Thursday, October 7, 2010

Bewitched, Bothered, and Bifocaled

Debra's added a twist to her VIF with a Porch Party this week. Since my home away from home is Winnie & Tulula's and my window could be perceived as my front porch, I thought I would share what I'm brewing up for Halloween!See Debra...it even has steps going up into it! That constitutes a porch...right? There are two windows at the shoppe and this is the small one. I prefer working in the smaller of the two because...well...just because! Maybe since my own home is so tiny, I work better in encapsulated spaces...or maybe it's because I am the queen of "I think I can squeeze one more thing in"!
I've told y'all how much I love the movie Practical Magic, so it seemed natural to go with that as my inspiration. Not that I could ever do anything like the sets of that movie....consider mine a poor gal's rendition!
I'd really love to see all this stuff practically and magically disappear! That's the only drawback to a window...folks worry about messing up the display. Please...feel free to destroy it. I relish it being destroyed...for a price!
Are y'all digging the bookshelf as much as I do? I didn't know it at the time I bought it, but it's actually a signed and dated collector's piece called "Barbaric Bar and Beastly Bookshelf". It was designed and made by sculptor Jim Rumph back in the early '70s to be used as a display for perfume bottles. He made it specifically for department stores. My California readers may be familiar with his work as that is where his studio was located. I have to be honest with y'all. If it doesn't sell...it won't break my heart. I love it that much!

The chippy, black pedestal is another cool piece I found at the Red Shed. (Wait until you see the magic Grace has dreamed up for Halloween now on display at their store!) When I saw it, I knew it would be a perfect prop for Halloween. Got a little secret I'll share with y'all right now if you promise not to kiss and tell...IT'S STYROFOAM! Is that not a hoot? I can lift it over my head with one finger! Hercules ain't got nothin' over me!
Do y'all ever shop this way? See something and think...hmmm...I need to get that and stick it back for something special? My problem is remembering where I stuck it in time to actually use it when I need it!

I decided Sweetie Pie needed a little R&R...she was getting a little pruney from so much time in that tub! I used a dress form Cat Daddy had bought a couple of months ago and made her a skirt from pattern paper...while I was sitting in the window.

"That's right folks...step right up...come on, come all! Watch the strange, little, chubby lady make a little prestidigitation right before your very eyes. Don't point and laugh children...it's impolite!"
Squirrel Alert!

If any of you REAL photographers can help an old gal out and tell me how to take photos through a window...I sure would be obliged! In the meantime, you have my permission to either:

A. Go blind trying to figure out what the heck I'm showing!

OR

B. Skip these photos all together!

Your call...just don't say you weren't warned!

While we're on the subject of photos...is anyone else having problems getting Blogger to cooperate when uploading photos? It's driving me batty...get it...batty!

You can't tell it from my sorry photo skills, but this is a Fab U Lous witch's hat that Jenn made. She used vintage feathers, jewelry, a buckle, faded and dried roses, an owl AND the kitchen sink to create it. (I'm just kidding about the sink, but it truly is loaded down!) Believe me...it would make the Aunts proud to be sporting one like it while jumping off a rooftop!
These bubbly, globe lamps from the '60s are the greatest thing since cornbread! I have used them for so many holidays...I've lost count. They've held snow, trees, shells, sand, and now crows! There is a tiny light in the top and if something shiny (and we all love shiny) is placed inside...Sparkle-A-Plenty with a capital S happens! There are only three words to describe 'em...Fun...Fun...Fun!

The last crumby/crumbly photo is of a lamp shade I bought from Liz and Fran a year ago. It's fringed out the wazoo and tattered like nobody's business. If it doesn't scream decayed elegance...I don't know what would! F&L always come up with the coolest things and it's best to buy it from them quickly!

Keep in mind this is only the second layering. I still have to go back to W&T and apply the final layer. Window dressing is kinda like putting makeup on a face as old as mine. You gotta keep piling it on...hoping and praying you'll stop traffic for the right reasons!
I'll call this a wrap before y'all start thinking you're seeing things! I hope you've enjoyed a little ghoul's night out with me and thanks Debra for being such a great hostess!

