Have fun with packaging

While at the shop yesterday, I had a bit of fun with packaging.  It's all in the presentation sometimes.  And, oft times, the recipient will get two gifts in one.

Metal boxes are all the rage for the vintage~repurposing follower.  Once used as cash boxes, for tools, fishing paraphernalia, and more, they are now found stacked, as art, holding supplies: paint brushes, glitter, buttons, and more.  Here is a red, a bit rusty and crusty metal box that I tied an animal print sash on.  I had some filler in the back room, filled the box, then added some 'gifty' items for a nice gift that keeps on giving.

 I gathered up all the vintage coffee tins and jars, put together the dry ingredients for coffee cake and put it inside the container.  I then tied the directions to complete the cake on and walla...another great gift that keeps on giving. Perfect for the coffee cconnoisseur in your life.  These are ready made and available at Burlap & Roses.
 
Vintage gift boxes make sweet packaging for anyone.  We offer many nice things at Burlap & Roses that will fit perfectly in these colorful and fun boxes.  

Our wine selection from Summerset Winery is a huge hit.  Paired with our Monk's Meadow dip and dessert mixes, any hostess or person on your gift list will be delighted when they open their package.

Lastly, the paperwhite bulbs have been planted in various containers and make lovely, lovely gifts.  They are sprouting and should bloom at the end of December.  They will last for a couple of weeks and will rebloom year after year.  The containers can be used throughout the year for other things.  Another great gift.

We look forward to assisting you with your holiday gift giving.
 

OPEN BLACK FRIDAY...SMALL BIZ SATURDAY

and~SUNDAYS 1-4 Thru Dec. 16th

Living your life...your way.

Today, Jane Pauley did a segment on the Today show about 'reinventing' your life after 50.  

Yesterday, at Burlap & Roses, a customer came in, a very attractive woman, I'd say in her upper 50's to low 60's.  She has the kind of silver/white hair that is silky, thick and gorgeous...the color and style that is in vogue these days.  She was telling me that her dream is to have a museum show-casing vintage hats.  They just purchased an acreage with a building that her husband told her she could now have her 'dream' museum.  She walked out the door saying, "it's just 25 years too late; I hope I live long enough".  A hint of bitterness in her voice.  I say, GET ON WITH IT AND DO IT!  She's most definitely not too old and a true picture of health.

Her final comment to me, paired with Jane Pauley's segment today, brings me to this blog post today.  Don't let it become too late to follow your dream...make your own path, live your life...your way.

Later today I will head to a show, Junk Jubilee Jingles, where I will be a vendor.  I will be joined by other 'like-minded' souls who I've come to know through this venue and other similar ones.  As I've been pondering this subject, I've come to realize that most of us are in our mid to late 40's to mid 50's.  Most, I imagine started living their life~their way, after the kids were raised and on their own.  If I questioned them, they'd most likely tell me, "wish I would have done it sooner".  Me, being one of them, totally agree!!!

We go through life getting done what needs to be done for everyone around us.  Most of us happily raised our family, worked at a career that paid the bills, had some benefits, and paid vacation.  It's what we do, it's what we did.  However, the first chance I had to try this gig...with nothing else to get in the way...I took it and have not looked back.  

Had I done it back then it might not have worked so well.  Family obligations came first, as they should.  But, I'm so glad I'm getting a second chance at living a life that is inspiring and creative and fulfills me...my person.  

Here's to my Junking friends.  Those who's hearts sing and burst with love for all things old, chippy, scrappy, shabby and glittered.  To those of us determined to bring life and beauty back to something most would throw away.  We're the ones that keep the past alive, we're keepers of memories, we're living our dream!  Living our life...our way!

Closing early

Burlap & Roses will be closing early Thursday, November 15th at 2:00 p.m.  We will be open regular hours Friday and Saturday, the 16th and 17th.  Sunday, November 18th, will be the start of our 

Sunday Holiday Hours  1:00-4:00 thru December 15th.  

Book Signing with Karen Weir-Jimerson, 

Sunday, November 18th from 1:00-4:00.

