It's been Awhile - It's beginning to look like Christmas!!

Oh!! I have been a bad, bad blogger. It has been so busy getting the store up and running. I really had no idea how much time it takes to keep things tidy and full of great goodies. It is a full time job just shopping and hunting for orphans to bring into the shop to offer to new homes. Now I am not complaining - simply trying to make an excuse that you would believe.
I found the very best auction last weekend - and the shop is full of great vintage, antique and unique goodies that would make great additions to your holiday home.They would also make great gifts for your antique loving sweeties.
The auction was at an old shop. The owner, a kind-hearted minister, had decided to make his shop space into an outreach center for homeless and needy folks. A great idea and a great cause. We were happy to find new homes for all his great goodies. We brought 5 huge truck loads to the shop and still have two more to go.
He had a little bit of everything - antiques, primitives and just different decor.I could not resist some of the gorgeous, old goodies because they were well, gorgeous and great prices.
I brought home a pretty little couch. Now she has seen better days but she still has so much to offer. You could recover or do a Magnolia Pearl treatment but I love her the way she is.

ADOPTED - SOLD!!

He also had some yummy primitives. I can not pass up anything that is chippy or distressed - especially if they are farmhouse perfect. This auction had alot of goodies just like that. I brought home not one or two or even three but four such orphans. They are perfectly primitive pieces just waiting for that country or farmhouse enthuisist to come and take them home.
This little lady is ready to help with all your holiday baking.

ADOPTED - SOLD!!

These fella's are a bit older orphans but are anxiously waiting to store your favorite belongings in vintage style.


I love how some of the finish has been removed while some of the soft green remains on this sturdy beauty.
ADOPTED - SOLD!!!



If rustic is really what your are looking for - well, this gentleman is the ticket. He is stripped and is ready for a finish of your choosing....I was going to say that he was naked but this is a family blog.



He also had this feminine beauty. I love her curvy legs and worm wood top.



SOLD
There was more and more and more. Barkcloth and vanities and crystal - oh my!!



I also have been working on Christmas goodies. I have some yummy Christmas stockings and tree skirts made of vintage barkcloth, quilts, laces and buttons.



So that is why I have been absent. I have a whole shop of Orphans to tend to.
Please stop by and visit us. We will be waiting for you Monday through Saturday 11am to 5pm at 2030 N. Hamilton. Or call for a special after hours visit.

More Christmas goodies to come...now I have to go and work on goodies for the Vintage Christmas Show next weekend.

Happy Thanksgiving! Leslie

Gorgeous Deco Buffet, New Friends and New Candles!!!

This weekend I had the privilege of attending my son's wedding. It was nice and we had a great time visiting and getting to chat with some folks that we have not seen for awhile.
He was also kind enough to schedule it the day before the Oregon City Antique Street Fair.
My hubby and I headed over early and were greeted by about 50 vendors with gorgeous wares...Shame on me...I did not take any pics. I was a bit star struck!! I got to meet Isabelle from Mason Douce - she is an absolute doll. I got a big hug from her and she spent time asking about my shop and encouraged me to participate in "Farm Chics"....I want her to be my friend...lol.
I also met one of the Barn House Boys. I am not going to say which because I believe he thought I was crazy - I grabbed him by the arm and shouted "I read your Blog!!", as he was strolling by. I think I startled him. He just kind of looked at me and then was very gracious...also very handsome.
Last by not least I got to meet Joy from A day in the life. She is a hoot...she called my hubby vintage...don't tell him. What a great sense of humor and a beautiful booth. I am not sure why I didn't buy any of her feed sacks at just two dollars each..darn it...what was I thinking.
Anyway, we had a great time. I brought home some pretty goodies and toted home a deco buffet in the trunk of my car. My hubby gave me the usual (I can't believe you) "Sweety", when I announced that I was bringing it home.
It was blond and a little chippy but I loved its lines and especially loved it's unusual feet. I knew she had to come with me.
After getting her home I did a quick sanding and applied a couple coats of satin black. She also got some new brushed nickel knobs and a light distressing - which really brings out those fab lines.
I don't have any before pics but here are a few after pics.

These really do not do this piece justice.

Her legs are great!

A close up of the new hardware and distressing.
This piece is still available at the moment but I don't think she will last long. She can be yours for only $165.00
Today was an eventful day! I got a visitor from one of the local colleges and he said that he reads my blog!!! I was so flattered. What good taste he has...lol.I told him that I was glad that someone did and that I was just going to update it...I really was!
I also got in a shipment of hand poured, hand crafted candles from Valerie. She makes the most delicious smelling natural palm and soy candles. They burn forever and do not smoke or give off any soot. She uses re purposed containers and they are just beautiful.. Stop by and smell for yourself.
Well, I am off to do some more painting and re-arranging. I have some great items coming in for fall.
I hope you stop by and say hello soon. Mention my blog for 10% any purchase. Have a great day!!

Fall Classes Enrolling now!!

