Erica:
Shirt: vintage
Blazer: F21
Jeans: thrifted & refashioned
Jewelry: Last Chance
Shoes: Last chance

Kat:
Dress/Shirt: fcuk, hand-me-down
shorts: F21
Necklace: vintage
Clutch: vintage
Shoes: Last Chance

And headed to the Hotel Palomar. The setup there is so cool, the painting behind the desk was amazing

And the lobby, equally stunning, that fantistic, that ever elusive mix of rustic/modern/glam/vintage

At the conference, we met some fabulous ladies

{shoplemode.com}

{Capella from capellakincheloe.com}

Also got to catch up with Brittany, whom I bonded with last year, when we didn’t know anyone!

We also really loved the outfits of the fabulous editors of Emma

 And listened to some great speakers, we especially loved Summer with girl with glasses

Their video is just out of this world, we just really loved it, especially as two gals working together on a project/blog/business.

All the speakers had something unique to share. And at the end our blog friend (and antique plaza patron) Chelsea got engaged!

{photo via brittanys notebook}

We are super excited for her, and excited to see pictures of her awesome wedding, vintage details to be sure! All in all a great time and we are excited to see what the future has in store and what collaborations we can come up with!

All photo booth photos from mr fun booth here

Collections can make a great visual statement/ art installation in your home. Some people are afraid of letting their home become overrun with one type of thing so they shun the idea of collecting anything. But collections can be done in a clean way, it’s all about what it is and how you display it. I’m going to focus on the two main types: On the wall vs. On a shelf.

On the wall:

Small scale similar art: Silhouettes

{via}

This look could be achieved with other types of art, but what makes this collection so unifying and able to be seen as one “art piece” is they are:
a.) Done in the same style
b.) Same colors (black and white)
c.) Similar size
So together they make a great statement, despite the wildly different framing.
How fun would it be to mix vintage ones with ones of your own family!

Note: if your smaller pieces are too different you could also achive a unifying look by using the same/similar frames

Old photographs

{via}

We have a constant stash of old photographs, and especially when they are loose (not framed or in albums) it’s hard to know what to do with them (besides make a wreath.)

A lot of small things make a big impact, especially when the are staged to serve a purpose, like a headboard. The fact that 95% are in black and white also helps, it’s not overwhelming, and leaves color on one spot: the bed.

Keys:

{via}

I have a huge soft spot for old keys and old locks. The heavy metal, the unique shapes, I love them. But small things like this tend to clutter up junk drawers, so what better place than up on the wall? My tendency would be to frame them, but the fluid organic shape really works here.

Dansk Pepper mills:

{via}

This transcends both categories, a bunch of small shelves on a wall… But aren’t they amazing? An expensive collection to be sure. But the beauty of fine teak wood meets utility, (and what’s more basic that salt and pepper) is just awesome.

On the shelf:

Globes:

{via}

Globes are such a cool thing to collect, each one has character and beyond that, you can actually tell when they were made based on the names of the countries! Which makes for endless hunting I think it was really smart how they put them all above bookshelves. globes can be bulky, so it helps to have them in view, but not within reach.

Antique fans:

{via}

Antique fans have so much character. I’m especially drawn to the retro logos and lettering, but the overall style of them are great, period. They are definitely a far cry from poodle figurines! With all the color and texture, they become a focal point by grouping them together.

Vintage clocks:

{via}

I think this display is so genius, little industrial cubby shelves, that are just the perfect size for these clocks. Really fun and so unique. Just as long as the alarm isn’t on…

I hope these images inspire you to start a collection, or continue one of your own! What ever you collect, if it’s vintage, come visit! We may just have what you are looking for! We rarely have such a large plethora of these items, but will almost always have one or two. And the hunt is part of the fun right? We couldn’t just give you a intsa-collection!

Good luck collecting and if you have any cool collections, email them to us at ericaandkat@gmail.com

Happy Monday!

This one is reupholstered in a classic Hudson Bay Blanket. The local Chicago-ans that frequent Brimfield may have more need to keep warm than us phoenicians! But we can still appreciate it.

For sale here $1795

This blanket upholstery job is much bolder, it would need the right interior, but it’s amazing!

For sale here $1295

This is the one that blew me away and made me really want to share these chairs with you.

Upholstering with a vintage quilt? I love that so much, and the accenting of the stripes really lets the quilt shine. We have a plethora of quilts floating around the shop. If any of you are inspired to make your own, be sure to let us know! We’d love to see.

