Blue Creek Home

A Few New Treasures

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Creek Home) — Mon, 21 May 2012 22:13:00 +0000

I have more “me” time since Alex graduated. I have to get in some serious junking since she is looking for a job and I will be babysitting again.

I love mirrors! When I find a pretty one, I usually buy it since

mirrors sale pretty fast for me at Old Bank Antiques.

Got this at a yard sale

I left it outside and it got rained on

the gold frame turned dark

I usually paint the frames on these vintage plastic(?) mirrors

but I am sort of liking this old dark gold ‘rain’ finish

A friend, who also has a booth at OBA,

purchased the other end of this sweet blue baby crib

She stretched chicken wire across the back

and uses it as a jewelry display

It is super cute!

I love the wicker panel and rabbit

Blue, pink, yellow, green, and white,

chipped and faded and wonderful!

Thanks for telling me it, Leda!

I will probably use it like you are

if my sister and I ever get a booth in Attalla.

Join me at these parties :

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm

Treasure Hunt Thursday @ From My Front Porch To Yours

Vintage Inspiration Friday @ Common Ground

Rhonda

Changes In The Great Room

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Creek Home) — Mon, 21 May 2012 02:53:00 +0000

This is another post about the giant plasma TV that G-Man & family convinced me would look great over our fireplace –

N O T

You can catch up on the story here: How The Grinch (AKA Plasma T.V.) Stole My Mantel and Plasma TV Over The Mantle

Several changes were made in our great room

after we figured out a ‘look’ for the flat screen t.v.

Two big comfy chairs face the fireplace with a small table between

My plan (when the money boat comes in!) is to replace these chairs

with two smaller chairs to free up some room – it seems a bit tight in the area.

Also, I want a large rug to ground this area

I am looking for an indoor/outdoor rug that can be taken to the driveway and hosed down

Four dogs and a two year old can wreak havoc you know!

I found one I really like at Crate & Barrel

Savannah Cane in a 9’ x 12’ is only $399.00

The sofa settled in front of the large double windows

with the sofa table behind it

I got the green chair from a friend who is downsizing

This white cabinet on the left replaced a custom cabinet

that housed the t.v. before the flat screen

I miss my cabinet but Alex is taking advantage of it

down in Blue Creek Basement

Someone asked where our cable box is now

I tucked it in the middle of decorative items,

put the girls’ graduation pictures on top

and pretend that it’s invisible!!

To the right of the fireplace is the table that I redid last year

Read about it’s makeover: A Finished Project

I took down the seashell mirror that I made

(See How To Make A Seashell Mirror)

I hung my antique tapestry in its place

I got the chair for half price when Faux Biz closed

The side table is an antique metal file box

We keep Mason’s books in it

My black lamp and a large candle

adds interest to the table

Ugly Lamp Gets A Makeover

Close up of tapestry

I added a sheep to my collection

He looks and feels like bronze

not sure what he is made of but

he is really heavy and cute!

I will be sharing how I hung the tapestry soon AND I have a big reveal coming up. I have been frantically working in my kitchen! I am almost finished painting the cabinets with Annie Sloan Chalk paint – three different colors!!! And a real backsplash is going in this week!!! I am a tired but happy camper!

Join me at these parties:

Tabletop Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style

Open House Thursdays at No Minimalist Here Vintage Inspiration Fridays at Common Ground

Have a great week

Rhonda

Alex’s LPN Graduation

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Creek Home) — Mon, 14 May 2012 17:36:00 +0000

Alex graduated from the LPN Nursing program on May 10th. She will work for a year and start the RN program in the spring of 2013.

Here are a few photos of the special day

Caroline pinned her sister

She took Mason on stage too -

He tried his best to stay with his mommy!

Of course everybody was laughing,

but it was sad for him

He didn’t understand!

It would have taken an army to pry Mason

from his mom’s arms after the program

BUT…

can we be done with the pictures already???

Alex and our guys, Mason and Papa (aka G-Man!)

Alex has worked very hard and she graduated with an A average.

