Raffle and Sale, Yvette, and Introducing Dana of "Not Too Shabby"

Elisha in front of Shabby Shed

It's chilly here in Bloomer, but don't let that stop you from getting out to shop! There are only a few weeks left until Christmas. We promise to make your shopping experience fun with good smells, tasty treats, and lots of great stuff to sort through.


Here at Shabby Shed we have a little bit of everything... unique seasonal and home décor, antiques, knitwear, jewelry, and gifts for all ages.



Hot chocolate mix from Legacy Chocolate!

We have good quality chocolate, coffee, tea, honey, candles, and (as of this week) hot chocolate mix from Legacy Chocolate in Menomonie. And don't forget:  almost everything we sell in the store comes to you from the hands of local people.

Hand-made cards

Example? Our large selection of all-occasion cards. Each one is unique and made by hand.

Tea pot bird feeders

The unique quality of hand-made gifts means that you can find something for that hard to shop for person who already "has everything." Do they have a bird feeder made from a teapot? Probably not :).

Mittens and knitwear

Many of our items are wearable, including mittens, hats, scarves, boot cuffs, cowls, and jewelry.

Stylish scarves and hats

Our hand-made soap, body butter, bath salts, lip balm, and mineral-based make-up will help you give someone (maybe even YOU) a spa-like experience. Everything we sell is as wholesome and healthful as possible.

Character hats

We have things for children, including babies: onesie and bib sets, sweater, character hats, room décor and more.


We also have larger items like quilts, furniture, and antiques. We have books by a couple of local authors-- one on "up-cycling" as well as a set of children's books.

Decorative signs and children's items

So stop by sometime in the next few weeks during our winter hours. We're open Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday 10 - 4 pm, and Friday 11 - 6 pm.


Each day you come in during the month of December, you can sign up for our holiday raffle. On December 21st, one lucky winner will receive a generous gift basket full of an assortment of Shabby Shed wares. There will also be drawings on the hour for smaller items, so lots of chances to win!

Potpourri and scented oils, now in winter fragrances

Saturday, December 21st will also feature a store-wide sale. EVERYTHING in the store will be 10% off. We'll have hot chocolate, coffee, and holiday treats to nibble on.

American Girl knitwear

One big change we'd like to mention is that our partner, Yvette, has decided to transition from being a part-owner of the store to a consignor. We'd like to thank Yvette for all of her hard work and energy. She helped get the store established under new ownership, and we went on to have a successful Grand Opening. We're glad we'll continue our relationship with her as consignor, customer, and friend.

Dana, creative force behind "Not Too Shabby"

Many of you who are regulars at Shabby Shed will recognize the brand "Not Too Shabby" as a name that comes up on the tags of many of the most original items in our shop. This brand belongs to our consignor Dana, from Chippewa Falls. We'd like to introduce you to her today.

Remember this? Dana.

Dana started crafting seriously during the 1990's, when her and two sisters and a sister-in-law started a business called "Nettie's Plum Tree". They sold their wares at home sales and a big annual sale held in Dana's house.


The name Nettie's Plum Tree was inspired by their grandmother. As Dana said, "She was from the old country. I never saw her in pants. She wore dresses every day, and if it was cold she wore two dresses."


"She would walk all of us five little kids a mile, out to this plum tree. We would pick the plums, and then she would hold her apron open and carry the plums home that way."

Her pieces have a soulful quality

After awhile Dana took a break from crafting, but had just started to get back into it when she discovered Shabby Shed (under original owner Randine). Soon she was back into crafting full-swing and selling her wares at Shabby Shed.


Dana's crafting process begins with the piece itself. She finds unique vintage or household items at yard sales, and then lets each piece "speak to her." Using paint, upholstery, and embellishment, she makes it into something one-of-a-kind. She doesn't like mass-produced things or copy-cat art. She likes things with imperfections and quirks.


Dana's favorite projects are dolls: "I get attached." She also likes reading, going on motorcycle rides with her husband of 26 years, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.


