July is Here and it's Hot!

It's not the Texas heat that I'm referencing, it's the HOT DEALS! All of our long time customers know what to expect from us in July and August......our big SUMMER SALE!

We are already ramping up and making preparations for big Fall / Winter displays and we need space for the soon arriving inventory. So, the Spring and Summer goodies need to find new homes!

Bring your pocketbook and load up on the bargains. You can find us on the Canton grounds in Arbor 2, booth 125 - 127 be sure to look for the big LAURIEANNAS banner!!

And of course, you can shop with us at our air conditioned store located just a half mile up the road at 1501 N. Trade Days Blvd (Hwy 19).

Come see us Thursday July 2nd - Sunday July 5th!

See ya there!

A Room With a View

Photo: The Halbert House

Behind our home, rests the 100 plus year old Halbert House, which recently received an amazing restoration. I took a photo so you could admire the preservation efforts. The freshly restored home is now being used to host weddings and special events.

Many of the couples are choosing to charm their guests with horse drawn carriage rides. But, it's not just the guests that enjoy the ride. Although, I may not have been in the carriage, the view from my bedroom window was just as lovely.

As I gazed upon the stately carriage being pulled by beautiful horses, I listened to the clicking of the hooves and wondered how many others before me had enjoyed a similar view.

The difference....now it's an event - back then it was transportation.

Either way, it's lovely.

Hidden Treasure in the Attic

Through our years of historic restoration, we've found some really cool things tucked inside of walls, under old foundations, buried under shrubs, you never know what you may discover during a project on an old house.

While installing the cable and electricity for the TV project, hubby was trying to run wires through the ceiling of our bedroom and was accessing it from an undisturbed part of the attic floor. There, under some old floor boards, he noticed the edge of something sticking out. He pulled up a couple boards, and was surprised to find a long slender box that was covered in a mound of dust. It was taped shut, so he stopped what he was doing and brought it downstairs so we could check it out.

I was so excited when I saw the box, with just a smidge of anxiety.....what was in the box?

Inside the box, wrapped in newspapers dated 1953 was a large doll, and I mean large! She measures about 30" tall and looks like a life size 2-3 year old toddler.

Our home is a registered Texas Historic Landmark that was built in 1880 and originally owned by a widow with 10 daughters. The house remained in that family until 1967, so, it's no shock that we've found quite a few doll parts over the past years, but never anything even close to this!

We've been unable to find any markings on her, but the box has a faint label that reads, "Madame Georgene Doll". And another label on an interior box that reads "Wonder Dolls". We're not certain if she was the doll that was originally in this box, but she fits in it perfectly. She has a cloth body and there is a cylinder that I can feel under her tummy. I'm curious what kind of mechanism it is, but I wouldn't dare cut her cloth to find out. She didn't have any clothes so I found her a vintage gown and hat to wear in the meantime.



This little girl's condition is pretty rough. Her face is quite cracked and crazed, she's missing a few fingers, and her hair is a mess, but I think she is so lovely. It makes me smile to think about how many little girls must have loved her in years past. Old items tell stories without speaking a word......I love that. Does anyone else do that...sense the history of antique item?

We've officially adopted her and gave her the name, Georgy Girl. Her name was inspired by the box label and a song that I remember from my childhood. Okay, I know.....I'm dating myself!

Georgy Girl was posing for a photo on the front porch swing when she caught the attention of George, our 11 year old rescue kitty, and Zeek our 10 year old Golden. Perhaps they thought she was the latest rescue!

They really tried to make her feel welcome. I think they thought she was a real child!

Modern TV Marries a Vintage Mantel

If I were to ask, "What's the most unattractive thing in the room"? Anyone that loves to decorate would most likely answer, "the television". Yes, they may be functional and entertaining, but warm and charming they are not.

I love what was on the DIY Network when I snapped this pic!

Our common desire to hide the TV has created quite a market. There are loads of clever ideas for concealment ranging from wardrobes to custom built-ins. For the new flat screens, you can choose from a variety of cabinets with hydraulic lifts, as well as custom built mantels. They are wonderful indeed, but the price tags are quite hefty.

Photo above: Apartment Therapy

Last month, I ran across a cool idea using a fireplace mantel on Apartment Therapy. The design was pretty, but the height wasn't practical for us.

We are in the midst of home renovations and have a fireplace in the master bedroom that I thought would be a perfect location for the TV, but how?

