Echo Echo - Used Furniture on Consignment in Missoula, Montana

Pinterest Interest!

2012-02-17T12:17:00.002-07:00

What’s with all this interest in Pintrest??

You know, Pintrest ... the new princess of social media.

It’s kind of like sitting with your imaginary friend, looking through magazines and saying “look, I like this ... I like that ... let's tear out this idea and put it on our bulletin board for all our friends to see!” Then all your friends see it and say ... I “Like” it too, and they take it off your bulletin board and put it on theirs!

What a great concept for a idea junkie girl like me!

I first heard about it from a couple of friends and customers ... then I found out that for this exclusive club, I needed an invite. I put on my nicest party dress, tried to act all designer / blogger - ish when I went to the “ask to be invited” button .... and then I waited. Okay ... I’ll admit ... while I was biding my time ... I kind of peeked at the site and even tip toed around a couple of peoples boards ... but I was very quiet and just watched nicely until I received my invitation to join .

Finally, the e-mail came through that I was accepted! I got all signed up, got my bulletin boards all ready... then I FROZE. Can’t think of even one thing to pin to my bulletin boards. I mean ... the boards are out there in full sight for everyone to see and comment and critique and share. There sits mine ... at a loss for anything clever. Go look .... see for yourself http://pinterest.com/echohome/

Duncan thinks we should just go back to the old fashioned way of idea hunting, where we sit on the couch, I peruse and he sleeps ... but ... progress happens! Meanwhile ... it's Friday ... go sneak a peek at Pintrest for yourself! It's fun ... AND it will be just fine with your boss ...

Ma'am Caves!!

2012-01-28T12:03:00.000-07:00

When Duncan and I are in a pickle and all booked up with “other” obligations, we sometimes call in the third string and Dad takes a shift or two at the shop. His brand of customer service is to report the news, the facts, to know basic information and most importantly, to know who to call for what. With decisions regarding design, decorating, color, texture and “Does this go with that?” ... he is mostly non- committal and you’re pretty much on your own.

That’s why I was fairly non-plussed when he decided to get in on the action and be the first to announce the new thing in decorating. He had just reviewed the 2012 Old Farmers Almanac and learned that “women caves” are trending!

While I gave Dad a dose of his own medicine and acted non-committal and uninterested .... I quickly ran to my trusty Mac to check out the facts. Indeed, we have a “Ma’am Cave Revolution” on our hands!

The idea (while still in it’s infancy) seems to be ... Take a room, any room ... make it bold, make it beautiful, make it fun, make it fancy and make it yours. Your special place where you are in charge ... where you don’t ask permission, you don’t seek advise or approval, and you don’t have to share or compromise on anything! Decorate it however you want ... as long as you follow your heart! Here is a fun site to check out and get a feel for how these woman cave deals work ... http://laurieraphaeldesign.com/2010/11/enter-the-woman-cave/

Here is my contribution to this fun new trend ..... a 10% discount off of this leopard skin occasional desk (which clearly belongs in a ma’am cave) to the first woman who plunks down the money and says that she read it here first!

Also --- my contribution to the trend ... If you come into my shop and say “I have to ask my husband” .... you WILL be DINGED!

Oh and one more thing --- if you need a fun lamp - they are still 10% off! Every last one of them.

Happy “Cave Fever” ladies!!

Bird Dogs, Birds and Mom's incredible Christmas Tree!

2011-12-23T11:32:00.000-07:00

I know ... it sounds like another scrambled Friday note - but hold on, in just a second it will all make sense.

Bird Dogs --- Mine --- (he is really more of a furniture dog, but his breed is a bird dog - so we’ll go with that). He turned four on Winter Solstice! Happy Birthday Duncan, my friend!

Birds -- My grandmother passed over in September. One of Grandma's passions (aside from second hand stores), was birds. It is kind of weird, but lately, birds have been appearing in my family’s life in every way shape and form. Bird cages, a whole city worth of bird houses, and two little cut out birds recently appeared mysteriously in my shop. Dad’s six chickens started laying beautiful green eggs (five of them so far), and Mom’s bird theme Christmas tree is more lovely than ever this year.

The tree is kind of a collaborative effort.

Dad, being an ex- Forest Ranger has the job of securing the proper United States Forest Service permits and licenses, then journeying forth into the woods to choose the perfect tree configuration - one for real and remnants for back up. Not too many limbs, not too few. Not too young, not too old, about 1.75” in circumference and roughly 5.2 feet tall. Needles must be securely attached, a little bit soft, but held together on a strong steadfast branch. While Mom always orders - “Just pick up a Charlie Brown tree” .. we all know better. Tree selection is a science and lucky for Mom, she has a credentialed, permitted scientist on the job!

Once in her possession ... the magic begins. An odd collection of ribbons, bells, lavender, wheat, grass and cat tails, puppets, bird cages, eggs, balls, lights and of course ... millions of birds ... all sit on the floor next to the tree ready to find their place. To the inexperienced onlooker, it might appear that mom is preparing to build a bird refuge. Hours ... Hours ... Hours ... of ribbon flying, lights blinking, bird, egg and grass ornaments perching here and there .... and finally ... the masterpiece is unveiled.

I am proud to present .... Mom’s magnificent “bird tree” ... inspired this year by grandma, (I think), Merry Christmas little birdies!

Bits and Pieces and Random Updates

2011-11-11T11:20:00.000-07:00

Okay, okay, okay .... NOW!

NOW we can start to make our lists and begin to start thinking about the holidays ...

Duncan and I decided that this years “biggest shopping day of the year” drawing give away is going to be a lamp! Surprise!!! We’ve been working to customize this one, but it still needs a little something. We keep applying coats and coats of red paint, and eventually it will look just great!

Our “40% off small stuff to make room for fall stuff” sale continues - but it can’t go on forever. Fall is almost over - so technically, it is our Fall vendibles that should be wrapping up to make room for holiday fashion. Regardless, hurry in and look over our sale room. At very least, you are bound to find a special stocking stuffer, a great white elephant gift or that little pick me up for yourself.

We are shaking, moving and pushing stuff around in preparation for a new “pretty big” shipment of really cool stuff due in sometime this month. We’re not sure when, but we are ready!!

And finally, this year we acquired three artificial Christmas trees in our consignment line so we're busy trying to figure out how to decorate three trees using nothing but items from our 40% off room! Wow!

Happy Friday Everyone!

P.S. You may not have noticed, but for the past several months, our model Duncan has been out of commission. This summer, he sat on a bee during one of his shoots, filed a big workmans’ comp claim and sat it out for a few months ... but now he’s back! FINALLY! Great to have you back Duncan!

Grandma Esther

2011-09-24T12:46:00.000-06:00

Last weekend was the debut of the Prairie Sisters Vintage Party and everyone who went reported that it was a smashing good time. I’m guessing that it was the memories of the simplicity of our past and of all our charming Grandmas that helped inspire such a sweet event.

Also, last weekend my Grandma Esther passed over at the age of 95.

As is our family tradition, tomorrow we will plant a tree and we will memorialize Grandma Esther.

I will remember her for her strength and her drive and her resourcefulness. For being stylish with fashionable hats beyond her time. For being smart and determined and for leading the way as a business woman when she was handed the responsibility of a day care in the mid 40’s.

I will remember the spritz - spritz - spritz of her perfume bottle and suddenly, the whole room was engulfed with the smell of a powdery rose garden as she sat at her vanity applying the finishing touches in her morning ritual. Her light blue hair was perfect (well kind of), and now we were off to the garage sales, thrift stores and the Five and Dime. A typical Saturday morning in Lincoln, Nebraska with Grandma.

I will remember her fondness for ice cream, her care taking of birds and her indulgence in afternoon beauty baths. A fresh day dress, the evening paper on the porch swing and always time for neighbors. For decorating her oak tree with seasonal plastic ornaments back when plastic was novel. And oh yes, the candy dish was always full. For keeping a tidy house and raising respectful children. For drinking grandpa’s home-made beer and letting him use her washing machine to make it. For agreeing with me that passing second grade math and learning my multiplication tables was the hardest thing I would ever have to do and for inspiring me to use those second grade math skills to start my own consignment furniture shop.

As my mother wrote in her anthology of Apple Street Stories regarding Grandma’s day care when a stranger entrusted her with his child for a month ....

"On a humid April day the bearish looking stranger came back.

Mother pushed the door open wide this time.

"Come in."

A crowd of mild mustached youngsters stared as hands gestured. The stranger nodded his head; Mother shook hers. No money exchanged pockets. Trust and benevolence prevailed between my mother and a total stranger in his new world.

Charity began at home, we learned, and we watched it spread way way past our Apple Street boundaries."

This was my Grandmas super special "Tweety" phone .... now, I keep it in my shop ... just in case!

CONTEST TIME!

2011-07-29T10:24:00.000-06:00

Happy Friday!

I’m still here! ... But like everyone else, I’ve been busy running around just trying to keep up with summer. One of my super summer fun things to do is garage sale-ing, and while I was out I had an idea for another super summer fun thing I love to do ... contest participation!

I’m going to combine my two fun summer things and starting on Tuesday August 2nd, I'm running a first annual “GARAGE SALE FIND OF THE YEAR” contest.

So how do you enter and join in all this fun? ... It's easy. Just follow these four steps!