For sale here $1295

Here’s hoping you have a relaxing weekend!

This card catalog had great structure but was covered in scuffs, mild scratches and some paint flecks.

I did one side with restor-a-finish and…

Voila! night and day right? It’s really amazing stuff. ( I of course did the other side after taking this picture…)

The most recently finished project is a mid century dresser by Bassett. As you can see I used Restor-a-finish on the top half. It not only hydrates the wood, it also fills in the smaller scratches (since it’s tinted) and since you apply with steel wool, it buffs away any residue and paint flecks, it’s like using really light sandpaper.

Or in the case of this dresser, to get rid of some unwanted stickers (I also used goo-gone and a razor on the sticker)

The dresser also needed some new knobs. Then it was golden! After I cover it with restor-a-finish, I let it sit for a minute and then wipe the whole thing off with a rag.

Note: The tone of Restor-a-finish doesn’t matter as much as you might think, some are darker (like the ebony) but I used golden oak on this dresser and it turned out just fine!

This coffee table had some major scuffs and worn finish that restor-a-finish couldn’t completely cover, but, they are far less noticeable now.

Here at the AP, we use Restor-A-Finish the most. But the kind people at Howard were nice enough to give us samples (smaller sized bottles than normal) of their best sellers to give away so that you can try them out at home! I have put the samples together into bundles to mail out at random to 9 random followers. In each bundle will be:

• Howard Restor-A-Finish in either golden oak or walnut
• Howard Butcher Block & Cutting Board Oil
• Howard Feed N’ Wax
• 2 pieces of steel wool
• Howard Butcher Block Conditioner (OR) Howard Leather Conditioner Cream

All you have to do is be our follower on Facebook and comment on this post saying which product you are most excited to try. (make sure your name on the comment and name on facebook are the same!) Giveaway closes on April 3, 2013.

For more information on all Howard products check out their site here. And if you refinish/restore/condition or spruce up something at home email it to us, we’d love to see! {ericaandkat@gmail.com} Good luck! We will contact the lucky winners via email, so be sure to include your e-mail address.

P.S. We aren’t the only ones who love Howard Products, check out these other bloggers reviews here, here, here, & here

Note: Samples were provided to us by Howard Products to give away, all opinions are our own

A.) Focused on my booth and what needs to be done.
B.) Looking for new products / what would make a good round-up or post
C.) Visualizing various projects that boss-man Greg has going on

Rarely do I go through the store in the eyes of a shopper. (That doesn’t mean I don’t make spontaneous purchases, because I definitely do!) But, usually I don’t browse each aisle. So I went through the store the other day. just to see what I would want to buy if I were there shopping instead of working.

First up, what Easter is complete without an adorable egg plate. And of course an egg plate should be shaped like an egg, I am smitten with that shade of green too!

Green Egg plate – Dealer #999 – $8

Next, valentines day is over, but a little bit of romance in the house is great year-round. And did you see this article? Plastic and metal letters are great for decorating!

“X” or “O” – Dealer #312 – $3 each

There will always be things in the shop that I would love to have but don’t have a place for, but I can dream right? This butcher block island/cabinet with a built in knife rack is awesome and in great shape too!

Maple Kitchen Cart – Dealer #999 – $135

I’m mildly obsessed with antlers, I don’t know if it’s because its such a novel thing to even see deer, (having lived in phoenix almost all my life) or the fact that these awesome antlers have taken the bloggisphere by storm. But I love them and would love to add this huge one to my collection.

Shed Antler – Dealer #54 – $35

And last but not least. I’ve been thinking for awhile about changing our everyday dishes. When we got married we registered for these lovelies. And I’m very much over them, not to mention we have probably less than half of what we started with. And then I read this post and thought about how fun it would be to build up a collection of Fiesta. Maybe I just need to “accidentally” break a few more…

Fiesta ware – Dealer #44 – prices vary per piece

Well I hope you enjoyed that mini shopping trip with me. Don’t worry I didn’t buy any of these things, so they are yours for the taking!

Nostalgic quilts and lots fabric art, yes.

But another thing this window is — that is not so obvious – is the backdrop of an interesting competition coming this March to Downtown Mesa.

The Arizona Quilters Guild {website here} is hosting “Quindows“(quilt in the window) a quilt-pattern scavenger hunt and display March 5-16 in the Downtown Mesa business windows.

