The one where Dahlias look a bit like fireworks

A sweet customer brought me these this morning and when I put them in the vase they looked to me like bursting fireworks.
Happy Independence Day!

The one with the old books and things for bookshelves

A six year old friend of mine was visiting the shop the other day and he asked me why, if I love collecting this stuff so much, do I sell it? I explained that I really love to buy these things and I have a lot of fun doing it, but I also really love when someone buys stuff from me and it makes them happy. "So you are passing the happiness along." he said. Brilliant child.

I love old books, the smell, the color, the patina of a much loved novel, disintegrating leather. I've been amassing some great ones lately. They look great in bundles, propped on a table, or even in a bookcase :) Some collections of small books below.

Very old collection of Shakespeare's works. The antique box below is a salesman's sample of a trunk. Also something that would look great on a bookcase.

I love the marbling on these.

A well loved doll torso with legs, balancing on a flower frog, atop an old wooden mold.
These old print blocks are crying out for a mixed media collage, or pretty enough to just prop up on a bookcase. On the right is a fabulous set of - are you ready? Mousetraps. Numbered. Catch and release. If you have a large bookcase this would be an awesome touch.

The one with the summertime blues

I'm afraid my spring fever has turned into the summertime blues...I love it here in my shop but..

I also want to be here...

and here...

and especially here...

this looks nice...
I've only been back two months but I am already anticipating a fun trip here...
but here will have to do for now, and here is a perfectly good place to be...happy June!

The one with more sterling watch fobs and stuff

I've got some new vintage sterling English watch fobs in, and I believe I have matched them up with the best chain for each one. I make some of the chains, and some are already made, or vintage. On the far left is one I have been wearing for years, 1897, Birmingham, England Junior League, with gold links and a gold wedding ring I found, can't read the inscription, but it's from 1915. The one on the far right I am wearing today, it's very delicate but strong, for 100 yards won at St. Gabriels. One in from that is for a member of - are you ready - the mermaid swimming club! 14 and under, 1938. So cute! Click on the pics to see close up. Call or email for more information.

One of my pair of awesome vintage architects stools in original leather. I wouldn't touch it...

Cast iron vase that would have been used on a grave in France.

I love this vintage ladder used for hanging wallpaper, it's a great bookcase, or leave it empty.

My chick incubator/coffee table, with one of my amazing vintage Mexican school maps. I have about 10 left, and they are all different and I love them very much :)

iron pod candlesticks, simple and sculptural...

The one with the pictures of the Garden Party Open House

The garden party went smashingly, thanks very much!
Real grass on the table was a genius touch, if I do say so.My new white ceramics looked perfect.
And the potted plants were the cutest gifts!

Thanks to everyone who came in and made it a great day,

including a wonderful customer who brought a gift of rosemary,

roses from the garden, and lemons.

Such a simple gesture, but so me!

I love it when my customers "get me".

Now for my artichoke dip recipe everyone wanted:

8 oz light sour cream

8 oz light whipped cream cheese

8 oz grated real parmesan cheese

1 clove garlic

1 can drained artichoke hearts in water

red pepper flakes

put all but the artichokes in food processor and mix, add them at

the last 15 or so seconds so they still have some texture

serve with your favorite cracker, I like pita crackers

I hope to see you soon!

The one about the Garden Party Open House and Sale!

Mark your calendars now, The Spring Sale and Open House is just around the corner! On Saturday, May 9 at 11am we will have the shop decked out in Garden Party mode. It's the day before Mother's Day so we will have a wonderful selection of gifts and potted plants, small bouquets in simple vases, better yet bring your mom in and let her enjoy the atmosphere and pick out her own gift! Delicious treats and iced beverages will be on hand to keep you going. Come early, as fresh flowers will be limited. Everything in the shop will be at least 10% off, up to 50%.

The one about the stuff that smells GREAT!

I love Votivo candles! I've not found a line with so many scents that I love so much. My favorites are Fresh Tomato Leaf, Soku Lime, and Sea Island Grapefruit, but I have a much larger selection for all tastes. If you keep the wick trimmed and burn them for no longer than 2 hours at a time, as per the instructions, they should burn for 50 hours. The finest wax blend and rich fragrances, you don't even need to light them to enjoy the scent.

I love my Mill Valley candles too! The people (in Mill Valley, CA)who handcraft these are super nice and thoughtful about what they are doing. These are pillar candles, and not as highly fragranced for those of you who might not want a strong scent. My favorite by far is the Citrus Floral, with the Ocean a strong second. What I also love about them is they will make any scent in any color, so I offer the Citrus Floral in both cream and a lovely sea blue.

I also love Voluspa! I have their reed diffusers, as well as the travel tin candles. Favorite scent in this line is the Vervaine Olive Leaf, followed by Grapefruit Mint Cuttings.

I am IN love with Tokyo Milk Parfumerie Curiosite. Made by the same woman who brought you Archive Bath and Lollia, this new line is so delicious. These fun, flirty fragrances are destined to become collector's items. Beautifully packaged in vintage perfume bottles with a typewritten label, totally unique and completely adorable. The names are as exquisite as the fragrance combinations and blends, all crushed and distilled to perfection. I've got the all natural perfumes and lip balms, and patiently waiting for solid perfumes, candles and bubble bath in the same scents. Gin and Rosewater, 'nuff said.

Yet another wonderful line is Olivina Napa Valley, in original Olive, and Fig scents. Candles, lotions, bath gel, all natural and so moisturizing with very unique scents. These sell themselves and have quite a following here.The lotion, bath gel and dry oil spray I use at home is Grapefruit by Archipelago. It's a true grapefruit scent, not too sweet or overpowering. I've also got the candle, soap, perfume, and hand lotion. Ask me for a free sample when you visit.

That's it, all of my fav yummy scents. All are made in the USA, many of the companies are run by women. As you can imagine I get a LOT of samples and testers from companies wanting me to sell thier lines. I have tried all of these and can honestly say that I love them and stand behind them. If I don't love it, it does not make the cut. Interestingly enough, packaging is what first catches my eye, then the product, and the company and practices behind it. Now come on in and give them a try, perhaps you'll become a scent junkie like me!

The one with some of the new stuff from Texas

I love these reproductions of a garden diary from 1906.

The awesome dolls I wrote about in my last post. Above guy is mine, below are all that is left of them.

Maybe my favorite new thing from Texas. Chubby copper doll hand molds. I'll probably remove the steel case so they can twiddle if they like when I am not looking :)

An espresso cup and saucer from Laura Zindel. I just got a new shipment from her and am in love.

This journal is wonderful. I've got all manner of handcrafted tablets and journals with a very vintage feel. This little book ties with a ribbon and looks old and used but is, in fact, new.

I found a batch of someones watercolors and sketches of the uk from the 50's. He's got great little descriptions of the places and how he intends to paint them.
Happy spring! Oh, mark your calendars for May 9, my spring sale and open house. Garden party style...

The one where I am back from Texas Spring 2009, trip #5

Hey y'all, finally up to writing about our trip. As always, it was fun, work, and this time some drama. Tamara and I were much to busy socializing to take many pictures, so I'll have to paint a picture with words. Our first night in was 39 degrees, and we were tired from the flight (at least she was, poor thing had to get up at 6am and had a layover), so we settled in early to rest for a full day of shopping. Of course this is Texas, so when we walked out our door to the stalls they were still all closed up for the night. Yes, it was bitterly cold and windy, but some vendors didn't show up until noon! So much for getting out there at 9. Shopping was a blur all week, but the nights are not, interestingly enough, so I can only speak of those. We were ready to have a good time, and did so quite well. I had in my mind a mission to get out of my comfort zone in DT's booth and migrate to the bubble lounge, where they set up comfy sofas and chairs in the dirt and serve veuve clicquot, so civilized. We met the nicest people, as always. One night Tamara needed a real drink so we headed out to the Round Top Tavern, which was the scene of last years first night crime for me and Jess, the night which fairly ruined us for the rest of the trip. It was good, a few good songs on the jukebox and DT actually taught Tam a few things on the dance floor. I don't think she had ever 2 stepped before that. Back to the bubble lounge for another lovely evening. Some days after shopping we would stop at Matt and Nigels booth for some Kir Royales. One night into La Grange for some delicious Mexican, although half of us were dying from the cigarette smoke. I believe it was that night that love was in the air, must have been the warm texas eve.

Once again I will post my Facebook updates, it's like my diary, and helps me to look back and remember. In chronological order, I've omitted some to spare you :)

Colleen:
Is already in Texas in my mind, just need to get my flip flops in the pasture.
loves her new spinner luggage so very much!
Texas antique shopping day 1, both up at 7:30 feeling very perky, a very good sign!
bought new belt for my buckle that says "Wayne" on the back!
finally danced in texas. To the Clash:)
is finally in a sun dress and slowly wandering the fields
is enjoying a beverage on the veranda with a lovely warm breeze and good company
and Tamara are eating powdered donuts in bed
is sack lunch at Clutter!
is 2:47 in the am. Don't ask, I'm fine
is a rock star. Five hours sleep and out for our last day of shopping in a thunderstorm.
can't believe we didn't get a picture of the girl walking the baby cow!

On the way back to Austin, Frank (who will be driving our precious goods back), met us at his friends house. She is a fine artist with a white trash trailer on a patch of land in the middle of nowhere with the most interesting yard art, 2 forrest gump talking super sweet and polite 7 year old boys, farm animals, bad dogs and high on pot brownies. Anyway, I bought some of her wonderful stuffed creatures all made of found objects. I wish she had more, I'll have to go back in the fall to see what else she has come up with. You must come in to snatch them up before they are all gone.

Last trip to Texas I ran into an old friend from San Jose, who is now the most excellent picker and the ONLY person I would trust to buy for my store besides me. That's saying a lot. Anyway we are back in touch and he offered to bring our stuff back, since he was driving back anyway, no sense in me and Tam driving as well. Well, we started getting worried as the week wore on, Frank was a little worried about not having enough room, I don't tend to panic but was cautious with my purchases. On Saturday I got a call from a very cranky Frank, who was not having a good time picking all of our stuff up and trying to make it fit. Miss Tam was in a panic, texts were flying back and forth. Long story short thank goodness for Matt and Nigel, who helped him repack the truck and actually Nigel is on his way out in an additional truck to bring our stuff (and other peoples) back to California. You are amazing gentlemen, and I will not forget this. Frank, I am sorry you had to go through it, I won't make you do it again and I appreciate all of your kindnesses and generosity in Warrenton and Austin. You're a good man. I have no idea what happened, I didn't think we had that much stuff, I guess we shall see when the trucks arrive. Will there ever be a trip without drama? I also need to thank Clark, who offered to store the things I bought from him and Charlie and Kathy, who let us stack our smalls in their booth. I love you guys!

