3 Fine Grains

A dedication to my Daughter

2010-09-28T23:08:00.000-07:00

16 years ago today you were brought into this world after over 23 1/2 hours of fighting to stay out of it. When nurse Eleanore laid you in my arms for the very first time, it was love at first site... A love like no other.

Since then you have taught me how to be a Mommy and the depth and purity of love that only children can teach us.

While you're still growing up and learning about life, I continue to grow and I hope that I continue to set good examples for you and your sisters. Because I know when I don't, you three are the first to point them out.

You astonish me, my beautiful Brielle. Daily, you amaze me!! I ask myself frequently how I could be so lucky to have you as my Daughter. You're everything under the sun and you continue to grow into one of the most amazing and strong women I know. I couldn't be more proud of you and I couldn't be more excited to share life with you as your Mom and your friend and to be beside you in every adventure you pursue. You're going places my darling. I love you dearly and I thank you for letting me grow up with you. Happy 16th Birthday!!! May all your wishes come true!!!

xoxo

Mom

I know so many of you that join me on my blog are Mothers to amazing Daughters as well. This note of love I'm posting for my Daughter on her 16th Birthday could've been written by any one of you to your little girls. Thank you for allowing me to share this Mommy/Daughter moment with you. One of the most valuable lessons I've learned from my Daughters is to try and enjoy as much as possible the moments we have together, because you only get those moments once.

Have a wonderful weekend!!

Kymberley

Mark your calender... October 2nd... for the best show in California......Remnants of the Past

2010-09-15T22:42:00.000-07:00

Time to put on your favorite cowboy boots, get in your trucks and head on out to Nipomo, California for some fabulous antiquing! Fresh air, orange groves, mingling with some of the nicest people you'll ever meet and a barn full of only the best treasures inside and out.

This was my very first show as 3 Fine Grains and it was one year ago. I've been to flea markets and antique shows religiously for the past 20 years, but never have I enjoyed the vibe and energy of a show more than, Remnants of the Past. Judy Watkins has hand picked some of the most talented collectors, artists and antiquarians from all over the country to participate in her show. Judy is not only a talent herself, but she's one of the kindest and most genuine women I've ever known. To be a part of her show is an honor, as a woman and a professional. When you come to the show you will see how brilliantly it is laid out and you will see Judy spending time with sellers and those attending the show; always making sure that everyone is having a great time and finding what they're in search of. She is tireless in her quest to bring you only the finest treasures; whether outside on the gravel or tucked away inside the most amazingly beautiful old barn. An example of the caliber of talent that Judy brings to this show is Rachel Ashwell of Shabby Chic Interiors.

I became a fan of Rachel's before I got into the profession of Interior Design and was working on my own home 13 years ago. In my eyes she's always been, "Queen of the Flea"!! Flea market popularity grew because of Rachel and her signature style. Today we that love antiquing carry a bit of her style with us always. Her love of the "hunt" and her clean, fresh look has inspired me throughout my years in the business. Like most of you, ( I'm sure) I own every one of Rachel's books except her latest which she will be signing at the show. If you're coming to the show I suggest you order your book ahead of time by going to www.remnantsofthepast.com to pre-order your copy. I can hardly wait to meet the woman whom I've admired for so many years.

In anticipation of this great show I've been very busy creating new pieces and I've been on the hunt for many months so I can fill my trailer for the beautiful drive to the Dana Powers Barn.

The locals turned us on to the greatest little Italian Restaurant called Guiseppe's Cucina. It's a must stop after a day of antiquing!

Remnants of the Past is the show I enjoy walking and shopping, just as much as I do catching up with clients and friends when they visit with me in my space. Those of you that are lucky enough to come up and enjoy the show will know what I mean. If you plan on attending, make sure you get in line early. People are lined up to be "1st in" hours before the gates open. I hope to see you all there!!

