SNAP AND SHARE :: a fun Chalk Paint® contest

Pre-contest Promo  

Annie Sloan has come up with a fun and creative contest!  They are asking customers to take their photo in front of their local stockist Chalk Paint® display, submit the photo online, and then encourage friends and family members to vote.  The wining contestant wins $1500 worth of Annie Sloan product.  How fun is that?!?

Can you imagine $1500 worth of product?!?  So fun!!

If you want to participate, you can always call or email and I will be happy to meet you at the shop.  I will even take your picture for you ;-)

OK, I am off to go bake some cupcakes with my little helper,  and cheer on the Trojans!!  Go USC!!

Have a great weekend!!

COME PAINT :: first Friday of every month

I am really enjoying being 'open' at the design studio on Fridays!  The girls and I are there every Friday from 9am-6pm.

I have a few exciting things up my sleeve for the studio.  The first one :: I have decided to open up the back work room to you....my lovely customers!

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Yep, a time where you can bring your project{s}, ask questions, learn tips and paint away.  I have found that sometimes it's just easier to work on a project at a designated time and/or location.

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I am hoping that by making the work room available to you guys, you will be inspired to create!!

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Here are the details....

BRING YOUR PROJECT || EVERY FIRST FRIDAY

WHEN ||  every first Friday of the month

TIME  ||  open~come any time from 1pm-4pm

WHERE  ||  543 West Main Street, the work room

WHAT  ||  Bring your own project to work on.  Use our space, brushes and rags. I will be available {in between customers} to answer questions and offer tips.

COST ||  $10.  Feel free to bring you own Chalk Paint® and wax, or you can purchase it when you arrive. We won't have our opened paints and waxes available to use, as we do with our classes.

** no need to rsvp, just come and go at your convenience during the designated hours**

I truly value your input and ideas.  I want the studio to serve as a place of creativity and inspiration!  Please feel free to throw out ideas and thoughts on what you would like to see offered!!

THE DESIGN STUDIO :: a few Fall touches

I have added a few Fall touches to the cottage, and am just now getting around to posting a few photos.

I would categorize my holiday decorating style as simple.

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I found these 'carve-able pumpkins' at Joanne's Fabric.  They were bright orange, and I wanted something a little more muted.  I slapped on two coats of 'VERSAILLES' Chalk Paint®, buffed them with wax, and called it good.  I think it took less than 30 minutes!

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They sit proudly on the kitchen countertop, next to the sink.

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Last winter we painted the fir hutch 'CHATEAU GREY' {Chalk Paint®}.  It adds a warm touch to the room and looks great with the bold colors of the paint samples.

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This winter I plan on painting the inside of the hutch.  I can't decide if I should add some fun color, or just stick with the 'CHATEAU GREY'.

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I did have cute little pumpkins scattered on this trunk, but I just realized my little helper must have moved them ;-)

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And a few Fall touches outside!

Now I am off to go bake a pumpkin dump cake!  I will post the recipe and photos tomorrow!!

xoxo~Darci

NOW OFFERING :: balloons

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 I think it's safe to say that we all love a good party!

I have been slowly adding party and entertaining items to the shop.  Growing a collection of items that I use, and want to make readily available for all of you!

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With the various events I have hosted and coordinated, I have always had a problem getting balloons.  I can't find the color or shape I want, and I am limited to how many I can purchase {because of the helium shortage}.

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So, I just decided to purchase balloons in bulk and lease a helium tank.  Now I always have access to balloons!!

You can also purchase them for your next event!!  So fun right?!?  I will have more details to come.  In the mean time, we are enjoying balloons for every occasion ;-)

BEFORE + AFTER :: our cottage {the magazine photos}

I thought I would post a few before + after photos of our little cottage on Main Street.  This is what the little cottage looked like when we bought it :: over-grown, in need of repair, but really sweet bones.

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The back of the house had a funky addition.

We tore it down because we just couldn't figure a good use for the space.

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The upstairs attic had drywall and carpet, but the ceilings were too low for the space to be livable.  We ripped everything down to the studs.

