Nuit Blanche

An annual Parisian event, Nuit Blanche (or sleepless night) celebrates the wonder and beauty of the evening. In that festive spirit, the lovely ladies at Confectionique are now open the Thursday night following their monthly Saturday market, starting this week.

With more of a night theme, and a chance to leave the kiddies at home, Anasticia and Jessica are transforming their spot (at the Moray Airport) into a place just off the Left Bank. Complete with music, mingling and libations.

Masters of merchandising, these Thursday nights will no doubt offer a whole new crop of goods. Speaking of, I give you....the Miranda lamp, making her debut this Thursday.

A new Liberty of London shade, plus a thrift store lamp painted rich jade, and this girl is ready to shine.

.....it looks quite magical at night too.

So, grab your girlfriends, and come check out all unique finds at Confectionique this Thursday night. You will not be disappointed.

2010 summer tour

With Memorial day right around the corner, the summer show season has official begun. From one local show last year, I have filled up my 2010 calendar for some pretty unique and fun venues. Some traditional 1 day shows, a big 3 day one, some monthly markets and even a vintage show or two. Green Cricket is also crossing state lines. With shows in Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota, there will be even more of the chances to check out some of my latest transformations. Looking forward to meeting many of you and spreading the salvage love.

I'll be highlighting all of them individually when they get a little closer, (and I will hopefully be adding at least one more big one to this list)..... but for now, here is my summer schedule, click on any for more details.

June 11-13 Mama's Happy Mound, MN

June 19th Confectionique Middleton, WI

June 26-27 Highwood Market Chicago, IL

July 11th Confectionique Middleton, WI

July 17-18 Highwood Market Chicago, IL

July 31st Atwood Summerfest Madison, WI

Aug 7-8th Confectionique Middleton, WI

Aug 15th Summer Craftacular Madison, WI

Sept 16-18th JUNK BONANZA, MN

sunny image compliments of Buttonhead

Austin

At the end of this month, me and 4 of my very dear college buddies are spending a long weekend in Austin, TX. We are all turning 40 this year and despite, busy careers, children and other commitments, we all were able to carve out a little time for what I am sure will be a memorable girlie weekend.

We are renting a house on Lake Austin, but I am coming in a few days early to do some exploring. SO.......if there is anything that I MUST do, see, eat or hear in Austin, I would love to put it on my list.

here is what I have so far.....

-staying a night at the hip Hotel San Jose on South Congress

-picking up some fab upholstery fabric at Spruce

-watching the bats at the bridge

- shopping at Uncommon Objects

Know something great I am missing?....... bring it on.

Groovy map bracelet by

Victoria Camp Designs

citrus punch

With the Midwest winter behind me, I was quite ready for a fun summer project. Well, I had just the pair to let in a little sunshine.

Picked on Division street here on the east side last fall, this pair of old ice cream chairs have just been patiently waiting in the back of my garage for a good makeover....and here is is.

The metal seats were rusty, bent and torn, which is most likely why they were tossed to the curb.

Instead of trying to weld a new metal piece on, I gave it a softer recycled touch.

A scrap piece of plywood, was covered with poly fill for loft and water wicking and a top layer of bamboo batting helped smooth things out. For the cover, a thrift store table cloth in lemon yellow. The vinyl material is perfect for outside and with the new padding, this seat is so much comfier than that sharp, flat metal.

Topped with a juicy, orange paint, these old ice cream chairs are now a focal point of any patio. Pair them with a small cafe table for a cozy seating area or add them to a garden for a delightful spot to relax, maybe while sipping a little citrus punch.

Although quite lightweight, the detail and the scroll work of the metal provides such a nice substantial look.

Although curbside castoffs can be found in all seasons, I have been gearing up for the flood of flea markets, yard sales and over all garage cleaning that is quickly approaching. My raw inventory is getting a little low...but not for long. I have a big flea market trip planned for Sunday.

the big night at Bad Dog Frida

Thanks to all who weathered the rain to come out for Friday's Gallery Night. Bad Dog Frida was not only filled with my dog themed salvaged goods, but loads of customers and art lovers alike.

The big hit were these retro leash holders. An old piece of wood, images from a vintage kids book and reclaimed hooks made these breed specific holders a perfect home for Fido's leash.

I also offered....

some up-cycled tacky thrift store figurines with a big pop of color

a vintage 101 Dalmations LP transformed into a cocktail or knick knack tray.

a trio of salvaged kitchen cabinets transformed into some surreal eco dog art.

A little 'fridge philosophy'. Empty Altoid tins, turned into magnets, made for some fun doggie dioramas.

and speaking of dioramas....meet Spot in the city.

a curbside drawer and found objects make this little pup a whimsical hanging work of art. I am working on a whole drawer series, so look for more of these in the coming months.

and finally, jazzed up thrift store frames, vintage Golden books and new hardware make these childhood favorites into unique wall clocks....even a little bone as a second hand.

In case you were unable to make it out Friday, stop on by Bad Dog Frida. Much of what was left will be for sale at their shop.

Gallery night

My very first gallery night is tonight and if I had a tail it would be wagging with excitement. I had hoped to share more preview pictures, but my camera is kaput. I guess dropping it for the 8th time, was just one too many. So, if you cannot come out to see it live, you'll have to wait till next week when I get a new one to see all the goods.

Besides a litter of these Fisher Price doggy necklaces, here is what you can expect to find.....

• leash hooks made from old wood, vintage picture book images and salvaged hooks
• dog & cat themed Golden books, framed in upcycled thrift store frames and turned into wall clocks
• a drawer and some old tins transformed into artful dioramas
• tacky ceramic figurines given a modern makeover
• and a very vintage looking 101 Dalmations LP turned into a fabulous tray

A record setting 65 locations will be participating in this years MMoCa's gallery night and although they are spread all over Madison, rumor has it the East side is the place to be.

Bad Dog Frida is located on Atwood Ave, right next to the Barrymore theatre and across from Monty's Blue Plate. The event runs 5pm-9pm. Hope to see you there.

the Joyce chair

Inspiring, comforting and vibrant not only describes this chair, but also its namesake, my mom Joyce. She is my latest transformation and just in time for Mother's Day.

Here is how it started...

Remember this find from the Hippie Christmas loot last fall. Well, the seasons have changed and this plain rattan chair was ready for a modern makeover.

I wanted to keep that great weathered porch chair feel, so I just painted right over the existing chips and flakes. The French blue really brings out the detailing and is case some of those flakes were a little loose, I coated the entire chair in a poly sealer...just to keep everything in place.

The contrasting new tie-cushion is filled with bright turquoise, rose, plum all on a fantastic chartreuse background.

It would be a great addition to a sunroom or even your garden. I couldn't resist using my lilac bush as a backdrop for this photo shoot. It is in full bloom and is glorious.

The Joyce, as well as many other fantastic treasures will be for sale at this weekends Confectionique Market....appropriately named "Don't forget your Mum sale". There will be gifts for Mom's at all price ranges, so it can be a one stop shop for the kiddos and Daddy too.