My Shabby Passion

New Adventures For 2012

2012-01-20T07:54:00.000-08:00

I know Christmas was almost a month ago, but I am just getting my Christmas things put away. As soon as Christmas was over, I have been off and running getting ready for some new adventures.

Goodbye Jesus Family. I look forward to seeing you next year at Christmas time. You mean the world to me.

Due to an overstock of "stuff", I have decided to take on another space at Camas Antiques. My biggest and bestest piece is this very cool primitive work bench. The possibilities are endless with this wonderful piece. I brought this home, (hanging out the end of my Nissan Xterra), and my husband thought it would be great for the garage. Umm, I don't think so! I envision it as a kitchen island, or maybe as a dining room buffet table. It has two working vises on it, and the board in the back opens up for storage. That was probably where they kept their tools.

So, my new space at Camas is on the top floor, all the way to the back, in a room all to myself. I am really loving it! I always have alot of "inventory", so there is no problem in keeping this room plum full. So far, business has been very well, and I have restocked three times, since the move in day on Jan 2nd. Thank-you!, Thank-you!

While Camas Antiques, and my space at Uncovered Ruby's has kept me busy, I have also been trying to get ready for the Junk Salvation flea market coming up. The date is Feb. 3rd, and Feb. 4th. That is right around the corner! I was a shopper last year at this flea market, and let me just say, it was amazing! There are so many talented dealers there, and I am so excited to join in on their party! I hope you get a chance to come out and see us!

One last shot of my room in Camas Antiques. Be sure and come out for a visit!

The Holiday Junkfest Is Coming!

2011-11-09T16:34:00.000-08:00

This is my newest holiday helper, sporting her very best Plucky Maiden outfit. She is anxiously awaiting to meet and greet all you holiday shoppers! The sleigh (trailer) is packed and ready to fly! I hope to see you all there! This is an event, not to be missed! Shoppers will be given a map that will have all the vendor locations in both the Grand Lodge and the Children's Cottage. Me, and a bunch of my friends from A Vintage Gathering will all be set up in the cottage, as well as many other fabulous vendors. Let the holiday season begin!

I Love New York

2011-10-17T06:50:00.000-07:00

I love traveling in the Fall, and this year I thought a trip to New York would be fun. However, I really don't care so much about the big city, but I have heard upper New York in the Fall is beautiful. My daughter , and her boyfriend, just moved to Syracuse, NY, so this would be perfect! And besides, this would be a belated birthday trip for me, and the hubs just needed some r and r.

The first two nights we stayed in the adorable town of Skaneateles. A lakeside village that sits on 16 miles of a beautiful lake. When you think of small town USA, and how you wished your little town looked, this place was the perfect example. Every one's porches were decked out in all of Autumns glory with pumpkins, mum's, and cornstalks. You can tell these people must love their cute little town. And, we found the best place to eat! Be sure and visit "Doug's Fish Fry". There is a line out the door, almost every day, but the wait is totally worth it!

The weather was 75-80 degrees while we were there, which makes for some great day trips. As we were driving around the lake, we noticed alot of cars at this place, so I wanted to see what all the excitement was all about. Ahhh.....Mackenzie-Childs, the designer! We were passing through Aurora NY, and I had no idea that her shop/house was just around the corner from us. What a great surprise! She has been featured several times in Country Living magazine, so I knew what all the hoopala was all about!

Of course, I must check this out for myself! Proceed with caution!...........

If you are on a budget, this is not the place for you, but the eye candy is amazing! I would have to say that the black and white checks were my favorite. Everything kind of reminds me of a tea party with Alice in Wonderland.

Everything was alot of color and patterns, which is a bit much for me. However, all the ladies in the shop were going ga-ga over it! All I could think of was all the starving children in the world, while all the rich ladies were ringing up their purchases. I mean everything I picked up, was at least $100. Ok, there was a small bowl, for only $90! I guess I am just so thrifty, that it is so hard to justify charging crazy prices. I wasn't going to buy anything, and I even walked out of the shop empty handed, but a greater force pulled me back in. I knew I would be mad at myself, if I at least didn't buy a little souvenir from this wonderful place. So I ended up buying a cute little compote bowl, and YES, I will be using it at my next party. I told my husband, that if I die first, please DO NOT let this little bowl end up in the garage sale!

Sorry for the side shot of the mannequin, but isn't this interesting? I think it was going for around $3,000, but it was one of a kind, and all hand-crafted. Wouldn't this be a good way to use up all our odds and ends that us junkers tend to accumulate?

Next up for a day trip, was a drive to Cooperstown, NY, which is the home of the baseball hall of fame. The drive was beautiful with all the fall colors! I just love the little white church down in the valley.

Sightseeing makes me thirsty, and New York has some great hand-crafted breweries! Ommegang brewery was just outside of Cooperstown, and their brews were excellent!

The famous DoubleDay field in Cooperstown......where dreams are played.

Another day trip of just driving around randomly, we stumbled on a harvest festival in Mexico, NY. Any time I see a line of cars now, I'm thinking there is something really great on the other side! I did not know it, but apples are a very big deal in New York. I was surprised to learn that NY is the number two apple producing state. I never pass up a photo op with my daughter in it, and then we quickly got in line for a carmel apple and apple fritter! Isn't it funny how you crave certain foods during certain times of the year?

In New York, they give you a bag, and you can go pick your own apples. I could not believe how many people were doing this, and very excited about it! I guess when you are surrounded by apple trees your whole life in Washington, you just take it for granted. I am lucky to live in the Pacific Northwest!

We saved our best day trip, with a drive to Niagara Falls. This place was on my bucket list, and I was not leaving NY without seeing it. Can I just say AMAZING!!!

Pictures do not do this place justice. The experience of being there, and seeing all that power was incredible.

