I need a breather

Lately I've been running, jumping, hopping, twirling and doing back flips all over the place.  That's because I can hardly stay still to do anything.  Work, parties, work, looking for a new place to live, work, etc. has had my head spinning for a couple weeks now.  Not really seeing the light at the end of the tunnel yet, but hopefully soon I can relax.  I'm excited to say that I've finally got the cane-ing repaired on this chair.  And I purchased some gray fabric (actually one of World Market's charcoal velvet window panels to be exact) to recover the cushion that was original to the chair.  Oh, and apparently the guy who re-caned my chair said I painted it with latex and it should have been enamel.  I guess I'll do a clear enamel coat once the weather warms up.  As promised (many moons ago) I will post pics when it's complete.

I've also been doing a lot of browsing at my local HomeGoods, antique stores and other home decor locales - which only ends up in my wishing (a) I had a home, (b) I had a home I could paint, decorate all my own and (c) that I had more money.  Oh well... one day all my running, jumping, hopping, twirling and back flips I've been doing at work will pay off right?

While at HomeGoods I did spy a pair of these pretty lamps.  Which makes me think I'm definitely going to sale the crystal ones I purchased last year to make room for these.

Something else I've been loving lately is the combination of new art and old art.  I own lots of pretty antique framed artwork like these:

But I've been wanting to pair some different artwork in very simple clips frames.  The ones from Hobby Lobby are perfecto!  They would work great for images just like these, but just add a large white border on around the edge.

via Etsy

Notice the umbrella theme here?  I likey :)

I'm a sucker for bringing together new and old so this look really appeals to me.

Antiques & Garden Show

Nashville's Antiques & Garden Show just wrapped up it's 21st year this past weekend.  This annual show brings together renowned experts and exhibitors in the fields of antiques, decorative arts and landscape design. Offering 150 antique and horticultural booths and many innovative landscaped gardens for shoppers and enthusiasts, this show is the largest in the country that combines antiques and gardens (that's a quick little blurb I stole from a promo page... tehee).

This was my second year attending and it was really really amazing!  You can sign up to hear speakers and meet with famous designers, but I enjoyed just hanging out for a couple hours snapping photos, browsing booths and lusting after gorgeous albeit high-priced antiques.  Here are some of the pieces I loved...

c' 1860 iron staircase with quatrafoil cut-outs

Wood and iron latticed windows, with small animal skulls in the center

c' 1888 chromolithograph of cow.  I liked this because I grew up on a farm with lots of beef cattle.

Stool with faux (I think) animal legs

Loved loved loved this wood and cotton rug.  It was reasonably priced too, but with being in between homes right now I couldn't guarantee it would work

A little blurry, but it's a print of a Memphis steamboat on the Mississippi River

I WANT THIS bar cart.  The brass detailing was precious and the size was perfect

I love the contrast of these vintage bust sketches inside modern chrome frames

Don't think I left empty-handed.  This is the only thing I purchased at the show.  A vintage cast iron bottle opener in the form of a mermaid.  Very whimsical and perfect for laying around.

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Homeade Valentine

Valentine's Day was booootiful here in Nashville!  After nasty winter weather almost every week since Thanksgiving, I am looking forward to a week of sunshine and temps in the 60s!  That's the best V-Day gift I could ask for :)  Now here's a look at a couple of the homemade cards I created this year.  I bought the love puffs (as I like to call them) at JoAnn's along with the stationery.  And the rub-ons came from Target.  Ahhhh... I heart crafts!

My friend Jen got two love puffs since she is recently married :)

Tassell garland

Found this tassel garland by ConfettiSystem on a blog that I LOVE :)  I kinda want to hang it all around my office and throughout my home cause it's so pretty and sparkly!  The price isn't as friendly, but I have a feeling I could learn to make something similar.

Neutral with silver

Neutral with silver and copper

Custom colors (my fav)

Weekend estate sales

Well it looks like more snow/sleet is in Nashville's near future.  Since I will not venture out to any estate sales in the cold this weekend, I thought I would just peruse the local listings online for some eye candy.  Here are a few things that stood out to me...

This is a pretty unique cabinet - could be used for dishes or books as shown

I like this for a big house plant.  Looks nice and sturdy

How about this rustic coffee table?  I think something cool could be done with this

This French dining set would look FAB with new upholstery.  Love the lines and stately chair backs

February = hearts and kisses, pink and red, candy and flowers

 
I have a thing for February even though I haven't had a Valentine in years a while.  But what does make my heart flutter this time of year is all the adorably themed goodies for sale.  I've already hit up the $1 aisle at the entrance of Target buying stickers, rub-ons and metallic paper.  I'm planning to make homemade cards this year so I'm looking forward to seeing how they turn out :)

If I wasn't already moved out of my town home then I'm sure there would be a few pink/red themed items hanging about.  In a recent trip to HomeGoods I found the cutest string of hearts to hang from a mantle along with some other fun finds.  I didn't bother to pick any up, but maybe if they go on sale after Feb 14 I will grab up a few things for next year.

With that said I don't want some crazy overboard love fest looming around me!! An overload of stuffed animals, red roses and Godiva chocolates would give any girl a headache...  yowza.  But a few touches around the house would be nice.

A homemade wreath on the front door lets all the neighbors know your crafty :)

Sweethearts in a pretty jar for guests

Hang a "be mine" banner above the mantle

These poofs are a must for a single girls dinner party