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

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

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

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!

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

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

Tickets, please!

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

Cone Flower

Midnight Inspiration

A few nights ago, I was in the workshop doing some SERIOUS painting when inspiration struck. This antique portrait just wasn't "doing it" for anyone, so I gave this couple a fresh look! The eye patch is my favorite addition. Of course it sold on the first day it hit the floor! I'll have to do another one!
stefanie

Hot Cocoa & All the Fixins!!!

Girls' Night Out might have been a frosty evening, but who could complain with free hot cocoa and other yummy treats being served throughout Historic Downtown Millersburg! It was a fun night for all who attended, with incredible shopping deals, giveaways, spa treatments and more!

Stef thought of it all when it came to the ultimate hot cocoa bar. Set atop one of 55's signature buffets, this spread included white chocolate mints, colorful sprinkles, cinnamon sticks, cookie crumbles and everyone's favorite - mini marshmallows!

Guests had more time to browse and shop this year, making it easier to check out all of the incredible treasures tucked throughout the store.

This fun set of painted antiques was a welcome greeting at the entrance of the shop. I love the funky little stand with the retro phone!

Pat and Joanne had a chance to catch up with one another shortly before the party started on Saturday afternoon.

Stef brought the pieces above together to create my favorite display in the shop. The light blues and greens and whites are a great complement to our wintry weather, but there's a hint of spring there too. I love the new window paintings with words of wisdom and inspiration. (The one in this photo says, "Happiness consists in realizing it is all a great, strange dream.")

Stef spruced up our tiny washroom with a fun yet classy new floor painting and painted black and white fabrics.

Stef shared some memories of many hours spent in the roller rink when she was a kid, but unfortunately, these skates are too small for her to show us her moves. Someday, though, the perfect pair will come through her shop, and then we want to see what she's really made of!!!

Girls' Night Out is a great time to let loose with your best girlfriends (and sisters!) and have a little fun. These five sisters were a real highlight of our night, with their boldly emblazened T-shirts proclaiming that each was Mom's favorite daughter. Mom wasn't there to give us the real scoop, but we have a feeling she'd never be able to choose between her gorgeous girls!

Stef's good friend Fern stopped in for the festivities and found a beautiful necklace that was perfect for her! Thanks to everyone who joined us for a fun night! If you weren't able to be there, be sure to stop in soon to see all the new antiques, handmade jewelry and one-of-a-kind window paintings! ~Jamie

Gettin' ready for the big tadoo...

We're almost ready for the insane onslaught of crazed women who invade our store once a year during Girl's Night Out in Millersburg. If you have the chance, be sure to check it out! This year it's from 4 - 9 pm on Saturday, Feb 23. There are more free services and sales than I have time to list, but you can go to www.historicdowntownmillersburg.com for the complete list! Of course the most fun will be had at 55 where girls will find incredible sales (20-70% off) and a deluxe hot cocoa bar complete with Baileys!

We have the store simply rockin' in preparation for the big event. Even Cybil (above-who has a striking resemblance to Mick Jaeger...could be his sister...) got all dolled-up!

Get your friends together and come party with us!
stefanie

Contemporary Art

Sixteen original paintings were a fun find at an auction in Fredricktown. Very mod!

stefanie

CAUTION!!!

This is one of many freaky mannequins who inhabit the second floor of 55 West. Some people think they're a little creepy, but I think it makes the store memorable! Check out the warning sign in the picture...hee hee!

stefanie

paintin' away

i love it when the workshop is just piled-up with works in progress... i get more creative and pumped-up as each piece comes together! this is the view from the second story stairway.
stef

Right On!

The name of my store is 55 West & Co... I decided on this after many months of brainstorming with my mom and friends. I figured it was simple and catchy, it was the address, and it didn't limit me to any particular inventory, etc. In the last 9 years, I've heard more variations of the name than I can possibly count! Today, however, I heard the best one yet...

Out-of-towners Dan and Crystal Heiser explained that they had made a return visit to amish country, and Crystal really wanted to come here. When she couldn't remember the name of the store, she told Dan "I want to go to the Right On Store!" Let me explain... I get teased a lot for using the expression "Right on!"--sometimes I don't even realize it's coming out of my mouth! I have a few other catch phrases like "no worries!" but "right on" gets the most dramatic reactions.

I also love the word "funky". Not far into a one hour live radio spot, my friend Heather noticed that I had used it many times...so she began counting. Seventeen "funkies" later, the remote ended. I am such a goober!

-stefanie
p.s. pictured above are Dan and Crystal (right) with their giggling friends

Go out on an" Artist Date" with yourself!

Several years ago, I worked through the book: The Artist Way by Julia Cameron. I especially loved the Artists Dates she encouraged us to take once a week...

I've been away from the store for a few days and I could feel the creativity oozing back into my veins as I took in the fresh rearrange and all the new "stuff" everywhere. It took me a while to get back to" playing" on the job because I was taking it all in.

Come in and give yourself a gift of an "Artist Date". Something you do for yourself to feed your soul. There is a gold mine of ways to be inspired! Pat

Express yourself... even if you make a mistake you are learning in the process.

I added a little color to this cute little cupboard. It's so fun to watch the little girls expressions when they see it! Pat

Newest Window Paintings

Let the creativity begin!!! Stef and I had a ball coming up with all the new window paintings and we just got in some art that might need to be on your walls. Pat