Jen Bowles Design

Local/Handmade: Dasken Designs

I realized yesterday that I've been making an unconscious (or maybe conscious) effort to shop local and/or handmade this holiday season.  To that end, I've attend two Holiday Marketplace events in the last few weeks.  #3 is on the list for this afternoon.  I'm heading out today specifically to see Liza Abelson, the artist and designer behind Dasken Designs.

I first discovered Dasken Designs at a show in Duxbury, MA.  For me, it was adoration at first sight.  Her booth was full of whimsical, colorful stained glass creations:  mermaids, starfish, earrings, business card holders, the list goes on. 

Why don't we just take a peek...    

         

Oh swoon, I think I've found something new to collect.  Fortunately Liza accepts credit cards ☺.

{Be sure to check out Liza's website & shop at Dasken Designs.  You can also read a great interview with Liza at sue b. do biz buzz }

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{My} Tuesday Treasure: Vintage Postcards

Yesterday (Tuesday) I found myself in downtown Scituate at a quirky little shop called The Quarterdeck. After I browsed through the impressive selection of reasonably priced starfish, I stumbled upon their huge collection of vintage postcards.  There were, literally, thousands of postcards housed in several long cardboard boxes.  They were well organized by town or region and each postcard was individually priced.  $3.  $4.  Eek, too rich for my blood.

Never one to give up on finding a bargain, I wandered around the rest of the store and came upon my prize:  two boxes of mixed-up, well-worn vintage postcards.  The price?  35¢ each or 3 for $1.  Yeeeees!

Here's a peek at my treasures from Tuesday... {click on image to enlarge & view fully, really wish I could figure out the column widths better on Typepad...}

From a local car dealership (postmarked 1957)    

I love the message on this one (postmarked December 1924)    

Can't decide which side I like more on this one  from Brünig, Switzerland (postmarked 1905)      

This one cracks me up! (unused, undated)

Love this little dude's bathing suit (unused, undated)

The handwritten script on this Greater Tampa postcard booklet is so lovely

Maybe this is what I should be using on my hair... (late 19th century advertising trading card)   

And finally, my favorite find of the day (postmarked July 1905)    

Great stories, great artwork--what's not to love about vintage postcards??

Wishing you luck on your treasure hunting!

Nantucket: Island of Shells & Flowers

As our taste of Indian Summer continues, so will my reminiscence of our trip to Nantucket in August.

As I metioned in my last post, once we reached the island the weather for our day was beautiful with plenty of bright sunshine.  The colors and natural beauty of Nantucket was visible at every turn.  Beauty that showed itself in two themes in my photos:  shells and flowers, both bountiful all over town.

At Jetties Beach, the shoreline was awash in slipper shells.  We delighted in digging through the sheer volume of shells to find those special ones that came home with us.   One thing none of us could seem to find: scallop shells.  On my first trip to Nantucket  (circa 1980) I remember the beach being filled with scallop shells.  When we left,  our bike baskets were loaded to the brim with the iconic shells in all different colors and patterns.  Or so I remember it.  I was rather disappointed until we were getting ready to leave the beach.  While we were waiting for the bus back to town, I took a walk in the dune paths near the playground.  Jackpot!  I had no idea why all the scallop shells were partly buried in the sand dunes until Jeanne van Etten clued us in.  Apparently the shells from the scallops are disposed of in the beach parking lot in the fall, in concordance with the scallop season.  Additionally, the scallop "population"  in Nantucket is much lower now than it was 30 years ago.  Happily I did find several large {unbroken} scallop shells to collect ☺.

Back in town, Main Street was full of flowers in full color, glorious bloom.    We saw loads of beautiful window boxes and planters in front of shops and homes all over town.    

When we stumbled upon this set up on Main Street, I really felt like I was in Nantucket.  Such beautiful hydrangeas!  And the lovely and playful floral arrangements in the Nantucket baskets!  My favorites were definitely the succulents tucked into the shells.  Adorable.

No sooner had we finished admiring that curbside display, I stumbled upon this wonderful truck from Nantucket Wildflower Farm.  Such beautiful summer flower goodness, such an awesome truck. Too bad she had already packed up.  But a great view as the truck drove away!

