Yep, that’s me. Pretending all is well when change swirls around me in every direction. But I’ve always embraced change, so I’m good, right?
It is well with my soul.
How did the Shunammite woman whose son had just died say those words? So assuredly. So determinedly. So accurately. (2 Kings 4:8-37)
She knew that God was in control. And she knew God.
That’s where I believe I am now …walking by faith and not by sight. Clinging to the One Who loves me unfailing and has a purpose for my life…a purpose only He can help me find.
April 30, 2024 marks the closing of a dream come true. I’m saying goodbye to Burlap & Lace, and to be perfectly honest, it feels sooo good. Not in a way that I’m glad to be done with this business. No no. More like, I knew to do this a year ago but stubbornly held on. And God allowed me to do so. But not without consequences. That’s just how much He loves me. He disciplines me. To make me stronger and more sure of His voice. I’m thankful beyond words.
As I’ve sorted through inventory the past two weeks- selling some, donating some- I’ve had time to do things I haven’t had time to do in years because of how much time I spent on my business.
I’ve had amazing hours of communing with friends without rushing off to do ‘the next thing’. I’ve cleaned out my refrigerator! I mean cleaned out my refrigerator! I’ve cooked meals, gone out of town to visit family, heard some really good sermons, engaged in much-needed prayer, slept…and been quiet…and relished the breezes of Spring. I’ve planted flowers in the yard, worked alongside neighbors on community projects, sipped tea slowly and laughed with my bestie and didn’t worry that the laundry sat undisturbed for hours.
And now I’m preparing to spend the next two months holding new grandbabies in my aging arms and playing backyard games with my grandkids too big to carry. Life doesn’t just seem good. It is good.
I’ve been asked over and over what I will do now. Where will my creative outlet be nourished?
Honestly, I don’t know. And I’m okay with that! I feel a blessed calmness like never before.
But before I close this chapter of my life, I want to say to each of you who have journeyed along over the years…thank you for the memories. Thank you for the support. Thank you for loving me through the topples (some of them literal!), and thanks for inspiring me to be all that God has created me to be.
He is worthy to be praised. He made you. He loves you. He has not left you alone to figure things out. He is available to you. Seek Him. You will find Him when you search for Him with all your heart.
Until we meet again,
~Blessings,
Connie
Babies grow in the womb for 9 months (some shorter times, some longer). And I’ve been told that businesses take a minimum of 3 years to experience growth. As I approached the end of my first year, I found myself in a place where I truly questioned if I’d done all I knew to do. Had I succeeded in blessing people in all situations as they walked through the door? Had I helped anyone along the way? Or was it all for naught.
Anyone else out there ever have a car that looks like this?!? And get this….rainy days usually end up being my shopping days….what’s up with that?!? Of course, if you live in Transylvania County you have quickly learned that “Land of the Waterfalls” translates easily into “Land WHERE the water falls”!
As I sat in her small one room salon, Erin shared many truths with me. My heart sang at having found a sister in Christ to talk with…someone that shared my faith and love of Jesus, and who was unashamed to speak of that love.
On the day I visited Erin in her studio, I knew I wanted to purchase all that she had available. Above was the last piece I purchased from Erin that day, but the first to share with you here. She calls it “Most Cunning”.
The above piece is called “Sanctuary”. How often have you longed for a place of retreat? A place where you could fall on your face and feel no condemnation, no shame, only comfort? Erin found such a place at a time when she was not a believer. Her Catholic grandmother, she remembers vividly, would always take her to church when she was a young child. And although she laughingly (and somewhat fondly) remembers those cathedrals as much “greater” than what she has painted, the portrayal for her was the peace she felt when in that place. It was as if somehow she knew when she was inside the church she was on holy ground. Later, she explains, in some of the darkest times of her life, she would get down on her knees and pray, even though she didn’t believe. Her faith began to grow through those hard times, and she stated that she began to paint a series of church paintings, always white and always bright. Although painted some years ago, I’m so thankful she had this one left for me to purchase! As with most of her pieces, this is an acrylic/mixed medium on canvas. And with all of her canvas paintings, they are perfect stand-alone pieces, or would be stunningly attractive encompassed by a frame of your choosing. This piece sells for $225.
