Bigger booth

I did it.  I got a bigger booth space.  I took the training wheels off and have started wobbling along.  I went from a half booth to a full booth.  Again, I know a lot of you would think why not start with the whole booth?  Well, this gal can get pretty nervous about the unknown.

So far, so good.  I have really enjoyed having a booth.  It gives me the excuse to continue 'the hunt.'  It is also a learning experience.  It really makes you take a look at things that you wouldn't normally give a glance.  I thought I would share with you my latest booth pictures.  Although by tomorrow, they will be outdated.  Everyone is coming to the shop to rearrange their booths to refresh the shop.  It should be fun getting opinions from 'the pros.'  Without further ado, here is my current booth.

Sorry the pics aren't great.  I just used the camera I keep on hand in my purse.  Hope you enjoyed a peek into my booth.  If you were to happen through, what would you think?  Love to know if it looks inviting.  I kind of get stuck seeing items in a certain way.  It usually starts while it piles up in the garage:)
 

Not just a box, part 2

Well, I have already posted about what I did with part of the box.  Here is a reminder of before.

Here is what I did with the biggest part of the box.  All ready to house some fresh flowers.

Now, I just had to think of what I could do with the lid.  So, I had to think and think and think.  Finally, it came to me.  I decided it should become a tray to catch mail.  After a trip to The Graphics Fairy blog to get a free graphic, here is what the lid turned into.

I painted the lid with Old White chalk paint.  I applied the graphic by covering the back of the paper using a pencil.  Then I flipped it over and traced it to transfer it onto the lid.  I knew there was no way I could paint it on.  I did the next best thing.  I grabbed a marker I used for scrapbooking and traced the pencil marks.  I applied a clear wax followed by a dark wax.  I'm pretty happy with the end result.

Here it is ready to be filled with mail, keys, and probably a happy meal toy or two. 

I couldn't resist showing off the paper roses I made. 

What do you think of the once box now transformed into two pieces? 

I'm planning to share this project over at:


    @ Thirfty Decor Chick

Not just a box

Sorry you haven't heard from me lately.  I've been busy trying to enjoy the summer before school begins.  Just thought that I would share a small project with you. 

I found this box for less than $1.  I'm sure before the stains and scratches that it was perfectly beautiful.   

I really didn't need a box so my wheels started turning.  I decided to take it apart and make two things from one.  After taking it apart, I had to fill in the holes from the hinges.

Now that is was disassembled and ready, I painted it with my Old White chalk paint.  I made a stencil using my cricut and contact paper and dry brushed on some acrylic paint.  To add a little more of a rustic charm, I drilled holes into the sides and tied on some rope.

Now I have a cute little box to house some fresh flowers.  Sorry only to show you it without the actual flowers but since I was going out of town I didn't feel that buying fresh flowers would make too much sense.  I figure you can envision beautiful hydrangeas.

Hopefully, I can share what I will be doing with the rest of the box soon but I won't make any promises.  I will be trying to enjoy my time with the kids before they head off for school again.  Hang in there with me:)

I'm sharing over at:

   

Clay tag tutorial

I thought I would share with you a small craft project.  I know you have all seen clay tags.  They have been used for labeling baskets, buckets, gifts, and cards.  So, I decided to make a couple different kinds.  The materials I needed are polymer clay, some sort of cookie cutter or similar, and a pasta machine is optional.

I used the pasta machine to roll out the clay.  You can use whatever else you have on hand.  I tried to make these approximately 1/4" thick.  I couldn't find an oval cookie cutter but did find oval fondant cutters.  I cut out a couple different sizes.

I wanted to make some for a bucket label, some for basket labels, and some for magnets.  For the bucket labels and basket labels, I used a sophisticated tool called a pencil to poke holes in the right places.

I baked them according to the clay box's instructions.  Here they are fresh from the oven.

Next I stamped directly onto them using Staz-on Ink.  Here they are in action:

My favorite is the tag on the bucket.  I just nailed in a small hole and used some crafting wire to attach the number tag.  I just love french enamel number plates but they seem just too expensive to justify that purchase.  So, here is my attempt using a clay tag and diamond glaze. 

My suggestion for stamping is to use an actual rubber stamp verses clear stamps.  The clear stamps tend to move a little thus creating a blurred image.  I'm sharing my tags over at:

 

 



Horton's French Flea Market

Friday I was able to go to Horton's of Tipton's French Flea Market in Indiana.  (Yes, I am a Hoosier.)  Just seeing the eye candy on their  blog was enough for me to drive for a while to get there.  I was so inspired by the store and vendors.  I will warn you that I will be sharing some photos that just do not do justice.  I was trying to not get people in the shots which became increasingly harder.  I'm also trying to give you a link to some of these vendors.

Sorry but I didn't get the vendor info on this one.  I just was drawn to the booth because of the white decor.

Next up is Rebecca Ersfeld for Vintage Living.  The store site is here which can connect you to her blog.  The booth was so inspirational with such great stuff!  I loved just looking at how it was displayed.

On to Hot House Market.  If you want to check out their blog, click here.  What I loved about this booth was all of the pops of color.  The couple running the booth were super nice. 

These are photos of part of the actual store, Horton's of Tipton.  I was so in love with the displays.  Unfortunately, the pictures I took of my favorite parts didn't turn out.  Here is all I could salvage to share.

I have to mention two other vendors.  One is The Vintage Farmhouse.  She is a fellow Hoosier.  I have been able to make it to a few of her sales.  I made sure to stop by and say hello.  I didn't get a chance to get any pics of her booth. 

Next is the ladies from Damaskdesigns.  Let me tell you these gals were super nice.  The booth was to die for!  I felt like I wanted them to come home with me and sprinkle some magic through my house.  I am kicking myself for not getting a picture of their booth. 

I just had a great time being inspired by all the different vendors!  I did come home with some goodies.  A cute french burlap bucket.  Can't wait to find just the right flowers for this.

Then comes my bird 3 tiered tray, zinc plates, and chalkboard plates.

Here is a close up of the zinc  plates.  I love them. 

Last but not least is this desk organizer.  It was displayed with pens, pencils, and scissors but wouldn't it look great with flowers in it?!  I also thought it would be great to put forks, spoons, knifes, and napkins in for an upcoming cookout.  I can't wait to use it!

So, I realize this has been a lengthy post.  I just wanted to share with you my trip to Horton's.  Until next post...