Since I didn't get many pictures of what we bought, (no idea what happened there, I guess I like a surprise when the truck shows up), I am posting my list that I faxed to Frank. I'm very proud of myself, he only could not find one booth, and I had taken a picture of it and the things around it so I could direct him from here, and I knew the dealer had been a kindergarten teacher, so he kept asking people if they used to be one. I will say that I am excited about every piece, it's all wonderful and I can't wait for it to get here - I'm hoping for Friday but Frank might take a spa day in Scottsdale and I just have to let him :) The pickups start at one end of the road, and go for maybe 1 or 2 miles, just to give you an idea. This is the list I gave to my friend Frank, who is collecting and bringing our goodies back:

Colleen shipment Spring 2009
*MARBURGER tent A
1. Fishnet sculpture 6 x 2 x 2’
2. Gazebo wooden 18” x 24”
3. Metal table base 5 x 3 x 3’
4. Blue leather topped footstool 1 x 1 x 1’
5. wooden desktop easel 1 x 1’
*MARBURGER tent Bcb you saw me there
6. architects stool
7. architects stool
*COLES spot #123 si quaeris @ Texas and Cole sts
8. small green desk 3 x 3 x 2’
*COLES Yolanda @ Jim and Waco sts
9. painted bookshelf 6 x 1 x 3’
*EXCESS – Clark, my boyfriend
10. Butcher block 3 x 3 x 3’ (might need help)
11. playground step
12. small funnel
13. small grey gateleg table
14. grey bench
*EXCESS – Matt & Niggy Nutters
15. cowhide in burlap bag, iron pulley bottom of bag (on truck)
16. wooden railroad crossing sign
17. H-E-B bag of goodies, antlers, turtle shells, rosewood box, priceless stuff
18. 3? tennis rackets in holders
19. very small iron black stamp holder
*Bar W field – at 2nd fork in road on right/porta potties on leftsign in middle says “Nebraska glass and primitives” and looks like it’s pointing at them, they have a white tent
20. pine tabletop desk w/stuff inside
21. blue bookcase 3 x 1 x 3’
22. green 6’ bench*Tin star field – Hector 2nd booth on left (carnival rides)
23. blue grey shoe rack 5 x 1 x 3’
*Renck Hall (in front of hall look left)
24. blue primitive bench 4 x 1 x 2’
*Zapp Hall tent (to left of Zapp hall building)
25. make do pine desk (very light you could pull in back of zapp hall and run in to grab. From front of tent she is in the back righthand corner)
*Zapp Hall restaurant (on the left, I showed u that night) Big Jim and Debbie York (hi guys, thanks for the hospitality, you are wonderful!)
26. painted primitive work table 10 x 3 x 3’ (2 guys)
27. pine table w/drawer 5 x 3 x 3’ (2 guys)
28. pine lovely delicate shelf 5 x 4 x 1’*Kathy and Charlies booth (you met him, with light table) on left behind blue house
29. small white stool/box
30. pair red corbels 2 x 2’31. red bench 3 x 1 x 1
32. small grey box
33. medium grey box 2 x 1 x 1
34. ceramic white light fixtures? Inside one another
35. orange cart 3 x 2 x 3
36. orange cart # 2
37. Mennonite bench
38. Mennonite bench #2
39. bag of pillows
*Missouri girls (next isle to your right, across from virgin saints and sinners) up porch to open side door
40. white side chair (please tell someone you are taking it, they know u r getting it)
*At the end of the row, after Joe, look to your right, past the next isle and down into the field. Rusty guys behind legal tender
41. 4 tiller blades
42. enamel tub
*back out on the highway, same direction, across from 3rd base bar and next to the creek, booth out front
43. rolling shoe rack-blueish
Yayyy, all done! Thanks Frank! Have a safe and relaxing trip home. I hope to see you by next Friday.*Rusty springs and sieve in your trunk*kewpie doll headless bodies*additional doll part molds*possibly a wicker basket if I left it at Clarks or the boys space
The booth Frank couldn't find...

The field next to where we parked...

The one where I'm off to Texas again

On Friday I'm off to Texas for the BIG antique fair. This will be my 5th trip, and I am excited, as always, to see all of the good friends I have made there. Of course I am super excited to see what great finds await me, that's the whole purpose of these excursions, right? I'll so miss going with my good friend Jess, but she's a newlywed and now expecting a sweet baby (yayyy!) so I'm bringing our good friend Tamara for her first visit. I've been busy getting the store in order so you can still come in and shop and Kate and Dawn won't have too many questions for me. In the meantime enjoy these lovely images of east Texas that I have taken. See you when I get back!

The one with the recent new finds

Just a few new things: old beautiful books are flying out the door. These dollhead molds are amazing. Below is the new Laura Zindel handmade ceramics, I love her stuff so much! I've sold quite a few pieces already so she is making more for me. She has a thing for insects, but also does botanicals and birds. Also available is her line of microwave and dishwasher safe dinnerware made in upstate New York. I will have a set here so you can see that every piece has a different variation on a theme.

These are old printing plates for some sort of gambling games. They have been mounted and are now art.

Also a great pair of very old German wooden suitcases. Big and beautiful.

A couple of newly recovered and restyled upholstered pieces. Wing chair is covered in a great tiny cotton check. Beautiful sofa in the most wonderful linen, down cushions. Both of these are a small scale perfect for smaller older homes.

Cherry standing secretary desk. Circa 1810, American. This piece is sooooo good.

This is just one of 5 huge vintage Mexican posters from a school, there are maps and all sorts of wonderful teaching tools. I think the fonts and the colors are so great.

An old milkman box. You set the dial and he sticks your purchases in the back. Cool.

Another of my wonderful clocks by the artist I found in New York. This is called "shattered".

I just love manzanita, and my good friend Tamara gave me a nice big branch when I was up at her store in Auburn, helping her rearrange and merchandise. Below is her new front window display. Clearly I had a little bit of a hand in this, all whites and creams. The rest of her shop is much more colorful. Her stores blog is here. She's going to Texas with me next week for the antique fair. It's her first time, I'm so excited to see what she finds, and hope we don't end up fighting over things :) Just kidding, Tam. I walk the fields alone a lot, so we should be ok, plus she loves color, and well, I don't, unless it's the perfect faded red or blue...Will post my great finds as soon as I get them.

The one with even more stuff on the auction block

New addition to the auction. This is a reproduction piece that I used it as my counter for quite a while and now my candles are on it. 4 drawers below and open storage below that. A bargain starting bid of $650. Retails for $1500. measure 6' wide x 80" tall.

I can't believe I forgot the Austrian desk. It's a marriage of 3 parts, quite old and very well loved, but super sturdy. Was $1625, bidding starts at $950.
March 19, just updating some things here and below. You still have 12 days to call or email a bid in if you can't come in yourself.

The one about Texas and the silent auction at the shop

Hi, so I leave for Texas in 20 days for the big antique fair centered around my favorite haunt Zapp Hall. I'll need some space for my fabulous finds when I get back, so I'm implementing a silent auction on some great pieces in the shop that need a new home. This is how it works: I've placed bid forms on the items up for auction. The starting bid is way below cost. You will be called or emailed on April 1st if you are the high bidder. Daybed - SOLD

Vintage potting table with gazebo attached SOLD The wonderful 1953 bullfighting poster I bought on my first trip to Texas antique fair - SOLD

My gorgeous circa 1880 paper mache over wood Madonna. I love her. Still available...

A lot of customers got some really great deals, much more than this sold. Feel free to steal the idea if you leave more than 50 miles away, just be sure to give me credit :)

The one about the fabulous wedding trunk show

Saturday went quite well, I think. Lots of very nice people, both buying and selling. Erin Adams of Eadams Designs brought the most exquisite arrangement (which I did not get a picture of, must have gotten sidetracked), and this tiny creation with ranuculous'. It's ridiculous how many peoples favorite flower is the ranuculous. Needless to say I think she has many new fans. Reach her at eadamsdesigns@gmail.com.

The vintage wedding toppers were a hit, as well as Stacey Costellos cake topper boxes.

Alice Riordans vintage costume jewelry was the biggest seller. I think every vendor bought at least one piece from her.

Camille made the linen lovers very happy. She sold many many sets of napkins, as well as amazing tablecloths, but still has more. Contact her through me if you want to set up an appointment to see them.
Mini heart topped cupcakes and champagne punch. Can't go very wrong there...

These pictures were taken by me, but my new friend Linda, of Wink Photography, took some amazing shots and posted them on her blog (click here to see).

The one with the preview of the wedding trunk show stuff.

How awesome are these, vintage cake toppers from a private collection, now for sale? There's about 25, so you should be able to find a happy couple that looks like you.

I don't think I'm getting married anytime soon, but you might still have to fight me for these two :)

From Katie Baker, amazing ring pillows, she uses vintage fabrics and embellishments, and actually made the flowers on this one. Each one is a work of art.

Katie also made these super awesome lingerie and shoe bags, you really have to see these in person to get how great they are. The rest of the goodies will be here this Saturday, along with the artists. Be sure to visit even if you are not the one getting married, as we will have gifts for the happy couple too.

The one with the doll factory molds

I feel like the luckiest girl in the world that these amazing beauties get to live in my shop for a little while until they find new homes. Direct from a doll factory in upstate New York, these copper molds are in untouched verdigris condition and still exactly how they were on the plates when they were pumped with latex for someone's new baby doll. There are only 2 racks, each with 9 heads.
Another great and very unique object d'art, 9 stages of the ovum, from 1941. Little sculptures of joy!

This is just one of the amazing light fixtures made from old rusty parts by Joe Romero, a local guy. These are so well thought out and every detail is perfect. Note the shadow this casts on the chest.

The dollhead is separate.









Below are beautifully painstakingly made spheres, and Saturn, made from the stays from old wine casks. Maurice Connolly, another local artist, even makes his own rivets to keep things in place. Hang inside or out, or just leave in the garden.

Hands have a story. The one is off of a statue in Israel, after someone decided the cartoony-mickey mouse like character should have only 3 fingers and a thumb, and it was replaced with such.

The glove molds are still on the original base that was used to dip into the rubber. The size of this art is awesome.









I have a pair of these lovely concrete lions with pedestals. The patina could not be more perfect.

The one with the Rae Dunn wordstones

Did you know that the wordstones are back? Rae put them on hold for a while to build up a longing for them and they are back bigger and better.
live, laugh, love, hope, adore, calm, dream, wish, peace $6.00 each

The one where I am inspired by artists at the New York international gift fair

I'm back from New York, the gift fair was pretty great. 3 whole days of 9 hours of shopping and I did not even finish looking. I blame it on the handmade section and all of the super creative and talented artists there. I spent way too much time studying every little detail that the collage artists, and other artists put into their work. Amazing. These photos are from all different artists. It's kinda like they raided my shop for all of the little vintage goodies used.

It was so inspiring, and I realized I need to take the shop in a different direction. Not away from what it is now, but more towards my original goal of handmade art and lots of my own art. I always have so many ideas bouncing around in my head, and lists of projects to work on, and I know I have all of the materials needed to incorporate into my designs. I have been amassing them forever, with stashes of paper and tidbits of fun that aren't much on their own, but will someday be a special work that hopefully will go to a good home and make someone happy every time they see it.

The above collage is by an artist in Fredericksburg named Joni Ulman Lewis. She had a great one titled "harold and the purple crayon" that I loved.
This "ladder" collage and the clock beneath it are by Debra Dressler, from Minnesota. She was so into her work, every little part had so much meaning to her, and every piece was like her child. The bingo clock and 3 other super cool clocks should be here in the next couple of weeks. Below is a wonderful collage by Clare Goddard, from Finland. I loved her work so much and she had hundreds of collages to look through. Sadly I had to step back and not take any, because I just couldn't shell out what they really were worth.
This page below is by Kim Smith, a San Francisco artist. I have some great collages and artwork in cute metal frames on ribbon by her coming in. She also wrote a book filled with pages just like this with the best stories. This chick is funny and a great writer.Below is a diorama by Christine originals. She makes many of the teeny tiny people and objects and mats and frames them beautifully. I only purchased one of these, so far, called "leaving home". It's black and white, with a young girl headed down a long road, and her dog by her side. I have no idea why it made my cry and I had to have it.

