Flannels and Fireside; Home for the Holidays - Our Christmas Window Display and Open House

Everything has a story and our window display at P20 is no different. 

“Flannels and Fireside; Home for the Holidays.”

 

Of course we have lots of flannels, mannequins, and love cozy plaid shirts and super soft tees… but it’s more than just that. 

 

I was already thinking about our window, when our friend Randy passed away. He built the mantle for us to use in shows and it had been in storage for over a year. I knew immediately, the mantle would be our focal point. 
 
“Flannels and Fireside.”
 

Back in the summer, I experimented and messed up a load of flannels and they shredded, because I didn’t process them quick enough… and they’ve been in a pile, just waiting for inspiration on how I could repurpose them. I created flannel rag garlands and used them on a couple of my trees. No matter our past and what we’ve gone through, we can overcome that and be something else. 
 

 

Of course we needed some trucks to carry our trees home. Brenna lent a black truck and Susann from Farmhouse Gourmet had a red truck. Angea brought an extra tree. There’s a burlap door hanger from Burlap Decor and More and wooden lanterns from p20. Jeff cut me some firewood. Brenna had a helping hand and ideas. It’s a collaboration. It’s “home” town makers and creators… and it’s reflections of our town in the windows and mirror on the mantle and memories of Christmas past…oh the memories….

“Angels appear, when cardinals are near.” Of course there’s all the pretty plaid ribbon, but there’s cardinal ribbon on one tree, in memory of all those not home this year… we know the holidays won’t be the same for so many this year and our hearts go out to you. We hope you find peace and comfort. 
 

It’s cozy. It’s warm. It’s home. It’s friends. It’s handmade. It’s memories… and we hope this holiday season will find you enjoying all of that. 

So much has happened since I last blogged... so much! In mid-August, I was able to rent the back room inside P20 as my workshop. I started moving most of my production to town (I do still make some things at home.) This has allowed me to have more room to work and organize my things, which has been very helpful. 

 The room has really transformed since we moved in (I'll do a before and after bog post soon, so you can see the difference.) The ceilings are still ugly and the floors aren't pretty, but I remind myself first and foremost, it is a workshop, so it's ok! We've got several rugs and floor mats down and don't look up at the ceiling much. 

This coming Thursday evening, November 11, 2021 is the Art Walk and Tree Lighting Festivities on the square in Gilmer, TX, so we have decided to have our workshop open house at the same time! We will have the doors open from 5-8 pm and you can come back to shop the extra flannels on the racks, before they hit the store front, we will have ornaments, mugs, and decor as well. Also, my mom, Diamond J Designs will have some of her leather work and crochet items, as seen in a few of the pictures. My sister in law, Lisa's Sweets and Such will have some of her toasted pecans and cookies available Thursday evening. If you've been to any of our shows this year, you might have tasted some of them and they are delicious. The orange glazed pecans are my favorite! 

You can get to my workshop by coming in the front door of P20 at 100 Davis St Gilmer, TX (corner of Davis and Tyler St/ Hwy 154, at the red light on the square.)

I do have a side door, that is located in the huge Live Gilmer mural painted on the side of the P20 building. We hope you'll stop by Thursday evening and see our workshop in person! 

Open House

Today was Open House at the new McWhorter Funeral Home. My good friends have built a beautiful new facility and I helped them decorate for the event today. 

The four of us all worked together at the flower shop, previously owned by Amy (third from left). Her and her husband have built the new business. The four of us hadn't all been together at the same time, since the shop sold. We had a great team and I enjoyed working with each of them and consider Amy, Sharlette and Angea three of my best friends! 

I was happy to help them out and got to work with fresh flowers this weekend. 

It takes someone with kindness, compassion, and sincere empathy to provide such a service to grieving families  and they possess those qualities.  Wishing them all the best with their new endeavor! 

Getting Ready for Open House!

Deep down inside, I really wish I had a vintage truck to pull my camper! Wouldn't that be cool? Last week, I had a Facebook fan ask about a vintage Christmas truck pillow, to go along with the glamper.  I woke up the next morning and it was all I could think about, so I went straight to drawing a pattern and then to sewing. This is her order that will be delivered this week, but here's a little secret, I have more and they will be available Saturday at the Starry Nights Art Studio Open House! 

We are loading our camper with all kinds of decor and gift ideas for Saturday's show. We will be set up with Gussie and she will be gussied up and open for you to come in and see her. 

Lots of new pillows will be available, including wings, campers, crosses, and some with quotes. I've got a couple new photo albums available as well. Print out pictures and fill the albums for a very personal gift! 

I've got several new dream catchers with lots of vintage lace and feathers. 

I was 99% sure I had 2 new white Christmas trees in my storage building. I decorated one and went back to get the other one and I can't find it. It's driving me bonkers, so I guess that 1% is right and I only had 1 white tree. It's a small table or desk top tree that is decorated with handmade burlap and lace flowers, pearls and ornaments. Oh, so shabby chic! Now, if that other tree would miarcously appear, I'd be tickled! 

We are getting excited about setting up again and still putting the finishing touches on a few more items, including some Christmas centerpieces and lamps, so I don't have them photographed yet. 

The sewing machine has been busy sewing new stockings as well. I'll have a big box of ribbon on hand for customizing the sashes on the stockings or for making Christmas tree bows. 

So here's the fine details: 

Hope you can come see us! For all you too far to come, all the new items that do not sell Saturday, will be available next week in my etsy shop! 

Open House Event at Starry Nights Art Studio and Vintage Rose Venues

I'm excited to formally announce that I will be set up with my glamper boutique at the Starry Nights Studio and Vintage Rose Venues Christmas Open House Event! 

The art studio is ran by Kelly Laminack, who was my high school art teacher. She stopped by our booth at the Yamboree last month and insisted that we be a part of their open house event! The studio is located in a historic old bank building in the Rosewood community and she host painting parties and the venue is available for birthday parties, wedding or babies showers and the such. I attended a surprise birthday party there over the summer and it's a very neat place and they have it decorated oh so shabby vintage. 

So we have jumped head first into Christmas mode and been creating new items for my shop and the show. Here's a small sampling of the stockings, arrangements and wreaths I've been making. 

Also, I'm working on restocking the glamper pillow and tote bag line as well! These items are all currently available in my etsy shop and I'm waiting on a shipment of pillow forms and I'll have more glamper pillows ready soon. 

Angea from Rooster Tails will also be joining us with some of her handmade items! We hope that you can come visit and shop with us at their open house! Beat the holiday rush and shop the week before Thanksgiving and you can get new Christmas decor in time to decorate on Black Friday and gifts ready to go under the tree!