The Potato Sack: A Pop-Up Shop In Charlotte!

For a couple of years, I’ve had an idea, in my head, which seems to be sweeping across the country – the advent of the “pop-up-shop”.  Simply put, a specialty type of shop finds a location, opens the doors, stocks the place full of great finds, and when they’re done . . . they’re either really done, or they open up for another round, down the road. 

(Oh me, oh my – I could have been in trouble at this one!)

For the consumer, you’re spared the dilemma of taking days, weeks and months in making decisions about a particular purchase.  If you dally too much, it’s going, going, gone!  For the vendor, it’s a sweet thing.  No long hours of waiting and hoping someone will stop by.  Think of it like an auction or a tag sale.  The anticipation of the hunt is pounding in the hearts of those who line up at the door.  The prices are generally great, as well as the selections are more unique than the catalog or big-box stores.  You’re also contributing to the sustainability movement.

(Where could I have placed this armoire?  Let me count the ways!)

I love being able to find great things for my clients, and from time-to-time, I get a little “overstocked” on some of my own purchases.  I’ve had “mini shops” in retail spaces, before, and I have to admit, I really enjoy having some spare time to give TLC back to my own home and garden. I had decided not to try to juggle so many balls. 

(Some lovely items that were in their last sale.  Display is the name of the game, too!)

When I found out about one of these pop-up ventures in Charlotte, I knew it was like receiving manna from heaven!  No longer will my treasures be put away in a dull storage space.  Oh happy dance!  They’re going to new homes, for certain!

Without further adieu . . . I give you . . .

The Potato Sack!

A couple of inventive gals began this venture out of some extra space in a potato chip factory.  Kind of gives you an idea of where the name originated.  I could tell, from speaking to Martha Serenius, (one of the partners), these ladies had created a fabulous venue for all of the extra accoutrements – aka – “stuff” we all have accumulated. 

(Martha and Nell are beaming from seeing all of the shoppers!)

Meanwhile, a lot of this “stuff” is pretty awesome and is being sold at some pretty awesome pricing, too.  Therefore, one person’s “stuff” is another person’s “accoutrement” – get it? 

(Mmmmm – Did I miss out on some fabulous storage options?  Look at the tags!  No big box has real wood options for a few dollars.)

If you missed “getting it” at their last sale, don’t even release a sigh.  Another one is just around the corner!  Guess who will be in the process of making some tags and putting a shine on some things?  You win the prize if it begins with a ‘M’ and ends in an ‘E’! 

Be sure to put June 9th, 10th & 11th, 9am-4pm, (Friday – Saturday) - on your calendars!   A little birdie told me the next sale may not be for several more months!  (2001 W. Morehead St, Charlotte, NC 20209)

Here’s a sneak peak of what’s to come.  I give my apologies for things not being shown in the prettiest of settings.  Storage units are not exactly Neiman Marcus, if you know what I mean.

A darling pair of vintage slipper chairs.  All newly upholstered.

Take a look at the legs!

A glimpse of a still life oil painting.

This chair could almost be in the painting.

I really would love to use this mirror, myself, but I’m trying to become less attached to it.  Can you give it a good home?

It’s in mint condition!

Love this one, too!  Maybe it’s time to rework a few things?

A cutey pie!

I don’t know the Floyds, but I loved their sign.

You can see where they repurposed an existing one.  Notice the imprint of ‘closed’ in the background.

Sometimes age is a desirable trait.

I’m just teasing you with this one.  It’s an old 20's kitchen cabinet and it’s coming back into the fold, after a few things get cleared out.  Right now, it’s storing an overflow of fabric sample books.  We found it at a flea market, and my DH tried to get the old paint off – trust me – it was not pretty.  There is pine underneath but with all of the coats of paint penetrating the grain, it reached beyond the realm of patience.  We let some of the wood telescope through, and did a mustard paint.  Many steps later, it’s become a family heirloom of sorts.  My DH did a great finishing job but he said it’s his first and last attempt at it!

Thanks to Martha and Nell, I shouldn’t be seeing myself on any upcoming episodes of Hoarders!  This event is just in the nick of time!

Some of my social media friends have been nudging me to make a trip for the upcoming Brimfield show.  Maybe now they can see it would be like flaming the fires of antique desires.  I’m going to sit this one out and get ready for the sale!

All my best! ~ Wanda

Happy New Year . . . Chinese Style!

I haven’t forgotten that it’s not January 1st, even though I did previously proclaim I wanted to slow down the year of 2011, rather watching it zip by as in 2010.  I think it’s going to be a great year and I want to savor every minute!

I’m just happy to have an excuse to think of another new beginning.  We’ve literally stepped into February, so it’s the start of a new month and today is the start of the Chinese New Year!

2011 is the Year of The Rabbit! 

Rabbit years are supposed to be calmer and more serene.  They are a respite from the previous Year of the Tiger and the upcoming roller coaster Year of the Dragon.  I kind of imagine it as the year of happily hopping along!