That's right! Orphaned Decor is offering fall classes - the kid's are not the only ones to learn a new thing or two. Starting Sept. 12th - we will offer upholstery classes. Brenda Claussen - professional upholstery queen - 17 years of experience - will be offering up her expertise for 4 weeks. This class is suitable for beginners and up.
Classes will be held at Orphaned Decor - 2030 N. Hamilton, Spokane, WA from 1 to 5 on 4 consecutive Saturdays starting on the 26th. You may come in anytime between 1 and 5 to work with Brenda.
We will be serving refreshments to keep you creative juices flowing and have lots of great ideas about fabrics, decorating and even changing the design of your piece.
If you have ever wanted to learn the art of upholstery - come and play with us.
Cost is $65.00 plus materials. Prior enrollment is required and space is limited.

Call 509-218-3262 or drop by for more details!! Hope to see you there!!

Boys will be Cowboys

 This is an older post but I loved the way this turned out so thought I would revisit.
It has been an unbelievably busy this week at my shop. I opened on Tuesday and by Thursday I was running low on goodies. It was really amazing at the response that I am getting. It is a good problem to have but I can see that I am really going to have to step up both my junk shopping ( don't worry about me - I will manage) and my rehabbing.

I first found this homely, little, vintage, metal twin bed....that's alot of adjustives. I actually drove away and then came back and got it. I spent $5.00 - but it was sturdy and I figured I could do "something" with him....yes it is a him.

I washed him off and gave him a coat of Country blue and then decided because he was so sturdy that he needed to belong to a little boy....so cowboys it was.





I added some gold hoof prints to the footboard and some gold touchs to the stars on the headboard.
The pillows are made from placemats that I got for a song from a great garage sale. I have two more to finish.

I also have a lamp and a cute little sign to coordinate with the set.



I also did a princess bed but it actually sold before I got pictures.

I also got this cute little stool which was a cute pink but alas - she was vinyl and too sad to save.
Soooo....out came the spray paint and a funky fabric and voila!



So there you have it. A couple of Orphans that are looking for new homes.

Hope to see you again soon!!

Tole Chandeliers for a Song!

This is my first contribution to Thrifty Treasures. I love the idea of getting share my "adoptions" and deals!! I also love to look at the other great treasures that my junking sisters find.

It was hot here in Spokane this weekend...almost 100. Alot of the yard sale folk were throwing in the towel early. Despite the heat I did get to a couple of sales and found a few loverly orphans.



I actually found two of these dirty faced, little Tole Chandeliers hiding in a box under the table. I got both for a song. They cleaned up nicely and work perfectly.
I have them already hanging in my shop...I may have to keep one. They look rather small in the pictures but they are actually on the larger side.



I also found a these lost items waiting to be taken home. I love the little metal tables with the cute little roses...maybe not vintage but non the less a bargain.
The mirror was an ugly brown but cleaned right up with some pink spray paint and a light sanding. The pedestal was already pink and the geisha...I just liked her.

This coming weekend is supposed to be cooler..so hopefully there will be more treasures to be found.

Be sure to drop by Southern Hospitality and check out the other party goers!!

What was I thinking???

Hello. I know that seems a bit blah for a first introduction but it seems...natural. This is my first blog. I have read them for years. Devouring every yummy detail of others delicious decorating talent. I, like many of you, have the bug. The junking bug. I was shabby before it was chic. I love vintage goodies, pink makes me swoon and lets just say anything sparkly.....ahhhh....I have almost drove up the curb looking at my engagement ring in the sun. I also have a thing for "Orphaned things"....Ugly painted furniture, broken lamps, some stuff that my hubby calls "garbage" and just some nice stuff that I find at yard sales. Last weekend, I not only got some great stuff but I also got two parakeets and three gold fish for FREE!!! These things don't really seem to be..."What was I thinking", kind of moments...at least not to me. Others close to me may have other opinions....they can write their own blog.


Now for the "What was I thinking" idea.


Because of this bug, I recently decided to take all of my vintage loverlies and orphaned decor and lease a shop - yup. I also quit my full-time job - yup. Now you are probably saying to yourselves "What was she thinking?" I know, I know. This is not the time with the economy, times are rough. Shabby Chic is not in anymore ( someone told me that), big companies are closing...I know, I know...but it was the right time for me. I didn't like my job anymore. I was making ALOT of money for my company but didn't feel like I was getting a whole lot in return. I love to paint and recreate but I didn't have the energy or time....so, I quit. "What was I thinking?"


Anyway, what's done is done. I am now a shop owner. I thought starting a blog might be cathartic...and it seems to be. I thought I could get some great advice and support. I would love to show you some of the pretties that I find and hopefully get to meet some terrific people in the meantime.

I have some great antiques, lots of vintage goodies, hand-painted furniture, chic beauties that are not too shabby and lots more.


I hope you stop by often. I promise not to be so meladramatic. I have added a couple of pictures of the shop so far. It is far from ready to go.