house.

Grandson Mason doing his job.

Granddaughter Madi giving a shot.

Ellee and Erin and Jack and Erin watching from bed of pick up.

Birthday tulips from Casey’s family. Just in time for our ladies!!

Snacks to keep up your strength from shopping!

Wish you could join us for a snack, too.

Enjoy your weekend!

It was a beautiful day on Saturday.  Visiting our friend, Deanie, I got to check out the painting she has been doing on  the brick in her living room and sunroom for the last few weeks. She has wanted it white for sometime, but was meeting with opposition from her husband. There is a very cute story about how he finally agreed to the change. I won’t get into that now, but it is very funny. Since I made the trip over, I asked if I could take a few pictures. Deanie said sure, so I did. Now, I am in the market for a new camera, and I hope to come back and get better pics soon. Believe me the subject matter is fabulous!!

Deanie has absolutely wonderful pieces that are put together to perfection. She chooses everything very deliberately for the overall look. It’s frenchy with a touch of unexpected metal and updated with a few contemporary elements. Her home could easily be seen in Veranda.

Not sure why the shots came out with 2 different colors, but her living room and most pieces are white.  Note the amazing very old french table in front of the couch. The New Orleans  shutters are throughout her house. How about that pair of stunning urns on the columns. Her pop of color is with a Fortuny pillow.

Don’t you love the FUN “floral” arrangement in the old cast iron urn. It’s actually some type of cardboard packing material. It’s so unique, I love it.

A corner in her guest bath.

Her breakfast nook has a large metal table and simple old urns. She sits her 10 grandchildren here. The table is pretty indestructible!! The large mirror opens up the room. The iron fireplace piece filled with shells on the buffet is a finishing touch.

This is her formal dining room. She has a wonderful iron base table with a glass top and sitting on top is a very large (not sure what it’s made of) bowl. Again, more shells in a tall iron urn. Another beautiful crystal chandelier and Italian metal sconces flank the vintage mirror on the french gray buffet.

I’m not even going to get into what you’re not seeing! Hopefully one day with a better camera and some classes on how to use it, I can get pics of the rest of her house and whole rooms instead of snippets.

We have know Deanie for quite a few years now. She’s shopped with us (will let you figure out what pieces might be from us), and even worked with us on various things over the course of time.

Enjoy the little tour and please, we would love to hear a comment on your thoughts.

Smiles!

Well, I’ve been busy, but not exactly with selling, shows, and design.    I went to New Mexico and picked up my 4yr. old granddaughter, Ellee. She came home with me. We had lots of fun for a week. Between pedicures, movies, shopping, cooking, having her cousin for an overnighter, walks, stories, and whatever else could keep us busy, we had a very good visit. Ellee’s little brother, Jack, wasn’t real thrilled with not coming back with us, but he’s up for the next visit.

Here’s a few pics of our time together.

Jack when we are still in N. Mex. Not sure if that is his Batman or Spiderman pose?!

Auntie (my daughter Erin) with my 2 granddaughters Ellee and Riley.

I told them to kiss Auntie on the cheek and they attacked her!!

My daughter-in-law, Michelle with the gang.

On their trusty steeds!

Glam girls!  Actually, we are waiting for the movie “How to Train Your Dragon” in 3-D.

Excuse the red eyes!

It always keeps you young to run with the young crowd, but have lots of catching up to do.

Have a good one and hope you look half as “cool” in your glasses as these hip chicks!

It’s been busy. Have been working on floor plans for a new house. Mayron and I are trying to find the perfect fabric for a bedroom redo. In between, I have been desperately trying to win the battle of weeds in my flower beds. Sad to say I never win. As soon as I get one area cleaned out, more little weed plants start popping up. The best we do is keep them at bay for a short period of time. But, this time of year they (the weeds) are prolific little guys. We’ve had some beautiful days here, though, and it’s got me thinking of lovely plants and flowers. I really love various types of containers filled and overflowing with flowering plants and greenery. I, especially, love vintage ones. I have to confess, though, I’ve only gotten as far as finding pictures of some very pretty container gardens. So, that’s what I’m sharing with you….hopefully to spur me on to getting some actually planted up.

How about you? How’s your gardening going?

examiner.com

simplegiftsfarm.com

Love the shape and texture of these bases for the baskets.

agirliegirl.wordpress.com

whiteflowerfarm.com

Stunning!

photo: kerry michaels

davesgarden.com   kat’s container garden

Such a pretty pig!

davesgarden.com   kat’s container garden

Isn’t this fun?!

marthastewart.com

A very large container high above the street!!

marthastewart.com

Succulent hanging ball.

containergardeningforyou.com

Aren’t these shapes great?!

