Whimsy

Happy Birthday Renee

2012-02-14T19:03:00.000-08:00

I was thrilled when Renee's sister, Wendy, asked me to help surprise her sister for her 50th birthday. It was definitely a day full of surprises...

Renee thought she was going to an amazing estate sale with her neighbor Deb (they knew if they didn't have a really good cover she wasn't getting out of bed)! Once she got to Deb's -----Surprise, four friend's and a cardboard cutout were waiting to take her on a road trip to Morris!! Wendy didn't want Renee to know that she would be joining them once they got to Morris, so she had a lifesize cardboard cutout of herself made to really throw Renee off!

Once the group made it all the way from St. Louis Renee was soooo surprised to see Wendy...

I love this picture - can you tell how shocked Renee is!?!

Here's everyone (including the cardboard Wendy)!

They started the day off at my shop with cake pops and gelato champagne!

After shopping for a bit they headed over to Letty Mae's Tea Room

for a surprise lunch!

As a thank you, for traveling all the way to Morris to visit, I made each guest a little candle.

How adorable is this picture of Renee as a child!!!

I filled this vintage teapot with spray roses, seeded eucalyptus and dried moss!

After an incredible lunch (as always) we had

the best cake ever!!!

Chocolate layer cake with Marshmallow fondant ruffles!

Letty Mae's did an incredible job!

The surprises kept coming...

Elizabeth from, http://elizabethhousestlouis.blogspot.com/, made the most amazing cuff corsage for Renee - it is absolutely gorgeous!

I was so happy to be a part of Renee's special day and to have met such sweet friends!

I am looking forward to their next road trip!!

Happy 50th Birthday Renee!

XO Traci

Everything is coming up roses

2012-02-05T13:49:00.000-08:00

The shop is beginning to burst with all of the new merchandise we've been adding! Shipments have been coming in daily and we've been working on some great handcrafted items!

We found these really unique heart chairs at an auction(not in this condition of course)!

Wouldn't they be perfect for a bride and groom!?!

New handmade ruffle and rose pillows!

These rose candles just arrived - they make our entire shop smell like we are in a garden of roses!

Cute new clothing - I love the flowers on this dress!

One of my favorite new frames!

Paper roses

Flower pillows in a beautiful grey!

I absolutely love this lamp!! I like the look of the distressed metal with the crystals.

We also have this in cream.

Have a great week! XO Traci

Love is in the air...

2012-01-30T18:57:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures of our Valentine's day loveliness around the shop!

We have tons of sweet handmade items to get you in the mood for v-day!

I LOVE this glitter heart garland - only $10.00!!

We have some heart jewelery that would be perfect for valentine's day!

So many new rose ribbon pins!

I love these vintage spools that can be used to hold pictures, table numbers or whatever!

XOXO Traci

A New Year...

2012-01-22T21:08:00.000-08:00

So I've been missing in action for a while - life has been crazy - but good:) Have you been wondering what I've been up to? Well, my holidays were great....

I spent the holiday season with family on an amazing and much needed vacation!

It can still be Christmas in 85 degree weather!! I just loved these lights!

Mom and me enjoying the beach at The Turks and Caicos Islands.

It was so great for us to get a little R&R!!

After getting back from my vacation I was off to Atlanta for an order writing show for the shop!

Until you've lived through one of these shows you can't even wrap your brain around how intense it is!! Your day looks like this for four days - 7:30am on the bus to the mart, shop alllllll day and back on the bus at 9:00pm to head to the hotel. You don't sit, eat and you try not to drink so you don't take time to use the restroom!! Maybe I'm extreme - Connie (my friend and fellow shop owner of aesthetics who dares to go with me) might tell you this. There's just so much to look at and you only have a limited time. It took a few days to get back to reality - I was seeing burlap, linen, and numbers (yeah you spend lots) in my sleep!! But it's all worth it when you get your treasures delivered!

You'll be seeing these at the shop! I have a love for linen and ruffle bedding!

There was burlap everywhere!!

Beautiful lighting seems to be a huge trend - I found amazing lighting at all different price ranges!

There was so much industrial - I wanted it all!!!

Wings, big clocks, and again burlap everywhere!!!

Walls of mirrors were popular - LOVE this idea!

I was starting to see some color in the showrooms that normally were all neutrals!

I am so ready for a garden party!!

Vintage replica floral plates and adorable birds for each guest - soooo cute!!

Now don't think these shows are all one amazing showroom after another - it's like going to TJ Maxx, to find anything good you have to dig!!! See how scary they can be - yikes!!! It takes a lot of work to dig through showrooms like this!!

I've been bringing some amazing new items into the shop!

I'll post some pics of all of our great goodies!

XO Traci

Exciting News!

2012-01-04T09:38:00.000-08:00

I was so excited to see our french market in Romantic Country - take a look!!!

XO Traci

Holiday Party!

2011-12-08T19:04:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I decorated for a holiday work party!

I had so much fun with this event - here are a few pictures!

Each guest received a stocking filled with goodies!

I painted tags with chalkboard paint and used a chalk pen for the numbers.

I made these centerpieces from real vintage ice skates that I've been collecting just for this event! They are filled with a mixture of greens, spray roses, larkspur, and burgundy seeded eucalyptus! I sprayed the entire arrangement with glitter for a little glitz!

I created these table numbers with chalkboard paint also!

I tied a bow with bakers twine and glittered a tiny snowflake!

I brought this vintage toboggan to place some of the guest favors on.

Each guest was able to take a Colorado blue spruce home!

And one of these jars that I filled with hot cocoa mix, miniature chocolate chips, peppermint, and miniature marshmallows! I placed directions on the back of the tag!

In these cute bags were iPads! How lucky were these employees!?!

Erin at the Paper Co. printed these menus and I wrapped them with paper, ribbon and a felt snowflake!

Another picture of the centerpieces - I just love them!!!

