The Whistle Stop Country Store

Everyone Hearts the Cart!

2012-01-21T21:42:00.000-06:00

This Cincinnati railroad cart was a great find!

Once we knew we we opening up the temp store

at Village Pointe we knew it had to be in the

window display! It was an attention getter and

was a great fit for the theme of our

Goin' home for Christmas story.

Sad to see it go...

but, I was able to go and visit!

Retired now from service & all

comfortable in it's new home.

What's in a Word?

2012-01-15T15:12:00.000-06:00

... one little word.

... to live by.

... to strive for.

... to make good on.

The years resolution in a "word".

This is what I wrote last year.

My word is “good”.

If I would happen upon that pot at the end of a rainbow

I would want it to be filled with “good”. Good family,

good friends, good business, good fun, good times, good thoughts,

good attitude, be good, do good, feel good... what more could

I wish for than a little good in everyday...

which translates into a good week,

a good month, a good year, a good life!

Wishing you a little “good” each day!

It was a "good" year.

Now to find my "word" for 2012.

Hmmm...

Maybe I'll just let it find me.

Pictures!!!

2012-01-05T21:12:00.000-06:00

Our holiday store @ Village Pointe

has come to a close, but we have

the memories & PICTURES!

Go to our website to see it all!

Our Little Shop...

2012-01-02T07:56:00.000-06:00

... is getting a little make over!

We went with a lighter color palette this time.

(Eddie Bower colors from Lowes

walls /wicker, trim /shore & ceiling/cloth)

She looks so pretty just like this I almost

hate to fill her up... almost.

The "Mr." painted walls, trim & ceiling... then refinished

the old floors. They went from dusty, dry & gray to this

warm, rich color. Just love them!!!!

The move back begins today... better get a move on!

2011-12-31T20:25:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year!

Hoping 2012 will

be all that you hope for!

Last Day Sale!

2011-12-26T08:32:00.003-06:00

SALE!!!

Village Pointe Store

Omaha NE

168th & Dodge

South side

enter off Burke street

THE WHISTLE STOP

COUNTRY STORE

marking all Holiday merchandise

75% off!

Everyday items 25% off!
A few Rescued Furniture pieces
are 20% off!

*jewelry is not on sale.

Only 1 day left in our temporary spot!

Come out and see us!

2011-12-23T12:06:00.000-06:00

Peace

this Christmas & always.

'Tis the season...

2011-12-19T14:56:00.000-06:00

... it has come and gone for our little Elkhorn store

but there are lots of "wonderfuls" still for the giving

at our Village Pointe location!

holiday items... rustic treenware...

recycled scarves from Green 3...

awesome "Rescued Furniture" pieces...

The clock is tickin' ... hope you all are ready

for a Merry Holiday!

It's a Party!

2011-12-15T17:30:00.000-06:00

Join us this Sunday, December 18th

for a little celebration!

Sunday hours @ Village Pointe 10-6

Saturday, December 17th is the last day to shop our

Elkhorn store for 2011! Don't worry we're not

going anywhere. Just going to do a little work

on the ol' gal and then take a little nap...

... just until February!

In the mean time you can still find us at

our Village Pointe store through the

end of December!

Happy Holidays!

Yeah!

2011-12-09T08:11:00.000-06:00

The website is up & running again!

Twinkle Night pic's & year end schedule are posted.

Grab a cup a coffee & go take a peek!

Happy Holidays!

Almost Time...

2011-12-05T06:58:00.000-06:00

... to get your "Twinkle" on!

There is still a lot to do to be ready for

tonight's customer appreciation & charity event!

5:30-8:30

We'll have the cocoa on!

2011-11-29T16:28:00.011-06:00

Twinkle Night at the "SToP" in Elkhorn!

Come get your "Twinkle" on!

Door prizes, treats, merriment and more!

Raffle proceeds to help a local family this Christmas!

Monday, December 5th 5:30p.m.-8:30p.m.

click above to read!

2011-11-24T12:22:00.000-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hello...

2011-11-18T07:37:00.000-06:00

Just stoppin' by to say hi!

Filling up three spaces... WS Elkhorn,

WS Village Pointe & WS @ the Autumn Festival

leaves no time for blogging.

I'll be back soon with more pictures!

'Tis the Season...

2011-11-08T18:29:00.000-06:00

... and the Whistle Stop has all the trimmings

and is adding more each week @

the Elkhorn & Village Pointe store!

Open everyday at Village Pointe

& Saturdays in Elkhorn!

The Whistle Stop's Holiday Market...

2011-10-30T22:40:00.001-05:00

open house!

Our website is still out of commission...

Postcards are due in from the printer tomorrow... a week late!

So some folks may not get the info in time.

So, please spread the word to friends

that the "SToP" will be decked

with Christmas!

Hello...

2011-10-17T09:40:00.000-05:00

just want to say hello!

Busy, Busy, Busy!!!

Computer problems... AGAIN!!!

{can't post anything to my website...

no pictures, no schedule, no newsletter}

There's so much to do,

because of...

1. Holiday MARKET Open House is coming up!

Nov. 3rd, 4th & 5th!