To get a closer view, one must ride the "Maid of the Mist", to get the whole windy and wet experience. Of course we were upfront, and totally loving it!

Rain poncho's are provided with the admission on the boat ride, and you do need them! My daughter, Alicia, her boyfriend Chad, and the hubs are all giddy about just getting soaked. It's not everyday that we can get a shower by the great Niagara Falls! It helped that this was another 80 degree day in October too!

Up close and personal with the American Falls.

I could not snap enough pictures.......everything was soooo pretty! What a great vacation! Now back home to the real life. Everything is beautiful here too, with all of our fall colors. It's just that all that junk I left in my garage at home is still there. And with that, I must get going on it, as I have several shows planned in the near future.

Final Fall Flea!

2011-09-15T07:02:00.000-07:00

I just love the change of the seasons, and our final show of the year for A Vintage Gathering, will provide lots of yummy Fall goodness. We are having a twilight show September 16th, from 5-8pm, complete with a campfire again. And on September 17th, all day from 8-4pm. I wish I had some autumn eye candy for you, but blogger does not want to download my pictures! So you will just have to trust me, when I say it will be awesome! We have a full house of 16-17 vendors. See ya there!

Looks like a great week-end for a flea market!!

2011-07-28T06:29:00.000-07:00

Greetings my friends! I hope you are ready for a great flea-market week-end, because there is ALOT going on!! First off, A Vintage Gathering has decided to add a candlelight sale on Friday, July 29th, from 5-9pm. There will be a campfire burning, with some old fashioned marshmellow roastin' going on. Who doesn't LOVE a nice warm goey marshmellow!!?? My friend Jenny, will be singing for us a well. She sings some wonderful americana, country music.

On Saturday, July 30th, our hours are 8-4pm. I forgot to tell you that we will have the most vendors, that we have ever had. We will have 20 vendors, and I believe one gal is coming all the way from Eugene to be a vendor with us! We have a great lineup! There will also be a food cart on site for you. They make awesome expresso's too, so no need to stop somewhere else.

Up the road, our good friends from Barnhouse are having their big flea-market too! Alot of my friends will be vendors there. Too bad I can't be in two places at once! I believe their sale starts at 9am on Saturday. So, you can see, you can make a day of it! The last three pictures were from our last flea-market, and I have been shopping like crazy, and have ALOT of new stuff!

I will also be having a sale in my space at Uncovered Ruby in Battle Ground. This wrought iron bench is still waiting to sit on somebody's porch.

We at A Vintage Gathering, and Uncovered Ruby look forward to seeing to seeing you all! The weather is gonna be SUNNY, SUNNY, SUNNY! And just that, makes me excited!

It Must Be Time For Another Vintage Gathering Flea Market, Cuz My House Looks Like A Furniture Store!

2011-06-23T06:12:00.000-07:00

I am up to my arms and body parts in vintage furniture! I really would like to have my house back, as it is looking like a scene from "Hoarders". I have been saving all of it for better weather, and thankfully it is looking good for this Saturday!

She was a bit too sparkly for me, so I had to spray paint her white. It will go with all of her outfits!

I found this baby last summer, and it is awesome! If I had the room, she would be a keeper, right in my dining room.

Oops! It got in there twice! She is sooo vain......

I thought I would do up some chairs to sit around the library table. I just happened to find six very sturdy old chairs, with nail head trim. I had a vision. The next time I even think about painting that many chairs, I think I'll shoot myself! I should be painting the last two chairs right now, but no, I am blogging and avoiding it, and then I still have to recover the seats....I need more coffee!

My Mom will be helping at the sale on Saturday. She is the best Mom ever! She has a birthday in a few days too. She will be 75. Don't tell her I told you her age, cuz she would kill me. Just wish her a Happy Birthday! Next to her, is my beautiful daughter, Alicia. She just graduated from Portland State, and she is headed to Syracuse, NY to grad school. I am so proud of her! In front is my sister Jeanna, and her beautiful daughter, Shelby. Jeanna had her own space at our last AVG sale, and she is hooked! She is gathering up more stuff for the July sale, and sitting this one out. Isn't if funny how these flea markets seem to turn into a family affair? I am so very lucky.

We will have some new guest vendors for our June sale, and I can tell you that I have seen their talent. They have some very neat stuff. I am really loving these AVG flea's, cuz each one is different. The start time will be 0800!!! Gotta go finish painting some chairs....

Vintage Gathering Flea Market Tommorrow!

2011-05-27T06:28:00.000-07:00

First of the season flea market for our group starts tomorrow at 0800, and goes to 4:00. Today we will be dodging the rain pellets, and setting up our goods for you. Tomorrow promises to be a better day, weather wise............I hope! We will have fourteen vendors waiting for you, so please come on over for a visit. Most of your favorite past vendors will be there, as well as some new guest vendors. I know I am really looking forward to seeing what they have to offer! Everyone has been working really hard to put on a great show.

These few pictures are just a sample of what I have for sale. I know summer has to come eventually, so I hope all my wrought iron furniture will get you inspired for some sunny weather!

Vintage Gathering Flea Market Tommorrow!

2011-05-27T06:26:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day Garden Fair Tommorrow!

2011-05-06T06:16:00.000-07:00

The Plant and Garden Fair at the Camas High School starts at 0900 tomorrow morning! With or without the sun, the show must go on! They are calling for scattered showers, so lets hope they scatter elsewhere! I have been going to this show for alot of years, and alittle rain does not keep this crowds away. Remember, this year is in a different location, and Camas High School is NOT in Camas. Be sure and map quest the address, take your GPS, or follow the signs from Lacamas Lake. The address is 26900 SE 15th street, Camas, WA.

