Month: June 2011

Everybody loves a good before and after shot, right??!!  So, I thought we should start a new series called “Before and After”.  I know, i know…your wondering how i thought of such an incredibly original name.  Well, we wouldn't want to give away our secrets now, would we.

Onward.  The following post is brief and simple, but is not for the faint of heart.  All you natural wood lovers should probably not read on, and if you do, we can not be held responsible for any health risks the following photos may pose.

A simple chair make-over.

BEFORE:

I know what your thinking.  The wood and rush seating are in perfect shape.  Now why would I want to go and change anything.  Well, quite frankly I was bored…bored stiff, so i decided to add some color.

AFTER:

A little crazy, I know.  This color is obviously not for everyone, but boy do they look different, don't they.  A few bucks later and you've got some colorful, updated chairs that are ready for a new home.

And remember that little yellow outdoor set I posted about yesterday?  Well I snapped a photo of it in it's new home.  So happy and sun shiny.

So, hopefully I've motivated you to look at your old furniture in a new way.  A little bit of paint goes a long way.

Cheers to a vintage life well lived.

Jessica and Julie

Have you ever been??  I went for the first time this weekend and it was pure delight.

I'm sort of kicking myself for not taking more pictures because this sweet little town was worthy of a lengthy photo shoot.  Every store sign was distressed and vintage in character.  Even the local firetrucks had the town name hand painted on them.  If we were able to spend the night I definitely would have stayed at Camp Wandawega.  So much history in this little town.  I love rural America.  I guess all the more reason to return, right?!

The main reason for my visit was to visit the ever-so-famous Elkhorn Flea Market which is the mecca of all flea markets in the midwest.  There was no junk to be seen…only fantastic treasures to be found.  Here are a few iphone photos from the day.  Actually, my intention was to shoot beautiful photos of all the fantastic stuff I saw throughout the day, but when it came time to leave, i realized I hadn't taken any photos, so these were taken in the car, while my husband drove.  Still a great example of how fantastic the Elkhorn Flea Market is.

See that cute yellow vintage outdoor set?  That actually came home with us and is sitting on my back patio right now.  And I must say it's looking mighty swell in all of its vintage yellow glory.

Cheers to a vintage life well lived!

Jessica and Julie

Lately I've been obsessed with an online “pinning” community called Pinterest.  Are you in the know?

It's a great place to gather and collect images of anything you obsess/have interest in and share with others who are doing the same.  You can also follow other peoples “pins” and “repin” anything you fancy.

I'm a fanatic of all things design…mainly interior design scapes of any sort.

Here are a few of my recent “pins” i've categorized under “vintage spaces”.

I highly recommend checking out Pinterest, but just be careful…it's addicting.

If you don't currently Pinterest, but would like to, send me your email and i'll send you an invite.  You can go to the site directly and request a membership as well, but it can take a bit longer that way.

Happy Pinning and Cheers to a vintage life well pinned lived!

Jessica and Julie

At least in the form of mood lighting!  Check it out…

And if you've ever stepped into our store you know that things are constantly changing, and that includes the lighting as well.  No room is ever complete until you've added the essential element of lamps.  I have a slight lamp obsession (shhh, don't tell my husband), but i just feel that a room doesn't feel completely lived in and comfortable without a few good lamps.  Also, lamps are a quick, easy and inexpensive way to change the feel of a room (for those of you that get bored easily, like myself;).

But never fear!  There's still one more day of shopping left this week!

VIVA LA LAMP!!!

Cheers to a vintage life well lived.

Jessica and Julie

As we get ready for another fun weekend of shopping over at Gather and Collect, I wanted to leave you with some vintage inspiration.

This home is filled to the brim with vintage finds, collections of pottery, and color color color.  I love looking into the homes of collectors and thrift store junkies, like ourselves, because everyone has a different take on vintage.  There are no two homes alike.  Unlike buying from a catalog, vintage finds are difficult to find in mass, so most likely you'll be one of the select few to have any one object.  And really, it's all about the hunt!

For more information and photos of this home tour, click here.