I am super stoked about this artist. She used to live in San Francisco and now resides in Vermont. I've ordered some amazing handmade dishes and vases and can't wait to get them in! You'll have to wait until they are here to see the artist, a good shopowner has to protect her sources :)

Last but not least another San Francisco artist who makes jewelry from recycled items, like bingo balls, guitar picks, and pocketwatch keys. Amy Pfaffman is super cool, and I'm excited about ordering some stuff from her, some for you, and some for me.

The one about the vintage wedding trunk show

a bright idea...

A customer and I (ok, mostly her) came up with a great idea after I found out she had amassed enough vintage linen tablecloths and napkins to use at her wedding for 200 guests. A trunk show! And because I'd like it to be a little more diverse I am inviting anyone who is so inclined to send me photos of your wedding-related stuff that you would like to sell. Jewelry, cake toppers, vintage or antique whatever. Of course I am extremely picky about what comes thru these doors so please bear with me. A vintage theme is the goal, but if it's handmade it does not have to be old. So here is the call, gather your crafty friends together and send me an email.

Update: The date is February 21, a Saturday, right after Valentines Day. Stacey Costello will be bringing her wonderful cake toppers, ring boxes, etc, made with vintage ribbon and such. Katie Baker will be making ring pillows and other beautiful gifts using vintage hankies and linens. I will definitely be making something, I have all sorts of creativity bouncing around my head right now :)

By the way I wish a very happy, healthy, prosperous new year full of good people to you!

The one with the excellent champagne punch recipe

goes something like this:

2 bottles of bubbly

2 liter of ginger ale

64 oz mango passion fruit juice or your favorite juice, fresh citrus if you like

citron vodka to taste (at least 1/2 of a fifth)

pour over ice

if you have a liquid dispenser just throw it in and let guests help themselves, it stays sparkly for days

The one with the picture of Bergdorf Goodmans holiday window

Ok I rarely do this, but Claudia at the Paris Apartment took some amazing pictures of the windows in NYC. To see more, click here, and here. Happy Holidays!

The one with the recipe for the chocolate peppermint pretzel sticks

This actually is much prettier on the long rod type pretzels, but I wanted smaller treats for the shop candy dish.

pretzel rods

good chocolate chips (I used Ghiradelli 60% cocoa)

candy canes

waxed paper

Crush the candy canes in a towel in their wrappers, or use a food processor. You want small bits rather than powder, put them in a dish with a spoon. Spread out a large piece of waxed paper. Melt the chocolate chips in a pyrex bowl in the microwave for 30 secs at a time. Take care not to melt completely, just get warm enough to cook them in their own heat. This way you don't have to temper the chocolate. Stir it a bit and then dip rods into it, rolling off excess on the side of the bowl. Spoon peppermint over the warm chocolate one at a time, and rest on the waxed paper. The chocolate will harden in the bowl with time and you might have to start with a fresh batch. Although, if you put hot milk in the hardened chocolate you can still enjoy some delicious cocoa. This is it! If you want more decadence you can repeat with the already covered sticks and put some sea salt on there to balance the sweetness. They look very pretty in a short glass, or you can wrap individually as favor or small gifts. Enjoy and Happy Holidays!

The one with more pics from the Summit showcase house

More pictures taken by Raya Carlisle of my room at the Summit showcase house, I love this window so much, and these romans I did I think add just the right amount of softness without taking away from the fabulous architecture. They are done in one of my all time favorite fabrics, very soft cotton stitched with tall diamonds with stars inside of them.

I love this view through the looking glass. The topiaries looked so good that they get to live on the armoire now. Also love love the apple green silk ruffled bedskirts I did. Not my typical style but this room could certainly handle them and so they get to stay in the room too.

I found this great vintage church just in time to place it in the room. It's wooden with plaster paint and some of the plaster is coming off so it looks that much better. It's lit from within and has stained glass windows all around. It's for sale in the shop right now.

For more information on the homes and designers that were in the tour, check out this website - lookiloos. And last but not least, the whole reason for the homes for the holidays tour is to raise money for a good cause. I have heard from a little bird that it looks like about $125,000.00 was raised for PACE. That is such great news! I am so glad that so many people came out to take the tour. Thanks!

The one with some pics of the Summit League Homes for the Holidays Room

I have some photos of the "home for the holidays" showcase room from Raya, via flicker. The big files are on the way so I thought I would just tease you a little bit at a time with some of her pieces of art (her photography) of my pieces of art (my design). There are sooo many great photos. If you can't wait click here.
This room was very personal to me. I used the homeowners armoire, but I brought in the rest, much of it from my private collection like the teeny tiny antique bibles, family photos and toys. I absolutely love the way it turned out. Might be a bit old-fashioned but the room was titled "A childrens vintage Christmas", after all.

The little photo is my Uncle Craig on Santa's lap, beautiful cookies from the buttery.
My grandmothers gloves from when she was a wee baby. Monogrammed on the buttons, of course. Genevieve Cathleen Abels.

Ann, the homeowner, let me borrow some of her very well loved baby dolls.

This bunny has a home in the shop for now, but wouldn't you like to give her a forever home?

The one with my happy place

Now that the majority of the parties are attended and thrown, the christmas trees are decorated, and the showcases are over, I feel I can relax a little. Now that winter has finally arrived in Santa Cruz, (only 53 degrees at noon!), this is my current happy place where the mineral water is heated to 102 degrees http://www.indianspringscalistoga.com/ . Until I can get to Mexico.

I have many great things for sale and more on the way, so if you want to help the economy and my well being please come on in and see what you can find. I'm thinking about attending the New York International gift fair next month (because somebodys gotta spend some money), so I am gearing up for cold weather like I have never experienced in my life and never thought I would ever have to, or want to. Should be fun and I'm pretty excited about the great things I know I will find. If I can get to my happy place I'm thinking I can soak up enough warmth to get me through New York. I hope you are all keeping warm and cozy with happy holiday thoughts and you are certainly welcome to borrow my happy place.

FYI the white deer head has a new home, the life size paper mache Madonna fom mid 1800's is $1800.00.

The one with the sneak peek

I have been so hard at work on the Homes for the Holidays showcase. I absolutely love the room I did - the grandchildrens bedroom. Here is a sneak peek and soon I will post professionally taken pictures by Raya Carlisle. In the meantime click here and take a look at the amazing job my friend Stacey Costello did on her room across the hall.

The one with the fabulous gift ideas

Back with more gift ideas. My scarf supplier came in today with some fab things. These are all made with wool, or wool and silk, in India. They are hand washable or dry cleanable and super super soft and warm, not itchy I swear. This one above is so much fun, it's two scarves quilted together.

Nice big pashmina-type shawls in great colors.

Lightweight sheer-ish striped long scarves

Yummy colors in polka dot scarves

These are actually hemp, from a local company, and dyed with bilberry, oak leaves, and oregano
Did you know I carry the Match pewter line? I love the patina and scuffs that come naturally with even the new things. This is definitely a great gift for someone who has everything.
Juliska has a new line of white and burnished dishes. This is one of four designs on the to die for dessert plates.
These paper letters from an old game are great for gift tags.

A myriad of possibilities.

The must have scent of the season, Thymes Fraser Fir candles and soaps
Yummy Olivina candles and bath products in olive and fig

Framed vintage needlepoint dogs, so cute and warm

Framed antique bug prints on a lovely teal-y twill

Antique botanicals on linen mat
And just for fun, a super cute googly-eyed salamander that was in my plants outside!

The one with most gift ideas under $40

Yes, times are tough but they will get better. Until then I am posting some gift ideas from three to sixty-six dollars. Above are a few of my great preserved boxwood topiaries in concrete planters at $85 each. Preserved, so you can not kill them. And classic and lovely as well...Votivo candles in paperwhite narcissus and newberry holly, many other scents too. $15 and $27

Yum yum yummy all natural perfumes in scents like "gin and rosewater". $32

Rae Dunn ceramic soap dishes/catchalls with crown or hand stamp. $13

the best notepads ever! 2 pads $10

the best mini notebooks, more designs here. $3

locally handmade antique sheet music garland $17 for ten feet.

mercury glass and iridescent glass votives $9-14the gosh darn cutest felted fair trade ornaments $11-15
my newest super cute and soft line of sock animals $19

children must read the classics, here are a few. $20more classics from Munro Leaf $8.95

wonderful cards from local artists, photo and letterpress $5

huge (60 x 78) super soft cotton throw blanket in many colorways $58If you have ever been in the shop than you know I love these juice/wine glasses from Juliska, dishwasher safe yet super delicate looking and such a great gift.

More gift posts to come, I hope I helped! Next week when the economy is all better ;) I shall post some gift ideas for those people you know who have been really very good this year.

The one with the Dominican Hospital Holidays d' Eleganz fundraiser Christmas tree

Today was the day I trimmed the tree (theme is natural history) at the cocoanut grove for the dominican hospital fundraiser. This idea was my friend Meagans, I had this old natural history book that I wanted to use and she suggested opening it and having a critter be reading it. It turned out so cute! The chapter is called "some wonderful spiders", and is written by Charles Darwin.

Almost done, I'll go back in the am for touch ups. I made the garland today. Little specimin labels with frogs and alligators (yes, there is an alligator in my tree) and ostrich's, what thier natural habitat is, where it was found, etc. Super cute! I hope it goes for lots of money!

update 11-21 here it is in all of its glory! I really love the way it turned out, and the dominican guild members and volunteers did a great job matching it up with some great gifts. It was so nice to see everyone looking closely at all my hard work and really "getting it".

The one where I get crafty

Somehow I found a few minutes to be crafty this week. These are some sort of old wooden foundry molds that I've attched vintage flower frogs to for a cute picture display idea.

A couple of vintage cows (I love cows!) that are now sculpture on these old molds/stands.
I found some more fabulous antique medals in Texas and paired them up with these sterling chains to make one of a kind necklaces. Some of them can be monogrammed for a personalized gift. I've already sold some, so hurry in if you don't want to miss out.

The one with the before and after paint job

I am so excited to be decorating a room in a lovely Victorian in Los Gatos for The Summit League benefit. All proceeds go to the Pacific Autism Center for Education (PACE). The homes will be open on Thursday, December 4 and Friday, December 5 from 10-4 pm. My room will be the grandchildren’s bedroom, and I am calling it “A children’s vintage Christmas”. I was lucky enough to be able to work with the homeowner, Ann Atkinson on this room. It was her daughter’s bedroom and since she now has her own home and family Ann was ready to make a change. Below are the before and (in progress) after pictures. I have picked many paint colors in my life, but this room in the new blue (benjamin moore 847, sweet dreams) and cream (benjamin moore 943 spanish white) scheme is truly one of the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. The room itself is magnificent, the corbels are Queen Elizabeth with a strand of pearls. This house has amazing Victorian architecture and details. There are 3 wonderful homes on this tour with about 40 designers working on them. Tickets are $40 in advance, and you can purchase them at the store. Information hot line is 408-494-9225 or go to http://summit-league.org/ticket_info.php.

I am also honored to be decorating a Christmas tree for the Dominican Hospital Foundation Guild fundraiser “Holidays d’Eleganz” at the Cocoanut Grove, http://sites.google.com/site/dhfguild/ . This is a 2 day event with a fashion show and lunch on Friday, November 21, and dinner and grand ball with an auction on the 22nd. It will be fabulous with wonderful donated gifts and you can purchase raffle tickets to win one of the amazingly decorated trees, all done by local florists and designers. The theme of my tree is natural history, so you know I'm going to have fun with it.

Also, the Sunset Idea House in Monterey is open until December 7. Hours are 9-4 Friday, Saturday and Sundays. http://www.sunset.com/sunset/marketplace/article/0,20633,1708721~844996,00.html I’m thrilled that they chose to use quite a few of my antiques in the home but besides that it’s just a pretty fabulous piece of land and home filled with great ideas.

