Day 27: Instagram

Hello! I hope you are enjoying your Summer! The Carpenter's have been busy and I've been trying to snap some pictures along the way. My new favorite tool is Instagram. It's so easy because all you need is your phone and the FREE app and you get results like this...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

{I know, they make some funny faces!}

 

Here are a couple I made from the previous picture...

 

 

 

I love to zoom in, blur the edges and then play around with the different filters. My favorite filters are Rise, Earlybird, Brannan and Inkwell. Which do you use?

Follow us: @530resale!

 

Bye for now,

 

Erica

 

 



Day 26: the paint display

Hello! I hope you are having a wonderful Summer day! It is supposed to rain buckets on us in Indiana today. So, if you are local, be careful out there!

 

I've had a lot of questions about our new paint display, so I thought I would share our process and do a few close ups on some of my favorite parts...

 

BEFORE

 

 

 

Here's the before, a-l-l 12 feet of it! It was a great find, but green. Really green. And, we all know it's not easy being green!

 

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AFTER

 

 

 

Here she is in the store (half of her anyway), all gussied up with miss mustard seed's milk paint and pillows and chalkboards. We painted her MMS kitchen scale over the existing green and then sanded so some wood and some of the old green comes through. One of my favorite things about milk paint is how easily you can let the history of a piece shine through!

 

 

 

The lower left corner of the big cabinet has an antique sewing storage bin with drawers and dividers that houses our sample size paints...

 

 

And the cubbies are perfect for all of the milk paint. We've held on to some of the old box packaging to add height here and there.

 

Our original display was an old wire bread shelf from a grocery store. We loved that one, but we are excited to feature the paint more prominently in the store!

 

Bye for now,

 

Erica

 

 

Day 25: a little craft-time

Hello! I hope you had a fantastic 4th of July! Popsicles and a parade for the Carpenter crew...

 

 

our neighborhood bike parade

 

 

Thanks to the Zionsville Police and Fire Departments for making this an extra fun (and LOUD) event every year!!

 

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Last week, the girls from Chickadelic Salvage tweeted a fun project from Pinterest courtesy of the Richmond Thrifter Blog and I was inspired.

 

I dug out the lamp base and picture frame...

 

 

got movin' with my Krylon Spray paint...

 

 

AND, now it's a table...

 

 

 

I will agree that it is not the sturdiest table ever, but it is sooooo cute!

 

Thanks for the inspiration, gals!

 

Bye for now,

 

Erica

 

 

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Day 24: Happy Father's Day!

Hello! What a beautiful start to a busy weekend in Zionsville...garden tours, the Relay for Life and CruZionsville will all be happening in our burg this weekend. And, Sunday is Father's Day! Yea, a day to celebrate the men in our lives! It is a fun day at the Carpenter household -- homemade cards and fun presents from my crew to their daddy.

 

 

 

 

Since I lost my dad a few years ago, it is a bittersweet day for me. We try to talk about him but the kid's memories are starting to fade somewhat. I try to remind them of all the things that made him their Pa: his larger-than-life personality, his love of travel, his generosity and his love for all of us.

 

 

 

I love this picture of him because this is how I remember him -- loud and demonstrative and doing something crazy (riding a camel in the Sahara?).

 

You may have heard or read that our store is named in honor of my dad. For most of his life, he lived and worked at mile marker 530 on the Ohio River. We even founded the business on his birthday (December 12th).

 

Enjoy your time with the dads and the kids this weekend! And, Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there!

 

Bye for now,

 

Erica

 

 

 



Day 23: It's been a long time!

Hello! Yes, it's been a while...like 6 weeks. Ooops. I got busy planning for two big events in our little 'ville and then the end of the school year hit us like a ton of bricks.

  

Here's what we've been up to...

 

On May 4th, the first Zionsville Flower and Herb Market came to Main Street:

 

 

It was so much fun and we can't wait for it to be a regular event!

 

Next came the annual Brick Street Market:

 

 

 

Outside the shop on Market Day...

 

 

The vendors on Main Street...

 

 

Thanks to everyone who stopped by that day!

 

 

And, in the midst of that, we had 2nd Grade States' Fair...

 

 

This is a horrible picture of a wonderful event! All of the second graders are assigned a state (my guy got my home state of Kentucky). They do a parade through the school and then have a fair in the gym.

 

We also had 4th grade famous Hoosier wax museum...

 

 

 

Here's our own Rod Woodson doing his presentation!

 

And, finally, the graduate...

 

 

 

Wow, it was a busy month!! Now just, 2.5 days of school left until vacation! Yea! Hope you are enjoying the late Spring as much as we are...

 

Bye for now,

 

Erica

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Day 22: the erica special

Hello! I've been MIA lately with Spring Break and getting back in the groove after Spring Break. 

 

 

 

But now, I'm back and I do solemnly swear to write more. I really, really do.

 

While I was relaxing in sunny Florida, the girls were busy in the store. One item they sold was this buffet...

