Inspired By...

This will be a bit of a mixed bag post.  A little of this and a little of that.  Hopefully, at least a little will be worthwhile! :-D

To start off with, this week I did a post for Rockin' B showing some of the benches we have in the store.  There's really an assortment of styles there.  We have several dealers who have wonderful carpentry skills and they can turn any bed into a cute bench.  One of those dealers did something a little different for his latest makeover.  He turned a set of 3 chairs into a bench.  Now, if I come across a great deal on a set of three chairs (where the fourth is damaged or missing), I'll snap them up and let Jim work his magic. 

It really turned out great and it sold within days.  I wish I had moved those pillows before taking the photo.

I have another interesting thing to show you from the store, but first, I want to make something clear.  I'm not using my blog to promote the store.  Most of the people who read my blog don't live anywhere near this area.  I really like doing a blog for the store, (you can click here if you want to see it) but I also really enjoy having my personal blog free from advertising or promoting.  This blog is just for things I find interesting.  Since I spend a good bit of time at the store, there's bound to be all kinds of things from there that I find interesting.  Believe me!

On with the story - We had three vintage/retro Formica tables sell last week.  ALL to the same person.  He scooped them up and is probably going to sell them in Atlanta for much more.  That's OK by us.  Anyway, since we now had no Formica tables in stock, the next week one of the dealers brought in this beauty.  It has a pattern on the top.  I have been waiting to find my perfect red Formica table for my loft.  I've envisioned solid red all along, but this little gem has me reconsidering.  And it's only $159!  Take a look -

Here's a closer look -

And closer, still - 

Now, you see my dilemma.  It's in such good shape, too.   Mmmmmm.  Nice.

Next, I'm going to show you the green I chose for my chairs... MY Green.  I hesitate to show it because it's not finished.  I still need to distress and do a finish, but I don't know when I'll get that done... This week?  Next?  Who knows?  At least, I'll know that when I do, the paint will be completely cured.  Meanwhile, just imagine it with a few more steps to tone it down. It appears a little lighter and brighter in the photo than in real life.  I've very pleased with it.

I found some wonderful inspiration from bloggers who joined my party last week.  This first one is from Forever Decorating.  I recently featured her creative and amazing upholstered stools.  And now, as you can see, she also paints.  This post shows some of the rocking chairs she has personalized for different children. They are all really cute.

Here's an interesting post from Single Life with Kids about starting a Mother-Daughter Book Club.  Even though I read all the time as a kid, there are a number of great books I missed.  I don't know how, but I did.  I've read some of them as an adult (they were wonderful) and I plan on reading others as the opportunity presents itself.  This summer (or was it last spring?) I came across a large set of Laura Ingalls Wilder books.    I read them all and was very sorry to get to the end of the last one.  

Oh, dear. I'm running out of time. 

Check out this wonderful garland at Jill Ruth and Company.  It's looks like it would be very relaxing to do.  It looks especially great hanging in a window with a winter wonderland view!  I'd like one in my kitchen window.

Vintage Blue Formica Table

It's no secret that I have been longing for a vintage red formica table.  Well, this weekend, I found a vintage blue one. At a yard sale.  I could NOT say no.

The table was not the turquoise or sky blue color that you see on most vintage formica tables.  This is a very pretty bright blue - maybe like cornflower blue (one of my favorites from the big Crayola crayon boxes of my childhood).

I looked around the internet trying to find out what this color was called and found very little.  I guess this color is rare!  If anyone knows anything about this color or table, I'd love to hear from you!  I believe the pattern is linen.

I thought about putting it in the booth to sell... for about two seconds.  I think I'll keep it - at least for a little while.   The booth is pretty full anyway.

I had to put it together.  It was taken apart in order to fit in my car. 

The legs come on and off easily and there's a 12 inch leaf.  

The table is a  roomy 54" x 30" (with the leaf).

The sweet little table not in perfect shape.  It has plenty of signs of use.  For the most part, I don't mind - that's just added character. 

The edges annoy me.  This one has a tan laminate around the edge. It's not in good shape and it's very unattractive.  I think they will be replaced.  Add one more thing to the TO-DO list.

I'm not sure where it should go.  I want a red formica table upstairs in the loft.  I don't think the cornflower blue color would look very good with my loft floors, which are a shade of turquoise. Maybe I could use it in the laundry room as a folding table... but I'm still thinking of using the vintage ironing board there.  Or maybe someplace unexpected - like the guest room - that idea is growing on me.  Oh, I just don't know.  For now, it's on my porch.  It my Pumpkin blingin' table.

Be sure to check out the OCTOBER Porch and Garden Party. 
It's the last one for 2010 and will be open all month!

I've joined in with the following parties:

• Weekend Wrap Up Party at Tatertots and Jello  
• Thrift Share Monday at Apron Thrift Girl