Upper East Side Redo. The livingroom (Part one)

 Over the years many people have suggested I get into interior design.

I'm not sure why I never went to school for it.......

I'm redoing the apt in NYC.

No major construction for now.
But happily a complete redo.

What I absolutely love about todays home design is the ease with which different styles blend together.
In other words....when done right, everything goes.

When I start decorating a space I always start with
"feeling".
How I want the space to feel, to me.
I add to that the location of the space, size and "style" of the actual building.

So despite it being the UES....(sterile by NYC standards if you ask me)
The building, built in 1912 has great history, great architecture and oozes character.
(I secretly would love to expose the brick walls in the future)

 Maximizing space, and blending in some oldish character.
(and sprinkle in a little of my rusty crusty loveee)
 Urban Modern mix.
Odd for me in the sense that while I've been selling modern for years now, I've never felt compelled to add it into my personal space.

I usually pick a wall color first.
I flip through my Ben Moore paint deck and see what strikes me.
But this time with the size constraints of the rooms, the first piece I picked up was a rockin cool chippy bench.
It's the perfect size for the coffee table.
(courtesy of Mike and Cass at Wednesdays Pickup, Bushwick)
It's Orange.
I know, right...... crazy.
Or at least crazy for me.
It's in, that's true, but I've never been a fan.
However this piece is absolute perfection.

Since above was the start, I raced over to see Matt and Polina  http://www.shehitpausestudios.com and snagged two Urban images.
Dreamy
( I traded a '63 pin up calendar that Matt has been coveting for a while)
Matt takes polaroids and rubs the negatives on watercolor paper, unblievably cool.....
The Cyclone and a NYC taxi my Orange tie in... (wink)

The couch was next.
Again space constraints with the layout we (read I) decided on a larger sized love seat that will fit just right.
(and leave less room for the dogs, cause I secretly hate them on the couch)
Clean modern lines and durable fabric.
(one of the two brandy new items in the whole apt)

The media cabinet was tough for me......
I have a decent budget, but the handmade; reclaimed ones were just too pricey.
I could have easily found a 60s modern credenza well within my budget, but I did not want toooo much modern.
So I settled (yes, settled) for a new cabinet from a big box store.
I'm not in love. And I do know better
 I should have sprung for something handmade.
Oh well.....it will do for now.

The ceiling light fixture
(sigh)
I'm slightly obsessed with it.
I can't stop staring at it.
(its not even hung yet, hehe)
Handmade by Paul Pissanelli @ New York Vintage Lighting
(he's crazy good!, and just has a really nice mention in New York magazine.)
http://nymag.com/…/sl…/2016/02/03/prospect_heightstownhouse/

At this point I've already picked out a very cool chair, and side table.
 I'll likely pull a few objects from inventory.
And, i'm in talks with a repurpose woodworker for a custom desk.
(more will be revealed)

........and wall color............still up in the air.
The clock is ticking, the couch arrives mid March.


(pics in Part two)

Happy New Year!!! (aka "it's personal")

Since moving into Manhattan (who woulda thought) I find myself wanting to do all the quintessential things tourists do.

Go ahead and laugh....

I walked across the Brooklyn Bridge.

We went to BBKings.

We went to the theatre. (Book of Mormon....hilarious)

Watched the NYC marathon, and the balloons being blown up Thanksgiving.

We saw The Tree and The Windows on 5th Ave.

Then next thing I knew it was New Year's Eve.

Cr*p.

Secret......

I don't go out on New Years Eve.

I mean dinner yes, after ....no.

If you follow my blog (seriously not many do, but that's cool)

you know I speak my mind.

So here it is......

I don't go out, because it's amateur night. 

Period.

Anyone and everyone is out doing one thing.....

drinking.

And then.... wellll thennnnn they do other things.

(like announce on TV that they are wearing a diaper so its okayyy when they tinkle on themselves)

ummm ew. I wish I was making that one up, but half the world will back me on it.

But January first is the day of reflection.
(and official take down Christmas Tree day)
So I think about the past year, where I was.
And where I now am.

And I smile.
I wish I could say...I won the lottery.
And I have no more financial worries.
(sadly, not the case)
BUT
All is well.
It was for the most part a drama free year.
Filled with new ventures.....
and alotta laughing.

I've abandoned any notion of holding a McJob.
(those of you who are close know that it literally sucked the life out of me, I tried, I did. It is simply N.O.T for me)
And thrown myself full force into my biz.
I've spent the year plotting and planning.
Maintaining my presence in NYC, Brooklyn etc is critical.
and adding in other cool urban areas.
So as I expand ever so slowly....
My mantra is "slow and steady wins the race".
I'm getting there.
And every day it's about my vision, my decision, my biz.
I'm for the first time.....totally committed to an "end game".
(not just getting by day in and day out as I did when I arrived on the scene in Boonton)


The Girl......( despite extended moments of extreme maturity) is still a 20 something.
I remember, at least I try to....when she challenges my patience with her irresponsibility.
She'll get there. I know it.
I've caught glimpses.
(and i'm her mom, and i've always got her back)
I'm still cracking up about Christmas day when she was dancing down Park Ave with us in tow, acting completely silly doing numerous dance routines from her days in Company.

Flynn is fabulous.
He love loves having a brother.
Someone to hang with when we are not home.

And I'm redecorating the apt.
(blog posts coming soon)

So I reflect, and look forward to all that is coming.....
(sheesh it took me a whole month to write all this now, are you still awake?)

Happy New Year!!!!!!!

Painting Furniture.......What to do, or not to do......

As i've mentioned in past posts, I did not start out as a furniture painter.

Out of necessity I became one.

The depression era furniture that I had in my antique store wasn't selling.

So I painted it.....

And then it all began...

Or should I say, my path took a sharp turn.

I opened SHV in Boonton and I became one of the few painted furniture shops.

And then it changed.....

Things changed and the painted furniture wasn't selling at a high enough price for it to be worth it to refinish it.

The marketplace was flooded with furniture painters.