Fit for a King

2010-08-25T08:11:00.001-07:00

The littlest King in my castle is Tucker my 1 year old French Bulldog. His favorite spot at home is his 3 Fine Grains dog bed. Upon finding this iron frame, I thought it was only appropriate that I create a cushion for him, using one of my grain sacks..... Only the finest for my little King!

I'm asked quite often by customers about the durability of the Antique German grain sacks. I love it when I tell people that my dog sleeps, eats and chews his bones on one and when it gets a little dirty I throw it in the wash. They almost always cringe at the fact that I would allow that, based upon how hard they are to come by and how expensive they are to purchase. They're old, they're rare and yes they're expensive, but nothing modern made is more durable and pure, than antique handwoven hemp linen. Wether it be dogs, children or messy adults, these linens are the perfect choice for any busy household. Made long ago to last hundreds of years to come, they're not only Fit for a King.... but anyone's castle indeed!!

Behind age and wear.....there's Beauty!!!

2010-08-19T16:29:00.000-07:00

When I recieve a shipment of my antique German grain sacks, I'm always caught off guard at the beauty that's found within the box. You would think that the surprise factor wouldn't exist any longer after being an importer for the past few years, but it does truly still exist. I'm always overjoyed by the authenticity and artistry of these fine pieces of history.

You all should see me......I get as excited as a little girl at the Holidays when my shipments arrive. I can hardly wait for my wonderful husband to shake them out (ridding them of grain and flour) and lay them across my driveway for me and my girls to see. My favorite part of walking through my treasures is coming across the many sacks I've never seen before; making them "one of a kind" finds. Here's just a few that I would like to share with you:

Look at this beautifully hand drawn sunshine from 1861. How wonderful that it ended up in the hands of 3 Fine Grains here in sunny California!

This farmer from 1888 wanted to capture the pride in his horses by having this drawn onto his sack. Notice that the horse is proudly carrying a flag.

Take a look at this fabulous hand drawn Unicorn on this sack. Many farmers commissioned artists or were artists themselves. Wow.... perhaps this Farmer had small children whom believed in magical creatures.

I love how creative this Farmer was in 1917 with his stenciling. I wonder why he chose to mix the feminine touch of a crown and a fancy boot, with the masculinity of a hammer?

So many of my customers are equestrian lovers. Wait til they see these Black Stallions!

It's the purest treat to the eye and soul to think of the lives of the farmers and families that placed such a high importance on these pieces from so many years ago. How lucky I am to be fortunate enough to share these treasures with my family and the rest of the world. Maybe beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I think you'll agree that behind age and wear there's always beauty when it comes to a true antique.

3 of the Finest Grains

2010-08-12T08:40:00.000-07:00

These are my daughters...Brielle, Grace and Scarlet

Did you know that my 3 girl's are the inspiration behind the name "3 Fine Grains"? If you did, I apologize for repeating myself. If you didn't, then here's the story behind the name. 3 years ago, when I first started importing my antique German grain sacks I decided it was time to put away my design company name, and create a brand for these very rare textile's and my creations from them. The girl's asked me from the beginning, "Mom, what are you going to do with all these dirty bags that keep showing up at our house?" I would say to them, "girl's you just wait!!! I'm going to take their original beauty and make it shine again, for the world to see and enjoy in their homes and businesses." You can only imagine the "eye rolls" that I kept receiving every time I would repeat myself. One day, Brielle (my oldest daughter) and I sat down and I asked her to be a part of this beginning, by putting her amazing ability to write into creating some type of quote, as well as help me to find a name for this journey. Within minutes, she put her creativity down on paper and came to me with a quote I use on my website today, as well as this new blog, AND the beautiful name of "1 Fine Grain." You can only imagine how special it made her feel; as well as I, to have her creativity be such a big part in the startup of this company. I repeated over and over the name "1 Fine Grain" and suddenly it came to me..... "3 Fine Grains". I realized at that moment, in my heart, that there was more than just 1 Fine Grain, there were 3 of the finest grains and they were my 3 girls. They're my heart and soul, therefore they will forever be part of the heart and soul of "3 Fine Grains".