The one with the cool super close ups

Yes I went nuts with the macro mode-
amazing what people did to make do: plate breaks, mend it. a lovely image from an antique lithography stone old chippy paint

a little section of furniture fastening:

some pegs in my swedish table

dovetails on a pine trunk

dovetails on another pine trunk

just look at the circular dovetails on my crock hutch!
crazy curved dovetails on the swedish armoire

alligatoring on an antique dresser

an antique alligator

The random one with the bingo balls

Love the macro mode on my camera... My new crock shelf I love love love so much I can't explain exactly why. It just speaks to me.

The fabulous metal dental cabinet I bought in Texas LAST YEAR and finally brought in.

vintage crow targets found in Mylissa's Garden. A cute addition to my Halloween window.

The one with an ode to my butcher block

I'm in love with my butcher block, found in Texas by way of Nebraska. Lovingly made and thoroughly used, it's ready for a million meals more. BTW it's not my butcher block, I own it but it resides in the shop until you take it home :) Local delivery is available.

The one with the cute boys in Texas

Couple of fun pics of our trip. Just the first night, because after that we were so sick and all of the pictures are so sad, like we are really trying to fake feeling good. This is the lovely Gary, who lives in Utopia, Texas, and is now single, ladies. I believe my leg was there because I was saving a seat for someone.

Jess and Chicago Joe, about 2:30 in the am, before they let her drive the golf cart.

Is this not a beautiful hunk of man? Don't look at me, look at Clark. He gets better looking every time, it's really not fair.
This is Caroline, she was hit by a car and lost her leg and eye. We so wanted to take her home.

Now time for my shout outs to my Texas (and kansas, oklahoma, missouri, nebraska, I hope I am not forgetting anywhere or anyone) friends. Charlie and Kathy, you were lovely as always, if you are reading this, I did not get my litttle landscape and I still want it! Gary, you sweet man. Danny T I hope you took it easy after we left. Bobby Boyd from "Shabbiques", you're a charmer, come on out for a visit and I'll show you around. You too Chicago Joe (Illinois!), email me for some great video and pics of our first night. Theresa from Garden Antqs Vintage, your booth was beautiful and I am so sorry I missed the party and did not get to meet all of the other wonderful bloggers out there. Thanks for the Uncommon Objects tank, and the sweet deal on that great dental tray table! Cheryl at Zapp, you are darling. I loved getting to see you have fun rather than work all of the time. Hey to "the Dude", it was so nice meeting you, I hope to see you next time. Clark, we'll catch up next time, although I know you are not reading this because you don't have a computer.

The one with great finds from the Round Top, Texas Antique Fair

Ok, I'm somewhat back with the living. I had some design clients to concentrate on, and now I can show you some things I brought back from Texas. Above is my ghost deer, which I just painted white, I think he looks so handsome. SOLD My ode to travel, and wine. This old postal sorter can hold 135 bottles of wine in a unique and compact manner. SOLD The 65 BSA is still for sale. A closer look at the awesome map I found. It's plywood, and so intricately cut out. Someone spent a long time putting this together. Sorry, no Alaska or Hawaii. The airplanes are old hood ornaments I had sandblasted and mounted on steel stands. SOLD

These posters from England were behind Jess and I in my last post. I had to bring them home. SOLD

You know I can't resist a postal sorter. This one is so cute, it's even got a little spot for Fort Worth, and comes with a pencil sharpener!

This mantle is so huge and awesome, long leaf pine, from a mansion in Arkansas. It would be an amazing headboard, opening is 59" wide.

A wider look at my Halloweeny front window, what you can't see is my new dyed black enormous hide, like butter.

Yes, I am insane. I went to Alameda a couple of days after I got back from Texas completely sick and exhausted, but look! It was so worth it. A Georgian secretary, circa 1810, English.

So I have a shabby chic side, what can I do. This is the real deal, a million layers of paint on a substantial antique dresser, I could not resist.

Yet another stripped and polished vintage steel dresser, works great and perfect in a room with too much wood, or where you need a little modern so your house does not look like Grandmas.

The one where I just got back and am sick and exhausted

We are back. Actually got back late Wednesday night after deciding to drive home in two days. I'm only going to focus on the positive so this pic was a fun time in the Clutter booth where jess and I were getting a little bit loopy. I found some really great stuff there. Will post more soon. To give you a quick little story of my trip I am now posting my facebook updates:
Colleen is in heaven. Here less than an hour, already 2 beers in and over 100 spent in the first minute.
Colleen is not giving into peer pressure anymore.
Colleen is a delicate flower.
Colleen 's hangover is possibly disappating.
Colleen is going to have a great day tomorrow.
Colleen is melting.
Colleen has country feet.
Colleen is finally in her element in Texas.
Colleen is pushing on.
Colleen needed a change so I just cut bangs with Jessies new toenail clippers.
Colleen is trying to sleep but Hank from King of the Hill is loudly entertaining the other guests right outside her door.
Colleen just heard a senator on texas radio liken the buyout package to "two cow patties with a marshmallow in the middle, and I ain't gonna eat that".
Colleen is exhausted, has a horrible cold, contracted pink eye, and is now leaving Abilene, Texas. I'm still in a good mood, though.
Colleen is going to drive for 14 hours today with the pink eye.
Colleen is home sweet home.

The one with the great information on the Round Top and Warrenton Texas Antique fair

A little more info on the big Texas antique fair:

http://www.zapphall.com/map.htm

Everyone asks me where this huge antiques fair is and I tell them it's in the middle of nowhere, seriously. So here is the map of the area. The fair spreads out to shelby, round top, carmine, fayetteville, and burton. http://www.showdaily.us/ is the magazine that is provided to you at the show to help navigate your way through. http://urbanprairierefueled.blogspot.com/2008/08/warrenton-texas-podcast.html it's a short film that Chris Brown from Urban prarie did. A little different from the way I see it, but very cool. http://www.slide.com/r/ACC24h-zFj_kCbtrFVbIxugf7rnc35W2?cy=bb is a slide show of images from warrenton, where we stay, shop and hang out. I'd like to give you images of the size and scale of it, the tents and open fields of vendors, but can't find any.

5 hours flying out, 1841 miles, 28+ hours driving time back, 4 days walking miles and miles through hot dusty fields filled with fire ants in either a 100 degree bathtub or 32 degree freezing rain weather eating bad fair food with no relief. It really sounds bad when I put it that way but I love it, the people and hospitality and the wonderful finds and the beautiful nights filled with laughter and music make it all worthwhile. Plus I get to do it all with one of my favorite people, my girl Jess. It wasn't the same without her last time. 8 more days!

The one before I leave town and am very excited

Eleven days until Texas! So excited! I will be having friends fill in so I am working hard at getting everything priced and easy. I'm also getting all of my ducks (and fabrics and workrooms) in a row on my design jobs so I can concentrate on buying. Miss Jessie is doing the same I hope. PS this amazing English chest of drawers circa 1750 now has a beautiful new home.

The one where "the littlest bird" moves to Blue Apple Studios in Aptos

" The Littlest Bird" at Saffron and Genevieve will soon be no more.

Cayce Ellison, the brilliant mind behind it

would like to concentrate on her family,

her career - Blue Apple Studios,

and her second baby on the way.

If you've been in you know how great her stuff is,

baby gifts, clothes, books and toys.

Sorry for the short notice,

it will all be moving to her studio in Aptos after Saturday.

Come and get it while it lasts.

I couldn't resist buying some finger puppets for myself ;)

Cayce I had so much fun having you here,

seeing you and Jack Henry,

your creativity and artists eye are such a gift.

I hope to see you just as often.

BTW Saffron and Genevieve is safe and sound and

not going anywhere,

you know how these rumers get started...

The one where I talk about my tomato tasting and anniversary sale

I want to thank everyone who made it to my anniversary party for coming. Thanks to Barbara at Meder Street Farms for donating the most scrumptious dry farmed early girl tomatoes for my tomato tasting. We also served some beautiful organic heirlooms, which I still have 30 pounds of... (I didn't want to run out, and a little tomato goes a long way). The toppings bar was beautiful, if I do say so myself. Friday night I cooked up a ton of crunchy bacon, a sundried tomato dip, carmelized onion dip, nice toasted garlic slices, and sourdough toasts. There was also goat, parm, blue and fresh mozz cheese, as well as the must have balsamic. It went over well and I recommend it highly as a buffet idea. Thanks to Allison for serving and making everything so pretty. Must also thank Meagan, Kate, Stacey Costello, and Cayce for being here and doing whatever needed to be done. Last but not least thanks Jeffery from Vinocruz for coming out and pouring and talking about your fabulous wines, and J-P for choosing just the right ones to complement the tomatoes.

Unfortunately I did not sell everything in the store so if you did not make it by come on in and see what's left. 15 days to go until big Texas antiquing trip!

The one with the tomatoes

Are you all ready for the party this Saturday? I now have 1300 people on my shop mailing list, so it's a big guess as to how many people will come. I now have enough heirloom and dry farmed early girl tomatoes for an army, and enough local wine for us all to enjoy (I hope). I have brought one load of furniture so far from my abundant storage unit, and have 2 more trips scheduled. I really plan on selling everyting outside before the days end. If the store ends up empty too of course I will be sad but hey, Alameda is the next morning, so I will get over it. So, Saturday at noon. Buy what you love, get a great deal, eat and drink fabulous local yummies, and visit with the nicest people in town - my customers!

The one with the great inventory

Saffron and Genevieve will turn THREE in 2 weeks! I think it's come a long way and is always evolving, as am I. I will be hosting a party to celebrate on Saturday, September 6. I am very excited about the tomato tasting I will have. Heirloom tomatoes with a delicious tomato topping bar, as well as local wines to complement. If I am lucky (and I think I am), Jeffery from Vinocruz will come and pour and talk about the wines. I have not decided on the tomato grower yet, let me know if you have a favorite, as mine at home are not even close to ripe. (coffee table SOLD)

Of course there will be a big sale. I am off to Texas again at the end of September and plan on bringing back a 16' truck full of great finds. There are a few things here that I really don't want to part with, but I know I will need the room, and it's time for change. (ships table SOLD)

Wing chair SOLD

I mentioned my trunk problem a while back.

This very cute cot/bed with a new cushion needs a home. Hmmm, now that I think about it, I might have a spot at my house.

The one where I talk about other blogs

I've been busy lately reading other blogs, rather than writing on mine. It's addictive and there are so many amazingly creative and super nice people out there in blogland. On Friday I got a wonderful write up on the home by sunset blog by the great Sarah Gaffney from Sunset Magazine. She is working hard on the 2008 Monterey Bay Idea House. When it's complete you must visit, I saw it in progress and it is very cool already, lots of ideas.

Also on Friday the fabulous Claudia Strasser from The Paris Apartment gave Saff and Gen a little props and a thanks for suggesting places to visit in our fair state. I don't know where she found the best pictures of my favorite places, but I can't wait to hear how she liked her trip.

If you are looking for great ideas, beautiful pictures, fun stories or whatever might be posted that day, look to your right and click on some of the sites I like to visit.

*Update on 8-26. A couple of people have just let me know that my blog does not allow comments. I am so bummed that I missed out for so long! I thought I had it set for me to moderate, because of the spam I was getting, but took it away completely. Please, write away! I would love your feedback!

The one with the swedish armoire

I LOVE this vignette in the front of my shop. The green and gold thing just came together. Even better in person. (books, painting, print SOLD)

The new, more neutral front window. It's interesting how people are actually sitting and hanging out up there. The fabulous pair of vintage chairs, recovered in hemp, will not last long for sure. Update all pieces are SOLD

Isn't this the prettiest chair? It's vintage, new down, covered in the most durable hemp fabric. The nailheads are put atop white cotton twill tape. I like how it can be masculine and feminine.

