The Magic of Brimfield...More than an Antiques Fair

Remember the Harry Potter book (and movie) where Harry is about to walk into this very small shabby tent only to be stunned to find an entire house on the inside. Well... that's how I felt about the Brimfield TweetUp Tent, designed by Interior Designer Shane Inman, with the help of HGTV Celebrity and Owner of Re-purpose Shop, Cari Cucksey, the folks at Fashion & Decor, Rue la la, and Benjamin Moore Paints. There are lots people involved in making the event happen but Gretchen Aubuchon of Fashion & Decor, and Jen Hoyda, event manager, really rocked the show.

Not Your Average Tent -- The VIP Tweet Up Tent at Brimfield!

It was like I'd stepped into a magical place--with amazing and imaginative designs from rope chandeliers to upcycled furniture covered in gorgeous Robert Allen fabrics, and of course, the stunning bar that was lined with dozens and dozens of bottles filled with Benjamin Moore paint colors. With chair massages, a master mixologist, Warren Bobrow, mixing amazing drinks, giveaways, goodie bags, and lots of lots very fun and personable people, it was really hard to say I was "working". (But when I called home, I managed to say the word "work" without giggling.)




I bought 8 turkey feeder lights here for an interior design project that I can't wait to share with you.

And that was just the beginning! Then I got to go shopping, looking for amazing finds for two interior jobs I'm working on (and of course, if I spy something for myself...well...so be it). Hundreds and hundreds of tables and tents filled with antiques, vintage pieces, industrial and salvaged goods and more all line up on for almost a mile on the main drag in Brimfield, Massachusetts!

I picked up 8 light fixtures made from vintage turkey feeders that will be perfect for a redo of a Vermont Inn I'm working on (more about that later this month). Plus, a huge wooden egg laying box that will be perfect for the reception area of the Inn. A box full of old plumber handles (wait till you see what I do with those) and lots of hooks. I saw a dress which reminded me so much of the Little House on the Prairie and I had to buy it--for $5 I was willing to take a chance.

If I can zip this up, I'll be excited!

But with all that, still the best thing about Brimfield were the people I met. I was a little nervous to head to this event alone (my dear friend, and amazing stylist, Karin Lidbeck Brent, couldn't go last minute). Well, everyone made me feel so welcome and I made some new friends, Cari, Amanda, Jennifer...

Cari Cucksey and I hanging in the tent -- so fun to get to know her and her family better.

After two days of magical fun, with a car full of stuff, I headed back home to a weekend of normal family life (you know, basketball games, laundry and getting the garden ready for planting). As I unpack the car, and thought about what I'm going to write in this post, I realized how happy I was and how blessed I am to call this "work." 

Next stop, Country Living Fair in Rhinebeck, New York, June 7,8,9. At this fair, I'll be giving two demos and presentations as well as selling some vintage pieces at the Five Corners Antique Shop booth.  Good thing I emptied the car! Phew! Work, Work, Work :)
My best, Joanne

I wasn't drinking alone! I had Warren's gnome, Klaus, with me.

Seriously! I'll take that and that and that and that. Vintage Leather Club Chairs from Europe!

What a small world--the vendor, Textile Trunk, is owned by Wendy, who lives a town over from me! Can't wait to get together with her. Her vintage textiles are incredible.

I bought 25 of these old metal plumbers handles and 36 cast iron hooks for an upcoming project!

Cari's tent, the Re-Purpose shop was filled with vintage pieces as well as funky repurposed pieces.

Came so close to buying the Farrah Fawcett bean bag chair. Brimfield has a little bit of everything.

Before I left the tent for the final time, I won this vintage magazine rack painted by Cari in a Benjamin Moore paint color. I'm going to use it as a stand for my own Salvage Books.

Portland Oregon, Designed with Salvage, Home For Sale

My friend, Shannon Quimby is an amazing designer and salvage guru, and now she has a home for sale! Shannon renovated it using lots of cool salvage material. Finally, not only do we get to OOOOHHHHH and AHHHHH over one of Shannon's design projects, but you get to buy it -- located in Sellwood, on of my favorite neighborhoods in Portland, Oregon!  This kitchen rocks! I love the salvaged farmhouse table look of the kitchen island and the open shelving around the modern stove and that hood vent --what a statement piece. Check out this house!

Those salvaged ceiling tins used as wainscoting around the clawfoot tub, Shannon bought in Vermont (while visiting) at Mason Brothers Architectural Salvage. So fun to see them in a different location. Seriously cool floor -- how did you do that Shannon?



Talk about a cool wake me up light fixture -- a bugle and a wash tub! Shannon you are so clever!! Love the shower curtain too!

Love all the natural light spilling into the living room and dining room.

Transform, Update and Revamp Your Staircase! Ideas for Every Set of Stairs.

