Hello friends..old and new. Speaking of new...WELCOME to all of you who have found me via my recent Farmhouse kitchen post. So happy you have returned to my little blog.
So this weekend I got up early on Saturday to check out a 'moving sale' up the street. A little rambler of a house where the last inhabitant was getting on in years and moving in with a family member.
Walking into this house was like entering a Time Warp back to the 1960's!
Lot's of vintage items, but not in a cool vintage way...if you know what I mean. I did manage to spot these adorable old gingham dishtowels all washed and starched. I think they look great on spray painted thrift shop table.
I also took a drive over to my favorite thrifting place, Salvation Macy's. I always find great treasures and today was no exception.
Digging through all the handbags, I spotted this big, sleek, black leather shoulder bag. I immediately spied the Kate Spade logo on the front..at this point I was holding my breath while checking out it's condition....PERFECT!!!!!
I paid $7.00 for her....$7.00!!!!
When I got home, I googled Kate Spade and found this bag selling for $349.00...crazy, right?
To sweeten the deal, when I got home and opened all the inner pockets, I found this...
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| Letters spell LOVE |
A beautiful Brighton business card case!
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| not too shabby for $7.00 |
I'm telling you ladies, if you do not frequent your local thrift shops, you are missing out on some fabulous bargains. Gone are the days when these shops sold only old nightgowns and threadbare
t-shirts..there is gold here!
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t-shirts..there is gold here!
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Ok...now let's talk GIVEAWAYS!
I have been wanting to do this Giveaway for so long. When I first found the Etsy online shopping website, I fell in love with the work of a beautiful young painter named Janet Hill of Janet Hill Studio.
Janet's artwork is displayed in many private collections throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Asutralia. she lives in the beautiful Canadian city of Stratford, Ontario, where she paints in a small home studio. Janet lives with her husband John and their cat and dog.
Janet's artwork is displayed in many private collections throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Asutralia. she lives in the beautiful Canadian city of Stratford, Ontario, where she paints in a small home studio. Janet lives with her husband John and their cat and dog.
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| Isn't she pretty? |
I found myself coming back to her site time and again. The gorgeous colors, scenery, clothes and vintage looking women...I was in LOVE!
Take a look at what I am talking about..here are some of my favorites...
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| I adore her 'leg' portraits! |
I am a proud owner two of her prints
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| 'The Flowering Orange Tree' & 'Hot Chocolate' |
Janet's colors fit perfectly in my new kitchen. My sweet sister Maddy gifted me the top print.
I am fascinated by Janet's long brush strokes and the way she creates ruffles and lace. Don't get me started on the gorgeous legs she often paints.
And the colors...OMGosh...the beautiful colors!
I think the dress and shoe paintings would be fabulous in a young girls bedroom. Especially if she is a girly-girl. Her chic room scenes would be fabulous in a home office or studio.
Janet and her husband live in Canada and she works out of her small home studio. Janet runs a very succesfull Etsy shop and also posts all her new paintings on her own beautiful blog. Be sure to wander over as there are so many more wonderful works of art to be shared.
So...who would like to own their own Janet Hill print??
To help introduce Janet to all my readers, she has very generously offered to donate one of her MEDIUM prints as the prize in my Giveaway. The winner gets to choose which Medium print she or he would like. All shipping costs will be included and the print will be mailed directly from Ms. Hills studio to the winner.
This Giveaway is open to ALL my followers (that means you guys across the pond also!)
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But, that's not all!
Janet has also agreed to award a second prize of some of her beautiful stationary which she sells in her second etsy shop, Janet Hill Ink
What do you need to do...
1. Simply sign on as a follower of The Empty Nest blog
2. Visit Janet's blog or Etsy shop and come back here to leave me a comment telling me which piece of art catches your eye. I dare you to name just one...yeah she is like potato chips without the weight gain ;-)
I think I've made this easy enough and I hope all of you take a moment to enter...someone has to win, why not YOU!
This Giveaway will expire Monday, March 21, 2011
Thank you Janet for being so very generous.
Until next time...be kind and stay creative.
Ps...I would like to send a huge Thank You to all of my fellow bloggers who took time out of their busy blogging schedules to give some special attention to my Farmhouse Kitchen Restyle Last week. You all sent me such warm and friendly traffic and I now have many new blogging friends.
Thank you:
joining these parties
Hope Studios
55 comments:
I love that card holder! Two for one!
I really love her stuff. So glad you wrote a post about her! May favs so far are Sunday Picnic, Library Legs and Souls. :)
Janet,
I love Janet's work. I've just been through her etsy shop and blog. Love, Love her things. I really like the columnist, and the Himalayan cat one. She's very talented. Her cards are fabulous, too.
wooowww how generous!!! and I can't choose just one of her works, they are beautiful and give off a classic air! and OF COURSE I follow you!
