shambora studios

On The Road Again…

2012-01-25T08:29:00.001-06:00

The Vintage Marketplace in Tennessee is a mere 8 days away! You must make the trip to this show…the vendor list is full of talent and creativity, and the events planned are going to make this a great weekend filled with shopping, junking and fun!

Here’s a sampling of vendors who will be participating. Click on the picture to check out their pages!

This is just a FEW of the many talented vendors that will be set up.

Be sure to check out the Vintage Marketplace blog here

You will find directions, hours,the complete vendor list and also the special events that will be taking place during the show!

Hope to see everyone there!

Jackie

Sharing Monday….

2012-01-23T12:38:00.001-06:00

I’ve decided that while blogging is a wonderful way to promote your business, I personally find it much more enjoyable to share other beautiful and creative people and their talents. I love my time in the morning that I set aside to visit other blogs and websites and am constantly amazed at what I find! There is so much inspiration out there that I decided that every Monday I am going to share two or three fellow bloggers and their sites with you. But first…a little shameless promotion!

It’s hard to believe the Vintage Marketplace is only 10 days away! We’re still busy picking, painting and creating to get our booth ready…

It’s another dark and gloomy day here in Indiana so pictures aren’t the greatest, but I thought I would share with you a sneeky peek of what we’ve been pulling together…

lots of beautiful frames, chalkboards and jewelry holders…Great tables and chairs… some of my favorite vintage tarnished silver pieces…and lots of great chippy, vintage home decor finds! Don’t forget, the Vintage Marketplace is happening February 2-4 at the Expo Center in Hendersonville, Tennessee.

Check here for more details!

The Vintage Marketplace

Over the weekend, I received a sweet message from a fellow blogger Angela of Unexpected Elegance.

She passed on the Liebster Blog award to my humble little site! I am so excited and very grateful! Thank you Angela! Be sure to check out her blog…beautiful pictures and some great tutorials also.

As Angela’s last post explains…

“This award is given to bloggers with less than 200 followers, in the hopes that it will bring many new friends/followers.

Liebster is German and means ‘dearest’ or ‘beloved’ but it can also mean ‘favorite’”. I love it! What a great gesture and wonderful way to help share other bloggers and their talents.

So, in keeping with Sharing Monday here at our blog, I am sharing this award with 5 fellow bloggers…you can do this too! Just please adhere to these simple guidelines:

1. Share your appreciation to the blogger who awarded the Liebster to you by linking back to them.

2. Share the five blogs you are giving the award to and let them know.

3. Post the award on your blog.

4. Bask in the love from the most supportive people on the blogshare-other bloggers.(love this statement…borrowed it from Angela!)

5. And the final guideline is the easiest…have fun!

And now, my picks for the Liebster go to…

Lisa with The Frenchman’s Wife

Julie with Fabulous Finds

Armelle with La Vie Vintage Bleu

Kristen with Sophia’s Decor

Angie with Swede Dreamer

Happy Monday!

Jackie

Vintage Valentine’s Day

2012-01-13T08:51:00.001-06:00

With the Holidays over and winter’s arrival, I’m finding inspiration from images that lead me to Valentine’s Day.

via Pinterest

http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/

via Pinterest

www.dearlillieblog.blogspot.com

www.housebeautiful.com

via Pinterest

There are many, simple ways to incorporate touches of Valentine’s Day throughout your home! I think this year I might give it a try…

You can see more pictures that might inspire you on my Pinterest board

here

I’d love to see what you come up with!

Have fun…

Jackie

Linking up to the following blog parties today!

2805

French Country Cottage

Common Ground

Vintage Marketplace tickets!

2012-01-11T22:00:00.001-06:00

The market is only three weeks away! We are busy picking, sanding, painting, sewing, and working oh so hard to get our booth ready!

Our friends over at

Time Worn Interiors

are having a give-a way!!!

Be sure to visit their blog to enter to win two free tickets to

The Vintage Market Place

and…while you’re at it, be sure to share the love and visit their blog and “like” their Facebook pages as well!

Hurry…the first ticket giveaway is Saturday night, January 14th!

xo,

Jackie

Inspiration

2012-01-09T15:59:00.002-06:00

As with many folks, I could spend hours and hours cruising the internet looking at inspirational photos. I have several folders on my computer full of great home decor, projects, painting ideas, jewelry designs…you name it.

