Goodwill Hunting for Craft Show Displays

Craft Fair Season is beginning to inch into full swing-

Indoor fairs are somewhat easier -

no tents(I always have major issues trying to get that EZ beast to open!)

Tables are usually provided but I find the outdoor fairs much more fun!

I love being outside with the fresh air, and sunshine-

I have been on the hunt for new and innovative displays-

seems that's all I think about no matter what store I head into-

 I wander the aisles at Home Depot and Lowes, just waiting for that "Aha" idea!

TJ Maxx, and Marshalls are always great places to find unique displays for jewelry

and the craft stores provide fabulous items, 

Michaels, Hobby Lobby and JoAnn Fabric always provide eye candy for displays-

But, none of these are cheap- I don't have alot of extra cash to beautify my booth the way I'd like to-

Innovation and creativity are important in the process-

I have found many ecclectic things at Goodwill, but you have to go with an open mind-

I have gotten my pop open banquet tables there, shelving that gives the items height -

 

So I went searching for some "new" things and we know where I headed...

I found a few things that just might work-

This vintage suitcase caught my eye- very sturdy and not oversized- 2 perfect ingredients when you are cramming every inch of available trunk space with wares and props!

The metal tree and the wire shelf were also great finds, especially the added treat of the bird perched on the shelf!

So my trusty spray paint came out to play-

They look so much more cheerful-

This cute tree was a TJ Maxx clearance item- with a pop of color, it transforms into the perfect little display to add to my stash!

The next outdoor fair is in June and I'll be sure to post some pics of my new set up and by then, who knows, GW hunting will continue!

Take care, gotta fly-

Claire

Jazz up your garden...

I love this time of year when your outside areas come to life

and you can spend hours decorating your gardens!

Yes, I said gardens.

Every year, as I peruse through my fave "boutique" (goodwill),

I find amazing and interesting tchotchkes for my garden.

Don't get me wrong, I love flowers too-

but over the years, most of my gardens are filled with perennials-

call me a lazy gardener but I only add annuals to give my gardens lasting color

throughout the summer.  Peonies, climbing roses and hydrangeas are the mainstay and smaller 

perennials fill in between them.  When I moved to this home, 20 years ago, I brought some

hostas and violet plants with me-

They are spread throughout all the gardens giving a blanket of greenery to all the areas.

But, my favorite part of gardening is the decorating.

Unique containers, obelisks, trellises, lanterns, birdbaths, birdhouses and signs

help to make my gardens friendly and touched with love.

I usually just wash off my GW finds and out they go to find the perfect resting spot.

Sometimes they get a pretty shot of spray paint.

A few years back, I discovered an aqua color I loved-

so lots of aqua can be found in all the nooks and crannies 

of my garden.  Even the pups house is aqua!

Decorating my gardens is almost as much fun as
decorating the inside- you can add odd and quirky things to your gardens
that may not work inside, but put a smile on your face when you step outside!

Take care, gotta fly-

Claire

Wedding Chalkboard Frame

This post is a long time coming-

 the search for the perfect chalkboard for my daughter's wedding!

I told you about my dilemma with the large ornate frame I bought at Goodwill which was going to make the perfect chalkboard for my daughter's wedding- I painted it and let it dry outside only to have it crumble in a flash rain storm!  Oh, the trials of a DIY'er!!

So, I had been on the hunt for a new frame that would do the trick-

I found the perfect specimen, once again, at my fave GW outlet and it was attached to a canvas picture- maybe I'll have less work this time?  Or, maybe not!

A lovely beach scene with a broken fence!

I wiped it down thoroughly, removing dirt and cobwebs accumulated over the years.

Instead of painting the frame first,

 I got my fave spray paint out and went to town-

You get a good shot of the frame itself- not as ornate as the last one, but it would do the trick-

I gave it two good, but light coats and let it dry in the sun...when all of a sudden, I heard some rumbling thunder in the distance- OH NO- not this time and I scooped it up and let it dry inside!!  Two frames for the same project destroyed by Mother Nature- not this time

I painted the chalkboard paint on with a foam roller-
My spray painting with chalkboard paint gets out of control!

I painted the frame white but instead of spray this time, I used my fave Annie Sloan-

Chalk paint on a chalk board sounds like a match made in heaven- 

and the best part was it only cost me $3

And perfect for the wedding!

My uber talented sister used her amazing skills to create exactly what my daughter wanted!

It was a work of art- thanks again Ellen!!

Take care, gotta fly-

Is it Spring yet?

Is it spring yet?

Up here in the Northeast, we are anxiously awaiting those warm and sunny days!

The time to pull out the patio sets, spruce up the landscape and just

Soak in nature at its best-

The chill is still in the air so 

Spray painting outside is still not happening

Boo hoo

I can't wait much longer

My middle daughter is moving out soon and we have big plans for those 

Roadside finds for her new place

But 

We need the warmth to get these projects going

Can't wait to show you her "new" dining set and

Refurbished book cases-

There's a cute dresser that needs some tlc too!

So, maybe today?

Mother Nature, are you listening to me?

Time is a ticking and projects are waiting,

Anxiously for a new coat!

Everything is ready to go, except the weather!!

So, maybe by next week, 

It will be project central here in Connecticut!

 

Looks like we may get good 'ole spray painting weather this weekend

and my fingers are itching for a smooth can of paint!!

 

I'll let you know how it goes!

 

Take care, gotta fly-

 

Oh Christmas Tree

I'm sure you've all seen these green ceramic trees

From yesteryear-

My grandmother loved ceramics and
I'm lucky enough to have a few of her pieces-

I wanted to give this tree a little updating-

It came with red plastic bulbs-

Do you know how hard it was to find clear replacements-

I found a craft supplier on line and ordered some bulbs and stars

I sprayed the tree with a base of kilz and
then gave it 2-3 sprays of cream paint-

It looks elegant know and I'm so happy to use it now-

A simple reminder of Nanny everyday

Take care, gotta fly-

Goodwill Christmas Goodies

I dropped off a load at my local Goodwill outlet

and I couldn't resist a little peak-

I found some goodies that I can add to my holiday decor-

with a little spray paint and some sticker lettering

I will be done-

This framed print needed a quick spray of white

for a clean slate for the lettering-

This empty frame had some lovely embossing for added interest

A silver bucket and silver tree will add to the color scheme of the decor-
plus a little nest-

2 red tins

another frame for a deer!

 An old globe

A chunky paper mache tree adds some whimsy-

Strands of clear and silver beads

and icicles will sparkle on the mantle

the white sweaters will make cozy trees-

Now, let's see if I can get my rear in gear

and add to my holiday decor!

Take care, gotta fly-