Look closely at this next painting…I had to! It’s called “Love Wins” and is again an acrylic/mixed medium on canvas. When at a local art show, Erin saw a bronze bust with a glass rose coming out of the chest. Erin was drawn to the bust, and explained that at the time, she was going through a divorce, which to her was the equivalence of a huge death that lasted several years. It was during this time that she first began to paint, and to feel her grandmother’s gift of painting being passed on to her. She wanted to paint a rendition of the sculpture she had seen….this is her first bust painting. She indicates that the rose symbolized to her something beautiful….that she was going to recover and come through the darkest time of her life, all the while honoring her Father in heaven and remembering that love ultimately always wins. Thus, the naming of her piece, which sells for $425.
Called “Grateful”, Erin’s most recently painted work came about as an excited, bright, happy and hopeful circumstance occurred in her life….the rental of the art space studio that she now occupies in downtown Brevard. Erin recalled to me such an explosion of joy from her heart over having a designated space in which to do her art. With my own love of flowers, and with the brightness of this work, it will be a favorite to display in my shop. This acrylic/mixed media canvas painting will be offered at $395.
Unlike all the other purchased pieces that day, this gorgeous painting, done on wood, is likely the one that draws me in most to the story behind it. And I might add here, that this is the video clip I hope to put on my IG or FB page soon, so look for it. Erin’s heart speaks so clearly that I really want you to hear her words from her own mouth. But until such a time, I will do my best to recount her story of this painting to you….
I feel a bit like that baby chick in the picture above…hiding and peeking out into the world to catch a glimpse of what it’s going to find….perhaps a bit unsure, and a bit curious all at the same time.
The shop at 244 W Main Street may have closed, but Burlap & Lace is still going strong. Vintage Market Days of Asheville is just around the corner and I am busily preparing for that event. August 17-19 at the Ag Center in Fletcher you will find 100 vendors from all over the US boasting vintage and farmhouse wares such as you cannot even imagine. But that’s not all! There will be soaps, candles, food and so much more. I am anticipating seeing many of you there!
My sweet sister will be with me again at VMD, and may I remind you that without the “lace”, the “burlap” would be lost!
And while you are waiting for VMD to arrive, find me at The Garage on 25 in Fletcher. Well, not me personally, but my booth space. New items are going in next week!
Look for where this sign may pop up next, for the dream is ongoing of places where I can meet with you again and share this amazing journey we call life. But until that time, I leave you with…
She thought she was ready for the day until….she wasn’t. It was a big move. A change.
For the rest of this week and for Thursday – Saturday next week, I will be at Main St waiting to give out hugs and smiles! And my friend and fellow-vendor, Stephanie Schuster of Stephanie’s Creations, has kindly merged her wares with mine into the downstairs of the house so that we still have amazing, sweet finds for you!
Like these end tables! Perfect for a bedside or by a chair….$184.95 each or $340 for the pair!
This antique dresser with beveled mirror is marked at half price – was $324.95, now $162.95. So beautiful that I chose not to paint it!
Drop leaf table just $224.95. Set of 6 chairs for $100, or $36.95 each. And that sweet little black desk and chair in the background? Just $75! Help these pieces find a new home this week!
It’s raining….figuratively. Blessings have a way of doing that….pouring down on you when you least expect them.
At least once every day, you and I take an article of clothing from a hanger. But how often do you and I use silk hangers??? These beauties are a thing of the past, yet every closet/home should possess at least one! Why? They absolutely will not wrinkle your freshly ironed clothing, they have nothing on them to snag or tear the fabrics you place on them, they work for any item because you can slip a pin into the hanger to hold a skirt in place….I could go on and on. And oh yes, they’re pretty! Suffice it to say, these are new and fabulous. You should take one (or two) home with you! Oh, and did I mention that they make great gifts?!
Who doesn’t need more storage? These floral canvas tote boxes are ideal for the car, the closet or to put by a chair. Guess what? They will also hold a tissue box! Just sayin’….