They were buying what I was buying.

The prices of unfinished pieces was going up.

The prices of finished pieces was going down.

I chose to close my shop.

And regroup.
(I'll admit I was a bit lost, and a bit terrified)

BUT.....

Then  this happened....
I thought hard about the past.
My mistakes in business...etc.
And realized two things.......

1. location, location, location.
You can't wish a location to be profitable.
You can't throw money at a location (till your bank account is dry) because you really want the location to work.
You can't worry about investing in a great location, because while the monthly $$ is much higher, the success in business is much higher too.

 2.It's highly unlikely that i'm ever not going to like old things.

It's been almost 30 years that I have been buying and selling them.
(sheesh a good 20+ years before I started painting furniture)

Sure my taste changes.

(my basic "loves" stay the same, but my style evolves)

And What"s "hot" constantly changes.

The economy throws some curve balls into the mix.

So with these two hard lessons learned, I have finally embraced the idea (read fact) that no matter what is "hot" today,

It won't be....soon.
AND......
location, location, location.

With this in mind I have found a way to continue doing what I love.

Change is really the only thing that is constant.

Recently, I heard someone ask "who is the smartest person?".
His response to the question was interesting.....
"The person who can adapt to their environment".
This makes sense to me.

So as I circle back around from my digression from the original question....To paint, or not to paint furniture?.....I realize that the answer is simple.
If people want it, i will give it.

If you buy it, ill make more.
Simple.

If you remember me from Main St in the Pink House and decide to visit my two locations
(and perhaps a third in the not so distant future)
Realize that SHV may be a bit different.
It's a combination of 30 years in the antique/vintage business and my refurbishing, recreating and recycling all in one.

I hope you love my new (old) look as much as I love creating it.

The Hunt (AKA how to be a "picker")

It's always the first question everyone asks.

"So where do you find your things?"
My response has been reduced to one sentence.
"It's a lifestyle".

And it truly is.

Because the truth is... if you counted out the hours spent searching, inspecting, negotiating, purchasing, transporting,cleaning, inventorying ,listing,,storing, wrapping, selling, delivering.....
(i got exhausted just writing that)
Lets just say, it covers quite a bit of time in a week.

"The Hunt" is not for the faint hearted.
(and verrrry verrrry UN glamourous.)
BUT it is an exciting, fun, entertaining (trust me there are quite a few characters), boring, exhausting day.
Yes, there are definitely moments that feel like christmas, or even like you have won the lottery.
And that's really the best of it.
The worst of it requires endless hours waiting, driving and well, waiting.
(only to lose that which you covet to someone with bad hygiene)

If you don't like to get up early (read 4 or 5 am early)....this is not for you.
If you don't like to stay up late (read still out at 11 or 12 or even 1).....this is not for you.
If you like a constant regular schedule.......well this is definitely noooot for you.

So wait....I wanna stop myself here ........
*eh hemmmm

I was thinking I would write a blog about the ins and outs of picking.
(to finally answer some/all of you)
But every time I get to this point I think.....sheesh ive worked so very hard to know what I know.

So I can't really tell you what you are dying to hear.
I will however give you a coupla tips on how to be a successful picker.

Here goes:
1. Figure out what area of vintage you love.
2. Research, research, research and study hard.
3. Disinfectant wipes.

Thats it.
Yup. Yes. Really.
Because its actually quite simple....
 Once you know what you know....
You will know how to take it to the next level.
(and the wipes.... you will thank me when you are finally out "on the hunt".)

Good Luck!!!!

Grand Opening of SHV "At The Shore"

Have you been "down the shore" lately?

Funny till I met The Bodyguard last year, I hadn't either.

We came together over quintessential joisey music.

(Thank you Bruce and Southside, without you guys our paths would have never crossed.)

So now, i'm blessed to have a place to go.

To sit on the dock, watch the fishing boats go by and breathe.

(I do this as much as I can)

One day while riding bikes thru Asbury Park we detoured into town. 

A former business associate from Boonton

moved  his Interior Design studio to Cookman Ave.

(he too had a shop on Main St and closed it)

We thought we would stop in and visit.

Whoa.....How things have changed.

It seems over night Asbury has hit it's stride and has become so hip, so full of great restaurants, art, music, and design.....

very cool!

(ummm yay)

We got to talking....

He's just soooo darn happy there.

And the area is booming.

Yay for him, he deserves it, Im so happy he's prosperous.

And this got us thinking......

What if......

So I decided to take a baby step.

(cause the truth is, i'm just not sure yet of where i'll/we'll be in the next 5 years)

But, it seems so right.

And sooooooo........

Savannah Hope Vintage will be opening a pilot shop in the Antique Emporium on Cookman Ave in Asbury Park.

Mid September I'm moving in.

There will be a "grand opening" party.
(Ill update on the date.)

I'm super excited
("are we there yet" excited)
I've been hard at work buying and fine tuning my inventory so that my booth will be well curated.
I've got some great industrial and modern furniture and home decor.
Some great art, objects, dinnerware and glass.
50s, 60s and 70s
A few minis, maxi dresses and even a couple of leisure suits too.

I hope you will come check it out.
(after all if Asbury gets a write up in Vogue as a destination..well that's gotta count for somethin)

My Today ( And how SHV began)

I'm selling at Outdoor Markets as a pop up now.

It's very hard work, physically taxing in the least.

But I am grateful that I am able to do what I love and I am constantly inspired. (read entertained)

When Savannah started high school I was ready to once again work full time outside of the house.

The economy tanked and I saw this time as an opportunity to really start my own business.

Well, in truth, I had been running my own business (selling on ebay and I built a website and sold dinnerware replacements old and new....but that's a story for another day) from home for years but I needed to get out and be with people again. 

So, I thought for quite some time about "what I wanted to be when I grew up".

If you don't already know, my job, for much of my adult life, was, as a hair stylist.

Yep it's true. for 25 plus years.

From the minute Savannah was born, I wanted out of hayrrr. (again a story for another day).