This baby is loaded, and ready to roll! It's filled to the brim with vintage wrought iron, concrete goodies, birdcages, benches, and lots of everything else.

The hubs even slapped together a table for me. I found the awesome chippy table base, at a sale last month. It was in a pile of junk, turned upside down, and I could see that it was destined for something much greater. Of course when I drug it home, the hubby just shook his head. After he added some boards to it, I painted it up, and then he then saw it's great potential. I know I am just loving it!

Hope to see you tomorrow, and please bring alittle sunshine our way! And Happy Mother's Day to all you mom's!

P.S. Don't forget that our first Vintage Gathering Flea Market is less than a month away too. Mark your calenders for May 28th.

Getting ready for the Camas plant and garden show

2011-04-18T07:28:00.000-07:00

Attention all you plant, and all things for the garden lovers! The 14th annual Mother's Day plant and garden fair is coming up on Saturday, May 7th at the Camas High School. There will be over 80 vendors, and they have moved it to this different location, so there is more room for everyone. The address is 26900 SE 15th St. Camas, WA. My mom, and I go to this every year, but this year, I am a vendor! I am very excited, because I have a ton of stuff that would look great in your yard or garden. I have been making a few signs.

I have been finding alot of neat garden stuff. This picket fence shelf will have to be painted!

I love vintage flower vases, and pots!

I have a pretty good collection of concrete everything, including these vintage Greek urns.

My neighbors think I am collecting birdbaths. I'm sure they think I'm crazy! Crazy for concrete maybe!

And if you are looking for vintage wrought iron furniture, I have ALOT!!! I really do have at least one of everything! Patio table and chairs. loveseat, sidetables, plantstands, ect. I just recovered these two chairs, and they go with a glass topped wrought iron table.

And it wouldn't be a garden fair, without a few plants! I'm glad the sun finally decided to come out yesterday!

I decided this old wagon needed to be painted with a patriotic theme. It would be really cute sitting on some body's porch with a pot of plants in it!

It seems I have collected alot of benches too! A rusty old milk stool anyone?

The picket fence looks sooo much better painted white. The plant show starts at 9:00 am, and goes until 4:pm. We will be waiting for you!

Mad Hatter Tea Party and Sale!

2011-03-10T06:14:00.000-08:00

You are invited over for tea tomorrow, March 11th, at Uncovered Ruby's. Everyone has been very busy getting ready, and let me say that our shop is bursting at the seams with Springy goodness!

The shop will be closed from 3-4, and then at 4:00, Queen Ruby, Alice, and the Mad Hatter will all be awaiting your arrival. I wouldn't be too late, but the party will go on until 8:00.

There will be sales, door prizes, a make and take craft project, and yummy treats. Please see Uncovered Ruby's blog, for more details.

I have brought alot of new things in, and I know all the other vendors have too.

I brought this vintage desk in just last week. I gave it a Pottery Barn look, which I just love!

I personally will have all my furniture on sale for 10% off.

I will be taking in this piece of furniture today, and as you can see, this is nice and crackly. All I had to do was put a glaze over the paint to seal the finish.

See you at the party!

I love my space at Uncovered Ruby's!

2011-02-04T06:20:00.000-08:00

I have been at Uncovered Ruby's almost 3 years now. I moved to the back of the shop to a bigger space 3 months ago. All I have to say is...........What took me so long?!! It certainly wasn't the lack of stuff , cuz everyone knows, I could probably fill up the entire store! I simply cheaped out, and was afraid to commit. Just let me say, that the last 3 months have been fabulous!! I would like to say a big thank you to all my awesome customers! I really love what I do, and decorating my space, feels like it has become an extension of my home.

My mantel sold last week, and I am both happy, and sad. It was a great focal point, and so much fun to decorate. I know someone else will love it as much as I did. I will have to put a mantel back on my shopping list!

I just took this industrial stainless steel table to the shop.

Took in a few new lamps too! I have noticed that the more lights that I have, the better my space looks. Why have I just discovered that?!

I have this awesome primitive farm table tucked in the back. I would think it should be going to a new home soon. I also just brought in the industrial green cart in the corner. I used it for a bar at Christmas time, and it was a hit!

Cute cubby bookcase filled with vintage goodies!

I love this pink chest/dresser. Calling all pink lovers! If you saw it at the Monticello Christmas show, I have reduced the price for you. I think the concrete cherub would make a nice Valentine's gift for that special someone. Who doesn't love concrete!?? I truly would rather have concrete, than chocolate! Concrete is forever!

I will be heading to the shop today with some more goodies, and I always love to check out what all the other vendors are up to. Every week I go, there is something new going on. If you have not been in to see us in a while, you will be pleasantly surprised! Have a great week-end!

Merry Christmas to all!

2010-12-25T15:24:00.000-08:00

May all of you have a blessed and wonderful Christmas, as you gather with all your families, and friends.

I am blessed with so many wonderful friends.........

I am blessed with my two beautiful children.....

This is all I want for Christmas...........

Is my family together..................
Laughing, smiling, and happy!

Childhood treasure's from Grandma's house make me smile...........

I believe Gabby will be the only one to be happy when Christmas is over.........too much hustle and bustle, and not enough attention. Merry Christmas to all!

Michelle

Christmas at Monticello starts now!

2010-12-02T22:44:00.000-08:00

Wow! This week has just flown for me! Sleep, get up, work on my Christmas space at Monticello's, go home, and then get up, and do it again! With a final sprinkle of some faux snow, (hey, that rhymes!) I am finished! The show starts tomorrow at 8am. Grab your eggnog lattes, and head on in for some serious Christmas inspiration. Here are a few pictures of what I've been working on all week.

Not only do I love angels at Christmas time, I also love vintage Santa's! They just have a special look.

Don't forget to look up!, because I have filled up my space as high as I can go!

