A FRESH START......

Well, despite the weather, and today is totally icky, Spring has arrived. This time of year always makes me yearn to freshen and change and repaint and just shuffle things around. This little quirk has hit Shabby Lane Interiors too. I've shuffled things around, added some colours, some new finds and have started creating some of my own as well! Thought you might like to take a look......

SPRING, SPRING WHERE ARE YOU?

Yes, spring, we  know you're not too far away....a day here or there just reminds us that we do have one! Well, with that little tidbit, I felt movitivated to just give the shop a good ole sweep. Yes, the beautiful birch are removed from the windows and its fresh, fresh! Its nice to see colour again. I have decided that I am in love with colour. When I was studying art, line was my strength....now I've decided its colour. But not just colour everywhere....its bursts of colour. Let me show you what I mean....

This just puts a smile on my face...makes me feel lifted. Its amazing what colour can do for us! Especially this drab time of the year while we sit in waiting, watching for the first bursts. So this is where I'm at...I wouldn't call it a crossroads, but rather an epiphany...I love colour! 

All photos are courtesy of google images...not to be copied, just for inspiration.

"The Shop with the Birds"

The other night a customer of my husband's referred to my shop as "the one with the birds". That's cute! Yes, since I brought my finches to the store in August, I must say, they have really captured a lot of attention. I really think they love being there too. They do draw attention and I even have customers who drop by to see how they are doing. In the summer, they had a nest full of eggs, but for whatever reason, my finches are not very good parents. So after a number of weeks, they decided to toss the eggs.  They sing when people come in as if to say "We're over here". They live in an old wardrobe cabinet that I created into a birdcage. After many requests, I've decided to create a couple for sale. They should be available in the next month or two, just in time for spring. Here's a couple of photos, in case you haven't had a chance to visit

Movies, Manicures and Martinis.....

This lovely community of Uxbridge never ceases to amaze me. Cathy & Mark Cristoff, owners of the Roxy Theatre in town, also the owners of my beautiful building, are wonderful advocates for the local hospital and have raised $53,000.00 over the past few years. For the past few years, they have put together a magical themed evening titled "Movies, Manicures and Martinis" offering food from the well-known Tin Mill restaurant and flavoured Martinis and of course, there is a movie to accompany theme. This year's theme is "Weddings". Imagine slipping into your wedding dress.....let's just leave that one there. Anyway, as a silent auction item, I put together "The Wedding Chair" and I was so happy with how it turned out, that I just wanted to share it with someone! Here are the before and after pictures.......

The Prettiest Shop....

Mondays are my day off to do a few errands, a little treasure hunting, a little reorganizing. So, I saved this past Monday for a little day trip to City Cottage in Bowmanville. I met Jenny Smith, owner, a couple of months ago, when she came to visit Shabby Lane Interiors. She is really lovely! We have had much in common, lots to share and talk about. I have been wanting to visit Jenny's shop for a while now and finally made it. Well, it was well worth the wait! From the time we stepped out of the car, it was just like eye candy. You know when your eyes flutter from one thing to the next, trying to take it all in. I think it will definitely require another visit or two or...! This wonderful store certainly reflects its owner. It is warm, cozy and filled with inspiration. She has so many beautiful painted pieces. I found the perfect lamps for our new french inspired bedroom at City Cottage.

Her shop is filled with accessories for your home. She has beautiful vintage linens, lighting and cushions. Her beds are so comfortable looking. You just want to crawl under the covers with a good book! Wait until you see the clever things she creates with old pieces of china.

If you haven't yet visited City Cottage, make a little daytrip and meet Jenny. You'll love her shop and her! I can't wait to return. There are a few more things I would love to have.

Lisa

Petit Chic visits Shabby Lane Interiors....

 Setting the scene....

 Look at these pearls....

 Isn't she just beautiful?

Petit Chic, created and owned by Nicole Vos, is the producer of beautiful vintage inspired baby and children's accessories. A couple of weeks ago, Nicole asked if it would be possible to have their photoshoot at Shabby Lane to launch their new product line. Well, who could say no to roses, bows, ruffles and ribbons, not to mention the sweetest baby models. It was exciting having my shop as the backdrop to these breathtaking pictures. I have attached a few for you to enjoy!

The photographer is Charity Sampson, owner of Sampson Photography. You can see her beautiful photos on facebook. Visit Petit Chic, Nicole Koogje Vos or Charity Sampson to see beautiful samples of their work.

Here's my girl......

I am so proud to share my daughter's photos that were part of an article in the December issue of Canadian Living Magazine. Amanda has quite an eye! I am tickled to see her "published". Maybe I can convince her to take a few shots of my store!