Second Chance Art & Accessories

Join us on Facebook!

2010-10-30T10:04:00.002-05:00

Hello- just an update to encourage those of you who've found this blog to join us on facebook! We've decided to use the facebook format to provide updates on new art & other info related to Second Chance Art & Accessories. Click on the link to find our facebook page & join us: www.facebook.com/pages/Second-Chance-Art-Accessories/299992901460 Hope you join us!

Barrington Art Fest

2010-05-30T22:14:00.006-05:00

Hi Everyone! It's show season again, & we've just finished up a weekend exhibiting at the Barrington Art Fest. Sunny warm weather, friendly people - overall, a great exhibit! Thanks for stopping by the booth. You can catch us next weekend at the Eastside Millenium Art Fest in Chicago - June 4th (12p-5p), June 5 & 6 (10a-5p).

Here's some pictures from the Barrington Art Fest:

New Art & Other Happenings....

2010-04-01T19:34:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone! I know, it's been a while since my last post. I have to say, I'm not a natural blogger... but I do my best.

Anyway - we've been working on getting the website ready to accept online orders. The cart is just about ready, it should be up & running within the next couple of weeks. We're going to start initially just with paypal payments. In the future, we'll likely set up a way to take credit cards directly from the site. For now, we'd like to ease our way into the ecommerce thing - by starting with paypal.

On another note - we've got some great new art! Most of this art will be available online, and also at our retail shows. (first show is Memorial Day weekend). See the website for a full schedule of events: www.secondchanceart.net/events.htm

Here's a great special edition piece displaying a 1944 map of France - Bon Jour!

This 1952 map is of the Great Lakes region -

Here's a 4 pane larger window displaying 8 vintage atlas pages from the 1890's-

Here's a 1930's era USA map - colorful!

This map displays 1942 Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia-

Here's a classic - a new "antique style" world map-

1961 map of Italy -

This one is not finished yet.... but here's a preview - this map is of London & suburbs. Not sure when exactly it's from, but I did some research - I'm thinking around the turn of the 20th century? Look for it soon on the website.
Thanks as always for stopping by! Check out the website for info on events and new art: www.secondchanceart.net

Also, find us on facebook for quick updates & info! Look for: Second Chance Art & Accessories

Take care - Amy :)

Facebook Page

2010-02-23T13:33:00.003-06:00

Hey Everyone! Second Chance Art & Accessories has just started a facebook page. We'll be using this to post update on new art, show info, etc. Click on the link to the right to become a fan! thanks! -Amy

February update

2010-02-09T17:20:00.005-06:00

Hi Everyone! Long time, no posts, huh? It's about time I shared a few things happening with Second Chance Art & Accessories...

Here's a peek at a few new chalkboards we've put together from vintage frames. These are up on the website also, so check it out for more details: http://www.secondchanceart.net/

Okay... here's some pictures of a personal project I've been working on. I bought an old warehouse cart over a year ago, intending to refinish it as a coffee table. I've finally got it finished! Here's some before & after shots:

This is the top of the cart, with all the hardware removed, after I've sanded it:

Here's all the pieces we took off the cart... large & small wheels, the axle brackets, and holders for the 4 posts on each corner.

I have my hubby to thank for this one... he took it upon himself to refurbish all the metal parts, using a wire brush & his lathe machine. I got lucky here, since this was not a very fun job. The finished wheel is on the left here.

The finished wheel is on the right here..

The finished product: It's a little dusty, as we still need to rearrange our living area & are working on some other "dust producing" projects. But hopefully you get the idea! For the design, I replicated the logo from my Dad & Grandpa's old business. They used to have a bunch of these carts, and my sister & I used to ride them up & down the warehouse when we were young. Anyway, this logo will remind me of times past, playing on those old carts!

The company, Fairbanks, printed onto the cart - still makes these! I love the old green paint & raised lettering on the axle bracket.

What's next? We're working on a facebook page.. so stay tuned for how to sign up to be a fan. Also - we've confirmed participation in some summer shows, so I'll be adding this info to our events page shortly. See http://www.secondchanceart.net/ & click on events for more info. As always, thanks for stopping by! take care - Amy :)

One of a Kind Show & Sale

2009-12-14T18:39:00.004-06:00

Hi Everyone! I hope everyone is having a wonderful Christmas & holiday season. Thank you to everyone who visited the booth during the One of a Kind Show & Sale, Dec. 3-6th. Here's a few pictures from the event:

One side of the booth - the large piece in the middle we've nicknamed the "elephant"... it does seem to take up a lot of space. However, it does disassemble into 3 sections- making it easy to transport & mount. See more details on the website: www.secondchanceart.net/item_156/Post-Office-Message-Center.htm

Here's a shot of one of my walls.... the closest window with the blue frame has it's original paint finish on the frame. Most of the time, the window frames end up being painted or stripped / stained, but this one had some interesting colors happening.... so we left it as is & clear coated it. www.secondchanceart.net/item_144/French-Boutique-window-art.htm

Here's a picture of my hubby & I - boy am I lucky to have him! He puts up with all sorts of Second Chance Art & Accessories issues... not to mention, hanging all the art before the show. We're standing here in front of a piece inspired by the London underground subway system. This piece is backlight with a ropelight... very cool! www.secondchanceart.net/item_152/Down-Street-Station-door-art.htm

Next on the agenda... planning & applying for 2010 art shows, working on the website shopping cart, and of course - trying to finish up my living room for the holidays! Next time I'll include a personal project or two.

thanks for stopping by! We appreciate our customers! take care - Amy

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-24T22:51:00.003-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Hope you all have a great holiday filled with family, friends, and turkey. Isn't our country great? We have so much to be thankful for. It's easy to get bogged down thinking about the economy right now - but really, we are so very lucky to live in a country where we can do something to control our own destiny..

Okay - enough of the deep thinking, right? I'm thankful that Second Chance Art & Accessories will have the opportunity to exhibit at the One of a Kind Show & Sale at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago - Dec. 3-6. Our booth will be #8-2050.... stop by if you're going to the show!

Here's a sneak peak at some new items -

Ahhh... yes, the concierge coatrack. This is a popular combo - dark stain, and sparkly vintage glass knobs! What's not to like?

Here's a new coat rack that is part of our Edition Speciales collection. The original paint on this one just screamed out "French Country" to me... and the label holders - I've never seen any like this before. There's a plate that slides off allowing you to change out the label. Here I've left the original labels with old hand-written numbers. These also have a thin sheet of clear mica to protect the label...

Here's a cool take on a bathroom coat rack. The painted finish was a result of sanding a bit of the original paint on the door (green started to peek out). The faucet is really old... a great dark patina. Use the label holders to label your towels! The "hooks" are actually latches from a casement window.

Here's another piece from our Edition Speciales collection. This photo shows the piece about 95% finished. We've added some cool hardware to the bottom, and installed a backlight that can be plugged into a standard outlet. The design was inspired by a decommissioned underground station in London that was used during WWII for meetings by Winston Churchill.

Come see these pieces & more at the One of a Kind Show & Sale in Chicago! As always, thanks for stopping by the blog - and have a Happy Thanksgiving! -Amy

Fall happenings, plus some personal projects...

2009-10-21T10:48:00.012-05:00

Hi Everyone - So... what's new at Second Chance Art & Accessories? Here's the latest......

Starting with a photo of our booth at the St. James Court Art Show in Louisville, KY. This was the weekend of Oct 2-4. We had great weather for the show, and a booth spot near the kettle corn booth, which gave us great smells the whole weekend. :) Thanks to those who visited the booth - we met many new customers!

The next 2 photos don't look that exciting, but show a few "ingredients" for our next great Edition Special project. There are a few more components in addition to the great door header & 3 pane safety glass door section...... we'll throw a few PO boxes into the mix also. Stay tuned for the finished project. We're hoping to unveil this one for the One of a Kind Show & Sale - Dec. 3-6.

Yes, I admit to being a dog lover. Here's a few more pictures from the Louisville art show... I must say that those Louisville folk do like their pets. These dogs are in a stroller - the owner told me their names are "Prince" and "Princess". Cute!

Okay, another doggie in a stroller, this time wearing some sort of feathery purple number.

Okay, now I'm changing the tune a bit. I've mentioned that my hubby & I have moved recently, to a 1906 house we've been working on for quite some time. Slowly but surely we're making progress. I finally have the foyer & upstairs hall completed (with the exception of art on the walls & some rugs - I think these stairs need a runner!).

Here's some before & after pics:

The woodwork started as a honey oak color. The walls were a minty-green. While the woodwork had a nice warm feel to it, I was hoping for something a little richer & more dramatic..

I think I've achieved it here, by using a dark glaze over much of the woodwork, and painting the risers & balusters a clean white. The stair treads & floors have been sanded & refinished a dark walnut color. I've also painted the walls a nice gray-taupe color (Sherwin Williams - "Mink").

After much sweat, sanding, painting on a ladder, etc.... at least we have something to show for it! Next project: the Dining Room! Hopefully I can get the bulk of this one done before the holidays... We've also got a bathroom 90% done (will share once it's finished), and thanks to my Dad, a terrific new linen closet - with an old door used for the face...

As always, thanks for all your support. Second Chance Art & Accessories next show will be the One of a Kind Show & Sale in December (3-6) at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago. Hope to see you there! Email me with your address if you'd like me to send you a postcard with $3 off the admission price.... amy@secondchanceart.net

Happy Fall!

2009-09-29T19:28:00.005-05:00

Hi Everyone - Hope fall has been treating you well so far. I have to say, I'm not a fan of super hot & humid, so I'm loving this cooler weather.....

So, what is Second Chance Art & Accessories up to lately? We're getting ready to travel to Louisville, KY for the St. James Court Art Show Oct 2-4. This is a new show for us, so hopefully it will be a fun adventure!

Part of my prep for each show involves getting my tent weights ready. I have tent weights made from plastic urn planters, mostly full of concrete - 80 lbs each! We left a recess in the concrete for me to fill with seasonal plantings. Here's the latest "planting" that we'll be using this weekend:

This was not that difficult to create.. and you don't need a concrete filled planter to replicate something similar. You could just pull your tired annuals out of any planters you have, & use the dirt as an anchor. Here's where I started a day ago: my poor tired plantings from summer shows have been a little neglected, wouldn't you agree? They looked better a few weeks ago.

First, I discarded the old plantings, but left the dirt in the inner pot to use for an anchor. I then touched up my urn with more "granite" spray paint. (Secrets revealed! This is actually an $8 plastic pot from Kmart).

I then cut some tree branches from my yard, & inserted them into the dirt...

I spray painted the branches with black spray paint... I did use some cardboard as a shield around the base of the urns, so I could paint the bottom of the twigs without getting overspray on my urns. Notice the observant border collie peeking out of the doors behind... she always wants to be a part of the action!
I picked up some bags of mixed ornamental gourds at the grocery store, and sorted them into 3 piles on my "spray painting" tarp...

I spray painted each pile a different metallic color. Here I've used antique brass, copper, and dark metallic bronze. After one side was dry, I flipped them to paint both sides.

To finish, I piled the painted gourds around the edge of the urn, and added some baby boo pumpkins, and pine cones. I made sure to put a few of them between the base of the branches, so it looks like the branches are coming out of the pile of gourds...

The orange pumpkins really pop in this arrangement, which I plan to use to decorate (& weigh down) my booth this weekend. I'll probably add a few larger pumpkins on the ground to tie in with the small baby boo ones...

Now to switch gears......

Here's a peek at some of the latest art from Second Chance Art & Accessories!

Below: "Valet" key holder and "Concierge" coat rack... with cool original paint in ivory, beige, white, and apple green -

Below is a close up of another key rack & coat rack combo... with 3 vintage glass knobs & ornate doorknob escutcheon plates..

Below is a cool vintage mirror that I've painted - this one gives off a 40's club feel... inspired by cool old train stations. Mount it above a large doorway for a unique accent!

This window (below) has the original paint on the frame.. a cool combo of blue, lavender, and sage green -

Thanks for stopping by! We'll be in Louisville, KY from Oct 1-5. Please be patient, as it may take us until Tuesday Oct. 6 to respond to any email inquiries.

After that, we'll be at the One of a Kind Show & Sale in December at the Merchandise mart in Chicago - hope to see you then! take care - Amy

Frankfort Fall Fest weekend - Second Chance Art goes batty!

2009-09-08T13:42:00.005-05:00

Hi Everyone! thanks for stopping by the booth this past weekend at the Frankfort Fall Festival - it was a fun weekend with perfect weather, and lots of food on sticks!

