Inspiration & Evolution

Hi guys, it's Bob... thought you might like to see how a discarded piece of furniture turns into something special here at Retreat! This 60's cabinet/server, above, is one of the items we got from Beth Evans-Ramos earlier in the week. Deb & I stood and looked at it, trying to figure out how to make it into something with a more current look AND fit in with the theme we will have for you at BarnHouse next weekend. It took us a bit, but some spirited discussion and a serendipitous movement of the flag in our yard inspired us. And between the two of us, we finally came up with a game plan (it's fun when that happens!)... here's what we did:

Added a new top, made from some old T&G siding (also from Beth), and some moulding to trim it.
Made the legs a bit shorter, to remove the tapered ends. Added finials as feet.
Took the door and drawers and enhanced the 'board' effect. I deepened existing grooves and added a few to the drawers, to make this look like we had assembled it from miscellaneous parts. Added some old ceramic knobs, too. Then Deb did her magic with paintbrushes (using some paint that Beth was discarding!), and the result is..... (drum roll, please).....
Something that you, we, and Beth find it hard to believe is the same piece we started with!!! Pretty cool, huh?! Deb said we needed to share the story of its transformation because it looks like a brand new piece by Lane Furniture or something...but I disagree. I think our stuff is much more interesting than anything by Lane. Thanks, Beth, for providing the raw materials that became this one of a kind piece of furniture for someone to love!
Oh, and this beauty has friends! Lots more 'pieces with personality' for your home or summer beach house will be in our space at the BarnHouse Flea Market next Saturday.... right in the center of the barn, under the awning. Come see us!

I Spy!

I was perusing Tamara's blog (Tamara reads my design blog) and ran across her lovely post about a romantic a day in Victoria, B.C. (It's a very romantic place!) She mentioned a shop that she had discovered there, and showed a few photos. I'm sharing it here because of that photo above ^.... that's one of Bob's original creations, and it's sitting outside of French Vanilla in Victoria, B.C.!
Owner Sheila came down to the lower 48 to shop at the Farm Chicks show, and that's where we met her. She purchased the bench, which Bob made from two Hitchcock chairs, and a few other items from us. It's nice to see where our creations end up!
Visit the French Vanilla shop blog at: http://frenchvanillahome.blogspot.com/
Thank you to Tamara at Greenhouse Diaries for permission to use her photos here...

'The World is Waiting for the Sunrise'

This song holds a very special meaning for a young lady whom we met at Farm Chicks last month. When she saw the sheet music that I had collaged inside the front of our Piano Bar, she reacted visibly and then told me a story that made me completely well up with tears. Then she took some photos of it, walked away, and I have no idea who she was to this day.
If you are this young lady, or you know who she is and why this piece of music is so important to her, please contact me at debi.wardkennedy (at) gmail (dot) com. Today I found something special that I'd just love to send to her.... and I really hope I can find her to do so. It would mean a lot to me, and to her, I think. Thank you!

All Hail the Junk QUEEN

(Sorry, you actually can't 'click to look inside'! I snagged this photo from Amazon! But you CAN click below on the words 'The Salvage Studio' to order your own copy!)

Our new friend Beth Evans-Ramos, co-author of 'The Salvage Studio' book and junker extraordinaire, recently blogged that she was in major de-cluttering and cleanout mode in her home studio. My antennae went on high alert and I asked her if she had any ribbons in colors I am in need of right now...and if so, would she be interested in a swap? Her ribbons for one of my 'Junk Queen' crowns?! She jumped all over that idea and so today, we went to pick up the bag of ribbons and deliver her majesty's crown. (She looks FAB in it, BTW!) She protested that she is actually a Junk Princess, but I think she's the Queen. Read on to see why...

You see, not only did we get a bag of ribbons, but several boxes full of assorted other paper goodies. And an entire TRUCKLOAD of bits, pieces, parts, remnants, and unfinished project pieces that dear sweet Miss Beth was discarding! She led us out into the garage and showed us piles of goodies that she thought we'd love to take off her hands. Oh, was she right! Bob is in heaven, let me tell you! And that's just the first load......

This was such a kind and generous thing for her to do, and I just can't say enough about her spirit and her heart. She passes it off as saying that other people trusted her and gave her their treasures, so she is 'just' paying it forward by passing them on to us. Still, we are so thankful for this! These little bits will be transformed into new products...and the circle continues... which is one of the most amazing things about this 'industry' of antique/vintage/recycled/junk products!

Beth also gave us a tour of her beautiful home, which is the haven of personality and the million unique decor touches that you would expect from a woman as talented and creative as she is. I'm still drooling over the amount of 'junk' (and you all know that I DO use that term in its very best sense!) she has in that house - and all of it impeccably displayed and organized.

Beth says that 'junk' is her favorite four-letter word. After 'Free', of course! I agree! I also think she is one of the nicest most generous people I've ever met... thank you again, Your Highness!

Inspired

Inspired by the mood this image evokes, we spent the day playing with tents, draping, mosquito netting, and canvas.... creating the design plan for 'Glamp Retreat' at the BarnHouse show.

(Hey, I TOLD you it was 'ON'!!! ;0) ) This is soooooo much fun..... see you there!

Glimpses

Bob's been crankin' out a plethora of products from the shop this week. He has a way of turning a bunch of odds & ends and broken things into really amazing furniture. We went out junking and found a slew of things, as well. What do you think, is there a theme developing here????? Stay tuned to see the 'story' we have for you at BarnHouse!

Upping the Ante

Are you planning on heading to the BarnHouse Boys Flea Market on July 18th??? You should. You really, really should. We just got a news flash from them, and the list of vendors is STELLAR. Presentation pushed past the limits of anything you've ever seen. (Cindy may or may not be appearing as the Queen of Sheba..... a circus tent and elephant were mentioned...????) Activities galore are planned. Contests of skill are to be undertaken. The ante has been upped by the announcement that we vendors will be GLAMPING it up in our very own version of a DesignStar competition of TENT DECORATING! There will be fun for all!

These Boys, I tell ya, they just go above and beyond. I can't tell you how excited we are to be a part of this..... I keep hearing that intro to a song by Big & Rich in my head: "Somebody's GOT to be unafraid to lead the freak parade!" They are, and we're allllll following happily. (And we are all freaks in the most WONDERFUL creative wacky artistic bohemian sense of the word, of course!)

I must plan and plot and plunder so we can create a suitably relaxing reimagined retro retreat of really FAB.u.lous proportions. ;0) Deb's in it to win it, I tell ya'...... and Bob? He's in heated concentration over which barbeque to bring with him for our campsite. mmmmhm. Ya gotta' be there, my friends!