Throughout the day, shells and flowers were recurrent themes.  It seemed every shop we went into had flowers outside and shells inside.   I love the way she stacked the scallop shells on the stacks of books and on the  wonderful chippy windowsill at shop at No. 8 Orange St.    The Nantucket island collage with shells and sand would make a great souvenir--so clever.

Even down on the wharf, more shells, more flowers.  This collection of treasures was lined up along the dock as we walked along admiring the boats.  Looks like someone had a good day by the sea ;-).  The flowers and window boxes at the wharf shops were splendid.  Maybe the salt air gives them a little extra ooomph?

Whatever it is, Nantucket is surely a beautiful, enchanting island. 

And I can't wait to return.

Signs of Nantucket

The warm temperatures and shining sun are making it feel a bit like Indian summer here in Massachusetts today. 

Ah, summer.

I miss you so much.

Luckily I have plenty to blog about from this past summer, so I can re-live it as the weather and calendar start to become decidedly more un-summerlike. 

Back in August, I took a day trip to Nantucket with my mom and my cousin Penny.  The day started out gray (there's a reason they call the island the Grey Lady) but turned out sunny and warm by the time we made our first stop at Jetties Beach.  We fit in so much in our 8 hour visit, today I'm going to share just one aspect of our visit:  the signs.

I love lettering & love words and there were so many great signs all over the island, I kept snapping away with my camera.  In fact, as I looked back over my photos, I realized I documented nearly our whole day in signs.

Want to take a trip to Nantucket?  C'mon along...

When you step off the ferry, you are assaulted with bike rental options before you even step off the wharf.  On this day, we instead opted for the bus.

We took the bus to Jetties Beach, the closest beach to the ferry terminal.  We happily searched for shells and interesting beach ephemera for over an hour.

As we were leaving, Penny spotted this in the sand.  A Scrabble tile??  First time I've seen one of those alone at the beach!

We took the bus back to town and walked past several cute shops on Center Street.    

We ended up stopping here for a delicious lunch.

As we strolled up toward Main St., I noticed several signs for the upcoming Sand Castle contest.  I wish we could've seen it.

At the bottom of Main Street, of course we had to stop and take pictures with the compass directional sign at Gardiner's Corner.       

On our way to the restroom, we stumbled upon a pay phone.   First of all, a pay phone (!) and second, how cute is that carved fish??

I recognized the name of the Cheryl Fudge shop from a story in Country Living.  Great painted stairs, maybe inspiration for our basement stairs someday...

How could I not take a picture of the Peter Beaton sign?  We saw his (?) car around the corner, a cute little convertible with a striped hatbox on the seat.

One of my favorite signs of the day ♥.

I loved the cuteness of this message sign.

As we criss-crossed the cobblestone streets, I noticed many car bumpers with several years worth of beach permit stickers.  Color me jealous.  Luckily I was able to score a Nantucket beach permit t-shirt later in the day.

A happy stop, what's not to love about a thrift shop on a resort island?   I found several items that came home with me, cheap but a bit bulky.

There are even interesting signs on the ground, if you look down.

This sign was outside the shop of artist Jeanne van Etten, a visit so enjoyable it deserves its' own upcoming post.

Jeanne sent us over to this shop, owned by a friend of hers.

While this bag was pricey, I love the idea.

Dogs (mine anyway) kind of drive me nuts.  Dog art?  Very cool, especially this mosaic with name of a popular local watering hole.

Our meandering next took us to:

We checked out several shops as we wandered but couldn't keep our eyes off the yachts docked along wharf.   Le Bon JouJou indeed.

There were several nice outposts along the wharf, including this gallery.

After dinner, we walked around another part of the wharf.

We were in search of ice cream before boarding the high speed ferry home.  After one false start, some people on the street directed us here:

They said it was the best ice cream on the island.  We had no argument ;-).

A sweet end to a lovely day.