I admit I’m missing my granddaughters more than normal today. I’ve had several “Mimi”s come in today with their grandchildren. These little enamel cups and bowls are the perfect size for them to enjoy “baking” or having a tea party with. And the good news? They can’t break!
Need a small gift to let that special friend know you are thinking of her? This may be just the ticket!
These zipper bags come in four sizes and just as many patterns. Perfect for carrying a cell phone, credit cards and keys in, or makeup in the largest size (it’s lined to wipe clean!). Lightweight and pretty….the perfect combination!
I keep a bottle of olive oil on my kitchen counter for easy access. This holder would be a gorgeous accent instead of a plain bottle! And I love that Biscuits Tin! I had to ask my English friend what our equivalent to biscuits are….any idea? How about cookies!
These etched sherbet dishes are the perfect size for a taste of dessert! Lovely, yet practical….again, a great gift idea or a wonderful addition to your own kitchen collection!
Who remembers these potholders? These particular ones are quite special because they are hand-crafted locally by a 13 year young man. This young man’s grandmother saved old socks from when her children were small, made the dye herself and then crafted the loom for her children in their youth to use in making potholders themselves! Her grandchildren are now reviving this past art with their grandmother’s help while having fun “going vintage” with me this summer! Don’t miss that each one of these crafted items has a uniquely different design woven into it! (And my personal testimony is that I have taken one home to use and wash…..all of which worked beautifully! They are made from socks so of course they launder well! Thicker than most, they also won’t allow a burn to the hand when using them.) And again, a great gift idea for anyone on your shopping list!
The season is ripe for picking flowers to bring indoors. Choose from a collection of vases and allow the beauty of the buds to enhance the use of the vessel. And don’t let your imagination wane….anything can become a vase!
I often marvel at how well-thought-through were the older household items. Take these silver encased glasses for instance. The silver is not only attractive, but it holds the chill of the beverage! The glasses remove for washing. Yep, I’m tempted to take these beauties home with me!
Some small things are just plain cute! Love all the vintage planters, and succulents are hard to kill so I’m liking these even more!
This is my perching post today. Why not come join me?!? Check out the succulents and plants….all for sale at Burlap & Lace! Think my scrabble wish for them to “grow up” will work? Sure hope so!
I finally gave up on dumping rain out of my wagon and brought it into the dry. And how neat that I can just pull it out when the rains stop! Love these pinks with the red of the wagon….
Stephanie is rocking it this month! Her English style soothes the senses. Come browse her room and see for yourself!
Stephanie has displayed two pairs of lamps….ideal for any room in your home. And don’t overlook these ladder back chairs….great accent pieces in any room as well! French Country never looked so good!
Take in the above shelf….perfect for the kitchen, the bath or the bedroom. Small books will fit between the posts if needing a bedroom piece, and perfect for displaying the things you need daily like cream pitchers in the kitchen and toiletries in the bath.
When you’re all done browsing, come sit on the porch and take time to still your soul. I may even join you there! And until we meet again….
This lovely telephone table sets the stage perfectly for my story to unfold. When I was a teenager, we had this amazing thing called a telephone (no iPhone or cell phone). This device had a cord that was attached to a wall plug and a shorter, curly stretch cord that attached the receiver to the telephone, enabling conversation with those you had likely just left minutes before on the school yard but felt you just didn’t get enough time to talk things over. (No texting with that “last word”). And you certainly couldn’t do anything else while you talked because the cord wasn’t long enough to allow that! So you had conversations that were fully involved in every way and you needed a place to sit still while you talked! Tables like this were “the thing” to have in your home. Now, they make perfect conversation pieces about “the good ‘ol days” as well as bringing functionality to your home. Imagine this piece with a reading lamp, magazines or school books tucked inside where the phone book used to go and an evening of uninterrupted reading (or sewing, or homework. ) You get the idea!
In a world of flowers and beautiful things (did you notice that print above? It’s the world in floral design!), sometimes our motives are totally misunderstood. Like mine….of taking in two new vendors. Yes, you heard correctly, and I could not be more excited!
Take this music-covered table for instance. Stephanie’s clever design would be perfect for the home of the music enthusiast! It has plenty of room for a lamp, a drink, books or….music!