Thanks for taking a look:)

XO Traci

Around the shop...

2011-12-04T20:01:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all of our brave customers who fought the crowds to get some great deals at our Midnight in Morris event:) We were really busy and at times I had to have customers wait to get in! By the end of the night it looked like a bomb had gone off in the shop!! Here are a few before pics:)

Have a great week!

XO Traci

Midnight In Morris

2011-12-01T21:51:00.000-08:00

Don't forget this Friday all of the shops downtown are open until midnight!

Our hours will be 9:30am - midnight!!!

You won't want to miss our amazing storewide sales that will be going on ALL day!!!

See you there!

XO Traci

Winter White Wedding

2011-11-27T19:39:00.000-08:00

Kim asked for her wedding decor to be very simple yet dramatic. Her favorite flowers are roses and carnations so I wanted to incorporate them into the arrangements and decor. We decorated with lots of white for a classic and elegant look.

Kim was so great to work with and trusted my vision for her wedding!

Here are a few pictures...

A rose wreath at the entrance

The tables featured different heights of mounded carnations with crystals hanging inside the vases.

A light was placed at the bottom of each vase to cast light upon the guests.

I covered these candles in white and tiffany blue paper and tied the guest place cards and crystal to each.

Kim and Mark - the perfect match

An apothecary jar of matches, which I wrapped in the same patterns I used to wrap the candles, was placed on the table with the guest place cards.

I zoomed in on this picture so it's a tad blurry but I wanted to share her beautiful bouquet composed of 30 roses!

Have a great week!

XO Traci

For a great cause...

2011-11-21T18:27:00.001-08:00

Home for the holidays is such a festive tradition in Morris!

The house walk is a great way to get ideas and inspiration, as well as support a great cause!

What a wonderful time....

2011-11-20T15:55:00.000-08:00

Our 3 French Hen's holiday market was absolutely amazing! I was so thrilled with all of our vendors - they had great merchandise, displays and variety:) The weekend was really busy so (as always) I didn't have time to take many pictures.

Here are a few...

Thanks to all of our customers for coming out to support us!

XO Traci

Just a reminder....

2011-11-14T19:48:00.000-08:00

Don't forget the 3 french hens holiday market is this weekend - I am soooo excited!!!

XO Traci

Holiday Items

2011-11-13T19:54:00.000-08:00

Here are a few of my favorite items around the shop!

I have a few different burlap ornaments this season. I love these burlap birds!

The shop is filled with a variety of these cute snowmen! These are always a favorite of mine - I have a HUGE collection at my house.

These burlap poinsettia pillows come in white or red. I love the bells in the center.

German glass glitter!! If I could pour this over everything I would!

I love lace so of course these are a favorite!

I LOVE vintage skates and I LOVE decorating each pair in a different way. They don't stay in the shop for long, but I am always bringing more in daily!

This pair is sold.

Glitter snowflakes!

More lace ornaments!

Who doesn't love glitzy jewelry!?! The shop is filled with lots of affordable jewelry that will be perfect for holiday events!

Have a great week!

XO Traci

Holiday Open House

2011-11-07T20:05:00.001-08:00

Trying this out!

2011-10-22T19:28:00.000-07:00

I am officially a professional photographer..okay, maybe not but I did just finish some classes!! I had no idea all that goes into a simple picture - I am happy to finally know what all of the buttons on my camera mean and I actually know how to use them!!

I thought I would practice and show you some pictures of my guest bathroom:)

I made this vanity skirt from two linen, ruffle european pillow shams! all I did was tack them to the existing cabinet and I can easily remove them to wash - sooo easy!

Not the best picture - but I thought I would still show you my sweet cabinet - clearly I need a little photography help with this pic!!

You should always have extra disposable toothbrushes in case your guest forget theirs!

I always like my guests to feel a sense of privacy...

This jar of soap rose petals is perfect for guests who want to relax - they can toss them in the tub and they smell amazing!

I love candlelight so made sure to line the windowsill with pretty holders!

and a sign to remind my guests to relax and enjoy:)

Thanks for taking a peek!

xo Traci

A little vintage glam...

2011-10-15T20:45:00.000-07:00

Today I helped Sarah decorate her wedding; which was held at a country club near starved rock (I love the area around starved rock, it is so beautiful!) Sarah loves vintage items and wanted to incorporate touches into her wedding. Her goal was to create a room that was dramatic but not stuffy!

By incorporating vintage brooches, gold, black and feathers we ended up with the perfect vintage glam look:)

The bridesmaid's bouquets featured roses, hydrangeas, silk ribbon, a brooch and feathers!

All of the boutonnieres and corsages were handmade from paper to resemble one of my favorite flowers - anemones. Fresh anemones are not available with black centers in the fall, soooo my paper bouts and corsages were an alternative and actually turned out better than using real anemones!

Sarah began collecting milk glass as soon as she became engaged! She sprayed them black to stick with our theme, it also made the vases look much more elegant. Each table hosted different vases which made the decor so unique!

What a beautiful wedding!

I've been meaning to share some pics from our french market - here are a few great ideas and pretty fall things to look at:)

Have a great weekend!!

XO Traci

All the details....

2011-09-27T20:54:00.000-07:00

I am excited to announce our 3 French Hens Holiday Market

will be held at the Morris Fairgrounds!!

The fairgrounds allow for PLENTY of space for all of our talented vendors!!

This is going to be our BEST and BIGGEST show yet!

Under The HArvest Moon

2011-09-27T18:44:00.000-07:00

Halloween is up at the shop and I keep getting more in everyday!

Here are a few pictures:)

I'll be at Kane county this weekend in my usual spot (with Mark) in the poultry shed!!

Under the Harvest Moon Sale

2011-09-21T19:43:00.000-07:00

Don't forget Thursday, September 22 is our annual Under the Harvest Moon event! All the shops downtown will be having sales, giveaways, and will be open until 8:00pm - don't miss it!!!

