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......