Round Barn Potting Company

French lux

2012-02-15T06:47:00.000-06:00

I have a room in the barn... my white room.

I love the white room.

If I had a cottage or a small cabin I would do it all in white.

The walls

The floors

The wood ceiling

This room is like that.

For my new look I added lavender.

loads of vintage

and my soap from France

this room smells SOOO good.

my chippy pink desk and chippy grey-blue table are perfect.

If someone wanted to buy them I would be sad.

the Euro vintage olive buckets are so Grand.

are crowns still in?

I still love them

like I said French lux !!

I Hope you enjoyed my photos.

See you soon.... we are busy unpacking boxes daily.

Fun times

and then there was love

2012-02-13T17:52:00.001-06:00

Be Mine.

How fun is Valentine's day.

I started making hearts with my used packing material...

and then started cutting out heart shapes...

it was so fun, I felt like I was in first grade again....

love the dogs

check out my vintage horse... he weighs a ton.

sand blasted down to original undercoat

love the horse.

...and a girls best friend on Valentine's day

really, for me, it's chocolate... I love a big box with many pieces

just you & me babe

for last minute goods check us out...big SALE

Farmhouse love

2012-02-10T07:45:00.000-06:00

It's so fun to post and show off my new goods.

I told you earlier...farmhouse love...

get used to it... you will see it often here at the Barn this year.

reds and blacks and metals

cows and chickens and pigs

oh my.

you can get the chicken flour sack towel wrapped around a yummy farmhouse biscuit package... how fun is that for a gift or for your own self!

these fun flour sack towels are also flying out the door...

sweet little guy...

I told you we've been unboxing the goods.

Don't you just love Fridays.

So much accomplished during the week (usually, not so much for me except margaritas).

So much to get done on the weekend (loads to do).

It's good to be back.

I thought I was going to go crazy if I had to sit around - poolside one more day.

take flight

2012-02-07T08:36:00.000-06:00

Wouldn't she look grand mounted on your mailbox?

She is a metal weather vane after all...

Spring is in the air a little early here at Barn...

We have no snow... basically, no winter... I know we have a real big chance of getting snow but for now it feels like I need bright color and grass and sun.

Like now!

As you read this I need to share a little secret...

I am sunning at the pool in Mexico!

Yep. It's true.

Sitting at the pool. Reading a book. Thinking about a margarita.... is it noon yet??? Oh hell, I'm on vacation...no email... no phone.... no clocks....

No worries... My Barn is being manned by the best in the business. My Barn girls are there running the show. So go shopping!!! Oh my, I get sassy on vacation.

Eat Well

2012-02-05T07:05:00.000-06:00

Good Morning.

I normally don't get time to post on Sunday, but I am so excited to share with you some of the new goods that have started rolling in. You know how crazy I am for vintage silverware.... well if you don't, let me tell you, I am crazy for vintage silver. Anyway, when I found these flour sack towels with the vintage silver images...

ga!ga!

I couldn't wait to get stylin'

I knew my sassy stove would be the perfect spot.

I usually don't need to much persuasion here... I can Eat Well....

Oh no no. No polishing please.

won't you join me....

I am going crazy this year with the simple - yet elegant farmhouse look.

We are unboxing and scouring the streets for vintage goods everyday.

Change is good...SO GOOD.

I will post lots this week because we have so much fun stuff in already.

Look at this fun ribbon.

OMG

OK guys this was a nice long one but now I have to get back to family stuff.

See you soon.

Jeanne d'Arc Living - 2nd issue for 2012

2012-02-03T07:09:00.001-06:00

How fun does this issue look.

If you want a little jump on spring and some inspirational Easter decor, this is the issue for you.

I believe they will be available around the end of February.

Love the French - Nordic style.

Interesting news for the Jeanne d'Arc lover / Follower.

I say interesting because I am not so sure if I am happy about it or not. I am torn.

Jeanne d'Arc Living started with 6 issues a year and they printed only in the Danish language. I loved getting my issues with the beautiful images and foreign text. I could use my own imagination on what I perceived the text to imply. I also loved the anticipation of only 6 issues a year.

They changed things when the magazine became more popular and within that first year the fourth issue was converted to the English language. With that change, they became even more popular and decide to put out eight issues a year. I am not crazy about the eight issues - my opinion only... I hope I do not offend anyone, but... it is too often, too expensive and the summer issues are too similar. Again, only my opinion, but every year I have customers call and cancel their auto-ship subscription with me after the three summer issues.

I am only telling you all of this because Jeanne d'Arc Living will become available as a monthly publication starting this April.

I am torn.

I am not sure if I like this.

..... hummmmm

I am not sure if I will carry every issue... I need a little feed back. Do you, as a Jeanne d' Arc Living fan / Follower want every issue?... do you want only the highlights? ....

If you are on the auto-ship please let me know...

ta ta ~L

Winter Bliss

2012-01-27T07:47:00.000-06:00

I can't believe it is nearing the end of January.

With our March-like weather here in Minnesota, I can't believe it is January at all.

Not that I am complaining.

I am not a cold, sub-zero fan at all.

I like this 30 - 40 degree stuff.

The warmer weather is plain winter bliss.

Baking, relaxing, eating.

Thinking good thoughts about Spring.

hello sunshine

looking forward to the Farmers Market

please grow...

this little piggy went to market.

Speaking of market, I did manage to go to the Minneapolis Market earlier this week. Even though I spent a ton in Atlanta, I managed to find more goods in Minneapolis.

Unbelievable.

Love this over-sized burlap ribbon. 10 feet long.

Available on line.

The shorter style and the French script ribbon... new!

Love !

Also, available on line.

Happy Friday everyone.

I am going to get busy with my list.

For some reason my list gets longer as the week goes on instead of getting shorter. Which means I add to the list faster then I cross off. What is wrong with this picture... what happened to my elves...

