Brookline Street Studio

New Tags

2012-02-14T17:48:00.000-08:00

I've been busy in the studio creating fun products for the Spring...which I hope will be here soon! I don't know about you, but if it's going to be winter, I want a REAL winter, complete with lots of snow to play in! If there is going to be no snow, then I'm ready for spring!

With that in mind, I created a few new series of tags. They can be used for gift tags, labels, napkin rings, placecards, home decor....the options are endless! I'd love to hear your ideas! All are available on my etsy site:)

Set of 6 tags, each with a unique image of a nest and egg from 19th century natural history book:

Set of 6 tags, each with a unique image of a bird/nest and a Bible verse. These tags were created using antique prayer cards found in the attic of an old farmhouse.

Set of 6 tags, each with a unique image from a textbook of Spencerian Penmanship. Each has a banner to be filled with your greeting, a guest's name, a label...it's up to you!

Have a happy day!

Michelle

Great Ideas from Infusion NH

2012-02-07T07:43:00.000-08:00

If you haven't visited the basement at From Out of the Woods in Goffstown, NH, what are you waiting for? It's filled with great ideas for repurposing lost treasures! And don't forget to stop in my space on the stairs on your way down:-)

(please excuse the quality of the photos...I think it's time for a new camera)

I turned an old drawer into a message center by inserting a pinboard in the back, a couple of hooks for keys and a small wooden box for holding mail.

Great idea for an old printer's cabinet--wine rack!

Here Donna combined some galvanized metal scraps and old tags to create a desk calendar.

Great way to organize receipts!

Old book pages used as covers for berry baskets. Why didn't I think of that?

Another calendar, this time made from a type drawer. Again, why didn't I think of that?

A few clever uses for old wire fencing:

I LOVE what Donna did with this old file cabinet. What a great idea for a small apartment or studio!

Last, but certainly not least, I want this!!!!!! Where does she find this stuff?

Have a happy day!
Michelle

MORE New Items on ETSY!

2012-01-27T09:48:00.000-08:00

I'm having a productive week! I haven't touched a piece of furniture, but I have a stack of projects ready for next week.

Here's a sneak peak at two new items I just added to my ETSY site:) The first is a set of Alphabet Flashcards designed in the same vintage style as my other flashcard products.

Next is a banner I designed for Valentine's Day. I love it and plan to make lots more! I'm thinking "family", "home" and "ooh la la" for starters!

Have a happy day!
Michelle

New on Etsy: French Flashcards and Valentines

2012-01-21T08:20:00.000-08:00

I've been back in the studio playing with paper! My first project was creating a set of vintage-style French flashcards using illustrations in on of my 19th century French primers. I love the look! See more pics on my Etsy site:)

The next two projects are for Valentine's Day:)

"Je t'aime" Flashcard Greeting Cards:

Key to My Heart (careful who you give these to!).

Have a happy day!

Michelle

Before I Move On: Best of 2011

2012-01-12T10:56:00.000-08:00

As I do every year, I've spent the past couple of weeks in planning mode. Where do I want to be by the end of 2012? What do I want to accomplish this year? How do I hope to grow as a Christian, mom and business woman?

But before I officially say good-bye to the past year and leap forward into 2012, I want to share a few of my favorite posts from the past year. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Favorite Purchase: My Cavachon puppy, Cocoa!

Favorite Shopping Trip: Elephant's Truck Flea Market (well, sort-of)

Most Exciting Moment (professionally): Being featured on Chronicle!

Favorite Creative Project: Decoupage Easter Eggs

Favorite Repurposing Project: Memo Board from Mattress Springs

Favorite Display: First Installation at From Out of the Woods

Best Idea: Handbound IPad Covers

Favorite Photo: Sunrise in Cape Neddick, ME

Favorite Move: My New Studio at Lake Street Mills, Nashua, NH

What a year! 2011 was filled with blessings and struggles, big changes, and many happy moments. I look forward to what God has in store for the year ahead!

Happy New Year!

Michelle

Boo!

2011-11-07T07:06:00.000-08:00

I know most of you out there in the blogging world celebrated Halloween a week ago, but for those of us in New England, a crazy October snow storm forced trick-or-treating back to this past weekend. It worked out great for my kids, though, as they were able to get their faces painted by the very talented Monica Leo of Trading Faces yesterday at the Nashua Art Walk. Take a look at her work:

Thanks, Monica!

Have a happy day!
~Michelle

Studio Photos

2011-11-06T07:56:00.001-08:00

It's day two of the Nashua Artwalk and we're looking forward to another great day. Thanks so much to everyone who came out to see the 55 Lake Street Studios yesterday! We enjoyed meeting all of you! Once again, I have to say how very thankful and blessed I am for this life. I get to do what I love, meet amazing people, and be the mom I want to be for my two children. Life isn't perfect, but it sure is great!

I was the first one to the mill this morning and took advantage of the early light and quite halls to take some photos of my studio. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Have a happy day!
~Michelle

Nashua Art Walk

2011-11-05T10:02:00.000-07:00

The studio is open for the Nashua Art Walk today. If you're local, please join us. There are lots of great artists to meet, demos to watch, music to hear! I'm so blessed to be part of this community!

Visit Brookline Street Studio at 55 Lake Street, Nashua, from 12-5 on Saturday and 12-4 Sunday. And don't miss the upcoming Holiday Show at the Spaulding Cooperage next weekend, November 12th and 13th!

Here are a few pics from the studios:

Where did the summer go?

