Saturday, December 31, 2011

Wishing you all a year to celebrate!


As we bid adieu to 2011,  I reflect on a year I will always remember.  A year full of new beginnings, dreams come true, and the ups and downs of life and business that have made me feel stronger than ever.

  One of my greatest successes in my professional life is my new relationships that have developed throughout the year of 2011. Whether you're a new found friend, a fellow dealer, a blogger, or a customer; you have all made a significant difference in my world and I thank you for truly touching my life in 2011. 

When I think of the many possibilities that 2012 holds for us, I feel excitement for what's ahead. I believe that 2012 will be a year that strengthens our lives, despite our existing weaknesses.  A year of continued success for some, as well as newfound success for others.  A year where we no longer look back, we only face forward, where we tackle our fears and overcome our tribulations, whatever they may be.  Always remembering along the way to take the time to appreciate what we have and whom we share it with. 

Wishing you all, a year to celebrate.... Cheers to 2012!

xo
Kymberley

Monday, December 12, 2011

WEEK 6 WINNER & 3 FINE GRAINS HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY HOSTED BY WILLOW DECOR



The lucky winner of the "Amelia" art piece by The Junk Girls is 
Diane Lee!
Congratulations!!!!

 Be sure to email your information to abeautifulmessantiques@yahoo.com.
 The Junk Girls will get your piece out to you right away.

This is the end of A Beautiful Mess Antiques 6 week giveaway. 
 How quickly 6 weeks goes by!
Thank you to everyone that entered to win and have now become 
new followers on our Blog and Facebook! 

On another note: 


Every year for the past few years 3 Fine Grains has done a Holiday Giveaway hosted by Willow Decor. For those of you that don't know, Gina discovered me 4 years ago and brought me out into the blog world.  I didn't even know what a "Blog" was.... boy has that changed.  Her introduction grew my business in a way I would've never imagined. I will forever be grateful to her
 for her friendship and the role she has played in helping me to grow.
  
Gina called upon me this year to do another Givewaway through Willow Decor
 I was thrilled!

This year I'm offering a new piece from my Holiday Collection:


The 3 Fine Grains Tree Skirt

Be sure you head on over to Willow Decor and enter to win.
  You'll love her blog!  

I hope you all have a wonderful week
 and that you're nearing being ready for the Holidays!!

xo
Kymberley

Sunday, December 4, 2011

WEEK 6 GIVEAWAY.....Hosted by The Junk Girls

The final week of our Giveaway is being hosted by two very talented women...



For those of you that don't know them. They are Jenny K and Melissa. 

!
Jenny K, Melissa and I at the Grand Opening of A Beautiful Mess

This piece was created by Jenny K special for the lucky  Beautiful Mess  week 6 winner!





Here's what Jenny K has to say about her beautiful piece of art:

I call this piece "Amelia" and have done numerous iterations of it, as it's always a favorite for me. This piece is crafted using  an antique mahogany photo enlarger section as the frame, the back panel is recycled zinc with an amazing patina that reminds me of clouds in the sky. The little airplane is an antique cast metal toy and the quote is housed in a recycled ring and covered with an antique watch crystal from France.

Retail Value is $285.00


In order to enter this giveaway you must follow these guidelines:

 Leave a comment at the end of this post and or follow us.... For additional entries, add it to your sidebar, or you can post about the giveaway on blogger and to any social networking sites, twitter, facebook, and blogger!!! 

Please come back and leave a separate comment for each site you post about the giveaway too. Anonymous entries, please make sure you leave an email address with your entry, so we can get it to you if you win . 

Check back early Monday, December 12th for the announcement of the winner!

Until then, have a wonderful week ahead!!!
xo
Kymberley

Sunday, November 13, 2011

SAVE THE DATE.....IT'S TIME TO CELEBRATE!!


We look forward to celebrating with all of you!

Be sure to R.S.V.P on our Facebook page
by Nov. 29th.


Thank you!!