Above is a shot of our booth, in front of Jenny's restaurant on Kansas St. We were entertained by patrons who brought their pets, many wearing dresses, hats, and assorted doggie fashions.

Above is a shot from inside the booth .... this section shows coat racks waiting for your hangables!

Above is a close up of our "Post Office" highboy dresser.... here we've taken vintage post office box doors, and retrofitted them into a dresser drawer to create mailboxes. We've added dividers to the drawer, and slots above each mailbox - for all your family's mail. This is an entertaining piece, as each door has it's own combination. You'll have to visit a show in person to see if you can get the doors open! (the combos are listed on this piece's price tag, and each works just fine if you know how to enter the combo)

Okay, so now it's time to explain why we've "gone batty". On a personal note, my husband & I moved a few months ago to an old house we've been rehabbing. Well... it's still not done yet, and will probably take us a couple of years to really get it buttoned up. Our next big project is adding a fireplace, so we've prepared for this by removing a section of wall, and busting into an existing brick chimney.

Both Saturday night & Sunday night we discovered a bat flying around our house! Being the manager type that I am, I immediately delegated the task of "bat removal" to my husband.

Little did he know when we got married that he'd have to remove assorted live animals from our house (in the past, he's been in charge of "opossum removal", "bird removal", and "dismembered squirrel removal" - compliments of our doggie door, and our bored border collie)

The picture above shows the bat, clinging to a section of chimney in our living room (which, by the way, is currently under construction). He ended up catching it in a coffee can, and released it outside. This was saturday night when we came home from the fest. The following evening, we were "delighted" by another bat, flying in circles around our bedroom! Ahhhh! Of course, I covered myself with a blanket until it flew out of the room. Since he was now well practiced in bat removal, my husband was again able to catch the bat with a coffee can & release it outside. We've since tried to identify & plug up all holes in our attic, chimney, etc. Hopefully this will be it for the battiness!

thanks for stopping by... our next show is in Louisville, Kentucky - Oct. 2-4. Stay tuned for more Second Chance Art & Accessories adventures, and show info - take care - Amy

Thanks Gold Coast & Art at the Glen!

2009-08-13T10:25:00.005-05:00

Hi Everyone -

Second Chance Art & Accessories wants to thank all those who stopped by the booth at the Gold Coast Art Fest (july 31-aug 2) and the Art at the Glen show this past weekend (August 8-9). Here's a few pictures from the shows:

Above - our booth at Art at the Glen... I didn't get to take as many pictures at this show. Too bad, I did see lots of great doggie photo op's. Dogs in strollers wearing dresses... that's all I can say. Too bad my border collie won't put up with this sort of treatment. She's got too much to do to be sitting in a stroller.

Above is our booth at the Gold Coast Art fest. We had great weather for this one!

Here's a couple of new pieces up on the wall in the booth at Gold Coast. I'm on the hunt for more old golf clubs, since this one was a hit! (it's difficult to see from the photo, but the lower piece in the photo reads "nineteenth hole coat check" and has old golf clubs mounted for "hooks" to hang coats.

Here's a couple more coat racks & a chalkboard. In the next few weeks, I'll be making more of these coatracks.... look out doors, here I come! (the coat racks are made from sections of paneled doors, sliced up with a table saw).

Here's my husband & I at the Gold Coast art fest. This is one of those "take a picture of yourself by holding the camera out at arm's length" shots. Not bad, huh?

thanks again for stopping by the blog... our next show will be the Frankfort Fall Fest over labor day weekend. Meanwhile, I'll be shopping at the Sandwich antiques market in a week or so for more fantastic salvage items! Can't wait for this one, since I've been unable to visit the Kane County Flea Market all summer due to my show schedule. As always - take care! :) Amy

Chalkboards, knobs, & epoxy....

2009-07-29T10:25:00.003-05:00

Hi Everyone! Here's a look at what we've been up to lately at Second Chance Art & Accessories...

I've made chalkboards in the past using vintage frames or window sash frames, but up until this point the chalkboard itself was made using chalkboard paint. I've been looking for a more durable chalkboard material that can stand up to heavy use - for businesses, restaurants, and for those who just want something more durable.

So, I've ordered some factory made porcelain coated steel chalkboards. They come in these huge sheets.... 4' x 8', on a semi truck...(makes receiving them a little more interesting, not your every day package!)

Here's the sheet before cutting:

Here's a picture of my Dad, running the material through his table saw. This was after our session of "try to figure out how to most efficiently cut the chalkboard to get the most pieces out of it"... or something like that.

To be honest, I was hoping to get some sparks flying in the picture... but no such luck. The material has a layer of metal in it, so this was not the most comfortable thing to do. We were pelted with small metal bits as we cut each piece..

Above... we've cut pieces to fit an assortment of frames. I've also got black chalkboards. Below is a closeup of the finished chalkboards, all in a stack. The material comes with protective plastic on the surface, which I plan to leave on for my customers to remove.

Okay, now on to other things...yesterday we worked on more coat racks. I've done quite a few now with doorknob "hooks"... but it has taken a little bit of figuring. After all, how does one attach something securely that was not intended for this purpose?

Let's just say we have our methods... and they involve a lot of epoxy! Which is really sticky stuff.... but you can clean your hands afterward with denatured alcohol - comes right off.

The photo above shows a new piece with it's original paint... I've added lots of antique hardware for hanging keys.

This piece (above) required a departure from our usual method... I guess these old porcelain faucet handles are not quite like doorknobs.

Here's a long one....8 knobs! This piece was made from a hard-to-find full door length door panel. The other half of this door is becoming a golf-themed coat rack. At the time I took these photos, it was still in the "drying" position, so I didn't want to disturb it.

Come out to the Gold Coast Art Fair (July 31, August 1-2), and visit our booth - #258-258.5 to check out the new pieces in person! We'd love to have you stop by... the booth is near the corner of Wells street & Erie, downtown Chicago. Hours: Friday noon-5pm, sat & sun 10am-5pm.

We'll also be in Glenview, IL the following weekend (August 8-9). Check out Art at the Glen Town Center.. hours are 10am-5pm sat & sun.

take care - Amy :)

Oak Brook Fine Craft Invitational 2009

2009-07-17T12:55:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone! Thank you for stopping by the booth at the Oak Brook Fine Craft show last weekend - it was a hot, sticky weekend, but at least it was sunny & above 70 degrees! (our last show was 50-60 degrees, and in June!)

Here's a picture of the booth:

Here's some of my typical "feet photos" - don't ask why I keep taking these, but now it seems to be a show tradition. Maybe it's an easy way to post pictures of my Mom & I without having our faces shown....

So - what's new with Second Chance Art & Accessories? Mainly... my husband & I are now moved into our "new" old house in Minooka, IL. We've spent the last month or so packing up the old house, and finishing up the details of selling the old house. We are grateful to now be living in one location, and have all the fantastic salvage stored neatly in our "new" carraige house.

I've got some new items in the works... so I'll plan a post in the next week or two with some preview photos. Hopefully these items will make their debut at the Gold Coast Art Fest in a couple of weeks -

thanks for stopping by the blog - I appreciate all the support of my customers! take care - Amy

Eastside Millenium Art Fest 2009

2009-06-11T15:16:00.006-05:00

Hi Everyone! Thanks for stopping by the booth at the Eastside Millenium Art Fest this past weekend - June 5-7. Here's some pictures of the Second Chance Art & Accessories tent before the fest opened:

Each show brings it's challenges - this weekend the weather was only 50-60 degrees, and saturday brought a consistent drizzle the entire day. We found new use for all of our blanket "padding" that gets set aside while art is on display!

Above is a picture of my foot, along with my Mom's feet. My Mom, a real trooper, was with me in the cold the entire weekend. Despite the cold, we got to meet some new faces and sell some great artwork.

On the personal front, my husband & I are moving about 15 minutes west - to a house we've been working on for about a year now. The move is happening in the next couple of weeks. I hope to share some photos from our new home in progress.... I think it will probably be in progress for quite some time!

thanks for all your support & stopping by the booth, blog, etc. Our next show is at Oak Brook Center, July 11-12th. Looking forward to it! take care - Amy :)

2009 Show Schedule

2009-05-07T13:23:00.003-05:00

Hi Everyone! Second Chance Art & Accessories' 2009 show schedule is coming together...

So far, we'll be at:

June 5-7: Eastside Millenium Art Festival, Chicago

July 11-12: Oak Brook Center Invitational Fine Craft Exhibition - Oak Brook, IL

July 31-August 2: Gold Coast Art Fair, Chicago

August 8-9: Art at the Glen, Glenview, IL

Sept. 5-7: Frankfort Fall Festival, Frankfort, IL

Dec. 3-6: One of a Kind Show & Sale, Chicago

I'm still waiting to hear back from a couple of shows... I'll be sure to keep the website up to date - check out the Events page for updated info.

Sadly, we won't be exhibiting at the Wells Street Art Festival this year, because we did not get in! This brings up a whole new can of worms... how to get our art to the public, without having to go through a "gatekeeper" (aka - show juries!). Without getting into too much detail, I am seriously considering starting to sell art directly from the new website. After the dust settles from our move (in case you haven't heard, my husband & I are moving a short distance... which includes both of our home based businesses) & we see how this show season pans out, we'll likely be considering a few new avenues to get our products to the public.

Here's a sneak peek at a few new items:

Hotel Laundry vintage painted mirror -

Flower Shoppe themed painted door panel sign - with original green paint -

Jardin de Provence painted door panel sign, with original paint finish -

Now this is a fun project currently underway for our Editions Speciales line....

here is the before picture - an antique highboy dresser...

Here it is in the works - it has been outfitted with 6 vintage P.O. box doors, with working combinations. The top drawer has been removed & subsequent opening "slotted" so mail can be deposited into each of 6 boxes. In this photo, it is just back from "carpentry land" - aka - Dad's workshop (thanks Dad!). A new finish & hardware has yet to be applied. Check this one out in person at one of our retail shows... once it's finished, you'll find it on the website under Editions Speciales.

Thanks for stopping by! We're looking forward to an exciting season of retail shows with new products, along with a new workshop location for us. I'll be sure to share more pictures of our home renovation as we make more progress... take care - Amy

New website, new items, new house...

2009-04-03T16:02:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone... Yes, I seem to have fallen back to my "post once a month" schedule that sometimes occurs when other life events take over. Ya know what I mean?

Anyway... the new website is coming now VERY soon, I mean it this time! I'm hoping to get it up live early next week. Over the past month I spent time uploading all of my current inventory, and working with a designer to get the web template ready. Another great thing about my new site is the potential for ecommerce in the future... I'm thinking within the next year I'd like to go for it!

I've also been applying to shows for the summer... and having professional pictures taken (finally!) of some of my art for show applications... here's a few samples:

Cool new towel rack with an old faucet to hang your towels from.... the photog actually put the brick background in after the fact. Pretty sneaky!

This piece hangs 4 sets of keys from old window sash lock catches... labeled with the vintage label holders. I've also put 2 doorknobs & a level at the bottom for coats....

Here's an interesting coat rack - I was going for a 1900-1920's feel.. like a fancy old hotel or maybe a theater.... this one has a combo of vintage hooks & some window sash lock pieces to hold your coats. Label the 5 sections for your family members. The label holders are vintage - from the American Type Founder's Co.... (as imprinted onto each).

I hope to resume my more frequent posting habits shortly! My husband & I have our house up for sale, and hope to move to our new place soon (another vintage find). With this will come all the fun of moving a home business.... a few hundred windows, etc.

thanks for stopping by! :) Amy

New website coming soon!

2009-03-04T16:06:00.005-06:00

Hi Everyone -

I guess the cold weather has caused my blogging ability to slow down a bit... (what other excuse can I come up with to explain my lack of posts?)

Not to say there's nothing going on though... in fact, the Second Chance Art & Accessories website is being redesigned right now! I'm actually posting on the blog as a way to procrastinate working on the website....(can anyone relate?)

I found a great designer to build a new template for the website. I've been taking pictures of assorted "goodies" that are commonly used in second chance art - for potential use on the website. Here's some of the items I snapped:

Above: Terrific old label holders.. soon to become part of some great coat racks, and a fantastic large map of Europe - awaiting a new life behind a window..

Above: great old hose nozzles... likely to become hooks for a coat or hanging jar vase, and look at all the knobs! If you don't recognize these, you've never been in a house with old wiring. I harvested these from my basement (1918 house) when we updated our electric. I've found they make interesting hooks for coats...

