APRIL 19, 20, 21 2012 SALE

Sherry's at it again!  Antique and vintage sale with outrageously great prices, during Belle Plaine City-Wide Garage Sale, today through Saturday!

1118 State Street West, Belle Plaine.

Main to Meridian, rt onto Meridian, Left onto State, about 10 blocks (there's not that many streets).  You will see the flag bunting on the right.

Happy treasure hunting!

ANTIQUE & VINTAGE SALE TODAY!

Nest Feathers is not coming back, but Sherry is having an Antique and Vintage sale at her place, today and tomorrow, October 5 & 6, 2011.  It's two blocks behind, and ten blocks west of my place.  1118 State Street West.  Great finds at super low prices!  Happy shopping!

Thththththat's all, folks!

Nest Feathers is closed.  It was a fun year, and for anyone inspired by us to try a boutique of their own, don't be put off by the fact we closed.  It wasn't wildly successful, but could have been, had it been my primary focus.  It was fun, and it was an opportunity to meet a lot of great people I wouldn't have otherwise ever known.  Thank you to all who came, shopped, enjoyed, and told others about us.  We'll probably do at least one sale a year, if not two, most likely October and/or April, so check back here in late summer to see what we're up to. 

If you are thinking of doing a boutique of your own and want to ask about what worked and what didn't, drop me an email at artistinwonderland@frontiernet.net.  If you want to see what I'm up to now, you can keep track of me at theartofthehome.blogspot.com.   As my darling Norwegian accountant says, "Ha Det!", which means "Have it Good!"

Dawn-Marie

SPRING CLEARANCE SALE!!!

This is it gals!  After this month, Nest Feathers will no longer be open monthly.  I hate to do it, but I have so many irons in the fire, and this little sale takes a full week out of every month to do it right.  Aside from Sherry Willard, one of the vintage dealers, the others involved aren't able to commit enough time to allow me to focus on my "real" work, so I must drop the ball, take a bow, and promise to make the occasional appearance in the future...probably early October.

This month, March, we are open Thursday the 18th from 10-5, Friday the 19th from 10-5, and Saturday the 20th from 9-4.  Sherry has marked down most of her amazing finds, many of which were already bargains, so if you are into vintage, get into Nest Feathers!  I'm pulling stuff up from the endless stash of salvage in the basement (a.k.a. the bottomless pit), so if you are into trash-to-treasure projects, you might find the perfect headboard, spindle, doorknob, window frame, or other diamond in the rough at a very easy price!  I've even sprinkled in some freebies, to make treasure hunting that much more of an adventure.

If you found Nest Feathers by flyer, then thank Sherry Willard.  I can't thank her enough.  In the first months, as well as showing up for at least a full day before every sale to bring fresh merchandise and reset the store, she slipped out of work to paper the south metro with flyers, boldly asking some of the classiest establishments to send you our way.  Those who know me would never think I'm shy, but those who know me well, know that I'm a shrinking violet when it comes to self-promotion.  Nest Feathers would never have gotten off the ground without Sherry.  In the past few months, she has even taken over making the flyers, knowing that my full time business, The Art of the Home (theartofthehome.blogspot.com), is taking all my time.  Thank you, thank you, thank you, you amazing friend!!!

See you this Friday, January 15, 10-5, or Saturday the 16th and Sunday the 17th from 9-4. We have new arrivals, some good mark downs, and lots of ideas for converting these gems into just the treasure you've been wanting!


Retro cool is oh so hot!


This console table could also be a bed corona, a faux mantle, an overdoor...


Aged to perfection, and very wise. All the best ones are.


Scrappers, I'm seeing great possibilities for this old record cabinet, and it's not the only one we have.

Remember, we can show you how to convert your treasures, or arrange the right artisan to do it for you, and if you don't see what you're looking for, ASK!

Happy New Year!

So what's in your resolutions this year? Going greener? Sticking to a budget? Redecorating your living room? We can help with all that! We've got cool vintage and salvage pieces, some great prices, especially on Sherry's vintage bits, and amazing artwork to decorate your walls. Be sure to check out the samples of custom painted wall finishes and custom built furniture, while you're here, or pop over to my other blog, theartofthehome.blogspot.com, to get ideas to brighten your home with paint, plaster and more.

Our days and dates are a little different than usual this month, as we're a week earlier and a day later. We're open Friday January 15th, from 10-5, Saturday the 16th, from 9-4, and Sunday the 17th from 9-4. Sorry for any confusion. Sometimes life happens and we just have to go with it. I'll pop back on here in a couple of days with photos of the new stuff coming in. Until then, stay warm, and put us on your calendar!

