Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Celebrating the 4th!

Traditionally, I have not decorated much for this holiday.  Mostly because it seems to come and go quite quickly, during a busy time of year.

But, since I am already doing a red, white and turquoise/teal blue theme in the living room, it was easy to put something together for this year.

So, I took a bit of poetic license with the Navy color.  Jennifer teased me, because I said that it was "French Country" 4th of July, but oh well. 

I found these three Mason jars at Joann's Fabrics, and they will match my décor all year round and fill the odd empty spot in front of our TV. 



As for the paper bunting, I have a ton of scrapbook paper just dying to get used, so I made triangles, and sewed a cotton red yarn through the top of each triangle through two holes I poked in them with a darning needle.  The thread was that "Sugar and Cream" cotton type, so it is more sturdy than acrylic yarn.   The mantle was finished off by an American flag tucked into the rooster aqua pitcher I have, and Joel's patriotic photo of his parents and father in uniform fits right in.)






And lastly, I wanted to highlight the wreath I have had up for some time.  It is just a grapevine wreath, with a center of origami scrapbook paper flowers I made (held together in the middle by glue, string and a button center.) 



Happy Independence Day!

Monday, June 22, 2015

Recent Projects! Painting, Painting, Painting

I am so behind in posting my recent projects and additions to the Etsy Shop!  I've been really busy.  I'd say that's a good thing overall, and not because I am so distracted that I am avoiding anything, but because I am keeping myself genuinely busy. 

Here are some pictures!


before


after
pillows are still for sale in my etsy shop that match!


Jane Austen silhouette art

Charlotte Bronte silhouette art













Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Magazine Crate Project

My collection of home décor magazines is growing: this isn't all of them.  I subscribe to Country Living and Better Homes and Gardens, plus I pick up House Beautiful whenever it catches my eye at the check out stand.

I have been storing my magazines in various places, but this wooden crate at Jo-Ann Fabrics over the weekend caught my eye.  It was raw wood and on sale for $8.95.  So, I snatched it up.

I felt that we needed more pops of red in the living room to balance the overabundance of teal that has worked its way in, so Red Chalk Paint from Folk Art was the choice for this one (with a stenciled white chalk paint detail on each end.)   I hope you like it!  I love these super easy projects.







Sunday, June 14, 2015

Jane Austen Lovah...

So, it's no secret that I love all things Regency England.  I will get over the pond someday to see my homeland.  It's on the bucket list.

In the meantime, I will have to settle for watching "Austenland" and the BBC "Pride and Prejudice" on repeat AND adding little touches into my home that remind me of my fandom.

Mom picked these up for me.  They had come into the Methodist church thrift shop that she works at.  For one dollar, I was able to prettify these with some chalk paint and make them modern.  I especially like Pipe Man, as I have dubbed him.  That old timey British farmer looks like he knows how to relax.

Such a happy Sunday afternoon project.





Thursday, June 11, 2015

The Etsy Shop is Live!

After three years I have finally done it.

Etsy is up and running.  There are still a few items to post at a later date, but this is most of it for now.

Here is the link.  https://www.etsy.com/shop/MiscellaneousM

thanks in advance for checking it out!

Local people: if you want something, there is no reason to deal with shipping.  Just let me know and we will talk about it.  Message me.

Again, the shop email is handmadebymiscellaneousm@gmail.com



Monday, June 8, 2015

The Country Living Fair!!!!

 


even the tables in the food court were decorated country style, and I loved that bunting!
 
 


We attended on the last day, but I didn't think it seemed picked over or almost sold out whatsoever, so each vendor must have really brought a significant amount of merchandise to flesh out their booth.  I loved it: I absolutely loved it.  And once again, thanks to my brother in law Dave for taking some of the better pictures below.

I think I am officially obsessed with Rhinebeck, NY.  I am ready to move there yesterday.  It was so my town: country but fresh, hip and artsy!!!!  With beautiful historic architecture thrown in beside a thriving, independently owned shop scene.  Go there.  Just do it.  I am not lying when I said I wish I could live there, and it's really not far from my hometown at all.

Anyway, back to the fair.  It was, first of all, the most impressive fairgrounds I have ever see (The Dutchess County Fairgrounds).  They have wonderful facilities and it was a great place to host this event.

I wish I had been able to bring more money.  I knew I would feel that way in advance.  It was especially difficult to walk by all the beautiful chalky painted furniture which I covet. 

Here are some pictures I took of the day and booths that caught my eye!  A big favorite was 2 Chix and a Barn (link to their website here 2 Chix and a Barn ) which happens to be a business owned by women I watched on Flea Market Flip, one of my fave shows.  This aqua dresser of theirs was my favorite piece of the entire thing:



their Airstream named "Pearl"


Here is more I just adored and/or caught my eye. 


I wish I could have taken a better picture without glare so you could see what a pretty aqua this clock really was.  I've had my eye out for clocks lately.


my brother in law is photo bombing this one on the right side, ha!


Ironstone in a hutch!  it doesn't get much better than that



more of my fave ironstone!


this booth made purses with vintage book covers: I mean hello.


If this Pride and Prejudice book had been in my budget, this purse would now be in my home.
website link here Beez by Scranton
 
another clock I adored, And the quatrefoil teal frame

how appropriate is this sign to my life and the lives of so many others! lol  Shannon modeled it gracefully


Jennifer looking beautiful pregnant in front of the awesome glass plant holder thingies



 Another business I love is Beekman 1802.  It is a company owned by a couple that moved to a small town in upstate New York called Sharon Springs, bought a Georgian mansion, fixed it up, and then helped the agricultural, economically depressed town get back on its feet while helping themselves make the farm profitable when they were unemployed.  Later as a couple, they won "Amazing Race!"

Read their story here...  Beekman 1802
 



 

I also loved Cari Cucksey (of HGTV's Cash and Cari)'s new line of brightly colored paints too.  I didn't get a picture of the paint, but we did take a picture of Cari doing a paint demonstration on reclaimed wood and her booth. 





Here is a link to the website of her new paint line.  I also love her logo:

 
 
So, now you want to know what I bought, right?  Not much.  I had a budget for this particular event because this was at the worst possible time between pay-days.  But I bought the soap above from Beekman 1802 that smelled amazing, AND I found two relatively inexpensive ironstone pieces that are unique and different than what I had already.  Plus Joel bought Jennifer this beautiful votive holder chandelier thing.
 












And last but not least, they had something for the kiddos.  The Rhinebeck 4H club had animals there, and Micah loved it.