She has a heart of gold and I know that she will be an amazing nurse.

We are extremely proud of her accomplishments.

You are much loved, my child.

Happy Mother's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Creek Home) — Sun, 13 May 2012 02:05:00 +0000

Wishing all of you mother's a

very happy and blessed day.

Plasma T.V. Over The Mantle

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Creek Home) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 23:25:00 +0000

Y’all may remember reading “How The Grinch Stole My Christmas Mantel” – the post where I whined about the big plasma t.v. that G-Man got for Christmas that went above our mantel!

Well, it has taken me four months to get everything figured out with the design of the room! It’s as good as it’s going to get for now and I think it’s acceptable.

I am going to throw in some before shots of this area as well.

Four months after we put up the t.v

I finally have a look I can live with!

This was the day the cable guy came with the GIANT cable box

I almost cried –

Why can’t they make these things the size of an iPhone???

I hung the candle sconces on each side but nothing seemed grounded

And, notice all the wires? Of course you do!

We had them rerouted in the wall to a cabinet next to the mantel.

Before that, I didn’t think the plasma t.v. and I could co-exist peacefully!!!

Months and many, many designs later,

I finally arrived at something I like

(as much as one can like a t.v. over their mantel!)

I think this looks pretty good – better than I ever thought it would!

And, we are enjoying the t.v.

A Blast From The Past!!!

I loved the wall finish then…

but, I am so glad that I painted the room a lighter color

I will share the rest of our large ‘everything’ room in the next post.

Rhonda

Join me at these parties:

Tabletop Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life

Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style

Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Creek Cottage

Open House Party Thursdays @ No Minimalist Here

A Few Vintage Pretties

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Creek Home) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 01:11:00 +0000

Happy Monday everyone! I have been working really hard getting a load of “smalls” ready for my booth at Old Bank Antiques. Making jewelry is a very S – L – O – W process for me. I can work on one piece forever. Hopefully, if I plan to continue to make necklaces, I will become a little faster.

I fell in love with this old chalk ware piece

It is perfectly imperfect

Some necklaces and a ASCP picture frame

This vintage bunny set me back a whole $1.00

and it has Japan on the bottom!

This candleholder is the coolest thing ever!

Nothing beats natural wear and patina

Here is a sneak peak of more ASCP goodies!

Have a great week!

Rhonda

Click the Party buttons to join me at these parties:

Making Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Creek Home) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 22:58:00 +0000

Vintage chains, jewelry parts, old rosaries and religious medals have been finding their way to my house for over a year. I have acquired some lovely things. This weekend, I surrounded myself with all of my pretty little jewels and finally started making necklaces. It took longer than I thought it would to put one together so I only got four finished. I have enough supplies to make lots more. Now, if I could just find some extra time!!!

I love the way the old wicker mannequin

looks wearing all of the necklaces!

The crystals were so bright in the sunlight

This one was fun

The chain was actually pretty much like this

when I bought it

I only made a few changes to it

This crucifix I used is one of my favorites

I kept this one simple

I used some vintage chandelier crystals in this one

The little key and lock aren’t old but they look cute

* * * * * * *

This is some of my vintage rosaries

How sweet is this old pink one?

Love the wooden beads on this one

The sun is beautiful bouncing off this crystal beaded choker

Linking to these parties:

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday Wow Us Wednesday

What’s It Wednesday Treasure Hunt Thursday

Vintage Inspiration Friday
Rhonda

Mini Mag of My Article in Belle Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Creek Home) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 18:43:00 +0000

I know that some of you don't subscribe to the beautiful online magazine "Belle Inspiration."
Mimi sent over my article in the latest issue of Belle Inspiration. It is in the form of a mini magazine so I can share it here with you.

Thanks, Mimi!

Click for larger image

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend
Rhonda

Look Who’s Two!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Creek Home) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 13:22:00 +0000

~ Today is Mason’s birthday ~

He is two years old!!!!

Chillin’ by the lake

You and your mama have so much fun together

You are a much-loved little blessing to us

Happy Birthday!!!