1. E-mail me a photo of your BEST garage sale find from THIS year. Jennifer@echoechomt.com

2. “Like” me on my Facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/missoulausedfurniture

3. Every day next week (Tuesday through Saturday) - or whenever the photo’s start rolling in ... I will post your photos on Facebook and it is up to the fans to like or comment on the posted entry.

4. On Tuesday, August 9th we'll tally all the likes and announce the winner.

The winner will receive a FABULOUS prize. We haven’t really decided what that prize will be yet but Duncan is coming up with really good ideas every day.

GOOD LUCK!

Here it is in all it's glory -- a sneak peek at my entry for the "GARAGE SALE FIND OF THE YEAR" contest. And before anyone asks ... no ... this is not the fabulous prize. My mom already took it!

Mid Centure Birthday

2011-07-07T11:59:00.000-06:00

This week it happens ... like it or not, here it comes ... can’t stop it now, it’s here, it’s a done deal and it’s coming at me like a run-away train.

What? What? What?

Well ... I’ll tell you once and then we’ll let it go.

This week --- I turn “Mid-Century” ... like a lot of my furniture.

There. Confession made. Nothing more needs to be said.

Except ... just one thing.

To help me swallow my mid century pill, I found a new friend. This Heywood - Wakefield Mid- Century Modern Rotating Coffee Table jumped in my car while I was in Helena so I took her home. At first glance she appears a little rough around the edges. Scratches here and there resulting from a party or two, a crayon mark on her bottom from when she babysat some naughty kids, her rotator has been over-worked and is a bit slow and her finish is dull.

She reminds me of someone ...

For a split second, I considered giving her a facelift and selling her in my shop, but once I got her home, I decided that I liked her just the way she is. Her classic lines are still beautiful and somehow, at this age her flaws suggest character rather than something that needs to be hidden and fixed.

So .. lets tip a glass to mid-century and scratches and flaws and less than perfect hips and me and my new coffee table .... just the way we are!

Journey forward Jennifer Pinto and Heywood Wakefield Mid-Century Modern Rotating Coffee Table. The next 50 years awaits you!

Gifts!

2011-06-09T15:05:00.000-06:00

June is just around the corner and I don’t know why, but June makes me think of gifts. So many birthdays, Fathers Day, Flag Day and Weddings on the docket ... it seems like a good time to put some thought into gift giving.

Unlike Christmas, special occasions like birthdays give us an opportunity that the hustle and bustle of the winter holiday does not. It allows us the luxury of time to individually consider the recipient and ponder their perfect gift. Sometimes a special card or bottle of wine is a superb choice, but then there are times when the gift must come from the heart.

A friend of mine forwarded me an article full of tips from Phoebe Cates (you may remember her from the old 80’s TV program, “Fast Times at Ridgemont High”). Apparently, after she retired from Tinseltown, she opened a little gift shop in New York City and has become well known for her ability to select that just right terrific gift for all kinds of people.

Here are some of the highlights from the article along with my own interpretation and side notes!

Phoebe: “Gifts should be given out of a genuine desire to bring happiness and benefit the recipient ... - Don't push your own agenda - but focus on their habits and what is important in their life”.

My Interpretation: What do you think of when you think of your person. What do they like, what do they do and what would add a little sparkle to their day.

Phoebe: “Be Practical. Many people think gifts need to be luxurious and extravagant. Cates said practical gifts did just as well sometimes.”

My Interpretation: Don’t think you ALWAYS have to give the PERFECT gift. That’s a lot of pressure. If you are just stumped about what to give, consider something that is simply useful. When I’m in that situation, I like to give lamps! They brighten up my persons day every single time!

Phoebe: “Unique gifts can be found if people think creatively about where they shop ... “You’d be surprised how inspired you’ll be when you go into a different store than the one you normally go to for gifts.”

My Interpretation: Sometimes a shiny new expensive gift isn’t the answer. An “experienced” gift, whether it be from your own collection or a one of a kind little something that you found in the shop around the corner, (in other words ... a shop called Echo Home Furnishings) can be fresh and fun and meaningful.

Here is a little gift for you, my friend Laura ... Happy Birthday!

CHANGE! MORPH! PAINT! ... IT’S SPRING!

2011-05-26T10:46:00.000-06:00

For those of you who have recently buzzed through my shop ... you may have noticed the messy “workshop” I’ve carved out for myself. Right now, it kind of resembles cluttered and congested bric-a-brac gone wild. But, in my mind, this space is a new division of Echo called The Paint and Lamp Making Center.

That’s right! When Spring finally made it’s way to our corner of the planet, it worked like a decongestant in my brain and out rushed a plethora of new ideas. This time ... my creative juices told me to paint ... so paint it is! Some items that come through the “back door” may be subject to a little sanding, a little more scrutiny regarding their color and perhaps, a fresh coat of paint and/or a new lampshade. (Let this be a warning -- wear good colors and a nice lampshade when you visit Echo!)

Don’t worry --- I still specialize in selling fine quality second hand home embellishments as I always have. It’s just that now, some pieces may be morphed into an even brighter version of their former selves! So ... swing by Echo, and if you should happen to find a little something that could use a custom paint job, my custom paint and lamp shade division is ready, willing, able, up and running and at your service!

Royal Wedding Gift Ideas at Ec

2011-04-28T15:01:00.001-06:00

“Look look Duncan, ... someone’s coming!”

“Is that a Royal Coach I see, circling the North Reserve Business Center searching for Echo Home Furnishings?” Duncan assumes his usual “someone’s coming position” ... curiously peeking out from the corner of my sales desk.

But of course, Kate and William sent their people with their official Royal Wedding Gift Registry list. I know, I know ... it seems odd to me too, that of all places they would choose my little shop for their Montana Wedding headquarters - but I guess that even Royalty is growing to appreciate the trendy, eclectic decorating style that second hand furniture offers.

Here are a sampling of items they chose.

This chicken cutting board came all the way from their Dad, Prince Charles’s gift shop over in Highgrove. I don’t know if it is for sentimental reasons or if they ran out of them in their own shop - but they want it back.

The glass cookie jar wedding cake. Well ... I’ve offered and offered to all you brides out there, but now it’s on Kate’s wish list, need I say more? ... Except, I think our English Springer model is looking for an invite!

Every well appointed palace needs a little bit of rustic, so they chose one of our barbed wire “Heartware” hearts to place near the moat of their new digs.

Of course I've decided to give them one of my handmade lamp shades, so the lighting department is already taken care of, but there’s still a little bit of time (April 29th is the big day) and plenty of gifts left on their list. So, swing by and let Duncan and I give you a hand. Also, this week only, I am offering free gift wrap and shipping (by ship) for the Royal occasion.

The only remaining question .... Who in the world plans their wedding on a Friday ??? Hummmmm.

Happy Royal Wedding Week!

My Latest New Hobby

2011-04-08T13:13:00.000-06:00

Lamps, Lamps, Lamps!

I think I may have mentioned my weakness for lamps in past Friday notes. I’ve never met a lamp I didn’t like, and there is not a homeless lamp in the county that isn’t welcome in my shop.

Our grey skies have made me crave a little fun, a little fancy, a lot of color, and a tad bit of whimsey, so I’ve taken my affection for lamps to a whole new level and added lamp SHADES to my repertoire! I am learning to re-cover lamp shades and it seems that dotting a few of these little critters throughout my shop has brightened up the corners! I have a new hobby and I love it!

All I needed was an investor in my lamp department, a hot line to a journeyman electrician, unlimited access to dads wood shop (screws, bolts, drills, etc for the finials), unlimited access to moms quilt room (for obvious reasons), a good Dr. (for when I have glue accidents) and off I went, into the world of manufacturing new lamp shades to dress up my old lamps.

It seems to me that lamps are making great strides in the interior design industry. In many circles they are the definition of functional art! An uncommon lamp cheerfully announces the flavor of a room and it does so with a relatively small price tag and level of commitment. Unlike the stars in the furniture world, a lamp can be changed in and out to match the times, the season and your decor.

When I have an old (yet stylish) base, a tired shade and bunches of fresh colorful fabric, I can’t help but want to measure, cut, glue, trim, and finally, pull together an eye catching conversation piece. In my own little way, I feel like I’m a contributer in the world of home decorating. My lamps are vintage, they are green and most of all, they’re unique and interesting!

If you want to join this fashionable journey into the twinkling world of refurbished lamps, well, you know where to find me!

Pieces and parts - waiting to become something special!

Pieces and parts that became something special!

Transition

2011-03-25T13:15:00.000-06:00

It's Friday!!

As you might recall, in my last Friday Note we explored some clever, alternative cleaning options. I promised that this week, we would recruit my overachieving cousin Megan for some tips on how she does her deep speedy spring cleaning! I contacted her and apparently, this is all she’s got. Thank you Megan. Really, not very helpful in the cleaning department - but it does give me some inspiration for my topic this week .... Transition.

Transition, and our changing world, and globes and vintage globes and how to date old globes.

Once again, I turn to my trendy Dad for advice. Dad has always been a fan of geography, maps, globes, topography and most recently, his I pads Google Maps function. I, on the other hand am not very good at directions so I’ve never really been interested in maps. If I get lost, I stop and ask someone for directions, it’s that simple. However ... recently I’ve noticed a variety of globes showing up in decorating magazines and furniture catalogs so now, of course, I’m interested in maps and globes and directions.