P.S.

Don't forget that Uncovered Ruby is having a girl's night out from 4-8pm tomorrow too.

I'm ready for you there as well. I have spread my Christmas cheer every where! Happy Holiday's!

Michelle

Dreaming of a white Christmas.....

2010-11-29T07:20:00.000-08:00

A week ago, the picture outside my window looked like this.....So pretty!!

But lately, my dreaming of a white Christmas has been more of this! I have been on a non-stop marathon getting ready to make my debut at the Monticello Christmas show this Friday, December 3rd.

The usual, lots of sanding, painting, cleaning, pricing. What do I take first? Do I have enough stuff? How much furniture can I fit into a 10x5 space? I'm feeling abit stressed!!! Tomorrow is move in day for me to set up. I am sooo ready....... but not everything is ready. Is it ever??!! As the saying goes, "Keep calm, and carry on". No time to keep calm!! I have stuff to do!

Maybe if I were a concrete cherub, I could look this calm. He will be going to Monticello.

This dresser really turned out nice. I was thinking it would make a nice buffet too. So, the Christmas show at Monticello starts Friday at 0800. Then, Uncovered Ruby's is having a girl's night out from 4pm-8pm on the same day. So much excitement in one day! The shop really does look beautiful, and everyone will be have things on sale. I just love a vintage Christmas.

See you there!

Big News To Shout Out!

2010-11-02T06:34:00.000-07:00

I have lots to tell! But first, I would like to say good-bye to Jack. I look forward to his visit every year. Halloween is probably my most fun holiday to decorate up the house. I have lots of vintage Halloween, but this year I choose to put up only my most precious things, and keep it simple.

Could it be that my life is actually getting simpler? If you saw my house, you'd think not! It's currently very cluttered! I think after becoming a dealer, that going out whole hog for every holiday just doesn't seem as important anymore.

Girls of Uncovered Ruby. Sounds like a calender, doesn't it? We do like to get together "after hours" too. And we even have some fun! Have you ever tried to run with a pumpkin between your legs? Well, I can check that off my list now! From left to right, me, Karen, Sally, Lisa, and Nina.

Now, on to some of my big news! I have moved to a bigger space at the shop. It seems that I have acquired alot of furniture lately, and I needed a bigger showcase. Good time to get out some Christmas things, while I'm at it. I do love my new space! Come find me tucked in the back of the shop. I have brought alot of new things in.

Now I have room to display this buffet. It's a perfect time, because the holiday's are coming up, and you'll be having lots of company.

Can't forget Thanksgiving!

I even have an old workbench in my new space! I love it!

Cute vintage dresser!

I have been saving this mantel for Christmas time. It is beautiful all decked out for Christmas! It's six feet wide, with lots of room to display on. It wouldn't break my heart if it didn't sell right away. The Christmas lights are so pretty!

Hang on to your bonnet.... I have more news! I will be a guest vendor for the Christmas show at Monticello in December. I am very excited about this! So, you can see, I have alot going on, and alot to do! Did I actually say something earlier about living life simpler? !

Vintage Gathering Fall Finale And Recent Finds

2010-09-20T10:58:00.000-07:00

The last Vintage Gathering flea market of the year is this Saturday, September 25th, from 8-4. You could start your day with us, and then mosey on up to BarnHouse, which opens at 9:00. We are hoping for some nice weather, so Mother Nature can get all this rain out of her system now! My birthday is on Thursday, and I can't ever remember her raining on my parade! Of course we are having a record rainfall in our neck of the woods, but the show must go on.
I found this perfect old crackly and crazed dresser a few weeks ago at an estate sale. All it needed was a bath, and some new knobs. Why do people always loose the knobs?!

I almost didn't buy this table with the metal legs, and nail head tacks, cuz it wouldn't fit in my car. But then the guy said his dad made this for a hunting table, and the metal legs unscrewed for easy traveling. Say no more, it's mine!

This table was from a different sale. I swear the guy was a hoarder. It was the only thing that I picked up, that he was willing to let go for a reasonable price. His shed was full of stuff, but most of it was falling apart, and to him, it was worth alot more than I was willing to pay. An old rusty flour sifter was 5 dollars. No thank-you!

Back to the estate sale..........I would say this old library table, was the most exciting thing I found! It has two drawers on the other side. It would be so cool for a dining table.

This old cupboard will be great for displaying stuff. It has a bunch of shelves inside too. More painting to do!

I almost didn't see this quilt at the estate sale, cuz I was so busy looking at all the cool junk. From the corner of my eye, I saw a lady hold it up, and for some reason, she didn't want it. I did a show motion run over there, looked at it, and it was all hand stitched! This quilt was huge! I can't ever imagine having that much time in my life to do something so beautiful as that. I don't know that much about quilts, but I know it was worth alot more than what I gladly paid.

Does anyone know what a quilt this size might go for? So much to learn in this business.

Also found an old industrial cart at the estate sale. If I were smart, I would keep this to haul all my junk around. I'll keep it for awhile ..........I have at least another show planned, but we'll save that for another day.

Flea Market & Anniversary Party at Uncovered Ruby!

2010-09-14T19:44:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, September 18th, be sure and set your clock early, cuz the party starts at 8AM!
The back parking lot will be magically transformed into a full blown flea market, with alot of very talented vendors anxiously awaiting you. If you have not started your fall decorating, this is sure to get you in the mood! I know I can hardly wait!

I have a really cute vanity and bench for sale inside the shop at Uncovered Ruby. Did I mention that the shop is having a sale too? Another good reason to come early!

I snapped only a few pictures of my booth, as I will be taking another load before the sale this Saturday. I can't show you everything...........that would ruin the fun!

