Clever Gifting

When I visit various antique stores, flea markets or thrift stores I try to make mental note of any upcoming special occasions that I may need to be buying for.  Gifting, for me, is an opportunity to search out something unique to convey my love or appreciation to the receiver. Presents don't have to be expensive to express a sentiment.  Some of the most treasured gifts I've received are ones that have very little monetary value ~ but indeed are some of the most meaningful.  And might I add ~ it doesn't hurt one little bit that I enjoy the adventure and challenge of finding that special something to give.  

A few months ago, when I was on an excursion to The Red Shed, I stumbled across these old metal plates with numbers on them.  They sparked some interest with me because the numbers represented Nate's birth date.  I snatched them up and tucked them away.  This past Sunday, I pulled them out and packaged them up as a small token of affection for my hubby on his birthday.

I also like to collect random little boxes or containers to package the gifts in.  This worn wooden box was gingerly decoupaged by someone many years ago.

I nestled the metal plates on a pile of crinkle cut shredded paper.  

The box itself was already wrapped in wonderful old paper.  So all I needed to add was some faded old seam binding I used as ribbon.  I then added a miniature shipping label ~ that serves as a gift tag. Through the years these little tags have been a mainstay for me ~ I use them to adorn any and everything.  Package complete! :)

Oh ~ and just to ease any concern, Nate was properly honored on his special day and it played out just as he had hoped.  He began the day enjoying a good cup of Joe while devouring every section of the newspaper ~ uninterrupted.  Golfing and lunch with some buddies was next on his agenda and finally we ended the day with a nice dinner at the restaurant of his choice.  He also appreciated the numbers ~ 26 ~ that I gave him.  They will most likely be used for paperweights or they may just sit on a shelf in his office.    

Sneak Peek

I made the mistake night before last when I told my friend, Rachael, that I was going to run in her house for just a minute.  We had enjoyed an evening at the Ranger game with family and friends and I was dropping her off at her house after the game was over.  She recently moved into a new space and I've been anxious to visit.  However, with both our crazy schedules and trips out of town I hadn't had the opportunity to run by.  It was late, but I had to pop in and sneak a peak ~ bad idea.  Our creativity went into high gear, and I think we finished up arranging and flip flopping furniture around 3:00 a.m.  

I love the above vignette that we placed in the large front window ~ unexpected but so cool. It's made up of two bases off of old birdbaths ~ topped with a salvaged board.  Rachael lucked into the oversized pear at a local thrift store.    

    

One day this large dining room will be fitted with a more generous table, but for now it's sporting a smaller vintage one.  We threw this old coffee bean bag across for some added texture and softness.  Some fresh foliage out of the yard adds a calming touch ~ and the best part ~ it was free.

One of the favorite features about this petite vintage table are the clumsily painted numbers on one end.  The old iron patio chairs are a perfect fit for the table.  They soon will be outfitted with new seats and coverings ~  I'm sure a reveal will be in order when they are complete. 

 This little bookend pays homage to Hank ~ Rachael's beloved Boxer.  It was a gift from her mom.    

 Sneak peak at Rachael's digs.  What a great place to start out the day in and be inspired ~ with lots of light and wide open views.  

Rachael's place wouldn't be complete without Hank ~ such a good boy!

Some design projects are more difficult than others but not this one ~ it was so easy because Rachael has collected so many great things over time.  She frequents thrift stores and rarely pays more than $10.00 for any of her great finds.  Even though we were pooped when it was all said and done, we were content with all our progress.  I'm so thankful to have a friend who has the same quirky passion for funky finds like I do.  I'm excited to share more pics of Rachael's place with you ~ be watching. :)

Two Thumbs Up

Rachael and I ~ celebrating the moment and feeling pretty elated with the progress we've made on a conference room remodel we've been working on.  Our goal was to create an inspiring meeting room without the typical corporate feel.  This project was a challenge because of the teeny tiny budget we had to work with.  We still need to add a few more accessories and put a few final touches on it, but for the most part we're there.

