Another great summer !

So much for keeping up my blog... Now that the shop has been put to bed for the winter season.. It's time to start my hunting season... So, I am working on apply Instagram photos to my blog with my Western living daughter Julie.. I think we should have it working by tomorrow.. By just touching on the badge symbol off to the one of the blog... Try hitting on it... It should bring you to photos and adventures during the winter...

Another weekend of cold weather..

It seems spring is finding it difficult to appear.. Being a weekend after May 24 it is a little quite around the town.. But I did welcome some of my American Customers back, being it was their long weekend. My big black number chair has departed the shop to a good home. Which left a small space  in my black section of the store.. No worries.. I  just  went to my workshop where another piece was waiting.. Picture to follow.   . Today being Monday I decided a needed my girlfriend fix.. So off  I went first thing this morning for a day with my special Ya! Ya! Sisters of  twenty years.. They all are such great cooks and we all enjoyed a delicious lunch along with some great conversation.. These visits  always confirm what a lucky and happy life I have , and my special girlfriends play a big role in achieving this.. Thanks girl...
Kathy

Busy in my workshop..

Long weekend was a great success at least for business, the weather was cold and damp.. But, my customers kept me warm and glowing with all their great comment and positive energy.. My grand babies and wonderful mummy daughter along with her great  husband returned to the west.. Which means it is time to fill this big void with some creativity.. Hope you enjoy the photos.. Once again I recycled  and  repurposed some old shutters and windows that were  waiting patiently in my garage... My window table has  sprung into spring with butterflies, and hummingbirds .. A window reflecting a garden.. I am trying to at least to  encourage  spring  ...  It is coming right!

repurposes.                  

Open for the season..

Well , my first day back at the helm of the shop. The weather did not corporate on Sat., it was rainy and cold.. But that did not discourage my favourite customers to brighten my day.. It felt good to share my winter adventures and treasures with all of them. My hat cupboard , you remember the one my husband said he never wanted to move again.. well he broke his promise and help me move it to the back room for customer pickup... It was a little bittersweet to see it depart on the back of a truck destine for another home and adventure , I must say, it was a heavy piece. Now , the top half  mantel remained all alone looking for a bottom, for it needs something to sit on and I needed a hat display.. Anyway , hubby and I pick a table that was waiting in the "holding tank "that would do the trick for now..off we went that night to the shop to organize the units.. It fit the new addition just fine , so today Sunday I spend some time displaying this corner of the shop.. When an few hr later  two woman walk in... The First Lady zeros in on the mirror mantel unit that is all decked out in a variety of hats and says ... Oh my I love that mantel top.. It will fit so nicely on  my fireplace mantel.! Guess what ... My work I had done in the past few hr just went out the window... My hat display was destroyed for the three time.. Out the door of the shop into the back of an SUV and down the road  it went along with another  happy customer . This is the life  of a small town shop keeper...and the reason I Have the Lofty Lion Vintage Shop. Life is good...Kathy





a


 customers

Shop photos

Wanted to give you followers a peek into the blog  window of my shop.. Things are looking sort of done.. I am hoping  to open May 12th .. Mothers Day weekend.. The weather has been warm and sunny and is bring out the tourist  therefore it has inspired me to work and little faster.. More photos to post that is if I get my colour vignette organized. Hoping for a great summer with lots of  visitors to beautiful Lions Head...
  Teal section..

Teal section

Red section

Getting the shop in shape along with myself.!.my exercise program every year,,

OMG.. Can't believe how much work I make for myself each spring.. When I put the shop to bed I think ... I won't need to rearrange too much  in the spring...WRONG... I started with my space of around 800 sq feet and think I will move this table and this carpet completely across the room to see how it looks..then move other items in it place.. I started  to paint a small table, then the colour seems to multiple on other items.. Now I have furniture that doesn't fit or the colour needs to match a chair.. Then a cushion needs to be made for that specific display, curtains need to be hung ,pictures need to be moved..all I can say is I'm glad I start early to begin opening  the shop .. So, that is the way I have been spending these rainy cold weeks of April... Please come for a visit so I can tell you all about it and you can see it with your own eyes..May 18th long weekend is coming fast and furious...back to work Kathy. A verse that is so true...  A True story about an Antique
                                                             I hunt it, Find it,Buy it
                                                             Haul it, Wash it, Scrub it,
                                                             Paint it, fix it, wrap it,
                                                              Load it, pay taxes
                                                              And rent on it
                                                       HOW CAN I TAKE ANY LESS..

