Tuesday, August 24, 2010

A Week In "The Cottage Life" ~ Part Two







Well, what do they say about the best laid plans? I really did intend to post earlier, but the week I had last week was extremely busy and complicated. For some reason, business really picked up this month...kind of like an explosion. And, although it is something we all pray for in this business, the mad scramble to keep up with inventory can really prove exhausting. Lucky for me that Wayne and I do this together. We share the work, treasure hunting and the total experience, making us very in tune with one another.

We have also had family visiting while we work. All I can say is, they have been very patient and understanding. The pictures below somewhat capture the changes in my shop during this past week:




I was just starting to get the back room set up and the pink striped vanity and chair sold. Luckily, Wayne found and painted this lovely wicker one, from the 1940's.


He also found, rebuilt the bottom of the seat, and painted this lovely settee...Already sold!


Another new lovely addition is this wicker chair is from the 1940's...This chair has six legs!

Wayne also found and painted this lovely old Victorian wicker table...Already sold!




We had this solid iron bench (Victorian) for two days. Every time we get something special like this, it really brings people into the shop...We like that!



Wayne also painted this black chest. It hasn't sold yet, but it's sparking a lot of interest...


...And, here's why. It has this little writing desk inside the top drawer.



We got this Victorian bird cage at the same yard sale we got the Victorian bench. That surely was a sale worth stopping at!



We were able to get our hands on two Jerry Howes paintings. His artwork is incredible. You can just about pick those cherries off the table!



This is the second Jerry Howes painting. Wayne and I just love his work.




Remember this table from the previous post? Here it is all dressed up with the hydrangeas.


This is a close up of the top of this piece.



I love folding the artwork over the side of my pieces.




And, this is a close up of the hydrangea I painted on the bottom shelf.




Yet another view of this piece. I try to make the artwork make sense and look attractive from every angle.



Remember this piece from the previous post? Before starting the artwork, I dry-brush striped and created a dry-brushed doily on the top of the piece and drawer. Here is a picture of the piece in process.




Here it is with all the detail work added to the flowers and vines.




Side view.



Close up of the left top and front.



Here's a close up of the top on the right side.


Hydrangeas, ribbons and vines tumbling down the other side of the piece.



This a view of the top of this piece. I put this piece outside while I tried to figure out where to display it. I never got the chance because it sold immediately.



So, now we are back to needing new inventory. Pictured here, are some of the "wanna-be's" that are next. My focus for this week is the table turned upside down on the vanity, my custom ordered bookcase, and the vanity.


We are having much needed rain on the Cape this week. Since we are not having "beach days", I will be entertaining my customers, while I try to squeeze in some work. Our customers are great! They completely understand my being covered in sanding dust and paint.

Wishing all of you a happy, creative and productive week!

Pieces of Dreams

12 comments:

  1. Karen all your pieces are just lovely. You are such a talented lady. You amaze me with your work!! I love the art work you found as well!!

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  2. WOW! All your products are so gorgeous! The six-legged chair and black chest especially caught my eye! ♥

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  3. I love them! What talent you have. Wicker is my downfall! I have a lovely antique wicker sofa, the cushions have springs in them, with a matching chair and ottoman. My cousin gave it to me when she moved to an apartment.
    She bought it at an Art Museum Sale here in Southampton. I just LOVE it!
    Thanks for visiting! I need the reminder to come back and see what you are up to!
    I can never get enough hydrangeas!

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  4. Back to say the painted doily, the ribbons etc. just so pretty!

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  5. Your artwork looks fantastic! Also love your new treasures you've found. Prettiest little shop on the Cape!

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  6. Hi Karen,

    I just went through your blog and I love what you have here. I love especially how you painted the tables. Beautiful! As for me, I have been painting for almost 2 years. I started off being inspired by Ros Stallcup and now I have moved on to elegant paintings like Shirley Wilson, Jill MacFarlane and many others. I design my own too and love experimenting and doing different things.

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  7. You do such amazing work. So pretty!

    - The Tablescaper

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  8. I love all the things you create. Love your decorative painting style too! You have inspired me to get off the computer and tackle one of my projects.

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  9. You are so talented indeed! I love all your furniture. I have a before and after party coming up this Wed...hope to see you over. Debbiedoos

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  10. Such pretty pieces! That bench WAS calling my name. I'm sure it went to a good home~Hope you are weathering our 100th heat wave this summer-lol! :) chris

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  11. I am glad business is going so well for you. And it should because your pieces are wonderful. Good luck with keeping up with the demand.

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  12. Wow, I'm amazed by your work... I've been here over a half hour looking through your photographs of painted furniture and can't decide which I like best... soooo sooo pretty that bedroom set in pink and green... do you have instructions on how you paint your furniture? I would love to read it...

    Cielo

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