Sonata Script

Sonata's Closing Shift

2011-12-22T03:43:00.000-08:00

“She took a leap of faith and grew her wings on the way down.”

Gather 'round, friends, for a big announcement…

Five and a half years ago, I took a leap of faith and opened Sonata. As a career music teacher in the public schools and a retail newbie, I never dreamed that Sonata would evolve into the store that it has become. I've felt enormous gratitude, awe, and appreciation for our customers, who allowed me to recreate the store anew for so many seasons. That's why this announcement may come as a surprise.

I've decided it's time to close Sonata’s doors. Sonata will be closing in early 2012. This decision emerged after many months of thought, contemplation, weighing options, and prayer. The reason? After years of juggling retail, teaching, and most importantly, family life, I am ready for simplification. I have decided to simplify myself down to one career and increase desired time with my family.

I've been blessed with terrific, fun, funny, and gracious customers who've shopped with us locally in the store and throughout the U.S. Many heartfelt thanks to all of you! I owe my biggest thanks to my family and to my amazing staff at Sonata. Thank you one and all for supporting the shop and for helping to make Sonata a great place to shop and one of the great experiences of my life so far.

So we're holding a Store Closing Sale beginning Dec. 26. Everything must go! To start, everything in the store is discounted 30% off regular merchandise and 60% off Christmas merchandise. This includes not only terrific grab-it-and-go merchandise--from candles and jewelry to home décor and everything in between-- but also display fixtures, furniture, props and other oddities. Come out and get your last fix of Sonata – Artful Living at Home while it lasts. For the first time ever, and only because we're closing, we're allowed to discount Sid Dickens Memory Blocks!

All sales are final. No holds, returns, refunds, exchanges, or store credits with close-out merchandise. This is also the final call for redeeming Gift Certificates. We are asking for payments via cash or credit/debit cards. No checks please. Please stop in soon, as our sale will progress quickly and you'll want to shop our best selection.

Thanks to all of you for 5 1/2 fantastic years!

Cheers to you!
Missy

~Missy

Lenny & Eva

2011-10-24T01:52:00.001-07:00

This is for the one who has found her way,
and the one who is still searching.

For the one who counts her blessings,
and who is a blessing to others.

This is for the dreamer, and the dancer,
and the music maker.

For the one brave enough to jump,
and the one still standing on the edge.

This is for the one who takes the path,
and for the one who creates her own.

For the one who fights, believes,
creates, and inspires.

This is for you.

I can't wait to share these with you. I have already had so much fun mixing, matching, and finding inspiration! Let me introduce you to Lenny & Eva - purveyors of salvaged sentiments. Create a statement piece as versatile as you are and one that speaks for you as well as to you.

Hand-crafted in the USA, these leather cuffs feature small brass hooks to which "sentiments" can be attached. Each sentiment is cast in lead-free metal, then given a rustic antique brass or antique silver finish for a vintage look. The interchangeable sentiment plates feature motivational words or meaningful quotes that have stood the test of time.

Inspiration, motivation, appreciation - whatever reminder your day needs, look no further than your wrist!

Mix and match cuffs, colors, plates, and charms.

Large or small, discover your inspiration! (photos courtesy of Vintage Glam)

Easy to attach and change out!

"Mojo Charms" can also attach to the leather cuff or can be added to the specially designed necklace chain or mini braided bands.

Add one or more of these charms for added personality.

Stop in at Sonata and create your own inspiration!

Cheers!
~Missy

Dress up for Fall

2011-10-12T01:48:00.000-07:00

Looking for a touch of fall for your accessory wardrobe? Take a look at these beauties!

This is the most beautiful color!

Or is this the most beautiful color?

Wrap yourself in cozy color and texture!

Chains with brilliant color!

Leather bands with a floral twist

Wrap your wrist in this!

Classic

Put a lid on it!

Cheers!
~Missy

Knock, Knock

2011-09-08T02:55:00.000-07:00

Question: "Missy, have you done any neat things with old doors and windows? I have an old door and window from my grandparents' farm, and want to do something with them that isn't too country."

Scour any flea market and you will likely come across an inviting pile of old doors or windows that have survived both time and demolition. What is it that calls us to take a closer look, risk being covered in cobwebs, and run our fingers over the worn patina? On the surface, I know that I am drawn to architectural detail. A chipped and flaking moulding can make my heart flutter! Add two-tone paint with hints of bare wood and I am sold!

Yet, there is more to this than just old wood and paint. I believe that windows and doors are the face of a home. They are the smiling welcome that invites you in to see what lies beyond. More importantly, they carry the stories of their owner. Are those chips the result of grandchildren flinging the door open to greet their grandma? Did the windows frame the view of a worried parent waiting for their teenager to make curfew? Were they painted and repainted with the changing decorating style of its owner? Perhaps I am romanticizing a bit, but you have to admit that windows and doors are the openings to our inner home.

At Sonata, I have always love using window frames and doors in my displays.

This door was covered with cobwebs and layers of dirt when I discovered it at a flea market. After several hours of gentle cleaning, this door became a centerpiece behind the Sonata counter. I love the interesting moulding, bare wood peeking through the worn paint, as well as the open window that allows me to display an additional focal point, in this case a metal window box.

This was a pretty nondescript hollow core door that I found in a salvage yard. I painted it a royal purple and attached two "royal" hooks: one for jacket and one for the purse.

These narrow open ironwork doors are actually new doors made to look old. I hinged and fit them in the doorway that leads to our back hallway. Great idea for any set of door panels!

Here are a few more inspired ways of incorporating these gems into your home.

How simple is this! Propping a door in an interesting spot add interest and color definition in this space.

Function and style in one horizontal turn! The rug and the chairs keep this door tabletop looking loft-like and boho-chic
.

Propping with a twist! Wire a decorative light fixture or hang a simple candle sconce.

