Ella Elaine

Nesting at Market

2012-01-27T13:16:00.000-06:00

I am having major computer problems and haven't been able to post the photos of the Dallas Market that I wanted to share with everyone. I had loaded these nest pics BCC.
(before computer crash)

A few months ago I bought a dozen Robin's nests from a fellow dealer in McKinney.The nests had been brought back from

a family's yard in Iowa. I tucked them all around the booth filling them with whatever fit my fancy.

I am sure you guessed they didn't last long before they went home with someone else!

Dallas Market

2012-01-19T21:44:00.000-06:00

It has been a busy few days, but we are finally ready for the Dallas Market Vintage Home show to begin.

I am worn out, but I thought I would share a little glimpse of the booth as I left it today.

I will post more pics as I have the time...

I hope to see some of you there!

The Three R's of Ella

2012-01-18T20:05:00.003-06:00

I have a new slogan.

Reclaim.Repurpose.Redefine.

I love to take old items meant for another age and time and turn them into something new. Give them a fresh start.

We could all use that...

Give me some old tart tins, bingo cards and some Ella-ments

and I am a happy camper.

At this plate setting I used records as plate chargers. A rusty plow spacer layered under a sweet rosepoint

cup and saucer. Shredded paper for a touch of whimsy. A wire cloche that was used onthe farm for who knows what. A runner made from player piano paper as the last touch.

This neat old cabinet needed drawer handles when I bought it. I originally tried to find enough glass

knobs, but decided to take old garden faucets and make them work. It sold the first day...

Love it!

Vintage Home Market Show

2012-01-08T18:21:00.001-06:00

Here WE GOoooo.... It is almost time for the Dallas Market Center Vintage Home Show. Am I ready?

Of course not. I am a fly by the seat of my pants kind of girl.
I wing it. I work better under pressure.
Just get out of my way, I might run you over. Seriously, that all probably is closer to the truth than I

would wish on any other human being.

Anyhoo, I am looking forward to seeing old friends and making new ones.

Come by and visit!!

What a Journey

2011-12-18T23:54:00.002-06:00

I have spent the last year on the hunt. Looking for anything I thought would go in our "new old " house.

I spotted this sink and I knew it was just right for my studio.

I didn't know where this door would end up, but it certainly had the right look.

Same thing for this door....

Notice the cabinets to the left. Potential bathroom vanities.

This cabinet may be a little more Shabby than Chic, but I think I will get Mr. Ella to spruce it up a bit for my butler's pantry.

Finding leaded glass windows to fit the transoms was a challenge, but I think this one will work!

If you want to see more hop on over to my other blog

My Romantic Prairie Home.

Let the Tours Begin

2011-12-07T23:06:00.003-06:00

Where have I been? I have been busy packing boxes for the move to our Romantic Prairie Home, fluffing the booth and also finding a little inspiration touring some homes decorated for the Holidays.

Saturday, I caught Colorado Nancy with my phone camera in this inviting dining room in McKinney.

We found some little birdies...

Some "less is more" Christmas decor.

Then on Sunday, I went with a group of ladies down to the Highland Park tour.

These homes were definitely luxurious to say the least. Photo taking wasn't really allowed, but I did manage to snap a couple of pics.


I love this idea. Do you think Mr. Ella would do the "eye roll thing" if I suggested we paint this on our wooden floors in the Master Bath?

Touches of Christmas

2011-11-25T19:19:00.000-06:00

I have been adding a few Christmas touches at the Antique Mall...

Just a little bit here and there.

Even in my NEW space at the front part of the store! I moved out of my back corner booth and up to the front where I have plenty of room to have some FuN!

When you walk in the store I am the second space to the left.

Stop by often as I add more and more layers of goodies!

Unpacked

2011-11-08T22:47:00.001-06:00

Well, I have unpacked my bags from Hico and have been playing catch up ever since.

I was talking to another dealer the other day and she was telling me how she and her husband were starting to slow down. All I could think to myself is that my life seems to be speeding up.

You know what I mean?

My sweet friend, Jo Carol, made these pillows. Wouldn't they make the best wedding present?

There was inspiration around every corner.

Even triangles!

A great show!

2011-11-03T11:59:00.002-05:00

What a fun time we had in Hico! I want to thank all of you that came out to this small wonderful corner of the world.

The focal point of our booth was a corner that Mr. Ella put up using 3 sheets of plywood. I covered them with random burlap pieces and coffee sacks. Staple guns rock!!

Across the top of the corner we put a wire grid decorated with burlap netting swagged on a

giant shovel (9ft.). I have three of these shovels and think they will make great curtain rods...

Swinging over to the other side of the booth, we had our check-out and some of our signs that we design and make. They were a big hit and we will sell these on a cash and carry basis at the Dallas Market in January.

I am kinda big into natural elements. The mesquite beans drew quite a few comments.

The door knob stands are also one of the products we will be selling at the Dallas Market.

I am also planning on doing some creative and quirky display ideas.

Burlap ribbon will of course be one of my specialty items!

Also in Hico I carried these beautiful pillows by Judith Ann.

She will soon have these on Etsy for sale. I will put a link on my blog when she does so that you can go Christmas shopping!

Monica of Joshlyn Photography came by and took this photo of me.

I just loved all of the people I met and was truly enriched by the weekend.

I will share pics of other neat booths soon!

Hico

2011-10-27T21:21:00.000-05:00

We made it to Hico and are ready for customers! I am too tired to describe any pics,

so you are on your own....

The lighting made my photos a little blurry. I will take more

photos tomorrow of it all and other great booths too.

Hope you can come by and visit!

Hints of Hico

2011-10-26T14:22:00.000-05:00

The staging of a show is crazy, but it is something I have to do before hand to see how everything will play together. I marked out the size of my space for the Hico Antique Show in my garage. Then I started playing. I wanted to see how it would all look and also if it would fit in a 12' X 15' space. Oh, and not to forget the 5' x 8' trailer. I think Mr. Ella has a shrinking machine hidden somewhere, because someway, somehow he jams it all in our tiny trailer. It may not even be Halloween yet, but Ella is decorating for Christmas in Hico!

I hope to see you there...

Vintage Home FINDS!

2011-10-22T16:32:00.001-05:00

I would like to announce my latest news!

I was invited by the Dallas Market Center to be a part of one of their new sections.

Their description below helps explain how it will work.

Dallas Market Center

The world's most complete wholesale merchandise resource,

is bringing a new resource to the retail buyer.

Vintage Home FINDS!

Held during one of the busiest trade shows.

Premieres January 20-23, 2012

Unique, artisan inspired merchandise from casual to formal, repurposed to reproduction. Products include painted and hand carved furniture, weathered decor, tableware, wall art and textiles as well as custom product made from recycled/repurposed materials. Many items are available for immediate purchase.

Mr. Ella and I will be in booth #5003 in Market Hall North. There are only about 30 exhibitors in the new Vintage Home Area, so we feel flattered to be asked to join in on this new journey. We will have items to buy off the floor and some that can be ordered for the wholesale buyer. Store owners can find pieces to use in their displays. Unique and unusual ways to create an ambiance to a collection.

I am staying awake at night over this and so looking forward to this show!

