Oui, Oui for the Petite Retreat Market

Take a gorgeous Sun Shiny Day, a pastoral piece of land not far from the Bay, toss in a couple of roaming bunnies, a dash of silliness, and a bunch of lovely customers, and you have A Petite Retreat Market. Wow, what a day on Camano Island this past weekend. I spent this amazing day in the company of a group of talented, inspiring, and loving women. I know that we're all doing what we LOVE!!! It's evident at every turn. Thank you Debi and Bob for making us feel so welcome at your little slice of heaven. Liz from Seabold Vintage Market - thank you for being my tent mate for the weekend. You and your family are so sweet. I can't wait to see you again! Wendy, from Gussy Chairs . . . girl, you do beautiful work. I'm in love with the butterfly print on one of your amazing chairs. GORGEOUS! To Linda Olsen, it was such a pleasure to meet you. You are an inspiration to all of us. Your beautiful creations are a sight to see. Much luck to you on those. To Tammy! Your first show . . . I hope it was fun for you. Thank you so much for all of your help and encouragement. I love you! And finally, but not final, cause you know I couldn't do this all without your loving support. Mr. Mackey, what would I do without you! You never complain, you just DO!!! Thank you, thank you.

So, I'm just going to let you browse the photos. Have fun!

Tippy Stockton Jewels and other fabulous things!!!

Retreat Style . . . and oh what STYLE it is!

Seabold Vintage Market - a fresh approach and an updated Americana!!!

Merci, Merci - can't wait to meet again in September! And to steal a quote from Wendy's website . . . “Let what you love be what you do.” And that says it ALL!

It's a Sure Thing at A Shore Thing . . .

About a month ago, I received a note from Melissa from A Shore Thing in Newburyport, MA. She is a new shopkeeper and was interested in selling my jewelry in her shop in this quaint, New England beach town. I gave her my phone number, and we chatted like we had known each other for years. After I hung up the phone, I went to do some research on Melissa's little shop, and low and behold, I see the logo above. My first thought was, "Oh my Gosh" - it's Tippy Blue! I know, I'm weird, but I felt like this could be the beginning of a really good thing. Later that day, I received my first order from A Shore Thing and I just know we're destined to be great friends from here on out. I had asked both Melissa and her partner Carol to send me a little background tidbits about themselves. I was so delighted to get to know these gals even more.


Melissa said: I know from the time I was a little girl, I was always rearranging furniture and loved to make things look pretty and arrange everything just so. So, it's been a natural path for me to have been in display merchandising for many years and now I can do it to my hearts content. Growing up, it was just my mother and myself and we did not have much BUT she was my biggest cheerleader (next to my wonderful sister who is 15 yrs. older and in college when I was 2) and always encouraged my creativity.

I confess I am a shopper and love to find different eclectic pieces and make it all tell a wonderful story in our vignettes around the shop.

This whole experience has truly been a dream come true...... Carol & Bill are wonderful !!!! and we all have our expertise and it's great been such a blast to just run with what we are all good at and feel comfortable with.


Carol said: I grew up in an artistic family. My brother is a writer and my Dad was an artist from the time he was a young boy, painting until he passed away at the age of 90 (www.normangautreau.net), so I grew up with a paintbrush in my hand, but I actually prefer photography these days. For many years, I was the Manager of Graphics Arts and Cartography and also chief photographer for a company in Boston. I took an early retirement in 2005. From there I went into being a full time caregiver for my aging parents. While on sabbatical, after my parents passing, Melissa approached me about opening a store like this. Of course, I jumped right on board! It sounded fabulous!! So, we planned A Shore Thing for almost a year, researching many seacoast towns on the North Shore of Boston, before deciding on Newburyport. A lot of thought was put into location, location, location! Newburyport is a WONDERFULLY New England seaport town that is active during all 4 seasons of the year with many festivals for every season, including Fall activities, one of which includes all of the stores decorating a scarecrow outside of their store! Christmas promenades with hors d'ouvres and cocktails, Spring and Summer "happenings", music on the waterfront, as well as many craft shows. There is always something going on in this vibrant town! We opened the doors on April 24, 2010....we recently had our ribbon cutting ceremony on Jun 3, 2010. Currently, other than working at the store, I "dabble" in many artsy fields: photography, painting, textiles, decorating, digital arts, graphic design, etc.