Don't forget the windows! Add new glass to an old window frame!

Attach vintage or sepia tone photographs for a fantastic display!

Almost forgot! My opening photograph is of another hollow core door that I spray painted with chalkboard paint. We are having a fun playing with our new signage!

Cheers!
~Missy

Fall in!

2011-09-01T15:17:00.000-07:00

Even though this first day of September is hot, hot, hot, I can still tell that fall is arriving. Mums in pots, cooler nights, and customers looking for a "change." Here are few things that could add "change" to your artful (and autumnal!) life!

Sparkly pumpkins in gorgeous colors!

Who knew that a gray pumpkin could be so gorgeous! It is a perfect color complement to the copper and gold pumpkins.

Open weave acorns add texture and interest to this metal topiary form.

Love the glow of these terra cotta pumpkins in the sun!

Orchids!

Reproduction printer's blocks. Display on a table or hang on the wall!

Architectural art! Over 6 ft. tall, this would be beautiful hung vertically in a tall foyer or horizontally over a bed's headboard.

Must have purses!

Welcome to Fall!

Cheers!
~Missy

Autumn Inspiration

2011-08-21T05:27:00.001-07:00

With the change of season, I am always eager to change displays. Fall offers a wonderful opportunity to rearrange and redisplay. Oh, how I love fall! I was deciding on the direction of this display until I ventured into my hall closet. I was inspired by some old wallpaper that had exactly the color combination I was looking for!

Instead of going with the usual fabric tablecloth or runner, I decided to use some leftover wallpaper as a runner (and protective layer for the table.) This lovely stripe from my dining room in a previous home had the perfect shades of fall for this display. Just cut and let hang over the edge!

I love using trunks and other small pieces of furniture in displays. I found this vintage grey/black suitcase.....definitely a no frills piece. However, it provided another great wallpaper opportunity. I lined the underside of the lid with the companion wallpaper from my old dining room and used the stripe paper to line the inside. Instant fall color and pattern!

Varying the heights of objects keeps the eye moving and the interest alive. This golden tortoise glass vase was the perfect vessel for these fall florals. Have I mentioned I love fall!

Applause! Applause! These florals are the perfect backdrop for this bronze-colored clapping hands sculpture.

Small Pumpkins on a floral stem.

Can't help but add a purse! Available in brown or black....classic with a shot of animal print!

Always need to consider the display from the back side!

Cheers!
~Missy

Artful Dressing

2011-08-12T18:49:00.001-07:00

I like to mix it up at Sonata with the products and ideas that we offer. We have always had fun bringing you beautiful and unique jewelry, scarves, and purses. Now I am thrilled to offer apparel on Sonata! On trend, excellent quality, and ageless, I am in love with the fashions that I found for you! Let's take a look at a few goodies!

Samantha shows us a beautiful black knit dress with luxurious ruching and style. Worn alone with a pop-of-color scarf or layered underneath a patterned jacket, this will be one of your favorites in your closet.

Layering is key in building your wardrobe and this purple dress is a great start. It has a lovely subtle pattern woven into the fabric with a charming neckline and cap sleeves. Madeline wears this with leggings, boots, and a giraffe patterned scarf. Later, she adds another layer with a fantastic patterned jacket.

Love adding layers!

I am a child of the 70's and love the bohemian trend! This flowing tunic nips in slightly at the waist for a great combination of style and comfort. Buttery soft with beautiful embroidery and mini-tassel details, you'll see me wearing this one!

Gorgeous embroidery with a stunning lace panel on the back. The gauzy scarf adds additional color and texture.

Of course, we have to show some purses. Love the cross-body style!

Statement owl necklace. This guy is about 3 inches long!

This was the BIG thing at market! Wrap watches combine textured leather, elegant watch faces, and little shots of bling on the strap. Available in black, silver, brown, and the softest pink, these are incredibly comfortable and look great on the wrist.

Scarves in warm autumn colors.

Football is just around the corner! Available in clear bling, red bling, or red/black bling, most women have been buying these stretch rings to wear on their pointer finger. Go team!

Stop in and check out the new styles! See you soon!
Cheers!
~Missy

Summer Salvage

2011-08-03T15:14:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love a good comeback! I found this reversible display piece during a few random moments on craigslist. The photo was fuzzy and the description a little cryptic. The words that caught my eye were "jewelry display!" Now most of you know that I like to display jewelry in unusual ways....hanging from a lampshade, tacked in the middle of a photo frame, dangling from the neck of a beautiful vase. But I also love to create a "boudoir" display... sort of like finding buried treasure on your dresser. Here is my potential treasure dresser ready for transformation.

I believe this piece lived a former life as a display piece for Talbots. How it made its way to someone's garage and onto my computer screen is anybody's guess. One quick pick-up trip later and I had a new summer project. The hardest part was lifting it out of my van. This was heavy!

I was inspired by some drawer knobs that we had sold at one time in the shop. Together with some beautiful patterned papers, I was ready to tackle my project.

Black high-gloss paint on the the wood, papers adhered to the inset spaces, and one fabulous drawer (now door!) knob!

And now for that heaviness problem. I need to be able to move this easily by myself instead of waiting for three available people. Ah, the beauty of caster wheels!

I spray painted the detachable jewelry rolls and, voila!, I have a portable, reversible, accessory display piece!

Now it is time to load it up. Time for some bling!

Cheers!
~Missy

Sonata Sampler

2011-07-30T04:11:00.000-07:00

Here is a sampler of some of the new items at Sonata. I couldn't help but lead with this sporty yet elegant rubber Husker watch!

SOLD OUT. REORDERING!

Gorgeous glass paperweights with swirls of color. No one can not be tempted to pick this up and play with the colors in the light!

Initial pendants fashioned after traditional wax seals. My photo doesn't show it well but there is a tiny bit of "bling" beside each letter. Perfect little detail!

