Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Snow will not stop our quest for spring.

There is snow in the forecast but I do not care....I think I may be in denial. If you ask my friends they will probably tell you that they have known that for a long time.
Despite the cold and the possible inclement weather it was a busy day at the shop. Lot's of goodies went out the door into new homes today. It is a good problem to have but it is a challenge to keep things fresh and looking great in the shop. I found a couple of forgotten orphans this afternoon in my wanderings that I will be working on to help fill the space. Hopefully, I will have pictures of them for you tomorrow.
I love getting new things for the shop...it is almost like Christmas for me. One of the few vendors that have goodies in the shop brought me some new gifts.
I have the sweetest little gal, Tara, that hand makes delicious smelling soaps, bath salts and lotions. Not only do they smell great but they are goat milk based so they make my dry, old skin feel great. If you are in the area come by and smell for yourself...my favorite is Snicker doodle Cream...I think I may be her best customer...no denying that.



You probably guessed it ladies...the winner of my giveaway will get one of these yummy soaps. These are great little gifts for yourself or someone special. I love the colors as well as the fragrances.

I also had another wonderful surprise. A wonderful woman named Celeste, who owns a great restaurant named "Chaps" came into the shop. If you are ever in the area you have to check out her place. It is completely decorated in vintage and antique decor. The Farm Chicks did their book signing there.

Celeste also does a wonderful show, which she said I would be perfect for...yay!! She has about 100 vintage and antiques vendors from all over come for her terrific gathering. That really makes me ache for spring. Celeste said that her good friend told her that I "had the good junk", and she had to check us out. Now in normal circles that might not sound like a compliment but in my opinion "good junk" is as good as it gets. Celeste took home some goodies including a gorgeous, vintage madonna, along with lots of my business cards to pass along at her place.
It is good to be Queen!

Have a wonderful evening ladies and stay tuned.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Come on Spring!! I hate being cold!!

Yesterday I was just a bit of a funk, wanting to see some sun and hoping for a really early spring. Today, I woke up not feeling great and no heat at the shop. I have lived in Spokane all my life but with heat. I had to leave my sick bed to help my junk hunk work on the furnace. We had to completely tear apart the furnace making a huge mess and then close down to run around to find the part. I was feeling horrible as time wore on. To make matters worse,while we were gone, I got a phone call that one of the famous Funky Junk Sisters was at the store. She and her hubby had stopped by to check out the shop. Ahhhh.....timing is everything they say. Unfortunently, she couldn't wait until we could get back to the shop. I hope that she will return soon.
In the mean time, the heat is back on and the shop is cozy and warm. It is also looking better and better.

I actually was able to complete a couple of projects while we were waiting for the repairman come and diagnose the problem.


This is a gorgeous, vintage floor lamp. It has a large globe and three smaller bulbs that can be adjusted for just the right amount of light. It works great. The fabric on the original shade was pretty sad looking - so I covered it with some vintage backcloth. I love the way it turned out. I may still add some gimp.


I also completed some great lavender filled sachets out of some vintage fabrics. The lucky winner of this giveaway will get three of these yummy smelling loverlies to use in your own home or gift...they will be yours - so you can do as you like.

I added some fabric flowers to remind us that spring is on the way.

Now I am off to a nice warm bath. Thanks for adding my giveaway to your blogs. Chat with you tomorrow.

Monday, January 4, 2010

Think Pink Spring!!! First Giveaway!!!

So maybe it is a bit premature to start thinking spring, especially in this part of the Pacific Northwest, but the heck with it. I am so over the whole winter thing. The last two years we have had record snow fall and this year it has been cold and rainy. It is depressing and well, blah. So I am proactively, and definitely thinking spring!!!
When I think spring - I think pastels - well, I always think pastels, especially pink - but I digress.
I spent the entire day on Saturday moving out all of the Christmas left overs (except the pink tree - which is going to now be a Valentines tree) and fluffing up my shop. I think that some of my "Pink Ladies", "Cottage Chicks" felt the same way because they were out in force this Saturday.
It actually all started with a Vintage Pink Chase. I brought her home from an antique auction. She was one of the more sought after orphans but I knew she had to come home with me. Looking at her makes me think of warmer, pinker times.



She just makes me happy. She is actually very comfy and I spent more time than I probably should have lounging....err, testing her out.
Since I don't have room for her at mine - I will enjoy her until she finds a new home. $165.00 adoption fee and she is yours.

I also found the prettiest, trio of lamps - the big sister and the smaller, pair of twins. Pink, just does it for me.







It reminds me of a song - "I'm a little bit deco - I'm a little bit shabby chic." I think that is how it goes.

These lamps are C.Miller, 1956 and in perfect condition. I am not great at photography..I can tell you that they are so much yummier in person. I am happy to ship them if you just gotta bring them home. Adoption fee for Large, Square shade is $95.00. The twins are $85.00. I also have another set of twins without shades and a minor flea bite for $50.00.
You can see them tucked away in the next photo of the newly fluffed corner...unfortunately those pink loving gals adopted allot of orphans from this display before I could snap a photo.
Everything in this display is available for adoption - please just email me for adoption fees and relocation if necessary.


Now for the really fun part for both of us. I am trying to build up my bloggy base of friends - so I am hosting a giveaway. I will be adding to the goodies every day - announcing a winner on Jan. 10Th!!! The entire package will end up with a value of about $150.00 clams, buckaroos, samolies...well, you get it.

How to enter!!
1. If you are already a follower - you get one entry.
2. Become a follower - you get an entry.
3. Leave me a comment on this blog - you get an entry.
4. Post my giveaway on your blog - just let me know you did - you get two entries.
5. Any order from me, you get three entries.

It is that easy!!! Unfortunately, this is open only to US bloggers...sorry.

The first goodie is a loverly piece of vintage, bark cloth. The gorgeous roses remind me of spring. You can use it to make a yummy pillow or cover a vanity bench like I did.




So spread the word about spring, pinkness and my giveaway. We will be waiting, the Orphans and I.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

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

Thursday, September 3, 2009

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!!

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

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!!