Possibly the most frequently asked question about my business is…”Where do you get your things to sell?!?”  And my answer has become that of my late grandmother, “Can you keep a secret?”  I watch the customer, wide-eyed, slip closer as if they are about to hear the most wonderful secret in the world.  Nodding yes, I whisper to them, “So can I!”

Now, I say that not to be mean, but let’s face it….would you go into any other retail store and ask that question?  I think not!  But what I will tell you is that I shop and shop and shop to bring you the absolute best items I can find at the absolute best prices.  Which leads to my second most asked question….. “Why are you only open 3 days/week?”  And my answer is some rendition of the fact that in order to bring a new and creative look weekly, I take a day to shop, a day to paint and a day to re-create the rooms of this ‘ol house, which leaves three days to be open.  Because Sunday….is my time with my husband and a time to rest and refresh!

In line with all of that is the fact that not everything in my store is true vintage.  Much of it simply has a vintage appeal… in other words, I try to always have new items here as well (such as the paintings from local artist Lynn Driver) and gift items galore for all occasions.  Which brings me to my most current secret revealed.  (Lean in closer….you don’t want to miss this!)

It’s certainly no secret that one of my beginnings was in having a booth space at Country Creations in downtown Brevard.  I still shop there frequently for my own home decor.  I remember and appreciate the effort that vendors put into their booth spaces (myself included!), and I like to support those vendors in every way I can.  And while I do not make it a practice to consign other vendor’s wares in my shop, I do look for other vendors whose tastes are much as my own, and you better believe I will scoop up their wares whenever I can!

On one such venture into Country Creations, I noticed a new vendor had acquired a space there and I was immediately drawn to her work.  Much of it had a shabby chic appearance, some of it crossed over into French Country and Farmhouse styles.  But all of it was quality, and I was impressed.  So I began to purchase her items…..and I took her card, intending to give her a call at some point.

Weeks later, I was surprised when this lovely vendor actually made a visit to my shop!  She  introduced herself and I am sure I practically fell all over her in my excitement.  Fast forward a month later, and herein lies my secret revealed….

I purchased my first piece for Burlap & Lace from Stephanie’s Creations…and there began what I hope will be yet another lasting relationship for my sweet little business.  As I said, Stephanie’s work is quality, and totally in line with my taste in decor.  And while you can certainly also find her creations at Country Creations (and I encourage you to do so!),  you will begin to see some of her pieces here as well.

There are many things in this life that I consider blessings.  One is Stephanie Schuster, and God’s timing in bringing her to me.  Because as much as I love finding and painting my own furniture pieces, it is no secret at all that this season in my life (i.e. broken foot) has kept me from being able to do the shopping and the painting that I love so much.  So hats off to Stephanie’s Creations!  Let me show you her newest addition here… a gorgeous French Country chair….to use with the desk, or alone in a bedroom, sitting room, family room….why any room!

So as you shop at Burlap & Lace in the future, help me welcome Stephanie’s Creations to her second home in Brevard….and remember to shop her booth at Country Creations as well!

‘Tis the season….and I’m feeling generous, so while I’m on a roll I’ll let you in on just a couple more of my secrets….I love ironstone and I love linens!  So to be sure, you will find those pieces in my shop year-round…

I also love being in the kitchen at home….it’s where the best conversations take place and the sweetest things are made…. so items to help you entertain or simply just enjoy being in your own kitchen will always be found here!  While I really don’t enjoy wearing an apron, if I must..I will always choose a vintage one!  And why not have one for every season?  I have several Christmas ones to choose from here.

And glassware….these fun polka dot glasses are new….perfect for those before dinner cocktails, iced tea or any cold beverage!   And mugs!  I love my coffee and so I purposefully have a variety of different mugs to choose from at my house. Why not have the same here for you to choose from?  These holiday mugs are new as well….and quite special!

Next secret….(can you believe how much I am revealing to you?!?)….I love birds, plants and anything that has to do with the outdoors basically.  So again, these things will always grace the shelves of Burlap & Lace, and I will endeavor to always show you new and inventive ways to use/display them.

Last secret of the day is that I love thinking outside the box.  While you may see the same items in the shop week to week, you will rarely see them used the same way.  This vintage tree stand for instance…what a fun candle holder for your holiday table! And as Christmas ends but Winter lingers, why not replace the candle with a glass or globe and add some sprigs of greenery on the bottom and some pine cones within the glass?

Now, for some of my favorite additions this week…..

My grandfather, when he was living, made these as toys for my boys.  I’m not sure if they enjoyed them more or if we adults did!  They are button toys made from wood and string.  Come in and ask for a demonstration!  They make great stocking stuffers and are a fun diversion from the electronic toys of today (i.e. the only noise they make is the giggles from those using them!).

Burlap & Lace tote bags have arrived!  Great for tucking in your car and having as you shop!  Also perfect for books, travel toys and a whole host of other things….only 5 left so don’t wait to get yours!

My newest “fun” addition to the holiday kitchen is this dip sleigh….the elf is actually a cheese spreader!  Simply add your dip to the sleigh, put the sleigh on a white plate filled with crackers and you’re ready to entertain those hungry guests!

Got a grinch in your house?  Cheer him/her up with this fun sack wall or door hanging….

And just because Christmas comes and goes that doesn’t mean you have to put away all your decor.  This snowman is perfect for your door through the winter months and gives a hint of spring with that birdhouse….love this!

Why not keep a stocking on hand for that unexpected guest who is blessed to come to your home this season? And you have have extra blankets to warm you by the fire (and a tobacco stick ladder to hang them on when not in use?).  And don’t forget that architectural salvage pieces are always among the decor options at Burlap &  Lace….they simply bring an essence of time past back to the present day and make great conversation pieces for your family and friends who visit.

So I leave you with this….Spring will surely come, but until then, drop in at Burlap & Lace for daily surprises and much-needed peace during the busiest time of the year.  My prayer is that you will always feel welcomed here, and find a place of soothing relaxation for your soul.

~Blessings,

Connie