Where Do I Begin...

How about with a small sampling of the shopping? The rest is still in transit somewhere between Omaha and California. My partner in crime Carol, picked me up at the airport and drove us straight to the antique stores before we even checked into our rooms! Here is a petite start to my holiday decorating.

I found quite a bit of ephemera, including the horse shoe postcards I collect. Isn't that rhinestone covered lipstick case adorable? Perfect for photo shoots! There are also some vendor night wares mixed in there from Speckled Egg and a few things from those famous LuluBellas and some great things from the talented Rebecca. I didn't have a lot of time to shop on vendor night but was able to pick up a few treasures to take home. The editors from Country Living were there for the weekend covering the event and they took photos of my booth and we had a chance to visit. Everyone was very excited to meet them!

I went on a couple of extra antique excursions and found the cool Nebraska plate from the 1930's. I love the black and white graphics on it.

Here is one group of die hard antique shoppers. From left, new friends Beth and Karla both absolutely fantastic gals, my always sweet friend Jennifer and me.

Yet more shopping loot. Vintage sheet music, charms, an ironstone soap dish, just your basic lovelies.

I got these incredible cast iron grates from the Second Chance antique shop. The wreath one is my favorite. Security at the airport searched my luggage, of course!

Here are my special Bellas that made my weekend complete! It would not have been the same without these gals. Carol on the left of me and my newest friend Stacy from Texas on the right. She doesn't have a blog yet, but I can feel it coming soon!

To say that the weekend was incredible would be an understatement. It was not at all what I had expected but so much more. The people that attended are what made it magical. I have so many to thank for their generosity and kindness, especially Cindy, the cutest gal from Texas that you'd ever meet and her darling friend Lisa Zuelke (let me know if you have a blog!) who helped me set up for vendor night. I couldn't have done it without them. They were just awesome! And then there was Karla Smith who brought me a handmade charm and bracelet gift. Bella's are very kind indeed!

Now, I'd love to show you some of my projects but let's just get real honest here. I didn't finish one. Not a single one. By about the second class I realized that perhaps I was out of my league in the crafting department and decided to just enjoy the people and do what I could. The fact that I had to buy the entire list on the Basic Tool Kit should have been my first clue! So, I brought home my kits and will continue to finish them. And just to warn you.....they may show up in February here on the blog.

Oh! Before I go, I have to show you one of the funniest things I saw in Omaha!

This is the parking meter! It costs $4 per day to park, so you have to cram 4 one dollar bills into those tiny slots to park there, then somebody comes  around and opens the back to see which boxes have dollars in them. Crazy right? And Melissa (Jenny's sister) was finding that it's not that easy to shove 4 one dollar bills into those slots and Charlotte said, "Can I just give you a five to put in there? I'll take the loss." Seriously, I've never seen anything like it in my life! I suppose the city is conserving energy by not using electric meters. And heck, it gives the tourists a laugh!

Comments

[Jeanne]

We have these kind of meters by the commuter train parking lots in the Chicago area. Ours only cost $2.00 per day. And they are pretty good about collecting the money and giving you a ticket if you don't pay or if you happen to put your money in the wrong slot, which I have been known to do!

[Jill]

Wasn't it fun!!!! So glad you enjoyed our little city! Aren't those parking slots something??? I loved your booth... there were so many floks at Silverbella.... I never met you while there... but glad you had fun. Maybe next year...
Happy Thanksgiving from a Bella!

[suzi finer]

diggin' that meter...I'd love to hang it on my wall! glad you had such a great time...
love.

[Tara]

Sounds and looks like you had a great time. Can't wait to hear the details. The parking meter is hilarious! Chat soon

[martha]

That's the same parking system we have here in suburban Chicago. I guess we just use it for the parking lot by the train. I thought everyone did it this way. :)

[Pinkie Denise]

Wow you scored shopping! I had been hearing alot about Silver Bella,I think I am going to have to go next time, wow. Looks like you had a great time Pinkie Denise

[ann]

LOL... I remember those parking "meters" back in TX when I was growing up! :-)
Ann

[Sandra]

Sounds like you really had a great time! I want to go...wanted to let you know my blog is up and running thanks to your inspiration. Without your kind words to my sister and I, don't think we could have done it! Love the new Vintage t-shirt too. I am in my teapot one today. Sunny day!

[Jen ~ ARTful Dreamer]

Looks like a to-die-for trip. You found some lovely items Heather - and meetng new friends is always wonderful. Love the photos!

