Princess Mady!

This is a picture of my niece Mady! I did a post earlier on her brother, Connor! Her fifth grade class does a ball every year called the Revolutionary Ball, in which the kids are supposed to wear ball gowns, etc. This pink dress she is wearing is definitely Vintage, it was my high school prom dress! I know...I can't believe it! It had a little jacket made out of the sheer fabric, it's long gone...I don't remember why! My mom made the dress! It is a little too long and big in the bosom for her, but how adorable, (I can't believe I was every so skinny)! She even wore......hold on.......my dyeable shoes too! I had to go take pics! Isn't she beautiful, and only in the fifth grade.....my sister is in TROUBLE!!! The picture below even resembles me in high school! Definitely not like her mom (my conservative sister)!!! Wild girl.....after my own heart!

Model material!!!!

I love this girl as if she were my own!

Welcome Spring!

Well, the first sign of Spring for us has been this little momma bird making a nest in the wreath I left up since Christmas. See, the thing is the wreath is not your traditional holiday wreath....it's lime green and blue (Target)!! And it lights up! Super cute! Well, this little momma bird thinks so! I just wish I could have gotten the picture clearer. I had to take it with the front door closed and through the little windows at the top of the door standing on a chair quiet as a mouse! Everytime someone opens the front door, or comes up the walk, she flies out in a panic and almost hits the person. Poor momma bird!

Here is a picture of the wreath with the nest and eggs. The eggs are sky blue. I mean they don't look real. No, I didn't put easter candy in a fake nest. This is momma bird's nest. I opened the door to take the picture and she flew away......

...to this tree! It is smack dab in the front of the house. She is the one on the high branches. And, I don't know if that is dad bird, but he is always with her and sits in the tree with her. Sometimes the other bird (maybe dad?) sits inside the wreath with her beside the nest. Is that really customary for birds? I had no idea the dad bird stuck around! Maybe I'm wrong! But, I sure thought it was weird to see that bird sitting next to her in the wreath.

Anyways, having her on the front porch has curtailed my Spring wreath, etc. It has made for some excitement around here, even with my teen boys!! They keep an eye on her too! I'll keep you posted and hopefully be able to get a picture of the baby birds! HAPPY SPRING everyone!!

Blingy Bracelets!

I have been meaning to get this post done for some time now. Here are a few of the bracelets that I have for sale! I think that I will number them 1 thru 7 from left to right. If you are interested in one, please e-mail me, and let me know which one you want, or if there is another color you want I could pick one out for you. I have several other pink ones in my shop. I have green, blue, brown, etc. They are $45.00 including s/h. I will send you a paypal invoice, and that's that! Thanks so much for the interest and your support!

What in the He## happened to March!!

Someone please tell me what happened to the month of March! I can't believe it's gone. Well, I can sort of.... It's been so crazy...first with a week trip to visit another BFF Ella while her hubby is in Iraq :(......then, staying with my sister after a scheduled surgery, then, being at the hospital for the last week with my Mom after a fall and breaking of her hip while in Mexico! She had to medivac'd out and emergency surgery on Sunday morning! Also, my two teens have been on spring break for the past two weeks. The month of March has been soooo crazy! All in all, my Mom and sis are both doing well. The teens are eating me out of house and home. And, I am ready for the month of April!


I wanted to include some of my latest shop pics! I love Spring!

I wanted to introduce you to LuLu! She got her name from my BFF Meg's 7 year-old Kate! Meg gave her to me, and as I was leaving Kansas last time, Kate said, "you know Miss Beth, her name is LuLu!" So it is! Everyone at the Barn, and customers have grown accustomed to her! She is adorned with vintage pins! I went crazy painting her base and adorning her with old pearls, beads and ribbon! She is pretty fancy!! .....just the way we like it: Go Big or Stay Home!