Here's a few more pictures (above) that you may see on the new website - a variety of old but beautiful doorknob backplates, my tobacco can "vase" full of light fixture arm "flowers", old porcelain cross handles for faucets, and of course - another map. I think I have a map addiction!

Thanks for stopping by. I hope to have the new website up soon! As a result, I have not been updating my current site like usual. My current site will remain active until the new site is ready - & then you'll see some new pieces from Second Chance Art & Accessories!
take care - Amy :)

2009-02-05T12:59:00.004-06:00

Hi Everyone!

It's been a few weeks since my last post, so I figured I'd share what I've been up to with Second Chance Art & Accessories, and a few personal things.

I have finished up 5 art projects for Osteria Ottimo, a great new Italian restaurant in Orland Park. I've included a few pictures of 3 of the pieces.... at the time I took these, I was delivering 2 more - so they were not yet up on the wall.

Want to check out the art? Get yourself some great Italian food, and go see for yourself! I've been there for dinner twice so far - the food is excellent!

Osteria Ottimo: 16111 S. lagrange Rd., Orland Park, IL (708) 403-3366; check out the article below for more info.
http://www.frankfortstation.com/Articles-c-2009-01-30-190929.112113_Not_your_everyday_Italian_Ostertia_Ottimo.html

This mirror is to the left of the bar, close to the area where the antipasto trays are prepared. Antipasto is definitely a specialty here. Check out the vintage look slicer that is used when you order an antipasto tray!

You'll have to dine in & ask what this really means.... Something about God & water, man & wine.... (painted on a rustic old door section)

This is an old 2 pane storm window, that I've refinished with dark stain to help guide patrons to the restrooms. By the way, the restrooms are worth checking out - fantastic trough sink & tile work!

Aside from the projects for Osteria Ottimo, I've been searching for great art "ingredients" on ebay. I also took a trip to the Kane County Flea Market.. but to my dismay, it was not happening the weekend I thought. Hmmmmm... much disappointment, but somehow I got my wires crossed.

So - I drowned my sorrows at Island Girl Salvage (below). I picked up some great old paneled doors for future artwork. If you haven't visited this place, it's worth checking out.

http://www.islandgirlsalvage.com/

Here's the latest on our own personal adventure - our "new" old house. We had victory over cottage cheese on this bedroom ceiling. When installing ductwork, big chunks of it fell down all over, so we hired some drywall folks to fix it for us. Here's the before shot:

Yay! Cottage cheese no more! Ready for paint:

I couldn't resist adding this picture, of my little border collie, Olive. She's an overachiever, & decided to clean out the last 2 pieces of dog food from the bottom of the bag.

Next up for Second Chance Art & Accessories: continuing my research process for options on having my website redone, applying to shows for 2009, and making inventory! Much is in the works...stay tuned! Confirmed shows for this year so far: Oak Brook Center Fine Craft Invitational (July 11-12), One of a Kind Show & Sale (Dec. 3-6).

thanks for stopping by - :) Amy

New Year, New Beginnings, "New" house.....

2009-01-05T22:54:00.005-06:00

Hi Everyone! Happy 2009! Hope you all had a great holiday season, and best wishes for this year to come.

I've got some personal pictures to show & tell here - I haven't talked much about our "new" house yet....... but in the future you'll probably see more of it. At this point, we've mostly been doing things that aren't very fun or visable. (ie - new wiring, some new HVAC, a new attic floor). But I do have some before & after pics of my new basement. This basement was classic-old house creepy, with a low ceiling, & wires running every which way. We've cleaned up much of the old clutter & painted it white.

EEEEWwww! Scarrrryyy!

A little better.....

Creeptacular......... or yuckarific? .....

Not so creepy....

It's still not the taj mahal, but certainly much less creepy! We have yet to install some cabinets for storage (from one of my favorite places: the Ikea as-is section!), and some curtains I'm making from more Ikea fabric. Who knows..... this may be a mini Second Chance Art & Accessories workshop for a while - until I can build a bonafide workshop / garage in the backyard.

On the business side of my life - here's a few great finds I picked up this weekend - from freecycle. If you haven't heard of freecycle - check it out! http://www.freecycle.org/ This organization runs local groups that allow postings of free items offered to the group members. A great way to recycle things you no longer need, but think someone else can use... and you don't even have to take anything to goodwill.

I got really lucky with these dressers. I'm thinking at least one may end up as a one of a kind sink vanity for sale in my booth at some point......

Good bye for now - thanks for checking in! take care - Amy :)

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-18T16:01:00.002-06:00

Hi Everyone! Hope you are having a wonderful Christmas season - doesn't it seem to be flying by this year - or is it me?

Anyway, here's what's new in the land of Second Chance Art & Accessories -

I've been working on a few projects for a new restaurant - Osteria Ottimo - in Orland Park. They should be open sometime in January. Here's a picture I took this morning when I dropped off a few pieces:

The place looks fantastic inside so far, and if their atmosphere is any indication of how the food will be - I'm already a big fan! Check it out once it's open for some great Italian food. It's located off La Grange Road, behind Champs & Houlihan's in Orland Park.

Here's a sneak peak at the projects I've worked on for them:

From what they tell me, this saying involves God, Man, water, & wine. You'll have to go to dinner there to get the story straight!

In the next few months, I'm going to investigate having my website redone. The current site has served me well so far, but I have to admit I'm not cutout to be a "webmaster". I'm planning to get someone more technically inclined to reorganize & rebuild the site. We'll see how it goes. I've also got a fair number of orders to complete, and 2009 art/craft show applications fill out.

On a personal note - my husband & I are planning on moving to Minooka, IL. We've been fixing up a great old house to get it ready for the move. My husband's new name is "Captain Electric" - because he's managed to rewire the entire house to eliminate all fear of knob & tube wiring. For me, this means I get all the old porcelain insulators to incorporate into a great new piece of art!

take care - have a Merry Christmas - :) Amy

One of a Kind Show & Sale

2008-12-08T00:00:00.003-06:00

Hi Everyone! Thanks so much to everyone who stopped by the Second Chance Art & Accessories ® booth this past weekend at the One of a Kind Show & Sale in Chicago. Here's a few pictures from our booth set up -

This one (below) is from December 2nd. Since I teach a class on wednesday mornings, we did the bulk of our setup on tuesday. Here I am, amidst the pile of art, amazed at how quickly the art got from the loading dock to my booth.

This photo shows the booth after our setup - almost done, except for the pile of empty bins that needed to go to storage....

Finally ready! Bring on the shoppers! This shot was taken by a "real" photographer.... yes, that is definitely not me. Try as I may, many of my pictures end up with glare - or better yet - a vague outline of my own reflection in them. I figured I better get some pro shots...

Please bear with me as I get my website up to date this week.... since I'm still my own webmaster, it usually takes me a few days to get out of paperwork mode & into "website rearrangement" mode after I finish a show. I've also got some special orders in the works.

thanks for visiting the blog! :) take care - Amy

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-25T17:47:00.003-06:00

HI everyone!

Hard to believe Thanksgiving is only 2 days away, isn't it? Things have been busy for me & the art business. In the last month & a half, I've been turning out special orders - so that all promised before the second week of December are complete. I've also been working on some new projects - for the One of a Kind Show & Sale Dec. 4-7. Here's a sneak peak at some new items:

Proof that this blog is "behind the scenes" - you can see the blue tape used to tape my background to my garage door (the background is burlap). My hubby's hand is also in the photo, balancing the art! Hopefully I'll get this cropped a little before it appears on my website.

This is the top of an old privacy door, which I've painted an original design on & refinished the frame.

Again - you can see the tape & my hubby's hand. Heh heh. This is an old 9 pane door insert, that I've painted with a design inspired by the 1933 Chicago World's fair. The frame has been sanded down & refinished also.

This window was inspired by the movie "A Christmas Story". Higbee's is the department store where many scenes were shot. To respect the property of others, I did not use the term "red-rider-bb gun", as they actually still exist!

Here's a popular design inspired by "A Christmas Carol". This time, done on a 6 pane window with original hardware cleaned & reattached.

Here's one of my latest coatracks - an interesting combo of white, cream, and even a small amount of sky blue paint was revealed when I sanded this one down.

Here's another coatrack - this time the coloring is a combo of ivory, peach, and mauve-y taupe. I used vintage hose nozzles on this one for the hooks.

If you plan on going to the One of a Kind Show & Sale - at the Merchandise Mart, Chicago - from Dec. 4-7th, stop by the booth - #8-2050. It should be an interesting experience, as it's my first time for the show. I start loading in my art on Tuesday the 2nd of December.

thanks for checking in -

Have a great Thanksgiving!

:) Amy

How do you know when you've done too much flea market shopping?

2008-11-04T21:00:00.003-06:00

Maybe when your car is full to the brim like this one..... Yikes! (sorry if this is your car!)

I spotted this car at the Kane County Flea market this past weekend. Makes me think a little about my own flea market addiction / "problem".... but I can always argue that my collection of crusty old things is for my business, therefore - justifying my habit! I can honestly say that my car does not look like this.

However, I will admit that when we got back into the vehicle this weekend, I had it so packed with stuff that I had to drive with my knees jammed into the dashboard (see the picture below - ouch!).

Here's a peek into the rear of the vehicle - the reason for my angst was a pair of 70" long french doors that I picked up, hoping that my hubby will be able to magically fit them into our "new" old house. He's always saying how he prefers prehung doors.... I'll just have to tell him how great he is when he rises to the challenge of fitting these in. (heh heh)

Since it's election day, I found this picture of old buttons sort of fitting. A dealer was selling them at the flea market. Okay - to shift gears a bit - here's a sneak preview of some projects I have in the works. These pictures are the "before" pics ...... hopefully the finished products will soon appear on my website! www.secondchanceart.net

Here's a picture of a mirror that formerly was part of a console table. I found the mirror no longer attached to the table, & sent it to my Dad for some "doctoring". Here it is (sans mirror - just the frame) in the middle of surgery, so we can transform it into a very unique coatrack.

This frame must have been for a swivel-type mirror above a dresser. I found it in pieces; we've since glued it back together...... it is destined to become a very unique chalkboard!Thanks for checking in! Second Chance Art & Accessories will be exhibiting at the One of a Kind Show & Sale at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago, Dec.4-7. Hopefully I'll post another update soon with some sneak peeks on the latest artwork! thanks - Amy :)

Halloween project ideas - as seen at Fall Diddley

2008-10-14T22:40:00.004-05:00

Hi Everyone! This past weekend Second Chance Art & Accessories exhibited at Fall Diddley, in Belvidere, IL. Prior to the show, I collected some different gourds to use as part of my display. A few years back I had created a way to add a little sparkle to my pumpkins at home, & I've been doing this each year since. I brought some of my sparkle-y stemmed pumpkins with to the show, and had a few requests on how to recreate this - so here's a few tips-

Pumpkins with sparkle:
1. use basic acrylic paint to carefully paint the stem of your pumpkin or gourd. I've used dark brown & black here, but really any fall color could be used. In the past I've used maroon, purple, gold, etc.
2. while the paint is still wet, sprinkle on your favorite glitter! here I've used a very small grain irridescent glitter - purchased from a craft store. I used several varieties of glitter - in white, gold, and silvery tints.
3. Try the same technique to paint a design on the pumpkin's flesh - I've got a "2" here to represent Second Chance Art & Accessories - but this is a great way to put your address, or whatever you'd like on the pumpkin.

These two pictures (below) where taken with a soft flash on my camera, outside after dark. A very fun effect in the evening if you've got some soft lights in the vicinity!
Here's a look at my booth display at Fall Diddley:
Here's my Mom & I taking one of those "take it yourself" photos - pretty good, huh?
Here's what bored Dads do when they get suckered into helping out for the weekend - find a tree & read!
I see now the husband (at right) has followed suit from my Father. Bless their hearts! At least they had something to read. They both thought there was a 20:1 ratio of women to men at this fair. Ha!
Thanks for stopping by - Next up for Second Chance Art - knocking out special orders with finish dates in the next month, having a "sanding party", and getting some really unique & special items in the works for my next show. Stay tuned! :) Amy

We're registered!

2008-10-08T13:55:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone! I've been a bad blogger lately, due to "hectic life schedule" issues. Hey, I just invented a new term! I'm sure this might describe the life of many of you, doesn't it?

