Merry Christmas!

Hi Everyone! Hope you are having a wonderful Christmas season - doesn't it seem to be flying by this year - or is it me?

Anyway, here's what's new in the land of Second Chance Art & Accessories -

I've been working on a few projects for a new restaurant - Osteria Ottimo - in Orland Park. They should be open sometime in January. Here's a picture I took this morning when I dropped off a few pieces:



The place looks fantastic inside so far, and if their atmosphere is any indication of how the food will be - I'm already a big fan! Check it out once it's open for some great Italian food. It's located off La Grange Road, behind Champs & Houlihan's in Orland Park.

Here's a sneak peak at the projects I've worked on for them:

From what they tell me, this saying involves God, Man, water, & wine. You'll have to go to dinner there to get the story straight!

In the next few months, I'm going to investigate having my website redone. The current site has served me well so far, but I have to admit I'm not cutout to be a "webmaster". I'm planning to get someone more technically inclined to reorganize & rebuild the site. We'll see how it goes. I've also got a fair number of orders to complete, and 2009 art/craft show applications fill out.

On a personal note - my husband & I are planning on moving to Minooka, IL. We've been fixing up a great old house to get it ready for the move. My husband's new name is "Captain Electric" - because he's managed to rewire the entire house to eliminate all fear of knob & tube wiring. For me, this means I get all the old porcelain insulators to incorporate into a great new piece of art!

take care - have a Merry Christmas - :) Amy

One of a Kind Show & Sale

Hi Everyone! Thanks so much to everyone who stopped by the Second Chance Art & Accessories ® booth this past weekend at the One of a Kind Show & Sale in Chicago. Here's a few pictures from our booth set up -

This one (below) is from December 2nd. Since I teach a class on wednesday mornings, we did the bulk of our setup on tuesday. Here I am, amidst the pile of art, amazed at how quickly the art got from the loading dock to my booth.



This photo shows the booth after our setup - almost done, except for the pile of empty bins that needed to go to storage....


Finally ready! Bring on the shoppers! This shot was taken by a "real" photographer.... yes, that is definitely not me. Try as I may, many of my pictures end up with glare - or better yet - a vague outline of my own reflection in them. I figured I better get some pro shots...

Please bear with me as I get my website up to date this week.... since I'm still my own webmaster, it usually takes me a few days to get out of paperwork mode & into "website rearrangement" mode after I finish a show. I've also got some special orders in the works.

thanks for visiting the blog! :) take care - Amy

Happy Thanksgiving!

HI everyone!

Hard to believe Thanksgiving is only 2 days away, isn't it? Things have been busy for me & the art business. In the last month & a half, I've been turning out special orders - so that all promised before the second week of December are complete. I've also been working on some new projects - for the One of a Kind Show & Sale Dec. 4-7. Here's a sneak peak at some new items:

Proof that this blog is "behind the scenes" - you can see the blue tape used to tape my background to my garage door (the background is burlap). My hubby's hand is also in the photo, balancing the art! Hopefully I'll get this cropped a little before it appears on my website.

This is the top of an old privacy door, which I've painted an original design on & refinished the frame.

Again - you can see the tape & my hubby's hand. Heh heh. This is an old 9 pane door insert, that I've painted with a design inspired by the 1933 Chicago World's fair. The frame has been sanded down & refinished also.

This window was inspired by the movie "A Christmas Story". Higbee's is the department store where many scenes were shot. To respect the property of others, I did not use the term "red-rider-bb gun", as they actually still exist!

Here's a popular design inspired by "A Christmas Carol". This time, done on a 6 pane window with original hardware cleaned & reattached.

Here's one of my latest coatracks - an interesting combo of white, cream, and even a small amount of sky blue paint was revealed when I sanded this one down.

Here's another coatrack - this time the coloring is a combo of ivory, peach, and mauve-y taupe. I used vintage hose nozzles on this one for the hooks.

If you plan on going to the One of a Kind Show & Sale - at the Merchandise Mart, Chicago - from Dec. 4-7th, stop by the booth - #8-2050. It should be an interesting experience, as it's my first time for the show. I start loading in my art on Tuesday the 2nd of December.

thanks for checking in -

Have a great Thanksgiving!

:) Amy

How do you know when you've done too much flea market shopping?

Maybe when your car is full to the brim like this one..... Yikes! (sorry if this is your car!)

I spotted this car at the Kane County Flea market this past weekend. Makes me think a little about my own flea market addiction / "problem".... but I can always argue that my collection of crusty old things is for my business, therefore - justifying my habit! I can honestly say that my car does not look like this.

However, I will admit that when we got back into the vehicle this weekend, I had it so packed with stuff that I had to drive with my knees jammed into the dashboard (see the picture below - ouch!).

