george and bessie

HapPY CHrIsTMaS tO aLL aNd tO aLL a GOod nIGhT

2011-12-18T12:00:00.000-06:00

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

All of us at George & Bessie wish you and yours the merriest of holidays and a Happy New Year!!

current obsession {paint-by-number}

2011-12-16T08:30:00.001-06:00

We about fell out of our chairs when we saw the next two images of paint-by-number wall murals!! What a fun way to bring that retro, vintage vibe to a modern space.

Paint-by-number became a popular pastime in the early 1950s. Each paint-by-number kit included two brushes and up to 90 premixed, numbered paints ready to be applied to numbered spaces on a canvas. Popular subjects ranged from landscapes, seascapes, and pets to Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper".

Many of these 'masterpieces' are readily available at flea markets and tag sales for little investment. Try grouping several together, framed or unframed, for a dramatic effect.

a little pep in your step

2011-10-22T09:28:00.014-05:00

We are FINALLY getting some relief here in Texas from one of the hottest and driest summers on record. Just the thought of cooler temperatures makes us all giddy inside!! We LOVE fall and all it has to offer.

An Autumn Greeting

by annonymous

"Come" said the Wind to the Leaves one day.

"Come over the meadow and we will play.

Put on your dresses of red and gold.

For summer is gone and the days grow cold."

Check out our website www.georgeandbessie.com for our latest arrivals.

a few of our FAVORITE decorating tips........

2011-10-16T15:00:00.001-05:00

Our design philosophy, here at George & Bessie, is pretty much "anything goes". When decorating a nursery or child's room, don't be afraid to experiment and have fun. That being said, here are a few of our FAVORITE decorating tips........

1. Mix modern with traditional

Mix things up in your nursery with some flea market chairs and pair them with a modern piece of furniture such as a crib from IKEA.

2. Modernize with dark wood

Don't be afraid of the dark! We LOVE dark woods paired with bold colors or white. It definitely makes the bed the focal point of the room.

3. Ditch the rocker

You actually don't need a rocker to get baby to fall asleep. Using a chair rather than a rocker allows it to grow with baby and it can easily be moved to another room of the house.

4. Decorate with maps and other educational charts

Maps are gorgeous, full of color and shapes, and a great way to cover a big wall. We LOVE using them in kids' rooms along with vintage anatomy charts and flash cards.

5. Use bold light fixtures on the ceiling

Babies spend a lot of time on their backs. Why not make it interesting for them by hanging a funky, mid-century pendant or vintage chandelier?

6. Use real art or vintage posters

Introduce baby and kids to art appreciation at an early age. Hang quirky, vintage posters or real art by up-and-coming artists like Vik Muniz. The last photo is from the Novogratz's nursery. (FYI: Home by Novogratz is our current obsession, by the way.)

fright night

2011-09-18T08:42:00.007-05:00

Halloween decorations aren't just for outdoors or the main living areas in your home. Try adding some 'trick-or-treating' fun to the bedrooms by hanging vintage crepe paper banners or jack o' lanterns. Switch out the bedding with a vintage black and white quilt and pillow ticking. Add a couple of orange and black throw pillows and you're ready for 'All-Hallows Eve'.

collecting: vintage baby silver

2011-08-28T08:00:00.010-05:00

Whether you collect vintage baby silver for yourself or as gifts, there are a few things you should know. Prices range from just a few dollars to several hundred depending on a piece's age, condition, ornateness, and composition of metal. Sterling silver (sometimes marked "925") tends to be more expensive than electroplated (sometimes marked "EPNS"), and heavier pieces are more expensive than light. When collecting baby silver, take note of such details but don't be limited by them.

Early examples of silver baby cups were very utilitarian. The S. Kirk & Son Co. (c.1920) sterling cup (top left) had a heavy bottom which made it less likely to tip over. The Blackinton (c.1920) juice cup (on table, at right) was designed with a lip or sanitary edge to help keep liquid in the cup.

The curved handles of these spoons made it easier for children to feed themselves. Antique sterling spoons vary in price. The spoon, like the one by Weidlich (far left), are more common, and therefore less expensive. More ornate ones, like the Reed & Barton spoon engraved with a child's face in its bowl (left), are more expensive.