Pinterest is becoming wildly popular and I love it as well. Even Facebook now has several vintage business pages that do nothing all day but share beautiful and inspiring photo any home decor enthusiast will enjoy. Today I thought I would share some of my favorites with you…

The first page is

Shabby Chic Mania

by Grazia Maiolino

It is an Italian based business, and she always posts the most lovely room displays and seasonal decor.

photo courtesy of Jo-Anne Colletti
www.vintagerosecollection.com

Another talented site is

ShabbyChatue

from North Carolina

She loves all things romantic, repurposed, and beautiful.

Finally today, I want to share photos from

Romantic Vintage Home

Karen has such a great eye for timeless, rustic vintage images and shares many throughout the day on her page

Be sure to visit each of these talented gals Facebook pages and click the “Like” button. I know I truly enjoy seeing all of the beautiful images they share with us every day!

And…don’t forget…

The Vintage Marketplace

It is quickly approaching! Be sure to check out their site and Facebook page for all of the fabulous details! We can’t wait!

Jackie

Great start to the New Year!

2012-01-04T16:24:00.002-06:00

So Monday hubs and I stopped into Logan Village to clean up our booth space and pull out the left over Holiday merchandise. It was his last day of vacation and we had a big project we wanted to work on at home so we didn’t plan on being in there too long. As we began to work in the booth, I noticed the big corner room right across from me was vacant! I asked the owner (who was pretty sick) about it and she stated the vendor JUST moved out the day prior. Hmmm…..is it spoken for? How much? CAN I HAVE IT!!!!!

I put poor Mary (one of the owners) on the spot and pleaded my case. She couldn’t answer right away…wasn’t feeling well…and I admit I pouted a wee little bit. It’s pretty hard to get a space in this mall, but I had hoped from the beginning to move to a bigger location. We moved in pretty quickly in November but I was very grateful to have the space I did. Lo and behold, a while later she told me I could have it! So, unplanned, unprepared but excitedly we packed up and moved across the hall!

The new space is almost double in size, and is so bright and cheery! I have room for so much more inventory and I need to fill it up! The pictures aren’t great…the lighting is weak, but I just had to share…

I even get a great nook in the hall outside of my room!

So we’re all moved in and now I need to fill it up! I’m so excited with the new space and can’t wait to share more with you in the coming weeks!

Check us out at

Logan Village Mall

Historic Downtown Noblesville, Indiana

Monday thru Saturday 10-6

Sundays 12-5

Happy New Year!

Jackie

The Vintage Marketplace: Through the Eye of an Artist

2011-12-27T10:44:00.000-06:00

We had a lovely write up about our business on the Vintage Marketplace blog! This is the show in Nashville coming up February 2-4 that we will be participating in. Please check it out!

The Vintage Marketplace: Through the Eye of an Artist: I guess it was last week that I spoke with Jackie of Shambora Studios in Noblesville, Indiana shamborastudios.blogspot.com but, it sure ...

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T12:06:00.001-06:00

Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas

and a most Joyous New Year!

Jackie

Etsy Refreshed

2011-12-22T20:33:00.001-06:00

We’ve added new items to our Etsy home decor shop

Shambora Studios Deux

We’re excited with the many new treasures we’ve been finding scouring flea markets, auctions, and antique shops.

Check back often as we will be trying to add a few new items each day!

Merry Christmas!

Jackie

A Holiday Sale!

2011-12-16T19:19:00.001-06:00

There’s still time to visit our booth at Logan Village Mall for some last minute shopping!

EVERYTHING…

Yes…

EVERYTHING in the Shambora Studios booth is 20% off through December 27th!

Be sure to stop in to visit…

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Jackie

Holiday Decorating

2011-12-06T09:12:00.001-06:00

We’re busy getting ready for our open house…

Everyone who attends will also receive a coupon for shopping at our space at Logan Village Mall in Noblesville!

We hope you can make it!

Jackie

Holiday Open House

2011-11-29T10:51:00.001-06:00

It’s our last show of the year, and we’ll be offering new jewelry designs created with vintage elements, custom home decor and lots of ReLoved goodies!

For directions, click

HERE

We hope you can make it!

xo,

Jackie

Nashville Antiques Week 2012

2011-11-25T21:25:00.004-06:00

We are very excited to be invited to participate in one of the shows happening during this time!

February 2nd thru February 12th is Antiques Week in Music City…

There are five great shows scheduled…

Tailgate Antique Show

Music Valley Antique Show

Fiddler’s Antique Show

Heart of Country Antique Show

Antiques and Garden Show of Nashville

We will be at the Tailgate Antique show at the Hendersonville Expo Center, February 2-4.

It’s going to be a fantastic week and a fantastic show!

Check in here and on our Facebook page for more info!

Jackie

Etsy’s Back!

2011-11-23T13:03:00.001-06:00

After our summer hiatus, both Etsy shops are re-opened for business!

