Finally, A MAN CAVE for Kurt!

The challenge:  turning a 12' X 24' garage addition into a workspace that doesn't feel like you are stuck out in the garage.

Oh and did I mention, on a budget?!  

After the installation of the insulation, drywall and wiring ($560.00), it was time to get started

 We have been shopping a ton at our local "Re-Store" in hopes of finding items that would work. One of the first treasures we stumbled upon were these old french doors that were $130.00 for the set.  We fell in love with them instantly and we're going to make them work, no matter what.

I'm so lucky to have Kurt, he can really turn any idea into reality!!

Since this will be where Kurt spends most of his time working, we are going for a more masculine feel. The ceiling is being painted Sharkskin (sounds scary and man-ly!!))

Kurt was pumped when he found the 9 recessed can lights at Re-Store for just $4.00 each.

The exterior door, another Re-Store purchase, was only $50.00. We had purchased a door exactly like it just a few months prior for our basement and it was over $200.00...grrrr!

 
 The crown molding was $32.00 and the 2 hanging lights were $30.00 each.
  The lights were from a Red Lobster restaurant. (Fitting for the Sharkskin ceiling, right?!!)




























And here's Kurt, sealing the cement floor.  We decided to keep it simple with the flooring, since paint may spaltter here and there.  Plus, it keeps the expenses down.
Next up, the machines, furniture and DECORATING...the fun stuff!!!

A Love/Hate Relationship

Does anyone else out there share my pain?  I'm not sure half the time if I love having my windows free from coverings, or if they should be draped in layers.  My ultimate fear is that once I have spent the money on yards of beautiful fabric and all the expensive hardware needed to make a proper curtain, that  it will just end up looking like a obnoxious prom gown that I will hate within a month or 2.   Not to mention, I will have to make it as well! 

I talk like this has happened before.....YES, it has!

 So I go through all the pros and cons:
PRO - I love letting the light in
CON - I hate letting the neighbors in on what I'm watching for my late night "guilty pleasure" television show.  Yes, I'm addicted to Project Runway and Dance Moms!

 PRO - I love the trim moldings and architecture around old windows, so I don't want to cover it up
CON - I don't love that anyone can see me changing in my bedroom!

PRO - Open windows allow me to watch the world around me, enjoy nature every once in awhile.
CON - Did I mention that our neighbors can see EVERY move we make?!!

 So I have basically settled for simple gathered curtains that hang from a tension rod in most of the private rooms.  I'm not sure they are my ultimate fave, but they serve their purpose and will get me by until I can find something that will suit my needs.

Anyone out there want to share their window solutions (or nightmares!)?

Holiday Market

Here are a few pictures from the Holiday Market

A few little stockings lined with fur!

Some of the shirts and totes available through my Etsy shop

 Molly even came out to help us set up for the show!

 It was crazy, busy, festive and exhausting.....but we can't wait to do it again!!!!

Letty Mae's in Morris, IL is one of my favorite places to take someone for lunch.  For one thing it is adorable and they also serve the most delicious food!!

Everything on the menu is made from scratch.  My personal fav is Aunt Bird's Hawaiian Wrap and a cup of strawberry soup.....so YUMMY!!

 Tables are all filled with vintage tea cups and saucers, sweet little aprons hanging from the ceiling and lots of nostalgic items decorate the walls.  You better make reservations because this place fills up quickly!

Todays dessert special, Lemon Cake with Raspberry Frosting!!!

 You can also get lunch or desserts to go

 My daughter Kayla was fortunate enough to get a job waitressing there, and she LOVES it!  Hope you girls enjoy the tip that we left!

Let's go treasure hunting!!

What a beautiful weekend for the Market in Morris.  

Here are just a few photos of my booth from the past weekend......

 Hand poured candles in vintage glass and custom charms

 Fresh prints from our studio on pillow cases, one of our top selling shirts (the sheep with a crown!!), loads of wooden letters and cute chalk boards

I love all the different chalk boards and have such a hard time parting with them!!

 Here are just a few of the one of a kind dolls that I have hand made over the years.  Each one is unique and made with new and vintage fabrics, lace, rhinestone buttons, etc

More hand poured candles in vintage glass.

The next show will take place on July 14th from 8am to 2pm.  Hope to see you there!!
Jillian

Jillian Haupt & Co. Summer Markets

Some of the shirts and bags available in my booth.  Hot off the presses, the designs are made by me and printed in my studio.  The shirts are loaded with bling on the crown (although it doesn't really show in the photo)

My neighbor vendor "The Sassy Sparrow"

Laurie Regan and her custom art

Garden Gate flowers

A few of the antique tents

We hope you can join us at the next market held on June 9th from 8am to 2pm

New Custom items on ETSY!

The personalized undies have been such a huge hit on Etsy, that I just added a "boy cut" style.  I just love the color choices! Just click on the shop sign on the right hand side.

New tanks and matching undies in Fuchsia

And a new "Something Blue" to the shop....Custom with any name!