Sonata's Closing Shift

“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

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

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

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!

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

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