Just in time for Holiday shopping, please visit our home decor items at

Shambora Studios Deux

And our accessories and jewelry at

Shambora Studios

We will be adding new items daily, so check both shops often.

And, as always, we welcome custom orders!

Looking for something in particular? Just email us!

Thanks for looking,

xo,

Jackie

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

2011-11-22T17:48:00.001-06:00

This Holiday season, please support independent artists and businesses!

Shop Small!

Thank You!

xo,

Jackie

A Wedding In The Woods

2011-11-15T15:24:00.001-06:00

I’m so excited to share with you photos from a wonderful wedding we had the privilege of decorating in September. Betsy and Tom were married in a gorgeous wooded area in Tipton. The setting was so peaceful and serene…absolutely perfect for a wedding!

Mother Nature… who has a mind of her own… decided to put us all to the test this weekend. Of course with any outdoor venue you know to expect she might not play by the rules. Not to worry though, as the tents went up and the entire woods was transformed into a romantic venue perfect for a celebration.

The area was quite large, so we worked on ways to separate spaces using fabric strip banners between trees and pennant markers created with various lace and vintage fabrics to line pathways.

Vintage doors, church pews and burlap draping were used at the entrance of the tent, along with several antique buckets filled with baby’s breath.

For the reception, tables were covered with either a burlap or lace runner. Each table had a grouping of vintage bottles and silver pieces, along with cake plates collected by the family and vintage silver trays. Votives decorated with twine, buttons, lace and burlap completed the setting. The fresh flowers were provided by Circle City Designers of Carmel.

Large white lights and groupings of tea-stained paper floral balls adorned the ceiling adding to the soft, romantic vintage look.

In a tent next to the reception, we set up a great lounge area full of vintage furniture pieces, along with a photo booth created from various old doors. Old hats, frames and a Polaroid camera made for great entertainment throughout the evening!

Other details included a display showing wedding photos of Betsy and Tom’s parents, grandparents and other family members, along with a lemonade stand.

The amazing photographs were taken by Lauren Chapman and Robert Gantt of OpenField Photography. They were so wonderful to spend the evening with and their work speaks for itself. Please check out more of their talents here…

OpenField Photography

Thank you so much Lauren and Robert for you generosity!

I had a very fulfilling experience working on this wedding. Betsy and her family were genuine and kind, and incredibly flexible with Mother Nature!

Congratulations Betsy and Tom! Thank you for allowing us,

to be a part of your special day!

xo,

Jackie

New Booth Space

2011-10-31T19:59:00.001-05:00

We’re so excited to have a booth at

Logan Village Mall

in downtown Noblesville, Indiana!

Here’s a peek at what the space looked like

when we started…

And here’s what it looks like now…

We have filled the space with a mix of ReLoved home decor

and touches of Holiday elements as well.

Our mannequin is decked out in a new

layered lace and tulle skirt along with

custom wings covered with moss and white feathers.

Sorry about the flash here! I’m not the best photographer…

Our Holiday goodies include handmade moss and lavender garlands

and custom moss wreaths… Please come in and visit us soon! Custom orders on Holiday items

are welcome, and our inventory will change often.

Don’t forget to check out Logan Village Mall’s

Facebook page for events and information also!

xo,

jackie

Katie and Drew

2011-10-21T11:25:00.001-05:00

We had the privilege last month of decorating the wedding of

Katie and Drew.

It took place at the gorgeous Acquaviva Winery in Maple Park, Illinois,

just west of St. Charles. Katie is a vibrant and energetic personality

with a never-ending smile. She knew exactly what she wanted

down to the last detail and I just loved working with her!

The ceremony took place across the street from the winery at the

owners estate, surrounded by beautiful vineyards.

Taking in the scenery made you forget you were in Illinois!

Kate is a city girl, and wanted to incorporate her urban style

along with vintage elements.

The colors were plum, dark teal, charcoal gray and black with

loads of burlap, tulle, wine bottles, silver, baby’s breath

and touches of lace and rhinestones.

It was elegance-meets-bling-meets-vintage at it’s best!

Kate had these amazing structured fabric flowers created by

Jane Joss on Etsy.

We incorporated these throughout the ceremony and reception,

along with fabric boutonnieres, wrist corsages, Kate’s headpiece, and

centerpieces in vintage silver created at our studio.

The mix of styles worked out perfect!

We also set up a great vintage lounge and

beverage station where everyone could relax and mingle before and after

the ceremony. It turned out to be a great hit…

The theme continued over to the reception with the centerpieces

incorporating burlap, vintage silver, decorated wine bottles,

wine boxes and fabulous silver candelabras. Lots of votives wrapped

in burlap, lace, twine and vintage buttons added to display.

