ESTATE OF GRACE

Last year, July 4th to be exact. I did a post about my dream of a little shop. I had picked out the location.
It was currently a hair salon.

 http://oldblackcatboo.blogspot.com/2010/07/cool-logo-flickr-and-another-blog.html 
Well, as I often do, I've changed my mind. After my "antique/collectibles mall booth" experience I have decided that I just do not have the time and energy for a shop. At least not a physical, brick and mortar one. I will instead work on setting up shop online. SO... if I can't have the little shop, then the only person that I could envision having it is Karolyn. I meet her when she had her store "More than Memories". It was located in the same neighborhood as this place and she always had WONDERFUL window displays. When I drove home at night I always hoped for a red light so that I could sit in my car and just stare. Inside she had the most gorgeous "rooms" all in a big open area. You would find vintage and antique finds set in a "room" setting. Here's the kitchen area, the bedroom area, the garden area...it wasn't a hodge-podge of things, it was a visual treat that helped you realize how beautifully the items could be displayed in your home. And then she closed up shop and moved.
The shop became "Cool Beans", a coffee shop. Cool enough,

but we all missed "More than Memories".
and now she's back! And in my dream location!
30th St and 13th Ave in Rock Island, IL.
ESTATE OF GRACE.

Isn't that the most original name!? I love it.

So without further ado.
Meet Grace, Karolyn's dog.

She is so sweet! I get to see her sometimes at my "day" job. Grace comes in for Chiropractic care at the clinic. Both she and Karolyn were hit by a car as they walked across a crosswalk. The car was quickly turning the corner and did not see them crossing.

Thank goodness they both survived but sadly they both still feel the pain of that accident.
So if you are in the area, please stop into her MAGICAL shop and meet these 2 amazing females!

I stopped in with my sister and 2 of my nieces. We were all in awe.
The girls were immediately entranced.

In the front part of the shop are beautiful displays and towards the back is her "work" area. I love how she has it all open and you can see her at work in the process of creating!

She might be at her sewing machine or working on her jewelry. I tell you, this woman is so multi-talented. She has made fabulous necklaces in various themes, one of a kind creations. She has also taken faces of watches and turned them into beautiful elegant necklaces.

I saw some many items that I adored that I needed to go home and think about them all. I want this:

I 'm still thinking about it. I've been trying to be frugal but it's just screaming out my name.
My niece wants one of the necklaces (Hmmm, might be a great birthday idea!)

My sister bought a little antique stand for one of her plants

and has still been talking about a pedestal that she saw....

Sigh. I'm so happy that Karolyn and Grace have brought some style and beauty to the neighborhood!