Quilting Bee: My First Project!

Remember how I got that sewing machine for Christmas? (Yes, four months ago.) I finally broke open the box and put it to good use! My first project? A baby quilt for my sister-in-law Tammy made with love by me, my Aunt Lynne, my mom, and my cousin Lauren. It was "sew" much fun that I cannot wait to get started on another project! (Yes, I am a dork.)

My cousin Lauren preps the fabric with a little bit of ironing.

My mom and I focus intently on how to get the bobbin going...

Sewing triangles into squares...and enjoying a little brew and wine... (Alcohol makes sewing even MORE fun!)

Aunt Lynne irons the new squares to make sure they are flat.

Sewing square into rectangles.

Finally, one big rectangle! Now all we need is the border.

Ta da! We finished! (Well sort of...Aunt Lynne took it home to finish the edges and backing...)

The mom-to-be displaying the finished quilt at her shower. Success.

What do you think?

Ashley

Aunt Lynne and Lauren Come to Town = SHOPPING!

My aunt and cousin came to town to do what we do best-- SHOP. We shopped the mall, outlets, thrift stores, and a live auction in Flowery Branch, Georgia. Let's just say...we saw it ALL. We had such a fun girl's weekend that we have already resolved to do it again in August. I can't wait! Here is our day in pictures:

Me, my mom, and Lauren pose in front of the LARGE, EMPTY trunk. Keep this image in your mind.

Stop #1: Ballards Back Room, Holcomb Bridge location

First, let me say that I love the Ballard's outlet. I have had many great finds here. Second, if you have not been in awhile-- GO! They have totally rearranged the store and have an even better selection that's easier to sort through.

A few fun finds:

Love this faux zebra rug in ivory and caramel!

These hanging pot racks would add so much over a kitchen island.

I'm a sucker for a good mirror. Wouldn't this look great in an entryway or in a bathroom?

This, of course, is what I purchased. How amazing will this drying rack be in my laundry room?

Bamboo accents are everywhere right now. I love the bright green hue of this chair.

I tried to convince myself that I had a spot for this rustic side table. I love the distressed wood and iron combination.

I wish that this rug came in an outdoor version-- it would be perfect for our deck. I love the neutral tone-on-tone pattern.

Ballard's had TONS of chairs, tables, stools, and light fixtures.


Stop #2: North Georgia Premium Outlets, Dawsonville, Ga

I failed to take any pictures in the Pottery Barn outlet, but they had a great selection of kids' decor, dishes, candles, outdoor furniture and accessories, bedding, and towels. Sadly, I only purchased a few candles and a tissue box. My cousin Lauren and my Aunt Lynne, however, bought: a quilt, two shams, an amazing surveyor's lamp, three desk chairs, two bedside tables, dishes, and more. I can't even remember it was so much. I can't wait to see pictures of everything in place!

We also stopped in to the Williams-Sonoma outlet where Lauren and I modeled these lovely chef's hats for kids. Somehow, the hats didn't make it into our shopping cart. Ha.

Our final stop of the night was at the Flowery Branch Antique Market Live Auction. None of us had ever attended a live auction. To say that it was a learning experience is a complete understatement. The auctioneers go SO fast! We bid on one item but did not win. There are GREAT deals to be had at these live auctions. We will definitely be back now that we have the first experience under our belts!

The car is FULL after the day of shopping. In addition to what you see here, there was a desk chair and part of a lamp wedged between us in the back seat and two other chairs that were shipped directly to Washington DC. Whew!


All of the goods are transferred to Aunt Lynne and Lauren's car-- and it's time to say goodbye! Come back soon! (Once your bank account has recovered, of course.)

Scotland Yard Antiques Spring Open House

Scotland Yard Antiques is hosting its annual Spring Open House this Sunday in Historic Lawrenceville. Stop by and check out the new items in store at the Chapin Group booth! We have completely redecorated. Check out a few of the latest additions below.

(Admission: One of the hardest parts of running a booth is not KEEPING every item for yourself. We have such interesting finds right now-- you better buy them before I do!)

Scotland Yard is open extended hours for this event and will have plenty of treats on hand!
Saturday: 12pm-7pm
Sunday: 12:30pm-5pm

Hope to see you there!

Seltzer bottles and Chinese tiles in a beautiful blue-green hue.


