One-of-a-Kind Signs & Objects

We have a new section on our website that will be devoted to One-of-a Kind  signs and objects. We love unusual vintage signs and unique pieces that were once used to advertise retail establishments, restaurants, hotels, or something mysterious or special. This type of signage is an art form and each work has a history (or mystery), chipped paint (or lack thereof), and loads of character.

The sign above, Swan Inn, c. 1940, 36" x 24", wood, $695., was found in the mountainous area of Blowing Rock, NC. It is a hand made, hand painted folk art trade sign made in America.  It still has it's brightly colored paint, some chipping away at the bottom.  We think it is possibly from Swan Quarter, North Carolina. If you are familiar with this Inn or area of North Carolina, please send me a message!

Old Roulette Wheel, c. 1940, 26" x 15", in metal, wood, pencil, $550.

This old roulette wheel was found in a bar that was closing in Manns Choice, PA. It is a hand made gaming piece, very special and actually works. It's still retains some of the original paint and blue pencil markings, and each little prong is actually a nail that's had the head clipped off.  It makes a clicky sound when it spins. This is definitely a collector's piece.

$4.00 Per Couple Sign, c. 1950 wood, $95.

This cute piece was found near Woodstock, VT.  It could have been a sign made for a weekly dance, or dinner. The wood is very thick and heavy, and it seems to have been a permanent sign that was attached to a fence or other structure.  There was a wire attached to the back so that it can be now hung on a wall.

Pickers Wanted Sign, c. 1920, 20 x 26, wood, metal, $395.

I'm a big fan of the television show, American Pickers,so this really tickled me.  This was found in Strasburg, Virginia. A hand made sign that is made from tree branches, large nails, heavy pieces of wood and local materials. The sign must have been used to hire pickers for tomatoes. I really like the tomato which has a little metal patch that's been hammered on like a bandage.

.50 Cent Chicken Dinner, c.1920, 25" x 19 1/2", wood, $195.

This is an amazing piece of Americana. When was the last time you paid 50 cents for a chicken dinner?  This was also found in Strasburg, Virginia. The sign has been painted over several times.  You can just make out the words "MEALS AND LODGING" underneath the words "50 cents Chicken Dinner." Part of the wood has been disengaged from the other half so you only see a few words. The wood is thick and very old.

If you have questions or wish to purchase any of these one of a kind signs/objects, you can go to our website, give us a call at 1 888 503-3349, or shoot me an email, joan@rhballard.com.  More unique pieces will be added to the website as they arrive so please check back often.

I would love to hear your feedback about these pieces so please feel free to post a comment!

New Rug Designs from Artist Laura Megroz

We just received several new rug designs in the shop that are fun, fresh and colorful. We've carried Chandler 4 Corners work for many years and I was struck by the whimsical nature of the new rugs by American Folk Artist Laura Megroz.

The rugs are made from New Zealand wool, available in a wide variety of sizes, and have a contemporary yet traditional feel.  Fetching in a manner that is approachable yet sophisticated, Megroz' work can fit snugly into a  lakeside cabin, mountaintop refuge, seaside cottage, or even an urban flat, any environment looking for a spark of color and added warmth. They are also perfect for perking up a child's room.

Take a peek here at several new designs:

Blue Stars

Chair Pair

Bandana Stampede

Longhorn Steer

Anchor

Cowboy Boots

Golden Gertie

R.H. BALLARD WINTER SALE

20% OFF Discontinued Patterns of  LE JACQUARD FRANCAIS  TABLECLOTHS Cite Imperial, Jade Sari, Paprika Rajasthan Ginger Now through Jan. 31st, or until stock is depleted, get 20% off these designs!  Click on image & go to sale item.  Enter the code "DISCJAN" at checkout.  Limited availability, order early before it's gone. Sale only lasts until the end of the month or until stock is sold out!  Cannot be combined with other offers, all sales final.

r. h.  b a l l a r d     307 main street    washington, va  22747    540-675-1411 shop & gallery hours: daily, 10am - 6pm www.rhballard.com

customerservice@rhballard.com

Twilight in Little Washington

I was standing outside in front of our shop & gallery recently and snapped this picture.  I love twilight in December, especially here. With unseasonably warm weather throughout the month we often had our door open during the day. As I write this, the temperature is now in the 20's and it now feels like winter in Virginia.

As 2011 comes to a close and a New Year begins, good feelings and memories come forward. As any small business owner will tell you it has been a rough road these past two years, but things are looking up.  This year we added several new artists to our gallery representation and more European products to the shop mix.  We organized benefits, several shop events and an Art Tour, and basically worked our little tails off to make the year enjoyable and fun for us and our clientele. It is a labor of love.

To all of our wonderful customers throughout the United States, to our talented artists, fabulous suppliers, loving neighbors, blog-followers, and to all fellow small-business-owners in Rappahannock, we wish each one of you a joyful, healthy and prosperous New Year!

Year-End Sale - 20%-70% Off

Yes, You've All Been Very Good This Year... ...it's time to be rewarded with our Biggest Sale of the Year! 20% - 70% OFF  Dec. 26 - 31 Table Linens, Art, Rugs, Lamps, Purses, Jewelry, Scarves, Soaps, Lotions, Books, Holiday Decor, and more! in-store only phone orders accepted 540.675.1411  .......................................

For 14 years we've celebrated the coming of new and delicious merchandise with an unbelievable After-Christmas Sale. It's long been our customers favorite time to get fabulous & final deals in our shop and gallery on Main Street. 

Come out to Little Washington, VA, between Dec. 26 - 31, 10am - 6pm, and see what all the fuss is about....we think you'll love it! Mention this blog post and receive an extra 10% off already discounted merchandise.  Phone orders also accepted. See you there!

r. h.  b a l l a r d     307 main street    washington, va  22747    540-675-1411     shop & gallery hours: daily, 10am - 6pm

www.rhballard.com

The Eiffel Tower Lights Up

 It's Christmas and like millions of people I too have a sweet place in my heart for Paris, the Eiffel Tower and anything French.

Paris always looks romantic this time of year, and I clearly remember the first time I saw the Eiffel Tower light up in all it's glory. I was eating dinner with friends near the Tower and had to excuse myself from the table. Outside a dramatic display of light and color was exploding and it had been sparkling through the restaurant window onto my plate of foie gras. The meal was delicious but the lights were beckoning. I stood in the freezing cold for several minutes until the sparkling stopped.

I am not sure why the Eiffel Tower has this effect on me and so many people around the world, I only know that it does.

Anyway, the cool and industrial Parisienne pieces in the photo above arrived on Friday and I could not wait to get the display up and running. After previously mapping out several ideas on paper I had decided that the front of the shop would work best for what I envisioned.

The single, rustic P-A-R-I-S letters add charm and fun, and the delightfully glistening Eiffel Tower makes a romantic statement.  I surrounded the Tower with red pomegranate branches, dwarf lemon cypresses (which smell divine), and small vintage prints of the Tower.  Red, green, lights, and art....the iconic monument and all decoration poise beautifully in front of an architectural window and next to our silver and white decorated Christmas tree. I loved creating this display. It's the first thing you see now as you now step into our shop at Christmas time.

I invite all of you to come and visit Little Washington, VA.  It's truly the best time to visit our historic town and our shop.  Hope to see you soon!