Another yacht to sail with the little fellows!

Headed out today over to  Lake Huron to find a few bigger pieces of  driftwood , I am hoping to create a larger sail boat to join my little fellows..using a small vintage window frame..  my  patient husband  climbed over wet snow and slipper rocks along side me while trying to block out the west wind blowing in from Lake Huron.. Not a stick to be found.. Until , We started back from the shore I discovered a old cedar tree that had fallen over many years back, and there exposed with a mangled mess of tree roots that had been dryer overtime by rain and hot sun this is where I spotted my desired piece  to build my Momma boat,  remember my oyster and sea shell hunting.  They have found

a location on my boat hull .

Summer is coming.. Sailing we go...

Drifting Away.. While I was  beach combing over the winter .. Shells and driftwood.. Many ideas came to mind for a nautical theme at  the shop... So I gathered my stash and away I went down to the creative room.. May I present to you..my nautical handmade sailboats..

Three shrunken wool blankets re- purposed into One..

Hi folks.. Rainy on the Bruce  so down to my workshop I go.. As I mentioned I have 3 shrunken
Wool/ mohair blankets that  are to small to cover one bed or even a lap quilt. So.. Re-invent it I did into one larger single bed quilt.. Have a peek.. Ready to show off its warm in the Lofty Lion Vintage Shop coming up in May, washed and cozy...

Recycled fabric handmade purses

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL

Well Easter is on it way... I had two little rabbits that were looking for their Easter outfits.
Remember all my beloved vintage lace and linen stash I used to create my lace Lamp..
I love going through this memory bag...These our my designer outfits for Little Lottie & Aunt Pearl.. These fine  linen pieces had a few stains that I could not remove my creative juices said  recycle that was the solution for these sweet pieces.. Happy Easter.. Have a wonderful time with family and friends.. Little Lottie and Pearl will be waiting for you...

 May 24 weekend at THE LOFTY LION VINTAGE SHOP..

Cozy Story Time Chair...

Hello to all.
Well weather is snowy and cold which means I have been creating and painting down in my workshop .This solid  Grandfather wood chair which  I rescued from a thrift shop in the fall had so much potential.. A blank canvas waiting to be transformed, the cushions were stained and dirty.., the wood was worn and faded. I sanded the wood and gave it  a new coat of solid  black stain.. now what to use on  the replacement cushions for  fabric. While  in England  I purchased these squares  of numeral fabric in a tiny quilt shop in Bath.. I had no  idea what plans lay in store for them.. Except now.. May a present ..
                                'THE STORE TIME ALPHABET CHAIR FOR TWO'

Home and ready to create....

Hello folks.. Well , I am glad to be home .. But not liking the weather.. Ice is packed on the Bay and it is snowing out!.. Oh well, it is time to work on my many projects .. I went down to my Work room / basement.. There sitting  in a big plastic see through bag all sort of lovely tattered lace pieces..  I had washed them in the fall and packed them ready for some creative ideas oh what to do with these beautiful handmade  works of art!, they called out to me... Show me off  in  a repurposed way so all could admire ...“Lampshades..”  I had Designed some cute shades previously for a client for her cottage...
So.. I packed up my lace-needles- wire lampshades that I stripped from there stained fabric  in the fall..  I  knew they would not be naked  for long... I  build a cozy warm  wood fire in our living room fireplace..  Spread out my  wonderful lacy material and went to work for the afternoon.. +++ evening+++ next day.. My sea shell picking has found their place along with my tattered lace ..
Okay when I start a project I can't stop...