Stephanie’s furniture speaks for itself. She makes her own chalk paint and does easy distressing on all her pieces to create that farmhouse style we have all come to love.
“Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. And the Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?” So Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it. Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job…”
So while you gaze into that mirror, consider some of the things reflected in it! And then move on with me to the next consideration at Burlap & Lace …. furniture pieces!
One of my favorites is this bookshelf with leaded glass sliding doors. Why should you consider this piece for your home? Because it can literally go in any room in your home….as a bookshelf, yes. But in a bathroom….imagine those rolled up or nicely folded towels on the open shelves and your more personal items hidden behind that fabulous glass. And in a closet? Tuck away the more personal items in baskets hidden behind the glass doors and put your shoes on the shelves! And the kitchen….ah, “now I know where to hide the toaster and blender I seldom use” comes to mind. And cookbooks on the bottom shelves, or your grandmother’s china! Again, limitless ideas!
French country more your style? Romantic cottage? Then this is your dresser/buffet/TV stand! Recently reduced to move it on out ….
Home.
This gorgeous antique table was a “stop, turn around, purchase” find. We really haven’t started our bedroom renovation yet, but I know I want a sitting area in the corner by the window so I’m happy to start with this piece. And interestingly enough, the lamp came from Gravy years ago (thanks Sandy and Alicia)! Still a mainstay in our home. The enamelware pitcher came from Country Creations….not just a florist! And the pillows? From Burlap & Lace!
I could be embarrassed to show you our rustic orange counter tops, but at least I’m working with them in this vintage-styled home! I have tried so many utensil vessels and finally found this piece (also from Gravy). In fact, some of the utensils came from there as well!
The last Gravy find of late was the sign (I actually purchased this one from The Tin Roof, but the artist has relocated to Gravy)….you really should check out this local favorite spot!
Sheila has some amazing vendors. The platter came from Stephanie’s Creations, the booth that is located in the window space there. And to let you in on a secret, when my foot was broken, I was blessed to find Stephanie for so many reasons. I began purchasing some of her painted pieces for Burlap & Lace, as I was unable to paint myself for about 5 months and her style was so similar to mine that I couldn’t pass her work by. (To be honest she paints better than I do!) Stephanie will be bringing more of her English Style to Burlap & Lace beginning in May, as she will be styling one of the upstairs rooms for me! Please stop in both here and Country Creations to see her work….I’ll be surprised if you don’t take a few of her pieces home with you!
Underground Salvage is another “must go” stop and shop place for me. The bench came from there….perfect indoors or out!
The door was another Underground Salvage find….perfect to cover a doorway in our home when company is visiting and we want to block off the bedrooms from the den area. Still need to go back there to find the perfect hardware for the handle!
As you can see, shopping local can be beneficial as well as FUN! Can’t wait to see you next time you’re out and about locally shopping Brevard! Until then,
When anyone tells me to “pick your favorite”, I struggle. I have a LOT of favorite things! And I just finished telling a customer how much I loved something she noticed in my shop, then I laughed and thought how egotistical that sounded! But of course I love what is in my shop!!! All of it! That being said, however, I do have some favs and I thought I would share those with you today, as well as the story behind the love.
But I am a bit of a nut about live plants as well…..especially ivy cause it’s really hard to kill! This old organ stool came from my grandmother’s house and I absolutely LOVE this piece. Maybe because of its memory, but I adore the chippy paint as well left from her artist days…
When I can combine antique with new, I’m thrilled. Lynn Driver’s artwork keeps me happy in my little shop….and this bicycle was a special request she did for me. How perfect that it has teal and pink combined! Oh, if only I could find it a new home. Maybe mine!
Honestly, I’m trying to find room in our home for all these favs! The washtub stand would be so perfect on a patio with a bowl of ice and drinks, or a potted plant for those of you who can keep those real beauties alive and well! And the bird pitcher and bowl …. what’s not to love about them both?!?
Admittedly, I have spent a lot of my life around gold pieces (I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s) and I have tried to get past it! But for some reason, this plant urn called my name and I couldn’t resist it! Paired with black it gives off a rather classy look, don’t you agree? So I’ve added it to my list of favorites this month…
I forgot to brag on this beauty! Wouldn’t you love to dine on a table with these lit up?
