Playdate part 1: Tin Barn Market

TBM Mirror | Vin'yet Etc.

I’ve been away from Tin Barn for a bit now… it’s a strange thing really how attached you can get to something that isn’t yours. ๐Ÿ˜‰ Let me back up here, for those of you that follow along on my blog you know exactly who and what Tin Barn is, for you first timers you can catch up on our history, here and here.

In short, Tin Barn Market is a shop in the historic and adorable town of Almonte, Ontario. This shop is full of inspiration, personality and so much eye-candy it takes a few swoops of the store to be able to — firstly calm down —ย  then to see all of the treasures this space has to offer, vintage goodies, shabby chic furniture finds, precious antiques and loads of inspiration. The sights are phenomenal yes, but to add to that they are located right beside Baker Bob’s, not only are the sights drool worthy but the smells of baking goodness, almost too much for the senses (in a fantastically good way) to handle!ย  Trying to set the stage for you here, imagine walking into a place where something like this greets you…

TBM Collaboration | Vin'yet Etc.

And the smell of deliciously beautiful baked goods makes your head swirl! I KNOW, right!!! Okay, I admit I may be their number one fan, but I do not and am not exaggerating. I wish I could attach a scratch and sniff link of some kind here.

Cinnamon Buns | Vin'yet Etc. Source

This post is the beginning in a series depicting my three days there… firstly, some teaser pinable images for your viewing pleasure . ๐Ÿ˜‰

TB Collaboration | Vin'yet Etc.

Secondly, my goal is to make you fall for this shop, like I have! To tell you the whole story of my adventures combined with some tips and tricks. How DO you create a vignette? Well I’ll tell you how I go about it… pinky swear!

All the pretty jars TBM | Vin'yet Etc.

I was asked to come and style or “vignette” in the store. The concept was to take a couple of furniture pieces and style them. When I got there, Errin was the only one in the store, Vicki is on a dream mega adventure, you can see her WANDERLUST series here. Errin said, “I give you carte blanche”, I think at that point I just glazed over… I began right away “vignetting” the WHOLE entire store. I was like a possessed person, I couldn’t stop myself! I kept asking Errin if what I was doing was okay, it was like I was in a very surreal wonderful experience, a dream world. This is what I knew, I knew that this is exactly what I loved to do, I was literately in heaven and could not believe I was actually living such a fantasy! Errin just smiled, like she recognized the trance I was in. Or maybe that smile was terror? :p KindredSpirits | Vin'yet Etc.I truly believe I was meant to meet these two amazing and inspirational and I’ll also throw in fearless women! They, without realizing it, are really showing this designer that there are so many opportunities out there, you just have to believe…

TBM Mirror  | Vin'yet Etc.

They have shown me that following a dream is not crazy… what started as a mutual admiration has turned into a collaboration and friendship, I am grateful.

PowerOfGratitude | Vin'yet Etc.

Okay, so are you ready for some eye-candy? I took all of these awesome photos with my phone, teasers for my Instagram… you really should follow along, you don’t want to miss anything. ๐Ÿ˜‰ Enjoy the show…

RustyBucketPrettyFlowers | Vin'yet Etc.

This stunning pop of yellow flowers against the rusty sap bucket is one of my favourite things to do when I, “vignette”… contrast, contrast and contrast some more. Draw that eye in and, bam a perfect vignette! These gorgeous flowers were provided by Erica, you can find her unique and chic floral boutique on Facebook here and don’t forget to check out her website here.

Handsome Soldier | Vin'yet Etc.

I have a soft spot for handsome soldiers (I am married to one after all)… this soldier happens to be, Errin’s Grandfather. Use the items you love, make that unique to you story…

Typewriter | Vin'yet Etc.

I love this little vignette, I also love using unexpected things to hold photos & little bits of greenery. This typewriter may or may not be used as intended, but why not create that conversation piece?

AllTheLittles | Vin'yet Etc.

Ahhh, collections. I have one or two, okay confession time — it depends on who you ask, I may have more than one or two! ๐Ÿ˜‰ This stunning type drawer with all of its compartments, swoon! The vintage watchmaker vials, double swoon… wouldn’t these look AMAZING hung at different heights with jute, such a lovely sun catcher or a beautiful unique chime?

SimpleAntlerMoss | Vin'yet Etc.

Books must be the easiest way to add interest to a vignette… have you thought of turning the books so you see the pages instead of the spine of the book? Someย  books have that amazing patina from age, so interesting! Tied with jute add a ball of moss (texture) and an antler (height) you have a grouping that people will notice!ย  Speaking of groupings… you might have heard that groupings of 3’s are one of the, “rules” to create a vignette… it’s a guide for sure, but any odd numbered groupings work!