2. We are opening a temporary store

for the Holidays @ Village Pointe Shopping Center in Omaha

during November & December!

3. The Whistle Stop will keep our schedule as planned.

Open Saturdays 10-4

{closed Sat. Oct. 29th as we prepare for the holidays!}

Along with our Holiday MARKET (see above)

& Twinkle Night, Monday Evening Dec. 5th 5:30-8:30

4. Autumn Festival @ the Qwest Center

Nov. 17th - 20th

If I don't get here that often you'll know why!

Off I go... lot's to do today!

A SHOPKEEPER SHOUT OUT...

2011-10-02T09:23:00.000-05:00

A big Shopkeeper Thank You goes out

to all the wonderful vendors & helpers &

customers who joined us yesterday for our

Shopkeeper & Friends

Antique & Artisan Market

at The Whistle Stop Country Store!

Ashley, Julie & Vicki
Homeward Bound & Porch Post Primitives

Vicki & Yvonne
my sis & my mom
Porch Post Primitives & Still Quiltin'

Dana & Carol

Dazcot Dezigns & Now & Then Interiors

Cammie & David

Daffadowndilly's

Sheri & Linda

Junktion 42

Sara

Junque Factory

Sara

Arts & Craps by the Papier Mache Repair Shop

Paula

Red Door Primitives

Aaron

Poverty Hills

Lori

Antiques on Franklin

Karen

Pretties & Primitives

Doug & Sally

A Bit of Vintage

Lily... my little helper

& her mom Melissa (not pictured)

Another helper Conner (not pictured)

Mr. Shopkeeper...

head chef & baker & carpenter maker!

All our customers who we call friends!

And Mother Nature for a great Autumn Day!

Thanks to all...

... it takes a village to

make a great show!

Ding Dong the Witch is in...

2011-10-01T20:53:00.000-05:00

@ 9:00 !!!

It was a cool fall morning... the witches & cats

gathered to greet customers!

The line up began early and stretched

down the block!

The "Mr." baked two of his famous

chocolate cakes!

There is not a bite left tonight!

A view of the market.

Lot's of great goods under those tents!

Thanks for those who came today!

For those you couldn't or live to far

you can dream in pictures... tomorrow!

... time for bed. It's been a long day.

... good, but long!

Night.

Are you a Flea Market Style Magazine "Junkie" ?

2011-10-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

If you answered yes... then you need to come

out to Shopkeeper & Friends Antique & Artisan Market

@ The Whistle Stop Today 9a.m. - 4p.m.

and meet my friend Cammie from Daffadowndilly's!

Here's Cammie & I in her shop. Yes, I'm the

one with my eyes shut. Don't look at me, look at

all the great junk behind us! Lot's & lot's & lot's!!!

Cammie as they say is a "jill-of-all-trades".

She's been in the "pickin'" business

long before all the TV shows have

shown it to be popular!

Cammie finds, repurposes, lots of

the great goods you find in

Flea Market Style. She's bringing

some magazine with her. So, if

you haven't gotten one yet, you'll

have to get one!

Maybe she'll even sign

it for you!

More Vendors!

2011-09-30T09:52:00.001-05:00

You won't want to miss

Shopkeeper & Friends Antique & Artisan Market

tomorrow! 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Great vendors, with great goods!

Junktion 42 ... Sherry Ausdemore & Linda Smith

This is their booth in June... I can't wait to see

what they bring on Saturday!

Now & Then Interiors & Dazcot Dezigns ...

Carol Zak & Dana Cotter

Fun jewelry & great antiques!

(photo borrowed from Gatherings on the Blue)

Arts & Craps by The Papier Mache Repair Shop;
Sara Lihz Staroska
Sara is a new vendor. It will be a surprise as to
what she's bringing. Met her at a craft show
last weekend and she was almost sold out!

Junque Factory; Sara Parks
Another Sara... another new vendor.
Lots or rustic, industrial junk finds!

Porch Post Antiques; Homeward Bound;
Vicki Hitchler, Julie Olson, Ashley Frye, Yvonne Engel
Two spaces + four vendors = lots of good stuff!
primitives, mini quilts, & more!

Antiques on Franklin; Lori Kehm
Garden spires, fall decorations, antiques
& lots more!

Vendor Goods... you're goin' to love them!

2011-09-28T09:22:00.003-05:00

Karen Greenfield's Primitive Goods!

Pumpkins, felted wool, button designs & witches!

Promise the only spell she'll put on you is

that you'll love her stuff!

A Bit of Vintage by Sally Wells

A wonderful collection of necklaces made

with vintage trinkets. It will be hard to choose

just one! She'll be bringing other vintage &

primitive goods as well!

One woman's junk... well we know it's always

a treasure with Daffadowndilly's! Cammie Methany

has just returned from the Nebraska Junk Jaunt.

I'm sure some of these treasures will be heading

to Shopkeeper & Friends this Saturday!

These pictures of Paula Conner's wares

are from our June Shopkeeper & Friends market.

I can't wait to see what she's bringing this time!

You can always expect wonderful primitives from

Red Door Primitives!

Poverty Hills will be here with

more PUMPKINS! ... and I'm

sure a few treasures from the farm as well!