Statement jewelry

Statement pillow

Earth friendly photo frame

Inspire your favorite teacher this fall!

SOLD OUT. REORDERING!

Cheers!
~Missy

Reflections

2011-07-21T13:02:00.000-07:00

T265 "Travellers"

Sid Dickens has released his newest collection: "Reflections"
I love the title of this collection because I think it describes so perfectly the allure of these blocks. I think when we look to the past, we so often see a reflection of ourselves. Each of these works of art captures a bit of the past and reflects what it meaningful back to us.

Let's take a look and see how they reflect you!

T264 "Opera 1827"

T270 "Hidden Truth"

T267 "Mystic Love"

T266 "Promise"

T268 "Equinox"

T269 "Child of Light"

T263 "Gate to Paradise"

T262 "En La Kesh"

Because each block is hand-made, it can take a bit of time for these to arrive. If you are thinking of gifts for fall or Christmas, it is not too soon to order. Call the shop if you want one earmarked for you! I will be sending in the order for Sonata in a few days.

Cut to the Chase Savings

2011-07-17T19:09:00.000-07:00

Let's Cut to the Chase! Save 40% STOREWIDE July 18-20! (Sid Dickens, Letters from Home, and special orders excluded) So hop in your air-conditioned car, park right up at Sonata's front door, and shop for savings in cool comfort!

With the temperatures climbing and my hibernation into air-conditioning, I am finding myself reinventing a few finds and using them for display at Sonata. I had found this wonderful door a few months ago and finally figured out what to do with it! It now stands proudly behind the counter with a metal window box and vibrant flowers tucked into its "window." All it now needs is a summer breeze!

These bags have been my "right arm" for years as I travel between home, shop, and school. I stuff them full whenever I set up a remote display and usually have several requests as to where I got it. Now back in at Sonata and ready to be stuffed with your stuff!

Grab a lemonade or glass of wine and enjoy lingering in this charming bistro set! It can be ordered with the initial of your choice or with a classic medallion.

This elegant woman perched in an antique trunk waits to greet you as you enter Sonata!

I have a few other projects up my sleeve but they require a little less humidity and a little more heat tolerance on my part! Stay tuned. In the meantime, enjoy 40% off storewide this Monday through Wednesday. Stay Cool at Sonata!

Last of a Good Thing

2011-07-11T10:50:00.000-07:00

From the day that I opened the doors of Sonata, we have carried the large metal letters in a variety of patinas. They were always at the top of my list of gift ideas: wedding, housewarming, anniversary, birthday....Wide enough to sit on a surface but including a sawtooth hanger for hanging, these were the perfect home/office accessory for women or men. Alas! The vendor has decided to discontinue the line! SO SAD!

As a last good-bye to these favorites of mine, I am offering a closeout deal of 30% off each of the letters. The photo shows all that I have left. All are in the rust patina. At the time of posting, we have: C,D,F,I,K (not shown)L,O,P,R,X (how about hanging OX for that honey of yours!) Lucky are you who has use of one of these remaining initials!

(P,R,L,K have now sold.)

I Hope You Dance

2011-07-05T11:25:00.000-07:00

Time for some product updates at Sonata!

Love, Love, Love this dancer!

Tick-Tock...pocket watch clock

I love it when your wall color is part of the clock!

Chalkboard clock...

...complete with chalkboard and magnets!

Beautiful tray!

Beautiful pattern!

Wouldn't be complete without showing some jewelry!

Thanks for browsing!

Celebrating Five Years of Artful Living!

2011-06-11T10:01:00.001-07:00

The birthday celebration continues at Sonata! I felt we needed a cake to celebrate so I created one out of paperback books! No lighting of the candles allowed!

New merchandise!

Retro game board glass trays!

Chess anyone?

We now carry ICU reader glasses. Sorry the photo is so blurry....or do you need some reader glasses! =)

White watches back in stock

Sports ring bling (sorry, only soccer balls and footballs left)

Boho messenger bag

Don't forget....pop a balloon when you make your purchase of regularly priced merchandise. Receive 20-50% off your entire purchase! (Sid Dickens, Letters from Home, Living Social not included.) The celebration continues through the end of the month!

Happy Birthday, Sonata!

2011-06-02T04:22:00.000-07:00

It is hard for me to believe that 5 years ago, I first opened the doors to Sonata! It seems like yesterday that I was frantically pricing merchandise, experimenting with my first display, and trying to figure out a maneagable file system. With 15 years experience as a teacher in the public school, I was a true newbie to the world of retail.

With 5 years under my belt, I realize there have been ups and down, curveballs and homeruns, new friends and exciting experiences! I invite you over the next few weeks to be a part of the celebrating and reminiscing. After all, you are why Sonata has survived and succeeded in the past five years! Join me as I walk down memory lane!

Our original location on No. 48th St. was a bare canvas waiting for the Sonata imprint.

After some paint and merchandise, Sonata was off and running!

The baby grand piano has been our signature display piece from the beginning. It has held every type of merchandise as well as stood beautifully on its own.

At the North 48th location

At the current Village Gardens location

Artful accessories have definitely been a popular and growing part of Sonata!

I have always loved to create displays based on a color theme.

Sonata gets frequent shipments of unusual items. This just in!

It has been an thrill and an honor to have received a few pats on the back.

Sonata was an Extreme Home Makeover Donating Partner in 2006. (My autoraphed photo of the cast)

2007 Community Gem award from the Nebraska Retailer Federation. Sonata was also nominated for the Nebraska Retailer of the Year award in 2007 and 2010.

Chosen to be one of Home Accents Today 50 Retail Stars 2010 edition.

Summer project 2010: decoupaged back hallway with music textbook pages. (It actually only took a week!)

Prepped bookcase just prior to my workshop "Decorating with Books."

