Tuesday, July 28, 2009

The one with the Steel Magnolia baby shower


I was thrilled to be able to host a baby shower for my great friend Jessie on Sunday. I was stressing about the backyard with the half done deck, the dead lawn and gopher holes, but everything turned out ok. Because she is a true southern gal, and her favorite movie is Steel Magnolias, I went with that theme. It really hit me that I am so lucky to live on this old chicken ranch. There's an empty acre next door that doesn't hurt the ambiance either.

Our friend Brigit had the brilliant idea to spread straw on the dead grass...
You can't go wrong with white linen on the tables.
I served BLT salad and gourmet mac and cheese. I wish I had a picture of that salad, it was so beautiful.
Here is the cute momma to be! She never takes a bad picture.

Brigit made the delicious red velvet cupcakes that had a little armadillo on top - in an ode to the grooms cake from the movie. She made a stamp by hand!
And here is Brigit and her new baby Finn enjoying said cupcake.
I had hats, sunscreen, and shawls available to keep the hot sun at bay.
We got a little silly with the photo shoots by the end of the day.
The kids table :)
The calm before the storm...
And after...the guests got to keep cool under the plum tree but poor Jess had to open her gifts in the hot sun. Luckily this was one of those perfect Santa Cruz days. Can't wait to meet you, Johann!

Saturday, July 25, 2009

The one with the kewpie doll mold

I can't even stand it. I saw these in the back of -----'s car in Texas this past spring and have been waiting to get one in my hot little hands for months! It's a mold from a baby doll! All brass, and all barnacle-y from many many pours of molten plastic inside of it. I love the baby doll head molds, but I love love love this guy. I'm not sure he's for sale. There are a very limited number of these left on the planet. And just look at his butt! That's the cutest little butt I ever saw!

I had no choice but to redesign my mantle, as someone had cleaned me out of tons of old books, a mirror, and other wonderful things. I love it now too...

New display on the wonderful shabby dresser.
The fab old bottles have found a nice home.
I still love the bookcase as is, but I'm sure my next shopping trip will require I make a change.
My favorite of the vintage Mexican school posters, weights and measures. $95 each
This vintage stainless steel dresser has just been dropped off after being stripped, I was placing it in the window, and someone pulled up, pinted to it and bought it on the spot. A very hot item.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

The one where if you don't see it, it doesn't necessarily mean it sold


I'm loving the way my shop looks right now, especially my mantle display, I hate to change it.
Ok I admit it's been a while (and a fun summer so far) but usually I move the store around quite frequently. I like to give things a new showcase so a piece someone might not have noticed over there, they see over here and fall in love with it. Plus, I feel antsy if things are stagnant here. There are usually a few leftover pieces that have no home. Most of the time they go in the back room. Sometimes they come home with me, and I get to enjoy them for a while. In case you were wondering, here are some things I currently make good use of:

This French desk got so much attention, but alas, no buyers yet, so it's perfect as my craft station for a while.One of my very favorite things, this crock shelf diplays my collections quite nicely, I'm willing to let it go to a good home.
And possibly next, this fabulous English mahogany desk from the mid 1800's. I feel very protective of my finds, I loved them enough to buy them and hope you would love them too. When they don't get any attention I think I feel like I need to take them and give them a good home with me for a while :)

And perhaps this iron base/marble top small console table...better hurry!
Heres a peek at the beautiful trestle table that lasted exactly one week before someone very smart snatched it up.

I'm dedicating this weekend to renew the shop. Let's all hope it's not too beautiful outside or the hammock will be calling my name. I feel guilty if I don't work, and equally guilty if I don't play...

Friday, July 03, 2009

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!