Step by Step Instructions on DIY Network for this Staircase Project

One of my more recent favorite projects for DIY Network was transforming my friend and photographer, Susan Teare's staircase in her 1800's home. For Susan's stairs I decided to try something new--wallpapering them! (The risers at least.) P.S. The "After" shots of this staircase transformation project are by Susan Teare...of course :)

Thought you would appreciate a before shot of the staircase. I know I do!

 

After a extensive search on the web, I came across a wallpaper that I thought would look great -- vintage Mexican tile wallpaper on http://www.artistichomeowner.com/. With a lot of prep work (the stairs were in bad shape since they used to have a rug on them), five coats of white paint on the treads and a couple of the risers, I was ready to add the wallpaper -- the change is dramatic. Hope you check out the how-to do-it-yourself process shots on DIY Network.

Here are a few more of my favorite staircase transformations with paint, reclaimed wood, salvaged rulers, vintage tiles and more...



Inspiration Green has a whole blog post with Inspirational Stair Ideas
These painted striped stairs are sooooo cool, hip and retro!

DIY NETWORK Painted Staircase project by Shannon Kaye -- video as well!

Reclaimed Wood Pallets Nailed over Your Staircase -- Another Great Salvage Idea!



Love it when people get creative with salvaged stuff -- like these old rulers used on the stair risers!

I love Antique Tiles -- so this eclectic arrangement of vintage tiles on the stair risers is one of my personal favorites posted on Antique Tile Lady's blog site.

Recycled Wine Bottles, Mason Jars and Vases: Home Decor Crafts

Thrilled and Honored to be making projects for DIY Network! :) These home decorating projects are made from recycled glass jars and bottles I collected at my local Olive Garden (the large wine bottles), antique shops (the vintage blue mason jars) and second hand stores (glass vases).  Hope you check them out on DIY Network at 10 Fun Ways to Decorate with Wine Bottles and Mason Jars. Thanks a million :)  Joanne 

Nautical rope wrapped recycled bottles, jars and vases -- see how different they each can look!

Recycled wine bottle pendants wrapped in recycled wire give a modern twist to kitchen lighting.

Create a romantic and inviting outdoor party setting with vintage mason jars!

Memory bottles with family pictures and notes look too good to let them float away in the sea!

Whose glass is whose? You don't have to ask that question anymore with these mason jars dipped in chalk paint!

Update, Repurpose or Vintage Appliances for Your Kitchen

A sneak peek at one of the homes that will be featured in our second SALVAGE SECRETS DESIGN & DECOR book (coming out this winter)! During this kitchen renovation, the homeowners salvaged the old refrigerator and painted the panels! Wait till you see the whole house and their salvage finds! So exciting! Photo by Susan Teare

Writing for Williams-Sonoma's blog Cultivate is such a blast! I get to come up with salvage, upcycled and repurpose ideas for your kitchen! They really want to help people make the most of their kitchen -- kudos to them! This month's article is about 5 Clever Ways to Update Old Kitchen Appliances.

Want a quick change? Use adhesive contact paper on your refrigerator, want to make your appliances look like stainless steel? The article has the answer. Want to have Robin Egg's blue appliances? You can have that in an afternoon -- with your OWN appliances! Want to buy a vintage stove but not sure how? Check out how you can keep your own appliances or buy second hand appliances and TRANSFORM your kitchen!

If you like this article, check out the others I've written for them which include topics such as salvaged wood kitchen islands, recycled glass open shelving in your kitchen, vintage soapstone and cast iron kitchen sinks and much more!

Remodeling ideas using second hand, vintage, salvaged and recycled materials has never been easier or more beautiful!

HAVE FUN!
Joanne :)

Better Homes and Gardens Magazine Features My Sister's Kitchen

Just like me, my sister loves salvage finds...which she has throughout her home including the glass light pieces above the island, the bar stools and more...

Kudos to Rosanne Palmisano and Sean Roy for their amazing transformation of their kitchen and Shannon Quimby for producing a story about it for Better Homes and Gardens Magazine, April 2013 issue. It was an honor to help Rosanne's redesign her kitchen from basically an unusable space (truly) to the heart of the home. My dear friend, and stylist, Shannon Quimby put together a nice little piece with more pictures on her blog ---you should check it out. (photos by Lincoln Barbour)



My twin sister, Rosanne, hanging out at her favorite spot in the kitchen!

Nautical and Beach Salvaged and Recycled Finds

As I get ready to head off for a tropical sailing vacation, I can't help but be inspired by salvaged nautical and beach finds... Whether it's a necklace, bag, bar, or even a chair or two...you can always find salvage material repurposed into amazing nautical or tropical style.  Ahoy Mates! Joanne

How cool is this modern chair made from a recycled old spinnaker.

Totally different type of chair -- a counter dining chair that looks like a lifeguard chair made from recycled plastic --perfect for a beach house kitchen island or an outdoor patio area!