So excited to "re invent" myself.....I thought, what was it going to be.

2 choices as I saw it. 1. follow my passion to bake, put myself through culinary school to become a pastry chef (it could still happen :0p ) Or 2. Open an Antique shop.

Since I wasn't ready to leave Savannah for all the early hours I would have to put in along with the long nights, I decided to set aside the dream of pastry chef and open an Antique shop minutes from where we lived.

.7 miles...I could run it IFFF I had to.

This gave me comfort, having grown up with a single parent and having been left alone in the house
at a verrrrry early age (and having a few pretty awful things happen during that time) I refused to do the same to my daughter. I  wanted to be close....just in case.

I had been buying and selling Antique and Vintage American Pottery, China and Glass since I was about 24. I knew a bit....

So I actually took all (well most) of my collections, and opened my shop. I had some vintage furniture for my displays that I picked up "around" that I put prices on "just in case" someone wanted to buy it.

The Antique center I was in sadly, was not "happening" and after a year I realized that "just making my shop rent" was not cutting it. 

And so I found Boonton.

A shop on a main road that cost LESS than my space in the Antique center....well... slam dunk right?

Now keep in mind I had a shop full of cool furniture (un refinished) that wasn't selling.

So I started. I got a can of Benjamin Moore white and did ONE piece.

It was the first thing I moved into Boonton....and sold EVEN before I opened my doors.

I sold it online, and It was picked up.

Was I onto something??!

I knew of shops that did this, I had the inventory, so why the heck not.

So, when I first came to Boonton my shop was a mix of vintage and refinished furniture.

As time passed (over 3 years) and a few tweeks to my reinvention....I settled into

"The Art of Refinishing Furniture".

(I've loved every minute of it.)

And so it seems, many others do too..... because it has really caught on and gone mainstream.
With the introduction of Chalk paint.....painting furniture requires little talent. As a result it has become more and more difficult to make a living refinishing furniture.

 While I've since had to close my shop in Boonton,
many of my followers really only know the " painted furniture craftsman" of those days.
I'm so much more. I always was.
So, I've circled back around to my "roots" (American pottery,china and glass),
thrown furniture (as found) back into the mix
and added a bit of design and decor.

So expect more.
And be surprised.
It's my goal to get you excited about " cool vintage"
Vintage is "The Rage".
It's well made.
Well designed.
Well priced.
And above all sustainable.
Let us not forget that we are responsible, period.

My painted pieces are still available at specialty shops around NJ.
As of today you can find them at:
Greensleeves in Flemington
Greensleeves in Barnegat.
I do wholesale ( one piece or many)
So if you are interested in my line contact me.

I am still popping up at various outdoor markets during the warmer months.
I absolutely love the nomadic nature of this.
If you love SHVs style and you want me at your venue, contact me.
( and if you are looking for " where I am" on any given Saturday, contact me)

Come mid September there will be more updates.

Wow how time has passed.... (intro to "whats next")

Welllll..... Summer of 2015 is here.

Which means its been 2+ years since I closed SHV boutique.

I'd be a liar if I did not admit that my heart aches.
I miss so much about my little shop.

It was a very verrrrry rough winter.
The worst in a while.
But it's over now.
(huge, deeeep sigh)
and deeeep breath......

As you may or may not know I finally pulled the trigger on a decision that was in the making for quite some time.
Last September I downsized my entire life.
Into 500 square feet.
(no easy task)

Why???
A few reasons.
But mostly, to open myself up to the next chapters.
 
There were many days after closing SHV at 906 Main when I felt like a failure.
Ive been humbled by circumstance and the economy.
And while most might want to give up,  I'm not most.
And the real truth is I've been thru so much worse than this in my lifetime.

What's next has been the unanswered question looming around for a while.
I haven't been sure of where I want to be really.
I mean I do have a vision of what I want SHV to be going forward, Im just not so sure where it's all gonna happen.
So I wait.
"Cause if I haven't learned this lesson in my life i'd be a fool.
And the lesson is....
If I'm not sure of what to do, do nothing.

And then the craziest thing happened.......
Things started to fall into place.

There is more soooooooo much more.
and I'll share, I promise.
More often and in more detail.
But for now, that's it.

Have a super sparkly day.

SHV Versatile, Flexible and Moving Forward

It seems like forever and a day since my last blog.

So much has changed.

SOOOO Lets talk...

I've been told by a few that my writing style has a certain flair, and I've been spending some time working on it.

And yet, it's been IDK.. a year since my last post. 

Why??!

Quite simply, It's tough.

I'm only me, and buying, moving, refinishing, selling, managing and promoting is (e hem)
hard.

But I wouldn't have it any other way,.......really.

It's Officially a year since I closed my SHV retail shop.
The truth is, I miss my boutique terribly.
I think about my shop in the Pink House, well, all the time.
But as many of you locals know, and are witnessing, Main St is yet again experiencing a devastating loss of business.
Most of the "New Boonton" hopefuls that have dumped everything they have into building up Main St and The Arts District are losing ground quickly.
In less than a year Main Street has experienced a severe increase in vacancies.
It seems like every other storefront has a for rent sign in it.
This saddens me, and yet confirms, what I had the foresight to see.
So the decision to close SHV at 906 Main was the right one.
Because....
I'm only me, and buying, moving, refinishing, selling, managing and promoting is, well,
HARD.


I (heart) Boonton.
 I know deep down in my (heart0 that change in Boonton will occur, that it has to, and that the government and building owners that run it (to the ground) ISSSS slowly changing.
But, I just I can't wait around.

And so I move forward.

Shifting my retail sales outlet from brick and mortar to online/specialized markets has been humbling, to say the least.
Ive learned to do things, physical things that most women my age don't (read can't)
And while I am looking forward to my new sleek, toned arms/shoulders this summer, they sure have come at a price.
Whew...its tough.

But the pride that I feel for toughing it out and finding a way to keep SHV afloat is HUGE.

So now as I honor my one year mark
("im still standin, better than I ever did.....")
Ill give you the down low on what's coming up.