Charleston SC / Mt. Pleasant

Welcome Back.. This entry finds us  in the Southern Historic Town of  Charleston/ Mt.Pleasant SC

What a great historic city.. The old wooden building  with wooden bric-brac on there front veranda large wooden rocking chair  on almost every porch - decorated with  bright floral cushions .. also seen many brick homes..The long tree lined carriage lanes with  many little reconstructed coach house , this is where the workers lived and cooked for their Masters that lived in the large house out front.  We had friends that were staying in a coach  I was so excited to be able to view one..- they were so quaint and well done  They left some of the old stone and brick walls exposed from yesteryear.. Oh if those walls could talk ...
We spend time strolling  about this  Old Southern Town greeted by  such gracious people and plenty of Southern hospitality- The large  enclosed market had many vendors-- selling  some handmade items,  I was a little disappointed with some of the vendors wares.. It seemed they had the same old merchandise I have seen in big box stores- hats- signs- soaps- candy it all gets a little tiring when you expect something with a little more creativity . The Main Street had the same type of  stores you would see in any city  except in historic store fronts.. . But I guess that is what attracts the customers. Not every one likes my taste.. But I am not complaining , for I am very lucky to enjoy this trip and this town..We did enjoy the  old street, the architecture- - and  beautiful gardens. Had a great meal in a very good French  bistro with friends  then back to the hotel for the night..
Today. Monday Mar 4 th . We headed across the large bridge over the Cooper River to Mt. Pleasant.. The day is cold but sunny. I checked out a few thrift stores but nothing cried out "take me home." .Hubby dropped me at an Antique Mall while he went to explore a military aircraft carrier.. So we both would be happy for a few hrs Doing our on thing. My browsing gave me plenty of enjoyment and some great ideas and they cost nothing..
The Lofty Lion.. Photos soon
 Tell next time.. DON'T STEP IN ANY MUDDY PUDDLES...

Estate Sale Items

Welcome Back.. Vintage hunting..
Well it has been an interesting adventure .. Fri am We headed to the estate sale..the address took us to  a long rambling neglected  1950- 60 dated bungalow in its time was a wonderful estate.. It even had a large  cement pool over looking a river  'empty now '. As we made our way up the long dirt driveway.. We  encounter unkept  but still struggling  to bloom rosebushes into bright red flowers.
Once we opened the old dark panelled door you entered the main  hallway .. The  furniture is lined up along the faded vintage wallpaper walls--- old wooden Chairs - tables - cabinets along with faded but expensive Persian  rugs..looked like the owner still occupied the home..but she  died at 70 a few months ago..
We decided to head down a long narrow hallway on our left to avoid the crowds . This took us toward a bathroom along with a big master bedroom.. The large queen bed was piled high with soft goods-Linens- blankets- clothing- material 'Wow' was I in my glory..as I look at hubby  his eyes started to glazed over .. I suggested nicely for him to go and scout out some old books , that we read on the  listing ,that would keep him busy while I rummaged through this pile!! I was in my element --vintage silk scarves - linens-  toile material -the large cluttered  bathroom off the bedroom there sat  a Remington cameo razors in  a small  teal blue vintage case. In the large  walk in closet hung jackets- dresses- lining the floor were vintage shoes.. I thought to myself .. Good thing this sale is over 3 days-- for I need to come back - which we did !!
Hubby returned with an arm full of vintage books ...  1940 "Gone The  Wind"  along with a couple of vintage school readers- old photos etc.. We stay for a little over an hr.. But decided it was time to leave, didn't want hubby  to get frustrated .. I knew we would be coming back tomorrow-- Even though he didn't !!     Watch for photos of all my treasures in the next few weeks.. I have stashed  them  safely  in the car for the long journey home..
Take care.. Just a quote my 3 yr old granddaughter says when we say goodbye to her on FaceTime

                              Bye. Nana&Papa   ' "Don't Step in Any Muddy Puddles "..