2011-09-09T08:54:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but the last two months rushed by in a blurr for me. Vacations, camps, moving, play dates, swimming...and here I am at the September Townsend Harbor Market! Wow! Now that the kids are in school I hope to be a more consistent blogger...I hope:-) For today, I have a few pictures of the Market that opened today in Townsend:

That's me on the left with my partner-in-crime, Kris, of Cricket Acres.

The little index card file came out perfect! I covered the drawers in dictionary pages and added card holder drawer pulls.

I can't believe this little set of jars has stuck around so long...who doesn't love vintage Dennison labels? Can't you see them filled with notions, glitter, beads...

Love this barrel...tempted to keep it!

Bad photo of a fun project. Numbers make everything look better!

Come on over to the show...it's all weekend. Have a happy day!

~Michelle

NH Antiques Week and From out of the Woods

2011-08-19T07:56:00.000-07:00

Antiques week has come and gone, but I'm still playing blog catch-up, so here are some pics of my space set up for the big kick-off event at From out of the Woods:

This is an old drafting table that needed a new top. I cut a piece of 1" plywood and covered the top in old Victorian architectural drawings.

A close-up of the top after 3 coats of poly:

Had about fifteen old register/receipt holders. They are great for displaying photos or simply keeping track of important notes.

I filled the wall going down the stairs. Love the look of a buch of these grouped together.

Here is the first view coming down into the stairs in my space. I love the set of drawers. This piece needed a new top, plus I added the metal casters and numbers to on the porcelain knobs.

This is one of my favorites!

Started off as this old tool box I picked up on a buying trip in CT/NY.

I used the rest of the box to make these two pieces, which I brought to From out of the Woods yesterday.

I had no idea what I wanted to do with this piece when I bought it, but I love how it turned out: wall cubbies, chalkboard and desk!

Have a happy day!
-Michelle

Vacation

2011-08-16T07:19:00.001-07:00

Though it's back to business this week, I spent last week in York, Maine, with my kids and three other families. Despite being a bit hectic with 8 kids, two dogs and 9 adults, the kids and I had a wonderful time. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to ly on the beach soaking up the sun, build sand castles and ride the waves with my kids. The week was remarkably relaxing and I can't wait to do it all again next year!

The last day of my vacation, I got up early and watched the sun rise at the rocky beach that was just steps from our cottage. Photos don't do the experience justice, but here are a few anyway.

Have a happy day!

Michelle

New IPad Covers and Guestbooks on ETSY

2011-08-15T09:05:00.000-07:00

I've been busy at the bookpress making IPad covers and guestbooks. Check out my ETSY shop for the new listings. I love the IPad covers! I'm working on Kindle/Nook covers--how great for the bibliophile who loves gadgets! Here are some preview photos (sorry about the smudges on my IPad screen...I have little ones:-):

And here are photos of the guestbooks I just added:

More tomorrow as I play blog catch-up!

Take care, Michelle

Finished Projects

2011-06-29T17:08:00.000-07:00

I've been crazy busy the past few weeks with shows, happy time with my kids, and moving. However, I did manage to put the finishing touches on a few projects this morning and have photos to share. All three pieces are painted my favorite shade of green!

First, maple drop-leaf table. Wish I had some before pictures of this one! It took a lot of glueing, clamping, sanding, scrubbing...but in the end it turned out beautiful. I love the oval shape...might have to keep this one!

Next, I originally planned to keep this oak bookcase in its original finish, but it just didn't clean up like I hoped. I'm happy with the end result, though. Love the moulding details.

Last, but not least, my favorite. Picked up this dresser at a charity yard sale a few weeks ago. After a coat of green paint I covered the drawer fronts in legder pages from 1849. Love the script and color of the old ink. Added some vintage glass knobs and it's perfect.

I'll be taking all three pieces over to the Spaulding Cooperage later this week. Stop by and take a look!

Have a happy day,
Michelle

Studio Move--Part I of...many?

2011-06-07T18:53:00.000-07:00

I rented a Uhaul for the first phase of the move to my new studio space in the Lake Street Mill in Nashua, NH, this past weekend. Tucker couldn't wait to climb into a seat--he was ready to go! I was so very blessed to have great friends--Kris and Heather--to help me move many large and heavy items! Love you guys! Here are a few photos of items in place--it will be another couple of weeks before the space is fully moved.

The first items I moved were these three industrial shoe racks. It turns out that the mill was originally used for manufacturing shoes, so they couldn't fit in more perfectly.

Next, I brought in drawers...lots of drawers. These hold everything from happy magazines to vintage ribbon and glass knobs.

Next, I'll bring in work surfaces and lots and lots of paper. I feel so very blessed to have this space. It's true validation of this new path in my life. I pray I will be worthy of it!

New items at Spaulding Coop and The Woods

2011-06-06T17:48:00.000-07:00

I had a UHaul cargo van this past weekend and decided to make the most of it! Between loads to my new studio (see next post) I changed out my spaces at From Out of the Woods in Goffstown, NH, and the Spaulding Cooperage in Townsend, MA. First, From out of the Woods:

I LOVE this industrial green rack. I bought it from a friend who runs one of my favorite shops, Brookdale Farms in Hollis, NH. I wish I could keep it, but with a major downsize coming up, it was time to part ways. It makes a great display piece for my space and holds lots of fun goodies, from old drawers to industrial light fixtures.

I swapped my old green tool chest for a grey-white drop-leaf table. I topped it with a picket fence section, an old architectural arch (love the green!), a couple of metal bakers' racks and an old seed packet display box, loaded with vintage seed catalog pages.