Mix on Martha's Vineyard

Without a doubt, our favorite shop we visited during our day trip to Martha's Vineyard last month was Mix in Vineyard Haven.   The mere fact that everyone in the group (two 10 year old boys, two 13 year old girls and myself) were content to browse and shop for nearly a half hour is testament to the enchanting and inviting nature of Mix.   In fact, I think I was the first one ready to go ;-).

The vibe at Mix is decidedly and wonderfully eclectic.  Vintage letterpress blocks mingle nearby bowls of giant shells.  Jewelry, cards, a great selection of toys and an entire wall of vintage kitchenware inhabit the space.   Old signs, new aprons, textiles and bags, and our favorite Jane Jenni buttons are all on display.

Speaking of displays, I l-o-v-e-d all of them!  They use all sorts of authentic vintage fixtures with great lines and patinas.  The space itself is a great fit for the shop as well: wide, worn hardwood floors and large windows with a cozy feel.

Mix is a definite must see if you find yourself in Vineyard Haven.  Now, if it was a bit closer to home for me,  two things would happen:  I'd be shopping there all the time and I'd be applying for a job ;-).

Mix, 4 Union Street, Vineyard Haven, MA

508.693.8240

Thrifty Finds

Yesterday I went to the Salvation Army to drop off a pile of books for my mom.  I could've just left the books, gotten back in my car and driven away.  But I didn't.  Of course I didn't.

Allow me to share what I scored during my quick trip inside the store ☺.

First, an adorable little pitcher.  I'm not sure if I'll use it in my studio for storage or as part of my Halloween decor.  Love the black & white combo.  And it made me think of my dad who is currently in the midst of a three week vacation in Tuscany.

Next, a fun, coastal vibe picture frame.  I'm planning to paint the pink stripes coral and use it in the basement family room.  Of course then I'll have to select one beach picture from the approximately 3000 beach photos I have to put in it...

I honed in on this enamel colander right away.  Lime green.  Love it.  This will go in my studio to hold paints.  Or glue sticks.  Or some sort of crafty supplies.

Finally, this napkin holder.   Originally from Crate & Barrel, I scooped it right up.  You see, I actually need a napkin holder.  As soon as I saw it I could picture it spray painted.  So yesterday afternoon, ahead of the rain due from Earl, I presto-change-oed it.  Ta-da.  Even my children were impressed--they thought it was new and that I bought it green.  Oh yeah.

Ah, the thrift store.  Where there's always treasure waiting to be discovered.  And purchased.

{Speaking of treasure, wait 'til I show you rocking horse I scored at the dump swap pile today!}

 

Out & About: Company C

Last week Ebby and I made a quick stop at Company C while we were walking from Snip-Its to Barnes & Noble.  So convenient.  I was searching for a rug to put at the bottom of the stairs in the new basement family room.  While I've since settled on an ultra plush and fuzzy beauty from HomeGoods (I mean, I think I've settled on it...), I did snap a few pictures with my iPhone in Company C that I thought worth sharing.  The colors and patterns in there are such a treat.  Enjoy!

I love this display of flower plates and glass bottles.  Is it just me or just it look like it could just as easily be at Anthropologie?  Save for the bright green wall maybe.

This room vignette was our favorite.  It would've been nice to somehow tele-port all this colorful goodness into our basement. 

Great color on this rug and a bold yet subtle textural pattern.

The rug covered ottoman.  Very nice statement piece.

The Garland rug.  All sizes are on sale this month.  I liked it and I was going to come back for the 3'x5' one this week.  But then I found the $40 substitute at HG and I think I'll be holding onto my cash.  For now anyway.  I have until June 30th to change my mind.  Again.

Speaking of the basement, haven't gotten a chance to take pictures yet for the latest update.  It's on my list for today though, so do check back.  I've been painting again...

Have You Seen It?: Vintage Groove by Memory Makers

 A couple of weeks ago I was scurrying around AC Moore looking for a Mother's Day present for my mom.  Of course I was looking in the craft store for a Mother's Day present, why not?  I was on my way out the door when I noticed a display with all sorts of fabulous on it.  It was the Jill Schwartz line for Making Memories, aka Vintage Groove. I vaguely recalled reading about it back in January but this was the first time I'd seen it in person.

