Silver Sunday

A few weeks ago I found this unusual piece of "folk art" at a thrift store. Since I live in Utah, I seem to be drawn to Western art. This piece really intrigued me. At first glance it appears to be a painting but upon closer scrutiny, I discovered it is indeed a piece of printed fabric glued to a board and put in a frame. Then, the "artist" spruced the piece up a bit by adding some silver and copper sparkle highlights.

As they say in those old Western movies, "There's silver in them thar hills!"

To check out the other Siver Sunday Blog Party post, go to Gypsy Fish Journal. And thanks again, Beth, for being the hostess with the mostess!

Love, Kelly

On the Road Again

Yesterday my youngest daughter, Heather boarded a Greyhound bus for her next adventure. When she graduated from High School last year the thought of attending college just did not appeal to her. She has spent the last year attending the school of life. She goes where the wind takes her...the jungles of Maui (pictured above), working on a farm in Northern California and most recently, living on a boat in San Francisco. I get asked alot if I worry about her. If you are a mother, you know the answer to this question is "Yes!" But when your children are grown and they leave the nest you accept the fact that they have to follow their own path in life. This has been a good lesson in "letting go" for me.

She has spent the last few weeks at home with us and I have to say, I have noticed a change. She has matured during this last year by virtue of being on her own and having to fend for herself. Heather was not my "easy" child. She has grown so much during the past 12 months.

So, Happy Trails to you, Heather. Be safe and remember we love you.

Love, Kelly

Old Windows

I love old windows and always pick them up in my travels. Of course, I never knew what I'd end up doing with them but I could not resist adding them to my "piles" in the garage. I always thought they would look cute with vinyl lettering but whenever I priced those little letters in the craft stores, they were awfully expensive, had limited fonts to chose from and seemed kind of tricky to apply. I'm not one for measuring, you see. Then one day, the little light bulb above my head turned on. I took them to my sign guy and (for a pittance) he attached vinyl lettering to them. Finally, something that is not cheaper as a "do-it-yourself" project!

I attached some eye hooks and chain to the tops for easy hanging. They are now for sale in my shop and range in price from $30-$65.

Love, Kelly

Felted Wool

Lately I've been noticing lots of craft projects done with felted wool. Last week Gayle from The Middle Sister posted about some flowers she made. Gayle is an expert at hooking rugs so her flowers are pretty fancy. Laura from 52 Flea also posted about a Sweater Craft Workshop she attended. I think the Universe was telling me to give felted wool a try! I spent yesterday in the craft room making these sweet little flowers and turning them into pins, clips and barrettes. I even sewed a few to these crochet hats. What do you think ?

The technique of felting wool is soooo simple. Anyone can do it. I bought several wool sweaters at the DI (our local thrift shop here in Utah). You wash them in hot water and then put them in the dryer to finish the job and oila! The great thing about using the felted wool is it's so easy! Since I'm a novice, I thought I'd start with a simple design.

You can use these flower clips to jazz up your lapel, a hat, your handbag or even your hairdo!

This craft is so easy and fun, my daughter and her friend joined me in the craft room and check out their fun creations.

I encourage you to give felted wool a try. Or if you are not feeling crafty, you can pick up a few flowers in my shop. They sell for $5 each.

Winter Blues

If you've been to our shop, you know that we set up our displays by color. We found this beautiful pedestal table and chair set at an estate sale this weekend. The estate sale was on the third floor of an old building in downtown SLC (with no elevator) and it was no small task getting it down three flights! The table and chair set inspired us to set up a pretty blue and white vignette.

So if you've got the winter blues, embrace it with pale icy blues and winter whites in your home. I promise if you do, you'll feel better about winter.

And remember the sad little dresser my sister found at the side of the road. Here is the after picture. Like it?

Love, Kelly

Stop The Car, It's a Dresser!

Junking is a proud tradition in my family. In fact, our family catch phrase is, "Stop the car, it's a dresser!" Picking up stuff off the side of the road must be genetic.

Last week, my sister, Robin brought me this wonderful dresser that she found, you guessed it, at the side of the road. It's in great shape structurally. Its former owner even went to the trouble of stripping it. It just needs some paint and new knobs.

Thanks, Sister! To pay her back for the dresser, here is a shameless plug: Robin's Fabulous Fortieth. Robin channels stars of yesteryear for your amusement.

Love, Kelly

Silver Sunday

I don't know about you, but I'm ready for Spring! Nothing gets me in the mood for sloshing around in the mud like galvanized metal watering cans.

Come to think of it...I love anything in galvanized metal: buckets, vases, washboards...the rustier and crustier, the better.

Just so you know, I NEVER use weed killer in my garden. I think weeds get a bad rap. I figure if its green and it comes out of the ground, it's all good.

Don't forget to sweep up the dirt off the porch before you come back in the house. Here's a cute dustpan for the job.

And while you are out there in the yard, watch out for those pesky rodents. I guess I don't mind them either as long as they promise to stay outside. I think I'm just a hippie at heart.

For more Silver Sunday Blog Party Posts, check out Gypsy Fish Journal. Thanks to Beth for being the hostess with the mostest! And now I will attempt a high tech maneuver...I will link my blog to McLinky. Wish me luck!

Love, Kelly

My Valentine

Inspired by a recent post on Miriam's blog Abode and considering that Valentines day is up and coming, I thought I would devote this post to my sweetheart. Also known as Poopsie, John my wonderful husband of five years is without a doubt the BEST husband ever! Indulge me while I brag a bit....

John and I have known each other for several years. We met about 15 years ago because our daughters were friends in elementary school. About six years ago, Leah, John's daughter suggested that we should "date". Well, one year later, we were married!

When the girls were teenagers they started calling John "Poopsie" as a joke and the name has just stayed with him. Now all the girls in his life refer to him as Poopsie.

Well, Poopsie, although we met late in life, you were worth the wait. You are always there for me and I truly appreciate all that you do. Since this blog is about my little shop I must mention all that Poopsie does to help support me with my business: hauling furniture, fixing furniture, accompanying me to endless estate sales (he says that's the fun part because he finds stuff for his Cowboy Room). The list goes on...repairs around the shop, hanging heavy mirrors, unplugging clogged sinks, installing signs, shoveling snow. He even does all my payroll and taxes paperwork for me! What a prince! I'm a lucky gal, indeed.

Happy Valentines Day, Poopsie. I love you.

Kelly

All You Need Is Love

Here at Second Hand Chic we are all decked out in pinks and reds. We have assembled some gift ideas for that special someone in your life. Cupids, hearts and flowers are just the thing to show you care.

Nothing says romance like a few phrases whispered in French while wearing a sassy pair of red pumps, ne convenez-vous?

We just put out a large selection of vintage valentines at $1 each.

Love, Kelly