Under the table, a big green tool box with metal trim and metal casters. I topped this with another old metal rack filled with unique vintage canning jars.

I also brought in this old paper cutter. I've never seen one like this--it has spaces for three rolls of paper in three different sizes.

Oooh. I love this sign. It means good things are coming to the Woods.....

Now for the Cooperage:

I brought this great piece over from The Woods. It makes a great wine cabinet! Kirs and I set up the corner as an entertaining center, with my large green tool chest as the "server." I absolutely love the look! It's nice to add some new shades of "pale" to our palette!

I just love this old set of library drawers painted celery green. Can't believe they haven't been snatched up yet!

Finally, this bookcase lined in burlap is staying as we transform the Cooperage space into a nautical "happy" space in the coming days. We are gearing up for another show at the Townsend Harbor Marketplace and are keeping the cottage/nautical neutrals at the Cooperage while going bold at the marketplace. Don't forget to stop by--Friday, Saturday and Sunday!!!

New daybed

2011-06-02T18:04:00.001-07:00

I just finished the second of two daybeds I've made this year from antique iron cribs. I made this one a bit easier on myself and just sewed a pillow case for the large piece of foam (by the way, Bldg. 19's prices are less than half what you pay at Jo-Ann's for foam). So much easier than all those fitted corners. I also went with a natural linen as opposed to burlap this time. More expensive, but so pretty and soft. And, it just looks so nice with the green chippy paint on this crib!

Now, the question is: which daybed goes to the Cooperage and which goes to my studio when I move in to my mill space this weekend?

Choice #1 (white):

Choice #2 (green):

What do you think? They both make me so happy, I guess I can't go wrong!

Baby Robins

2011-05-31T13:30:00.000-07:00

I went to my storage unit yesterday and discovered three baby robins in the nest I've been monitoring. Happy!

Fun Project

2011-05-29T15:00:00.000-07:00

This is my garage. I've been very busy the past couple of weeks doing "behind the scenes" work. I'm packing up my studio, which I hope to move to my new mill-loft space this coming week. I'm packing up my home for another upcoming (and very happy) move. I also traded in my 4-runner this past week for a newer (2009) Ford Escape Hybrid. I'm thrilled to be in a more dependable and eco-friendly car! So far the mileage is almost twice what I got in the 4-runner, so the $$ savings is nice, too!

However, between trips to my storage unit, and church and lunch with my grandmother, I did manage to work on one very fun project today.

I found an old drafting table at the flea market. It's original top was gone--in it's place a less-than-pretty sheet of plywood. Here is how I've chosen to "embellish" it:

I dismantled a bunch of wine crates and used the decorative parts to create a mosiac of sorts for the top. I spent 2+ hours shaving a quarter inch off here and there until everything fit just right. I'll cut a new plywood base, use eco-friendly gorilla glue to attach all the elements to the base, add a light stain, and, finally, several coats of varnish. I can't wait to see the end result. This "tasting table" is a very fun way to upcycle wine crates. Happy!

Momma Robin

2011-05-22T17:20:00.001-07:00

I was beginning to think the nest outside my storage unit was abandoned, but here is momma robin, ready and waiting to attack after I took this photo. Literally, she dive-bombed my head after the flash went off. I'm feeling a little better about her maternal insticts:-)

Decorating with old paper

2011-05-18T16:41:00.001-07:00

I brought several pieces over to the Cooperage today, but I am most proud of one, in particular. I've had this dresser for what seems like ages. It had gorgeous green glass knobs when I bought it, but because someone had trimmed off the ends of the screws with a bolt-cutter, I wasn't able to remove them. So, I worked with what I had. I painted the main part of the dresser white and decoupaged the fronts of the drawers with pages from an old gardening book. Adorable, no?

Well, that was a year ago and the dresser still hasn't sold. This past week I filed off the ends of all the screws in order to remove the original glass knobs. I decoupaged the fronts of the drawers with ledger pages from the 1840's and added new, clear glass knobs. I LOVE it! What do you think?

I have a few other pieces--both furniture and decor--at the Cooperage that also showcase new uses for old papers. Take a look:

I've always been drawn to old books. The look, the feel, the time and effort it took to create them. Perhaps it's the reminder of a simpler time, a time before multitasking...ahh, now that's a happy thought!

Back to work

2011-05-15T04:50:00.000-07:00

I spent the day yesterday scrubbing, sanding and painting. It was a beautiful day to be outside, so I enjoyed every moment of it! I bought a new toy--a small Wagner paint sprayer. It's made for indoor use, so overspray (ie, mess) is minimal. I was able to prime and paint five pieces of furniture in one day! Here are some photos of the pieces in progress (dresser, small writing desk, side table, and small bench):

This one piece got a coat of "celery" green--my favorite color!

I also gave that old workbench I dragged off the side of the road last week a bit of love. I scrubbed and sanded the top and it's looking pretty nice. The base needed a lot of work. I added new casters and supports and now it's level, sqare and solid. I'll be adding slats to the base so I have a shelf. I think I'll then paint out the base white, give it a good distress job, and seal the top with a few coats of wax. Can't wait to get it into my new studio!

Last but not least, I found a happy little surprise at my storage unit today. I think mommy-bird needs a good talking to about where she made her nest, but it was a happy discovery for me!

On TV!!!!!

2011-05-13T16:42:00.001-07:00

The Chronicle episode I mentioned a couple weeks ago finally aired last night! My little Tucker made the cut for the preview (the little guy laying on the daybed...that was my Tuck!). Kris held a "premier" party and it was such fun to view the episode for the first time in the midst of so many friends. The phone at the Cooperage has been ringing off the hook today, so we're expecting a busy day tomorrow. Thanks to all of you who watched last night! I hope to meet some of you at the Cooperage tomorrow!