These are just a few of the vendors that will be

joining us on Saturday! More introductions to come tomorrow!

This Saturday!!!

2011-09-25T18:05:00.002-05:00

We’re doin’ it again!

Grab your friends & come spend the day at

The "SToP"!

Vendors will be setting up shop on the lawn

of the W.S. with primitives, jewelry, antiques

handcrafted & repurposed goods!

fun, food & friends

what more could you ask for!

*parking... please be careful not to block

neighbors driveways or park on the city's

walking path. There is public parking

just a short walk west of the W.S.

Doable by Saturday?

2011-09-21T19:30:00.000-05:00

Bless the "Mr." & his assistant 's heart!

They cut & sanded all this for me today!

36 pumpkins

44 candy corn

2 pairs of witches boots

It's going to be a late night...

Fall Market Pictures...

2011-09-19T23:46:00.000-05:00

Fall Market pictures are now

on the website.

... have a look!

2011-09-16T23:12:00.000-05:00

Apologies from the

Candy Corn Fairy...

... no candy corn stakes or sitters this week.

We did get a new band saw and I haven't

even had time to play with it yet!

I will have them done for next Saturday the 24th!

Lot's of Halloween stakes on the list

for our Shopkeeper & Friends Vendor Show

on October 1st. Mark you calendars

you won't want to miss this one!

Wedding Reception... vintage style!

2011-09-13T23:12:00.000-05:00

I was lucky enough to have a son (that used to say

he's never going to have that old stuff!) and

daughter-in-law that likes vintage!

They had a destination wedding and

then we had a party!

The reception was very casual... which I loved.

I'm not a fancy dress kind of girl!

Stenciled signs guided guests to the reception

site in the country.

On each side of the entrance hung two banners

made from burlap & stenciled read

All we need is love

Love is all we need

An old turquoise wheelbarrow filled with greens and

a hanging ball jar welcomed guests at the door.

A friend from the Whistle Stop did our flowers

for us. Thanks Linda! They were just perfect!

Their guest book was a hand drawn tree.

Every guest stamped a thumb print and signed their name.

Got Wisdom?

Friends & family were encouraged to share advise.

The tags were then dropped in the vintage birdcage.

Little old drawers held the tags.
The birdcage came from Simply Bungalow
in Lincoln, NE.

Two love birds topped the birch frosting cake.

I found them on ETSY after the kids got engaged.

The forks were stamped with Mr. & Mrs.

from Jill Ruth & Co.

This vintage three tier table was repurposed

for a dessert stand. We made 125 mini peach

and apple pies!

Old porch posts were repurposed by the "Mr."

for a clothesline to hold a time line of pictures.

A friend of the bride wood burned tree

branch rounds that read

happy together

The food table was up on stage. To keep anyone

from falling off we used an old chicken feeder

filled with ferns, daisies, ribbons and hanging

ball jars with floating candles.

The old flash cards read...

she said yes

Another old drawer held hand stamped bags

filled with cookies!

The galvanized bucket was stenciled with birds

to hold ice cream cups.

Was tubs held pop, water & spirits!

We had games out on the lawn for everyone to play.

One of my favorite little people.

An antique chalkboard for the kids

to draw.

Guests received blue & green rock

candies as a favor. The sign read

You "rock" for sharing in our day!

FALL MARKET...

2011-09-09T08:57:00.000-05:00

THANK YOU TO OUR WONDERFUL

CUSTOMERS, MY WONDERFUL WORKER BEES,

POVERTY HILLS & THE "MR." FOR MAKING

THE WHISTLE STOP'S FALL MARKET

A SUCCESS!

MORE PICTURES COMING SOON!

The Office Move...

2011-08-25T22:07:00.000-05:00

... across the room!

I moved my office space in our den from

one side of the room to the other so

I would have a little more space to

ORGANIZE!

The challenge was to use what I had.

So, I dug through my junk and repurposed a

few things for my organization wall.

I added cork to an old frame & hung it

from cup hooks. I have a pile of clipboards

so I used them to hold note paper & pictures.

I love these old store ticket holders. I attached

them to an old clip board. Great for holding

notes, lists, pictures and more!

More to do... but, it's a start!

Chocolate Cake...

2011-08-07T16:11:00.005-05:00

... will travel!

Only this time it didn't have to go so far!

We've been promising our friend Cammie of

Daffadowndilly's the "Mr.'s" famous

chocolate cake.

Some of you may remember the story of

the one that traveled to the Junk Bonanza

and we never got to eat it.

Since, 2009 we've been telling Cammie & David

when they come to Omaha we'll have cake.

They were vending at the Junque Factory show

near by and so being the kind of guy my "Mr." is,

he baked them a cake and delivered

it to them at the show!

I bought this old cake & bread tin

from Cammie years ago for

a Christmas gift for the "Mr.".

I held the cake on my lap as

we drove just a couple of miles

to the show. It was tough to keep

from plucking a few of

the sugared raspberries right off the top!

The cake was served.

And I might add...

it's all gone!

Repurposed Project...

2011-08-05T22:14:00.003-05:00

Poultry feeder... repurposed.

I wish you could here the sound

of the water bubbling from

this old feeder. Simply relaxing.

