Myspace

This workspace is where I spend most of my time pondering over posts for Tattered Style.  This little corner of the universe is where I have the liberty to be completely and totally creative.  It's amazing to me how this teeny bit of square footage can provide such a sense of escape and freedom.  There's not one thing, by most standards, particularly indulgent about this spot.  In fact, the foundational piece of furniture, an old university desk ~ was found at a thrift store for less than $20.00.  I tossed a painter's drop cloth over it to conceal the unsightly laminate surface.  The unfinished sketch of the woman and dog was an estate sale find.  It leans casually against the wall and supports the undecorated approach to the room.  

It's the breakdown of all the little "things" on my desk that personalizes this space for me.  Papa's vintage stapler from his desk, a zinc letter "P" from Anthropologie, a set of stacking matryoshka dolls that my son brought me from a trip to Russia, an old English biscuit tin I found at a flea market and a hand painted coaster my son picked up for me in Switzerland.

Above my desk hangs a vintage wooden frame that I found on an antiquing outing.  I've repurposed it into a makeshift "inspiration board."  Meaningful objects are clipped to its wire with miniature clothespins I purchased at Walmart.  It's these little trinkets that inspire and motivate me ~  I could have easily incorporated a bulletin board or magnetic board that would have achieved the same purpose ~ but this appealed to me.

The beautiful hand-calligraphy (Dana) was used as a place card at a friend's wedding reception.   The black card reminds me of two things:  First ~ a memorable time in Chicago with some girlfriends (we each bought one to remind us of our time together) and second ~ it challenges me to live in the moment and make each moment count ~ some advice worth adhering to. The sepia toned photo is a cherished grade school photo of my father-in-law. 

This charming old English print hangs above the "inspiration board"  ~ a prized flea market find I picked up for a few dollars. 

To me, some of the best designed spaces are those that evolve or just happen.  They may not have been laboriously thought out or planned but somehow they end up possessing a wonderful, uncontrived feeling to them.  That's how myspace came to be...I hope you have a corner of the world similar to this ~  providing you the opportunity to dream and be inspired.  Have a good weekend. :)

Faces of Time

Clocks ~ another thing I have an odd affection for ~ possibly because they tout an array of lovely faces.  I have a love for any type of letters or numerals ~ so why not on a clock face as well?  It really doesn't matter to me whether my clocks work or not.  Honestly, don't most of us look to our cell phones to check the time these days?  I'm not particularly biased when it comes to my collection.  And although these tick-tocks are a motley crew, I do appreciate them for all their uniqueness.  Some may run a little slow while others have broken faces ~ no worries ~ they fit in just fine in my Tattered Style world. Plain and simple ~ I have an appreciation for clocks and thought I might share a few I possess.      

This retro looking electric clock was found at an estate sale.  It purrs softly as it runs ~ eventually it gets behind ~ no bother every now and then I take a moment to adjust it.  

One might think this is vintage, but it's not.  It's a nice little knockoff from Pottery Barn.  I think they did a lovely job ~ and this one actually does keep good time which makes my husband happy.  

I know ~ this one has a broken face but it's so wonderfully tattered.  I scooped this one up at a flea market for a few dollars.  I think it had been passed over many times ~ but not by me. 

Clocks can add a sense of coziness to any setting ~ they're perched all over my home. Here one rests on a shelf in one of my living rooms. Next time you are creating a vignette, why not incorporate some lovely old clocks in the mix as well? 

Also, just though I would let you know, Tattered Style is now pinning on Pinterest ~ click here to view my pins.  I hope you have an enjoyable weekend.  :)

Photos courtesy of Amanda Kate Photography.

Oh the Possibilities...

I found this little beauty at an estate sale a few years ago.  It continues to travel from room to room ~ always willing to adapt to a new role and surroundings.  Utilitarian, yes ~ but this humble dish drainer has so much more potential!

 ~ Pretty and Practical ~

~ Miss Photogenic Award ~

~ Artsy Fartsy ~

~ You've Got Mail ~

What might you use this dish drainer for?

Be sure to "Like" Tattered Style on Facebook ~ have a wonderful weekend!

Estate Sale ~ Slip Slidin' Away

A couple of weekends ago, I cautiously ventured out to an estate sale with Rachael, my junking sidekick. I say ventured, because the week prior was when the big ice storm hit North Texas. We had been cooped up for awhile and were feeling the itch to get out and scavenge. The roads were still pretty treacherous (for Texans that is) and consequently it took us over an hour to drive what ordinarily would take about 25 minutes. By this time our tummies were rumbling, and for Rachael and I, rumbling means grumbling. So, we made a quick detour by the grocery store, grabbed a snack and were on our way. Thankfully, our blood sugars leveled out pretty quickly and we were back on task. We continued to pass by many a stalled vehicle on the side of the road, and many others that were "slip slidin' away." Our main concern, aside from arriving at our destination safely, was to get there in time to stake our claim on some undiscovered treasures. I must say, it was well worth the the effort it took to get there. We came across as number of finds that we were happy to bring home, some for projects we are working on as well as a few treasures to keep for ourselves. Here are some of the goodies:

Vintage Mirror

A beautifully mottled mirror, detailed wood carvings and lots of character ~ what more could you ask for? I leaned this one up against the wall on a bedside table in my guest room. A nice addition for guests that might like to sneak a peak on the way out the door.

Conveyor Belt Strap Section

This strap from a section of an old conveyor belt was quite the find. When I saw it, I envisioned it as an interesting piece of wall art. I think it contrasts beautifully against the slate colored wall.

Oversized Apothecary Bottle

This jumbo vintage apothecary jar is unusual and rich in color. I positioned it on a night table to complete this cozy vignette.

Small Milk Bottles

These glass milk bottles are so basic, but I still have a fondness for them. Lined up together across a table or window sill, they make lovely vases for single stemmed flowers. I filled them with wooden lettered beads and perched them on a shelf.

Charcoal Drawing

I would love to know the story behind this unfinished drawing. It is amateurish and incomplete yet I find it so intriguing. I casually mentioned to my son, Gavin, that I might have an artist finish it up and he quickly reminded me, "You can't do that...another artist can't finish someone else's art." I so love that he gets it. :)

Vintage Linen Table Scarf

Black and cream ~ my color scheme ~ perfect in every way. Vintage linens with this color combo are difficult to find. I used this one as a table runner on an antique farmhouse table in our breakfast nook. The beautifully dried hydrangeas (my favorite flower) are from our flower bed.

I'm so glad Rachael and I braved the elements that Saturday morning, "slip slidin' our way" to an estate sale. It made for good memories with a dear friend and also landed us a bounty of wonderful undiscovered treasures.