The Preservation Station

A part of me wants to keep this gem secret and all to myself. But it is just TOO good not to share! The Preservation Station here in Nashville is full to the brim with antique hardware, windows, doors, and other delightful treasures. If you are drawn to shabby chic decor then you will love this place. I couldn't believe all the beautiful and old pieces I was coming across.

Real deal antique door knobs...as in, not made to look antique!

Beautiful old doors and enchanting iron pieces

That window stole my heart/Two walls covered in antique door plates=new collection!

I'm super excited about my newest collection, antique door knob and key plates. These beauties are so unique. Some are really intricate while others are more plain. I loved how each one was different with chipped paint and other aging signs. An employee was telling me the names of some of the designs and that some of the plates date back to the early 1900's! That's one thing I really appreciated about my experience there was how knowledgeable the staff was! They're really into antiques! I bought my first plate and plan keep adding to my collection on a regular basis.



Discovered via 365 Nashville

Aaron Shapiro

Every now and then I just have to brag a little about this photographer I know, Aaron Shapiro [aka the Husb]. I really, truly dig the work he does and love to show it off here.

These are a few street photos from a recent roll he shot around Nashville. We both share a love for street art and graffiti so naturally, I'm completely enjoying these shots.

See more of his work on his website and blog.

Farmer's Market snippets

 

Some snippets from this past Saturday's farmer's market. I was so excited that husband and I could actually make it to one and one of us didn't have to work. This is our favorite market in Nashville because of the small neighborhood feel it has. Apple loves going too because she always makes new friends! :) I didn't need any produce or anything so we just walked around and "oohhed and aahhhed" at all the goodies. Maybe this week I'll wait until Saturday to buy tomatoes and apples at the market.

Community Care Project

Happy May friends!

I'm excited to talk about a little project I've started called Community Care. Just recently I've discovered that a lot of my overall purchases are made at big box stores. Thinking about it, this isn't how I want to spend my hard earned money at all.

So my dears, this May and continuing through the summer I'm challenging myself [and you too kind of] to spread my money around and produce growth in smaller, locally owned businesses around Nashville and other places I visit. I realize it would have made more sense to start this last month in April which is Earth month but honestly, I hadn't thought about it.

Today, husband brought home bagels from our favorite local bagel shop, Star Bagel. We've had lunch at local 50's diner joint and plan to buy dog treats at a local holistic pet shop. Honestly, we already regularly enjoy and frequent local, independent stores but I'd just like to ex out commercial chains completely. For the next few months I'll talk about the project here and the challenges I come across. I'll also highlight the awesome things too :)

5 x 5 by Aaron Shapiro

My ever talented husband just opened up an Etsy shop named 5 x 5 and you guys should all go take a look [and buy a print maybe?] ! His photos in the shop are taken with a Holga and used as an accompaniment on his photo shoots and travels. To see his other work visit his site. 

[Click on his "Nashville" project to see his senior thesis work which will be hung later this month. We're so excited!]

Have a happy weekend! I will since it's my bdayyyy tomorrow!

Favorite Finds: Threadfest

I recently posted about my adventure at Threadfest last week and wanted to share all the goodies I came home with. I'm already at work in my craft room sewing up a storm. Maybe tomorrow I'll show you what I've made so far :)

Above: 4 spools of ribbon for $1?! wow!

4/$1 !!

sequins, pretty ribbon, and lace

50 cent hoops, 10 patterns for $1, and trim 

stuffed one plastic bag of scraps for $1-all this was in my bag!

I am fully stocked right now, but secretly I'm already waiting for the fall Threadfest. 

Threadfest 2011!

Attention Nashville Crafters!

Threadfest is going on this weekend and you really need to be there!

Imagine a place where you can buy all kinds of sewing supplies, knitting supplies, patterns, beads, buttons, embroidery thread and hoops, and crafting books at yard sale prices! Yes, this dream can come true at Threadfest in Nashville! I literally just found out about it this past Wednesday through Ms. Cheap.

What it really is: An event held twice a year (spring and fall) that is hosted by the lovely ladies at the Knowles Fifty Forward Center. 

It is open to the public TODAY [Friday, March 25, 8-2pm] and TOMORROW [Saturday, March 26, 8-12pm]. For $10 I was able to attend the pre-sale last night. [note* apparently you want to attend the pre-sale. The ladies at the register were saying Friday and Saturday are usually a zoo]

All the money goes directly back to the center to provide activities for the senior citizens.

I had so much fun can you tell? I think I was the youngest one there but those ladies were awesome...especially the two little ol' ladies that cut some fabric for me! They were a hoot! There was also a little table with snacks and drinks [including wine!]. 

Awesome deals included: 10 patterns for $1, embroidery hoops for $.50-1, fabric anywhere from $1-5/yd., baggies of notions for $.50, yarn and knitting needles, all kinds of books for $1, fill up a bag of fabric scraps for $1, 4 embroidery flosses for $1, 5 spools of ribbon for $1. 

Go and be prepared to look through tables and tables of fabric, bags and bags of little notions, boxes and boxes of patterns, and several little inflatable swimming pools of fabric scraps. Also bring lots of money and your re-usable bags too!