It is lovely. 

I ended up buying a 'collection of assortments' of pieces (my 50% off one item coupon helped) and was able to create a really cool {I think} necklace for my mom in less than 30 minutes.  Not bad for my first necklace.

And my mom really liked it too ;-)

My new bag

When we were on Hilton Head I treated myself to a new bag.  I had some secret stash money that was given to me specifically to buy something for myself.  Who am I to argue?

I found my new friend at the Fresh Produce shop at Coligny Plaza.  I love the clothes in there and I love the sun-kissed bright colors.  The girls (Ebby and her friend Danielle) and I wandered through the clothing and jewelry section of the store and then ventured over to the paper, gift and handbag section.   

One long wall was lined with Vera Bradley bags.  Pretty, but not really my thing.  Then I saw the Spartina 449 display.  I think there have been some sort of magnetic force at work.  I'd never seen these bags before.  If it's not at Kohl's, Target or the dump swap pile, I'm apparently clueless.  I'd been wanting a tote style bag that I could carry my {bulky} camera in, along with my regular stuff and maybe even an extra lens.

After "trying on" a bunch of bags, this is what I decided on:  

The Port Passage Pocket Tote.  Sure, it cost more than the last 4 handbags I've had combined, but I think it could possibly last me for 20 years.  Or so. 

It's very roomy, I love all the pockets inside and out.  It can tend to get heavy but it sure can hold a lot.   I love all the little details too, especially the Daufuskie Island mermaid charm.  

My most favorite thing is that it came from Hilton Head (right near the birthplace of Spartina 449) and it will always remind me of the South Carolina Lowcountry, one of my favorite places to be.

Sweet Savannah, Part 2

The continuation of my Savannah saga finds us at the Petticoats and Parasols Cupcake  Party and Vendor Fair at Back in the Day bakery.

I'd wanted to visit Back in the Day when I was in Savannah last spring but never made it out of the historic district.  Last Friday was a different story.

Located in what I would say is a transitional neighborhood, it's hard to imagine that a place so charming and yummy is just inside the plate glass windows.  Well, maybe the funky blue tile and festive garlands give it away just a little.  

When we saw the signs, we knew for sure we were in the right place.  

When we walked in and saw the bakery counter and thematically attired women setting out their fabulous wares, we knew for sure we were in the right place.        

There was so much to look at and admire, and I'm just talking about the bakery itself so far!        

So many things to look at: chalkboards, great art (lots of stuff by Jenny & Aaron) and vintage goodies galore.

I was so happy to get a chance to say hello to the wonderful hostess, Jenn!  Jenn  is so warm & welcoming and obviously did a wonderful job putting on the entire Petticoats and Parasols art event--and I wasn't even an attendee (lucky belles!).  

We had arrived before the trolley carrying the P&P Belles, so we had a chance to take in the vendor tables and do some shopping before the bakery filled up.       All of the tables were full of such goodness, overflowing with eye candy.

I was delighted to see Liz Demos there.  Since closing her @home Vintage General shop earlier this year, she's been keeping busy doing event styling and freelance work. She had a lovely display set up (right next to the cupcakes in fact...) and I spent quite a while foraging through a jar of vintage letter tiles.  Liz even remembered that I bought letters from her last spring at her shop (!).  She shared that she has studio space nearby to the bakery and maybe, someday, hopefully soon, she'll be offering classes or tours or something fun there.  Whatever it is, it's sure to be wonderful!

After not too long, I noticed a trolley full of lovely ladies pull up outside the bakery.  It was so much fun to watch everyone climb off the trolley, dressed in their Southern Belle finest!  So many wonderful ensembles, the ladies must've been planning and shopping for months :-).          

Last but not least, the cupcakes.  The cupcakes.  I had a vanilla cupcake with aqua buttercream.  Laura had the red velvet.  In short, they were delicious. Complete yumminess, the freshest cupcake I've ever had.  My only regret is that I had room for one cupcake.  If only they had mini size...

What a lovely and wonderful evening. Sweet Savannah, I can hardly wait to return...