I’ve found out that some of these old globes are making their way into “collectors item” status and can or soon will sport some handsome price tags. With that in mind, I wanted to know some simple quick tips that I could remember for on the spot old globe dating.

Here is what Dad suggested:

If there is an East and West Germany, your globe is 1949 to 1989

If there is only one Korea instead of a North and South Korea - your globe is pre 1953

If you look off the tip of India and there is a little country named Ceylon, your globe is pre-70’s because in 1972 Ceylon became Sri Lanka

If you suspect a really old globe --- take a look at Iran. If it says Persia - your globe is really old --- pre 1935 and should probably be wrapped in tissue and driven to the antique road show for appraisal.

As far as assigning a dollar value to these little gems, I am still relying on e-bay for my information, but if anyone out there has another idea, I’m all ears. Meanwhile, I think I’ll just enjoy collecting a few here and there, because they are fun, they’re smart, they are interesting ... and they are featured in the designer magazines!!

Here are my two 1949ish (I'm guessing) desk globes - if you're looking for an antique GPS, drop by Echo before you get your passport!

Spring Cleaning

2011-03-11T11:42:00.002-07:00

Are you feeling a bit crusty around the edges? You know ... the way a long winter tends to leave you feeling ... Duncan and I feel that way too.

But ... as luck would have it, into my shop walked Mr. Ray Moe, a fellow entrepreneur from out here in the North Reserve end of town and owner of “Rods-N- Dogs" car wash.

As you can imagine, it didn’t take long for Duncan and I to grab our bubble bath and towels, hop into our dirty bug and tear down to 4620 Expressway to check out his operation. With a simple swipe of our credit card and the low price of $9.00, Duncan AND the bug enjoyed heated floors, a generous assortment of cleaning agents and a variety of blow dry options.

Before

During

Ray Moe demonstrates his super duper polish cleaner

After

Indeed ... it felt just great to scrub off all the winter scum.

We told Dad about our field trip and he decided it would be a good opportunity to get jump start on yard clean up, so he loaded his truck with lawn furniture and last years flower pots and joined us for the fun. When we invited Mom on our excursion, her exact quote was “I don’t have a dog in this circus”, and she headed down the Bitterroot to her quilting consortium.

Everything worked great until Dad tried to use Rays super duper polish on the furniture. But .. the good news is .. that’s now Ray Moe’s problem - not ours! Thanks Ray for the fun day at the car / dog wash. And thanks Dad for the great time saving spring cleaning tip. Next week, we will explore how my overachieving cousin Megan does her deep speedy spring cleaning!

Happy Friday ..... Go wash your car!! Visit www.rodsndogs.com for valuable coupons and directions.

Happy Valentines Weekend!

2011-02-11T13:39:00.000-07:00

“ ... but, remember I said, when I get old I want to learn to HAND quilt,” quarreled my mom.

Her long time friend, neighbor and connoisseur of fine crafts urged on ....

"But we are old, and I found someone who teaches the old Appalachian way of hand quilting, it is a woman to woman art learned only by passing it down through word of mouth and you're going to love it!"

After a little more convincing, off they went down the Bitterroot to the land of the Stevensville Promise Stitchers ... and that is how it started. That is how my family lost mom to her quilting addiction.

Through her newfound love, she found a common interest of women who LOVE color, textiles, creativity, and I think, most of all, the long lost art of making time, once a week to gather.

These are the ladies who still celebrate birthdays with cake and tea, They get together to cackle and cluck, share patterns and patches, talk about their week, their kids, their diets, late breaking news and to celebrate each others pretty quilts.

What quilts? Outside of their secret circle, these gems are rarely seen. They aren’t flaunted at shows, photographed for magazines, or sold in stores. They get used for ... quilts! They stay as secret, as sweet and as un-assuming as their gentle creators. Until now! I acquired (don't ask) one of their treasures to share with you just in time for Valentines Day. I want to introduce this little promise stitch pillow. It is stitched with ladder patches, a heart applique and finger patches.

Here it is --- ever so sweet and one of a kind! (the colors really are much more vivid than my camera can capture.

January Projects!

2011-01-26T10:32:00.000-07:00

Here we are, mid January and this morning I finally had my epiphany regarding what we do in January.

This is the month for organizing and planning ahead! Not a real favorite for the procrastinators among us - but none the less, planning, organizing and spiffy-ing up for the upcoming year is really what January is all about.

My calendar is all up to date with birthdays properly noted, my closets are cleaned out with all the outfits I’ve “outgrown” being distributed to their proper charities - which leaves me free to move on to the more advanced stages of organizing and planning - painting things and rearranging the furniture.

In regards to painting things ... I’ve asked my assistant, Duncan, to demonstrate for us how the simple act of changing the color of a piece of furniture can change it’s whole personality.

Here is an end table in green.

Here is the same end table in black. It's kind of astonishing what a difference it makes, isn't it? Much richer I think.

If painting isn't your thing, try switching up the furniture a bit. I don't know why, but I always look forward to re-arrange the furniture day. I guess it's probably because as a kid we would go through this drill about every other month and it was always fun to watch the family bump into stuff and stub our toes as we learned to re-negotiate our route through the living room. Regardless, re-arranging is a great way to change things up and give you a new perspective on life - or at least on your living room.

Finally, if none of these fun January activities appeal to you - I have one more suggestion. Commit to having a green year and start with a smart, roomy new shopping tote from Echo! Duncan just loves his and has decided to use it for all the stuff he used to haul around in plastic garbage bags. Well --- almost all the stuff .. he still takes his plastic garbage bags with us on our walks because the Echo bags are far too nice for that.

January Inspiration!

2011-01-07T15:55:00.000-07:00

Every January, I want to start off the new year fresh and perfect. For some reason - this year, my need for fresh and perfect has me paralyzed. I’ve been wandering around my shop trying to take down the Christmas decorations and find something interesting to put together for this long gray month. A fresh, perfect, inspirational January decorating theme is what I crave.

I pop a couple of crunchy dried out pine needles in my mouth, pretending they taste like Rosemary and convincing myself they are a yummy addition to my fresh new January diet plan .... but still ... nothing.

Sure enough - I’m starting off my new year .... un-inspired.

I stare at my computer and consult with Facebook, trying to decide if it’s just me, or if everyone is experiencing the same creative standstill and just like that - up pops my overachieving cousin Megan. Megan is the one who had Halloween completed in July, Christmas packages were wrapped in September and she is currently working on Easter. “Snap out of it”, she proclaims. Just start!!

For anyone else out there who might be looking for some direction, here are some easy - do it yourself ideas from Megan (an accomplished re-purposer) that might help you jump start your creative juices for a fresh, decorative and purposeful 2011!

An old milk can, Her daughter Sophie's red scarf, last year's snow flake lights and sticks from their tree make up this January centerpiece. BTW - Megan tells me that the bench belongs to our Grandmother Esther- who turns 95 TODAY! Here's to Grandma - an original thrifter before thrifting was cool!

Megan's new "crafty room" . She started this (transform a corner of the basement) project yesterday, so she'll keep us posted as she moves along.

Ever wonder how to marry a kind of ordinary clock and an old picture frame ... here you go.

And finally ... an old window re-purposes into a message center for her four kids.

Thanks Megan ... I think I'll go paint something red now! And here's my contribution - for anyone wondering how to re-purpose all those dried up pine needles from your tree ... try them in soup!

Happy 2011!!

2010-12-10T10:39:00.001-07:00

Happy Friday! Wow, what a week of Christmas shopping it has been! I’m happy to report that second hand gifts are coming of age and even seem to be quite trendy this year.

To join in the holiday shopping fun, Duncan asked if he could invite his friend Tim over to help us announce that our holiday magazine stand give away was a success. Someone's sister is going to be very happy this year, but right now - it is a secret who? Thank you everyone for coming in on Friday and submitting your special person for this prize!

Funny, the announcement became kind of secondary compared to the day that Duncan and Tim had just deciding how to best make this announcement. Here is kind of how it went.

Here’s Tim --- Arriving at the shop and admiring our nice rustic Montana rockers.

Tim liked my scarf, so he asked to wear it for the big announcement (note: the magazine stand is behind Tim -- it really didn't get much show).

Duncan got jealous and decided that if Tim was going to wear the scarf for the announcement, he didn’t really want to be part of it.

Since it's the holidays, they compromised and Duncan got to wear the scarf which made him happy again, so he showed Tim around the store for some holiday shopping.

Duncan showed Tim how sometimes, (and only sometimes - like when he is modeling), he gets to sit on the furniture - like this new Mitchell Gold sofa.

The End! I got tired of both of 'em - so kicked them out and told them they should do the rest of their shopping in pet stores!

If you still have some holiday shopping left in you --- stop by and see our fine selection of unique, fun and one of kind gift items. But whatever you do --- don't ask to borrow my scarf!!

Holiday Open House!

2010-11-23T17:25:00.000-07:00

Here they are ... Five good reasons to put Echo on your list of “must stops” for Black Friday.

Reason #1 - Tablescaping! Okay ... this is where I admit that before I opened my shop, I catered for 15 years. During those 15 years, I’ve set a lot of tables. After being away from it for a couple of years, I have the itch to set a holiday table or two. Therefore --- tablescaping is my holiday theme this year. I’ve gathered up a market basket of items from my shop and created some centerpiece ideas that I hope might inspire and give you some ideasyour own decorating!