On April 5th Brooklyn Flea opens in Ft. Greene.
 They are revamping and refreshing the layout to make customers have an easier time browsing The Flea.
They are also pumping up their new location in Park Slope.
(small, but Park Slope, is where many of my customers are from)
Sooooo its going to be a rockin Spring Summer and Fall an The Flea.
I will be at both locations at some point.
Ill update on Facebook weekly. But as it stands today, you can find me at B16 right in front at Ft Greene.

***Next***
Im looking into selling on a certain website in addition to Etsy and my.com
Fingers crossed his Majesty approves....
(more will be revealed)

ANDDD Eventually, I will be relocating my studio.
I need to be closer to NYC and Brooklyn and it's my goal to have a studio/showroom space.
The other exciting part of this is that I could very well include retail space for other vintage/handmade vendors.
Im in talks with some Flea vendors as well as some dealers in the Vintage/Antiques community.
Im looking for a good mix of vintage and quality handmade.
(THE Savannah Hope herself, may even be offering her vintage clothing picks from her shop
 Just Lillian.)
If you think this is something intriguing, and that you may be a good fit....well by all means drop me a message. We'll chat!
So again updates soon.

I am pretty darn excited by the all the new and fabulous things that are coming this Spring Summer.
And I am hoping that all of my loyal Boonton SHV customers who miss me/us will venture out of their "comfort zone" and check it all out at The Flea, in person, or even online!

A Day At Brooklyn Flea (Ft Greene)

Growing up in Bergen County was painful for me.

I often felt like I did not belong. Like a misfit, weirdo, and odd.

Lucky for me I was very good at sports and rather than gravitate to the other "odd ones"...

(you know them, every generation has them, back then they were pseudo hippies, DeadHeads, potheads and freaks.) 

 I fought my way through childhood by being quiet, sporty and mostly hanging out with boys.

High School was equally painful if not more so, just keeping my head down trying to somehow fit.

I spent many a day/night in the walk in closet in my room, reading Edgar Allen Poe and Stephen King, drawing, painting,writing and creating. Or even watching TV. I was obsessed with commercials....

(I had to share a room with my sister who was 5 years younger, total culture shock, it was bad)

To this day, I maintain sports and art saved me.

On the outside everything "seemed" pretty normal, but I never felt normal.

I'm not sure exactly when it happened but eventually I got comfortable in my own skin and realized that  all the creative "ones' felt exactly the same.

At that point I started hanging out with people "like me" and all was good in the world.

And sooooo...

 From the second I stepped foot on the schoolyard in Ft. Greene I was in love.

But let me backtrack a bit...
When I closed SHV I knew (quickly) that I had to have another way to have cash flowing in to
 *eh hem, pay the bills.
Having done markets in the past, I knew this was a sure way for me to make money on a regular basis.
Yep, it's extremely hard work, yep, I was not really ready. But I had to put on my "big girl pants" and have a go.
So, knowing a few people in the "biz" I asked around. I knew it was a busy market and I am only 25 mins away (including cutting through Manhattan)
So I contacted them, sent in some pics......and they "picked me"
Woo hoo.

Crap
Now what...

The first week end was ROUGH....
I had to rent a van for 3 days, load, unload, load, unload, load and unload again

by MYYYYY SELF.
Not easy.
But.....

From the second I stepped onto the schoolyard in Ft Greene, I was in love.
Every single thing about this was right.
It took me about 5 hours to unload and organize my stuff, I was a nervous wreck.
But customers came, and came and came.

After about 1pm I was able to actually sit down and have a look around.
How FABULOUS!
Everyone was just so absolutely cool, and artsy and well, cool.
I spent the rest of the day with a smile on my face talking to customers, meeting other super nice vendors and people watching.
My things were photographed and I got a great blurb on the Flea blog.

Isn't it wonderful when you can be happy and content in a moment. I mean totally present, feeling every inch of an experience.

So as I mentally and physically prepare for another day "At The Flea" in a couple of weeks, I can't help but be excited at the prospect of another day of pure joy, saturated, by smells (Asia Dog, Dough and Pizza Moto), sights (the dapper hipster guys in their too small suits, the "whats hot in collecting weekly") and sounds (every language imaginable, the Bawston twang to the Southern Drawl).

If you should decide to venture to Brooklyn with me on the 22nd, and are anything like me, I promise you will absolutely NOT be disappointed with the experience....and I'm certain you will go home with someeee thing new(old)

In the very least, your mind will be filled with inspiration to create.......

and how great is that....

Refinishing in Ombre....OHHHH AHHHH

Well I think by now you know that I am closer to the front of the pack when it comes to style trends in my work.

It's funny, isn't it.

I mean to apply style trends to furniture refinishing.

But we do, and I absolutely love love that anything goes.

Bold colors that I would have never thought go together, do, and create such fabulously refreshing statements in home decor.

In talking to me, you know that I have always focussed on furniture from the 20s thru the 40s in my work. Im obsessed with the styles and lines. And quite honestly in the beginning it was the type of furniture that was most easily available and "not in the best shape".

(what better pieces to repurpose and "make new")

  I have all out avoided the pieces of the 50s. French Provincial style was just "not for me".

But like anything...i'm open to change (thank goodness) and so I've made peace with this era and have decided to add (and lets face it expand and deconstruct) the "look" to my inventory.

So as quickly as I can acquire it, my inventory will include Provincial and Regency styles.

You ARRRE ready for it aren't you?

Lately I have been toying around with the whole "ombre" concept.

Just dying to get my hands on "just the right piece" to dive right in (is there any other way to create)

and try applying this idea, this trend, to a piece of furniture.

Well I found her.

Not surprisingly, a pretty solid French Provincial piece I found a few weeks ago.
I just hauled her into the shop.
She is very sturdy and I am really itching to get to work.
Today is the day.