Geovana's 2nd Birthday!

2011-09-17T20:37:00.000-07:00

My neighbor, Elaine, is so creative so of course her daughter's birthday was absolutely adorable!!

You can't have a birthday without a sweets buffet!!

Elaine made Geovana's headband isn't it adorable!?!

Geovana's HUGE (and super cute) cake matched her invites perfectly...I've been to weddings with smaller cakes! Her adorable invites were made by another neighbor, Sandy who designs some really, really amazing invitations, paper products, logos, etc...

Striped and polka dot straws are so cute:)

These glasses were perfect for guests to write their names on!

Guests got to take a goody bag home!

Geovana writing on a chalkboard hung just at her height!

Have a great weekend!

I'm still here...

2011-09-11T19:26:00.000-07:00

It has been a crazy couple of weeks - weddings, markets, and getting the shop ready for fall! Here are a few pictures of what I've been up to!

Kane county flea market...

I didn't get many pictures because Mark and I were swamped:)

A farm fresh wedding...

Lisa and Wayne live on a gorgeous farm which was the perfect spot for a rustic yet romantic wedding!

Before

Here's Ann helping out - we worked ALL day getting ready for this event!

Willow branches and swags of burlap were tied to the perimeter of the tent which really made the tent feel private yet allowed the guests to see the beautiful scenery.

We decorated and hung four of these GIANT shades to provide the perfect amount of lighting for guests!

The entry was decorated with vintage elements but softened with lace and a chandelier.

Vintage ball jars containing flowers from the garden gave the centerpieces the rustic look Lisa was looking for yet the gilded peacocks and peacock feather added a bit of romance.

Some of the centerpiece were composed of twigs and paper elements!

Mark and I used this vintage gazebo for the ceremony, we decorated it with tulle, burlap, paper and a vintage chandelier. The views were beautiful!!

The ceremony was set away from the reception tent and allowed views of the entire property.

These barn red vintage chairs were used outside for a lounge area.

3 french hens market....

Our 3 French Hens Market was such a fun time!! We had so many shoppers it was CRAZY!!

We ended up having a total of 94 vendors with a great variety!

Bright and summery wedding...

Working with Julie was so fun and different - usually my customers want a tan and cream color pallette and tons of vintage items. Julie wasn't looking for vintage she wanted vibrant orange, purple, green and pink!! So fun!!

I LOVE the green tablecloths we used!

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a great week!

XO Traci

Sarah and John - Oh Happy Day!

2011-08-22T20:32:00.000-07:00

I recently helped decorate Sarah and John's wedding at Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak brook - this venue is as pretty as they come!!! This tudor revival style estate is full of character and sits on tons of acres of woods! Sarah has such an amazing style (which made working with her and her mother so much fun). The bride and groom's goal was to make their special day casual and relaxed!

Here are a few pictures!

We decorated with vintage-inspired elements that looked as though they were an original part of the venue.

Sarah thought of every detail!

Guests felt so special and welcomed because of her personal touches!

We filled the shelves with tons of vintage items! The photos are of Sarah and John's family - soooo cute!! Guests were able to use this typewriter to leave them a message.

Put your dancing shoes on...

I painted this globe with chalkboard paint - it says, "there's no place we'd rather be."

(Thanks Erin for writing this for me - my handwriting is terrible!)

I covered this vintage chair with different styles of doilies!

Head Table...

Each guest table looked a little different!

All of the sweets were made by family!

Happy Monday!!

XO Traci

August Market

2011-08-16T21:03:00.000-07:00

I finally got around to looking through my pictures from the August french market!

Monica and I shared a booth space - It turned out sooo cute!!

Don't forget our September market is in the evening, 5pm - 10pm!

XO Traci

Last minute...

2011-08-07T17:50:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month Mark and I had decided a beach theme would be ideal for this weekend's Kane county market since the weather would be warm and everyone would be in the mood for the beach.

Well....

As you can see that didn't happen - heh!! Actually, this past Wednesday is when we decided to do a harvest theme! I told you we never really have a plan (or if we do we don't stick to it)!

We decided on a fall theme because both of us had collected furniture and small items with fall tones; so we went with it!! Our customers loved seeing fall items and most agreed they were ready for summer to be over - maybe they felt this way because it was super hot again this month!!

We had a such great show!

Looking forward to next month, hmmm...what theme should we go with!?!

XO Traci

New Etsy Items

2011-08-04T18:06:00.000-07:00

I've been adding new items to my etsy shop that I only sell online!

Check them out here!

When I ship an order on Etsy I like to have each purchase arrive in a fun way!
Butterflies cut from vintage maps embellish the outside and inside of each package.
I fill each package with tons of pink paper shreds!

Tons of new ribbons!

Don't forget I'll be selling at Kane County Flea Market

this Saturday and Sunday!

I'll be in my usual spot in the poultry shed.

I have TONS of awesome antiques and one-of-a-kind items!!

Actually, I don't have room for one more item in my trailer, it is so packed!

Have a wonderful day!!

XO Traci

around the shop...

2011-07-28T11:33:00.000-07:00

Though I should be focusing on fall I'm still in the summer mood!

I've added tons of new linen and garden items around the shop!

Don't you love the detailing on this chair!?!

Just added these crown table runners - sorry the little stool just sold.

I love the rose detailing and legs on this small bench!

New candles around the shop...

Linen and ruffles!!

We have a few different styles of these great bulletin boards!

New crown aprons only $16.50!!

These stakes are perfect for candles or vases!

Have a great day!
XO Traci

Vintage Inspired Wedding

2011-07-23T14:29:00.000-07:00

Just finished decorating for a wedding and thought you would like to take a look.

The venue was a simple hall which we transformed to look so sweet!

The space took on such a warm, vintage feel.

This hung behind the bride and groom.

The bridal party will place their paper bouquets in these empty vases - this is a great way to save money and display your gorgeous bouquets!

