Antiques, Aunts, and Architecture

I recently returned from my trip in the Midwest, iPad and photo memories in tow. You might have read in my previous post about the antiquing and shopping ventures I enjoyed with my new daughter-in-law, Brooke.

Brooke and Jackie (I am not good at selfies...)

One of the shops we visited was the Anew Tea Emporium in Shawano, WI. We left with a combination of 18-year aged balsamic vinegar and Tuscan flavored olive oil. That evening we enjoyed Caprese Salad for dinner that evening. It was an excellent combination.

Caprese Salad ~ OMGoodness!!

The remainder of my stay was filled to the brim with more antiquing, time with family, and enjoying and appreciating a wide range of charming places and excellent architecture.

My family lives a few miles out of town, leaving me to meander down country roads and into and out of the Nicolet National Forest while traveling everywhere I went. There is something so glorious and magical about a tree covered country road. I found myself stopping on many occasions to capture the next breathtaking moment.

 The tree-lined roads were one thing, but the old barns were another!

Barns represent so many things to me ~ generations of hard work, family time, rich bounty and harvest, milking cows, hay bales, gardening, and lots of green grass to mow! How glorious and charming this old farm is. Picture perfect, I'd say!

The anticipation of wedding weekend was upon us and true to my family's heritage, the wedding reception for Jake and Jayme was held at an old barn, Tansy Hill Farm.

It made a charming spot for their celebration.

Amazing young adults in this photo ~ all of them!

The newlyweds ~ handsome and beautiful

Reception rain clouds couldn't dampen our spirits

Tansy Hill Farm, Wedding Reception

The Hens of Tansy Hill Farm (You know I love chickens, right? :)

My sweet family.......I am so blessed!

Needless-to-say, our time of celebration was wonderful and spent with some pretty awesome people in some pretty awesome places.

I spent the last day of my vacation with my niece Nicole in Milwaukee and while she was away at work, I walked down to Lake Michigan, Atwater Park, in Shorewood.  I didn't know until then that the Steam Ship Appomattox lie there in the harbor.

Historic Site - Shipwreck of the Steamer Appomattox

The Appomattox was possibly the largest wooden bulk steamer ever constructed on the Great Lakes and was used to haul coal. It ran aground in 1905 due to a deadly combination of fog and smoke.

Atwater Park, Shorewood, WI

Atwater Park is lovely with a grand view of Lake Michigan. Milwaukee is the State of Wisconsin's largest city and runs along the western shore of Lake Michigan. Cultural roots reach back to French Catholics / French Canadians, German, and Polish immigrants. Evidence of this proud heritage remains in the historic structures throughout the city.

Milwaukee Architecture

Did you know that Milwaukee was nicknamed "Cream City" in the late 1800's? (Thank you, Alex, for the history lesson!) 

"While many people assume that the name comes from the State's long preeminence in the dairy industry, it is in fact derived from the cream-colored bricks from which many of the City's buildings are constructed.

Deep veins of red lacustrine clay run along the western shore of Lake Michigan, and one of the unique properties of this clay is that when formed into bricks, it turns a light golden yellow color after firing. Not only pleasant in color, these bricks generally possess superior strength and weather resistance characteristics, as well as excellent color-retention properties.

Milwaukee masons have used these locally fired bricks since the first brick homes were built in the area in the late 1830's. By the 1850's, word of Milwaukee's cream-colored bricks had spread throughout the Midwest, and demand increased dramatically. To supply that need, brickyards grew throughout the area, with most of the outbound shipments being made via scows and tugs leaving the growing docks on the Milwaukee and South Milwaukee waterfronts."

Kenosha Southport Lighthouse, in Cream City Brick

Valentin Blatz Brewing Company, Milwaukee, WI

Located in Milwaukee and true to the City's brewing heritage, the Blatz Brewing Company was also constructed of Cream City Brick in the late 1800's

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, WI

On the National Register of Historic Places, the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church shows incredible use of Cream City Brick in a more Gothic or Victorian application. A truly beautiful structure and rich with meaning in Christian heritage.

It was a wonderful stay in Wisconsin. There are so many wonderful people, places, and things there...as they say, "Home is where the heart is."  Wisconsin will always be my home. 

Before I go, I have some fun news to share with you all. I have recently been accepted and will begin attending the Interior Design program at the American Institute of Interior Design (AIID) in Fountain Hills, AZ. 

Making this official is a dream come true for me. I look forward to adding "Interior Design" to my title and to the things I offer my customers.

Until next time.....blessings!

xoxo, 

Jackie

Antiquing in WI

I'm so fortunate to be able to spend a long week with my sons, Nico and Phillip, and Phillip's new bride, Brooke. They live in the north woods of Wisconsin, close to the area where I grew up.

The summers in Wisconsin are beautiful with their fresh clear mornings and the lush green landscape. This is the view from Brooke and Phill's front door. It's so peaceful...

The Northwoods of Wisconsin

Brooke has a sweet Golden Retriever named "Latte". She's been my buddy today while the kids are at work and preparing for school.