So there you go! Another insight into one of our marvelous crafters. If you come see us at the store, you can see the new things Dana just brought in last night :).

A Successful Grand Opening and Introducing Charis B., Crochet Artist



 

 

 

We'd like to begin with a sincere and enthusiastic "thank you" to everyone who stopped by Shabby Shed to celebrate our Grand Opening. It was a whirlwind weekend, but FUN.

 

Elisha outside the store during our Grand Opening

 

 

We loved seeing the familiar faces of our "regulars", but were also heartened by the large number of first-time customers who came through our doors.  We've always thought that if we could just get people to come in and see what we have, that the store would "take off", because what we're offering is unique. Where else can you find so many quality and affordable items, brought to you by local hands?

 

It was fun offering our customers champagne

Our consignors should be happy with October sales, because a lot of their creations found new homes. But rest assured, the store is not empty! Almost every day we make way for new things. It'll be worth your while to keep checking back with us throughout the holiday season.

Gorgeous antique dressing table, now in the store

Our line of baby stuff keeps growing

Felted hats... warm and fashionable

 

Potpourri and fragrant oils

 

And now: a visit with one of our consignors...

 

 

Meet crochet artist Charis B.

Charis, crochet artist

Charis is a 23 year-old Bloomer native who crochets baby ties, baby cocoons, hats and mittens, pins and hair clips, and flower headbands for Shabby Shed. She also has different types of clothing items at another consignment store in Bloomer-- The Turnaround-- which specializes in clothing. Her items there include the June Bug vest she's wearing (which is a cross between a vest and a scarf), clutches, dress vests, and ear warmer head bands.

Charis models one of her headbands

We thought it would be fun to feature Charis because she is such a convincing model for her own creations. She drops items off to us and we find ourselves ooh-ing and aah-ing over whatever crocheted fashions she's wearing. She's quiet and shy and always sweet. But when we started asking her about herself for this interview, we were surprised to discover that there's a big story behind her handiwork.

The crocheted back on one of Charis's June Bug vests

Charis uses her crochet earnings to help finance mission trips to other countries-! She has been to Bolivia, England,  and Vancouver, Canada (during the 2010 Winter Olympics); also Chile, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Israel, Kenya, and Uganda. She is currently saving for a return trip to Kenya.


Besides her crochet work, Charis babysits for four different families and is a volunteer youth leader through her church. Her overseas trips are group efforts led by a deacon from her church and a few other young people. But these are self-financed trips. The focus of the trips is relationship-building and supporting whatever improvement efforts the local pastors are doing for their area.

Leg warmers make a nice boot cuff

Charis started crocheting at age fourteen, with the help of a book and a few pointers from her mother. But it came easily for her and she now thinks of herself as a "natural crocheter." She no longer works with patterns... she sees things she likes and then comes up with her own version. (But she points out that she does NOT know how to knit). We are big fans of her boot cuffs, pictured above, which are simply leg warmers folded over the top of boots. We suggested she make some of those for Shabby Shed when she gets the chance :).

 

 

Even her belt is crochet!



 So another great consignor and another great story!

Until next time...

Grand Opening Details and Introducing Natalie of West Hill Honey

 

Elisha by our new wrapping paper shelf

We have been "busy as bees" here at Shabby Shed, getting ready for the Grand Opening this coming weekend! Sale dates to remember are October 11-13th. We're hoping that all of our customers and consigners (along with some folks we haven't met yet) will make it over during the weekend. We've extended our hours, to make that easier.


Grand Opening Hours:

Friday         10-8
Saturday       9-6
Sunday         9-5


There will be lots going on. New items, a storewide 10% off, drawings for prizes, and refreshments.

Shabby Shed

We've been talking to the local newspapers, so you might see a story about us this week in the Colfax and Bloomer papers. We're trying not to be such a "secret".

Our sign out front

We share a building with Real Estate One, and now we share a sign. The easiest way to find us is to remember that we're across the road from the new McDonald's in Bloomer.


We've been calling our consigners and encouraging them to bring as much new stock as possible. And the store has been filling up.