Guest Tables featured a burlap runner with mercury glass vases filled with paper flowers and tons of candles!

These tall candles wrapped in tea-stained doilies were scattered around the event and lined the tables.

All of the chairs were tied with burlap!

We hung paper lanterns and swags of burlap.

One flower girl carried this cone and tossed these stamped rose petals

One flower girl will be pulled in this wagon that I painted, distressed and decorated!

Off to take some pictures of new merchandise I'm listing on Etsy...

Have a great weekend!!

XO Traci

Mary Kay Princess Ball

2011-07-17T19:07:00.000-07:00

Wondering why I haven't been at the shop all week?

I've had a really busy week working on this fun event.

Don't try this at home!!

Almost 8 foot tall glittered high heel...

Here are the before pics

On the stage we draped panels of pink satin fabric, filled the glittered shoe with pink flowers and made a throne for the queen (that was the surprise - one lucky woman was being crowned queen for having the most sales).

Pink tulle and lights lined the stage.

We made the chair from an old 70's wicker peacock fan-back chair!

Isn't it amazing what satin, velvet and tulle can do!

Each table had a satin pink tablecloth and the chairs were tied with a pink organza sash.

The centerpieces were made from hat boxes we sprayed teal and purple, a glittered high heel containing pink paper flowers, tulle, and ribbon!

The crew for the day....

Dad setting out silver chargers - he thought he was just delivering the giant high heel, heh!!

Pat Clemmons fluffing all of our pink tulle!

The room was VERY pink and so perfect for the princess ball, even the favors were pink.

XO Traci

Children's Fishing Derby

2011-07-14T06:12:00.000-07:00

We are now accepting applications to participate in our 3rd annual children's fishing derby, along the canal, during the 3 french hens french country market!
Spaces are limited so HURRY:)

Click HERE for more info!

See you August 13th at our next market!

XO Traci

French Market

2011-07-10T19:04:00.000-07:00

We had such an amazing day at the french market this past Saturday! There were so many wonderful and creative vendors and there was such a variety of vendors! The market was really, really busy and it seemed as though our customers were having an enjoyable day.

I managed to take a few pics...

XO Traci

Market

2011-07-05T12:06:00.000-07:00

This weekend I sold at Kane County Flea Market again. Shoppers are always shocked when they realize Mark and I set everything up in about 2 hours! Mark and I work well together. We don't even speak to each other, we just do our thing and occasionally I'll move things he just set down or he'll move things I just placed - heh! We don't have time to discuss how we are going to display and we NEVER have a plan - we just keep moving until everything is out!

Here are a few pictures from the market.

XO Traci

Bragging....just a little!

2011-06-30T20:05:00.000-07:00

Here it is - I've been so excited to share this amazing news!!!

Our 3 french hens market has been chosen as one of the top ten markets in the nation!!!

I am so thrilled!! Monica and I have worked really hard to make our market something special and getting acknowledged in this great magazine is an amazing feeling!

Here is a peek...

See you at our next market, July 9th!

XO Traci

Walking...

2011-06-29T19:54:00.000-07:00

I am so lucky to live in a beautiful, historical area with such gorgeous homes. When I go for a walk these are the homes I get to look at - it never gets old!!

You know I LOVE ivy!!

and

I love this front door.

This one is definitely a one-of-a-kind!

These were used when people traveled by horse and carriage, they would use this platform so they could easily step into the carriage.

Amazing that they are still around!!

What do you think of this one?? I'm seriously considering buying this home. I've looked at it a couple of times and do really love it. It is has lots of space for me to decorate, beautiful thick trim, all original thin hardwood floors and it has the most amazing double staircase!!

One of my favorite things about the house is the porte-cochere which has it's original hanging light fixture!

(can't really see it in this picture because it is on the left of the house)

Ella Bean really likes it!

On our walk we always make sure to cross the street so we are NOT walking in front of this house (they have two of these home security systems, which are VERY scary - heh)

I've always wanted to walk in this persons yard to see what it looks like in this great gazebo!

Maybe one day I'll sneak a peek - just afraid they might have one of those home security systems too!

Hope you've been enjoying the beautiful weather!

XO Traci

Stop and enjoy the view....

2011-06-20T19:26:00.000-07:00

I finally got around to planting the flowers in my window box! I never wait this long but things have been crazy around here. One positive to waiting was the great deal I got on my flowers...okay, maybe they are half dead but I'm sure with a little TLC they'll be beautiful!

Do you ever do something that is sooo embarrassing you just want to crawl under a rock and hide forever!?! Well, whatever that was it is probably nothing in comparison to the incident I had while planting my flowers...

I was running late and had to get to the greenhouse to pick out my flowers before the shop opened. I threw on my clothes and ran out of the house. I ended up going to three different greenhouses before finding plants I liked. Once I got to the shop I immediately began planting but ran out of soil. My mom dropped off soil and as I was finishing she said, "Traci do you have a hole in your pants?" Sure enough all morning I was shopping and bending over planting with the BIGGEST hole in the seam of my pants! Well, at least it explained the strange looks I got from people that walked by and the horn that honked(I thought they were thinking I was cute - guess not)!!

Can you believe I didn't even know I had this hole!?!

Well, you never know what you are going to see at Whimsy!!

Have a great day!

XO Traci

Pillows!

2011-06-16T08:38:00.000-07:00

I love changing the look of my living room by adding different pillows; it is an inexpensive and easy way to change the look of a room.

Here are some new pillows I put out at the shop - sooo cute!

Have a great day!

XO Traci

Being Original...