I do believe I need a personal assistant...

How can one person have so much to do...

~ L

need a hand...

2012-01-24T07:23:00.000-06:00

Friends help friends out.

Friends watch your back, keep track and lend a helping hand.

That's the privilege of having friends.

Truly, we are here on this Earth for the shortest period of time, we encounter many people on our daily journeys. Some are just that, a brief encounter, never to see them again. Some, we may not see again but that encounter stays with us forever - molding us somehow. Then there are those that we meet and we keep close, choosing to allow them to be part of our lives. It is a privilege to have friendships... friends help out and watch your back.

The hands remind me of my friends gathered around.

I love the hands.

Do you also love the boxes... I obsess over the boxes.

All of these lovelies are fresh off the boat from Europe - including the funky canvas bags

Wilma - made in the USA

Stay warm.

We are having fun... boxes arriving daily.

do you collect...

2012-01-21T10:42:00.000-06:00

Isn't it funny how something catches your eye and then all of a sudden you want them all. You look everywhere for them. You clap your hands and smile when you find one. You snatch it up and you think it is your lucky day. It was meant to be.

This little treasure....

Well, I want to share our little collection, here at the Barn.

They wont last long... sweet little pewter tea pots... and more

gently aged...

all different shapes and sizes.

If you have that French Farmhouse look going at your house OR if you collect one-of-a-kind tea pots. This is your lucky day!! While they last.

I have to decide myself, before they are all gone.

Too fun.

The boxes are rolling in from the Market orders.

Valentine goods are up and movin already...post soon.

Have to run... lots to do...Happy Saturday.

news on the run - Atlanta Market

2012-01-17T09:48:00.000-06:00

Don't these stools look inviting?

After 4 days of travel and high-tailing it through market, they looked wonderfully inviting to me.

If you follow the blog, you know that I was in Atlanta for the first of the 2012 shows. I normally go for about 6 days... thought out, carefully planned days. This year, I didn't think I was going to be able to get time off at my hospital job, so when I did, everything was on the fly. I was able to be there for 4 days total but two of those days also included travel, so you know how that goes.

...keep movin, don't sit down and don't look back...

I actually planned on not doing too many orders, just trying to see as much as possible in that short of a time period. But with the help of my mom and my sister, we placed a ton of orders...

my cc is still smokin'

I didn't get a lot of pictures... I actually think that cameras are not allowed. I did sneak a few pictures to put on the blog and you can see my eye is drawn to the vintage vignettes...

I carry this line of French soap at the shop so after placing an order they also agreed to a picture.

another perk, when you go to market, is you get to touch and feel the quality of everything. I am a touchy-feely kind of gal. This is a fun industrial cabinet I found for my son's room... love it.

yes, Christmas and Halloween were on my list...

my Christmas for 2012 is going to be out of this world!!! A little of this and a little of that... mix it all together at the Barn and OMG... even tho. Christmas just ended ... I can not wait for next year.

We ran across room after room of fabulous goods!!!

I did get loads of blues but also one of my favorites... orange

Now that I am back I have so much to get going on. I have aready received emails that things are shipping... time to get things cleaned up at the Barn and get the new product on the floor.

back in Blue ...

2012-01-13T07:39:00.000-06:00

I am obsessed right now with the color blue.

At Christmas I did Vintage Aqua in my kitchen and on one of my trees. I mixed in a ton of white and blue dishes and used a lot of silver and other mixed metals. Since then, I can not get enough of the color.

I told my mom, when I go to market, we are going to be in trouble because the Barn will be transformed into a sea of blue when the product starts rolling in. Lately that is all I see, my eye is drawn to it.

So when I redid this little spread at the Barn last week.... I couldn't help myself.

Even the curtains.... I had saved some old packing paper... because of the color... love it. But why not use it for curtains, it's cheap and looks awesome.

tweet. tweet.

feed the birds.

Euro bottle drying rack

funky vintage colander... perfect color blue

again... perfect color blue...cylinders included

the pan.. I almost died when I found this beauty

moss rolls with wood chips

Vintage Olive buckets

from Europe

I can't believe how fast these sell, but then again... love them.

funky script ribbon rolls

another look at the moss roll

I am thinking that I have to put my name on these beauties if they are still their, at the Barn, when I get back from Atlanta. They look good in this vignette but I think they will look even better at my house. It is so hard to find vintage accent pieces if you are looking for a certain color or patina.

Since my computer sat at the geek squad over the Christmas holidays, I never did post photos of my house. Because we are all SO over the holidays I am not going to go there.... But, I want to show you the color I am talking about.

Vintage Aqua

My tree and my dishes... and then I had to make my own wine bottle labels. I couldn't find the right color at the wine shop... so why not make your own. They actually turned out super cute.

Aren't they fun.

I hope this post tides you over until I get back.

I will give full report and have pictures of the Atlanta Market as soon as I get home.

I still have not got my photo editing program up to speed. I can't put my photo signature on the pictures... Ugh, always something. So I expect everyone to play nice, No sharing without permission... thanks, I know you all understand.

ta-ta ~ L

clear glass - a fresh look

2012-01-10T07:14:00.000-06:00

Need a fresh look after packing up your Christmas decor.

What's better then the fresh, clean look of glass mixed with your other favorites.

You can't go wrong with the vintage chippy - wood barn doors in the background.

I then layered on the metal...

added a little birch and a Santos...

accented with some burlap, pearls... a touch or green and some black and white.

Then bring on the glass.

Look at this beauty.

Love. LoVe. LOVE.

Thanks so much for stopping.

Lots to do before leaving for Atlanta.

peace. love. vogue.

2012-01-07T06:23:00.001-06:00

The second round of Tee's are in.

