Not every linen needs to be vintage in my home,but most are. Every once in a while I come across a newer piece that looks vintage. Most of those are usually Rachel Ashwell, I do have a bit of luck coming across Rachel Ashwell linens. I had to darken this photo a little when I was editing because the colors are so faded and muted it was hard to capture on a photo. Not sure if this is a Rachel Ashwell spread or not,but it sure looks like it is. It's a full size spread with gorgeous faded pink roses,bits of light green too. I think it may be from her simply shabby chic line it's hard to tell. This may end up in the shop very soon but not yet. The shop is close temporarily because I am spending quality time with my family. Summer time is a busy time taking road trips,and weekend ... View Post

When I am out treasure hunting I am always on the hunt to find vintage linens especially sheets,pillow cases and bedspreads. I am sure you know that I am always attracted to those soft muted colors especially pieces that have roses. I only buy pieces that are in good condition,I never buy linens with stains,holes or smells. Washing does not always take stains or smells out. I found this sweet bedspread many years ago,it was already faded with time. But in the years I have had it and as it's aged the fabric has become softer and the colors have faded just a bit more. I have used this as a table cloth and also on my daughter's bed,a true treasured piece. Sometimes I do part with treasures that I have enjoyed for years,but I have a few pieces that I may never part with. I have ... View Post

I shared this post back in January,now that summer is here this would make an easy and fun craft using flowers from your own garden to make this heart shaped wreath. I used roses but you could try doing a larger version using peonies. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It's good to be resourceful and use what you already have. You know I love roses,I thought these mini roses that I picked up from the market would be perfect for this project. My roses are starting to dry out,and I actually still like to display them dried. But I also like saving them for projects. All you need to make this  heart wreath is a bunch of dried roses,just the tops,and some thin wire. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Get a piece of wire and figure out how big you would like your heart shape ... View Post

Besides finding inspiration in magazines and blogs I find lots of inspiration in decorating books,I wanted to share some of my favorite decorating books with you. Some of these books I have had for many years,and a few of them I bought recently. One thing they all have in common is vintage style. With vintage style it really never goes away,it may change slightly but as I said some of these I have had for many years and they are still very fresh. These are all filled with beautiful photos and they all inspire me. Lets start out with The Natural Home by Tricia Foley. Love this book,wonderful ideas of using bits of nature in your home. As you know I love using bits of nature whether it's a bouquet of flowers,a bunch of branches or a bee hive. The photos are beautiful isn't that ... View Post

Sanding is not  always required when you are distressing a piece of furniture,other easy distressing techniques can be done if you want a piece to look aged but you don't want to sand it. Yesterday I shared" The Truth About Chalk Paint",you can read it HERE. A few years ago I wanted to update my dated dining room set,it was bought in the 1990's,I loved the style but it really needed a fresh look. This was done when I first started blogging,I had little experience with chalk paint and decided to paint the table using   a latex paint and a primer. You can read about the reveal ,I share the paint color I used on this post  HERE. I did not sand the table or chairs to distress it,I wanted an aged look without doing that. Other reasons I did not sand this piece to distress it is because ... View Post

I love using chalk paint or plaster based paint,but I wanted to share with you the truth about chalk paint. I have been using chalk based paint for almost three years,the reason is is so wonderful is because it adheres to so many different surfaces. But there seems to be some misconceptions about expectations chalk based paint. The truth about chalk paint is yes it will adhere to most surfaces,but not all. (Painted with Vintage Market & Design paint in Dove and Sweet Pea) If a piece is not properly cleaned well before painting, chances are that it won't adhere. It's not a miracle paint,it won't make painting your kitchen cabinets any easier then priming and painting. But if you are looking for a paint that will sand easier then yes this paint is wonderful. I am sharing ... View Post