I am going to do my next post on the latest bracelets I made recently. There were some blog viewers who contacted me wanting a vintage bracelet, and I told them I would include a post once I got the latest batch done. Well, they are almost done, and I will do my best to do a post within the next week, with the bracelets that are available. Thanks to everyone who was interested. I truly appreciate your support!

Happy Birthday sweet Connor!

I wanted to dedicate this post to Connor who turned 15 today! My sister (the brunette) below is raising her two kids by herself! Mady is the beautiful blond (age 11)! Connor was diagnosed with a rare chromosone disorder right around his first birthday and it is a blessing he is still alive! Around 10 months of age he began having seizures, regressed in motor skills, and was in the ICU fighting for his life. It took the right doctors and the right meds and he survived through his first birthday! My sister and her ex-husband were told he may not survive, but they could not be sure as his disorder is so rare that most babies don't make it more than 24 hours after birth. Connor is not verbal, or toilet trained. He has severe autism, and very poor small motor skills. I watched him today eat cake with a fork, laughing, and humming with delight the whole time. He is a precious gift from God, and a blessing in my sister, Pam's life! She was told she could have more children, and that the chance of having another Connor would not be possible. Therefore, she went on to have Mady! Mady is a lively, extroverted, smart, loving, patient, and beautiful girl! (can you tell I'm biased). Truly, she has had to grow up fast!! My sister is one of the most amazing people you would ever want to meet, and I watch in awe of how she manages her life, and her children! I always nominate her for those Oprah, Regis, mothers day show specials, but she never wins :(

I just wanted to share his birthday with you bloggers out there. It was such a joy to watch him, enjoy his pizza and cake and laugh with the rest of us! Happy Birthday you big teddy bear!

I'm not in Kansas Anymore!!

For those of you who read my blog, I guess you could tell I haven't posted in awhile. I was in Kansas on a junkin' trip. (is there anything better?) I found some jewels that are awesome. I have a thing for old jewelry. Plus, I needed more for more bracelets. I love to imagine who wore the jewelry and try to figure out how old it is. It truly is treasure hunting for me.

I found some great antique/vintage pieces for my shop. Almost everything needed a little paint, wallpaper on the shelves, etc. But, of course, that is the most fun part for me. My shop right now is so full, this stuff might have to wait awhile! Isn't my garage a mess! I give up my side of the garage just for storage, and my work area. I'm not like my other friends who have these beautiful, neat, work space INSIDE! I work in the garage. It really only makes sense with all of the hammering, nailing, sanding, painting, etc. I do have a space heater, otherwise, in CO it would be what my friend and I say "NO GO"!

This is a photo of my BFF Meg's sink in Kansas! I just thought it was beautiful and needed to be photographed. Plus, she's been hauling these two stained glass pieces around for a few years to new homes (military wife), and then, TA DA the perfect window! I love it!














This is the view of the Kansas landscape in winter off of BFF Meg's back porch! I just love this view and have been meaning to take a photo for quite some time. It's truly Kansas to have a farm and right next to it a subdivision of houses!

After reading my friend, Kasey's blog, and finding out about the tragic loss of someone's baby this week, I was finding it difficult to do a post. But, decided to put up pictures of random things that I find have beauty. It is in a time such as this, that I will hug my boys a little tighter, and thank God for their health and for strength to the family who has lost their sweet baby here on earth.

Thanks for Asking!

I am so flattered that there have been inquiries into how to get one of my t-shirts! I wanted to do a post on how to order one as I don't have a web-store. First of all, the tee runs small, and is a cute fit. So, if you wear a size 4-6 you would want a medium, and so forth.

The tee runs $29.95 (incl. s/h)! Thanks for the interest!



















I wanted to also include in this post information about the bracelets. I have had some interest in the bracelets from outside Colorado! Yea! Yea! So, I thought I should also offer to sell the bracelets outside of my shop. The only stickler is that we would need to have a convo to discuss colors, etc., because every single bracelet is different. In fact, most of the bracelets in this photo are already sold, however, if you tell me what you are looking for, I will do my best.

The bracelets run $45.00 (incl. s/h)!