(actually, more like the fourth but I forgot to post about them)

The first round sold so well I added some new colors...

The long sleeve thermals are now available in pink, grey, white and black.

They are all printed in a fun Gray ink

Small, Medium, Large and XL

They look fabulous on and layering them with a jean jacket or scarf is super fun. (...or with loads of jewelry like I do...) They hug your curves so if you like a loose fit order up.

(also available in tanks and V neck tee... not shown)

Unfortunately, I can't load them to the web shop without my editing program (soon) so if you are in a hurry you will have to call the Barn 763.427.5321

spread the word.

A new Year

2012-01-06T07:32:00.001-06:00

... and so it begins.

I want to wish you all a Happiest of new Years.... finally.

Thank you all for checking in and for being patient with my computer crisis.

Let me tell you, a simple fix turned into a 3 week over-nighter at the shop AND then they had to do a system restore. Thank goodness my picture files were all backed up BUT some of the other things you take advantage of having were not!!

For example, all software programs that I downloaded are gone.... my photo editing program for one... Microsoft word (office) is also gone. Crap!

I was so excited to get to work on new photos and some much needed blog time, but NOW I have to get things in order first...

I know how to be patient and push forward until I get my results, but this is starting to stress me out a bit. Maybe that should be my word for the new year...patience ... hummmm. Don't know about that one.

Although, my computer has been at the shop, I have been trying to catch up on your blogs with my little iPad. For the life of me, I can not figure out how to move pictures other then email them. How in the world can I do a post from that silly thing???? If any of you know a good instructional link PLEASE send it my way.

As far as the new year goes, let me catch you up on things.

1. Christmas at the Barn is 50% off

- we should have enough left to leave out another week.

- sales have been good... thank you everyone

2. All winter is 30% off and will be so all month.

3. I have received one small shipment from Europe already

- yes, ahead of schedule

-yes, fun vintage goods

4. I have refreshed / redone 7 areas at the Barn

- yes!!! 7 fun new Areas

- I told you I am behind on pictures...

5. I leave for Atlanta for Market next week.

-I'm so excited

6. Jeanne d'Arc Living just arrived yesterday

- I know many of you covet the Christmas issue but the January issue is always one of my favorites. I have not got it up on the web shop yet but I will this weekend.

- get ready, limited numbers as always

I'm excited to be back.

O Christmas tree

2011-12-25T07:24:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas.

Good morning.

I wanted to share with you my special little vintage tree.

A couple of weeks ago we had the old carpet ripped off the stairs AND took the banister down. Added some special painting techniques and wa-la my stairway is open and looks like I have old barn wood down.

It is the perfect place to showcase my little tree with his vintage hardware.

You see him as soon as you walk in the front door.

the clock was my dad's... rescued by my sister and then given to me as a gift.

priceless.

O Christmas tree....

Merry Christmas everyone from all of us at the Barn.

Lori, Ashley, Darlene, Marilee and Cheryl.

Thank you all for your support at the Potting Co.

I can't wait to show you what is in store for next year.

See you soon.

outdoor bounty

2011-12-22T10:01:00.000-06:00

I love the look of birch with pine.

Actually, birch looks good with just about anything.

I'm getting things ready at home for a 3 day Christmas extravaganza. 3 days of eating and drinking, wrapping and un-wrapping, baking, reading, lounging with movies... and Family. Family. Family.

I am sooo excited.

For now back to my out front bounty...

I love the awning we put up a few years ago ....

like I mentioned in my earlier post, this is a fun extra room to vignette...

our snow is gone...

it is so weird that last year we had around 17 " by now.

I use my galvanized goods all year round.

just about everything gets stuffed with pine and cones

... and vignetted. My husband was very confused with who was going to drink the beer... someone had to drink the beer that was poured. And what about the cashews... whole cashews after all... they are not just put out for a photo shoot??? ... what the... who is drinking the beer.

isn't it funny how he thinks.

I hope you are all finding time to relax and enjoy the holidays.

Cheers ~ Lori

Enter guests

2011-12-19T09:33:00.002-06:00

Good tidings to all.

I only have a few minutes this morning.

It is one week before Christmas after all and I am not finished with my shopping. So I will be leaving soon to fill my car with gifts for my family.

I have a couple of photos of my house to share... finally.

This is one side of the front patio... I have many more but I am still having problems with not only one computer, but NOW TWO!!! So, I guess I am lucky to share these...

These photos were emailed to my sister this weekend and then she had to send them back for me to even do this post. Can you say Frustrated!!

Anyway, above the metal chair is one of my favorites it has many layers of chippy paint from years of love and touch-ups. I happen to like just the way it is... and who doesn't love an old wheel or two and some chickens...

this side of the patio is a great place to vignette

My Wilbur has a front row seat in the reserved section

a fun street sign in the place of a pillow...

the table set... with beer poured...

the lights below the table give it a fun glow from below as darkness approaches.

Thanks again for stopping, guests are always welcome.

More soon ... I hope.

This week at the Barn 30% off Christmas goods!!!

Cheers, Lori

a new year ~ Jeanne d'Arc Living

2011-12-15T06:26:00.001-06:00

A new Year for the ever popular Jeanne d'Arc Living magazine.

* without advertisements

* wonderful heavy paper

* inspiration - Inspiration - InSpiRation

Love this look.... for jewelry display perhaps...

fun recipes

interiors with that great French - Nordic design

don't you love a good mannequin in the room... love the presence of the ladies

numbers are still hot. Hot. HOT.

I saved this one for last.

My personal favorite.

mirrors, statuary and the head.

I have a good collection going myself.

I am a sucker for the vintage head form...

this one I am coveting....

We have had the strangest week here in Minnesota. It has been warm, cloudy and raining... for days it has been raining... for us, this is unheard of. We don't get rain in Minnesota in December... we don't abandon our Uggs and down jackets and layers upon layers of clothing. Maybe in March but not in December... It actually is kind of nice Christmas shopping with just a sweater and scarf.