On another note, I might as well show you what I've been up too. I've been up to my eyeballs in paint! When I found those three finials, the color was all wrong. They turned out as beautiful as I imagined! I am finding that the more that I paint, the more confident I am becoming with my projects. I am learning so much! Someday I hope to graduate to power tools!

I love old mirrors! Don't you? I have quite a few in my house. I have so many, that some people might think I'm vain. Nah.............

This cubby shelf thing has been sitting in the garage waiting for paint, for almost a year now. I finally felt inspired to paint it. Those cubby holes took some time!

I saw a picture in a magazine of a painted cuckoo clock, and I thought it was so beautiful! Of course it was alot of moola too. So I said to myself, if I ever find a cuckoo clock, I'm going to do that! Did I also mention that I found this last summer? My statue of limitations is a year......do it now.....or I never, ever, will. I didn't feel too bad spray painting it, cuz it doesn't work any more, but a cuckoo clock is like a work of art. Just because it doesn't work, doesn't mean it isn't beautiful.

Some new finds

2010-09-09T17:27:00.000-07:00

Well, I've been blogging enough about my personal life on my last two posts. Now I need to get back to some good junky business! Remember that really hot day about a month ago, that reached a 100 degrees? Well, it turned out to be a very good junking day for me. There weren't too many garage saler's out that day, so I didn't have to fight anybody off! This big corner shelf will have to get some new paint. On the shelf is a vintage rooster, a funny sign, and an old cookie jar. On the ground is an old army blanket, chalkware doggie dish, a ledger, and old tin.

I thought this rolling cart was cool, cuz it folds up. A couple of old metal kids chairs, a couple of old wheels, old metal rakes, old drawer, shabby shutters, and some picket fence.

I always have to pick up vintage Christmas stuff. It's never to early to be thinking about Christmas. This Santa is cute, he is battery operated.

Another pile of stash! An old toolbox, granite ware muffin tin, and coffeepot, old scale, large enamelware pitcher, shabby stool, and a shabby lamp. This is all such great stuff for some Fall decorating!

A Victorian doll buggy, with a couple of old dolls to boot!

Love the chair in the middle! I have never seen a chair as pretty, and dainty as this! The lady I got this from said her mother had all different chairs around the kitchen table, and this was one of those chairs. The two darker oak chairs are just classics. The shabby little footstool has already got a new paint job. And a wrought iron spiral shelf to display your pumpkins on.

Cute little old rusty wagon, metal shelves, and a John Deere tractor. My daddy was a farmer, and he swore by good old John Deere. Another old ledger, and old horsehair brush.

Oh yes! the garage sale gods were very good to me! I actually found this stuff by simply following a sign. It wasn't on the list, but some times you just have to venture off the planned list! A very nice vintage dress form, wicker dress form, shoe forms, suitcase, hanger display form, and train case. I've already repainted the cute little dresser. No ivy for me please!

Pretty frame........

The hubs started fixing this dresser, as soon as I got it home. It has a bunch of ornate molding, so it will look great after some paint.

Got this from an estate sale of an old WW2 vet. He was a Flying Tiger.

This is his old army trunk, another shabby wagon, and rusty wheelbarrow for some fun Fall displays. Gotta go, the hubs is calling me to go to the gym. I gotta keep fit, cuz junking isn't for the weak!

Walking to the beach

2010-09-01T16:46:00.000-07:00

Last week-end I took alittle walk to Seaside, Oregon. That would be 127 miles from Portland. It's called the Portland to Coast, and it's the largest relay race in the Pacific Northwest. There are 1,000 running teams (Hood to Coast), and 400 walking teams. My walking team consists of two guys, and six girls, all in one van until we reach the beach. Yep, it's nice and cozy! And yep, we do get smelly! It's a good thing we like each other! Everyone on my team has to walk three legs, which are approximately 5-6 miles each. Oh yeah, and we have to walk fast.....very fast!

After only 15 miles into the race, we had some van trouble. Good grief!, this picture looks too much like a picture from my camping trip a month ago. I do not want to repeat that! After a minor repair of replacing the fan belt, we are on our way. Now, remember, while the van is getting fixed our walker is still walking, and probably praying alot!

This is Heather, and she is the last walker on our team. She already has done two miles uphill in this picture, and is ready to start Pittsburgh Hill. Anyone who has done Hood to Coast, does not ever forget THAT hill! It continues uphill, but turns to gravel. Have you ever tried to walk really fast in gravel?! Not much fun..Heather is smiling, just thinking about what lays ahead....NOT! Please do not ever put me on that hill!

Heather passes off to me, and I start my second leg walking the remaining 5 miles in gravel. If you look really close behind me, it looks like the hillbillies live there. They were burning their garbage that day....lovely smell! I always get alittle nervous passing this here place. I am also smiling here, but don't let that fool you! My butt is actually on fire! And I mean that, in a painful sort of way. Every year I ask myself, why I do this?! Oh yeah, it's fun?

Here is Kari, Jason, Robin, Teresa, and Heather standing around waiting for Tom to come flying in any minute, and hand off to Jody.

Oh yeah! This is why we do this every year. Party at the beach! This band was awesome! Even after walking close to 20 miles each, we still manage to shake out booties!

The weather was perfect....beautiful sunset.....

And we won third place in mixed walking!!! Number 3, out of 110 mixed teams, and 19th overall, out of 400 teams. Not bad for a bunch of country folks! I am very proud to be on this team. Thank you "Diamonds In The Rough"!

A Vintage Gathering Thank-you!, followed by some rest and relaxation!

2010-08-08T10:27:00.000-07:00

It is always such a whirl wind setting up for the flea market, that I never seem to find the time to take some pictures before the masses come through. I really need to work on this! I did remember to take some pictures of my space later in the day though.