Lighting | Vin'yet Etc.

Lighting – beautiful, interesting, industrial, vintage, sooooo many wonderful ways to add to that vignette and make it shine, literally!

MarqueeLetter | Vin'yet Etc.

Another little trick I like to use, change the height, use crates, books, blocks of wood a small bench, you name it just give your vignette a staggered look.

InSideClocks | Vin'yet Etc.

Are the innards of these antique clocks not the most interesting thing EVER? Yep, you may have guessed it, I had to use GREAT restraint while I was playing in this shop… I wanted to buy everything!ย  These guys were hidden and separated! I immediately uncovered them and grouped them for impact!ย  They are so stunning, I decided to make them a focal point!

VintageJuicer | Vin'yet Etc.

I love this little vintage juicer, not an item most of us would use every day… but I’d love to see it every day. This juicer is made a bit more interesting by makingย curlicues out of pages from an old book… here you have contrast and texture.

BeltOnBooks | Vin'yet Etc.

Here is yet another way I love to display books… use a leather belt, that’s how kids used to carry their books to school, back in the day. Again, contrast — smooth texture of leather against the weave of the books, not to mention the colour contrast, dark on light.

TinBarnCard | Vin'yet Etc.

Did you like the sneak peek? I’ve also given up a few, “tricks” I use when I am “vignetting”… but there is more, oh so much more! Stay tuned…

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45 Comments

  • Reply Shauna March 14, 2014 at 1:22 am

    Okay, I totally get why you are in love with this store. Gorgeous items and the displays look so fantastic. Thanks for the eye candy!

    • Reply Laurie March 15, 2014 at 1:30 pm

      Hi Shauna, I know, this store totally had me at hello! Then I met the two amazing women that run the joint, instant #1 fan! I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the sneak peeks… so much more to go! I think I may have a photo hoarding issue! Thanks so much for stopping in! xo

  • Reply Debbie @Dewdrop Gables March 14, 2014 at 1:31 am

    Wow…what an amazing shop!! And what an amazing job you did of displaying all their product! It looks so beautiful…I would love to visit there.
    I’m trying to sign up to get email updates, but it keeps saying there was a problem with the process. Not sure what I’m doing wrong, I am spelling it right. Since I can’t do it, can you add me to your email list, please? Thanks!
    Debbie ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Reply Laurie March 15, 2014 at 1:34 pm

      Hi Debbie, thanks so much! It is an amazing shop, it’s always changing, fits perfectly with my ADD design mind! ๐Ÿ˜‰ The inspiration and the beautiful things along with the smell of cinnamon rolls, almost too much to handle! But I am a brave soul and persevere! ๐Ÿ˜‰ I will let you know when my email updates are good to go! You may be the first to sign up! xo

  • Reply Shannon March 14, 2014 at 1:46 am

    I was there this past weekend! True story! You are right when you say you need a few swoops to take in the whole store. Every turn I noticed something different. AND a promised Bakers Bob treat was all I needed to keep the kids and hubby ๐Ÿ™‚ in check. Love that shop. It is truly an idea sparking store.

    • Reply Laurie March 15, 2014 at 1:42 pm

      LOL ~ Keeping the kids and Hubs in check, sneaky lady! I love the way your mind works! xo Isn’t it though, every time I go there I feel like my creativity starts going off like a popcorn machine! I got a huge kick knowing you were waking around in some of my vignettes! Thanks for stopping in here and of course at Tin Barn! xo

  • Reply Sheila @sZinteriors March 14, 2014 at 1:51 am

    You are such a tease! OMG, Laurie!! Seriously, I am totally head over heels with this post, the stuff in it, and I can’t wait for the next one. Really… do you have to make us wait? ๐Ÿ˜‰
    PS – my fave, fave, favorite was the photograph displayed in the typewriter – yes, genius came to mind! Loved that!!! You are a vintage stylin’ rock star (do those things go together?)

    • Reply Laurie March 15, 2014 at 1:49 pm

      Is that you, Mom? Bahahahaha, wow Sheila, you just made my day!!!! LOL I’ll take that! You might like the little tip I’m letting sneak out on the FB page this morning! Can I use that quote on my web site? LOVE it and thanks so much! xo

  • Reply Dani @ lifeovereasy March 14, 2014 at 2:19 am

    Wow, Laurie – so much there, I can see how you could easily get lost in there. I just love your vignettes. This is something I’m trying to get better at, but I think I have a long way to go. I would never think of putting some of these things together like you did. You really have a gift. Is there a job out there for Vignette Queen? Cause that’s you!

