Sleepy Bear

This giant Sleepy Bear looks like he may be headed for hibernation.  One might think that's what I've been up to here of late.  But in reality, I took a break and have been vacationing in Paris with my hubby and some dear friends.  It was a much needed and welcomed reprieve from life.  

One day of the trip, I actually attempted to post a blog ~ then asked myself, "What on earth am I doing...I'm in Paris for crying out loud!"  I decided, understandably, it could wait until I returned home.   

Back to Sleepy Bear, I found him at Round Top last fall but had to wait patiently until late January for him to be delivered to me.  I think he's the epitome of the tattered style, wouldn't you agree?

 

 

As you may have guessed by now, he's part of an old hotel sign from the 50's.  My original intention was to sell him at the Dallas Market, but occasionally, some treasures I find are a little more difficult to part with than others.  Once I got Sleepy Bear home, I couldn't pass him off so easily. 

I think it was destined for him to have a nice long nap at my place.  As oversized as he may be, he's now a permanent fixture on my guest room wall and is likely to be hanging around for awhile.

As for me, I'm currently getting back into the groove of things and overcoming jet lag.  My friend, Alison, and I enjoyed a day perusing the Le marche aux Puces (the Paris flea market).  My plans are to share some photos soon of Paris in the spring.  It was magnifique!  I hope you have a good week ~ Au revoir!

One Year Anniversary + Signage

On February 2nd (one year ago) I put out my first post for Tattered Style.  I can't believe that was over 100 posts ago.  In my naivety, I had no idea how much time was involved with writing a blog.  I must admit, there were occasions when balancing family, work, etc. and blogging has been a real challenge.  Somehow, I've bumbled my way through and I've learned a lot along the way.  I appreciate your patience with me as I continue to pursue this venture.

As I peruse the many other blogs out there, I realize there is much room for growth.  In my attempt at blogging, I have enjoyed sharing my love for design and the Tattered Style ~ the art of living with the not so perfect.  I want to take a moment to say, "Thank you," for actually taking time to read Tattered Style.  I know there are countless other blogs out there and I'm honored you would take the time to read mine.  That's enough of me being sappy.  Today, I'm sharing my favorite thing I landed at the Dallas Market Vintage FINDS.



I snagged this one of a kind sign from The Seed Box Antiques.  Owners, Brian and Meloney Russell are so talented ~ no wonder, their space won Best Display at the show.  They have an amazing gift for pulling things together and stylizing the in the most magnificent way.  Be sure to check at their blog here.  Meloney told me she acquired the sign in San Antonio, Texas.  I believe it to be a directional sign for various family homeplaces out in the country.

The shades and tones of the sign are the perfect combination ~ subtle and sophisticated.  I love this new addition so much it now hangs in my guest room.

It's quite a statement piece for the room and definitely a keeper!

It's been so much fun getting to make new friends through Tattered Style this past year.  I would love to have your opinion regarding what you would like to see more or less of (as painful as it may be ~ so please be gentle).  You can drop me a line here.  Have a great Super Bowl weekend.  XO ~ Dana

Window Screen Headboard

Nothing says welcome like a comfortable and inviting guest room. This room has all the indulgences needed to make a weary traveler feel right at home. When planning out the design for the room, I wanted something different to stand in for a traditional headboard.

I stumbled across this old screen at Third Monday Trade Days in Mckinney. The story of its beginnings, as I was told by the vendor, was that it was salvaged from a barracks in Ft. Chaffee, Arkansas. Legend has it that when Elvis Presley was inducted into the army, he stayed three days in Ft. Chaffee before being shipped to Ft. Hood, Texas. Supposedly, he stayed in the barracks where this window screen was removed from. Who knows, some of his DNA may actually be embedded in the wood of this old screen ~ ha ha!

I was thrilled to find out the screen was only going to set me back $15.00.  I gave it a light sanding to knock off any loose paint, cleaned it with soap and water and then sprayed it with a satin varnish.

I then attached D-rings (found at your local hardware store) to the back of the screen.

I added inexpensive Ikea wall lamps to each side of the "headboard" for nighttime reading.

I centered the screen over the bed and attached it to the wall with heavy duty picture hooks.

I added some cozy, comfortable euro pillows dressed in a sumptuous, soft linen. The duvet cover is one purchased a few years ago from Rachael Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture. She now carries a line at Target.

It doesn't require a lot of effort to transform an ordinary room into a little haven of luxury. A comfortable bed, luxurious linens and ample lighting goes a long way in saying "welcome" to your guests. I think this rustic window screen headboard is the crowning touch to this charming guest retreat.