It would make a great conversation piece

in your city garden or would fit right in on the farm!

The chickens may think you've

given them a day at the spa!

Girls Day Out...

2011-08-03T12:30:00.000-05:00

Time is ticking before I head back to school (work)

and it was time to go have some fun!

A friend and I spent yesterday at a couple of

antique malls, lunch & her home!

My favorite part of the day!

She has quite the creative flair decorating with

old, new, antique, flea market, Good Will finds!

It had my mind spinning with ideas!

This little gem she bought at the "SToP"!

It looked so cute in her home among old books

& many other typewriters that were focal

pieces in the room!

This bird cage was another Whistle Stop

purchase! She added a little tag that read

"fly away home".

How sweet is that?

This metal piece was bought at The "SToP's"

Shopkeeper & Friends Antique & Artisan Market.

She lined the top with vintage brass hose nozzles.

A stack of books as a floating shelf...

all graduating sizes, coordinating colors,

and inspirational titles make it the perfect

resting spot for this little bird & nest.

Old time card racks were filled with notes,
tags & quotes. Such a fun conversation piece
in the entryway!

I have some new inspiration for my new office space
& projects for the "SToP"!
Creative inspiration is all a girl needs!

2011-07-27T17:15:00.002-05:00

Sorry,folks! Went to the workshop

to take pic's of the finds and

... battery dead in the camera.

It just doesn't seem to hold a

charge anymore! Need a new

battery or new camera?

...hmmmm ?

Anyway I will try again

tomorrow!

So, on the way home I started thinking...

scarey thought... me thinking!

I go back to work (school) in 14 days! YIKES!

And I'm not the least bit ready!

...or organized to add to my daily "to do's".

In order to get my "life"

(aka... bookwork/ETSY store/Whistle Stop's

long list of chores/house cleaned)

I need some incentive!!!

(also, was inspired when I visited

Andrea from Faded Plains the other day.

... loved, her office!)

So, here's the plan...

... move my "office"... just to the other

side of the room... where there is a little

more room to "be organized"!

AND

to "re-organzie" & "re-decorate" without

spending any money! The goal to use

what I have... use what I can re-purpose...

make it fun... make it cute... make it work!

I will keep you updated on the progress!

Now, I just have to run it by the "Mr."

and get him on board with the little move!

It's only across the room!

I need a wall of this!

{Pottery Barn}

2011-07-27T10:55:00.000-05:00

Finally had time to get in the garden yesterday!

I picked a bouquet to share with all of you!

Then had a great day with the "Mr." out

junkin'! Never took my camera out once while we

were out! What was I thinking?

Will take some pictures of our finds

later to share with you.

Until then hope you're all having a great day!

Summer Home Show...

2011-07-23T22:00:00.000-05:00

... pictures now on the web.

Go take a look!

Do I hear? ...

2011-07-21T06:38:00.000-05:00

Woke to the rumble of thunder... hoping it would pass us by.

This is when I wish my 500 square feet store was just a little bigger!

I hope the tents put up by the boy scouts are secure & protecting all

the Rescued Furniture we have under them!

Off to the "STop" to prepare for the open house...

rain or shine or thunder storms

can't keep us down.

The show must go on!

... just one favor Mother Nature

rain, rain go away

The Whistle Stop has plans today!

p l e a s e!

The Show must go on!

2011-07-20T10:53:00.001-05:00

Despite the heat index of 110 today...

Despite the fact that the power is out today...

Despite the fact that there is 40% chance of thunderstorms tomorrow...

... some severe they say!

The tents are up & set up has begun!

We will be there tomorrow come rain, storms,

or power outage for our Summer Home Show,

with the shop & two tents full of furniture unless

mother nature sends us to Kansas!

Hope to see you there...

at The Whistle Stop,

not in Kansas!

Take a run through the sprinklers and

stay cool!

Zinnia's...

2011-07-16T21:09:00.000-05:00

... finally in bloom!

enjoy!

Summer Home Show at The Whistle Stop...

2011-07-08T11:53:00.000-05:00

... less than two weeks away!

A parade of chairs... all lined

up and ready for our

Summer Home Show!

There's lots more in storage ready to go

& there's still 12 more working days!

I think the "Mr." will be ready for

a little R&R when this show is done!

Summer Do's...

2011-07-02T00:32:00.000-05:00

This is where I've been...

...doing a little gardening!

... doing a little playing

with with one of

my favorite guys!

...sewing wedding invitations

for our oldest son & his girl!

... getting The Whistle Stop

up & running on facebook!

(hey, gotta keep up with

the times! Go like us

if you "do" facebook! )

... working on a new endeavor!

(I was asked if I sell patterns

for my designs... now I'm

designing patterns.)

... working on opening an

ETSY shop on line!

... working out 3x a week

at my son's nutrition &

training store.

(you'll have to trust that I am

because I'm not going to

put a picture of me "dying" on

the eleptical!)

... preparing for our

Summer Home Show

July 21st, 22nd, 23rd?

What have you been

up to this summer?

2011-06-24T13:26:00.000-05:00

Well, I finally got it done...

...just not sure if I've done it right?