I know this will change and we will be buried in snow soon, but for now no shoveling for this chick.

Barn News:

We have had a great Holiday Season at the Barn !!

I want to thank everyone who has supported our little local boutique AND I want to offer a

PRE - CHRISTMAS SALE!!!

Starting This weekend... Oh my... Tomorrow December 16 th

All Barn Christmas 20% off

Friday - Sunday

~ if you have had your eye on something special... come now

All Barn Christmas 30% off

Monday - Friday

~ if you don't want to risk it being gone after Christmas.... come now

After Christmas 50% off

~ if you love a bargain and want to dig.... come now

Tell your friends !

Oh and the new Vogue thermal tees are being delivered by Friday !

New colors !

~ L

good morning

2011-12-09T06:42:00.001-06:00

Good morning!

It is Friday and I am sure everyone has busy, busy plans for the weekend.

I know I am going to be making lists like crazy....

I always feel I will be ahead of the game because my house is decorated and ready (....home tour last weekend) But oh no... still feelings of being behind schedule.

Ugh.

About the home tour, yes, it is over and yes, it was fabulous AND YES I am excited about how my house turned out.... but I am still having problems with the damn computer.... hopefully this will be resolved soon.

Thank God I had lots of pictures already uploaded...

but I am starting to run out....

cute cabinet ...sold

cute tree ...picked clean

So cute vintage high chair!

We actually have 3 oh-so-cute vintage high chairs right now... one even has a galvanized tray top!!!

It seems that my customer's Can not wait for our before Christmas sale.

So we are doing an email special

Friday - Sunday.

30% off all ornaments!!!

3 days only

Just mention you got the email and the sale is for you!!!

Otherwise, bring in your email or flash your phone....

See you soon.

joys of nature

2011-12-05T07:08:00.001-06:00

Don't you love the nature theme at Christmas time or anytime during the winter months? Especially when you live in the cold snowy climates where everything is white and barren out doors.

It is such fun to bring it inside... and continue to enjoy it all winter.

At the Barn I do huge nature themes in the back... In the front of the Barn I have already shown you my whites and vintage blues with the mercury glass. In the back.... all garden...

browns, celery green and lots of pine and moss

Lots of fun pictures to share.

I know some of you where expecting Home Tour pictures....

my computer is some how not cooperating with my camera today

Ugh.

so we are off to the Geek Squad...

then I promise I will lock and load.

The tour was SO MUCH FUN. I believe we had another successful year....

So please stay tuned.

Sweet Swedish inspiration

2011-12-02T07:34:00.000-06:00

I have been waiting to share this post with you....

My little green deer with their little red friends....

AND my hand made trees.

simple.

sweet

Swedish inspiration.

I wanted something to pop on my chalk board walls

fun hand made cardboard ornaments and graffiti

too fun!!

An original.

lori miller vintage design... haute couture

So that's what is new at the Barn.

The Holiday Home Tour is happening tomorrow!!

Saturday, December 03

I still can't believe it is December...

My house is still not done, close, but not finished. Friends are coming tonight so after my day at the hospital I will kick it up a notch.... morning will come awful fast.

If you want a first hand look we still have room.

small business Saturday

2011-11-27T05:04:00.002-06:00

Love the green color of this little tree.

Small Business Saturday was a HUGE success at the Barn, and I want to thank everyone. Not only for yesterday, but for every day, every time you visit.

Thank You. Thank You.

I hope everyone enjoys the rest of the weekend.

I am trying to paint my stairway that goes upstairs... the only problem is that someone needs to either go up or come down... including the dog.

UGH.

After that, it is Christmas decorating at the Miller household. The home tour is only a week away and I have much to do to prepare. If only I could manage a day off....

Time to run...

feed the birds

2011-11-23T06:26:00.000-06:00

Getting ready for Turkey day.

I love Thanksgiving.

Good Food.

Family.

Rest and Relaxation.

This is a little area at the Barn that reminds me of a back woods cottage.

the pencil trees are kind of fun

and my little hand carved birds are adorable

tweet. tweet....

befriend a flock - feed the birds.

Still lots of room for our annual Holiday home tour.

If you are on the email list watch for Vintage Black Friday and Vintage Small Business Saturday deals.

Thanks again for supporting your local small businesses. With out your support we could not stay open.

Have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving

~ L

tales of Wilma ...

2011-11-20T05:15:00.002-06:00

Tales of my sweet Wilma...

Ashley found the perfect vintage bracelet to adorn her neck.

I found her in a basement of a shop in town, Hunt & Gather. It is a unique place where one goes with no purpose in mind... then, if you are lucky, you come home with a Wilma.

A unique treasure all for yourself.

I hope my guests think of the Barn as such a place. Some where to come for inspiration, with no purpose but to find a unique treasure for yourself or your home.

My last post, I ended with this teaser and mentioned it was coming ... my glitz table.

I just didn't realize that it would be 430 in the morning when I sat down to babble.

You know how it goes...the dog needs to go out... I didn't look at the clock.... I passed my computer... end of story. Bathroom, brush teeth, make coffee, start typing... actually, I sat for an hour first with pen and paper sketching and making a list for the home I am staging for Christmas. Then I sat down at the computer... crap, it must have been 330-ish when I got up.

Metals. Silvers. Pearls. Glass. Wilma.

I knew when I found my pearl trees and this fun mix of metals I was on to something GOOD for this years Christmas.

I added the trees to the on-line shop but they wont be there for long.

The mercury glass trees came in 3 sizes... they are shorter then the typical trees I have found but really catch your eye.

Love my glass mixture this year.... a little bit different then the average.

Love my pearls.

Happy Sunday everyone!