(well actually I started this blog over two weeks ago in an effort to write more often...psssht)

Here is her before:

Being slightly obsessed with the three newest concepts in my "paint stash"
 (chalk paint, Grey chalk paint, and how well chalk paint custom mixes)
I jumped right in and started painting.
I will mention that when I purchased this piece I knew INSTANTLY how I wanted to refinish it.
And when this happens.......I love them best!
So woo hoo...it did take me longer than expected but within three days this beauty was finished.
(Just in time to be rained on at the Brooklyn Flea)
I do wax every piece, so as I happily loaded my pieces into the van, undamaged, because I simply wiped off the rain periodically.

I chose Old White for the cabinet and graded the drawers down by deepening the color with Grey
(cant give you my formula because.....I dont have one, I made it up as I went along)
But I will say, if you are trying this and do it "my way" SAVE some extra paint.....jusssst in case.
I actually fill little mason jars and give it to my customers with their new piece.

So here she is after being styled (by me) at The Barn

I did sell this piece at The Brooklyn Flea to an adorable couple who live in NYC
Bernadette, if you are reading this .....ENJOY! I hope you love your piece.

Suffice it to say that my infatuation lies not only with Ombre, but with this piece. The highest praise I personally can award myself and my work is "I could keep this one". And man oh man this was a keeper.
I wanted to put her in my bedroom right next to The Countess.

 Since I closed 906Main I've been trying to find some kind of serenity in the constant change that the freedom of NOT having to be in my shop every day provides.
My mind is less focussed on the stress of maintaining SHV at 906 and more focussed on doing the next "new trend". Its been really really fun.

So watch for new blogs coming soon........
think metallics and modern.......
I just can't wait!

(who's got it better than me?!)

NO Rules

Humor me for a moment...

 I realize that I created this blog as a way to express myself through my work. It's been my goal to enlighten (well maybe too strong a word) or introduce ideas and ideals that I apply in my life on a daily basis to you. If only to show, through example that we all can affect a positive change in our world, and as a result improve our earth. One small idea, or "craft" at a time.

I'm not sure I have lived up to honoring this task.
I take far too long to sit down and express what I am feeling before, during and after I create.
I vow to be better.

I am blessed to be able to live within and through my work.

And it's not at all funny to me that concepts, I have applied to my life, and expanded on and created SHV on are now flowing mainstream.

Into something bigger, and more accepted.

Dare I say fashionable...

However, I sat to write this not because I wish to expand on the above, but rather to give insight into me, the real ME, behind SHV.

I've reached a point in time where my daughter is no longer dependent on me. I don't need to drive her places or discuss "boys".

For many years she has been my reason for....well my reason for everything. Every decision, every choice, every plan.

And now its all about me.

Freedom. a certain level of freedom that excites me like it never has before. I can do anything. Anything at all. I believe this fully.

But what....

If you are close to me you know my mind never ever stops. I can slow it down, and feel peace as I have never known before, but I am always creating and thinking and wanting to "do".

My friend Dean always remarks that I have an insatiable need to learn. That if there is something I do not know, and the question arrises....well you can bet I jump on the computer and research until I can grasp the concept or at least have an idea or a clue in to the topic.

I plead guilty to the above. Not even caring as to the hows and whys. Its really just because....

And all of this.....blah blah blah.....it only adds up to one thing...I yearn, I crave, I ooze the desire to live.

Experience everything I could possibly experience. Right here, right now.

Enlightenment has given me peace and happiness i really can't explain.

I have till now spent a bit too much time worrying if you could actually "see the difference in me"

but for now, today, and from tomorrow forward I dont care about that anymore.

My only concern as far as you are concerned is...."are you coming with me"?

I am emotionally prepared to go it alone. Seek out whatever it is on my own for one reason only....I have let others decide for me where I was going and when, my whole life.

One of the most valuable lessons Dean taught me is to not settle.

Without realizing I have built my whole life around a concept that was taught to me (and sadly, I passed down to my daughter) and that is, to not be impulsive or desire. To think really think about what you do and then....pick the more practical choice.

And so, for as long as I can remember I have chosen not based on the passion or desire for what I want....but taking that feeling, knocking it down a few pegs and then "chosing that".

Well thats just plain ole sad.

Sooo if my words make any sense at all, todays blog is about living.
This exact moment. Being present in the here and now. No projection, no regret.
I believe if I can master this concept, I will indeed be happy. Always.

I seek adventure. In the smallest sense.

Ive been given the gift of being able to dream and then create...
And yet, the gift of being able to apply this into my life, big picture wise has alluded me.
Not anymore.

So again I ask......."are you coming with me" because i'm off, with or without you

What's Next?

I wish I knew.

Sadly, I do not. 

My crystal ball broke as I was loading all of my shop inventory into my storage unit.

BUT....I do know this.....

The decision to close SHV in Boonton was the right one.

Yes, I will miss all of my fabulous customers/friends but it is already apparent that Boonton was not the right location for my business.

And so a huge thanks to Gary and my former landlord for making decisions that caused that huge "flashing neon sign" to swing down and hit me in the head.

That said, quite simply, It's time to move on.
And so I have. And I wont turn back.
Gratefully, I have found freelance work, doing....well, doing exactly what I have always done.
Refinish furniture.
And it's really fun.

I do know, I WILL be opening a new retail space eventually. I have not decided where. I learned a lot from my 3 years in Boonton. And I am confident that the next step in the evolution and expansion of SHV will be bigger, better and more of what you love about SHV.

For now, I will be focussing on my freelance work, selling my work in other shops (if you have a shop and would like to carry some of my pieces please contact me) doing high end flea markets, selling online and trying to find studio space to create create create.

So apparently I do know after all.

I believe nothing is by chance and that "thoughts become things"
So while I am busy busy creating and focussing all my energy on the next fabulous step, I hope you will follow my adventures.

I (still) heart Boonton

My Love Affair with Stangl....and letting go

I'm not really certain when it happened. My obsession with dishes, that is.

The best I can remember is this: I grew up in a "throw away" house. We moved 4 times between my 11th and 18th year. Things got discarded, quickly. My mother never saved anything from my childhood. This always made me sad.