Twee Town sculptures from Melody Villars


Hand made ornaments Vintage "Ornaments"



Stockings featuring vintage linens

This Weekend in Belle Plaine

This is definitely the best weekend to make it out to Nest Feathers! Artist Melody Villars sent me two boxes of Twee Town collectible houses. These are similar in size to Department 56, but instead of mass produced in China from plastic, each of these is a one of a kind natural clay creation, hand made and signed by the artist. They can be displayed year-round, and can be ordered directly from the artist at any time. They are not currently featured on her website, but her amazing array of other art, some of which is on display here, can be seen at melodyvillars.com.

In the front yard here, I have Bernie the Garland Guy. He made my beautiful autumn garland that so many have admired swagged over my front door. This weekend only, he will be here turning out fresh evergreen garland. The frosty looking one with juniper berries he did yesterday was absolutely stunning. I'm not positive he'll be here on Sunday, so if you are wanting fresh garland at really nice prices, direct from the man who makes it, come today!

Lisa Spencer snagged some of her paintings for another show, but we do have a few of her originals, several prints, cards, fairy houses and gardens all at 30%off. Lisaspencerstudio.com will give you an idea of the amazing range and talent of this artist. I'm sure you can order from her after she moves to Palm Springs in January, but I suggest that you save postage and 30%, and shop here now!

Now if you really want to make an expedition of it, not only is this the weekend for the Chaska & Carver shops, there are also two more boutiques here in BP. One is at the local B & B, Friday and Saturday, just follow the signs from Main Street, and the other is at St. John's Assumption Church, just over the river and up the hill...barely five minutes drive. For info on this one check out Toni Fogarty's blog, frontporchphotos.blogspot.com.

You can also stop in at Mystic Journey, now open Fridays for Happy Hour (complimentary tea and treats and more), and with some amazing guests this weekend, including Angel artist,Paulette. For more info, and Sarah's schedule, go to yourmysticjourney.com, and click on "upcoming shows and workshops."

Don't forget that Sunday will be our downtown tree lighting, so I'll be open that afternoon from 2-7. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be hanging out in downtown, and several of our merchants will be open and offering specials.

I'm headed to the kitchen now to mix up a fresh batch of gingerbread for you to nibble, so grab a cup of coffee from Duets, and get on over here! I'll even give you the gingerbread recipe, but if you don't want to bake, The Bake Shop, just around the corner probably has some fresh baked for you to take home. On the way there, you walk right past Golden Touch Jewelery, where Tom kindly lets me display some of my painted furniture and wall painting portfolio in his window. Stop in and see him for a fresh watch battery, browse the cases of sparkly stuff, and if you need jewelry repaired or re-sized, bring it along to drop off. You can pick it up when you come back to see us at Nest Feathers.

December Edition

Is it Christmas yet? It is at Nest Feathers! We have lots of lovely vintage and antique things for your home, as well as beautiful handmade ornaments and gifts. We also offer some unique services. Did you know that you can have anything paintable, no matter where you bought it, personalized? Dawn-Marie used to be a sign painter, so she'll gladly hand letter a name monogram or phrase on just about anything. Need something special made? Ask!!! Many of our artists accept commissions, and there is still time, if you order early in December, to get most things done. Dawn-Marie also does gift certificates for painted furniture and custom decorating services, like those featured on theartofthehome.blogspot.com.

We will be open the first three Thursday weekends in December. Our hours are Thursday and Friday, 10-5 and Saturday 9-4. We will also be open Sunday, December 6th from 2-7, for the downtown tree lighting festivities. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting with kids (of all ages) in some of the local establishments, and many of these will have fun activities or photo ops for your family.

If you are coming from a distance, you might want to make a day of it, and pick up fliers here for other antique and unique shops in Henderson, Carver, Chaska, Jordan and Shakopee. Remember, you can grab coffee and lunch four doors down at Duets, or further down the street at Annie's Cafe, and you are welcome to bring it with you and come browse or hang out.

As always, we will have something yummy for you to sample, with the recipe available, if you like. We will also have fun make-&-take projects for you to try at little or no cost. Because we will be offering free gift wrapping, we won't do any bigger classes on Saturdays in December, but check back in January. Chip China Mosaic and Living the Artists Way have both been requested, and as soon as we wrap up our final December sale, we will decide when to schedule these.

We hope to see you here, but if you can't make it out, know that we wish you the brightest, merriest, Holiday season!