We received our first snow fall yesterday.

I'm not sure, but I think it was enough to stick around....

Eek, and so it begins...

~ L

Winter wonderland

2011-11-17T06:54:00.001-06:00

We don't have snow yet BUT it is coming.

It was so cold yesterday... I think it is here to stay. Really, I can't believe I am saying that because it is hardly below freezing AND we will get much colder.... I am in for trouble...

The Barn is toasty warm and we are ready for our Holiday Open House this weekend. I have all kinds of wonderful treats in store for all of my guests.

This is part of the main room when you start your tour of the Barn.

It features my sparkle.

Really, it is a wonderful blend of white, blue, metals, birch and sparkle.

I don't know how many guests have asked to buy my tree with all of its fixin's

check out the large mercury glass garlands

beautiful

fragile

expensive

1 left... I think

I love this Vintage aqua color this year.

In fact, I am doing this color in my kitchen this year.

So if you are coming on the home tour.... you will see the fun.

metal. glass. sparkle.

This shot is a peek at what is to come on my next post.

The home tour is filling, however, we have plenty of room if you haven't reserved your spot. Stop in or give us a call. 763.427.5321

_______

I have updated the online shop in the seasonal catagory.

I had planned on getting more done but my computer has been out of commission for the last 3 days...

I can't add everything because things sell out so fast at the Barn, but I will keep working on adding items. Remember, if you see it on the blog, there is always a chance you can call and we can possibly ship it out.

See you soon.

~ L

pre-holiday splash of RED

2011-11-13T06:24:00.002-06:00

Although many of the silvers and more subtle colors are popular for the Holidays, that splash of red is the most dramatic. We did Red in the entry when you walk in....

take a look...

my friend Laurie Bouta made the sign.

The lantern...uh-la-la a touch of snow and a red ball. Perfect-o

French inspired Santa, artist Renee Ellena

love the baskets...

I ordered twice as many as I thought necessary, 4 left at last count...

a blooming Holiday fiesta

more wonderful art by Laurie Bouta

my Santos Angel center stage...

I am super busy at the Hospital and the Barn this weekend, so I am going to leave you with this. We are having a flash back of summer weather.... 60's anyway. Pure heaven... although, I do think the girls like to buy Christmas when there is a nip in the air.

I should be putting up trees and lights out front at my house... the home tour is right around the corner... maybe tomorrow. What fun is it anyway when you're not freezing your butt off....

See you at the Barn

the tradition.... the Holiday Home Tour

2011-11-10T06:45:00.001-06:00

Every year the barn hosts a Holiday Home Tour.

We have been getting calls like crazy at the barn so I thought I would send out a little info.

You are all invited to attend the

5th Annual Round Barn Potting Company

Holiday Home Tour

Saturday, December 03

12 pm - 5 pm

Please call ahead to reserve your spot.

We allow 20 - 25 guests each half hour.

There are ten half hour increments to fill but they are going fast.

$10 fee per person.

3 homes will be decorated and part of the tour this year.

(yes, mine will be one of them.... but we have 2 new - fabulous additions this year)

20% discount on Barn Holiday items

After you register and reserve your spot you will want to come to the Barn before your scheduled time and get your map. Please wear a light coat or leave your coat in the car because there is no coat check. Also, wear small slip on shoes, you will be given a bag and will need to slip off your shoes and carry them through out the homes.

A light refreshment will be offered at each home and at the Barn. You can spend as much time exploring in each home, before heading to the next destination . The barn will be open extended hours for after tour shopping and I will offer our first sale of the Holiday season to tour goers only.

.... we ask no cameras please

763.427.5321

and so it begins...

2011-11-07T06:46:00.002-06:00

The holiday season at the Barn is officially underway.

With the opening weekend behind me I can start to relax.

Well maybe...

At least I can slow down and move on to other things. I need to start a new list, for sure, maybe two...

love the juxtaposition

pearls, rock, glass, rusty metal and cement

these will be so pretty with a flickering candle

my pearl garland is also a treat

AND look at the blue glass ball

....egads, how to choose

peace and love

Believe it or not I don't have all of my product out yet. For those of you who made it through, commenting on how much there was to look at.... well, more is coming out.

This week we will finish unloading the storage areas and unbox the product just arriving. And I will start making some fun goodies for the Barn that I have had on the back burner for a month. I also have to get going on my house for the Holiday home tour.... I told you I needed to start a new list.

More info on that soon.

2011-11-05T06:56:00.001-05:00

It's Saturday.

The premiere starts today at 10 am although I have had so many phone calls asking if they can come before 10 am or if we are opening early Or if they come early will I make them stand in the cold.... you guys are too funny. I have been telling people that IF I can get there early and IF you are outside I will certainly let you in AND not make you wait in the cold.

The week has been crazy long hours ~ but Oh So Fun.

It is my favorite time of the year!!

Yesterday was crazy because I could not get the day off at my real job.... the hospital. So I started early and tried to get to the Barn as fast as I could... I still had product to get out and a whole area to style before I could end my day. Although we don't close the day before, we worked around the early birds who could not wait for Saturday.... and I did get things wrapped up.

See you soon.

I am going to have to bring 3 pairs of shoes today .... sore feet !!

~ L

more preview...

2011-11-03T07:30:00.003-05:00

The woodland Santa....

Cute.

Yesterday's post my blogger was acting up, so you got the photo's but no commentary... normally I am not speechless. ...busy, yes, but I always have time for my babble.

love my faux cement balls

Oh my goodness.

Things are transforming AND look so good. I can't wait to show you the changes. At night, before I leave, I shut down most of the lights and walk through the Barn looking at each vignette. It is such a calming end to the day of fast paced - none stop action.

