Quatrefoils!

It was a day like any other. I came across a large table and a set of 4 unusual chairs. The clover-like design on the chair backs caught my interest. After getting them home I thought I made a mistake bringing home "gothic" designed chairs.Roseann Chair by Barry Dixon, $3,360
Dyed Parchment Quatrefoil Mirror, $2,100

To my surprise, while browsing through the November 2008 issue of House Beautiful, I saw an article featuring the design on my chairs! The article is entitled, "Everywhere we look. . . Quatrefoils," and reads, in part:

"The medieval cloverleaf is suddenly the most modern motif around. . . . Quatrefoil Key Ring by Alexander Girard, $26

Today's designers are using trefoils, painted arches--and quatrefoils, especially--on everything from mirrors to beds. And why not? Gothic style has lightened up considerably over the years. Style-setters have long championed the beauty of this architectural style."

Madeline One-Arm Sconce

The Doge's Palace in Venice, Italy

My set of unusual chairs have a fancy name AND they're in style! Without further ado, I better get started on painting and recovering them before they're yesterday's news! I promise to post them (and the table) soon!

Balance

Decorating in shabby cottage style with a husband and 3 boys under the same roof is challenging. Legos balance out all the PINK. My quilted slip covers wouldn't be the same without Legos.This paradox makes me smile!

Cottage of the Month Award!

This day has finally arrived! In the midst of my excitement it's difficult to sound humble about receiving this award. I've been waiting patiently (1 year!) for this coveted spot on Jennifer Gray's website, The Old Painted Cottage.

I remember the photo shoot as if it were yesterday. Jennifer arrived at my house with her camera in hand and a warm smile on her face. I had so much fun talking while Jennifer did all of the work! I'll let you in on a little secret though: The photos show my home decorated for Christmas LAST year. Without knowing this secret you would think I'm the Queen of Diligence having my home ready for Christmas the day after Halloween!

Thank you, Jennifer, for an award that reminds me of my fortune. I am blessed without deserving the roof and 4 walls we call home. I am blessed beyond belief with a loving husband who endured numerous projects and repairs to get our home in its current state. I am blessed with 4 children who love their surroundings enough to give tours to their friends. I am also blessed with family and friends who share in our abundance.

I would LOVE for you to take a virtual tour of our home at The Old Painted Cottage! Jennifer also has a wonderful blog you are sure to enjoy. She will love hearing comments from you all!

Thank you, Jennifer!

Green Be Gone!

As promised, I'm posting photos of our shabby white piano. You may recall from a previous post our very green piano purchased by my in-laws at a thrift store for $150. Finally, I found time to shabby it up with 3 coats of white paint, glass knobs, appliques and a music stand. The piano is too heavy to move outside, so I painted and sanded it in the middle of our living room. The most difficult part was painting around the piano keys! I glued furniture appliques to the sides. One wasn't quite long enough so I pieced 2 together. The wrought iron cherubs at the base were purchased for $5 each at the Rose Bowl Flea Market. The piano was missing its original music stand so I improvised and added a wrought iron piece I had hanging above my kitchen window. I purchased the padded bench at Home Goods and painted the legs white. The cover is coral in color and seems to work in our living room even though it's not pink. I may cover the seat later, but for now. . . I'm liking it!

Rose Bowl or Bust!

I FINALLY made it to the Rose Bowl Flea Market thanks to Donna at Party Wishes! Donna knew my husband was dragging his feet and dreading the thought of shopping in a crowd of thousands and spending money on more stuff. So, last Sunday, I arose at 4:30 a.m. and arrived at Donna's home at 7:00 a.m. I was welcomed with open arms and given a tour of Donna's lovely home. Then, it was a quick trip to Starbucks and we were off to Pasadena for a morning of shopping!I was amazed at how well the market was organized and how quickly we were able to see most of it in only a few hours! The market is divided into sections of new and old. We spent most of our time in the old section. I also expected more people in a chaotic shopping frenzy, but was pleasantly surprised at how relaxed was the atmosphere.

I snapped only a few photographs of one shop before my camera "died." The white furniture below is from Donna's favorite booth. Of course, my eye is always attracted to the shabby cottage treasures! This china cabinet sold quickly. I love this over sized bench! I think this large bird house was wired to light up! It sold quickly.A beautiful pair of vintage end tables!

