My First Tablescape Thursday - Fall Lunch for Two

So excited to participate in my first Tablescape Thursday sponsored by Between Naps on the Porch. I decided to start out simple and pretend I was setting the table for myself and a close friend. Hence the name, "A Fall Lunch for Two." I used only what I already had on hand. To keep things light and airy, I opted for a monotone color palette.
What I used:

Table and chairs - antique oak English dough table from a North Carolina flea market

Chair seat cover - vintage grain sack

Plates - vintage white Independence Ironstone by Interpace

Napkins - linen from Pottery Barn

Flatware - stainless steel by Dansk

Glasses - vintage finds from a yard sale

Small silver salt & pepper shakers - vintage finds from a yard sale

Table runner - made from new linen. To learn how to make one for your table see my tutorial, "A Simple Table Runner."

Glass candle stick and candle - Pottery Barn

This was such a fun project. I will definitely give it another try again some time soon. Please let me know if you have designed a tablescape. I so enjoy seeing the creativity of others.

Home and Store Connection Part II

A few weeks ago I wrote about the connection between my favorite stores and the homes of the people who own them. It seems to me, if I love a store it follows that I also admire the home of the store owner. Such is the case with Genevieve's Home and Garden and store owner Christi Tacy's house.

On my previous post, I featured Christi's newly remodeled bathroom and promised a story on her store's November 6th holiday open house. Unfortunately, my son was sick and I was unable to attend. I did, however, visit Genevieve's yesterday and am happy to share the photographs below of Christi's wonderful shop.

Notice the hand painted plate above the door used for the street number.

Instead of using a traditional wreath, Christi choose an elongated basket filled with fresh greens and accented with a silver glittered "G."

Once inside, there are numerous displays to spark your imagination and creativity. When Christi first opened her store, it occupied one store front. Several years ago, she and her very talented carpenter husband expanded in to the adjoining space by making this gorgeous passage way.The new addition features the original brick walls as well as many of the original details that make buildings like these so special.

Christi's husband also built this wonderful built-in to showcase many of the beautiful items available in the store.

If you would like to visit Genevieve's, it is located at 55 Front Street in Ballston Spa, NY and is well worth the trip.

Amy Butler Sweet Harmony Handbag

A couple of weeks ago I was fortunate to receive a copy of Amy Butler's new Sweet Harmony Handbag and Tote pattern in the mail. I was so excited to start sewing! I decided to use vintage black and white wool fabric I purchased on Ebay along with black silk fabric I had left over from a previous job. As I spend most of my time making curtains and pillows, it was a treat for me to work on something a little different.

Here is Amy's version:

Here is my version:

Amy's bag included a magnetic bag clasp for closing. Since I did not have one on hand and was too impatient to wait until I could get to the store, I decide to improvise. Although it is hard to tell from the photo, there is a button on each side of the bag secured with a loop made from a macrame black leather cording.

I loved the fact the pattern featured a small (handbag) and large (tote) version of the same bag, as well as a plethora of customization options. I choose to not include the cell phone pocket but did use two inside pockets - one with a zipper and one without. Since the bag is interlined and interfaced in several layers it should stand up well to daily use. This bag is a great project for anyone looking to make a useful and stylish addition to their wardrobe.

Bathroom Story in BH&G Kitchen and Bath Makeovers

Two years ago my husband and I finished our basement to include a bedroom, bathroom and common area. The photo shoots were done about a year ago and have recently appeared on news stands. The common area was featured in Better Homes and Gardens July 2009 edition and now the bathroom can be seen in BH&G's current issue of Bed and Bath Makeovers.

Kitchen and Bath Makeovers / Photographer - Bryan McCay

Stylist - Donna Talley, Regional Editor and producer for Meredith Publications

Although this is a small space, we really took our time planning every last detail - down to the vintage crystal door knobs. (not shown in photos) In fact, much to my husband's displeasure, we ended up changing every door knob and hinge in the house.

Kitchen and Bath MakeOvers / Photographer - Bryan McCay

Stylist - Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications

We wanted to create a bright environment as there is no natural light in this space.

We had to make several compromises because of costs including using a shower insert instead of tile and forgoing glass shower doors. To get the desired look, we used white sub-way tiles from the top of the shower insert to the ceiling, on the ceiling above the shower and on the area above the wainscotting in the front of the shower. We over calculated how much tile we needed and ended up using the left over tile as the backsplash behind the bar area. A happy mistake!

Kitchen and Bath Makeovers / Photographer - Bryan McCay

Stylist - Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications

Not being able to afford shower doors turned out to be a good thing as well. It gave me the opportunity to make the shower curtain which I really think makes the space special. Because this is a guest bathroom and not used on a regular basis not having doors really isn't an issue.

Kitchen and Bath Makeovers / Photograper - Bryan McCay

Styllist - Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer forMeredith Publications

I am very pleased with how the entire basement project turned out - bedroom, bathroom and common area. People who have visited have commented on how nice it is to stay and have asked to stay longer the next time. This makes all the planning and work worth while.