Easter Things

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Creek Home) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 16:28:00 +0000

Good Friday

What a sad day…

but this isn’t the end of the story!!!

Mark 16:1-8

Fresh hydrangeas from Alex’s friend

* * * * * * *

Easter Things Around Our House

Vintage Lamb – a birthday gift from Alex

The little vintage chicks are a junking find

~ Foyer Decorations ~

The flowers were sent to Caroline from our vet’s office

on the day of her interview

I love using old leather books as ‘lifts ‘

These little painted houses have been a

part of the girls Easter since they were babies

The animal family will celebrate their 20th birthday next Easter!!!

Vintage Sheep

Click the button and join me at Common Ground

for Vintage Eater Inspiration

Have a safe and blessed Easter weekend

Rhonda

Angel Wings

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Creek Home) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 17:18:00 +0000

When I was a little bitty thing (a long, loooooooooong time ago! ), there was a story book that I adored. I don’t remember what the book was called, but I vividly remember the pretty little girl who was learning the difference between good and evil. When she was trying to make a choice, a tiny devil would appear on one shoulder and a tiny angel would appear on the other one. I loved that little angel and I always wanted to do good so I would always have an angel on my shoulder.

Since then, angels have been near and dear to my heart. I have acquired some lovely angels, mostly Old World cherub types. I have several great books about angels with the most glorious illustrations. Angels have a calming effect on me. There have been times when I am certain that angels surrounded me and kept me safe from harm.

Here are a few of my angels

These little cherubs are two of my favorites-

Purchased over 20 years ago,

they represented my own angels -

browned haired Alex and blonde haired Caroline.

Found these at a junk shop

someone did an incredible paint job on these

This Italian Christmas angel was a flea market find

I was content with my small angels until…

Pottery Barn introduced these wings in their catalog…

~ Stunning ~

but too large and too costly

AND THEN-

In the fall of 2009,

I found a pair of wings that truly made my heart race.

From the blog “Let It Shine”…I found these beautiful handmade wings.

I love how she displayed them.

Alyshia was featured in The Dallas Morning News.

Later, she carved an 8’ pair of wings for a gallery showing.

What a talented young woman!

So begins my hunt for large affordable wings

It has been 2 1/2 years and I have looked high and low for

something similar at a reasonable price with absolutely no luck…

UNTIL YESTERDAY!!!

I always check WUSLU for their deal of the day and

yesterday my heart, once again, started to race!!!

How gorgeous are these??

Yep, I have a pair on the way to Blue Creek Home!

Now, I am wracking my brain trying to decide where to put them-

Am I going to gold leaf and age them

Annie Sloan Chalk paint them

So many options!!!

Ideas are welcome.

They still have some and you can order them here.

Oh man, now I am kicking around the idea of

ordering another pair or my booth at Old Bank Antiques!

I have ordered several things from WUSLU and they are great to work with. One item arrived damaged and they had a replacement here in a couple of days. Marian of Miss Mustard Seed chooses a ‘pick’ of the month item for them and of course her picks are always great.

It looks like the nasty weather system that wreaked havoc in the DFW area is approaching Alabama today. Mason and I are going to stay ‘hunkered’ down and play inside – I will actually be thinking about how to display my angel wings!!! : )

Let me know if you order some and what you plan to do with them.

Rhonda

Some Great Flea Market Stuff

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Creek Home) — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 22:30:00 +0000