2011-06-14T14:28:00.000-07:00

I love giving gifts and even more love giving a gift that is just as pretty outside as inside! When the person I am giving a gift to receives a specially wrapped gift they feel special. When I opened Whimsy I knew I wanted each customer to feel and know just how special he/she is. I want each purchase to feel as if they just received a gift. Packaging is so important and it is so fun to get creative! The way you present gifts (or in my case purchases) is your time to BE ORIGINAL - show the mood you are in or how festive you are feeling. Since opening, each season I like to add a little "something" to my bags to go with the holiday theme. I've had stars, hearts, snowflakes, butterflies, birds, flowers and others all made from vintage book and music note paper. I love using vintage colored ribbons and paper shreds! I just love my bags and love that my customers appreciate them!

I've been using my polka dot and stripe paper since day one! I love it!

I had a friend tell me that another shop in my town is using paper items to decorate their bags. Sure enough today a customer walked in with....

Yep, a bird! Yep, made of vintage paper!

Such a cute picture and she bought a beautiful black rose bracelet to match her outfit!

I didn't give her a bag because she wore it home:) heh!

Being original can be difficult because there is always someone somewhere that has a similar vision you do...When a situation like this happens I remind myself that it could be and hopefully is unintentional!

I know I am original and so proud of my work!

XO Traci

Saturday!

2011-06-05T20:09:00.000-07:00

Our first market is coming up!!!

We have sooo many amazing vendors you won't want to miss this show!

See you there!

XO Traci

Hot and Heavy!

2011-06-05T20:04:00.000-07:00

Mark, from Room 363, and I shared a booth space at Kane County flea market.

Mark was NOT happy with me when I told him I needed help moving a "little" something....

Okay, maybe the cabinet isn't little, but it is really amazing!

Sadly, this is the only picture I took since I was CRAZY busy the entire show!

Despite the extreme heat Mark and I had a fantastic show.

THANKS soooo much for coming out to see us!!

XO Traci

Na-Da Farm Pics ....Finally!

2011-05-30T20:10:00.000-07:00

I've been really swamped with events since Na-da farm

so I am finally getting around to posting some pics!

Selling at this sale was such an amazing experience!

Bloggers Tent!

Mark and I shared a space and had such a fun time selling here!

Here are the pics from our space.

XO Traci

Getting Ready!

2011-05-17T19:08:00.000-07:00

I'll be selling at Na-da Farm this weekend!

What a fun night!

2011-05-08T18:29:00.000-07:00

It seemed as though all of our shoppers were having a great time at Ladies Night Out! Each store was offering sales, free gifts, snacks, and drinks! Here are some pictures from the night!

I had a few fresh floral arrangements around the shop.

I used vintage containers, white spray roses, greens, and peacock feathers.

The jewelry trunk show featured jewelry from two different designers

LB and Scotch

and

http://www.etsy.com/shop/littlewhitechapel

We had tons of one-of-a-kind vintage key necklaces.

Lots of lace...

I made these candles to give my customers who had a $30.00 purchase.

I had lots of customers want to buy them so I'll be making some to sell!

more new jewelry...

I just brought this great dresser to the shop!

I found this cabinet like it is, but I added the numbers, it is sooo cute!!

XO Traci

Missing??

2011-05-01T20:49:00.000-07:00

No, I haven't been missing - just got back from a very relaxing trip to Mexico.

Vacations can be difficult for me since I feel like I'm always missing things.

(I almost canceled when I knew I would be missing Kane County)

I brought tons of work with, but couldn't do too much because internet was NOT good!

I was forced to just relax!

I really wanted to go on a kayaking tour, but I thought about the bike tour I took while in Napa and remembered I couldn't keep up and I thought I was going to get lost...

I didn't want to go missing at sea!!

This is what I did all week!!

XO Traci

Ladies Night Out

2011-04-21T20:41:00.000-07:00

Ladies Night Out is one of my favorite events in downtown Morris!

All of the shops have sales, goodies, and giveaways!

We'll have tons of new merchandise!!

Hope to see you there!

XO Traci

Guest Book

2011-04-19T17:42:00.000-07:00

I love working on custom orders, especially when the customer trusts and allows me to create what I think would be best! Here are a few pictures of a wedding guest book I finished for a bride in South Dakota. She is having an outdoor vintage wedding.

Here is the blank book I started with...

After....

Have a great day!

Traci

Pretty things around the shop...

2011-04-12T20:23:00.000-07:00

I brought some new furniture to the shop that I just love!

Here are a few pics!

This chair has an amazing frame and the fabric has been painted, it is beautiful!

$175.00 - sold

This is such a unique armoire! Great detail at the top and bottom!

$395.00

I added this sweet bird applique to this cabinet!

$195.00

Not furniture, but LOVE this terracotta sculpture!

Enjoy your week!

XO Traci

Toast to a great market!

2011-04-04T06:48:00.000-07:00

After an insanely busy day selling at Kane County Market, I headed to Mark's for a fun get-together! Mark from http://www.room363.net/ invited some sellers and shoppers to his dinner party at The Denim Loft.

His displays were fabulous...

His tablescape was so sweet and romantic.

Dinner was served on his collection of vintage china!

Here's Mark pouring me a glass of wine.

Of course all of the glasses were from his great collection of vintage glassware!

It is so much fun to spend time with friends who can relate to the craziness of owning a shop and selling at markets!

We always have interesting stories!!

The guests:

http://www.denisesadornments.com/

http://iowajunkgypsies.blogspot.com/

http://thegildedjunqueyard.blogspot.com/

http://theperfectpear2.blogspot.com/

http://tapestriesofnature.blogspot.com/

Janice, Diane, Patty and Cathy (all sell at Kane)

Look how cute this guest was, she has the perfect home, at The Denim Loft, in the most adorable vintage cage!

I wish I would have taken more pictures of Mark's displays, this one was a favorite!

Here are a few pictures from Kane. I collaborated with Mark and our space turned out to be so inviting and beautiful!

Hope you had a wonderful weekend!

XO Traci

More dress forms

2011-03-30T19:12:00.000-07:00

I just brought these to the shop!

I'll be selling at Kane County flea market this weekend, hope to see you there! I won't be in my usually building, I'll be in the farthest building from the front entrance (the white building).