A new vignette with my beautiful rose colored ralph lauren distressed linen on this fab antique chair. Don't think it's not cozy, because it is. Update - chair SOLD
My newest exciting purchase. 6 beautifully framed Elizabeth Blackwell original hand colored botanicals from 1755. Matted in linen. Yes, they are for sale.
Last but certainly not least. My freaking amazingly wonderful Swedish Armoire. This has been hiding at my house because I was holding it to use in a showcase house in December. The homeowner does not want to move her current French armoire out (which is fine, I can work with it), so I will be bringing this into the shop very soon.

The one with my cat in the hammock

I could not let a month go by, so here we are in July. Happy Birthday America! This is my current very subtle red white and blue front window.

Vintage wicker and wrought iron table, super cute, super heavy. SOLD

As promised, the repaired Pennsylvania trunk. Amazing work from my wood guru, as usual.I hate to show this, because the set of four french iron chairs with custom linen slips went super quick, but isn't it fabulous? SOLD

Here are my cogs (or whatever they are) from Alameda a few months ago in their current location.

And my man Butters taking a snooze in the hammock. He needs the hat for sun protection.

The one with the sand dollar vertebrae that look like birds

My friend Cayce of "the littlest bird" showed me that if you break open a sand dollar the vertebrae look like little birds. I am still fascinated by them. I am sure even Cayce thinks I am a dork now, but every shipment of sand dollars has some breakage, and I can't bear to throw these away.

The one with two pics of my home

I've been working on my house lately, in case Country Home or Cottage Living or another mag finds out about my shop and wants to photograph my house as well. It's 675 square feet, and used to be the processing center of the old chicken ranch I live on. I'm a renter, and although I have a few basic needs that are not met here, I am happy, and so are my two cats. Lot's of room to roam.Above is a vintage hutch I took the doors off of for display space. Below I keep kitchen appliances. These are some of my favorite things, the pencil drawing on top is my mother in '43. Isn't she cute?

This is an antique pie safe I thought I would keep in my bedroom for display, but it's not working for me. It'll be in the shop soon. I think I will put screening in the openings.This amazing (or, it was and will be again) Pennsylvania chest has been sitting in my living room for a month now. It is early 1800's with original paint. Some numbskull decided he wanted to access it from the front so he CUT the panel willy nilly and put hinges on. The hinges are very old so this was done ages ago. Normally I love when people modify things to suit their purposes but come on, do you SEE the wonderful paint you are cutting into? My wood master will make it beautiful again. If it was not cut this could sell for $3500-$4000.00. I still love it, it will be in the shop soon for much less so you can enjoy it in your home.

This is my newest re-do, or re-new of a great vintage frame. The shape is excellent, the cushions are comfy, the fabric is a knit-backed herringbone hemp (very classy). You can't find this at Pottery Barn, and it will last long past anything you did buy there.

The one when I wish you a happy mothers day

Happy Mothers Day to all of the wonderful mothers out there!

The one with all of the trunks

I have been trunk crazy lately. These are all for sale, and I have 4 more awaiting magic from my woodmaster.

An assortment of finds from Sunday at Alameda Antique market.

The one where the Santa Cruz Good Times reader vote my shop #1 for interior design and home decorating store

The Santa Cruz Good Times "best of" issue came out today.

Best Home Decorating Store

Best Interior Design

Saffron and Genevieve

Here is the blurb I got: (I have no idea where she got her info, she did not speak to me, but at least things are correct)

This multifaceted home store/interior design service is like visiting the home of a chic aunt. You’re immediately imbued with a sense of panache that you enviously wish could be injected into your own home. Proprietress Colleen Hickey’s eagle-eye for design keeps her store fresh and her design ideas novel. Hickey travels the nation in search of vintage treasures to stock her store, mixing the rare pieces with carefully selected new designs. A good double-win for a stylish design hotspot. Leslie Patrick

Best Antiques
Mr. Goodies
Runners up:
Soquel Village
Saffron & Genevieve
Judy Wyant
Flea Market

Yes, it's just a little local weekly but I am so happy because my wonderful customers made me #1! Thank you SO much! I am NOT happy that in the magazine they have a list of winners and there is another store named best home decorating store where my store name should be. (Good Times editorial is very sorry for the error) Congratulations to all of the winners and runner ups.

The one with the pretty roses in the most fabulous Match pewter vase

I want to thank everyone who made it to my sale for coming. It's so much fun to see everyone rush in right in the beginning! I hope you all had a good time, I was so busy writing tags up I barely had time to visit with you. Also, I want to thank Kate and Jessie and Cayce (littlest bird) for being here and doing whatever needed to be done. You all are wonderful. All in all it was my biggest sale day yet, which is a very good sign for the economy I think.

The one with the really old chairs from a California Mission

These are from a mission, not sure which one, but they look Mexican by the wood (cypress). They are all handmade and one of a kind. Rush seats are in perfect condition. They have been tightened, and are on the short side because they have been used for such a long time, the legs do tend to wear away. Likely early 1800s. Better in person. I love one by a bed as a table.

The one with the vignettes in my shop

I took some pictures around the store today. Need something eye-catching for my mailer. Mark the date - April 19 will be my spring sale. I only do this twice a year, so it will be good. Everything in the store will be on sale on that day. Above is not for sale, just my back counter. The things inside and above are for sale (except baby doll head - my mascot). Will be posting pics of soon-to-be marked down soon.

Vintage candlesticks with old croquet balls.The girls, they live alone and like it (see book). I fell in love with these in Texas. The dealer loved them as much as I did. One - Isda - was missing a leg, so she put antique ribbon and flowers on it. The other - Corinna - had a tear over her heart so she made a rhinestone seam to patch her up. She named them. Update, they now have a new home at a fab shop in Carmel Valley.

A very cool vintage (1920's) set of lockers. Very useable and good looking. Update - sold.

My beautiful texas biedermeier desk in the front window.
A cute little display of some great books for childern and adults.

The one with the cool backdrop

Brigit and I were very inspired by some of the shops we visited on our trip. We dreamed up a new display for my front window, and put it in place on Monday. I love it, it's so happy. Here's a sneak peek.This dream of an artist's studio came when we saw the back of our lovely painted spring scene. I love how the settee looks so at home there, although it's been sold and is going to an even better spot. This is one of my new reproduction spot lamps. It is so cool!

A vintage steel dresser, probably from a hospital, maybe military. So shiny and pretty, super cool, and a good contrast in a room with just too much wood. I also have some nightstands, desks and shorter dressers from this era. Yes, the drawers work just fine.

The one with great landscape pics from my California buying trip

I know I talk a lot about how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful place...

These were all taken in 2 days on a buying trip I went on with my friend Brigit.

I stuffed the Expedition full of great stuff, from rusty iron to fine antiques. On the way up we stopped in Mill Valley for lunch, and visited maison reve. We stayed in Petaluma, checking out some of the antique stores there. Had a St. Patricks day beer at the girl and the fig in Sonoma, and checked out my favorite inspiration store chateau sonoma, which looked amazing as ever. Scored big time at my favorite antique store in my fav. town (I can not reveal this source, sorry). We ended our trip with drinks and apps at my all time favorite sunset watching spot, auberge du soleil. It probably sounds more luxurious and exciting than it was, but the truth is, we are girls on a budget. Very frugal, both of us, and we still had a good time.

The one with the beautiful jewelry for sale

I am so excited to say that my jewelry I picked out at the gift show is finally here! The first is from Mabel Chong https://mabelchong.com/home.swf . There is a ton of jewelry at the sf gift show. There must be 1-200 booths, I don't know. I was only drawn to walk in to 3 booths. Mabel was selling her own line, she was super proud, knowledgeable, and willing to make tiny changes I asked for. I make jewelry very similar to hers, but there was something in the delicate touches and in Mabels personality that made me want to sell it here. She also does jewelry parties, let me know if you are interested, I would love to have her come in for a fun ladies night. Teresa Goodall is another line I love. http://www.teresagoodall.net/bio.html Based in Minnesota. Everything she does looks so one of a kind and very unique. They’re dramatic and bold so they are a nice contrast compared with the daintiness of Mabel’s. Of course I still have my jewelry here too. Right now I have an excellent selection of vintage and antique pieces put on very unique chain. They are all one of a kind, so although you might walk in and see 3 or 4 customers wearing them, there is a different story and look to each one. You might have seen something similar in last months Country Living magazine (they must have copied me). I recently found some really cool medals and vintage chain. Some of my newest creations are here already, and I am constantly playing around at home with new things to make with them.

The one with the antiques from Texas

I have some more things in the shop from my shipment. Below is an amazing antique English pine linen press. While I was writing this it just sold. Went to a good home. This is my absolute favorite thing right now. I found it in Texas, last thing I bought, did not get a picture or even a good look at it. I just liked the shape and size. After my wood master got a hold of it, it emerged as a work of art. Someone in Mexico a very long time ago made this with a lot of love and craftsmanship. All mortise and tenon, mesquite, with delicate detailing on the front and back legs. Over time it was patched when it became damaged. These patches are so amazing, and add so much to the artfulness of the table. You just have to see and touch it to appreciate it. This is just a glimpse of the ships table I have. It's most like ly French, 1920's, and chestnut. It folds up on it's wrought iron legs, and has a lip all around. It would make a beautiful island, entrance table (if you have enough room, it is 8' long), or just an accent table, filled with stacks of books and artwork. This is the Texas Biedermeier desk I was so excited about. Isn't it cool? Circa 1850, made by Germans in Texas. Pine and oak, still has original paint, which I have had sealed. The center of the writing surface opens, and lots of storage up top. A very useful and beautiful piece of history. You know when the Catholics have a holiday and dress up their statues from the church and take them through the streets in a processional? This is what they would carry it on. It even has pads to cushion your shoulders, and a beautiful patina on the grey and gold paint. You could use this in your home to display any number of things, pottery, sculpture, or perhaps one of the antique santos I have here in the shop.

The one with the before and after of my shop

I get asked a lot about what this space looked like before I moved in. As some of you know, it was a "thrift store". When I first signed the lease, I had not seen the inside, because it was so full of stuff to the ceilings. I only had the shop next door (other half of this building) to give me an idea. It is a 100 year old building with 12' ceilings, so how could I go wrong? I have no idea what possesed them to paint the ronald mcdonald rastafari colors. All I know is that it took many coats of paint to cover. The final spray of white was done by a local painter, Bret Carlyle. I did the rest, myself, with a little help from Jove (thats him in the next picture, trying to be positive so I don't lose it) (update on jan 17, Jove helped A LOT)
There were 2 layers of the filthiest carpet you have ever seen. Never ever vacuumed, dead and alive animal traces all over it. Notice the wall on the right does not go all of the way up, a cost saving idea (drywall comes in 8' lengths)

Week 2. I can not believe the amount of work I did here, while working 2 jobs (bookkeeper at Petroglyph, also gaining great experience as a shopgirl at a local home furnishings store - they had no idea) The carpet is gone, again with some help from Jove. The drywall and new smooth plaster was hired out. See the next layer of floor - asbestos tiles.
Yes, the tiles were properly removed one at a time and properly disposed of. I have blocked this part out. I also pulled out about 1700 nails and screws from the walls and ceilings. Jove did the baseboards and trim, (update, he also replaced all of the bad plumber patch jobs with nice wood, helped me move a lot of furniture, hung the antique fretwork in front of store - not an easy task - we shared a ladder, and much much more. I blocked most of this out, kind of like childbirth I think, so I heard from him last night that he needs more kudos, well deserved). My good friend Brigit helped me paint the green walls.