This was my best Vintage Gathering flea market yet! I would first like to say thank you to Cathy Foley for hosting us at her awesome place. Without her, there might not be a Vintage Gathering. A big thank you to my sister Jeanna, (whom I could kick myself for not getting a picture!) for helping me. My son Danny, and hubby for loading, unloading, and loading up what was left. And of course thank-you to all my awesome customers, cuz you are why I love to do this! I really, really do love doing these flea markets!

So, what happens after the whirl wind of a flea market?! Of course, we all start planning for the next one, which for me will be in September. I am taking the whole month of August with no flea markets planned, but still very action packed! First up, a much needed break, with alittle camping trip into Oregon.

We were so close to our first camping spot, however the truck decided it was just not meant to be! A good thing ODOT came along, and called us a tow truck. We spent our first night at the Bend Ford parking lot, arriving sometime around midnight. We were up bright and early the next morning begging, asking nicely to please fix us! After squeezing us into their very busy schedule, the prognosis was a broken injector thingy. Of course, the injector thingy was not cheap, but crap happens sooner or later! I think I'm glad it happened on day number one, and now onward with the relaxing vacation! And a big thank you to "Roberson Ford" in Bend, Oregon!

This is a happy camper! We managed to score three nights at the Cove Palisades campground. We always fly by the seat of our pants. Who needs reservations?! Life is more interesting that way! It was 85 degrees plus everyday, and no bugs! All the comforts of home....showers, running water, good book, marshmallows. I'm a happy camper now too!

The campground sits right next to Lake Billy Chinook. That is Mt. Hood in the background. When I go camping, a large mass of water is required for cooling off, and this lake is huge! If you have a boat, this is the place to go.

Since we have no boat (yet), we decided to rent a wave runner and explore the lake. This was our first time here. We'll definitely will be back with a boat next time. (right, honey?!)

On our way home, we stopped at a park next to Eagle Crest, outside of Redmond, Oregon. There were a couple of swans in the creek. I have never seen swans in the wild. They were so beautiful!

For our last night of camping, we headed back to Clear Lake, which was 5 miles from where we broke down the first night. Lucky again! We got the last spot in the campground! Very beautiful, back to where everything is green again.

We took a hike along the McKenzie River to check out a waterfall.

Sahalie Falls was spectacular! As was my vacation! I even got to do some junking on the way home. And with that, I was truly a happy camper!

The Big One!

2010-07-26T15:38:00.000-07:00

Almost time!.....And the reason I say the "big one", because we're expecting alot of company to our next Vintage Gathering flea market. Our neighbors up the road, The BarnHouse Boys, are also putting on a really big flea market. Whenever they are open for business, we can expect to be very busy! Like crazy busy!

I still have a couple of birdbath's left from my last flea market in July. I really don't like packing concrete around, so make me an offer I can't refuse!

This statue is one of my new finds. I have been finding some cool concrete pieces lately.

I love this wrought iron bistro set! This will be coming to the flea this Saturday too. So, I have a question. Do I leave the old faded fabric on, or should I recover it with some new fabric? It seems like whatever fabric I use, somebody would rather have another color. Decisions, decisions! What do you think?

Another new concrete find. This is a three piece fountain, and it is adorable! I don't mind packing this one around!

I actually acquired this set with motel chairs, by knocking on the lady's door. I have been driving by them for two years, and they have been sitting in her front yard, through the rain and snow. Poor chairs! They deserve better than that! So, I thought I was rescuing them! It turns out that Edna was planning on selling them anyway. I call it perfect timing! You just never know. These will be coming to the sale too.

My son, Danny is planning on helping me again with the Vintage Gathering flea market. Boy, is he in for a surprise, when he see's how busy we're gonna be! He'll be the one carrying the concrete to your car that you might want to buy!

Time to flea!

2010-06-22T21:40:00.000-07:00

Please join me, and Sue from Birdsong, and 10 other vendors this Friday, and Saturday, at our Vintage Gathering flea market. We have been very busy hunting and gathering for you!

I found this sign at a garage sale, and thought it was very appropriate for my dining room, which has become my staging area for each flea market I do. I wonder if I'll be doing any dining in here this summer. Good thing I have a patio table outside to eat on!

This is one of the many projects, that I've done lately. I'm sorry, but I just couldn't leave it this gaudy purple color. I envision a much softer color.

Ah, yes! Repainted with Martha Stewart's "ballet slipper pink'.

I found four of these galvanized metal planters, a very worn green color. Again, I'm seeing a much more classic color. This is nothing that a good spray paint won't fix!

Simply Divine! Just add some boxwood to the planter. The concrete cherub is for sale too!

One more sneak peak, before I go. I love rabbits, don't you? It seems like I'm always picking them up, cuz their so cute! This is just a smidgen of what I'll be bringing to the flea market this week-end, so if you get a chance, please stop by and say hello! We open at 0800 Friday, and Saturday morning, and the coffee will be on!

Flea Market This Sunday

2010-05-26T18:50:00.000-07:00

There is a big flea market in Portland this Sunday, May 30th from 0900-300pm. It is advertised on Craigslist with over 175 tables, inside and outside. It sounds like they have alittle bit of everything! Antiques, collectibles, tools, fishing gear, jewelry, coins, ect. I have decided to join in on the fun as a dealer, and check this place out! Sue of "BirdSong" from our "Vintage Gathering" crew will also be there selling her stuff too. Her and I will have our tables inside, because lately the weather has been so crazy! However, this week-end sounds like it's going to finally be nice and sunny. We are both marking some stuff down, cuz we want to have fresh things for our next Vintage Gathering Sale. I guess breakfast is even served inside the lodge! Sounds like a one stop shopping center. The address is 5401 N Lombard-2 miles off I-5 Exit 305B.

