We decided ( I decided) this was a great piece to paint a flag across.

Not just a flat flag either, one that looks like it's laying across the dresser.

Something that required more than just my talent....so Cara accepted the challenge. 

I think it turned out amazing!

All we need is knobs.....Painted wood that fit with-in the pattern?  (Cara will kill me). 

Painted Napoleonic Blue wood knobs with stars? 

Or, pretty Clear glass?  

What do you think?

B

I fell in love with these purple chesterfield style sofas.

We actually moved our Chalk Paînt® decorative paint by Annie Sloan paint cabinet so the tree could be against our painted wall, waxed, and gilded wall. I think it really shows off the beautiful silver and gold of the tree.

B

Pam (aka our Master Fluffier of Trees) spent almost 2 hours fluffing this tree.  Then I added about 10 strings of lights.

(Paper vintage-style decoration)

Then we turned Toby & Vicky loose with 6 Rubbermaid boxes of ornaments & garland.  

I think they worked 3 hours to create this beauty.

I told the girls it reminded me of a Southern Belłe's dress.  So we named it Scarlett.

*sigh!

Simply lovely.

B

And so much more...

How about at the beginning?   

In January I go to the Home & Gift Show in Las Vegas.  It's intense shopping and planning for the entire year.  YES! The entire year!

I buy everything I think you'll love because the manufacturers produce quantities based on what buyers purchase at market.  It's crazy, intense, mind-melting fun.  With lots of pressure!  What if I pick wrong?  A few bad picks can push small stores like mine, over the brink.  Whew!

Then the boxes start arriving in March & continue till November.  It's crazy what you forget only until it's opened and ......surprises for all.  It's really like Christmas for months.

With opening boxes, I start putting together display ideas, creating pieces and painting furniture to go with the new accessories.  

There is no formula for picking pieces.  There is no BOOK.  It's you and your gut, and your sales representative.

If you're lucky you have an honest salesperson who keeps you on track based on your historical orders, what's working regionally, and quality.

If you're really lucky they'll also protect your territory.  

This means they don't sell the same merchandise to other stores near you.  I know this sounds like a no-brainer.  But it's not.  I've had to stop buying from some companies because stores next door, or across the street are buying the exact same merchandise.  It's not fun for anyone when you go into two or three stores and they all have the same soap, towel, or ...... candle.

This is actually the hardest part of Buyîng for the stores, keeping them filled with unique accessories.  If a store owner/buyer doesn't go to any shows, only buys from a catalog, or doesn't buy from the regional sales representative, there's no way to be aware of 'duplicating' product.  

That's when you have to rely on your unique displays, customer loyalty, and blessings.

I love that our stores are filled with unique vintage and antique pieces and we all work hard to accessories with unique smalls.  I think this attention to detail is what makes you come back again and again.

Enjoy!

B

We've gathered some fun Lake Signs, vintage camping memorabilia, and just cool stuff!  

Starting with this wonderful Lake Rules sign.

Not a word I hear very often, yet it fits this project perfectly.

I brought in this beautiful vintage French-style vanity, painted French Linen.

It looked great, but it needed a little punch.

So Cara added some harlequin diamonds.  Sanded a little.

That's part of the beauty of Chalk Paint® Decorative paint by Annie Sloan, you can just paint on top of the wax.

And now it's just stunning.

What do you think?

B