Early Closings

Burlap & Roses~Indianola location will be closing early on Thursday, December 29th at 4:00, AND Saturday, December 31st at 3:00.  Have a safe and happy and fun New Year's celebration.

Merriest of Christmas' to you and yours

Merry Christmas~

I wish everyone a very merry and blessed holiday.  

And, looking forward,

May your worries be lighter and your days much brighter. 

May the New Year start in the right direction,

and all your dreams be filled to perfection.

Beth Cort-Voltmer

From my home to yours...Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Beth

Only in a Small Town...

The other day I rec'd a call from someone looking for information on a dog groomer in or around New Virginia.  I asked how she came to call me and she said she found my business in the local phone directory.  "Thought someone with a coffee shop would know what she was talking about", she said.  I was happy to oblige and gave her the name of "our" local groomer.  

Knowing your neighbors, figuratively and literally speaking, and possibly just a little of what is going on in their life is a real special thing in this day and age.  I think it's a fortunate person who can say they live in a small town.

Nothing wrong with larger communities...they just aren't my thing.  And, I would have to guess, most would say there is a noticeable difference.  A "friendliness", sense of safety, and a oneness in a small community; where students and teachers see each other on the street, at church, the post office.  Word of a death passes from neighbor to neighbor in a timely fashion.  A little bit of "Mayberry" you could say. 

Today, as I opened the shop in Indianola, I overheard the postman telling some passerby where the coffee shop was on The Square.  He had done this before, because he directed someone to check out my shop one day,too.  I imagine he does it routinely.  The customer told me that, "the postman sent me here."  How fun is that! 
Not only is he delivering the all important mail, but is a walking~talking chamber of commerce, too! 

Only in a small town...and this folks, is the view from my front porch.

Needle Felting Class...in photos

 

Sue, Uly, Julie and Danielle try their

hand at Needle Felting  

 

                                                   The finished project will be used for
                                                        their own personal cup cozy

 

Isn't this cute! 

Special thanks to artist and instructor, Michelle Morlan.  Watch for more classes to be offered at the New Virginia location after the first of the year.

Sign's up...Open Sign is out!

103 East Salem Avenue...SE corner of The Square

The sign is up...and a huge shout out to Parker Signs and Graphics, Indianola for a terrific job.  Just what I had pictured in my mind.

Our Indianola location has been open one week today; I can't thank the community members and city~county leaders enough for the huge welcome.  

Greatly appreciated and encouraging!  Thanks, also, to the Indianola Record-~Herald for the nice article about the new location.

Open Thursday thru Saturday in Indianola, 10:00-5:00 weekly.  Groups and bus tours by appointment.  Welcoming our first bus next Thursday.  Ribbon Cutting to follow at 11:00.  Here's your invite to stop in on the 17th and be a part of the fun.

Have you 'LIKED' Burlap and Roses and Burlap & Roses boutique and home goods on FACEBOOK yet?  

The shop in photos.

Whatever your dreams...

I saw this posting today on Facebook.  I like it...

"Whatever you do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius and power and magic in it….Thinking is easy, acting is difficult, and to put one’s thoughts into action is the most difficult thing in the world." ~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

What do you dream to do?  Have?  Be?  Start planning today, your dreams will be reality sooner than you think.  


Be Inspired, Be an Inspiration!

Your life...is it inspiring?

 

Sharing from a Pinterest post.

Fun at the Voltmer Farm...poem by my nephew, Riley

My sister writes:  Was going through some of Riley's folders from last year and came across this:

I Remember

By Riley

The drive down was long

But always worth the time

Never anything really planned

But fun is always had

One year was full of fishing

Reeling one in after another

It was fun then but, 

Fish never bit again

The pond might as well be empty now

Because now we never reel anything in

It doesn't matter what we do

Shooting things

Riding four wheelers

Bailing hay

Swimming

It's always fun down at the Voltmer farm

Thought you might enjoy that!!  Thanks for providing a haven for us! :)

Gina

With a pop, grind, gurgle and screech...

After years of not having any crop, Steve planted and is harvesting the beans today.  Great memories ensue...memories of our early days of dating and marriage.  Nice memories!

With a pop, a grind, gurgle and screech, the combine sputtered to life.  With what seemed like a bit of a hop, it chugged its way towards the field with a very happy man at the wheel.  You can take the boy from farming, but you can't take the farming out of the boy.