Reason #2 - Gift Give Away! On a piece of paper ... write the name of a person who you think might enjoy a little gift and the reason why he/she might enjoy a little gift (the gift will be displayed in my shop). For doing so, you will receive 10% off any purchases made that day, and there is a chance that your person might get a fun gift complements of you!

Reason #3 - 10% off! Everything in the shop! One day only - complements of Echo!

Reason #4 - Free Cookies

Reason #5 - I am pleased to report that second hand shopping is becoming so trendy that I’ve decided it’s time to take it to the next level and explore second hand gifts!

Craft Time!

2010-11-05T16:18:00.002-06:00

The craft table that inspired it all.

Halloween is behind us now and I can feel the pressure beginning to mount. Duncan is running around with his hair on fire worried about what to put together for Christmas presents.

I think what got him started was when this fabulous craft table came into the shop. Usually, he just goes out and chooses a rock or two to give as his gifts. He bills them as paperweights and everybody acts like it is a new and novel idea, but this year, he is trying to come up with something different.

Duncan - thinking about gifts!

I try to re-assure him that there is plenty of time, but so typical of his breed - he likes to start early so he has plenty of time to enjoy the season.

Hey ... if any of you think this craft table might make YOUR holiday projects a bit more organized, stop by and Duncan will show off all it’s features. If he isn’t busy, he’ll probably share a holiday idea or two.

Meanwhile, while he is busy crafting, I’m starting to plan my holiday shopping party. Stay tuned for the details in a week or two!

New Format !!

2010-10-09T11:31:00.000-06:00

Before

Has anyone noticed how much smarter I’ve seemed over the past month??

Well ... it’s because I’ve been taking a Small Business Marketing Class at the Lifelong Learning Center and let me tell you ... I am so impressed.

My overall business plan was re-enforced and I learned a lot of helpful tactics for building my shop, customer base, and serving you - my supporters.

My Friday Note is going to take on a new format and become an every other week or bi-monthly update from Echo! (whichever comes first) Whew!! That should lessen your reading assignments, ... and give Duncan a chance to dream up some new “looks” for his modeling stints.

My plan is to discuss “relevant “ material - such as sales, how-to projects, events, of which I have a few in mind for the shop, and other “relevant” discoveries. Notice I am trying to stay relevant and to the point here. Sort of elevating the Newsletter to more educational and less entertaining. Now, won't that make us all smart!

After

Oh ... speaking of relevant ... here is my latest ...

One of my customers (a budding reupholsterer) has taken a couple of my run down chairs and with the flick of her magic wand and some fun fabric has managed to give them a new lease on life. Here is a before and after of one of them. Swing by to see other samples of her creative work

Light Bulbs

2010-10-06T16:02:00.000-06:00

I don’t normally let my mother buy things from my shop. First of all - she has way too much stuff in her house already and second of all, I don’t condone cherry picking ....

BUT ...

Last week, she called me up... or placed a call to me ... as she would say, and quietly inquired about a certain lightbulb decoration that’s been bouncing around the shop for months. As if it were a national security issue, she demanded that I remove the lightbulb from the 40% off sale shelf, carefully wrap it in tissue and protect that with some cardboard. Then she asked me to place it behind my desk for safe keeping.

I could tell that she was on the trail of something big.

It turns out that on September 23rd, our big national news folks reported that GE had just pumped out the last incandescent light bulb ever to be pumped out of the GE lightbulb plant. No more GE incandescent light bulbs, nor any other brand in the USA, will be manufactured, distributed or sold again. Never. No where, no how, no way. Notta! They will be obsolete AND illegal!

Mom prefers that kind of light bulb and now has reason to believe that they will become collectors items by the end of the month, so she is buying them up by the truckload.

All I can say is .... {{{ What next? }}}

I hope she is right on this collectors item thing, however, I have a visual of her arguing with the Light Bulb Police when they come checking door-to-door for offenders. But if she’s not right, it’s re-assuring to know that we have an outlet to sell HER collection. Hmmm ... Echo - Home Furnishings and Vintage Light-bulbs kind of has a nice ring to it.

I have to admit, this one does look kind of sweet gracing her dining room table and being the showpiece of her new light bulb decor!

It's a wrap!

2010-09-29T16:33:00.000-06:00

I’m back!! Did you miss me last week?

Well, as you know, I’ve been busy “representing” at this year’s Parade of Homes and I’m happy to report that gently used, functional, affordable, time-worn decorating is “IN”!!

Edgell Building and Development was honored for Affordable Family Innovative Design while Jackie Johnson, the Realtor / Designer, was given an award for Memorable Decor. I, of course, was honored to have tons of people walk through the doors and comment on how appropriate our "Echo-echo" furnishings looked. Thanks to all my supporters and welcome to all of you who just discovered Missoula's fanciest funnest used furniture store - out by the big box guys.

Oh ... is there a football game tomorrow??

I hope all of your "coming home" events are memorable and comfortably appointed!

Here is a photo of my furniture homecoming on Tuesday! A perfect "before" shot!

My Big News!

2010-09-16T13:22:00.002-06:00

Here is my big news for the month ---- and the reason why you will not be receiving a Friday Note next week.

Echo echo has joined the big boys and is lined up next to them in this year’s Parade of Homes!

I was invited to help furnish a home in the new energy efficient community at River Place. This home was Built by Edgell Building and Development to be lean and green and I’ve been working with Jackie Johnson, the Realtor / Designer from Windermere Real Estate to continue the sustainability theme throughout.

For me, the fun part about this project is to pioneer some new territory and show that not only is it possible, but it’s also cool being green from head to toe (or in this case - roof to sub-flooring)!

Swing by and see our finished product!

September 16th - 19th

845 River Place - Just off River Road

You can buy tickets at the home. Oh ... and wear your cute socks because you have to take your shoes off!

Hope to see you there!

I get to say it again ... "Green is the new Black!" Here is a photo of a green coffee table - so you can remember!

Shabby Chic Dining!

2010-09-16T13:21:00.000-06:00

Time for this weeks installment of budget decorating ... We’ll call this one .. The REAL Shabby Chic!

Seems like every time I turn around, there is a shabby chic this or a shabby chic that. People buy new furniture and “shabby chic” it. They buy old furniture, scrape it up a bit more, paint over the scrape ups and turn it into a nice clean shabby chic. Don’t get me wrong --- I love it too. More and more however, I find myself falling in love with the originals.

These are the guys that have years of real paint, scratched and scraped to reveal several layers, eras and stages of development. The guys that might have one foot just a quarter of an inch shorter than the rest. The real men of the furniture world who might have a spot of wood glue here and there to repair an old battle wound. The fellows who lost a knob, but acquired an equally old new one.

These are the pieces I consider pioneers in the world of Shabby Chic! One of the joys in budget decorating is being able to take these finds, put them together with other similar pieces and create a very special space.

What brought this all to mind is this little set of over-loved pieces I was able to introduce to each other in hopes they could hit it off and ride into the sunset together.

Budget Decorating!

2010-08-27T11:53:00.000-06:00

I’m back on track .... the budget decorating track, that is. Seems like a perfect topic for today!

As you might recall -- a few Friday Note’s back, I intended to dedicate the whole month to this topic ... but then ... company came, I decided to have a sale, and as usual other business got in the way. Now I’m back to thinking about budget decorating, so here we go!

We’ve got ourselves a housing crisis, reports on a double dip recession and a lot of gloom and doom every time we tune in to the news.

But wait ... what’s that? ... do I hear cheerful noises in the back ground?? What is this?

Why, that’s the sound of refinishers, re-users, and do-it-your-selfers; paint brushes splashing, creative minds spinning and people having fun as they go about their business of making something out of nothing. Seems that buying old used nothings and turning them into kitschy new somethings is a new favorite past time!

Here is some homework for you. Go to my new favorite web-site ...

http://www.designspongeonline.com/

Type “before and after” into the search box and be inspired!

After that, I would like for you to pack up all your inspiration and drive it to Echo where we’ll help you find the perfect clever nothing to transform!

Here is what Duncan decided to work on ...

He is hoping to take THIS (photo one) .. Bang out the dents, add some paint and a hard hat and turn it into ... THIS (photo two)

Sandi Henderson Pillows!

2010-08-14T11:02:00.000-06:00

Does anyone remember the drafting table I had in my shop for a brief stay?

I am pleased to report .... it found a job! In my opinion, probably the best job a drafting table could hope for in our dear city.

It’s not working out difficult mathematical angles and formulas in an engineer or architects office ... The job it landed is more delicate than that. It’s not just sitting around looking pretty, paying bills in a home office ... its’ job is much more involved than that.

What is it, what is it ????

Well ... my drafting table now works in the studio of Missoula fabric designer Sandi Henderson. Click on the link below and treat yourself to a viewing of her Farmers Market collection inspired by our very own farmers market of course!

http://www.sandihendersondesign.com/category-s/86.htm

Incidentally, my shop has found itself sprinkled with a few of her “sample” pillows! Pillows that she makes up to showcase some of her fun fabrics.

This Saturday, treat yourself to a trip to the Farmers Market for inspiration, a trip to Selvage Studio where you can find her fabric, and a trip to my shop to see her cute pillows!

Happy shopping!

Souviners!