I am the luckiest shopowner in the world to have the greatest staff in the world! From left to right: Samantha Noonan (my daughter!), Elizabeth Erikson (my niece!), Me (Missy Noonan), Sharon Cochrane (my friend!), and Lisa Petersen (my friend!)

Thank you for supporting Sonata through the past 5 years! Now, let's celebrate!

It's our birthday, but we're giving you the presents! From now until the end of June, there are 5 fabulous choices on how to celebrate and save! (One choice per visit...offers cannot be combined.)

1)Sign up at www.sonatahome.com or in the store to be placed on our email list. You will be sent a "Celebration" email. Print and use as your very own Sonata Shopping Pass and save 20% on each and every purchase between now and June 30.* (If you are already on our email list, check your in-box!)

2) Pop a birthday balloon in the store for savings of 20-50% off your entire purchase.*

3) Enter your name in the store for a chance to win a Sid Dickens Memory Block.

4) Like us on Facebook and receive a special discount to be used in the month of July*

5) Save on special discounts storewide.

*Cannot be used on Sid Dickens, Letters from Home, clearance merchandise, or special orders.

If your timing is good, you might even get a cupcake!

Thank you for 5 great years!

Patience Rewarded

2011-05-19T03:39:00.000-07:00

Exhaling with a smile on my face....the new Sid Dickens shipment arrived safe and sound. I know exactly what each block looks like but I am still giddy as I open the boxes!

New designs!

"Conundrum"

"Medina"

Old favorites!

So worth the wait! A full wall! (for the time being...two already spoken for!)

Thank you, Sid Dickens!

My daughter in "Jump for Joy" mode. (You don't want to see me jump!)

My Middle Name is Patience

2011-05-09T12:09:00.000-07:00

I have carried Sid Dickens Memory Blocks at Sonata longer than any other item in the past five years. My sister first introduced me to these treasures several years ago and I have been hooked ever since. Actually, my entire family is hooked. Most of us have a "Sid Wall" in our home. This might sounds like a bunch of copycats, but when you look at each individual wall, you are struck by the individuality of the owner.

Here is the "Sid Wall" at Sonata on Monday (post-Mother's Day.) Definitely time for the nails to hold memory blocks instead of dead air and my impatient gaze. I'm watchng for the UPS truck to stop by. Oops, he just flew by. No Sid yet!

I can't wait for the order to come in. Any minute now....

Any day now...

Do I hear crickets???

Any "Moment" (actual title of this GORGEOUS block!)

Decided to call Sid myself! Unavailable? (creating greatness no doubt!) Instead, I talked with a very helpful Sid Dickens customer service rep. Shipping from Vancouver and going through customs takes time. (I knew that and I am sure I would have been tongue-tied if I had actually asked to talk to Sid himself!) Good news...The shipment is scheduled to arrive tomorrow (Thursday)!

Sid himself! I like to imagine him sitting in my living room giving me background details on every block!

I'll just sit on my chaise and wait. Tomorrow is another day! The sun will come out tomorrow! Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love ya' tomorrow!

Till tomorrow!

Random Inspiration

2011-05-09T12:03:00.000-07:00

These may be random but they caught my attention!

This actually looks comfortable!

A Dr. Suess ceiling in a cool, hip bistro.

Cover a chair with canvas and go to it!

Nature + History + Time

Mums the Word

2011-05-07T05:56:00.001-07:00

More gift ideas for Mum!

Summer jewelry

Copper Firepots in three different sizes. Use indoors or outdoors!

Reversible charms

Plaster artwork

My Mother, My Friend

2011-04-23T13:36:00.001-07:00

"God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers."
-- Jewish proverb

Sonata gift ideas for my mother, my friend. What will you give to yours?

Elegant flowers and butterflies.

Elegant flowers and dragonflies.

Moms always need baskets!

Sometimes Mom needs a break!

Treat your Mother like a queen....or at least frame her like one!

Beautiful glass birds! Available in orange, blue, and yellow.

Seda France candles are always a perfect gift!

Kitras Tree of Life

A tulip stem on a single Sid Dickens Memory Block. Perfection!

No toasters for Mom! Opt for a personal piece of jewelry!

If in doubt, give your mother the gift of shopping at Sonata. Gift certificates available!

Your mom will love your gift, but in the end, her best present is probably the sound of your voice!

Words, Words, Words!

2011-04-20T14:35:00.000-07:00

Words of Wisdom have arrived at Sonata!

Sorry, "cheese to macaroni" sold fast! Will re-order!

'Nuff said!

Super Sale Saturday!

2011-04-16T04:02:00.001-07:00

Time for a serious spring sale!

(does not apply to Sid Dickens, Letters from Home, special orders. Cannot be combined with other offers and promotions.)

See you at Sonata!

Fantasy rooms

2011-04-15T03:18:00.001-07:00

Here are some fantasy designs for my spare house (that resides in my head!)

Layers to sink into

Kitchen or Library? Doesn't matter....I love it!

Guest room. Adore the ceiling!

My closet. (Sorry, hubby....you have to find your own!)

Fantasy Dining Room - Wall to die for!

Garden Room (Let's settle into it, Madame Spring!)

I am a big believer in turning dreams into reality. Hmmmm, which room should I start on first?

Table Inspirations

2011-04-07T05:33:00.000-07:00

Every other year, the Friends of Lied host an incredible event, Table Inspirations. Local designers are asked to design a table around a designated theme. This year's theme was "Celebrations!" There certainly was a celebratory air as hundreds of people viewed over 30 fabulous table displays! Creativity was everywhere!

I chose for my table design, the theme "Celebration of Song." I was inspired by my piano at the shop that has become a signature display piece at Sonata. I thought of recitals, rehearsals, and impromptu singing sessions that occurred around the pianos in my life. What better celebration for Sonata than one centered around music. Better yet, I thought, why not use a piano as my table!