How could you not fall in love with this little seaside oasis???

Here's a few shots of the interior of the shop. One of the things that got me so excited about these girls was the fact that they love the look of Maine Cottage Furniture. They have been able to put their twist on it.

Here's a few of the pieces from Tippy Stockton that I sent them. I keep telling them that I am coming to see them. I'm thinking Fall . . . a New England Autumn trip. Hmmmmm, not a bad idea!!!

So, if you're in the area, drop by and say hello to Melissa and Carol @

A Shore Thing

1 Titcomb Street

Newburyport, MA 01950-4706

(978) 465-0833

My Next Gig!!!

I've had a little rest in between Farm Chicks and my next stop on my Summer Market Tour. I'm so excited to head north (just a little) to see my good friends and tent mates from Farm Chicks, Debi and Bob Kennedy of RETREAT. They have such a gorgeous location, situated on the bay on Camano Island. SO GORGEOUS! I'll be sharing the "Taj Ma Tent" this time with Liz from Seabold Vintage Market!

Petite Retreat Summer Market

Saturday, June 26

10:00am - 4:00pm

Camano Island, WA

So if you live in the Greater Seattle area, why not take a trip to paradise; just 60 some miles north of Seattle. If you click on the petite Retreat button below, you'll get all the information you need - directions to the show, tips on some great shopping (other than our fantastic show), and great places to have a snack.

I can't wait to see you! Of course I'll have some great new jewels, perfect for Summer! (Yes, I hear Summer is really coming to the Pacific Northwest.) Pillows, sachets, locally grown lavender, totes perfect for grocery shopping or filling up with lots of goodies from the show! So come on out and enjoy the day at the Petite Retreat Summer Market on Camano Island!

The SUN is Shining! The SUN is Shining!

The SUN is shining! The SUN is shining!!! So to celebrate the SUN and SUMMER, I'm having a sale on anything orange in my shop this weekend. Take 20% off your favorite orange bauble - that's right, anything that has even the teeniest orange bead. It's 20% off. Just write me a note in "notes to seller" at checkout that says "SUMMER Sunshine", and I will reimburse your discount through a purchase credit immediately. Or if you would like, send me a private message and I will set up a reserved listing for you with the corrected amount that includes your discount. Don't have an ETSY or PayPal account? No worries. I am able to take a personal check or I have CC Processing outside of PayPal. It's really easy, and I think you deserve something to kick off your SUMMER! Hey and just in time - SUMMER STARTS ON MONDAY! wAhOo!!! Here's a little peek at what's on SALE! Just head over to http://www.tippystockton.etsy.com and get your SUMMER on!

HOORAY FOR SUNSHINE!!!

Christmas in July???

Okay, so I know that Christmas is months away, but I have to let you in on a little bit of Holiday spirit going on over at Matthew Mead Holiday Magazine. He's having a contest to send in your best Holiday Home Christmas pictures. OMGosh, how fun is this??? Have you ever thought that your home should be in a magazine? Did you put up an amazing display of collectibles and stood back and marveled at your design prowess? Well, if you said yes, get scouring your photo boxes, sift through all your picture files on your laptop, and hurry over to Matthew's site and get the information for this great contest. By the way, have you ordered your magazine yet??? It's only available on-line and yours truly, yes moi, is advertising in this issue. So you just gotta got get yourself a copy today. If you loved Flea Market Style, you must get a copy of Matthew's Holiday magazine. Here's the link: http://www.holidaywithmatthewmead.com/

What's next . . .

How do I possibly make the kick-off to Summer any better after the Farm Chicks Show??? Well, by heading to Camano Island, WA for the Summer Petite Retreat Seasonal Market, that's what!!! I'll be joining my tent-mates from Farm Chicks, Debi and Bob Kennedy from Retreat Style at their beautiful homestead by the bay on Camano Island. I hope you'll take the opportunity to join me - if you missed Farm Chicks, I'll have many of the same items (and a few more) with me. Debi and Bob put on a great show, so come on out and spend the day on gorgeous Camano Island, grab a bite at one of the many amazing eatery's on the island, and look to the skies for the eagles soaring overhead. The perfect Pacific Northwest Day (can you see me crossing my fingers for a no-rain day?)! See y'all there :)

IT WAS Maaaaavelous. . .

