Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Dreams Do Come True

Okay I know it has been ages since I posted any thing new, sorry!
But since our Grand Opening July 3rd I haven't had time for much else.
I miss my blog buddies and want to say thanks for hanging in there with me during this adjustment period.
And what an adjustment it has been; but I wouldn't trade it for anything.


The boutique is blossoming into everything we imagined and more.

It is exciting, exhilarating, challenging and full of new experiences.

The building that houses our hopes and dreams
has gone through a major face lift that began last spring.
When I look back at the pictures I am reminded that with a lot of hard work, determination and buckets of help from family, friends and God dreams really do come true.

Let me show you....
This is what the Indian River Train Depot built in 1882 looked like just last spring.
And now...
She is so pretty!
I chose the colors based on my love of bumblebees, and the fact that the laws of physics do not apply to them. You see, scientifically speaking a bumblebee's body is way too big for it's little wings,
yet, it can fly.
The bees look at their wings and believe.

We looked and looked at several locations,
and this is the one we attached our little wings to.
And so far baby, we are flying!

The inside is just as bright and welcoming as the exterior.
The color behind the counter was chosen in honor of my late Nana.
A soft turquoise blue was her signature color. She always used it in her art, wardrobe and home decor.
Wherever Nana was, there was a hint of this color.
So this wall reminds me that she is never far.

This is the before picture,



And this is what it looks like now!
My brother Mike is a very good carpenter, he and I built this counter together.
It's nice and spacious so two of us can work behind it with ease.
The color, the corbels and the bead-board add to its cottage charm.
Here is a before shot of the large bay windows that face the recreational trail. The trail runs from Gaylord to Mackinac City, Michigan.
It's right out our back door! How cool is that? In the summer it is a hiking/bike path and then when it snows it becomes part of the snowmobile trail system. Did I mention we rent bikes? Well we do, with the trail right there it was pretty much a given.

Here is how the bay windows look now.
I decided to dress them with relaxed roman shades in a beachy stripe.
They shades help to cool the space in the morning and add a happy pop of color.

This is a peek at the main showroom when viewed from the upper studio/gallery.
As you can see we were decked to the ceiling for the Christmas Season.

The front doors dressed in holiday trimmings,
and Ollie standing at attention awaiting new friends.

A faux fireplace and a grand tree were front and center in the showroom.
The tree was decorated in shades of of golden/brown,
frosted whites and various hues of sparkling green.

The following photos are of various vignettes throughout the main showroom from different times of the season.
Many of our unique offerings are from Michigan artists.
Like this glass Christmas tree sun catcher.
Original watercolors.

Couture garments and jewelry.

Hand painted and custom pillows.

Petoskey stone wine stops, cabinet pulls, frames and mirrors.
In addition to our broad array of products we have also hosted several special events and classes throughout the season. We plan to continue and expand the classes and events for next season.

Our Halloween make and take was a big hit!
Everyone went home with a custom creation that could be worn or serve as a decorative centerpiece.
The hats began with an armature constructed from a plastic Jack-o-lantern bucket and a cardboard brim.
The armatures were then covered in paper pulp and each student painted and embellished to their hearts content.

Peg in Halloween Couture.
Me in my sister and nieces hat.

more Halloween hatters.
Polka dots and stars so fun!

Then on Halloween we all wore our hats and had a big party at the shop and handed out treats.



We had so much fun we decided to create a similar project for Christmas.
This time the paper mache creations were inspired by a classic snowman top hat, and served as tree toppers or centerpieces.

The top hat armatures all ready for decorations.
Here are the fantastic creations the group created.
The classes and demonstrations were also well received.
Such as : Watercolor, drawing, silk painting, lampwork jewelry, knitting...

I am already making plans for next year and many of our instructors are already setting class dates. As soon as we finalize the schedule for spring we will post an update here and on FaceBook. The room we use for these events is the area that once served as the luggage transport area. Way back when the building was a train station.
The wood floors and walls are so old and full of character. The walls even have inscriptions dating back to the early 1900's. The original coal wood stove and freight scale are still intact.
I really don't have any great pictures showing the whole studio,
I will take some to show you what it looks like.

Like I mentioned the building is so old there is no insulation and only one small heater.
So we had to close down till spring, it was just to darn cold and the heating bills were outrageous.

I am already fast at work, in my home studio creating art for next season.
I can hardly wait, we have so many ideas and plans.
I must admit though I am looking forward to catching up with family, friends, skiing and snowmobiling.

Now that things have settled down I promise to post more often.
This first season took a lot out of me. I have worked retail since I was in my teens,
but when its yours its a whole new ball game.
Take care and as always thanks for letting me share.
Wishes and kisses,
xo
Mary


Friday, April 9, 2010

M I A Missing in Art

Hi there,
whoever said the earth is round was oh so wrong.
Cause I found the edge and fell off.

Well, not really but it feels that way.
I have been so busy working on a new project I have had little time for anything else.

What is a dream if you don't pursue it?
This is a question I have been asking myself a lot lately.
And my answer...a sad fantasy.

It's time to spread my wings, take a leap of faith,
and flap my wings like mad.