To view the Chronicle episode, click here!

Thank You

2011-05-07T18:08:00.000-07:00

No pics tonight, just a quick thank you to all the wonderful people who came to our show at the Townsend Harbor Church this weekend. As I told my daughter tonight, I feel overwhelmingly blessed to be in a "profession" where I'm able to meet such kind and interesting people. I wouldn't trade it for anything. Thanks for making my life happy:-)

The Marketplace at Townsend Harbor

2011-05-05T18:34:00.000-07:00

Had to start off with a rainbow today. Who doesn't love a rainbow? Had fun explaining the physics of the light refraction to the kids, though they still thought I was "magic" to be able to predict where the rainbow would be.

I have to be honest and say I have little energy left to blog this evening. I slept only 3 hours last night trying to get a wholesale order ready for Brimfield. Needless to say, an "all-nighter" feels much differet at 40 than it did at 20. In light of all this, I'll let the photos speak for themselves. Here is a brief "sneak peek" at our space at the Townsend Harbor Marketplace. I think we'll have a fabulous weekend at the Coop and the Marketplace:

See you in the AM!

Crazy Week

2011-05-03T19:05:00.000-07:00

You know it's going to be a crazy week when it starts off with towing a "free" workbench down the street to your house at 6AM on Sunday. Too big to fit in the car, too heavy to fit on the car, sure wasn't going to pass up a freebie, so towing was the obvious solution! You also know it's going to be a great week when you start off with the blessing of free stuff! Here are some pics of my weekend finds:

(1) Thursday's estate sale in Nashua. The house was owned by a man who fell in love with a French girl and dropped (and sold) everything to move to Paris with her. Ahhhhhh....l'amour....Got some great solid pieces. A little more "high end" than I usually purchase, but beauty comes at many prices:-)

(2) Unintended yard sales on Saturday (you know what I mean...planned on skipping yard sales, yet they somehow jumped in your path). Got a couple of great metal pieces, some planters, a coat rack...great finds.

(3) I love this folding bench I "won" at an online auction. It's from a local church and even has Bible pockets on the back. It will be an effort to part with this little piece.

(4) Finally, my first visit to my local flea this year. Hollis, NH. I love this market. I picked up Kris (her husband left her with only a Prius for the weekend! I'm all about eco-friendly, but the Prius leaves a lot to be desired in the cargo department) and we filled the car in about an hour. And when I say "filled," I mean we also had a table and a vintage bicycle on the roof! I'm tempted to buy a pick-up, but then I'd lose the fun of trying to fit everything into my 4-runner!

It's also a crazy week because we decided to completely re-do our space at the Cooperage while also meeting wholesale orders for the Brimfield Antiques Show, getting set-up for a local weekend antiques market, and trying to fill-in my empty space at From Out of the Woods. Eek! I'll post pics soon--it all looks very, very happy:-)

Sneak Peeks

2011-04-25T13:09:00.000-07:00

Kris (Cricket Acres Studio) and I were interviewed for Chronicle this morning! They are taping a segment on bargain hunting and we were thrilled to be included. We started off the interview in Kris' garage, where our antiquing businesses began with bi-annual "upscale yard sales." We also taped over at the Spaulding Cooperage as Kris and I described our bargain finds and what we did to transform them. The episode should air in a few weeks--I'll pass on the details as I get them. Here are a few photos of the filming in Kris' garage:

That's Kris, sanding away! She plans to add casters to this trunk and transform it into a coffee table.

My next sneak peek is of my new studio space! It's still in the works, but I'm thrilled to move operations to a location outside of my house (it's no fun tripping over half-finished furniture projects on my way to the coffee maker!). The space is at an old mill in Nashua, NH. The other studios on my floor will be home to two artists, a photographer, a floral designer, and a yoga studio. Happy!

Improptu Buying Trip

2011-04-21T18:27:00.000-07:00

My friend Kris (Cricket Acres Studio) just posted about our weekend buying trip to CT and NY. It was a comedy of errors, to be sure, but a lot of fun and we managed to sqeeze some great deals out of the trip in the end. Check out Kris' blog for the details. Look below for some pics of the carload we brought home:

That huge piece on the left is an old tool chest. Cubbies, drawers and hangers galore! I can't wait to transform it into a traveling "entertainment" center (think wine and cocktails rather than TV here).

I picked up lots of galvanized items, as well as a few metal garden accents with a lovely patina. That long wood piece with the circle cutouts holds individual tin cups with covers. They were originally filled with machinist parts, but I see buttons and beads in their future.

I fell in love with this little alarm clock. Kris picked up the metal urn.

The picture does not do justice to this giant tea tin. Beautiful hardware, paint in great condition, and a garden theme to seal the deal. This will look perfect cleaned up and over at "The Woods" with my can't-wait-for-summer collection.

We got hit with a number of "closed" signs, but persevered and found two flea markets, an estate sale, a private buying opportunity at an antiques annex, a fun new thrift store, several wonderful antiques shops, a yet-to-open store we can't wait to visit, and a few junk shops with great deals. All-in-all a memorable and Happy weekend! Thanks Kris!

Now at "The Woods"

2011-04-18T17:33:00.001-07:00

In my last post I showed some items I had pulled together for a change-out at From Out of the Woods. Well, that change happened today and I love it! Here are some pics:

Happy!!