Candlewick glassware is my new favorite find. I decided to pair these two pieces on a desk….one for paperclips and the other to hold sticky note pads and pens! But maybe you would prefer using them in a bath to hold soap? Or as actual dishes….the smaller round one for lime or lemon slices and the larger one for butter….or maybe put the round one on the oblong one and you have a chip and dip plate! The ideas are limitless, and the candlewick pattern makes it a bit more special than plain glass, yet they match any decor!
Because I love books both to read and to display, I have a great collection here, held together on a desk by the innards of a chicken feeder (a rusty one of course!).
More rust for you….old scales work great in so many places….indoors and out!
Sigh…..I think I’ll find a place for it all!
Meet Wilma. She was one classy lady…..even in her death. She was my mother-in-law, but more than that, she was my friend.
I was able to tell mom the one thing I had always wanted her to know….that she had shown me Christ through her grace, love and forgiveness of me after the years that my HubE and I spent apart. She was an amazing and kind woman who raised three men to be gentle, kind men of integrity and faith. Her legacy lives on in her sons, one of whom I am blessed to call husband.
Easter is on its way, and though many celebrate bunnies and candy, I will be celebrating the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of His death and life, all those who believe in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. Mom is living it up….literally! And we rejoice with her, though we weep for ourselves.
Winter and I have never been friends. But I have come to realize that without Winter the roots couldn’t reach deep into the soil to gain nourishment and to push forth those early Spring buds. I recently tried my hand at planting some curly willow from a cutting. When I saw the buds bursting forth it gave me such a thrill! And I pondered this…when we allow God to work in us and our roots are in Him, do you think He thrills when we burst forth new life from what He has sown in us? I like to think that He does.
On the outside I often look like this old tin….rusty, bent out of shape a bit and worn out. And then…..sprouts of life burst out of that old worn out vessel and offer hope for the days ahead. Thank you, Father.
As the sun streamed in the upstairs window of the shop this morning, I felt a renewal in my spirit. And again, I breathe out my thanksgiving to the One Who always hears our cries and meets our every need. You hear that? Our 
Rusty? Yes. But look again….life springing out of the old. Turn your gaze outdoors a moment. Lift your eyes off the screen. Go ahead. I’ll wait for you. What do you see? Anything springing forth new life today? It’s there if you look for it. God will use the old, rusty, worn out and fatigued and skillfully bring forth a beauty you might not realize you possessed. Let Him do His creative work in you. I’m giving in to Him as well today. Why? Because I personally know His faithfulness. Even working against my stubborn and occasionally hard heart.
May you find joy in your journey today, my friend. God loves you so much.
It’s coming….March 16-18…..at the WNC Ag Center in Fletcher, NC, and I am so very excited to get to be a part again this year! Vintage Market Days presents Day Dream for this event and I thought I’d give you a preview of my personal Day Dreamin’ days of late…..SPRING!!!!!! So that’s what you’ll be finding in my space at VMD this year as well as already bursting forth at the shop.
The patina on this chair grabbed me at first sigh. It’s worn and beautiful, don’t you think?!?
This great piece sold as I was writing this blog, but I’m sure I’ll find a suitable replacement for Market!
It was my starting place….the desire of my heart being fulfilled. And coming out of a well-paying job to take on my own business was quite a stretch. But one thing I was certain of…..God’s direction in it for me. And if I’ve learned anything in this life, it is that to obey sometimes costs you, but to disobey costs you so much more. And so in January of 2017 the decision was made to open a brick and mortar retail space. And God faithfully provided the first 500 SF location….an office space on Osborne Road in Brevard, NC. The lease was signed and the doors opened in March. But close behind that 6 month lease came the fulfillment of the rest of the dream….a vintage home complete with gardens and more space to house Burlap & Lace. 
As these gorgeous flowers bravely poked through the debris of winter, I was delighted to see their pink faces gazing up at me. Winter is passing….and spring 
I cannot lie….although the snow is quite beautiful and serene, the winter season is the hardest for me, and this winter, in particular, has been so.