XO Traci

I've been busy today!

2011-03-26T20:14:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am blogging on a Saturday night:) I spent the entire day at the shop putting out tons of merchandise that I've been meaning to put out. Lots of one-of-a-kind items!

Here is a peek at just a few items I put out today!

Tons of new earrings at a great price!

Cuff Bracelets

New coin purses and wallets.

Burlap flower pins, You deserve a medal pins, and floral necklace

Paper flower wreaths - pink and cream

French lavender bath salts

French lavender sachets

Both the bath salts and sachets smell soooo amazing!

Still putting out some Easter items

I've started putting out garden items - already!

Wouldn't this be so sweet on a front door in place of a wreath!?

These jars can hold fresh flowers.

Have a great weekend!

Traci

Disguised

2011-03-22T19:53:00.000-07:00

Sometimes electronics can ruin the look of your room and most media centers are so NOT cute! I really don't like looking at all of the black and silver when I want to feel relaxed and calm. So I came up with my own solution! I converted a vintage dresser into a media center to hide my television, DVD player and all that other ugly stuff! First, I made a frame to go around the television to hide the silver rim. The bottom of the frame matches the bottom of the dresser; I had to make the frame thicker at the bottom because the rim of the television was thicker there. Most of my guests think the television is a mirror.

I cut the drawer fronts off and threw the rest away! Each draw front is completely removable so all of my gadgets fit easily inside. The drawers stay in place with magnets.

I wanted to line the shelves with book paper, but I never got around to doing it!

When the drawers are placed on the dresser

I can still control everything by remote by pointing it at this hidden sensor.

You can barely see it because I hid it in this hydrangea!

I wanted my living room to feel just a cozy as my bedroom.

It can be fun and interesting to place items in unexpected places, I placed these perfume bottles and vanity mirrors on the dresser to make my living room different!

This vintage suitcase stores my remotes.

I don't get to watch much television, but when I do it is cozy and relaxing.

XO Traci

Come on in!

2011-03-20T19:42:00.000-07:00

Since so many of my customers want a peek inside my home, I thought I would start to share some pics of my favorite things around my house!

Knock Knock - come on in!

I love my door knocker with it's aged patina!

Welcome!

I think having a basket of slippers for guest to slip on is a great way to welcome them!

These are easy to wash once worn!

I don't have a home phone, only a cell, but I couldn't leave my phone nook empty!

I had a hard time finding a small rug in the color I needed so I made one myself. I painted these diamonds on the back of a piece of linoleum and put a protective clear finish over it! So easy and inexpensive to make!!

I have tons more pics to share.

Hope you had a great weekend!

XO Traci

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2011-03-15T19:04:00.000-07:00

If you wear green while shopping downtown Morris on March 17th

you'll be lucky enough to get great discounts and sales!

Stop in and get 10% off your entire purchase.

XO Traci

New Etsy Items!

2011-03-12T10:57:00.000-08:00

I just added a few new items to my etsy shop.

These roses are made from script tissue paper -sooo cute!

Rolls of paper ribbon!

Handy metal clips!

New crown tote!

Have a great weekend!! XO Traci

The girls take center stage!

2011-03-04T15:13:00.000-08:00

This weekend is a national conference for Mary Kay and I was lucky enough to decorate the stage and help with some details for the event! They loved the paper dresses on my dress forms and asked that they be placed on stage for everyone to enjoy! Here are a few pics!

We displayed some of the many magazine covers the speaker, Jeanie, had collected over the years.

Are you wondering what we are doing here....

These are the GIANT styrofoam letters we covered with tiny paper floral blooms! These letters stand over 8 feet tall! Are you wondering why "IT" is on the stage!?! Well, Jeanie's slogan is "IT."

Place cards

Gifts

The special guests for the evening will be sitting in chairs with angel wings - Jeanie's speech includes angels!

Thanks Deb and Jeanie for letting me help with this wonderful conference!

xo Traci

It's starting to look like spring!

2011-02-26T10:16:00.000-08:00

It might be gloomy and cold outside but it is beginning to feel like spring in the shop! I've been adding new spring and easter items daily! Just thought I would share a few pics...

Have a great day!

XO Traci

Great New Accessories!

2011-02-21T15:32:00.000-08:00

We have been getting in TONS of beautiful scarves and accessories!

Thes are really sweet wristlets!

Lots of new rings!!

XO Traci

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-12T15:17:00.000-08:00

Wishing you a romantic Valentine's weekend!

xo Traci

Can't Wait!

2011-02-10T11:22:00.000-08:00

I've already started to collect and gather items for this event! I haven't sold here before (I've only been a shopper) so I'm really excited!! As it get closer I'll let you know about all of my goodies I'll be bringing!!

XO Traci

Love is in the Air!

2011-01-20T12:49:00.000-08:00

I've been getting the shop ready for Valentine's Day! You can't decorate for this day without using tons of pink, cream, lace, and ruffles! The shop is beginning to look so romantic! Here are a few pics of some new items!

Thanks Pat for all your creative valentine ideas!!

XO Traci

Shop Till' We Dropped!

2011-01-18T18:46:00.000-08:00

I just got back from a retail order writing show in Atlanta, Georgia. Connie, from Aesthetics in Crystal Lake, joined me for this intense show! Imagine 3 buildings, 20 floors in each building packed with tons of product to choose from!! This is a picture of one of the buildings it was actually the smallest of the three buildings!!

Can you believe I was focusing on items for Christmas...ALREADY!! I ordered some beautiful items and know that Christmas 2011 won't disappoint!!

Distressed, pillows, chairs, and totes were definitely a trend!

The chair above and these pillows were really neat display props! I loved the straw!

This reminds me of my holiday window!! Love the paper dress!!

I loved these linens and the twig canopy!!

There were soooo many jewelry and accessory vendors at the show! I loved this booth!