Project Therapy

2011-04-09T15:50:00.000-07:00

Isn't it amazing how a little creative inspiration can feed your soul and lift your spirits? My day started off on a very sad note, but I picked myself up and got to work on a few projects to transform my space over at From Out of The Woods. After a bit of inspiration from a friend (I was thinking "garden" while she saw "entertaining") I was off sawing and sanding, staining and waxing. Then, a trip to my storage unit (it's like Christmas when I walk in--I always forget at least half of what I've crammed into that space!). Here is the result:

The old pine cupboard came out of a barn. I don't know what the slanted top was for, but it makes great wine storage/display.

I made these wine bottle stoppers out of old knobs and finials. Drill a hole in the cork, screw in the finial and keep it all together with some EcoGlue Extreme.

I seem to have an affinity for old canning jars, particularly the blue ones. The color is just beautiful. Fill them with flowers or candles or just set them on a windowsill and enjoy the color as the sun shines through.

Here I combined an old picket fence, more canning jars and some nautical iron hooks for a display of candlelight that will make any warm evening even cozier.

The whole vignette still needs a lot of smalls and fluffing, but I'm liking the overall feel. French blue meets relaxing in the garden. Just what I wanted to be doing today--finally, a beautiful Spring day. Today was a needed blessing. Happy!

Busy, Busy

2011-04-01T15:05:00.001-07:00

Seems everyone is busy going about the business of spring. I've seen Robins, Bluebirds and Scarlet Tanagers in the yard gathering bits and pieces for their nests. Free Stuff is starting to appear on the side of the road as neighbors begin their spring cleaning (hooray!). And I've been busy with wedding guestbook orders, Easter projects, and wholesale orders as local shops welcome the new season.

Unfortunately, Mother Nature has a different idea. I woke up this morning to another foot of snow! And, yes, it was a snow day for the kids! Ahhh. Spring in New England... Green grass and budding flowers wouldn't fill us with such joy if we didn't have to endure such a long winter, right? Here are a couple pictures of Spring tryng to pop up around my yard, despite the weather. Happy!

And a couple more of a local shop--a Happy Place--Springbrook Farm in Littleton, MA, where Spring has already sprung! Very Happy!!!

Sorry for the long delay in blogging! Orders are filled and I'm getting back on track! Thanks for sticking with me!

Back to Basics

2011-03-15T16:29:00.000-07:00

The very first products in my line were handbound books. Now that my business encompassess everything from antique furniture to vintage-inspired stationery, I don't often get the opportunity to set up my studio for just one thing: making books. Well, this past week I did find that opportunity, and just loved it. There is something so peaceful in the process for me. Starting with nothing but paper, bookboard and glue, I end up with beautiful books that will be cherished for years to come. My inspiration for this endeavor was a custom guestbook order for an upcoming wedding. Since I was making one book, I thought, why not just make several? Here are some happy pics:

Earlier in the week I made a different batch of books. These ones are made by recycling the covers of old books and turning them inside-out to show-off their beautiful endpapers. Why let something so beautiful go hidden for so long?

One last photo: a mischievious puppy in my studio. Hmmmmm...I see a sock, some torn paper... Happy? Yes! It's a good thing he's so cute!

Hints of Spring

2011-03-14T18:53:00.000-07:00

Despite that fact that it snowed today, I am feeling spring in the air! The birds sound more cheery in the morning. The snowbanks are slowly melting. I can even see a few patches of what-used-to-be-grass in the yard. But Mother Nature is much too slow for me, so I decided to take things into my own hands and bring a bit of spring indoors.

Now, I do have a bit of a confession to make. The flowers are fake. I have two excuses: first, I live in New England; second, I do not have a green thumb. I am shamed by this latter fact, but it's true. I had one great herb and vegetable garden when my oldest was still in diapers, but since then it's been all downhill. I would like to have a better relationship with plants. I do love nature. It's on my to do list.

On a happier note, I started working on a few Easter projects! Here is a sneak peek at one:

I'm still picking decoupage medium off my fingernails, but I love how these eggs are turning out! I can't wait to make more! Happy!

Happy Stuff!!!

2011-03-06T17:47:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted a "junking" photo in ages, so here are a few from a recent shopping trip. I soooooo can't wait for the flea markets to open again next month!!!!

All I have to say is...happy!!!!

Stretching My Wings

2011-03-05T17:35:00.000-08:00

Not only did I add a new shop this year, but I also expanded my space at the Spaulding Cooperage! Actually, it's even better than an expansion. Kris and I merged our two spaces and took over a third "booth" in the corner. The result? Fun and happy! We definitely share a basic design sense, but put slightly different spins on it. The combination is inspiration and a bit of stretching for both of us! Here are a few recent pics:

LOVE these! Made by Ikea, customized by Kris!

Kris made the gorgeous apron in this last photo (of "Mary," my dress form). The necklaces are mine. We both need to list them on etsy.....

On another topic, I had a very happy day! Got to see one of my bestest friends in the whole world, Heather! I love you, man!

From Out of the Woods

2011-03-03T17:49:00.000-08:00

I'm so happy to share photos of my new space at From Out of the Woods antiques in Goffstown, NH. I've blogged before about the amazing "Infusion" level of this shop--filled with great ideas and to-die-for pieces that would make the perfect centerpieces for a room, a home, a store...you get the idea. I now inhabit the "transition" space between the antique levels and the infusion area. Here are a few peeks at the new space:

There are a few fun "repurposing" projects here. I'll give more background info on these later:-) My favorite is the message board made from the remnant springs of an old iron crib I converted into a daybed (pics of this to come soon!).