I’m very grateful for the generosity of the fabulous photographer

Anthony Barlich.

He very kindly supplied me with most of the images

that you see here. Be sure to check out his blog for more

of his work here!

http://www.anthonybarlich.com/blog/

Thank you Anthony!

And thank you Kate and Drew for allowing us to help make your day special!

xo,

Jackie

We’ll be here!

2011-10-05T07:46:00.001-05:00

Come visit us this weekend at the Fall Festival at

Emerson Creek Pottery & Tearoom

The weather will be absolutely perfect for shopping and enjoying lunch in the tearoom!

This picturesque farm is located just outside of Oswego, Illinois.

It includes a beautiful gift shop, tearoom and the most amazing barn where special events are hosted regularly.

There will be several great vendors there this weekend

celebrating the arrival of fall!

Hope to see you there!

xo,

Jackie

‘Xcuse Me While I Buy This Junk!

2011-08-04T15:46:00.001-05:00

Last weekend at Randolph was wonderful! Thank you to

all of our great customers who came out to support us.

The only problem with having a great show is…

Stocking back up for the next one!!!

Lots of picking was done this week. Tuesday I spent the day with Carrie from

Hot House Market.

We had tons of fun hitting up some new hiding spots in

Central Indiana.

So, we’re busy ReLoving our goodies, making

them beautiful and irresistible.

Next up this weekend is the

Kane County Flea Market!

Be sure to come visit our booth in the Poultry Barn. The weather is going to be

great and the treasures are sure to be plentiful.

xo,

Jackie

Headin’ North…

2011-07-28T13:43:00.001-05:00

Getting ready to hitch up the ol’ ~~wagons~~ trailer to the ~~horses~~ Caravan and take

our latest ~~junque~~ Reloved goodies to Chicago!

Check them out at www.randolphstreetmarket.com.

Urban vintage treasure hunting at it’s best!

Hope to see you all there…

xo,

Jackie

A Wonderful Weekend

2011-07-12T11:16:00.001-05:00

We had a terrific weekend participating in the Hortons French Flea Market!

Wonderful vendors, amazing displays, and perfect weather (perhaps a tad too hot…)

Tim and Karen Horton were gracious hosts, and along with Donna, did an amazing job transforming the area into a cozy, French Market atmosphere.

We were fortunate to have a spacious area to set up allowing us plenty of room to display all of our merchandise!

We were honored to be chosen for best booth display!

Every booth there was so beautiful, everyone deserved to win.

Thank you to all who voted for us!

Here are a few pictures of some of the other wonderful booths that were there!

Hot House Market. Such a fun, colorful booth! I wanted everything in there…

Aren’t these two just adorable! They were so nice to hang out with we tried to invite ourselves over to their house for brats and beer…it didn’t work out.

Another favorite booth was Rebecca with A Re Purposed Life. Rebecca and her daughter worked so hard transforming their booth into a beautiful store front.

Alee with Damask Designs. I’m hoping to visit her shop in Rossville soon!

Donna with Everyday Elegance…

Our lovely hosts…Horton’s

And so many more lovely vendors!

Be sure to check out these other blogs for more photos from the event:

Until next year!

xo,

Jackie

ReLoved In Tipton

2011-07-06T07:37:00.001-05:00

The ReLoved Tour is in full swing…and shows have been fantastic!

After a Holiday break, we are busy restocking our booth with more

ReLoved items waiting for a new home.

We recently happened upon a “pickers paradise” on our trip to Michigan.

We were so glad we decided to stop, as we found a fabulous stash of unwanted,

abandoned and discarded goodies.

We’ve been busy transforming and creating loads of new goodies

that we can’t wait to share with you!

Our next tour stop…

Be sure to come visit us this weekend!

The weather will be perfect and the shopping will be plentiful!

www.hortonsoftipton.blogspot.com

xo,

Jackie

We’ll be there!

2011-06-12T22:47:00.001-05:00

We are very excited to be a part of this show!

Mark your calendars!

www.hortonsoftipton@blogspot.com

xo,

Jackie

Springfield Flea Market

2011-05-24T08:04:00.001-05:00

I’ve been a bad blogger….sorry. Moving threw me for a bigger curve than I anticipated and the timing was really bad! Things are finally settling down on the homefront and shows are in full swing. The biggest challenge has been my workspace which is nicer than what I had before, but smaller! So, naturally, I decided to work on larger scale pieces ALONG with everything else I do. My husband is so happy…lol.

Late last week I found out about a huge flea market in Ohio. Since I had one last weekend off, I decided I could not pass it up!