Parking Lot Sale

2011-10-21T14:25:00.000-05:00

The Antique Company Mall is having a parking lot sale TOMORROW!

There will be at least a dozen ACM vendors ready to deal.

Come by and visit us in the parking lot just East of the Store.

213 E. Virginia

McKinney, Texas

10:00 - 5:30

Hope to see ya,

Industrial Chic

2011-10-19T16:24:00.000-05:00

In the past when someone would ask me what my decorating style was I would fumble around with words trying to explain my look. I have now decided to call it Industrial Chic.
A mix of metals stirred up with a touch of crusty chippy pieces.

I love to think of ways to take ordinary utilitarian objects and give them a new life and purpose.

Mr. Ella brings in a softer edge with bold
architectural elements.

We are having so much fun with this style because it just brings a new meaning to recycling.

Bringing the old into the future.

I love it...

See ya next time and have a great week!

Hico - Here we come!!

2011-10-07T20:40:00.000-05:00

Mr. Ella and I are gathering our goods to take to the Homestead Antique Fair at the end of this month. A hint of what we will be selling has to do with my new obsession. Triangles. Last year it was circles. This year I am still loving all things round, but seem to be pulled toward anything that has a triangle shape.

I found these old factory molds and thought they looked like Christmas trees.

Can you see it?

You know you want to come!!

Round Top & Warrenton

2011-09-26T09:30:00.001-05:00

Mr. Ella and I just came back from Antique Week in the Round Top area. We mainly shop the fields in Warrenton when we are there.You just never know what you will find . I was taking a short cut between some buildings when I spotted these cute blue chairs. They didn't come home with me though.

We stopped by Theresa's booth by Zapp Hall. She always does such and awesome job with her displays.

We had a good visit and caught up with all the latest news in the antiquing world.

These metal shelves did come home with us. They are really cool because they fold up. (We had just bought some other wonderful metal shelves and they wouldn't fit in our trailer, so we had to get our money back...)

I loved the industrial twist on this farm table and wanted it sooo bad. Mr. Ella didn't.

He like this more traditional one. He promised to build me a table.

It will be the best.

We were hunting for a mantle to put in our Romantic Prairie home. We loved this tall one with a mirror, but after thinking about it, I decided it would limit my seasonal decorating.

I liked this one, but it was just okay.

This one caught my eye, but it still was not the one.

Notice the pink bucket of water and the brown grass?

If you wanted to smoke a cigarette, you either had to be near a bucket of water or have a cup/bottle of water in your hand at the same time. It was so HOT and DRY there.

This is THE ONE. It has just enough carved details for our house. It came from a home in New Orleans. With a lot of TLC it will be spiffied up and enjoy a life in Texas.

If you are going to Antique Week I suggest you take a hat, sunscreen , light clothing and a smile!

2011-09-20T23:02:00.001-05:00

PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR HOMESTEAD'S NEXT ANTIQUE FAIR ON October 28 and 29, 2011!

Bring your treat bags to HOMESTEAD'S Fall Antique Fair in
Hico, Texas to be held on October 28-29 (Fri--10-6 and Sat--10-5).

(ad courtesy of Homestead Antiques)

Mr. Ella and I will be set up at this fabulous sale. A little hint of what we will bring for the show is that the creative side of my brain has been working overtime!

More details to follow soon...

Where, What & Why

2011-09-18T22:25:00.002-05:00

Where have I been, what have I been doing, and why have I not posted about it all? I don't know! It could be that I can't seem to take time to land long enough to put it all on my blog.

I think I needed a kick-start of inspiration.

I found that in West Texas. Yes, in Big ol' Abilene.

I woke up early on a Thursday morning and fought my way across the DFW metroplex to make it for my Old Homes Club meeting at 11:00. My friend, Molly, has the most welcoming home.

Molly,Christie and Kay. We were treated with the best food! Thanks ladies!!

I found inspiration around every corner.

One of my favorites was the repurposed umbrella.
Molly made the pillows on the bench.

Okay, I was tempted to just crawl in...

I know you are eyeing that nest pillow on the bed. My friend Mary is a very talented artist and has a wonderful collection on her website, Fig Marmalade.

What a wall to wake up and see! Another talented friend of mine, Roxanne, painted the NEST picture for Molly.

The next morning my good friend, Jo Carol, and I set out on a hunt for treasures. We started by hitting a few Abilene garage sales without finding much. This called for a Road Trip!! A quick gas/bank/dogsitter run and we were headed south. In a Brownwood store, I turned the corner and found Jo Carol surrounded by gumball machines (and a little dust...).

These sinks caught my attention. I was reminded that Mr. Ella and I actually pulled one of these out of our first house in 1981.

Yikes, I have come a long way...

We were told this table and bench came out of an old school. The man selling it said he was taking it to Warrenton. It was priced at $500.00, so if you see it at Antique Week it could be priced a little higher...

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;lt;span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word"&amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;lt;span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word"&amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;lt;span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word"&amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Visit Seven Days in Utopia - &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;lt;span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word"&amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;;a &amp;amp;lt;span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word"&amp;amp;gt;href&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;="http://&amp;amp;lt;span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word"&amp;amp;gt;sevendaysinutopia&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;.com"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Official Site&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;lt;span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word"&amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;.&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;lt;span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word"&amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;lt;span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word"&amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;lt;span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word"&amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;gt;;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

After a day of fun junking, my sister and I took my Dad to the best movie. Seven Days in Utopia. This film has a special meaning to my family. It is based in Utopia, Texas. Our family deer lease was in this area. We visited Utopia often when I was growing up. My mother grew up visiting here grandparents home on the Sabinal River.

There is a cemetery that is in many scenes of the movie. This is where my great grandparents are buried and many relatives. We visited there just a year ago, where my father toured us all around. He then took us over to Uvalde where he grew up. It was extra special to see this film with him.

The movie is rated G, can you believe it? Definitely worth your time.

I am sooo glad I decided to go to West Texas. It was a great trip.

Flights of Fancy Nancy

2011-09-07T07:28:00.000-05:00

Have you all tried the New Editor in Blogger? I may be way behind, but I finally am getting the hang of their new improvements.


For example, I wanted to have a post with some of the many birdie photos that I have shared during my blog life. The new editor actually made that quite simple when I went to the image loading page. There are now several choices of where you can retrieve your photos. Upload, From this Blog, From Picasa Web Albums or From URL. I chose From this Blog...

Now when I enlarge my photos it is a simple right click of the mouse. Before I was having to tap into my hidden geeky side and dig into the HTML code for the changes. This way is sooo much easier ....

I just discovered a new trick... there is a little back/undo arrow at the top left. It is that undo part I like- a lot.

I am digging change now.

I am feeling quite content in my little computer world.

Yepper, I could get use to this....

At least until the next time some more of those improvements come this way!

2011-09-05T20:11:00.002-05:00

The most recent Flea Market Style Magazine mentioned The Antique Company Mall under their
Readers' 80 Favorite Antique Malls. Yoo Hoo!

Wendy Abel wrote that our store reminded her of her Aunt Millie's home.

The ad said we have 10+ dealers, but we really have 100+ dealers.

Oops, a little typo...

Come by and step back in time at ACM.