Now for a few close-ups:

Many thanks to my friend, Kris Vogelsang, for helping me schlep all this stuff out to Goffstown this morning. Kris made the adorable sachets you see scattered throught the space. She is also a new blogger--check her out at Cricket Acres Studio!

Also, a big thank you to Donna, the proprietress of From Out of the Woods, for welcoming me into your barn! I'm looking forward to working with you!

Happy day!

HAPPY New Year!

2011-01-11T08:43:00.000-08:00

My resolution for 2011? One word--HAPPY! After a 2010 filled with loss and heartache, I'm determined to make 2011 the happiest of my life! And what better way to kick things off than with a puppy!!!!

This is Cocoa, our 10-week-old Cavachon puppy. He's every bit as cute and cuddly in person as he looks in this photo! I don't plan to completely pamper him, but I found this old champagne crate at a flea market and, well, it just makes the perfect puppy bed! Who wouldn't want champagne dreams? HAPPY!

Great Show at the Cooperage!

2010-11-17T16:10:00.000-08:00

The Pepperell Girls--Kris Vogelsang (Cricket Acres), Tera O'Hora, and myself--had our first Fall show in collaboration with the Spaulding Cooperage and it was a HUGE success! Thank you to all our faithful customers for standing by us as we branch out and explore new opportunities! It was fun to see everyone and have a day of "retail therapy" from the other side of the counter! Here are a few preview photos from my booth:

Here are pics of some of my favorite fall projects:

Thankful Tree: I left extras of my "I'm thankful for..." cards for guests to fill out and add to the tree. I'll take an after photo tomorrow when I'm at the Cooperage to bring in new inventory. I love this idea and was thrilled how many guests planned to incorporate it into their own Thanksgiving traditions!

Vintage paper-covered napkin rings: I love the contrast of the shiny silver and the aged sheet music. I only adhered paper-to-paper so these could be changed out for any event.

I call these "re-corks" as they are wine stoppers made from vintage knobs and hardware. I'll post instructions at a later date!

Here is a candelabra I constructed from the top of an old wooden box, a bit of chain, an inexpensive set of glassware, some votives, and a roll of vintage player-piano paper--happy!

Finally, my burlap wreath. I adapted this wreath from one I found on the DIY Showoff (http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/2010/09/diy-burlap-starfish-wreath.html). Got some tips from the I. Design blog (http://theidesignbox.com/2010/10/25/diy-burlap-fall-wreath/) and came up with this version. I kind of wish it didn't sell...looks like I'll be making more! Not a difficult project, just very messy. I recommend using ecoglue rather than Gorilla Glue and a medium nail-set rather than a screwdriver. Let me know if you try it!

Catching up

2010-10-05T07:18:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted a fun treasure-hunt photo in a while. These are from two weekends ago. Happy, happy!

Infusion NH

2010-10-05T07:01:00.000-07:00

Infusion NH is one of my absolute favorite spaces in the antiques world. Housed in the downstairs of From Out of the Woods Antiques, this space is filled with inspiration and some of the most fantastic pieces you could ever design a room around! I was in to pick up an old shoe rack I purchased and shop owner Donna gave me carte blanche to take photos of the space before they took it apart to get ready for a mercantile-themed reopening in 2 weeks. Enjoy!

Calmore Fall Antiques Show

2010-10-05T06:53:00.000-07:00

Kris and I had a great time at the Art and Antiques Show this past weekend at Seasons at Calmore. I do so few shows, I always forget how much fun they are! We made a lot of new friends under a gorgeous sunny sky while listening to great live music. What's happier than that? Here are a few photos of our booth:-)

Vintage Craft Kits

2010-09-18T02:54:00.000-07:00

I just listed FIVE new vintage craft kits on my etsy site, www.brooklinestreet.etsy.com. Here's a peek:

Happy!!!!

Studio Reunion

2010-08-18T10:39:00.001-07:00

I spent today creating in my new studio! I haven't spent time in my creative space since I started moving--over three months ago. I still have a lot of work to do to make my new (and much smaller) studio really workable, but I had a fun day digging through boxes and drawers and finding new inspiration in each one!

As I prepare for my business-image redesign (by Sadie Olive--so excited!), I'm trying to define my authentic style. I confess that I am guilty of dabbling--Victorian, rustic, French, Italian, industrial, even modern. To this end, I've been keeping a journal of the finds, experiences, places, people, vignettes...that touch my spirit. I hope to share this fun journey with all of you! For now, here are a few photos of today's creations:

I came across this lot of beautifully illustrated sheet music in a storage box. I remember finding it at the flea market, but had never actually looked through page-by-page. I am always amazed by the detail in such works--I so wish beauty were as valued today as it was in 1864!

I framed a selection of the pages:

I scanned many and used one selection in the decoration of this "inside-out" journal:

The covers of this journal are recycled from an old book with lovely endpapers. I simply reversed the covers so that the endpapers were on the outside and filled the book with 70 pages of ivory, text-weight, recycled paper. I bound the journal with ivory linen ribbon. Can't wait to list it on etsy!

I'm working on a design for "nests" made from strips of old papers. Here is a prototype...not quite ready for sale, but a good representation of my idea:

Lastly, I stamped some organic cotton twill ribbon with French text and wound it in 1-yard segments on old wooden spools. I've found that VersaMark ink pads work best on ribbon--heat-set with an iron on medium heat if you want to launder the ribbon.

Happy creating! Please create responsibly!