I love this handmade recycled jewelry piece found on Etsy with all the vintage brooches, necklaces and fish pieces, perfect for my trip or everyday summer time wearing!

Not only is this a vintage Japanese glass fishing float pendant light but is it on a second-hand online shop, 1st dibs. This one is sold but keep you eyes out for more!

Not sure if the recycled wood bar or the fact that this is the NYC office of Tanteo Tequila that caught my eye -- maybe a little of both! Casa Tanteo a little bit of Old Mexico in Soho -- LOVE IT!  Pass the lime please...

Here I am on a past tropical trip sitting on salvaged wood chairs -- love the bright colors!

And of course, I can't head to the boat without a recycled sailcloth bag from SeaBags. 
Now I think I'm ready for vacation!

Amazing Kitchen Island Ideas Using Salvaged Goods

What do you want your island to look like?

Mine has old Douglas Fir railroad trusses from the 1880's -- could you tell?



So excited about my 3rd blog post for Williams-Sonoma's Cultivate  blog -- this one is about 5 creative ways to use salvaged, second hand materials for your own unique kitchen island. Whether you are building a new one or remodeling or updating an old one there are thousands of ways to make it special with salvaged goods. How about a second hand restaurant work table? Or old doors cut in half? That's just a hint of some clever ideas on my post! Hope you check it out and comment :)
Thanks  Joanne (photo by Susan Teare)

DIY: Make Your Own Unique Greeting Cards: Bigfoot on Vintage Music Sheets

DIY EASY BLANK CARD PROJECT...that will make you smile.

A few old sheets of music, scissors, blank cards, a computer, printer and a glue stick. Voila! Instant funny cards!

Yesterday I was feeling a bit under the weather so I pulled out the box of vintage music sheets my brother gave me (knowing I love old things), some blank cards and envelopes and decided to create some fun cards while hanging out with a cup of tea.

Everyone know I have a thing for Bigfoot (well...now everyone knows) so I printed a few from images online onto vellum type paper and cut them out. I cut and glued (I just used a glue stick) the music sheets (pick through the pile for fun titles) to the front of the blank card and then cut and pasted the Sasquatch on top. I stacked them all between wax paper and put a bunch of books on top for overnight to make sure they stuck together and stayed flat. Not sure who I'm going to write a note too on my handmade cards, but at least they will get a kick out of the card when they get it :)  Another confirmed sighting!!
My best, Joanne

Designer Marketplace Front Page

Thrilled to be a contributor for Williams-Sonoma. Exciting to open Designer Marketplace and see the interiew with me on the front page :) If you are a designer, this is a great program -- you have to check it out. Thanks guys and gals!! My Best, Joanne

Williams-Sonoma's Designer Marketplace

POTTERY BARN LINK PARTY and CONTEST



LINK TO PARTY! :)

I've never done a LINKY party before but the Pottery Barn 6 Days of Spring Linky Party looks like fun! Hmmmm....which spring project do I pick? I love this painted dresser I did for DIY NETWORK, plus there are step by step instructions for it! Thanks for checking it out :) My best, Joanne

DIY NETWORK: Repurpose an Oak Dresser into a Spring Flower Showpiece

made by Joanne Palmisano, Salvage Secrets. Photo by Susan Teare.

 

 

Look for this spring dresser project on the LINKY Party on the Pottery Barn Blog. Thanks! Joanne

 

Happy Spring to you!

DIY NETWORK Rainy Day Crafts for Kids and Adults

LOVED making these projects: sunburst photo display, handmade soaps in jewelry boxes, mini herb garden from old clementine box and duct tape and Washi tape bracelets for DIY NETWORK. For step by step instructions head over the DIY NETWORK page Rainy Day Crafts! Please remember to PIN them on PINTEREST so others can make them too! Thank you! Joanne

 

Soap and Bracelet photos by Susan Teare, Sunburst and Herb photos by Joanne Palmisano

Open Shelving Ideas for Your Kitchen from Salvaged Material



Hi! I hope you get a chance to check out my Blog Post for Williams-Sonoma's -- Cultivate! This one is about Open Shelving in the Kitchen. The first picture in the post is a budget-friendly shelf idea straight from my book, Salvage Secrets. This homeowner created a fun eclectic open shelf pantry with what???!!!.... I really hope you like my new guest blog post for Williams-Sonoma -- many more to come! Joanne  (photo by Susan Teare)

Thank you Williams-Sonoma and Designer Marketplace

FEATURED DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT...

THANK YOU!! What an honor to be featured on Williams-Sonoma's Designer Marketplace designer spotlight. Big thank you to Aaron, Lisa, Kathryn and all the folks at Rejuvenation and Williams-Sonoma for believing in me and your continued enthusiasm for unique salvage design! Please check out the short Q&A article (with great pictures) and click on the facebook and/or twitter link on bottom of the article if you want to share :)   My best, Joanne