More ScreenDoor

return trip to the ScreenDoor in Asheville a couple of weekends ago was exciting, as always. The first day I stopped in for a quick look as soon as we arrived in town. DH patiently hunkered down on the sofa in the bookshop area while I did a fast run through to look at many treasures scattered high and low, such as the French chair I brought home with me ~ more pics when the upholsterer has had his way with her!


No housing shortage, there were elegant homes for our feathered friends.................

Maximum storage available ~ plenty of drawers in which to organize tiny found treasures...........



Lots more to show you another time............old and chipped, painted and distressed, real antiques, funky knock-offs, quirky, pricey, bargains.....maybe. Depends on what you like. What you collect. What might be perfect for a certain spot in your home......or your imagination.

Erin's Art at The Painted Garden

I feel pampered, spoiled, fortunate, and thrilled to bits!!!

I was a winner in Erin's The Painted Garden first anniversary giveaway. Last Friday was the fun day when the mail carrier left her truck and walked my package up to the front door. Inside was this beautiful WELCOME sign painted on canvas by Erin and........................

.............................a most generous $100 gift card for one of the most beautiful stores, Anthropologie! Luckily a branch opened recently in my area so I'll be heading that way soon to pick out something special.

Congratulations Erin on a whole year of vibrant art shared through your beautiful blog and website.

If you haven't visited Erin you must. This delightful artist paints the breathtaking flowers of Southern California, blending them in to garden scenes, afternoon tea table settings, shoreline vistas and pretty everyday things such as bicycles with flower baskets. Often helped by her 'studio assistant' Bentley............the cutest dog ever.............Erin's colorful art brings happiness to many. If you stop by my cottage you will be welcomed by this lovely sign. Erin, thank you so much.

Watch out for the Witchy Woman

Hello my pretties..............glad to see you weren't scared off by my cackle. I'll be waiting for you to stop by the front porch this evening in search of sweeties, such nutritious treats for Halloween!

Don't mind the crows, they're harmless.............................just watch out for me, known to many as the witchiest witchy woman east of the west!

If my red hair and pointy shoes don't scare you, come on up the brick steps, reach into my cauldron and pull out a bag of M&M's. The man of the house shopped for sweet treats and bought his favorites, as usual. Just as well, this witch doesn't need to be gobbling sweeties after tonight!

I'll be waiting for you girls and boys!

Halloween question: If witches don't have toes why do they wear long, pointed shoes? Don't look for the answer here.......perhaps you can tell me.

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.