You are right Janet Hills paintings are very beautiful Janet. I love this painting. (The Poodles Adore Pastries- Open Edition Print)---it makes me think of my trip to Paris. It would look nice by the prints I framed of my trip. I love the softness of her style of paintings. OMGosh I hope I win one!
xoxo
I love Janet's paintings. The colors are beautiful and the subject matter is different than what you normally see. She chooses subjects oftne overlooked but are so interesting. I think that my favorite is Shoe Shop. I would love to own some shoes like that...maybe someday! Thank you for sharing! Love your blog, just found it recently...FUN FUN FUN!!
God Bless You!
I've been a follower for a while!
I've had Janet's Etsy store on my favorites for a long time. My favorites are Souls and The Italian Bakery. I really love them all!
Thank you for sharing. What a talented artist she is. I love the ones with the cat, owl or hedgehog in.....you're right it was impossible to choose just one :-)
A x
It's so hard to choose but I do really like Foraging in the Woods. They're all beautiful. Love the colors!
Oh Janet you really do manage to find the most amazing bargains.
Love that little card case.
Have visited Janet Hill's etsy shop, her work is just fabulous. I am itching to set my easel up now.......
I won't enter your giveaway as I was very lucky to win
something in your last giveaway.
Have a great week,
Claire X
Hi Janet! What a great giveaway -- I'm so hooked on her prints. The colors would match my kitchen just perfectly! :)
I love Le Souffle or Hot Chocolate for a kitchen.
I love Hedgehog and Pin Cushion because it's so quirky.
Thanks for bringing our attention to such a great artist. I see myself ordering some prints soon. :)
Lisa
http://chicmagnifique.blogspot.com
Very nice work - thank you for sharing.
I am a long time follower and I like "The House across the Bay".
I subscribed through Google reader to your blog today - LOVE your recent Brighton and KS finds and am soooo jealous! (: I think I may stroll over to the thrift shops today...also, the prints by Janet are to die for, just lovely!
So happy I found your blog via your kitchen makeover! Wow--so happy I found out about Janet's art via your blog. Hard to choose a favorite but I find "The Elephant and the Dancer" strangely intriguing...
I would have to get the "Croque Monsieur" painting as we have a King Charles Cavalier who loves the sofa just like the one in the painting:) I follow you on Google. Thanks.
You're right Janet - impossible to choose just one!!
Possibly 'Prudence' ??
I'm a follower
The Owl and the Clock...they're all really beautiful.
Tricia
t(dot)oshea(at)yahoo(dot)com
HI!! Ohmygoodness how I love your blog. Believe it or not, I'm not commenting to add myself to the giveaway:) Let these other beautiful ladies have the chance. I'm writing because I have the most pressing of issues and you are my only help!
For the 5 years I've been with my husband he has talked about his great grandma's chocolate pie. It was his favorite dessert and when she passed away, no one got the recipe. I made it my life's goal to try to re-create it for him and I literally tried 50 recipes! Not kidding. Over the course of 5 years:) Finally last year, YOU posted a recipe for homemade chocolate pie on your "pie day friday" posts you used to write.
AND IT WAS THE ONE!! I finally found the recipe everyone in his family was trying to remember! I wrote it down, and treated it like gold! It was tucked safely in my recipe cupboard just waiting to peek it's head at the next family function. We have a reunion coming up and I wanted to make it again, but sadly....a water pipe broke and ruined my recipe!
Now I can't read it and I'm heart broken! I've searched your archives but can't seem to stumble upon it? Can you help me out? Do you remember the one I'm talking about? It has the tempered eggs and cream and chocolate squares you have to cut up and melt with sugar and milk? Is there anyway you can direct me to your post? Or send me the recipe? I KNOW what a creative busy lady you are and this may seem so silly!
But I swear this was a recipe I was going to make for my kids for Christmas for years and years and it was something everyone looked forward too! I would so appreciate your help if you can! Thank you so so much!
xoxox
Chana
http"//www.mammatown.blogspot.com
Choose one? Oh my! Well, the shoes pictures no, maybe the dressing tables...no wait, the alarm clock and owl picture. I don't know....maybe I better not win...cause it will take me hours to choose! LOL.
Lorraine
@Lorraine...
I warned you ;->
janet
LOVE the Kate Spade bag!!! I have wanted one forever! Wish we had a Salvation Macy's here like yours! I love Janet Hill's work! To pick a favorite is tough! I like Four Flower Pots, Tin of Tomatoes, The Night Owl and Prudence...and of course all the shoe ones! Thanks for introducing her to us!!
Katy :)
You found some marvelous finds this past weekend. Okay as to the kitchen post, I have it bookmarked and I've been back several times (not mentioning how many) just to look at your beautiful kitchen. I love it!!! So became a follower the minute I spotted your kitchen (I was sold because of the corner sink - have one too.) Checked out Janet's work, oh my. Which one don't I love. Hmmmm.... loved Night Owl and Snow White and several of the bakery ones and the girls with skirts and legs. So fun. Thanks for sharing her fabulous work.
