Objets Trouves

"Say hello to my little friends".... imagine my best Al Pachino voice from Scarface! But seriously, these guys are so darn cute! Made from found objects like baking pans, shoe horns, cheese graters, jello molds, and brushes. What a perfect way to recycle. Available at The Vintage-Flea.

Saying Good-bye

I was at the store today packing up the art studio. It's hard to believe that what began as a little art studio on West Washington Street would grow into what is now a wonderful vintage inspired boutique and art studio on Greenville Street. I've not wanted to write this, I guess I was procrastinating because it will be my last one, and wanted to really think about what I would say. Most of you reading this blog right now are likely to know the story behind The Vintage-Flea. It started as a friendship while teaching Olivia art lessons almost 6 years ago. We began the journey of shop owners a little naive, bursting with energy and plenty of ideas. We've had amazing adventures during these years. Together we've been to New York City twice, Portland, Birmingham, Destin, and of course Atlanta. I have had more fun junkin' with Valerie than I have blogging space to share! More than anything over the past 4 years I have grown into the artist I am now. I have more self-confidence in my personal work and am so very happy to share my news with you. This has not been an easy decision for me to leave the Flea by any means. I've shed more tears than I can count over the past 6 months! After sharing my dreams and desires with Valerie on a Friday morning in May, she too saw the glint in my eye that was to be my future. After letting the news sink in, I think she too can see what the future holds for her with the business as I take leave. She has amazing plans! She confided in me before the Flea was even an idea, that owning a little French inspired store was her dream...and now she has just that. I am so happy I've been able to help her realize it.

Now don't get any funny ideas folks, we are still friends, yes we are. I can't imagine my life without her, and I am pretty sure she'd say the same for me. We've grown in so many ways over the past 6 years not only as business owners, but as mothers, wives, friends and artists. You've not seen the last of me for sure! As far as the art studio goes, she'll be hosting Ladies Night Out's, with a few guest artists and teaching some herself. Daly Lee is hopping on board to help with Birthday parties and summer camps, and I will be back next summer for some Thursday fun!

For now though, I'll be doing a little of this:

A lot of Mattie Paintings:

And hopefully tons of these:

For now you can see what adventures I am up to at my blog here, Mattie's Social Circle. I also have all my work for viewing on my flickr account. Also, look for Mattie in her Costume in the upcoming Holidays and Celebrations issue published by Somerset Magazine. For now, I say good-bye to you all, but only as a shop owner. I say hello to you all as a fellow customer of the Flea!

Something in your pocket or you just happy to see me....

In your pocket watch that is... Here are some gorgeous little Sailor Valentines that I have been working on. I saw this idea almost 2 years ago at a gift boutique at the beach. The owner was asking $150 for each one. Me pay that kind of money!! Ha Ha. So with some tiny seashells, elmers glue, tweezers and lots and lots of patients.... viola. My little valentines are available at the shop for $20. What a steal. Oh and I have to mention some of our new products. We are gearing up for the Fall (even with 80+ degree temperatures). Many of you have been asking for the mini pumpkins. They are extremely hard to find this year due to the drought conditions from last year but have faith in this flea girl!! 54 bags are now available for your fall decorations.
We are going back to grandma's house this fall. Well I mean my French Grandmother Meme, that is. French inspired linens with red and white ticking stripes. Burlap pillows with French writing and 26" pillow covers with red & white and blue & white ticking. Oversized table runners and linen curtain panels. Brown wooden eggs in creamy white compotes.
Oh and my favorite... the market bag. We even offer a monograming service now for $10 on all of our linen merchandise. A bientot!

A Little Playhouse

Most of you reading this blog know that we Flea Chicks are women of many talents and skills. Actually some skills are questionable, but we try which is most important. Valerie had this idea in her head for sometime about constructing a little house in the store. We've certainly got the room in our store for several little houses! So last week, while I was off on Wednesday, she did it. I had suspicions earlier in the day when I called, and sure enough on Thursday there it was in all its' adorable glory! You've got to come in and take a tour soon. You enter through this passage above.
In the house there is room for more than just a tea party!

Here is the back wall structure. It's just a wonderful addition to our store. It also is going to be a great site to see come Halloween time!