Grannie Kathleen's Handmade Doilies

 It's a well known fact that I like handmade things. Since I can remember, my Grandmother, Mother and Aunts all had doilies on their dressers, end tables and side tables. As I got older and had my own home, I had doilies too.

Many of you know Patti Hokanson from her years at Fabric Town and her Long Arm Quilting company - "Quilts from the Trail". Many years ago, she gave me a doily that her Mother had made for me. I've kept it all this time and really love it. I brought it to the shop to use on a table as just display. We had other doilies in the shop that were for sale so I thought mine would be fine if it wasn't. Naturally, that would be the one, out of all of them that everybody wanted. 

One of the reasons I think my doily was noticed, it's made by hand and not by a machine in China. The difference is very noticeable.

Awhile back, Patti's Mom moved from Michigan to live with her in Eagan. Grannie Kathleen and her crochet hook were close by. To our delight, she was willing to make us a selection to offer our customers at the shop.

 Yesterday, a bag was dropped off at the shop. Grannie had been a busy lady.

 This is the tag that is pinned to each of her hand crocheted doilies.

 I love that this pattern is from the 50's.

 There are several different styles, sizes and colors.  

       This is my favorite. I love the lacy look. Sounds strange but they have always reminded

 me of snow flakes.

 Next time you're visiting us at the shop, you'll see Grannie Kathleen's  lovely handwork on our tables and shelves. Take one home and add a soft touch to your dresser or as a wonderful gift for a friend.

Nancy and I want to Thank Grannie for the wonderful addition to our shop.

As always, keep creating....

Patti

The Subtle Textures of Age

Once again I forgot to take my "Before" photos.  If I could describe what this dresser looked like before I got started, I'd have to say very worn, dry and maybe a little sad. I say sad, because there was a time when it was new, stained and varnished and  proudly standing in someones bedroom. Pieces of furniture are like people, they have a story - some kind of history. Unfortunately, by the time I get to work on many of them, their story is unknown and if they don't get a makeover their history will end up at the local landfill.

This piece was sturdy, the drawers are a bit worn inside but it stands tall and is still extremely functional. It arrived at the shop close to when we opened. It has been sitting in the corner waiting it's turn and finally the time arrived.

I had to make the decision on what type of paint I would use and then color. Something subtle would be my first choice. But I didn't want your typical cream or antique white. Too many pieces are just painted with those two colors and nothing creative or unique is done to them. This piece needed a little more - but nothing fancy. No chipping, not high gloss finish, just natural for its age.

With my decision made, I went to Home Depot to get my paint. I was going to use Websters Chalk Paint Powder and turn a latex into Chalk Paint. I chose my colors "Clear Pond" for the body and "Silky White" for the drawers.

 I put a very think coat of both colors onto the dresser. It went on and immediately was absorbed, the wood was dryer than I imagined. As I let the paint dry, I noticed that it was giving itself a very worn, but wonderful finish. The old varnish that was left in spots was turning the paint different shades. I realize it's hard to see from my photos. 

With the paint being absorbed and the shading it couldn't have been better. Without much effort on my part I had achieved the look I wanted, Subtle and Vintage. Now to distress a bit and apply a topcoat.

Here is a close up of how the  paint was absorbed, it looks darker in those areas. The edges are slightly distressed and a very thin coat of poly was applied to seal the finish. This application also added to the texture, it gave a yellowing like with age as the old varnished came to the surface.

This is what the finished dresser looks like. I took these photos with my phone so they aren't the best quality. You really need a close up look to see how wonderfully old and subtle it looks.

I hope it gets a home where it will continue it's story and make a fresh history with a new family. If you think you'd like to adopt this wonderful piece, come visit us at the shop. We open tomorrow at 10:00 AM.

Keep Creating,
Patti

"Time Warp Collectibles"

 I was standing in the shop yesterday, after Steve and Sandy finished re-stocking their booth. They're the couple that have the consignment section at Next Act, that carries all the fun Retro pieces. I guess it never dawned on me what "Time Warp Collectibles" meant until just then. I now get it!!!

 Their pieces evoke memories of my childhood, as I'm sure they'll do to a lot of you. I can remember the tables, pictures and ceramics they have scattered throughout their section.

 I even remember having the dark haired little girl in my bedroom when I was little. Do you recognize these?