Hugs~ Amanda
me too! i have two of her prints, and i love the. love the ones you picked. i have the two country/farm ladies. thanks for sharing this at my party!!!
I just love all of her work! My favorite is "The Goldfish and the Butterfly" print :) Beautiful!... thanks for the chance to win and have a grand day - Laurie
llsbaskets at comcast dot net
Lovely post! Great bag you found with that beautiful treasure inside. And the prints are indeed such beauties!
Love, Maaike
Oh my, these are stunning works of art. I am particularly fond of the blond lady (3rd painting down). It would look A-mazing in my Georgian home, it has a kind of haunting feel to it, as though a portrait of a previous occupant, now looking on from a life beyond.
I have loved Janet's blog for a long time now and I'm going to visit the Etsy shop before coming back here.
CJ xx
I'm back!!! A Portrait of Ms Frost I see it's called. It is completely stunning.
CJ xx
Just found your lovely blog via All Things Inspired. Following you in my reader!
It truly impossible to choose just one of Janet Hill's gorgeous prints! I've been a fan of hers for a long time.
I see a new one in her shop and LOVE it! Hide and Seek. It's SO ME!!!
Thanks for hosting!
Good Goodwilling!
Beautiful work from Janet! My favorite piece would have to be the large shoe piece called "Dancers". But you're right, it's hard to choose. (And yes, I follow you!)
Fingers crossed!
I love the bike and the little puppy in
Francine And Her Frenchie!
OK, you're right I can't name just one of Janet's works!
I love Hot Chocolate and Sunday Picnic and the Library Ladies!!!!
All beautiful.
And you're blog has cheered up my rainy Oregon day!
Becky
They are gorgeous prints! I love the portrait! Amazing.
I am a follower!
Wow, I love ALL of them! But since my house is red, white and black, I adore dogs and ride a beach cruiser, I would have to pick "Francine and her Frenchie"!!! How perfect that picture would be hanging in my entry!!
Really Janet, just one??? I'll start with Bows On Her Toes and then add The Night Owl, Snow White, and The Hedgehog And The Pincushion. Thank you for introducing us to Janet!
Great bag find!!
I am a follower, what GREAT giveaway!!
Love Janet's paintings. My favs are Four French Pots, Creque Monsieur and The Riches and the Spoils.
Great finds at the thrift store! I wish we had a store like that around here. I can't believe you got such a steal on that $1000 chair! Thanks for stopping by my blog, have a great weekend.
I think the Riches and the Spoils is exquisite. :) Janet's shop is really something special.
Hi Janet!
I'm a new follower via your farmhouse kitchen post. (Which turned out so wonderfully, by the way!) Thank you for introducing us to Janet Hill...I'm absolutely smitten with her paintings! After perusing her Etsy shop, I was able to narrow it down to "only" three favorites: Tin of Tomatoes, The Wild West and Indira Visits to the Countryside.
Thanks you and Janet for this lovely giveaway...take care!
Erin
I love Janets' art, she is amazing!
You are right, it was so hard to pick just one.
I luv Ms Frost! She is stunning!
Dolly
I am a follower!
Smiles,
Dolly
I'm a new follower - so glad that I am, these paintings are amazing! I think my favourite is The Duchess...it's so hard to choose!
Just started following via GFC. The Janet Hill prints are GORGEOUS - definitely difficult to pick just one, but my favorite is Paige Reads Peyton Place :)
I follow you on GFC.
kayleefaith1228@aol.com
It's hard to choose just one - but I would go with the Night Owl! Thank you!
Ang
ang_vaughan at yahoo dot com
GFC follower.
Goodness, what a talented lady! Her paintings give off a calm, whimsic al air. I especially love "The House Across the Bay" and "Library Ladies."
marija.majerle at gmail dot com
i like souls but francine and her frenchie is cute too! jmmccarr@gmail.com
Well I have been seeing your posts thru my cousins posts as one of her favs! I LOVE the paintings by Janet! OMG - UR right...how do you choose? I have about 15 listed that I would buy today! I will tell you I love the Night Owl and Iced Tea and Oranges! I love you column...and soon to be joining the ranks of the Empty Nest Club in the fall when my only son goes to college :-( Bev
My favorite item from the shop is The Butterfly Chair, its just wonderful.
violet.porto[at]yahoo[dot]com
Francine and Her Frenchie have stolen my heart!
Woooow. Her work is so beautiful and intricate!! It was really difficult choosing just one piece! I know where I'll be shopping when I decorate my apartment!
My favourite would have to be the The Poodles Adore Pastries!
I follow you via GFC (erin)
Your blog is very nice. the paintings are beautiful.and you really got a great deal on your handbag
You and my friend The Treat Girl should thrift together - you would be unstoppable!
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