Anyway, here's what's up with Second Chance Art & Accessories lately. I had applied for a trademark registration a long time ago... and after a few glitches (ie - trying to fill out the application myself without professional legal help), and about 1.5 years (& real legal help) - we're now officially registered! I decided to pursue the registration status to protect & promote the Second Chance Art & Accessories "brand" - I haven't figure out what the future will hold, but I've got a few different directions in mind. We'll see where the road leads as we continue to travel down it. Here's a peek at my registration certificate!

I've been to a few flea markets in the last month - here's some goodies my Mom & I found at the Sandwich Antiques market on Sept. 28:
Here's a picture of my mom, sister, & I as we load up the finds from a local flea market this past weekend.
Here's a few "interesting" items we saw at the same local flea market - but they didn't make the cut for Second Chance Art & Accessories. I'm not sure I understand what this was or is - half of a man with a construction hat on. Anyone know what this was for? Maybe he is actually captain hook, since he has no hands. Hmmm...
All I can say here is: Ewwwww! I'm definitely the squeemish type when it comes to bugs of any kind.
On a different note - I've been trying to ramp up my inventory for my next show, which is Fall Diddley - this weekend in Belvedere, IL. (Boone County Fairgrounds - oct 11-12). My parents (who are invaluable to me as volunteer "slave" labor) helped me assemble a large number of "his/hers" windows the other day - one of Second Chance Art & Accessories' most popular items. Hopefully if you come looking for these in the future - I'll have something in stock that fits your color scheme. Yes, they really do seem to go on forever. (not really - but I do have quite a few right now).
Anyway - if you're in the vicinity - come visit the booth at Fall Diddley - Second Chance Art & Accessories is in building #3, booth #25-26. Hopefully it will be a fun weekend! The next scheduled show will be the One of a Kind Show & Sale at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago - Dec. 4-7.

take care -
:) Amy

Want windows? I have some!

2008-09-17T15:40:00.004-05:00

Hi Everyone - check out my window stash in the garage! It's a little overwhelming sometimes. I recently stocked up a little on some multipane windows from the Kane County flea market, and acquired some additional windows from a kind soul who came into my booth at the Frankfort Fall Fest, asking if I needed some.

Anyway, I think I have around 150-200 at any one time. You can see here my "inventory" system, which shows blue tape labels with an ID number & size. I have these all recorded on a spreadsheet, so I know what I've got for custom orders. I'll bet you're glad this isn't your garage!

Here's a few finds from my latest flea market outing - a couple of great old frames, an old mirror, & a suitcase I couldn't pass up, since it looks like a hershey bar.

More great doorknob escutcheon plates - some will no doubt end up in hardware soup! (my not so high tech paint removal process)

Here's a mini army of cool old hooks, I just love these! Don't they remind you of grade school?

thanks for stopping by - My next show is up in Belvedere, IL at the Boone County Fairgrounds - Fall Diddley - Oct. 11-12. If you're in the area, be sure to stop in! :) Amy

Frankfort Fall Festival

2008-09-02T14:37:00.004-05:00

Hi Everyone! thanks to all who stopped by the Second Chance Art & Accessories booth this past weekend at the Frankfort Fall Festival. We had beautiful weather & a great time! Here are some pictures from the weekend:

My business sign, next to my flowerpot urn "tent weights". Yes, the urns are filled mostly with concrete, with a little room for dirt. Very heavy - all the better to attach to my tent poles & prevent tipping. More than meets the eye, huh?

Here's a shot of the entire booth - I must say it's much easier to display everything in 2 booths. I'm leaning toward having 2 booths at most shows in the future.

Here's another flower pot - but this one's not filled with concrete, just dirt. It dries out quickly though - lots of trips back & forth to the water fountain!
More shots of the booth display:

Here's a cute little cockapoo, riding in her owner's purse. How adorable! I'm quite intrigued by the "ornamental dog" thing. My dog would jump right out, & I'd need a duffle bag to fit her in. ha!

Here's my sister, who will probably be mad I posted this picture of her eating some sort of fried carnival food. Mmmmmm.. potato chips.
Here's my Dad - always a trooper. I'm so lucky to have parents who are a HUGE help to me. I think here he's trying to stay awake.. we were worried he'd tip off the chair when the afternoon got warm & eyelids got heavy.
Here's some of that carnival food I refered to earlier. I'm amazed they can get this much on the plate. I also witnessed my family members eating some sort of sausage wrapped in pizza.... yikes! The dietitian in me is still alive & well. I guess I need to start bringing big bags of fruit to my shows.

Anyway..... Up next for me in the next few days: updating all my customer email & address lists, and updating my website. Usually it takes me a week or so to get the website straightened out after a show. I plan to take a few weeks to get some of my custom orders finished. Then I'll keep working on orders & prepare for my next show in Belvedere, IL (Fall Diddley).

thanks for stopping by! :) take care - Amy

Seasonal Artwork and other things on deck...

2008-08-20T21:18:00.003-05:00

Hi Everyone -

here's what I've been up to lately -

Getting ready for the Frankfort Fall Festival, over Labor Day weekend! I invaded my parents' house today, to mooch some slave labor help from my Dad, who helps me get a lot of my artwork buttoned up. Here's a few pictures of things we finished today:

This is an old casement window (above) with vintage privacy glass in a "starburst" sort of pattern. I've refinished the frame, which is quite chunky & cool. A great conversation piece for your mantle at Christmas! Windows with this type of glass are difficult to find.. I do have few more on deck though, hopefully I can get them done shortly. This design was inspired by the glass - I thought it looked a little like frost on a cold morning. (BTW, 1843 is when A Christmas Carol was written by Dickens)

Here is one of three windows that I've painted to resemble a street sign, for your Halloween decor! (Fans of classic horror movies rejoice - hopefully all these places are familiar to you!) This window was inspired by the original finish on the frame - upon sanding, I discovered black, green, and a violet-blue color. In my opinion, a great combo for Halloween!

Okay, here's another picture of a Second Chance Art & Accessories classic design - again, demonstrating my technical prowess.... ha! Actually, I do know how to rotate pictures, but I did not catch this one before I uploaded it. And... my DSL uploading speed is much slower than my downloading speed - so I know it would take me another 15 minutes to get it straightened out. Anyway, consider it a little extra exercise for your neck...

Okay, this picture is of some of the loot I picked up at the Sandwich Antiques market this past weekend. By the way, if you like antique & flea markets, this one is worth checking out. Who wouldn't want to visit a town named Sandwich? Lucky for me, it's only about an hour drive northwest. In the pile are some great doors with potential coatrack-sized panels, and some 6 pane windows with old wavy glass.

Here's the pile of loot on my lawn. After returning from a flea market, I always spread it out to take inventory of what I found (for accounting purposes, etc). My neighbors must think I'm nuts! (we share a driveway, so this pile is very close to them also).

Anyway... On a personal note, I start teaching classes at JJC next wednesday (yes, I am actually a registered dietitian! This semester I just have one class, making more time for artwork). My husband & I also bought a house recently to fix up for ourselves. We will be moving once we get a little more work done in the house... not too far from where we live now though. Minooka, IL - heard of it?

thanks for stopping in - hope to see you at the booth at the Frankfort Fall Festival (august 30-31, sept 1 - booth #520-521!) take care - Amy :)

Gold Coast Art Fest

2008-08-11T22:14:00.006-05:00

Hi Everyone! Hope all is well.... Second Chance Art & Accessories was at the Gold Coast Art Fest this past weekend - the weather & the crowds were great! Here's a few pictures from the weekend...

My sign, painted on a portion of an old door (shocking, I know!)... I just love the leathery texture of the old varnish!

Here's a booth shot before the show started.

Another booth shot....
Here's our "office" behind the tent...

Husband pretending to sleep... probably so he doesn't have to talk to me... does anyone else have this problem?

This sideways picture is the husband actually sleeping. I'm a little worried he might tip off the chair, but that would be pretty funny, wouldn't it? Of course, I tried to rotate this one - but decided to leave it to demonstrate my awesome technical skills. Ha!

Here's our feet - My Mom & I... for some reason, I haven't posted many feet photos this year. Last year, I had many of these. I'll have to resume the tradition.

Beautiful flowers in a planter outside the "Flair House" - which was behind my booth...

Okay... because I'm fascinated by small dogs that are truly just companions, I asked permission to photograph a few. I loooove dogs, but mine are sort of "utility dogs." In my mind, this means they have a purpose other than companionship (ie. running partner, newspaper fetcher, etc.)

This cutie above has his own doggie sunglasses!

Talk about relaxing... this dog remained in this position the entire time I talked with the owner.

I cannot imagine either of my dogs riding in a backpack. This priviledge must be reserved for those less than 10 lbs....

This little guy is just plain cute.

Alright, here's my own cuties sunbathing on our back steps. Polly (aka "the bacon") looks relaxed as usual. Olive, the scruffy one, is about to get all of her hair clipped off due to her owner (that's me) neglecting to brush out her matted fur. Shame on me! Spending too much time making art again....

Here they are again, sitting on the landing as I make them "Staaaaaay." They love to rush down into the basement, trampling all in their path. Polly looks like some sort of ghost, as usual. I have a very difficult time capturing her yellowish-brown eyes. She always comes out evil-looking. Olive really does look a little evil due to her mottled eye color (both are combos of blue & brown - she looks, and is, a little crazy!)

Anyway... enough rambling for now. Thanks so much for stopping by the booth this past weekend! The next show for Second Chance Art & Accessories is the Frankfort Fall Festival over Labor Day weekend, so I'll be getting ready with some new seasonal artwork. Take care - Amy :)

Is it psychic in here, or is it just my mom?

2008-08-06T19:39:00.006-05:00

Recently, while helping Amy prepare some frames for future use as Second Chance Art, her mom, Carol, made an interesting discovery. Not only did she find something valuable tucked inside a flea market find, but she kind of knew it was there before she found it.

Here she describes the experience in an e-mail:

"Yesterday I spent the day at Aimer's helping scrape windows and clean mirrors. I worked on her dining room table. She worked in the garage. While we were eating lunch I said I daydreamed about taking one of her mirrors apart and finding money taped to the back side of the mirror.

"An hour later, I slid the back off one of those perfume trays she makes into 'Powder Room' signs. There was an envelope. I held my breath for a second. I turned it over and could see through the small see-through window that there was money in it.

"I put everything back and went to the back door and called to (Amy) in the garage if she could come in for a minute. Then I hurried down to the basement and asked Derek (Mr. Second Chance Art) if he could come up for a minute. In the kitchen I told her that my daydream had come true. Then I showed them the tray, took off the back, turned over the envelope and took out the money.

"There were four ten-dollar bills and a five. They were from the 1950's and 60's. The envelope said JL Hudson Co, Detroit. I used to babysit for the JL Hudson family when I was in high school. They were the owners of Hudson's, but came from Detroit on weekends to their "get-away" house a short ways from my Oxford house.

"It was so fun to find the money. We decided that Amy should use it to buy a new dress for the Gold Coast Show."

The money

The envelope

Carol, with Amy in Amy's new house.

Thanks North Shore!

2008-07-28T13:28:00.004-05:00

Hi Everyone! Here's some pictures from the North Shore Art Fest this past weekend, in Skokie, IL. It was definitely a hot weekend - but thanks to the kind staff of Amdur Productions who delivered periodic ice cold bottled water to the artists, we did not melt.

Here's some booth shots:

This photo was taken pretty early, right before the show opened.....

In the next 2 weeks, I'll be producing as much new stuff as possible for the Gold Coast Art Fest, August 8-10th. Hope you can stop by & visit the booth! thanks - Amy

Production Frenzy

2008-07-23T07:31:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone! I can't believe it's almost August - this summer has definitely flown by! The picture above - is something you might commonly see in my living room this summer. It's a "pile" of almost finished art, waiting on deck for the next assembly party.

Notice I'm using that word "party" again - in my ever-continuing effort to convince my volunteer helpers (aka family) that we are having fun putting things together. (some family may agree with me more than others).

Anyway.... every few weeks I've been schlepping almost finished art over to my parents, where I enlist my folks to help me put on all the finishing touches. Most of these touches involve a table saw, windex, scraping & cleaning glass, etc. Not exactly the glamorous part of the artwork, but necessary to build my finished products. I am so grateful I have family to help me with these things as I grow my business. I have also adventured into the world of hiring help (for sanding, cleaning & taping, etc) - which has allowed me to get a lot more done. But I must say, my family's help has been invaluable!

Coming up for Second Chance Art: North Shore Festival of Art, at Westfield Old Orchard Mall in Skokie - July 26, 27 (10am-5pm); Gold Coast Art Fair (Yes, I just found out I've got a booth!) Chicago, IL - August 8-10.

thanks for stopping by! :) Amy

Oak Brook photos

2008-07-14T09:15:00.007-05:00

Happy July 4th!