[Natalea]

Heather, it was such a pleasure meeting you! You are an absolute BEAUTY! (but I knew you would be!) Your booth was lovely and I love my little treasures from it! Such fun!
Lovely pictures!! xo natalea

[Laura]

Your antique shopping looks very successful!!! Tons of fun stuff! And those parking 'meters' are a big thing in Minneapolis where I used to live.

[m i c h e l l e]

Hi Heather...is was so wonderful to meet you!!! Your pictures are gorgeous and SO COOL that Country Living took some pictures of your VERY GORGEOUS booth! I wish you continued success...see ya next year! :-)

[Sweet Remembrance]

So glad you had fun...
They have those parking thingys near the courthouse in Santa Ana and at the pier parking in San Clemente!
Priscilla

[Emily]

All the commuter train parking lots in the Boston suburbs have meters like that- the line of people waiting to cram their dollars in or stick one quarter in at a time gets really long some mornings!

[Lisa]

That was so fun an your finds are amazing. You have such a good design eye. Here is my blog link. zizooyou.blogspot.com You are such a sweetie it was fun to help you. Loved your booth. So glad the CL editors took pictures of it.
Lisa Z

[Rosemary]

Wow,
What great stuff. Looks like you were in good company.
I have never seen a parking thing like that before.
Glad you had such a great time.
Rosemary

[jjennifer Paganellli]

love the parking meter Heather!! wow!! love your photos and you. Jennifer

[suzanneduda]

Hi Heather,
It was so great to meet you this weekend, your blog is my absolute favorite, and you are just as charming! Don't feel bad about the class projects-I only finished 2...in fact I was working on Pam Garrisons banner today-I am determined to finish it!

[Polly]

Oh MY! Wish I could've gone. How cool that CL editors were there. Maybe you'll get an article out of it! Last night I was looking through your write up in Romantic Homes and I'll admit it, I felt a bit proud to associate with such lovely talent! Blessings... Polly

[Cindy (JunqueArt)]

Heather it was so great meeting you! I so enjoyed helping you set up your booth and was glad to do it! Your goodies were great! And don't feel bad, I only finished one of my class projects. You did great and I loved your cone in Jennifer's class. BIG HUGS!!! Cindy

[frenchgardenhouse]

It looks like you had a wonderful, magical time! I am so glad all of you enjoyed yourselves, and each other. What great finds!!

ps. they actually have a meter like that here in Bellmont Shores! Behind the BBQ rib place, I always smile when I use it, and wonder, how do they keep track?
xo Lidy

[naturegirl]

Attending these events are always awesome! I once in my earlier career was a buyer for womens upscale clothing ...I had access to all these vedors events and I always enjoyed all the ~things~ that were the latest and of course meeting so many people in the bs. I am sure you were drooling at the many treasures!
Thank you for sharing..love the bottle brush pink wreath! hugs NG

[Lori]

Oh I keep getting teased by all the Silver Bella photos and shops they found!!! Love your site don't know if I mentioned it but I did mention you yesterday on my site! Will visit soon, Lori

[Kimberly]

Heather, sounds like you had a blast. Got to tell you that we have the same parking meters up here in North Idaho. The boys are used to rolling up the dollars tightly and shoving them in. Have a great day. Blessings, Kimberly

[Stacy]

Not to worry Heather, I haven't finished any of my projects either. I think it was Carol's bad influence since she was sitting next to me in every class!
Your pictures are gorgeous, you really have a gift with photography. Miss you.

[Mary]

What gorgeous finds! Wowsa! Really sounds like a great trip.

[traci]

you got some great things on your shopping excursion. how fun!!!

[Joy]

Great photos Heather! Those old bottle brush stars sure caught my eye.

The black and white photo of the three of you is gorgeous. :)

[Victoria]

Some wonderful finds, thanks for sharing

Victoria

[Raised In Cotton]

You forgot to mention that you saw your first salt truck! You really scored some awesome stuff, the pictures are just beautiful ( as always)Sigh-what incredible fun we had:)

xoxoxo
Carol

[Sara Duckett]

Oh I am so jealous of all your goods! It looks like you had a blast! That parking meter is too funny. :)

[Karla Smith]

It was truly a wonderful, Bellafied weekend, indeed! From sun up to sun down, I was filled with so much inspiration and kindred friendships. Thanks for the laughs and welcoming personality you shared.

Looking forward to more Bella, kind of fun, here, in California soon.

Hugs,
Karla Smith

[Veronica]

Oh, oh... maybe somebody, somewhere is planning $1.00 coins for you guys?? or... maybe somebody bought the silly thing from a Canadian...?

We already have a one and two dollar coin here...and now some idiot wants to do away with the five dollar bill and introduce a $5 coin....arrggghhh!