    • Reply Laurie March 15, 2014 at 1:51 pm

      Thanks sweet lady!!! It’s hilarious to me that I am having THIS much fun and people are saying such nice things! I have been doing this type of thing for as far back as I can remember and I love it so much! It would be so fun to come to your beautiful home and style with you, I could teach you come tricks! ๐Ÿ˜‰ xo

  • Reply Crystal @ Sew Creative March 14, 2014 at 2:25 am

    Oh my goodness! Why do we not have a Tin Barn in Vancouver! I NEED one! So many drool worthy images I don’t know where to start! The mason jars? The wooden spools for thread? The typewriter? Seriously jealous that you get to spend time there!

    • Reply Laurie March 15, 2014 at 1:54 pm

      Hi Crystal! Every city/town should have this little shop! I wonder if the girls at the shop would consider going global!? They are really that amazing, maybe one day! If you are EVER in the area, you have to stop in, you will not be disappointed!

  • Reply Janet @ ordinary mom March 14, 2014 at 3:23 am

    I love the Tin Barn. We live in Ashton and I try to get to Almonte often during the nice weather to just enjoy all the great shops. But Tin Barn is one of my favourites. I could move in it is so pretty. ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Reply Laurie March 15, 2014 at 1:58 pm

      Oh wow, I didn’t realize you lived so close… about an hour and a bit from me, cool. I agree, I could move in or take everything home with me! Great restraint is used when I am there! xo

      • Reply Janet @ ordinary mom March 15, 2014 at 2:03 pm

        You will have to let me know next time you are headed that way when the NICE weather comes. IF the nice weather comes. ha! ๐Ÿ™‚

  • Reply vicki @tinbarnmarket March 14, 2014 at 4:20 am

    Laurie you are a perfect fit. So great and fun to have your fresh eye play around in the Barn! Love seeing it through your unique lens. โ™ฅ

    • Reply Laurie March 15, 2014 at 2:03 pm

      HEY GIRL!!!!! I sure hope you are having the time of your life on your amazing adventure!!! As you know, my admiration for you two and the shop is NO secret, I’m so glad we were able to collaborate on something! It was SOOOOOOOO fun! NOW my goal is to, “vignette” with you too! Ahhh the possibilities! xo <3

  • Reply Andrea March 14, 2014 at 6:05 am

    So cool Laurie. Looks like you have found your calling! I love your passion! I’m shamelessly going to copy your idea of the belt around the books. Love it.

    • Reply Laurie March 15, 2014 at 2:04 pm

      Hey Andrea! Steal away! lol I’m happy to share! Thanks so much for stopping in! xo

  • Reply Inspire Me Heather March 14, 2014 at 10:43 am

    That must have been fun to be let loose on a lovely store like that!! Thanks for your photos and ideas!

    • Reply Laurie March 15, 2014 at 2:05 pm

      It was so much fun, I can almost not find the words to explain how fun, almost! ๐Ÿ˜‰ I do tend to get wordy when I’m excited! xo

  • Reply Susan March 14, 2014 at 11:46 am

    Laurie I was just hired to do the exact same thing in a store where I just opened a space. Thank you so much for your inspiration because I agree… it is a dream to get to do this! You have done a fabulous job!

    • Reply Laurie March 15, 2014 at 2:08 pm

      Oh wow Susan, hired to do this!!!??? How awesome! You are welcome for the inspiration, ditto! I love your stuff, would love to come see your space, sigh, one day!!! A girl can dream, right!? xo Thanks soooo much for stopping in! <3

  • Reply Christy@Confessions of a Serial Do-it-Yourselfer March 14, 2014 at 11:54 am

    What an amazing opportunity for you! You can really feel your passion in your writing. Your styling is beautiful…looks like someone has found their calling. ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Reply Laurie March 15, 2014 at 2:11 pm

      LOL Thanks Christy! Passion, I am glad you used that word, I kind of feel a little manic when I am this excited… passion is a much nicer way to put it! ๐Ÿ˜‰ I absolutely adored styling this shop, so much fun. xo

  • Reply Karen March 14, 2014 at 1:46 pm

    Looks amazing Laurie! Can’t wait to go and see it all in person. It must feel so great to love doing something and be so spectacular at it too!