The Building of a Wedding

2011-08-14T21:39:00.000-05:00

I know a good marriage is not based on how everything looked at the wedding, but when your only daughter asks for a natural looking arbor for her wedding she gets it.

Except we were on a small budget.

So, we had to build it.

A few pieces of driftwood, borrowed tools and the talented Davis Crew had an arbor in the making.

It took some careful thought and planning.

Once together we had to check the size and height. We didn't want the minister to look like he had a chandelier for a hat after all.

The arbor was simply adorned with flowers, a shell chandelier, lights and a swag of scrim. We didn't add much more because it would all act like a parachute with the high winds.

That would not have been a good thing...

I knew the Davis boys were awesome!

I Do

2011-08-11T17:40:00.000-05:00

We are back from THE Wedding and are exhausted, but happy everything turned out so beautiful.

Our daughter, Leah, has lived in Hawaii for three years. So, of course that is where she wanted to get married! An August wedding in Texas just didn't hold a candle to the landscape of the Islands.
Her bridal bouquet was wrapped with lace from my 1980 wedding veil and adorned with soft roses and bleached peacock feathers.

Everything was in its place, ready for the bride...

Here comes the bride!

I was really glad that they didn't sing the song "Sunrise, Sunset". Mr. Ella and I would have never made it through the ceremony. They do grow up too fast, don't they?

A beautiful couple.

The Reception

A Heavenly Hawaiian evening.

My next post will include all the little details we worked on before the wedding. We had a whole craft table at the Condo...

(You can find more pictures at my daughter-in- law's blog...)

Blog Break

2011-08-01T13:50:00.000-05:00

I am going to take a short blog break to focus on the upcoming wedding of my daughter.

I will see you on the other side of the wedding!

2011-07-19T21:20:00.002-05:00

I haven't been taking much time to browse the blogs lately, but the
House of Hargrove caught my attention today. Elaine has a wonderful post on the new wallpaper trends. I was reminded of a store we ran across on our recent trip to Connecticut.

(Seymour Antiques Company)

The back room immediately pulled me in and captured my attention.

I suddenly felt the need for a good nap though...

How clever to hang mismatched vintage wallpapers.
An unexpected way of decorating-my favorite...

Mr. Ella did his eye-roll thing when I told him I wanted to try this in the guest bedroom of our new old house!

Connecticut

2011-07-14T21:10:00.001-05:00

I had the pleasure of spending a long 4th of July weekend with Mr. Ella in Connecticut. The house pictured above was the main building of the Bed & Breakfast where we stayed for part of the trip.

Our room was next door above the ice cream shop. How appropriate for Summer travelers!

We meandered around the pretty countryside and quaint towns where we found wonderful architecture.

This style of house was everywhere.

We saw so much inspiration for our Romantic Prairie home back in
Texas.

Details. I LoVe the little, but eye catching details.

Let's Play Ball!

2011-06-30T21:45:00.002-05:00

The last time I visited my friend, Jo Carol, she had made some ball flowers. Her inspiration came from the latest Flea Market Style Magazine. I had seen these flowers in the magazine and thought they were cute, but way too much work. Well, I must say they looked even better in person. I headed home and started looking for baseballs. Of course these sort of things always turn out to be harder than they look....

I figured out the best technique that worked for me and went to town.

They can be made with the inside or the outside facing out. I just seem to be drawn to the texture of the inside. Have fun and pin them on a purse, a pillow or whatever tickles your fancy...

Enjoy your Holiday weekend!!

Play Ball!

To Market, To Market

2011-06-27T12:07:00.003-05:00

I am like a proud Mama! Week before last, Gina and her crew, of Peacock Park Designs, came to McKinney hunting for more display pieces for their Dallas Market Showroom. They found ACM and seemed to have fun roaming around and finding some of our treasures. Mr. Ella and I visited the Showroom when we went to Market last Friday. It was awesome. Gina certainly has the gift of design.

The large room started with only the floor and walls and was transformed to an atmosphere that causes one to linger.This is my little art cart from my ACM booth. I think this is where it was meant to be.

The bed was bought at ACM too. Our dealer, Pepper, had it tucked in her booth upstairs.The rusty bedside "stand" came from my booth. It is actually shelves, but makes a clever twist on what you would usually think of putting next to a bed.

Colorado Nancy had this cool cubby cabinet in her booth and really didn't want to sell it. I think it has found a good home though.

This drafting table came from Neat Stuff's upstairs booth.

I didn't get photos of everything that came from ACM, but it was a proud day to see we had made it to Market!

Peacock Park Designs has a great line of gifts. I placed an order that you will be seeing in McKinney soon.

I am not sure where this sweet deer came from, but Gina and her crew know how to give everything a new life!

Bath Crashers

2011-06-21T19:48:00.002-05:00

Mr. Ella and I felt like we were on the TV show Bath Crashers when we decided to redecorate the public bathroom at the Antique Company Mall.

We swooped in Sunday night and within four hours we had a fresh new look.

A little paint, fabric and character go a long way in a small room.

Before.

Need I say more?

The paint color is called Elephant Skin from Behr. I applied a lime solution to the boring oak mirror frame to give it some instant age. The curtains are "made" from scrim or linen mesh. No sewing required. Just some sloppy scissor cutting with keys tied with twine. (I saw the key idea at Judy Hill's home sale along with the flower too.)

Before photo. Lovely isn't it? I must admit I use to love mauve. I even had a house with rose colored carpet. Yep, and I was mighty proud of my choice!

After.
The sap bucket hanging on the shutter is for extra the T.P.

Next time you are in McKinney, stop by and visit the new and improved Powder Room!!

Over the Top

2011-06-11T22:49:00.001-05:00

It was such a good Saturday. Mr. Ella and I woke up early and headed out the door to East Texas. Judy Hill was having her Spring sale and when we arrived we were not disappointed.
Only Judy would think of greeting us with watermelon planters. I can't say I have seen that one before!

The entry.

My very favorite room and of course there was plenty of burlap!

A clever runner made from a piano roll.

Gorgeous.

I loved it...

Elegant.

More power to the love of birds!!

Come Shop

2011-06-11T06:51:00.004-05:00

Come by and shop in McKinnney today.
The Antique Company Mall will be open until 8:00 P.M.!

The Cutest Ever!

2011-06-07T07:03:00.001-05:00

I have been wanting to share with you some pics of the cutest little camper ever for sometime, but this moving thing just simply clogged up my works... Anyway, when Colorado Nancy and I set up at the Old Red Lumberyard Junk Market, Brandy was there with her little trailer. She is so friendly and invited anyone in for a peek. What a delightful surprise when you stepped inside. She and her husband had gutted it and made all too shabby.

Her wares for sale were set up outside.

Tea and scones would fit in here quite nicely.

I was beyond thrilled to look up at the tiny chandelier and discover I had sold it at ACM and this is where it landed. I love it when I know where my babies go!!

(FYI - I will not be set up at the Junk Market in June.)

No matter what

2011-05-25T08:08:00.003-05:00

I just realized in the middle of packing a zillion boxes that today was May 25th. Mr. Ella proposed to me on this date 31 years ago. We had driven from Abilene down to Morgan's Point where we ate at the Captain's Table Restaurant.