Bye, Bye, Brookline Street

2010-08-06T15:58:00.000-07:00

Today, my celebration is bittersweet. The process of selling my home has been less-than-pleasant. As anyone out there selling a house in this market knows, selling a home (especially an antique) is a less-than-fruitful venture. Yet, I'm incredibly relieved to be able to turn the page on this stage of life and open up a new chapter. In other words, I've never been so happy to lose so much money! C'est la vie! Life will go on and I pray God will bless my family in the midst of (and through) this mess!

Today, my semi-happy is the sale of my house. Off to new ventures, new opportunities, a new life. Scarey? Yes. Exciting? Yes. Blessed? I sure pray so.

Spaulding Cooperage

2010-07-31T20:09:00.000-07:00

I helped my friend Kris move into her space at the Spaulding Cooperage today! While I was there, I snapped a few photos of my space and a couple of finished projects I brought with me.

Finished projects from post, "Project Day."

The history of the Cooperage is very fun (Lunenburg Post). The building was built back in the 18th century and was long-owned by Jonas Spaulding, who used the building as a cooperage, producing wood barrels. The property was later donated to the local Historical Society by the Spaulding family and was recently converted into a multi-dealer antique shop by Laura Bradley, who is related to the Spauldings. Laura is a talented antique dealer and floral designer and clearly has a gift for being a proprietress! I'm thrilled to be one of her first dealers!

image courtesy of Townsend Historical Society

Congratulations to Kris for taking this leap! You have a gift and will surely be blessed! Your space looks tres magnifique!

Whale watch?

2010-07-28T19:18:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy, but fun week! My dad and stepmother are visiting from Florida and we always have a week filled with activities when they are here. Yesterday's event was a whale watch out of Rye, NH. I put the emphasis on the word watch, as we didn't actually see a single whale. There were rumors of a dolphin sighting, but I think that may have been an artifact of 4 hours in the sun and major waves.

Despite the lack of sightings, it was a beautiful day for a boat ride. Windy, yes, but that made for some really fun swells--it was like riding a mini rollercoaster over, and over, and over..... So glad I don't get seasick!

I'm still busy at work on projects, life, business, etc. Hope to get to the flea market this weekend, but family takes priority, so we'll see. Having family close is a happy blessing--one I appreciate every day!

Happy Day at the Flea!

2010-07-18T14:30:00.001-07:00

I had a great time at the flea market this morning! The only problem is, I want to keep nearly everything I bought!!! The metal cabinet is awesome--I can't wait to see how well it cleans up! The green table and white plant stand are off to the Cooperage on Wednesday. I'm thinking of stripping the stools down to bare metal... The galvanized drawers will be great for displaying little treasures at the Cooperage. If they weren't so heavy, I'd put them on etsy--they are perfect for an artist studio!

I also finished getting the last of my "stuff" out of the Brookline Street farmhouse. I put out a huge "free" pile with some awesome stuff--I think it was the happy of the day for all the kind people who stopped. One nice lady even left me $10 and a note of thanks!

It's so strange to see the house empty. It looks so filled with promise, like the day I first saw it. I pray it will bless its new family.

Birth Announcement

2010-07-17T20:25:00.000-07:00

While I was cleaning out the very-large-attic in my old farmhouse today, Momma Catbird's eggs hatched! I don't think I've ever seen a baby bird this small, but they look so very fragile...and amazing! God's creation inspires me every day, but this is just a bit more beautiful than the everyday. As I say good-bye to the home I thought I would retire in, He shows me that He is actively creating new life all around me. My new home will be blessed. My new life will be blessed. My children will be blessed. What could possibly be happier than that?

Project Day

2010-07-15T18:22:00.000-07:00

So, my two best antiquing buddies went to the Brimfield Antiques Show today...without me! One big disadvantage to being newly without a husband is I have no backup childcare for emergencies such as these. Instead of moping all day, I decided to turn my day around and have a project day!

I worked on four projects today: (1) unpacking, again (WILL IT NEVER END?!?!), (2) creating a bench from an old bedframe, (3) refinishing an old sewing table into a desk, and (4) extracting the adorable cubbies from an old secretary desk that needed way-too-much work. As you can see from the photos, (featuring my adorable little four-year-old--his smile is the definition of happy!), I actually finished the bench and it's off to the Cooperage. As for the other three projects, the desk and cubbies should be done tomorrow, but unpacking????

Project days are definitely happy days! Especially when I have my two little helpers riding their bikes around me, hammering in nails with the tiniest-little-hammer-I-ever-saw that I brought home from the Hollis flea, sitting on the grass and drinking lemonade, and just being the joy-filled kids God created them to be. Nothing, absolutely nothing (I dare say it, not even Brimfield), brings more joy to my heart than the smiles on my kids' faces. I wonder if God feels that way, too...

Brimfield, I miss you!!! I hope to see you Saturday, but it looks like I'll be clearing out my attic instead as I finally have a closing date on the farmhouse!!!!!! Perhaps we'll be together again in September...

PS. I came across a NEW issue of COUNTRY HOME today. It's beautiful! Welcome back Country Home!!!

Changes on the way!

2010-07-12T21:06:00.000-07:00

This is the current "splash" collage on my website. I love the site design (by August Afternoon--highly recommended!), but it just doesn't reflect the heart of my business. So, I've decided to branch out and and am so excited to report that I just hired Sarah Duckett of Sadie Olive to redesign my website/blog/etc! I kind of jumped into the whole website thing headfirst and bought a ready-made template to save money. As much as I love the design, it's just time for something new...

