Catching Up to Summer

A new show Curious Sofa will be selling at; details below.

It has been almost two months since I have posted! So sorry.... Where have I been? Well, not resting as much as I would have liked to. The past month I have had a few projects going on and juggling these random events has put me in a bit of a spin. I am used to multi-tasking but it was always for one goal with the shop; now my hands seem to be in a million pots.

Signs I designed for the Estate Sale which helped to stop traffic.

- The most time consuming thing I have been involved with was managing an Estate Sale of the family home of a friend. She now lives in New York, so this winter I helped her get her father into a nursing home and then in April her mother died. Needless to say a hard time for her and many trips for us back and forth to the airport. I offered to take care of the family house; show it for the local realtor, condense and price everything for the Estate Sale, clean and prep the home for the new buyers and haul away leftovers for donations. My niece and I handled everything along with a few friends who helped during sale days. This week they close on the house so my work will be done, but it has been a l-o-n-g two months waiting for it to be over.

Piles and piles of stuff from the Estate Sale. How do people do this for a living?!!

- On May 1 I finished up a large styling job for Better Homes & Gardens Halloween Ideas magazine and a few weeks later the editor called wanting some help on their Christmas issue too. This time she needed me to prepare story boards for the cover images. I have to say I was loving this as I could sit at home, beverage and dog by my side and search online finding wonderful sources and images to help her pull the shoot together. Then in a panic she needed items made for the shoot, so as the weather hit 95 degrees outside I was buried in a sea of decorative papers, fabric and crafty notions making Christmas trees and red velvet pillows!

From Etsy, inspiration for Better Homes and Gardens Christmas Ideas issue.

- I have also been helping a friend furnish her mid-century home as well as a few other customers ordering sofas and other items from Curious Sofa.

The famous Barcelona Chair arriving to my friends home soon.

- I started listing items on Etsy, selling the same merchandise I have on my website just to broaden my customer base. And I still manage to post a little something on Facebook now and then too. It is so much easier than blogging so I hope you are following me there.


- New items for the website are piling up in my house but I have been too busy to shoot them for the site; but I will! I see now web sales work great when you devote as much time to it as you do your store. Most of these goodies will be for sale at the new show I am doing first before putting them online.

- My little camper sits in the driveway still untouched by white paint and new slipcovers. I promised myself I would take her out once a month but lately I've been too busy to bother. Maybe July 4th. I have been collecting a little this and that to redecorate and every once in awhile Pearl and I sit inside and pretend we are lakeside somewhere!

The design for how I want to paint the outside, eventually!

And on top of all this, I am itching to find a studio so I can start making jewelry, sew, paint furniture, take website pictures, do framing and projects and keep my artistic mess to one area. I could makeover my garage but I like to park in it- imagine! I could redo my basement but its creepy down there so I tried to load it all in my spare bedroom but I am suffocating! Any ideas???!! If only I had an air conditioned Quanza hut in my backyard! Now, that's a thought!

Wouldn't this be the coolest studio to have?

- I am also having some fun with Pinterest. I am still not sure what the heck it is but it is an inspirational place to just look and gather pictures, which is what I love. Somewhere in my new life I would love to be a photo editor!

One of the story boards I have on Pinterest titled White.

- Curious Sofa will rear her head once more since closing the store. My niece and I are hosting an antique event July 14-16 in Westport. We call our show the Schlepp Sisters. This was the very first name we gave our business when we opened a booth at Mission Road Antique Mall in 1996! Three other dealers will be involved too so stay tuned. It will be a good one as we all have different styles to offer. I am bringing many decor items from home, discounted online merchandise and lots of new antiques I acquired this year. I will show some of our items on Facebook days before the event. (Follow us!) Don't miss it if you live in KC!

Ralph Lauren, Spring 2011

What I learned: Throw a giant textile over any coffee table for a new look.
Add giant trees to soften the corners of your room.

I came close to calling this blog post "Ralph Lauren: my personal porn" but then I thought of all the crazy Google searches that might come up. Every season I have to check out the master and see what he has been up to and this Spring, he is true to form. His home decor is open and fresh as well as the fashion and fabrics that make up the Ralph Lauren Spring 2011 collection. I did notice he has returned to his cowboy roots a little more than usual (not that there is anything wrong with that) but more importantly, so many of these styles can be easily attained by us with a little imagination and a lot of savings.

What I learned: Take an old blanket or rug and make your own cross-body
bag using straps from an older purse or thrift store belt. Notice the giant chokers,
almost belt size. Get crafting!

What I learned: Mixing a little Navajo with a little floral gives the perfect
masculine/feminine mix. (But we've always known that!)

"I've always believed one could live many lives through the way we dress and the places we travel to, even it just in our imagination. The world is open to us, and each day is an occasion to reinvent ourselves." - Ralph Lauren

What I learned: Reincarnate the butterfly chair! Making your own cover couldn't be easier.
Leather or not try sturdy denim, canvas or an old quilt with random stitching for interest.

What I learned: An ornate gilded mirror breaks up the casual, natural palette.
And I have always loved pictures hanging on a bookcase.

