A trip to the mercantile...

Today there was a comic book convention being held at the neighboring civic center. Since the hubs is into comics and has a nice little collection, that was definitely an event that he wanted to attend. Since I'm more into shabby chic, prim decor and hand made items, I had him drop me off at the Olde Salem Mercantile. It's a nice sized shop and I can easily spend an hour or so browsing. I took lots of pictures while I was there and thought I would share them with you.

Who doesn't like white painted, shabby chic furniture? I loved the way this display was arranged...

Not into that? How about a cabinet full of punched tin plates...

I love the look of worn wood. Even when it's faux finished, it still has such warm and appeal.

Since I love all things heart shaped (remember the heart giveaways?) I was immediately attracted to this display...

Hmmm, this certainly looks like a project that could be done at home. Most of us have extra fabrics, and cutting, sewing and stuffing three little hearts would be easy.

About five years ago, when I first started going to this shop, everything was either handmade prim or actual vintage finds. I haven't been for several years and was surprised to find lots of commercially made items for sale. The store is laid out like an antique mall, with individual vendors. There are some children's items, and a few pet items, but mostly it is still furniture that has been refurbished and lots of knick knacks to place throughout the home.

I'm much more partial to the handmade things. Like this framed item. I'm not sure what this type of art is called, but I really like the look of it. It seems to be comprised of some homespun fabric shapes, the pocket from a favorite pair of jeans and some dried flowers.

The background is a repurposed chenille bedspread and it has a coffee stained tag with a sweet sentiment lettered on. This picture really doesn't do it justice.

There were some primitive style dolls

and several types of Santas

and while these are fun to look at in person, the quality and originality doesn't compare to the art that my friend Peanut creates.

There were houses...

and bird houses and bird's nests,


so many bird related things that I kept thinking that I actually heard birds chirping.

Silly me, I did...
As you can see, tucked behind a book on songbirds, there was a little cd player, with the sweetest chirping bird songs playing. Quite a nice touch.

I still have several more photos to size before I can post them, but I just wanted you to have a sneak peak at what I did today.

In the meantime, if you are looking for a sweet way to display a baby shoe, I'll leave you with this...



Hope you liked my little stroll through the mercantile, I'll have several more shots to post next week, but until then have a great weekend.