For those of you interested in the bracelet or tee please e-mail me at: Bethiepat@msn.com.

Finally, thanks again for the continued support of my business! I truly appreciate all of you shoppers who continue to support the little businesses! Thanks so much!

Belated Holiday Pics of my shop!

Well, I wanted to include a few holidays pics of my shop! It was so much fun to decorate. The "fluffing" is the most fun part for me!



On another note, I wanted to express my gratitude towards any of my loyal shoppers that read my blog. In these uncertain economic times, I am abundantly grateful for the continued loyalty of the "Barny" shoppers, specifically Chic Junque buyers! I know it is because of The Barn and our loyal customers that we are still thriving. I also know that we all have a choice in where we shop, and it's the little shop owners out there that are tragically effected by the harsh economy. All of us little retailers out there really need to support each other as much as we can right now! It is so important, and again, thanks to all those who continue to support me, and my little piece of the dream of owning my own business.





















I found some beautiful handmade jewelry on Etsy, as well as handmade jewelry by a friend, and myself, to make a beautiful display for the holidays. It seems to me the handmade jewelry from vintage findings is really "hot" right now! I thought I might be the only one to spend the money on it, but I guess I'm proven wrong.....luckily! I just love it, and will be buying more for my shop! Plus, the best part is that someone is designing it, and spending time creating it....I really like being a part of someones endeavor!

Better Late Than Never!

Well, those of you who actually read my blog probably wonder what happened to me. It's called: Christmas holidays mixed with teenagers, a business, and school happenings.

Well, I had a successful show at the Sweet William Market. It was a ton of work, as some of you know, but I had my sister come with me and we had a blast. I don't get to spend much time with her due to her being a single parent, working full-time, etc. So, we made the most of it, and had fun! The space I had was much too small. Anyone who knows me knows my motto: "go big or stay home!" Well, needless to say I brought plenty of stuff, and filled my little spot full, full, full! It was fun! So here are some pics of the space. My only regret is that I didn't hand my camera to one of the other girls to take a picture of my sister, Pam, and me.

Sweet William Market

I wanted to do a post on the much anticipated Sweet William Market show this next weekend in Denver, Colorado. I will be participating and have been a crazy person getting ready! Above are pictures of the adorable marketing cards I've been handing out left and right. One picture is the front and the other the back. The girls who put on this show do a very good job of marketing. Anyways, I was hoping that my blog viewers that live within our area might see this post and want to come! I'm so excited about the show, and have been preoccupied with the details. In fact, I've been crafting like crazy, and trying to pay attention to every detail. I sure hope we have a good turnout! Anyone and everyone is welcome to attend!

By the way, Happy Thanksgiving! I am fortunate to live near my parents, sister, and brother. Both sis and bro have children and significant others, so we had a good family gathering. I feel truly blessed this time to year to have all that I do. What a blessed person I am, and I try so hard not to take it for granted. One thing my social work days taught me was not to take one bit for granted how fortunate I am to have the family and the life I've been blessed to have. So, Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I'll do another post later about the show!

Deck the wreaths!

I've been creating up a storm, (the juices are flowing) for the show I'm doing in the first weekend of December. (more to follow on that later). I'm making some wreaths for the first time in a long time. There is nothing quite like a cute, glitzy, holiday wreath. These could actually be left up all year round.

This is a peek into some of the stuff I'm taking. I really need to take more pictures. But you get the idea. I'll try to take a pic of the invite for the show, and do a post later in the week. I'm getting excited.....

Tag You're It!

Sue, over @ Bella Shabby, tagged me with this award. I was so flattered. I hadn't visited her blog before, and was so pleasantly surprised. Her blog is great! I love all of her finds, and pictures! Of course, she has a great, "Kreativ", blog!

She started her blog entry with 6 things she is grateful for. This is the time of year we all pause to do so, here goes:

1. My loving family. My healthy family.

2. My growing wonderful business Chic Junque. I am so fulfilled with the hunt for junk, and making it into something someone will love and admire, and use! Something Chic! I just love every minute of it!

