Tuesday, December 30, 2014

market review & thoughts on a new year

This year is quickly coming to a close. I want to wrap it up by sharing how market went, along with a few of the pictures I was able to snap. After that, just sharing a few thoughts on this past year and the coming year for those of you who like that sort of thing. 

So, first things first... the Lucky Star Holiday Market went well. I was so exhausted after it and then had to hop right into Christmas activities/events, so I never posted a follow-up on it. All said and done, I sold these three pieces of furniture: 





The huge window, both vintage hostess sets, fruit crates and lots of other little housewares sold as well. Here's a few photos I took as I was setting things up. The photos aren't great (borderline terrible) but I always appreciate seeing how things come together so here you go...



A friend let me borrow this cute little cart which I used as a check-out counter. It worked out perfectly.

Since this dresser came home, (and took some unintended distressing on the ride home) I'm planning to keep her and use her in Averi's room. Still one of my favorite pieces I've done to date.







For now, I set all the money aside. I'm taking my time to decide if I will use it for a new sofa (it's time to say goodbye to the pink one) or if I will use it to buy materials for a built-in (floor to ceiling shelving) on one of the walls in our living room and some beadboard paneling as well. Either way it's a great reward for all that hard work!

So, in 2014 I participated in two markets. It was good for me... very challenging to put something like that together twice with my little ones still needing so much of my time and attention. I'm thankful I had the opportunity to do it and that I did. At this point, I have no plans or thoughts for another market. We will have to wait and see as the year unfolds. For now my focus is back on our little country cottage. I'd love to see some projects move forward here... and honestly just hoping that the kids and I will get to spend more time with Brett.

I'm certainly one who likes to reflect and look ahead. I've been doing that quite a bit lately. It's been a good year for our family... not easy by any means... but good. It comes down to one thing which is this: the Lord is indeed faithful. I'm very thankful for His tender love, protection, provision and care for us. If I had to choose a key verse for myself this past year it would be this one, Psalm 73:26 "My flesh and my heart may fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Those words have come to mind often as the Lord continues to chip away at this stubborn and divided heart of mine. He's working on me and working in ways that I don't understand and find to be difficult quite honestly. He has done well to remind me that "His ways are not my ways". He has the perspective of eternity and I do not. But all the same, He calls me to try to see it that way and helps me along the way. Here and there, I get a glimpse of it... a "glimpse of glory" as I've heard it said before. A brief moment in time when my eyes see things as they really are with the sharpness and clarity that can only come from my Creator. A favorite passage comes to mind as I think about this... Hebrews 11... go read it if you want some perspective on this. This year has been one where the Lord has been checking my foundation... making sure that I am building as a wise man is to build... only on the rock which is Jesus Christ. He has pressed upon my heart that it matters greatly. The storms of this life are inevitable and at times it seems that they will never end. I need to be able to stand firm and steadfast... this is only possible with Jesus. So as the Lord has pressed this upon my heart this past year, I pass it along to you... because it matters greatly.

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

French Linen Cabinet with Chicken Wire

Well, we made it just in time with this one! It's my last piece for Lucky Star Market. I just love this vintage cabinet that I found at a garage sale. It was one of those entertainment centers that had a stereo, record player and speakers. (I think it was circa 50's/60's).




My husband had to do quite a bit of work to get it how I wanted it to be. He did such a great job. I went to work with French Linen ASCP for this one. I love this color... it's such a rich grey. 


It's been "in the works" for awhile and it became one of the kids favorite place to play. I'm sure you can see why...



It was worth all the work. She looks beautiful now...


The two speaker compartments were the perfect excuse to use that wonderful chicken wire and some pretty white ruffled curtains...


Entertainment center... Buffet??? You name it... she has lots of potential and great storage space. I'll get dimensions and price up tomorrow on my Facebook page which you can find here.

My other little project with chicken wire was this one...
a vintage frame painted white with chicken wire and some Christmas decor.


 Here's one of the "vintage hostess sets" I did for market. I had kids and hot coco in mind :)


And the final thing I have to show you is a vintage light fixture that will also go to market. It's solid brass and was made in Spain. It got a coat of white paint and then distressed to show off the pretty design...


Well, now I'm moving on to all the packing that needs to get done... better get some coffee going! Hope you've gotten a good picture of what you will find in my booth. I'm looking forward to this event and hope to see you there.


Thanks for stopping by!

Linking To:
Mod Vintage Life ~ A Stroll Thru Life ~

Monday, December 1, 2014

Winter Cheer

Hello December!
I cannot believe it's already here. I have just a few days left before Lucky Star Market .(click on that link if you want more info about that) I'm working hard... trying to pull all the loose ends together. Here's a few more photos to show what will be coming with me.
Enjoy some winter cheer today!



Two "vintage hostess sets" will be for sale in my booth. The idea is a fun, festive gift that can be given to someone who loves to entertain. A vintage crate is used for a tray, mason jars for glasses, a glass carafe, paper straws, tea towel, a candy jar just to name a few ideas. They're not all put together yet, but they will be very similar to this one, made for my sister last year...



I just love these vintage jelly jars! Wouldn't they be perfect as little juice glasses? I have 8 total. Only two of them say "Ball" on the front while the rest are plain.


The glasses can be paired with this juice pitcher for a vintage gift set.


and as mentioned in this post... these French inspired fruit crates would be great for gifts as well.


Be sure to visit my Facebook page here to see photos and prices for furniture and some of the housewares that will be at the Lucky Star Holiday Market. I also included dimensions of the furniture pieces for those of you interested in that. I have one more piece of furniture that is almost finished. Not sure if I will have time to get it up on the blog but it will for sure be posted to Instagram before market arrives. You can find me on Instagram here, under m.vintagecharm