I’m so glad I went! This place was huge, over 2000 vendors. At first I was completely overwhelmed and didn’t even know where to start.

When I finally got my bearings, I discovered so many great treasures waiting to be reloved. I blew through my budget pretty quickly!

I met several great vendors and saw some amazing booths. There are so many talented dealers out there and it was very exciting to see the beautiful work and displays they pulled together.

I loved the bright colors in this booth, AlleyCat Chic! They have a store in the Dayton area where they sell antiques, clothing and home decor.

Another one of my favorite booths was shared by two vendors, Harry & Annie’s and Memories Gate. More beautifully painted furniture and accessories. They had a very eye-catching display using unique colors that would brighten up any room! They have boutiques in Washington Court House, Ohio.

Another beautiful booth was Old World New Home. They had several pieces that I wanted to take home! They have a store in Columbus, Ohio full of eclectic home furnishings, accessories and clothing.

I came home exhausted, sunburned and excited to relove all of my fabulous finds! Can’t wait for the next show in September!

xo,

Jackie

Moving

2011-03-10T08:40:00.001-06:00

We’re outta here! Packing it up and heading south…well…south to Indianapolis.

Leaving Lake Michigan (which I will miss)…leaving the huge snows (which my dog and I will miss but NOT my husband)…leaving some good friends…leaving lots of bad mojo…

I think it’s fitting that we are moving at the start of Spring and the start of Lent.

Excited to start fresh, renew some good friendships and revive some good habits.

The packing stinks. Really. I’m home alone packing the entire house and studio alone…by myself… (sorry, had to whine for a second)

That’s ok.

I’m actually going to have a nice studio space…no more working in a dirty garage…no more moving back and forth to a space inside in the winter.

I’m determined to be better organized and inspired.

We’re super excited to get to where we’re going and for what’s to come in the future!

xo,

Jackie

New Handmade In The Studio

2011-02-25T17:32:00.001-06:00

We’ve been busy creating some new items for our upcoming show at Kane County!

In the spirit of springtime, which I’m convinced is right around the corner…

sweet altered peat pots…

handmade seed packet bundles…

handmade printed recipie cards…

decorated notebooks/journals…

pretty wrapped candle duos…

these will not be on Etsy until after Kane County, so if you are interested in advanced sales drop me an email or comment!

xo,

Jackie

Blog Discovery and a Sweet Giveaway!

2011-02-22T13:13:00.001-06:00

hello!

today I discovered a beautiful new blog, Lilies and Dandelions.

her photos and content are so simple and sweet. be sure to read the entry about cleaning with Lemon and Lavender! I’m definitely making these solutions!

Brianna has put together a gorgeous giveaway that you must check out. It includes products from another of my favorite blogs, Dreamy Whites.

the giveaway features lavender items including:

*1~ 10" x 12 1/2" bag filled with 3/4 pound of dried organic lavender, which can be used to refill your sachets

*6~ 3"x 4" lavender dryer sachets

*1 bundle of dried organic lavender

her giveaway also includes The France Post Large Lumbar Tarp Pillow Cover (measures 16"x 28") from Restoration Hardware!

be sure to visit Lilies and Dandelions here to welcome her to blogland and to register for this amazing package!

All photos property of Lilies and Dandelion, Dreamy Whites and Restoration Hardware.

xo,

Jackie

New Arrivals…

2011-02-07T15:38:00.001-06:00

A sampling of new items coming to my Etsy shop!

Treasure hunting has begun as we prepare for the 2011 Season!

Look for these items on our Etsy shop in the coming week!

xo,

Jackie

TRENDS ~ 2011

2011-01-19T23:00:00.001-06:00

THE NEW FRENCH STYLE: Brocante Chic

(Brocante = Flea Market)

I am IN LOVE with this look!

Simple, serene, casual and charming.

Scandinavian Country…French Nordic.

So lovely!

This is what is inspiring me this spring for my shopping, my booth, my

creations and my home! Neutral and soft pastel colors, lightweight

fabrics, roses and soft laces mixed with rough surfaces such as burlap

and whitewashed walls.

Painted wood furniture and industrial metal with touches of patina.

A little Bohemian inspiration working together with simple rustic

pieces. Throw in stacks of books, flowers,

glass in beautiful shades of green.

Think of bringing pieces of the garden inside.

Display collections of items such as silver candlesticks, clocks and

vintage hat boxes.

Mix fabrics and textures…coarse and rough jute with soft cotton.

Create your own style!

Ordinary wood hangers transformed with

wrapped strips of romantic fabrics.

This might inspire me to put my clothes away!