Friday, October 28, 2011

A BEAUTIFUL MESS TURNS "ONE" TODAY & GIVEAWAY!!!

As the saying goes....."Time Flies When You're Having Fun."


It's hard to believe that a year ago today we were celebrating the Grand Opening of A Beautiful Mess  with over 200 family, friends, and customers from all over.



It was the end of ten very long and exhausting days of cleaning, tearing down, building and moving everything into what was evolving into a beautiful mess.  A journey I never would've dreamt could be so fulfilling and successful.  We have all basked in the love and support of our family and friends; which is wonderful, but we have truly been blessed with the support of our amazing followers and  customers.


Tina, Marilyn, Karen, Victoria, and The Junk Girls and I, have all learned so many valuable lessons this past year. A lesson that is changing my life is; life is too short not to make time for those you love and you must take chances in order to succeed. I am not sure where I read this, but the following quote resonates within me, "The days are long and the years are short..." Think about it.... Making time for our loved ones while pursuing our dreams is vital to all of our success.


Today is not just a day of celebrating our one year Anniversary, but a day of celebrating our individual successes, and our success together, working as a team. We're so looking forward to what's ahead and looking forward to an even more successful year two!!

We would like to say a very special thank you to all of our customers and followers, because without you, this year wouldn't have been what it was!  Thank you!

To Lu Tapp our friend and photographer, without your beautiful photography nothing would be the same!  You've graced the store with your talent and helped it to flourish through your art.  Love you.

In honor of our Anniversary we decided it would be great to offer all of our wonderful followers and customers a chance to win some of the merchandise offered in "The Mess" as a way of saying, "Thank You for a great year!"  So, we will be hosting a 6 week long giveaway (Yes, that's right 6 weeks filled with chances to win) featuring a different vendor in the store weekly and the item they will be offering for the weeks giveaway. The winner will be chosen every Sunday evening and their name will be announced with the "Giveaway item of the week" on our Blog and Facebook page on Monday mornings.  Be sure to check back every Monday, for not only your name, but the
 "Giveaway item of the week."
  
The first giveaway will start today and be announced on Monday November 7th.  This weeks giveaway is a set of my 3 Fine Grains pillows, created using authentic antique German grain sacks and French linen from the early 1800's.  These pieces feature very rare hand drawn horses and the initials M.B. which belonged to the farmer in Germany. They retail at $800.00 for the pair.


In order to enter this giveaway you must follow these guidelines:

 Leave a comment at the end of this post and or follow us.... For additional entries, add it to your sidebar, or you can post about the giveaway on blogger and to any social networking sites, twitter, facebook, and blogger!!! 


Please come back and leave a separate comment for each site you post about the giveaway too. Anonymous entries, please make sure you leave an email address with your entry, so we can get it to you ifyou win . Giveaway is open internationally as well!!


Good luck to you and have a wonderful weekend! 
 Cheers!!

xo
Kymberley 

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Where to begin.....

If you don't follow us on Facebook, you may not know what we've all been up to and what has kept us running in all different directions.
Oh where to begin....

Marilyn's beautiful home was recently featured in the latest issue of Jean de Arc Magazine. If you haven't seen it already.... run out and buy it because you won't want to miss it!
 It's stunning!!


Karen has started up her own business within "The Mess" called L.A. Junk Antiques.  Karen is super excited about her new venture!  Be sure to follow L.A. Junk on Facebook for updates on events, sales and new pieces she's bringing into the store. We're all very excited for Karen, and can't wait to watch as her talents unfold on her site. 


Victoria has something exciting to share as well.  She has created a beautiful new website, blog and facebook page featuring her business within "The Mess"... Victoria Stoehr Designs!!  She did a wonderful job and we're all really happy for her!!  Be sure to visit her website featuring an online store filled with beautiful treasures.