Hi all - Last week was spring break here. Alex had the week off so I was able to take a much needed, three day trip to visit family in North Alabama.
Sister #4 and I had rented a booth in a new antique shop in her hometown, Attalla, AL. We planned to visit the building and then go junking to find things to fill up our space. Well, we ended up looking at the building anyway even though she had received a phone call when I was on my way to her house. The phone call??? The couple opening the shop were not going forward with their plans as the husband had gotten his job back! Good news for them – SAD news for us.
Curiosity got the best of us and we stopped by the old building where the construction crew were still hard at work, not having heard the news. Thick plaster walls crumbling from an old brick wall – huge, rough vertical beams exposed on one side stretching from the ceiling to the floor – large overhead beams that would have a metal fixture hanging over each booth – character plus I tell you…and POOF- our little booth dream just ended as quickly as it began.
We are hoping that the owner continues the renovations and someone else steps in with the antique shop plans and we still get the booth. We were in the back corner across from the check out area!!!! In the meantime, crossing my fingers, looking for 4 leaf clovers, and still dreaming about the booth that never was!!! : (
Not ones to stay down, sis and I junked like crazy anyway. After all, I had to refill my front booth back here at Old Bank Antiques since most of the furniture sold. She also had a check list of things she wanted. So, off we went and for two full days, we shopped ‘til we dropped. Lots of great goodies were found. She got a set of old McCoy mixing bowls that had just come from an old barn - dirt and all. They are so sweet - the center bowl is pink!! I can’t believe I didn’t get a pic.
I was successful in finding some good deals on smaller furniture pieces that would fit into my SUV. On my two hour drive home…

…I felt like the Clampetts on their way to Hollywood!!!

* * * * * *

Here are some of my finds from the trip

This makeover is already in progress

A great old Henredon table

-can’t wait to work on it

Lots of future bird nests

Love these easels and old hangers

Lovely vintage twin bedspread

Hope you all have a wonderful week,

Rhonda

Click on the buttons to join me at the following parties

G-Mannequin And My Third Antique Booth

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Creek Home) — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 23:13:00 +0000

Believe it or not, I am about to open a third booth!! This one is at 309 Fifth Ave. in downtown Attalla, AL– they refer to this block as Antique Alley- lots of antique shops!! The owners are renovating the building now to open “Uptown Antiques, LLC sometime in April. Sister # 4 lives there and asked if I would be interested in sharing a booth and of course, my answer was Yes, Yes, Yes!!! This is gonna be fun, sista!!!

I have been busy getting things ready for “Uptown Antiques and also rushing to replace the furniture that sold in my front booth at Old Bank Antiques. I was giddy when the owner called me and said that one customer had bought 5 pieces of furniture (all Annie Sloan Chalk Paint)!!! That almost wiped out my booth. They didn’t take it with them, so I have another week to finish some things up.

Here is one of the fun(ny) projects I’ve been working on

See the old mannequin with the towel on his head?

I have two of these –one is at my Old Bank booth

and this guy has resided on Junk Mountain - in the garage for over a year now

He was there for me every time I threw in the towel ( Ha! I couldn’t help myself!)

I decided it was time to dress him up and take him out

I put my hoard of cream fabric and burlap to work and made a

~~Halloween costume~~ stylish new slipcover for him

The strip of webbing is just a little fashion statement

I had to make it large to get it over his broad, manly shoulders

I cinched it with ribbon and curtain ring clips to show off his chiseled waist

I wanted to leave his original underwear on

and decided to let the old fabric peek out

Sewing without a pattern was challenging but lots of fun

* * * * *

It was only after he was dressed and ready for his photo shoot that…

I realized I had created Mini G-Man…

My very own G-Mannequin!

Sister, it looks like we not only have a handsome male model for the new booth, but our very own security guard as well!

What WAS I thinking???

Join me at these parties:

Met Monday @ On The Porch Between Naps

What’s It Wednesday @ Ivy and Elephants

Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Creek Cottage

Vintage Inspiration Friday @ Common Ground

My Second Booth @ Old Bank Antiques

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Creek Home) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 01:17:00 +0000

I posted pictures of my front booth at Old Bank Antiques last week. I had to take a few things by today so I took the camera with fresh batteries this time!! My second booth is in the downstairs area of the old bank building and it’s a little larger than the one upstairs. I found out today that another upstairs booth is going to be available next month – for a split second I considered renting it too - I have enough to fill it up and G-Man would love to get our garage back!! We’ll see!