I remember her buying a set of dishes that were to be used for my communion. Simple white porcelain stored in our NEW Colonial style (bleck) Pine hutch.

It was the only thing I ever remember that was purchased "only for me". My sister (5 years younger) and I shared a bedroom, wore matching clothes etc.(very NOT fun for me)

I asked my mom one day, "what ever happened to those dishes?" she explained that she sold them after she divorced my father.

End of that story....and so it began

When I was 20 or so my interest in "vintage" started. I loved wearing vintage clothes and started hitting flea markets and garage sales for anything "cool".

A couple of years later I moved into my CO OP and had a home. I obsessed over my first set of dishes and searched and searched for the right set.

The pattern I chose was Mikasa Anthurium.
(the one and only time I bought NON American dinnerware.) It was love at first sight.

While I had been baking since I was 10, I had only begun to teach myself to cook. I had dreams of dinner parties (reeeeally in 500 square feet?) and friends packed in my little space.

So it was a dream come true when I found this beautiful set. I bought every matching piece and filled my apt with fresh exotic flowers. Anthuriums included. I loved my home but never did get around to dinner parties.(sigh)

(by now you all know I go on and on and get off topic, often... sorry)

Eh hemm.

As my collecting bug merged with my dinnerware obsession, my desire to support my own country grew. I began researching American dinnerware companies of the early 1900s through the 60s.

Being creative and "artsy" I became interested in the companies that created hand painted dinnerware lines. I found that there was actually a company in NJ that produced dinnerware right up into the 70s.

Stangl. Hand carved brightly colored dinnerware....Being The "Jersey Girl" that I am I searched and hunted for as much as I could. I began collecting Thistle, Wild Rose, Magnolia and the elusive Carnival. It was my goal to have 4 complete place setting of each along with all the extras.
This collection has been at least 20 years in the making.
(I never completed it)
When I moved to Boonton over 2 years ago my collection (all 6 crates of it) got stored away.
I have not ever used any of it, not ever. Pre Boonton my kitchen was decorated in Pink and Green and My Stangl was displayed on shelves....and everywhere.
But I needed to put the past behind me and start fresh.
(those of you who really know me, know why)
Well yesterday I pulled it all out. I unwrapped each piece like it was Christmas.

 As I type this my reservations grow and I do have a sick feeling in my stomach. You see, I guess growing up in the "throw away" home really had an affect on me.
I crave grounding and stability.....and all the things your own home symbolizes.
I save everything (NO I am not a horder) everyyyyything that has meaning. Savannahs report cards, hand made ornaments and dance trophies and costumes.
Oh yes...and my dishes.....
But I feel change coming and I need to clean out and organize.
So this summer as business on Main St is at a stand still, I vowed to list all of my vintage....and my stash....and my "creating supplies", and fill my Etsy shop with all of these wonderful things that have meant so much to me all these years.
I've needed them for security. I've needed them because for so long I never felt at home. But here in this falling down Victorian I have made a home for Savannah and I. It fees so good to walk in to my space. MY home.
And I know deep down in my heart that where ever life takes us now.......where she and I are, no matter how large or small the space is.....we will be home.

So...in truth....I don't need all of this stuff anymore. Yes I am queasy, but I know it will pass because I and the home I have created is enough for me. I feel safe and grounded.

And this is the happiest I have been for a very verrry long time.

oh yes.....I still have 5 sets of dishes that I actually DO use! (wink)

Champagne Reception! Let the Fundraising Begin! (Oh and Happy Birthday to me)

On June 17th I am turning 50.(ugg)

Typically I do not "mark" my milestones with anything that remotely resembles a parr tayy however I have decided to embrace this one and honor it with a personal challenge.

Since 2007 I have been raising funds to help find the cure for cancer through

 The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training.

Basically, Team In Training is an endurance training program that helps you to achieve the goal of completing a marathon, half marathon, triathlon, century ride or endurance hike.

The concept is simple....you agree to raise a set amount of money and in return you are trained, coached, escorted to and assisted race week end by coaches and staff of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Win, Win. 

You raise necessary dollars to help scientists research new drugs like Gleevec and directly assist people and families who are desperate for financial help and counseling due to the effects of cancer.

And in return...you achieve that which many cannot. You run 13.1 or 26.2 miles and cross a finish line(and get a huge honkin medal...unless of course you run Nike in San Francisco then you get a Sterling TIFFANY medal read necklace given to you on a silver tray by some very and I mean verrrry hot SF firemen in Tuxedos). Or complete one of the other events. (again big medals)

Many people join Team In Training and become endurance athletes as a result.

Sadly I am not one. My sense of accomplishment never ever comes at the finish line. It comes in the dark, at the start line,standing among thousands waiting for the gun to go off.

It is then that I have time to reflect on the past few months and how hard I worked to assist families, and knowing I have done all I could to move us one step closer to finding a cure.

Yes, A Cure, for cancer.

And sooooo..........

Since my first race I have raised over 30,000.00.

And I have run one full marathon (yep 26.2 miles in the hills of San Francisco)

and five half marathons.

My goal is Lofty (to say the least) 

I would like to end my 50th year with a medal from yet another half marathon.

BUT, more importantly....I would like to bring my total to 50,000.00 raised.

50 in 50.

So to honor this goal and to celebrate the big five o I am having a Champagne Reception at SHV for First Friday.

June 1st.

4-9

The bubbly will be flowing, and I will have lots and lots of sweet treats.

I will be giving out gifts to those who make a donation, and have raffle prizes.

It's gonna be fun.

So COME, Lets celebrate....life and health and happiness and lets fund The Cure!

And if you can't make it...but still want to donate you can do so here:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/nj/phil12/savannahhope

GOOO TEAM!!!!!!

Honoring Earth Day this First Friday

Earth day was founded in 1970. The same year Jimi Hendrix died and the last Beatles Album.