 

 

We measured this piece for several people. People brought their husbands to see it. It was one of my faves! So many people asked about the finish, we gave it a name. It will now forever be known as the "Erica Special"! It is black with a rubbed antique gold and lovely (I guess if I created it and named it after myself, you know I like it).

 

Here's a close up...

 

 

...of a newly painted sofa table, Erica Special style.

 

Come in for a peek soon!!

 

Bye for now,

 

Erica

 

 



Day 21: what is the difference?

The question we are asked most: "What is the difference between milk paint and chalk paint?"

  

Let me say first that I have used what I think are the three most well-known brands of chalk paint: Annie Sloan, Cee Cee Caldwell and Maison Blanche. And, we carry Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint in the store.

 

  Milk Paint is more unpredictable than chalk paint. The results you get from milk paint depend a great deal on the finish on the piece you are painting and the look you hope to achieve (basically, if you use bonding agent or not).

 

no bonding agent

 

 

with bonding, sanded edges

Here's a great side-by-side comparison of Annie Sloan's Arles with dark wax and Miss Mustard Seed's Mustard Seed with Antiquing Wax...

chalk paint with dark wax

 

 

milk paint with antiquing wax

Pretty similar, don't you think?

I use both milk paint and chalk paint (and latex and craft paint, for that matter!). I use milk paint more because I like to have samples of all the colors in the Miss Mustard Seed line in the store. 

 Of the chalk paints, I like Annie Sloan for regular painting. I love Cee Cee Caldwells for stencils. You can do either a dry or wet distress and it looks old and worn. Maison Blanche is great to create different patterns and more specialty painting.

The next time someone asks, I guess I'll have an answer!!

Bye for now,

Erica

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Day 20: secretary

It was a fun day at fivethirty this morning. The ladies in the cottage nest craft class had a great time making their journals. And, it was nice to have some company on what I consider my Monday morning! It must have been contagious though because we have had lots of visitors on this cold, cold morning.

 

I'm pleased to share with you one of my favorite pieces we've redone. Here's a glimpse of the before (my husband likes to point out the flaws in furniture and he took this picture)...

 

 

 

 

And here she is now...

 

This was a project where I had a very specific vision and this is not it! We started with a creamy white and the nicotine bled through. Her previous owner played bridge and smoked (as evidenced by all the ashtrays and playing cards we found in the top drawer).

 

So, back to the drawing board. It was black for a while and I finally settled on the gray. I had this gray mixed up years ago as a custom color from porter paints and decided to use it on this piece. We used Miss Mustard Seed's antiquing wax and left some of the wood exposed (after cleaning and using hemp oil).

 

A couple of close ups...

 

 

 

 

 

I like her alot even though I'm a little disappointed I didn't end up with the original look. I'll save that for the next one!

 

 

Bye for now,

Erica

 

 

 

 



Day 19: milk paint as a stain

I can feel Spring in the air...can't you? Well, almost.

When I think of Spring, I start thinking about projects and I have a great idea for a couple chairs I've been saving for a rainy (Spring) day.

 

For a while, I have wanted to use Milk Paint as a stain on raw wood. So, on Tuesday, I grabbed one of our leftover paints and added a cup of water to it.

 

 

I purchased a raw wood bread board at Michael's ages ago, got out my cheapo foam brush and voila...

It soaked in beautifully and showed the wood grain quite nicely.

 

 

Now I want to get out all of my raw wood pieces and stain them! I think I'll do those chairs in ironstone or grain sack?

 

Bye for now,

 

Erica

 



Day 18: Hello, Susan (part II)

Hello! It was a very snowy and beautiful in Zionsville, Indiana today!

 

I got so carried away talking about Susan's painting classes, I ran out of room to tell about her and what she does at fivethirty...

Susan grew up on the north side of Indianapolis, attended IU and worked in public relations. She and her husband, Bill, still live on the north side of Indy. They travel to visit their three lovely daughters who have families of their own now.

Susan opened her furniture painting studio almost 14 years ago. She and her students have painted it all: glassware, clothing, furniture of all kinds, wall murals. You name it, Susan has painted it (or helped someone paint it).

 

 

 

We are so thrilled to have her painted pieces at fivethirty. She is also bringing in found accessory and art pieces. She travels to Michigan in the summer and brings truly unique pieces when she returns.

 

 

 

Stop in the store and see her on Friday in Zionsville or head to one of her paint classes in Broad Ripple.


Bye for Now,
Erica



 

 



Day 17: Hello, Susan (part I)

In 2004, I placed a bid at a silent auction fundraiser and as a result, met one of my all-time favorite people. The bid was for a free 2-hour furniture painting class and I won! The rest, as they say, is history. Well, it's my history...mine and Susan's, I guess.

 

I went in for my first class at the Susan Van Huss Design Studio armed with an old table I wanted to use for my kids' art table in the basement. I met Susan and the ladies and started painting.

 

I went back every Tuesday for the next 8 years.

 

I went back for the creative outlet, the friendship, the therapy...but Susan is at the heart of it. She teaches you how to paint furniture, sure, but has also created a haven for people to make something, to lend an ear or give a hug when someone needs it and to take time out of your life to do this thing you love. She has created a community and I am so lucky to be (a somewhat absentee) part of it.