You have two opportunities to shop with Burlap & Roses this weekend.

at our Indianola location and at

Junk Jubilee Jingles

at the 4-H Building at the Iowa State Fairgrounds 

a pile of photos...

There is just something so very special about holding a pile of photos in your hand; a history. memories. longevity.

I've been thinking about this allot lately and then my mom called and asked for some photos of my grandchildren; her greats.  I don't have any 'in hand'.  They are all on the computer.  
 

I, alone, have sat for countless hours looking through family photos.  My grandmother's photo album of choice was a top drawer in a built in cabinet in her hallway.  My mom's...a drawer in a dresser.  My own photos have been relegated to a light blue plastic tote.  Not many in photo albums for any of us.  

We have family gatherings a few times a year and family photos always show up for memory making.  I love to hear the stories that one simple black and white or faded photo conjure up.   Passed from hand to hand, we all look at the photo, recollect our own memories or sit and listen as the story is told.  Who's who?  How are they related?  Where are they now?  

So, here is what my concern is:  will sitting around a computer, looking at photos, hold the same charm?  I don't think so...not for me anyway.  And, I want for my family, the wonderful feeling of holding a black and white or faded photo in their hand; passing it from one person to the other.  One generation to another.  I want them to be able to enjoy the hours spent, going through family photos;  to be able to enjoy a story as a photo is being passed from person to person.  

So, every now and then, I will pick out photos in my online albums and send away for prints.  Forgetting that I ordered them, a couple days later, I'm pleasantly surprised when I find a Kodak package in my mailbox.  I stop, right then and there, and flip through the photos.  a history. memories. longevity.

Can you help us out...we've entered Burlap & Roses into a contest for a grant sponsored by myentre.net, the State of Iowa and DMACC.

Just click on this link and press the VOTE button.  http://www.myentre.net/busProfile/tabid/95/Default.aspx?entry=541

Thanks for your help!

Beth and Denette

Note upcoming closed days at B&R

In preparation of our holiday open house, A Festive Affair, Burlap & Roses will be closed Tuesday, Oct. 30th thru Thurs., Nov. 1st AND re-opening in all our holiday glitz on Friday, November 2nd. Please make plans to attend our holiday open houses.

my morning went like this...

I woke up bright and early, got the coffee started and waited for the hubs to get ready for work.  Every other Friday he's either off or goes in an hour later.  I was looking forward to sharing a cup of Joe with him on our porch.  The weather has been so mild these past few days, so getting to do this, on a cool morning at 6:30, was a lovely thought.

view towards town

We live in the middle of 400 acres of crop, pasture and CRP ground.  Not all of it is ours, but it did belong to Steve's family at one time.  Literally, the house was built right in the middle.  With no homes or buildings to cloud our view for 1/2 miles in any direction, it's just us and the wildlife.  And, we savor that...a whole lot.

This morning, our dog, Callie was digging in and under our porch...for what, who knows.  But something was keeping her attention.  It wasn't long and a bunny hopped past.  It brought a smile to our faces.  Callie could care less about the rabbits that roam here, but, the rabbit doesn't know that.  It was cautious, would hop, hop, hop.  Stop. Look over it's shoulder then start the process again.

Out of the corner of Steve's eye he saw the bunny playing in the grass at the spot where our yard joins the hay field.  It was joined by another one. I turned to watch.  They were so cute.  I've never seen bunnies play like they were.  They literally were 'playing'.  I can't even begin to describe what they were doing, but it consisted of hops, side jumps, one over the other.  It made for a pleasant chuckle.