Children's silver was often given in sets upon a baby's birth or as a christening gift. Rather than being locked away to gather dust, silverware sets were put to use at the table. Some, like this bunny fork and elephant spoon (bottom right), were molded to give the child something interesting to grip and fun to look at, while others, such as a fork and spoon (near right), were simply classic patterns done in miniature.

Plates and other tableware were often decorated to hold a child's interest, with the alphabet, nursery rhymes, and images from children's stories.

Throughout the twentieth century, silver producers borrowed details from birth announcements to create personalized keepsakes.

At the turn of the century, children were taught to use food pushers in one hand to push food onto a spoon clutched in the other. Some pushers, like the 1920 sterling one (bottom), were purely functional. Others, like the 1899 Buttercup pattern pusher (top), were as formal as the table manners they were meant to encourage.

No crying over spilled milk here!!

top 10

2011-07-11T08:00:00.003-05:00

With some days reaching into triple digits, you need to know how to cool off fast. We've compiled a list of our top 10 favorite ways to beat the heat. So, sit a spell and enjoy!!

10. iced tea

It's almost cliche', but who doesn't love a big glass of iced tea while you're sitting on the front porch?

9. fan

Cool off in style with a vintage fan. You'll be the envy of your neighbors.

8. ice cream

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!!

7. watermelon

The perfect refreshing, healthy, summer snack. (Don't forget to save the seeds for a seed-spitting contest!)

6. pool

All you need is a good book and a float and you're good to go!!

5. snow cone

We'll take one of each flavor, please!!

4. beach

There is nothing a dip in the ocean (or gulf) can't cure.

3. lemonade stand

We can seriously NEVER pass up an opportunity for a glass of fresh-squeezed lemonade.

2. sprinkler

You're never too old to play in a sprinkler!!

And our number 1 way for beating the summer heat..............

1. swimming hole

This is Hamilton Pool in Dripping Springs, Texas. It was formed when the dome of an underground river collapsed thousands of years ago. The water temperature hovers around 70 degrees making it the perfect place to be on a hot summer day.

What are some of your favorite ways to cool off?

Happy Memorial Day

2011-05-28T12:13:00.003-05:00

Happy Memorial Day from all of us at George + Bessie!!

spring cleaning

2011-05-18T14:00:00.001-05:00

We're doing a little spring cleaning around here getting ready for a bunch of new stuff. So, be sure to check the website www.georgeandbessie.com often to see it all. There are lots of vintage feedsack pillows with the BEST florals and geometric patterns, adorable framed vintage prints and quilt blocks, and of course, our signature bedding made from vintage, hand-embroidered and appliqued linens.

{George and Bessie World Headquarters}

pretty in pink

2011-04-03T13:10:00.012-05:00

Soft, muted pinks and creams blend together in a room befitting a little princess. A canopy made from light-as-air netting gently drapes over the crib and puddles gracefully onto the whitewashed floor. (For safety reasons, remove the canopy when your baby begins to stand.) A single botanical print adds to the simplicity of this nursery.

Vintage flash cards can be found inexpensively at flea markets.

Pink polka-dotted wallpaper covers the upper half of this nursery's walls; the lower half is painted the color of farm-fresh cream. The bottom two-thirds of the wall are painted first. Then, using a level as a guide, a horizontal line is marked around the wall. Scallops are cut along the wallpaper's edges before it is hung from bottom to top so the scallops align with the wall markings.

A vintage child rocker is slipcovered in a floral print fabric which echoes the rooms soft color palette.

An antique card perches between two vintage china plates. This card is one of many bird accents used throughout the room.

Hope this gives you inspiration for your little princess's nursery!

current obsession - {vintage cake toppers}

2011-03-21T08:00:00.003-05:00

We are SO smitten with these wooden cake toppers right now!!

This one is made in Italy by Sevi. Numbers 1-9 each have a different design with cute little angels on them.

How cute would this little farm set be on cupcakes?

No zoo-themed birthday party would be complete without these.

A set of angel cake toppers for your little angel.

Take a peek at our website www.georgeandbessie.com to see which cake toppers we currently have in stock.

Tell us, what's your current obsession? We'd LOVE to hear from you!!

current obsession - {vintage wallpaper}

2011-02-21T08:00:00.002-06:00

Vintage wallpapers are a fun way to personalize a nursery or child's room. It's becoming increasingly more difficult to find particular patterns in large quantities, so think about wallpapering just one wall or using a little to line the inside of drawers.

This mod floral print would look fabulous in a little girl's room!

