Fruit Basket Upset

Fruit Basket Upset...one of my favorite things to do at the shop...both of them, is to do a fruit basket upset and move everything around, give the merchandise a fresh look and placement. 

As I'm sitting here writing this, the photo to the left shows how torn up the place is.  Although I need the business, and my customers don't mind the messiness, I do hope I can get my act together before too many come in.  I get a bit embarrased.  So, you're probably wondering why I'm writing and not "doing"...well, I had a customer come in, took care of her purchase and was inspired to write this little update.  I'm a bit ADD...really!  What INSPIRES you today?  I encourage you to take a gander at the super inspiring home decor at Burlap & Roses boutique and home goods.  Spring is in the air...in here, anyway; )

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.

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

                                                  

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!

Doing what I love...makes all the difference

I've spent the last couple weeks up at my shop, Burlap & Roses...trying to restyle every last inch of it and freshen it up a bit.  It's a daunting task...ask my mom.  She came and got the kitchen area all spruced up.  It's ready to go!  Thanks, Mom!


In between rain drops, I moved everything out of the garden shed, power washed what I could, spritzing and spraying everything else.  It's a garden shed...you'll have to forgive me if it's not completely pristine.  I've neglected this area for the last couple of years.  It'll be so much more put together this season.  I can't wait for my "guests" to visit.

Prior to this year, 2011, I had another full-time career in real estate.  It was fun and fulfilling for me until about the last 4 years.  I've been in real estate for 15 years.  I decided to get out of the business right around December 1, 2010 and have not looked back.  The difficulty is always in making the final decision.  For 4 years, it weighed on me.  Once that was done, I was free to move on with my life and get down to the business of living my bliss.  


When I had responsibilities to the buyers and sellers, I had the pleasure to work with, it seemed like I was always running from here to there, always watching the clock, the cell phone, email and such; stressed to the gills and worrying that someone wouldn't think I was paying enough attention to them and their needs.  I "knew" I was, but it was always a concern that I had.  


As I work at the shop or at home on various projects for Burlap & Roses, I still find myself "heading to check on" one thing or another.  Then, as if a continual weight is lifted from my shoulders, I remember that I don't have to do that anymore.  I relax and remember that I'm doing all that I have to do now.  Following my BLISS, I continue on!  


I get inspired by many, many things.  People, places and things.  Mostly, I get inspired by the beautiful pictures of compelling vignettes, artistry and creativity of others in home decor magazines and now through the many "friends" I have made on Facebook.  Inspiration is found in some of the most amazing places, and sometimes, in just the simplest thing~


Doing what I love has made all the difference in my life.  I invite you to share with me in my journey.