Hi Everyone! Here's some pictures of a few things I found this weekend at the Antique Bazaar store in Lisle, IL. I thought this "2" would be a nice little decorative piece for my booth at shows or perhaps hanging somewhere. Since my new business cards (for Second Chance Art & Accessories) have been redesigned with a "2" on them, I'm now obsessed with finding cool old "2's" in different forms. I'm on the lookout for some old printing press 2's.

I love old label holders! I'm thinking these once belonged to a very organized handyman or an old hardware store..... hence the "carraige screw" label. I have been looking online for label holders lately since they are nice additions to many of the coat rack pieces I make from old doors. I've had trouble finding simple label holders in an antique-looking finish. Plenty available in shiny chrome or brass, but not many options in darker oiled bronze or antique brass. These definitely fit the bill, and I'd really prefer something with a little authentic patina anyway.

Looks like there's some glass-knob soup in my future! (a la hardware soup in my crockpot) A few hour bath in my slow cooker should help the paint slide right off of these. They will make lovely hangers for coats, aprons, jewelry, or what have you on some one of a kind piece.

These bin pulls are for me personally. I've got another personal project on deck after I'm done with my couch (see my previous posts on the fabulously crudtastic couch). Speaking of the couch, I'm working on getting the cushions covered today. I ran out of lipcord to use as the welt around the cushions. I've been to 3 different JoAnn stores in search of more (this is where I bought the cord that I've used on the actual couch). The store in Joliet didn't have ANY, which is not too shocking to me as they are not a "super JoAnn" - very disappointing. Bolingbrook JoAnn only had 5.5 yards (which I bought). Orland Park had 7.6 yards (which I bought). I think I'll need another 3 yards or so... we will see.... poor couch - it just wants to be finished! Bye for now.....thanks for checking in - Amy :)

Eureka! My own basement is a gold mine .....

Hi everyone - here's what's new. My husband & I went on a garbage date last night. It is still a little chilly to expect lots of finds from home renovations, etc. However, I figured my husband owed me a garbage date, since he skipped out on his own family's Easter dinner this past Saturday to play volleyball instead (I attended of course - his family is great!). Just when I thought we were coming home empty handed, the "alley of wonder" came through again. I found a nice skinny recessed panel door, which is pictured here along with some of my earlier finds.

These photos of the creepy ceiling joists with cob webs are from my very own basement. Not too long ago, I started prying old insulators from the joists - left from the knob & tube wiring era. I've collected about 40 so far. They cook up really nice in the hardware soup pot, because of their shiny porcelain finish (paint doesn't stick very well). I've used a few of these in the past as knobs on art pieces for coat hanging, etc. These pieces sold quickly - so I've decided to harvest all I can from my basement. I've got a few more to go down there - & then it will be onto my attic. I've already started to put the idea in my husband's head of a "attic insulator party" - hopefully he'll be willing to help me. I've found that if you call something a "party" & follow it up with ice cream, sometimes husbands are more willing to help with things.

Here's the latest couch pictures. This weekend I finished upholstering the back, put on the gimp trim & nailheads. Almost done! Just cushion covers to sew. The cushions are a little scary. I've debated whether I should open them up, or just leave them as-is & sew covers to put over them. I'm leaning toward covering over them. If I open them up & there happens to be something living in them I might really freak out - I guess I really don't want to know what they are stuffed with.

thanks for checking in - take care!
Amy

My beloved couch is turning the corner!

Hi Everyone -

Here's the latest picture of my beloved crusty couch I promised. It's definitely a slow going project, but since I plan on keeping it, I only allow myself to work on it in my "free" time. I don't feel guilty working on personal projects during a portion of my weekends (if plans allow). It's starting to come together though, which motivates me to just knock it out. Not to mention - I don't want to get to the point where I ignore the fact that there's a half baked antique couch in the middle of my living room. I can't have company over until it's done!

On the business side of things, I began a business card redesign a few weeks ago. After I laid out a design, I had Mercurio Brothers printing (in California) print them up for me using a letterpress. Check them out - I can't wait to start giving them away!

thanks for checking in - take care! Amy

Second Chance Art & Accessories is at it again....

Hi Everyone -

Just thought I'd share what I've been up to this weekend. I attended the Country Living Magazine's 3rd annual Women Entrepeneur's Event, in Chicago. Of course, I dragged my ever-positive Mother with me to take it all in. She's so smiley...... The event consisted of a seminar with different speakers on relevant business topics. I went to the event for the first time last year, & it's what got me thinking about longer term plans for Second Chance Art & Accessories.

Anyway.... I must say I am again inspired to keep my mind open to new markets & avenues to sell Second Chance Art & Accessories. Thanks to Country Living for inspiring me, & around 600 other attendees. I am a loyal subscriber to the magazine, thanks to the fact that they also love old, crusty stuff!

I also applied in advance to "pitch my product" to some editors from the magazine, prior to the seminar. Country Living provides this opportunity to women with a business & product to promote. I felt honored to have been given the opportunity (especially since I did this last year, & they wanted to hear me again!). The staff at the magazine is extremely helpful, supportive, and friendly. During my 5 minute "pitch" slot, the judges made me feel right at home.

I've included a picture of my sister & I, getting ready to drag my unwieldy artwork down to the waiting area. She appears to be snorting - she had a pretty nasty cold. My Mom is taking the picture.

I've also included a photo of proof that Border Collies DO sleep, when they come home from the kennel after a weekend of nonstop barking (this is my guess at what goes on there). Olive the usually incorrigible is konked out on my husband's lap.

I promise an update on the fabulously crudtastic couch in my next post - it's gonna be good! :)

Amy

Fabu-maps!

Hi everyone....

I was able to go to the Kane County Flea Market this past weekend after many months of flea-market drought. They actually cancelled the flea market for january & february due to construction on the fairgrounds. I almost went in January, but checked the flea market website before I went - & realized it would be a long drive for nothing.

Anyway... there's definitely fewer dealers there during the cold months. But I was able to find 2 great 1920's era maps that will no doubt become part of something fabulous. Check out the photo of one of them draped over my couch project (see previous posts). I also found some great hunks of old door with original privacy glass, and some old hooks & doorknobs. In fact, I cooked up some doorknob soup just this morning! (see the previous post - "hardware soup")

I've also included a photo of the tiny amount of progress made on my beloved crud-tastic couch. You can see the dogs in the pictures - Polly is checking out the progress, and Olive assumed I'm taking the picture of her, not the map. Check out Olive's crazy eye color; we've actually been asked if there's something wrong with her. Nope! Just God's creativity!

take care :)

Amy