The First Annual Cookie Swap

My dear friend Roxanne held her first annual cookie swap. A tradition we hope to continue for many years to come.

As some of you might already know, Roxanne is a very talented artist. It is always a treat to visit her home. Walking up to her house you are greeted by a message on a vintage sign. (No detail is spared) Please visit her web page on www.stokeschicantiques.com titled Roxanne the Artist

Following the path up to the door a welcoming porch beckons you to sit and stay for awhile.

Once inside the sweet smell of cookies is the first thing your senses react to. Followed by the peaceful and serene feeling Roxanne's home provides. Please enjoy a tour of her home.

It is lots of fun to get together with friends and exchange cookies. The assignment was that everyone bring 3 dozen of your favorite cookies and you would go home with 3 dozen assorted. It turned out to be a wonderful idea. I just loved it. This season is about family and friends. The sweets and treats are just a bonus!

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas!

Some people walk into my store and say, "You must have your house decorated like this." or "I would love to see your home." I feel honored to show you my holiday decorating and a small glimpse of my home.

I usually put up 3 trees. One in the formal living room. It is a tall slender tree composed of bright reds, greens, with tones of muted golds and silver. I inserted some crystal like branches for a bit of drama.

Next is the tree in our dining room. This is where the family gathers. Children love the bright colors on this tree. I would say it is our rainbow tree. We have a very fun snowman that lights up next to it.

The last and final tree is in our kitchen. I feel it is the heart of the home. This tree has fruits, and bronze color poinsettias along with some vintage German ornaments.

I hope this photos have inspired you as much as your photos inspire me.

Have a Blessed Holiday Season!

Christmas Carousel Show

Whew! The Christmas Carousel Show was alot of work, but well worth the exposure for us! I am still recovering from all the commotion. It was a 4 day show put on by the Abilene Junior League. We passed out over 800 fliers with our store information and a small discount coupon to get them to visit our store.

We had to cramp in tons of merchandise into a 10X10 space since we came in late on the list. It was the last one available, so we made do.

Since the show we have had new clients coming in daily. I think I may do it again next year and be a little more prepared. :)

Harvest

I have been working overtime getting the shop in tip top form for the holidays. Most of our fall items have left. Our Christmas merchandise has been put out and displayed. Old mixed with new vintage inspired items. Lots and Lots of glitter! Hues of tarnished silver and light glitter golds adorn the entrance of the store. We moved a large old stained glass window of Jesus to the front of the store. As you walk in the door it causes an impact and makes you feel serene.

The store looks completely different. Most of our business consist of furnishings. We take old unique pieces and give them a new life with paint. They have been moving out faster then we can keep them in stock. Therefore, the store is always changing. Hunting for new pieces is always a treasure hunt filled with surprises.

I am also getting ready to do the Annual Christmas Carousel show hosted by the Abilene Junior League. http://jrleagueabilene.com/events/ it will be the first week in November. It is swiftly approaching and I am panicking. I have never participated before so I am second guessing myself at this point. Did I order enough or maybe too much? What furniture pieces will I take? I am still going over the details and the show is two weeks away!

I will keep you posted on how it goes.:) For now enjoy the photos of hard labor.

Check out my Slide Show!

My Creative Friends

I am very fortunate to be surrounding by very talented people. Next door to my store is a Antique Mall called Classic Collections. It is a hub for creative and talented people such as my two friends Brandy from http://www.brandywineboutique.blogspot.com/ and Roxanne Spradlin a wonderful artist. Some of her work can be viewed on my website www.stokeschicantiques.com titled Roxanne the artist.

If you live in the area please stop by. Photos cannot due justice.

Flickr

Please visit some of my photos on Flickr.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stokeschicantiques/

Storefront

Our shop opened in the fall of 2006. It was a dream finally realized. The beginning of a new chapter in my life. An exciting venture that I could hardly wait to embark on. Our storefront had to make a statement from the monochromatic scene around us. I decided on a robin egg blue for the outside with chocolate brown signage. A local artist painted the topiary and sign. This is the space that I can let my creativity run loose. And so it began.

New to the world of blogging

Hi,

My name is Dalia Stokes. I have recently opened an antique shop. Browsing through the internet I ran across several shops that have blogs. I must say I have become addicted to reading about them and their lives. This prompted me to begin my own blog. So here I am writing about myself and my life.