What I learned: It's all in the accessories!

What I learned: When blues do not match perfectly, it gives a 'collected over time' appearance.

What I learned: Western blanket and lace!
Am I crazy? Should we paint part of an old pair of boots with silver paint?

What I learned: Use a bowl for the bread, not a plate.

What I learned:
Keeping the palette neutral will make haberdashery dressing more feminine.

What I learned: Pinstripes and damask, hounds tooth and crewel!

" I like things that are worn. I don't like newness... I still wear old things. And I wear new things. And the old things that I love are non-fashion. There's a timeless quality and an unfashionable sensibility... they're utility, the things you wear to work in, they're the things that have sort of an honesty." - Ralph Lauren

What I learned: My passion for broken statuary can still be stylish.

What I learned: Add a little crochet lace to a tired old jacket sleeve.

What I learned: Patterns can blend perfectly in the right color combination.

What I learned: Fabulous clothing can be hung as art!

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Something Fresh

Online only: the new TradHome Magazine.

I've been struggling with something lately, ever since I got back from the Round Top, Texas antique show. I think my taste is changing and I am ready to move on to a different design sense. Not surprising. It's just good to do every few years and try to stay somewhat current with the times. I hope all of us change it up now and then from hairdo's to furniture to fashion.

I emailed a friend while in Texas and said, "OK, I think I am done. I think I am done with the shabby-chippy-burlap-ironstone thing." Just how much of it can we all have anyway? I found myself not drawn to it much anymore. Tacking a piece of burlap on a chair is a cheap and quick fix but we all know it doesn't feel so good. Stenciling letters on a burlap pillow can be equally appealing but again, do you really want to lay your head on such a thing? And once you are over 40, do we really want all our furniture to wobble with drawers that are hard to open? I am ready for user friendly and well built. But don't get me wrong, I am still in love with antiques, chipped paint and worn linens but I am ready to use these items in a new way and mix them up with some unexpected elements.

I pondered hooking up the camper and heading to a new antique show a few weeks ago but decided against it. Once I saw the pictures online of the show I was glad I did not make the trip. There it was again; images of rusty wire things, burlap covered whatever, chippy drawers or badly painted white something (or bright pink or turquoise!). I do hope dealers are selling these things because these shows are so much work but I want to shout to the universe of antique dealers out there and say "DO SOMETHING ELSE!"

What really prompted this blog post was the discovery of the new TradHome online mag. From the makers of LonnyMag comes a fresh look at the old Traditional Home magazine. Heck, this is so new looking, traces of Traditional Home are nowhere to be found! I was stopped in my tracks by these images from what they call the New Traditionalists designers. Enjoy.

Above, this fabulous mix of color, texture, shape and pattern.
A bit retro, a bit bohemian and fresh!

A lot of yellow but it works! I especially love how all the vintage items have been
reupholstered, cleaned and polished to look brand new.

And yes, I am still a lover of white. Mixed with black and pattern
and stone it gets an immediate 2011 update.

The blue painted cabinets turn this kitchen on its ear!
It looks designed but not untouchable.

Above; from the home of my friend and customer,
Hallmark stylist Andy Newcom. I love how he added the large
oval window making the vintage sink
and ironstone seem more regal.

Also in Andy's house, modern lighting used above an
older French table and antique accessories.

An Update

I am going to honest with you all, I am having a hard time blogging these days. I know it is because the store is closed and those hurried, everyday shop operations are what kept this blog going for so long. I'll also be honest with you and tell you 90% of my former blog posts were to keep you current on shop news but especially to show you what had just been added to the store so you would come in and buy something. When sales were down, I could blog and voila!- business would pick up for awhile.

Crystal bracelet

Yes I am selling online and when I focus on it and add new merchandise I am thrilled with the response. I have met with my tech and discussed changes I want to make: a JUST IN category and a SALE category. I am also going to add a PROVISIONS category because I find so many great garlands, wires, trims and baubles and I know that crafting has now gone to a whole new level. I found I have a lot of artistic customers out there that need unusual hardware for their creations. I also love scavenging for these items. Changing the website from an idea to fruition is one thing because website work takes forever to implement! I knew this going in and thought I would have all the time in the world to work on it, but not so. I have a stash of great items from my trip to Texas and I will post those as soon as my current project is completed.

White Silicon Watch, perfect for Spring!

Closing down the store is still not over believe it or not. Some vendors are still sending merchandise to the Prairie Village store, some customers still do not know (those that might have visited KC once or twice a year) and there are still little 'business' issues here and there.

Pearl Votive

I knew I wanted to rest up after the shop closed and because of the lousy winter weather, I certainly did, but I guess not enough for my taste! The Better Homes & Gardens shoot will happen soon and I have really been hammering down on that. I hunted for my camper so I could head to Texas and now that I am back, I just want to crash. The BHG Halloween shoot is happening next week and I am really happy with the all the props, wardrobe and food that have been found. The editor even added another day due to all the wonderful items we need to shoot.