By Monday, I had the back half of the Barn finished and the photo shoot behind me. The large table in the area I call the kitchen... where all the gourmet foods are... I cleared Sunday night before I left so it was ready for props and product Monday morning. While I was doing that, Darlene was Deconstructing Halloween... packing, doing inventory and de-cob webbing.

By Monday evening, I was onto the next area I call my Swedish table... so cute, I can't wait to show you. On Tuesday morning, Ashley helped out by Deconstructing my Fall vignettes in the front entrance of the Barn. You can not believe how much help it is to have someone clear the way, while I keep decorating. Most of Tuesday, the front of the Barn looked like a tornado had been through... empty tables, boxes, crates, and trees all in shambles.

Then on Wednesday, Cheryl was there to help out. I gave her the unfortunate task of sorting the pine and getting that on the sales floor. I worked all day on Wednesday and Thursday getting the main room up and going.... Beautiful... if I don't say so myself....at least what I had finished when I left last night.

....so for today and Friday, I have to finish the outside decor and window boxes... hopefully, the sun will shine and I wont freeze my you- know-what... 33 degrees this morning. Then I have the front entrance vignettes to finish... with Cheryl's help I have a start on that .... Bring on Saturday, I am almost ready...

For all of you who have asked about me shipping the pearl trees... Sorry, I will not. I have tried hard to reorder (my 3rd time) but the company is sold out. So what I have are staying for the Premiere and then will be gone. It just means you will have to drive up..... ")

See you all Saturday or Sunday

Preview ~ 3

2011-11-02T07:46:00.000-05:00

preview week ~ 2

2011-11-01T07:11:00.002-05:00

Who said an old brick can't be festive...

metal and burlap and twine... tis the season

book page garland.... my fav

buttons and glitter

Soooo Cute.

.... still working

Christmas preview ~ 1

2011-10-31T07:58:00.001-05:00

The Retail World is a crazy place to live.

It is Halloween .... today and I am obsessing, freaking out, going crazy, Ga - Ga... getting ready for Christmas... and I have been for the past two weeks. Instead of dressing up and giving out candy, I am boxing up witch's like there is no tomorrow. Time to fast forward.... Winter Wonderland.

Like I said, the world of retail is a crazy place to live.

I meant to get a post out a couple of days ago, but when I dug out my camera the darn battery was dead. So yesterday when I was leaving I snapped a few randoms... sneak peak ....

new color this year

Vintage celery

Thanks for stopping.

I prepared a little peak almost daily for the rest of the week.

So you can relax at your computer and enjoy your coffee... while I am moving at lightening speed.... I hope... in order to finish Christmas setup and be ready for the premiere on Saturday.

~ L

Jeanne d'Arc Living ~ Issue 8 Christmas

2011-10-25T07:30:00.001-05:00

This is it.

This is the issue everyone waits for ALL YEAR.

The Christmas issue.

French - Nordic design.

Great photos and No advertisements.

I am getting a limited number this year.

Reserve your copy early....

News of the week.

Halloween is still on sale and what is left is packed up at 4pm Oct 31. I have no room for after Halloween sales.... everything vanishes in a poof and the next day it is a winter wonderland.

Fall ~ the delishish Harvest bounty is remaining on the sales floor until Thanksgiving. We have started a sale on those goods also, so shop early before it is all picked over. I just noticed my birch bark turkeys are down to a grouping of 2... sorry little fellas need a home.

Christmas is in over drive... or at least it will be if I make it there today. Sometimes I am stuck at the Hospital working all morning, day and night. NO GOOD. I then (like now) start to get this rising sense of panic that things will not get done. Some how enough gets done that ONLY I know the difference.... or at least that is what my friends tell me.

Egads... I am drifting.... anyway, this week the back of the ~~store~~ Barn will be completely revamped. All the sparkle is coming out. Photo shoot with the professional photographer is scheduled for Sunday.

5 days until the shoot.

10 days until the Christmas Premiere.

I'm smiling just thinking about it. ")

photo shoot -

2011-10-21T06:25:00.001-05:00

Deadlines...

When doing a photo shoot for any publication things must be done SO far in advance. So three weeks ago, right before closing, I was notified that they needed the pictures THAT day....

Egads.

Within minutes the table that was loaded with cement pumpkins, fall apples an orange bird bath and other Harvest goodies was stripped down. Then the 10 - 12 trips back and forth to the back room to gather some Christmas goods and here is what I came up with....

After the photos... you got it... everything went back to storage, the table restored to Fall splendor and then me home to put my feet up and get on the computer to work photo magic...

another deadline met.

These fabulous pearl and wire trees are going to be featured throughout the Barn this Christmas season, so I had to make sure they were in the shot. Love them.... notice they have a simple rock base.

two sizes.... a must have this year.

you can see the rock base in this shot.

- the other lovelies are felted and beaded .... drooling

Love. Love.

little Swedish deer

Now you have a little hint of what is in store for the Holidays.

I am currently transforming the back of the Barn to a winter wonderland....

15 days until the Christmas premiere....

Halloween and Fall on sale!!!

spooky Barn

2011-10-19T06:47:00.001-05:00

Hello.

Me again.

I was supposed to send off this post earlier in the week and I just realized it is Wednesday already... E-gads... how can it be Wednesday already.

Not everything Halloween at the Barn is creepy... some is spooky and some is just plain cute...

see... cute.

OMG - love the legs.... too cute.

... love the black and white

enter if you dare... caution

bats and rats and spooky lighting...

resting in pieces...

please don't bother to rise....

enter only if you dare...

meet Mrs. Meanie...

hello motto...

For All of you wondering.... Halloween is 30% off this week.

Remember, no after Halloween sale at the Barn.

The sale is Pre - Oct. 31

We are full blown Christmas The first weekend of Nov.

Eeeek.

Creepy Barn Style

2011-10-15T07:00:00.001-05:00

I told you we like our Halloween up here.

