This Is How It Begins

     School's back in session, and my focus has been getting some very nervous 7 & 8 year olds ready for the challenges of second grade.  So, this weekend, being a holiday and all, we hit the road to the hill country for my mother-in-law's 90th birthday party.  We took a trailer, (just in case) and the whole family.  My birthday just happens to be the same day as my MIL's, and there is no better gift than getting a whole weekend with my best half, all three daughters, my son-in-law, middle daughter's boyfriend, and of course our grandson.  As a family, we have 4 small businesses, and it takes all of us to help keep them all going.  This weekend, being my birthday and all, we did some family "pickin!"  The Barn is just about empty after last month's sale, so it was time to find some Beautiful Things.

We found just a few!

 

Come see us September 15 at The Barn! 

 

He makes Beautiful Things,

Yvette

  

Chalk Finish Paint

    

 The popularity of our Chalk Finish Paint has encouraged us to open our Etsy shop.  This paint has a lime additive that makes it chalky and powdery. It covers smoothly, dries quickly, sands easily, is incredibly durable and sticks to just about anything. When sealed with a soft wax and buffed with a cloth, it has the patina of a fine old finish.

     We package our paint in pint jars, which provides just the right amount for smaller projects such as dressers, bookcases, chairs and side tables.  Larger projects such as a china cabinet or dining table might require two pints.  It can be thinned with water if needed.

     Our Chalk Finish Paint is now available to be shipped for a flat rate of $12 from 1-6 jars. Good reason to order several colors and try them out!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/SaleAtTheBarn?ref=search_shop_redirect

 

Take a look at the palette:

 No. 1 Wrapped Around My Pinky

 

 



 No. 2 Knox Three Times

Our Grandson, Knox, is all boy and this blue is for him!

 

 

 No. 3 Sea You At The Beach

 

 

 No. 4 A Fit of Greige

The perfect grey-beige

 

 

No. 5 Vanilla Paper

This is what my second grade students call manila paper!

 

 

No. 6 Orange You Gorgeous

A tribute to my grandmother's signature coral lip color

 

 

No. 7 I'm Pond of You

 

 

No. 8 That's The Last Straw

 

 

No. 9 Peony For Your Thoughts

 

 

No. 10 Hanging By A Red

 

 

     I love this paint, created after hours of finding just the right paints and mixing different additives.  It can be shipped for a flat rate of $12 from 1-6 jars.  Good reason to order several colors and try them out!

 

Happy Painting!

 

He makes Beautiful Things!

Yvette



 

 

 



 





 

 

 

 



It's been awhile, but I am so excited to be back!  We had a very exciting weekend with a photo shoot for my new Etsy store and our August Sale At The Barn.  The sale was once again a tremendous success and we are so grateful to you for supporting us and loving our Beautiful Things as much as we do!  Chastity Overby was so kind to help us out on the spur of the moment to lend us her photography talents, and my friend Colleen came to help us style.  I am blessed beyond measure with friends and family who come to the rescue when called!  If you missed the sale, here are a few items that are being loved in new homes. 



Can't wait for September 15 and our next Sale At The Barn!

Until then-

He makes Beautiful Things,

Yvette



A Place for Everything and Everything in its Place

     After a whirlwind of spring sales and keeping up with my other real job ( yeah, the one that actually supplies a paycheck, but gets in the way of my hobby), I have felt things spiraling out of control over the past couple of months. In the midst of the chaos, our house was a mess, the barn was a mess, and in turn, I was a mess. I know God doesn't get all of me in these seasons and it certainly affects my level of peace.

      The last few weeks of school were spent cleaning and organizing my classroom for next year. True confessions- I have intended to do it every summer for the past 8 years and have either put it off, or had some kind of crisis over the summer that kept me away. I think I may have filled an entire dumpster with things that had been crammed into cabinets by previous teachers, and then added on to by me. My teaching partner called them "the scary closets." Now they are clean, organized, and I know not only what I have, but where to find it!

      Then it was time to tackle the house. With the help of our youngest daughter who is home for the summer, we whipped it into shape fairly quickly.  The deck is also cleaned, flowers planted in pots, and the lemon tree we neglected this spring actually has a ton of blooms!

      Next came the barn. My best half set up some new storage for me and now all my supplies have a home and my work table can actually be used for projects. It took the last little bit of energy I had to make myself complete it, but what a difference it makes in my ability to work in an organized environment!

