What Was the Best Ever Shabby Tole Hamper

I found this amazing shabby, tole hamper at a neighbor downtown shop, The Thrifty Patriot, and was so excited about incorporating it into my bedroom. Look at that sweet rose bouquet painted on the front. 

I only have this picture from their Facebook page, because while I was gone for a girl's weekend at the beach,  my husband wanted to surprise me by freshly painting it. And he did. Have I mentioned, I don't like surprises. 

Laugh or cry and never let them see you cry, is what I often say. 

You'll see it soon for sale in my space at The Shops at 123 Hay Street, freshly painted and sans the rose.

Dream and Wind Catchers by Laurie Shoemaker

 

Native Americans believe that the night air is filled with good and bad dreams. The dream catcher, when hung over or near your bed swinging freely in the air, catches the dreams as they flow by. Good dreams pass through the dream catcher, slipping through the outer holes and slide down gently so that ofttimes the sleeper does not know that they're dreaming. The bad dreams, not knowing the way, get tangled in the dream catcher and then perish at the first light of day.

It was love at first sight when I saw the beautiful dream and wind catchers made by the artistic, Laurie Shoemaker. I have always enjoyed reading Laurie's blog Heaven's Walk and admiring her photography. Then came her lovely, shabby take on a native craft I have always loved.

 

I worked up the nerve to ask Laurie to consider making some for my store, and not only are these beauties for sale at White Trash & colorful accessories, but she was gracious enough to photograph each of them. I want to take every last one of them home to my house.

Thanks for coming in the rain

Thanks so very much for everyone that came out in the rain and wind to White Trash and Franklin Street Place's open house. If you missed coming, we have extended our free mirror give-away. With only a $25 purchase you have your choice of one of our cute little morrors that have a saying on them. These have an easel back and a hanger.

We're also still putting out lots of new holiday decorations and Christmas ornaments, so keep checking for some wonderfully cute things. And remember that each and every purchase puts you in our monthly drawing for a free $43.00 gift card. We've had 3 happy winners so far.

Where Women Create available at White Trash & colorful accessories

Four years ago I read the book "Where Women Create" and fell in love! I have re-read it countless times, so was thrilled earlier this year when the magazine was born. Like the book it showcases artist spaces and their creative inspiration. Some of the artists that have been featured in the book and previous and upcoming issues of the magazine we are proud to carry in our store.

We have just gotten in the current issue and will be carrying future issues at White Trash.

We also have Somerset Life (a quarterly periodical showing how the little things in life can lead to an inspired and artful way of living, with hundreds of simple ways to elevate the everyday) and the special publication Marie Antoinette (the dresses ... the crowns ... the cakes ... need I say more...)

I think you'll love them as much as I do and they make a fabulous gift.

I hope you'll forward this great shop independent retailers campaign to everyone you know and go out there yourself and spend $50.

http://www.the350project.org/home.html

Another great store has joined us on Franklin Street at 231. Belle Curve opened last month with clothes to fit and celebrate your curves. This fabulous plus-size boutique has great clothes and wraps, lingerie, cute jewelry, and wonderful purses (including the oovoo line).

Carrie Oziemblowsky offers personalized service and knows her fit. Check her out, if you haven't already.