My original horse carriage buggy works great for the Halloween area.

It's getting cold here... and dark early... yuck.

hummm... i guess that was just a random thought..

did I mention I am into spider webs...

Creepy Rat

Creepy vintage chandelier

More Rats....

Too Fun!

News for the week.

Halloween Sale started yesterday

20% off Creepy Barn Halloween goods.

We are taking orders for Jeanne d'Arc Living ~ issue 8

issue 8 is the Christmas issue

the one everybody waits for....

Call and put your name on the pick-up list

email me and we can put you on the auto ship

check the on-line shop soon and purchase...

Happy Saturday everyone.

Hallows Eve

2011-10-13T06:38:00.000-05:00

It's time for some halloween posts.

Yep, I said posts.... I should be able to get about three posts out of my Halloween Creep show at the Barn. The Barn itself is a small town called Andover, but right next door is Anoka, which is the Halloween Capital of the world. Folks up here love there halloween!!!!

I do too.

I love buying and finding funky spooky goods and then going crazy with the decor at the Barn.... can you say spider web!!!

local artist Kari.... eek love them.

18 days until Halloween.

23 days until the Christmas Premiere.... good God, I don't even have a tree up yet.

Oh boy...

~ L

Harvest time

2011-10-09T11:43:00.001-05:00

I love this vignette.

As you enter the Barn this is your greeting.

Old scale stood upright and a lamp made out of vintage car horns

Au-uuu-ga... didn't they make a sound like that ??

Anyway, this is the other vignette right when you enter.

The lighting is always funky up here so excuse the half, over exposed photos....

The buggy seat... a favorite of mine... is from my friend Sara at The Seasons, down in Carver.

All this other stuff is curtisy of you - know - who.... me!

Wilma bird makes the rounds

Cloche on the buggy seat.... love.

love the look of these new candles...

my friend Jane, Oh mustard moon, turned me on to these.

Thanks for stopping.

Gotta run.... I'm off to open the Barn.

Halloween pictures soon.

Fall Fest continues

2011-10-05T18:53:00.001-05:00

The Fall season is short but wonderful.

The mornings cool.

The days are mostly sunny, usually dry here in Minnesota.

The sun sets early.... dark by 7pm.

Cool... windows open - blanket snuggling nights.

Time to enjoy my favorite seasonal beer....

Samuel Adams ~ Octoberfest

Yummmmmm...

I wanted to show you my birch ribbon aka birch wallpaper....

with a little two sided tape a little ribbon can become some funky wall covering.

Add the perfect, vintage arched window and love at first sight...

a small vintage chandelier would be the icing on the cake

highly textured rolls of birch ribbon

A short post today...

I have seven minutes to enjoy outside before it's too dark...

and I have to go finish my Octoberfest...

later ~ L

Fall Fest

2011-10-02T06:59:00.000-05:00

Sunday morning with so much to do...

I think I need an assistant.. or two...

You would think after the weekend I would be caught up, but just like the laundry, you just start over...

It is the last Market in town for the year.

I should go...

I need some fun handbags and scarves

I need more fourth quarter food ...

I need candles.

Maybe tomorrow ?

For now, I am loving how busy we are at the Barn and how happy everyone is. This weekend everyone was out enjoying the colors and the sunshine and the fall festivities.

Too Fun.

summer greens and orange? For sure!!!

Black and white with orange ? For sure!!

Need something fun to contain that kitchen garbage can.

Love this farmhouse bin.

We have sun and warmth all week.

Love this weather .... the mums and fall flowers are going crazy here.

I have to mention that in the last two weeks we have had tons of new guests, from both out of town and around town, that have never been to the Barn. They all claim that they saw the Junk Bonanza booth or that they heard about the JB booth from friends and had to come check us out. Thank you ladies for making the drive. Thank you ladies for spreading the word. Thank you ladies for making my day with all your nice complements. I am still smiling.

Stay tuned more goods from the Barn coming up.

pick your own pumpkin

2011-09-29T07:35:00.001-05:00

pick your own pumpkin.

terracotta

moss covered...

where you ask ???

at the round barn potting company

you've got it...

my place

.... the barn.

welcome to my pumpkin patch...

I love this vignette...

I love these little pumpkins...

a whole litter of them...

or maybe a crop...

cute little fellas

and then there is the sunflowers....

me. oh. my. I love it all.

I am only slightly prejudice...

just a small amount.

round barn potting company

Just an addendum to my last post, in regards to the jeanne d'arc living's 7 th issue... it has just arrived and it is by far the best one this year.

Jeanne d'Arc Living - issue 7

2011-09-27T07:32:00.000-05:00

Jeanne d'Arc Living - 2011

Issue 7 is on the way.

It might arrive at the Barn today!!

I love the cover for the Autumn issue. Check out a few shots from within ...

love. love. love.

are your decorating juices flowing...

Did I tell you I loved the look of the cover!!

Good news.

I am not sold out of this one.

I ordered an extra 20...

they will not last long.

junk jewels - round two

2011-09-26T06:49:00.002-05:00

I had mentioned in an earlier post that I had two fabulous artists supplying me with the goods. These are some of my friend, Linda's, artistic pieces.

Enjoy.

vintage splendor....

these two bracelets didn't last long....

too fun!

Linda you better get busy...

love the key holes and clock parts.

Thanks Linda - love them all!!

busy week at the Barn... the Fall weather is perfect for shopping!

This years issues of Jeanne d'Arc Living - 2011 are coming to an end.

2 issues left....

Autumn - issue 7 (arriving this week)

Christmas - issue 8 (arriving the end of Nov.)

call us up to be placed on the reserve list 763.427.5321

Or email me or check the online shop

rbpottingco@aol.com

See you at the Barn.