2008-07-08T11:33:00.004-05:00

Hi Everyone - Hope all had a great July 4th weekend. I'm in full "production" mode, which means I'm trying to create as much finished art as possible before my show this weekend, at Oak Brook Center. Here's a couple of new items I'm excited about:

This piece is for a bath or powder room. I've mounted some cool old faucet handles for hanging towels, along with vintage label holders - so you know whose towel is whose!

This is a close up of the hose nozzle we've mounted onto a garden-themed piece of art. The nozzle is being used as a hook to hold a mason jar for a flower bouquet or tealight.

No- this piece isn't finished yet! This is the latest installment of "potentials" I picked up at the West Michigan Antique mall over the weekend, on our way back from a family trip. Lucky me, we had just eaten lunch & the cubs game was on the radio- making my hubby happy to sit in the car & wait for a very long time, while I picked through the huge antique mall. This piece know sits waiting in my storage room.

Here is a funny pic of a car we were following up to Michigan. There was a cute little Boston terrier sticking it's head out the window, with jowls flapping in the wind. Once it crawled back inside, I thought the silouette was funny! Looks like a bat....

Hope all is well... thanks for checking in! If you've got time, stop by my booth at Oak Brook Center this weekend (sat-sun, july 12-13). My booth is right across from the Land of Nod store. Take care! Amy :)

Sandwhich Antiques Market

2008-06-24T15:21:00.004-05:00

Hi Everyone -

After checking out the local Marley, IL flea market this past saturday, I dragged my hubby to the Sandwich Antiques market on sunday, June 22. I know I have some date conflicts in the future for both Kane County Flea Market & Sandwich Antiques Market - so I figured I'd better stock up on more finds while I can! Here's a peak at some future Second Chance Art:

Cool old hose nozzles - I think they'll make great peg-type hooks for something.... Here's a "lovely" chandelier - needs a little help at the moment, but I can picture this one cleaned up & working....
Here's the back of our truck, with about half of what we picked up removed. I did get a few interesting windows with great old privacy glass. Only time will tell what they'll become.....
It's the bin pull army! Actually, I'm thinking I'll save these for a future kitchen renovation that my hubby & I are planning. Lucky me, I found about 20 matching bin pulls of 2 different styles. Hopefully my dogs won't want to sit there & lick these. (they have a penchant for licking cold metal objects.....I don't get it).

Thanks for stopping by! Take care - :) Amy

Flea marketing

2008-06-22T23:23:00.005-05:00

Amy combed the Marley Church flea market Saturday morning, snapping up treasures like a bag 'o door knobs, a squoval-shaped mirror and a bench. And some old feed bags.

Some items that did not make the cut for Second Chance:

Thanks Wells Street!

2008-06-17T10:48:00.005-05:00

Thanks so much to everyone who stopped by my booth at the Wells Street Art Festival this past weekend. We had a great show! It will take a couple of days for the dust to settle - as I'm updating my website, going through paperwork, unloading my trailer, etc. Then I'll be gearing up for my next show - July 12-13 at Oak Brook Center.

By the way... the last post was from my sister "moviegirl." She did not identify herself, but she's a terrific writer - a professional one I must add. She probably wants to remain anonymous, but I wanted to reveal her as the mystery writer. Sorry Jan!

We did take a break last night for a quick "garbage date" ( see my previous posts!). Here's what we found - an interesting chair that needs a little love. Here's a picture of it in the back of our truck. The second photo is of my hubby (aka chairhead) carrying it down to our basement. He said the chair smelled like "a grandma's house" - which we've determined to be a mixture of smoke, mustiness, chicken soup, and maybe a little pet hair? This will probably be a longer term project for me, but I thought the chair had a great 30's-40's art deco-y feel to it.

To convince my hubby to go on a garbage date, I usually have to include some sort of coffee or ice cream. We opted for ice cream this time - at Walt's - one of our favorites. Their sign is very retro, as is the menu, which I couldn't resist taking a picture of. Here's the slush flavors - anyone heard of "pompagranite?"

thanks for stopping by - bye for now - Amy :)

Wells Street Art Fair: Day 1

2008-06-14T19:37:00.014-05:00

Mr. Second Chance finally gets to eat some sahsage. Mmm.

From time to time, random people took over the Second Chance chairs. At one point, as I sat in one and saved the other two with my bag, a man carrying a half-full bottle of Guiness offered to buy them AND me for $3,000.
"Only $3,000?" I asked.
"Well, that's just for the chairs," he said.

The girls (Carol, left, and Amy, right) take a very short break in the booth.

Wells Street Art Festival - here we come!

2008-06-12T14:01:00.005-05:00

Hi Everyone -

Second Chance Art & Accessories is currently getting ready to exhibit at the Wells Street Art Festival in Chicago this weekend. This is a new show for Second Chance, so we'll see how it goes. Hopefully the schlepping will be easier than past shows, now that we are the proud owner of a 6'x 12' trailer.

I've posted some pictures of a few newer art pieces, so new that they have yet to make the website (hopefully soon!). Here's a small preview of what you might find at the show this weekend -

This is a smaller piece, backed with a vintage tea towel (ivory & red stripe). The quirky hardware is still attached to this window - it must have been a storm window, because there are spring loaded fasteners on either side!

Pictured above is a re-worked version of a previous design, complete with 5 vintage hooks, which remind me of an old schoolhouse. It's backed with ivory & rust colored damask pattern fabric.

This one is great for a kitchen, especially if you like to bake! Backed with a vintage flour sack, it has sort of a 40's-50's feel. The backing is ivory & faded blue.

Here's a great design if you love coffee - backed with a section from a real coffee bean sack (it still smelled like coffee when I assembled it - perhaps an added bonus!)

Here's a quirky chalkboard - made from an old cabinet door. I've attached some hardware (doorknob escutcheon plate & clothespin) at the bottom for holding chalk & an eraser. It can be hung vertically or horizontally - take your pick!

Okay, now I'm departing from the art business side of my life... if you've read my past posts, you know I like to garden. Here's a few more blooms I took pictures of recently .....

This rose is called "Henry Kelsey" - I think it's a Canadian Explorer series rose. This makes sense to me, as I hardly do anything to it, & it comes right back each year, with tons of blooms.

Here's my "climbing Blaze" rose - this is the first great year for it, as last year my border collie decided it needed to be relocated. I looked out the window one day (april 2007) & saw a giant hole where it used to be, and the bush itself had been dragged to the middle of the yard. Hm.... maybe the dog knew it needed a better location, because it does great here!

This rose is a "Zephrine Drouin" climer. It surprized me a little, I didn't actually think it would flower much this year!

Thanks for stopping by the blog.... if you're in the area, come visit the Second Chance Art & Accessories booth at the Wells Street Art Festival June 14 & 15 (10am-dusk each day). We're booth #276-278. Or stop by another show this year, check out my schedule page at http://www.secondchanceart.net/ take care - Amy :)

Trailerrific!

2008-06-04T18:10:00.003-05:00

Okay, here I go again on the made up words. But what can I say? I'm now the proud owner of a 6' x 12' trailer, which will hopefully save us lots of effort in the packing / unpacking / hauling / schlepping of Second Chance Art & Accessories to art shows. My husband & I bought it today at a place called "Gene Funk's Morris Trailer Sales". They were very no-nonsense & upfront about pricing & all the paperwork. I don't think I saw Gene Funk though, at least no one there looked like a "Gene Funk".

These other pictures are from my backyard. It's finally flower season, so those like me who love to garden are now happy to be deadheading & doing garden chores. I don't claim to have a green thumb - I think any success I have is due to the fact that I live in an old house, with equally old dirt! (I guess all dirt is old, right?) I think plants like to grow more in well rotted soil than newer-construction topsoil, right?

Here's the great tobacco tin I bought not too long ago - filled with roses, as promised! The roses in the tin are carefree beauty (shrub - pink), red double knock-out, and 1 lone Mister Lincoln hybrid tea.
Red double knock-out (above) almost looks fluorescent!

Mister Lincoln hybrid tea is the perfect long stem traditional red rose. A little particular, but definitely worth it in my book.

Above, this is a Terese Bugnet old shrub rose. Looks great covered with pink roses, but these don't do that well cut in a vase. I've still got a few that haven't bloomed... a blaze climber, graham thomas, a "eureka" floribunda rose - so hopefully more pictures in the future, and lots of cut flowers for my booth displays this summer!

Okay, enough gardening! I'm gearing up for my first show (Wells Street Art Festival) over June 13-14th. My Mom & I hit the Kane County Flea Market one more time last weekend (I can't go again until at least october due to show scheduling, etc). I picked up a couple really unique windows, a mirror, some great ornate old frames, and some terrific old fabrics (tablecloths, etc) to use for unique window art backgrounds. Hope to see you at a show this summer! Check out my "schedule" page on my website for more info. http://www.secondchanceart.net/ thanks! Amy

Trunk-tacular!

2008-05-28T17:44:00.007-05:00

Hello everyone! Hope you had a great holiday weekend. I feel so blessed that we live in a country with so many freedoms - because of our great military. I hope everyone was able to pay a little respect to someone in the military, past or present.

Because we have freedom, I was able to check out a "flea market" this weekend. I took a picture of the sign from my car at a stoplight. Of course, I tried to blow it up - but it became a little fuzzy. My resulting picture shows off my vast array of technical skills, as it has a large white area around it. Oh well - hopefully you get the idea. I think the sign is a little funny, since it says "Giant Flea Market". This particular flea market I would describe more as a large garage sale. Not so Giant.

Anyway, I did find a few great things, including this fabulous old cedar-lined trunk! (hence: Trunktacular!) Okay, I now admit to the annoying habit of making a new word from 2 existing words (trunk + spectacular). I've done this before - cases in point: "fabumaps" and "crudtastic". This habit could get under one's skin a little, a la Rachel Ray style (sorry if you're a big fan of hers - I respect her, but I'm more of a Nigella / Giada / Alton Brown fan - all you food network junkies know what I mean).

I think the finish needs some work, but this one definitely has potential, probably in the form of paint. I should also say... on my word-combining habit, there is always a little sarcasm in my newly coined words. I know when I see something with potential, but I know whatever I bring home may be ridiculed by my family as some sort of useless junk. I usually get the last laugh when my scoffers see the end result..... we will see what this becomes. Check out the great carvings! I picked up this great tin because I was inspired by the beautiful label - for Tobacco! I can't wait to sink a jar in & fill it with some roses from my garden.
I now keep a small supply of chalk for the chalkboards I sell. I found the perfect old chalk box to store it in - I just love the way things were explained way back..... check out the label!
Here's a picture of my sister, after she climbed in the back of the vehicle with the back seat folded down. We took off & she "spilled" over. I thought it was funny... she probably won't like that I posted this picture. Ha!

She's now righted herself. Apparently she loves Carbs.
No, I did not buy this. But what a steal for just $.75! Remember these? The parrot will repeat what you say over & over. Not annoying at all, right?
No, I didn't buy this either since it didn't match my decor. (I'm being sarcastic here!) But what a find! Listen to the radio as you pull TP from the roll. Anyone have one that is willing to fess up?

As always, thanks for stopping in. I'm getting ready to exhibit Second Chance Art & Accessories at the Wells Street Art Festival in Chicago in 2.5 weeks. I'll be sending out postcards shortly with my schedule for summer & fall, and finishing up other details to get ready for the show. Hope to see you at a show this summer! take care - Amy :)

The garbage date comes through again

2008-05-19T11:44:00.004-05:00

Hi Everyone......

My husband & I haven't been on a garbage date in a while, so I started bugging him early yesterday to see if I could weasel one out of him. (in a nutshell, this is when I have my hubby drive me around alleys in his truck, so I can check out everyone's cast offs with my flashlight stuck out the window). Anyway, it was looking like a night with not many finds. Then low & behold - I spied this great dresser! Check it out (I failed to get a picture of it before it went into my storage room on it's side - so I squeezed in there this morning for some pictures):

Here's another shot (I took this sideways also):
Check out the original pulls! Sadly, it is missing one - so I'll have to come up with another option for a couple of the drawers...
Great casters on the legs! These appear a little crusty, so if I can't get them rolling smoothly, I'll replace them with another set of vintage casters.
On a more personal note - we are in the process of giving our bedroom a facelift. We've ripped out an old closet which seemed a little "half baked". We've also ripped down an old drop ceiling, & replaced it with pressed-tin look paper tiles. I'm in the process of painting the entire room (ceiling, trim, walls, etc). This hole in the wall is where I've removed my ventilation grate. It was coated with paint, so of course I see this as a challenge. I should also mention, this is the last major piece of hardware in my house that I have yet to strip paint from (except door hinges - I'm not THAT die hard).