I hired out the building of the back room, and the seagrass installation. Looking good! Jove did the finish work on the back room. I must say once again I don't know if I could have done this without his help and encouragement. Thanks so much, baby!

There are STILL things on my original punch list that I have not done. I don't know if I ever will. Thanks to all of you for not noticing.

The one with the big storm

Good afternoon. I hope everyone is staying safe today. I am at the shop, in case anyone wants to visit. The power just came on at 2, but I had half of the store moved around by then. I get in such a funk when I am not happy with how it looks in here. Add that to the other things that have been going on lately, and my ridiculously horrible cold (2 weeks but feeling somewhat better today), and I was in a serious funk. Much better now, thanks. The light is back on in me too.
I'll probably close a bit early, as the rest of the shops on Soquel closed up and went home before noon. Don't expect much of a rush :) I do have a few more hours of redecorating first. Happy Friday!

The one about my grandomother, Genevieve

Genevieve Henry

1917-2007

My grandmother left this earth on Christmas Day. She was at home, after just a few months of hospice care. Just a few months ago she was still having her gals over for weekly mah johngg and pinochle games.

I did not open the store today, no note on the door. I apologize. This has been a very tough year for me and my family. While saying this, I know I am so blessed and lucky in so many ways.

Moving on, I hope you and yours have a happy and wonderful New Year. Also, to all you kids out there, don't smoke! Emphysema is not a fun way to go.

The one where my shipment from Texas finally shows up

This was picture a few hours ago. My shipment showed up. Other than having to ask a very good customer to leave the store so I could meet them at my house (I am mortified and so sorry), everything turned out ok. This is not a great representation of the stuff, you see the front of the soon-to be-beautiful Texas Biedermeier desk, the front of the amazing Austrian slaughter table/desk. I had 1/4 of it brought here to the shop. I had to get it in my storage and run back here to open the shop, so I could not fully savor my goodies. Sunday I'll have a chance to look and enjoy. This is my new blue hand made very very old cabinet that now proudly holds my fabulous bath products and candles. The duck is for sale.
This is the english table that I thought was a dining table, and of course it certainly can be, but it's actually a library table, probably beechwood. Hey, it had a ton of stuff on it in the booth and it was 125 degrees in that tent. I love it. You could have a dance party on this table. Or a really nice dinner party with plenty of room for your centerpiece, platters, and whatever. Plus, it's got a drawer on both sides for storage. 72 x 41".Update Jan 2008 sold.

This is the unit that Cayce's (from littlest bird, I need to tell you about her great space here) husband Jeramiah built for me. My wonderful boyfriend Jove gave me the antique redwood he salvaged from a garage he just rebuilt. It's beautiful and perfect. My Juliska looks so amazing in it, as you can see. Jer can build things for you too. You have to see this in person, it looks like it has been here forever. Nine feet wide, seven feet tall. Not for sale. Never ever ever.
This is for sale. The color is not right in this picture, the wood and the wall color are much much better in person. This is an antique blanket chest. Pine, American, circa 1810. Fully functional with so much soul. Update Feb 2008 sold.
She is beautiful. 1880ish, from a San Francisco estate. Made of wood, plaster and paper mache. Her hands are a little creepy, mummyish, but the rest of her is so exquisite it does not matter. She is wonderful in my window (hence the refection). Come and visit her anytime.

The one about 1st Dibs

http://www.1stdibs.com/

If you have never been to first dibs, please make the effort. They make you sign up and get weekly updates, but it is totally worth it. This site has super fine antiques, midcentury modern, and wonderful new creations. All very high end and not your every day purchase, but so fun to look at and dream.

Today they have posted a ton of pictures of the store windows and decorated buildings in new york, along with top designers input. So beautiful. I can't copy any of the pics so you'll have to go look for yourself.

The one where I am still waiting on my shipment of antiques from Texas

ok, so my shipment from texas (I know, I'm sick of talking about it) was supposed to be here last Thursday (the 6th). The last time I spoke to Roll'en Hills (truckers) they were loading up, that was on the 3rd. So I sent out mailers letting everyone know. After that I could not get an answer or email response, and then.... 2 of the numbers I had for them were disconnected and the other rang forever. I did not freak out, I just got a little concerned.

So I emailed the Fayette county sheriff. He hung out with us a few times in Texas, and I figured he could help. He did! He found me some more numbers, and made a couple anonymous calls to the company to see what was going on. This a.m. I got an email and several phone calls telling me they are on the way. I forgot to ask if my stuff was actually on the truck this time, but I have faith. They say Friday is likely, I'll believe it when I see it. Only 5 weeks late, it's like Christmas coming early!

The one with the sideboards

It's that time of year when we think about entertaining, all of our pretty serving pieces and such, and where do you store all of that stuff? So I thought I would post some pictures of a few great sideboards and storage pieces to peruse.

Above is one of my all time favorite pieces. It's redwood, antique, handmade for someone's garage. I had the base put on the bottom, waxed it up, fixed the drawers and now it's such a beautiful thing. It's got so much soul, the wood is so warm and worn and beautiful. Update Jan 2008 sold.

This is a magnificent antique store counter I've had my eye on for quite a while. It now sits in the shop in all of it's well used glory. Redwood, again, with original paint. Mid 1800's. The drawers measure five feet wide, two feet deep, and almost 10" high. Can you imagine what you could fit in that? It would make an excellent kitchen island. Update - sold

Not a sideboard, but a fabulous antique french desk I bought from Blossom Home, in Los Gatos. See her blog at http://sosylvie.typepad.com/ It was child sized when I got it, and the wood was in very bad shape. A bit of time with my wood master, and look how pretty! It opens up and has a ton of room to hide just about anything. The weathered greyish pine color is one of my favorite things. Yes, that's a christmas tree peeking nearby. I couldn't help myself, I've got the music going too.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope you have a glorious day, enjoy the beautiful weather and be ever so grateful.

The one where someone steals my geranium

I'd like to report a theft. Someone stole my white geranium right out of the ground in front of my shop. They also left a mess of dirt, shells, and leaves everywhere. Who does this? I am very saddened by the loss of my poor plant, who is now either lying dead somewhere, or tended to by a bad person. Bad juju on you, plant thief! Get your own!

The one where I go to the Diffa Dining by Design at the San Francisco Design Center Galleria

Last night I went to the Diffa dining by design event, hosted by Elle Decor and UCSF. It was very nice and I appreciate Savannah and Ed at Lee Jofa for inviting me to sit at their table, Piat at Kravet for hooking me up, and Jessie Kaminski Designs for buying all of that $500 a yard Lee Jofa embroidered silk through saff and gen. Pictures of most of the tables were published in Elle Decor a few months ago. http://www.diffa.org/events.asp gives all of the info. Above is the Elle Decor table, designed by Margaret Russell herself. It was much more fabulous in person.

Amazing screens with goldfish painted in 3d.
I loved the furry tablecloth with the natural textures. I HATE those chairs, though.
Yes, this bowl is made from plastic disposable knives.
Alice in wonderland table. All of the people at it were in costume. Very cute, and it looked like a good time. Those are vintage a.i.w books at each setting.

This was the Holly Hunt for Kneedler Fauchere table. I did not get a good look at the table, because the models would look at you and pose and yes, it made me uncomfortable. But it was something, that's for sure.

The one where I talk about whats coming in

It's about time, I just talked to the driver of the truck bearing my Texas goodies (antiques), it will be here tomorrow morning! I'm so excited! This week I'll be cleaning things up and bringing them in as they are ready. I promise to try and post them when I do.

Also coming in this week is Fragonard perfumes and bath products. I look forward to taking my fair share home to use. I love their new line called VRAI, which means pure. It has a subtle scent of the ingredients only. http://usa.fragonard.com/@en-us/shop/ to see more. I am also carrying the naturals perfume line. Very light and beautiful pure scents. If you've never heard of Fragonard, that's ok. They are very big in France, and every time someone visits they bring me back a bar of soap, so that's how I know of them. LOVE them.

Match pewter is also on the way. I love pewter so much. It has such a beautiful soft glow, and is timeless. I've got many great gifts from them coming in. http://www.match1995.com/pewter.html

Kenneth Turner room sprays and fragrances are already here. I am completely addicted to the original scent. It's clove-y and citrus-y but very clean at the same time. Kenneth Turner is a big wig florist in London. These scents are so unusual, not too perfumey at all, but super yummy.

The holidays are here, and I'm ready! Well, I will be next week for sure.

The one with the cowhide chair

I am bad for not showing you a picture of my newest cow hide chair. The back is waxed black linen, and it's fabulous.

The one with the creepy doll head

Happy Halloweeeeeeen!

The one with the cricket table that sold

This antique pine cricket table is so simple, but I saw it when I arrived on Saturday and had to visit it everyday until I just had to open the wallet and buy it. I can’t explain why, maybe the history of the wood spoke to me. I know someone will appreciate it as much as I do. Update Jan 2008 sold

The one with pictures of more things I bought in Texas

The dental cabinet is truly beautiful. It had beveled glass on the front and sides. The desk is “Texas biedermeier” , it’s pine, circa 1830. It’s in perfect condition, just needs some cleanup and waxing. I love the way the front legs flare out. It is so delicate. I can’t wait! The red things are just that. I saw them and fell in love with the color and had to have them. I figure they could be a plant stand or side table. When I got home I saw this picture and noticed the turquoise one right near them and I was so bummed. I can’t believe I missed it, it’s so pretty.

Notice the way these dealers set up their inventory. They actually looked better in person, but they pretty much just put the stuff out there. There were some who did amazing displays, but they were catering to the rich Dallas and Houston wives who arrived in limousines. Uber pricey.

The one with the pictures of stuff I bought in Texas, still in Texas

I thought I would finally post some pictures of stuff I found in Texas. I haven’t yet mostly because the majority of pieces need a bit of work, and because I took some horrible pictures. Things are really crammed into these spaces, so forgive me.

That’s a very cool old chopping block made of a whole tree stump. The blue cabinet is such a beautiful color, I could not resist. I don’t think it will look that great in my shop (because of the color) so first dibs can have it before it gets there. The desk is Austian. The dealer who I bought it from lives there and does this show only. It’s a work table that would have been in the out kitchen, for butchering and such. The base is curved and so beautifully unusual.

The one where Raya Carlisle took pictures of my shop

Raya Carlisle came in the other day with her mom, Katie (my fabulous seamstress). She is an amazing photographer with the best blog, http://www.paperpony.net/. She took some photos of my shop that make it look like it could be in a magazine! Of course it should be, and if anyone out there has an in at a magazine, I would appreciate a referral. :) There's one of the front of the store that I love so much! I've been trying forever to get a good one. Thank you, Raya!

The one where I am glad to be home again and stoked for my purchases

I'm back from Texas! I found so much great stuff I had to leave early because I knew I would not have enough space for it all between my store and my storage. Also, I was homesick. We are so lucky to live in California. As we flew over the vineyards of Paso Robles, the mountains and the ocean, I felt so happy to be home.

I am having most everything shipped, but I brought a lot of smalls with me. I've sold some already in the past hour, so hurry up and check it out! I have pictures of almost everything I bought, even though most of it needs at least a little work. I will be posting pictures and taking pre-orders for things before they get here. I found a ton of steel furniture. I love and it's really hot right now, because it can go in modern or country homes, and will never go out of style.

