Tina's Custom Candles - Featured Vendor

At the top of the stairs for the past month, we have had a new display. One of the comments I hear at least 3 times a day is "Hmmmm - what is that yummy smell?" Well, it is one of our featured vendors for August custom handmade soy candles.

Tina's candles are so yummy smelling - and so afforable at only $7 each.

Perfect gift idea for the hostess or for yourself!

Here are just a few of the wonderful scents she has to offer! (but no where NEAR a complete list!)

Peach Magnolia Raspberry,
Buttercream,
Lavender
Pumpkin Pie Spice,
Apple Berry,
Georgia Peach,
Jasmine and Vanilla Bean



Cheers!

Featured Vendor - Busy Bee Antiques

Busy Bee Antiques is one of the most amazing antique booths I have ever seen. Long before we had them here at ARTifacts, I was a big customer at their other locations (currently here and one in This Old Place Antiques on College St.)

Their decorating style and unique uses of classic pieces are just amazing! And their prices are fabulous! Just look as some of these incredible finds:
Above there is transferware (which you are already aware is a favorite of mine!). This stack of dishes are black and white. Some is transferware - some are just fun black and white pieces. That pile of prints in the green floral box are actually old bible story cards they used in Sunday School classes - there is about 50 prints there and they are all just wonderful!

This 3 drawer dresser is beautiful as are the candlewick glasses. And of course they always have unique patriotic pieces in their booth.

There are several unique pieces in this corner of the booth. I love these wonderful white plant stands. They would look amazing on a patio with different season decor on them. It is almost pumpkin time! Love the black end table with the small nook for storage, the vintage mail box, the old mirror, that incredible lamp and finally the great collection of cards in simple frames would make a great display on a bare wall.

More fun stuff here - this new dresser - it is amazing! She just brought this in today - and she put an AMAZING price on it! The color isn't coming across well in this photo - but it is a really appealing blue with wonderful detailing in the wood. (HINT: It wouldn't qualify for our layaway program - it is that affordable!!)

I also wanted to mention an event that Busy Bees is coordinating this fall. They are hosting a consignment sale for household items and ladies clothing. If you are interested in learning more check out their website at www.busybeesconsign.com - I know I will be there!

Well, I hope you see some new stuff that makes you want to come running in! I have seen many vendors today who have made MAJOR changes in their displays so you may want to come down and see what is happening. You know this stuff moves fast!

Cheers!

If Dishes could talk....

Dishes....china....TRANSFERWARE!!!! I can't get enough of it. I love it. Transferware especially. I love the single color print on a blank canvas.
This platter has got to be one of my prize possessions. This was my Mimi's china. My Aunt passed it to my Dad - and he gave to me last year. I am afraid to use it. Terrified really. I cleaned this platter tonight, scared the entire time I was going to chip or damage it (I am a major clutz - ask anyone).

And then my youngest walked up and wanted to help wash dishes. Now, these dishes will go to her one day since it is my Mimi she is named after - "Jean". But I really don't have many if any memories of Mimi so just holding this platter tonight made me think about the dinner parties she may have had, was my Mom there with my Dad? Was this used during a celebration of some kind? Holiday? What kind? Did they use it when they had Mom over for dinner before she was their daughter in law? And what about the missing salad plate. Who broke that? A grandchild? Child? My Dad?

These dishes are a piece of history, they have stories to tell that are so much more amazing and deep then dishes you can buy today. Here are just a few of the amazing china and transferware pieces available at ARTifacts. Even some jewelry that taken broken and chipped transferware pieces and repurposed them into amazing collectible, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces.


I love the simplicity of this china. It is wonderful.













This set of transferware is newer, but the black and white - SOOOOO in!

There is an entire place setting that goes with this. I love it cuz it can be dressed up OR down. I can totally see it as an every day set of dishes - they are fun!

TRANSFERWARE! TRANSFERWARE!!

Who wouldn't love to have a cup of hot tea in these fabulous cups?

How about handles from teacups - they make PERFECT napkin holders (Paige from Hodgepodge gave me this idea for them for the Mother Daughter Tea we did a couple weeks ago). It looked GREAT!!!

Here is that jewelry I mentioned. I know I talk about it alot, but it fits the theme I am going for here!

What do you think? What are your favorite dishes? Are you afraid to use your precious family pieces? Talk to me!

Cheers!