That despite 20 degree weather, snow and ice, I will be painting and getting ready for March 16-18, 2018!
And I will be hunting down the chippy, worn, rusted beauties to adorn my booth space….
and then there will be the usual surprises in furniture pieces, tableware, garden delights and so much more!
Beginning February 8, I will be opening on extended days and hours. These will be posted on Facebook, but go ahead and plan on seeing me more in the months to come as noted here:
Laundry is something that we all have to do so why not jazz up your laundry space with a tin photo in a shabby frame? Let your imagination go with me….Sally’s mom was so busy today! Leaving her doll on the floor, Sally grabbed her dolls and toys and set out to work alongside her mother. Surely those dolls needed clean clothes too!
Betsy stretched her small frame until she stood on her tiptoes. Still, she couldn’t reach the knocker and she wondered how she could deliver her mother’s freshly baked bread to their sick neighbor? The aroma wafted upward toward her nose and she wobbled unsteadily, trying her best not to dump the loaves on the ground with her stretching. Feeling defeated, she spied the wooden bench next to the door. Perhaps she could leave the loaves there?
It had been a long season already, the winter claiming the trees with its icy breath. Carol turned toward the window when she heard a familiar chirp. The birds were back! Perhaps spring was coming sooner than she had dared to hope! It was in that moment that she turned toward her wall hanging and knew its truth: her own nest had become a place of rest and retreat for her during the winter months. But with the chirping outside her window, she realized that the time to spread her wings had come….
Oh, for a touch of spring to put on my porch! Wait! Didn’t I see a great idea at Burlap & Lace last week?!?
It was time to turn the doldrums of the day into a memory. Taking the soapy hands from the sink, he turned her to him and whispered, “May I have this dance for the rest of my life?” Her heart melted beneath the strength of his arms. The dishes could wait….
Ridicule always awaited her…simply because she was different! She didn’t care anymore. With a determined sense of abandonment to all that had previously held her back, she walked out the door and faced a new day of opportunity.
With the sun streaming in the window, the rims of the bicycle glistened and she smiled. Seeing the flowers in the basket and smelling the fresh air of morning wafting in through the open blinds, she swung her feet over the side of the bed and onto the wood floor. An adventure was awaiting her today….
Some things are just to make you laugh….
Others are to make you live what you believe…
Sandy, don’t look so sad! You got to wear your blue dress while sitting for this portrait! But Connie, YOU got to wear the blue tie at your neck!
The pattering rain on this ‘ol house’s tin roof brings a certain comfort to the chill of the day. January is upon us, which translated means….a new year on the calendar, a year older for this shopkeeper, new venues to create, new challenges ahead, new friends to meet….the list is long. So let me back up a step or two and bring you back to a couple highlights for me from 2017.
As we pop our heads out to the porch, I don’t mind admitting that I am having an early case of spring fever! My sister has always loved blue, and so for some reason (maybe she has been on my heart a lot lately!), I decided to bring in touches of blue and yellow throughout the house this month. And I don’t mind saying that wicker has become a new favorite of mine! This love seat has got to be the most comfortable piece of furniture I’ve had grace this porch! Sold as a set (cushion included), pair it with the oval table and you’re ready to sit and sip lemonade!
I’m loving this metal table and chair set…perfect for the porch, deck or to use inside! Remember how it was showcased last month? Let me remind you….
Ok, back to January’s offerings….
Chippy meets burlap meets rust…..huh? This old rusty spring is my new favorite piece! I had it as an umbrella stand last month. This month? Perfect for faux florals to soften the corner of the room!
I’ve also created a linen closet for those of you who – like me – love finding linens to use on your bed, your table, or anywhere really!
August 2014 will always be sweet in my memory. This is my moma….who I swear has NEVER answered the phone when I called without a smile to her voice, and who – as I have been doing some soul-searching this past week – is a huge part of my story of “why” I do what I do. Simply stated – she has inspired me over the years, not so much by what she has said, but rather by what she has exampled before me.
I just celebrated my 57th birthday two days ago. And if you know me at all, you understand that I am a processor….I think (and speak) out loud a lot of the time when I should be quiet and ponder before opening my mouth. But in the end, if you know me, you understand. That’s just the way God wired me. And it takes a lot of grace to love me!