Before I even post a pic, I'll tell you I found 4 vintage steel hospital dressers and 4 vintage steel hospital nightstands, or bath stands. When I bring these into the shop they last oh, about 4 hours, so you may not have seen them after they have been stripped, polished and laquered. They are cool. Very cool. The drawers work great and they are the perfect anecdote to a room full of wood.

The one where I am headed off to Round Top for the 3rd time

I’m off to Round Top Antique Fair on Saturday, so I thought I would write a bit to keep you up to date. On September 15th I had my 2 year anniversary party and sale. It was very nice, customers only went through 3 bottles of champagne, but it was pretty early. I do still have some things marked at cost to make room for my new finds.

Also happening very soon is my new baby section. Everyone needs a baby gift at some point, and even I have trouble finding something special enough. Cayce Ellison, who owns Blue Apple Studios in Aptos, will be in charge of that section of the store. She had her own baby (cute as a button little Jack Henry) last year and has come up with a lot of very special things, including her own fabulous one of a kind artwork. If you need a baby gift, or want to decorate your child’s room in a very special way, this will be the place to come. I will let you know the moment we are ready.

I’m not sure if everyone knows you can also find a wonderful wedding gift here as well. I love love love the Juliska glassware. I can’t imagine anyone receiving it and not using it. It’s very durable, but looks so delicate. I also have a lot of more personal antiques that would be appreciated.

I have been super busy with interior design work. It has been a very fulfilling year for me. I am lucky to have the best clients who truly appreciate what I can do for them. I’m having a blast!

The week after I get back from Texas is Alameda, and then the country show in Los Altos. I’m so stoked for all of the cool stuff I will find!

And finally I have scheduled a craft night. We will be painting linen pillow shams, and you do not need to be an artist, I swear. Cost of the class is $45 for materials. October 11 at 7pm. This will fill up super quick so call or email as soon as you can. 831-462-4506. adults only, please.

The one with the architectural salvage birdhouses

I’m sorry it’s been so long since I’ve written. These really are the lazy days of summer. In case you have not been in lately, I wanted to show you these wonderful birdhouses, handmade locally with architectural salvage. They are totally functional, the birds will use them and you can clean them out, if you like. The guy who makes them is very passionate about them, and all of the little pieces of things he finds to put on them. They come in several sizes, these are smaller.
As much fun as it is buying for the store every weekend, it’s a lot of work too. If there are any local artists reading this that think their passion might work in my shop, please come on by. I would love to have more locally made items. Of course, you know I’m very picky about what I put in the shop, so rejection is a possibility. Sending pictures or a website to me is the best way to start.

The one with the 2 headed calf

I've been talking about all the cool things I found in Texas for almost 2 months now. I finally got a hold of the shipping company and got some news. Apparently, the warehouse that they rent to store everyone's purchases has gone into foreclosure. The gal was outside the courthouse when we spoke, waiting for an injunction from the judge so they could get all of the stuff out first. Pretty scary, kind of like the taxidermied 2 headed calf I did not buy, thank you very much.

I have put off my annual spring sale until the Texas shipment came, but I think I'll go ahead with it now. Looking at my calendar, I'm at the lake June 9-11, the next weekend y'all will probably be busy with graduations, after that vacations, hmmm. I will pick a date and let you know. My regular customers will get either a postcard or e-mail. This year I am having an as-is sale as well. I pick up a lot of great things that have potential, need a little work. I don't always have the time, so you will get lucky, you can do the work and save some money!

The one where I try to describe what I do

It's very hard for me to describe my decorating style, let alone what I sell, to people who have never been in. I have always, since about age 8, loved to find old things that were just interesting to me. I have always loved to find furniture and sand, paint, stain, whatever, to make it look better.

I do have new lines that I just love. I've got functional things like fabulous candles and bath products that are a treat to use. I also have Juliska, quality ceramics and glassware that will be heirlooms one day, and because they are a pleasure to use it is also a treat for you. They also make wonderful gifts for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries. I can't imagine anyone opening a Juliska gift and not loving it.I sell books, organic catnip toys, great writing tablets, local artist's cards and art. If I love it, it makes the very strict cut. I have a new baby gift section including Jellycat stuffed animals, the softest, cutest and very best I have found. Oh, and I have shells, so many shells, at great prices. If you are decorating a room with a beach theme (and who wouldn't) you need shells. I have a faux coral that looks so real, beautiful without the guilt of owning something illegally harvested. The most important thing to know is that you will most likely find something you or someone you love can't live without, and you will smile every time you see or use it. That keeps me going.

The one with the awesome pic of my granny cart at Alameda Antique Fair

I took this picture with my phone last month at the Alameda antique fair. My granny cart is pretty much loaded up like this a couple of times a day, before I get a cart for the big stuff. Here you see a pair of midcentury modern wicker chairs, 3 wooden stools, a 1940's chalkboard/desk with moveable pictures, a really cute wire 3 tier planter, and a stuffed dead gator. In the bags: dollheads, a pair of sterling silver candlesticks, a set of gorgeous antique books, a vintage handmade vase, antique linens, and antique silver baby cups. Some of these fab finds are still here, and it's on again on Sunday, so there should be something for everyone.

The one with the antique black and white botanicals

I worked with a art dealer on these amazing black and white botanicals. She has a huge collection of antique books and original lithographs and engravings. We decided to mount them on linen and I chose a simple black frame. There are 9 in all.

The one where I did the staging and it was really pretty in a super cute little cottage

I'm doing a staging at a house for sale here in Seabright. It was fun and easy, because it's such a great house with all original features. It has tons of windows and beautiful light. MLS listings # is 722604. I think there is an open house tomorrow 1-4, 621 Windham at Sumner.

The one about the "fridge for sale" sign

On November 4th of last year, I put a picture of a sign in someones yard in texas that said 'frigerator for sale. Jess and I joked about it on the road in. I swear to you now, 6 months later, the sign and "fridge" are still in the yard. 'nuff said.

The one with the Zapp Hall prom pictures

Now we can talk about the prom at Zapp Hall, put on by the Junk Gypsies, and Cheryl and the great people at Zapp Hall. My new friend Nigel did wear a gorilla suit, commando underneath. He was certainly a hit with the ladies. A lot of the girls wore tutus and tank tops, some wore vintage prom dresses, and one took an old wedding dress and dyed it aqua, it was beautiful. I was a rebel and wore my ramones shirt, but it looked very cute with my fluffy skirt and new sandles. Jess looked super cute, as always. She has the best smile.
This is us with officer hottie. I am not one to ogle men, but he was beautiful.
There was a woman who actually wore a lampshade on her head, and a woman who dressed as Frida Kahlo. All in all it was very tame, everyone had fun and it ended much too early at midnight. We decided next time we would skip the prom and arrive in the beginning of antique week, when everyone is bright and perky.

The one where the readers of the Santa Cruz Good Times voted my store "best interior design" the first time

It does not come out for a few days, but Saffron and Genevieve was voted best interior design shop in Santa Cruz by Good Times readers. I work very hard to bring beauty to the store and peoples homes, so this makes me so happy. Thanks!

The one with more fun nights in Texas

Me and Jess in DT's booth - first night.

I just think this one is so cute,

Jessie calls it "don't fight, boys".

The one with the original spanish bullfighting poster from 1953

I finally got the pictures of our trip to Texas. It was like living it all over again, they made me laugh and smile. I'll start with my favourite find. It's a poster from a bullfight in Salamanca, Spain in 1953. It stands about 8' high. Here's a picture. My shipment should be here in a few weeks, I will post when it arrives.

The one about deferred adjucation

An interesting thing I found out. If you get a ticket in Texas you can request "deferred adjucation" from the judge. I promised not to get another ticket in Texas (which I did not), and the ticket was taken off of my record.

The one where I do shout outs to my friends in Texas

I just got back from Texas. I was not going to go, but some friends I met there last year were calling, I got nostalgic, and most importantly, Susan (you are wonderful) had an opening at the Hillcrest Inn last minute. Since Jessie took all of the pictures on her camera, you'll have to wait to see what I found. Real quick I need to say a bunch of stuff about some people you probably don't know, so I apologize.
I was so amazed to see all of the people we met last year, it was like we never left. Danny Tytenicz was still the gracious host in his booth, and a gentleman. Kathy was so happy to see us, and a friend of hers in New Mexico (?) had seen her pic on my blog so that was pretty cool. Clark was as cute as ever. David played his guitar and sang so beautifully (rock and roll!). Of course Mr. Jimmy was adorable. I should give a shout out to Chicago Joe "Hey Joe!" Also a hello to Jennifer, whom Jess calls "that cutie pie". I met a new friend, Nigel. You will see him later in a gorilla suit (at the prom!). Nigel, if you're reading this, I'm sorry for any comments about your head or anything else that you may have thought rude, it's the language barrier. You are a darling. If you were Scottish I don't think Jove would have stood a chance. (sorry sweetie)

The one with cool stuff from the Long Beach antique market

I did not want to show you, since you will be sad, but how cute is this little girl? She was snatched up first thing Tuesday morning. BUT, I did pick up some ex-votos in Long Beach that are amazing. They are from Mexico, and each one is a thank you prayer to a saint for saving a loved one. They are beautiful works of art, and truly from the heart.

The one with the good thing about first Tuesdays

Did I already say that Tuesdays are a good day to come in for new things? Especially the first Tuesday of the month, after Alameda antique fair. I do still have a couple of great finds: some wicker and iron nesting tables, a very beachy white iron and glass coffee table, and a beautiful round coffee table with 2 tiers. Update - sold

I went to the SF design center yesterday and found so many beautiful fabrics. I am VERY excited to have found a lovely soft hemp in COLORS! It's a great price and would be so beautiful on a chair or sofa.

I have some new votivo candle scents that are very yummy, great new books, and next week I will have THE best line of stuffed animals I have found. Jellycats are the softest cutest guys around. Adults who are not into stuffed animals are buying them for themselves.

Juliska has come out with some new items in their beautiful line of ceramics and glassware. I have a catalog here for special orders, and much of the new things as well.

The one where I'm really excited

I has such a great day of hunting the other day. Everyone was in a wonderful mood and so friendly. Oh, that we could always see such spirit through the year.
An interesting phenomenon happens out there in the antique world. Every time I go out there is one item I will see EVERYWHERE. For a good year or two it was the chrome penguin ice bucket. They must have made millions of them back in the 40's. Friday it was the cast iron cornbread maker. I am not kidding you, it turned up in the strangest places, I saw at least 10 of them.
On the way home I sang along with Christmas music on the radio. I could hear Johnny Mathis sing "sleigh ride" 20 times a day.
I'm very excited about the things I found for the shop. Here are a couple of pics. One is an amazing antique french settee, newly upholstered, and I am having a really lovely hemp slipcover made for it. The original paint is so freaking perfect in color and patina. The other is a great pine table top writing desk. It opens to hide paperwork. Update - both sold

The one where I tell you how much I need you to buy stuff to keep saffron and genevieve in business and another secret

I had to write today to dispell any notion that this store is supported by some rich husband or family money. I don't come from money, and although my boyfriend, my family and friends, and the great gals who help me out here at the shop are wonderfully supportive in many ways, Saffron and Genevieve is all me. With the help of my great mentor Jim McGovern at the CCSBDC, I put a plan together to go into heavy debt (thanks to SCCCU) to make my dream come true. I LOVE working for myself, although I am not a very demanding boss and probably should be. I love hunting for great things to put in the shop. I love seeing customers come in and "get" what I do and appreciate it. I love designing and having my clients tell me how happy their rooms make them and their families.