Meet Latte, the Golden Retriever

We just returned from a short walk down the road. The grass was still filled with dew and the warm morning sunshine poured through the tall forest trees. Both Latte and I loved it!

We have a family wedding this weekend, but before the weekend is upon us, I have a list of places to hunt for treasures. The best part about that is that I now have a lovely daughter-in-law who loves to do it too! 

Brooke has tastefully and beautifully decorated her home with a nice mix of old and new. Her design looks like a hybrid of Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn, and Traditional Home magazine.

Fine Interior Design by Brooke - an antique dresser, old oil lamp, original oil on canvas, and cotton from Alabama in an old enamelware pitcher

Needless to say, Brooke is the daughter I never had. She's a delight and wonderful addition to our family. Our time together is special.

Yes, we've already been out treasure hunting. The other day we found some amazing old white English Ironstone pieces including two unusual ironstone lidded sugar bowls and a set of 4 sweet brown and white transfer ware plates. 

Antique white English Ironstone and transfer ware

 I hope she loves using them as part of her decor and in her kitchen.

We drove to Shabby Shack in Pelican Lake that same day. Shabby Shack is a place that calls you back. The owner, Jayme, is one darling gal and she has fun vintage and antique finds.

We both fell in love with this awesome atlas relief map dated 1913 of South America. Of course, we toted it with us and has now found a new home. The color in the background of the map reminds me slightly of Annie Sloan's duck egg chalk paint with a wash or wax over it. Pretty great, huh?!

Antique Atlas Relief Map of South America, dated 1913

This afternoon we are on a mission to pick up several cases of Sundrop soda pop at Twig's Beverage, which is located in Shawano, WI, and where they bottle traditional Sundrop soda (made with real sugar and bottled in glass bottles). It will be fun to visit their museum and taste test their many flavors of soda.

The Sundrop tasting counter at Twig's Beverages in Shawano, WI

The Sundrop is for the wedding reception which is going to be held at Tansy Hill Farm. It is a unique wedding venue with gardens and a barn. I'll post more photos after the wedding. We can't wait to celebrate Jake and Jayme's big day and the start of their new life together.

Tansy Hill Farm, a rustic farm and garden venue near Wausau, WI

While we are out this afternoon, we are also stopping at a little tea and antique shop called Anew Tea Emporium, also located in Shawano.

Anew Tea Emporium, Antiques, & Gourmet, a boutique shop in Shawano, WI

I'm pretty sure we will find something fun to bring home with us. They have gourmet tea, oils, and antiques and home decor.

The rest of the week may be quite busy getting ready for the wedding but Brooke and I still have a few treasure hunts planned.........I'll be sure to keep you posted!

xoxo, 

Jackie

A little of this and a little of that...

I think I'm naturally drawn to mixing styles, colors, and textures. I genuinely love (or at least like) elements from every interior design project as long as it creates feeling of home, nothing can compare to being surrounded by things that remind us of being loved, safe, comfortable, and happy.

Joanna Gaines - Mixing of Materials

"...the rules have all changed and you don’t have to be predictable! Mix an interesting textured wood with a modern element of metal for your tables. Or how about in your accessories-rustic candlesticks placed on a modern mirror for a centerpiece? This unexpected mix will bring lively interest in small doses to your rooms."  - Be Styling

I happen to wholeheartedly agree and don't personally like to be too predictable in any way, including my design taste. I've had such fun exercising my unpredictability in my new shop space at Scottsdale Marketplace.

Today I was able to see another project come to completion when I hung these super fantastic silver / gold leaf faux driftwood sconces.

Found Vintage Silver / Gold Leaf "Driftwood" Sconces
Silver / Gold Leaf Rattan Faux Leather Chest of Drawers

The sconces are over-sized and covered in silver and gold leaf. I had my very talented friend re-make the lamp shades since they were damaged when I found the sconces......and I knew they were getting placed above this vintage chest of drawers as soon as they were ready to hang.

Antique European Pine Desk or Table on Spindle Legs
Antique Bamboo and Rattan Octagonal Side Table

French Country styling offers warm, rich colors and hues. This narrow old pine table would be fantastic as a sofa table, console, kitchen island, or as a writing desk as I've been using it in my space. I love how the pine marries with the antique bamboo and rattan side table from England in the Victorian era. This style of side table works well in Asian, Traditional, French Country, or classic New York Apartment...small, beautiful, and useful.

The emerald green glass lamp atop the desk...

Mid Century Green Italian Murano Glass Lamp by The Marbro Lamp Company, Los Angeles, CA

...stopped me in my tracks when I found it. Wowza!! I swear, this lamp makes me want to turn back time and live in the mid century! It's a stunning piece! You can see it on the Scottsdale Marketplace Etsy shop here.

I found several lamps by The Marbro Lamp Company online and some very similar to this on 1stdibs. This lamp is crafted with amazing quality and style of Murano glass from Italy and amazing brass work accents. (It makes me wonder if class, quality, and style really have a "design" title.....I don't think they do.)

I've been fortunate to add some spectacular antique oil paintings and these extra large bookends produced in the style of Amadeo Modigliani.

