Need a little inspiration?

I love looking through magazines and catalogues.  Over the years, I've torn out hundreds of pages of ideas that have caught my eye and I've filled countless notebooks with those torn pages.  Now that we have Pinterest, I've added that to my obsession, and I have a zillion folders filled with cool ideas found on the internet.  Stylists, artists and even DIY'ers often have an inspiration board in their office or work area where they pin items that inspire them.

I wanted something similar for my shop and found the neat rack pictured above while browsing through the Trading Post on Hwy 195.  I'm not sure it's original purpose, but I snapped it up and hauled it to my shop, knowing it would serve perfectly as my Inspiration Board.  Next time you're in town, drop by and see if you find something on the board that inspires you!

Our mascot has arrived and needs a name!

Our new mascot has arrived!  And she is absolutely gorgeous!  She didn't photograph as well as I'd hoped, but that's the photographer's problem, not our girl.  The black on her face has inset sparkly tiles and she has a sassy tilt to her head.  I adore her!  But she needs a name!!  Here are a few that have been bantered around:  Bessie, Flossie, Daisy and Elsie.  Not a one of the names seems to suit her.  Any ideas?  Post them in the comment section below and we'll add your suggestion to our growing list.  Once we've decided on a name, I'll post it here.

And before you can ask, SHE IS NOT FOR SALE!  How could I possibly part with this bovine beauty?!  I do have a couple of other cow heads in the shop, though.  Here's a peek at one of them.  

Drop by and check them out in person.  I think you'll find the experience moo-ving.

Pop 'n Drop!

This is a fun project and functional, as well! Take an old piece of wood, add a bottle opener and hang a bucket beneath the opener.  Once combined, what do you have?  A Pop 'n Drop!  Pop the top off a cold one and the cap drops into the bucket below.  I had two in the shop, but one has already found a home.  If I can find more buckets, I might be tempted to make some more.  They are so cute!  Perfect for an outdoor room, patio, man cave, or wherever you want to hang it.

A Step Back in Time

I love history almost as much as I love old buildings.  101 Story Avenue in Florence offers me lots to love.  The picture below is the oldest photo I've discovered of the building and was sent to me by the granddaughter of the building's owner.  I don't know the exact date it was taken, but I believe it was in the late 1940's or early 1950's.  The name of the business was Cotton Wool and Mohair and was owned by T. M. (Tommy) Williams.  He is the man on the far left.

I don't know the date of this next picture, but I'm going to guess it was probably taken sometime in the 1980's, or maybe the 1990's.  Notice the subtle changes the building's structure underwent over the years.

I wish those big front windows displayed in the first photo were still there!  This particular photo reveals more of the building's second story.  For many years, it was the meeting place for the Woodsmen of America.  During the 90's it was converted into a loft apartment by George Caskey, who was, at one time, T. M. Williams' business partner.  Lots of bead board and old wood floors were preserved in the remodeling process.  Really cool living space.

The next picture is present day.  Notice the change in paint color, the awning design.  Yet the building's integrity is still intact.

I'm still searching for more history and photos.  There is one mystery I'm determined to solve.  On the iron threshold at the building's entrance is inscribed:  "Bessie Cannon."  I'm curious about her... who she is and why her name is on the building's threshold.  If I find the answer, I'll let you know.