St. Mary's Island Georgia

Thursday..Feb 28th..
 My man and I headed  across the bridge to St. Mary's Georgia..  after we took a long  morning walk on the  Beautiful wide beach. .The day is cool,.breezy but sunny I  Packed a picnic for lunch , then on the road we headed to the  historic town of  St. Mary's, you can take a 2 hr boat cruise that takes over to Cumberland Island .. It is a nation park and still has property owned by the  Carnegie Family who area famousAmerican Family or at least their descends were.  You will also see breathtaking views , and  wild  horses ..a place where you can spend the day exploring.. The weather was a little choppy for boating and did not take  the cruise.. Hubby went to the marine museum I went exploring the few shops that were opened.. I did not purchase anything put did get some inspiration ideas.. Which I always love , tapping  into someone else's ideas.. And on this adventure I  discovered a new phrase  to apply to some of my repurposed item.. "DECAYED ELEGANCE " it  just adds a bit more class to Recycled or repurposed.. So,  That is my new word for today.. Who says I'm not working...my mind is always tuned  into the Shop...
Also my man picked up the local paper.. An Estate Sale is happening to tomorrow at 8.am guess where we our headed. With coffee in hand.... See you back here tomorrow wish me luck on my picking...

Grandma's Quilt

I found this great photo and poem in a magazine from 1994.. It will be a special touch to attach to some of my old quilts at the store.. Can't wait to get it printed on some tags.. Watch for it on my vintage pieces..

Amelia Island

Hello  Folks.... This blog will find me in Amelia Island Florida  our journey up to AI.. We stopped at Ft. George island were we toured a house and ground of Kingsley Family.. Planation
House was build in 1870s.. This home represents a tumultuous time in Florida.. A time when slave families  developed a richly diverse culture.. The slave quarters were homes called tabby..which were constructed by hand using very hot melted down oyster shells dissolved in water..mixed with sand to form a cement this was laid layer by layer to make walls.. It was a very interesting history lesson.. Talked about when Kingsley married Anna he purchased as a slave..he freed the slaves and made a society of liberated blacks that had homes and freedom  working on the cotton  plantation.

Kingsley Tabby Slave cabins..remains.. .made from oyster shells   Amazing.

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The main house of Kingsley plantation 

Beautiful Bruce Peninsula,!

Hello Again.. Just had to show you these wonderful scenes of the Bruce Peninsula
By my talented  carpenter - woodworking Brother  Joe and his great wife and super photographer
Pauline..  Inquire about prices through website..
All handmade frames from re- purposed  items and one of a kind Photos.

What a great way to Discover  beautiful Lion's Head... Through these window shutters..

Beach Shelling once again.

Hello from St. Augustine Beach.. How lucky am I to be back on the beaches again
Life is so good!  Just came back from a nice breezy stroll along the Atlantic coast beach.. But this time my shell collecting has introduced me to Large elephant ear size oyster shells.
Wow, my imagination has to re-think how to re-purpose these beautiful sturdy shells.. My first thought is jewelry holders.. Just earring or rings   for display  at the Lofty Lion Vintage shop..

These are my treasures... Watch for their appearance in some repurposed role..

Micanopy Trading& Auction company purchases

  Covered cheese dish or butter dish

Cherub & lamb planter

Antique shopping

 Hi folks.. Back from the not so sunny West Coast.. But had a wonderful time with Sweet Lottie and smilie Cooper.. Back to the Florida Sunshine.. We are making the drive up the coast toGainesville   Florida.. The weather is high 70 and pleasant.. We took a side adventure to a small southern town as picture above.. Many small antique stores and a very quaint town.. also the town where the film
Doc Hollywood was film 20 or so years ago.. Around 1991.. So this has put this small town on the map. I purchased a few items for the shop..A pottery lid covered butter dish  or cheese dish along with a pottery plant holder.. Which I will photo later..this large brick building is where I purchased my wares.. It is very majestic as a backdrop of this large oak trees with the spagnum moss hanging from its enormous Branches...