Right now we're kind of straddling two decorative seasons-- fall and Christmas. We've added a beautiful line of quilts to our other fabric creations: table runners, crazy quilt pillows, pillowcases, potholders, bibs, dish towels, baby towels, strip skirts and headbands.

Filling the store!

Throw-size log cabin quilt in batik fabric

 

 

Pretty painted table surrounded by harvest accents

We've got your holiday decorating needs covered

We have one gorgeous Christmas quilt...
a king size log cabin in red, green and white.
Red and white gingham backing.
 

Warm up your house with a cozy scented candle

But we also have "timeless" stuff to offer you, like antiques, furniture and special accents. Just this week we received a new assortment of infinity scarves, which are great... unlike traditional scarves, they come in a loop of stretchy material. Instead of tying, you twist the scarf a couple of times before putting it over your head. Very comfortable and easy to style.

Infinity scarf

And our jewelry assortment is growing. Besides our fused glass necklaces and plates, we now have original beaded jewelry made by Carmen of A Cute Bead in Menomonie. Her earrings and necklaces are offered at a variety of price points, depending on the materials used and intricacy of craftsmanship. The necklace below is one of our higher end items from Carmen. Gorgeous, isn't it??

Hand-made jewelry

 

We also supply mineral-based make-up and an assortment of fun hair pieces. We have hand-made soap, soy candles, locally produced honey (more on that in a minute!), and loose-leaf tea. This week we introduced coffee from Backroads Coffee in Hayward. And we'll debut chocolate from Legacy Chocolates in Menomonie at our Grand Opening.

Our tea, honey, and coffee area



Theresa from Backroads Coffee in Hayward
 helped us set up our coffee dispensers.
 We offer complimentary samples of the
packaged coffee grounds we sell.

So as you can see, we have lots to offer you!

 

 

And now, as promised, a closer look at one of our consigners and her products...

 

 

West Hill Honey

 



You've probably noticed our West Hill Honey products, available in the store. They are produced in Chippewa Falls by a 14 year old young woman who first got into beekeeping five years ago as part of a 4-H project. The hard-working owner of West Hill Honey, Natalie Abbott, tends her bee hives on a wooded hill in an urban area outside her family home. The whole family helps out, but the workload got easier after a successful fund-raiser last year to buy state-of-the-art honey manufacturing equipment. You can read about the entire project at http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1766386210/the-story-of-a-blossoming-honey-business.

Bee hives along the West Hill

Making the honey

Natalie in full beekeeping gear

 

Natural, raw, unprocessed honey is SO good for you (and delicious). But locally-produced honey has even greater health benefits. Local honey contains pollen particles from around your area, so eating it will lessen the seasonal allergies you experience.

 

 

Beekeeping is also good for ecological stability. Everyone's heard those stories in the news about bee colonies collapsing... whether because of pesticides, disease, or changes in the environment, the disappearance of healthy bee colonies threatens our food production. We need bees to pollinate many of our different food crops. Any time beekeepers are willing to help colonies along... that's a win-win for bees AND the surrounding community.

 

 



West Hill Honey is just one of the great local products we offer. Come to Shabby Shed's Grand Opening October 11-13th to see for yourself.

Introducing... The Shabby Shed!

1923 17th Ave.

Bloomer, WI 54724



Shabby Shed owners Yvette, Lisa, and Elisha

Welcome to Shabby Shed!

We're getting ready for the store's Grand Opening on October 11-13th, and thought it would be fun and informative to set up a blog for our store. So here it is!


Blog updates will keep you posted on what's happening at the store and introduce you, one by one, to our outstanding group of consigners... the creative folks who make or "up-cycle" everything we offer you at the store.

Furniture and home decor

What kind of products do we carry at Shabby Shed? Just a little bit of everything! We have furniture and décor for your home, garden, and the changing seasons. We have dishes, pottery, wall art, and jewelry. You can find antiques, hand-made soap, soy candles, honey products, and natural mineral-based make-up here.