What a weekend @ the Farm Chicks Show. . .

So, where do I begin??? I have to first thank all of those folks who made this possible for me. I wouldn't have been able to get 'er done had it not been for them!!! John and Kellan, you know that I love you more than life and I really promise that I will cook again and maybe even fold your laundry instead of dumping it on your bed!!! Judy and Jerry . . . who could ask for better neighbors. You have tirelessly supported this crazy life of mine and helped out in SO MANY WAYS. I owe you BIGTIME!!! Tammy, who spent the day and priced every piece of jewelry, and folks, that was a ton. Rowena, girlfriend, you were a Godsend!!! Peeling and sticking, cutting and stitching. Joey, my bro - can you come back soon and help paint? Thanks for chipping in while you were here working!!! You were amazing! Deb and Bob Kennedy - thank you, thank you for allowing me to inhabit your "Taj Ma Tent" for the weekend. You have taught me how to be gracious and thankful for everything!!! xoxoxo I know that I'm missing many of you, but let me also mention all of those who made a special trip over to Spokane to see me and check out this fantastic show: Cindy & Devon, Teresa & Greg, Pam & Courteney, Megan, Cindy and Cindy from Haley's Cottage, and all of the Come Junk with Us Girls who stopped by. You're all amazing and I so appreciate it!

My booth was . . . well it was darling. Am I allowed to say that? Of course I went with my signature Tippy blue - a shade of aqua that I love, love, love!!! I have been fortunate in the past few months to acquire a couple of great pieces of furniture. They were for sale but didn't sell, but that's okay because they make for amazing props. The space was filled with everything that I love . . . jewelry of course, pillows, my wonderful new totes (they will all be for sale on my Textile Website @ http://www.tippystextilesnstuff.etsy.com.), lavender bundles, sachets, lovely new candles in yummy scents.

I love this sweet little garden chandelier that I made. YES, it Sold!!! It's going to a woman's home to become the centerpiece of her dining room full of silk greens and candles. I am on the hunt to find more chandy's. I'll have them at Deb and Bob's Petite Retreat on Saturday, June 26 on Camano Island, and at my own Studio Tour and Show on July 24!

Fabric Flowers . . . who knew that these little babies would become the hit of the show. Again, more are in production and will be on my Textile site. It was so much fun to have a chance to take a stroll through the show late on Sunday and see all of the folks who had bought these little gems with them attached to their lapels. It made me smile. :)

And Pearl, my constant friend and companion. She was all decked out in her new apron (thank you Judy). Someone bought the apron so she was back to wearing her lovely tulle skirt. Yes, Pearl we will make you a new apron. Judy and I visited our favorite Vintage tablecloth guy at the show and bought up a bushel of new pieces that will be turned into lovely aprons very soon.

Have I mentioned that I HATE having my picture taken!!! Well, here I was on day 1 having a really bad hair day! But my outfit was really cute. White ruffled skirt, my signature apron, jean jacket and you can't see them in this photo, Tippy blue cowboy boys. Your darn tootin!!! Thanks Cindy!

Day 2 brought a few changes. I moved this lovely wicker piece to front and center. Gladys got all of the attention wearing all of the beautiful orange jewelry I have in stock. So sweet!

There's a glimpse of the whole booth. So much fun, so many great memories!!!

While us girls took a stroll, here was our helper dudes. We told them that they could work in the booth only if they donned our aprons. Aren't they cute???

And here's the really tired guy . . . he hoofed it all out of the trailer and into my space and then hoofed it back into the trailer for the ride home. Thank you my dear. And did I mention that load in day on Friday was a monsoon??? And it was our anniversary??? You're the best Mr. Mackey!!!

And finally on Sunday afternoon, my sweet friend Tiffany dropped by to see me. She had the most spectacular assignment for the show. She was with Jo Packham from "Where Women Create" Magazine. She was the photographer for the show. How fun was that??? Hey Tiffany, we have a date soon, right??? That's Julie in the middle from The Little Red Shop in Cle Elum; another new friend. I love that!

It was such an amazing weekend. 4,300 people on Saturday crammed into the building; not sure how many on Sunday, but it was a lot! Will I go back next year??? Heck yeah, count me in Serena! And thank you for your graciousness - you are a lovely woman! See you next year @ the show. June 4-5, 2011 @ the Spokane Fairgrounds.