And then I stumbled across an antique mantel top that was missing the mirror at a flea market. I thought the opening for the missing mirror would be a great place for the TV. Mind you, I had no measurements for our existing mantel, but I eyeballed it and it looked like it might work. The nicest thing about the top? I snagged it for $65!!

I couldn't have found a better match with a map! These two look as if they were separated at birth!! The fact that the size and color was a close match, greatly simplified this project. Both the base and the top had shelves, but I thought it actually added interest so I let it be.

This was definitely one of the easiest tasks we've ever done. A little black paint on the wall (to camouflage the opening behind the set), running the cable and electric cords behind the mantel base, attaching the top and installing a wall bracket to hang the TV. I wish all our projects were this easy-peezie! !
Hubby and I were both pleased with the finished result. I love the look and he likes the comfy height for watching TV while in bed. It's also high enough for me to sit and read without obstructing his view, lessening his use for the phrase, "You make a better door than a window". It's just perfect for our use!

I'm still playing with the decor and think I may want to paint it white......but, I'll sit with that notion for a bit. Either way, I'm thrilled!

P.S. During this project, we made an exciting discovery in the attic that I'm dying to share with you!! I'll post about it in a couple days.....it's wonderful!

Some like it hot - NOT!

Thank you for making this past Canton the best May show we've ever had! Both locations enjoyed fabulous attendance and sales. Although the Texas heat did drive customers into the store where they enjoyed bottled water and AC!!



Hubby and I have spent the past couple months on home renovations....I have much to share!

Have a great week!

LaurieAnna

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Oh, sweet April!

Yikes! It's been weeks since my last post.....how time flies! Our time spent began with a buying trip at the pre-Roundtop show, I found some incredible pieces! Then we rolled in the Canton First Monday show which positively consumed us! In fact, it was the best April we've ever had, every show gets better and better! I've never seen a crowd like that at the Canton show....absolutely amazing! I'm certain the abundant sunshine and 70s temps had something to do with it! We were sold out of many things by Friday!

Another sweet surprise has been the popularity of the on-line store. It continues to grow every month and I hope to add more things this month. Most especially our lighting/lamps which have been so popular over the past couple of years!

This month marks our 4th year in this business....I can't believe how quickly we've grown in that short time, and continue to be astounded by the loyalty of our clients! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

LaurieAnna

You've come a long way baby!

It may look like a painting, but look again, it's a window blind!

Isn't she fabulous!

Smiles,

To paint or not to paint?....

I was researching sites last night in search of a painting tool when I stumbled upon a great site called Design Sponge. This wonderful site has loads of projects and is a great fishing spot for inspiration and tips! Another thing I loved about this site were all the before and after shots.

One of the projects had a box full of comments, some with very passionate views about painting antiques!! Below are the before and after photos from the post I'm referencing.

photo credit, Design Sponge Online

This leads me to a question, although not as it applies to these particular piece of furniture. Remember, these are not my projects, just examples. In general, how do you feel about painting antique pieces / aged wood? Give me specifics.

I'm pleading the 5th on this because I've done both, I've refinished pieces and I've painted pieces......it's subjective for me. What I'm seeking are honest opinions....I really want to know your thoughts. I'm seeking input for a future project.

Smiles,

Be sure to check out Design Sponge...it's an amazing resource for you DIYs! Thanks Grace for giving me permission to use the photos!

For the birds...

Not so fast..... this beautiful birdcage houses more than birds!

Tucked inside is a beautiful pendant light dripping with prisms. I wrapped a pretty sash of burlap ribbon around the waist, a nice contrast to the grey metal.

This birdcage chandelier, one of our "new vintage" Spring items was a favorite at Serendipity Market! Don't let the photo fool you, it's large...measuring just under 3' tall!

If you're currently on the scout for a chandelier for a decorating project, don't cage yourself into the traditional.....look for something unique!

Smiles,

Repurposing...

This is another photo from Serendipity Market. Here, an antique mantel became a twin headboard. I'd seen this done before, but was waiting for the perfect mantel. I loved the original Robin's egg blue chippy paint on this one and was thrilled to find the original aged mirror to be in great shape! And the firebox?.....exactly the width of a twin bed frame......it was meant to be!!

As for the canopy hanging beside the bed......it's a vintage hoop skirt!!

Don't you love repurposing?

LaurieAnna

Some items pictured above can be purchased on-line. Click on the following to purchase:
Burlap bolster;
Burlap pillow cover on bed;
Burlap tufted cushion on stools;
Mercury glass pendant light;