Here's the grate on my living room rug, disassembled & ready for a little cooking. Don't worry, I vacuumed up all the paint chips!
Here it is, face down, in a disposable pan. Larger items are tricky, since they don't fit in my slow cooker. Sooo... I braise them in a pan like this in my oven, at 200 degrees for 7-8 hours. Yuck! But this does the same thing as slow cooking, helps soften the paint for scraping.
The finished product - after at least an hour with me & my putty knife. I have to say, this was a doozy - but I think worth the effort. Whatever metal this one's made from did not want to let go of the paint. I'm glad it's over. :)
thanks for stopping by - take care! Amy :)

Soup du jour....

2008-05-14T19:41:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone! Sooo... I was cooking up some hardware soup today. The "flavor" was mostly crusty painted hooks, with some odds & ends thrown in for a little variety.
The end result is above - terrific shiny hooks with great patina! There's always a little suspense involved in the paint removal process. The crustier hooks start out, the less I know about how they will turn out. Below is the tangled pile I started out with - from the Kane County Flea market May 4th.
Here are 3 more hooks that looked a little different from most of the others. The top right hook is actually some sort of porcelain, in a cool robbin's egg blue. Probably an old bathroom hook -
While I was at it, I threw in some old doorknob plates - these started out a nice orange color. The end result: great blackish brown patina... I think they may be copper??
Here's another "2" for my collection (to support my second chance theme). This one was coated with black paint. Now the finish shows through - some sort of rusty copper look.
Other notes on Second Chance Art ..... I found out today that I've been accepted into the Frankfort Fall Festival! (Labor Day weekend). This has been a great show for me for the past 3 years, so of course I'm excited to return.

Also - I was asked by Country Living Magazine to send some samples of my artwork to their New York offices. I took part in a "pitch your product" opportunity back in march this year. As a result of this, they wanted to see my art again up close. This past saturday, my husband & I shipped 2 items via UPS to the magazine. Very exciting! Naturally, I'm thrilled.. even if nothing comes out of this, every opportunity is another chance to make a connection. Though my main sales venue right now is retail art shows, I continue to keep an open mind about the direction Second Chance Art & Accessories may head in the future.

On a personal note, my family spent the past 2-3 days in Miami for my cousin's wedding, on Monday night. I've included some photos here. One photo is a view of the Miami skyline just after sunset. The signage is from a store we found... taken at an unflattering angle. The sign really said "scrap n' elegance" but I couldn't resist a photo of this view. (heh heh). Of course, I wanted to check it out, but it was closed. The final photo is my husband & I standing in front of some strange stringy looking tree. Definitely not something that would grow in our area!

One more thing about some Second Chance Art - here's the finished product (one of them) from those great door sections with chippy green paint I showed a few posts back. I love the way they turned out. They exemplify the very essence of what I'm trying to do with Second Chance Art & Accessories: preserving the patina of old things while making them into unique artwork.

As always, thanks for checking in! take care - Amy

Flea market finds

2008-05-06T18:20:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone -

My Mom & I went to the Kane County Flea market this weekend. Here's some photos of a few great finds! I indulged my love of old Hotel Silver, even though my husband has told me he thinks it's "gross" or something like that. I put it through the dishwasher (you're probably not supposed to do this, but it makes me feel better about using it - who knows where it's been!) and then polish it. Ever hear of the "Lawrence"? I'll have to google this one.

These old plumbing knobs are destined to become hooks for some bathroom themed art!

My Mom & I both got one of these cool old PO box doors. It actually still works! This will probably be built into a wall in my house at some point.

Here we are, before we left - displaying our empty trunk. I meant to take an after picture, but when I got home - my husband was gone with the camera.

check out the tangle of old painted hooks. Most people would think I'm crazy to buy such a thing. I see it as a new flavor of "hardware soup" - my method for removing old paint from hardware. (crockpot here it comes!)
Here's a couple of great old mirrors - very thick glass. See my feet in the picture?
Here's a couple of trays, which are harder for me to find. I have a hard time keeping them in stock.
I bought this picture for the frame - but check out the grumpy old ancestors! Sorry if you know these people, but no one from way back ever seemed very happy.
Here's another shot of the hotel silver I found, and another old "2" house number - goes with my second chance theme, so I'll probably mount it on some of my booth display signage.

Bye for now! thanks for checking in - Amy :)

Soggy morning

2008-05-02T13:12:00.005-05:00

Hi everyone -

Soooo... this morning the sky looked pretty menacing, but I really wanted to go for my usual run. I figured if I got through at least 2/3 of it without it raining I'd be doing pretty good. That is exactly what happened. I had about a mile left & then it poured, resulting in one puffy yet soggy border collie.

Now I should give a little history - if my labrador was more agreeable to running with me (she's not, as demonstrated by her laying down in the middle of the road during multiple runs), she would be much more water resistant. Water actually appears to bead up on her coat & run right off. Not the case with puffy little border collies (which are much more agreeable to running, therefore, justifying her existance in our house).

Anyway, here's a picture of the little soggy fluff ball before her bath, and another of her after the bath - running around the house rubbing herself against all walls, furniture, curtains, etc. She's trying to "self dry" apparently.

New this year for Second Chance Art & Accessories, I'm starting a collection of pieces called "Editions Speciales" - (french for special editions). I've been wanting to do something like this, to showcase really unique pieces that would be difficult to replicate . Of course, all of my art pieces are one of a kind because each window sash, mirror, or door I start with has it's own quirks. However, some designs are fairly easy to replicate on another window, mirror, etc. Every now & then I run across something that I know would be difficult or impossible to find another of. Here's a sample of one of my first pieces - the before picture is the frame from an old dresser mirror- there was a mirror inside this frame on pivoting screws:

This isn't a great picture, but hopefully you get the idea of what it's becoming. I've inserted a chalkboard, which I've painted "Declarations" on, and gussied up the frame a bit. I've added some hardware on the bottom also.

My hubby & I have figured out a way to attach magnets to an eraser & chalk, so I can stick them to an old door plate attached to the frame - pretty cool, huh?

Anyway... thanks for checking in. I'll post more info about pieces I'm working on in the future. I've got another Edition Speciales piece waiting in the wings.... take care - Amy :)

Finally Spring!

2008-04-23T13:36:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone! If you're like me, you have been waiting for some nice weather for quite some time. I am sooo glad it has finally arrived, & not just for obvious reasons. To be honest, I am one of those "crazies" that actually likes cold weather. And, I really don't like 75+ degree weather. However, when it comes to making some progress on my artwork, I really need some nice mild temps to get my finishes to cooperate.

I usually paint in my garage, which has a tenous heater. I can get my garage warm enough for my paint finishes in the winter, but that also means the doors are shut - so I tend to gas myself out sometimes. Anyway, now I can paint with reckless abandon - doors open, spray paint gun flying.

Here's a current project - these 2 panels used to be part of one door, which we sliced in half. After beginning to sand them, I discovered multiple layers of paint in varying colors. This does happen a lot, but on rare occasion, the color combination actually looks pretty good. This one is a winner! (lucky for me, & all you fans of interesting chippy paint).

Here's some close ups of the paint. These 2 pieces will now be more French country garden themed. A great sample of how sometimes the pieces I'm working with dictate the final outcome.

Look at all these cool sage-y greens, yellow, pink, & a little bit of aqua! Makes you wonder who painted what color & when......

This is off the subject, but here's a picture of my thermometer hanging outside my kitchen window (never mind that my window needs washing, please!). Yes, it's nice & sunny, but 88 degrees? No way. This thermometer gets crazy with the sun shining on it.

And.... at last... my beloved crud-tastic couch! I realized I never really posted a final picture of it. I've had it finished for a few weeks now. This is the biggest upholstery project I've tried thus far, & I have to say I'm pretty happy. Will I do this again? Hmmmm.. maybe ask me in a year. Or.... if the right piece comes along....

thanks for checking in! :) Amy

Inspiration from a hankerchief

2008-04-13T13:21:00.002-05:00

HI Everyone - I've been working on a few vintage mirrors this week. I've used a Paris-themed design on many of my mirrors in the past, but this particular one had cleaner lines & looked a little "art-deco" to me (even though the frame started out a vibrant aqua color). Soooo... I knew I wanted to come up with something more American, 20's or 30's era. I started googling art deco hotels & architecture, & came up with the design you see on this mirror. Of course, I never copy an old sign word for word, but I like to use old signs & photos as inspiration - to create something that could have been realistic to a certain time period or fictional place.

Anyway, I looked over on my side table at a few old hankies I had received from my mom. She had them from her grandma - so I'm guessing they were originally made in the 20's or 30's? I've looked at them before, but never really stopped to think about how much time or artistry actually went into them. I found a beautiful scroll applique on one, & decided it would make a perfect side bracket to my lettering on the mirror. Check out the hankie:

And here's how it ended up painted on my mirror:

And.... the finished product! One note about this picture - no matter how hard I try, I have yet to master the art of photographing mirrors. Any tips? I'll keep trying, eventually I'll find a way to capture what it looks like in person. For now, I seem to get a lot of glare, flash, etc.

Another note about the hankies - do you think ladies from way back had hankie competitions? Some are so intricate & beautiful, you'd think they'd have some sort of "hankie-off" or enter them into the county fair. Hmmmm....

Here's some bonus pictures - my little border collie, who absolutely loves to lick my soap sitting in a dish on my bathroom shelves. What is up with this? I don't understand. Maybe she knows she's been bad & she's attempting to punish herself. I guess there are worse things for her to be licking - if you're a dog owner, you know what I mean.

After she's been caught licking the soap... her she is licking her chops. Mmmmmm.... Soapy!

Other news - I found out this week I've been accepted into the Fall Diddley Craft show in October - Belvidere, IL. I haven't done this show in the past, but I did the companion show last year (Fair Diddley, in May 2007). Fair Diddley went fairly well for me, considering it was only one day & it was 50 degrees & rainy. This year, I decided to go all out & try the 2 day fall show (Fall Diddley) with a double booth. Sooo... we will see how this goes. If you live up in Northern Illinois - come stop by! (see my website: www.secondchanceart.net, and click on "show schedule").

Bye for now - thanks for stopping by! :) Amy

How I love the Kane County Flea Market

2008-04-06T23:10:00.005-05:00

Hi Everyone! This past saturday I dragged my Mom to the Kane County Flea Market. She's such a good sport - she says she likes going, but always ends up lugging around my unwieldy finds while I continue to slowly pick through potential buys. Here are some pictures from our outing:

Mom is trying to prevent me from taking her picture here - I was fast enough to get her picture before she could snatch my camera. Heh heh...

Most sane individuals would argue this piece is a waste of time. However, I thought it was a bonus that it came with a piece of the original ceiling stud it was wired through. Yes, this will take a little elbow grease, but should turn out to be a lovely "candelier" when I'm finished.

Behind me here is a lovely old dresser mirror with a great curvy frame. Destined to become a Parisian-themed artpiece for above someone's console table or maybe a dressing area?....... only time will tell...
Here I am next to my "old lady cart" (I apologize to any older women who have a cart like this). I've finally wised up a bit - having a set of wheels makes for fewer trips to the car.
Here's a terrific 9 pane window with some original hardware still attached. I hardly ever pay for windows, as I can usually find them around. This one was worth paying for though.

I couldn't leave the flea market without something completely ridiculous, which will probably become a gift for my sister. 80's music fans rejoice - here's Mr. Mister, Richard Marx, & Wham. You probably won't catch me wearing these at any of my art shows. I asked the vendor how much..... he said "$1 each". I responded "how about a quantity discount?" .... to which he said "okay, $2 for all three"....... now that's negotiating!

thanks for checking in! take care for now - Amy

2008-03-29T12:09:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone! Here's some pictures of a few things I found this weekend at the Antique Bazaar store in Lisle, IL. I thought this "2" would be a nice little decorative piece for my booth at shows or perhaps hanging somewhere. Since my new business cards (for Second Chance Art & Accessories) have been redesigned with a "2" on them, I'm now obsessed with finding cool old "2's" in different forms. I'm on the lookout for some old printing press 2's.