I will let you in on a little secret. I will often find a fabulous unusual wonderfully different thing, and instead of marking it at a fair price, I will price it ridiculously cheap. The person who discovers it is SO thrilled, and I know that it was meant for them. That makes me happy.

So I want to thank all of my wonderful customers for keeping my dream alive. It's all you.

The one with the cookie recipes

Here are my cookie recipes, and thanks so much to all of my friends who came to the party the other night. I only wish there were more of me so I could have spent more time with all of you.

colleens tea cakes

1 cup butter
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp almond extract (cream these 4 together first)
2 1/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup toffee bits
1/2 cup finely chopped dark chocolate

mix, shape into 1" balls and bake at 350 for about 10 min. roll in powdered sugar while warm, roll again after they have cooled.

sunflower seed cookies

1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup butter
3/4 cup sunflower seed butter or peanut butter
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp almond extract (cream these together first)
1 1/4 cup flour
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup toffee bits
1 cup choc chips

shape into balls, bake at 350 for about10 min

The one with 2 cool pieces

October 9th.
Back to the grindstone. The store has survived quite well without me. I must thank Tobin, Ann, Kate, and Cayce for filling in while I was gone. You all are amazing!

Here are a couple of gorgeous antiques I found since I got back. I would love to keep them myself, but mama needs to pay the bills. A big beautiful pine chest on chest, and an insanely cute and functional pine secretary.
Double click to see larger images. Update - both sold

The one where I am home from Texas the 1st time

8 days, almost 4000 miles, and more antiquing than even I can handle. We are home! Darling boyfriend has made reservations for spa nite tommorrow for us! What a sweetie, I am blessed.

The one where we miss our animals

Palm Springs, almost home! No time to stay and play, though, we miss our families.

The one with the cool bug

Still driving home, somewhere in Arizona. We stop at one of the awful tourist gas stations with no gas pumps for a bathroom break and run in. On the way out, I look down and see a really big bug eating a dead bug just like him. I should not have pointed it out to Jessie. The car is not close and there are hundreds of these suckers. She turns into a raving lunatic. I should not laugh, bad friend. I guess they bite hard and draw blood. We were lucky, they spared us.

Cottonwood Jessie! On the way back, she would fill up on Red Bulls, put on my cowboy hat and turn into Cottonwood Jess. She was on a mission, driving like nobody's business to get us home. It was pretty scary, I must say. Throughout the next 3 days I saw a lot of CT. It was nice, since I could not talk to her I could actually try and sleep.

The one with the funny and sad sign

Wednesday Morning, Goodbye Round Top! On the way out of town we see this sign. The locals here, they ain't right, God bless 'em. We power through all the way to lovely Las Crusas, NM., and spend the night. In the morning we head straight off again. We decide at the last minute to take the bypass through the Sonoran desert and miss Phoenix traffic. There's gotta be gas stations along the way, right? It's 105 degrees, we're pretty much out of water, and definitely out of gas. Jess is driving, it's so stressful, we don't speak. Cell phone signal comes and goes. (we were NOT pleased with verizon's coverage
this trip, but that's another story). The gauge says 0 miles until empty for 20 miles. We totally made it to the station. We are SO lucky. We are blessed.

The one where we are D-U-N done

We make a very weak attempt, but we've decided we can't shop any more. The best thing about today was Jessie's brisket sandwich "the best brisket I've ever had." See pic of us the with the brisket man. I had ice cream instead. We were going to stay for the "prom" but we are not looking forward to the drive home and want to take our time. Tonight in DT's booth things are mostly the same, but tonight we discover the Mexican food stand. Yummm. The band sounds exactly like Stevie Ray and Double Trouble. We make our plans to pack the trailer early and get on the road.

The one with Armando

Night 3 at Zapp Hall. Last night we met Dave (or Armando), a singer songwriter who currently resides in San Miguel de Allende. He sang on stage between the bands and stole the show. We heard him sing "Blackbird" 4 different ways. Tonight he hung in the booth with us and was our personal jukebox and philosopher. We stayed up until 3am just talking. It was a very nice time. See Dave above. When the antiques fair ended, Danny took Dave home with him and is sort of sponsoring him, he wants to produce a cd for him. I can't wait. We really wanted him to come home with us. I think Santa Cruz is a great venue for his music. But for now he is bringing joy to Austin, Texas.

The one called "day 3 at round top"

Day 3 at Round Top antique fair. Today we ventured a bit further out, and drove down the road a mile. There are many different "fields" where dealers set up, and each has it's own flavor. This was like an upscale shopping district in Dallas. You could find a farm table for $4000.00, a bergere chair for a bit more. These were not even fine antiques. I can see the draw for the rich texas women to come shop here though, they don't have to get thier feet dirty, and they have a good time at the "fair". More power to these dealers if they can get someone to pay that. I did find some good deals though. A pair of 70's Italian sconces that would go in any home, very different and fabulous. Also a midcentury modern steel wire chaise lounge that swivels and rocks. I love it! Above is an item I passed on. It's called "round wee go". Made in 1920, you put an infant in the seat and it spins around. Death trap, but the colors and the style are great!

The one about nightlife at Zapp Hall

Day 2 Night Life

We begin our nightly routine like so...naps, a couple of cocktails in the room as we get ready, and off to Zapp Hall. Dinner is some yummy steak and salad concoction. Mr. Danny Rae Tytenicz is our gracious host for these nights we will always remember. Our comfy seats in his booth face the stage, where excellent bands play nightly. In addition to the music, people on thier way to the bar stop by to entertain us. A very bizarre gal named Becky did the scene from Steel Magnolias for us "my colors are blush and bashful - honey, your colors are pink and pink" with the best Dallas accent. A couple of locals came by and did a comedy routine. The funniest thing all night was when Michael (one of the owners of Zapp hall) came up to the sheriff (who was giving DT a lecture) (and also breeds horses) and said this "hey, I need a horse for my daughter. She already had one she can ride, she just wants one she can brush and love on" Jess looked at me and said "a man is literally seeing another man about a horse" We just about died laughing. for those of you not familiar with this phrase, "I gotta see a man about a horse" is a way of excusing yourself to use the restroom. Like most of the stories of our trip, you probably had to be there, but it was so surreal, I had to write it down. See Jess below in her element. Above is Zapp Hall, band in front, bar on the left.

The one about day 4 in Round Top

Day 4 Round Top, Texas Antique Market (day 2 buying) I'ts so very hard for me to remember the days here. It's SO hot. I can't see much because I am "glowing" like crazy. Glow is pouring like rain into my eyes. We stumble around in and out of shaded booths, panting. I do find a couple of great mantles, and a giant wall of antique post office boxes that I could not stop thinking about yesterday. It makes a superb room divider, with cubbies on the back side. (I had to include the picture of our "country feet", it gives you a pretty good idea of our days here)

The one with cool stuff in Texas

I thought you would also want to see some of the amazing booths people create there. It is for 2 weeks, so they get there early and go all out.
One of the best things about this fair (we'll call it Warrenton, since it's technically different than Round Top) is twilight shopping. The different sections alternate the nights they stay open late, but even better is shopping after they are closed! Almost all of the dealers leave their booths wide open, so we wandered around in the cooling dusk, looking at all of the goodies we were too delirious to pay attention to in the hellfire heat of midday. We scouted out what we wanted to buy the next day, leaving notes to the dealers to hold things for us. Even small items like jewelry, were left out. That fact, and the warmth of the people, gave us an immediate feeling of home and trust, and family.

The one with more cool stuff from Texas

I'm sorry, did you want to see what I bought that day? A very cute green and black enamel steel table with a light. We think maybe and old manicure table? Anyway, very cute and useable, and looks great in my Halloweeney front window now. Some vintage glass beakers (great for vase), more doll heads, antique metal stools, 1, 2, 3, somebody stop me! Antique oak church pew, shabby-chic-d (but very cool), and a really great cabinet someone had made from antique doors in beautiful colors. Click on any picture to enlarge.

The one about day and night 3 in Warrenton, Texas

Still day 3... Did I mention how HOT it is? 100 degrees, and humid, like stepping out into a bathtub at 8am every morning.

We set out to look for great things to buy. Amazing how everyone takes a check without asking for id. We found a wonderful space with the nicest dealers. I spent a lot of money and Kathy (see pic with Jess) invited us to her booth that evening for a beer. We met up that night at dinner, and after introducing us to other dealers (who were such gentleman, buying us all those drinks), she decided we needed to go to the inbred bar across the street to track down the woman with the breasts that could spin in opposite directions.

The bad news is - we never found her. Good news - I somewhere found the brains to leave early (1 am) and 9 beers later. We had WORK to do the next morning. I now must give thanks and say hello to our new friends from that night - Danny Tytenicz, red - the beautiful rescued pit, and the VERY cute Clark (see pic), from the great state of Nebraska.

The one where Texas welcomes us with open arms

Day 3, cont..Jessie has a great friend (thanks, Alicia!) who somehow found all sorts of vacancies in the area. Susan (our savior) picks up the phone first and welcomes us with open arms and a hug. We are smack dab in the middle of the market, in a very clean and cool 2 bedroom. She gives us a key, tells us when breakfast is, and takes off. She doesn't even know our names! We also meet her husband, Jimmy (see pic of VERY cute man). We soon find out this is the most interesting and fabulous couple you could ever meet. The stories we heard! This is only the beginning of the absolutely wonderful and friendly people we meet in Texas.

The one where Jess freaks out for the first time

Someone is pounding on the door, screaming "Sylvester!, Sylvester!" Jess is a bit freaked out , I yell that he has the wrong room.

She gets out of bed and sees something in it. I tell her it is part of a plant and flick it away. Then she goes out to the car and gets her bag and comes in a little more freaked out. Tension is rising. Someone with no teeth is gawking at her, and it appears that people live in this motel. She showers, I unpack. She comes out on a higher level of insane-ness, I unpack and ignore her. The rest of the dead cricket she has spent the night with is unearthed from her bedsheets. That's it, we're getting the h--- out of here, RIGHT NOW! I repack, wondering who I can call to talk her down....

The one about the bad motel

Day 2 continued...

at 2am, we arrive at the lovely Motel, the only hotel with availability (3 months ahead) and a bargain at $55 per night.....

We are so tired we ignore the interior hollow core door that is our only protection from the outside elements in La Grange, Texas. As well as the janky door lock. And the dead cricket behind the toilet. This is Texas, after all. I expect bugs.

The room is the color of an egg yolk. Everywhere. It's not a good thing to look at. We pass out.

The one where we are driving to Texas

Day 2, Driving

Today we got on the road at 7am, hoping to catch a starbucks on the way out of town. no such luck. Many hours later in New Mexico, we finally found our drug.

On the 10 in Texas, the speed limit is 80, which is nice. I did get away with 101 for most of the day, so I was not too upset when the state police made a u-turn and caught me at 96mph. Alas, at night it is only 65, so we took much longer to get to our destination.

The one about the first day driving to Texas

Round Top Antique Market - Day One - Driving

And we're off. My good friend and fellow designer Jessica Kaminski is coming along to join in the fun! We get on the road in Santa Cruz about 11am. Later that evening at sunset, we are on the 95, which goes fron the top of Arizona to the bottom. I never tire of sunsets, they amaze me every time. This was one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen. In the middle of the desert, on some 2 lane road, I told Jessie if she got out and stood on top of the nearest mountain, it would change her life. It was then that after 16 years of knowing this girl, I find out she is not high on nature, mostly the insect aspect of it. (more on this later)

1am tucson time, we finally stop at a motel and sleep for 6 hours. I can't believe I drove the whole way.

By the way, it's apparently a big deal that I went in to my first WalMart today, also I ate at my first Cracker Barrel (not quite my style).