 The yard sale dresser that cost $20.00.  It was missing a drawer so I fitted it with a burlap curtain that I whipped up to fill the space ~ one of our favorite things!  The dresser will act as a buffet for serving coffee and snacks and will also provide some much needed storage.

The hanging pendants were created from some inexpensive baskets purchased from Ikea.  The curtains ~ fashioned from painter's drop cloths bought at Home Depot.

The space required a large working table ~ this great farm table came from Collected Treasures.  We gave it an additional coat of bright white paint.

The stand came from Lots of Furniture ~ a real bargain at $5.00.  And the sign says it all ~ a slogan fitting for any meeting room.

Clean lines ~ simplicity with function ~ a place to roll up your sleeves and get some work done.

The completed space (well almost but we couldn't wait any longer to share the pics!).

Bavarian Beauty

Please excuse my delinquency in getting this post out.  I'm on holiday with my family.  In the meantime, I thought I might share this wonderful Bavarian feed sack with you.  **The hydrangeas are blooming beautifully in my yard.

I found this beauty at Brimfield last month.  As you can see, it dates back to the year 1869.  It's a rarity to find feed sacks that are personalized in script.  I feel so lucky to have found this one.

  The hand sewn patches add so much character to this piece.  It couldn't be more beautiful with all of its wear and tear.

I'm using it for a table runner on my kitchen table for now ~ but no telling where it just might turn up later on down the road. :)  I hope you have a relaxing weekend!

Celebrating in New York City!

I’m writing to you this morning from the Big Apple.  My family and I are celebrating my birthday today (it’s the big one) and we’re also vacationing in NYC for a few days.  I’m mesmerized by all of the hustle and bustle around me.  We’ll be hitting all the high points for sure and I'm hoping to discover a wonderful little shop that's plentiful with good things.  I just might have to dart in for a minute or two and do a little browsing ~ wink!  If I run across anything particularly interesting or unusual I’ll try to post on Tatteredstyle’s FB page ~ be sure to “Like” it here. In the meantime, thank you for permitting me the chance to share a short and sweet post with you.   

I thought I might post photos of this beautiful vintage chandelier that Nat bought for me a few years ago on a previous birthday.  

I love the authentic antique brass metal work on it ~ the glass crystals are exquisite.  We found this little beauty at White Elephant Antiques in Dallas.

  

I love the way it illuminates the ceiling at night when the light is on ~ it casts a magical glow to the room.

  

It adds a regal flare to the room and also fancies up some of the not so perfect flea market finds. 

I’m off to enjoy some frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity 3, (the little ice cream shop where Kate Beckinsale and John Cusack shared ice cream in the movie with the same name ~ Serendipity ~ still one of my favorite chick-flicks of all time.  Happy Tuesday! 

Anthropologie Inspired

Pretty!!!  Wouldn't you agree?

Inspired by Anthropologie's Dawning Lark Bed, this old wrought iron screen door that a friend of mine gave me, has been reinvented as a headboard.  Although it's not symmetrical, I still think that when turned horizontal, it resembles and has the same feel as the one at Anthro. The scrollwork helps in mimicking the bed I was inspired by.  

It required sandblasting and powder coating but the cost still came in way under the price of the bed at Anthropologie.  I had the work done at a local body shop ~ the $150.00 I spent for the makeover was a lot easier to swallow compared to the $2000.00 sticker of the Dawning Lark Bed.

Notice the panel on the right side of the headboard ~ it works out perfectly as a magnetic board for small photos.

Since the headboard doesn't have siderails and a footboard, I attached the screen door directly to the wall (making sure to locate the studs for needed support).  The end result ~ I'm inspired!

Have a good weekend ~ :)

Carted Away...

Yet another great Brimfield find.  I love the authenticity of this old factory cart.  Again ~ one of those things I've been in search of for a long time ~ perfect with all its imperfections.  And ~ the vendor had already cleaned this one up by sandblasting it with baking soda (I guess that would be called bakingsodablasting!).

Yep ~ it went home to become an oversized coffee table in my sitting room.

Check out the iron wheels with the worn rubber edging...

Ample room for books, drinks or snacks ~ or lots of weary feet to rest on.  A winner in my book for sure!

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!