Here's a peek into the rear of the vehicle - the reason for my angst was a pair of 70" long french doors that I picked up, hoping that my hubby will be able to magically fit them into our "new" old house. He's always saying how he prefers prehung doors.... I'll just have to tell him how great he is when he rises to the challenge of fitting these in. (heh heh)

Since it's election day, I found this picture of old buttons sort of fitting. A dealer was selling them at the flea market. Okay - to shift gears a bit - here's a sneak preview of some projects I have in the works. These pictures are the "before" pics ...... hopefully the finished products will soon appear on my website! www.secondchanceart.net

Here's a picture of a mirror that formerly was part of a console table. I found the mirror no longer attached to the table, & sent it to my Dad for some "doctoring". Here it is (sans mirror - just the frame) in the middle of surgery, so we can transform it into a very unique coatrack.

This frame must have been for a swivel-type mirror above a dresser. I found it in pieces; we've since glued it back together...... it is destined to become a very unique chalkboard!Thanks for checking in! Second Chance Art & Accessories will be exhibiting at the One of a Kind Show & Sale at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago, Dec.4-7. Hopefully I'll post another update soon with some sneak peeks on the latest artwork! thanks - Amy :)

Halloween project ideas - as seen at Fall Diddley

Hi Everyone! This past weekend Second Chance Art & Accessories exhibited at Fall Diddley, in Belvidere, IL. Prior to the show, I collected some different gourds to use as part of my display. A few years back I had created a way to add a little sparkle to my pumpkins at home, & I've been doing this each year since. I brought some of my sparkle-y stemmed pumpkins with to the show, and had a few requests on how to recreate this - so here's a few tips-

Pumpkins with sparkle:
1. use basic acrylic paint to carefully paint the stem of your pumpkin or gourd. I've used dark brown & black here, but really any fall color could be used. In the past I've used maroon, purple, gold, etc.
2. while the paint is still wet, sprinkle on your favorite glitter! here I've used a very small grain irridescent glitter - purchased from a craft store. I used several varieties of glitter - in white, gold, and silvery tints.
3. Try the same technique to paint a design on the pumpkin's flesh - I've got a "2" here to represent Second Chance Art & Accessories - but this is a great way to put your address, or whatever you'd like on the pumpkin.



These two pictures (below) where taken with a soft flash on my camera, outside after dark. A very fun effect in the evening if you've got some soft lights in the vicinity!
Here's a look at my booth display at Fall Diddley:
Here's my Mom & I taking one of those "take it yourself" photos - pretty good, huh?
Here's what bored Dads do when they get suckered into helping out for the weekend - find a tree & read!
I see now the husband (at right) has followed suit from my Father. Bless their hearts! At least they had something to read. They both thought there was a 20:1 ratio of women to men at this fair. Ha!
Thanks for stopping by - Next up for Second Chance Art - knocking out special orders with finish dates in the next month, having a "sanding party", and getting some really unique & special items in the works for my next show. Stay tuned! :) Amy

We're registered!

Hi everyone! I've been a bad blogger lately, due to "hectic life schedule" issues. Hey, I just invented a new term! I'm sure this might describe the life of many of you, doesn't it?

Anyway, here's what's up with Second Chance Art & Accessories lately. I had applied for a trademark registration a long time ago... and after a few glitches (ie - trying to fill out the application myself without professional legal help), and about 1.5 years (& real legal help) - we're now officially registered! I decided to pursue the registration status to protect & promote the Second Chance Art & Accessories "brand" - I haven't figure out what the future will hold, but I've got a few different directions in mind. We'll see where the road leads as we continue to travel down it. Here's a peek at my registration certificate!


I've been to a few flea markets in the last month - here's some goodies my Mom & I found at the Sandwich Antiques market on Sept. 28:
Here's a picture of my mom, sister, & I as we load up the finds from a local flea market this past weekend.
Here's a few "interesting" items we saw at the same local flea market - but they didn't make the cut for Second Chance Art & Accessories. I'm not sure I understand what this was or is - half of a man with a construction hat on. Anyone know what this was for? Maybe he is actually captain hook, since he has no hands. Hmmm...
All I can say here is: Ewwwww! I'm definitely the squeemish type when it comes to bugs of any kind.
On a different note - I've been trying to ramp up my inventory for my next show, which is Fall Diddley - this weekend in Belvedere, IL. (Boone County Fairgrounds - oct 11-12). My parents (who are invaluable to me as volunteer "slave" labor) helped me assemble a large number of "his/hers" windows the other day - one of Second Chance Art & Accessories' most popular items. Hopefully if you come looking for these in the future - I'll have something in stock that fits your color scheme. Yes, they really do seem to go on forever. (not really - but I do have quite a few right now).
Anyway - if you're in the vicinity - come visit the booth at Fall Diddley - Second Chance Art & Accessories is in building #3, booth #25-26. Hopefully it will be a fun weekend! The next scheduled show will be the One of a Kind Show & Sale at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago - Dec. 4-7.

take care -
:) Amy

Want windows? I have some!

Hi Everyone - check out my window stash in the garage! It's a little overwhelming sometimes. I recently stocked up a little on some multipane windows from the Kane County flea market, and acquired some additional windows from a kind soul who came into my booth at the Frankfort Fall Fest, asking if I needed some.

