Makers better make it a point to sign up for Indie Craft Parade!

I have been a supporter and promoter of Indie Craft Parade since its beginning.....and I am so proud of my friends Erin Godbey + Elizabeth Ramos for the fantastic show they have created.If you are a maker anywhere near my great city of Greenville, SC you need to enter to be in this show! Call for entries is going on right now and ends this Sunday June 23 at midnight!Visit the brand spankin'new website and register right here.

New in the shop: Concrete tea cups + metal numbers

I always love when boxes arrive at the shop full of new goodies to put out. I have been busy placing orders for all kinds of new Knack finds....including wooden whales, driftwood arrows, chemistry beaker vases, green glass fisherman vases, matches, utility scissors, pillows, etc.......the latest finds to arrive are these sweet tea cup planters made from concrete {$10 ea} and awesome little zinc numbers{$5 ea}. Customers are loving the little numbers for special dates, and we had a couple this past weekend who purchased their wedding date.....how fun is that?!Expect new things arriving every month, and I will be sure to keep you posted!For those of you wondering about new furniture designs...aka "knackage".... in the works? Never fear, because along with all of this ordering of new goods there is also mucho furniture in the works. Two new pieces finished this week, with 7 others waiting in the wings.....not to mention 3 more pieces being picked up tomorrow for a top secret Fall project.Always exciting.....never a dull moment!xo,Barb

Turn away from wrath

via pinterest

I am not always the best at this, and tend to want to fight back....{which is necessary sometimes. wink! }.....but in life I have learned it is always a good idea to let soft answers turn away wrath.

xo,

Barb

A chair named Flora

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! I know I sure did.....because we were at the lake! There is nothing like taking daily boat rides, jumping into the lake from rope swings high in the trees, tubing, and jet skiing......it is just so much fun, and a special time with family and friends. I am still a bit sore today for a lot of reasons...but the main one being, I agreed to get on the "black mamba", (new jet ski that can reach speeds of 75 mph on the water!), with my husband at the helm.... and everything was going swimmingly until we hit a wake....and I went flying! Hah! I got the wind knocked out of me and the right side of my face and neck are still smarting from the impact with the water.....but it was still fun....and I'm glad that I can still wipe out and remain somewhat intact. I'm ready to go back and play some more, but that will have to wait for another day......because.....Flora is patiently waiting in the wings for her big introduction. I am sure some of you have caught a glimpse of her in pictures previously, but today is her day to shine. I created Flora for the book, and picked her specifically for the seat upholstery project. (pgs.114- 117) Flora's "finished and famous" shot is on pg. 161 of Furniture Makeovers.Flora is available for sale locally in the Knack shop ($225), and can be shipped as well. Please let me know if you are interested in her, and I will make it happen!Have a great day!xo,Barb

My sweet little stool

 When I was in Maryland for my book signing, I did a little shopping in the Sweet Clover barn.... And I plucked this super delightful metal and wood stool out of Cassie and Sarah's booth Persephone.Delightful I tell you!xo,Barb

Never sacrifice permanence on the altar of the immediate

via pinterest

I have had some thoughts cross my mind lately as I have observed my own humanity + humanity around me. Something that has stirred my soul and muddied the waters of my thoughts is this: Why do we feel as though we have to make exceptions, choose what we really don't want, settle, compromise, ....grasp?....

......Whatever happened to integrity, diplomacy, dying to self, loving others, ethics, truth and contentment? What is meant for you will not pass you by, and there is great peace in a life lived bathing in this truth.

Be still.

xo,

Barb

What I'm reading... At the moment

I have seen lots of Summer reading lists going around, and since I am headed to the lake for a few days this weekend I thought I would share the books I am currently reading..... Or getting ready to start!1. Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand- I love anything about World War II and the men and women who were part of this era inspire me so very much.2. Follow Me by David Platt- Simply because it comes highly recommended by people I love.3. Strengths Finder 2.0 by Tom Rath- because there is always more to learn and improve on.xo,Barb

Her name is Selma, and she is a winner

Hello everyone, and welcome to Monday morning! I thought I would start the week off with miss Selma....because she is bright and fun and energetic....all of which I am not today! Hah!I created Selma for the book....specifically the waxing tutorial, so not only is she happy and bright....she is a superstar! I chose the turquoise color paired with the reds because it is one of my "constants" when it comes to color combinations. This is my signature turquoise color that I started out with years ago when I first started painting...and I never tire of it....ever.Selma is available in the online shop as well as the store. So scoop her up and bring her home if you likey like!xo,Barb