Colbalt blue pottery.


I love this vignette of browns and whites.

This cast iron fireplace surround would make a beautiful faux fireplace or look great as an architectural element in your garden.

A full view of the booth.

Wooden grenade crate from the 50's.


Beautiful English lawn bowling balls.

Case of vintage beer bottles from Belgium.

Turquoise is the 2010 color of the year, you know!

Our back bookshelf-- full of great finds!

Reminders of the coast...so refreshing!

Flea Market Find

Check out this chic, retro chair my brother found at a flea market out in Walton County. Aren't the lines great?


Look for a big post coming from me soon!

Have a great weekend!

Ashley

Sideboard Inspiration: Pottery Barn

On a recent run through Pottery Barn, I spied this eye-catching display atop a media hutch. It was love at first sight. I plan to try and recreate this look on the sideboard in my dining room using more affordable finds. Yay for my new summertime display! I will post pictures upon completion.

A similar, more simplistic display:


Best,
Ashley

Happy Easter!

Have a wonderful day with family and friends!

New Items at the Booth

My aunt and cousin visited this past weekend for a girl's shopping weekend. (Look for the BIG blog post on our adventures coming soon.) My aunt brought several merchandise additions for our antique booth at Scotland Yard.

(Disclaimer: these photos were taken quickly with a camera phone and were not intended for use on the blog. However, I really like the new items and wanted to show them off. Please excuse the backgrounds!)

I love the all white look...and the bird, of course.

This glass piece has such intricate detailing.

The blue pottery and glass accessories remind me of summer. I can't wait!

Come by Scotland Yard and take a look!

Flower Arranging Class

My flower arranging class sponsored by the UGA Alumni Association's Women of UGA was a success. What a fun way to spend my Wednesday lunch hour!

Owner of Ginger Lily Events and Florals and UGA alumnus, Ginger Bradshaw ('74), led a demonstration on creating floral arrangements for your home. Ginger was so open and honest about a range of topics from floral arrangement to small business ownership. Below are a few pictures from the afternoon:

For this simple arrangement, Ginger recommended using green waterproof florist's tape to tape the roses together just below the head before inserting in the vase to ensure proper placement.


For the arrangement below, Ginger used clear, waterproof tape to tape off a grid on the top of the glass vase. The grid allows you to place flowers exactly where you want them for the perfect display. I had never heard of this before-- but what a great idea! (I bought a roll of the tape from Ginger and plan to use it soon!)


Notice the loops coming out of the top of the arrangement as well as the coiled greenery inside the vase. Ginger used lily grass for these unique additions. For the "lily loops", simply insert both the top and bottom end of the grass into the vase. Then, adjust the height of each loop to add interest.

For the coiled greenery, simply roll several pieces of lily grass together and insert it into the bottom of the vase before filling with water and flowers. As Ginger pointed out-- oftentimes at a seated meal, guests are eye level with the glass portion of the vase so it's important to think about this space. She also recommended using grapevine for a more "woodsy" look. I love this idea!

The final arrangement uses hydrangeas-- my favorite! For this piece, Ginger used a pretty metal urn as a base. She soaked a block of florist's Oasis in water for five minutes and placed the Oasis in the bottom of the urn. Oasis acts as an amazing assistant, since it both waters the plant and holds stems perfectly in place. The arrangement below uses hydrangeas, roses, green hydrangeas, and ivy. This would look gorgeous on an entry table!


Ginger is based out of her home in Sandy Springs and was a delight to spend the afternoon with on Wednesday!

Pottery Barn Coffee Table Construction

Ever heard of the blog Knock Off Wood? No? Keep reading.

My mom introduced my siblings and me to this site, and I was instantly enamored. Basically, this woman in Alaska, Ana, posts plans on how to construct many of the furniture pieces found in your local Pottery Barn-- for free. The cost of materials is usually somewhere between $15-100-- much less than the in-store prices!

My brother Brian set out to build the PB Hyde Coffee Table immediately with plans from Knock Off Wood. For less than $50 and a few hours work, he produced this amazing piece for their living room.







Thank you to Brian and Tammy for letting me showcase their hard work and new table. (Oh, and HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY, BRIAN!)

After seeing Brian's success, Ryan decided to build the PB Rustic Bench that I love for our guest room with these plans. It turned out perfectly! Pictures coming soon!