32 comments:

Debra@CommonGround said...

Debbie, I was so excited to see your post!!! yeah, I didn't expect you until Sunday, It's looking Fabulous, but of course! You've really put together a cool display. I loved that movie too, and did what you did, stopped it a hundred times to look at all the awesome props. Great job, now be sure and show us the next level of tweaking!! Have fun with it!
And yes, it certainly qualifies for a "porch"!
hugs and squeezes,
Debra

Mindy said...

I am loving Jenn's hat! As for taking pics through the window, I think the best I've done doing that is at night or darkness/cloudy. I'm heading to W&T's in the morning. Can't wait to see it "live"! ~Mindy

ps. Did I mention that I missed your MAGIC at Zapp? Sure nuff. Missed y'all bundles.

Tammy said...

Looks pretty good to me!
Practical Magic is a fav of mine too! Just love it!!
Have a great weekend!
Tammy :-)

Cheryl ~ ZanyMayd said...

Sweet & Magical..... Thanks for Sharing the wonderful Photos~
Cheryl

Attic Rat said...

Your window is awesome! It's amazing how much you can actually "stick in" if you give it a whirl.

Happy hunting,
Teresa

maryboys said...

this is just fabulous!!! i *need* that perfectly wonderful hat that jenn made...it's just the best! love this post, debbie:)

mary

Dixie said...

love your "porch" Deb... you conjure up magic in your window every time you decorate! Love that chair! Have a glorious weekend... we're coming to Dallas for grandgirls 8th b'day and grandsons baptism... wish I had some extra time to hob-knob with you! hugs. Dixie

Becky @ Retail Details said...

Nice porch! Thanks for sharing. Regarding pictures... on a cloudy day you can sometimes get a good straight-on shot, otherwise always take the photos from the side. Night shots are usually better. Some of my stores have a black fold out screen that they place behind the photographer to block the reflections so they can take day shots. It's easy to make one and worth it if you plan to photograph windows regularly. Happy Halloween!
~Becky Tyre, Retail Details blog

Sue said...

I was waiting for Debra to let us all know how to take pictures of window displays since she is such an awesome photographer! LOVE all your treasures in the window and it looks great. It reminded me that our front main window display is still summer! Vintage surfboards and all. Guess that is another thing to add to my ever growing list!

Take care, Sue

red.neck chic said...

I love Jenn.
I love Liz and Fran.
And... I love you... so dang - now I gotta go skeert some people that are window gazing so I can see all this for myself...

When are you and Jenn and Liz and Fran and Valerie all gonna be there? I'll ride my broom...

bwoooooo hahahahaha
;-D xoxo
robelyn

Pam Kessler said...

Great window - or porch, whichever! That lampshade is very cool. And yes I have been fighting with Blogger and photos today. I kept getting weird code added to the photos, so it would show my photo and then some code in the body of the post. Drove me nuts.

Anonymous said...

Your displays are beautiful! Wish I could see them in person. Hope you sell out!

Happy Weekend.
-FringeGirl

AuroraSuzette said...

I wish we could just hang out on that 'porch'of yours. Now I'll be on the hunt for globe lamps, so I can stick stuff in them, and change it out. Looks good, even the through the window shots are nice.

Shabby Vintage Junk said...

Hey GORGEOUS....!

Your post had me cackin' my head off like a raucus witch (appropro dontcha think) & I'm STILL bubblin' away as I type....!!

I'm LOVIN' the look of your window both behind AND through though the through WAS a tad hard to decipher....hahahahaha....And point & shoot girl that I am I certainly have NO tips for you re window shots....!

I wish I could visit W&T to see it all for myself....And you know....The MORE I read blogs featuring decorating for Halloween, the more envious I become as we don't celebrate it 'down here'....I'm thinkin' maybe I should tell Mr SVJ we need to move....To the US of A....hahahahaha....!!