( It is no longer there which makes me feel old!)

We were over looking Belton Lake with a beautiful sunset when he popped the big question.

No ring, yet. That came in August. After all, we both were poor college students. Determined to live on Love. Hmm, that is a little harder than the fairy tale books.... We officially tied the knot in December that same year, 1980. I would include some photos, but they are packed and honestly the styles then were just plain ugly.

I saw this sign at a friend's house and it pretty much sums up how to make a marriage work!!

Have you seen it?

2011-05-24T08:00:00.004-05:00

I have a mystery on my hands. I am missing the three tiered white stand on top of the table in the above photo. This is not the first thing to grow legs and wander off from my booth, but it isn't exactly something a kleptomaniac could stick in their purse. Occasionlly (often) shoppers pick up items and then sit them down elsewhere. Sometimes the item sold and it gets put on another vendor's sales.

I know all of my readers do not live where they can shop in McKinney, but if you do and know anything, please let me know. It disappeared between Wednesday, May 18 and Saturday, May 21st. If you know the where abouts of the stand, please let me know!

P.S. The cool table the subject is sitting on sold!! Yoo Hoo!

On the Move Again

2011-05-20T10:16:00.002-05:00

You all will have to excuse my absence from blogworld lately. Mr. Ella and I have sold our house and are moving to a rent house until our wonderful old home is finished in McKinney.

We have been extra busy, but blessed that everything we prayed for is falling into place.

God is indeed good.

Now I am off to packing!!

Visit our work in progress at Romantic Prairie.

Oh, the places I go

2011-04-26T01:03:00.002-05:00

I can't tell you how many times people ask me where I buy my stuff. I always answer,

"Wherever I am....". I don't think this is exactly the answer they are looking for.

They want me to give up my sources. I will not tell you all of my secrets.

This post will take you to a few of the types of places we frequently shop.

We will start in Colorado.

Mr. Ella just did a search for architectural salvage and it brought us to the closed gates of a junk yard near Denver.

We found a phone number and an hour later the owner came and let us in.

He had some cool stuff. Pricey stuff. I think hoarders that don't want to let go of anything price it so high it won't sell.

Great looking radiators. I like the look, but not exactly in high demand.

Cute, but wouldn't fit in my carry on.

Maybe the American Pickers should visit here. This is definitely a guy thing.

One of my favorite places to go is Warrenton, Texas during Antique Week. It is very relaxing to me to wander around. The photo above shows a group of furniture that Rachel Ashwell had bought. If you notice behind it there are Bubba signs. Such a contrast. This is a good indication of the variety of what you run across and the time it takes to sift through it all.

They also have lots and lots to dig through. Baby wipes a must!

Now, there are also Estate Sales. You never know what you will find. This particular sale advertised that there were several out buildings full of antiques. Judge for yourself...

Not too bad.

Not too good...

This is another type of place we buy.

The organized junk dealer who is ready to deal.

Somewhere in the MidWest.

Then you have a not so organized junk dealer who thinks every piece is worth its weight in gold.
This is somewhere in Texas.

Mr. Ella and I had fun roaming around to see what we could find. We were really glad it wasn't during the hot Texas Summer though.

This is all we found after about an hour digging and another 1/2 hour listening to the owner tell stories.

We make several stops during one "hunting" trip and our car usually looks like this!
Now, if everything would just unload itself, clean itself up, repair itself and price itself it would make it all sooo much more fun...

2011-04-24T21:31:00.001-05:00

I have been trying to find time to post lately, but I have been busy, busy. We have a contract on our house and we will be moving next month! Mr. Ella and I are excited to start our journey over to McKinney where we will land and nest. A temporary dwelling for six months and then we will be in our new old house. Yee Haw!

Hopefully, I will have a little more time to blog in the next few days... we'll see.

2011-04-16T06:09:00.004-05:00

Colorado Nancy and I survived the storm Thursday night and had a great Friday Sale. Although we were worn out from the 50 mph gusts of wind that kept us on alert for flying objects at any time. This wasn't just your ordinary hold on to your hat wind. It was hold on to your armoire, your table, shelves or bird cage day.

It is Texas you know!!
Today will be much calmer and it should be perfect junkin' weather...

Come One, Come All....

2011-04-14T21:23:00.010-05:00

Don't forget to come by the Old Red Lumberyard Sale this weekend.

This funky sign gives you a hint of what this sale is all about.

Whew! It was a long day of hauling back and forth, back and forth. Colorado Nancy and I did it though. Our space is just to the left of the Junk Market sign.

Say a quick prayer ... we just saw on the weather radar that storms are headed our way!

One Day at a Time

2011-04-14T00:08:00.002-05:00

I know I promised more pictures of the upcoming Old Red Lumberyard Sale, but I have not had an extra minute to get that done. Also, a little grumpiness has been trying to sneak into my tight schedule.
So, I decided that I will tell myself all day that:

My friend, Jo Carol, found this sign for me. It makes me happy!!

2011-04-11T13:24:00.002-05:00

The Old Red Lumberyard Antique & Vintage Sale is this weekend in McKinney. I am going to be a vendor at this great sale for my first time. Colorado Nancy and I will combine our goods to sell you wares you just can't refuse.
We will be there
Friday, April 15th 9-5
Saturday, April 16th 9-5

I have been digging through my storage unit to bring you some really cool pieces.
Tons of metal architectural Ella-ments.

This is just in my small storage unit, I haven't even gone through where the big stuff is!

I even have a pretty pink cabinet door.

Old Red Lumberyard Antique & Vintage Sale
(Facebook Page)

600 E. Louisiana Street
McKinney, Texas

I will post more pics soon...

Sale Today!!

2011-04-09T09:17:00.005-05:00

Don't forget to come by The Antique Company Mall today and tomorrow. I am having my 20/20 coupon sale in both of my booths. Any items $20.00 and under will be discounted 20%.

Here are a few goodies in that price range I think you need.

I have even more for you in my back corner booth!

Print out your coupon and come on to McKinney...

(Watch for more information about the Old Red Lumberyard Sale where I will be setting up April 15th & 16th in McKinney.)

Coupon Sale during Art Walk

2011-04-06T14:24:00.001-05:00

McKinney Art Walk is this weekend.

Hop on over to their website for all of the details.

The Antique Company Mall where my booths are located will be open late 'til 8:00 Saturday evening with refreshments for customers.

I am running a coupon sale for my blogger friends.

Bring in this coupon to get your discount!

Can't wait to see ya!!

Two Texas Gals at Warrenton

2011-04-04T09:59:00.002-05:00

I want to share a few photos of a couple of my favorite Texas vendors at

Antique Week in Warrenton.

Theresa of Garden Antqs Vintage always has a fresh and inviting area.

Whites and luscious creams are her signature look.

Theresa just has a natural knack for creative display.

Mindy is from Royce City, Texas. She also has the talent of fun displays.

Loofah sponges on a stick- who would have thought to put them in some boots?

Even Mindy can make shag carpet look good!

Some of my Round Top finds

2011-03-29T21:51:00.001-05:00

Everyone keeps asking us what we bought at Round Top.
It all seems to be a blur to me right now...

