New branding at Barn Chic Antiques

 

I am so excited to reveal my first official sign for the booth! Look at that awesome weathered wood with the hand-painted name - it almost looks like it was branded on the wood. It is so professional and I feel like I can establish the business name more at the booth with this simple sign. Can you imagine my surprise and happiness as I open this beautiful piece as a Christmas gift?!  My mother is so very creative and talented and made this for me; in fact, she made two additional signs that say "Spring" for my sister and me, and I am recommending she open an Etsy shop! She could make a killing with custom messages!

First thing on December 26, I proudly displayed it in the booth. It was just what I needed to give a little life back to the booth after all the glamour and glitz of Christmas came down. How perfect this sign is and I will treasure it forever.

As if that weren't enough, the next gift I opened made me speechless. A few months back, a very talented and sweet vendor, Karen, at one of my favorite places in Burnet (now call Finds) had these great pricetags that she made with old pictures of her family. I told her Karen that I might have to steal that idea and then mentioned it to my mom to see about finding some old family photos. Fast forward to Christmas Eve and I unwrap a box that is filled with perhaps a hundred different tags printed with pictures of her and my dad's family farms that my mom created - and of course they are professional grade! 

I absolutely love the pictures' livestock, old barns, and of course shots of my mom, dad, uncle, and grandfather in these old photos. I have family footprints all over my booth, from merchandise to pricetags, and this makes it so much more meaningful. It is nice to know that what was once enjoyed by your family can go on to be enjoyed by another family. These gifts not only brought me so much joy, but have also really started to 'brand' to my business. I can't thank you enough, Mom! I love all that you do for me and the booth; I continue to learn so much from you but don't know how you do it all!

I tried to show some of my favorites, but my technology is not cooperating with changing the direction of the picture! Maybe just turn your head sideways or your computer upside down to get the idea? 

The pictures used to create the pricetags.

I am enjoying putting out new merchandise with my beautiful new tags!

Speaking of new merchandise, here are some pictures of the booth sans holiday decor. It saddened me a bit to put it all away and it looks a little sparse right now, but I am already excited for all the upcoming shows in Texas to pick up some fun spring finds. 

 

I've had this gold mirror since before opening the booth and it was a perfect save to go with the new ironstone platter with beautiful gold edging and floral design.

 

A fun new cabinet!

 

The ornaments were replaced by skeleton keys on the display rack. The Real Estate sign was actually in my grandfather's garage and was used for his target practice - it is filled with lots of little holes and just adds to the character! I have loved thinking of him whenever I see it.

To all my librarian friends out there - look at this old card catalog drawer! And a big thanks to my sister for the great cigar box above it!



I hope you all had a wonderful time over the holidays with family and friends making lots of lasting memories! May your 2012 be off to a great start!

Have a chic week!

-Sarah

Winter Wonderland?

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas! I can't believe it has come and gone already. Andrew and I visited family and friends in Illinois for several days and had a great time. I loved every minute of catching up with childhood friends and extended family. It truly was a great holiday!

My parents have a beautiful house on amazing land and this is the view from the back porch typically this time of year:



The only time of year I really appreciate snow is right before Christmas. We have been fortunate to get back to Illinois every year for Christmas and most years it is a white Christmas...but this year was an exception! Rather than snowing banks and icy rooflines, it was sunny skies and less frigid temperatures. Was pleasant for winter but didn't feel so much like Christmas! 

This year's view

My parents' resident polar bear, Zoey, was happy enough despite the lack of snow. She was busy protecting sheep most of the time but found a few moments to slober on the visitors.

Andrew flew into Peoria on Thursday and we made a detour through Washington to check out one of my favorite area shops, Step Back in Time. Here are just a few shots from the store - their furniture is simply amazing. Good thing I don't live nearby!

I bought the cute chippy blue ladder in this picture! I see a drive to IL in my future...

Beautiful old barn door

This cabinet is so perfect for dispaly!

To all my Midwestern friends, this store on the old square is worth the trip!

Another stop on my trip was the Old House Society in Bloomington. So many recommended this architectural salvage store, and I couldn't resist visiting on my way home from running errands in town before our extended family gathering. I am glad I stopped! Got a few small salvage pieces and a great old typewriter in its original carrying case. Look at their oodles of salvage!

Thanks for the recommendation, friends! A great store and one I will visit whenever I am back.

Beautiful Barns

With a business and blog name like Barn Chic Antiques, one might figure I love old barns. The drive home from 'town' is filled with so many and I just had to capture some of my favorites.

Look how stunning that wreath looks on this old white barn.

 

I admire this barn on my summer runs and was glad to be able to get outside for one [slow jog] this winter too! Even remembered my camera so I could get a picture of it.

This great tin roof is on our neighbor's barn.

Around the farm

My mom does such a wonderful job of decorating. Inside is stunning, and she even takes the time to decorate outside as well! This year she said she bought an additional Christmas tree (for $16) at a home improvement store and then cut up the tree to use for swags and decore. Way more affordable than buying the greenery! As always, beautiful work Mom!

I want to bring this building (our former play house) back to Texas with me...

Here is the sweet little tricycle I bought my mom for an early Christmas gift. It has been out since Thanksgiving and my Dad just noticed it was there. 

Her second tree on the porch - love the galvanized steel bucket it sits in!

Hard to tell from the picture, but the centerpiece is made from barbed wire!

 Speaking of barbed wire, here is another present I got for my mom. The mom of one of my former students makes these - isn't it awesome? Wish I could make such nifty things!

My stylish sister Mary!

Thank you, Andrew, for making the trip home with me!

Though the landscape wasn't as expected, we have a great trip and are so fortunate to have so many loving family and friends to visit. I hope you all enjoyed your celebrations and created wonderful holiday memories wherever you were!  

-Sarah