burning the candle at both ends...

Earth Hour didn't keep me from working on my oilcloth party banners!

I'm sorry that I have been AWOL, but I have been cranking out the merch. The Junies and I have been slamming out as much product as possible for our April 1st deadline, after which,  some of the gals will take a break and I will start working on my top secret project. Don't worry, we will still be making our custom order oilcloth tablecloths, placemats and floor mats.

As for what that top secret project is, I promise that I will be able to tell you all soon!!!  My people and their people are hammering out the dets now!  Let's just say it's amazingly awesome and the secret it KILLING ME!!!

xoxox, Kelly

Summer time....

Summer time, originally uploaded by ModernJune.

I miss it!

2 more reasons...

... why I miss living in Washington D.C.

REASON #1

One of my newest wholesale clients is having a Tag Sale! 

Madison and Mabel

TAG SALE THIS WEEKEND

FRI 9AM-5PM, SAT 9AM-5PM, SUN 12PM-5PM

4007a Buckeystown Pike Frederick, MD

REASON #2

Chick Picks by Hillary Spring Boutique Show 

March 18-20

Thursday 8am-8pm

Friday 9am-7pm

Saturday 9am-2pm

20757 Parkside Circle, Sterling, VA

Orange Mums of love!

This is a snap shot of the very first thing we have made with the new orange mum oilcloth and I for one and in love with it.  For this Modern June oilcloth tablecloth we combined the orange mum with a thin yellow bias and its just delightful.  I may have to have this combo on my table soon! Very soon indeed!

What is oilcloth and how do I care for it?

the back of oilcloth

Today's Oilcloth is a vinyl product that is bonded and supported with a woven cotton mesh. This integrated cotton mesh gives Oilcloth it's ability to hold a stitch. Oilcloth is waterproof and fairly stain resistant. Fading may occur under direct sunlight for extended periods of time since the Oilcloth does not contain a UV inhibitor. 

While there are no heavy metals in Oilcloth, it does contain Phthalates, which softens the plastic coating used to manufacture Oilcloth. With this in mind it may not be suited for snack bags and sandwich wraps--especially for children. 

Oilcloth cleans up well with a warm, soapy sponge then dry it off with a soft cloth or sponge. Machine washing is not recommended. Trust me on that one, I tried it once and it ripped and shredded to pieces.

Your folded oilcloth purchase can be decrease by laying it flat in a warm place.  The oilcloth will become soft as it warms up.  Use you hands to smooth out any creases.  Once your oilcloth product is smooth keep it rolled or hung up between uses.   

-        Modern June and Oilcloth Addict

Mixin' it up!

I went on a bender yesterday, a decluttering bender! I started in the dining room from hell and made my way around the first floor of our home.  I haven't done that level of decluttering in ages. Now, don't get me wrong, I have done my fair share of this and that, but when you only have 4 days off in 3 months, things tend to pile up!  It doesn't help that I am a "piler". I make piles for my piles!  I have to admit I like a good pile, but enough is enough.

They kids and I went to work, with our new friend Mr. Chicken! Fly Lady taught me that you could rule the world 10 minutes at a time, so that's what we did. While the kids dusted and vacuumed I took some time decorating!  Here are a few pics of my pretty new vignette in the foyer. How can the most neglected space in the house is also the most seen? That's just wrong.

 Check out my Flickr Collection for more photos of our home!  

Apron poll!

full chickadee apron

What are you wearing? No silly, that's not what I meant, what type of apron are you wearing?  I have set up a poll asking you Modern Junes, what type of apron do you like best?  Look to the right and see the poll in the sidebar to let us know your preference!!   

Chickadee Hostess Apron

pearls of wisdom

This weekend I was able to sneak away from the studio and enjoy the VA Homeschoolers Conference. This is, hands down the best homeschooling event of the year. we started the weekend off with a family night at art/talent show and ice cream social. This year my Maddie got up and sang for the crowd, it was incredible!  I am stunned at how brave and confident my girl is!  When did she grow up on me?  Both kids had art on display as well, Aidan showed off it knack for the abstract with his 3D drawing.  I don't mean to gloat but I have really cool kids!  (Ok, I totally meant to gloat!)

I thought I would share some of the pearls of wisdom that I picked up this weekend.  Here are just a few quotes, tips, books, blogs and concepts that I had to jot down...

• Life lived in educational freedom
• Parent at the Helm
• Play the grasshopper game for multiplication tables
• Get slant board for my dysgraphic child
• Remember to plug in all those great occupation therapy tricks when the going gets rough.
• To kids love equals time spent
• If it's not working change it! 
• This problem will be replaced with another one! 
• Use full spectrum lights.
• Attention fading? Play Simon Says!
• Independent learning will happen someday.....
• The Way Life Works
• Boy Scout merit badge books--science mini books
• Teaching high school doesn't seem too scary today. 
• The idea of writing a transcript is terrifying! 
• "Don't Know Much About" books
• Always being together isn't a bad thing! 
• The Story of Science by Joy Hakim
• Water and crunchy snacks
• Say yes more!
• Philosophy room
• Learning should light a fire and not just fill the bucket. 
• Rabbit holing--following one aspect of an idea can lead you to discovery and learning.
• School shouldn't be all about Behavior Modification.
• Middle school teachers are just trying to keep the kids alive. 
• If your going to send you kids to high school 9th grade is the right time to start.
• Facilitate learning
• Mastery is the goal.
• Educational shower curtains!  
• How to Unschool, live like school doesn't exist.
• Unschooling doesn't mean dismissive parenting.
• People may fear that "if unschooling is right then school is really wrong". (of course no one's wrong!) See Christie's comment!!! 
• Strewing

Where to find Modern June... Two Woman Art and Antiques

Want to shop in a big red barn?  Take a look around Two Woman Art and Antiques and the answer is a resounding yes, yes, yes!  This adorable shop is located in Spangle,Washington, but if  your like me and it's too far away, check out their sweet selection of goodies on line.

The ladies saw our Festive Oilcloth Pennants in the February issue of Country Living and just had to some for their shop!  We just sent them a big box of the fun party banners, so if your in the neighborhood stop by and pick up a few!  Tell them hi from me!

Tea Party Sneak Peek!

Yesterday I had the pleasure of helping my friends Mark and Tony, owners of Feathernester, set up their booth at the 34th Annual Richmond Spring Home and Garden Show. This is just a teaser, the booth wasn't even filled up when I left! I will be sure to get more (and better) photos this weekend!  If you have the time stop by and enjoy the Tea Party!

Pillow-palooza

Just a few!  The pink and green pillows are ready for this weekends Spring and Garden Show booth that I am doing with Feathernesters  and the cherries are destined for The Antique Gardner in sunny California!  But don't fret if you need some too, we now have Made to Order Oilcloth pillows in two sizes, 16x16 inch and 12x16 inch.