When we started dating...24 years ago, my hubs row cropped a few hundred acres.  As the years went by, slowly but surely, so did the acres.  Not for any reason, other than getting a ready made family meant less "single" time and more family time.  Working full-time and adding the responsibility of a wife and kids, it was time to put the row crop to the side.  With the nest empty now, our time is a bit more of our own. 

I didn't realize how much I missed that part of our life...I'm glad I'm home to see it, hear it, smell it.  With a pop, a grind, gurgle and screech, harvest has begun!

Irish Luck...

Irish Luck -

His name was Fleming, and he was a poor Scottish farmer. One day, while trying to make a living for his family, he heard a cry for help coming from a nearby bog. He dropped his tools and ran to the bog.

There, mired to his waist in black muck, was a terrified boy, screaming and struggling to free himself. Farmer Fleming saved the lad from what could have been a slow and terrifying death

The next day, a fancy carriage pulled up to the Scotsman's sparse surroundings. An elegantly dressed nobleman stepped out and introduced himself as the father of the boy Farmer Fleming had saved.

'I want to repay you,' said the nobleman. 'You saved my son's life.'

'No, I can't accept payment for what I did,' the Scottish farmer replied waving off the offer. At that moment, the farmer's own son came to the door of the family hovel.

'Is that your son?' the nobleman asked.
'Yes,' the farmer replied proudly.

'I'll make you a deal. Let me provide him with the level of education my own son will enjoy If the lad is anything like his father, he'll no doubt grow to be a man we both will be proud of.' And that he did.

Farmer Fleming's son attended the very best schools and in time, graduated from St. Mary's Hospital Medical School in London, and went on to become known throughout the world as the noted Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of Penicillin.

Years afterward, the same nobleman's son who was saved from the bog was stricken with pneumonia.

What saved his life this time? Penicillin.

The name of the nobleman? Lord Randolph Churchill .. His son's name?

Sir Winston Churchill.

Someone once said: What goes around comes around.

Freshly delightful "boutique" area added

Adding gently used clothing to the line up at Burlap & Roses. In addition, partnering with the unique and fun and lovely re~purposed jewelry and fashion accessories: Keepsakes by Kristi and Lulu's Upcycling Lounge, create, makes the 'boutique' area a freshly delightful spot in the shop.

 Like the outfits to the left...Great fall looks for a variety of outings.  The denim jacket is paired with a two piece green appliqued gauze shirt and accessorizes with a great handmade scarf, fabric lapel pin  and repurposed necklace.  Jacket and shirt, plus size.

All other pieces are in jr/miss sizes (4-10).  Fall into winter...

                               

  Several jackets...just perfect for fall are teamed with lovely neck ware...midgies, long and lean, fun and furry.  Make sure you check them out.

  Black velvet shown with vintage pearls and a       sweet brooch made from upcycled ties.                  

Corduroy w/buckles

Before we know it, Christmas will be here and gift giving will be on our minds.  For something unique and fun, creative and delightful, consider these great finds:

fun and festive earrings

                                                                                                               

upcycled ties & zipper

                                                  

I turn 50 today...here's advise from a 90 year old.

Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old. This is something we should all read at least once a week!!!!!

"To celebrate growing older”, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written.

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Change the way you think.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. Release your children when they become adults, it’s their life now

9. Save for retirement starting with your first pay cheque.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye.

16. Take a deep breath It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Just because you believe you are right, doesn't mean you are. Keep an open mind.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. Your job is to love your children, not choose who they should love.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come...

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield..

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

Well...some things got left behind

We left early Wednesday morning...destination Shakopee, MN.  As usual, when the mind settles down a bit, I started to remember the things I forgot to take:  post office window, a huge clock, and a few other things.  Always too far from home to turn back, I just had to let it go.  So, the win is for those who've had their eye on these things...they are still there, or will be coming to the shop from my studio garage.

We happened to come upon a good sale on our way home, so we added to our left overs from the Junk Bonanza and have a camper full of "goods".

Steve was able to implement my designs of flowers and a fish...I have more I need to get down on paper.  With my ideas and his welding and finishing detail skills, we make a pretty good team.  All of his hand crafted items SOLD...which made him SOLD on the idea to do more.  At the sale, we found some great pieces that can be implemented into more designs.  A fun, fun, sale.