 

I got a little carried away here, so I'll be back with more on Susan at fivethirty soon!

Bye for now,

Erica



Day 16: so thankful

When we started the store, I didn't really know what to expect. My parents ran their own business for 32 years so you would think I would have some concept. I was a kid, though, so I don't think I really appreciated all the time and hard work they put into it.


Yes, it's a lot of work. It especially seems like a lot of work for someone who has been at home with the kids for the last 10 years. Lucky for me, I don't mind hard work. When dedicated to something, I will work until myself and everyone I know are exhausted.

And the rewards are many...sure, there is the monetary (we hope). That's part of it. However, I feel rewarded when someone finds something that is perfect for them. I love it when someone does a project that turns out just the way they wanted it almost as much as when that happens with my own projects!

I wish I could bottle the feeling I'm talking about. It's like on Saturday when I talked to Leisel and then later, to Kate. I would never know them if it weren't for the store and I feel so lucky to be able to talk to them when they stop in. And, like today, I got to talk to Amy and her daughter again. This time we talked about a bedroom project and New England vs. Midwestern antiques. Another reward!

Anyway, I just wanted to tell you how thankful I am to be doing what I love to do and for all the people and experiences along the way!

Bye for now,

Erica



Day 15: sticky swatch

Hello! I often say I don't want us to be just another "antique" store. I want this store to be a DIY destination. Need a side table? We are the place. Need some cool paint? Come on in. Want a pretty for your mantle just because? You bet. Can't decide what color to paint your walls? Hmmmm, we have just the thing for you!

 

We are so pleased to carry evrEwares' Giant Sticky swatches!

 

 

I can't decide if I should share it's intended use first or show you all the cool ways we use it at fivethirty???

 

Ok, picture it...you can't decide which of the pale greens you want to paint your living room because one looks more yellow in the morning and the other looks too gray all the time. Get out your sample quarts and our Giant Sticky swatches. Paint one of each color and stick them up on the wall. You can move them around as much as you want with no damage to your walls and no sticky loss. And, you avoid the crazy stripes of a million different colors on your walls!!

 

Now, how do we use them? Stick one up and use a sharpie for a giant list...

 

 ...as our place mats for Milk Paint class...

...spray with chalkboard paint and stick it on a piece of wood...

...the possibilities are endless!

 

Here's a link to evREwares' other cool products: www.evrewares.com

 

Bye for now,

 

 



Day 14: To paint or not to paint?

To paint, or not to paint, that is the question:

Whether 'tis Nobler in the home to suffer

The harsh and manly wood tones

Or to take paint brush against raw material...

 

 

Ok, that's enough. My apologies to Shakespeare.

 

 

Anyway, I have this cabinet. This one is mine all mine. It's already in my bedroom and I love it!

 

 

It is the perfect height. I love the style and it is just so darn pretty.

 

 

Close up of the wood grain on the doors. Look at how it meets up on the seam.

 

 

This is the bottom of the cabinet in the front. It is really interesting. Not sure how long it would take someone to do that, but I'm guessing a long time!

 

 

These are the doors. This is where I get a little torn. I can appreciate the craftsmanship of this but it reminds me of a tree trunk??

 

And there is a tiny bit on the exposed side where the veneer has chipped....what's a girl to do? I told my husband I would leave it for now, but it is haunting me...what do you think?

 

Bye for now,

Erica

 

 



Day 13: Somethin' smells good

If you've been in the store or have liked us on facebook, you know we carry several items made in Indiana. We have/had cards, magnets and glassware. And, I guess all that furniture we paint is RE-made in Indiana so that counts too!

 

 

We are in LOVE (it is Valentine's Day) with our newest Indiana product...Linnea's Lights handmade soy candles! They are made in Carmel and they DELIVERED the candle to me! I'm sure I'll pick up the next batch because I want to see their studio, but really, they delivered!

 

 

They offer a number of scents and it was hard to decide which to have in the store since we don't have space for the whole line. We sniffed and voted and sniffed some more and finally decided on:

 

•cashmere - a mixture of patchouli, vanilla & lime

 

•belgian linen - blend of soft floral with a hint of musk (burning it now, mmmmmm)

 

•white coral - mandarin and neroli with base of woods

 

•lemon verbena - lemony and green floral

 

Bye for now,

 

Erica



Day 12: refreshed classroom

Pretty excited to share these photos of the updated class area in the store...

 

 

 

 

I just got a huge bolt of burlap so I decided to do a larger layer of it with a valentine/spring check fabric. The overall look is fresher than the damask we had over the winter.

 

 

Gone are the practical foam floor squares for comfort. In is the sisal rug. Don't you think it will look even better with a few paint splatters here and there?

 

 

We were finally able to source these wire shelves again so we have three available to purchase.

 

 

I hung this revival sign we found on the 127 yard sale search in August because that's what we do in our DIY area: revive old furniture and our spirits!

 

Bye for now,

 

Erica