Thursday, November 3, 2011

Strengthening the Economy Starts at Home

I was reminded of an old but true holiday message this morning when I opened Facebook. Here it is:


It is great to support your local artisans, but buying anywhere and at any store in your area fuels our economy and helps preserve jobs. You and others -- enmasse -- taking up this message will not only preserve jobs, but create jobs if you don't just buy local, but buy American-made!

I took economics in college -- lots of it -- and one thing I know, when politicians talk about government creating jobs, they are blowing smoke! The government in any way, shape or form is generally a hindrance to job creation. The more programs and incentives it promotes, the more it cuts into your disposable income.

We, the people, create jobs by maintaining and increasing demand for goods and services. And a thriving, healthy economy is good news for each of us -- it adds to our job security and along the way more disposable income.

So give yourself and your family, neighbors and friends an early holiday gift -- buy early, buy often, buy local!

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

NORTHWEST IOWA ANNIE SLOAN CHALK DEMO ALL DAY NOV 17!

Jan Hersom, owner and designer of JH Design Studio, has kindly invited this "Jan" to bring Annie Sloan Chalk Paint into her Holiday Open House, Thursday Nov 17, for an all day demo! Come one, come all from surrounding towns and counties! We will be bringing supplies if you are in a buying mood!

An all day demo and Q & A will be held so you can see how easy this paint is to work with, odorless, fast drying and how a project or two can be tackled in a single day! Join us right at Jan's studio at the corner of Highway 10 and 3rd St (the main drag into Laurens downtown). Will have fun and some surprises! If you have colors you are interested in and can give me advance notice on what to bring, that will be great as space will be limited in my vehicle. Visit http://www.tlcvintagecollection.com/ to review color selections, including the new Coco, French Linen and Pure White! News supplies arriving this week in anticipation of the event.

I will also be packaging starter chalk paint kits at a good value for you if you have problems knowing how to get started. More on that soon!

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Annie Sloan is Now Blogging

Hey, followers and Chalk Paint enthusiasts! Great news! Annie Sloan is now blogging. You can read and catch up quick! She is giving background into her work in decorating and paint. Learn about the origin of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and get tips on how to use it in wonderful ways!

Go to:  http://www.blog.anniesloan.co.uk/

Friday, October 14, 2011

Up on the Farm

Visiting my old stompin' grounds for a long weekend. Looking for our first Iowa mini-stockist for Annie Sloan Chalk Paint while here. Scouting will take me to surrounding towns. Meanwhile, discovered that Rolfe Iowa has all day garage sales today and tomorrow....ummmmmm. Hubby may need to bring the truck up here tonight!

Meanwhile, things have been a bit wild on the new business front. Great sales of paint and antique mall items. Look at this sweet table I finished Saturday and it sold on Wednesday! Duck Egg Blue, distressed and clear wax.


Then I had the itch to paint again on Monday and created this little table finish with my first attempt at a stencil detail. Provence with Emile inside the drawer.


Meanwhile, I had picked up for $2 a hand embroidered piece of satin that had a lovely peacock design. Very folk art and in a tacky metal frame with no border. It deserved better. And amazingly the blue was exactly the teal color of Annie Sloan's Aubusson. Too bad we don't have the Barcelona orange yet because this bird included that too. So Aubusson, Old White and a touch of dark wax ----

No glass, just letting the natural beauty of this shine through....Like this morning's sunrise on the farm. Ahhhh....