It quietly stepped onto the scene as war raged in Vietnam.
Vietnam, they call it the war that should have never happened. It killed many men within 10 years of my age and destroyed the lives of most who returned. I know a few guys who made it home. They never ever speak about it. Not ever.

Being a kid I was insulated from the war and protest. When I reflect back I don't really focus on much more than my cat Puffy, purple polyester bellbottoms
(ohhh my favorite) minibikes, football with the boys, "Free to Be You and Me" and a few commercials that left an impact.
One of these commercials was the "Don't Litter" commercial.
If you were alive back then I am sure you remember the Indian with the tear in his eye as he looked at his land, our land, with litter being thrown around.
Two words flashed at the bottom of the TV screen.....Don't Litter.
That commercial has always left an impact on me.

I grew up with a "pseudo hippie" mom who adapted to the changing times as best she could. Being divorced and a mother of 3 back then was not an easy thing.
I learned many life lessons back then. I became "color blind" at a very early age and learned that in order to grow we all must adapt, and yet change and be concerned citizens.

Life happens to us all but it seems I have carried into adulthood all of the life lessons I learned about equality and respect for people and our world back then as a child of the 60s and 70s.
Thank Goodness, because it seems racism is still alive as well as living in a "throw away" world.

Many people come into SHV and state "Wow it must be great to live your dream". SHV is not my dream...It's merely an extension of who I am.

And so April's "Theme" for First Friday is very important to me. More so than most.
While all of Main Street gets ready for the huge "ART WALKS" and restaurant weeks....I will be focusing on  helping you to see how we can make our planet a safer, healthier place.

Stop in this Friday, First Friday from 4-9. I will have samples of eco friendly laundry detergent
(yes it is safe for HE machines)
Along with a recipe to make it yourself. I will also be raffling off a basket of earth friendly products.

And so as Earth Day quietly stepped onto the scene back in 1970 I will honor Earth Day April 22, 2012 quietly, and hopefully lead by example and show you that small changes make big impacts on our world.

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint...At this point, it's a love LOVE thing..

Back in September I wrote about the new paint I had been using. It's an English Paint called Annie Sloan (real person) Chalk Paint.
It is the hot paint right now, and I wanted to try something different. I was getting bored with Linen White everywhere.
I read a ton of stuff that was on the web about the paint. But in a fashion true to who I am I dove right in and painted a piece.The paint goes on easily and is very well....chalky. So far so good. NOW the sealer. A wax with a very creamy type consistency, unlike anything that I had used before. I prefer the "aged look so I went right ahead and covered the piece with dark wax (YIKES) thinking I could just rub it off as I do with my glazes.
WRONG without getting into details....It was a gunky mess! and impossible to make better. So I tested that paint out (it says you can paint over anything. So I painted right over it!
Well....after about 3 to 4 tries the piece was covered with layers of paint....lol.
And I was still  far from skilled at using this new product.
So I read some more.....
AH Haaaa...you have to put clear wax on FIRST then use the dark wax.
At this point I am hardly an expert however I am inspired by all the other furniture refinishers who use this paint. Soooo I have leaped outside the box (so long Linen White) and have gone color crazy!
I am having a blast and if you check out my facebook page you see all of the pieces.
I am layering colors and mixing odd combinations. I'm loving it!
My goal is to have the back room of my shop not so much of a furniture storage but more of a second display area of finished pieces so I can have a nice combination of BM Linen White (and Aqua and that fab Red I do) and more chalk painted pieces showcasing all of my techniques that I have developed over the last 2 years.

I hope you will pop in and check it all out....or maybe drop in on Tuesday afternoons when I have my open furniture painting class.
I'll be teaching my Benjamin Moore techniques for the month of March.

Why Keep The "Vintage" in Savannah Hope Vintage

The truth is I could not make a living selling Antique/Vintage.

I tried.
So slowly, without real thought my little shop has evolved into a place where vintage, one of a kind and handmade items coexist.
I have been a collector of American China, Pottery and Glass since the early 80s. And at times have had some collections with well over 50 or 60 pieces. There was a time when "the hunt" was filled with excitement and anticipation. I hit garage; tag and estate sales every week end hoping to find a rare piece or needed addition to my sets.
Over the years I have learned a lot about American dinner wares and while most of my collections have been sold I still have a soft spot for the likes of Stangl and Blue Ridge, Cambridge and Heisey, Weller and Fulper.
These days the excitement comes not from "the hunt" but from taking some of these things that I have already aquired (that in todays market have little to no value) and repurposing them creating something new and usable.
And so with the evolution of my business over the last year I have often thought about dropping the "Vintage" from Savannah Hope Vintage. My business entity is Savannah Hope LLC so any "tag" word after that is just that...a tag word.

I would love to support more and more artisans who like myself feel a real need to recycle, reuse and reinvent that which has already been created and "consumed" in an effort to reduce waste.
But these days business has been slow....and while I hear many positive comments from wonderful creative people.......I just can't seem to reach the point of making enough to support Savannah and I.
I'm not giving up, I promise. BUT right now in an effort to continue to offer NEW things to all of my customers I have decided to bring in more vintage.

I am "Destashing" my vintage pottery, china and glass and linens.
Expect to see items not only repurposed but bunched and tagged so hopefully you will follow my and my artists lead and create and repurpose....or enjoy them in the original form.

So while I have contemplated dropping the "Vintage" for now it will remain.

Stop in to see and feel the changes that are happening and support my business.....not necessarily for me but to foster and sustain the truth that in an effort to save our planet we must consider our deliberations and our impact.

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss and The American Forests Fund

I've written about First Fridays before.

Each Month Boonton Main Street retailers all stay open late the First Friday.

Typically we have a theme and everyone goes all out to make it a great night.

(read PAR  TAY)

This month for (the very obvious) Valentines theme I had a local photographer in and created a "kissing booth". He photographed people of all sorts kissing or hamming it up.

It was a fun night!

But next month.....we honor Dr Seuss!
I'm so sooooo excited!