This Just In!!! 30% OFF Lisa Spencer!

My loss is everyone else's gain. My dear friend, artist Lisa Spencer has just called to tell me her great news: her home in Tonka Bay has sold, and closes January 14th. She'll be moving to Palm Springs, and she's not taking all this stuff with her. While I adjust to the idea of letting a friend travel on and away, you can snap up some gorgeous art at crazy low prices.

Lisa is not only the creator of enchanted pumpkin fairy houses, as featured last month, she is also the artist behind the watercolors and oils you have been admiring on our walls. All originals, prints, fairy houses and fairy gardens are on sale at 30% off. Not only will you be getting someone the perfect gift at an unbeatable price, you will be joining us in celebrating Lisa's new adventure!

November Edition...starts Thursday!

Are you ready for Thanksgiving? If not, check in here. We can't help you with the Turkey, but we can help you serve it all up in style! In the mix of cool vintage stuff, we have two sets of china, a solid wood bread board, and a whole collection of hand-wrought aluminum serving pieces (okay, not quite a whole selection, as our vendors keep buying pieces almost as fast as Sherry can unpack them).

Tom Meger, our local jeweler brought over the sample place settings of china from the days he sold Mikasa, and I turned each into tiered serving trays for appetizers or sweets. We just might have one that matches your pattern! We also have new arrivals from Marci Halfmann and Melody Villars, if you want to do some early Christmas shopping.

Unlike other retailers, we won't bombard you with Christmas this week. Let's savor Thanksgiving, and enjoy each season to the fullest. Not that we won't have a little bit. We'll give you a sneak peek at what's to come for our THREE December weekends, and our Make & Take project this month is Christmas Cards. I thought you might like to try a few here, and then while everyone else hits the mega sales on Black Friday, you can sit at your kitchen table with a few girlfriends and teach them how to make them. No charge for this one!

I'm not sure what recipe we'll be sampling this month, but it's bound to be yummy, as I'm putting in a call to Mom, the professional chef, first thing in the morning. I'm stumped for ideas for something that can be served at room temperature, isn't a cookie (we're bound to have lots of those in December), isn't cheese or cornbread, doesn't take a ton of effort or weird ingredients, and isn't something everyone makes. I'm counting on her to have an appetizer recipe that can be thrown together well in advance, so you can pull it out to keep the vultures from circling the stove while you are trying to time the lump-free gravy and mashed potatoes to arrive on the table piping hot. It'll probably even be good for you. She's that talented!

Our Saturday demo is also a freebie. Are we some fun or what? At 11 a.m., we'll show you how to create holiday tablescapes. Do you want to add charm to your buffet, using pieces you already own, or recreate those amazing, unusual centerpiece arrangements of collectibles you've seen in magazines? I used to work in the event industry, and learned the ropes from some of the best. I'll give you designer secrets for turning your vintage treasures, maybe even the ones you find here, into displays that will enchant your guests and set the perfect holiday mood.

We're open 10-5 Thursday Nov. 19th, 10-9 Friday Nov. 20th, and 9-4 on Saturday the 21st. You'll find us at 128 Main Street W. in Belle Plaine, 30 minutes south of 494 on Hwy 169. Take the Main Street exit, turning left onto Main, come through the second stop sign at Meridian, and then watch for us on the right, at the end of the row of commercial buildings.

Also in Belle Plaine this weekend: Belle Plaine Holiday Boutique is half a block from us. It takes place on Friday from 5pm until 9pm, and Saturday from 9 until 5. All your favorite home-based businesses, the ones you usually have to attend parties to purchase from, will be there: Shaklee, Partylite, Pampered Chef, etc., as well as some independents. We'll stay open late on Friday, to make it easy for shoppers to attend both.

Mystic Journey is open on Saturday. Jim's Apple Barn, on the way here is advertising apple smoked turkeys and hams, and as usual great pies. Remember, too that you are welcome to stop at Duets coffee shop, just a few doors down and grab a cup of something warm and wonderful on your way here. We invite you to bring it in and enjoy while you hang out and visit.

Saturday Afternoons

Sherry is on her way over to help set this month's sale, so we'll have all the updated info posted on here by the end of the day tomorrow. For now, check out our youngest artist at Nest Feathers.

Jensen comes for private art lessons on alternate Saturdays. We sample all different kinds of art, with a focus on things she might not do at school, or at home with Mom. When I teach older students, we work on learning to see, often using Betty Edwards text, drawing on the right side of the brain. It's a little looser with Jensen, since she's six, and her attention span isn't quite that long. Still, we try working from pictures or looking at real life things, to notice size, color, texture, and shape.

