Shopping Extravaganza

If you needed to find that special something to add to your home, vacation cottage, garden -- whatever -- the Whimsical Wishes Show in Camas and the Home and Garden Show at Monticello certainly provided an abundance of temptations and treasures. At both events, there were so many things that called out to me. If you know me very well, you know that I'm not usually a shopper. But Saturday was a different story! I filled the back of Diane's van. Poor Diane! She was so patient. God bless her.

I found several pieces to use as props in upcoming events: two chippy, white tables, a frame which will become a large chalk board and two fabulous, old, tall shutters. I haven't taken pictures of them, but trust me, they are great! I can't wait to put them to work at the next show.

Julie and Christa did a wonderful job at their show in Camas. Loved the warm banana bread. How did they know it is my all-time favorite? The showers and wind didn't deter us. So many great vendors. I was caught up in a little shopping frenzy/fog and didn't get everyone's names, so you need to visit Julie and Christa's blog for vendor information. I did take a few pictures of things that caught my eye. I can't believe how I'm drawn to the cream and sepia color palatte.

I guess the pictures prove it! I did manage to walk away from this great chest full of storage and cubbies. It was tough though! I still love it ... hmm... wonder if it is still there?

After a stop at the Camas Antique Mall and some lunch, we headed to Monticello. Shopping was still in full swing there! We "fluffed" our space, added a few new items, then did some serious browsing. Everyone did a outstanding job providing the most wonderful stuff. I was particularily drawn to Melanie Corson's space. Once again, I didn't take any pictures, but take my word for it - it was the best. I felt like I had stumbled into the most lovely, old garden filled with chippy, white, old iron garden pieces, ferns, etc. This sweet terrarium has a new home on my coffee table. My hubby even thinks it pretty special! Melanie has a shop on NE Fremont (All My Favorite Things) and a space at STARS. I plan to visit her shop during my next trip to Portland this Saturday.

Melanie is the sweetest gal. Several months ago I won her blog give-away and received three doll heads. I have to admit that I haven't been a collector in the past, but I love these three. I keep moving them around in my workroom and switching out their crowns! They even inspired my to make a whimsical piece that is currently for sale at Monticello. Again, I didn't take a picture but it is the only doll head in our space with a nest full of eggs on her head! My husband says it's creepy, but it makes me laugh. Don't worry Melanie, your doll heads are safe in my workroom. I'm keepin' em!

Now it's time to get to work. I have a mannequin to put together and I will take a picture when I'm done! Take care and have a good week! M. PS: I am having problems adding blog links, so you can visit Kindred Roses and All My Favorite Things through links in my list of favorites on the left.

Great Places to Shop this Weekend!

Today begins an antique shopper's dream! The fun starts at 10 a.m. this morning at the Monticello Antique Marketplace on Southeast Stark Street in Portland. This special Home and Garden Show runs through May 24th. Many, many great vendors with loads of wonderful stuff. Be prepared to spend some time taking it all in. It's well worth it!

Then, beginning at 10 a.m. tomorrow morning, the Whimsical Wishes Show opens. This show is hosted by Kindred Roses in Camas, Washington. (Check her blog for directions.) Over the past few weeks, Julie and Christa have been providing pictures of what we can expect to see. All I know is -- I'm getting there early!

I have a feeling that after attending these shows, you will have satisfied your antique/junque need for a while. Or - atleast until the next great show comes along! Hope to see you there. M.

Home & Garden Show - Monticello

I was just reading my last post and noticed that I was going to provide a sneak peek at what I've been working on. Well, I'm a little late! Since the show is almost here, I will just show you what it all looks like set up! Diane and I spent most of Monday arranging our space. We decided to add more color this time - so it looks sweet and lively! Since I'm running behind on time today (this seems to be the norm lately), I will just post some pictures for you.

This show begins this Friday, April 24th at 10 a.m. and runs through May 24th. The entire shop is just full of merchandise and the guest vendors are adding the most wonderful collections to the mix. Hope you can make it! M.

Upcoming Show & A Surprise

Earlier this year, I met two fellow bloggers at Joy's Blog Party -- Julie and Christa of Kindred Roses, Camas, Washington. Sweet , sweet gals ! Anyway, they are hosting a springtime show, Whimsical Wishes, in Camas on April 25th.

You can get more details by visiting Julie's blog: http://www.kindredroses.blogspot.com/. If the pictures are representative of what will be at the show -- you gotta go!

Now on to the surprise. Last Friday I was checking my blog and noticed a new comment. It was from Julie, Kindred Roses (above) saying I was famous and had a picture in the new issue of Romantic Country magazine. I'm thinkin' - what in the heck is she talkin' about?

I was totally clueless, so I gave her a call. Well, she wasn't kidding. Susan Kashas and her husband Les have their home featured in the Spring/Summer 2009 issue. Susan is a dear lady I met through friends Linda and Ludmil Marcov. The collage shown in the magazine is one that I made for Susan several years ago. It is pictured in her home office and the article actually mentions my name as the artist! I was absolutely dumbfounded and delighted!

This is a picture I took several years ago of the collage, entitled "Fancie".

Friends Ludmil (Willow Nest) and Cindy (Tarte) also have items hi-lighted. This is the first time I have seen this publication. It is absolutely lovely and creates all sorts of inspiration. If you have an opportunity, pick up a copy and enjoy the eye candy. I will be a regular reader from now on!

I'm still busy preparing new things for the Home & Garden Show at the Monticello Antique Marketplace. We will be setting up our space next Monday. The Show will open on Friday, April 24th. I plan to go on Saturday the 25th, then cross the river to Camas for the Whimsical Wishes show. Hope you will join me. I will provide a few sneak peeks later this week! M.

Happy Easter

The week has passed so quickly and I can't believe how long it's been since my last post. I will have some new things to show you next week. The Monticello Antique Marketplace Home and Garden Show will be here before I know it. So many projects, so little time. I know, that's always the case isn't it?!?

Hope you have a wonderful Easter weekend! M.

Spring ?!

After looking outside this morning, I thought I would share this quote. It says it all ! M.

"The first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month." Henry Van Dyke