3. My health. I just started back at the health club, in a class named "boot camp". It should be named, "butt camp", due to the fact, I can hardly walk.

4. My wonderful, fun, vivacious, loyal, dependable, beautiful, and loving girlfriends. Without them I wouldn't be the woman I am. They pick me up, and have for many years in many ways!

5. I am so grateful during these tough economic times, that my husband has a great job, and I continue to progress in my business....what a blessing!

6. Our wonderful boys/young men, and what a blessing they are to my life. They continue to give to me in ways I sometimes have to look for...but, they are who I am all about.

Now, I will nominate 6 great blogs that I read every couple of days, or in some cases daily. These women are amazing.....

1. Jeanne Oliver @ A Bushel and A Peck. She is a good friend of mine, and quite a talented artist!

2. Kasey of Lola B's Boutique. She is such a good friend, and we go all the way back to the beginning...it seems! She is so very talented!

3. The Farm Chicks. I just had the pleasure to meet Teri and Serena at The Country Living Fair, and they are down-to-earth, fun, and great girls. Their blog is amazing!

4. Whitney, at Kindred Joy, has a really colorful and great blog. I love seeing what craft she is into next.

5. Karla at Karla's Cottage is amazing. She is always up to something...some new art project, a story about her granddaughter, or her cute Yorkie. I get inspired by her blog!

6. Beth at Beth Leintz, has an amazing blog too. She and Karla are buds, and live in Kansas, my old stompin' ground. I love seeing what they are up to next.

These are just a sampling of the blogs I check always!!!! Check them out!!!! These women are amazing and of course this award is so deserving! It's so important this blog world, and how we support each other!

Poor Ritzy!

I seriously feel sorry for my dog Ritzy! As you can tell, it has turned cold in Colorado, and I decided she needed her sweater. She was shivering after all. Plus, she looks darn cute in her little pink sweater. The boys walk by her and say, "Mom, take that think off of her, you're embarassing her!" Of course, they are just worried a friend might come by, heaven forbid, and see her!

Seriously, she always looks at me like "what in the he** are you doing", when I put the sweater on her. But, she is definitely calmer, and warmer. Just chalk it up to....I only had boys to dress as kids! Poor Ritzy!!! I love that dog!

I'm going crazy!

I made these bottles, and have sold quite a few in my shop. I'm making more for the holidays...



















This is a shop pic of some of the items I have sold like hot cakes. The handmade vintage purses out of vintage textiles are adorable, but pricey! The seam binding ribbon is so pretty and I use alot of it myself for different crafty projects! The herbal dryer sachets smell so good and are great for your laundry!


















I found these vintage flowers @ the Sparks flea market. I bought some and will use them for the projects I'm making for Christmas......more pics to follow!

Well, I've done it again.....I've committed myself to two shows during the holiday season, my husband is having his hip replace (injured in Army), and I still have a shop to run! I'm going crazy...nut-case!! I know there are so many of you out there doing the same thing. Why...why do we do it? I always say I'm going to make the holidays more peaceful this year. I'm going to recognize my limits....ha ha ha! I'm going to enjoy making things, and actually enjoy decorating my home (well I might try to enjoy that...). I guess I'm just a glutton for pressure and hard work. Plus, I love the energy in the air @ a good show this time of year. The extrovert in me thrives on it. I'll let you know about the shows later......off to work......

A cruise pic of my hubby & Angelina!

By request, I have now included a pic of my hubby, Gary. Of course, the sweet child on his back is Angelina, our first grandchild. She will be 1 on Nov. 1st. She is so sweet and content, and we are so happy to finally have a girl to spoil. She and her mom and dad live in MD so we really have to make an effort to see them, which is a bummer. I had to search high and low for a pic of him as he is always taking the pictures! So, here is a pic of my sweet Gary! I sure got lucky the second time around!!!

Cruisin' with the family!