I love old label holders! I'm thinking these once belonged to a very organized handyman or an old hardware store..... hence the "carraige screw" label. I have been looking online for label holders lately since they are nice additions to many of the coat rack pieces I make from old doors. I've had trouble finding simple label holders in an antique-looking finish. Plenty available in shiny chrome or brass, but not many options in darker oiled bronze or antique brass. These definitely fit the bill, and I'd really prefer something with a little authentic patina anyway.

Looks like there's some glass-knob soup in my future! (a la hardware soup in my crockpot) A few hour bath in my slow cooker should help the paint slide right off of these. They will make lovely hangers for coats, aprons, jewelry, or what have you on some one of a kind piece.

These bin pulls are for me personally. I've got another personal project on deck after I'm done with my couch (see my previous posts on the fabulously crudtastic couch). Speaking of the couch, I'm working on getting the cushions covered today. I ran out of lipcord to use as the welt around the cushions. I've been to 3 different JoAnn stores in search of more (this is where I bought the cord that I've used on the actual couch). The store in Joliet didn't have ANY, which is not too shocking to me as they are not a "super JoAnn" - very disappointing. Bolingbrook JoAnn only had 5.5 yards (which I bought). Orland Park had 7.6 yards (which I bought). I think I'll need another 3 yards or so... we will see.... poor couch - it just wants to be finished! Bye for now.....thanks for checking in - Amy :)

Eureka! My own basement is a gold mine .....

2008-03-24T11:34:00.005-05:00

Hi everyone - here's what's new. My husband & I went on a garbage date last night. It is still a little chilly to expect lots of finds from home renovations, etc. However, I figured my husband owed me a garbage date, since he skipped out on his own family's Easter dinner this past Saturday to play volleyball instead (I attended of course - his family is great!). Just when I thought we were coming home empty handed, the "alley of wonder" came through again. I found a nice skinny recessed panel door, which is pictured here along with some of my earlier finds.

These photos of the creepy ceiling joists with cob webs are from my very own basement. Not too long ago, I started prying old insulators from the joists - left from the knob & tube wiring era. I've collected about 40 so far. They cook up really nice in the hardware soup pot, because of their shiny porcelain finish (paint doesn't stick very well). I've used a few of these in the past as knobs on art pieces for coat hanging, etc. These pieces sold quickly - so I've decided to harvest all I can from my basement. I've got a few more to go down there - & then it will be onto my attic. I've already started to put the idea in my husband's head of a "attic insulator party" - hopefully he'll be willing to help me. I've found that if you call something a "party" & follow it up with ice cream, sometimes husbands are more willing to help with things.

Here's the latest couch pictures. This weekend I finished upholstering the back, put on the gimp trim & nailheads. Almost done! Just cushion covers to sew. The cushions are a little scary. I've debated whether I should open them up, or just leave them as-is & sew covers to put over them. I'm leaning toward covering over them. If I open them up & there happens to be something living in them I might really freak out - I guess I really don't want to know what they are stuffed with.

thanks for checking in - take care!
Amy

My beloved couch is turning the corner!

2008-03-19T13:39:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone -

Here's the latest picture of my beloved crusty couch I promised. It's definitely a slow going project, but since I plan on keeping it, I only allow myself to work on it in my "free" time. I don't feel guilty working on personal projects during a portion of my weekends (if plans allow). It's starting to come together though, which motivates me to just knock it out. Not to mention - I don't want to get to the point where I ignore the fact that there's a half baked antique couch in the middle of my living room. I can't have company over until it's done!

On the business side of things, I began a business card redesign a few weeks ago. After I laid out a design, I had Mercurio Brothers printing (in California) print them up for me using a letterpress. Check them out - I can't wait to start giving them away!

thanks for checking in - take care! Amy

Second Chance Art & Accessories is at it again....

2008-03-16T23:33:00.003-05:00

Hi Everyone -

Just thought I'd share what I've been up to this weekend. I attended the Country Living Magazine's 3rd annual Women Entrepeneur's Event, in Chicago. Of course, I dragged my ever-positive Mother with me to take it all in. She's so smiley...... The event consisted of a seminar with different speakers on relevant business topics. I went to the event for the first time last year, & it's what got me thinking about longer term plans for Second Chance Art & Accessories.

Anyway.... I must say I am again inspired to keep my mind open to new markets & avenues to sell Second Chance Art & Accessories. Thanks to Country Living for inspiring me, & around 600 other attendees. I am a loyal subscriber to the magazine, thanks to the fact that they also love old, crusty stuff!

I also applied in advance to "pitch my product" to some editors from the magazine, prior to the seminar. Country Living provides this opportunity to women with a business & product to promote. I felt honored to have been given the opportunity (especially since I did this last year, & they wanted to hear me again!). The staff at the magazine is extremely helpful, supportive, and friendly. During my 5 minute "pitch" slot, the judges made me feel right at home.

I've included a picture of my sister & I, getting ready to drag my unwieldy artwork down to the waiting area. She appears to be snorting - she had a pretty nasty cold. My Mom is taking the picture.

I've also included a photo of proof that Border Collies DO sleep, when they come home from the kennel after a weekend of nonstop barking (this is my guess at what goes on there). Olive the usually incorrigible is konked out on my husband's lap.

I promise an update on the fabulously crudtastic couch in my next post - it's gonna be good! :)

Amy

Fabu-maps!

2008-03-05T13:51:00.005-06:00

Hi everyone....

I was able to go to the Kane County Flea Market this past weekend after many months of flea-market drought. They actually cancelled the flea market for january & february due to construction on the fairgrounds. I almost went in January, but checked the flea market website before I went - & realized it would be a long drive for nothing.

Anyway... there's definitely fewer dealers there during the cold months. But I was able to find 2 great 1920's era maps that will no doubt become part of something fabulous. Check out the photo of one of them draped over my couch project (see previous posts). I also found some great hunks of old door with original privacy glass, and some old hooks & doorknobs. In fact, I cooked up some doorknob soup just this morning! (see the previous post - "hardware soup")

I've also included a photo of the tiny amount of progress made on my beloved crud-tastic couch. You can see the dogs in the pictures - Polly is checking out the progress, and Olive assumed I'm taking the picture of her, not the map. Check out Olive's crazy eye color; we've actually been asked if there's something wrong with her. Nope! Just God's creativity!

take care :)

Amy

Fabulously Crud-tastic!

2008-02-25T23:48:00.006-06:00

Hi Everyone ...... first of all, I must say that I'm breaking some sort of blogging world record (for me, anyway). I must be on a major role, or maybe I feel I'm now accountable to provide an update on my couch reupholstery project.

So, here it is! The bottom photo shows the couch (with even more fabric & padding removed, and somewhat detached from the frame - note the lovely clamps I have holding layers together) with primer on the frame. The top photo shows the final paint finish on the frame (a little aging added), and the beginnings of replacing fabric on the seat.

I just realized that the fabric I've chosen looks a lot like my chocolate lab, which could be great for hiding dog hair.... but bad for keeping the dog off the couch. How will I see her? It's practically dog cammo. I do have another dog, a calico-looking little border collie, that is every color except dark brown. Therefore, I will probably be using my lint brush often on this couch. Speaking of my border collie (Olive), you can see her rear in the photo - how funny!

On the art side of things, I did manage to score an excellent raised panel door this morning while jogging. It's a nice shade of orange - which would normally make people cringe...... but I'm thinking perhaps some great fall & halloween themed second chance "door panel art"! We'll see what happens to it.

:) take care - Amy

Price paid for 4 lovely old doors = 1 scraped up bumper....

2008-02-19T13:04:00.005-06:00

Hi Everyone - I know this is some sort of bloggin miracle, seeing that I'm actually posting again within the same week as my last post. Maybe I'm getting better at this!

So the other day, my hubby was gone the whole day playing volleyball - leaving me at home by myself. I think he was feeling a little bad for me when he returned, because he offered to take me on a "garbage date" (see my previous posts). I have been longing for one of these outings since the weather was a little more cooperative. This longing has also been fueled by the cancelation of the Kane County Flea Market in January & February, due to construction on the fair grounds (yes - it's NEVER supposed to be closed, but I guess there's a first for everything).

Anyway, we set off together in his truck, not expecting to find much - since home improvement projects seem to correlate with fair weather. We started up a steep hill - we did fine until about 30-40 feet up the hill... at which point we started sliding backwards, courtesy of the nice layer of wet, glazy ice coating the hill, and the truck being back wheel drive. After sitting on the hill sort of wedged against a cinder block retaining wall for about 10 minutes, my husband finally just started spinning the wheels - which jarred us loose & let us slide back down the hill a bit. Of course, he's scraping his bumper against the wall as we go. Ugh. We ended up sliding/backing down the hill & just skipping that alley.

Soo.... I'm feeling bad at this point, because we probably weren't going to find anything good.. and now my husband's truck has a battle scar (see the photo). We decided to venture down one last alley - which I've dubbed "the alley of wonder" because I've never gone down it & come home empty handed. Lo an behold - we found 4 lovely stained recessed paneled doors, with original hardware (unpainted!). How exciting for me - enough to cancel the "sliding down the hill episode" from my mind. (probably not my husband's mind though).

I guess in the future we probably won't be going down alleys with hills during "ice season" - but this experience contradicts the theory that there's nothing to be found in the winter...... perhaps more cold weather garbage dates are on the horizon??

:) take care - Amy

Am I crazy, or what??

2008-02-14T23:16:00.003-06:00

Okay... it appears that I'm sticking with my pattern of posting every other month, which I'm sure is quite upsetting to those who are good at this blogging thing - right? Anyway... some blogging is better than no blogging!

Here's a picture of what I've been up to lately, or what I'll be up to in the near future. This lovely old couch was obtained on one of my husband & I's "missions" around the neighborhood. Well.... actually, I spotted it while running with my dog, and was compelled to bring my hubby back with his truck to get it - in the rain, of course! The carvings were so beautiful, I felt I had to give it a second chance. Don't ask what my husband thinks of this - maybe he doesn't share my fondness for beautiful, but wet, stained, & broken antique furniture.

After this poor artifact sat in my basement storage area for over a year (it's now thoroughly dry), I finally decided to drag it out & give it whirl. It's initial state was pretty sorry (missing a leg on the left corner, nasty old upholstery, etc). I've now stripped off all the fabric, and dragged it over to my Dad's for "surgery" - in which he's magically figured out how to add a similar new leg where previously missing. Did I mention we didn't recover the missing leg?

Now it's time to paint the frame (I decided against stripping & restaining, given the large number of scratches & "biffs" in the frame). And then.....new upholstery! Wish me luck - hopefully I'll have more pictures once it's a little more presentable.

More business info.... I've just found out I'll be exhibiting at the Wells Street Art Festival this summer (exciting! I haven't done this show in the past). I'm working on a business card redesign, and have also re-submitted my trademark application for "Second Chance Art & Accessories" - this time, with the help of a lawyer. (the story behind my first application could be a whole new post...).

As always - thanks for your support... and I will keep trying to post more often. :) Amy

Mmmmmm.... hardware soup!

2007-12-19T13:09:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone ..... Okay, it's been a while, again, since my last post. I think I'll just have to admit that I'm definitely not the "blogging" type. Anyway.. here's what I'm up to lately with Second Chance Art & Accessories.

I exhibited at my last show of the year in November (15-18th) at the Odeum in Villa Park. Thanks to everyone who stopped by my booth - I appreciate it! I've since been working on a few custom orders, checking out other shows that I might apply to for next year, and finishing up my semester of teaching at Joliet Junior College.

The pictures are from a little recipe I like to call "harware soup" - sounds yummy! This is a pretty disgusting, yet satisfying pastime I have of cleaning old painted hardware that I think would be great on some Second Chance Art piece. The crockpot only has 2 legs, yet it works just fine for this job. (we've improvised to add a third leg). Amazing what you might find under layers & layers of old paint!

Anyway..... I'm in the process of checking out & applying to shows for 2008. I'll also be tweaking my website here & there. thanks for your support, and have a Merry Christmas! :) Amy

Door chopping "Party"

2007-10-04T20:36:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone - I don't think it's been THAT long since my last post, so maybe I'm getting better at this. I'm sure in the blogging world my time between posts is like an eternity though......

A few weeks ago my husband & I went over to my parents' house (as we often do) for the purpose of a "door cutting party". I have been accused by my husband of calling unpleasant things a "party" just so they sound better than they really are. Personally, I think cutting up old doors into more usable pieces is an ideal afternoon - but I guess my unpaid labor disagrees with me.

Anyway, at least the "door pile" in my parents' garage no longer exists. Instead, there is a lovely new pile of door pieces on a nice new shelf my husband built for me in our very own garage.