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Matt had to install load bearing beams downstairs to gain the extra height needed to make the upstairs space livable.

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Four years later, our little cottage was featured on the cover of This Old House magazine.

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They also did a separate article on our upstairs space.

We turned half of the upstairs space into an office, and the other half into a master suite.

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Matt built shelves, file drawers and countertops to fit the space perfectly.

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The flooring is a vinyl flooring.

It was in-expensive, easy to install and easy to clean.  I loved it!

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We had this funny little space at the top of the stairs, we turned it into a little sitting area.

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Matt built everything for the master suite.

The stairs of the house are narrow, and we knew we couldn't get furniture up the stairs.  He sure comes in handy ;-)

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The bed is built in and has basket storage underneath.

We really utilized every inch of space upstairs.  Space wasn't a luxury we had with this house, so we had to get creative!

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We were able to fit a walk in shower, two sinks, a toilet, two built-in medicine cabinets and a floor to ceiling linen closet all in this little space.

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I have more pictures to post of the rest of the house, but I will have to add those later as I hear a sweet little toddler is just waking up from her nap!

In the mean time, have a lovely day!!

 

FALL VINTAGE SALE :: a few pics

On Friday, the Queen Bee {Emily and Anne} and I hosted a Fall Sale.  It was A.LOT.OF.WORK but so much fun!!  It was too crazy busy Friday night to snap any pictures of the actual sale, or any pictures with us girls.  But, I did snap a few photos as we were setting up....

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We lucked out with AMAZING Fall weather.  Especially considering the nasty windy and rainy weather we had for the 10 days leading up to the sale!!

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We loaded the front porch with treasures and we had some fun things out in the front yard as well.

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Friday night's preview sale was crazy!  People started filtering in around 4:45 {it started at 5pm} and we didn't have a minute to breath until 8:15 {it ended at 8pm}!

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Anne and Emily brought some beautiful furniture pieces!!

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We had 7 vendors {including me and the Queen Bee girls}.  All of the girls were so easy to work with!!  Not to mention hard workers and super creative.  I am bummed that I didn't snap a picture of Amy with all of her beautiful baked goods!!

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Fun.....right?!?!

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The interior of the studio was filled to the brim!

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MIX fabrics is this adorable new fabric shop in Lafayette.  Super cute fabrics and fun vintage + handmade items!!

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Anne's mom {Barb} made these beautiful velvet pumpkins.  Aren't they beautiful?!?

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Anne made these darling Fall signs....I now have one on my back deck and I love it!!

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I made some signs, bunting, garlands, wreathes, and had other home decor items from the studio.

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I also had the chance to talk 'Chalk Paint' with some new customers.  It was a wonderful weekend!!  But, I am happy to now have extra time to snuggle and love on my littles!  They were great sports {not to mention my amazing husband} to put up with me being gone so much over the weekend.

I am so very blessed to be surrounded by lovely friends and a wonderful family!!

The Queen Bee girls and I are tired....but there was a little talk of a Christmas event.....who knows.....{wink wink}

xoxo~Darci

FALL VINTAGE SALE :: the vendors

We are getting last minute preparations finished for our Fall Vintage Sale. It's going to be a great weekend....and the weather forecast looks promising!!

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I have been working on little projects for the sale.

I can't wait to see what THE QUEEN BEE girls bring!!  Anne and Emily are so talented....and they are super sweet!

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The girls of MIX FABRICS are bringing their love of fabric to the sale.  They have a great collection of vintage dishes, awesome fabrics and all sorts of ridiculously cute items.  I can't wait to see how they set everything up!

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Blue Raven is going to be selling their delicious pies...and there equally delicious {and even cuter} mini pies.

Kristen will be ushering in Fall with her beautiful Fall floral arrangements and other creative items.....Amy will be baking some delicious sweet treats......

It's going to be a fun time.  And, from the way things are shaping up, you may want to come Friday night to be sure to have first dibs at all of the goods!!