      Finally, I threw it in, stopped, and was treated to an all by myself float in a friend's pool. Except for the sunburn, it was just what I needed!  It was so quiet as I floated and prayed and felt His peace settle in. It's always there, but slowing down long enough to recognize it is a challenge I struggle with continually.

Last week, part of our Bible Study discussion at church centered on 1 Peter 4:7-  

“The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.”

     Our pastor reminded us that as the world seems to be falling apart around us, it's not out of contol because it's completely in His hands.  We can keep our focus on God, knowing He is the one in control.  But, how can I be focused and clear minded when running in a million directions and spending so much time looking for things that have been thrown in piles while I hurry through life?

I recognize that is an outward sign of an inward mess.

     

     I am trying to be more intentional this summer in keeping life organized and getting that quiet time, whether it's first thing in the morning or sitting on the deck in the afternoon.  I do know that I need it just like I need food and water and I am certainly not one to skip a meal! But skipping time with my Creator happens way too often. He longs to spend time with me and that is what draws me back, all the while, knowing He has been there waiting patiently for me to burn myself out. As I crawl in His lap, I feel Him saying, "There you are! I've been waiting for this time together. Just you and Me!"

      This morning, East Texas is blessed with a rare cool temperature for June 1. I am sitting on the deck with the iPad and a delicious cup of coffee, savoring the quiet and knowing everything's in its place and there's a place for everything.  

      Thank you LORD for reminding me that it's all a gift from you.

 He makes Beautiful Things!

Yvette

     Daughter No. 2 turned 25 today! We have adult children! How did that happen? I thank God for gifting us with her because she has been a true blessing. Happy birthday sweet one. You're our favorite!

Click here to read more about favorites:  http://beautifulthingsfurniture.blogspot.com/2011/07/favorites.html  

     Our first sale at Round Top was a success, and we had such fun in addition to making a little money to fund this adventure we'd like to eventually call a job!



   
      Our friends hosted us at their beautiful farm in Oldenburg and although it was pretty stressful getting all the furniture done and set up, once we settled in, it was very relaxing. There was great food along with lots of laughter shared. We are so grateful for their invitation. The slower pace, the eclectic mix of people, and the thrill of a good find (once we got a chance to venture out and shop) were just what we needed. My better half and I are hooked and have been invited back for the fall. We are thrilled!
    
     We stopped at a sale in La Bahia, and found a primitive tool chest, made by someone who  pieced together what he had to make a box to store his tools.  With the tools, he could repair and reclaim things he needed. We realized we have one just like it, found in Clay's grandparent's shed.

     We talked about how our parents and grandparents were the first "up-cyclers" we knew. We don't have a lot of schema for what it was like living through the depression, but we have tangible evidence in the things people made out of necessity. I pulled out a scoop the other day that Clay's grandad had pieced together out of parts from other things.



I love the fact that he took bits and pieces to fashion an item that was needed.

     In their generation, things that were broken were never considered useless, because the parts were valuable for creating something new. Grandfather's tool chest was built from scraps of wood, some pieces of leather, nails bent into clasps, and an old piece of a box as the liner.  The one we saw in La Bahia was held together with a piece of broken yardstick.   They used every bit of what they had to make what they needed.



     But when all those bits were pulled together and made into a chest, something was created to hold the tools needed to make new things.  It reminds me of the body of Christ.  Paul talks about it in 1 Corinthians 12 and he refers to us over and over as the parts.  God has uniquely gifted each of us and we bring something to make the tool chest complete.  It's a joy to be a uniquely connected part of His plan.

     He makes beautiful things,

     Yvette
      

Kony 2012

http://www.invisiblechildren.com.s3-website-us-east-1.amazonaws.com/critiques.html

I always advise others about keeping things positive on Facebook, but this time I can't help myself. I am amazed at the attempt to shut down an awareness campaign that is about children being abducted and brutalized, under the guise of getting people to think. Invisible Children has been accused of manipulating information, yet if you will read the response from IC, you will find that the detractors have done exactly the same thing. The goal is to raise awareness of atrocities against children in Africa and to get Joseph Kony out in 2012. Two of our daughters have served in orphanages in Uganda and one of them may soon return permanently, yet I had never heard of John Kony until Invisible Children posted the video. If the only thing I can do is raise awareness, which is free, by the way, then please don't try to make me feel guilty about it.
Recently, the same thing happened with Susan G. Komen when questions arose about their organization. Last year, I beat breast cancer because it was caught early due to new guidelines, technology, and early detection, all of which came from awareness. Those who criticize these campaigns might feel differently if personally affected. If you haven't been there, done that, and walked in those shoes, maybe instead of researching how you can undermine organizations such as Invisible Children and Susan G. Komen, that time could be used more productively. How about a letter or a phone call to someone who has the power to make a difference? Better yet, how about spending that time in prayer for children in Africa who are kidnapped in the middle of the night, and for women still battling breast cancer?