The Whistle Stop Country Store

is now on facebook!

Still some things to learn! Like how to

add the fb button to my blog.

Havin' a bit of trouble... and

out of time to work at it right now.

Go like our page if you would please!

We would appreciate it from the bottom

of our hearts!

xoxo

Pictures of Shopkeeper & Friends...

2011-06-06T18:51:00.001-05:00

I just posted pictues to the website

from our

Shopkeeper & Friends

Antique & Artisan

Market.

I just first want to say thank you

to all who helped & made it a

a day of fun for all!

The "MR."... who goes above and beyond

My kids... who are always there to help

My friends... couldn't do it without them

My vendor friends... you made the show

THANK YOU... xoxo

Just a tease... go to the website

to see more good finds!

Antique Market...

2011-06-05T11:25:00.000-05:00

SHOPKEEPER & FRIENDS

ANTIQUE & ARTISAN

MARKET

2011

"went off without a hitch" !

More pictures to come!

Shoopkeeper & Friends... Count down is on!

2011-06-03T10:54:00.000-05:00

Good Morning!

Last day of prep for our

Shopkeeper & Friends

Antique & Artisan Market!

Lots to do!

Just like the mama & papa

birds do in the Spring!

...building their nests

...getting it just right

...tending to their babies
... making sure all is just right

Sounds just like the

The Whistle Stop! Only our

baby (the "SToP") is going

on 19 years and with each event
there is still lots of building
& tending going on!

The "Mr." has been building,

repurposing ...tending to all

the projects for tomorrow's show!

...the bird house posts are done.

... all 13 of them!

... fillin' the nest with
old button hair clips & more!

... the flowers have bloomed

... we are working hard

like good mama's & papa's do

so by morning

the "SToP" will be ready to

fly!

Come out and play with

us tomorrow!

Shopkeeper & Friends

antique & artisan

Market

9-4

11 vendors

with wonderful handcrafted,

repurposed & old goods

the W.S. has added some

great finds as well!

Come hungry... the "MR."

is sharing his other talent

California Tacos!

*{proceeds will give us a head

start to help our adopted family

this Christmas}!

Look What's Coming to Shopkeeper & Friends...

2011-06-01T06:54:00.038-05:00

Take a look at what Faded Plains is bringing to the

Shopkeeper & Friends

Antique & Artisan Show

Hop on over to her blog to see more!

I can't wait to see everything on Saturday!

THE WHISTLE STOP

Country Store

SATURDAY, JUNE 4TH

9-4
Ten vendors join us on the grounds

around the shop!

primitives

handcrafted

garden art

farmhouse wares

repurposed goods

mini quilts

altered art

The "Mr." will be servin' up his

famous California Tacos.

{Proceeds will give us a head start

to helping a family this Holiday season!}

So,grab some friends and come

spend some time at

the "SToP"!

2011-05-30T10:24:00.011-05:00

Sherry & Linda... from Junktion 42

These two gals have been customers of the "SToP"

for some time. One day Sherry came in and asked

if I would post a postcard for her up and coming

show at her home... "of course!", I said.

The card had the greatest, repurposed junk pictured!

I knew I just had to go!

I arranged for a friend to work & the "Mr." and I

headed to IA for a fun day of shopping... or so we thought.

... and here is the funny part of the story.

We found our way to her home and when

we pulled up in the driveway I said to

my husband, there's nobody here.

Right then I realized...

I looked down at the postcard and YES...

I had the wrong date!

Good thing the "Mr." is a really a patient guy!

So, I for one can't wait to see some of the

wonderful, repurposed junk that Junktion 42

will be bringing to the Shopkeeper & Friends show!

Meet more Vendors of Shopkeeper & Friends Market...

2011-05-28T19:34:00.001-05:00

Paula... from Red Door Primitives

Formally the shop owner of

Amy's Country Cottage in

Nebraska City, Paula now runs her

business from her home.

If you love PRIMITIVES than you

are going to love Paula's handmades!

She definitely has a knack for aging her cloth items.

Isn't he just the cutest!

You can find what's new at

Red Door Primitives on Facebook.

Under one tent you will find this trio...
Deb & Judy... from Cotton & Wool Prims
&
my mama... Yvonne... from Still Quiltin'
Deb & Judy... customers turned friends & my
cannot do without "helper bee's"!
They also craft some wonderful things.
Wool mats, bears, felted nests, yo yo table mats!

My mom, now 86 is "Still Quiltin'" ... everyday!
She has made several large quilts for us kids & a few of the
grandkids. Mostly she makes small quilts that she sells
at The Whistle Stop. I know some customers have
quite a collection of them. Wish I could count how
many she's sold over the 19 years we've been in business!

Great Grandma made this
quilt for my grandson's big boy bed.

Who's Who... of Shopkeeper & Friends?

2011-05-27T13:37:00.000-05:00

Here are some of the talented

vendors you will meet at

The Whistle Stop's

Shopkeeper & Friends... June 4th!

Andrea... from Faded Plains

We originally met Andrea and her husband

at the Venice Flea Market a few years ago.

They had moved to the mid-west from California too!

We automatically had things to talk

about and shared a love of old things!

They live in a wonderful old farm house.

