We've Moved!

It occurred to me after responding to a sweet post about my paint, that I had not updated this blog since September!  This is just to let you know we will be posting from now on on our new blog where  I will still be sharing paint and furniture projects.  The three girls and I decided collaborating would be fun because although our gifts are different, they come together in a way that we hope is unique and inspiring! So please come visit us at creativecollaborative.blogspot.com for our own particular brand of craziness combined with great projects, fashion and design!

 

He makes beautiful things!

Y.

 

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

My Beautiful Friend

     Time has been a precious commodity the past few weeks as I have spent every possible moment with my beautiful best friend, Lynne.  As God prepares her for eternity, I have been given such a gift in the hours spent by her side and sharng that time with the people who are so important in her life.

 

     I went to the barn for awhile to have some quiet time and to paint.  It was a little overwhelming to think of the work that has been put aside for more important endeavors, but what I found was that my amazing husband, Clay, had been there painting and sanding for hours on end so that I could be with Lynne.  There are people in your life who pick up the pieces behind you and most of the time they don't get the thanks and appreciation they deserve.  Well, I have one amazing husband and I want the world to know it!
    
     Since he had gotten all the basics done, I got to work on the finish sanding.  This is my favorite part because it is the stage that really gives the piece its character.  Starting with a coffee table, I began to smooth the edges and the paint came off in fine layers.  It was such a delicate finish, easy to work with, and just a little of the original finish showing through. The finished product is so pretty, and very elegant, I think.

     The next was a side table.  As I started to sand, little chips came off here and there.  I had to work a little harder on this one because the paint came off in a different way, giving the piece a unique character.  It's more rough around the edges, and has a rustic finish. 

     I began to think about why one was so much easier than the other and how the paint reacts differently to the sanding process.  I realized that the way the paint sands off all depends on what's underneath it. Each piece is made differently and the base may be solid wood or a veneer that's chipped, patched and glued.
     
     Really?  Can I connect this furniture refinishing thing back to God again?  Well, Jesus was a carpenter, after all. 
   
      As God molds me into who He wants me to be, sometimes He can just smooth away a little on the edges to reveal something inside.  At other times, He has to chip away at the finish a little harder to  achieve His desired outcome.  It all depends on what's underneath, but either way, the finished product is a beautiful thing.
    
     So, I am reflecting on what's underneath this chipped, patched and glued veneer. Am I going to make His work easy today, or am I going to need a bit more sanding? 

See you Thursday- Saturday! 

He makes beautiful things,
Yvette

    

Sneak Peek

     In one week, we will be having our fall sale.  It starts next Thursday, October 20.  Our pieces will once again be upstairs at Blithe Boutique, 112 South First.  Over the weekend, you will also want to visit Hello Holidays at Behannon's Warehouse, Heritage Antiques Vintage Flea Market in their parking lot on Saturday, Standpipe Coffee House and newly opened A Furniture Fetish.

     In an earlier post, I mentioned some wonderful paint that a friend introduced me to. Turns out, it's been around awhile and I can't quite figure out how I missed it! That's kind of how I roll, though.  I tend to embrace trends a year or two after they become trendy.

     It's Annie Sloan chalk paint and I am so in love with it.  The finishes turn out so beautifully.  Here are a couple of pieces that will be in the sale.  The color is French Linen.

Side Table or Night Stand

Small Display Cabinet  24" Tall

More pictures are coming.

See you at the sale !

Thursday through Saturday 10-6 each day.

He makes beautiful things!

Yvette







My Favorite Fall Color is Pink

     As we say in Texas, Happy Fall Y'all! 

     God has blessed us this morning with beautiful skies and cooler temps.  I love fall. In East Texas, we don't really get much change between seasons- but the sunrises and sunsets this time of year are amazing.  There is one particular overpass in town that if you hit just right heading north at sunset, provides the most glorious display of pinks.  They are colors that could not be created by anything other than a Divine hand.

     Funny that He chooses pink for fall, since October is also Breast Cancer Awareness month.  My mind is on cancer a lot these days, being so grateful for mine to be cured a little over a year ago, and having so many friends fighting with such courage and grace.  It's been a particularly emotional few days with my best friend who is going to be under Hospice care starting today. 

     Jessica told me last night to be sure to check out their new window display at Blithe today before the streets are closed this afternoon for a party downtown.  I was up early, worried about my friend, and no one else was up, so I drove down to have a look.  I had to pull over and have a good cry.

The quote is from Anne Frank and it says,

"I don't think of all the misery, but of all the beauty that still remains."

     I am humbled by my most amazing family and still shake my head at how God has blessed me so.  The quote honors so many, but my precious Lynne is at the forefront as she has fought this lung cancer battle with God by her side and with all she has to give.  And she has done it with grace.  And she has done it with courage. And she has done it with beauty. 

He makes beautiful things out of the dust.

Yvette

Back at the Barn

 We're back after a family filled summer and a few wonderful trips. I got to visit New York City on a buying trip for Blithe Boutique: a first for me, and I loved everything about it. I came home with some great fabric that will soon be covering some of my summer finds! The girls loved helping me drag two large black trash sacks of fabric through the streets of New York and onto the subway. Getting it divided between luggage and carry-on was another feat, but my suitcase came in at 50.0 pounds! Whew!


We also went to Cozumel for the wedding of a beautiful young woman who is just like one of our own. While shopping downtown one day, look what we found!

There are Beautiful Things in Cozumel too!