Well Lovey I Must away....Can't WAIT to see the final layer....Please say HEY to Cat Daddy for me & have an AWESOME weekend....!!

Cheers from Oz,
Tamarah :o)

Olive said...

You sure worked some "poetry" on your window. I love it. ♥O

DKG aka Scrappy Doo said...

Awesome window! youhave such talent! I love the globes!!!! Happy Haunting :-)

Carole said...

Oh Debra you've done it again Wowed me with your designs and made me laugh. My eye went right to those globes. I can see why you like using them for all the holidays....love something I never have to put away!
On the window reflection.....not that I've ever done this but I think what Pros must do is hang black sheets to block the light....I'm just guessing.
I hate the new blogger photo uploading...but I'm learning to adjust. A friend suggested Live Writer.....I hate change too.
xxx
Carole
ps...thanks for the sweet comment about the wedding post.

Margo said...

I saw the window yesterday and it is Bat-fabulous.
You out did yourself yet-again. Maybe you should go into window display as a second career. You do need something else on your plate don't you?
Margo

Malisa said...

I love "winder" dec-o-ratin'! I used to do all the displays for a company at market. It is a art that is constantly changing. Get it right and somebody buys it and messes it all up! What a problem! :)

You are the best, girlfriend! Creatin' right in the winder!

MALisa

The Green Pea said...

Deb, I love your window. That globe lamp is wonderful. Thanks for all the photos. How many hours did you spend on the window display? sandi

the old white house said...

You have got some MAD DECORATING SKILLSSS! That window looks so amazing! I can't wait to see it after the third layer, those lights are a great idea... I might have to visit habitat for humanity for some of those, I have some but the glass is like crystal with all kinds of designs. I'll be back for more inspiration...Theresa xoxo

sassytrash said...

Wow...you should have moved to CA and become a set decorator!! Very cool, and I can't wait to see the third layer!

karlascottage.typepad.com said...

Any display that starts out with Practical Magic as its inspiration has to be a good one! And any display that is made up of your treasures, even better!

Anonymous said...

I'm lovin' how you staged this window display.
It just makes me wanna recite the line from
"Poe"
"Quote the raven NEVERMORE"
I love your use of the globes and just every element of this ........thank-you for inspiring us all with your AMAZING creativity.
grace :)

Pam @ Frippery said...

Ohhh Debbie, I love me some Halloween and some Practical Magic and your window! The bookshelf and the globes are my favorite. I can't wait to see that final layer! Speaking of layering it on, when will veils come back into fashion, hee hee? That would solve all my aging worries. "I'm ready for my close up Mr. DeMille." (Love me some Sunset Blvd. too, scary...!)
Thanks for all the spooky inspiration. Hugs, Pam

VS said...

Hi Y'allllll...Cali Susie here! I miss you & Cat Daddy! Me & hubby have decided to become pickers cuz I had soooooo much fun at the big Texas YeeHawww. I LOVE the title of this post she says as she stays still squinting looking through her bifocals. I may be ready for trifocals!!! LOL & by the by...Practical Magic is 1 of my very favorite movies!!! She gal, we are so much alike!!!
Big Hugs,
Susie

Cassie said...

You got some mad window magic skills! Diggin' those light globes...and everything else...cool.

Bohemian said...

I'm LOVING your window display, what a Gift you have for showing off your Treasures!!! I want to move into your Window *wink*... and I'd have NO problem messing it up by carting off some of those lovelies for my own lair, I'm very uninhibited about that! *smiles*

Dawn... The Bohemian

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

Awesome design talent paired with a wicked sense of humor = PERFCTION!!

Love it....every bit!

Lou Cinda :)

Garden Antqs Vintage said...

Deb, how did I miss this post? You did a great job. Hope Jenn has a great birthday too!

Olde Tyme Marketplace said...

Freaking out over the pattern skirt! If I could get away with it and not wind up in the clink I'd wear one! A-flippin-adorable!! :0)
Beth

Casey said...

I love your pictures! :)