Special thanks to Dietze Music House for delivering a beautiful piano for me to use as my table!

Ludwig might have a scowl on his face, but he was the perfect guest at my table!

Pull up a chair! (or a stool!) These two retro red stools were the perfect seating option for this recital table setting.

I stacked dessert dishes on open music books used as placemats. Sonata's popular music lyric blocks provided great height to highlight beautiful dishes and pink champagne cupcakes from one of my favorite coffe shop, the' Cup!

Songbird cloches keep the cupcakes fresh and my mouth watering!

Music sculptures (just in at Sonata) gave the display height and graceful curve.

Pink peonies, red tulips, and purple berries!

Vintage record albums and sheet music dressed the keyboard.

Since there was no on playing the piano (yet!), I turned the piano bench into the wine center.

Full view as you come up the stairs.

Many thanks to the Friends of Lied for including Sonata in this incredible event! I know that it takes a tremendous amount of time and energy to pull this together. I had a wonderful time meeting so many incredible women. I am truly inspired!

Charming Winner!

2011-04-03T06:22:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Kaye for winning the charm pendant contest drawing! She wrote...

"I would choose "Dream", dreaming, wishing, and hoping bring peace to the mind. A funny story is that my husband makes noises in his sleep when he dreams and I can tell the difference between disturbing dreams and content dreams by the way he responds with noises. I nudge him with the bad dreams so he can start over in hopes of a good dream."

and wins...

Kaye, please send me a quick email at www.info@sonatahome.com so I can get your contact information and you can get your new jewelry treasure! Thank you to everyone who entered!

Eye Candy for the Soul (and a drawing!)

2011-03-30T13:18:00.001-07:00

Nothing gets my heart racing fast than a chest, box, or tray of jewelry. Even better....when I have to rummage through to find what I want! It reminds me of a friend's mother's aunt (I had to think about that one!) who would let me looks through her jewelry box and admire all the "jewels!" You can imagine my delight when we received a shipment of "Eye Candy for the Soul" at Sonata!

Bangles and Bauble galore!

Reversible charms

Good Girl...

...Bad Girl!

Calgon...take me away!

Now for the "drawing" part! Post a comment about which of the following you would love to find among your jewelry treasures and why. A winner will be randomly drawn from all who comment on Sat. April 2 at 5:00 p.m.a nd will receive the charm that you like (with the necklace of your choosing) So....which is your favorite!

#1 Art....must make art

#2 Good Girl....Bad Girl

#3 Dream....Everything begins with a dream

Bonne Chance! Good Luck!

Oh! What a Beautiful Easter!

2011-03-22T13:56:00.000-07:00

Nothing welcomes spring like the freshness and colors of Easter. Here is our own welcoming committee at Sonata!

(Sorry, girl bunny has sold.)

Chicks and ducks and geese (and bunnies) better hurry...

...when I take you out in my surrey!

Come on, everyone! Sing along!

Oh! What a Beautiful Morning!

Oh! What a Beautiful Day!

I got a beautiful feeling, everything's goin' my way!

Lyrics from Oklahoma! Liberties taken by Sonata!

Artful Accessories

2011-03-21T12:15:00.000-07:00

Artful living means artful dressing! Here are some of the new spring accessories just arriving Sonata!

Artwork plus accessories equals artful living!

One of the new hot colors for spring!

Perfect for spring into summer!

Bold faces in bold colors!

>
Fresh flowers!

I never get tired of this pattern. I loved it with a shot of spring green!

This long necklace has a fantastic assymetrical chain. Looks great with a scarf or layered with other jewelry.

Statement piece!

I can't wait to carry this bag this summer! Comes in many colors...

This color is sold out.

Bling for Spring!

Shades of Blue

2011-03-16T01:55:00.000-07:00

For years, my favorite color has been red. Cherry red, fire engine red, husker red, and on and on. While I still LOVE a shot of red in a room, I have found that all shades of blue now capture my heart. Whether painted on a wall or brightening a beautiful Nebraska sky, blue is my new love! (Big bonus when I can pop some red into
a blue room!)

This room featured in a 2008 issue of Domino is the inspiration for a guest room at home. (in progress!)

I'm trying to capture this sky for the walls of my bedroom!

Botanical with a blue twist

Turquoise! We have used these beautiful vases at Sonata to arrange flowers or display jewelery. However, it is gorgeous enough to stand on its own!

A navy kitchen! Bold, beautiful, and blue! Also love the mirror on the wall!

One of my favorite accessories! Ceramic garden stools are perfect for use as a table or seating. This blue beauty serves as an occasional table in my office. As soon as spring hits, it will go outside by our porch swing. These have been very popular at Sonata. Only one left!

My office at home: Blue walls, black damask, and tiny shots of red. Working heaven!

Sometimes a blue accent is all you need. Love this blue cabinet in the bathroom! Perfect with the pale walls and dramatic artwork!

Table Inspirations

2011-03-11T03:16:00.001-08:00

Sonata is excited to be a participating designer. Get your tickets now!

Quote for the day

2011-03-04T03:43:00.000-08:00

Ritual

2011-02-20T05:59:00.000-08:00

For years, I have followed a routine each morning:
-make the coffee
-let the dog out
-read the newspaper
-check my email (while eating breakfast)
-get ready for the day
-hustle the girls along
-drive to school/work and start the day

Even as I list my routine, it appears quite mundane and generic. Doesn't everyone perform some version of this every morning? Perhaps. Yet, strangely enough, my routine is quite comforting to me. There is a inner calm and intrinsic reward that comes from the process of "home". My husband would probably call it my penchant for romanticizing. I prefer to call it attitude and perspective. So here is my refined list...

-grind the beans for my favorite coffee that wakes my senses and never fails
to remind me of my father.

