She Wins Silver!

I deserve a medal (or is that metal?) for this score at a second hand store in Belleville.  I bought a beautiful, vintage sterling SILVER and abalone bracelet made in Mexico yesterday (I bought it yesterday, it wasn't made in Mexico yesterday).  Yea, as Mike from American Pickers would say, "I popped on that for $9!"  As I like to say "SCORE!"  I got the bracelet (along with a few other small items) at the same place I got the $30 saddle a couple weeks ago - The Hilltop Corner Emporium in Belleville.  The shop is located in the old train depot at 732 South Illinois.  If you want to check their hours before going up there or you have any questions for them, give them a call at 235-8481.  They carry both clothing and household items but I gravitate towards the household, including limited furniture.  Clothes, shoes, purses and some accessories were 1/2 off when I went today but I'm not sure how long that sale lasts.  Oh, and things that don't sell after an amount of time are reduced to 1/2 off.  I don't advise waiting though, if you love something, 'cause it'll be gone when you go back.

A Swimmingly Great Idea!

Isn't this the cutest door!  And look close at the wall pocket vase that those flowers are in!  Yes, that's right, look close - ITS A SWIM FIN!  Painted yellow with black polka dots.  I was driving down Main Street in my little town and did a double take when I saw this.  The homeowner always has the most fun, cute and creative seasonal displays in front of her house and on her door.  But this one was the most novel I've seen.  It just goes to show how far a little creativity can go. You've got to try a little out of the box thinking and see what you come up with.  And this one is definitely not an expensive endeavor into creativity.  How much, or should I say, how little, could you pick one of these up for at a yard sale!  Just had to share!

THE WOODEN LADDER

A new shop has opened in Fairview Heights.  It's The Wooden Ladder located at 58 Commerce Lane.  That's next to Hooter's (I'm not even going to make a comment) and across from Weekends Only.  What a great shop.  A little of this, a little of that.  And a lot of creativity.  They describe themselves as selling Crafts, Antiques and Gifts.

I'll elaborate on how I'd like to describe them.  The vibe is pretty crafty and geared towards primitives.  But its a 2011 crafty, not a 1990s crafty.  Sure, there's a few "old fashioned" crafty items from the "old days"(and there's still people out there that like those kind of things) but there's a lot of "fresh", new items, like you'll find in some boutiques and on etsy.  And I LOVE that!  Wonderful, useful and unique antiques to incorporate into your decor can be found.  And I found a lot of them to be unusual items that you don't see at every other antique mall.

I also like that its not set up as an antique mall but instead in vignettes and departments.  Crafted children's hats and other kids items are displayed together, wonderful purses and totes are shown together, fall decor was up front and sprinkled throughout the store and there was even a "Man Cave" area. They also carry gourmet items such as Wind & Willow mixes, Fireside Coffee, Chef Ivo's award-winning products (Galena Canning Company) and King's Cupboard products. And gift items such as an array of candles, tart warmers and more.  Oh, and the jewelry, I loved the jewelry.  I will go back for the jewelry (among other things, but jewelry always calls to me).  So whether you are looking for seasonal decorations, metal yard art, home decor, a gift or just a little something to brighten your day, you'll find it here.  And check back often because the selection is ever changing, another thing I like about this store!  Got questions?  Give them a call at 618.394.2060.  They're open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (but closed on Tuesdays) and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

I love this metal bread box! Oh the uses I could find for it!

I have a wash tub like this, I think its time I put a coat of paint on it!  Too cute!

ITS ELEMENTARY (SIDEWALK SALE ALERT!)

Erika from Elements Off Main in Columbia shared with me today that she is holding a Sidewalk Sale this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m..  She's clearing out summer merchandise to make way for fantastic new fall arrivals.  There will also be discounts on jewelry and some gourmet foods.  You better show up early just to see what all she puts in the sale. Discounts will be up to 30 to 40% off!  And don't forget, even consignment items get marked down over time.  Consignment items that have been in the store for 30 days are 10% off and once they've been there 60 days they are 25% off.  But don't count on your favorite things sticking around that long.  If you see something you love, you better get it.  I have, more than once, waited, just to go back in and find my treasure is gone.  Sold out from under me!  And the consignment items are one of a kind finds!  So if you love it, then grab it!  And grab some great buys this weekend while you're at it!  Hey, and tell Erika I sent you!

Wonderful Hair Accessories I saw on my last visit!  These are not part of the sale.

Some jewelry will be on sale but not necessarily the shown pieces.

Art on the Bluffs Art Walk

Mark your calendars now!  Because one month from today is Columbia, Illinois' 3rd annual Art on the Bluffs Art Walk.  That's right, Saturday, October 1st from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. right on Main Street.  The length of the walk has been shortened and improved.  It now runs (or should I say walks) from the Ace Hardware parking lot to City Hall, about a third of the previous length.  Features of the walk include the Southern Illinois Artisans Guild with Alpacas, the Miliken Art Group, a Student Gallery, Kids' Walk, over 40 artists booths and music by Second Sojourn, Zydeco Crawdaddy's, the Rockhoppers and a jazz band.  A trolley will pick up guests and take them to visit the Schumaker School House and to a tour of the Miller-Fiege Home on Main Street.  For more information and to see a list of artists with examples of their works visit their website at www.artonthebluffs.com.  I'll post some of my finds at the art fair after the event!