Andrea's vintage style decorating of

their home found it's way into

Fifi O' Neill's book

Romantic Prairie Style !

Be sure to check out her wonderful

blog and Etsy store!

http://fadedplains.blogspot.com

Lori Kehm... from Antiques on Franklin

I met Lori years back at a local craft fair.
In 2010 Lori took the plunge and opened
up a brick and mortar store in Bellevue, NE with
a friend. Antiques on Franklin
should be a must stop on your stores to visit!
I always find treasures on every visit.
Lori makes wonderful garden mosaics & has
an eye for fun vintage finds!

You can find store hours on their website.
http://antiquesonfranklin.com/press.html

Carol and Dana...
from Now & Then Interiors
& Dazcot Dezign

This mother and daughter team have been customers
of The Whistle Stop for years. What I didn't
realize until much later is that I had been customers
of theirs when they were Shopkeepers of Now & Then in

the Haymarket in Lincoln. I'm so glad they joined
us for our Shopkeeper & Friends market!

They will have a tent full of
primitives, handmade jewelry &
summer florals!

Shopkeeper & Friends Antique & Artisan Market...

2011-05-19T22:17:00.010-05:00

After 19 years in business it's sometimes hard

to come up with something new.

Something that will really excite our customers...

Well... by golly, I think we've done it!

Saturday, June 4th
9-4

The "SToP" is hosting an intimate gathering

of talented friends who will set up shop on

the grounds around The Whistle Stop.

Antiques, repurposed goods, mixed media art,

handcrafted wares, primitives, garden art
and so much more!

The "Mr." is making his famous
"California Tacos"!
{a different kind of taco... but, you'll love it!}
Profits from the taco stand will go to our
adopted Twinkle Night family this Christmas!

SAVE THE DATE!
Then grab some friends & come
spend the day with us at
the little bit of a country store called
THE WHISTLE STOP!

Servin' up some SPRING!

2011-05-13T23:51:00.000-05:00

I finally spent some time

creating in my work room !

These old serving trays had

been collecting dust for

several years now... decided

it was time they started

serving again!

I played with watercolor paper,

paint, scrapbook paper and an antique stamp

set we found a couple of years ago for $10.00!

{it's a keeper!}

I hope where ever you are Mother Nature

is servin' up some pleasant SPRING days!

Before and After...

2011-05-07T21:29:00.000-05:00

A good customer of ours spied this piece

in our workshop. She is a creator of mixed media art

and was on the hunt for lots and lots of storage.

27 drawers... an artist dream cupboard!!!

I know... some wouldn't want to compromise

an antique piece such as this.

But...

At some point in time this piece ended

up with a plywood top and no bottom to sit on.

So, the Mr. worked his magic!

... and

Ta da!!!!

Isn't she beautiful?

The drawers were left natural and

the numbers above the drawers remained.

A new top, a base to sit on, some molding

and red paint. She is on to her new life

serving with beauty and purpose!

Yeah!!!

2011-05-03T23:19:00.014-05:00

We were featured in a local publication called

Inspired Homes-Omaha. !!!

There is a section called Live Local that gives

mention to local shops, restauraunts, places to go etc.

One afternoon several weeks ago the editor of

the magazine came to the shop and asked if

she could take some photographs for our

shop to be featured in the May/June issue.

"Of course!!!"

How exciting to see our

little store in print!

{photo by Chris Christen-Inspired Home-Omaha}

Thanks to Tina King and Chris Christen for

considering The Whistle Stop noteworthy

to be featured in Inspired Home-Omaha.

Spring Market...

2011-04-30T21:39:00.000-05:00

Pictures of our Spring Market are now on

our website... go take a peek!

www.thewhistlestopcountrystore.com

Happy Easter!

2011-04-23T20:35:00.000-05:00

Hoping your chocolate Easter Bunny
is filled with blessings!

Admissions...

2011-04-20T09:52:00.000-05:00

... I am a procrastonator

(should be working on projects right now)

... I am a list maker

(most of the time I forget to read them)

... I spend way too much time blog surfing

(but, look at what I found!)

When reading the Flea Market Style

blog this morning they shared

this great site for creating

these vintage, library card catalog

"to do" lists!

LOVE THEM!!!

Well... better get to crossing

things off today's list!

(or browse just a few more blogs!)

Pay it Forward... gift arrived!

2011-04-18T15:42:00.006-05:00

...just too sweet!

Thanks Jeanne from

juNxtaposition*

for the darling

"pay it forward" gift!

These just make me smile

thinking of the little

toes that wiggled around

in these precious shoes!

Vist Jeanne's blog &

website. She makes

some wonderful jewelry.

More Goods Delivered to The "SToP"...

2011-04-08T23:38:00.000-05:00

The "Mr." has been busy

in the workshop!

Sometimes I wish

The Whistle Stop was like the

travel trailers with the pop out sides...

I could just push 'em out to

make room for all this

Rescued Furniture!

Rescued Furniture...

2011-03-26T22:42:00.000-05:00

Rescued Furniture...

... found, given new purpose, new life

and hopefully a new home!

Thought you might like to see a little bit

of the process our Rescued Furniture!