I Have Gotten My Moneys Worth Out Of This White Display Unit

We Just Brought It Down From The Front Booth

We Removed The White Door (on right) From The Top

And Replaced It With Cedar Fence Boards

It Made It Much More Manageable

It Is Crowded In This Booth, But You Have Room To Get Around

Lots Of White -

- And More White

Room For A Couple Of Larger Items On The Bottom Shelf Of The Display

Old Doors Are Just Neat, Aren’t They?

I Sell A Lot Of Empty Vintage Frames

I Can’t Believe I Parted With My Chinoiserie Desk!

In The Foreground Is A Vintage Jenny Lind Youth Bed

I Have A Weakness For Vintage Linens!

Love This Piece!

Great Iron Piece – I May Have To Bring It Back Home

I Would Hang It In The Courtyard

With A Bird’s Nest And A Plant In The Bottom

A Lady Is Interested In This Victrola Cabinet

If She Doesn’t Take It, I Think An ASCP Makeover Is In Order

Jenny Lind Portraits & Low French Cabinet

Side View Of The Display Unit

It Really Holds A Lot Of Stuff

A Canvas Seat Slip Gave New Life To This Old Chair

Handmade Vintage Fabric Art

There is a lot of white in this booth, so I am linking up with White Wednesday @ Faded Charm.
Rhonda

Boudoir Vintage Beauty

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Creek Home) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 23:45:00 +0000

I usually try to get laundry or some cleaning done during Mason’s morning nap, but this morning I had the urge to be creative. I gathered some of my favorite things and photographed them on a vintage mirror tray. The sun was streaming in through the kitchen window – (mid-seventies and not a cloud in sight here in AL)

I played with this little vignette and camera settings for over an hour! It was just the kind of guilty pleasure that I needed today – grin!

One of my French stenciled, burlap pillows and a vintage tray full of vintage goodness!

Check out the pink gloves on the left…

I bet the owner had a matching Easter bonnet too!

Isn’t this little miniature portrait sweet?

A handmade flower from vintage linens

I have had an secret obsession with these pin cushion half dolls for a while

Leda, a good friend with booths at OBA, had this little antique German beauty.

I wanted her so badly

and I knew Leda wanted a French pillow,

so we traded

and I am a very happy girl! Thanks Leda!!! I love her.

Another miniature portrait

vintage cherub and pastel floral piece in the foreground

Love the vintage pinks on the left

a crystal necklace and a pink rhinestone tiara decoration

I found these old bottles of powder at a junk store

More pink love

This one makes my heart skip a beat

Look how lovely the crystals are in the sunlight

Leaving you with one last, dreamy look at my newest addiction

I already have my sights set on a few friends for her on E-bay.

OH_OH_ Since my birthday is coming up shortly

maybe I will get an “insta-collection” of them…SWEET!!!!

Are you reading this G-Man???

Happy Monday and I hope all of you have a great week!

Rhonda

Linking to:

Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays @ Coastal Charm

Tabletop Tuesdays @ A Stroll Thru Life

What’s It Wednesday @ Ivy and Elephants

Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style

Open House Party Thursdays @ No Minimalist Here

Treasure Hunt Thursday @ From My Front Porch To Yours

Vintage Inspiration Friday @ Common Ground

Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage

Furniture Makeovers and Booth Pics

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Creek Home) — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 21:48:00 +0000

Hi friends!
I have been busy, busy getting several pieces of furniture ready for my front booth at Old Bank Antiques - Lake Martin. I thought I would miss having all of the white stuff, but I really like the way it is shaping up. There are still lots of smalls in the photos. I planned on moving many of them to my downstairs booth, but they had just refinished the hardwood floors on the stairs so I couldn't get there. It took the best part of two days to get it all changed up and I think another couple of hours worth of tweaking will do it.
I will try to get photos of my booth downstairs next week. It got a makeover too.

This turned out great

I remembered to get a before pic after I started painting!!

I always have a little helper close by : )

I like how the original green paint shows in the distressed areas

Washed canvas, French stencil, gray paint,

and tea was all it took to make this

My favorite!
A French Style Dresser with a new French Finish.
Ooh-La-La!!!

