"Thinking Outside The Box"

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My Tuft Shed...full of stuff

My garage...full of stuff too

     I've always harbored this dream to have my own retail space. I've sketched it out on paper, talked about it and in my mind's eye I can see it. But the reality of my circumstances is this..I'm great finder with a good eye but my dreams are larger than my budget. Some other avenues I've tried with good success are vintage shows....well actually one and rental space in a local antique store. I actually prefer the doing vintage shows and I'm happy to be participating in The Remnants of The Past Vintage Show Santa Barbara.

     So now I must begin to think outside the box or shed in this case to make my very own space. Yes, I need a woman cave! I love being surrounded by all my stuff... the mirrors, the frames repurposed to chalkboards, the chandeliers and vintage light fittings. But I plan go a little further than dream but sell too. The shed on the property is perfect. It already has 2x4 framing, extra stone tile for the floors and my husband has plans for windows. He's even gone as far as look at some Pinterest images to help me see the possibilities. Of course, he'll need to add insulation and drywall and I have the rest of the stuff.

     I'm really excited and hopefully he can get started soon. I promise to take lots of pictures during this process so that if you to are dreaming of your own space...you can begin "thinking outside the box."

     Thank you for dropping by and until next time happy collecting and thrifting....

     The Blue Farmhouse

"Vintage Twin Beds"

This bed with

This mirror

For this special girl

[Photo by Ryan]

     Today was a short and sweet visit to a local thrift store which yielded this incredible find. I found a matching pair of vintage twin beds. The carvings, details and craftsmanship are just incredible and not to be compared to what you might find in today's store. 

     I can see actually how I would decorate the perfect little girls room...great white bedding and a dash of color with pillows. And just so that she can see herself everyday this beautiful ornate mirror propped against a wall. If I was an artist I'd draw it actually as I see it but since I'm not I hope you can just imagine with me. Thanks for dropping by again...today. Hope to see you again!!! 

     The Blue Farmhouse

"Cinderella"

"She spins...

...and she sways

Another BFF (Blue Farmhouse Find)

Thank you for dropping by....

She spins and she sways to whatever song plays/Without a care in the world

And I'm sitting here wearing the weight of the world on my shoulders

It's been a long day and there's still work to do/She's pulling at me saying "Dad I need you!

There's a ball at the castle and I've been invited/And I need to practice my dancin'

Oh please, Daddy, please!"

So I will dance with Cinderella/While she is here in my arms

'Cause I know something the prince never knew

Oh I will dance with Cinderella/I don't want to miss even one song

"Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight

And she'll be gone

(Cinderella by Steven Curtis Chapman)

     I just happened to drop into a store just to wind down after a long day at work...and the rest of course is history! As I head to the back of the store I notice a backroom door opened and saw this mirror. I wasn't sure if this was a place allowed for customers so, I politely inquire from the owner if it where possible to take a look at something that "caught my eye". She cordially responded, "Sure honey, for you." 

     I knew immediately I had found another treasure in this ornate old vintage mirror.  There's just one thing...as much as I love it I know that I'm planning to sell it here at "The Remnants of The Past Vintage Show" in beautiful Santa Barbara.

     If you're an interested buyer let me know and I hope to see you at the show in November...I can hardly wait!

     The Blue Farmhouse  

"A Little Something"

Old gold frame meets

Induction Ceremonies S.A.T.C. 1918

Repurposed mirror

     This BFF (Blue Farmhouse Find) wasn't what I was looking for nevertheless I'm glad I spotted it on the floor. It's a picture (not the original) of an "Induction Ceremonies of S.A.T.C. Kansas University, Lawrence Kansas on October 1st, 1918. 

    I love the imperfections and bits of missing parts in this frame, and quickly felt that it would like great with a piece of chalkboard in it. However, I think I'll leave it for now and place it above my white mirror I found earlier. The gold frame with missing pieces speaks perfectly to the white mirror that has been slightly sanded with pieces of the original gold peeking through it...yes it's a beautiful combination.

     Until next time happy thrifting, collecting and finding a piece of history...

     The Blue Farmhouse

"Painting and More Painting"

Any clues?

Latest finds

See more on my Instagram

All done

Before picture

After pictures

     It took me a couple of days to transform this gorgeous mirror from gold to white and I'm very happy with the results. I was very anxious to get started and finish because of two reason...I like instant gratification and I was painting in the living room. Thankfully I have a big living space and it didn't matter but I still wanted to finish sooner rather than later. Do you ever wonder what home your finds come from? I wonder all the time who just gives this good stuff away? Either way I'm glad that I have been the recent recipient of some great finds.

     I thought of several places to put this mirror while keeping in mind that it's a beast (very heavy) but I certainly wanted to make it a focal point. I believe that I've found a good spot and you can check it out on my Instagram. Who knows how long I'll keep it there and that's the fun part of thrifting and collecting because you can rearrange things whenever you want. Who knows what I might find next but you'll have to come here to see....thank you for your visit.

     Until next time happy collecting, thrifting and painting your treasured finds...

     The Blue Farmhouse