This is a picture of our collected five boys (between hubby and I), and two wives just before scuba diving off Cozumel. It was very warm, and I'm not in the pic because I chose to watch the grandbaby (girl!!!!), ......yes, I know just call me "nana"!!

These are a little out of order....this is when we were just arriving and getting on the ship! See that sweet little baby...she was so good on the trip, so content!

This picture is of some school children in Montego Bay, Jamaica! It was the highlight of the trip for me. It occurred to me when they were singing Barney songs, and "Jesus Loves Me," that children are the same everywhere... innocent, precious, and an open oyster waiting for knowledge, love and guidance. (The little girl on the left was named Abigail, and she was a little spitfire...definitely the ringleader....a girl after my own heart!)

A picture of our ship! I found it very overwhelming when looking up, and out of the balcony.

The beach in Cozumel! Actually, in my opinion, the beach in Grand Cayman was even more beautiful, but this was a nature preserve, and I thought it was so beautiful untouched! Incidentally, my hubby says that in 3 years when Wes goes to college we are selling everything we own and moving to Grand Cayman! ha ha!!! It was beautiful!!!

We had been planning this trip for quite some time, and figured before our family gets any bigger, i.e., wives, more grandkids, and we can't afford it, we better get going and do it up right! It was a great way to take a trip and all be together!! It wish we could do it every year!!! We are so truly blessed.

Making Bracelets!

My Mom and I got together recently, and made bracelets! My supply was running low and with Christmas coming I knew I better get busy. I found some fantastic, beautiful vintage earrings when I was on my Junkin' trip in KS, and luckily found alot of pink and black. I always have customers asking for pink and black with bling. So, I really tried to focus on that! We made 37 bracelets if you can believe it! I had been gathering for a long time, which always makes the bracelets come together better because I have more to choose from!

The best part is seeing how they come together and imagining the life these earrings have had. Some are exquisite and quite old, and probably valuable (who knows?). Anyways, I thought I would share with you my latest project! I'm always into something. But, the bracelets have been a constant for me, and have really taken off, and I feel so fortunate, blessed, and very happy about that!

Needing creative energy!!

Well, I had these ball jars (I have more), and wanted to make them into votives. I think they turned out fairly cute, however everyone is their own worst critic. I have trouble with this. Does anyone else out there in blog-land... make something, stand back, and wonder if anyone is going to pay .02 for it. I love to create, and love to make things but, of course, the magic is if someone else understands it, loves it, and wants/needs to have it! I get the biggest thrill out of selling my handmade creative stuff. But, the angst comes in when I finish it, and think I need to do something else, or add this, or what am I going to price it?..... Can you tell I'm in need of creative energy. I think I need a spa day.....:)

I can't believe he is 15!

goofing around!

Well it's official Wes is 15 today. He is the youngest. I just can't believe he is 15. I look at him and he is turning into a young man before my eyes. I really am enjoying every minute of it. Many people I know have trouble with their teens, but I am so enjoying watching them turn into really great young men.

Wes is truly a Libra. He is thoughtful, kind, gentle, and loyal as the day is long. He doesn't understand when a friend "disses" him, and a girl (who used to "go out" with him) disses him for a Senior (we don't like her...). He likes obeying the rules, and thrives on order, timeliness, and plans that are followed. Now this is truly hard for me...always late, spontaneous, and lost in my own creative brain. He is constantly shaking his head at me in dismay, and wonderment. And I am truly in awe that I have raised this sweet, responsible, goal oriented very likable young man. I'm immensely proud of him, and can't imagine my life without him. On this 15th birthday, an every other one, I remember the awesomeness of his birth, and couldn't have predicted how much he would actually fill my life. Most of my friends have said that there are certain ages that have been their favorite, but I have treasured them all. Honestly, I have really enjoyed Wes through every stage. He has been one of those kids that is really easy, and really enjoyable. I feel so blessed to have him as my son!

Happy 15 birthday "Wes-man", I love you so much!