Most everything I own has come from a flea market, thrift shop, estate or yard sale. That is how I choose to decorate my house. I have always decorated my house with my thrifty finds. When I was first married, alot of years ago, I shopped like this because I had too. We were a young family on a shoe string budget. To this day, my daughter loves to shop for clothes at the thrift and consignment stores. However, she still loves Nordstroms on occasion!

See that curvy wrought iron chair on the left? I found two of those at the Rose Bowl flea market in Pasadena. My hubby and I took a road trip a few years ago to see what a big California flea market is all about. That was an extremely fun trip! That flea market is huge! They have anything, and everything! It is just fun to look.

I will never part with my curvy wrought iron chairs from California. Every time I look at them I smile, and remember our fun trip to the big flea market. I don't put cushions on them, cuz they are too beautiful to be covered up.

I also came home with this little wrought iron beauty from the same flea market. She just sits at the end of the bed and looks pretty.

I went to an Estate sale a few weeks ago, ran by the gentleman's daughter. Her dad had very good taste. And believe it or not there were a few things with the Goodwill bin stickers still attached. Of course I bought those things! Her prices were very, very reasonable, as she just wanted to be done with it all. I got some really nice and unusual things, but I'm bummed I found this sale on day two. Anyway, on the side of the yard was piles of stuff she was going to just throw away. I can't tell you how many times I have found good stuff in the throw-away pile! Of course I had to look! I found a rusty 1910 license plate, and this precious little shabby book, "Gift of Prayer". Well, I put my large stash, and two free things in the car and went home. A week later I was busy getting ready for our first Vintage Gathering flea market, and I opened this little book to price it, and this is what I read, "O Lord, Thou knowest how busy I must be this day. If I forget Thee, do not Thou forget me." Oh, my gosh! This book is talking to me! Thank you Lord for speaking to me from this shabby little book, that was just sitting out in the rain! Of course, it is a keeper now!
Hope to see you on Sunday and join me for another adventure at the flea market! You never know what you're gonna find!

A Belated Vintage Gathering report

2010-05-20T15:36:00.000-07:00

You're asking yourselves, where the heck have I been? I have been very nearby, and busy, busy, busy! I really started feeling the pressure to start getting ready for our first flea market about three weeks before the big day. Cleaning stuff, pricing everything, painting, and also finding more really good stuff that I knew everyone would just love. {cuz I love it too!} I actually took this picture thinking I had time to do a post before the sale.......a preview.......didn't happen.

Most everything in this picture has found a new home, thanks to my wonderful customers at the Vintage Gathering sale.

My hubby just happened to have a friend with a really big U-haul. Let me tell you, I jumped up and down for joy! Usually we have to make multiple trips to get everything to the sale. That U-haul was filled to the brim! I don't want to even think about how many trips that would had taken! I'm thinking I need to seriously think about buying a big trailer, or something. Then I could do more flea markets too! Not only was the U-haul full, but we filled up the hubby's pickup truck too! When you are gearing up for your first flea market of the year, you are so excited to make a big debut!
I had so many beautiful treasures to share. That tea cart on top of the pile was painted an 70's green when I found it, so of course I painted it white. Surprisingly it did not sell. It will be at the next flea market in June at the Regifting Store.

Well, those are the before shots, and I was so busy at the Vintage Gathering sale, that I totally forgot to take any pictures. My daughter was helping me too, cuz that was mom's day gift from her. I truly could not had done the sale without her help. She said she had so much fun, and everyone was so nice, that she wants to help me at my next sale! Wow! Thanks to all you great people for making such an impression on her! Then after the sale, my mom came and helped with the packing up. Yeah, girl power! I'm glad some other of my blogger friends took pictures, and you can find them at Uncovered Ruby.blogspot.com, Essenses of the Past , and AVintageGathering.
So after the sale, we can go back to living a normal life for awhile until the next sale! First order of business was to get busy on all my planters and pots with some flowers. This year I decided to go with alot of pink and white. Yes, my flowers are even color coordinated! It's just more soothing to me.

So, my hubby and I are sitting in our outdoor living room {as we call it}, and he says's "You should hang your chandelier out here." Ok, now that's all I had to hear! I sprinted upstairs to grab the chandelier from the guest bedroom, and before he could get out of his chair, I was ready for some chandelier hanging! Now put your great idea to work! I'm pretty sure we are the only one in the neighborhood with an outdoor chandelier. And it is gorgeous! When the sun is shining, it is especially beautiful, with the light reflecting off all the prisms. I love it! What do you think? You can enlarge the picture by double clicking to get a better view. If I would had been thinking I would had of turned on the chandelier lights!

Also, right before the flea market I decided to take on more space at Uncovered Ruby. Goodness knows I have enough stuff to fill a barn! So, if you have not been to Uncovered Ruby lately, I suggest you come visit! Our shop has expanded, and we have alot of new dealers with alot of neat things. My new space has allowed me to bring in some more furniture, which is exciting, cuz I am always finding some nice pieces.

I currently have a french looking dresser that is just darling. If I had the room I would probably keep it. I also have a really cute hutch, that looks so pretty with all the white dishes displayed.

However, the white dishes aren't selling. What's up with that? They are priced very low. Any lower would be free. Is anyone else having that problem? I am just afraid to buy any dishes anymore. I passed up a whole set of old china, complete with casserole, etc for $20, cuz I just didn't think it would sell. It takes up alot of valuable space, when it doesn't move.

Thanks for reading my lengthy post, and I promise I'll be more timely with my blogs.

And once again, so many thanks to everyone who came out to our first "Vintage Gathering".

You made the sun shine so much brighter!

Michelle

My Spring Trip..(Paradise Revisited !)