We ordered/shopped for 44 hours in four days! Connie and I were on a mission...no stopping for breakfast or lunch! We joked that we lived off popcorn and margaritas for those four days...it seemed like every showroom was offering these and we couldn't pass them up!! Here we are at the end of our third day!

We felt like her...

I'll be getting in tons of new merchandise so be sure to stop by!!

XO Traci

So Surprised!

2011-01-17T17:16:00.000-08:00

I picked up the latest copy of Somerset Life and was so surprised to find creative idea #134 featured my packaging!!! If you order from my etsy shop or pick something up from my shop I always like to make the package just as cute as the item purchased!

Thanks for letting me share!! XO Traci

New Etsy Items

2011-01-04T10:53:00.000-08:00

I just listed these three adorable ring bearer pillows on my etsy shop!

Happy New Year!!! XO Traci

Just thought I would share...

2010-12-27T18:20:00.000-08:00

I came across some adorable shops while in Savannah...

My favorite lunch spot...

We had to eat at Paula Dean's restaurant!

If you are ever planning a trip to Savannah and need some tips just let me know I'd be happy to help with your planning!

XO Traci

Savannah Wedding

2010-12-27T18:00:00.000-08:00

My friends Leti and Miles were married in a very intimate and romantic ceremony in Savannah, Georgia. This was definitely one of the sweetest weddings I've attended and was so glad to be a part of it! Are they not the cutest couple!?!

The ceremony was at a very secluded chapel that was absolutely beautiful.

Not many decorations were needed since the chapel was so charming. Rose petals lined the aisle and were so fragrant!

Tons of candles!

Leti's flowers were composed of all pink roses and were wrapped in lace.

The reception was held at the Olde Pink House in downtown Savannah. Instead of the traditional wedding cake they had yummy macaroons for each guest! Cheers!

Thanks for taking a peek!! xo Traci

My Wedding...

2010-12-25T18:22:00.000-08:00

I recently took a trip to Savannah, Georgia to attend a wedding. I flew into Savannah airport and immediately drove to South Carolina to a place I have been wanting to go for years! The sweetest and most charming little place called Inn at Palmetto Bluff! I like it so much that I want to have my wedding there! I know you might think I am crazy but I have all the plans set...yes...the decor, the itinerary, the menu!! Yes, I have it all planned but I am missing one thing...the groom!! Heh! After visiting the Inn I love it even more! Maybe one day....

Isn't this chapel so sweet!!! It was raining during my visit but I still was able to take a few pictures.

The front doors look so inviting!

I love everything about the interior!

This is the view from the the chapel...beautiful!

I had to grab lunch! Yummy!

These are the cottages you can rent...I would like to build a home like any of these! They were each so adorable and unique!

What a great place! If you ever visit South Carolina you should stop by the inn to have lunch and take a look around! I'll be posting some other pics from my trip soon...

Hope you had a very merry Christmas!!

XO Traci

Holiday Party

2010-12-05T09:36:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures from a recent work holiday party I decorated. Usually Bev (my client) and I like to do a vintage silver and white theme...this year we stepped out of our boundaries and went really rustic! Each place setting had a real wood charger, a menu printed on real wood and tied with red and black buffalo plaid with a rusty bell.

Each guest also had one of these tiny arrangement at their seat...I took a votive and wrapped it in buffalo plaid and filled it with fresh greens, seeded eucalyptus, and a large pine cone!

Each centerpiece was set on top of a real log!

For the table numbers each log had a moss covered number nailed with a vintage nail!

The place card table featured two tall and really large arrangements!

The place card was tied to these logs and inside had a raffle ticket, note from their boss, and drink tickets.

A vintage pail filled with fresh greens!

There were tons of gifts!!!

Using vintage clip art I made a variety of present toppers...

Here are just a couple.

These employees are so lucky to have such a great boss!! Thanks Bev for giving me the opportunity to help with this great event!!!

xoTraci

Midnight in Morris

2010-12-04T19:30:00.000-08:00

Friday all the shops downtown stayed open for the annual Midnight in Morris event. Our shop was insanely busy despite the snow! The sparkling wine with cranberry juice was a hit...I went through 22 bottles of wine!! I would have went through more but I ran out of cups! All of our 20 dozen cookies were gone within 3 hours!!!!

Before the event started my friend Nida and her fiance...I mean boyfriend stopped by!

(Nate, 2011 looks like a great year for a wedding...hint, hint)

The shop was sooo busy that it was almost impossible to move and most of the night there was a line to get in!

The snow really put you in the Christmas spirit!

I love candlelight outside when it is snowing! I placed these candles in my window boxes.

I left the shop around 12:45, went home, and woke up to TONS of snow!!!

Thanks to everyone who made it out to our event!!

xo Traci

Charity House Walk

2010-11-29T21:04:00.000-08:00

Kevin and Sarah (they own Turtle's Tap in Morris and Dwight) asked me to help with a little decorating since their home was one of the featured homes on the charity house walk! It is definitely a HUGE undertaking to be a part of this...imagine a thousand people walking through your home looking for ideas and inspiration for their own homes! Talk about pressure!!! They asked for me to give some ideas and decorate the dining room...so here are a few pics!

I wanted to do something a little different! Everyone always decorates with Christmas decor...I decided to decorate with a New Years theme!

Each table setting featured a hat, horn and blower! Of course I covered everything with vintage sheet music! The hats were actually kids b-day hats!

Also, each place setting had a champagne flute filled with clear beads, a rose, greens and a silver star!

In the center of the table this hat hosted an arrangement!

Also, in the center of the table...

The chairs featured a tulle sash and clock!

Here was the before...

Kevin and Sarah were great to work with and their home turned out to be absolutely gorgeous! I had such a fun time decorating! It was great to play a small part in such a great cause!!

Thanks! XO Traci

French Market

2010-11-25T09:37:00.000-08:00

Our french market turned out to be so wonderful! Here are a few pictures of the event...I wish I would have taken more!!!

