55 WESTAND COMPANY

QUITE POSSIBLY... THE COOLEST STORE ON THE PLANET!!!

Sunday, August 3, 2008

New jewelry designs!

A lepidolite drop, vintage glass, and fresh water coin pearls with a sterling clasp...
awe-some!

Molton amber and vintage crystal is dramatic and fun all at once! stefanie

Sign tour of 55 WEST & Co

Inspired by a grandmother's Christmas tree "art", I invested many hours of my life putting this together!

Burt's Bees-how can you not love it?!!!!!!


The second story is definitely worth checking out! stefanie

2nd Floor





Wednesday, July 9, 2008

The latest and greatest...

This awesome window painting went home with Joanie, a long time fan of 55! One of my favorite stories is the time that Joanie and her crazy sister bought a huge shelf and jammed it into the back of a tiny Mazda convertible. The 8 foot shelf towered over that little car, and the girls giggled hysterically as they pulled away! Hope you love your new painting, Joanie!
stefanie

Where the magic happens...

The fabric studio--where "messy" and "inspiration" meet.

New handbags and Patty's awesome 55 pillow...

stefanie

Friday, June 27, 2008

Rocker Attitude

As I create each piece of jewelry, I like to imagine the person who will be wearing it. Some designs are simple and delicate for the quiet, subtle types, and some are earthy for the hippie chicks of the world. Pictured above is my "rock star necklace". As I made it, I knew that someone with a rock star attitude would end up as its owner. Local hair designer Casey Shultz proved me right!
stefanie

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Box Lots



Tom, one of my "pickers" (lingo for - person who goes to auctions and picks things up), brought me 4 boxes of hats and vintage aprons, and about 25 pounds of miscellaneous costume jewelry!


After these girls spent an hour in our vintage catwalk, I surprised them with first dibs on the new collection of jewelry. They dug and sorted for $1 treasures for a good bit of the day!
stefanie

June's Garden

I usually prefer to paint whatever it is that I'm feeling at that time, but sometimes a custom order will take me in an enjoyable new direction. This garden scene is painted on a window from Bowling Green resident June's family homestead.
stefanie

Summer inspiration





Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Log Furniture


55 now offers handmade log furniture by Seth Coldwell of Whispering Pines Log Furniture. He really does some beautiful work! Each unique piece of timber is put together with his artistic eye to create the best look. He also boasts that no metal is used in his designs--every joint is cut to size and glued with wooden dowel pins. Orders may be placed at 55 and usually take 2-6 weeks for delivery. Coming soon... beds, dressers, and dining room tables!
stefanie

Newest Garden Stones

A few of the stones that I gathered this round worked well as vases! This orchid looks as if it were meant to grow here! stef

Busy Bee

55 is in a constant state of evolution!The vintage catwalk is really beginning to come together...

complete with a collection of antique ties. The smoking jacket is soooo Hugh.

New jewelry designs have been flying out of the store.

I love the pieces with the vintage fruit and daisy beads!


I've been painting everything in sight! From vibrant colors to metallic glazes, my latest furniture make-overs really make a statement! stefanie


Playing in the windows

The front display windows at 55 can sometimes be a distraction to passing motorists;
I wonder why...


Reworking the front display windows is always fun. A more subtle, antique collection balances the entry. Like my new signs hanging near the ceiling?

Below are some of my latest paintings...


stefanie

Friday, May 16, 2008

A long happy marriage

Life at 55 is never dull. New creations are always spilling out of our studios, fresh deliveries of quirky antiques need polished and priced, and there is a non-stop parade of characters walking through the front door. Folks like Billie Boa, the eccentric midget wrestling promoter (who coincidentally lives in a tee pee for a few months out of the year) to designers from Abercrombie and Crate & Barrel make daily life very interesting. I must admit, though, that my favorite guests in the store are usually over 70. I appreciate their sense of self and often times blunt words of wisdom. Today I found myself chatting with a kind, soft-spoken, almost 5 foot tall grandma who had just celebrated her 50th wedding anniversary. I asked her what she thought was the secret to a good marriage, and she exclaimed (without missing a beat) "lusty weekends away from home!" -After I caught my breath from the initial shock and then deep belly laughs that possessed us both, she gave me a hug and skipped outside to her doting husband...
-stefanie

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Jamie's Favorites from Antiques in the Alley

I had the opportunity to help Stef out and play at 55 last weekend for Antiques in the Alley, and since I haven't been there for several weeks, I had to do a little shopping of my own!!! There were so many cool new antiques and home accessories and one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry... would you like to see a few of my favorites?

These leather coasters are so unique... and just the right hostess or bridal shower gift. And the best thing about them is that each coaster is completely different from the others in the pack.

This vintage chalkboard would look so cute in a kid's bedroom or playroom!

I love the colors of this vignette. White on white can be so subtle and yet make such a bold statement in any home.


This adorably shabby chic piece was seriously calling my name. I couldn't keep my eyes off of it!!!

One of the best things about 55 WEST & Co is the amazing welcome of so many colors and textures... you just fall in love the moment you step inside!

This photo doesn't do justice to one of Stef's latest masterpieces. I think this couple would appreciate their fun makeover and positive outlook. You've got to see it for yourself!

How cool are these garden stones? I love the contrast between the hard, heavy rock and the soft, flowing foliage of the plants. Very Zen...

These clocks totally take me back to school. Either one would be a unique conversation piece in a retro kitchen or a funky kid's room!

I can't wait to see what Stef has up her sleeves for the next big event!
~ Jamie

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

ANTIQUES IN THE ALLEY


If you haven't made plans for Saturday, May 10th, join us for Millersburg's Antiques in the Alley! The event takes place in the alley ways and on the sidewalks of downtown. About 50 vendors are expected with everything from fine antiques to crafts. Festivities begin at 9am and usually last till around 5pm. It's a really fun event; I hope you can make it! For more information go to historicdowntownmillersburg.com

stefanie

Saturday, May 3, 2008

New Kimberly Arden Arrivals!!!

Handmade beads, sterling silver, and an incredibly talented eye make Kimberly Arden's jewelry truly one-of-a-kind! Her designs are always a hit at 55, and she's also been featured on HGTV! Kim and husband John are an artistic, comedic duo who grace 55 with their laughter, inspiration, and wit. I always enjoy their visits and new creations.
stefanie

ps. Simply click on the photo for a better view!

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Words to live by

This was a custom order, but I just had to share it with you! What is it with women and shoes, anyway?
stefanie

Garden Stones

The latest creations from 55 West... garden stones! Use them as planters, candle holders, or simply as garden art. We also made incence burners- Cool!
stefanie
The natural variations in color are simply beautiful. Each stone has it's own personality!
stefanie

Thursday, April 10, 2008

friendship is when...

"Friendship is when people know all about you but like you anyway." I just love that quote! It makes me think of my best friends and how accepting they are of me and my strange ways.

Last night I caught up with my old friend, the Reverand Michaela Jessica Cheyenne Peterson-Baumann, Esquire. Yes, that's her full name and title. I've also recently reconnected with childhood friend and artist Whitney Jo Superstar- also her legal name. Maybe it's not such a stretch for these girls to be so accepting of me! Hee Hee! I love you both!

stefanie

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Tickets, please!

Grant and I have found some old travel posters and advertisement images. I love the bold graphics and colors.
stefanie