Evie Turns One

Evie turned one in May of this year and I am super late posting about the party. As I was planning and stressing every detail (because that's what I do) Elliott said to me, "You realize she is turning one, right?" Of course I know she won't remember a thing about the party but I really wanted it to be special. We made it through our first year of being parents - isn't that reason enough to celebrate in a big way?


The theme was Vintage Circus and it was so nostalgic and easy to do without having to purchase half of Party City.


I found a printable package from Etsy and, with the help of my sister, printed and cut almost all the decorations. I will be honest - this took the patience of a saint and slight OCD tendencies to accomplish. Each ridge on those popcorn boxes is hand cut. I also made pink and green cake stands with spray paint and some dishes and candleholders I found at Goodwill. 


For the food I ordered popcorn, kettle corn and cotton candy to be delivered the day before. I filled jars with nostalgic candy and they looked so pretty on the table. I made the cake and cupcakes with the wrappers and matching bunting and we had a simple "circus" meal of hot dogs, chips and potato salad with all the fixings.


I did paint an antique wooden high chair for her outdoor "smash cake" pictures and I couldn't be happier with the way it turned out. I wanted to do something a little nicer than her regular high chair in the kitchen and this was perfect.


For details on the where and how, visit my pinterest page HERE.


Now for the photo bomb!

Lessons learned and a farmhouse table.

I learned two important lessons today:


1. Always make sure pine is primed. Really well.
2. Kilz oil based primer in a spray can does not like to be sprayed downwards. Unless you like to sand and re-prime everything as a character building exercise.


On a happier note, it finally stopped raining so I could take some pictures of the farmhouse coffee table that is going into the shop! This table was distressed before it was painted and has retained some of that character. I have also added some light distressing to the paint job. I always try to be restrained, it's easier to do a little more, than it is to fix too much. That is a previously learned lesson.


The table is painted Martha Stewart's Glass of Milk with a clear matte finish.

Inventory and Inspiration.

I've been pretty busy this weekend picking up some new furniture to add to the shop! Thankfully, my husband has indulged me and has driven around town as my own personal moving service. His support for my hobby means so much to me.


One thing that he always mentions when looking at furniture is that he has a difficult time picturing what a piece will look like when it's done....that it's hard to see the potential. Imagining what it could look like is part creativity and part research. I love vintage furniture with a modern, chic aesthetic - glossy, rich paints....lacquered looks. I can create shabby chic all day long (and many people do!), but it's not my true love. If I am going to do distressed, it's probably going to look more Anthropologie/Restoration Hardware than Rachel Ashwell.


Now for the fun part! I've taken some pictures of the "before" inventory that I have and then some inspiration for where it may end up. Let me know what you think!


(Enjoy the inspiration below! For a listing of all custom order inventory CLICK HERE)


Vintage Side Table:

Dresser with Carved Flower Detail:Could also be used as a tv console, sideboard or buffet. (Pic was taken while the dresser was on its side!)

French Provincial Dresser:

Vintage Headboard:

Vintage Corner China Cabinet (this one is for my kitchen!):

80's Modern Side Table: (I love the glossy, lacquered red of the Bali Hai dresser)

Vintage Rocking Chair: 

Vintage Folding Table and Six Chairs: (this would be lovely in black or white with reupholstered chairs - which I can do!)

Queen Anne Coffee Table: (I'm still brainstorming for the right color. And I plan to remove the seashells.)

Thank you to Natalie at Natty By Design for all the beautiful inspiration. She is truly my "virtual mentor".

Ok, I'm throwing it out there if anyone is interested in purchasing anything before it's painted and put up for sale in the shop.  You pick the color and finish for the existing hardware.  Do you have furniture you would like refinished? I can do that too!

If you're interested, send me an email at modernmilliedesigns@gmail.com