    • Reply Laurie March 15, 2014 at 2:16 pm

      Awww, thanks Karen!!! Wouldn’t it be wonderful to just go around styling all the cool shops in our region!? WOW, what a dream that would be! I can’t wait for you to go see, hopefully some of my vignettes are still there, this shop is an ever changing place… people come in and buy the displays!!! lol that just makes it more fun, it’s like starting over and getting to play some more! Ah, what a dream job! xo Say hey to Errin when you pop in, I told her you were coming! xo

  • Reply Heidi Helm March 14, 2014 at 2:31 pm

    Nice work Laurie! I will definitely have to go check out his shop when I have a project that could use a sprinkle of the vintage style! Great post ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Reply Laurie March 15, 2014 at 2:21 pm

      Hey Heidi! Thanks, you most definitely have to stop in and see this place, photos do not truly capture the vibe! The next design you do, with that retro vintage style, well really you have to go to them… I am specifically thinking of that stunning piece they have at the entrance for one of your spaces, I’d die to see it used in an Urbanomic interior! xo

  • Reply Cynthia @ A Button Tufted Life... March 15, 2014 at 2:58 pm

    I knew you would do a fantastic job in this truly inspiring shop… and you did!! Love your touches of “Laurieness” throughout and I can’t wait to see the next post in the series!!
    xx
    Cynthia

    • Reply Laurie March 16, 2014 at 12:02 pm

      Thank-you Cynthia! You are correct, this shop is totally an inspiration! I’m glad you like the touches, I’m currently wading through tons more pictures… I may or may not be a photo hoarder! ๐Ÿ˜‰ I’m so glad people are getting the magic of this shop, it really is my type of place!

  • Reply Kate March 16, 2014 at 2:44 am

    Hi Laurie,

    Awesome that you have transformed your obsession into your profession.Sublime Vignetting and your tips inspire. I can’t wait for the next chapter in this story.

    • Reply Laurie March 16, 2014 at 11:58 am

      Hi Kate!!! Thanks so much for stopping in! Yep, you are correct, vignetting is an obsession! I’m really glad you are inspired, I’m working on the next in this series as we speak! ๐Ÿ˜‰

  • Reply Amy @ StowandTellU March 16, 2014 at 10:06 pm

    Laurie, you’ve created some striking vignettes. Everyone of your photos is pure eye candy. I’m hopeless with vignettes, so I’m looking forward to learning a few of your tips’ however, I’m just so happy for you that you are doing exactly what you love. Tin Barn Market looks and sounds (and smells, lol) so enticing, I’m ready to book a flight to Ontario to come check it out for myself!

    • Reply Laurie March 17, 2014 at 6:05 pm

      Oh that would be so cool, I could totally show you around! ๐Ÿ˜‰ The store is worth the trip! xo Thanks for your encouragement, it means so much! <3

  • Reply Rosa @ FLUTTER FLUTTER March 17, 2014 at 5:08 am

    What a fab fun opportunity!!! Looks like a perfect fit all around! ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Reply Laurie March 17, 2014 at 6:08 pm

      Hi Rosa,
      It was so much fun! From start to finish amazing! Wish I could do it everyday! ๐Ÿ˜‰

  • Reply Heather March 18, 2014 at 4:58 pm

    We should meet sometime at the Tin Barn Market Laurie!! I’ve never been to it but it’s on my must do list now! Congrats on your vignetting opportunity – you did an amazing job! You really have a gift – all of your styling and photos are gorgeous!!

    • Reply Laurie March 19, 2014 at 1:43 pm

      Hi Heather, you totally should go!!! I’d love to meet up one day, I would enjoy meeting you very much! Thanks so much for stopping by and the lovely comments! xo

  • Reply Jeanette April 9, 2014 at 12:45 pm

    Why am I so late in finding your blog? This is a GORGEOUS and inspirational place for me to roam, and I share your love of vintage/industrial. Vignettes are something I’m working on in my house, I always tend to have items of the same height everywhere so I’m learning to pick up pieces of varying height and widths (and lots of greenery) to make things more interesting. I’m so glad I found this…reposting on my FB page as well.

    • Reply Laurie April 9, 2014 at 3:42 pm

      Hi Jeanette! I’ve been a fan of your blog for a while now! Glad you found me! Thanks so much for the share! <3

  • Reply Julie Smith April 10, 2014 at 5:20 pm

    I found you through my favourite place too. I’m a fellow Tin Barn addict. love your blog and your design sense. Your pics are amazing too. Keep up the awesome work!

    • Reply Laurie April 10, 2014 at 10:36 pm

      Thank-you so much, Julie! So sweet of you to say. ๐Ÿ™‚

  • Reply Karen Marie Kedzuch September 17, 2014 at 7:25 am

    Laurie,
    You are so talented. Your eye for styling as well as photography is spot on. Your words made me feel a kid in the candy store. Did you buy anything? If you did not, it is the most amazing amount of restraint.
    Happy Creating,
    Karen Marie
    Dragonfly & Lily Pads

    • Reply Laurie September 17, 2014 at 2:46 pm

      Thank-you sweet lady! xo I did end up buying, can’t not buy when I’m there… but I do practice great restraint just the same! ๐Ÿ˜‰

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