finding inspiration

November 11, 2015January 19, 2016 | circadee

November really brings a battle between Christmas enthusiasts and those standing-up for Thanksgiving from a decorating/shopping standpoint, doesn’t it? I mean who doesn’t love Thanksgiving? No one wants to skip the feast. However, some are overlooking the cornucopia for the twinkling Christmas lights immediately after Halloween. I’ve always been a fan of keeping autumn harvest decor fresh, until the day after Thanksgiving when it is game-on for Christmas decorating.

As I’ve ventured further into the retail world I can understand why Christmas comes immediately following Halloween. It is a very glitzy, very short selling season. A lot of effort goes into merchandising for the holidays yet the season is definitely shorter than autumn harvest. Perhaps that is why we’re seeing it grow just a little more every year, annoying as it may be to poor Thanksgiving. With that said, I may even be behind the eight ball in getting all of my holiday inventory on the sales floor. Yes, I surely am.

For me, November is all about balance. Autumn harvest at home with Christmas on the brain and in the store. While looking for inspiration for the season, I found some of my favorite holiday themed signs that I’ve painted over the past four years. Here are the highlights…

Santa on a barn door is definitely a favorite which I’ve replicated again and again.

Holly Jolly Christmas is indeed available now at The West End Garage.

Believe is always a crowd pleaser.

The deer is a favorite from last year and it ended up in the home of a family member. I may just have to make another one for 2015!

Probably not my favorite work but any reference to classic Bedford Falls is a winner!

I love the juxtaposition of the message and the rustic canvas here.

Moose Lodge is another one that I’ve done a few times. Not necessarily reserved for Christmas either.

How’d this one sneak in here?

And the original “On the Way to Cape May” sign! This one started it all.

Well, we’re most certainly off of the Christmas track now and perhaps back on harvest. The sunflower seed packet resides at my parents. I didn’t have the heart to sell it. It’s possibly my all time favorite.

I’ve got a thing for fonts and vintage inspired signs which led me to start a pinterest board dedicated to other handmade holiday inspired signage. Check it out here.

Where do you stand on the whole Thanksgiving/Christmas decorating debate?

chicken coop coffee table

August 25, 2015 | circadee

Our latest upcycled victim is a fantastic old crate which was once a chicken coop. I’d imagine that chickens were transported to and from auction in this coop. Feathers flying as the birds were off to find a new farm to call home.

The coop is larger than most that I’ve seen in the past and a bit more rudimentary in construction. The wear and aging on the wood can’t be matched. It has that perfectly weathered & washed out color that retailers like Restoration Hardware try to replicate.

We removed the door from the top of the coop as it was raised and not conducive to a new life as a coffee table. Over the opening there is now a large piece of glass making it functional again. We added casters to elevate the coop to coffee table height and, of course making it mobile.

I always love a good coop coffee table. We’ve transformed a few over the years! This one is for sale at The West End Garage.

Did you spy the Victorian pink baluster lamp? Another new upcycle from Circa Dee! This one might be a keeper though. It’s still up in the air. We’re working on this living space so we’ll see how things shake out. That color & patina though…

favorite finds for the home

January 15, 2015January 15, 2015 | circadee

I’ve never properly shared my newest vintage obsession in my home. That bright orange industrial school locker nestled between vintage French country toile curtains and an amateur ship captain oil painting. None of it makes any sense but it doesn’t have to, does it?

And would you believe my number 1 picker and brother found that flaming orange locker on a curb? No shame in his game. Or mine since I paid him for his haul. Destined for a landfill no more, my friends. It now houses all of the wood stove accoutrements.

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room, shall we? The wood stove is a brand new addition this winter. It is serving us well as our primary source of heat. Ryan installed the slate tile hearth and I must say that he did a bang up job bringing the rustic vibe I was seeking. We picked up the iron log holder on our last trip to Brimfield. I love this cozy corner in our home which is an eclectic mash up of so many vintage styles. It has set the tone for the direction of the rest of our house.

And do I need to mention the vintage walnut & mohair chairs again? Because I will. American furniture designer Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates circa 1970. They go for about three grand on 1st dibs. Unbelievable. Let’s just say I paid less than 1% of that and didn’t have an idea of their value until I researched the label. Neither did the seller obviously. My most prized find to date! It certainly pays to buy (or trash pick) what catches your eye. Always trust your gut when shopping for vintage.