     Clay and I went to San Antonio for my final appointment a year after my breast cancer surgery. They told me there would be no need to see me again unless I had any problems. Well, I don't plan on having any, so I guess they won't see me again! :) I was very blessed with an amazing team of doctors and nurses and I feel a little sad that I won't see them any more, but gratefully celebrate God's goodness during the journey.
     Once we were done, we hit every Goodwill and Salvation Army we could find. Clay has grown to love the thrill of the find almost as much as me, and he sure is handy to have around when tables need legs taken off. I have always called my Murano a truck because it has an amazing capacity to be filled with stuff. That weekend was no exception! We loaded two dining tables (legs removed), a queen sized rice bed, two side tables, a display shelf, a 2x3 ft. mirror, and two child's chairs. No joke! Here it is!

     A week later, I was on the road again to New Braunfels where my oldest, "bestest" friends and I meet to tube the Comal every year. We spotted a few finds and they even helped me disassemble and load an antique daybed into the Murano truck. One of the group, Karen, told me about some paint she had been reading about and wanting to try. It's become my new obsession. I'll be posting about it in the next few days and will show my first couple of pieces.

     Now that we're reconnected, it's time to get busy at the barn on the amazing pieces for the Hello Holidays sale in October. Good to be back and can't wait to share our latest Beautiful Things!

Yvette

Favorites

Now that was fun!  I enjoyed our first sale so much.  It was great to see friends and even students of mine who came to shop and visit. As a piece would be sold, I would say, "Oh, that's one of my favorites."  Then the next one would go, and I would say, "Yes that's a special one.  It's one of my favorites."  Each piece had a different appeal, different background, and different story behind it, but all were loved for their unique qualities.  I am so happy for them to have homes!  It reminds me of when the girls were little, I would have one of them to myself and tell her she was my favorite for something that was unique about her.  At another time, I would tell the next daughter the same thing, and then later tell the last one. They all felt as if they were the favorite!  Isn't that just how God feels about us?  He looks at one person and says, "That one is one of my favorites!"  Then He looks at another and says, "Well now, that's a very special one. Another favorite." We're all His favorites and He couldn't love us any more or any less than He does right now.  That should make our day, every day!

I am so happy that the Christopher chair went to one of my oldest friends (in longevity, not age!) who is an artist in her own right.  I know she appreciates the art and emotion that went into the chair and I am thrilled that it will get to live with her! We are very grateful for the support for Tori and the kids at Amani.

The next sale will be in October during an event in the downtown area called "Hello Holidays".  More information will be coming!

He makes beautiful things!
Yvette 

Today is the Day!

The day has finally arrived.  After weeks of work poured into the first sale pieces, it's time to let them go to new homes!  See you at 10 am upstairs at Blithe!  The sale runs 10-6 today through Saturday.  While you are downtown, be sure to stop and grab a cup of coffee at the new Standpipe Coffee House and then head over to Heritage Antiques for some more great finds! It's a beautiful day!

He makes beautiful things!
Yvette

Beautiful Babies

     Today is the day I have been so excited about!  One special piece of furniture is being offered for presale to support a young woman’s journey.   Here’s a little background information:
    
     As many of you know, our youngest daughter, Tori, is working in Jinja, Uganda this summer, caring for orphaned children at the Amani Baby Cottage.  God has placed a huge heart in our child who is filled with love for these kids, and she feels this is where she belongs.  Clay and I have prayed for a long time for our girls to serve and listen to His call.  Our middle daughter, Jessica, had already forged the way a few years ago by first working at Amani on a short term trip, then South Africa for the summer. So, God answered our prayers, but we really thought He might be able to use them in Angelina county or even America, but Africa?  Permanently?  That’s the funny thing about God.  I am reminded of a quote about Aslan the lion in C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,  "Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you."
So, Clay and I turn our trust to the One who is greater than us and knows the plan.  And the plan is good, but not always safe.
     Tori plans to return to Amani in December and is working on raising the funds needed to get there.  So, the presale piece I am offering is to help her efforts.  It’s a wonderful chair and I’ve named it Christopher.  He’s Tori’s favorite little guy at Amani and she is quite smitten, as are we!  We got to skype with him last week, and he typed all kinds of letters on Tori’s computer, blew kisses, and asked who we were.  Tori told him “jjajjas” which is Lugandan for grandparents. Oh, my!  She’s not really serious… we think…

Tori with Christopher 

The chair is in honor of him.  It was a castoff that didn't have a home. It was a little tattered, but sturdy enough to weather the storms of life well.  It’s gotten the attention it needed, and now needs someone new to re-love it.  35 is the number of children currently being served at Amani, and red represents the ones who are HIV+. 

You may bid on the chair through my Facebook page- Beautiful Things or by sending me an email at saleatthebarn@gmail.com  The auction starts today and will end on Saturday at 6 pm when the furniture sale at Blithe closes.  I will keep you posted with updates.  Opening bid is $50.

Read more about Amani Baby Cottage and Christopher’s story at www.amanibabycottage.org

Tori, the kids at Amani, and Clay and I thank you in advance!

He makes beautiful things!

Yvette

More sneak peeks!

Lamps $30 each or $50 for both.  Blue drop leaf side table $80

Coffee table $175

Paisley sofa table

Paisley sofa table $300

Be sure to check back tomorrow. I will have one presale item up for grabs and it's for a great cause!

He makes beautiful things!

Yvette