This tin punched pie safe was in the basement of

a local farmhouse. It had lost it's "bottom" in a

tornado. All it needed was a little rescuing!

The start to a new base...

Salvaged old drawers will add some very

functional storage.

The old top looks at home on

it's new bottom.

Painted in a barn red with linen drawers.

Wonder walnut shelves with a

stamped dated manufactures stamp on

the bottom of one.

This old tin punched tin is wonderful!

Now at her temporary home at

The Whistle Stop!

One more piece of lost & forgotten

furniture, rescued & given a new

purpose in life. All she needs now

is a good & loving home!

Spring Fluff...

2011-03-22T22:17:00.002-05:00

The "SToP" was in need of a little

Spring Fluff...

Daisies on old, chippy spindles...

bee hives from recycled fencing...

a coat rack from vintage molding...

a primitive old bench...

pillows made from t-towels...

and "no sting" bees

fluffed up this spring display!

A favorite of mine...

a collage of old door chalkboards,

layered with a few vintage wire wreath forms,

along with a tiered wire rack to hold

those garden "needfuls"...

all set among this antique, mission desk.

Stick & Stones rose-hips with salt dough

bowl fillers. Too cute!

Doesn't it just give your

spring fever?

More pictures on the website...

and hopefully more "spring fluff"

at the "SToP" by Saturday!

One Spring Craft Show...

2011-03-19T20:48:00.000-05:00

... DONE!

And boy am I tired!
A few more pictures are on the website!

10'x8' space... just right for what
we had done!

It's a busy weekend!

2011-03-18T10:44:00.000-05:00

Whistle Stop at the Mid America Center

Craft Show, Council Bluffs...

3-9 today ... 9-5 on Saturday...

The shop is open Saturday 10-4!

Lot's of old door chalkboards

at the show... come see us!

Could it Mean Spring...

2011-03-15T18:44:00.000-05:00

... is here to stay?

I was out for a walk and what did

I see... but, a little Robin Red Breast!

Sing Mr. Robin ... Sing!

Sing... it's Spring, it's Spring, it's Spring!

Pay it Forward... make someone's day!

2011-03-14T17:29:00.001-05:00

I am a big believer in "Karma",

"Do unto Others", "Pay it Forward" ...

Do things as best you can, do for those who need help,

give just to give and bring smiles,

send positive thoughts out into the universe!

Sometimes I just need a little bit of a reminder

to do, to be and to think this way.

Right now is one of those times.

I think the winter blues... need Spring badly blues

has taken it's tole. And what did I run

across today in blog land?...

Just what I needed!

Jeanne from

juNxtaposition

had this post on her blog.

Pay it Forward 2011...

and here's how it works.

* The first five people who comment on this

blog post will receive a handmade gift from me.

In return, you must FIRST write a blog post explaining

Pay It Forward 2011
(don't forget to leave a way I can reach you) 


* Then.... send out a handmade gift
to the first 5 visitors who leave a comment on your post. 
Take your time...you don't need to send them all today
or tomorrow. Any time in the next few months.
No pressure. This is to be a joyful experience.



"It's not the size of the gift that matters,
but the spirit of paying it forward."


I hope this little act of kindness will make 
someone's day & the act of paying it forward will 
bring good back your way!

The Cupboard is Done...

2011-03-11T22:09:00.000-06:00

We'll here it is!

The Mr. did a wonderful job!

Always a little nervous hoping this is

what the customer had in mind!

Lots and lots of storage!

Adjustable shelves in the interior too!

Fits pretty well in the "SToP"!

Maybe he'll have to build another one!

What's happenin'...

2011-03-10T19:21:00.002-06:00

... in the Rescued Workshop?

This is!

Thought you might like to see a piece of

Rescued Furniture in progress.

This is a custom piece for a one of our

good customers for her new home.

For now it will stow all the kids toys & games...

... later it will hold many primitive treasures!

Here is the base. The Mr. starts with old doors

and builds the cupboard with new pine around them.

This cupboard had to be built in two pieces to

fit down the stairs to the basement.

Here's the base with doors.

Here it is with the top in place.

Shelves will go in the space to the right

with a wainscot back.

The customer chose black exterior &

linen interior. More work is being done as

I type. Tonight he is finishing all the

details, sanding & painting.

Tomorrow sand, stain & lacquer!

By Saturday this Rescued Furniture piece

will be in her new home serving her owners

well for years to come!
Hope they like!... hope it fits!

{Finished picture posted soon}

Part of the family...

2011-03-09T22:56:00.004-06:00

On my 40th birthday I asked for a camera.

Instead I got a surprise party...

(although it wasn't quite a surprise because

one of our employees showed up at the

back door with my birthday cake...

I answered the door!)

... a surprise party and a puppy.

A little black lab pup.

He joined our yellow lab... Tucker

and our Chocolate lab... Cooper

and became one of the family.

I wanted to name a girl dog, Emma.

Well, he was a boy.
So, instead I would call him Emmet.

When I called his name, people

thought I was saying "Damn...it"!

Since that wasn't going to work,
I named him Nelson... Mr. Nelson.

He was a loving, face licking puppy.

A lanky, run a muck teenager.
Happy go lucky in his middle age.

