Barn Storming

Traveling home last weekend, in the storms and pouring down rain, I took these photos out the passenger window, while my husband did the driving.  I decided to pick out old barns.  I missed numerous, as I watched for the next opportunity to catch a click.  All of these barns can be seen on I65 S from Louisville to Lewisburg, TN.  See if you recognize any.

I said it was pouring rain!  View out the windshield!

"See Ruby Falls" almost did not make it into my pix.  I love the barn advertising in the south. 

Lastly, a glimpse of our barn as we pull into the driveway.   The rain had stopped, the sun was trying to peek, and our barn gave me warm greetings of home.  Our barn is over a 100 years old, and has housed cattle, mules, and currently horses.  We have raised many colts, baby ducks, chicks, kittens, and puppies here, and with a loft the size of a basketball court, we have raised and stored hundreds of bales of hay.  Nothing like a good ol' country barn.

Nashville Flea Market

Sunday, on our way home from our nephew's wedding in Louisville, we decided to stop at the Nashville Flea Market.  We had been looking for some ornate hinges to match the antique hinges on our interior doors.  We are still in our renovation, so we are paying attention to details we have earlier let slide.  Mr. Charisma hit the jackpot and found several really great pairs that matched.  We also found some other neat things while browsing.  The white adirondacks stole my heart immediately, but only to my dissappointment, they were sold.  We came away with some new ideas, and had a great time.

I loved this old door!  It was a pale yellow, and the shape of the top was splendid.

Really liked this stand on the table top. 

One booth was full of architectual pieces.  I wonder what Sassy Trash would make with these. (sorry the picture is sideways)

The man who had the hinges, also had this great collection of glass doorknobs. 

I love the way in which he displayed the glass knobs, hung from a rail all tied together so the light could hit them.  What size do you need?  I think I just want them hanging up in the sunlight!

Twice I went back to see the antiqued red island bar.  It is just the size I was looking for my kitchen, however, the craftsmanship did not match the price.  We decided we could make our own, or have the Amish make us one we can paint our own custom color.  Great idea though.

I also loved this red leather wingback loveseat sofa.  I was thinking it would work in my new living room setting, but not for sure.  Thought I would wait to see how things work out.  All of our furniture is piled up in two rooms, so I have to do inventory when we begin to refill our rooms.

These post lamps were unusual, and could be a real conversation piece in the right room.  I can see  nice burlap shades on them.

This double vanity was not at the flea market, but was handmade by a local Amish man for my new bathroom.  I picked it up this week, but we are not ready to install it yet.  Later I will show it installed with the granite top and mirrors he is making to go with it.  I took him a few pictures of what I wanted, and he came up with this.  Love the little shaker leg.

Tennessee Sunset

While winter has been upon us for what seems like forever, this wonderful sunset Tuesday evening was and encouragement to me.  After near 70's temps and lots of sunshine, the day ended in these glorious colors.  I know others from Tennessee enjoyed this too.  How about you? 



The sunset could be seen between the logs on our unfinished log cabin we reconstructed behind our pool. 



Making Jewelry

My creative juices have had me putting together jewely pieces this year.  My house is torn apart with a remodel that we are doing ourselves, when my husband is off.  That, of course, means whenever we get a chance.  Meanwhile, when I am not gophering here and there, planning the next step in the renovation, or ordering bathroom lighting and such, I have been putting together some new pieces. 

There is something satisfying about being creative, even if it is only for one's own joy. It is nice when you only have to please yourself, but I thought I would share a few regardless. 



Lapis Lazuli wrapped in sterling silver and sterling hooks make up these dangle earrings.





The matching Lapis pendant can be slipped on a sterling chain  or leather cord for a necklace.




This vintage style metal necklace has 18 red jade "berries" making up a cluster pendant, a rhinestone heart pendant, and a handmade rosette from a crocheted doiley attached to the side of additional swags of chain. 





This little necklace wears well with vintage style tops and trendy T's.





This blue heart is Bloodstone Jasper.  I put a nice sterling bail on it, with a black cord.  I put it on  my facebook today to show friends, and it sold tonight. 





Large disk shaped smokey quart and obsidian beads make up this choker style necklace.





Lapis Lazuli is one of my favorite stones.  I used several shapes with brushed silver rings to make up this versatile necklace.  The findings and wrappings are all sterling. this necklace can be worn in any position, with the clasp in the back, on the side, or in front. 





Agate is another favorite.  I used to find agate chunks on the shores of Lake Superior.  This all-agate necklace is mounted with a filligree sterling bail, sterling chain and sterling findings.





I love the way these little pink faceted drop beads turned out, wrapped in sterling on curvey chain with hooks and crystal beads.



As in the first photo, these are the same blue faceted drop beads with sterling wrappings and a simple sterling  hooks.

Pillows Pillows Pillows



Last spring I made some vintage pillows using all vintage fabrics, trim and decor.  I have had them stored, and decided I would put them in my etsy.com shop, http://www.etsy.com/shop/countrycharisma  (I'm listing them today) but first show what I had made. 




This little pillow was made from a vintage handkerchief sewn on to a dresser scarf.  I folded the scarf in half to create the pillow slip, and slip stitched it together after inserting the pillow form.




This pillow is made from sewing two pieces of embroidery onto a background of vintage fabrics.  I  got a whole box of vintage fabrics that were new, from an estate sale.  Most were pieces were small, so they worked well for piecing the pillows.




This bow print fabric was used for the backing, and the encloser is a bow tie with the same fabric.



 I had a dresser scarf which had two nice embroidered ends, but the center had an unremovable stain.  The ends worked perfectly for the pillow tops, and the vintage print for the front edges.  

Envelope backs worked well for these pillows.


This is the pair together. 


I had another old pillow case that was worn out, but had the cute applique tulips on the ends.  I used the ends on both sides of the pillow top and added a small embroidery doiley in the center.