2010-08-07T15:44:00.000-06:00

Oh no ... Just when I was all lined out and ready to spend my Friday Note month discussing decorating on a budget, we got the phone call ...

Companies coming!!

Just like that, everything changed. My little nine month old second cousin is coming and it’s been a LONG, LONG time since we’ve had a baby run through our family for a visit at the folks’ house!

Costco baby food -- check --- wait a second, no baby food at Costco.

Walmart baby food, --- check

Photo album ready -- check

Film --- check

Crib --- no --- wait --- I’ll bring one from the shop --- check

Car seat --- no --- her mom will probably have one.

Baby sun block ---check

Baby mosquito block --- hummm -- do they make such a thing?? We’ll check

On and on the list goes, but when it came right down to it ... our little visitor was actually quite self reliant and well prepared for her journey.

Today, Molly came to Echo to do a little souvenir shopping. She was searching for something small, something local and something that matched her pretty sunflower dress. Low and behold --- the sunflower lamp was perfect!

The lesson in this Friday Note:

This is the time of year that plans often run amuck, but one thing you can count on - souvenirs at Echo! Put me on your check list as a must do with your guests!

Long Live Schwinn!

2010-07-23T13:41:00.000-06:00

It has its spokes, it has its wheels, it has its frame, it has its handlebars and it has a really comfy seat but like many items that pass through my shop, all of these parts don’t seem to be working well together.

I’m talking about The Schwinn!! You may have spied this bike playing a supporting role in some of my Friday note photos.

This month, Martha Stewart did a piece about our newfound love affair with these old fashioned commuter bicycles. My folks just returned from one of their jaunts down to Sun Valley, Idaho and they reported that these bikes are all the rage, hanging out on the designer racks of all the cool bistros.

BUT, once again, like all things that find their way to my shop this bike kind of falls into a category of it’s own. It is not new enough to be a “new” vintage bike and it is not old enough to be an authentic vintage bike. The quality it has is its potential!

When this bike falls into the hands of a loving bike person who can re-unite its parts, add a bolt here and a lug there to sturdy up its stature, pump up its tires, and put a dab of WD40 in places where WD40 lives ... well, then you’ll have something special. You’ll have a flashy - like new Cruiser with the look and feel of a bicycle that has been long loved!

The good news ... it won’t take much to bring this ole girl to life and there are plenty of cruiser miles left in the summer!

Dog Days!

2010-07-16T15:02:00.000-06:00

Well would you look what the cats just drug in .... Looks like the dog days of summer have just arrived!

I got curious enough to Wikipedia the event to figure out exactly what’s up with these so called “dog days”. Here’s the cliff notes...

It’s mostly about the star, Sirius (Orions’ dog), and it typically happens in mid-July to late August in our part of the world.

For the Egyptians, it was a happy thing. The rising of Sirius was used as kind of a weather indicator for the upcoming year. Since the rising of Sirius coincided with the hot sultry days of summer, the Egyptians coined the saying ... “Dog Days bright and clear indicate a happy year, but when accompanied by rain, for better times our hopes are vain".

The Romans also believed Sirius to be something of weather indicator, but they blamed the dog star for the hot sultry weather and took a more aggressive approach to appeasing the rage of Sirius. They sacrificed a brown dog at the beginning of Dog Days.

Yikes!!!

To bring it a little closer to home, I interviewed Duncan and his friend Tim(ber), to see what modern Dog Days means. It seems to them that it signifies a time lie around the shop parked in front of a nice cool fan, have picnic lunches with friends and stay away from the Romans for a good long spell - or at least until the temperature drops.

If you agree with their approach - I have lots of fun furniture to lounge away the days on, I have a couple of cute vintage picnic baskets to pack up and take to the park, and my shop is a safe haven from the bad guys!

Sustainable wedding gifts!

2010-07-09T12:46:00.000-06:00

Has everyone heard the weather report for this weekend! FINALLY! It’s time to throw open the windows, flip on the fan, slather ourselves with bug spray and settle in for a little summer fun ...

Speaking of Summer fun ... July and August represent wedding season in Missoula. Really, ... what’s more fun than weddings?

What I’m leading up to here is this .... A simple reminder ...

For those of you lucky enough to find yourselves on this year’s wedding guest list circuit, I have TONS of super fun, unique, one of a kind wedding gift possibilities. Also, if you are the politically correct bride and groom considering a “green” wedding, I am happy to offer a bridal registry department.

Here is the manager of my bridal registry department showing off one of his favorite wedding gift possibilities ... a wedding cake cookie jar. It can be used a number of different times, for a number of different purposes (Duncan suggests milk bones - go figure), it is sustainable, memorable and best of all ... the frosting will NEVER melt!

Happy 4th of July!!

2010-07-02T14:06:00.000-06:00

This week I dedicate my Friday Note to two things ... objects ... oh .. whatever ...

1) A new roll around kitchen cart - who is doing everything it can find a home to be helpful in for the upcoming holiday.

2) Duncan and his dog friends - who are doing everything they can to be miserable and pathetic for the upcoming holiday.

Let’s start in a happy place with the kitchen cart. Take a look at this little gem that just rolled back into my shop. It’s been out to the folks’ place for a little TLC and when it rolled back into Echo this week, it looked fresh, clean, revived, renewed and ready for work! It is solid wood construction with a sleek copper towel rack, super fast five point wrap around casters (from Home Depot!) and a “Good Stuff” finish!

It is hankering to find a new home where it can join in the holiday festivities ... like flying over here to cut up the watermelon, flying over there to pat out the hamburgers, holding a glass of wine and at the end of the meal, displaying the holiday cupcakes.

Now let’s talk about our furry friends. From what I can gather, they aren’t exactly tickled about this holiday. Duncan has spent the past week grumping around, hiding under beds, and watching TV instead in the safety of his home instead of going for his beloved walks. I’m guessing that most of his friends are kind of doing the same. My only advise here is to leave it up to them just how and where they want to be helpful and involved and maybe ... a little extra milk bone or two will cheer them up a bit!

Rain Rain - Go Away!!

2010-06-18T13:23:00.000-06:00

Happy Friday everyone!

Wow ... what a week. I’ve kept really busy building my ark and escorting my furniture on ... two by two.

Two chairs, two lamps, two desks, two couches, two coffee tables .... well ... you get the point.

To celebrate the rain, feel a bit less drippy, and make more room on the ark, I’ve decided to have a “set about” sale. Row in and take a look at my “small stuff shelf”. If it’s on the shelf ... it’s 20% off. There ... do you feel better already? Now you’ve got something productive to do - rescue small stuff before the tide rises!

Here is a picture of my soggy porch rocker ... waiting for a sunny day and a friendly porch to sit on. It stayed behind because it didn’t have a pair and it’s waterproof.

New fun stuff all over the place!

2010-06-11T12:12:00.000-06:00

Little treasures ... all over the place .... that’s the theme that composed my week.

Tuesday we started pawing through four boxes of new fun stuff.

It wasn’t ‘til yesterday that we we could relax after we got things under control.

The other little treasure for me was the completion of a long overdue job. For the past couple of weeks I have been working to update my website. Take a peek at my handy work. www.echoechomt.com Well, actually, it is mostly Astarna Web Development’s, (and a little bit my own) handy work. But still. I chose the photo’s and learned how to change them up on my site - so you can always check and see what is fresh and new and seasonal. Thanks Hank (my web-site man) for all your patience and great ideas!

There! Two things to put on your to-do list for the weekend.

_____ Check out my improved web-site.

_____ Swing by and paw through our new selection of treasures yourself!

Birthday Presents??

2010-06-04T12:08:00.000-06:00

Here are the ingredients that helped create my week and my current situation:

1) I am in desperate need of color right now.

2) The rain is making me crazy and I needed a new fun crafty project to do - something to do indoors since arctic gardening is not my thing.

3) Mom’s birthday was on Tuesday.

I am a procrastinator and didn’t think ahead to get something nice and well thought out for mom’s birthday - AHEAD of time.

And here is the predicament that these ingredients led to:

I decided that the perfect solution to all of the above would be to buy a bag of beads and some wire, and make a colorful little (little being the operative word here) bead string for Mom’s fairy garden. A thoughtful birthday gift! Of course, I bought the beads ON Mom’s birthday - so only had the beads and the concept to give her on the big day.

Good news! She loved the idea! In fact - Mom loved the idea so much that she went out and purchased enough tiny little colorful one millimeter beads to ring their entire five acre property ... probably a couple of times.

I know this means nothing to you all - but if I should appear a bit cross eyed, crabby and complain about aching fingers, you’ll know why.

Another little tidbit you can take from this story ... if you have upcoming birthdays that need to be addressed, swing by the shop and let me help you find something clever. It’s much easier to wrap furniture than it is to string five acres of beads.

Silly lamp ???

2010-06-03T14:13:00.000-06:00

This is the funniest lamp ever ... if you look real close, you will see that a stout little French Grenadier makes up the base!

A dresser made of trees! 100% trees!

2010-06-02T15:23:00.000-06:00

This hand crafted log and pine chest of drawers can be closed up and disguised as a rustic cabinet. Big enough to be used as a baby changing table, and elegant enough to perch in your living room.

Comfy Oversized Chair!

2010-06-01T15:04:00.000-06:00

Perfect for snuggling with a book, a cup of tea, a dog, a cat or a goat!