Quilt I made for Charlotte

When I go out to see the West Coast Family .. Grand children etc.. I pull it out of the small trunk where it resides until my next return. So Finally Charlotte and I can present you the finished results along with Peter Rabbit.. Flopsy - Mopsy  - Cottontail- and all the woodland furry  animals.. Now that  Lottie is in her big bed  I was anxious for her to cuddle up with it. That afternoon after we read the story of Peter Rabbit..as  Lottie toddled off to bed for an afternoon  nap we could hear her on the baby monitor telling Peter not to go into Mr. MacGregory's  Garden..  Seems she was listening to this story... I hope she has pleasant dreams with Peter and his family.

Grandchildren! ( Fun & Laughter ) lots of cuddles...

I am so excited in one way to see my grand babies.. But sad to leave this nice weather of Florida.. I guess you call this feeling bittersweet. We had a super time on the Island of Anna Maria.. Spend quality time with family.. Lots of biking.. Golfing ..Walking the beach and  Thrifting in the many charity shops.. I have gathered many small items to re-invent  and display in the shop to pack in the car.. My man tells me .. We have  to be frugal with the space we have.. But he has forgotten how well I can pack items in the back of a vehicle, my auction days have been an  indication.. he is always surprised when I return home from my adventures  the treasures I pull out of the vehicle..
   Wish me luck on the packing...  stay tune  for my adventures out on the  West coast  in the next while..

Wooden chairs

Re-purposes chairs. These pastel chairs used to have another life...they had no seats when I purchased them at a farm auction 4 yrs ago. They have served The Lofty Lion Shop for a few years in their
 special prominence every spring  holding a pot of colourful flowers that I  inserted in the hole in their seats,  they have welcomed many visitor.. I decided  to renew their position as a cottage chair  by giving them a comfy webbed and woven  seat  from vintage fabric.. Painting them a soft summer colour  and giving them each a name. "Cottage & Beach " they will be welcoming you at the shop this spring in their new positions. $45.00 each what a deal.

Handmade cushions for sis...

These sprocket pillows  I made  for my youngest sister Cindy's birthday.

Cindy is the baby in our large family of fourteen..seven boys & seven girls.

 She has hosted many family gathering  at her cute little abode, in the small town of Stayner.

So I am was under the gun to get her birthday gift ready for one of the fun gathering of the clan.

I found this super tutorial for these pillow on the web ..

A great pattern to use up your stash of fabric. It gave  me joy and satisfaction to make these for such a special person.. I will be making more for the Lofty Lion Vintage Shop for the new season. 

Map chair

This solid wood chair I rescued from a charity shop in Bruce county..I removed  the solid wooden arms and gave them a bright coat of red.. Re- stuffed the cushion with new filling..then I pick this great coco fibre fabric .. Used in the sixties for tablecloths ,sold and designed with brightly, colourful  map artwork for southern states. This vintage tablecloth  had a stain that could not be removed, lucky for me I found the perfect use for it on this sturdy solid sweet  chair.. Great addition to cottage , or home. "Arm chair travel". Can't wait to display this treasure in my shop for the upcoming season..
The great price $65.00 email if interested.

Hunting season has begun!

Day on the beach

My holiday on the little Island of Anna Maria has begun.. The weather is very pleasant. I have been visiting many local craft shows and thrift stores to find my unique one of a kind pieces to repurpose, refurbish. Today my journey will take me over the bridge to Sarasota hoping to discover a hide away spot to explore. I have been walking rhe beach to find small colourful shells to embellish some of my hand made cushions. The shells have to have a small hole in them in order for me to apply them to my fabric.of course this is just an excuse to spend quality time on the beach.. With no one else around but me, I wish... I will be back to report after my adventure. Life is a Beach

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Where have I been..?.

Hi folks.. I guess you can say I am having a difficult time grasping the blogging web.. But Iam back to give it another try..the lofty lion vintage shop has been successful for another season such great customers to inspire my shop to keep going I have closed for the season and now have started my hunting season as I call it.. I have gathered some great furniture pieces Already..please watch for the furniture Repurposing chairs etc.. Getting ready for the upcoming spring season.