Uniques and Antiques – April Coker, Author

At Home Monday A.K.A. Meaningless Drivel Monday

That new title “Meaningless Drivel Monday” is my sister’s contribution. I told her that I needed to work on my blog, and she said it in jest, but I actually like it! So, from now on, At Home Monday is Meaningless Drivel Monday. A little more descriptive of my blogging, don’t you think? *chuckle*

A rag shower curtain I made and sold to order.

Today I finished up a three-part rag curtain order. If you have looked at my Etsy shop, you know that I sell custom rag curtains. I got the idea from a bridal show I went to with my daughter and actually made one to use in her wedding. After the wedding I decided to try listing it on Etsy and taking custom orders. Since then I have had several orders, even if by only one customer, but word is spreading. I put my original curtain in my booth at Uniques & Antiques and this past week it sold!

The first rag curtain I made and sold to order. The customer uses it in her kitchen.

I purchase my fabric (usually curtains and tablecloths) from thrift stores and cut them into strips that I tie onto jute twine. It is a labor-intensive and time-consuming job, but very rewarding. I have to measure each strip and the length of the twine to customer specification, but cutting the strips doesn’t have to be precise at all. Jagged and raveled edges just add to the overall charm.

I found out quickly that I did not charge enough for the time and labor, so I will be adjusting my prices to reflect that. I still plan to offer a better product for less.

I plan to make some rag curtains for my Scamp trailer as well. I plan to add among the burlap, tulle, and muslin some of the upholstery fabric I used in the cushion covers. I can’t wait to start on those!

The rag curtains also make cute skirts, like the skirt on the old chair I made a couple of weeks ago. (that post here) I also think they would make cute gypsy prom skirts, but I haven’t gotten that far yet. Don’t tell anyone! ; )

Rag curtain or skirt, anyone?
www.etsy.com/shop/acoker59

XOXO

AT HOME MONDAY: It figures. . .

. . .that I would come down with a cold the week before Natalie’s wedding. What’s worse is that she has one as well. She had hers first so I guess I caught it from her. I would feel even more awful if I had given mine to her! So she and I have been dragging around trying to get our work done and squeeze in a few naps as well.

Thank goodness I have most of the wedding preparations done. There are still a few last minute things to do, of course, but at least I am not in a panic. . .yet. Hubby took off work this week for the opening of deer season, thank goodness. He helped me today by cutting some chicken wire and adding it to an old window frame and door. He also mowed the wedding site and helped me decide exactly where the tent and chairs will go. The weather is supposed to be gorgeous, and even if it is warm, the area will be shady at that time of day.

I also did some last minute spray painting and found some weathered boards to make some more signs. I gathered a few twigs for some embellished jars as well. Then I embellished her cake server and knife and a framed photo of the happy couple.

Tomorrow I will take her homemade cake topper to the bakery and make sure our requests are being met, and then I will do some junkin’ while in Mineola. There is a Goodwill store and a wonderful place called Uniques and Antiques. Melissa is supposed to have gotten some new stuff in from a trip to Austin last weekend.

Well, here are some photos of hubby’s man cave. Yes, that is Jimmy in the doorway. He has covered the backyard shed with old signs and made it uniquely his. Once a sheriff’s deputy stopped to ask where the old signs came from (have you heard of Canton?) and then once a mother asked permission to take photos of her daughter in front of the shed. Maybe some photos of the bride and groom might be in order. . .

Yes, folks, this is the country!

See the tree growing out of the barrel to the left? Country junk abounds!

I am hopeful I will be feeling better tomorrow. I hope Natalie feels better as well, and I hope she doesn’t give her cold to Bryan! I will be praying that everyone is well and everything goes well. Only five more days!

XOXO