This was the first house I remember growing up in. I was blessed to have come from a small town where I could walk to school and then home again every day. When I was a young girl, my mom would allow me to “play office” with her by setting up a card table in my room which was across from her office. She equipped my “desk” complete with my own adding machine and drawer of paper money. I would then have my sister come to my “shop” (which was my room) and purchase things. I wanted her as a customer so much that I even gave her money from my cash drawer to use in “purchasing” my goods! Thinking about that now, I laugh at how I had to coerce her to play my silly “shop” game. I believe that experience impacted us both in ways that are still unfolding.
The year was 2008 and my son was in high school, during which he took art classes. During the summers, he would often have some project or another going, as would I. It was during this time that he taught me the fine art of making my own pallet signs. This was my first one, and I was quite proud! I used stencils for the design work because I couldn’t paint a lick! And I used spray paint, of all things!
I purchased my first piece for Burlap & Lace from Stephanie’s Creations…and there began what I hope will be yet another lasting relationship for my sweet little business. As I said, Stephanie’s work is quality, and totally in line with my taste in decor. And while you can certainly also find her creations at Country Creations (and I encourage you to do so!), you will begin to see some of her pieces here as well.
I love ironstone and I love linens! So to be sure, you will find those pieces in my shop year-round…
Last secret of the day is that I love thinking outside the box. While you may see the same items in the shop week to week, you will rarely see them used the same way. This vintage tree stand for instance…what a fun candle holder for your holiday table! And as Christmas ends but Winter lingers, why not replace the candle with a glass or globe and add some sprigs of greenery on the bottom and some pine cones within the glass?
My grandfather, when he was living, made these as toys for my boys. I’m not sure if they enjoyed them more or if we adults did! They are button toys made from wood and string. Come in and ask for a demonstration! They make great stocking stuffers and are a fun diversion from the electronic toys of today (i.e. the only noise they make is the giggles from those using them!).
My newest “fun” addition to the holiday kitchen is this dip sleigh….the elf is actually a cheese spreader! Simply add your dip to the sleigh, put the sleigh on a white plate filled with crackers and you’re ready to entertain those hungry guests!
Got a grinch in your house? Cheer him/her up with this fun sack wall or door hanging….
And just because Christmas comes and goes that doesn’t mean you have to put away all your decor. This snowman is perfect for your door through the winter months and gives a hint of spring with that birdhouse….love this!
I’m taking a walk down memory lane this morning…counting my blessings and the many things I have to be thankful for. I’ll start with the greatest blessing of all…..salvation through my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Because of His great love for us, my HubE and I can celebrate 34 years of marriage minus a huge, ugly burp in the middle. But even with that burp stage (divorce), God faithfully restored all that was lost, and has made our marriage so much richer and sweeter. I praise Him for that.
The name Burlap & Lace, if you recall, originated from the story of my sister and me. (Read back on the blog for the story of that journey!) To this day, you will find remnants of those items in the shop. But as my youngest child likes to remind me, the shop will always be vintage-inspired because “Mom, you ARE vintage!”. I smile at that truth.
Wine bags….paintings by local artist, Lynn Driver…
Celebrate your family…
Celebrate your home…
Celebrate the food you eat…
Christmas is a favorite time of year for me…..the smells of pine, fir and balsam as we tromp through the fields in search of the perfect tree… digging out the stockings to hang by the chimney (or from the banister)….searching for the perfect gifts to give….all of these things help to make the season one of remembrance for me.
As you think of decorating your own spaces this holiday, think of ways you can add whimsy alongside practicality….for instance, take in this green door that came straight from a local camp! It’s the perfect addition to a bedroom to allow guests to hang their towels on. And when not in use for your guests, throw a garland over the top and add a stocking for wreath to add decor and fancy to your room! Even the vintage hamper is a great addition, allowing your guests to feel at home in your home this holiday! Why should they have to stuff their dirty clothes back into their suitcase before their trip is over?
Holiday pillows add a touch of class to any location….from a bed to a chair to a shelf!
burlapandlace3 