It was so nice to see my "old" pals from last year's B and I had the pleasure of meeting some new booth buddies.  Here's a shout out to:  Robin Hanson of Vintage Style Market
in Annadale, MN.  A wonderful selection of vintage clothes...oh to be super small~I'd have had me some new "old" clothes. 

The Bonanza was fun!  Creativity breeds creativity...it's inspiring to be around so much energy, and positive vibes.  First things first...the camper needs to be emptied, then on to getting Burlap & Roses back in order for this weekend.  No rest for the weary!

B&R FANS. Heading north next weekend for the JUNK BONANZA?

Hey all you Burlap & Roses FANS. Are you heading north next weekend for the                JUNK BONANZA? I'll be in booth 310...stop in and see me. Also, if you're bringing the family or would like to come, except for family, bring them along and send dad and the kids to the Nation's Largest Corn Maze: Sever's Corn Maze, Shakopee, MN. Info. from BHG magazine.  The information states this is it's 15th year.  Confirm open dates!

 Vintage signs for your cabin/cottage get away

Post office cage

 Stuff for the fishing enthusiast, cabin or cottage decor

rusty.refreshed.refin

 Many of the vendors that you met and follow from the Junk Jubilee will be at Junk Bonanza...PLUS so many others!  You'll enjoy the creative energy, unique displays and festive atmosphere of the event.  Here's just a few of the items that'll be packed up and heading north with me.

Shakopee, Minn. is SW of Minneapolis and is a very E-Z drive, straight up I-35, then west.  Get you map or GPS ready to go.  See you next Thursday-Saturday, Sept. 15th-17th...booth 310/Side Building

Go PINK with B&R and CS508 in October

Go pink

With

Burlap & Roses

and Coffee Shop 508

October…10% B&R sales to  

Susan G Komen

Open Thurs-Sat 9-3

Thurs eve 5-8 &  Sunday 12-3

508 West St. New Virginia  515-238-7720  

http://shopkeeper508.blogspot.com

Closed Sept. 15-18th

It's feeling like fall out there today!

How was your weekend?  Did you have to Labor or were you lucky enough to have a long weekend?  I hope the later.  A day off is good for the soul...attitude...well being.  My family hosted a family reunion and it was wonderful.  The wind put a bit of a damper on the fun and festivities...and my decorating ambitions, but, overall...it was successful. 

One of the reasons I wanted to do the reunion was a spin off of a slumber party I had with my aunts a couple of years ago.  I had written questions down that I wanted to ask...to "get to know them" for posterity.  So much has been lost through the generations and I wanted to get it written down.  The aunts loved it and so did I.  At my cousin's get-together last fall, I shared the questions/answers with them...and, they too, loved it.

So, we did a mini version with four generations present.  Young and old alike sat in a large circle and the questions were directed to the "elders" in the group.  I think we all learned something new through this.  It's something that I hope to continue...while we can ask and those amongst us can answer. 

I encourage you to do this, too.  If you're needing help getting started, Burlap & Roses carries Table Topics, conversation starters.  You'd be surprised by the interest level of the teens and twenty somethings.  It's their history.  The elders enjoy reminiscing and those in between get to share and learn, too.  Versions for friends, dinner parties are available, too.  A great gift!

This past weekend at Burlap & Roses was one of the funnest I think I've had.  Several new customers came in and I was excited by the creative energy of one group.  They found many items for "projects".  They are just getting their biz up and running.  Can't wait to see what they do with their finds.  I met a gal who stopped in on her way for a bike ride~starting at Burlap & Roses, where she fueled herself with a delicious muffin and coffee, bought a cute t-shirt, before heading to the bike trail at Martensdale and onto Des Moines and back to Burlap & Roses to get her car.  I sent her a message and she replied that she had made it home safely.  I thought about her several times during the afternoon and evening.

Saturday brought in three sisters who I enjoy immensely.  Becki emailed to reserve a table for three for lunch.  She asked if I was ready for the Brommel Girls.  I replied, "always ready for some Brommel Girl's Happiness." 

I'm living my dream...it wouldn't be possible without the encouragement, support and most of all my customers!  I do not neglect or take this fact for granted.  Thanks one and all.