What better way to provide a backdrop for hosting our quilt, then bringing (almost) every sewing notion, quilt, sewing machine, fabric in the store up front to the window?

And also, this incredible wire mesh mannequin.

So if you want to participate, keep checking the Quindows link. As of now, the form isn’t available, but it should be soon!

The grand prize is a Brother NX-2000 brand new sewing machine (MSRP $3099 – wow!), courtesy of Mulqueen Sewing Centers. So that is a definite incentive to get out there and scavenge.

If any of you participate, we wish you the best of luck! But when you come to our shop, good luck resisting the urge to go up and down our aisles, because new treasures come in every day!

From Artwork like this,

to dishes like these.

But an antique parlor game recently resurfaced at the Antique Plaza, (not for sale unfortunately, the images below are from a dealers private collection) that gives a new spin on ink blots.

The Ghosts of my friends available on amazon is a fun little book that instructs one’s friends to sign along a crease and then fold. Creating a unique blot each time.

Aren’t they rad? This one has to be my favorite.

I really want to attempt to do one of my own, getting my friends to sign. How cool would it be to frame as art afterwards? They sell similar kits here if you want to try your hand at it.

Hope you enjoyed this post on a old-fashioned game. It makes me want to refine my signature for sure!

I was surprised to see that of all the items I found, many of them were this delightful orangey/red color. 

If you are looking for a way to jazz up your table/kitchen/what-have-you come on in and pick up one of these fun polka-dot items.

1. Judgeware English Teapot – Dealer #198 – $175
2. Dot Tin Cup – Dealer #48 – $8.99
3. Polka Dot Casserole – Dealer #98 – $16
4. Orange/Brown Vintage Scarf – Dealer #48 – $8
5. Brown Pitcher – Dealer #8031 – $18

6. Orange Cup & Saucer (3 Available) – Dealer #98
7. Ceramic Polka Dot Purse – Dealer #175 – $16.99
8. Enamel Polka Dot Pot – Dealer #98 – $25
9. Polka Dot Creamer – Dealer #98 – $27.50
10. Glass Mug (7 Available) – Dealer #98 – $15
11. Vintage Suger Bowl – Dealer #98 –$30

Hope you enjoyed this polka dot round up! I hope to do some more with various patterns.

(As with all actual items featured on the blog, there are limited supply, often just one, so these items aren’t guaranteed in store upon your arrival, dealer #’s are provided for your convenience in locating an item.)

The cost is $10 an item (3 for $25)  and it really is a small amount when you think about the years of experience the appraisers bring to the table. Most have dedicated their lives to antique buying, collecting and selling and not only are they knowledgeable about book value, but also how it fits into the styles and trends of today. Something may have inherent value based on age, quality, rarity etc., but different items become popular for home decor or novelty. Thus they are elevated in value for a relatively shorter period of time. mid-century furniture for example, has become wildly popular, even though it is only 60-70 years old.

If you have any questions about the fair, please call our store at 480-833-4844 and ask for Greg! See you next Saturday!

I was inspired by this image from Sweet Paul to buy that baggie of stamps initially at a Estate Sale .

I liked it, but I wanted to change a few things, first off. I had all colors of stamps, not just one, I also wanted some kind of border, and I’m not a huge fan of the overlapping. I really liked some of them and wanted each one to be seen, rather then blended together.

So I took my stamps. and the first thing I had to do was separate the stamp from the paper ( I really wanted the stamp-y edges) I used a blow dryer on hot as needed, since the stamps were old, most didn’t need much coaxing.

As I separated them I arranged by color (I love how order by color gives such a calming organizational look)

Then I laid them out in a way I wanted on a frame that I had around, The paper is drawing paper I cut to size)

It took a lot of trial and error to get them to fit together, while still having (most of) the edges in straight lines

Then I ran them through a xyron sticker maker, one by one to stick onto the paper cleanly. You can use any adhesive method but make sure all the little bits of stamp edges are covered. I didn’t want any raised edges that can happen from sticky dots or double sided tape.

I grouped it with a few other art pieces on my mantle

I’m really excited by how it turned out. Some of the stamps, I especially like. Like this olympics one (Although I wish it wasn’t cut off )

and this agate from Kenya

and this Awesome USA one

Yay, new mantle- post Christmas.

I hope some of you are inspired to try something similar, if you do please email it to us! ericaandkat@gmail.com.