After a long time of thought, tears, anxiety, joy, research and tons of prayer,
We have decided to open a gallery/boutique in our home town of Indian River.

It took months for us to find the right location,
but now that we have everything is just falling into place.

Here is a picture of the building as it stands now,

This is the old Train Depot in Indian River.
The building was built in 1882.

She is old, but oh so full of character and history.
This sweet old gal is about to get a major face lift over the next few weeks.

Our target date for the opening is June 1st, will see if we make it. lol

I hope to catch up with all of you on your blogs soon,
and I will try and keep you updated on our progress.

Thanks for letting me share and as always take care,
xoxo
Mary

Sunday, February 14, 2010

SHORT AND SWEET

Happy Valentine's Day.
I hope you all have had a wonderful day.

I spent mine tucked away in my nest.
Baking, sipping tea and cuddling with my pups while watching a gentle snow fall.



It's been a pretty sweet day.

xoxo
Mary

Friday, January 15, 2010

Cabin Fever and a stiff neck!

I think I have said this before,

"You know you have cabin fever if ice fishing sounds remotely entertaining!"
Well I have cabin fever or the winter blahs,
but I refuse to go ice fishing.
Talk about cabin fever, I don't get it!
No disrespect to the fisherman, but sitting in a box on a block of ice
waiting for a cold slimy fish
hmm?
Nope can't see me enjoying that.lol
On top of the cabin fever I have also strained the muscles in my neck.
No Mom I wasn't on the the snowmobile when I did it.
Cause I know that's what you are thinking.
I actually did it hauling my Christmas decorations down to the basement of all things.
Since then I have been laying low and staying quiet for the last two weeks
hoping the muscles would soon relax.
Now that my neck is finally getting better
I will be able to head down state tomorrow with my sister
and niece to celebrate my birthday
with our Mom and Dad.
When I told my Mom we were coming down to visit she said,
"Oh honey that's great you girls can take down my Christmas decorations."
Wow, how fun my neck hurts just thinking about it.
Do you think if I told her I was going ice fishing
instead she would believe me?
LOL...
Have a great weekend!
xo
Mary

Friday, January 1, 2010

What a Ride!

Happy New Year!

Cheers to a New Year and a new toy.
I am so excited...look what Santa brought me!!!
Remember in my last post when I said I wish I had Santa's sleigh?
Well whats the next best thing?
A new Yamaha Phazer GT snowmobile!



We just picked it up today and went on a long ride up and around Mullet Lake, across
valleys deep with snow, and into a forest of tall pines and sparkling streams.
I can't find the words to express the beauty we see on our rides, it is truly God's country.
I really need to find a way to share this with you guys.
Hmmm...maybe a helmet camera :)

My husband and I have been riding for years,
but it's going to be a whole new experience on this sled.
This machine is so responsive, snappy and bouncy it is like riding a jack rabbit.
There is a bit of a learning curve here for me, because this sled is so different from my last one.
The riding position on this machine is like that of a dirt bike or motorcycle.

But I plan on riding it a lot so I should get the hang of it soon:)

I bet you guys are kinda surprised I am such a tomboy, but it's true.
I love to ride!


Wishing all of you a fantastic ride this New Year!

May all your wishes come true!

xoxo
Mary







Thursday, December 24, 2009

Merry Christmas my sweet friends I hope this post finds you
warm, cozy and surrounded with family and friends.

The sled is loaded and we are on our way.
A few more hundred miles to go and we will be with our family.
We left the house at 9:30 and should arrive in Ohio around 2:00, weather permitting:)
First stop Sylvania Ohio, to celebrate with my hubby's family.
Then Christmas morning we head back north to Monroe Michigan
to visit with our dear friends Steve and Angie
and their three little sweeties.

Hop back in the sled and continue north
to my folks house in Grosse Pointe to celebrate with my family on Christmas Day.

I am tired just writing about it.
I wish I had Santa's sleigh!
I am definitely adding this to my wish list next year. LOL!
I am so thankful for coffee:) tee hee

Speaking of thankfulness I am so thankful for all of you my wonderful friends
I have met through blogging.
Your kind comments and words of encouragement and friendship are such a blessing:)

I have to share some pictures of some wonderful gifts I recently received
from two genuinely gracious and lovely ladies I have met through blogging.
The first comes from my dear friend Donna of Brynwood Needleworks,
she has truly spoiled me.
Just look at all the goodies she sent!



The Acorn ornament is made from a richly colored felt
topped with a yummy brown velvet and embellished with a sweet little acorn charm!

Just the perfect colors and theme for our guest room.
Which has an acorn and woodland animal theme.
As you can see in the photos here.

She also sent me my first ATC, it is a work of art!
And shall be framed and added to the guest room as well.
She also sent me a handmade needle cozy, did I mention she spoiled me?
Thank you, thank you Donna you are sweet heart:)
If you want to see her beautiful works please click here,
Brynwood Needleworks

And a big thank you to my sweet friend Shell at the Raspberry Rabbits
for sending me this super cute coffee cup filled with yummy chocolates,
just what this weary little elf needs:) Lots of caffeine!
Thank you Shell!

Blessings to you all.
Merry Christmas wishes
and sugar plum kisses!
Love
Mary