I'm enjoying the creative energy as I prep for Junk Bonanza

Just a couple short weeks and I'll be on my way to my second vending experience at the Junk Bonanza.  I'm so excited to return to this venue with my wares.  I've been busy...

https://www.facebook.com/notes/junk-bonanza/vendor-profile-burlap-roses/10150341885846208

Here's a sample of two of my projects...

If you haven't already done so, I encourage you to pick up a copy of the newest Flea Markety Style magazine...
 It's filled with inspiration and ideas and lots and lots of eye candy.

Hope to see you at the Junk Bonanza, Sept. 15th-17th.

In the meantime, Burlap & Roses and Coffee Shop 508 are open for business.  Thurs-Sat. 9-3, Thurs. evening 5-8 and Sunday noon to 3.

Please note that B&R and CS508 will be closed this Sunday, Sept. 4th to spend some time with family at a reunion at our farm. 

The shops will be closed Sept. 15th-17th while I'm at the Bonanza.

To follow B&R/CS508, please "LIKE" Burlap & Roses on Facebook.

Have a fun and safe Labor Day.  

REMINDER...B&R will be CLOSED

Please remember, Burlap & Roses and Coffee Shop 508 will be closed Sunday, September 4th.  Have a safe and fun Labor Day on Monday...

Tag, Red Rover, London Bridge...

Sweetness. Thursday evening, as I left Burlap & Roses, the neighborhood kids were out playing in their yard. Squeals of laughter could be heard. It reminded me of the many games of tag, Red Rover and London Bridge, I and my cousins would play when we all gathered at my Great Grandma Breton's. I cherish all of it!

I prefer "Vintage Chic"

Rachel Ashwell coined the phrase, "Shabby Chic", thus giving a name to a style of decorating that I have come to believe describes a "homegrown" lifestyle decorating theme.  I prefer the phrase, "Vintage Chic"...taking those memories of our past, memories of grandma's house, a favorite aunt or family friend, and tangibly replicating them in our homes.

gr. aunt ada and me ca '62

Maybe it's a time-worn quilt, now made into an overstuffed pillow, the cup and saucer grandma sipped from, an old pastoral photo of sheep grazing~a memory of Aunt Ada. Maybe it's a cookie jar, a lamp you read by, a postcard you received...faded fabric, overstuffed chairs, wicker on the wrap porch, birdhouses and birdsong, picket fences, yard games, pretty dishes, a garden rhapsody.  Whatever it is, it conjures up those comfortable, cozy feelings we're reminded of.  Now, we want them in our present and our future...

"Vintage Chic"~old or new items (successfully made to look old) is a relaxed, comfortable and familiar style of living~unpretentious and inviting...but always very CHIC.  Beth Cort-Voltmer 2003

You've acquired a vintage cottage/cabin...how would you decorate it?

I'm readying my mind for the upcoming Junk Bonanza in Shakopee, Minn., middle September.  Planning and pickin' as I get the chance.  What's hot now in the VINTAGE home?  Decor? Trends?  Colors?  I love it!  I know what sold last year...will the same kind of things sell this time?  I'll go with a variety of merchandise for a variety of decorating styles.  Burlap & Roses offers that kind of thing, too, and it's very favorable to those who visit the shop.

We had the pleasure of spending a few days in Okoboji, Iowa, this past weekend and got to do a bit of "pickin" at the nice antique shops.  Found a couple "just for me" contacts, too.  We even hit a few garage sales on  Highway 141 on the way up.  By the way, this annual garage sale event, which goes for miles has really grown since I attended the first one years ago.

As I was going about the pickin' part, I began with this thought and also posed this question on the Burlap & Roses Facebook page:

You have just acquired a vintage cabin/cott​age on a cool, vintage lake...how​ do you decorate it?  (Please go to my FB page, by clicking on the link above, "LIKE" it, and answer the question for yourself.)

So, that's how I'm going about this venture.  So far, six people have chosen:  Cottage Style; 3 for Rustic Vintage Cabin; and one chose, Beechy Keen.  What would you choose?  If you're planning to go to the Bonanza, what will you be looking for?  