Another "only in a consignment shop" story for you ...

2010-05-28T15:59:00.000-06:00

While this is a true incident, the names of the characters have been changed to protect their identity. For purposes of my story, the consigners name is Mary and the buyers name is Marge.

Last fall - Mary brought in a pretty green TV cabinet for me to sell.

Before Christmas - Marge bought the pretty green TV cabinet because she was remodeling her daughters room for a Christmas present. This piece (along with a couple other items from my shop) created the perfect little bedroom ensemble.

On Mothers Day - Mom and I were out making the rounds in the local garden shops and we ran into Mary. Proper greetings out of the way, I inquired about Mary’s new house only to find out that she had moved ... again. Once she moved out of town and realized how she and her horses loved the spacious country life, she decided this is where they were meant to be so she decided to buy a home.

She giggled and shared her little house buying serendipity because she knew I would enjoy it and it would make me giggle too!

“Remember the green TV cabinet I brought you last fall? ...

“Yes” I replied

“ Well, guess what was standing there in one of the bedrooms of the house I just purchased?”

I had to laugh. Sometimes it seems that this furniture takes on a life of it’s own and you never quite know just where it’s going to pop up, what it’s going to be doing, or who it is going to be following around. In this case, it is probably the pretty green TV cabinet that got the last laugh --- "Hey there -... look at me ... I get to live with a teenager now!"

Here is another fun "girls room" ensemble that has it's own story ... but you have to come in and ask to hear it!

Fun Green Table

2010-05-26T15:21:00.000-06:00

Here is the PERFECT thing to add some color to your cabin this summer. A bright green dining table. Add some assorted chairs and you've got some fun summertime dining.
Table $115
Chairs range from $12 - $40

Garden Furniture ...

2010-05-25T16:14:00.002-06:00

Coming out of my ears!!

Pssst ... Want to get in on a secret??

2010-05-21T13:44:00.000-06:00

As much as I would love to keep this one to myself, I think I owe it to everyone who reads my Friday Note to let them in on this little gem. Fire up your Suburu’s because this weekend - there is something very special going on ... perhaps one of the biggest “green” events of the weekend.

Ready ....

Pleasant View Neighborhood Garage Sale, this Saturday.

There .... that’s all I’m going to tell you. You need to research the rest on your own. Have fun, wear good shoes and don’t forget to stop by and thank me when you’re done!

Have a terrific time everyone!

Duncan is going to ride his bike to work on Saturday - just in case I get a bit sidetracked!!

Shabby Chic Outdoor Bench

2010-05-20T15:29:00.000-06:00

Kind of an interesting juxtaposition isn't it??
Price $120.00

Rugs!!!

2010-05-19T13:34:00.000-06:00

Lots of rugs!! All different prices, shapes and sizes.

GRADUATION IS HERE!!

2010-05-15T11:14:00.000-06:00

Happy Day to all you UM graduates out there!

Chair Sale!

2010-05-14T12:02:00.000-06:00

Hummm ... what’s new and fun this week? Well, to be quite honest - nothing really. It’s finals week at the U, so things around the home front have been a bit ... ummm ... edgy shall we say.

The good news is -- finals week is followed by graduation which means summer vacation and a changing of the guard in Missoula. While it is not officially the start of summer, it seems that on the Missoula calendar it is. This is the weekend when our students’ parents come to gather up their goods and we locals reclaim our town.

Flower boxes come to life, parking places appear out of nowhere. Landlords spiffy up their digs and the sound of neighborhood lawn mowers fills the weekend air. Another sure sign that summer is knocking at the door ... all the garden furniture knocking at my shop door! I have new (used - however you want to look at it), items for your yard piling up in my shop.

Also, I’m still trying to re-home some of these chairs that are propagating more chairs- so I’m running a chair sale ... anything you can sit on is at least 10% and in most cases 20% off! Swing by for an early seating, you know you will need some extra chairs when house-guest season starts.

Graduation Gifts Idea!

2010-05-13T15:28:00.002-06:00

This is not exactly an executive desk - but for your graduate - it's the perfect "starter desk"! Great for paying bills and remembering to phone home!
Price $150.00

Fireplace mantel - or art??

2010-05-12T15:23:00.000-06:00

If you have only one stick of furniture in your home, make it a fireplace mantel! This one can be painted a cheerful color and used as a stand alone artistic piece (as shown here), or it can be utilized for it's original purpose of surrounding a real fireplace. Either way, it's another great gift idea for the graduates first apartment!

Price: $650

Graduation Gifts!

2010-05-11T12:04:00.000-06:00

What to do for the graduate who is feathering their new nest? Furniture of course! It's good to start with some sturdy, stylish end tables!

Profiling Mom ...

2010-05-08T12:26:00.002-06:00

This little rocker looks fine and delicate on the outside - but it is strong and sturdy and ready to rock! Kind of like a lot of moms I know! Happy Mothers Day to all you mom's out there ... if a new rocker is on your wish list - I've got several to choose from.
Price: $125

Is everyone remembering Mothers Day this Sunday?

2010-05-07T13:26:00.000-06:00

As many of you know, I am the proud mother of Sam, my 19 year old son, Duncan, my dog and Herc, the family cat. Sometimes we also have a fish, but their lifespan in our house is a little iffy to gloat about being their mom.

Here is what I think my troop has in store to help me celebrate my special day ...

First, I’ll go to the grocery store and search for some delicious, wholesome food for Sam. I’ll buy it, squeeze it into the trunk of the Bug, bring it home, unload it and then cook something for when the little bugger is hungry. I’ll take Duncan for a ramp where he will find either some poop or something dead to roll in. I’ll chase him down, scrub him up and make him smell good again (well - not really good, but like himself). I’ll go in the house and step in a fur ball that Herc has just barfed up on my white carpet. I’ll mow the lawn and I’ll wash the car and I’ll push through the five loads of laundry that have accumulated in the past day and a half.

I’ll call up my mom and we’ll bop around to the greenhouses as is our Mothers Day tradition and when I return home, I’ll be greeted with a card. A card that was thoughtfully and quickly plucked from the grocery store rack when my gang realized that Mothers Day has snuck up and surprised them again. At last ... all is well. I’ll tuck my new card into my sentimental box where special mom moments are preserved. I’ll bask in a month of “missed Mothers Day make-up” and this is the real benefit of Mothers Day!

Let this be your warning. Don’t be like Sam! This note is a reminder that there are still two days left and I have a shop FULL of charming one of a kind gifts guaranteed to warm the cockles of all your moms!

Another Mothers Day idea!

2010-05-06T14:55:00.000-06:00

Does your mom like plates? Here is a set of two - perfect for a soup, salad and champaign brunch!

Price: $20.00 Soup Bowl and Plate

$16.00 Set of four dainty champagne glasses

Mothers Day Surprises!

2010-05-05T15:50:00.000-06:00

Yes .. there are plenty of mothers out there who would appreciate a little furniture refinishing job! Here is a fun end table that would look great in color.
Price $42.00

Yellow!!

2010-05-04T14:52:00.000-06:00

Sitting in the midst of a Missoula wind event in May makes me just crave summer and sunflowers and the color yellow!

Little Yellow stand - $24
Sunflower lamp - $12

Wood boxes

2010-05-01T12:39:00.000-06:00

Vintage boxes are always nice for a splash around the garden!

Fixer Upper Chairs!

2010-04-30T13:55:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow is May Day ... in all it’s glory ... and here we sit, in rain and snow.

I know, I know, and I even agree. We really do need it (snow pack problems and all), but on the other hand, I REALLY do need some color in my life right now. To combat the gray skies, I came up with the perfect “color project”. I searched through the store and found these great chairs that could use a face-lift ... then I searched through the some fabric websites and found this great fabric to complete the face-lift job. Off I go!

Chairs stripped, old cushions removed and in walks Mom ... always the voice of reason when I’m preparing to do something fun and daring, like ... say ... add a splash of color to a chair.

I described my project and displayed the component parts, (bright orange fabric with glow in the dark polka dots) and apparently what Mom saw was an opportunity to utilize her favorite saying ... “Hummmm ... looks like a friday fart at a saturday carnival, don’t you think”.

There you have it ... project complete - before it ever really launched. But ... what I have now are six terrific stripped down chairs priced at $20.00 each just waiting for someone to take them home, add some upholstery (of their choice, not Mom’s) and bring them back to life.

Also, I think maybe I’ve resolved a conflict Mom and I have always had ... one man’s idea of fresh and fun is another man’s idea of a Fridays’ carnival leftovers!

Market Umbrella!

2010-04-29T15:23:00.000-06:00

Let's just pretend like it's summer! I have an eight foot market umbrella. It's green, but kind of faded on the top. Other than that - it is none the worse for wear. It's stand is a sturdy metal type, and it is as tired of winter as we are!
Price $50.00

Art!

2010-04-28T15:44:00.000-06:00

Decorating isn't just about the floors and furniture you know! It's the little stuff that makes it interesting. I have lots of fun vintage "art" to spiffy up any wall!

Old School Desk

2010-04-27T13:48:00.000-06:00

More Yard Junk?? Yes .... This little desk is just weathered and worn enough to have earned a prestigious place in a corner of your garden. It will gladly volunteer to hold your terra cotta pots filled with big red geraniums!
Price: $80.00

Mirrors, Trunks and Lamps!