Tea Time for Mom's

A couple weeks ago we were asked by a good friend if we could support a fund raiser she was working on for HOPE Pregnancy Center here in Clarksville.

I am happy to say we were able to support by sponsoring a table by decorating it with items from ARTifacts. We got there early Sunday afternoon and set the table with china, silverware, glasses, tea cups and saucers and of course a centerpiece - all items from ARTifacts.

Here are a couple of photos of our tablesetting from the event.

Once you are done looking at my photos, check out Hodgepodge's table setting on her blog (she hasn't posted them yet, but I think she will soon!) She included a couple of the more spectacular table settings that other businesses did. Pick your favorite, let me what you think!

Spectacular, Spectacular! A Vintage Inspired Craft Event

Learn more about our next big event!

Spectacular, Spectacular blog

16 different crafts, most are vintage inspired, 5 unique vendors, refreshments, gift for the holidays, party time, celebration, gift bags, quality time...well, you get the idea. It will be a great time!

Learn more on our blog, we are announcing new sponsors, new projects, and prizes all the time!

Sign up to be a Spectacular blog follower and be entered to win free registration for the event!

Hope to see you there!

New Vendors

So we have added this new section to ARTifacts that is amazingly fun! I am so excited about it. Some vendors are still settling in, but I wanted to give you a glimpse of what is going on.We have set up shelves in one of our larger booths and we are renting out shelf space to artist vendors that have smaller needs for display space. I will feature them all individually - but here is a peek at all of them to get your taste buds asking for more!

Cheers!

Aigilean Designs - Featured Artist for August

Aigilean Designs, by Erin Slauson, is our featured artist for August. I really enjoy Erin's pieces - I love the raw look and feel of the raku pieces. Do you know what Raku is? I didn't either until Erin moved into ARTifacts. She explained it to me.

Here is a lesson for you! Taken from www.wisegeek.com:
"Raku pottery is created with a specific ceramic firing process that uses both fire and smoke to create unique patterns and designs. With raku pottery, the piece is first bisque fired. Then, it is glazed and undergoes a raku firing process. The raku firing process requires a special raku kiln that is fueled by propane and reaches temperatures of about 1800°F (about 982°C).
In order to complete the firing process, the raku pottery must remain in the kiln for approximately 30 minutes. The raku pottery is then removed from the kiln using specially designed raku tongs. While the raku pottery piece is still hot and glowing, it is placed inside a metal can full of combustible materials. The heat emitted from the raku pottery causes these materials to catch on fire. "



You can imagine the amount of work involved in getting this kind of pottery art mastered. I just love Erin's results!

She also features her wheel thrown and handbuilt works in both the raku and stoneware.

She offers all these items and more:
Nonfunctional bowls, food safe bowls, cups, vases, mugs, sculpture and masks.

These photos don't do her work justice. Come in and see for yourself!

Cheers!

Two Chances to Win!

Want to win this necklace and earring set created by Rachel Wainwright? Her beautiful jewelry is made from vintage transferware dishes. All unique - no two are exactly the same.

All you need to do is subscribe to this blog! It is that easy. If you want a second chance to win, subscribe to our enewsletters too. Do that by going to our website, and click the "sign up today button".

We will randomly pick a winner at the end of the month.

Refer friends, let me know their name and I will add your name for each person who signs up! So - you have unlimited ways to win!

Good luck!
Cheers!

So much to tell you all!

There is so much going on right now I am hardly having time to blog - but let me get a few quick announcements out there so you don't miss out on anything!

First - Photoshop Element classes - Level One is tomorrow starting at 11am. We have room for 1 more student. Don't you want that seat? Call me ASAP! 931.249.0454 to reserve it!


Second, is the new schedule of classes from Kathy Owen for Caromal Colours. I have now attended both of these classes, and you all should take time to check these out. I am going to save thousands by painting my cabinets instead of replacing them - and I love what I am planning so much more then ANY of those cabinets out there. And you can paint ANYTHING with this product - not just cabinets.





Stenciling & Metal Leaf class is on August 13, 6:30 - 8pm


Distressed for Success is August 20, 6:30 - 8pm



Get full descriptions on our workshops link on our website. Remember - this product is endorsed by Country Living Magazine - YES, it is that good!!

Finally, we have added a new idea to ARTifacts, that has opened up a new opportunity to 12 new local artists to share their wares with you. I will share photos in the coming days, but you have got to come see for yourself the exciting new additions to ARTifacts!


Cheers!