-let my dog, Charlie, out. The best part of this is letting him back in and
giving him a good rub behind the ears. A dog's love know no bounds!

-read the newspaper. I have not yet converted to reading news online. Perhaps,
like my resistance to e-readers, I love the rustle of paper in my hand, the
smell of the Seda France candle I have just lighted (Japanese Quince!), the
coffee waking me up, and Charlie now nestled into my side.

-check my email(while eating breakfast). Not much ambiance here except that I can also check and update the Sonata Facebook page at the same time.So fun to keep you updated on the latest happenings at Sonata!

-get ready for the day. Because I am an early riser, I still have the bathroom
and closet to myself. After my shower, coffee in tow, I proceed to blow dry
my hair while adeptly turning the pages of my latest shelter magazine.
(a talent, I know!)

-hustle the girls along. My twin daughters are NOT early risers! Usually, they
are running down the stairs at the last minute before I take them to school.
Perhaps it is their last minute flurry and my coffee-induced alertness
that keeps us rockin' and rollin'!

-as we head to school, I treasure the car time with the girls. Outwardly, we
go over the day's carpooling and schedule of activities for the day. Inwardly,
I am thinking how they will soon be driving themselves!

Romanticized? Perhaps. But which list do you prefer?

Girls Night Out

2011-02-15T05:49:00.001-08:00

What is it about a night out with girls? Is it our way of escaping the rigors of the day? Do we need to recapture our connection with our "girly" side? Is it our opportunity to meet up with friends that we haven't seen in a while. Of course, it is all three! If one of these reasons sounds like you right now, then gather some friends and head to Sonata on Thursday night (Feb. 17)! From 5:00-8:00 p.m., there will be evening specials, door prizes, fun music, new merchandise, food, wine....Wow! I can't wait!

While I love to putter in the kitchen when I have lots of time, that is not the case this week. So, I decided to roam the aisles of Trader Joes and stock up on fun food and Three Buck Chuck for the evening! I love easy! (and Trader Joes!)

Whether by yourself or with friends, family, or co-workers, you are invited to a casual evening of hanging with the girls doing what I know we all love to do. Talk, eat, and shop! See you there!

Sleep. Pink. Love!

2011-02-08T04:39:00.000-08:00

Purchase any pajama set, robe, or Curly Girl item between now and Valentine's Day and receive a $5.00 gift certificate from Sonata. Tuck it into your favorite valentine or use it to buy yourself something special!

Curly Girl candles!

Pucker up Bathrobe!

Curly Girls Canteens and Travel Mugs

Curly Girl Laptop Skins!

Sleep. Pink. Love!

Happy Valentines Day!

Catch Up, Spring!

2011-02-05T10:31:00.001-08:00

I know it is only February, but I am yearning for a peek of Spring! Here are some new arrivals at Sonata to get us all in the mood!

Allium canvases

Pops of color against a great shade of grey

My husband says I am obsessed with spreader knives. Can you see why?

Someday my (frog) prince will come!

Sonata always has a touch of French style. Imagine all the places you could use this scenic canvas floor screen.

Sometimes we need a little Zen...

Spring had better hurry! Sonata is way ahead!

Cure for the Winter Blahs

2011-02-01T15:56:00.001-08:00

Chase those winter blahs away with new jewelry!

Market Stream of Consciousness

2011-01-18T18:28:00.000-08:00

Having just returned from market, I am trying to organize my thoughts on what I saw and experienced over the span of 4 days. Rather than tax my brain with correct sentence structure and punctuation, I thought I would just type the descriptors as they pop in my head. Here goes:

Turquoise, antique white, distressed, coral, birds, antlers, spectacles, ephemera, Atlanta drivers in snow!, quotes, architectural, pearls, crystals, recycled, industrial, more turquoise...

French, vintage, Parisian, British invasion, Union Jack flag, The Beatles, peace sign still going strong, fireburners, monograms, the best olives I've ever tasted in my life!, cheese straws, metal letters, burlap, peacocks, crowns, can we talk turquoise?...

Woven wrist straps, metal clocks, script on everything, mercury silver, antiqued mirror, apothecary labels, Martin Luther King parade, wine labels, Le Madeleine bistro (please come to Lincoln!), metal flowers, beaded wrist straps, eco-cups, blues in all shades (but especially turquoise)...

Wrapped canvases, birds, trunks, turquoise with gray, turquoise with white, turquoise with coral, ottoman cubes, dress forms, moss, big rings, boots on every woman attending market, Christmas 2011,and more turquoise!

>

Suitcase or Suit to taste?

2011-01-12T03:41:00.000-08:00

I am headed to market in Atlanta and so begins the struggle of deciding what to pack. It is daunting to anticipate all of the women wearing very high heels as they work their way through the showrooms. I, on the other hand, am a dedicated "flat" girl who must rely on her sense of style in a pair of comfortable, low shoes. As I stare at my overloaded suitcase, my thoughts turned to how travel has changed and our means of transporting our shoes along with it. Taking it a step further, how can we incorporate these traveling time capsules into our home decor?

Steamer trunks used to be the suitcase of choice. (I am now truly grateful for my suitcase on wheels!) Heavy, bulky, and the perfect coffee table with storage!

Perfect in a craft room or office for storing crafting or office supplies. Cover your own suitcase with photographs, maps, or my personal favorite....sheet music!

This looks just like an old suitcase of my grandfather's. Anchor on a wall with a small metal L bracket (thank you Home Depot!) along with photographs of loved ones or favorite places of travel.

Ah, the dog's life! My dog, Charlie, would LOVE this!

Stay tuned over the next week. I will do my best to bring you a taste of the Atlanta market and what might in "store" for Sonata!