And a mellow, easy going old man.

One of a kind...
... miss you already, Mr. Nelson.
1999-2011

Rescued Furniture...

2011-03-03T23:02:00.001-06:00

Here is a peak at a few new pieces

that just arrived at the shop.

This old mission desk was in

need of a little TLC.

A new drawer, a little sanding,

a coat of stain & lacquer and

it's ready for a new home!

We were told this desk was an artist desk.

Not sure why... it has just two little

drawers, but it does have a nice

deep surface that would give any

artist lots of room to be creative!

This two tier stand was a table

at one time. With new little

feet it makes it a fun piece

with a multiple of uses.

cupcake stand...

containers for art supplies...

holiday vignette...

the possibilities are endless!

The picture for this settee

does not do it justice.

An old maple bench now

painted black & distressed

will make a wonderful

piece for an entry hall.

This little charmer is a custom made

piece for one of our customers.

She sketched out what she

wanted and the Mr. built it using

new wood & old drawers.

Again my photography isn't doing

the piece justice. I hope she likes it!

The workshop is up & running...

check back to see what's new next week!

Look...

2011-02-27T11:00:00.002-06:00

... what the Mr. found!!!

What would you do...

...paint it?

...piece it out?

...sell it all together?

...keep it?

So many possibilities!

Just think of all the junk it could hold!

... a Day of "Junkin'"

2011-02-20T16:30:00.000-06:00

... we took a day off to go "junkin'"

and headed North!

Remember my friend Cammie from the post above.

She is the "Queen" of junk & sees potential in

all that all things old... even the junk

awaiting the impending burn pile

or demolition!

Here, the Mr. & Cammie, of Daffadowndilly's,

in one of her buildings.

Yes, I said one, because there is more!

Next time we'll take a trailer and a lot more money!

The storage bay... with one little path.

We found treasures though! A table, a desk,

some metal racks and...

dun, da, da, da!!!

Over 200... old, chippy porch spindles!

I think these ought to last me through all

the years seasonal projects!

Flowers on spindles, birdhouses on spindles

jack-o-lanterns on spindles,

stars... snowmen... snowflakes...

so many ideas!!!

I forgot to get a picture of the front

of the shop. She has a cute

window display in it.

The inside is stuffed with "junk"!

Stuffed is an understatement!

Cammie & I...

Don't look at us...

... well you can look at Cammie.

(I always have my eyes closed in pictures... ?)

Look at the "junk"! Suitcases stacked,

boxes, jars, globes, books, game pieces,

silver ware, light fixtures...

You name it, Cammie probably has it!

Almost looks like The Whistle Stop, doesn't it?

This is where Cammie cleans, sorts & assembles

projects for the magazine shoots & Bachman's store

in MN. It was full of boxes of things ready to

be shipped and workbenches were full of projects

in progress. We found treasures here too!

Wire baskets, a little stool, an old small box that is

just calling for an old handle to be added!

We didn't even get to the two trailers full

of wonderful stuff! Next time!

We left a few treasures behind that wouldn't

fit in the car. I guess we'll be makin' another

trip next month. Saved a few special things

for our Spring Market Open House!!!

It was a fun & successful "junkin'" kind of day!

Oh, ya!

If you are lookin' for the new

Flea Market Style Magazine I brought

a few home with me.

I'll have them at the shop next Saturday.

If you can't wait I can always drop it in the mail.

$9.95 plus shipping.

Magazine Review...

2011-02-17T23:05:00.002-06:00

In mid February

this is just what a girl needs!

Sunshine... a day off... Starbucks

& a the new 2011 Flea Market Style Magazine!

The lawn was a little to soggy to drag the

hammock out but, that was o.k.

I still enjoyed the sunny, warm day with

a couple of my favorite things!

Iced Tea & a new magazine!

I opened it up and who did I see?

My friend Cammie!

Junkin' & pickin' has been a passion of Cammie's forever.

She is a vendor at the Junk Bonanza in MN each year.

Don't miss her booth if you go to the Bonanza in September...

Daffadowndilly's has more "wonderful junk" than

you can imagine! If you are on the hunt for something

in-particular there is a good chance Cammie has it.

Cammie is the "picker" for much of the collections

you see in the magazine.

Aren't these baseball flowers cute?

I have a quite a collection of softballs & baseballs...

so look for some of these at the "SToP" soon!

Sara Smith, owner of Seasons in Carver in MN designed

these flowers & sold them at the Bonanza last fall.

The canning jar... a vintage, multi-use item

that never goes out of style!

Hey, these look a little familiar...

I made a few of these for the "SToP" last spring

and again this year! Cute for pictures, place cards,

garden seed packages. I just love old garden junk!

Here are mine... of course my picture

doesn't compare to the photography in the magazine.

I have to say this magazine is a keeper!

The photography is over the top,

the ideas are fun & fresh and the

timing couldn't be better for a little dose of Spring!

It has been especially fun to see a few folks I know,

had met or seen at the Junk Bonanza.

If you love

junkin' for junk and

have a love for decorating with

vintage & repurposed finds

than be on the look out for

Flea Market Style !

You are sure to be inspired!