Steve left and I continued my morning on the porch, my 'just right' coffee on the table beside me,  magazine in my hand.  Callie continued her pursuit of whatever, and a movement near the corn field caught my eye.  A coyote.  It visits quite often.  A lone 'wolf' so to speak.  Callie had not caught site or scent of it.  Again, the coyote didn't know this and was very apprehensive.  A few quiet steps, a look, a few steps more.  Finally, he was far enough away to be safe and trotted off.

the winning hummer

One of the most joyous of joys are the birds the flit here and there around the house.  We have three hummingbirds that keep us entertained.  This morning was no exception.  They are quite territorial I've decided and fight over the sweetened water at the feeder we provide.  Now, there are six spigots for these little darlings, but they just don't get along.  Did you know they make a noise?  Not the buzz of their wings, another sound.  News to me!

and rain came down...flowers danced

In the distance, the thunder clapped, the clouds rolled in and the scent of rain filled the air.  THAT~is a great scent.  Believe me, we need the rain.  Then the wind picked up and I came inside.  The rains came down and it was beautiful...and my morning went like this!

even the wildflowers...

Even the weeds, or wildflowers, if you prefer, seem

to be breathing a sigh of relief today.

 The weeds grow in the dead of the heat.

 Queen Anne's Lace is just that...regal and delicate.  So pretty billowing in the breeze.

In the midwest, we are enthralled with muchmilder temps today.  We need rain badly.   Things seem to be drying up in front of our eyes.  But, the flowers, weeds or wild, are delightful and are thriving.  Giving us a pleasant view to while away the hours.

Enjoy!

taking some much needed time away

We left home early Thursday morning.  Destination:  St. Joe, Mo.  

A wedding on Saturday in Maryville, Mo., gave us an opportunity to take a couple days ahead of the event to take some time off.  I have met some of the most delightful, creative and energetic women through  

Burlap & Roses, as well as, Junk Bonanza, Junk Jubilee and FACEBOOK.  Several of them have shops/studios in the St. Joe area, so we headed that direction to camp and get away.  First stop, Kum & Go for gas and a diet Pepsi...of course!

 On the road again, we headed down I-35 to Hwy. 2.  Mt. Ayr and Peggy Sue's diner was planned for brunch.  It did not disappoint.  The town itself is pretty darn nice and the preservation of it's architectural and historical attributes is awesome.  Enjoy these photos of just a few of the stand-outs.

On the road again, we traveled south commenting on the crops (they're looking poorly) the heat and cattle in the ponds, the kids, the grands and various other topics.  I usually read, read and read some more on our travels, but not this time.  I guess we needed this.  Steve told me later he wanted to tell me to be quiet for awhile...but, he, being himself, did not and just let me talk.  

We stayed at a pretty nice little camp ground on the outskirts of St. Joe.  AOK Campground.  Just a simple little place, with a nice pond...catch -n- release only and a super nice pool.  It was sooo terribly hot, that we didn't enjoy the 'camping' like we enjoy (fires in the evening, relaxing outdoors, etc).

Thursday evening took us to Claudia G's home...one of the most gracious and kind people I've met in a long time, Claudia G. of Just Claudia Vintage Design. 

and her hubs Rick, treated to an awesome meal and tour of their lovely home and Claudia's inspiring studio.  She lives and decorates in her artistic style...she once told me she describes it as 'barn glam'.  Enjoy these photos.

 

Friday took us to Leavenworth, Kansas and Weston, Mo., where we visited in the shops of a few more of my junkin' gal pals, Stacy McGowen of Candle Queen Candles, Artistic Works by Lu (she's orig. from Iowa) and Fancy with Cactus Creek.  Lots of energy, excitement and enthusiasm for their own success, as well as, others.  Enjoy these photos.

 

If you find yourself in the area, please check these shops out.  Claudia sets up at a monthly market in K.C.  Follow her on FB for dates and times.  

Thanks, to my hubs who lets me indulge in all of this.  He enjoyed his time at a couple of farm stores, bought a couple of cigars in a cool smoke shop and just did his thing...he's great that way!  Love him!

Oh, and if you're hungry, Luigi's in Leavenworth is a real treat.

 

The weekend ended on a high note with a beautiful bride and the pleasure of being with family at the hotel...it was great!

