Now at "The Woods"

In my last post I showed some items I had pulled together for a change-out at From Out of the Woods. Well, that change happened today and I love it! Here are some pics:



















Happy!!

Project Therapy

Isn't it amazing how a little creative inspiration can feed your soul and lift your spirits? My day started off on a very sad note, but I picked myself up and got to work on a few projects to transform my space over at From Out of The Woods. After a bit of inspiration from a friend (I was thinking "garden" while she saw "entertaining") I was off sawing and sanding, staining and waxing. Then, a trip to my storage unit (it's like Christmas when I walk in--I always forget at least half of what I've crammed into that space!). Here is the result:


The old pine cupboard came out of a barn. I don't know what the slanted top was for, but it makes great wine storage/display.


I made these wine bottle stoppers out of old knobs and finials. Drill a hole in the cork, screw in the finial and keep it all together with some EcoGlue Extreme.


I seem to have an affinity for old canning jars, particularly the blue ones. The color is just beautiful. Fill them with flowers or candles or just set them on a windowsill and enjoy the color as the sun shines through.



Here I combined an old picket fence, more canning jars and some nautical iron hooks for a display of candlelight that will make any warm evening even cozier.

The whole vignette still needs a lot of smalls and fluffing, but I'm liking the overall feel. French blue meets relaxing in the garden. Just what I wanted to be doing today--finally, a beautiful Spring day. Today was a needed blessing. Happy!

Busy, Busy

Seems everyone is busy going about the business of spring. I've seen Robins, Bluebirds and Scarlet Tanagers in the yard gathering bits and pieces for their nests. Free Stuff is starting to appear on the side of the road as neighbors begin their spring cleaning (hooray!). And I've been busy with wedding guestbook orders, Easter projects, and wholesale orders as local shops welcome the new season.

Unfortunately, Mother Nature has a different idea. I woke up this morning to another foot of snow! And, yes, it was a snow day for the kids! Ahhh. Spring in New England... Green grass and budding flowers wouldn't fill us with such joy if we didn't have to endure such a long winter, right? Here are a couple pictures of Spring tryng to pop up around my yard, despite the weather. Happy!




And a couple more of a local shop--a Happy Place--Springbrook Farm in Littleton, MA, where Spring has already sprung! Very Happy!!!




Sorry for the long delay in blogging! Orders are filled and I'm getting back on track! Thanks for sticking with me!

Back to Basics

The very first products in my line were handbound books. Now that my business encompassess everything from antique furniture to vintage-inspired stationery, I don't often get the opportunity to set up my studio for just one thing: making books. Well, this past week I did find that opportunity, and just loved it. There is something so peaceful in the process for me. Starting with nothing but paper, bookboard and glue, I end up with beautiful books that will be cherished for years to come. My inspiration for this endeavor was a custom guestbook order for an upcoming wedding. Since I was making one book, I thought, why not just make several? Here are some happy pics:







Earlier in the week I made a different batch of books. These ones are made by recycling the covers of old books and turning them inside-out to show-off their beautiful endpapers. Why let something so beautiful go hidden for so long?





One last photo: a mischievious puppy in my studio. Hmmmmm...I see a sock, some torn paper... Happy? Yes! It's a good thing he's so cute!

Hints of Spring

Despite that fact that it snowed today, I am feeling spring in the air! The birds sound more cheery in the morning. The snowbanks are slowly melting. I can even see a few patches of what-used-to-be-grass in the yard. But Mother Nature is much too slow for me, so I decided to take things into my own hands and bring a bit of spring indoors.



Now, I do have a bit of a confession to make. The flowers are fake. I have two excuses: first, I live in New England; second, I do not have a green thumb. I am shamed by this latter fact, but it's true. I had one great herb and vegetable garden when my oldest was still in diapers, but since then it's been all downhill. I would like to have a better relationship with plants. I do love nature. It's on my to do list.

On a happier note, I started working on a few Easter projects! Here is a sneak peek at one:



I'm still picking decoupage medium off my fingernails, but I love how these eggs are turning out! I can't wait to make more! Happy!

Happy Stuff!!!

I haven't posted a "junking" photo in ages, so here are a few from a recent shopping trip. I soooooo can't wait for the flea markets to open again next month!!!!





All I have to say is...happy!!!!

Stretching My Wings

Not only did I add a new shop this year, but I also expanded my space at the Spaulding Cooperage! Actually, it's even better than an expansion. Kris and I merged our two spaces and took over a third "booth" in the corner. The result? Fun and happy! We definitely share a basic design sense, but put slightly different spins on it. The combination is inspiration and a bit of stretching for both of us! Here are a few recent pics:





LOVE these! Made by Ikea, customized by Kris!





Kris made the gorgeous apron in this last photo (of "Mary," my dress form). The necklaces are mine. We both need to list them on etsy.....

On another topic, I had a very happy day! Got to see one of my bestest friends in the whole world, Heather! I love you, man!