Begin to Begin

No,  I haven't been away to one of my most favorite spots on earth, (I wish), but I was looking through my pics this morning as I begin my first post of 2012.  I came across this one.  Early morning low tide at the beginning of a brand new day.  Quiet . . . blank as a slate, cleared of footprints from the day before, and open to the markings and activity to come as the hours unfold.  As we begin this New Year, my hope for all of you is that you will experience many, many new joys, the continued love of family and friends, and a hopeful spirit to carry forward in the days ahead.  

I thought today I'd share some of SWITCH's Before & AfTer's of the past year.  Some pieces were more labor intensive than others, but all had the possibility to become something more beautiful, current and once again, useful.  The AfTer's represent a revitalized look for pieces that were not quite ready to go off into never-never-land just yet . . .  all in keeping with our philosophy here at SWITCH to re-do, re-claim and re-love!

The finished small cupboard transformed with some awesome new color. This little piece is now serving it's time and some lucky customers, in a local coffee shop. What could be better than a bright color splash in the morning?

These Duncan Phyfe-like chairs came from a wonderful Victorian home, but just needed a bit of tweaking to freshen up the look. We have 4 at a great price in the shop.

Super comfy kitchen/bar stools, updated with a fresh floral geometric.

 A set of 6 Swedish style chairs were a Bloomies buy a few years ago, and we decided to brighten them all up with a riot of delicious color.  

Great wicker chair all done up with a beautiful gardeny Ralph Lauren fabric on the seat pillow.  Now residing in Hoboken NJ.

This pair of sweet rattan chairs have been happily re-dressed and relocated to a low kitchen island.  Perfect chic for a small space!

All I can say about this solid wood table is . . .  fabulous buy.  Repainted in a rich warm black, it's a full 48" round in diameter, and includes a leaf to bring it to 60"oval.

The Beginning

By far the major and most challenging re-do for Mary & I as we set to open last March, was our actual shop space. Let's just say, we had a vision and leave it at that for now.  

I think I can speak for Mary as well as myself (right Mar?) when I say that one of the truly satisfying joys in both our lives is turning an empty space, whether it's a home, a room, a garden or even an empty canvas into something beautiful.  If you have found something wonderful to take home and add to the things you love in your own home, that makes us feel good.  Thank you.   

As far as our little shop here at SWITCH, one of the the best parts of these last few months has been meeting and getting to know so many of you amazing people.  At the beginning of a new year, it's nice to count those blessings.  

Wishing the best of 2012 to you and your loved ones. 

The Gift

I've been obsessed lately with Pinterest, and so in awe of all the amazingly creative people out there.  Where else can you find unending inspiration for everything from art, interiors, design, fashion, crafts, and food!  In addition to the addictive pinning and re-pinning, my unrelated blog server crash yesterday, and sitting in traffic while waiting to wait on Christmas lines in the stores,  SWITCHSTUFF has been on semi-hold till now.  I'm in the process of getting my Pinterest button on the blog so you can follow it here if you want,  but I need my tech expert daughter to help me out with the coding changes first. . . 


Anyway, until then, here are a few creative takes on the traditional Christmas Tree (which I LOVE btw). All interesting and easy.

image from Canadian House & Home

Tabletop Tree

We DO have a table similar in size to this one in the shop.

 Maybe you'd like it for a smaller tree somewhere in your home. Love this presentation.

One dimensional, but cute.

image from http://nameisgrace.blogspot.com/

Family Letter Tree

Yarn Ball Tree

image from jones design co
The White Tree. 

Ball Tree

image from Pinmarklet
Book Tree

Not only is my own tree not up yet . . . it's not even picked out.  Maybe this weekend.  I can hope.

For years and years I have been admiring a tree in our little town that I think absolutely rivals the Rock Center Christmas Tree.  

Driving down a quiet road at night in December, around a bend, all of a sudden this gorgeous tree comes into full view.  It's spectacular, although the pic here doesn't quite do it justice.  Situated on a private property, it always made me feel so happy that some family took the time to create such a beautiful display at Christmas. 

I'd been wanting to just say thank you for so many years of enjoying what they had done, but I was always either on my way home or on my way somewhere else, to stop.  My mother always told me to write a thank you note when I received a gift, so, last year I did just that.  And it made me feel good to do it.  Gift given.  Thanks given.

If you've still got some shopping or decorating to do, Mary & I are opening the shop Tuesday & Wednesday (limited hours 11-3) including our regular hours TH/FRI/SA 10-4, till Christmas. 

Some new things in the shop. . . 

Lots of antique frames for art, mirrors or just interesting wall art on their own.

Sparkly mercury glass lamps, ornaments & more.

Tables. . . How about this great red painted one? 

Sconces & Candlesticks . . . 




and much much more one-of-a-kind pieces . .  
like this

Antique Tool Box
Something like what I imagine might be in Santa's WorkShop!




Wishing you all a peaceful week,

The Quiet Season

Some of my favorite Christmas thoughts are swirling around these days. Thinking about some of these people and things. . . 

FamilyPeace&GoodWill

PickingOutTheChristmasTree

Old&NewFriends
Thumbprints&Gingerbread

CozyFiresTheHolyFamilyLightedCandles

ThePoorBeautifulMusicColoredLights

LovedOnesWhoHaveGoneBeforeUs

OurTroopsSnowyWalks

It can be so crazy busy these next few weeks, but try and take the time to relish the quiet moments.  We all need them.


Aren't these the cutest little mini desserts?

Found them here: http://daisyt13.wordpress.com/2011/12/04/santa-hat-brownies/  at daisy's world. Nice and easy Christmas(non)baking with the kids...if you buy the brownies.


Oh, and the winner of our 2nd free SWITCH Giveaway is. . .  

of Harrington Park, who will be receiving her red mercury votive holders just in time for the Holidays. Congrats Sandy!

The shop is ready. All decked out.  It feels so good to begin the Christmas Season, finally. 

Hope you all can stop by sometime between 6-9 for our 
SWITCH Wine & Cheese Christmas tomorrow night, Wednesday December7th.  


Zara of Zatara Designs http://www.zataradesigns.com/  will be on hand. . . she and her sister make the most amazing one-of-a-kind jewelry, some of which we have at the shop right now. 
And. . .Rich Millman of ContemporaryFoods http://www.contemporaryfoods.com/ has so kindly offered to bring us us yummy apps and other wonderful things.


The wine. . . Corvo of course, courtesy of my awesome sister-in-law Tricia.


SO. . . It would be great to see some of you and say thank you for your continued support! Stop on by if you can.

Have a peacefully quiet moment or two.