2010-04-24T12:25:00.000-06:00

Lots of them! All different price ranges, all different styles!

Uh Oh ... Earth Day Hangover ...

2010-04-23T12:05:00.002-06:00

No ... not the wine induced kind. This time, it is about information and I am trying to sort through all the green living ideas that were tossed about yesterday.

Now in it’s 40th year, Earth Day is coming into it’s own. Earth Day is about sustainable living, reducing our impact, thinking about our choices and committing to change.

Here are some things, big and small, that people suggested as ways to leave a lighter footprint ...

Share seeds and plugs from your garden. ... plant them once you’ve been shared with!

Pick up trash that you didn’t actually create.

Make a soup out of almost overdue leftovers.

Unplug your electrical things when you’re not using them.

Don’t step on worms and spiders.

Park your big fancy truck and walk - at least once a week.

Drink real water instead of the plastic bottled kind.

Buy real stuff instead of the plastic oil based kind.

Live a Life Less Plastic. http://lifelessplastic.blogspot.com/.

Eat food that’s in season

Shop at local stores

...and here’s my submission ...

Buy used furniture and re-home yours’ at my consignment furniture shop!

Whatever it is that wiggles your “green” bean, come up with a plan and do it for a year. It will make you feel good!

If you want to buy something used ... here is a snapshot of my selection!!

A table that plays games!

2010-04-21T15:50:00.002-06:00

So here is how it works ... when this game table is in disguise, it looks like a small side table with inlayed "X's" on top. With a flick of the hand, you flip the X's open, give the top a quarter spin and it locks into place to become the perfect game table. As a game table, it features a felt lined surface and built in cork drink coasters! The photo shows it in half open, half closed position.

Price $168

Botanical Prints!

2010-04-20T14:04:00.000-06:00

This week I am doing something different and posting some of the fun little things that make "just looking" a bit more interesting! Sticking with the outdoor theme from last week --- here are a couple of botanical prints!!

Price: $20.00 each

More "Yard Junk" -- but this is not junk ...

2010-04-17T13:18:00.000-06:00

These weathered Adirondack chairs look like they just came off the beaches of North Carolina! A nice addition to my spring garden furniture collection! Price $95.00 each. Solid wood!

Yard Junk defined!

2010-04-16T13:37:00.002-06:00

Bikes, birdbaths and baskets ...

What do these items have in common?

Well .. with the flick of a hammer and a little dab of rust, they become “yard junk”. Yard Junk ... you know, those imperfect, dinged up interesting pieces that fall into the hands of someone like my mom, who hides them in her garden and re-names them “art”.

Mom is particularly fond of yard junk and to shop with her is an exercise in spying the perfect qualifying item.

Me: “How about this nice sculpture?”

Mom: “No ... too immaculate.”

Me: “Look Mom, a pretty flower in a terra cotta pot ... ???”

Mom: “No ... too common, everyone does that.”

Me: “Hey, look what I found ... a gazing ball!”

Mom: “Nope ... not enough experience ... Wait ... look here ... a boat. It is broken, it’s flawed, it’s used, it has holes and its’ paint is all chipped, but outside my breakfast nook window it will be the crown jewel.”

... And it is!!!

Her fine collection has earned her garden a spot on the Missoula Garden Tour as well as a host location for the “First Annual (and then whenever they feel like it) Promise Stitch Gathering” - a not so well known yet quite prestigious event - if - of course you are a promise stitcher.

My point being ... I think Mom is on to something, and my shop is the perfect place to buy, sell, recycle, convert and re-home your old ... umm ... “stuff”, into fresh new interesting “garden art” or “yard junk” if you will!

Swing by my shop and I’ll help you start your own collection of yard junk!

P.S. An FYI from the expert ... old couches on the front porch are not yard junk, but the stuff in this picture is!

Clean up the birds!

2010-04-15T15:35:00.000-06:00

It's time for the Spring stuff to come out of hiding and make their appearance in the garden. Because of it's small size, this iron bird bath is designed for the delicate birds and only one at a time please, but beyond that --- it is an awfully pretty set about in the garden!

Price: $75

end table / holder of stuff!

2010-04-14T15:39:00.000-06:00

Here is a handsome, multipurpose, piece to have in your collection! This handy end table will also hold your books and magazines, sewing, knitting, baseballs, mittens and just about any other item larger than a golf ball!

Price $58.00

Jamaica in Montana

2010-04-13T14:05:00.000-06:00

Here is the answer to cold Montana April days ... pretend like you are on vacation with these nightstands from the Pier 1 Jamaica collection. I have two of them! Price $95.00 each

Chair without a seat!

2010-04-10T12:36:00.000-06:00

Here it is ... your classic flower pot chair! This chair is ready and waiting to take it's place along side the other patio furniture and fulfill the role as the guy who holds the plant! Price $20.00

Patio Furniture!

2010-04-09T14:29:00.000-06:00

Happy Friday everyone!

To quote a sentiment I saw on Twitter this morning ...

“Really? Is all this snow and rain necessary right now?”

On the bright side - and let's look there ... it gives us more time to anticipate our summer leisure. That's where I can help out. ... Everyday I’m getting in pieces of outdoor furniture. At least we are THINKING Spring.

Stop by and check out these chairs for relaxing, reading, sunbathing, or whatever summer means to you.

As for Duncan ... he is sniffing around trying to recall where he buried last year’s bones!

Price $60.00 each

white wicker rocker!

2010-04-08T13:35:00.000-06:00

If this vintage wicker rocker were a person - she would most certainly be a Southern Bell!

Price $45.00

Barbed Wire Art!

2010-04-07T11:17:00.002-06:00

Our Heartware creator strikes again ... this time with a barbed wire "landscape" wall hanging. Very clever, charming and one of a kind!

Price $35.00

Couch with Spring slip cover!

2010-04-06T16:04:00.000-06:00

Custom made couch. This guy comes with a slip cover which gives it the shabby chic look. It's like having two couches in one!

Price: $350.00

Easter seating solution!

2010-04-03T11:31:00.000-06:00

Who remembers sitting at the card table during Easter dinner? More fittingly called the "kids" table!

Price: $100.00 for the set or pieces sold separately: chairs $35.00 / table $30.00.

Echo-echo turned ONE this week!

2010-04-02T14:49:00.000-06:00

To celebrate, Duncan suggested we run another contest and have a big party,

I considered it for a second and decide we’d do something a bit more subtle and simply answer an oft asked question ...

How did Echo-echo get it’s name?

It goes like this ...

Whatever new acquisition to our family, (a house addition, a baby something, a new car, new shoes ... anything really), considerable time is spent mulling over a name. We call it out, we rhyme it, we swish it around and we remember good and bad memories it conjures up. Hundreds are discarded before one is deemed appropriate and then we practice it for a while. Just call this a family tradition. Always! on these naming exercises - dad kicks back, listens and simply observes the gyrations. After everyone has used up every drop of their creative juices and submitted their choice, then dad drops his proposal in the name brainstorm game. Sort of take it or leave it style.

Naming my shop was no different. The tag line - was already a given - "home furnishings worth repeating" - we didn't realize the name was right under our nose - minding her business in her pasture.

So I wasn't too stunned when I got a phone call from dad. It was pretty much a one word conversation. “Echo”, he said. “Echo echo --- (his creativity showing) home furnishings worth repeating”. The spark of his idea? ... His beloved donkey - Echo. A bit of a home body in the barnyard, a good neighbor, a good friend and a thrifty

decorator herself! Her barn is more eclectic than your usual donkey barns and her donkey furniture, just a tad sturdier than other donkey furniture.

The name fit. Dad got all the credit even though we all know sweet Echo inspires us all.

So ... Echo - Home Furnishings it became! Thanks everyone, for a great first year!

Realizing my dream of having my own business, plus the serendipity of meeting a variety of people who share a goal of starving our landfills. Together we have re-homed lots of good used furniture. Here's to more treasures you will find in my mini-warehouse in year number two!!

Here is Echo ... pondering a re-model on her fence, and looking forward to something fresh and green in her personal gazebo.

Bistro table and chairs!

2010-04-01T13:32:00.001-06:00

A coffee lovers dream table . This fun jazzy bistro is just the ticket to fully accessorize your coffee habit!

Price: $400.00

Return of an Old Friend!

2010-03-30T15:18:00.000-06:00

I just came across some great news that sets the tone for my weekend!

Bob Zimorino is re-opening Red Pies over Montana in it’s West Broadway location.

Cheers Bob!

Here is a quick little side note to explain why I love Red Pies ..

Seventeen years ago, I came back to Missoula with my two year old in tow and began the desperate search for a job and a new start. In an interview, I somehow convinced Bob that I had lived in the Italian District in San Francisco which fully qualified me to manage his banquet rooms. Surprise! ... Bob hired me! Apparently, it wasn’t the proximity to Italian food that caught his attention so much as it was my determination to succeed and my need for a chance. Off we went! I was accepted into the beloved Red Pies family, I breathed a sigh of relief and I knew then and there that I would make it!

A lot of water has floated under the bridge since then, but Red Pies will always hold a special place in my heart. In this age of corporate rule, it’s refreshing to see the return of a business that is friendly, kind, and real - operated by a businessman who can look into the eyes of someone who needs a break, and give them just that!

Long live Red Pies!