He makes beautiful things,
Yvette

Next Stop Round Top

The first Sale at the Barn was an overwhelming success and we are so grateful for all who stopped by and took home some Beautiful Things. My favorite part about doing this is visiting with people I don't get to see very often and also meeting new friends. Making a little money while doing something you love isn't too shabby either!

The chalk paint was a hit and several people have agreed to post pictures of their finished pieces. I can't wait to see them! I had a request for a goldy/mustardy color, so I will be working on that.

Next stop, Round Top! We will be in Oldenburg on the highway March 30-31 and April 2. We'll have the Sale at The Barn sign, so spread the word and tell your friends to come see us!

He makes beautiful things,
Yvette

More Preview Pictures

     The Sale at the Barn is Friday and to say I am a little overwhelmed is an understatement.  I have prayed for God to use this time well, so it is what it is!

     I am quite fond of this dresser and its paint color.  Being a grandmother for the first time is an experience that cannot be explained, it just has to be experienced.  Our little grandson, Knox, is a precious blessing straight from heaven and the blue paint's got his name.  The dresser is fnished in "Knox Three Times" with a dark wax over it.

Next is a bookshelf idea straight from Pinterest!  This was shown hung low on a wall in a child's room to hold books.  It is finished in "Vanilla paper" with a dark wax.

Finally, this daybed was sold at the last sale, but I wanted to show a good example of "Fit of Greige".  It also has a coat of dark wax.

     More to come, but hope you are inspired to come see all the beautiful things this Friday! 

     See you at The Barn!

He makes beautiful things,

Yvette





  

It's Almost Here

   What a great weekend it has been to work on pieces for the upcoming sale.  Remember it starts this Friday at 10 am!

    

This morning, I was able to get the last paint color in the palette done  and I am so pleased with the way it turned out. Interestingly enough, it's No.1 and it was daughter number one who helped me get it just right. That's because she has such a good eye for color.  She's going to claim "favorite" after reading this post!

Wrapped Around My Pinky

     A good friend suggested that I explain a little more about chalk paint, not to be confused with chalkboard paint.  This is paint with an additive that makes it chalky and powdery.  It is incredibly durable and sticks to just about anything.  If you think about what chalk is, one of the main ingredients is calcium carbonate, which is lime.  Lime washes and paint have been used as far back as 7 B.C. in Rome.  They were used in frescos and the outside of buildings and homes.  So, my version is a modern day mix of paint, primer, and lime.  I love the way it covers, sands, and dries quickly. When  sealed with a soft wax and buffed it has the look of a fine old finish.

Child's Chair

     The color, "Wrapped Around My Pinky," reminds me of Calamine lotion, which brings back all sorts of memories of summer, and the family farm in the Pineywoods of East Texas.  Calamine was, and still is, a staple for any kind of bite, and we'd be covered in pink dots of dried lotion after a weekend shared with mosquitoes and chiggers! 

     "Orange You Gorgeous" is inspired by a family memory as well.  My grandmother loved this orangey/coral, and at the farm, there were old trunks at the foot of her bed painted this color. Her kitchen set had it as well. 

"Orange You Gorgeous"

     I've got more pieces in the almost finished category and will post pictures over the next couple of days. 

     See you at The Barn!

He makes beautiful things,

Yvette

Happy Paint

      Designer chalk paint...you had me at "Hello!"  What a joy to work with a product that requires no priming, gives a smooth, matte finish, is easy to sand, and holds up beautifully. Honestly, though, my Scottish heritage has had me trying to figure out a thriftier way to achieve the same result.
 
     First off, and there's no real secret here, they make paint with primer included. Next, I researched Pinterest and tried all the recommended duplications.  After testing them all, I am happy to have arrived at what I think is a reasonable facsimile. And it costs about 1/3 as much. It is smooth, sands easily, is durable when waxed or sealed, and covers in two coats. The designer brand claims one coat coverage, but I found it really does take two if you want complete coverage. And since priming is not necessary (doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out the primer is already in the paint...) two coats isn't bad.  Being able to make custom colors was also a plus.
      

