Believe

I'm a little slow on blogging lately.  I wanted to show you this handmade ornament by Elizabeth Gleason. I won it at the Friday Morning Networking Group meeting a couple weeks ago.  Elizabeth created the artwork.  I believe!  So in case I forget to post it, "Merry Christmas" to everyone and thank you, Elizabeth, for my first Christmas gift of 2011.

Friday Morning Networking Group

Networking is important in any town or city but especially in small towns like Jamestown. The Friday Morning Networking Group here is a great way to get to know what is happening in Chautauqua County and to make new friends.  Each Friday morning, early...an I mean early, we meet for 1-1/2 hours to perfect our 60 second introductions and to learn about one company in more detail.  Though I'm not a fan of the early mornings, I am a fan of the people of the group. 

If you are in the area, check us out at http://fmng.org/.

Custom Order Nautical Lampshade

I just delivered this handmade rectangle lampshade to a customer for this lamp base.  He had a round shade on it that came with the lamp; however, he wanted it to sit on a 9" shelf.  The shade was too big for the lamp to fit on the shelf; so we replaced it with this 6" wide shade and now it fits perfectly. 

I love it when I can help a customer like this!

Lamp Making Parts Available

Is your lampshade too low for you to reach under and turn the switch?  Or maybe the shade looks too high and you can see the lightbulb?  Change the height of the shade by changing out the harp.  I have most sizes of harps from 6" to 15". 

Lampshade Linings Replaced

A customer asked if I could just replace the lining of her lampshade.  My answer was "it depends".  If I can get the outer fabric off without it being destroyed, then definitely yes.  She was willing to let me try and here it is. Most lampshades can have the linings replaced.

Email me to find out if yours can be done.

Dark Violet Rose Handmade Teacup Lamp

I'm calling this new teacup lamp, Dark Violet Rose.  The ceramic teacup has dark purple colored violets, so I added dark purple roses and violet silk flowers to the teacup and a dark purple batik handmade lampshade.  Teacup lamps are perfect night lights for kitchens, bathrooms, guest bedrooms, or even a entry hallway.

This one will be available on my website at: http://www.shades-etc.com/teapot.htm for $30 plus shipping or in my shoppe at 4957 Main Street in Bemus Point, NY.

Wild Violet Teacup Lamp

I just finished added the silk flowers to this violet teacup and saucer lamp.  After I was done, it looked like wild flowers had grown up together and so I named it Wild Violet Teacup.  The teacup and saucer have violets all over. The handmade lampshade is hardback and covered with lavender batik fabric. The electric candle lamp has on/off switch on the six foot cord. It uses a 7-watt candelabra bulb. It measures 10-1/2" tall.  You can purchase it on my website at http://www.shades-etc.com/teapot.htm for $30 plue shipping or at my shoppe in Bemus Point, Exquisite Things Gift Shoppe, 4957 Main Street, Bemus Point, NY 14712.

Beautifully Done Custom Order

This beautiful shade has a twin.  It was ordered by a customer of a designer friend.  No, I didn't make these this time.  I had a company in Pittsburgh do these as I'm in the middle of opening up a gift shoppe and didn't have the time to do these.  I have the options of making the shades myself or ordering them from someone else.  So if you are in the need of a new lampshade or shades, contact me to see what we can do.

Exquisite Things Gift Shoppe Progress

While on vacation in North Carolina, I found this beaded, crochet shawl.  It was so pretty and felt so good that I just HAD to buy it.  Who knows, maybe I'll carry them in my new gift shoppe too.

Exquisite Things Gift Shoppe Progress

We found this shelf at a home sale. It needed paint and I added wallpaper to the front sides that was left over from wallpapering the pillars in the shoppe. In a couple weeks you won't be able to see much of the wallpaper because of the inventory that will on it; but it looks pretty now!

Finally! I've Made My Own Lampshades For My House

I've been wanting to make a new lampshade for my floor lamp in the master bedroom for years now. Today it finally happened. The original shade was a cream, pleated shade. This fabric matches the stenciled border in the bedroom. I'm very pleased with it AND so is my husband. He noticed it almost immediately and said "very nice!".

So if you are looking for new custom-made lampshades and want to match your current decor, email me or call me for a quote.

Exquisite Things Gift Shoppe Beginnings

I'm opening a gift shop this summer in Bemus Point that will feature my lamps and other things from me (Cindy).  This is the beginnings of what it will look like.  Today I went to an antique mall to look at possible furniture to be included in the shop on consignment.  They will be display pieces for me and sellable pieces as well. 

Here's one of my favorites.

This dresser, if it still available, will be used for a scarf and scarf tube jewelry display.  There is a matching dresser that I would also like to include in the shop if it is still available in May.

Exquisite Things Gift Shoppe will carry mostly handmade in the USA items that have a rose or flower theme or birds and butterflies, as well as feminine, frilly, lacy, victorian items.  This is not a country shop. 

Some items that I'm hoping to carry besides my lamps are my husband's exotic wood items, handmade cameo soaps, handmade soaps with roses, handmade candles with floral scents, scarves with jewelry tubes (there will be minimal jewelry in the shop), floral arrangements, photos, victorian stationery, and greeting cards, and some victorian antique furniture. 

Stayed tuned for more pictures.

Rose Chair

I found these old chairs at an antique/flea market shop last weekend. They are perfect for my new shop, Exquisite Things.  I wanted a wingback chair with a table next to it to display a lamp; however, these two chair around the table will do nicely.  I will be refinishing the wood and replacing the fabric in the seat. 

The fabric is nice but old.  I prefer new looking.

I love the hand carved rose detail.

Handmade Teapot Lamp White with Black Polka Dots

I've recently finished this lampshade for the white ceramic teapot I found at a craft store.  I was blessed to find the fabric to match it too.  I love how the teapot has black polka dots on the lid, spout, and base.  The six-foot cord has the on/off switch so it is easily accessible.  The teapot lamp uses a 25-watt candelabra bulb so it's perfect for a kitchen night light.  The lampshade is made from a type of plastic with fabric adhered to it and trimmed with white grosgrain around the top and bottom. I'm selling it on my website at http://www.shades-etc.com/teapot for $49 plus shipping. 

Lakewood Ladies Club Vendor Shopping

The Lakewood Ladies Club sponsored our villages Christmas shopping days this year.  I was one of several vendors. It was a snowy day; perfect for Christmas shopping and the children to sit on Santa's lap.Some vendors present were Peterson's Corn Crib Candies, Bonnie's embroidery, three jewelry vendors, the historical society, The Fenton House Museum had a display, a lady with gorgeous crochet baby outfits and free cookies!

It was an okay day as far as sales go.  However, it will probably be my last show as I'm in the process of opening my own gift shoppe in Bemus Point this summer.  I hope to have more information on that soon.