Friday, March 13, 2009

Shabby Cottage Designs


Hello from Shabby Cottage Designs.com We have many unique pieces and a few new kitchen cuties too. While you are there be sure to sign up for our monthly newsletter so you can receive the latest additions to the site and special savings and discount coupons . Check in often as we have lots of great giveaways too! SEE YA THERE SOON!!!

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Relay for Life - American Cancer Society




Join Shabby Lane Shops in supporting the American Cancer Society. Click the banner above to make a donation.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Lamp Creations

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Please enjoy one of our weekly articles from one of our Shop Owners -Jacque of Lamp Creations - Thank you Jacque!

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BUY GREEN AND KEEP YOUR FAMILY SAFE WHEN YOU BUY YESTERDAY'S AND TODAY'S TREASURES

In these tough times we want to get the most for our money, help save the planet, reuse, restore, recycle, and keep our family safe. Often when we buy yesteryears' products, there's a nagging question about use and safety.

Love that wonderful crackling paint on shutters, doors, window frames, and furniture? We may know it is old, but how old is the paint? Lead was used in paints for many years. The paint industry started to regulate the lead in paint during the 1950's. When we have vintage or antique items, it's possible to contain lead.

How do we know if it has been painted with an unleaded paint? How do we know if the coat underneath this coat is not lead? The answer is we don't. To be on the safe side we have several options. If you love the finish, then put a couple of coats of latex flat clear coat over the paint. You still have the crackle effect, but the chances of the paint chipping will be contained.

We can paint over the item and still see the crack and crinkles. To add durability we can again put a clear coat over the paint.

Another option is to refinish and put a new coat of paint, stain, or other finish on the item. Please, please, use a mask when sanding or using a paint remover. Use rubber gloves and work in a well ventilated room or outside. Keep your children away from the area and clean up after your self getting all the chips, dust, and mess picked up by using a plastic liner so it can be thrown away.

When buying something new, that looks old, check where it was made. Some of today's items are made in China. Many dishes, plastic, teapots, cups, saucers, bowls will have a sticker on them to not use, for display only. This is often an indicator that they may have lead or other dangerous substances that can leach into food placed in the container. Mark these so that someone else will not use them by mistake. Don't let children play with them. They may put them in their mouth, drink from them, or otherwise ingest the chemicals.

Begin to look at items you love and open your mind. These treasures may be used another way. Love grandma's dishes, but they are stuck in the cupboard where no one can see them? Hang them on the wall in a collage of dishes. Baskets can be placed on walls and used as shelves. Learn to recycle and reuse in extraordinary ways. Empty frames look great on the wall and can "frame" other treasures. All sorts of vintage and antique items can be recycled into lamps. Make a small scene using old jewelry, gloves, perfume bottles, compacts, and other trinkets. Half the fun is coming up with the idea to reuse your favorite things. Just keep safety in mind. It's your family's health you are considering as well as you own enjoyment.

Please vist Jacque at Lamp Creations


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Shabby Lane Shops

Shabby Lane Shops is a wonderful online shopping mall and source to find romantic cottage, victorian, feminine, paris and french style, upscale boutique decor and accessories. Whether you are looking for uniquely beautiful and romantic furniture, handpainted decor, exquisite chandeliers, lamps and lighting, custom cottage pillows, linens, bags and totes, or boutique clothing using vintage chenille and treasured fabrics, Shabby Lane Shops can direct you to the right website. You'll also find one-of-a-kind artist made jewelry, inspirational gifts, incredible art pieces and exquisite rose painted furnishings, antiques, and vintage collectibles here offered by the most talented artists and boutique owners. Shabby Lane Shops will save you from having to spend countless hours searching the web for all your favorite shops and boutiques so be sure to save this site as one of your favorites and join our mailing list to receive the latest news on the best shops, special announcements and latest events.

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