Rachel Ashwell and Janice

What a memorable time my friends and I had meeting the reigning queen of shabby chic, Miss Rachel Ashwell.

Check out her book, Shabby Chic Interiors, My Rooms, Treasures and Trinkets.

The catered event was held at the fabulous showroom of Robb & Stuckey Furniture in Altamonte Springs last Oct. 7. It also included a benefit raffle and silent auction for the Foundation for Foster Children, Orlando Ballet, and Shepherd’s Hope.

Miss Ashwell did an incredible job decorating and staging the front window showcase rooms shabby style as only she alone could do. I would have loved to have been able to magically transport these adorable gems one by one to my little cottage in Orlando. A girl can dream can’t she?

Janice & friends meet Rachel Ashwell

I happily brought along Miss Rachel’s latest book, Shabby Chic Interiors, on this very special evening which she graciously signed for me and other lucky guests with their books.

The best thing about her latest literary accomplishment is that it gives you insight to her latest vision of shabby in a very personal way. She invites you into her very own living and work spaces and shares her unmistakable style with us all. Her beautiful book truly is a feast for the eyes and an inspirational boost to our desire to create an atmosphere in our homes where we can relax, unwind, and thrive with friends and family.

Shabby and cottage decorating are my absolute favorite styles. I have a really good time searching out vintage pieces and antiques I feel personifies that lovely time worn look that is so charming.

I’d love you stop by my Hourglass Cottage booths at the Village Antique Mall in Mt.Dora Florida so that you too can have the opportunity to enjoy some of these unique items for your own home.

(P.S. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter and claim your free coupon!)

Janice Gibson, Sanlando Depression Glass Show

The Sanlando Depression Glass Show and Sale was recently held at the Sanford Civic Center and boy, am I ever glad that I finally got to go.

Bill and Millie Downey

The promoters, Bill and Milley Downey, did a fabulous job of bringing in 28 dealers from all over the U.S. to display their depression glass collections.

I met with glass vendors from Georgia, New York, and Pennsylvania, all of them genuinely nice, friendly, and informative folks with beautiful depression glass collections to show.

Sanlando Depression Glass Show 2009

I was in awe of the beautifully displayed glassware glittering enchantingly everywhere I looked. It was similar to being a kid in it’s favorite candy store. I wanted it all!

Anyway, I had a blast, purchased some beautiful depression glass goodies to share with shoppers at my Hourglass Cottage Antiques shop in St. Cloud, FL, and will absolutely go back in January for the next show. It’s always a joy to reconnect with friends and vendors as I shop for unique treasures, past and present to add to the Hourglass Cottage Antiques collection.

Visit Hourglass Cottage Antiques

We look forward to having you visit and find that perfect accessory for your home. Here’s a map to our shop.

Also, don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter and be the first to hear about our newest additions to the shop.

We thoroughly enjoyed sharing not only our wonderful finds, but the sharing of a dream come true.

Every one of our visitors was a cheerleader, expressing how much they loved the store and how it actually felt like walking into my home. Exactly the impression I wanted to give! How wonderful is that?

You see, to me antiques doesn’t mean the kind of “don’t touch, put an upper shelf” kind of lifestyle. I believe in the “cottage” style of antiques. That’s why cottage is included in our shop name.

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I believe a home should be inviting, comfortable and relaxing. For me, that includes enjoying the memories of a more tranquil time of years past. If those home furnishings are considered antiques, then so be it.

In fact, if you truly understand the definition of antique (anything over 50 years old), I guess that makes me an antique too! And I love it. What a wonderful time of life. To embrace who I really am and take the chances I didn’t take earlier.

Recognize anyone here? Ask them how they enjoyed Hourglass Cottage Antiques.  Be sure to sign up for our newsletter for your 10% discount coupon!

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Are you a believer in dreams? Then please refer everyone you know to our shop and our website! They too can claim their 10% discount and help dreams come true. Thanks!

Hourglass Cottage Antiques, Janice Gibson, Proprietor

Having had a passion for the arts my entire life, including culinary arts, home decorating, graphic arts, decorative and faux painting, and treasure hunting, it’s been an amazing journey to be able to finally open my own shop and share my love of home, antiques, and art with others who hold the same interests.

Unique, eclectic one-of-a-kind pieces will transform your house into a home. I can’t wait to see the expression on your face when you find that perfect piece. Antique furniture, linens, candle holders, mirrors … You name it, we probably have it.

I look forward to your visit! Be sure to sign up for your newsletter (sign up form in the right column) and bring in your 10% coupon.

See you Saturday. Our address is 1022 New York Ave., St. Cloud, Florida.  Click to see our location map. We are just up the street from St. Cloud City Hall.

I am SO excited!

We hope to see you there!