According to USA Today writer, Rhonda Adams, The Year of the Rabbit should allow us to expect it to be good year for:

Creative and artistic. This is a good year for developing new products or new marketing campaigns, redesigning your logo or store. Use your imagination!  (How ironic, I’m in the process of that, right now!)

Calm. Rabbit years are traditionally more peaceful years. This means fewer things are likely to faze you, so you should approach problems with equanimity, expecting that you'll be able to handle them successfully.  (Since I always ponder how to do everything better, this should help move decisions forward, faster.)

Luck. Here's good news: Rabbit years are traditionally quite lucky years.  (No matter how much luck we may already have, an added bonus is always welcome!)

Some other fun factoids:

Paint it red.  This color is thought to promote a welcoming energy.  It also is a symbol of good luck and happiness.  The Chinese will often put a fresh coat of red paint on their doors and windows to bring both into the New Year.

Clean out the old.  The Chinese believe this is a great time to get rid of anything not useful or things which may be in disrepair.  The idea is that it opens up for the possibility of good fortune to arrive.  Hanging onto these things are thought to bog you down and stop the flow of good energy.  (If you missed getting on board with your January organization, here’s your “do-over”.)

Gifts of money are placed in red envelopes.  They are exchanged in the morning, amongst family members.  (I found some special ones, on Etsy, decorated with cherry blossoms.  Wouldn’t they be lovely keepsakes, showcased in a shadow box?)

Firecrackers are set off to scare away evil spirits and misfortunes at the beginning of the New Year.  The noise is also intended to wake up the sleeping dragon to bring rain to crops in the summer.  (It might wake up some sleeping neighbors, too, and your wish just might be fulfilled if they opt to turn the water hose on you!)

 

Gung hay fat choy, y’all! –

To great beginnings . . . again! ~ Wanda

Fresh Interiors For 2011

After The Holidays . . . One Step At A Time!

If your holiday decorations have made their way back to storage, you might be experiencing withdrawal from all things sparkly and bright.  It could make you feel a bit turned upside down!

The great reason for continuing to have all of those “pretties” placed about could be to distract you from some of the household “to-do” items you may have missed back in the fall.  (I have seen decorations left up until Easter!)

 

Now that the New Year has arrived, are you feeling a little challenged by the notion of adding one more thing to your list of resolutions?  How about considering this option?  Create a “love” list instead!  Isn’t it time to make 2011 the year of “Loving The Home You’re In?”™

 

I’m here to share with you how simple it can be by taking small steps, which add up in a big way.  You can lead a well-designed life! 

Rather than have you immediately focus on big areas or big projects, in the next couple of weeks, I’m going to share small steps to help you better embrace those projects when you’re ready for them. 

Here’s a good “Love List”, to start:

1.  Start with one room or a small cluster of spaces.  Getting one area completed not only makes for a positive impact, psychologically, it’s allows for a better focus of how the dollars are invested.  Trying to spread a one room budget, throughout an entire home, still leaves for projects unfinished.  Of course, expansion to other areas is totally up to you!

2.  Clear the clutter.  While this might seem obvious, clutter is not only about “junk”, but unless something serves a purpose, is a true treasure, or enhances the room, it’s hard to see the proverbial forest for the “stuff”.  This doesn’t mean you are 100% permanently removing those things, it just allows you to start with a fresh perspective.  For example, I’ll often have clients strip down bookcases, before I arrive, place the items on a table in a dining room, and we’ll “shop” in there, first, before eliminating or deciding to add or update the shelves.  The transformations are always amazing!

3.  Take a room assessment test.  Now that the room has been somewhat cleared, take a look at what’s going on in the background.  Do the floors or floorcoverings need attention . . . cleaned, replaced, or a new area rug?  Are the walls and trim scuffed and in need of touch-up or repainting?  Does the ceiling show stains from leaks?  Without lamps, is the room dark and relying on one lone ceiling fixture?  Do you have any trim molding details which are not in proportion to the size of the room or any molding at all?  As a designer, I take a good look at the bones of a space.  I can often tell if the homeowner is spending more dollars on furniture and accessories, in effort to compensate for some missing architectural definition or function.  Temporary or cover-up solutions are only band-aids and don’t necessarily address what the “design doctor” might really need to order.

No matter the style of your home, when completed, there are certain items that will make it sparkle and shine!

I’ll continue to share some special tips and advice, throughout the month, along with some regular posts.  I’m in the process of practicing what I preach, so the Horton household has been receiving some attention to the little things, as well as some business housekeeping.  A new logo, an updated website, and even a name tweak is in the works!  (Thanks to Aimee O’Boyle, at Creative Montage for her amazing talents!)

Stay-tuned!  2011 is going to be a great year for “Loving The Home You’re In”™ !

All my best! ~ Wanda