Earlier this evening, I was telling my friend Kris (of Cricket Acres--you'll see more of her, I promise!) during our first "Think and Drink" (you know, discussing business plans over a glass or two of wine) that I didn't have a whole lot of time for planning my Brookline Street adventure. From day one, this business just seemed to take on a life of its own. I guess that's God's way. If I planned, organized, and moved it forward, the business never would have gotten off the ground. God knows, I would have really messed it up!

I feel like I'm in a back-up-and-take-perspective phase of the business. I've explored enough paths to know the direction I want this thing to go. I've made a lot of "mistakes" in the process, but, hey, I also learned a lot on the way. Experience and exploration is certainly a lot cheaper than an MBA!

My happy for today is Kris. She is an inspiring, creative, and just-plain-wonderful woman. I'm blessed to call her my friend and I look forward to many, many more "Think-and-Drink" Mondays! Kris recently welcomed her husband home from a year in Iraq. Please remember the families left at home as you prayer for the safety of our soldiers overseas. They make enormous sacrifices on our behalf and deserve our gratitude, respect and prayers.

Hollis Flea Market

2010-07-11T18:31:00.000-07:00

I love flea markets. The Hollis, NH, flea seems to be my fave these days (mostly because it's close, but I always find at least one treasure). This morning's catch was small, but I did find a really fun old sewing table (iron base, "Domestic" brand, complete with drawers) and and old wood/galvanized milk crate. The photo above is of one of my favorite shopping trips this season, about three weeks ago.

Why was this "catch" so fun? Well, first of all, I have a tendency to collect four categories of items: old green paint, old white paint, old-and-beat-up-wood, and metal. This day, I collected an old yellow and blue chippy bed frame (cleaned up gorgeous and in the process of becoming a bench); an old lavender baby crib in the perfect size and height for displaying flowers or serving beverages on the patio; a blue-green set of awesome cubbies; an old green (predictable) window; an oak cabinet (which, yes, I painted green); and lots of other fun treasures. The combination of colors just screamed summer!

So, as a result, I completely transformed my space at the Spaulding Cooperage from soothing greens and whites to a burst of garden-inspired colors. Of course, time being short in supply these days, I haven't had a chance to take photos, but I promise to get my camera over there this week:-) I always find little treasures in Hollis, as well, such as the tin filled with vintage clothes pins and rusty keys--happy!!!!!

Birthday Girl

2010-07-10T18:14:00.000-07:00

For the past 4 years, my birthday gift to my daughter has been a room makeover. She is my design-diva, my crafty-companion, the girl-after-my-own-heart. As much work as it is, I have to be honest and admit that I am already planning the next girly-girl makeover--I just love it!

Cadie's birthday falls during the week of the 4th of July, when my (former) in-laws gather as many relatives and friends as they can entertain (and sometimes more) in beautiful Duxbury, Massachusetts. My heart has ached during this week the past two years. I so very miss Nanny, Pop, and my sisters- and brothers-in-law. Fortunately, I've had the girly-girl makeovers to fill this week, and they've been SO MUCH FUN!

This year, Cadie decided to raise the bar a bit and asked me to write "rhyming clues" to lead her from one gift to the next. Apparently, she enjoyed the gift-hunt I created for her last year. Since Cadie loves to watch Design on a Dime with me (particularly the ever-so-adorable Kristen Cunningham), I started her clues with this: "As every great designer knows, your room should always match your clothes." In the box attached to this clue was the dress she is wearing in the photo above...the dress she wore for two days straight! This girl knows, without a doubt, that she is loved! Is there any greater purpose for a mom?

Here is the look on my little munchkin's face when she first saw her new room. Even as I share this photo, my heart overflows with love. It's bittersweet to celebrate her 8th birthday. Each year brings new amazement as I watch this beautiful little girl develop into a young lady after God's own heart. Yet, there are always the lost treasures of a younger age that I grieve. Praise God for photos like these that bring forth a waterfall of memories, love, thankfulness, and just plain joy. My Cadie is my "happy" for today. She brings unmeasureable joy to my life and was the first real glimpse I ever had into God's love for me. How unimaginable to think that He loves each of us even more than we love our own children....

2010-07-09T19:02:00.000-07:00

Hello

Hello. My name is Michelle Cooke and this is my first blog post. I am the owner/artisan/creative director/etc. of Brookline Street Studio--responsibly handmade books and stationery--and ReCreative--the etsy site where I share my found treasures and eco-goodies with other artisans.

I named my business after the place where I discovered my creative side, a 150-year-old farmhouse on Brookline Street in Massachusetts. I moved there in 2004 in an attempt to save my marriage. I left my career in public health and dedicated all my energy toward being the best wife and mother I could be. There I started a small business refinishing antiques and printing eco-friendly letterpress stationery. The business has had many ups and downs, but I've remained dedicated to being eco-friendly and maintaining enough simplicity that I can still do what I love most--being a stay-at-home-mom.

Unfortunately, life has had it's own ups and downs. My marriage recently ended and the farmhouse is being sold. I've moved to a small cape on River Road that I'm renting from a wonderful friend. So, I'm no longer on Brookline Street, but the name reminds me of how blessed I am to still be at home caring for my children and running a creative business that I love, despite my new circumstances. My life is filled with loving friends and family, beauty, faith, and a bit of simplicity. For these things I am so very thankful.

So, here is my much-overdue first blog post. I hope this blog will bring new friends and inspiration and allow me to share the little "happys" in my life. Today's "happy" was the stunning little catbird nest I discovered among the raspberry bushes in my backyard. Those perfect little eggs remind me of the hope and new life God offers all of us each day. I hope this photo gives you a little "happy" too!