I've included some pictures from the "party" above. Hopefully all these pieces will inspire some great new art that will be ready for my next show in November! (11/15-11/18, Odeum in Villa park, IL)

talk to you soon - :) Amy

6 Shows down, 1 to go --

2007-09-12T13:04:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone! Once again, it's been a while since my last post. Something inside of me would rather be painting or sanding - instead of sharing my inner thoughts and feelings. Anyway... thanks to everyone who stopped by my booth at the Frankfort Fall Festival over Labor Day weekend, and at the Lakeview East Fine Art Festival on Sept 8 & 9 (I added this show at the last minute, very unlike me!).

It's been a busy month for me! I've been building up new inventory in preparation for these past 2 shows. Thanks to all my wonderful customers, I've now got my work cut out for me doing commissioned pieces, & rebuilding inventory for my next show in November.

Here's some photos from the past 2 weekends - both shots, my sister & I, and my husband and father participating in some sort of tubular meat eating contest. Mmmmmm... sausage.

I'll try to check in more often, as usual.... to let you know what goes on behind the scenes with my Second Chance Art & Accessories! thanks ........ Amy

On the hunt for potential Second Chance Art......

2007-08-09T17:53:00.001-05:00

I'm about 3 weeks away from my next show, the Frankfort Fall Festival over Labor Day Weekend (Sat-Mon). I can't believe the summer is flying by so quickly!

In the mean time, I've been working on custom orders, finishing up the class I've been teaching at Joliet Junior College, and scouring garage sales, flea markets, etc - for potential Second Chance Art! Not to mention garbage dates....... (see my previous posts)

To continue with the "foot" theme I've begun to establish in my previous post, I've taken a picture of my Mom & I's feet as we sit on the back of her vehicle at the Sandwich Antique Market, Sunday July 22. The second pic is my Mom (she probably won't like this) - after we've eaten lunch & loaded the first round of finds into the vehicle. It's much easier to keep looking with an empty backpack, empty hands, & a full stomach!

Stop by my booth at the Frankfort Fall Festival over Labor Day weekend to see what I've transformed the next round of stuff into. Hope to see you there - :)

Thanks Oak Brook!

2007-07-16T15:09:00.001-05:00

This past weekend Second Chance Art & Accessories TM participated in the Invitational Oak Brook Fine Craft Exhibition & Sale. We had beautiful weather & a great booth location. Thanks everyone for stopping by the booth. The pictures at right are from this weekend. My sister, aka my personal photographer, helped me out a ton this weekend - thanks Jan! Of course, she snapped this one with me not paying attention in the back of the booth. The lower picture shows my feet & hers - probably the most you'll ever see of her if she can help it!

Next up will be the Frankfort Fall Festival over labor day weekend. In the mean time, I'm working on filling my custom orders, and I've got some great new projects on deck for the Frankfort show. Stay tuned for more "behind the scenes" posts from Second Chance Art & Accessories!

Show updates

2007-07-05T14:50:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone...... yes, it's been a while since my last post - proving again, that I am not a computer person (nor am I a "diary" type of person, for that matter!).

In my never ending quest to expand my business & provide interesting insight into what makes Second Chance Art & Accessories what it is... I will continue my efforts to make posts more frequent!

On a personal note - I have recently taught for 2 weeks in Chicago, and have started a new part time teaching job at Joliet Junior College. I teach nutrition classes to culinary arts and nursing students.

On the Second Chance Art side of my life - thanks for visiting my booth at the Arlington Heights Promenade of Art (June 2-3) and the Joliet Fine Art Festival of the Masters (June 30 & July 1). I've added some pictures from these shows for you to check out. The top left photo is from the Arlington Heights show. The top & bottom photos below show my booth at the Joliet show. Since I live in Joliet, my husband brought our doggies for a visit. I don't think they are into art. Polly "the bacon" is the big brown lab, and Olive "the pea" is my personal trainer / running partner / border collie runt.

The bottom middle picture shows us loading up my loot to transport to Joliet. This process is quite an ordeal at the moment. In the future I'd like to get some sort of trailer to make transport & loading a little easier. Thank God for husbands & fathers that turn into "packmasters" before each of my shows.

My next show will be the Oakbrook Center Fine Craft Invitational, July 14-15. Hope to see you there!

Garbage dates.....

2007-05-29T11:02:00.001-05:00

Some of you may wonder... where does all the "stuff" come from that becomes Second Chance Art & Accessories? This is a question with many answers, but one of them may very well be the garbage date.

I made up this term to describe Sunday & Monday nights (pre-garbage day evenings in my neighborhood), when I convince my husband to drive me around in his truck looking for goodies on people's curbs. Usually these end when my husband says "I'm tired" with an annoyed look on his face.

Yes, I have no shame. I must admit, we've come across some pretty good finds. Since I live in an older neighborhood, it seems there is always someone renovating, and therefore, throwing away perfectly good windows, doors, & other architectural salvage.

Here's some pictures from our garbage date last night. Specifically, a few pieces that "made the cut": a top from an old door with beautiful divided glass panes (this will surely make a lovely coffee table top, or wall art piece), and a 70's era chair that I intend to steal the caning from (I have another period footstool that needs new caning!).

Here's a few other items that unfortunately, did not make the cut. I thought they were a little funny, so I took some pictures.

Apparently, they don't believe in Santa anymore at this house.

I'm all for great, second-hand furniture. Especially if I can reupholster or slipcover it into something fantastic. However, I think this one is beyond my capabilities!

Who looks at the stamp anyway?

2007-05-21T17:05:00.000-05:00

I've just sent out my first mailing to provide previous customers with my show schedule for this year. My Mom was a huge help with this - she does mountains of busy work for me to help support Second Chance Art & Accessories, and claims it is "fun." I think I won the Mom lottery or something.

Anyway, we looked online to see if there were any cool stamps to use when sending out my mailings. My options seemed a little slim for post card stamps..... of course, really cool 1 & 2 cent stamps were available - but how would I fit 26 of these on my postcards? Soooo..... we decided to have these cool "second chance art & accessories" stamps printed. Here's a picture of what we used on the stamp. If you got the post card, I hope you thought it was cool!

Yesterday Second Chance Art & Accessories participated in Fair Diddley, in Woodstock, IL. Despite the cold (we could see our breath at one point) and rain (2 hours or so), we found the town square charming & the festival organizers & other participants very friendly. Overall - it was a good experience! If you came to visit the booth, thanks for stopping by! In the picture below, you can see my sister in the mirror, which I know she's not going to like. Heh heh...

It's on to Arlington Heights in 2 weeks (Arlington Heights Promenade of Art - Amdur Productions), where I will have a booth next to my Aunt, Alice Greko - who is also an artist! It should be a fun experience as long as the weather cooperates.

Two weeks and counting

2007-05-07T16:11:00.000-05:00

Okay, it's been a while since I've posted on the blog. For shame! This blogging thing definitely does not come naturally to me. I've always wondered why people would want to have others essentially read their "diary." However, now I realize this provides an interesting perspective into Second Chance Art & Accessories - & I do enjoy sharing this information for those interested.

I'm now less than 2 weeks away from my first art/craft show - Fair Diddley in Woodstock, IL. I'm looking forward to this show - though it's only one day - so hopefully the weather will cooperate! I've never done this show before, so we'll see how it goes.

Pictured is a pile of door casings - I'm in the process of converting them into cool coat racks. Here I've just brought them over to my Dad's workshop so he can chop off the sides of them to make them symmetrical. This is always nerve-racking for him, since most things I bring over come with a fair share of hidden nails - which are known to reek havoc on nice new saw blades. I think he now has designated "Amy's junk" sawblades - after we destroyed a few of them. (sorry Dad!)

Getting ready for summer........

2007-04-03T10:23:00.000-05:00

The window art is coming! The window art is coming! Here is a photo of some of my windows "in the raw," awaiting transformation into something unique & beautiful for your home. Now that I'm done teaching in Chicago, it's full speed ahead building up my inventory for summer shows.

To better establish a brand name for my business, I've registered with the United States Patent & Trademark office. My Mom & I waded through miles of fine print a few weekends ago to pursue a trademark for Second Chance Art & Accessories. You'll now see a "TM" following the business name to indicate that we've registered, and eventually you'll see a circled R, indicated that our trademark status has been approved.

Second Chance: taking advantage of exposure opportunities

2007-03-18T16:28:00.000-05:00

So..... It's been a few weeks now since my last post. I've not been able to work on artwork at my usual pace lately, as I'm in the middle of a 6 week commitment to teach nutrition classes to future pastry chefs at the Cooking & Hospitality Institute of Chicago (CHIC). While I do enjoy this job, I'm chomping at the bit to work on some new items & start building up my stock for summer shows.

Meanwhile - I did have the opportunity to attend Country Living Magazine's Second Annual Women Entrepeneurs Seminar, which was in Chicago on Saturday March 10. I learned a ton about where I should be taking my business, and I had the opportunity to "pitch my products" to a couple of the magazine's editors. The editors were very gracious & gave me great advice for the future direction of Second Chance Art & Accessories. Pictured are my sister & I, and my Mom & I carrying some select artwork down to the waiting area before my pitch time.

The new website has arrived!

2007-02-22T13:23:00.000-06:00

Today I was able to upload my website & get it working.... whew... finally! There is still a lot of work for me to do on the site, several pages need to be completed, etc. And.. there will be changes to the site ongoing, based on new projects & ideas I have.

Meanwhile, this blog site will continue exist, but will start to take on a different function. I'll use the blog to provide more of an inside view to second chance art & accessories. The website will be where information about second chance art & accessories is located, and where you can browse artwork, etc.

You'll notice that items pictured in the blog are beginning to make their way over to the website. I'll leave a picture on the blog until I get it moved to the website. Thanks for your patience with this transition....

And check out the new site: www.secondchanceart.net

I think I can, I think I can...

2007-02-20T21:57:00.000-06:00

By now I'm sure you're tired of hearing all my website woes. Here's the latest ---

Since I am, by far, NOT a computer person, I set up my hosting account under the wrong website address (not secondchanceart.net, but another domain listed under the same account). Soo... I've called the IT folks from godaddy, and they've corrected this for me. The only problem is that it will take another 24-48 hours for the account to accept any new website publishing.

My "new & improved" goal to get my website functioning is sometime this weekend. Hopefully this will give me a little buffer time, in case there are any other issues I don't know about yet, lurking in the future. We will see.... thanks for your patience!

Website, Shmebsite......

2007-02-18T21:52:00.000-06:00

I have been working on my new website like mad for 4-5 days now. I intended to publish it tonight, but I had to change the way my account was set up with my hosting domain. Sooo... I'll need 24 hours for the change to take place. Then, I should be able to get the new Second Chance Art & Accessories site officially published!

Of course, there are still pages to be built on the new site, but I've got it to the point where it's starting to make sense.

thanks for your patience - check the site out in a day or two:
www.secondchanceart.net

The new website is coming........ I promise!

2007-02-11T23:06:00.000-06:00

Just another update, since I like to keep good on my promises. Of course, I fully intended to have my website revamped & running by now. However, I do not claim to be a "computer person" - but I'm learning! I now have a new software program in my clutches.....and a few days to hunker down & put the thing together. Thanks for your patience - www.secondchanceart.net is getting closer every day! I've also got some new & creative projects in the works. I'll give you more details once my new site is up & running. Take care for now -- Amy

What's new for 2007

2007-01-12T13:59:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year! Just a quick note to update you on Second Chance Art & Accessories for 2007.

A brand new website is in progress - hopefully this will make browsing a little easier. The address will be www.secondchanceart.net . This blog site will be available until the new website is up & fully functional.

I'm in the process of applying to art shows for the 2007 season. As of right now, I'll be participating in the 2007 Oak Brook Center Invitational Fine Craft Exhibition, which is July 14-15. I'm planning on returning to the Frankfort Fall Festival over Labor Day weekend, and.... I've applied to a few other shows - still awaiting confirmation. I'll post more info as I receive it. Most likely I'll know more by the end of february-mid march.

Decorative painting on a raised panel door

2006-12-07T20:40:00.000-06:00

I've always liked decorative painting, and have been experimenting on my own "guinea pig" house. Here is a sample of some painting I did on the inside of my bathroom door. This is a raised panel door, on which I've painted the word for "bathroom" in different languages & fonts. I choose the languages based on the length of the word "bathroom". If you like this idea, I would consider hiring myself out to do a similar project on a door (or other place!) in your home. Just send me an email & we can talk.