Anyway, I think I have around 150-200 at any one time. You can see here my "inventory" system, which shows blue tape labels with an ID number & size. I have these all recorded on a spreadsheet, so I know what I've got for custom orders. I'll bet you're glad this isn't your garage!

Here's a few finds from my latest flea market outing - a couple of great old frames, an old mirror, & a suitcase I couldn't pass up, since it looks like a hershey bar.

More great doorknob escutcheon plates - some will no doubt end up in hardware soup! (my not so high tech paint removal process)

Here's a mini army of cool old hooks, I just love these! Don't they remind you of grade school?

thanks for stopping by - My next show is up in Belvedere, IL at the Boone County Fairgrounds - Fall Diddley - Oct. 11-12. If you're in the area, be sure to stop in! :) Amy

Frankfort Fall Festival

Hi Everyone! thanks to all who stopped by the Second Chance Art & Accessories booth this past weekend at the Frankfort Fall Festival. We had beautiful weather & a great time! Here are some pictures from the weekend:

My business sign, next to my flowerpot urn "tent weights". Yes, the urns are filled mostly with concrete, with a little room for dirt. Very heavy - all the better to attach to my tent poles & prevent tipping. More than meets the eye, huh?

Here's a shot of the entire booth - I must say it's much easier to display everything in 2 booths. I'm leaning toward having 2 booths at most shows in the future.

Here's another flower pot - but this one's not filled with concrete, just dirt. It dries out quickly though - lots of trips back & forth to the water fountain!
More shots of the booth display:


Here's a cute little cockapoo, riding in her owner's purse. How adorable! I'm quite intrigued by the "ornamental dog" thing. My dog would jump right out, & I'd need a duffle bag to fit her in. ha!

Here's my sister, who will probably be mad I posted this picture of her eating some sort of fried carnival food. Mmmmmm.. potato chips.
Here's my Dad - always a trooper. I'm so lucky to have parents who are a HUGE help to me. I think here he's trying to stay awake.. we were worried he'd tip off the chair when the afternoon got warm & eyelids got heavy.
Here's some of that carnival food I refered to earlier. I'm amazed they can get this much on the plate. I also witnessed my family members eating some sort of sausage wrapped in pizza.... yikes! The dietitian in me is still alive & well. I guess I need to start bringing big bags of fruit to my shows.

Anyway..... Up next for me in the next few days: updating all my customer email & address lists, and updating my website. Usually it takes me a week or so to get the website straightened out after a show. I plan to take a few weeks to get some of my custom orders finished. Then I'll keep working on orders & prepare for my next show in Belvedere, IL (Fall Diddley).

thanks for stopping by! :) take care - Amy

Seasonal Artwork and other things on deck...

Hi Everyone -

here's what I've been up to lately -

Getting ready for the Frankfort Fall Festival, over Labor Day weekend! I invaded my parents' house today, to mooch some slave labor help from my Dad, who helps me get a lot of my artwork buttoned up. Here's a few pictures of things we finished today:

This is an old casement window (above) with vintage privacy glass in a "starburst" sort of pattern. I've refinished the frame, which is quite chunky & cool. A great conversation piece for your mantle at Christmas! Windows with this type of glass are difficult to find.. I do have few more on deck though, hopefully I can get them done shortly. This design was inspired by the glass - I thought it looked a little like frost on a cold morning. (BTW, 1843 is when A Christmas Carol was written by Dickens)

Here is one of three windows that I've painted to resemble a street sign, for your Halloween decor! (Fans of classic horror movies rejoice - hopefully all these places are familiar to you!) This window was inspired by the original finish on the frame - upon sanding, I discovered black, green, and a violet-blue color. In my opinion, a great combo for Halloween!

Okay, here's another picture of a Second Chance Art & Accessories classic design - again, demonstrating my technical prowess.... ha! Actually, I do know how to rotate pictures, but I did not catch this one before I uploaded it. And... my DSL uploading speed is much slower than my downloading speed - so I know it would take me another 15 minutes to get it straightened out. Anyway, consider it a little extra exercise for your neck...

Okay, this picture is of some of the loot I picked up at the Sandwich Antiques market this past weekend. By the way, if you like antique & flea markets, this one is worth checking out. Who wouldn't want to visit a town named Sandwich? Lucky for me, it's only about an hour drive northwest. In the pile are some great doors with potential coatrack-sized panels, and some 6 pane windows with old wavy glass.

Here's the pile of loot on my lawn. After returning from a flea market, I always spread it out to take inventory of what I found (for accounting purposes, etc). My neighbors must think I'm nuts! (we share a driveway, so this pile is very close to them also).

Anyway... On a personal note, I start teaching classes at JJC next wednesday (yes, I am actually a registered dietitian! This semester I just have one class, making more time for artwork). My husband & I also bought a house recently to fix up for ourselves. We will be moving once we get a little more work done in the house... not too far from where we live now though. Minooka, IL - heard of it?

thanks for stopping in - hope to see you at the booth at the Frankfort Fall Festival (august 30-31, sept 1 - booth #520-521!) take care - Amy :)