This is her polymer clay sculpture of McKinley, my best friend, an Alaskan Malemute. I think she did an amazing job of capturing the pose, and the details of the face. She also learned some claying techniques, like using a foil armature, instead of solid clay for more even baking. She's still working on remembering that word, but she's got the technique down pat.

Today we gave realism a rest and painted with Peebeo ceramic paints on tiles. We mixed dozens of colors, and created quite a few tiles that will make fine coasters. Perhaps those will post on here one day. Jensen doesn't yet sell her work, but we'll keep you posted when she makes the transition from showing to selling. Check back here tomorrow for details on this month's sale!

October Edition

Wow, time flies! Next week is the first of our two October Thursday-weekends. We have lots of new things...stacked glass candle sticks, lettered mirrors, handmade Halloween decor, and whatever else shows up between now and then. Sherry has some "new" vintage finds, and Marci, who donates ALL her proceeds to Oasis Bird Sanctuary, says she's been working on boxes. Not sure exactly what she's up to, but the last ones I saw were magical little mixed media pieces.

Speaking of magic and mixed media, be sure to scroll down to the next two entries. I was having trouble getting all the pictures to post, so I did a separate entry for each of our "departments". We have a fun little make-&-take, and a really magical class on Saturday the 24th. As always, we will treat you to some lovely home baked nibble, with the recipe there for the taking. You are welcome to stop at Duets (four doors down) for coffee on the way, and bring it in with you.

As it's October, remember that there is Emma Krumbee's Pumpkin Festival going on, Minnesota Harvest has u-pick apples (and more), and Jim's Apple Barn, right on the highway has apples, fresh baked pies, and jillions of other gourmet goodies. If you haven't bought your pumpkins yet, may I recommend the pumpkin wagon, parked on Main Street, just down from Annie's Cafe? Choose your pumpkin, then drop your money in the milk can...very Norman Rockwell.

As far as I know, the Carver and Chaska shops are open the 22-24th this month, so if you are planning to make the circuit, the second weekend may be best for you. Of course, that means you might miss out on the best bargains here...

See ya!

CLASS: Enchanted Pumpkin Fairy Houses

On Saturday October 24, Lisa Spencer, the artist responsible for the wonderful watercolors at Nest Feathers, has a special treat for us. She'll be conducting an adventure into the Realm of Faerie for you and your "Inner Sprite". Here's how she explains the class...

Play is Very important for grown ups! My goal with this workshop is to reintroduce you to some of the magic of childhood, now that you are old enough to do exactly as you please.

Although real Fairy houses are probably made out of mostly natural materials, these are not your usual fairy houses. They are created from recycled objects, like the bits found in your everything drawer, the toys children no longer play with, scraps of fabric, ribbon, and lace, silk flowers, little pictures from catalogues and magazines, old jewelry (like that one earring you just can't throw away), a key, tag sale treasures, and oh-so-much more!

Ask your "Wee One" what a 2-3'' tall fairy would like to have in their home. What colors, what textures, what theme? Make notes, and collect what inspires you.

When thinking of themes, you might want to know that one of Lisa's is titled "Maven's Shoe Haven" and the Fairy who lives there has collected all kinds of shoe figurines, doll shoes, shoe pictures, and even sleeps in a shoe! Very glamorous, in a miniature Imelda sort of a way. I plan to make a Gypsy wagon, a bit like Cinderella's carriage, but fitted out for Gypsy Fairy escapades. Remember that not everything has to be miniature...a teacup bathtub, a velvet coin purse turned sleeping bag...

Don't worry about bringing a lot of stuff, unless you really want to. You will be provided with a precarved funkin, in your choice of orange or ivory, with the interior already painted a pale gold, so it's ready to embellish. There will be collections of the above mentioned items for you to choose from to decorate and embellish your abode.

In a few hours, you will have created your unique home for the inner sprite in your life. Your indoor Fairy house will bring a reminder to always make a space for play in your day.

Class is from 11-2, on Saturday the 24th. You may stay longer to finish your project, if you wish. Cost: $20 Instruction, $25 Materials Fee. Pre-registration with $20 deposit is required to hold your space, as class size is limited. Make check payable to Lisa Spencer, but mail it to Dawn-Marie Quinche, 128 W. Main Street, Belle Plaine, MN 56011. You can call me with questions at (952)873-4493.