Vintage maps for the budding explorer.

LOVE how they even covered some of the books in vintage wallpaper. Great idea for leftover scraps!

Give baby something to look at and wallpaper the ceiling!

We are SO lovin' this look!! Another great idea for leftover scraps.

A little bit goes a long way......wallpaper the inside of a bookcase. We {heart} the vintage chair too!!

he loves me......he loves me not......

2011-02-14T08:00:00.000-06:00

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

from george + bessie

y'all make our hearts go pitter-pat......

hope you're spending it with the ones you love!!

spring nursery

2011-02-06T11:34:00.019-06:00

All this wintery weather has us here at George and Bessie wishing for some warmer temps. What better inspiration for the nursery than Mother Nature herself.

This nursery could easily work for either a girl or boy with its mixture of creamy whites, muted taupes, and pale turquoises.

A collection of antique botanical prints in painted vintage frames help to unify the space. Leaf patterns have been stenciled on the walls giving it the look of vintage wallpaper.

A design of curvy flower stems is punched through a panel of white felt allowing light to filter through. It is then tied to a painted branch and a pair of chickadees are added for a little whimsy.

An over-sized rattan tray turns an ordinary dresser into a fully functioning changing table. The tray is fastened to the dresser with screws and a safety strap is then added. In a few years, remove the tray and the dresser can be used to store toddler clothes.

Linen doilies and handkerchiefs have been hand-stitches to the bumper for that special touch. Check out www.georgeandbessie.com to see our one-of-a-kind bumpers and crib bedding.

A nursery with wood floors is easier to keep clean than one with carpeting. Wicker baskets provide easy clean-up as well while still looking stylish.

No need for a rug when there is a pretty wreath of stenciled leaves on the white-painted hardwood. Simple little details like adding a ribbon to a plain lampshade help to personalize the space even more.

The glass doors have been replaced with screening that has been spray painted white with silhouettes of ferns and butterflies. The screening makes the armoire the perfect place to stash a radio for gently lulling baby to sleep during nap time.

Welcome Great Pumpkin

2010-10-28T12:57:00.008-05:00

While you're waiting for the Great Pumpkin to arrive, check out our website www.georgeandbessie.com for one-of-a-kind bedding and decorating ideas.

Here's to hoping you don't get any rocks this year!!

George and Bessie wishes you a safe and Happy Halloween!!

fall decorating

2010-10-22T16:57:00.015-05:00

Along with cooler temperatures and falling leaves, the arrival of fall also brings a warmer color palette. Just step outside and take a cue from Mother Nature.

The changing leaves.......brown, yellow, orange, and red

The clear blue sky

The colors of nature's bounty.......pumpkins, squash, corn, sweet potatoes

Why not incorporate the colors of fall into your nursery or child's room? Maybe these photos will inspire you.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the muted fall tones

the peg rail is an INGENIOUS idea for keeping the room neat and tidy

sleep tight

a simple linen curtain is used to hide all of babies necessities

vintage wallpaper adds the perfect finishing touch when used to line the bottom of a dresser drawer

mad about feedsack

2010-07-08T13:21:00.009-05:00

Here at George and Bessie, we are completely obsessed with vintage feedsacks. We have quite a collection and are just itchin' to pair them with our vintage hand-embroidered coverlets to create that one-of-a-kind bedding for which we're known.

In case you're wondering what feedsacks are, here's a quick tutorial:

FEEDSACK 101

Between 1840 and 1890, manufacturers of grain, seed, and feed began using cotton sacks as containers. It didn't take long before some thrifty women realized these sacks could be used as fabrics for quilts, clothing, and other needs.

Eventually, feed and flour sack manufacturers began to realize how popular these sacks had become with women and in 1925, they began selling the sacks in colorful prints. By the late 1930s, there was intense competition to design the most attractive and desirable prints. Artists were hired specifically for this purpose. This turned out to be a genius marketing tool because women picked out flour, sugar, beans, rice, cornmeal, and even feed and fetilizer for the family farm based on which fabrics they liked.

By the 1950s, feedsacks fell out of favor as companies began to switch to paper bags which were more cost effective. Thankfully, many of these feedsacks still exist for new generations to enjoy!!
Be sure to check out http://www.georgeandbessie.com/ to see what we've done with them.

What's your current obsession?

three cheers for the red, white, and blue

2010-06-30T12:15:00.011-05:00

HAPPY 234th BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!!!!!

