Saturday Spotlight: Life Behind the Blogger

Susan from Must Love Junk, and myself (Kris) Junk Chic Cottage wanted to do a regular feature on our blogs, something unique that hasn't been done before.   So we came up with an idea to 'spotlight the real life behind the blogger' in a more personal way.

There is so much talent and inspiration in blogland, and we thought it would be fun to bring you a closer look at the person behind the blog.

Every week on Saturday we will spotlight a blogger and have them tell us a little bit about themselves and their blogs.  You will be able to see and read about each of the bloggers on both Susan's and my blog. 

Saturday January 25th

Rosemary from Villa Barnes

It gives me great pleasure to introduce you this week to Rosemary from Villa Barnes.  Rosemary is a very private and quiet soul. Rosemary is a beautiful and talented artist so I was so happy when she said yes to share a little of herself with all of us on Spotlight.   I met Rosemary and her beautiful pieces where she was selling at a local vintage market.  Rosemary also does a local flea market and displays her beautiful finished vintage pieces.  So sit back and enjoy getting to know Rosemary.  

When Kris asked me to be in the spotlight, she said, "I know you're shy, but..."  Okay, in the world of blogging, I've been called secretive, elusive, mysterious, etc. Shy, was a new one. I'm not shy, just protective when it comes to my personal life.  However, I assured her that I would be able to share a bit about myself, and, still hold on to that mystique I embrace. LOL

I could literally write a book about my life,

but, I'll keep it short.

Most of you know me for the redesigns, and paint finishes I share.  However, my initial aspiration was acting.  I studied theater, art, and writing in college.  I've performed in plays, commercials, industrial films, and, had a voice over gig.  To this day, I still get recognized as an extra in "Adventures In Babysitting".  If you pay attention to the club scene, there are several close ups of me in a garish blue sequins top.

So, how did an aspiring actress end up here.  Life took a turn when I got married, and had two adorable boys. They became my priority.

Two decades ago, when my oldest was a baby, my husband and I set up at a local flea market.

I started selling at antique shows soon after, and, acquired repeat customers.  I also sell by appointment.  I've never had a brick and mortar store.

During the same span of time, I've had, "normal" jobs here and there.  However, I never fit the conventional mold.

Self-employment is not for the faith of heart.  We've had, and, still face many challenges.  Yet, when I see my 18 and 21 year old, well mannered, respectful sons, I feel blessed.

So, what brought me to the world of blogging?

I started seeing my creations on the worldwide web. Some in the online shops of clients of mine. Others, in blog land.  More often than not, there was no mention of me.  I finally decided to do what so many had told me to do.  Start a blog.  Sharing my finds,

creations,

finishes,

tutorials,

and redesigns.

The world of blogging has also given me the opportunity to meet many kindred spirits. I'm so very thankful for that.  I've been truly humbled by all the support, encouragement, and inspiration.

Blogging has also allowed me to expand my customer base.  I recently opened an online shop on Zibbet. However, I'm planning to reopen my Etsy soon.

Years ago I could be found at an antique show pretty much every weekend.  I don't do as many these days, but, they are still necessary.  I will be setting up at quite a few this year.

A little more about myself?

I'm 54 years old, and, the youngest of six.  I'm the casual sort.  I rarely wear makeup, and, often wear hats.

With all the merchandise I've gone through over the years, I'm actually borderline minimalist.

I'm a big superhero fan.  My idea of a chick flick would be, "The Avengers", or, "Man of Steel".

My faith, is very important to me, and, I will leave you with one of my favorite bible quotes.

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.  Romans 12:12

Thanks for this opportunity Kris.

See ya soon.

Thank you Rosemary for sharing yourself with all of us.  I have always loved your beautiful creations and finished pieces so it was a wonderful thrill for me to feature you on Spotlight.  Now that you have gotten to meet Rosemary hop over to Susan's Blog and meet another beautiful and talented blogger Janet from Creating a Life.

Have a great Saturday.  

Kris

:)

Moving On

Moving on to the next room of no cost transformations.  I am working on my Living room and dining rooms next.

Not as big a change as the kitchen just some repurpose redo's to both rooms.

Here is the first redo I got done in the dining room this week end.

I had this old chippy door hanging in my guest room.  If you look at the header of my blog you will see it with my angel hanging on it.  

I took it and repurposed it into a counter in the dining room under my old chippy barn door.  I had this open space and I also had those three cute counter stools left from the kitchen redo so I thought ok let's get these together for a new look in that dining room area.

Open area under the chippy barn door.  That wall needed a little something.

So added the old chippy door to make a counter for those stools I had in the kitchen.  Still needed a little something so.........

I had these old legs on an old table out by the shed in the garden that my hubby's fire truck was on.  It was so weathered and falling apart so I thought I could at least salvage the legs for this project.

So the hubby took the four legs and made them into two so they could be used on the counter.  Love the chippiness to these.

This chippy little door repurposed into a counter under my barn door for this open space worked out perfect.

 I could still use my cute little bar stools I use to have in the kitchen and repurpose them into this space.

There you have it a no cost repurpose change up in the dining room area.  Just reusing things I already have to make a new decor change in a room.
Have a great week.  Stay tuned for more no cost change ups to come.
Kris
:)

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