BRICK & MORTAR - vintage shopping

In a little town called New Westminister here in the Greater Vancouver area
we have a new vintage shop that goes by the name


New Westminister really isn't a little town but it is one of the oldest.


From the street you are welcomed with fragrant flowers and wonderful window displays.


Many ppl go antiquing in the shops along Front Street,
but Brick & Mortar Living is just around the corner on Begbie Street



The shop is filled with Rediscovered treasures,
and hand made items.


I personally adore this cherry blossom print and have similar photos stored away
in my files. Maybe one day I will be have one of my own to hang on the wall.


It is one of those places you just love to look around at all the creative ideas
and enjoy the atmosphere before you take a little piece home with you.


And I'll tell you a secret ...
the prices are good too.


If you look closely in the picture above
you can see George in the mirror having a chat with the Jenn, the shop owner.


Does this give any of you ladies ideas?


Before I go, let me share a little mental picture that makes my laugh when I think about it.
It includes a vintage typewriter used as a planter (yes Elisa it's your story)
If you take a typewriter such as this one below and use it as a planter it looks extremely charming
but do you also realize every child in the vicinity will still hit the keys but now dirt goes flying everywhere.
I just had to share that in the hopes you can visualize it.


When you stop in to see Jenn at Brick & Mortar Living be sure to mention I sent you.


Here is a link with the store's address and hours:




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THE LIONS DESK - my desk


My new desk started with several broken or missing legs when I bought it.
I was able to removed what was there and repaired
what I could and these legs will be used for another project.


I've had a set of amazing antique claw feet waiting for just the right project,
(you can see them below)
what better project than my own shabby chic curvy white desk.



The desk wasn't a priority to work on as I had other furniture to get finished.
But then out of the blue I had a complete day of no creativity.
My Mojo was just gone!
It was unnerving, unsettling, and can you imagine how hard it was for George to be around me!
And what I mean is not a lazy day watching movies, I mean 0 creative ability yet tonnes of mess made.


Fortunately the next morning I was running full speed and created something unexpected.


I started working on this poor vanity piece that had it's legs cut short.
The pictures are deceiving, it is only 22 inches high.
I built a shelf display to add to the top with the intent it would be another great kitchen piece.


It looked good but I found there was a disconnect between the 2 pieces in style.
I white washed the back boards just before bring it in because of an impending rain storm. 


The only available place to put it while it was inside was on the new desk I was waxing.
In that moment we both stood back and agreed they belong together, and we were keeping it.


To read about how I add legs click here: 

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Stop into FIRSTFINDS HARDWARE STORE to see
if we have any vintage hardware for your next project.

CLICK EACH PHOTO FOR MORE INFORMATION
       
CLICK EACH PHOTO FOR MORE INFORMATION  
       


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THE BIRTHDAY CHAIR - antique white chair


I finished painting and upholstering that green vintage desk chair
I showed you last week. It was done for a special little girl's birthday.


I have a lot of ppl ask if upholstery is easy,
my answer is usually always the same.
It is the tear down that is horrible.


You are dealing with rusty staples and tacks, and this chair had been
re-upholstered before, making it almost impossible to get all the old staples out.
I actually used an angle grinder to deal with most of them. (don't do this at home)
Sometimes you also find animal hair, grass, cotton, and burlap,
all of which are dusty and dirty. So this is not my favorite thing to do.


Once I get past all that and start to rebuild, repaint, and reupholster
I find it fun!




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MY APOTHECARY CABINET - painting on glass







I created this wonderful
Apothecary cabinet from an unwanted piece of furniture.

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THIS LADY KNOWS WHAT SHE'S DOIN - apothecary cabinet


I'm Here, I'm Here!
Let the bells ring out and the banners fly.
I've had an extreme makeover and I'm looking marvelous.


We had a long road together getting each element finished just right.
Sometimes I just didn't understand her vision and wouldn't cooperate with what she wanted.


It was a vision of beauty.




I hear that next time she's gonna show more pictures
of how we created this look together.

UPDATE
here is the link to see more about this transformation:
The graphic is available here:





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FIXING FLAWS - sigaut table


While working on this cute table I got a call from someone looking for a cute table,

  
so needless to say this table found it's new home right away.


When I first saw the table, there was nothing wrong with it ... so I thought!

BEFORE
But when I started to work with the table I realized how wobbly it was.
It really was not safe to put a lamp or other breakable items on.
Upon further inspection I found it unscrewed into more pieces than expected.

That including 3 individual legs, the leg connector, the center post, and finally the top.



There seemed to be a design flaw with how loose the legs fit into the connector,
causing the table to weeble wobbled all over.



So I fixed it and took photos to share with you how it was done.

First of all I would always suggest putting screws in a discreet or hidden area but
this time around the strongest fit was going to be out in the open.


It is always best to pre-drill and counter sink your screws.


Wood glue is amazingly strong ... so if you got it, use it!


I used 3" wood screws that go right through to hold the leg on the opposite side.



Then all you have to do is fill over the screw heads, sand and paint.



Nice and sturdy now.

And to keep you in the loop of what is coming



I'm working with a 1930's china cabinet, this one is taking some time because my ideas are grand,
 an antique desk chair for a birthday girl, and this fabulous desk shown below. 


Special THANK YOU to Darcie for the heads up on this desk.


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