The Tahoe was full by the end of first day shopping at Round Top. We located a trailer to rent, and went on our merry way of fine junk hunting.
We made it home a few days later only to realize we couldn't unload it in the garage like we normally do because our house is on the market. Fortunately we have a storage unit we rented for the "de-cluttering" you have to go through to get a house ready to put it up for sale. We seem to be filling it up at a quick pace.

We brought home some neat tables, carts, baskets and whatever we thought would make the look we have in mind. These are only pictures of the larger items.
We had some plastic bins full of smalls.

The giant springs are actually from an industrial vacuum system.

Mr. Ella is sweeping out the trailer at the end of a tiring day. He had to catch a plane to Midland a couple of hours later. I am sure he was exhausted.

I seem to have a weakness for anything round.

See what I mean?

I left you a few things at Roundtop...

2011-03-28T20:52:00.001-05:00

Mr. Ella and I just came back from the Roundtop/Warrenton antique show. We had a great time and bought some good stuff. Don't worry, we left plenty behind for all of you.

We left some pretty doors...

some baskets...

and some bins for you to dig through.
(Miles and miles of digging!!)

The road awaits you!
I will be sharing more photos soon...

ACM Bloggers

2011-03-10T08:44:00.002-06:00

Antique Company Mall has a few dealers who are also bloggers. Blogging is a wonderful tool for bringing in customers and developing relationships with them. I started my blog a few years ago and it sat there for 6 months before I finally pushed myself to really dive in. Once I did I wondered why I had waited so long.

Theresa at Garden Antqs Vintage.

Cindy at Junque Art.

Eileen at Marie Casa Bella.

Valerie at Bread & Butter.

Peggy and Elizabeth at Booth 58.

...And the newest kid on the block is none other than
MISTER ELLA!!

Gracefully Aged

2011-03-04T09:08:00.003-06:00

I have had so many readers ask me about the house I featered on my Winter blog banner. This is the "River House" in Minnesota and is in the book Celebrating Home - Seasons of Cannon Falls. The house was built in 1868 and was moved and restored in 2002.

Mr. Ella and I found a few of our own River Houses right here in Texas.

We recently wandered around Navasota oohing, aahing and dreaming.

The porch on my new old house, Romantic Prairie ,will look similar to this.

Another jewel that has aged with grace ( and lots of character).

Selling in an antique mall

2011-02-18T21:13:00.001-06:00

Want to be a dealer in an antique mall? Are you already in a mall, but you need a little boost? Vintage Rescue has a new E- book that is spot on.

I don't usually think of myself as a quick learner, but as soon as I went into the antique (junk) business I was off to the races. It was either sink or swim. This meant making plenty of mistakes, but learning from each one. This process is ongoing. I am always looking for new inventory, the latest trends and unique display ideas.

I started with a tiny booth upstairs that I shared with another dealer. Sales started out slow. I kept on experimenting with different inventory and styles. I somehow hit on a winning look when I just simply went with what I love. Not what I was trying to get rid of or some bargain item I couldn't pass up.

Items that I would decorate my own home with.

This was a huge milestone for me. I soon moved to a bigger booth downstairs and about a year after that I added another one. I have been having fun ever since!

One way to display that I have found successful is to put like items together. They can be similar in color,

a theme

or like items.

I also am a little fanatical about taking photos of my booths. Many of these end up on my blog, but I also have another purpose to snap a few. I look at these pictures when I get home and see things I didn't notice when I was there.

For example: You may not notice anything wrong with the displays in this picture. I saw something right off the bat that needed to be changed. You can see the stained glass doors in the next booth through the back of the white open shelves. The items displayed get lost among all of the colors.

I changed it the next day by hanging a burlap sack as a back drop. It may not seem like a huge difference to you, but it did change how the eye followed what was on the shelf.

I would never say I am an expert by any means. I still consider myself a newbie.

I would highly recommend buying the E-book: Selling in an Antique Mall.
An exerpt from the conclusion of the book -

Selling vintiques is a time-honored and honest way to make a living – in any economy. It won’t always be easy, but if you take the time to research the right location for you, set up your business professionally, take pride in your items and displays, and keep an eye on spending, you’ll succeed. If you’re selling what you love, it will be evident in your booth, and customers will notice.

I couldn't agree more!!

All done

2011-02-12T21:22:00.002-06:00

I FINALLY finished cleaning out the pantry!! I am not sure why it took me so long. Maybe because it wasn't very much fun.
I must congratulate Susie for noticing in my previous post that my spices are in alphabetical order. Sorting them like that makes it easy to find what you need without getting frustrated.
It also is the librarian coming out in me. I use to run a school library.

Go over to Susie's blog, From My Home to Yours and visit for awhile.
You will be glad you did.

My new favorite thing...Chalk Markers.
First I used black chalk paint on the tags and containers. Then I labeled them with the markers. When you want to make a change you just wipe it off with a damp cloth. That part of the pantry clean out was actually fun.

It sure is an improvement from this.
You will be glad to know this will be my last post about my pantry.

What's a Girl Gonna Do?

2011-02-04T21:28:00.000-06:00

Super Snow. Super Bowl. Super boring.
What did I find to do around the house the four days (in a row) I stayed home?

Well, I
1. Starting to declutter the house to get it ready to put on the market. Fun.
2. Watched HGTV.
3.Browsed my favorite blogs.
4. Found new favorite blogs.
5. Worked on my blogs.

6. Priced items to put in my booths.
7. Watched HGTV - again
8. Organized the photo boxes.
9. Cooked
10. Ate

Now, I warned you it was boring.

This is what we woke up to this morning. Underneath this pretty snow is a thick layer of ice that has been on the ground since Tuesday.

The Dallas Metroplex was hit hard. We are not used to this kind of weather.
Don't call us wimps.
Last Saturday it was 70 degrees. Just call us a little spoiled.

Snow plows that are rarely used are not exactly something the taxpayers want to pay for. We just don't get this kind of problem very often. I guess the Super Bowl should have been last week. The media would have been singing a better tune about us.

Anyway, I will jump down off of my soapbox and tell you about some of the new blogs I discovered. Who knew there was another family of bloggers out there I didn't know about. This would be what I am calling the Neatniks. They post about cleaning out closets, the pantry and junk drawers.
I was inspired to clean my pantry.
I learned you have to take everything out first. This can be a little disturbing when you discover you have spices from the 1980's you haven't used yet.
Not really, it was the 1990's...

I was starting to wonder how it all fit in there.

There, I have one section done! I wanted it to be so much cuter, but I couldn't get out of the house to go shopping for new baskets, liner and whatever it takes to motivate me to organize.
I will finish - tomorrow....

Find some Neatniks at:

Remodelaholic
Beneath My Heart (has more links...)
{Show & Tell}
Decor Chick
7294 Cottage Way

Have fun!

Have you heard?

2011-02-01T10:27:00.000-06:00

Have you heard?
Mr. Ella has expanded his booth at the Antique Company Mall!

He took the space next to his original spot.

The first change was a coat of Trail Print paint.
You can see his old booth in the background.

At this point he was wishing he could wave a magic wand and everything would just leap into place.

His look began to form.