Goddess Bookends in the style of Amadeo Modigliani by Moulage Musee du Louvre

Fantastic the way they are highlighted in the antique French armoire, Oui??

Antique Pine Chest of Drawers
Vintage French Brass Altar Stick Lamps
Antique French Wing Back Chair in Antique French Linen
Antique French Deconstructed Armchair
Antique Pine Round Side Table
Antique Oil on Canvas Portrait of a Child
Antique Italian Fragment Lamp

More photos of new pieces at the shop, a soothing pallet with pops of color.

Vintage Red Tole Painted Asian Chinoiserie Tray
Mid Century Teak Wood Serving Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
Mid Century Teak Wood Nut Bowl by Sowe Konst

I love the vintage red Asian tray, pulling out the colors of the mid century teak wood serving pieces. The interesting teak tray on the bottom is by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Classic pieces of mid-century serve ware and bar ware.

Vintage French Scrolled Iron Garden Table
Vintage Stone Garden Statue
Wire Sculpture of the Eiffel Tower

Vintage French Country Painted Table and Four Chairs
Vintage French Plates, Platter, and Cafe au Lait bowls

Vintage Large French Mirror

Vintage English Picnic Baskets
Vintage Folding Luggage Rack

Ok.....so sometimes I lean more toward my French genes when styling, but I really do love the mix of materials and styles much like you see in the work of Chip and Joanna Gaines. They inspire me and I appreciate their passion for creating "home".

Pop in to Scottsdale Marketplace soon to see my newest pieces of inventory. I hope you find something you love!

xoxo,
Jackie

New Space - Come Take A Look!

Omg......as in oh my goodness! Phew, what a month of exciting things to share! 

The pace has been so quick that I felt like I woke every morning during these past few weeks facing this sign, knowing I wanted to take a nice long nap on the beach somewhere, OH YES!....but realizing I had bigger and better things at hand. While I'd like to be in 99% of these amazing places, my shop is where I'd really rather be. Especially after spending a month or more planning my expansion and the interior design in my shop at Scottsdale Marketplace.

It's been a fun-filled month, seeing my vision come to life and I want to share a few quick photos with you.

This apple green accent fills the space with the life of spring.
~ antique bed
~ Les Indiennes bedding and linens
~ antique marble top French bistro table
~ antique French bergere chair
~ vintage mannequins
~ antique French window or door shutters
~ shabby, chippy white mirror

French bistro decor
~ antique pine rack from a French bakery
~ antique pine baking table with flour bins - Hoosier
~ vintage original signed and numbered water color prints of fruit
~ Les Indiennes table cloths and napkins
~ original clay art by local artist, my friend Mary

Classy and somewhat sassy....my silent partner sports this AMAZING vintage silver fox fur

The French Farmhouse
~ vintage French washstand
~ vintage set of French plates and platter, cafe au lait bowl
~ The Eiffel Tower in wire (tucked behind the washstand)

Gorgeous handmade custom French lamps
~ vintage French monogrammed damask linen - OH, ONE OF MY FAVS!
~ antique French marble-top bistro table
~ vintage California pottery statue of a woman

Les Indiennes hand-dyed bed linens and pillows
~ blue and white bedding
~ French gray bedding
~ classic gold and white bedding

Gifts - personal and home accessories
~ vintage Italian Fortuny camelback lamp shades
~ vintage European glass seltzer bottles
~ Martha Stewart "Entertaining" book
~ Baskets, candle holders
~ Beekman Boys hand lotion
~ vintage watercolor of cows, signed original
~ vintage watercolor of daffodils, signed original

Antique and new French kitchen or restaurant accessories and decor
~ tomatoes! :)
~ antique French bakery rack on wheels
~ wall baskets
~ Quimper bowls, plates
~ vintage picnic baskets
~ wire mesh cloche from France

I love the way the warm patina of the antique pine and antique white linen pops off of this cool French gray wall
~ vintage French brass lamps with brass mesh lamp shades
~ antique French wing back chair in antique French linens, reversible cushion with hemp grain sack
~ custom linen pillows
~ extra large pine mirror

Statement.......P-I-E-C-E!!
~ Carrera marble top antique wooden base table
~ antique blue and white fish platter and plates
~ antique English Mason floral plates
~ vintage designer blue and white lamps

Custom Italian inlaid burled chest with brass accents
~ 19th Century Lithograph of Rome by Felix Benoist of Isle De St. Barthelemy, Rome, Italy
~ brass globe accent
~ vintage brass lamps with modern cylinder shades (mixing traditional and modern)

Do come in and enjoy!
~ antique French carved armoire
~ vintage Matiland Smith blue and white temple jar
~ vintage Romwebber coffee table
~ Mid-Century low arm chairs by New York Designer, David Johnson
~ vintage black and white regional photograph print - Bermuda, Coral Island

After all of the planning and work, I'd really LOVE to hear from YOU! What do you think of my new space? Leave a comment below and I'll get back with you. :)

Let's connect...........soon!!

xoxo,
Jackie