The “blues”.

Tropical

above 3 photos from  containergardeningforyou.com

Hope you are inspired to go plant a flower!  I am, but first,  I still hear weeds calling my name.

Enjoy the springtime!!

I’m home from the Warrenton/Marburger Farms shows. The weather was pretty fabulous for Texas and its unpredictability!. It was pretty windy one day, but the temps were pleasant and no rain or other crazy stuff… at least while I was there.

Missed having Mayron there, but had fun staying with Laura and Theresa. We always do have a good time. My daughter Erin came in late Monday afternoon. She’d not been there before. We got to catch up with folks you don’t get to see very often. Erin was impressed with Marburger. Of course as usual, there was amazing merchandise at Marburger, “Excess”, Zapp, and all the other tents and fields in the Warrenton/Round Top area. I didn’t take any pictures, but have found some pictures of the type of wonderful things you see down there. Needless to say the following photos don’t come close to showing the variety of what you’ll find. Maybe you can get just a little idea, though, especially if you’ve never been.

above photos from modern 50

There was absolutely wonderful industrial tables, all types of lighting, cabinets and shelving, signs, and accessories!!!!

above 3 photos from unique unique design

photo from olde good things

There is always lots of statuary, planters, urns, and fountains, etc.

photo  olde good things

Gorgeous architectural pieces are abundant.

above 2 photos   joanne  maclennan

photo   country french antiques

above 2 photos from rocaille galleries   found on country french antiques blog

The french, swedish, belgian treasures are more than drool worthy!!

I haven’t even touched on the incredible linens, fabrics, mirrors, furniture, vintage clothing, mid-century items, garden furniture and decor. Of course, there is always the quirky and unique things that you don’t find anywhere else.

I highly recommend planning a little jaunt down to Texas in  the fall if you’ve never been. You won’t regret it! (except, maybe the Texas heat! ).

Enjoy your Easter weekend! Thank heaven, He lives!

We have a few more pics from the show last week. These are from J Hill Designs’ space. Judy and Billy’s space had some really great merchandise. Judy had a lot of industrial and metal pieces mixed with her own “brand” of Judy. It certainly was a fabulous mix of textures, fabrics and patinas.  She hung wire pendant lights over a steel table sandwiched between tall metal columns. There was mirrors, wood, iron garden tables all softened by her own line of bedding and slipcovers. As always, Judy and Billy put together something WOW!

An added bonus to this show was having Mayron, Judy and Billy staying at my house for the duration of the show. Pete (my husband) always enjoys hanging with Billy for a little “guy” time. It was fun having everyone together.

I can’t believe I didn’t get her metal columns in these photos!

Some of her linens.

Aren’t the slipcovers on the chairs cute. I love the metal louvered pieces across the back!

Another angle showing a garden table. Look at that large metal box with the plants in it….lots of uses!

Great show! Great friends!

Hope your day is special!

We just finished doing the Dolly Johnson Show in Ft. Worth. It seems like it takes so long to prepare for a show with the planning, packing. loading, unloading, setup, reloading what’s left, unloading again at the house, then resetting my house.  And BOOM it’s all behind us. Well, not all. I still have to put my house back together. I’m thinking it would be a good time to repaint my bedroom while stuff is missing.

But, back to the show… We had a fun time, a good show, and saw lots of folks out there. We met some great new people and had lots of fun seeing “old” friends (not necessarily literally ) and acquaintances. We had excellent responses to our space design and merchandise, so that made us happy.

We want to say thanks to everyone who stopped by to say hi, wish us well, purchase something, and be a part of our experience.

Here’s the pics!

Lots of glass, acrylic, and white.

Buffet, olive jars, and acrylic lamps.

Glass lamps and crusty garden items.

Close up of some of the garden items.

Another close up of faux bois planter.

Slipcovered settee and acrylic columns.

A frenchy table with loads of acrylic containers filled with white flowers, acrylic chairs, and fan shaped screens (hard to see as they are acrylic,too). Not the best shot, as I was trying not to get the stuff that was part of the building in the picture.

That’s a metal flower floor lamp to the right…very unusual. Also, a fat, chunky, chalk lamp, and great plaster corbel.

Our good friends, Judy and Billy from J Hill Designs, also, were at this show. I will post their pics soon. They had a wonderful space.

Thanks for looking.  Let us hear what your favorite piece is?

Happy Day!!

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!!