I bought several items, yet just enough to fit into Donna's minivan. Thanks, Donna!
Here are my finds: Vintage Cane Bench.
I was looking for a piano bench with storage, so I may end up selling this bench in my shop and continue looking for another with storage.Mini Brass Music Stand.
This is a surprise for my daughter. I'm painting it white, probably adding a vintage rhinestone in the middle to cover the bolt and placing pretty note paper on the top. Vintage Cane Sewing BasketI love the removable bobbin/thread tray inside! Cast Iron Cherub Rings
I forgot to photograph these before painting them white. They were rusty in their original state. Soon you will see them on our green thrift store piano project that's close to being finished (next post!)
Wrought Iron Tea Cart
Already white and chippey! This was probably the best find of all. I look forward to using it outside to serve food and drinks. The weather is still warm, so I may have time to use it before our Southern California "winter" arrives!

Thanks for the Grand Tour, Donna. I can't wait to attend another soon! BTW, for anyone who wants to attend, the Rose Bowl Flea Market is held on the second Sunday of each month. Hope to see you all there sometime!

Leslie, This Post Is For You!

Oops, my naivete' is showing. My last post, "More Vintage Finds," features a treasure I thought was a vintage mail sorter.I now know that my sorter's original purpose was for holding 45 RPM's (small vinyl records.) I've repurposed my vintage treasure for holding bills (the colorful envelopes in the photo are much prettier than bills!) A sweet lady named, Leslie, kindly corrected me. Leslie also shared her sweet memory of a special birthday when she received a similar record holder from her brother. Leslie and her friends raced to fill their record holders with all the cool hit songs of the day, including one of Leslie's first purchases, Creedence Clearwater Revival's "I Heard It Through The Grapevine," and "Who'll Stop The Rain?" Leslie, thank you for a nostalgic stroll down memory lane. I LOVE knowing the history of my treasures and now have a visual of girl friends collecting 45's and filling similar holders with musical memories! Thank you, Leslie!

More Vintage Finds

Just a few items I purchased recently!

I can't think of a single time when I used an ice bucket, but this heavy glass and silver plated lid bucket needed a home. Specifically, mine! I purchased it at my favorite local thrift store a few days ago. I'm sure it will be repurposed when I need a pretty container.
I couldn't pass up this silver plated feline ring holder from a local thrift store! I immediately thought of it as a little gift for my sister who loves cats more than me.
I've had my eyes on this vintage wrought iron and glass desk for about a month. I saw it at the antique mall where I have a space (previous post.) This particular vendor has several "chippey" pieces that I love.I have the perfect spot for this piece at the end of my desk. It provides two levels of storage for paper, bills, pencils, and more. It's not solid or bulky so it's perfect for my small office space. On the top is a vintage letter sorter. I purchased this one and two others at a nearby antique store. I'm sharing the other two on my website shortly.
I LOVE silver plated servers! I purchased these two at thrift stores nearby. I'm thinking about serving a warm crab and artichoke dip in one and meatballs in the other at my next gathering.

I found these vintage glass percolator tops at a shop in Camarillo called, Homespun. Wendy from Pink Slippers told me I wouldn't be disappointed if I visited this charming shop. Thanks, Wendy, you were right! Last night I purchased 16 more on eBay. I now have a collection! I have an idea about how to use these which I will share in a later post.

Thanks for stopping by!

Thank You!

Thank you, Lynne Laura, for my cute award! The image is charming and reminds me of my children's artwork! Please visit Lynne Laura at A Romantic Nest. She loves lots of PINK, too!

Here are the rules of this award:
1. The receiver can put the logo on his or her blog.
2. Link to the person from whom you received the award.
3. Nominate at least 7 other bloggers.
4. Put links of those blogs on your blog.
5. Leave a message on the blogs of those you mentioned.

Here are my choices alphabetically:
1. Cherished Vintage
2. Garden Girl
3. Miss Gracie's House
4. My Romantic Home
5. Party Wishes
6. Shabby Art
7. Shabby Scraps

Have a great weekend everyone!