See you next weekend!!

xoxo~Darci

FALL EVENTS & CLASSES :: at a glance

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Hello and happy Saturday!

I am just popping in to let you know that I updated the FALL SCHEDULE.  I will be sure to showcase each event as the time gets closer.  I am really excited for the Vintage Sale October 4th and 5th.  I am teaming up with some super talented ladies and we are going to have ourselves a fun, Fall inspired Vintage Sale.  And of course I LOVE hosting the entertaining classes, it's going to be a fun Fall for sure!  More details to come!!

Have a lovely weekend!

Fall event schedule

 

THE DESIGN STUDIO :: things are always changing

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I am having so much fun at the Design Studio on Fridays!  It has been such a treat to meet so many sweet and creative ladies.  Part of the fun, is that I am always changing things up and adding to the space.  These pictures are from a few weeks ago and they are already so dated!!

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I have already changed the front porch since I took this picture, but I will have a long ways to go until I get it 'right where I want it'.  

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I have an order of candles due to arrive any day.  These COCO & BUBBLES candles have been so popular....and for good reason!  They burn clean, smell fabulous and at $18.50 each, they are a great buy!

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I am really excited about the party supplies!

I love to throw a party, and it is especially fun when you have cute products!!  I have some really great new items due to arrive in the studio over the next few weeks.  I will be sure to keep you posted!

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Once we get past the 'newborn stage' with baby Savanna, I plan on having fun drinks and treats each Friday.

 **side note** I have absolutely no desire to rush through the 'newborn stage'!!  I love cuddling with my sweet little girl and am trying to savor every moment of her sweetness!  So sweet friends, it may be a while until I have the drinks and treats on Friday because I just don't want my little one to grow up!

OK friends...that's all for now!  Go and have a wonderful weekend!!

BEFORE + AFTER :: coffee table

Hello friends!

Last Saturday I loaded Addilyn into the car, left a crying baby {with Matt},  and ventured out to a garage sale.

If I am completely honest with you, I don't enjoy garage sale-ing.  I know a lot of people who love it.  I wish I was cool like that.  I am just not.  But, I need a few pieces of furniture for the new covered patio, and I hate asking my sweet {and quite talented hubby} to always build something for me.

We went to one garage sale.

One.

Pretty pathetic.

But, we did see some old friends so it was a great time of chatting and catching up with each other.

Also, I walked away with this little gem.

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$10.

Done.

Sold.

I am not a negotiator, it's just not my thing - kind of like garage sale-ing - but I digress.

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It is sturdy, and just the right size for an outdoor coffee table.

The legs are wood, and the top shelves covered in a wood laminate {quite 70's}.

I lightly sanded the laminate and wiped off the dust.

Then I painted her Old Violet.

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Just two, light coats.

Slightly sanded, then waxed.

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The entire process took less than two hours.

Did I mention that I painted right over laminate?!?

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That is the beauty of Chalk Paint® decorative paint, it's made for impatient girls like me!

Happy Painting friends!

OPEN HOUSE :: and inspiring creativity

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Thank you to all of the lovelies who made their way to Carlton to help us celebrate our Open House!  Friday marked our first official day of this new chapter in our business.  I have dreamed {for years} of having a creative space to inspire others and work on projects.  I feel so blessed to now be at that point in my life! candles

Every Friday, the design studio will be open from 9am-7pm.

My little collection of home decor, vintage items and handmade goods continues to grow.  My hope is to have items rotating every week.  So, for the fabulous gals {and men} who want to stop by every week, there will always be something new and different.  We will have our various classes every month in the new workroom Matt remodeled.  Once I have finished decorating the workroom, I will post pictures!

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I am really excited to offer unique and fun party supplies!  I always struggle with finding items I want when it comes time to throw a party.  I searched high and low to find my favorite items.  There are still items I want to add, but this way it is super easy for YOU to find little treasures when you are ready to throw a party!

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My little assistant truly is a joy to be around!  She loves helping and 'painting'.  What a treat to get to be with my sweet little girls all day.  Some days they drive me crazy, but I know before long they will be in school and I will miss all of our times together!