We have hand-painted inspirational (or humorous) signs to use as household accents. Our picture holders and dry erase boards are one of a kind. You can also purchase knit wear, scarves, cards, tea and (coming soon!) coffee at our store. The list goes on and on!

Seasonal accents

What really sets us apart, though, are the consigners. Everything (yes, everything-!) in our store is made or "up-cycled" by one of our 35+ local consigners. This creative group of folks are literally your friends and neighbors-- people who live within an hour or two of the store. And because of our close contact with them, many of their creations can be personalized for your needs.




Natural Beauty Products

At Shabby Shed we hope to showcase beautiful pieces that inspire you and nurture your health and well-being. We will continue to gather the quality natural products we discover-- like our line of mineral-based make-up-- to properly pamper you, inside and out.

Fun clothing accents

Shabby Shed is a great place to browse, chat, and-- starting next week-- have a cup of coffee. But it's also the perfect place to find a one-of-a-kind gift for someone you love.




Every few weeks we'll post something new on this blog.  Each post will feature an interview with one of our consigners and shine the spotlight on her products. We'll let you know what's special about her creations and give you a sense of her personality and story.

Antiques

Hand-made totes

Holiday decor

Knit caps, scarves, and mittens

Children's items

Garden chairs

Shelves and magnetic chalkboards

But this week, to get started, we'll introduce ourselves...

Elisha



New owner Elisha met Shabby Shed founder Randine at a net-working conference. When she heard Shabby Shed was on the market, the wheels in Elisha's head started spinning fast... pretty soon she had Yvette and Lisa's wheels spinning, too. Elisha explains, "A few years ago I had to leave my job as a massage therapist, for health reasons. I started crafting, and before long was dreaming of having my own craft-related business one day. I wanted to connect with other people who enjoy making and using hand-made things, and meet other people who have a positive outlook and aspire to something better. This store is the perfect vehicle for that."


Elisha goes on to say, "I am the proud mother of a wonderful smart daughter who looks up to me. She's watching me pursue this new chapter of my life. Every day is an adventure."

Yvette

Yvette confesses that, "From the first time I waited on a customer and she walked away with a smile, I knew store ownership was for me." Yvette's worked in many facets of retail: sales, management, marketing, and merchandising. Her inspiration for shop-keeping began when her mother was a collector and talked about opening a shop with friends. As Yvette notes, "The one thing that's different and exciting for me about being a partner rather than an employee is that we can affect our local community. We can keep our business local and provide an outlet for other local entrepreneurs. Also, there is something very exciting about recycling and repurposing old treasures."


Yvette is also a wife and mother of two beautiful girls. She volunteers, crafts, and tries to be a good neighbor. As she says, "I hope through this endeavor to inspire others to reach for their dreams, to teach my daughters that they can do whatever they set their hearts and minds on, and to empower everyone who walks through our doors to follow us and go after their dreams. Each of us have real value and can and do make a difference."


Lisa



Lisa's involvement with Shabby Shed began behind the scenes as a consigner ("I do the silhouettes and colored pencil portraits"). After working at the store behind the counter, she fell in love with Shabby Shed's positive energy and creativity. Before long she was asking to be a co-owner (happily, Elisha and Yvette said "Yes!").


"I have three children and three stepchildren, and since my youngest started kindergarten this year, I was looking for a way to get back into the workforce. I love that this shop lets me be artistic and playful. I love that I have another reason to scour tag sales. And it's inspiring to be around other people who have 'the eye' and enjoy making and working with beautiful things. Even our customers have that creative flair-- many enjoy decorating. There's a very safe, encouraging atmosphere here at Shabby Shed. We encourage our consigners to take chances, and we promote them as artists. And the people who walk through the door are excited about what we have to offer."


So! Excited yet? Shabby Shed's official Grand Opening is October 11-13th. Our hours this fall are:

Wednesday 12-4

Thursday 12-7

Friday 10-6

Saturday 9-3

Sunday 12-4

 

There will be drawings, refreshments, and everything will be 10% off at the Grand Opening. DO NOT miss this special event... and tell your friends :).