Love how the Annie Sloan French Linen
looks next to the dark waxed natural wood

For more pictures you can check out the album on my facebook

My Booth @ Old Bank Antiques- Lake Martin

Wishing you all a great week full of joy and inspiration!

Rhonda

Joining these fun parties this week:

Met Monday @ Between Naps On The Porch

Wow Us Wednesdays @ Savvy Southern Style

Transformation Thursday @ Shabby Creek Cottage

Open House Party Thursdays @ No Minimalist Here

Furniture Feature Friday @ Miss Mustard Seed

Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage
Repurpose, Remodel, Reveal @ The Rooster and The Hen

A Basket Full Of Washed Burlap & Treasures In Waiting

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Creek Home) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 17:37:00 +0000

Hello again - finally

I have been busy painting furniture and making pillows (lots of washed burlap!!!) for my booth at Old Bank Antiques and my Etsy Shop. Sales go down when you let things get stale in your space and mine is past stale! In fact, it is just plain b-o-r-i-n-g! It is time for a new look.

G-Man spent three hours with me on Friday helping me break down the huge chippy display unit in the front booth. I reconstructed it to be a little smaller to fit in my downstairs booth. I am excited about redoing my front booth now that I have gained that space.

We Replaced The Heavy Door (tabletop) With Cedar Fence Boards

It Smells Great and Isn't Nearly As Bulky and Heavy

Moving It Downstairs Was A Smart Move

But Back Breaking Work!

Until I get it finished , here are a few things in waiting!

Laundry Basket Full of Washed Burlap

Purchased For Panels For The Den

Washed and Dried 5 Times

Cut Too Short!!!!

So, Lot's of Pillows, Runners, And

Whatever Else I Can Think Of !!!

Small Section of the Basement

Full of Makeover Wannabes

I Need To Address This Before I

Go Junking Ever Again...

Yea, Right!!!!

I am about to take a break to do some Pottery Barn shopping - they have free shipping today!
Wish they offered an indoor/outdoor rug! : (

Free Shipping Today at Pottery Barn

Rhonda

Joining up with:

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm
Treasure Hunt Thursday @ From My Front Porch To Yours

Saying Goodbye To The Porch

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Creek Home) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:30:00 +0000

We are having the downstairs screened porch

taken in to give Alex and Mason more room

This was taken after the makeover in 2009

Dear Porch,

I know that I didn't spend much time with you.

But, I will miss you anyway.

I plan to post "after" photos when it is finished.

* * * * * * * *

It had been 4 weeks since my last post!!

My excuse????

Ugh...

Well...

Let's see...

Hmmm...

Truthfully, there just isn't enough time in a day

to do everything that needs to be done.

I could post more if I didn't spend

so much time playing with Mason.

But,

it wouldn't be nearly as much fun!!!

Rhonda

Ugly Lamp Gets A Make Over

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Creek Home) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:26:00 +0000

I have always loved vintage/antique tea tins that have been converted into lamps. Since we are in the process of updating our den/kitchen, I thought it would be a good time to purchase one. Every time I found one that sent my heart into high gear, the price would be WAY too high. I walked away from soooo many ‘perfect’ ones because of price!

I wanted one like these beauties

Live Auctions 1st Dibs (over $1000.00)

Country Living French Accent

Okay, I had no choice – If I wanted a tea tin lamp I would have to make one myself – from scratch! So, a cheap lamp with the ‘round tea canister’ shape was added to my list of things that I began looking for on my junking excursions.

It took several months, but at last I found one –

I thought $8.00 was high for such an old ugly lamp,

but the shape was absolutely perfect for my tea canister lamp.

I took all of the wiring out and dismantled the lamp. After giving it a background of black paint, I made a stencil of a laurel wreath. I use gold paint to stencil the wreath and also to add the numbers, using a purchased stencil. The top and bottom bands are gold leaf. When everything was dry, I gave it a protective coat of Annie Sloan’s dark wax which also helped to age the bright gold and give it the vintage look that I wanted.