I really hope you enjoyed the market!!! xx Traci

Holiday French Market

2010-11-15T20:27:00.000-08:00

I am working on TONS of handmade items for our 3 French Hens holiday market! Really, you won't want to miss it! We have some FABULOUS vendors! Monica and I will be sharing one large space again this year. We've had so much fun collaborating on our space! For more info about the market click here!

Already this season I've sold eleven pairs of decorated vintage skates!!

Looks like I have a few left to finish...

Just finished wrapping all of these great cream trees with burlap and gave them a bit of sparkle!

Well I need to get back to work...see you this weekend at the market!!

Traci

Around the Shop

2010-11-14T20:04:00.000-08:00

I have been busy filling the shop with so many festive holiday items...thought you might want to take a peek!

Tons of glittery ornaments!

I love this flocked winter greens garland...especially with the glittered star garland!

This is one of my favorite chairs I've had in the shop...sorry it just sold!

I'll be placing these paper flowers on all of my packages this year!

These were so fun to make!! I used vintage horns and music note shreds!

I love vintage cream trees! I bought this one but didn't care for the base so....

I covered it with music notes and glitter!

Thanks!!
xo Traci

Joy

2010-11-08T20:06:00.000-08:00

This holiday season the shop is stocked with lots of glitter and vintage inspired items! Our windows are no exception!!! Each vintage dress form has a paper dress, glitter letter, crown and vintage damask wallpaper behind her! I found the wallpaper at a flea market...I LOVE it!!

We had such a fun time designing each paper dress and crown!

We couldn't forget about a paper tree!!

xo
Traci

Rudell & Gene

2010-10-31T20:48:00.000-07:00

Saturday I helped Rudell and Gene with their wedding! I love fall weddings and theirs turned out to be so beautiful! Here are a few pics...

We decided to go with deep reds, yellows, and oranges! It is fairly common to do oranges in the fall so we thought it would be nice to add red and yellow for an unexpected twist! This is a picture of the maid-of-honor's bouquet and the bride's bouquet!

Rudell's bouquet was composed of white calla lilies, white hydrangeas and seeded eucalyptus. I tied the handle with vintage lace....it was beautiful with her vintage style gown!

Each guest got a miniature pumpkin as their place card!

and a caramel apple!

Each table had an elevated arrangement that had lighting in the vase! The arrangements were composed of roses, orchids, burgundy hanging amaranthus and one of my favorites vintage hydrangeas(green with a burgundy tip)! Each table number was a handpainted on a real pumpkin!

How lucky were the guests at this wedding!? We put this sweets table together for the event...YUMMY!! We had the cutest sign that said Love is Sweet across the front of the table! The frame said help yourself to something sweet! Candy was a must considering it was Halloween weekend!

Thanks Rudell and Gene for letting me be a part of your wedding day!!!

Traci

Holiday Open House

2010-10-28T20:29:00.000-07:00

My holiday open house is coming up....

November 5th - 9:30am - 7:00pm

November 6th - 9:30am - 5:00pm

November 7th - noon - 4:00pm

I'll be starting off the season with GREAT sales for this weekend only! I have been working on tons of handcrafted items that I know won't last! I am really excited about Christmas this year...I have such a great vision for the shop! Can't wait for you to see!! Many of the other shops in town will be having their open house the same weekend as me...Ruby Begonias, The Paper Co. and others!

I brought a few items to Kane as a holiday preview...

I have soooo much more I'll be putting out for my open house!!!

This is my latest dress form I found...I think it might just be my favorite one I have had!!

Great Ribbon...

I have tons of real looking greens...wreaths, garlands, potted plants and picks!

I just got these script runners and tablecloths in!

I filled these cones with greens and ornaments!

I love anything that has glitter! These wreaths definitely get you in the holiday spirit!

I'll also be selling at Kane county November 6th and 7th! I moved to the inside Expo building for the November show....where it will be warm and toasty!!

See you soon!!

Traci

I am so super excited!

2010-10-19T19:21:00.000-07:00

It is finally ready!! Here is the info for our next french market! We are sooo excited because this year we can fit even more great vendors! This really is going to be the most festive and fabulous shopping event EVER!! Hope you can make it!
xo Traci

So much fun...

2010-10-18T21:05:00.000-07:00

I had such a fun time working on Lisa and Seth's wedding! They had their wedding in gorgeous Galena, Illinois! Everything in this wedding was handmade and totally vintage! I only took a few pics...oops! I think everything turned out to be so sweet! Enjoy!

corsages...

Bouquets...

candles wrapped in vintage lace...

Canterpieces...

Barn Sale

2010-10-17T19:19:00.000-07:00

Monica, Rose, my mom and I made our way to the Na-Da Farm Barn Sale! http://nadafarmlife.blogspot.com/ Anne Marie and all involved did such an incredible job transforming her barn...it was beautiful! Walking in the barn was really breathtaking...perfect lighting, gorgeous dried flowers everywhere, burlap, linen, and just the right amount of ruffles, crystals, and feminine touches! I LOVED it...I would have loved to host a fall get-together in her barn! Here are a few pictures...

We were so excited to get to the sale...it took us about 2 hours to get there! Even walking up to the barn was a great experience.

What a gorgeous wreath and view!!

Loved these yummy sweets!

Monica (owner of Ruby Begonia's) bought this lighting fixture...LOVE it!!

This soap smelled amazing and the packaging is so sweet!

My mom caught me doing what I do best....shop!!

There were dried flowers everywhere...it put you in fall mode for sure! I thought this sign was so neat.

What an interesting chair!

Burlap, old wire and chandelier prisms...one of my favorite looks! I love this lamp shade!

Throughout the barn sale there were some really beautiful paintings!!

Loved this idea...you'll see these at the shop for Christmas!!

Thanks for looking

xo Traci