The idea of using bookcases for something besides shelving books is a great concept. It is always good to be reminded of the countless possibilities that come with empty shelf space. There are several steps you can take to create a new and innovative look for your bedroom, office space or parlor room. First, it is important to focus on the theme or purpose for your bookcase. Consider whether or not the bookcase will be utilized for storage or as a decorative piece. After dusting and polishing your shelves (don’t forget the corners and crevices) then you are ready to fill them with your favorite books, china, or neatly folded clothing. The English Building Market has a number of shelving options as well as examples of how to intricately place your keepsakes on your bookshelf. Stop by our store for the latest finds and treasures.

Make books your companions; let your bookshelves be your gardens; bask
in their beauty, gather their fruit, pluck their roses, take their spices and myrrh.

Samuel Tibbon (Philosopher)

Who knew there could be such a diversity of seating styles…we see it all at our shop and you can never judge a book by it’s cover.  The most unlikely suspects will choose the drippy victorian pink velvet and the bookish old lady will choose the flaming pink 60′s redo…here is a small selection of our seating options, definitely something for everyone.

Colorful Thermos’s are a great way to cheer up a picnic or lunch at the office.  These were all found at local yard sales or local thrift shops.  All sizes, shapes and colors amazingly in tact and usable.  They also make a great display in the kitchen

What Better than to put that thermos into a Plaid Picnic Bag.  Brings back memories of Baloney sandwiches and koolaid at the beach

I love that the size of these bags begs you to keep it simple.  Having just witnessed a fabulous YOYOMA concert on the New Haven Green last Sat.,  I was reminded how complicated simple things like a picnics have gotten.  Coolers on wheels, fold out chairs and tables, 5 course meals and the like….We opted for a blanket, a bottle of wine (served in paper cups) and some great cheese and bread from Liuzzi Cheese Grocery in North Haven, CT.  Easy to carry and clean up was  a snap.

I have had a bit of a problem trying to format this blog site.

The photos don’t end up where I thought they would, sooooo I’m going to try a few things here

fab. 30 furniture before restoration

and after, voila, amazing works of art

plastic chairs???

actually the outcome was outstanding, I just couldn’t find a picture of the chairs in my pile of photos….Please feel free to drive by and see them in person

chairs chairs chairs

Many of you ask, Where do you get all this stuff???? Well thats the best part of the business, hunting and aquisission. Estate sales, Flea Markets, and even my own basement. Every week I make a list local sales (I try not to go more than 10 miles from New Haven), collect invitations to sale previews, and plan on Sunday morning flea markets. While most of the collection in the store I bring in, there is a large percentage of Employee finds and lots of goodies from folks downsizing, moving etc.

My latest finds came from the Todds Farm Flea Market in Rowley MA.  We got there a little on the late side so I had to race through in the scanning mode, no lingering at any one table. Here is what I came home with:

Homemade Mayonaise maker

You’ve asked for it now you’ve got it.  We will be offering a variety of Project Oriented Sewing Lessons.  You’ll learn technique and have a project to take home with you. If you are a newbee or novice we will be having ‘From the Beginning lessons at least twice a month.  Check the calendar soon to see what we have to offer and when.

Private lessons also available upon request.

Project Classes – 1.5 hours                 $30 (please refer to individual class for materials list), some sewing experience required

Newbee Classes- 1.5 hour                    $30  we will provide a machine for you to use

Private Lessons-2 hours (typ)             $25/hr

Open studio – times to be announced  $10/hour

Machine rental –                                  $5/hour

Our facility is available for photo shoots and our merchandise is available on a rental basis for off site styling. We offer a studio space in the back of our store for shooting sessions. Please inquire about scheduling and pricing.

I’m always astonished at the detail of time and effort that went into making doilies and laces. But what does one do with these vintage beauties? We’ve found a new reuse for some of our favorites. Just tack them down to a pillow that could use more life

or bunch them up and attach them to some painted branches, instant bouquet

Welcome Bourse New Haven as our newest neighbor at 839 Chapel St.  Be sure to check out the website for info about our ENTREPRENEUR BOOT CAMP. Great info exchange for all businesses.  Don’t Miss It.

New Haven's Co-Working Loft

ENTREPRENEUR BOOTCAMP

For more information, go to http://www.boursenewhaven.com/bourse-bootcamps

Our Amplify Workshops

$15 at door per workshop  (Free for Bourse Members) – Day and Night Sessions

Bootcamp Events with Free Admission

At the English Building Markets we are cleaning (always) and creating….so many ideas so little time.  Some of the things we’re working on are:  Decoupaging the mannequins,  turning all of our misc broken jewelry into mosaics,  draping the walls with fabric, dreaming of doily lampshades, the list goes on.  We are also coming up with a class schedule to share these talents with you..We’ll keep you posted.

Paper and Glue and a little imagination