2010-03-29T12:51:00.000-07:00

Six years ago, I married this man in St. Lucia, West Indies. It was a barefoot wedding on the beach, at sunset. He planned the entire trip, wedding, and honeymoon himself. All I had to do was find myself a dress...... easy enough...... and wonder where he was taking me!? I was more than happy to find myself on a beautiful island in the Caribbean, with the man I love.

Six years later, we decided to revisit our little paradise for our spring trip. Don't I still look like a blushing bride?! (or maybe, that could be my sunburn!)

We found an all inclusive resort with a nice big pool, and swim up bar.

Ah, who needs a swim-up bar when you already have a pool boy?! Thanks, honey!

We took a boat excursion around the island. St Lucia is famous for this view of the Pitons. Don't let the clouds fool you. It was 85-88 degrees each day, and very humid, so it was great to cool off, and do some snorkeling on this boat trip too.

This is the town of Soufriere, as we were coming back from a trip up to the volcano. Isn't it beautiful? Most locals I talked to, have never left the island. St. Lucia is only 43 miles long, and 15 miles wide, although it seems bigger, because of all the windy roads.

Gotta love the road side stands, selling their local wares. I wanted to buy some locally made viagra rum, and pass it around our group, but no one was "up" for that!

We also went into the town of Castries, where they have an open air market everyday, but Sunday. I was more interested in the rusty wrought iron table holding their fruit!

Rather than fly all the way home in one day, we decided to take a break in Miami for a few days. What's the deal with the rain?! I'm trying to keep my tan here! We actually had to buy sweatshirts, and an umbrella. With no sun to bask in, I guess we'll have to go shopping! This store window pulled both of us in........Look at all the old sewing machines! How cool! Must see more! (of course the hubby knew this was a trick!) Proceed with caution.....

All the props in this store had come out of an old sewing factory in London. All the clothes were displayed on old work benches, and old steel pipes. This is a European store! So now I'm thinking I must buy at least one thing in here! I'd rather not tell you how much I spent on one cute little t-shirt, but it's a souvenir, right?!

I guess they have a store in Los Angeles too. It's just fun to look.......and maybe buy a souvenir.

Hop on over..

2010-03-08T11:48:00.000-08:00

to Uncovered Ruby this Saturday, March 13 1030-4, for some spring inspiration! We are having a progressive vintage garden sale with three other awesome places to visit, and shop. Uncovered Ruby will be serving up some tea and scones for everyone. Sounds very British!...(insert vintage British flag here).

Oh, yes! I'm feeling very royal here! We have all the makings for a fantastic Spring tea! Teapots, teacups, vintage silver, and dishes. I don't know about you, but I love to invite my girlfriends over for alittle "Spring Fling!" Don't forget your proper attire...vintage hat, gloves, and maybe a pretty vintage apron to catch all those crumbs!

The Easter bunny has already been here..... I would much rather find some "vintage love "in my Easter basket , than a big ol' hunk of chocolate! (well, maybe just a little chocolate..)

There is your coffee server, ready to serve up your guests in style! Sometimes things just taste better when you have a beautiful visual in front of you. I'm sure your friends will agree.

Cubbie love......Don't forget to check in all the nooks and crannies!

I love to look in Pottery Barn. Do you know why? To see what the latest and greatest things they have copied from us....what we have been doing for years....using what we have, looking for the unique piece to make a statement, reusing grandma's tea set, bringing that birdcage inside, with maybe a real nest with some faux eggs. And then I look at the Pottery barn prices..... Holy Cow!

I can find the real McCoy at Uncovered Ruby's for a whole lot less! I do have a space here folks, but I also love to shop here too! What is great about this shop, is that all the dealers have a different look, and we all love different things, just like you.

I'm praying for a sunny day March 13th, so I can bring some of my new spring inspiraton, and park it outside the shop on the sidewalk. Don't cha love this bench? So, what cha waitin' for? Hop on over!

Trunk Love

2010-02-21T17:19:00.000-08:00

I have been busy hitting some fun sales, as well as some of my favorite thrift haunts. I already have a garage full of big stuff, so I shouldn't be buying too many more big things, but I just couldn't say no to this beautiful shabby white trunk. It was perfect! All my new treasures will look so great in her. And I do have alot of new treasures to share. I have been looking for an old typewriter too. Sometimes I just wish I could find something, and there it is! Typewriters are another great display piece that I love. So many loves......and I can't keep it all. Some of this has already made its way to my space at Uncovered Ruby. What's in your trunk?

Wow! That was an accomplishment for me!

2010-02-04T19:40:00.000-08:00

Well, I met up with that higher intelligent life of computers.... and that would be my hubby. He always seems to come to my rescue! We managed to get a few pictures on the blog, but there must be a faster way. As my mom said when I was a little girl taking piano lessons, practice, practice, practice! So, I will continue to practice this new blog aventure, and hopefully I can get better in the process. I guess this will definetly help me learn some new computer skills, which I am really lacking. I know that is why I have been putting off starting a blog for so long......afraid to try something new. For now, I'm just taking small baby steps.

The reason I started this blog is because I wanted to share "all my shabby passions". I grew up on a dairy farm here in Battle Ground. Who knew that the buckets I used to feed the baby calves with would someday be in my shabby decor? Maybe, that's why I love the "shabby look" so much, because it is all wonderful and familiar to me. I think I had the best childhood a girl could ever ask for....

2010-02-01T15:58:00.000-08:00

Hi!, and welcome to my new blog! I have been blabbing for a year now, that I was gonna start a blog. Then the new year came, and it was a no brainer, what my new year's resolution should be! It's already February, and time to get the blog show on the road! As you can see (actually, you can't see nothing yet), I have'nt figured out the picture thing! So, stay tuned please! I am waiting for a higher computer intelligent life to help me with all the minor details.