Thanks again to new friends and old friends that made their way to Carlton this weekend, it truly was a treat!

Have a lovely holiday!

THE LOFT :: busy season

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Well, the month of May signals the beginning of the busy season for us in wine country.

The the past five years, the vacation rentals have kept me super busy from May until November.  I am really enjoying just have the LOFT space to rent out, it is quite a bit more manageable than two vacation rentals!

I was thinking this morning of a few of our favorite little weekend get-away places here in Oregon, I thought I would share them with you!

The Inn at Canon Beach

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Canon Beach is one of my favorite beaches along the Oregon coast.  There are many lovely places to stay, but The Inn at Canon Beach is fabulous.

Camp Sherman

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I have great memories of staying in Camp Sherman with dear friends.  I know that wonderful memories make a place seem so much sweeter.  But, Camp Sherman is a beautiful and charming place to stay or camp if you want some Oregon sunshine and fresh mountain air!

Timberline Lodge

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It's been years since I have stayed at Timberline Lodge, but it is a beautiful and magical place to stay, especially during the holidays.  When I last stayed, we went snow skiing all weekend, but I know it would be a great place to stay even if you didn't ski or snowboard!

I am sure other fabulous places will come to mind, and there are so many great places all over Oregon!  I would love to hear of other places you have stayed in Oregon!!

shop update :: adding CHALK PAINT decorative paint soon!

Matt gets back late tonight from a two day training in North Carolina.  Why would a sweet man like my husband fly all the way across the US just days before our new little bundle of joy is due???  Because I encouraged him too...and we are crazy like that!!  {Well, anyone who knows us knows we are not crazy, actually a bit too practical and even boring at times!!;-}  And, it's a really cool product that we want to be able to stock sooner than later!

We are really excited to be offering Chalk Paint decorative paint at the shop.  This product is amazing.  Seriously, I can't wait to share more about it.  If you haven't heard of it, you should check out the website.  

I hope to have the online shop updated {with the Chalk Paint} by the end of the week.  I will keep you posted!!

Look at a few of these beautiful furniture pieces done with chalk paint....

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 All of these beautiful images are from the Annie Sloan website.

Aren't they lovely?  Soon I will post a few pieces that I have refinished and currently have sitting in the shop.  We plan on opening shop next month....I promise to share more details soon!

In the mean time, have a lovely Spring day!

SHOP UPDATE :: dash + albert

I figured it has been a few weeks since I have given a shop update!  My how time flies!

I am still busily working on filling our little shop space.  I really want this space to be unique and full of items that I love.

SIDE NOTE **We are going to be offering a product that I am super excited about.  I can't quite spill the beans yet......we won't be able to stock the product until the middle of April......so we are planning on a late May grand opening.  I will be sure to keep you posted!**

In the mean time, I want to show you a line of fabulous rugs, pillows, and throws that we will be offering.

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Clean, fun, fresh and full of color.

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Aren't they so fun?  And you won't believe how durable they are!  Oh, and did I mention they come in so many different color options??  What's not to love?!?

They will be available on our website and at the shop.

I will be sure to keep you posted!

xoxo~Darci

COCO & BUBBLES:: all natural soy candles

So, the shop is finally coming together.  I still have a lot of little details to work out, but it is finally taking shape!   We have some really exciting lines and products that we will be carrying!!  I thought I would share with you one of my {many} favorite new products we will be carrying.

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COCO & BUBBLES || all natural soy candles

These are the best.

Seriously.

I have one burning nearly every day :: they smell delicious, but not over powering :: they burn forever, and they burn clean :: the fragrance is Phthalate free {something that is very important to me, especially with little ones in the house!}

And, don't you love their packaging?  Simple, clean and fresh.  When you bring one {or two} of these little darlings home with you, I even place them in their own little burlap bag...so cute!

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I can't wait to be able to offer them to you!!

Soon friends, very soon.....

In the mean time, have a lovely weekend!!

**both images are from the COCO & BUBBLES website**