Two weeks ago, you may have noticed we were closed, as we were Vendors at the famous and ever growing Remnants of the Past Show!!  What an amazing weekend, filled with friends, clients from near and far and so many talented dealers in one place.  Judy Watkins and her Team provided us all with an extraordinary show.  If you weren't able to attend this last show be sure to head over to her link and read all about it and receive updates on the next show tentatively planned for June 3rd and 4th at The Madonna Inn. 


A Beautiful Mess/3 Fine Grains 

Marilyn Thompson

Victoria Stoehr Designs

L.A Junk
After we all returned and settled back into the store the Winter Issue of Romantic Country Magazine hit the newsstands.  What an honor to have my story be told in this national publication!  If you haven't seen the article yet, be sure to grab a copy. It's on newsstands until January.



This Thursday marks the 1 Year Anniversary for A Beautiful Mess.  Please tune in to the Blog and Facebook page for a very special Anniversary post and a Giveaway you won't want to miss!

Until then...... Have a wonderful week!!

xo
Kymberley 

Be sure to follow us on Facebook under "A Beautiful Mess Antiques" for daily updates!

Friday, July 15, 2011

A Paint Brush's Perspective

What is it about a piece of artwork that speaks to you?


Is it the image itself?  It's age or beautiful patina? Does it remind you of times past?  Maybe it's a special place you've visited or hope to visit someday.  For some of you it may be your favorite animal or an animal that looks like a part of your family. 




We love  antique "Original" oil paintings here at A Beautiful Mess.  They speak to each of us differently; but one thing is for sure, we always have an abundance of them.  We have many customers that have a distinguished or educated "eye" for art. We are always grateful for their appreciation of our ever changing collection.




Landscapes are some of our most popular in beautiful muted earthy tones.  Many of our paintings are in their original frames or simply left unframed as they were originally created on canvas.




Paintings are the windows of the world.  Wether the strokes be bold and broad, detailed and precise or whimsical in nature; they all share the passion of the painter.


We would love to hear from you, so please comment below and tell us what speaks to you when hunting for that perfect piece of art for your home or office.

All paintings featured are all available for purchase.  Contact us for more information through our website or by phone.  Be sure to follow us on Facebook for daily updates and photos!

Have a lovely weekend!  If you're in Southern California we hope you're surviving "Carmageddon"!

xo
Kymberley












Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Remnants of the Past is #1

It's with great pleasure that we share with you that Remnants of the Past has been voted the #1 most "Romantic Flea Market" by Romantic Homes Magazine.  
What an honor for Judy and for all of us vendors!!!
 So, mark your calenders and book your rooms, for October 8th and 9th! 
 Yep, that's right ...... it's going to be a 2 day, treasure filled show at the Madonna Inn property in San Luis Obispo.  Due to the shows popularity and growth Judy has moved the show to make it even grandeur than before.  We assure you..... YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED!!!
Please visit Judy's website Remnants of the Past to read all about these fantastic changes to the show, and while there, be sure to become a follower of her blog.  Over the next few months she will be unveiling all the fabulous dealers that will be at the Fall Show and introducing everyone individually.

 This is a show you won't want to miss and we're looking so forward to seeing you there. 

xo
Kymberley and the ladies of A Beautiful Mess




Thursday, June 9, 2011

As promised....

Two weeks ago I introduced all of you to The Junk Girls In my post I promised you all that I would share with you their latest creation; which has been hush hush until now......

The Junk Girls "Wine Bling"


Jenny and Melissa have created two sets of  packaged "Wine Bling".  One of the sets is, "Cheers" in 6 different languages and the other is, "Bliss".  Like their new brass "Bling" I featured in their introduction post, these are made from old brass kick plates taken out of old schools in Central California.  Melissa has them punched out and then individually hand-stamps each one.  I bet if you wanted a personalized set; Melissa would be happy to create one for you.
  


The Junk Girls "Wine Bling" will be available at A Beautiful Mess in the coming week for $36 a set.

Have a wonderful Friday everyone.



