Amy Butler Sweet Harmony Handbag

A couple of weeks ago I was fortunate to receive a copy of Amy Butler's new Sweet Harmony Handbag and Tote pattern in the mail. I was so excited to start sewing! I decided to use vintage black and white wool fabric I purchased on Ebay along with black silk fabric I had left over from a previous job. As I spend most of my time making curtains and pillows, it was a treat for me to work on something a little different.

Here is Amy's version:

Here is my version:

Amy's bag included a magnetic bag clasp for closing. Since I did not have one on hand and was too impatient to wait until I could get to the store, I decide to improvise. Although it is hard to tell from the photo, there is a button on each side of the bag secured with a loop made from a macrame black leather cording.

I loved the fact the pattern featured a small (handbag) and large (tote) version of the same bag, as well as a plethora of customization options. I choose to not include the cell phone pocket but did use two inside pockets - one with a zipper and one without. Since the bag is interlined and interfaced in several layers it should stand up well to daily use. This bag is a great project for anyone looking to make a useful and stylish addition to their wardrobe.

I Can't Sell It All...

So, one of the biggest perks of being an antiques dealer is finding and keeping fabulous stuff for yourself. Then there is the trade~up benefit as well... You know, when you find something you like a "little" better than something you already have... I call it the rotation factor. Well, as always when I'm in Texas doing the Marburger show I treat myself to some fabulosities cause that's the mecca of such. Here's what I found...

I saw this in my friend Terri's booth (Garden Worthy) and hadn't decided whether to keep it or sell it. By the time we got home it had crossed into the keep column. Then it occurred to me how fab it would be for my growing necklace collection...




This spoke to me immmediately but I resisted. I can't believe it didn't sell. This awesome old "in memorium" piece was in my pal TOT's booth (Time Worn Interiors) and haunted me, if you will, until I had to strike up a deal for it. I'm sure my children will think it creepy if they ever read it but I adore it and am happy that it is now in my possession. Notice all the post-mortem references... Purely accidental...



What, another clock you say? It's an addiction I will cop to all day. This one came from my pal TOT's booth...


I found this little mirror in Warrenton. The patina is off the chain and I encourage you to click on this pic to enlarge and get the full effect.


I also found this cute little ironstone plate that has turned just the right shade of brown in Warrenton along with this wasp nest. Look at the pattern the egg sacks make on it. The seller assured me they are all dead, and so far so good...


I adore this ironstone lid in just the right mottled crazed condition...


I love funky junk. This old iron speaker spoke to me immediately. Isn't it the coolest?


I have looked high and low for a sugar bowl with the lid. Almost impossible to find, ya know? So imagine my delight when I found this one in TOT's booth in brown transferware...


This little wire and metal piece came from Donna and Franklin's booth at Marburger. I am using it cloche~style over a mini white punkin on a fab silver tray in my dining room...

WHITE WEDNESDAY~~BABY BOO LOVE

I adore white pumpkins... They only recently became available here in FL... I loaded up on these baby boo punkins when I saw them at my local grocery store... They are here and there among my treasures... Happy White Wednesday....

Bathroom Story in BH&G Kitchen and Bath Makeovers

Two years ago my husband and I finished our basement to include a bedroom, bathroom and common area. The photo shoots were done about a year ago and have recently appeared on news stands. The common area was featured in Better Homes and Gardens July 2009 edition and now the bathroom can be seen in BH&G's current issue of Bed and Bath Makeovers.

Kitchen and Bath Makeovers / Photographer - Bryan McCay

Stylist - Donna Talley, Regional Editor and producer for Meredith Publications

Although this is a small space, we really took our time planning every last detail - down to the vintage crystal door knobs. (not shown in photos) In fact, much to my husband's displeasure, we ended up changing every door knob and hinge in the house.

Kitchen and Bath MakeOvers / Photographer - Bryan McCay

Stylist - Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications

We wanted to create a bright environment as there is no natural light in this space.

We had to make several compromises because of costs including using a shower insert instead of tile and forgoing glass shower doors. To get the desired look, we used white sub-way tiles from the top of the shower insert to the ceiling, on the ceiling above the shower and on the area above the wainscotting in the front of the shower. We over calculated how much tile we needed and ended up using the left over tile as the backsplash behind the bar area. A happy mistake!

Kitchen and Bath Makeovers / Photographer - Bryan McCay

Stylist - Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications

Not being able to afford shower doors turned out to be a good thing as well. It gave me the opportunity to make the shower curtain which I really think makes the space special. Because this is a guest bathroom and not used on a regular basis not having doors really isn't an issue.

Kitchen and Bath Makeovers / Photograper - Bryan McCay

Styllist - Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer forMeredith Publications

I am very pleased with how the entire basement project turned out - bedroom, bathroom and common area. People who have visited have commented on how nice it is to stay and have asked to stay longer the next time. This makes all the planning and work worth while.

Happy Anniversary T!!!

My sweet friend T of Garden Antqs Vintage fame is celebrating the anniversary of her first post! And she's hosting another of her famous parties!! Go on over and get in on the fun! Tell her Sweet Pea sent ya!!

Thanks T for being such an inspiration to everyone in blogland!! You are a treasure!!

Hugs,

Shelley

WHITE WEDNESDAY~JUDY JUDY JUDY

Okay all you White Wednesday fans, hold on to your hats... It's the one and only Judy Hill... Judy Hill always puts together a phenomenal booth at Marburger... I love her style... I love how she mixes rustic and funky with drop~dead gorgeous... I just plain love her... Click HERE to see her blog.

The Home and Store Connection

It seems to follow that stores I frequent most often are owned by people whose houses I also admire. Such is the case of Christi Tacy and her wonderful store Genevieve's Home and Garden. Christi's front porch (shown above) and bathroom (shown below) were featured last year in Better Homes and Gardens special interest publications, Do it Yourself and Bath Makeovers, respectively. Perhaps the reason I love her home and store is that both feature a wonderful mix of old and new.

It is hard to believe but this bathroom in Christi's 165 year old home was once purple with a pansy wall paper border.

Many of the items seen in these pictures are from Christi's store.

Next month, November 6th beginning at 5 pm, Genevieve's will hold it's annual open house to start off the holiday season. Christi has graciously agreed to allow me to photograph and cover the event. If you are unable to attend, look for pictures here in mid-November.

Friends and Family

So it isn't all about the antiques at the Texas shows ya'll...It's a little slice of time when we get to see our dear friends and even make some new ones...


What did your mother tell you about that, Lauri?


Lovely Donna who sells with her hubby Franklin at Marburger.


There's Franklin now...


Somebody call security~~she's makin' a break for it... Oh wait~~it's TOT!


TOT and I wishing ourselves luck.


Buds...


Lisa (La Rustique Market), Teresa (Garden Antqs Vintage) and I in my booth...


Cat Daddy and a lovely prom attendee in all their finest...


The divine Ms. Deb...


Elvis was at the prom with a couple of honeys...


The infamous Dakota and Mr. Sweet Pea...


I spent the entire time yacking it up with Melanie of Seed Box Antiques.


Cat Daddy, moi, and Lady Deb...


Jon (French Vanilla) and Ludmil (Willow Nest) in a deep discussion...


Busted! Judy Hill and the lovely Ashley Ferguson who keeps the Marburger show running smoothly...