Okay, I just might add when we are out and about looking for inventory to buy, Mr. Ella is focused on what he wants. I, on the other hand, am just sorta focused. My eyes and mind are all over the place wondering what I can do with something or how cute it is.
As they say, he has a good eye.

This arch sold quickly.

I helped corral these clocks in this old metal locker.

I also assisted him with other displays. You know, he can't be good at everything!
(It might be a little hard to live with...)

I love this old enamel utensil holder. He found this at one of our sources tucked way behind a bunch of furniture. I encouraged him to buy it because it is not something you see everyday.

Sales have already been good, so if you see anything you want in the pictures I suggest you come to McKinney soon!

New paths

2011-01-26T22:44:00.003-06:00

My last post suggested I had some news coming your way. Hop on over to my newest blog, Romantic Prairie, to find out about just one of several paths Mr. Ella and I are headed down during the next year.
I am excited to have you come along with us!

It's going to be a busy year

2011-01-14T10:11:00.001-06:00

Mr. Ella and I are fastening our seat belts for a fun and bumpy ride this year! We have some BIG changes coming our way over the next several months.

I will let you know more about some of these soon.

A small hint of what is to come...

We will have a little romance, all things quaint and a few growing pains sprinkled in.

Stay tuned for more to come!

What's Old is New for 2011

2011-01-04T10:00:00.004-06:00

I was so excited when I picked up the Dallas Morning News last Saturday morning.

- Top home decor trends for 2011-

Something old, something new. Something borrowed, something blue. While typically the refrain for most brides, this adage holds equally true for the top home decorating trends for the new year.

Well, this had my attention. In a nutshell, the article said that vintage will be hot this year.

That was sweet music to my ears!

Reading this started my mind to stirring. I began looking through my photos of Ella-ments I had snapped pictures of hoping they could be the inspiration to pull a new look together for 2011. The vintage light pictured above hangs in one of the Historic Homes in McKinney. I love the contrast of the glass crystals and the rough ship lap boards.

Another one of McKinney's homes has this gorgeous pressed tin ceiling.

I found some photos I took when I visited one of the best stores in North Texas to buy cool architectural stuff,

The Old Home Supply House in Fort Worth.

Industrial Chic is one of best styles out there right now. (In my opinion.)

Of course this old screen door with the bird caught my eye. I saw this on an earlier trip to the store, but it was gone the next time I was there. Go figure.

You really can't tell in this picture how huge these corbels are. They had another matching pair too.

Now, for a few ideas of the look you can create using reclaimed, vintage, industrial chic and repurposed goods... Most of the next photos of from

Country Living Magazine.

I must admit, this kitchen tempted me to want an old house again. I am calling this the Romantic Prairie Style. This kitchen could easily go in the house I am using for my blog banner. So many of you have asked about this beautiful house. I don't know where it is located.(Read Theresa C.'s comment about this house.)

I had someone email the photo to me and I borrowed it...

Who says the lights have to be matchy matchy?

Industrial Chic

Believe it or not, my Aunt Clara had a pink refrigerator. She always had such style.
I miss her and all of her charm.

So, I am bursting at the seams from eating too much and mostly from the decorating inspiration I have seen coming at me from all directions.

Bring on the new year, baby!!

Simply Ella

2010-12-22T22:26:00.003-06:00

This year's decorations at my home are simple and natural.
An evergreen wreath greets you as you enter.

Cotton, tallow berries and burlap are the main theme of the tree.

A few nests, birds and icicles also are hanging around.
My friend, Vernae, brought real cotton back for me from the fields of West Texas. Yippee !

Some of my other friends gave me Tallow berries to decorate with.

Thanks Theresa, Diane and Carole!

I think the cotton looks like snow on my tree.

I didn't want to hang every single million, zillion ornament I have on the tree so I found other ways they could still make an appearance. I literally tossed these blue and brown snowflakes in with the ironstone platters and walked away happy.

Easy peasy.

A few old light bulbs in with shredded paper and candles. Now that's going green.

Old ice skates seem to be "the thing" this year. I hung a pair of skates on an old white wooden column. I made the bells by stringing together two old light parts and one well used funnel.

I took burlap ribbon and wrapped an otherwise boring lampshade, then added one of Mr. Ella's spoon ornaments.

This glittered deer is hiding out on my kitchen island.

I thought I would just make an ornament wreath like I had seen on Eddie R's tutorial using a wire coat hanger. I skimmed over the directions and decided I would skip a step. The part where you glue the top to the base of the ornament. Well, do NOT skip this important step! The ornaments will begin to pop off as soon as you try to close the hanger back during the last step.

Anyway, I didn't hang my finished wreath in fear I would hear little crashes during the night. I think it looks pretty good though.
(It took about fifty ornaments for this...minus a few.)

Next year I will follow the directions.
Have a Merry Christmas!

2010-12-15T09:33:00.000-06:00

Okay, I just need a few more hours to each day.

A little decorating here, some shopping there, a little quack quack...oh, I got sidetracked again!!

I can tell by looking over at my blogroll that some of you are a tad busy too. A few of you haven't had any posts for a long time. We miss you and come on, post at least one pic so we know you are still out there!! I know you want to...

2010-12-07T22:39:00.003-06:00

Last week I took a couple of days off and went to visit family and friends in West Texas. My first stop was at my talented friend Roxanne's home for the Society for the Preservation of Quaint Old Homes December meeting. SPQOH for short.

Mercury glass and a vintage glass glitter banner-a great combo!

(I think Brandy made the banner and she has an etsy store...)

Love it.

I was feeling the coordinating goin' on.

Roxanne hand painted the walls, made the mosaic framed mirrors and created that awesome tomato cage Christmas tree. You go girl!

Who knew a simple crab apple tree branch could look so awesome?

Roxanne sent us all home with pine tree cuttings for us to plant.

She taught us you could also plant these pine cones to sprout a tree.

I think they are just cute like this.

Roxanne has more photos on her blog.

I hope you all have a Quaint Christmas too!!

Holiday Home Tour

2010-12-04T22:00:00.001-06:00

I went on the McKinney Holiday Home Tour today and was I ever WOWED!

The Nayak home in the Historic District was my absoute favorite home. The bad news is the sweet owners are moving. The good news is that the house is for sale.

(The tour is also Sunday.)

I will let the photos do the talking, so enjoy....

Thanks Seema! We will miss ya,

I'm Dreaming of a White (and Cream) Christmas

2010-11-22T23:07:00.001-06:00

At the beginning of the Christmas Season my first layer of decorating started with a very simplistic look. No fussiness or fancy bows here.

When most of that sold, I came up with this look and I liked it even better...

Next came a bed spring swag I conjured up then I adorned it with tiny bubble ornaments.

Up the aisle is Theresa's wonderful booth. She certainly has the touch.

And of course, Mr. Ella's booth. I think he is doing such a good job that I may have to let him do the Christmas decorating at home now. He didn't think about that, did he?

Colorado Nancy is a natural at great displays. Simple, but what a statement!

Come by this weekend and enjoy the downtown McKinney Christmas cheer...

I hope to see ya!

2010-11-18T07:51:00.005-06:00

I just wanted to remind everyone of my sale. It is CrAzY around here right now!

We will have wood and iron pieces.

A few fun art boxes, lots of bird items and even some real antiques.