I'm off to Alameda with my 3 Fine Grains and A Beautiful Mess Antiques. I hope to see some of you you there!

If you're near Agoura Hills stop in and check out all the new pieces Karen, Marilyn, Victoria, and Tina have been bringing in.  We'll be open all weekend...

xo
Kymberley

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Introducing..........Me

We are 7 months along with A Beautiful Mess and by showcasing each of the talented and beautiful women within; I've opened our doors to all of you.  Now it is time to introduce you to the last of us.....Me.


My journey into the world of interiors and antiques was somewhat unique.... to say the least.  Almost right out of high school I tested and was hired as a 9-1-1 Santa Monica Police Dispatcher.  For those of you that know me, that didn't know this about me, I know you're saying.....WHAT?
  Yes, I worked all night, in a dungeon with no windows, with crazy people calling, children needing help, victims of violent and non-violent crimes and even more crazies.  It was an extremely rewarding, yet a very stressful job for 11 years. I trained new dispatchers that were hired, as well as helped and dispatched Police Officers in the field to respond and deal with life threatening and critical incidents.

  On a wall in my home I have a very special reminder of a day out of my career in 1997; a Life Saving Medal and the Citation for the award.  I'm very proud of this; even though it's taken me years to share it with people. On this day, I saved a young model from committing suicide.  She had painstakingly planned this out, down to the most minute detail and had her pistol in her hand when she called 911 and reached me on the line.  For nearly two hours I was her lifeline and prevented her from shooting herself and two Police Officers.  At the time, I was the first and only civilian employee in the history of the department to have been awarded the Life Saving Medal by the Mayor and Chief of Police and today I feel extremely proud and honored. 

As a young girl I always loved color, texture and design, something my Mom tells me I acquired from my Great Grandmother who in her time was a Designer.  I would spend my free time rearranging my room trying to hide the wall to wall pink shag carpet and Holly Hobby wallpaper that my Mom wouldn't let me take down.  I even went so far as to give the shag rug haircuts to try and change the look of the room.  My love of Design never faded as I grew older. I knew that being a Dispatcher wasn't a job I could do forever.  One day while working on my own home I was approached by a Designer that I had hired to create some window treatments that I had designed. She came into my home and after learning of what I did for a living, told me I was missing my calling and that I needed to get myself "out there" because opportunities awaited me.  My time as a Dispatcher had come to a close and it was time for a new chapter in my life. I started Interior Motives by Kymberley Fraser in 1999 doing Interior Design in homes and offices all by word of mouth.  Being self taught meant that I had to learn as I grew and I have to say that, that in itself was a huge growing experience for me. As I made custom pieces of furniture over the years for my jobs, I always dreamed of someday having my own furniture/accessory line.




 That dream became reality while working on my own home "again" several years later. In my hunting and gathering travels I came across an antique German grain sack.  I was intrigued by the beauty and history and the unbelievably beautiful script and graphics. After the long process of educating myself and finding the right sources, I began collecting these pieces of history.  From there, it was simple. it was time to bring these pieces back to life and turn them into heirlooms by creating 3 Fine Grains
3 Fine Grains is named after my 3 beautiful daughters. 

  
The early success of 3 Fine Grains was mainly due to the wonderful world of blogging. Especially after being introduced to Gina from Willow Decor.  I didn't even know what a blog was (boy has that changed).  If you haven't been to her blog, it's a must follow. I will be forever grateful for all that her blogging has done for my business as well as all the other wonderful bloggers I have met along this journey. 

 As my home business grew, I decided it was time to find a showroom.  I found my new home in a local antique collective and began doing shows such as Remnants of the Past  and the C.A.L.M Antique Show to promote my design business and 3 Fine Grains. 



Over time I was selling to stores in and out of the Country and was loving every minute of it. Especially the great people I've met along the way. Within the walls of the collective is where I met all the wonderful ladies I share my store with today. A Beautiful Mess was born out of necessity; less than a year after we all met.  What a blessing it has been for all of us.  "The Mess" has allowed me the space and the freedom to showcase my 3 Fine Grains Designs along with the Industrial and European Antiques that I sell.





