Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Kane Update; More Miss America; Snow Day

Chicago got its first big snow of the season this weekend, just in time for the Kane County Flea Market. Not necessarily the two things you want to see happen at once. The show was definitely quieter than normal, but over all, not bad, considering 6 to 8 inches had fallen between Friday night and Saturday noon. Here's a peek at a couple of projects:

These cute illustrations from a children's book were purchased this summer from our favorite paper dealer Patty Suttle. We found these nifty barn windows just last week and thought they'd look great together. Something I'd never seen before are these little iron stars, original to the windows:

Have you ever seen these? Joe thinks they are simply decorative pulls. Or maybe they functioned somehow to hold the window open? If anyone knows anymore about them, we'd love to learn!

Last week we also found these funky old wheels, which worked just great on the lab stands we also purchased over the summer from our pals the Iowa Junk Gypsies. We just needed a little expertise from our friends at Argos Hardware to come up with the fasteners. Just like so many things in life, it takes a village! Many thanks to all who braved the weather to attend the show; we never take your support for granted. Today, work starts on Grayslake, so plan to come and see us there.
But first, a Miss America update! Shellac is the final step in our makeover process, adding a rich, dark patina to the paper structure. If you want to try it, work in a well-ventilated area. Put down some disposable plastic and wear gloves -- things are gonna get messy. Use a disposable brush or be prepared with a can of ammonia to clean up afterward. And work fast; shellac dries extremely quickly.

But nothing else give such a great finish; here's how she looked before-hand:


One last thing: we got out first snowstorm of the season last night -- looks like at least 6 inches to me! I always love the hush that snow brings to our busy street; we live in town, but everything is muffled by nature's handiwork.


Today is also my son Jack's birthday. His big day generally coincides with the first storm of the season, just like it did 16 years ago. He always feels this snow is just for him -- and enjoyed the 2 hour school delay this morning! Like a good son, however, he went out and shoveled the walk. But here's a small-town bonus -- some nice neighbor had already taken care of our driveway. Sigh. It's gonna be a good day. xo








6 comments:

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday to Jack! 16! Can it really be that long ago???

Rebecca said...

Glad you had a good show, I was set up in the w expo building and it sure seemed slow. I didn't do bad though
Blessings
Rebecca

True North Interior Design & Antiques said...

The little star attached to a window pin is very wonderful. It is indeed a window designed to lock a window in place. Hope you are doing well. Happy birthday Jack!

savvycityfarmer said...

he was just a little guy when we first met!!!!

he's a handsome dude!

Anita said...

Hey- I thought those looked like the lab stands you got from me! Great idea. Gotta love small town hardware stores for their help too. My lumberyard guy always teases me about "creating antiques" and wonders when I will get a show - HA! Hope Jack had a great time at the dance. Merry Christmas to ll of you!

Julie Crusenberry said...

Hi Sandy and Joe...
How about a Miss America update? I love watching your progress on these beauties!
Hugs,
Julie