Recover found hatboxes with your

favorite fabrics or vintage wallpapers.

Make simple labels to help keep things organized.

Mirrors are in trend again as well. Placed in groups on your table,

show off simple flowers in a variety of decorative glass containers.

Again, it’s about grouping and simplicity.

I’m ready to redecorate, relax, renew and refresh for the New Year!

How about you?

What is your inspiration?

Some lovely blogs to check out in this style:

Vintage Chic

Rustic Style

Millas Home

xo,

Jackie

Photo Credits: Everything in the Home, Millas Home

Cookie Goodness

2011-01-07T18:57:00.001-06:00

Well, today was a chill-out kinda day around here. Didn’t have to work (should have worked), house was clean (no it wasn’t), there were no errands to run (except for the grocery, bank, and post office), and the weather was delightful (except for the snow, wind and gray skies).

I decided that cookies were necessary, but I also am on a strict diet regimen in order to loose, like, what feels like hundreds of pounds. I thought I would try a Vodka and potato chip diet just to be different, but I’m missing my protein. I’ve already blown that, but I did compromise today with a yummy, healthy cookie (except for the stick of butter and the chocolate chips).

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup whole wheat flour (today I used Buckwheat flour)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1 cup packed light-brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup natural peanut butter
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups salted whole peanuts
2 cups semisweet chocolate chip
1 cup dried cranberries
3/4 cup chopped hazelnuts
3/4 cup pretzels chopped

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Stir together oats, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.

2. Put sugars, butter, and peanut butter in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Mix in eggs and vanilla.

3. Reduce speed to low. Add oat mixture, and mix until just combined. Mix in hazelnuts, cranberries, pretzels and chocolate chips.

4. Using a 1 1/2-inch ice cream scoop, drop balls of dough 2 inches apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.

5. Bake cookies, rotating sheets halfway through, until golden brown and just set, 13 to 15 minutes. Let cool on sheets on wire racks 5 minutes. Transfer cookies to wire racks to cool completely.

Yum! These ended up a little on the crunchy side, but they are perfect with a tall glass of milk!

Enjoy!

xo,

Jackie

Out With The Old, In With The New

2010-12-29T01:22:00.001-06:00

(Or more appropriately…Taking Out The Trash)

I don’t know about anyone else, but I for one and ready for 2010 to come to an end. Pack it’s bags…leave for good. I’m even considering creating a few effigies of sort to symbolically destroy at the stroke of midnight.

I have visions of lining them all up on a fence, cracking open a beer,twirling my gun out of my holster and taking them all out one by one…just like they did in the Wild West. (Actually, I would more likely resemble Ralphie with his Red Ryder bb gun and a wad of Hubba Bubba in my cheek). Yep, it’s been that bad of a year. It’s been a bad 6 years actually but I won’t get into that. This year saw many sad, ridiculous, toxic and just plain nasty things happen.

That’s not to say NOTHING good happened…there were a few highlights here and there.

So, big changes will be coming this year…EARLY this year! I will be taking out LOTS of trash so to speak…shifting my focus…redirecting my efforts and my energy. Hopefully once I clear out the trash, I’ll find my creativity, drive and focus that somehow got buried in the last few years. Purging and simplifying is a good thing now and then. Don’t you have some trash to take out too???

Now, can someone PLEASE tell me where to find those kick-ass trash bags!

Jackie

Sigh…

2010-12-16T22:16:00.001-06:00

Lost opportunities, lost possibilities, feelings we can never get back. That’s part of what it means to be alive. But inside our heads - at least that’s where I imagine it - there’s a little room where we store those memories. A room like the stacks in this library. And to understand the workings of our own heart we have to keep on making new reference cards. We have to dust things off every once in awhile, let in fresh air, change the water in the flower vases. In other words, you’ll live forever in your own private library.

— Haruki Murakami (Kafka on the Shore)

(borrowed from http://thestorycanresume.tumblr.com/)

A Little Holiday Sale

2010-12-13T22:31:00.001-06:00

Hop on over to my Etsy Shop for some last minute Holiday Shopping! Enter the code JOY25 and receive 25% off your order. Sale runs through Friday, December 17th for Holiday shipping.

Visit my Etsy shop here

Happy Holidays!

Jackie

Snowed In

2010-12-13T13:48:00.001-06:00

Well, not quite snowed in, but the weather here the last two days has been miserable enough to keep me from leaving the house! Yesterday was filled with snow, 50 mile per hour wind gusts and very cold temperatures. Today the ever-unpredictable lake effect snow machine is in full gear!

