Pink Saturday

recent visit to the ScreenDoor in Asheville, North Carolina, displayed pale touches of pink. As one wanders through the store, at each turn some very interesting treasures are displayed. Eventually many will go home to delight a new owner. Others will stay there for a while allowing eyes to rest and wonder where would/could one use that?

Pink upholstered footstools to rest your weary legs.

Seashells in a vintage pink lidded jar.

Pink china flowers.

Have a great Pink Saturday and do pop over to visit our hostess Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for a sea of pink - even though orange seems to be today's prevalent shade. Have a fun Halloween and be sure to stop back later today for some spooky images from the front porch.

The French Bergere Chair

............and what were you doing yesterday? If the sun was shining, the golden colors of Autumn glowing in your back garden, the air warm but not too hot, what better than starting a painting project!

Dark wood frame getting a paint job.

When in Asheville visiting the ScreenDoor, I found 'the chair'. She was old, but sturdy. Upholstered, but ugly green. Dark wood needed a touch of grayed white paint. Her lines were pure French bergere. Her seat was comfy with the perfect removable/reversible thick cushion.

I insisted that DH open the door of the Camry, we were taking that baby home with us - even if he had to sit on the roof!! He didn't - it slid in easily - those nice ScreenDoor gals I told you about allowed us to try fitting it in the back seat before we even bought it.

The chair at the ScreenDoor, Asheville, NC

The chair at home and the fabric decision.

I took the chair to the upholsterer, had them strip it of the mod green fabric (guess what, another even greener fabric underneath!), and brought it home to paint and distress the frame. I had planned using the antique French linen grain sack above on the chair - too narrow - so have decided on the natural color linen on the bolt above.

It's coming along. Some distressing tomorrow, return it to the upholsterer on Monday, then hopefully a 'new' chair - the one I've been searching for - in about a week.

Pennsylvania Weekend

Weekend in Pennsylvania was fun. Visited with family here at my sister-in-law's beautiful home where the trees were changing rapidly, the leaves floating down in the sunshine.

The wedding we attended was lovely, only the rain, sometimes torrential, spoiled the day a little. The bride still smiled and the groom grinned so they didn't mind. Just getting married with all the usual great plans for a perfect life together was enough to make it feel warm and bright!

A Special Greek

When I started searching for a classical bust it was for here, the small table in the entryway. I painted the walls in hematite, the darkest gray before black, and hung the white chippy framed mirror. Because I couldn't hang a chandelier as in my inspiration image for this space, the little crystal candelabra from SuzAnna's Antiques was electrified and friend Sam gifted me with the perfect tiny shades ~ voila! glitter and glam French style.

At the Screendoor I spied him.........his proportions and grey patina were perfect for the table. He was definitely the handsome Apollo, twin brother of Artemis. He came home, carefully wrapped, with his sister by his side. The small corner is now complete and I think looks perfect.

I'm away again for the weekend, this time in the North for a wedding and visiting family. Tomorrow is my birthday and, like last year, I'll be celebrating on a plane. Last year I was crossing the pond from France, this time just flying south over a few states. Be back soon.

My Lady........at last

She's petite, just nine inches tall. Perfect for the mantel. The details are lovely, gracefully carved into concrete. She is a classic lady, Artemis, Greek Goddess of the Hunt. One of my bargain finds at the ScreenDoor ~ just $10.

Next time, Artemis' companion from the classic days of history, mythology, gods and relics. You didn't think I brought her home alone, did you?

Ladies Behind the ScreenDoor

Bet you remember my delight at locating this shop a couple of years back................the fabulous ScreenDoor in Asheville, North Carolina. Each time I head for the hills, those magnificent mountains making up the Blue Ridge and the Great Smokies, a stop (actually it was three this trip!) here for treasure hunting always tops my list.

There are some very nice people working here including Frances and Gail, two gals who are helpful and interesting to hang out with. They enjoyed looking at pics of how I decorate and immediately suggested books I'd enjoy, including A New Eighteenth Century Style: Rediscovering a French Decor. I was so impressed with Frances' own area at ScreenDoor - a huge building where dealers rent spaces - her eye and taste, exquisite, everything muted in neutral shades, the woods, metals, paper, glass, fabrics. I'll show some of her offerings later.

In my excitement at being back at the ScreenDoor, where I met Penny from The Comforts of Home and Lavender Hill Studio, such fun, and shopped for an hour or so during each visit, I forgot to get a pic of those real life ladies. Instead you get to see a few of the other lovelies around the shop.

A life size Madonna, French funeral baskets, Gothic window, angel wings = an almost religious experience! Lovely displays.

........and this, the classic French (oops, make that Greek!) lady I brought home! Later I'll show you where she's hanging out here in the cottage.

Friends ~ Gifts - Homes

My beautiful blank book with silk ribbon, now my decor 'wish list' book, from Penny.

Also the lovely 'friendship card'.

Meeting at the fabulous ScreenDoor in Asheville, NC

Last Friday I had such a pleasant visit with Penny of The Comforts of Home and Lavender Hill Studio. Even though she and her husband were in the throes of moving house, she kindly took a break knowing we were in town. We went treasure hunting together first, then met up with our husbands for lunch at a great bistro in Biltmore Village.

In upcoming posts I'll share the treasures of Screendoor. I loved browsing through there with Penny.........she certainly understood my quirky cravings and shared the sighs when my eyes lit up at chipped paint finishes, French lighting, classic concrete busts, wire things with numbers, and anything with writing!

Penny's new house, quickly becoming a beautiful home.

'Biltmore' ~ that name conjures up the beautiful house and estate which Asheville is known for. We have visited there many times in all seasons and it is magnificent. This trip however, we skipped the Biltmore House and instead were given the grand tour of Penny's gorgeous new house, and what fun that was. If you visit The Comforts of Home, Penny has shared many pics of what she and her husband are doing to make this house a beautiful home.

Penny's other fabulous gift to me ~ a generous bar of Marseille kitchen soap.

The day with Penny was truly special and hopefully we can do it again soon. Thanks for making us so welcome, we certainly enjoyed every minute with you both.