October Make-&-Take

This month's make-&-take project is Halloween Altered Art Pins, which can also be finished as magnets, in case you would rather post 'em than wear 'em. These are an easy mixed-media project that you can easily replicate at home. They are especially fun to make using pictures of your girlfriends, so bring along copies of photos that can be cut up, with the faces measuring 1/2 to 3/4 inch wide. Clipart and vintage photos, which I have on hand can also be used, if you prefer. The first project is free, each additional is $2.

Precious Pumpkin Fairy Houses Just Arrived

Lisa has just dropped off several pumpkin fairy houses and other enchanted fairy scaled tableaux. Haven't had a chance to photo, but if you are a fan of miniatures or fairies, you will be charmed! And if you are a frugal shopper, I think these are amazingly priced...Lisa is planning a move west, and doesn't want to haul inventory...come check these out!

Dressing table, antique desk, chalkboards, dogbeds, the little one's a salesman sample

pink glass lamp with custom shade, pink chic dressing table and poodle prints...and oh, so much more!

September Edition

In our September edition of Nest Feathers Boutique, we feature the work of nine artists, including everything from funky jewelry, by Marci Halfmann to fine watercolors, by Lisa Spencer. Cindy Heimerl has her contemporary paintings on display. Maureen Carlson (a rock-star of the polymer clay industry) has a couple of original pieces here, Melody Villars shows a few clay sculptures, along with her intricate collage cards, and Jane Lundgren has four raku-fired wall masks. T.C. Fogarty, retired dairy farmer-turned-wood crafter has several pieces for sale, and you can custom order almost anything from him. Together he and I have created a bunch of children's pieces, some ready to go, some built to order. And as always, we offer the music of Wilson Quinche and friends, to fill your home with the cheerful and soothing sounds of bamboo and cedar flutes.

Deb Fahey and Sherry Willard have stocked the front porch with vintage kitsch, and added some nice antique pieces to the mix inside. Sherry also found a couple of sweet dressing tables, which I helped her paint and skirt, and a dresser whose missing mirror we've replaced with a combination mirror and upholstered bulletin board. I also altered a few old pieces of furniture to make cool dog beds, and created coordinated jars for the all-important dog treats.

Our make-&-take this month is painted glassware and tile coasters. The price is $5 per piece, or bring your own glasses and pay only $1 per piece. The French enamels I use are also great on white or light colored ceramic pieces, like plain plates and mugs. This might be a good time to start some Christmas presents, or if you have a child tagging along with you, a chance to do a fun project together.

Because I am taking a class at Maureen Carlson's on Saturday, Sherry will be tending the shop, and there won't be a demo or class here. Plan ahead for next month's class, though! Lisa Spencer will teach you how to make enchanted pumpkin fairy dwellings. If you see a Funkin (carvable foam pumpkins) on sale or at a garage sale, grab it and watch for all the info in an upcoming post.

If it seems too far to drive for just our little shop, remember, we can direct you to several shops open in Carver and Chaska the same days we are, as well as antique and gift stores in Jordan, Emma Krumbee's scarecrow festival and Jim's Apple Barn on the highway, and several good restaurants. Duets is just a few doors down, if you want really good soup, sandwiches & coffee, and don't pass over Suzette, on 169 between Jordan and Belle Plaine, if you want something more gourmet. Trust me, the...um...unassuming exterior in no way reflects the fine quality of the food you will find inside!

More Info to Come

This blog will be up and running soon. Nest Feathers is a once a month boutique, located in Belle Plaine, MN. We feature vintage and antique treasures, restyled and upcycled furnishings, and fine and funky art from eight artists. Our next open dates are September 17-19 and 24-26. Yes, that's twice a month...my glitch is your gain.

We are open the same weekend as other nearby occasional stores, such as Mustard Moon, Seasons in Carver, The Nature of It, Linda's Cellar, The Country Cottage, and many more. We are however a little different than these shops in that we strive to create an atmosphere of having just walked into your favorite decorating magazine.

We not only have fun things to purchase, we have easy crafts to try at a very minimal cost, and a more involved demo or class on Saturday. Also, each month I choose a recipe from a recent magazine, and make it for all to sample. No, we don't sell food, we just think it's fun to offer something different than the usual grocery store cookies. We're all about creative living, and we hope to inspire you to try the things you always intend to, but too often put off.

I'll pop back on here in a few days with pictures and info on upcoming classes. In the meantime, check out my other blog, theartofthehome.blogspot.com. It's been a bit neglected since we started Nest Feathers, but it will give you an idea of what I do when I'm not arranging newly arrived merchandise in what used to be my living room.

Live Juicy!

Dawn-Marie