Christmas Cheer from Arizona!

Just wanted to take a minute to wish a very merry Christmas and happy holidays from SVM Western Decor! We have a lot to be thankful for this holiday season! Be safe and enjoy your family and friends!
Warmly,
Steve, Michelle, Dino, Red, Lucky and Lolita

All I want for Christmas is....Dino!

The essential joy of being with horses is that it brings us in contact with the rare elements of grace, beauty, spirit, and fire.
Sharon Ralls Lemon

Five years ago, Steve surprised me with a video tape. I was at first confused on why he was so adamant about me seeing it, until about 30 seconds later I saw him. The horse I always wanted. At the time he was only 6 months old; a fluffy, scrawny looking thing...but I could see beyond all that. I saw the same horse in my dreams as a child.  I remember dreaming of riding him through meadows of grass and wild flowers (which is a bit odd since I grew up in the desert). I imagined the adventures we would have. Those memories came flooding back as soon as I saw him. I knew he had to be mine. And soon after, he was!
He was born BG Ole Yellow Cleg. That lasted about 2 hours.  My favorite singer of all time is Dean Martin.  He sometimes went as Dino. And so it was...
I would spend every night in his pen, brushing him down... talking to him. Anxiously awaiting the day our adventures would begin.  Days turned into months. Months, to years. Until October 2011 when we finally found a trainer I felt was capable of doing exactly what I wanted. And so came the day that he left home for the first time in 5 years to begin his 60 days of training.
We got him back last week. Unfortunately, our first ride was postponed due to shabby weather.
But I finally got my chance to go on our first ride. We rode through the desert, discovering all new things to him (puddles were the least favorite)  The excitement he had at discovering the new things around him was so awesome, I cant wait for our next adventure! 

Cowboy Christmas

A week ago, Steve and I set out on another show adventure.  This time to Safford, AZ for Cowboy Christmas. And what a show it was!  Beyond the great success we had, we met some amazing people and learned a lot about the amazing foundation that runs Cowboy Christmas every year.  The Blake Foundation took over the event after Safford Chamber of Commerce stopped funding it.  All the proceeds brought into Cowboy Christmas (booth fees, snack bar and a few arts and crafts booths run by volunteers) go to charity.  It was wonderful to be in the room with such giving, selfless people.  It epitomizes what the holidays are supposed to be about. We had such a great time, we paid for next years booth!

Sleigh Bells Ring.........

New items just in time for the holidays!  Check them out in my etsy shop! Custom orders always accpeted!

Upcoming Shows!!

Green Valley Farmers Market:
Every Wednesday October thru April 10am-2pm
Esparanza and I-19 in Green Valley, AZ

Cowboy Christmas
Friday November 25-Saturday November 26, 2011
Safford, AZ

Green Valley Craft Fair
Monday, December 5-Tuesday December 6, 2011
Safeway Shopping Center, Duval Mine Rd and La Canada in Green Valley, AZ

Old West Cowboy Collectible and Trade Show
January 20-22, 2012
Old Tucson Studios
For further info on any upcoming events, please contact me at svmwesterndecor@gmail.com

Cowboy Symposium 2011

We just got back from a whirlwind trip to Sonoita, AZ for the 2011 Arizona Cowboy Symposium! As Steve and I indulged on kettle corn and sarsaparilla floats, we were serenaded by some of the most talented singers and cowboy poets I have ever seen. Singers such as K.G and the Ranger, Johnny Bencomo, Tom and Donna Hatton and Mae Camp. These western gems Just took my breath away.  The whole time I was watching, all I could think of is how much my Popi would have loved this. Maybe that is why it was so special.
  We made new friends with author John McLaughlin and his wife Sylvia, many fine western artists, and folks coming through to enjoy the ambiance.  SVM did exceedingly well dispite the weather.  But it was the experience of  the entire weekend that was the real gain.  No matter how lucrative  the weekend, that was only a minor part of it.  The friends we made, the culture we embraced, the experience is what we will never forget.... that is the treasure I will take with me down the road.  This weekend is something, no matter the financial success of my endeavor, that I will always hold close to my heart.  Because in the end, it isn't about the money. Its about living.

Wonderful Wednesdays at the Farmers Market!

The Green Valley Farmers Market is off and rolling! With new vendors every week (plus SVM's ever changing booth) there's plenty to see and do! Every Wednesday 10am-2pm!

From Tucson, take I-19 to Esparanza in Green Valley and follow the signs!

SVM Western Decor at the Green Valley Farmers Market

That's right! Every Wednesday 10 am-2pm (October thru April) come see me at the Green Valley Farmers Market! It is located off of Esperanza and I-19 in Green Valley. There's lots to see and do, from fresh produce to homemade apple butter, live music and all the handcrafted art you can get your hands on! And while your there, stop by an say hello!