~ L

junk bonanza ~ Vogue premiere - part two

2011-09-24T07:07:00.001-05:00

LOVE the orange

Thank you all for being patient with me to get these pictures done.

The week after JB kicks my butt.

I feel as if I am so far behind...

a week away from home...

a week away from the Barn...

a week away from my office (real job)...

a week away from the computer...

things pile up and I feel so tired after this event.

Anyway, thanks for waiting and the post begins...

long shot...

I'm standing by one of the main walkways as you come up to the booth.

The large ferns and the vine on the trellis we drug in from my back yard.... Mr. Miller was not at all happy about that decision... you can see the zebra rug....

too fun

the guys loved the old molds

the ladies loved the mini glove forms

I loved my moss chair...

she didn't sell so its back to the Barn for her

the wooden street sign was fun and we got lots of comments.

It came from my house .... we were taking bids... but overall, I decided I needed to take it back home with me.

I found this great sceen that I thought would make a fun wall partition if only I could find some funky wall paper... the wallpaper I found was $350 a roll.... no good, so I made my own....

isn't this metal cabinet too die for!!!

didn't sell.... back to the barn

The walls were fun and the orange life preserver rings sold quickly. Everyone loved the pop of orange as much as I did.

these three gals sold immediately...

Wilma Bird made her first showing at the JB

My friend, artist, Laurie Bouta, showcased her wonderful canvases at this years show. I sell her work at the Barn and it flew out the doors here.

the greeting cards also flew out the doors...

(a couple more wholesale orders came in so that is always fun.)

and last but not least ... this years Vogue shirts we had a lot of repeat customers track us down just to find this years shirt.

I designed two different looks and had them printed on tanks, v-neck tees, and long sleeve thermals. I also did different colors this year, which was nice because some people wanted one of each.

this one is a white tank top

peace. love. vogue.

this years vintage vogue shown on black thermal

(same print available on black tank and black v-neck tee)

this is my grey on grey

peace. love. vogue.

available long sleeve thermal in this color and a white/ grey tank top

different look at the v-neck and my boot evidently....

did I mention I didn't take time to edit

That's it for me for 2011 JB

now on to other things... like cleaning the house.... and buying some groceries.

peace. love. vogue.

~ L

Junk Bonanza - Vogue premiere ~ 2011

2011-09-20T07:49:00.000-05:00

After days of schlepping

smiling

laughing

hauling

hugging

and

selling...

I have finally rested enough to get a few photos up.

this is my space for 2011

.... it took me about 5 hours to set up...

it took us about 30 minutes to tear down.

I thought it would be fun to bring a few plants from home

the ladies wear a big hit...

... as well as the touch of orange

my sassy zebra boots

my sassy zebra rug I made ... just for the effect

you can kind of see his mane in this one...

I guess you can tell which booth you are in

... marketing baby!!

more boots... the theme is Vogue after all !

oh boy.... more later

what did you think??? so far.????

jewels - round one

2011-09-13T06:45:00.000-05:00

As I am working like Cinderella these days to prepare for junk Bonanza, I leave you with a peaceful post of jewels and art. Jewels and art are calming eye candy.

Today, I pack the truck and then the adventure begins for year 5 of JB.

Cinderella no more now I become the princess of my booth.

The fun part.... meeting, greeting, smiling, hugging...

for you .... eye candy from the Barn

new artist selling at my Barn

Love her!!!

More on my new friend, Lisa from WA, next time...

some of these are no longer available...

sometimes it takes me a few days to get these posts done...

and some adorn my own neck ")

Sales must go on...

local artist, girl friend extraordinaire, Sue Wolfe

Taking orders for these babies.... they sell before they come in the door.

rusty - crusty metal art for the season.

Also, burlap ribbon is back in stock.

Come see me at JB

I will be the tall one flittin' around with a grin on my face from ear to ear...

be sure to say Hi !

My dear friends Lori and Miss Christine are driving ALL the way down from Michigan to help me manage the booth again this year. I supply them with wine and mini donuts and thank God they keep coming back. I could not do it without them!!! So say Hi to two lori's and a Chris when you come through.

Pictures soon.

do you love owls

2011-09-09T07:47:00.002-05:00

Me. Oh. My!

You are going to love my little owls.

I love them so much!!!

-gingham fabric backed

-felted and button eyes

-weighted on their bottoms

-adorable bent little ears

I am trying to get them up on the online shop, but I am having trouble with the computer... well, not my computer BUT my service!!! ugh. It is going at super - slow-mo speed AND it is killing me!!!

Here are the other fellas

they have an adorable little mouse in their pocket.

Only one has book page button eyes... he came with none so I had to improvise.

If I don't get the website done this weekend... I will !!

(I will, I will, I will)

The Gingham guys come in 3 sizes

$20. $16. $12

The brown / mouse 2 sizes

$20. $16

I do lots of orders via email these days.

Count down to junk bonanza

All pricing, packing, sorting, lists, last minute props, painting...

lists, rent the truck, pot the trees, paint the walls, lists

wash the drapery and then get them dirty... they need to look worn and wrinkly

good god I need to get busy...

did I tell you I am bringing a zebra rug for one of the vignettes...

I had to have it but couldn't find one.... so I made one

OR should I say I am going to make one.... add that to the list...

Gotta run.

cement pumpkins

2011-09-05T07:07:00.001-05:00

Chilly this morning.... 39 degrees.

Warming fast though... high 70's and warm today.

Good shopping weather.

I have been busy nesting at the Barn.

Love the Fall product... especially, these stone pumpkins.

I have them in 2 colors of cement grey and a few in burnt orange

I love this vignette

the pumpkins, the mixed metals, the oranges

my plan today is Halloween

I started clearing the front of the shop yesterday... 2 day job...

today, I will finish that and then start hauling in props and bringing out the product another 2 day job.

~ L