And of course a bunch of rusty and crusty junque!

No extra charge for dust.

Can't wait to see ya,

Sale goodies

2010-11-15T08:00:00.003-06:00

I want to share a few photos of some of the goodies that will be in my sale this week. I have been cleaning out our inventory in the garage and also clearing my studio. I probably will have a tough time getting a price on everything, but I will give it my best.

I am parting with some of my pretty platters, but only if they go to a good home...

You will find an old wooden chicken coop, open frames, cool drawers and all that is shabby .
.

This is for those who have a special place in their heart (and home) for all that is chippy, rusty or crusty.
Thanks for all of the great emails . I have enjoyed talking to you all!

(Sales will begin when the door opens. Cash & checks will be accepted forms of payment.)

Mark your calendars!

2010-11-12T22:32:00.001-06:00

Ready, get set, mark your calendars!!

There is a reason I have been missing in action for some time now. I have been busy getting ready for an awesome sale!

Mr. Ella and I have been cleaning out the clutter and our growing inventory and we are ready to let it all go--to YOU!! We will even include irresistible prices... I will post some photos of a few of my favorite things later.

So, if you have been wanting an excuse to visit the Frisco, McKinney area, this is it.

( P.S. If you are a dealer, I have a secret for you. Email me...)

It's starting to feel like baking time...

2010-11-03T07:30:00.004-05:00

Pumpkin Spice Scones
1 C. all purpose flour
1 C. cake flour
1 1/2 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. ground cinnamon
1/2 t. ground nutmeg
1/4 t. ground allspice
1/4 t. ground ginger
6 T. unsalted butter
1/2 C. raisins (optional)
1/3 C. pumpkin puree
1/3 C. heavy cream
6 T. brown sugar
1 t. vanilla
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Get out a baking sheet and line with parchment paper (not required but makes cleanup easy!). Cut the butter into small pieces, put it in a small bowl and put it back in the refridgerator. In a medium bowl, combine both flours, baking powder, salt, and all spices. Whisk together well. Place bowl in freezer (refrigerator is fine if you have no room in freezer).
2. In a separate bowl, combine pumpkin, heavy cream, brown sugar, and vanilla. Whisk together well. Put this bowl in freezer (or refrigerator) and take the other bowl back out. Get the butter pieces out of the fridge and dump them into the bowl with the flour mixture. Cut the butter into the flour using a pastry blender or rub it in with your fingertips until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the raisins if you are using them.
3. Get the liquid mixture out of the freezer and pour into the flour mixture all at once. Stir with a wooden spoon until everything is just moistened. The dough will be very crumbly, this is the way it should be. Turn the mixture out onto the counter and push the pile together with your hands. It should stick together fairly well. Knead it just a couple of times until everything is together. Don’t knead it too much or the dough will get too sticky.
4. Pat the dough out into a rough circle, 3/4 to 1 inch thick. Cut it like a pie into 8 pieces. Place pieces on the baking sheet so that they are not touching. Bake scones for about 15 minutes at 425 degrees. They should be light brown on the bottom, the tops will darken as they cool.
Icing: For ginger molasses icing, stir together 1 T. molasses, 1-2 T. milk, and 1/4 – 1/2 t. ground ginger (to taste). Adjust the amount of sugar or milk to make the icing the consistency you want. It should be pretty thick. For cinnamon icing, mix together 1 C. powdered sugar, 2 T. milk, 1/4 – 1/2 t. cinnamon (to taste). Again, adjust amounts to change consistency. Icing can be brushed on or drizzled.

I found a great site for recipes. Nicole at Pinch My Salt is the best!

She includes easy to follow instructions and tutorials.

Now let's all get baking!!

The Big Reveal

2010-10-13T21:16:00.001-05:00

It is time to let you in on the secret .

Do you really want to know?

The new dealer is the one and only....

MR. ELLA!

Yepper, this is the man who wouldn't even get out of the car when we stopped at an antique shop while we were on our honeymoon. I vowed to myself then that I would have to teach this man to love the thrill of the hunt.

This was not an easy task though. It took almost 30 years of the Ella influence and determination to get to this point.
He is one of us now. A little scary, but fun.

About a month ago, Mr. Ella told me he wanted to have a booth downstairs at the ACM.

The only space available was a 5' x 10' booth.

Not too small, not too big. It was just right.

I helped him pick out the paint color (a muddy grayish brown) and the building of a booth began.

Framing the area with architectural pieces was like adding needed jewelry.

I will say Mr. Ella must have been paying attention to my quirky ways over the years...

The space is filled with a tasteful collection carefully selected by Mr. Ella.

Not too shabby, right?

Our shopping adventures will never be the same.

Way to go Honey!!!

New Dealer in McKinney

2010-10-06T22:29:00.002-05:00

There's a new dealer at the Antique Company Mall and you will never

believe who it is....

Anybody want to guess?

Garden Antqs at Warrenton

2010-10-04T22:28:00.001-05:00

My trip to Warrenton just would not have been complete until I spent time with Theresa of Garden Antqs Vintage.

Her booth was filled with a dreamy vanilla palette with her classic touch of robin egg blue.

Enjoy browsing!

Theresa is also set up in the Antique Company Mall in McKinney, Texas.

Just up the aisle from Ella's corner booth.

Through Ella's eyes

2010-09-30T23:16:00.000-05:00

Do you want to see what caught my eye while I wandered around the Marburger Farm Antique Show?

Stunning trays.

Pretty Pom-poms.

Dazzling ribbon.

The new hot look.

The interesting look.

The worn look.

My favorite look.

The other hot look.

And the ... "if you have enough of anything, throw it all together to get a look".

It was fun walking through the tents and downloading the visuals to that creative side of my brain where I jumble it up and wallah, the Ella look!

Home, for the moment

2010-09-29T21:45:00.004-05:00

Well, my bags are out of the car, but not unpacked. Mr. Ella and I just rolled in from one of our most relaxing trips to the Roundtop/Warrenton Antique Show. I hope to share more pics with you soon!

Oktoberfest is in full swing

2010-09-24T21:42:00.004-05:00

Oktoberfest in McKinney has started! A fun and festive mood is in the air around The Antique Company Mall.

The streets have been blocked off and dealers like Cindy R. and Carolyn have moved in with their wares displayed with their creative touch.

More dealers will be setting up for Saturday's events. I can't wait to see what they bring...

Around the corner, Patina Green is all decked out for Fall. This wonderful table setting greets you as you walk in the front door. If I owned an old barn, I just simply would have to get the whole package for my Thanksgiving Feast with the fam.

I LOVE white pumpkins!!

If you can get to McKinney this weekend, you won't regret it...

Come on over!

(Oh, did I tell you that many of the dealers in the ACM have discounts in their booths?)

Fall at the Mall

2010-09-13T21:57:00.004-05:00

Antique Company Mall is starting to show hints of Fall. Octoberfest is coming soon. September 24th & 25th the downtown McKinney square will be bustling with sales all along the streets and flowing into the stores.

This old painting in Booth 58 caught my eye.

Neat Stuff (Carolyn) never disappoints with her seasonal displays.

I just started adding some Autumn flavor to my corner booth. More to come soon...

Are you ready?

