Little Collected Trinkets Finally get a Purpose

Since I have been going to flea markets most of my adult life, I have accumulated quite a collection of old trims, flowers, jewelry, buttons and just interesting trinkets. It's Sunday morning and I am in the mood to do something creative - my husband is fishing, the kids are gone, the classical music is on and the screen doors are open to let in the summer breezes. I spread out the treasures and organize them by color and plug in the glue gun! Using old collars as the base, I assemble the pieces into little collected works of art. They look beautiful on a pillow, pinned to a lampshade, or just around the lovely statuesque lady.

Outdoor Spaces

Since finishing my home's renovation, my husband and I have been slowly re-working our outside spaces. In addition to planting new flower beds, we have added stone terraces. It has been a very cool summer with lots of rain, so the flowers are very happy!

To hide our new air conditioning units, Mr. RTH built planters in front of white lattice. I added the antique garden chairs and table and the old urns. I can't wait for the clematis vines to fill the space. The clematis on the other side of the house are going crazy this year - it just love the deep purple color of the one by the stone table.

Stones were bought in to edge the new flower beds, and to create walk ways on all sides of the old home.On the back of the house, I just added a stone table by my cherub fountain. Hopefully I can soon find chairs that will look great with it. If you click on each picture, you can see the details on the stonework and old garden statuary. I love it when the moss starts to grow in the cracks!

A few Words about Gift Wrapping

Sometimes what is on the outside is better than what is inside! This statement can certainly hold true at flea markets, but it is gift wrap that can be the most deceiving- I love the art of wrapping a gift. Our customers are delighted when a beautiful ribbon and or a handmade gift tag is given to them for their gift purchase. But it is when I have time to develop a theme gift wrap that it is the most rewarding. With the craze in monograms, slogans painted on walls, words printed on fabrics, I decided to use a word theme to wrap my girlfriend's birthday gifts. Scanning some old prints into my computer, I printed them on vellum and used them for wrapping paper. Vintage buttons, flowers and rhinestones embellished the text.

My friend and I seem to always be on the same trend even though we live 900 miles apart.

As we sat down to open gifts, my were also wrapped in black and white architectural paper with word embellishments. How likely was that!

French Treasures

While scouring antique markets last week, we were on a mission for French influenced accessories to set up our new fall trend room in our store. We love to mix the glitzy crystal with the old worn woods, old marble, and faded etchings. We were lucky to find several old prints with great European scenes. A gilded mirror with raised roses on the border could be a great plateau for the center of a dining table. Antique wine bottles in crates will be a great addition for someones wine cellar.

Our favorite find was the drippy candelabra made of old lamp and chandelier parts - absolutely stunning! Imagine using them outside in a vine covered courtyard as dusk begins. Is there anything more romantic!

A New Lady at Dinner

Going to the gift show in Atlanta is very exciting, but the best treats are the delicious meals that my friend Lynda prepares for our evening meals. Pretty tables are set and gourmet meals are served every night after we return from the Mart. While we soak our tired feet in Lynda's saltwater pool, appetizers are served to us pool side. One of the best this trip was a wonderful raspberry brie.

We spent Thursday at Scott's Antique Show and bought another "Lady" home with us for dinner. Fortunately she did not eat much, but looked great on the dining room buffet. We mixed this great old garden statue with fresh cut limelight hydrangeas from the garden and mercury glass candlesticks. Antique monogrammed napkins were embellished with fresh rosemary on simple white plates placed on a linen cloth.

Brie with Raspberries

2 cups fresh raspberries

1/3 cup red wine vinegar

1/2 cup light brown sugar

pinch red pepper flakes

small wheel of brie

crackers

Add raspberries, vinegar, brown sugar and pepper flakes to a saucepan and

bring to a boil over medium heat. Simmer for 25 minutes until thick.

Put the brie wheel in the center of a pretty oven proof dish and pour the syrup over the top.

Bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until the brie is soft and gooey to the touch. Remove from oven and serve immediately with crackers.

Note: this is a version of Gina's BBQ Brie with Raspberries from The Neelys on FoodNetwork.

Leaving for Hot Lanta!

We leave for Atlanta- hot lanta now- its 92 degrees. Oh how we suffer to get our fix of antiques!

We have just finished our summer sale and have lots of room for new stuff. I'm anxious to see

my suppliers and their new antiques. These pictures are of the wonderful things that we have found at this great market. I wonder what this trip will find for us? Great chandeliers, gilded chairs, old books , pier mirrors, turtle shells? We will let you know , when we return in 10 days! Happy 4th of July everyone!