So far, in my arsenal, I have an assortment of typography, some kitschy decor, a few vintage signs and more...I'm having a blast.  Check out the Junk Bonanza website, just click on the link above and start following their page and blog.  While you're there, register for the drawing for the Junk Bonanza Giveaway, too.  

Autumn Cottage...a real "got to have" publication

I was so excited to pull my issue of this bookazine out of the mailbox.  From the cover to the back, it's eye candy for the heart and soul of us who love all things home, family, entertaining and AUTUMN.  

Enjoy! 

Click here to go straight to the order page at Hoffman Media.
http://www3.mailordercentral.com/hoffmanmedia/prodinfo.asp?number=HM-AUTCOTTAGE-11

Guest Chef at Burlap & Roses

Next weekend, I'll be taking a couple days off.   BUT, Coffee Shop 508 and Burlap & Roses will be open as usual.

Thursday and Friday, I'll be there.

On Saturday, guest chef, Lois Stanley, will be there...if you've had any of Lois' catering, you know you're in for a treat. If not, trust me, she's a good cooker! 

Courtney Stanley , will be manning the shop on Saturday and Sunday. ON SUNDAY, the coffee shop will be closed.

Please plan to come in and say "hello" to these gals, have a cuppa, lunch, or see what is available at Burlap & Roses and Coffee Shop 508.

Tricked out apartment...Burlap & Roses style

Our youngest daughter graduated from college last December and acquired full-time employment at Honey Creek Resort  on Lake Rathbun near Centerville, Iowa, where she had interned the previous summer.  

Excitement ensued as she and I spent a couple days apartment shopping.  We found the perfect place and Mackenzy graciously let me trick out her apartment with items from Burlap & Roses... and a few pieces from home, too.  

Her main room is one open area, so we set out to make a couple "defined" areas.  Above left, we set up a small bar area, complete with the once "used as a check out counter" cabinet.  One side has doors to hold extra supplies and an area for mixing drinks.  On top, we added a vintage tablecloth, folded into a triangle shape in the red/black and cream color scheme.  Two black iron stools offer add'l seating when entertaining guests.  The wall board in the back was picked up at a garage sale Mackenzy and I went to years ago.  It's the perfect backdrop for the "bar" area and she's personalized it with her photos and art.  

In the living area, a loveseat, slip covered in cream, signifies the seating area.  The side and coffee tables came from Burlap & Roses, New Virginia.  The black armoir has been used in various places in our home, and is a great addition to the living room in the apartment.

In the photo to the left, on what was a huge blank white wall, we hung a vintage, handmade quilt, which warmed up the space and gave it a punch of color...which was needed.  


The magazine rack came out of inventory, too.  the pillows were re-used from home.

In the picture to the right, the artwork, tweaked by repainting what was pink and changing it to a deep red and then using glitter on the mouth, makes for a unique and modern look to the otherwise, vintage pieces.  Below the painting, another piece from the inventory at Burlap & Roses.

Mackenzy utilizes a black Love Sac chair and a leopard patterned butterfly chair for additional seating. 

A vintage red faux leather chair can be brought to the seating area if more is needed.  Otherwise, it sits just outside the opening to her kitchen.  On the other side of the doorway, Mackenzy has situated another black iron stool with her laptop computer stand...another great "spot" for her when she's working on her photography, chatting on FB or surfing the net.                                          

Moving on to her bedroom area, a vintage iron bed, bedside tables, lamps and small loveseat make their home in this space.  Blending vintage and new, Mackenzy found the bedspread (first) and everything else just matched up perfectly.

The side table and magazine rack are from Burlap & Roses

This dresser made its way to a small alcove in the corner.  This piece, too, has been in use throughout the years in our home.  Painted cream and shabbied up, it's stood the test of time.

Mackenzy's middle name is Grace, named after her Great Grandma Grace, who passed away just 4 days before she was born.  These vintage letters were just the right thing for the built in shelf at the landing of the stairway.  She's added other pieces around it and it's turned out to be a real cute area. 

The apartment turned out so cute and is just perfect for Mackenzy's laid back, comfortable and inviting style.  She's quite at home there and it's a great place to come home to.  Being thrifty is in, quite charming and definitely offers a unique and customized style, and is INSPIRING.  

Do you have an INSPIRED space to share?  Please share your photos with me and your story at:  myfrontporch4500@yahoo.com.  I may feature you in one of my future blog postings.