1419 Mercantile

A fun new store is opening

 in Manhattan, Kansas

Olive Bucket

I just love the holiday decorations in my new Olive Bucket.

Thank you Susan Doughty of Designs Unlimited!

It's been busy around here the last few days painting dogs, Chalkboard Dogs! 

We just love these Chalkboard Labs and Goldens. They can be used just like any chalkboard to make To Do Lists or just express your love for our fur kids. They will be available in The Boutique at K9 Manners later this week. Stop by and check them out. 

Another Jar of Joy

Repurposed mayo jar. See below for an easy to make tutorial. Nestled in an old dough bowl among antlers and pinecones.

A jar of Joy

To make this fun holiday project simply start with an old clear jar. Make sure the mouth is large enough that a battery powered candle will fit.

UPDATE:  I put a coat of glass etch of the jar and let it set overnight.  Rinse well and remove etching creme from all grooves.  This will give the paint something to "grab" onto.

Clean it well and coat with a semi-transparent gold shimmer paint.  I used a spouncer to blot it on.  It will not look perfect, but should be fairly opaque.

I glued on chipboard letters and sprayed it with silver Krylon glitter paint. Option: I also painted directly on the glass with a paint pen when using a font with more detail or you could use a stamp.

Use any wire you like (I used old baling wire from the barn), wrap around mouth of jar, add a jingle bell and a star.  NOTE: Be careful when wrapping the baling wire as it will mar the new paint. Put a piece of thin cardstock or Press N seal wrap between the jar and wire when you twist the wire. It is easy to touch up the paint though. 

I cut the star from a cereal box, painted it a rusty color and then coated it with brush on glitter paint.  I glued the star directly to the wire.  Add a metal jingle bell or two if you wish.  Add a battery powered votive candle. Do not use a candle with an actual flame - the paint and glue may catch on fire.

 For another take on painted bottles see www.villabarnes.blogspot.com     She has many great tutorials and ideas for painted furniture.

Fall Favorites

Check out Tammi's great mantel decorated for the Fall holidays! I love the old goat cart and pumpkins that she decorates with until the Christmas items go up. Her old Hooiser cabinet sits in the living room and always has fun decor and it is a functional little place for car keys, phones and all the other stuff that "collects"! The old spool mixed with the lanterns and candle mold from Mexico are just some of my favorites.