Through the Looking Glass

2011-01-09T04:58:00.000-08:00

A very dear friend and customer asked me a wonderful question on the Sonata Facebook page: "What do I use to fill my glass jars during those "in-between" times?" It is usually fairly easy to find fillers when it is holiday time....ornament balls for Christmas, Easter eggs for Easter, etc. But what do you use for filler when there isn't a pertinent holiday? While I love to see jars filled with pasta or lemons or cotton balls and swabs, take it a step further and think outside of the box...or glass, that is! Here are some ideas to consider:

For the chilly month of January, toss in colorful balls of yarn. I love the combination of comfy, cozy yarn with elegant glass!

Rocks? You bet! This is works well for a contemporary yet "earthy" look!

No, I haven't lost my marbles. I just put them in a jar!

I love taking everyday items and grouping them en masse! Gather some old doorknobs and you have an instant conversation piece.

Vintage eyeglasses! Gather at thrift stores or flea markets...or if you are my age, just look around the house! Add two or three pairs to a simple jar, and you’ll have a display that everyone will want to “see.”

Wheat grass is so crisp and fresh! While this one takes a little more time and patience, the wait is definitely worth it!

Glass is so simple yet so stunning when paired with its contents. Take a walk through your home and see what you find!

Fashion Forward

2011-01-08T06:25:00.000-08:00

Best decorating tip I can give for the new year....open your closet! Yes, open your closet! Your decorating style is right there among the shoes, scarves, sweaters, even sweatpants. Sometimes it is the color....sometimes it is the texture....sometimes it your favorite cardigan with your favorite shoes. Sometimes it is that runway dress that you would only wear in your imagination! Take what warms your fashion sense and apply to your room decor.

Couldn't resist sharing some photos that have inspired me

Symphony Sid

2010-09-29T15:14:00.001-07:00

In a boutique of everchanging accessories, the Sid Dickens Memory Blocks have long been a staple at Sonata. I never tire (at store or home!) of looking at the blocks. It seems that I see something new each time. Perhaps my mood of the day affects me, but I see different cracks, different chips, and different color shades each time I look.

As I prepare to send in my final order for this year (it generally takes about 6 weeks to get in), I am eager to say hello to incoming blocks and sad to say good-bye to retiring blocks. Here are some of the retiring blocks. If you would like me to order one of these retiring blocks, please let me know by Monday, Oct. 10 so I can include it on these last order of the year.

"Opaque"

"Mozart"

"Dido"

"Imperial Column"

"Music with Moulding"

"Musica"

I love them all but have a particular penchant for the music-themed blocks! Order now for holiday gift-giving!

Halloween

2010-09-20T03:46:00.000-07:00

I love Halloween! As a child, I could hardly wait until my mother said it was all right to pull out our three life-size cardboard cut-outs and tape to the front picture windows. Halloween decor has definitely evolved over the years and has now officially arrived at Sonata! However, rather than fill the shop with cute orange jack o'lanterns and develish figurines, I have decided to focus on decor items that serve double-duty....items that can spookify your home but also can be used in your decor throughout the year. Double-duty Halloween, so to speak.

Take one garden urn, top it off with a tray, add some Hitchcock birds, and voila!....instant creep!

These canvases are actually beautiful, sculptural images of winter trees. The black and white photography would be striking in any home. The stark twisting of the limbs give an eerie twist when included in a goulish atmosphere.

Perch a "scary" cutout on the shade of a black lamp. When illiminated, it creates a a even scarier effect!

Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds" is one movie that totally freaks me out! Attach a creepy bird to the rim of a glass hurricane jar or to the lip of a cast iron candlestick. Feel the chills!

The most sophisticated skulls I have ever seen! Put a votive (real or battery operated) and watch these eyes come back to life!

Witch on wheels!

One creepy skeletan with a platter of spiders! Spiders not your thing.....add candy!

Of course, I have to include some Halloween whimsy....how about some toothy bobbleheads!

Sophisticated witch hat headbands!

Happy Halloween!

You're Invited! Decorating with Books

2010-09-13T01:29:00.000-07:00

Books fascinate me. As a child I devoured every book I could get my hands on. My weekly trips to the library got my heart racing as I chose new books as well as a couple of favorites for re-reading. My bookworm (some say nerdish) status was sealed in stone when an English teacher told my mother to not let me read my novel during my brother's high school football game. (I did look up when we scored!)

However, my love of books transcends beyond the story inside to the beauty of the cover outside. A favorite furniture purchases was a three piece bookcase in which I could display all of my beautiful books that had previously been packed in boxes. To line up the Jane Austin spines, to group the "English History" section (took up an entire 1/2 shelf!), to display my book "friends" for the world to see (at least the part of the world that came through my living room!)....be still my decorating heart. (the design books took an entire shelf!)

If space and architecture permitted, my books would call this wall home!

Oh, give me an empty armoire, and I'll fill it with bookish charm!

There is a world of decorating creativity that exists beyond the bookshelf! Books as levels, books as artwork, books under glass! And let's not stop there! There are numerous ways of creatively using the pages of a book. (best if you use books you didn't like as this involves some therapeutic ripping!) Folded accordion pages, pages as wallpaper, pages in frames....follow me? Are we on the same page? (sorry, couldn't resist.)

To make sense of my rambling list, please join me at Sonata on Thursday, Sept 23 at 7:00 p.m. for a free seminar on Decorating with Books, on or off the shelf. I will share tips, projects, and ideas for decorating and expressing yourself with the books that you read. Reservations are requested with a minimum of 10 bibliophiles needed. Please call Sonata 325-6786 or email me at missy@sonatahome.com to let me know how many of you to expect.

Cheers! (back to my book!)