I didn’t want to reuse the metal piece on the top of the original lamp, so I had to replace some of the rod lengths and also find something simple to take the place of the original decorative piece. After finally getting it put together and rewired, I set out to find a shade for it. Luckily, a vendor at Old Bank Antiques (where my booths are) was having a 1/2 price sale on everything and they had a huge assortment. I paid $9.00 for the shade.

- At last -

here is my faux vintage tea tin lamp

Close up of the design

- I love gold on black -

This was a fun make-over

It looks great in the den and…

…it only cost $17.00!

Follow me to these fun parties :

Coastal Charm Savvy Southern Style Ivy & Elephants From My Front Porch To Yours

The Shabby Creek Cottage No Minimalist Here 2805 Common Ground

Rhonda

Caroline Graduates From Auburn

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Creek Home) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 00:08:00 +0000

We are so very proud to announce that our youngest daughter,

Caroline

is now an Auburn University graduate.

WAR EAGLE, GIRL!!!

On December 12, 2011,

Caroline graduated from Auburn University

Bachelor of Art

(Spanish)

(Cum Laude)

Bachelor of Science

( Animal Sciences )

(Option: Pre-Vet - Pre-Professional)

(Cum Laude)

This was a zoom shot taken during the commencement

The giant center-hung score board shows all of the

‘Pomp and Circumstance’ of the graduation commencement

Panoramic Shot of the Auburn Arena

Alex moved up a few rows for the best shot possible

She waited for 10 minutes with test shots taken and approved

As they announced Caroline’s name this was the view.

I wanted to ~~rip out Big Bertha’s hair by the roots~~

get a brush to Big Bertha’s blown out hairdo – oh it was a cheap wig!!

I am not just being mean

Big B’s family behaved badly the whole night and…

that is not okay

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Two of my sisters (# 3 and #4) were able to make the trip and share

this important day with us. Thanks Aunt Jana and Aunt Jack!

Afterwards, the family shared delicious food, sweet memories and

lots of love and laughs with Caroline at Provino’s Italian Restaurant.

We Love You, Peanut!

Rhonda

Merry Christmas Everyone

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Creek Home) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 04:42:00 +0000

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas from Blue Creek Home

“Fear not, for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy that shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign to you: you will find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes,

lying in a manger."

How The Grinch (aka Plasma T.V.) Stole My Christmas Mantel

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Creek Home) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:38:00 +0000

Pin It

I cut off the right side of this photo on purpose

It shows the Christmas fireplace and

I just can’t bring myself to share it.

WHY???

I gave in and let G-Man put a 52”plasma t.v. above the fireplace !!!

I know, right??? I couldn’t believe it either.
But, I have to say I do love it now that it’s up.

There obviously aren’t as many design possibilities now, but

I am having fun planning a way to camouflage the cable box

& enjoying shopping for something fun to use on each end

of the mantle and/or hanging on the wall on either side of the t.v.

Oh yeah, the burlap panel on the left -

it is stapled to the wall

The new t.v. meant rearranging the furniture

which also means I need a new rug and new window treatments and

oh goodness if I am dreaming, I would like two matching

slipcovered sofas (the Pottery Barn ones would be perfect) and

two new leather recliners (the ones I saw at Macy’s please)and

a big round upholstered ottoman/coffee table

and French sconces on either side of the t.v.

G-Man…you have created a monster with your big honkin’ plasma t.v., dude!!!

It’s time for a stroll down memory lane

Of Christmas Mantels Past

{2010}

The t.v. is about the same size as the white architectural

piece that I used as the backdrop for the

2010 Christmas mantel decorations

SNIF –SNIF

{2009}

The t.v. is even BIGGER than the twin headboard

that I used as a backdrop for the 2009 decorations.

OH MY…WHAT HAVE I DONE?

I think I can I think I can I think I can I think I can I think…

I think - I can come up with a decent plan for our 2012 Christmas mantel

{ Thank goodness I have a whole year!

__________________________________________

I can share more of the Christmas tree

Blue Creek Home Christmas Tree

VIEW SLIDE SHOW

DOWNLOAD ALL

I have one last thing to share with you

Mason is so cute this Christmas

He still doesn’t understand what it’s all about

It is so cute to hear him say “Ho Ho Ho” every time he sees

Santa Claus - in stores, in story books, or on the new BIG t.v.