A cup is worth a thousand memories and more.

it's just a simply striped cup, but the memories it holds will be cherished for a lifetime.  it's funny what a little cup can do for the memory.  

my hubs and i enjoy sipping our coffee from a variety of cups we've picked up on our travels.  when picking one out, i first look for the one that 'strikes my fancy' because of color, the artwork or a saying.  then, it has to feel 'just right' in my hand.  the feel good weight and grip.  the hubs, well, he doesn't really care about all of that and just goes with whatever i've picked out for him.  but, we have reminisced about a special time or place that a particular cup has evoked...much like a song would do, many times.


today, over coffee and readying my mind for the day, i'm enjoying my cup of joe in the cup pictured above.  a gift from my aunt loretta.  she gave these out as party favors at a recent birthday lunch for her sis, and my aunt, mary.  the cup couldn't fit my hand and fulfill the just right 'good weight and grip' in my hand any better.  and, the memories it evokes, with each soothing sip, is worth a thousand memories and more...



 

Vintage Chair Decorating Contest

Back by popular demand, Vintage Chair Decorating Contest.  Saturday, July 28th during the Balloon Classic Open Air Market on The Square in Indianola.  

Prior year entry

Pre-registration required.  $20.00 entry fee, People's Choice, 1st, 2nd, 3rd place judged by local artists/personalities.

Call 515-238-7720 for more information.









Prior year entry

the field was humming with bee song

The fields were humming with bee song

I wanted to take my book and read here

Hotel Melcher...oh what stories it could tell

spring and all it's glory...baby lambs not far from momma

Take the backroad...

 The road less traveled is the one I like the best

 Grazing beauties

left, but memories are not forgotten

A Sunday Back Roads Kinda Day

We woke up early had a cup of coffee and took a little nap.  I woke up energized after 15 minutes...with one thing on my mind.  This was a Sunday Back Roads kinda day.

I asked the hubs if he was interested and he liked the idea, too.  Within a short time, we were ready to go.  Heading west, south, then southwest...it was gravel all the way~destination Creston, Iowa.  No map, just a general idea of where we needed to head to "get there".  

I love Sunday drives and taking the backroads is even better.  We hadn't done this for a long, long time.  I honestly was excited.  The following is our day in pictures.

Mt. Pisgah Monument & Park

Log Cabin Homestead at site

Monument to those who lost their life at this site

Creston School Library several weeks after the tornado hit...notice the books.

Unknown structure~two or three damaged, all around not a bit of damage

Sun Valley Lake...will our dream of owning a lake home come true?

A Llama sunbathing.  Steve was amazed at this site

We rounded out our drive with a stop to see our granddaughter before she went home.  She rode her new bike for us...first time!  Daddy, Abbie or mommy couldn't 

get her to do it.  Oh, the magic of Grammie and Grampie!

A gloriously delightful day ended with a glass of Moscato, a mozzarella, cherry 

tomato and avocado salad, good Italian bread and my hubs by my side~
ahhhhh, my day is complete.

Have a blessed week ahead!

We're moving again...but just next door, on THE CORNER

Our new digs are coming together nicely.

We'll be opening the doors to our "new" location...right next door, exactly on the SE Corner of The Square-Indianola, Iowa.  

It's gardening time and you're gonna find some fun things to add to your garden, the garden shed, or a garden themed patio, deck or room.

We're gonna be adding to our gift lines, too.  Coffee, dips, spreads and drink mixes.

Hope you have a great day!

Burlap & Roses closed info

Burlap & Roses is open today and Friday, April 26th-27th, 10-5...THEN, we'll be closed Saturday (Beth will be at Junk Jubilee Fri-Sun) the 28th thru Friday, May 4th, while we make the move to The CORNER...right next door.  Bigger and better!  See you at the shop or at Junk Jubilee.

Vintage TV

 

I awoke early today and while catching up on Facebook and email, Family Affair

came on.  Took me right back to my childhood.

Then, My Three Sons, came on.  Another childhood fav.  

Was it a simpler time?

 

toes in the sand...iowa...march 25th

little fingers and toes gettin' a feel for the sand

can you believe this was taken on march 25th...in iowa?

a beautiful day spent at the beach~pond with my grandbabies

daughter and son's girl.  purely delightful.