Come and enjoy the hunt at Gather and Collect tomorrow, Friday and Saturday from 10-5.

In the meanwhile…

Cheers to a vintage life well lived!

Jessica and Julie

OK, so here you go folks!  A sneak peek as to what you might find in store this weekend.  Inventory turns over fast, so if there's something you might be interested in, don't delay.

But remember, if you just can't find the time to come in during our store hours, we are also open by appointment.  Just shoot us an email or give us a call.  We live local, so it's as easy as pie.  Seriously, no problem.

And don't forget we have a fantastic child area where children can play and be entertained while you shop.  I kid you not, your children will NOT want to leave.

We are open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10-5.

So…cheers to a vintage life well lived!  ting-ting!

Jessica and Julie

Do you read Design Sponge???  If not, you really should check it out.  Sometimes they have the most glorious house tours, and this time i hit the jackpot.

I mean seriously…this beautiful wallscape has me dreaming of simpler days.  And i'm always a sucker for some raw, nubby wood and metal against a crisp white backdrop.

Well, the daydream was nice even for just a moment.

For more photos of this glorious sneak peak, visit Design Sponge.

Hopefully we'll see some of you this weekend, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10-5.

Cheers to a vintage life well lived.

Jessica and Julie

Well, not us exactly.  But a couple of pieces from the store have.  And let me tell you, they are  living the highlife now.  No more crowded  store for them.  They've hit the big time, and we couldn't be more pleased.

First piece to go international was this lovely vintage italian tennis racquet, and the fit couldn't have been more perfect.  A nice italian family is taking mr. racquet back home to italy where he belongs.  Now isn't that a happy ending.

Unfortunately we were not as prepared and didn't get a photo of the second piece that went international with it's new owner.  But i will tell you it was a beautiful blue ceramic owl, and she is now happily settled with her new owner in Canada.  How fun is that.

We  love hearing about where our pieces are going and how they are being used.  So, if you have bought something from us and would like to send us a photo of it's current use, we would love to share them with our readers.  We are constantly searching for inspiration and love sharing inspiration with others as well.  So don't be shy and send us those photos.  info@gatherandcollect.com

Cheers to a vintage life well lived.

Jessica and Julie

It’s never to late to post some shop photos, is it???!!!  Well, life has been pretty hectic in our neck of the woods, so although we are just getting around to post some shop photos, we are still open one more day this week, so fear not.  Anyhow, isn’t it always better to be surprised with all our new finds when you visit the store in person (wink, wink).  Well, i say it’s better late than never…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alright, so that’s a brief taste tester of what we have in store.  Oh, and i’ve included a photo of Julie and I below.  Let it be known that this is probably one of the only photos you’ll see of us here on the interwebs.   Geez, we look like we could really use some sleep.  But what’s new, right??!!

 

Come on in for a visit and to see our sleepless eyes in person:)

Cheers to a vintage life well lived!

Jessica and Julie

We have some fun news we’d like to share with ya’ll.   Our friend, Martha from Opendoor Studio was featured over at the Etsy blog.  Her home is bright, happy, full of love, inspiring, creative and loaded with vintage finds.  Check it out and get ready to be inspired.

Get the look decor: Warehouse Chic

Story by Iheartmoustaches

Published on May 29, 2011 in Shop

Photo by opendoorstudio

This weekend’s Get the Look Decor is inspired by the 1920’s Cape Cod-style home of Martha Layton Smith, where she lives with her husband, three kids, cats and an old pup named Sadie. About 30 years ago, Martha’s home was put on wheels and moved to its current location in Warrenville, a small town about 30 miles outside of Chicago, where her family has lived happily ever since. Visit Martha on Flickr for more photos of her bright and cheery home.

Clockwise from top left: Vintage Decorative Urn from MossyRockInteriors; Mannequin Head from kimsco;Desk Chair in Blue Linen by LandLDesign;Rainbow Plumeria Painting by kauaiartist; French Vintage Settee Sofa from KelseyGraukeInterior; Pleated Turquoise Cushion Cover by pillow1.