But, the thing that takes my breath away is to see

him gently pick up Baby Jesus from the nativity

and give him a kiss before he puts him back.

Join me at:

Ivy and Elephants

No Minimalist Here

Rhonda

Christmas Foyer

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Creek Home) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 00:52:00 +0000

Christmas in the foyer at Blue Creek Home

~ Simple holiday touches on the foyer table ~

Add green sprigs and pinecones to a silver tray of vintage bottles (or

any display you may have) for a ~~low cost~~ free Christmas idea

The staircase gets a little more attention

The larger vintage angel hangs in the center of the short stair rail…

…while the smaller one plays violin at the newel post

She has been loved long enough to wear off her hair color

The garland is full of sugared (glittered) apple slices, pinecones, and berries

I added icy garlands of tiny square beads and capiz shells

~ I do love the tiny details in things ~

A small metallic tree sits in the front of the bannister draped

with bronze beaded garland and a single sacred heart Milagros

I added the ‘new to me’ vintage sheep to baby Jesus

that I made in pottery class a few years ago.

What a quiet but hugely profound statement

this tiny vignette makes at Christmas.

Wishing you all a very blessed weekend

Rhonda

Christmas Dining Room In Cream and White

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Creek Home) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:30:00 +0000

This year I used a neutral palette of cream and white to decorate the dining room. I am still enjoying the makeover that I did this spring and felt that the Christmas decorations should be quiet and let the reds and dark blues stay at center stage.

View of Dining Room From Foyer

View From G-Man’s Office

The Small Green Tree On The Right Is Unadorned

A Battenberg Lace Christmas Tree Skirt Adds A

Layer Of Texture To The Simple Cream Tablecloth

A Faux Magnolia Wreath Grounds The Centerpiece

The Silver Tinsel Tree In The Background Is Also Undecorated

Gold Magnolia Blossoms and Tiny Vintage

Mercury Glass Ornaments Decorate The Sides

This Bowl is A Vintage Chandelier Shade Turned Upside Down - The Gold Painted Trim Has Acquired A Perfect Green Patina

Filled With Bright Vintage Ornaments,

This Provides The Only Pop Of Christmas Color In The Room

What Can You Do With Chairs That Your Husband

Loves and Doesn’t Want Them To Be Painted???

Dress Them Up Like Ballerinas Of Course!

I Love The Mix Of Shimmery White Berries

and Simple Ripped White Sheeting

I Kept The Chandelier Very Low Key This Year

Three Vintage Angels Fit Perfectly Across The Bottom

This Little Italian Beauty Was A Lucky Find At Good Will

Holiday Dining Party @ No Minimalist Here
Holiday Block Party -Vintage Inspiration @ Common Ground

From My Front Porch To Yours

Thanks for joining me in my Christmas dining room.

Rhonda

Vintage Treasures

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Creek Home) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 02:11:00 +0000

I can’t seem to go anywhere that I don’t make a pit-stop at an antique mall or a thrift shop and the last couple of weeks were no different. I found some adorable things in local shops.
I did a lot of shopping online too - Etsy, E-bay, and Totsy. Packages are showing up at the door and making it feel like Christmas is on it’s way!

This is my favorite purchase

“Light of the World” by Chambers

These plaques are wood with

black and gold (tole?) borders that are

perfectly patinated

This one is called

“The Little Flower” by Chambers

I found these items locally

Lovin’ this sweet shelf

These sweet cherubs make my heart flutter!

I know nothing about these miniatures

I just liked them a lot!

I am assuming it’s the Holy Family (?)

I got these little chalk ware sheep on E-Bay

I am on the hunt for a few vintage Putz sheep

Also from E-bay, these miniature Toby jugs caught my eye

How does one resist a little guy like this?

I think I had better start shopping for somebody besides moi next!

Join me at these parties by clicking the party button

Rhonda