 Here's the preview piece!  Isn't she adorable?

Paint color: "Sea you at the Beach " with dark wax.

     At the first Sale at the Barn beginning March 2, as well as Round Top preview, which is the last weekend in March, I thought I would offer my palette for those do-it-yourselfers whose projects include pieces of furniture and accessories. I will be selling pints, since most projects don't require a quart and you end up with lots of quarts of paint sitting on shelves that you'll never use again. A pint is plenty for a table, dresser, or smaller piece of furniture, and at $10, will not cause the guilt that ensues after paying $35 for a quart of the designer stuff.

    
     The colors are a result of things I love, matched at the home improvement center, then made into paint. This paint gives a smoother finish than some of the other recommended recipes and it doesn't thicken like the others. After a couple of hours, the methods using joint compound or plaster of Paris, get spongy and thick.

     The paint names are inspired by kids. My real job (the one that actually pays and provides insurance) is being a second grade teacher to some hilarious 7 and 8 year olds.  They take things very literally and make working on vocabulary very entertaining. The names remind me of things they say. Like, " Can I have a piece of Vanilla Paper to draw on?"  The best ever was when I taught contractions and one of my students wrote this sentence using the contraction, we're:

"Every car have a we're end."  

     I think I'm actually a really good teacher, but it's gotta make you wonder sometimes!  I treasure that little piece of paper and the memories of the precious child who wrote it.

    
     These colors are the first ones to be available. Pictures of pieces with each of the colors will be posted before the Sale at the Barn.

Wrapped Around My Pinky

Knox Three Times

A Fit of Greige

Vanilla Paper

Sea You at the Beach

I'm Pond of You

Orange You Gorgeous

See you at the Sale at the Barn, March 2-4 at 601 S. Bynum in Lufkin!

Here's to some happy painting! 

He makes Beautiful Things,

Yvette

Welcome, February

     Happy February! Thank you, God! Now, if you keep reading, I'm just warning you, it goes downhill from here. Surely you will say, "Wow, Debbie Downer! Guess I'll go curl up in the fetal position now." I'll do my best to rebound at the end, but for a few minutes, I just need to get some things off my chest.
     Could we please keep getting on with this 2012 thing? Because I am so ready to move as far away from 2011 as I can. The past year has been kind of surreal. Beating breast cancer was a high and losing my best friend to lung cancer was a low. Questioning why I got off so easily, and her having to endure such pain left me empty. Having our first grand baby boy was a high. Not having that same best friend here to share in the joy of the blessing was a low.

     I don't take lightly that God has blessed our family in so many ways, but parts of this messy life are, well, messy. And sometimes it's not fun, and sometimes it breaks your heart, and sometimes it just sucks.

     Let me get the sucky part off my chest first. I.miss.Lynne. I miss her every day. She was the friend I talked to every day. February marks the month of her birth. She's a leap year baby, so she only got to have 14 real birthdays. Since this was to be her 15th, we considered a Quinceanera. Now that she's at the biggest, best party of all, hanging out with Jesus, anything we would have planned pales in comparison. But a group of us are going on with the Quinceanera theme anyway. If you are not familiar, Google it. Interestingly enough, it's a rite of passage. We're already looking for fabulous dresses and intend to wear tiaras.  I am sure it will be a very strange night, celebrating as we know she would want us to, but missing her so. She was always the life of the party and she and I planned so many together.  Here's a picture of all of us at my oldest daughters wedding.  We pulled off a big one that night!  My daughter described it as perfection.

The Chicks!





We were such a good team. Suck. Suck. Sucky, suck suck. When her husband passed away unexpectedly 5 years ago, "suck" became a choice word for our little group. Sorry to say it so many times, but after awhile it makes you laugh, right? Say Suck, Suck, Sucky, suck suck without laughing. Sucks, doesn't it? Potty mouth.
     Moving on. In the midst of this heartache, my very big God is always there, caring about the details. A friend posted on Facebook this week, "God blesses us every day, it's up to us to notice it." Yep. True words. So it's time to start noticing. I hope my venting didn't scare you off. Just being honest.

     Guess it's time to come out of hibernation and get busy at the barn.         

     Which reminds me- I am having my first Sale at the Barn this month! I have wanted to do this for awhile, and it seems February 24 is when it will happen. I have been collecting so many neat pieces and this time, some smaller accessories, too. I think you'll like the selection and hope you'll come!





Pictures coming soon.

He makes beautiful things,
Yvette