Uptown Photography

So, I've been needing a new photo of myself.

Taking pictures isn't my favorite thing, but I needed one for the Idaho State Journal "At Home" column that I write.  I asked Jessamyn from Uptown Photography

to help me out.

I've been using a picture from about 5 years and 2 babies ago :) Lots can change between 5 years and 2 babies. You know what I mean, right?

So, I just wanted to say how much I love how the photo shoot turned out.

I don't know how she made extra chins and wrinkles disappear....magic? Possibly...

And I wanted to give you all a heads up about her work <3 .

Trailer Trash...

Some regular customers of mine belong to Sisters on the Fly.

I've read about the Sisters in Mary Jane's Farm magazine, on their website, and other blogs.

I've been wanting a vintage trailer for so long. I have lusted and hunted and finally, one practically fell into my lap.

I love her.

So, I'm thinking she needs a name. I need some ideas...

Memphis County Jail Blues...

I just finished this mixed media canvas and hung it in my bedroom.

It is so good to be out of school :)

This canvas started out as an ugly painting.  I pick them up when I see them for cheap. If I can buy it for $1 or $2 it's cheaper than buying a new canvas. Plus it's recycling.

I used yellowed vintage sheet music, old book pages, ledger paper, and a cancelled 1950s check from the Idaho-Utah Sugar Co. Any ephemera would do, as long as it looks old.

I was going for a theme, so I chose sheet music with songs like "Memphis County Jail Blues" and other related songs. Although it is subtle, and most people probably wouldn't notice, I like adding details like that.

I used Mod Podge with a matte finish to cover the canvas with the vintage ephemera. I did this a few weeks ago.  I printed a bird photo from The Graphics Fairy (you didn't know about the Graphics Fairy??)

Here's where things got a little tricky.

I drew a freehand birdcage with a Sharpie.

I hated it. I was sad. I thought I would have to throw this away. See?

The lines were too dark, too bold, (not to mention shiny) and every flaw stood out in my drawing.

So I set it aside for a couple days, and last night I dreamed about it.

I took a fine grit sandpaper and sanded the Sharpie lines. Because they were drawn on top of Mod Podge, it didn't mess up the paper.  Then, I used acrylic paint and float (mixed a little brown and a little white) and glazed over the whole canvas to give it a faded out look.

I'm in love with it now! It's hanging in my bedroom.

New Stuff Thursday, May 11th 2011



Metal/wire wall pocket $22 painted white 18" long, 9" deep, 11" wide.

Vintage embroidery on 100% linen. $8 slightly yellowed with age, but good condition.

Vintage Owl figurine. $4 Excellent conditon, no chips or cracks. About 5" tall.

Vintage green homestead plate $4. Measures



Junkalicious finds, pricing and putting in the shop...

I found some of the coolest things yesterday when I was out and about...

I can't wait to put them in the shop. If you can't wait until the weekend, let me know and we'll work something out. 

Click on the pictures for a closer look.

Skeleton keys, reproduction, but still so perfect $12.

7 1/2 inches total length from top of ring to bottom of longest key.

Chippy French hanging enamel ware planter with 3 removable pots $18. UPDATE: THIS IS SOLD.

15 1/2" long at the longest. Pots are 4" diameter at the top.

MidCentury Suitcase Organizer $14I'm thinking photo prop or in your mod office as an organizer. Constructed of wood and silvery paper/linen. Great vintage condition, a few small scuffs & tears in the paper. 16" x 10" x 13"

Vintage Globe $18

I've been spotting these all over Etsy and blog-land, they look perfect by themselves or even better grouped up. I've got one more (different color) already priced over at the shop. Measures about 18" high from base to top.

SOLD Delicious Cotton lace tablecloth. $16 This tablecloth is vintage, yellowed, with no holes.  There are a few faded stains (nothing noticable). I love to use these to hang up as curtains. They also look great repurposed as a layer of bedding on top of a comforter. Oh yeah, I guess you could use it as a tablecloth too. But repurposing is so much fun...

eek, this isn't stained, just how it photographed with the shadow.

This tablecloth measures 70" x 88". An instant heirloom, on the cheap.

I have a bunch more things that I found, some I'm tinkering with or painting, some I still need to photograph :)

Oh. And my little blue cupboard isn't for sale, just using it as a photo prop, sorry.

My Bedroom

Last December, I moved from a teeny, tiny cute little cottage, to a bigger house in a nicer neighborhood.  My kids love it.  We actually have plenty of room for everyone here. Our other house was so small.

With the big increase in space, you would think I'd be having a great time decorating.

Not so.

I haven't even had time to think about it because I've been so busy with grad school.

I have lots of great ideas, tons of things to decorate with (hello. I have a store, right?)

So, I want to spend some time working on it this summer :)

My bedroom is a good size. I have some basic furniture that I've painted.

I like to keep it neutral because I find shades of white relaxing.

So, here it is.  This is my bedroom.

Right now it is pretty blah. Not horrible, but pretty boring.

I just made the branch/bird mobile sculpture for the At Home in SouthEast Idaho Magazine Challenge.

I have some projects that I'd like to do in this room.

1. Headboard. I need a cute headboard in this room. Right now, it's too basic and too boring. It doesn't have to be traditional, just something to work as a headboard.  I have some ideas.

2. Wall of mirrors.  I love the look of a wall full of mirrors.  It makes the room seem larger, reflects light all over the place, and adds character and interest.  Plus I have some FANTASTIC vintage mirrors I've been saving for *something*. 

3. Bench re-do.  I found an upholstered bench at a yard sale for $5. The lines on it are divine, but the upholstery is not so much.  It just needs a slip-cover.  Again, I have some ideas.

4. New light fixture.  Did you check out the ugly globe light? Oh my. Yes, that definately needs to go.

5. Pillows. I know how to sew, and there are so many great ideas out there. I didn't realize how boring my pillows were until I was taking these photos. They are comfy down, however.

6. Pop o' Color. I would like a little bit of color.  That can be changed. You know, when I get sick of it. Maybe with the season or holiday. Like pillows or other accessories.
7. Paint the ugly 80s oak closet doors & get new knobs. Oh, and the baseboards too.

pay no attention to the pile of clothes on the floor, please :)

Bird mobile inspired by dear lillie.