Brookline Street Studio is now Birch Paper and Home!

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Brimfield Surprise!



Yay!!!  Brimfield!!!  I apologize if this picture is a bit fuzzy.  It was hard to keep the camera still while doing a happy dance!  Great weather, great finds, great company...what more could a person ask for?

Oh, and the surprise...

I was shopping at Mahogany Ridge when I noticed a film crew.  At first I thought it was the local news...but then I realized, it wasn't the news, it was Flea Market Flip!  Needless to say, I introduced myself to Lara Spencer and told her I'd love to be on the show with my kindred spirit, Kris!  I ran into the crew literally everywhere...they even bought one of their projects from my friend, Mike!  I can't wait for the show to air!!!




But back to the real reason for going to Brimfield...cool stuff!  I got a lot of it!  I told my BF not to bring the trailer, because I was only looking for smalls.  That was a mistake...thank goodness for delivery!




Check out this great vintage folding table!  Counter height, metal brackets, perfectly weathered, folds flat....Happy! It's already at Mill City Antiques!



This is another beauty!  I actually bought two of these sets of drawers, probably originally from an old mercantile.  The drawers are super deep and the top is counter height.  I imagine putting the two together with a zinc top.  The perfect kitchen island!  Still waiting for the second set of drawers to be delivered...this one I snuck into my friend's van.  Thanks, Hetha!!!!




I was buying this set of 8 HUGE (and HEAVY) industrial bins when I first noticed the film crews.  I love the industrial look, the handles, the label holders....everything!  Clean them up and sell them as is? Paint some white?  Paint some barn red?  Ooooh...barn red.  I like that.



I admit I didn't pick this piece up at Brimfield.  I happened across it the next day.  But it looks like it was meant to be with the bins, doesn't it?  It's five pieces:  base, two sets of three drawers, large file drawer, and set of three magazine files.  I might have to keep it...  This piece will be a labor of love, for sure.  It's covered in olive oil.  You don't want to know...


What do I love as much as industrial metal?  Architectural salvage!  I bought a bunch of corbels to use as shelf brackets and book ends.  I have three of the first style, and six of the second!





More drawers...cool typography.



Last, but not least, this awesome red stool!  This is also a keeper!



I also found four black metal stools, all mismatched, for my studio.   And a cream-painted Toledo stool for my new workshop.  And some small metal numbers, bin pulls, and brass label holders...

I usually like to get a picture of the complete haul all together, but that wasn't an option.  You see, we (me and the BF) had to drop some items off at the old studio so we could pick up his new coffee table.




It's a beauty, isn't it?  I dragged this piece out of a barn where it had been hiding under a pile of old car parts for 40...60..80 years?  It was in rough shape, but I sanded...and sanded...and sanded...  Seriously, I thought my arm would fall off.  Scrubbed the metal...  Six coats of poly...then 4X steel wool and a coat of wax, linseed oil on all the metal...  WOW!





Yes, I love my boyfriend.  But don't be mislead, this is not a gift.  It's my version of a diamond ring.  I fully intend to cohabitate with this coffee table some day.   But Doug doesn't know that...so don't tell him.  I wouldn't want to freak him out.

Needless to say, I had a stellar day at Brimfield!  Went with my BF and my BFF from elementary school and another friend.  Ran into Sue, Claire and Mike.  Met Lara Spencer.  Got some fantastic deals!  Filled Doug's car. Strapped a table to the roof.  Filled Heather's car.  Claire and Mike are both delivering large pieces...oh yeah.  That's the Brimfield I love.

Enjoy the holiday and remember the men and women who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.

Happy hunting,
Michelle


Friday, May 3, 2013

Brookline Street Studio is now Birch Paper and Home!



Welcome to Birch Paper and Home:  the new face of Brookline Street Studio.  Birch will offer the same great home furnishings and paper products you've come to expect from Brookline Street.  The difference?  I have a plan.  A 5-year plan to be more precise.  To open my own shop.  On Main Street.  Somewhere....

For now, I'm moving my home base to the historic Waumbec Mill in Manchester, NH.  I'll be right upstairs from Mill City Antiques, where I have a large retail space, directly across from the register (you can't possibly miss it!).  So, next time you stop by Mill City, head on upstairs to Suite 2024 and say hi!  I love company!

And keep watching for more exciting changes....

Blessings!
Michelle

PS.  Follow my blog and get a coupon for 10% off anything in my booth at Mill City!