Here are a few red, white, and blue items for your little patriot.

Take a peek at http://www.georgeandbessie.com/ for more.

(1950s ceramic carousel horse lamp, $115)

(vintage Bates nursery rhyme blanket, $165)

(vintage Humpty Dumpty nursery lamp, $85)

(vintage Scotty dog bookends, $75)

Have a safe and happy 4th!!!!!!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!

2010-06-19T14:39:00.005-05:00

Here's to all you dad's (and soon-to-be dad's) out there.........put down the "honey-do" lists and enjoy a well-deserved break. You've earned it!!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!!

2010-05-28T10:32:00.013-05:00

Here in the south, Memorial Day signifies the first day of summer. If you mark your calendar by what the mercury on the themometer reads, it's actually been summer for a few weeks already!!

I LOVE summer!! I LOVE everything about it. Backyard barbecues, fresh-squeezed lemonade (see recipe below), longer days, swimming holes, catching fireflies, the beach, homemade ice cream, the lake, walking barefoot......I could go on and on.

The time just seems to slow down a bit in summer.

Don't forget Memorial Day is also a time to give thanks to all the brave men and women in the armed forces, past and present, who have fought and paid the ultimate price for our country. Your service has not gone unnoticed.

THANK YOU!!

Have a safe and happy Memorial Day and let us know what some of your favorite summer pasttimes are. We'd LOVE to hear from you.

FRESH-SQUEEZED LEMONADE

makes 8 cups

1 1/2 cups sugar

1/2 cup boiling water

1 tablespoon grated lemon rind

1 1/2 cups fresh lemon juice (8 large lemons)

5 cups water

Stir together sugar and 1/2 cup boiling water until sugar dissolves. Stir in lemon rind, lemon juice, and 5 cups water. Chill. Serve over ice.

you light up my life

2010-05-20T21:05:00.025-05:00

Vintage lamps are a great way to bring a little kitsch to a nursery or child's room. From well-loved nursery rhyme characters to friendly animals, these lamps have brought a smile to many kids as well as adults throughout the years.

Vintage baby lamps were often made of painted wood, plaster, or ceramic. Today, many of these old lamps have peeling paint or chips which only add to their charm. In addition, most old shades are in poor condition, but adding a new one is an easy fix.

As with any vintage children's item, extra care should be taken to make sure it doesn't pose any hazards. Make sure there are no small parts which could cause a choking hazard, place lamps out of reach of curious hands, and always have any vintage lighting rewired to avoid shocks or burns. With these suggestions in mind, your vintage lamp will be ready for new generations to enjoy. Check out our website at http://www.georgeandbessie.com/ to see which styles we currently have in stock.

come swing with me

2010-05-13T10:04:00.009-05:00

A while back, when I was out-and-about, something caught my eye. Along a jogging path and amongst several majestic oak trees, seemingly in the middle of nowhere, hung a single, red, wooden swing. I couldn't help but think to myself......who hung it there and why? It looked rather out of place and I was curious to find out more about it. After a little research, I found out that it was the handiwork of a group called The Red Swing Project. Click here to find out more about them.

To me, these swings convey such a powerful message. In our hurried, fast-paced world of cell phones, work deadlines, and family obligations, take time out to enjoy the simple little things in life. I mean, who doesn't like to swing? I think this poem by Robert Louis Stevenson sums it up quite nicely.

The Swing

How do you like to go up in a swing,

Up in the air so blue?

Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing

Ever a child can do!

Up in the air and over the wall,

Till I can see so wide,

Rivers and trees and cattle and all

Over the countryside-

Till I look down on the garden green,

Down on the roof so brown-

Up in the air I go flying again,

Up in the air and down!

Maybe one of these swings will come to a city or town near you someday. Whether or not, try to take some time out of your day to just "swing".

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

2010-05-06T09:46:00.023-05:00

(Me with my mom and our dog, Bosley, circa 1978)

M-O-T-H-E-R

by Howard Johnson

"M" is for the million things she gave me,

"O" means only that she's growing old,

"T" is for the tears she shed to save me,

"H" is for her heart of purest gold,

"E" is for her eyes, with love-light shining,

"R" means right, and right she'll always be,

Put them all together, they spell "MOTHER",

A word that means the world to me.

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms (and soon-to-be-moms) out there!!