It would have been his birthday on March 2nd had he not passed in 1991.
Dr. Seuss was a man who I admire on so many levels.
He was a visionary and an environmentalist with a tremendous sense of humor.
When Savannah was small every year we would dress up as the same thing. (well one year she was a bride and I was the bridesmaid...but I think it still counts)
Savannah was probably about 4 and we were both the Cat in the Hat.
I think if you ask her today....what she remembers most...it would likely be mom singing Disney tunes (most specifically one from The Little Mermaid) us dancing "the hustle" in our undies and "Horton Hears a Who". It was a favorite of mine (which means it became a favorite of hers) and I spent many a day reading and doing every character in a different voice. It still makes me smile.
Dr Seuss had an uncanny knack for taking a serious complicated intense topic and bringing it down to it's simplest form. So the smallest of small could understand.
In 1971 he published a genius book called "The Lorax".
Back then many were called "ecologists" and I include myself on the simplest level. You don't hear that term much anymore
 (arrg this is a you know your old when... moment) but what you do hear and see is real change in the way people view our Earth and the "stuff" in it.
The Lorax was the spokesperson for trees (because the trees had no tongues).
The lesson was simple...put thought into what you are producing...because while it is filling a need, you must consider the harm it is doing too.
For as long as I can remember I have considered....and while it was not really planned, it is no surprise that my business is one based on recycling, repurposing and reusing.
So it is oh so fitting for me to honor Dr. Seuss for the lesson he tried to teach about our Earth, the trees and corporate greed and destruction.
Thus my THEME for First Friday
(and the whole month of March) is
"The Lorax" and his monumental reminder:

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's NOT."

I am working on creating tee shirt bags from repurposed tees that were donated to me (by the oh so beautiful Domestic Goddess) and ones I have had or found in thrift shops.  I will make as many as possible in the next few weeks.
These bags signify an alternative to paper shopping bags (formerly known as trees). They are unique, one of a kind, and can be used over and over (and washed with regular laundry).
I will be giving out these bags for a small donation (5.00 or more)
100% off all monies raised will go to The American Forests Fund.

You see the truth is I have believed for a very long time that I can and do make a difference in this world.
And I encourage all of you to consider....
you too can make a difference.

I have also set up a listing here if you cannot make it into my shop on First Friday or all month of March. I will ship your tee shirt bag to your address listed.

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's Not"
The Lorax   by Dr. Seuss

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

Tee Shirt Bag. Assorted Styles.

100% of all money goes to: 
The American Forests Fund.

Quantity

1 bag $5.00 USD 2 bags $10.00 USD 3 bags $15.00 USD 4 bags $20.00 USD 5 bags $25.00 USD

shipping address

Happy New Year....Whats New?

It's been a while since I've posted. While I am not absolutely sure why I think it is because I have been working so much....I just haven't had much to say.

The Holidays, this year, were the very best I have had in a long time.

While I did not go overboard with decorations (trying to keep the electric bill down)

or overspend on presents (again trying to be careful to not spend too much) It was the happiest of holidays for me in almost 10 years.

I'm very grateful.

And a year end Thank You.

Thank You for reading my blog, and shopping in my little shop, being supportive, and being my friends.

I really mean it....Thank YOU.

This year is huge for me...lots of big things will be happening.

I am hoping to be able to keep moving in this positive direction so that maybe, possible, hopefully I will be able to achieve my one (or perhaps 2 or 3) goals that I have had for as long as I can remember.

Stay tuned....there will be lots new!

I"m Dreaming of a White (and Red) Window and Party!

It's odd. I'm excited.
NOT that I am a bah humbug..not even close but for the past 7 years or so the Holidays have been...let's just say... a leetle bit underwhelming.

I have been really trying this year to be stocked and ready for holiday shopping.
I've been slowly cleaning out "the design studio" and I can actually find things to create with now.
It's been a while since I have thrown myself into creating (see first paragraph)
and I have been working on creating one of a kind Christmas ornaments and will showcase them in my Holiday Window.
UPDATE....I purchased some handmade $^&*#@s from another Etsy seller who sadly did not complete them and ship them in time for me to use them to decorate my window..(shame on you Megan)
so I have had to recreate the window (argh the pressure)...thus the ornaments are in the shop on an inside tree NOT in my window display :0(

BUT I am still up for this....

I have nervously accepted the challenge of entering my shop window in the annual "Boonton Window Walk".

If your window is chosen, you get a very nice ribbon.
On First Friday in December (the 2nd) our windows will be revealed to everyone and you can fill out a ballot in any shop.
Customers and "window walkers" get to vote on which window they like best.
The winner will be pulled on December 11th.

Now I know I am not going to win, but it gives me a reason to put forth some effort into my window.
(I'm excited but scared)
The truth is....this is only the second Christmas I have EVER had a window to display in...so it isn't my strong suit.
 (Im kinda bad....read reaaaallly bad... at it)
I want to stick with the theme of my shop so everything in the display will be:
One of a Kind Hand Painted Furniture, Recycled, Repurposed, Hand Made or Vintage.
Without giving it away I will say there will be....
Lots of White.....and Red. My all time favorite, tried and true, never get sick of color combo for Christmas.
I will post pics after the big "reveal"....
(OMG I hope I can actually pull it together,what I see in my mind does not always come together)

In honor of the holidays this "First Friday"and the big reveal I will be serving tons of "Holiday Cheer".
Nooo Noo everyoneeee despite the hit last month my chocolate martinis won't be doing a repeat performance. Think eggnog and spiced cider and holiday punch. And fooood food. NOT just dessert.
I havent decided what I will make yet
(I am still focused on my window display)

I hope you can make it.
BUT if you can't December 9th THE Domestic Goddess herself will be hosting
"White Night" at Savannah Hope Vintage
late night shopping from 6-8
we will again have Holiday Cheer (yay) ....Champagne, and all white food.
We will be doing a White Elephant so wrap up a (nice or funny) regift. YOU know you have a special closet for these things.... we all do....so go dig in and pull one out. wrap it up and bring it.
It'll be fun....I promise.

The Big Reveal......