Heather Bullard

Vintage Horse Show Ribbons

     Two months ago at the Rose Bowl, I brought home this GIANT box of horse show ribbons from a dealer who did not want to pack them up at the end of the day.

     There was a minor amount of negotiating before a deal was struck. I think he was happy to see them go since he closed the box up with tape and put it in my cart. Customer service is alive and well at flea markets.

     There is around 100 or so ribbons with most being from the Santa Barbara area and from the late 50's thru the 60's. I love all the muted colors together.

     They've been stored away in my warehouse waiting for an idea to strike me or an opportunity to use them and sure enough one has come along. So now I'm going to be ironing all of them for a photo shoot this week. Funny how you pick something up at a flea market without any reason other than because and eventually find a way to use them. Something to be said for tucking things away. Now let's hope I just don't burn any. Ironing isn't my strong suit.

Shop Update: New Zinc Accents

    Ok now....I can't even describe how much I love these new zinc items that have been added to the shop! Seriously, they can be used in so many ways...Gift packages, name tags, place cards, wine markers, birthday cards, the list could go on and on. I kept a few for myself because I know they probably won't last long. I hope you love them as much as I do. Click here to see what's new!

Local Shops: Old Glory General Store

    Another one of my favorite shops to frequent is Old Glory General Store. This is a large antique mall housed in an old brick building with cool windows and lots of charm. Because there are many different dealers it has an ecclectic feel with a variety of vintage finds. You can see a tiny peek of their giant toy soldier just outside their door, shows you how the word "General Store" is a perfect fit!

    Are you looking for something unique? Well, you name it and it's probably here. From towering garden displays, cottage furniture, unique primitives and every sort of china and pottery you can imagine, leaving Old Glory empty handed will be nearly impossible. 

 

    For me, the best room in the house is the giant gentlemen's library. The room is surrounded by walls of bookcases, typewriters, old records, tobacco tins, military souvenirs, antique photos and tons and tons of books. It's surprising how this girly girl can love all the old man stuff. Trust me, you will too!

 

    If you're ever in my neck of the woods be sure to take the time to drop by this shop. The ladies who work there are always lovely, helpful and ready to point you in the direction of a great lunch. Hard to beat that!

Old Glory General Store
4344 Market Street
Riverside, CA 92501
951-682-4860
Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-5:30pm, Sun 12noon-4:30pm

Caught My Eye

    Been out and about and on the road this past week doing some scouting for the magazine. I thought I'd share a few things that caught my eye. Isn't this door fantastic? I mean really...fantastic. It makes me wonder where it came from and what secrets it might have hidden behind it.

    And the shutters on this cottage are perfect. I love the worn, weathered wood and the iron hinges. And now that I'm taking another look, the drain spout isn't half bad either. Adorable architecture.

   This paper parasol was lovely among the succulents. Great contrast here with the types of plantings and the vintage asian umbrella with bamboo pole. Iced green tea anyone?

   Well now this sign caught my eye for obvious reasons. Simple farm country design with black typography. Hard to resist not liking this one. Of course, the word cherries always draws me in. I'm a sucker for them as you know.

    And a perennial favorite of almost everyone, gorgeous French chair with grain sack pillows. Elegant and rustic sure make a beautiful marriage.

I've got another Local Shop highlight for you in the next few days and a shop update in the works. Keeping busy this summer while still trying to enjoy the long days and sunshine. I really want to make some homemade popsicles and I've been looking for those cute popsicle making trays. Maybe paper Dixie cups will have to do. Summertime is running out.

Summer Cherries

    Do you have a favorite summer fruit? Maybe yours is watermelon or peaches? For me it's the Rainier Cherry. They are grown in the gorgeous Yakima Valley of Washington state. It's reason enough to make me want to move there. I could just see The Man and I planting our orchard with row upon row of cherry trees. It's a beautiful fantasy.

     Lucky for me, when they are in season our local Sams Club carries them in 3lb containers. Big, juicy, plump beauties carefully selected I'm sure. When I bring home my plastic container of lovelies my family knows they have to ask if they can have any. It's that bad. I keep a small green depression glass full of them in the fridge for a quick snack and I love opening the door and seeing how pretty they look. Call me crazy. It really is the little things that make your everyday life so enjoyable. 

New Magazine: Flea Market Style

      
There is such exciting news to share today!  I have signed on as a Contributor to a brand new magazine coming out titled Flea Market Style. Launching this new publication are style experts Ki Nassauer and Matthew Mead. I'm sure many of you are familiar with their incredible books, magazines, blogs and businesses. Also on board is the talented Linda MacDonald from the popular blog Restyled Home who will be bringing fresh features on designers, shop owners and artists and sharing their take on flea market style.

It's scheduled to hit the newsstands early Spring and will be jam packed with 144 pages of inspiring content. By the looks of our "mock-up" cover it will no doubt be brimming with gorgeous photos. I can't wait to see the real cover. We will be creating a new blog, which will be up and running by mid-August, and will give readers a behind-the-scenes peek at the making of the magazine. Will let you know when it launches.

So much fun, right? Tomorrow I'm headed to LA to meet with Ki to go over layouts and content and do a little shopping and scouting. I hope to have more information for you after that. Can't wait to get started! Please tell me you're as excited about this as we are? A new magazine, hooray!

Shop Update

    There have been a few new additions to the shop this week. Our favorite antique French agricultural prize plaques have been replenished along with a gorgeous antique Trophy Vase. It was hard not to keep this one for myself but a girl can only have so many.

The new Wicker Basket Vases are perfect for displaying your favorite cut flowers or filled with sand to hold your favorite candles. They come with a removable glass insert for easy cleaning. And they have the most fantastic grey/black washed color. And there are also a couple new Vintage Oil Paintings such as the English Pastures and Sacred Mary. The popular Antique Garden Robin and Vintage Songbirds have also been restocked. The beauty of these is that they really do look like they have been passed down for many generations. Instant antiques!  

There will be more new product coming in the next few weeks. Fun items for entertaining and gift giving. Will keep you posted. Hope everyone had a fantastic 4th! There was lots of watermelon, corn on the cob and bbq around these parts. Delish.

Let Freedom Wave

 

Happy Birthday America! Have a festive 4th of July!

Local Shops: Vintage Flair

     Nestled in a tiny alley near the center of town is one of my favorite local antique shops, Vintage Flair. It was recently opened by two of my friends Lucy Burks and Margaret El Mongo. These ladies have been antique dealers for years with spaces in various antique malls and decided to branch out on their own with this little gem of a shop.

   They have packed their petite place with an ecclectic assortment of finds ranging from garden, primitives, furniture, clothing, chandeliers, paintings and plenty of vintage decorative accessories.

    I wanted to buy these old wooden Antiques letters but they weren't for sale. I don't blame them. I'd keep them too.

 

    Can you believe this pink dresser is only $125? I think it's a steal for whoever snatches it up.

 

 

     One great thing about their location is that there are several other antique and thrift shops nearby which are always fun to stop in. You never know what you'll find. I hope if you're in the area you'll take the time to drop by and visit their shop. I doubt you will leave empty handed. Be sure to tell them Heather sent you! Oh, I almost forgot...they don't take credit/debit cards so be sure to bring your checkbook and of course the green stuff is always welcome.

Vintage Flair
3778 Elizabeth
Riverside, CA 92506
Hours: Mon-Sat 11am to 5pm