What to do on this snowy Monday? Why Blog-Stalking of course! I should be working by now…but for me there is no better way to jump start my day and gain inspiration on a dreary Monday by visiting some of my MANY favorite blogs! There are so many wonderful ones to visit, but I thought I would share some of my favorites with you…

Deb Kennedy lives on Camano Island in the beautiful state of Washington. She is a gifted designer, stylist and writer. Her vintage inspired business, Retreat, is full of lovely home decor items created from reclaimed materials. L O V E her! Very inspirational, creative and beautiful! Visit her site here.

Pretty Petals

Oh how I love this gals style! Her home is beautiful, her creations sweet and now she is posting her fabulous photography of children. Her style is soft, feminine and simple. She really has inspired me to redecorate my entire house and to get to know my camera better! Visit her blog here.

The Paris Apartment

Um…yeah. I dream of visiting there, I dream of living there! I want to hang with this gal! Claudia Strasser has an amazing story and an amazing eye for all things French. She will actually take you shopping at the flea markets in Paris! Can you say Birthday-Anniversary-Christmas presents all rolled into one! Her blog is fabulous and full of inspiration for me. Check her out here.

These are just three of the many blogs I look to for inspiration. Check them out, and see where they lead you! Enjoy!

Jackie

Do-Over

2010-11-21T23:57:00.000-06:00

Sooooo. It's been a while. Let's try this again!

In the springtime I decided to start a blog. Just what I needed...MORE TO DO! Several friends have suggested it, and I'm now following so many wonderful blogs that I thought I'd give it a whirl. Well...summer took off, and lots of things changed around here both personally and professionally.

I jumped back into the creative world and working for myself. I know...crazy thing to do in this economy. Well, I determined that creating my own job was really the best thing to do and I'm sooo glad I did it! I started out with a few small local shows which were, unfortunately, not good. However, connections happened and all of a sudden I was in full swing with French Markets and Vintage shows in the Chicagoland area almost every weekend! Thus, blogging and website activity came to a halt!

I'm a little better organized now, and with shows coming to an end for a bit I thought I would get back to blogland and to doing a better job of promoting myself and my business.

Lovely Holiday Shows
The last two weekends I was lucky enough to participate in two wonderful Holiday markets, Emerson Creek Pottery and Tearoom and the French Hens Holiday Market in Illinois!

My booth was cozy but I was very happy with how it turned out!

The music wreaths, decorated vintage skates and sleds all sold!

I met some wonderful artists, including some new friends from Dubuque Iowa who own a lovely antique shop called Willows. Check them out if you are ever in their neck of the woods! (sorry, they don't have a website!)
You also MUST check out Emerson Creen Pottery and Tearoom in Oswego, Illinois.

http://www.ecreekpotteryandtearoom.com/

Owners Chris and Dave could not have been more gracious and kind! The setting was lovely, the food from their tearoom was amazing! They have worked extremely hard refurbishing the barn this year and were just married there two weekends ago! You can view a slideshow of their event at their website.

This past weekend I participated in the Three French Hens Holiday Market in Morris, Illinois. I set up at their outdoor markets this past summer, and the Holiday market was just as wonderful!

I sold several pieces from my new jewelry line, along with more of my sheet music wreaths, skates and other home decor items.

Ellaevintage.com (coming soon!)

I loved this dress form! It was handmade by Lara McDonald of Ella E. Inspired Vintage. It is made of all eco-friendly materials and was so adorable!

Chickadee Chicks Designs

These fun Holiday Tophat Tree Toppers were a huge hit! Amy and Christine almost sold out Friday night!

Gypsy Girl

This adorable young lady is Shaylee. Her mom owns Gypsy Girl and they make super cute hair accessories and adornments. Too cute!

Eclectique

Plano, Illinois

Ecletique (love the name!) is a green boutique and book exchange in Plano Illinois. The wire form and scarf was so pretty. Loved everything in the booth!

Whimsy Boutique

http://www.whimsydecor.blogspot.com/

Ruby Begonias

http://www.rubybegoniastrinkets.blogspot.com/

Last but certainly NOT least was the amazing booth put together by the French Hens themselves! Traci and Monica did an amazing job organizing the show and their booth was beautiful. These pictures do not do them justice AT ALL, but I had a hard time getting any shots at all because they were packed with happy customers all weekend! It is most definetely worth the trip to Morris, Illinois to visit these lovely shops!

Thanks for visiting!
Bonne Nuit!

A VERY BERRY BIRTHDAY!

2010-04-16T21:14:00.000-05:00

Wednesday was a lovely, warm and sunny day. Aside from having to work for a few hours, the day was perfect! A great day for a birthday! At this point, I haven't allowed myself to get too concerned with my birthday anymore, but my wonderful friends remind me that it is indeed a day to celebrate! I am blessed to have many fantastic friends in my life, and I wanted to share a couple of special gifts I received.