Wire Card Holder

I wasn't sure what life would hold once the store was closed or how I would make a living (and I'm still not!). I knew I had plenty of customers and friends who needed help with this and that. Some business owner/friends are overwhelmed and need help; some friends need my advice who are in the midst of remodeling their homes; I have some personal projects I can certainly cash in on if I choose to. Getting in the groove of a freelance life again is kind of strange. I watched Eat, Pray, Love again last night and I would love to take a year off and do whatever I pleased without any 'have to's' in the way. (who wouldn't!)

Umbrella

My best friend from grade school (yes, 40 years) lives in New York now and has been in and out of town all year due to the illness of her parents. Her mother passed away last Wednesday and because of all the strange circumstances she has asked me to clean out, redecorate and stage their home to sell. And believe it or not, I am in the mood to do my own home. Because the store is closed my home (and garage and basement and porch) have become the holding ground for all things and it is making me a little nuts. Are you like me? Once every few years I just have to get rid of everything and see empty shelves and life without piles of stuff.

Butterfly Clips

I am on a list at our local antique mall to get a large booth. I decided I really want to do this to please the local customers I left behind. I also find so many great, larger items I cannot sell online and I want to offer them to Curious Sofa fans. So far, nothing is available and I just can't understand why they won't kick someone out!!! Ha. I am hoping they have a vacancy by late summer so I can do the popular Halloween and Christmas display in there.

Bird Napkins

I hope to shoot some behind the scene images of the BHG shoot. I can't give too much away as they would not like that much but it will still be fun to give you a tease. Stand by for that. In the meantime, I hope all of you are supporting your local retailers, taking a day trip to an antique show and getting ready for Spring. Open those windows and let your home breathe!

Red Rose Pillow

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Wagons Ho!

A 1966 West, 10' Camper
Pearl and I ready for our new on-the-road antiquing life!

I did it! I got my little camper in Warsaw, Missouri on March 19th, hooked it up and took a few test spins around KC, loaded it with necessities and hit the road. (That is the very condensed version of what transpired!) Pearl and I are currently in Round Top, Texas at the world famous antique show. I dusted off my boots, packed the bandannas and after many mechanical check-ups for my van and camper, we arrived here last Wednesday. We are spending our days shopping the fields, the tents and every podunk vendor set up on the side of the road.


I have been going to Round Top, on and off for ten years now and each and every time its a feast for the eyes, a lesson on navigation and a homecoming with friends. This trip feels like a new beginning now that the store is closed and I have less to worry about. I don't feel the added pressure of hurrying back home to be in the store or finding bigger items to make the trip financially worth while. Its also nice not to have to drive the fields with a 20' truck!


I am camped out at the Blue Hills Event Venue in Round Top, owned by Kansas City dealer Mike Peters. I sent Mike a plead to just let me park on his property and he responded with, "We have full RV hook up with guest bathrooms and showers!!!" Whoo-hoo! I am all set and did not have to deal with using the bathroom in my little camper!! He even had hired help to pull me in place and set up the water and electricity to my little home. I could get used to this!

Of course, makeover pictures to come.
(You didn't think I was going to leave it like this did you?!!)

Once I left home, the drive from KC to Wichita was not pleasant. The winds were at full force making me feel I was driving through quicksand. I was intimidated enough pulling this for the first time but once the winds died down, all was good. Pearl and I slept inside for the first time at a truck stop in Oklahoma and I found myself giggling as I cranked open the windows and snuggled with her under the covers for our first night on the road!

After we arrived in Round Top and unhitched the camper I drove around town seeing who was still open and ended up at Royer's having a beer with Bud the owner and Grand Marshall of this antique weekend. He caught me up on the latest news, telling me of Rachel Ashwell's venture with her new B & B miles away and then showed me pictures of his amazing home in Austin! OMG! Why someone has not featured this place in a magazine is beyond me. It looked like Uncommon Objects Gone Wild!


Since hitting the road, there have been many amusing anecdotes of which I will call the Curious Camper Diaries one day. (A new blog starting soon!)

To name a few:
- I forgot there are bugs and dirt while camping! How quickly we forget.
- Living in a 6' x 10' space is all about organization; lots of bins and bags and multiple hooks are needed to keep things off the ground.
- Do not be stupid enough to think you are going to completely redecorate your new abode on your first trip out. Learn how to live in it first. (This lesson was painful, you should see all the crap I brought with me!)
- If you camp near bathroom facilities, you will almost feel human.
- Be prepared to be without internet connection and living by your iPhone. (Second tough lesson.)
- Using propane to boil water brings a new found joy and a caveman-like accomplishment. (Even if it is for Ramen noodles.)
- Your beloved canine has no place else to go but in bed with you. Be prepared to sleep with paw prints and dirt.
- Have a local vet handy when your fluff-ball experiments with Texas rat poison. (Oh yes, mother and daughter now doing fine.)
- One minute you will love the simplicity of camping, the next minute you will want your MTV.
- Have many lavender sachets handy to bury your face in when a skunk wanders near your camper at night. (I thought I was gonna die!)
- ENJOY the junking and gathering great items for myself, the camper, the website and photo shoots.

More stories when I return!
TEXAS TREASURES WILL BE POSTED NEXT MONTH!!

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