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

 

 

 



Day 11: misc.

A good Wednesday morning to you!! I've spent a great morning talking to several people about milk paint. It is exciting for me when I see them get excited about the possibilities...

 

 

But, our business is more than just furniture and paint. While I admit the furniture and paint are my favorite parts (along with the pretty accessories), we do some interesting online sales and special requests for things that never make it to the store.

 

This morning, I had the great pleasure to spend some time with a baseball card collector. It was fun to see his interest and great to soak up his knowledge. He found a book to add to a specific collection he would like to grow and pointed out some of the more valuable cards we will now sell online!

 

We have sold items online to customers all over the world including Japan, China, Argentina and Estonia. In the last month, our online store has been mentioned on specialty  websites as a store to watch. As someone who likes to stick in her own comfort zone, this is great news and a reminder to stay open to different ideas!

 

 

Bye for now,

Erica

 

 



Day 10: Hello, Maddie

Hello! Hope you are having a great day!! It is a snowy day here at fivethirty and brrrr, it has been cold...it is warm and toasty in the store and we are here all day.

 

 

I started introducing the fivethirty crew last week with a little about Marty. Today, I'd like for you to meet Maddie!

 

 

Maddie is 19 and a sophomore at IUPUI. She helps us at the barn with inventory, painting and organization and she joins me every Saturday morning to help at the store.

 

 

Maddie's family lives in the Village in Zionsville and she came in the store soon after we opened with her mom to look at some tables. I needed some extra help at the time so I asked her if she would be interested in working with us. 

 

You know how sometimes you have a good idea and don't act on it? Well, I'm so glad this wasn't one of those times!! Maddie has been a great addition to our team. She is a hard-worker. She gets things done quickly and is really happy to do whatever we need.

 

Maddie just moved into her first apartment. She has a boyfriend and a cat and a couple other jobs too. She likes spending time hanging out with her family. She loves to bake and makes a killer pie!!

 

Bye for now,

 

Erica

Day 9: ironstone

Honestly, I didn't know what it was...stoneware, porcelain, china. I've called them various things in my life but had never heard the word "ironstone".

 

When I started reading Miss Mustard Seed's blog, I noticed the collection of white dishes immediately. She does a great job of making a collection seem natural and very uncollectiony (new word!).

 

 

I recently had the chance to purchase lots of pieces for the store. Come in to start or add to your collection!!

 

 

Bye for now,

Erica