Inspiration Boards

2010-09-07T03:29:00.000-07:00

Nothing gets my creative juices flowing more than sitting down with a pile of shelter magazines and dreaming! I tear out sheets that give me ideas for the shoppe as well as for home. If you are like me, you have a stash of magazine clippings that scream "YOU!". Maybe it is that perfect paint color, or a room arrangement idea, or even a craft project that you intend to tackle "soon." I wish I could say that mine are organized in an orderly fashion. I have tear-out sheets tucked in files, stashed in notebooks, or more likely, sitting in piles by my nightstand or on my desk. I have cards, fabric swatches, maps, fashion photos, etc. that somehow give me inspiration and fire up my creativity. As a visual person, I can all too easily forget about a fabulous idea if it is not out in the open and easily accessible to me. (Don't move my piles! I know exactly where everything is!) Sometimes I need my own ideas to hit me in the face! Lately, I have been inspired by a means of creatively organizing and displaying all those fabulous bits and pieces. Inspiration boards are not just for designers. They are an effective and beautiful way of defining your decorating style and keeping your sources of inspiration in front of you.

Think beyond your typical bulletin board. While the bulletin board hanging in my bedroom throughout high school did inspire me, (concert tickets, homecoming corsages, honor roll certificates...take me home 1983!) it was more of a memory board than an inspiration board. Place your inspiration board in your office, kitchen, mudroom, workroom, even a hallway! (you see it every day don't you!) Start with sheets torn out from magazines. Add special mementos from travels. Include that photo of your dream table setting or the letter from your aunt with the fabulous handwriting. Don't be afraid to go 3-D with unique and nostalgic piece of jewelry. Hang it on the wall or lay flat on a tabletop. (Who says it has to be vertical!) Your personal decorating style will emerge before your eyes. You will start to see color combinations, patterns, and textures to which you are drawn. Seeing everything together on one massive board offers a chance at clarity and creativity.

Try putting together boards for specific rooms or projects. This is one of my favorite ways of designing displays for Sonata, particularly around holiday open house time. Redoing a bedroom? Place a board in the room "to be" and start assembling photos, color swatches, room layouts, fabric samples, artwork ideas, or even photos of incredible couture fashion. You will be amazed at how this can create new ideas and lay to rest the quandary of the moment.

Need ideas for the board itself?
-You can start with a basic bulletin board. Your additions to the board will give it instant character.

-Take a flea market frame and attach a backing with cork board. Or, remove the glass from an old mirror and attach a layer of cork board.

-I was fortunate to come across a fabulous frame (with hideous artwork) at the local Goodwill. I covered it with collected wine corks (cut in half) and voila! Instant inspiration board! (For the record, I did not drink all that wine myself!)

-I found three of these hollow core closet doors at the salvage yard. I decoupaged the doors with various papers and objects that inspire me. Then, I added cork board to the three panels on each of the doors. Now I have three boards with permanent and temporary areas of inspiration! As a person who loves to give (and receive!) beautifully wrapped packages, I have these placed in my workroom where I do all of my wrapping. Bits of wrapping paper, ribbon, and inspiring photos go on these boards to keep my packages fresh and fun.

-Don't forget fun thumbtacks, dress form pins, or other means of tacking up your ideas.

Most importantly, don't over think your board. It should be a transitory piece. As ideas come and go, make adjustments to your board. It will become a daily reflection of you and your style.

Cheers!

Hidcote?

2010-08-31T01:30:00.000-07:00

After one year, I am still thrilled with Sonata's new location in the Marketplace at Village Gardens. From the village green to my brick wall to the Scooters a few feet away, I love the space, my neighbors, and the the visionary development of the Marketplace. As another area building quickly takes shape, I am inspired by the commitment to the English Cotswolds style and architecture. From the stone used on the building to the flower baskets hanging from the lampposts, no detail has been missed. Even the street name where Sonata calls home is taken from a place halfway around the world. Hidcote Drive? Try Hidcote Manor in Gloucestershire, England. Take a short trip with me!

Hidcote is one of England's great gardens. It is made up of a series of garden rooms, each one with its own unique character and personality, yet staying true to the Arts and Crafts style. Designed by horticulturalist, Major Lawrence Johnston, this garden is in full swing from spring through autumn. With daily tours, evening events, and an open-air theatre, this garden takes full advantage of its sweeping views of the English Cotswolds. These photos inspire me to try to nurse my August heat-ridden lawn back to green lushness! Better yet, maybe an air-conditioned evening watching "The Secret Garden" is in order!

I have full-out visions of myself strolling through the gardens (of course, looking like Helena Bonham Carter in "Room with a View!" ). Wouldn't a picnic be fabulous! (ok, now I am channeling Gweneth Paltrow in "Emma!") Someone give me a slouchy hat, an English umbrella, and an unscheduled day! (Sigh....) In the meantime, I will stroll down Hidcote Dr. at Village Gardens and hop over to the village green. Picnic anyone?

Photos courtesy of National Trust.

Artful Living

2010-08-26T20:10:00.000-07:00

Greetings!

As a newbie to the world of blogging, I am thrilled that you have landed on my blog. I am the owner of Sonata - Artful Living at Home. Some call it a gift shop. Others call it a design source. Others call it an anomaly......"This is in Nebraska!?!"

Regardless of your take on my little shoppe, I hope that I can share with you my take on "Artful Living at Home."

I thought I would keep it simple for my first blog (perhaps first-time blogger nerves are kicking in!). In my music teacher role, I always keep a mission statement in my school office. It defines my purpose and keeps me focused and inspired. I guess my first post is not so much a mission statement but more of a list-long mantra for the day. Here goes...

Choose your friends as you would your clothes...warm, witty, and colorful.

Read a book that has real pages.

Don't scrimp on olive oil. Get the good stuff.

Write thank-you notes in black pen and on good stationery. Watch your mailbox for incoming.

Be yourself.

Grow fresh herbs.

Attitude is a choice.

Keep a corkscrew in your picnic basket.

Never give up.

Cheers,
Missy