A DOG NAMED PINK...

My dear friend Amy is a very talented artist and she has passed on her passion and ability to her 7 year old daughter Sophie LoveJoy. I saw this picture hanging in the kitchen several months ago during a visit, and just fell in love with it! Something about it seemed special to me, and my very thoughtful friend remembered this and sent me a copy for my birthday. It will soon be hanging on my "Wall of Fame". Thank you again Sophie! I'm proud to own a piece of your art!

HAPPY BOXES

Aren't these absolutely adorable! My sweet sister Robin gave this set of storage boxes to me, and they are just so happy and colorful. I'm trying to decide if I should display them together on my newly re-painted hutch or break them up to spread cheer in several rooms. Ahhhh...I just love looking at these! Thank you sister!

My day was capped off with a hilarious dinner with three girlfriends. We sat outside at a quaint local restaurant, drank raspberry martinis and ate a fantastic dinner. We laughed and probably embarrassed a few patrons with our "colorful" conversation! Did you catch the pink theme here!

Yep, laughter is the best medicine. I highly recommend it!

Please Bear With Me!

2010-04-16T11:38:00.000-05:00

Oh how I wish I could afford to pay someone to make my blog amazing! I've been playing with the layout, and now my header is a mess! I'll eventually figure it out!

I have so many blogs that I have discovered over the last couple of months! I've linked some of them here and I hope you check them out!

2010-04-13T14:46:00.000-05:00

Well, it's been two weeks...I'm still getting the hang of this blogging thing. I don't even know if anyone is looking! Must...keep...going...

So, we have spent the last three years now dealing with LOTS of stress, turmoil, sadness and unfortunate, ugly situations. My creativity has been squashed. My spirit has felt like it was flushed down a toilet. It's true what they say, stress affects everything about one's soul, body and personality. We are close to resolution on many fronts, but the light at the end of the tunnel still seems unreachable for some reason...or at least it feels that way. All things aside, this spring brings many things...renewal, reinventing, rethinkinking, reprioritizing; both on the home front and on the business front. I'm starting new with Shambora Studios and have been really struggling with what I'm all about!

My friends and I joke often that I'm a "scizophrenic artist". I love creating all sorts of things! I have jumped from ceramics to mosaics to painting floorcloths to sewing handbags and to creating various home accessories. My creative personalities alternate from Vintage...

to Shabby Chic

to French Country

to Cottage

to Old Fashioned Farmhouse.

Sometime I am drawn to color...

often times I'm drawn to relaxed neutrals in creams and white...

For years I have forced my focus to be on what I thought trends were or what would sell. That's what you are "taught" when you have a retail background. What I've decided is that I need to focus on what comes naturally. Stick to my instincts and follow my intuition!!! Maybe I am cracking up after all!

2010-03-30T14:28:00.000-05:00

"Sometimes you've got to let everything go - purge yourself. If you are unhappy with anything . . . whatever is bringing you down, get rid of it. Because you'll find that when you're free, your true creativity, your true self comes out." Tina Turner

2010-03-29T15:54:00.000-05:00

Kitchen Hutch Refresher

I finally finished this sad, sorry piece of furniture! A hand-me-down from my husband's previous life, I've been meaning to repaint and refresh this hutch for the past two years.

New paint, hardware, and new dishes really make a difference!

BEFORE:

AFTER!

I think it's quite an improvement!

2010-03-16T22:28:00.004-05:00

Those who achieve great things,
defeat long odds, and become legends,
didn't have anything you don't have.

They just keep showing up,
expecting a miracle, long
after everyone else got practical.
(borrowed from Breathing Beside Us Blogsite)

Diving In

2010-03-15T09:26:00.003-05:00

TA DA!

Well, after many months of procratinating, pondering and fear, I've finally decided to become a blogger.

Shambora Studios has actually been around for over 13 years and has worn many, MANY faces. As time and life has revolved around me, so has my art. I've worked in several mediums including mosaics, clay, painted furniture, floor cloths, handbags, more painted furniture, baking, garden ceramics, printing, sewing and...good grief.

For the last 8 years my studio primarily sold at juried art fairs across Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Michigan. While I loved participating in these fairs and met many wonderful people along the way, I found myself bored and uninspired after 3 years or so. It was difficult for me to focus on creating one particular item over and over.

What I've realized is this...I LOVE TO CREATE! I need to create. This world needs art and creative people. So, off I go. Looking for inspiration and new ideas to share with you. I hope you will ride along!