Phone Table

2010-03-30T15:15:00.000-06:00

This phone table is really so much more! It can be used as a night stand, a side table, an end table or simply as an exclamation point at the end of a hallway! 15" Deep x22" wide x28" high

Price: $35.00

A little square ??

2010-03-26T13:55:00.003-06:00

This little end table is perfect for either indoor or outdoor use! 16" high x 18" square find more Outdoor Gardening Tables and Patio Furniture at Echo Echo Missoula.

Furniture fashion!

2010-03-25T14:33:00.001-06:00

A little yellow night stand! How springy can you get!!

Twin Twins!

2010-03-24T12:07:00.004-06:00

We're talking bed frames here! Two alike, exactly the same!

Granny Chic ???

2010-03-23T14:08:00.002-06:00

If "Granny Chic" is the new fashion statement in furniture - this little wash stand is the new super model. It's simple stylized lines and classic sturdy build make it a perfect candidate to be helpful and versatile in a number of different settings!

Spring Equinox!

2010-03-20T12:09:00.002-06:00

It's officially the first day of Spring! Time to break out the garden furniture. Here are 4 little ice cream parlor chairs looking for a table and a deck to pair up with for summer.

Spring / Cold :(

2010-03-19T13:47:00.001-06:00

Achoo!!

Oh good ... here it is ... my Spring cold has arrived!

Seems like I got a little bit excited about the change in weather - jumped the gun and went out to spend an evening drinking wine in front of my new urban fire pit, chiminea, round wood burning metal ring thing. Now I feel a lot like .... oh ... what’s that word I’m searching for?

Anyway ... I’ll just go ahead and say it so mom doesn’t have to ... She told me so. That’s what I get for living on the edge (even though I took all the precautions and wore a hat, gloves, sweater and my winter boots).

If any of you are feeling the same - swing by the shop where I have the heat cranked up to 82, some tea in the microwave and plenty of fun chairs to test out while we patiently await the passage of March.

Happy weekend to all!

Jennifer and Duncan

Echo echo - home furnishings worth repeating

P.S. ... On a happy note - Theresa Johnson was the lucky winner of our Shamrock Auction. She retrieved it on Thursday and drove it over to her mother as a little pick me up Spring gift. We were able to donate $70.00 and some pet food to Animeals! Thank you for participating!

Here are some fun spring chairs!

Shamrock Winner!

2010-03-18T14:46:00.003-06:00

Announcing the winner of our Shamrock Auction ... Congratulations Theresa Johnson! Actually Theresa's mom - who will be the final recipient and owner of the plant! Thanks to everyone for your generous bids ... all proceeds will go to AniMeals.com, an pet food bank in Missoula Montana

More Trunks!

2010-03-16T13:49:00.004-06:00

Here's another great trunk that arrived yesterday. This one is not a fixer upper, it's the real deal! The perfect bedroom storage solution for you guest room or cabin cruiser.

Dressing Lamps!

2010-03-12T15:23:00.002-07:00

“Does this shade make me look fat?” ... asks my pretty little milk glass lamp.

Shhhhh! Just put it on, sit there and look nice, says I.

Why is it that so many lamps show up at my doorstep with battered, broken, soiled and torn shades ... and sometimes, with no shades at all? I’ve decided that if nothing else, my purpose in life is to rescue lamps.

Spring seems to be a particularly busy season in the lamp rescue division so I’ve kind of had to pull out my creative stops and come up with all kinds of shade solutions. Through the course of it all, I think I’ve hit on some pretty clever combos. Here, I blend milk glass with a colorful red poka-dot for a whimsical spring look. In my second example, I’ve combined a heavy black shade with a delicate cut crystal base which screams “juxtaposition”.

As with all rescue agencies, I am wide open to lamp shade consignment which allows me to better dress my little charges. I’m always trying to place these misfits into their forever homes, so swing by and find one you might want to call your forever lamp!

A Masterpiece ??

2010-03-11T16:22:00.001-07:00

This little childs table came out of a school in Idaho. No need to worry about smearing it up with paint because that is already done for you. A true masterpiece!

Walnut Executive Desk

2010-03-10T16:19:00.002-07:00

Executive desk seeks bona fide executive!

Ides of March

2010-03-05T13:35:00.001-07:00

March ...

"Beware the Ides of March" ...

I’ve heard this saying forever, but never really figured out what the heck

the Ides of March were and I have no idea why we should beware of them, so I

Wikipedia’d the whole concept. It turns out we aren’t missing much. It’s

just a fancy name for March 15th --- the day Julius Ceasar was assassinated

a very long time ago. Apparently, in a Shakespeare play, Julius was

forewarned - “beware the Ides of March” and the term just stuck.

No decorations, no parades, no rituals or time off from work ... I guess we

could celebrate by eating Chicken Ceasars for lunch, but that’s about all I

can come up with for now.

Since I don’t have to worry about March Ides anymore, I’ve decided to move

some stuff around in my shop to make room for my perfect St. Patty’s display

idea. Out of the green space rolled the little maple vanity (squeek! squeek!

squeek!), and in it’s place ... this copper platter with our auction

Shamrock (remember from last week?). I think it is the perfect combination

to celebrate St. Patty’s day, green beer, pasties and Butte! Now THERE’s a

holiday!

Only 12 days left to swing by and place your bid on this lovely Shamrock.

All proceeds go to Animeals.

Chair week!

2010-03-04T12:41:00.003-07:00

Here's a different little chair. Part rustic, part delicate and very original ... also pictured ... our auction Shamrock! Bids are up to $60.00 with all proceeds going to Animeals!

Green Chairs!

2010-03-03T12:51:00.001-07:00

As promised ... this week I will be featuring the all important family of chairs! Duncan is modeling a fun green one to kick off March!

Shamrocks ??

2010-02-27T12:34:00.001-07:00

Here we are - putting February behind us already and keeping an eye out for Spring - anything Spring like ....

Oh wait .... look outside ... a Suburu just pulled up (an indication that I have a customer ... 90% of my customers drive Suburu’s). Out popped the Bremers, John and Shermy, with a Shamrock in tow! It IS happening ... Spring really IS going to happen!!

Anyway --- John and Shermy had a terrific idea to get us in the spirit of St Patricks day, Daylight Savings time and everything that leads up to getting ready to look for Spring. We are going to host a Shamrock Auction here in my shop.

Here’s how it works ...

John and Shermy own the mother stock of this very special Shamrock. John’s grandmother relocated it into the States when she emigrated from Germany in the late 1800’s. From there, just like Johnny Appleseed, John and his family have carried it with them as they’ve moved about the US - leaving little sprigs here and there for us Americans to enjoy. This particular breed of Shamrock is so special because of it’s delicate heart shaped leaves and it’s pretty PINK blossoms. It’s kind of like the perfect transition plant between St. Valentine and St. Patty, so I’ll just name the Shamrock - Saint!

We will have a silent auction, which means there will be a bid sheet right next to Saint, and you are welcome to place your bid whenever you visit the shop! Duncan got involved and suggested that proceeds from the auction go to Animeals ... Animeals of course is tickled pink (just like Saint’s blossoms)! On St. Patty’s day - 5:00 sharp - the bidding will close and the winner will be announced!

Jump in your Suburu, run it through the car wash (another spring thing to do in Missoula), then pop by the shop to see our fetching one of a kind Shamrock!

One last table!

2010-02-26T13:22:00.002-07:00

And my final table submission for the week - A handy little kitchen side table, stand type of deal! A must for every gourmet! Stay tuned next week for "chairs".

Tables everywhere!

2010-02-25T13:47:00.003-07:00

In sticking with my table theme this week --- here is a big one for the whole family!

Unusual ... in a charming kind of way!

2010-02-23T12:26:00.001-07:00

This is the most curious side table ever!! The drawer opens from either side, the pattern is inlaid and the top surfaces are "man made wood".

Sturdy Occasional Table

2010-02-20T15:19:00.002-07:00

Here is a versatile little fellow! Use as a TV stand, an end table, a coffee table - or a Saturday morning watch cartoons and eat cereal table!

Life's little instructions

2010-02-20T15:18:00.001-07:00

Just like me, mom and dad are not real big on traveling (hummm, I wonder where they got that ...), but ... they do have a little get away down in Ketchum Idaho. I just love it when they arrive home after one of their jaunts to the condo because they are always loaded up with new fun treasures and surprises from their rounds in the “gently used stuff” shops (namely, The Barkin’ Basement and The Gold Mine).

The most coveted item from this trip was one of those framed inspirational message deals - this one is entitled “Life’s Little Instructions” - by H. Jackson Brown Jr. Usually, I don’t take the time to read these things all the way through, but once I got a couple of lines into it, I deemed it the cutest poem ever, and stole it from Mom.

Since the piece technically qualifies as swindled property, I can’t sell it - but it is on display in my shop and if you want to stop by and see if you like it too, I would be delighted to share a copy.

Here is a photo of the real thing -- a treasure worth repeating! Duncans favorite line is the one that says “have a dog” ... go figure!

Vintage Typing Table

2010-02-17T14:49:00.001-07:00

Not just for typing anymore!!

Vintage Card Tables are Collectors items???

2010-02-16T13:10:00.002-07:00

.... in certain circles ... yes they are!!

Happy Valentines Day!

2010-02-13T10:57:00.002-07:00

think pink!!