Something from Nothing - Signs Everywhere

I have a thing for signs.  I especially love old signs.  So, I merge my adoration of old wood boards with a wonderful worn patina and my need to create.  It started when I first got married and found an old WWII ammunition box.  I took off the top and created my very first sign that still sits above my

cupboard in my kitchen.

Strong Coffee Served Here

5cents

The font is awful and I love it still. I like to use historical sites and often obsess about using French when I can't speak a word. I try not to change the original patina of the boards if I find them.  Something about the chipped layers give the boards this life, warmth and make it irresistable. So here are some examples of my current obsession.   Many others are throughout my blog so peek if you like.  I so enjoy making custom works for my clients.  My husband is my main source for word smithing.  He came up with one of my favorites,

"Fox in the Hen House Tavern".  Clever man.

The Good Bakery

18  Chamberry, France  43

This is a large board about 5 feet long with a wonderful green over silver paint.

Original red paint

This was an old drawer front with original painted flower so now a Flower Boutique.

An old door...fabulous light blue chippy paint (picture does not do it justice) And French...

The Fox Tavern sign, Whaler Inn, Mad Hatter Pub and Wheat Sheaf Publick House to show a few...

You do not have to be an expert painter. 

Old board+ imperfect lettering+additional distressing  =  Fabulous Fun

Don't stand still for long, I may paint YOU! 

First 2010 Something from Nothing

Here was a box presented to me from my fellow Chartreuseandco.com pal, Donna.  Now you may not know that "something from nothing" is my favorite deal, but it is.  It makes me excited to not only create but know that this little pile of leftover wood would have been a burn pile to another. Oh no, no to me.

So....
Box 'o wood + creative juices + valentine dreams = THIS!

Your very own "Be Mine" forever love letter for your sweetheart. 

Even my 6'4" son loved these.  A perfect little gift for you to let someone know that they will

forever "bee" in your heart.

The sizes varies and each bee was hand painted by me doing it's own little dance of love.  I hand painted, sanded and distressed each "envelope" and tied a rafia bow with a hand glittered vintage graphically designed card reading "Be Mine".

I was also inspired to create some mini art pieces...bee inspired of course.

 "Fly"

"Soar"

"Seek Love"

All items will be in my shop for this next sale.  If you are interested in one just send me a note and I can give you the details and post to my Etsy account for a special order.

Keep coming back for my next edition of...Something from Nothing!

Oh and my bee obsession?  I have no idea.  Something about their fuzzy bodies and wings and buzzing and honey and and and...

 Lots of wood left still, hmmmmmmm...

Hope

I look to the New Year with much hope.

Hope for so much, for so many. 

My husband gave me a lovely book of quotes

 as I love words in the same way I love all beautiful things... 

A sweet smile, a clever quip, a gentle touch, a birds song, a bees wings.

Hope is the thing with feathers,

that perches in the soul,

and sings the tune without words,

and never stops at all.

--Emily Dickinson

Here is a toast to you.  May this year bring you all that you hope.

Happy Holidays

Our shop ready for Christmas

Oh my, it is almost Christmas and I am just now updating my little site. I hope you know this means I have been happily creating and full of holiday cheer. Here are some pictures to show you what I have been up to these days.

October Sale Time

Loads of original art and lovely furnishings...you just have to come see.

Our October Sale at Chartreuse and Co.