 How many Mom's or Grandma's had this unique sewing table? How convenient would that be for a hand quilter to have, just set it next to your chair and have everything right at your fingertips.

 This sideboard - buffet looks like something one of my relatives had. Good memories.

 Ceramic classes? They were big back then.  I think we all must have seen one of these from time to time. If you watch the show "Mad Men" on TV, they show them all the time. Remember when your parents would go to the neighbors for a "get-together"? Chances are, they had one on their coffee table.

Here's 3 classic styles. I love them, so unique.

 If you haven't seen Steve and Sandy's booth, stop by and check it out. They add new things weekly, you never know what you might find.

Patti

Planning my day

Good Morning,

I'm up early working on my April workshop schedule. I send it out in a week, so I'm just getting the dates firmed up.

Our workshops are really going well. I look forward to spending the time with a group of ladies, who want to learn how to give a "Facelift" to their current furniture, rather than spend the money on new.

On a weekly basis, we work with people from all the different phases in the circle or life and home. By that I mean, retired couples downsizing from years of home ownership to Condo and Apartment living. They don't need all the furniture and are ready for a change. The other phase - the young couples that are just starting out. Excited about their upcoming marriage, first apartment and life is fresh and exciting.

The older couples want to purchase "already transformed" pieces and maybe learn to makeover a few smaller ones. We have helped furnish many retirement homes. The young homemakers want to give their new home a personal touch... I call it the nesting stage. I truly enjoy working with both, but teaching the new bride how to take a worn out nightstand and make it into a cute piece, that will help make their new bedroom cozy - that's where teaching becomes fun.
 
 I've added a few Lecture/Demo classes. This gives you the opportunity for education on both types of paint and evaluation of which would work best for the project being considered. The lectures are approximately 90 minutes long. I'll cover, preparation, mixing, application, techniques and finishing. After the class, I can help you purchase the products necessary to get the job done. 

We are also offering separate Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint and Webster Chalk Paint Powder workshops. Come join us for some creative fun.

 Reservations are required for all workshops,  give us a call to reserve your spot.
(952) 432-5001 

Creating beauty, one brush stroke at a time.....
Patti 
 

A transformation of a transformation

 A little while ago we got in a wonderful dresser. It was a bit worn in the inside, but the basic frame is sturdy and the hardware all in tact.

After looking at it for a several days I decided that it would be great to paint it a bold, rich cheddar. From my Fabric Town days, I had fallen in love with Civil War Reproduction Prints, Cheddar was one of my favorite colors to add a bright pop to a quilt. So I transformed it from worn stained wood, to the new Cheddar with distressed edges to let the wood peek through.

Several weeks went by and all sorts of  people admired the color and thought it was perfect for the style etc. But still it wasn't going home with anyone.

Well, one afternoon in walks Nancy N. and her Mom and they like what they see.... but not in Cheddar. Nancy wants it totally painted a new way.  Her choice was Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint in Shutter Gray and Ironstone. We moved the dresser into the back of the shop for me to re-do it.

I wasn't looking forward to covering the Cheddar. Several of our customers that saw it in the corner by the workshop door wanted to purchase it as is... but Nancy N. had already paid for it so the new transformation was about to happen..............

Ta da...here is the transformation, from Cheddar to Shutter Gray with Ironstone drawers. I have to admit, it's wonderful. Shutter Gray is one of my favorite Mustard Seed colors but I was just not picturing this dresser in that particular color. Well, I was wrong - it's just as attractive as the Cheddar.  Nancy N. picks it up this week, I hope this is what she was imagining for her room.

Keep creating,
Patti

Ladies having fun.

On Thursday we had our first all day Websters Chalk Paint  workshop. The ladies arrived at 10:00 AM. After mixing their paint they jumped right in and started on their projects. We had a little lunch and after eating they distressed and waxed each piece.

 

Roseann did the cutest little stool in the best Cherry Cobbler color. Bobbi did a very nice chair, you can't tell from the photo but the distressing on the edges and the dark wax made the Burnt Mahogany color look velvety rich. Betty did the drawers to her dresser. Her choice of a soft green with light distressing was perfect. It's amazing how a little paint can make a piece so totally different.

It's rewarding for not only them, but for me as well. I like to see everyone happy with the products and the fact that they achieved the desired look on their piece.

Have you tried painting yet?  Whatcha waiting for??????

Patti