Rules? What Rules? Who makes the rules anyway? Make your own.

We got a copy of this book this week. It is called "A bit of Velvet and a Dash of Lace" by Robin Brown of Magnolia Pearl fame. Many of you might recognize the name because Robin was featured on the cover of the magazine, Where Woman Create, last Nov./Dec./Jan. That is how we got interested reading more about Robin and her very unique style. The book was published in 2008 so it isn't new but it was new and inspiring to us.

Robin was born a true child of the hippie 60's culture with parents that were very creative. So her life story is very fascinating for someone like me. I came from a very opposite culture that was very black and white. My very strict religious culture that doesn't encourage much creativity. Change and new things were discouraged because that was just too scary after all. But, Robin seems like a person who embraces a love of creativity with her love of vintage and then uses her vintage finds to create new. She seem very fearless about her artistic creations and her willingness to explore new ways of using old. I enjoyed reading how she and her partner purchased an old farm house, removed all the old siding and trim from the outside, reinstalled all the wood inside their house and then applied vintage tin ceiling to the outside of the house.

The book is also filled with many wonderful quotes- Live the life you love, The heart is the boss....love it, Rules? What Rules? Who makes the rules anyway? Make your own.

So, check out this book, her website and blog. I found this just plain fun.

I have to picture this great vintage storage cabinet I picked up at an auction last week. I love these great multi-drawer storage cabinets. The cabinet needs a little work but all the drawers and hardware are in good shape so I hope to have this done this weekend.

Speaking of this weekend, I will be busy in my shop trying to getting many projects done but CJ will be up in Petoskey. Then and Now will be having a very large tent sale on Saturday so CJ has decided to go up and work our little space in Tracy's wonderful store. So stop by and say hi if you are in the area.