Happy October Sale!

Howdy, and happy October! In honor of my favorite month, I am having a 15% off sale through November 1st! Stop in and see some brand new items! Use coupon code TROTS.
Happy Fall Y'all!

Do You Feel Lucky???

I do after creating my new line of lucky and infinity wall decor!  With a fresh new design, these are sure to compliment any decor or color scheme! These new pieces are perfect for indoor or outdoor decoration.  Remember, custom orders are always taken! Put yours in early to avoid the holiday madness!

Happy Fall, Y'all!

As September is winding down and October is in the horizon, I cant help getting excited!  I can already smell the faint aroma of apple cider, cinnamon and cloves.  I can imagine what other states may be seeing, as we don't really have the changing colors of fall in the desert.  I think of farmers markets, Halloween and cooler evenings. 
I have great ideas for fall merchandise... beautiful wreathes and  centerpieces adorned with golds, reds, oranges and greens. I can't wait to go into the studio and start drafting out my ideas!

Keeping my Eye on the Brass Ring

It is official!  SVM Western Decor and Design LLC has a case at The Brass Armadillo Antique Mall!  If you are in the Phoenix area, stop by and see!  The Armadillo is full of unique, one of a kind items that will surely take you down memory lane! 
I am so excited to showcase some of the things that I have been working on!  Next is finding a display a little closer to home, possibly in the Tubac area.
This is truly like a dream come true for me... When the display was finally put together I couldn't believe how amazing each piece looked.  Although it was hard giving some pieces up (I could see some of them in my own house)  I hope who ever their new owner is loves them as much as I loved creating them!

The Brass Armadillo is located off of I-17 and Cactus in Phoenix, AZ.  You can't miss it!

Remember When......

A new idea, and a new collection exclusive to my Artfire studio!  Vintage treasures transformed into modern, one-of-a-kind pieces with a dash of cowgirl charm. These breath taking items will be on display starting September 5th, 2011 at the Bronze Armadillo Antique Mall in Phoenix, AZ. I am very excited about this new collection! It is never too early to be thinking about the holidays!

What's Old is New Again

I am so excited about new items that I have created for my inventory! I have a passion for vintage items; almost as big as the one I have for shoes. I find myself scouring second hand stores searching for lost treasures. The character of these gems is unsurpassed, as you never find things like that new. Add a little modern dazzle and BAZAM! a one of a kind SVM creation like no other! Keep checking out my store on Etsy and my Artfire studio for new additions! Happy Sunday, y'all!

The Lucky Hand

Sometimes when we least expect it, we meet someone who makes the situation you are in all of a sudden make complete and total sense. Whatever logic you were looking for just jumps up and slaps you in the back of the head showing you that you are exactly where you are supposed to be and you are doin exactly what you are meant to be doin'. That happened to me and yessiree I am paying attention!
I met a woman today who had the most eclectic, one of a kind collection of western decor I have ever seen. I mean her living room was the Mecca of all things cowboy. From antique spurs and saddles to hand woven Indian blankets and cow hides. This woman had it all. And she found most of it at.... Yard sales! I saw so many pieces that could be incorporated in to one of a kind furniture, although most of it was awesome just as it was. And the best part? She offered her fine tuned talent of scoping out amazing finds to looking for one of a kinds for me! I'm all in!

Aimin' high

"Keep your eye on the high mark and you will hit it. Not the first time nor the second and maybe not the third, but if you keep on aiming and keep on trying, you'll hit the bull's eye of success."
— Annie Oakley

 

As I embark on setting up my blog, I came across this quote from the Original Cowgirl herself that I just had to share!  Happy Friday!

Don't fence me in...

Carnegie Hall was real fabulous, but you know, it ain't as big as the Grand Ole Opry.
~Patsy Cline

Howdy, blogging world! It's me, Michelle. After toying with the idea of blogging, my sister finally convinced me that it would be beneficial. Not just to my business, she said, "but to you as well, Sis. You have a lot to say." So here's the beginning.
I have been a cowgirl most of my life. I grew up to John Wayne movies, old country music, and a 5 acre horse ranch where my parents bred horses and dabbled in rodeo. After high school I followed my mom's career choice and became a hairstylist. It took about 10 years before I wanted something more.
So I quit. Quit my career that took 10 years of hard work to build. Gone in an instant. Well, not quite. I did put in my 2 week notice which, by the way were the longest two weeks of my life. But I did it. In doing so, I had the crazy idea of starting a home dècor business. One that would capture the spirit of someone like me, who is classy and rustic. Feminine, but capable of doing everything a man does. Open minded, yet still a little old fashioned. A small town girl with big ideas. A cowgirl can be many things. Hence my blog name: Don't fence me in.
Welcome to my journey.