Describe your home decorating style.
I call my style “warehouse chic,” a phrase I coined some years back. It all began when I was visiting my sister. As she cleaned out her garage I found a great old metal Shell gasoline sign. When I asked about it, she said she’d uncovered it while helping to clean up the Gulf in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. I then turned my attention to some old lube drums she was discarding, intrigued by their graphics and color. I thought they would make wonderful side tables. That was the beginning of my industrial style.

Clockwise from top left: Jumbo Wooden Candlesticks from BingoBox; By The Shore 8×8 Print byEllogovna; Vintage World Globe from zelda110; Original Large Floral Painting by marysworkshop; Large Plastic Letter S from vintagebutterfly94; Pheasant Upholstered High Back Arm Chair from VeriteVintage.

Where are your favorite places to shop for home items?
I have to be honest: I think the last time I set foot in a retail store to buy something “new” must have been about five years ago. I prefer flea markets (Elkhorn, Wisconsin is my favorite), antique shops and grabbing things from the curb. I may have worn the brakes off of my car stopping to collect things along the road. And of course, I love browsing Etsy vintage shops for great finds. I have purchased some unusual pieces from the nicest sellers around.

Clockwise from top left: Set of 7 drinking glasses from ModishVintage; 1940’s Fiestaware Pitcherfrom lisabretrostyle2; 8 Whistle for Your Drink Cocktail Stirrers from SilverCrow; Folksy Fruit Vintage Trim from Splinkville; Red 4 piece setting of Fiestaware from junquedujour; Chalkware Carnival Clown Bank from exploratorywonders.

What inspires you when it comes to decorating?
I am inspired by color: the brighter, the better. I love mixing in things you would not usually see in a home, like my oil drum tables or the industrial table I repurposed in my dining room, which proudly sits under a beautiful crystal chandelier that I paired with some folding chairs from an old camp town.

From left to right, starting at the top: Farmhouse table with benches by matthewholdren; Romantic Crystal Chandelier from sheriscrystals; Milk glass vases from FreeRangeGoat; Rustic Wooden Shelffrom TheVintageParlor; KEEP CALM recycled wood sign by WilliamDohman; Spartus Electric Backlit Mantel Clock from VintageShelfAndWall; Cram Enviro-sphere Globe from CopperAndTin; I AM Letterpress Woodblock Letter Set from driftingby; Egg basket pendant light from TibaultAndToad.

What is your favorite part about your home?
I love my family room; it’s where I create my artwork. It’s also where I display my collections of family snapshots, vintage painting supplies, old books, cameras and globes. I love my kitchen as well. I have to admit, I have photos of my parents and grandparents in their kitchens, and I have been meaning to enlarge them and hang them on the walls. I always remember the family gathering in the kitchens of days passed! Great memories of my childhood.

From left: Milk Glass Vase from spancyketosherosh; Orange and Yellow Bouquet by LKWeddingBouquet;Green Enamelware Teapot from vintagejudy.

Does your home hold any strong memories?
Oh yes! Almost everything in our home has a memory to be shared. I would love nothing more than to put on a pot of coffee and tell the rich stories of every object in my home. I love our bright surroundings! I believe people feel right at home here… I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Clockwise from top left: Arrows Set of 5 in Bright Colors by verlaivans; Rustic Tool Totefrom havenvintage; Eco Friendly Candle by GreenLeafCandles;Set of Wooden Candlesticks by theshabbychateau; Vintage tennis rackets from rustyvintage; Crown Imperial World Globe from 3CorneredMoon.

If you love your vintage with a splash of color, then you’ll definitely want to visit Martha’s Etsy shop, opendoorstudio, or stop by herblog for even more decorating tips and vintage inspirations. Martha is also the captain of the flourishing 1000+ member Vintage Etsy Society Street Team. Browse their team tag “vestiesteam” to find over 470,000 items for sale by its active members.

 

Now, wasn’t that fun!!

Check out her etsy store and blog for more inspiration.  I swear, that lady always keeps me on my toes.  That’s one of the greatest things about owning this little shop of ours.  We are constantly surrounded by such creative, inspiring people.

Cheers to a vintage life well lived.

Jessica and Julie