2010-08-29T20:30:00.001-05:00

Are you ready for some Football ?

Or maybe - Are you ready for some Photos?

My Saturday was a junker's visual overload for sure. My Dear Hubby and I headed out early to East Texas. We had scheduled our day to start at Judy Hill's

Late show in Kilgore.

Theresa of Garden Antqs was set up in a beautiful and relaxing setting.

I couldn't pass up a chance to catch a pic of two lovebirds!

Cubby full of pretty ribbons.

My favorite , creams...

We wandered up to Judy's house to roam around. We didn't get to the sale as early as we had planned and we were told everything was picked over. Theresa has some great pictures of the show before all the shoppers demolished the awesome displays.

Here are a few of my favorite things.

Now that is talent to take old surgical clamps and make them absolutely gorgeous.

Okay, the reason we didn't get to the Late show as early as planned is because we stopped in Canton at Laurie Anna's Open House. She has moved next door to her original store, but there is much more room.

Pumpkins greet you as you enter. Yummy chandies give you a sparkly wink as you walk around in marvel at the incredible displays.

I was in burlap and cream HEAVEN!

Gorgeous table settings at every turn.

More of my little peace.

Lauri Anna's is open during Canton's Monday Trade Days.

If you have a chance to go-by all means GO!!

Change

2010-08-25T10:54:00.000-05:00

I have a hard time keeping up with posting current photos of my booths in McKinney because they are always changing. Most of the time it is because of customer purchases, but other times I just have the itch to rearrange.

The front booth boasts my Reserved for Customers sign which was one of my favorite Canton spree buys.

My Dear Hubby made the lamp out of an old kerosene lamp base and I thought a minnow bucket shade would cast the coolest pattern on the wall.

A touch of dried flowers in an old ice cream can and a sweet lavender bunch MDH picked on our Lavender Farm stop in Oklahoma.

This table arrangement sold very quickly. I had a metal chicken feeder loaded with plates. Wouldn't this be all the talk for a buffet at a party? I found another chicken feeder and will add it to my booth when I redo for Fall.

I am hoping to get some more of these hard to find battery jars in the next couple of months.

After my first display sold I added the rusty metal look. The metal rectangle thingy at the back of the table sold within days of rearranging. I have no idea what the original purpose was, but it makes an awesome vignette setting.

Now, to my back corner booth. I have had more fun with this long wall. I had a mantle there for the first few months until it sold. I didn't know how much I would miss it though. Change is good. It forces us to do things we wouldn't have had the opportunity to do or the incentive to start.

The newest look: a cubby cabinet from Kansas.

I am treating the top as my new mantle.

Stop by and experience the changes...

Every Birdie Welcome

2010-08-11T21:48:00.002-05:00

I recently hinted about the art project I will be teaching at the High Cotton Art Retreat in October. I had fun pulling this together for us to assemble. We will have tin snips cutting, hammers pounding and glue stuck to all ten fingers.

Each assemblage will be unique for each student.

Below is my little blurb that is with my project photo at the

High Cotton Art Camp Blog

"Join in on the funkiness of transforming found objects from the past into an art piece for today.
Mix architectural elements, an array of vintage papers and old tart tins to elevate them to a new life every birdie would love.
The project is a multi-step process where you will learn the best tried and true methods for assemblage.
So, bring your quirkiness and get ready to create! "

(We will also attach a letter stamped spoon hook to the bottom...)

The Wonderful World of Blog Friends

2010-08-07T19:23:00.009-05:00

Blogland has the best people! I was tickled when Lisa of Tarnished and Tattered walked into the Antique Co. Mall last week. She was there meeting even more blog friends. It wasn't long before Cindy of Yapping Cat Studio and Angela of Filigree Moon ( with her sweet daughter, Valerie) wandered in to look around.
It was such a joy to show them around. They giggled, oohed and aahed all around the store. All three bloggers have posted about their little day trip and the fun they had.
It was my honor and pleasure to be a part of their McKinney experience!

High Cotton Art Camp

2010-08-03T09:34:00.002-05:00

Ella is elated to share the news of the coolest, peachy keen, trendy,chi chi

ART RETREAT.

I am on cloud nine to be one of the participating instructors!

What am I teaching you might ask?

I will give you a couple of hints below...

It has something to do with re- purposing.

And birds and nests, of course!!

Check out the High Cotton Art Camp Blog.

The oh so talented coordinators are adding new info often.

I can't wait for October!!

Welcome!

2010-08-01T19:40:00.005-05:00

I would like to welcome Theresa of Garden Antqs Vintage to the Antique Company Mall in McKinney. I am bursting at the seams with excitement to have her here.

I will let Theresa show off her awesome space on her blog, so I am going to just tease you with one little pic.

Come by and visit soon!!

Summer's End

2010-07-30T20:35:00.002-05:00

We all know as soon as we start seeing the school supplies hit the store shelves that our Summer vacation time is winding down. A few days back I was walking around the Antique Mall and noticed a few sprinkles of Summer I would like to share with you.

These bathing beauties were hangin' out in one of Carolyn's booths. I think these bathing suits were made with wool. Hmm, wool, sun, heat and water. I would like to take this moment to thank the inventor of Spandex.

Peggy and Elizabeth are a mother/daughter team that really know how to put a theme look together. They recently moved downstairs and I am always curious to see what fun they will come up with next.

Ironstone compliments every season. I am not sure why I haven't been collecting it over my almost 30 years of marriage. It goes with everything!

Eileen is not new to the mall, but is downstairs now where she has much more room.
You gotta love the Harbor paint by number picture.

More ironstone with a great look in Colorado Nancy's booth.

My friend Jo Carol and her daughter Emily finally came to McKinney to tour around. Jo Carol kept asking me why I hadn't told her how wonderful downtown was.

(I only have been telling her for three years now...)

We had the best time. I hated to see them go.

Enjoy what is left of Summer!!

Make each day count.

Have fun and act old later.

Even More

2010-07-23T19:02:00.005-05:00

I had to take a picture of this cute desk in the window at the store Patina Antiques & Home during my last visit to Colorado.

I thought it described my life right now to a tee.

Although, my drawers might be labeled Junk, more Junk and even more Junk.

One of the definitions of junk on Reference.com is:
"Discarded material, such as glass, rags, paper, or metal, some of which may be reused in some form."

Hmm, I think that must be one of my callings!

Lavender

2010-07-18T19:06:00.004-05:00

One of my goals for the Summer was to find a place to pick lavender. So, near Shawnee, Oklahoma I found the Country Cottage Primitive Lavender Farm .

We decided to make a stop there on our way back from our buying trip in Kansas.

If you read my post about our Kansas trip, you will know there was barely enough room left for even a little bit of lavender. We were given instructions on which stems to pick , the proper way to cut them and walking among the plants protocol. This all was not exactly how I had my pictured my peaceful picking time in my mind.

Way too many rules!

We were told that a tornado had been through and damaged some of the structures and all of the extra rain had limited their crop. I thought it all was still really pretty anyway. My Dear Hubby lasted about 45 minutes longer out there picking than I did. It was HOT!

The Diva and I decided to hang out for awhile, but all and all it was a pleasant stop and the car had a great lavender scent all the way home...