I have not posted anything lately and there is a reason.  My sister & I have always had a dream of owning an antique shop.  About four years ago, we decided that we could work together and started working toward that goal.  About three years ago, Becky purchased an old bank building in Prairie City, Iowa.....it was built in 1889 and was in terrible shape.  She has been working on that building for a long time using contractors for electrical, plumbing and HVAC.  I have helped her with removing plaster to expose brick walls and painting.  We will be laying salvaged flooring from an old church in Iowa and then sanding, staining, and sealing.  There will be much to do after that, but we have decided it will be ready at that point for our grand opening.  Please check out our handout below for information on our grand opening in June.  We are also doing our first show together in Des Moines, IA this coming weekend.  It is called Junk Jubilee.  We will have antique, vintage, primitive and architectural items for sale.  We have been working like crazy to try to get our items ready for the show.  We will set up for the show this Thursday.

I have had to put the making of teddy bears on the back burner until the show is over.  I have stopped working  on a bear which I will be offering for sale.  It will be posted on Facebook when done.  I am anxious to start working on teddy bears again.  I am posting a photo of the start of the bears head.  He or she will be about 19" tall when done. You can check out my Facebook page at aDORRablebears Facebook Page.

The weather is still crazy here in Iowa.  I have been trying to get some vintage pieces sanded and I haven't been able to do much due to the rain.  I don't want to sand in my garage because of the dust, and I can't sand in my driveway due to the rain......so I have been working on my front porch in a warm coat.  There is a chance of snow tonight.  I can't believe it's almost the end of April.  We will most likely go right to hot & humid weather.

I hope you are all enjoying the somewhat warmer weather.  More next week.......

Grand Opening Information for Mud Pies & Sassafras Tea



aDORRable bears Work In Progress, April 2013

Kelly Bug

This is Kelly Bug and she was created about 15 years ago.  I love her face and I love the fabric she is made from......which I cannot get anymore.  She is named after my oldest daughter.  I took her photo amongst my flowers and I also enjoy the color in the background.  Took this photo with my Father's vintage Minolta...back in the day when I still used film.  My how times have changed

Penn The Patriotic is made from an antique horsehair lap robe, antique boot button eyes with red felt inserts behind them and felt paw pads from antique spats. He is wearing an antique men's collar and antique flag bunting as a sash. He is stuffed with excelsior and polyfil.  There are imperfections on the lap robe and the felt paw pads....which adds to the old traditional look. He will be heading to Collins Gifts.

Are you getting ready for Valentine's Day?  How do you celebrate?  I'm sending some love your way....

These are a few of my favorite things.............also known as a box of happiness.  I hope you are enjoying the season.