Custom cedar tables are something new to love

I have been really excited about introducing these new tables....for quite some time now. It just took me a while to figure out a clear direction of where I wanted to go with my designs, but I am all clear on that now. So, a few months later and here we are.....These tables are custom made right here in Greenville, SC specifically for Knack, and I will be creating multiple different surface designs on them. Each table will be different, as I will have different design plans for each one....but you can also have a custom table built to the dimensions and finishes that suit your space. Tables can be made to be coffee tables, side tables, square tables or long skinny tables! The tables are made from cedar {they smell so great!} and the legs fold down for easy storage and moving. I love the simple and modern design so much....and they are super well made. When I say well made, I mean like the old school, handed down craftsmanship you don't see as much in new furniture design today. This is exactly the quality of product that I want to have my name and brand attached to. Most of these tables will fold flat and ship easily, so that is another added bonus!This table pictured here measures 6 ft long by 3 ft wide, and I chose to leave the base unpainted on this one. I painted the top in my very own custom milk paint color, and did a high level distress finished off with three coats of oil based polyurethane. This table is for sale in the shops both locally and online.I can't wait to create more of these...the design possibilities are endless!xo,Barb

Cressida - a tall chest of drawers with storage galore.

This tall and "big boned" chest of drawers came with an entire set of furniture that I received a few months back. This piece is heavy, heavy, heavy and has lots of storage space. The very bottom drawer is lined with cedar on the inside, which I have not seen too much in my furniture makeover adventures....but I thought it was a cool feature!With a big substantial piece like this one, I like to keep the design plan more on the neutral side, so that it is versatile and appealing for all areas of ones home or office.......but then again... this is one of my favorite colors! It is so hard not to pick it every single time I need to paint.....and then the diamond shaped bone knobs are just a natural progression for me. Some things are just meant to be my friends!If you love Cressida, and think you might want her to come live with you....the  measurements are: 44 1/4 " tall x 19 1/4" deep x 42 1/4" wideCressida is available for purchase here locally in the Knack shop, or online here and here as well! She is a goody!xo,Barb Blair

What I have been up to

This past week, and weekend are a blur to me. I was busy getting the shop ready for one of the biggest events I do here every year called Open Studios. It is a very full weekend, with extended hours and lots and lots of shoppers coming through Knack. I wanted to make sure that I had lots of goodies in stock, and that everything was painted, cleaned, and in ship shop shape! Hard work payed off and I am super happy with how the shop looked. All of the sales and comments from my friends and visitors this weekend, were confirmation that people are diggin some Knack!I do have two new pieces of furniture to show you this week, but because of getting the shop set up, I did not have my "shooting wall" clear and so I still need to take the styled shots. Maybe you can spot the two newest in these photos? I am super excited about both of them......I thought that you all would enjoy seeing the shop...I totally changed the layout for the weekend, and moved everything around. There are some bare spots on the floor and shelves due to the volume of product that was sold this weekend....but I think you still get a great view of what we have going on here at Knack!Thank you to everyone who came out for all of your kind words about the shop and for your generous support of local, small business!xo,Barb Blair

"Renard" is a Foxy Fox

When Spoonflower asked me to collaborate with them and create a furniture design plan using their papers/wallpapers , it was such an easy and emphatic "YES" from me! I am a really big fan of Spoonflower and appreciate the quality of their papers....not to mention the opportunities a company like Spoonflower creates for others to share their talents in design. Anyone can create their own fabric, paper, wallpaper + decal designs and have them printed and produced. Really cool!I knew exactly what piece I wanted to design, and I knew exactly what paper I wanted to use. I have had my eye on this fox paper for several months, and the fact that I finally got to use it and get this design out of my head and onto a piece of furniture....just makes me happy. You can see the full post about this project on the Spoonflower blog today, and be sure to keep an eye on their blog all week as I will be sharing my Pinterest inspiration board created for the project, as well as giving away two signed copies of my book! The holidays are approaching, and gift buying season is upon us! My book makes a perfect gift! {If I do say so myself! wink!}I hope you all enjoy Renard, and be sure to visit Spoonflower! xo,Barb

Her Royal Mustardness- "Heloise"

I must start off by apologizing for not getting a Monday Introduction post up....until Friday.........but with that being said.....these weeks are so busy right now, and just because I am not getting posts up here on the blog does not mean that good things are not going down at Knack! We are painting and creating away.This beautiful mustard Heloise is one of those creative moments that happened in the work shop....and on Monday the fox piece will be making her debut as well.I always paint a mustard yellow piece in the Fall.......because mustard screams Fall to me....and I think Heloise might just be my favorite yet! Mustard and blue are two of my color loves and when paired together ....are a match made in heaven. Thank you very much.Heloise is available for sale at Knack {$650} and her measurements are:23" deep35 1/2 " tall63 1/4" wideAll accessories shown in this photo are available at Knack as well! You can re create this entire vignette in your own home! Hand drawn "sketch" plates are $25 ea., vases are $20 and $38 ea., and twine spools are $12 ea.Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! I am very much loving this cool Fall weather {finally} and plan to bundle up, watch soccer, spend time with friends, and drink lots of hot drinks!xo,Barb  

A gilded desk named "Esperanza"

This desk is actually a piece I picked up a few weeks ago while out hunting for pieces. It immediately had me in its grasp and I was done for. The beefy size, the tall tapered legs, the deep drawers and drawer insets just begged me to re imagine this situation.I wanted to go a bit understated and masculine... while at the same time adding a bit of beauty and grace. The perfect juxtaposition for me. I achieved this mix by adding in the gold leaf and giant glass knobs.She is so beautiful to me, and she is one of those pieces that I bought knowing exactly what I would do with her. She didn't sit and wait on the work room floor until I developed a plan for her....her plan was set in stone when I loaded her in the back of my car.I was excited to start her, and couldn't wait to finish her, and those are always my favorites.Esperanza is available for sale on the shop floor at Knack, and will be available online when I have some time to get all of the new pieces listed......Have a great Monday!xo,Barb

A small blanket chest named "Floy"

I hear these little chests were made to be placed at the foot of the bed, and to hold blankets or whatever else you needed to store in them. I have always wondered, since they sit so low to the ground but have long drawers and a large top surface. Great storage for a piece so small.I have not painted a piece in "my green" for quite some time....so I thought the timing was right for a little Esme green. The wallpaper in the drawers is that blue knot paper I told you all I was in love with here.....and the knobs are blue resin flowers I purchased a couple of  years ago...and now they have found their place. I added new casters to this girl, since the old ones were long gone, and she rolls around like a champ!I am hoping to have all of the new pieces listed in the shop by the end of the week.....but let me know if you can't wait until then!xo,Barb

A little petite gray chest named Aberdeen

This little one may be small in size....think side table or night stand.....but she has mighty big style. Just look at her faded blue interior and playful drawer liners......she's got it going on for sure!I really never tire of seeing these pieces transform and become fresh and new.....it is so rewarding. I am thankful for the opportunity that I have to do so.xo,Barb