 I always dreamed of having a store but never did I imagine the joy it would bring me every time I unlock the door. My journey's not over.... it's only beginning and I want to thank everyone that's supported, loved, advised and helped me along the way. 


In closing, I would like to thank my amazing husband of almost 20 years for always standing by me, and for loving and supporting me the whole way. I wouldn't be where I am today without you by my side.  To my girls, thank you for putting up with all of Mommy's "dirty sacks",  the long hours I work and for making me want to be the very best I can possibly be.     

I hope you all have enjoyed the "introductions" and now have a clearer picture of who we all are individually.  We want to thank you all for following us on our blog and on Facebook.  It's all of you that have helped make this journey such a success. 

xo
Kymberley


P.S. I'll be selling at The Alameda Pointe Antique Show this coming Sunday with The Junk Girls in spaces B20 & B21.  Stop by and say hello!



Monday, May 30, 2011

Introducing... The Junk Girls... Jenny and Melissa

Being surrounded by such magnificent talent is both inspiring and motivating.  You have met 4 fabulous woman and I want to introduce you to two more....they are called
The Junk Girls...but us ladies know them as Jenny and Melissa.

Jenny Kompolt, Melissa James and Me
These ladies focus their energy and passion together and are responsible for some of the most unique creations we've ever seen.  Their story began in corporate America where they both spent time in the Graphic Design & Ad Agency world, then Jenny as the Creative Director for Netflix, and then both of them worked in the marketing department of EBay. Most recently they spent 10 years as the Founder & Co-Founder of Kompolt Online Auction Agency , working with large corporate brands, agencies and non-profits to raise money for charity and bring awareness to their products & causes. They are especially proud of that "past life" and the over $23 M raised, just while they were there - and to see the company continue to thrive, too! 

What started as "art therapy" has blossomed into other areas. Including wall installations, lighting, furniture,  and "Bling"  using antique, vintage, found & recycled objects.


They have a passion for finding the beauty in something common and turning it into something beautiful and changing the way people see it. 


Antique industrial salvage turned into lighting, tables, accessories and wall art

One of a kind water feature made from an old copper tub

Pendent lighting made from antique yard sticks
Jenny's beautiful antique letterpress tables, desks and mirrors
The Junk Girls famous "Bling" line has propelled The Junk Girls to stardom in stores, wineries and boutiques nationwide.  Using recycled spoons to create keychains, necklaces, Holiday ornaments,  labels for wine bottles, cheese markers, tablecloth weights, letter openers and plant markers.




Their latest "Bling" is made from vintage door kick plates made from brass that were salvaged from schools in the Central Coast of California.


Not only can you make a necklace or a keychain from the many varieties of sayings, letters and numbers you can also wear one on your wrist that's been made into a fashionable leather cuff made from vintage leather belts.




This past week the girls paid us a visit and brought us lots of new Junk Girl items for the store.  Including water features for indoors and out, their new "Aviary" pendent lights and lots of beautiful "cloche art".  The new bling and cuffs will be in store in the next week along with a new product that I know you all will be thrilled to use the next time you entertain.  For now I have to remain hush hush but stay tuned.... they're well worth the wait.


 These two ladies have blessed my life in so many ways.  Not only are there creations a huge compliment to the store, but they have become very good friends.  Together we're climbing, following our dreams, inspiring one another, and creating great memories along the way. Thank you Jenny and Melissa for all that you bring to my life and "The Mess"



The Junk Girls, 3 Fine Grains / A Beautiful Mess will be selling at the Alameda Flea Market June 5th in space B21.  Hope to see you there!

Have a Happy Memorial Day!

xo
Kymberley 

Be sure to follow us on facebook to see photos of new merchandise as it comes in the store.  Yes, we do ship in and out of the Country.