Unexpected Guests: Rachel Denbow.

I'm sorry that it's been a long while since I've done an Unexpected Guests post, but I've got a few new and exciting ones coming up, and I'm starting off with a great one - with the wonderful blogger Rachel Denbow of Bling On My Sewing Machine. Rachel is a mixed media artist, a wife, a mother to a young son, and a teacher, living in mid-century modern splendor in Springfield, Missouri. She also co-runs with a group of good friends the art blog Red Velvet Art, which features wonderful artist interviews and lots of hand crafted goodness. And in additional to all of that, Rachel also runs a killer vintage shop on etsy, called Pony Party. Let's take a look Rachel's fun family Springfield home...



What is your idea of a perfect day in Springfield?
Out of bed early for something warm at The Coffee Ethic with my husband and son. Then I'd hit Charley's flea market and peruse their vintage furniture and linens before lunch at Nonna's and a few hours of sewing during my son's nap time. We have a fabulous park that covers a city block and has stately shade trees and plenty of people to watch as we play. The day wouldn't be perfect without making big plans at Elsie's loft and laughing hysterically with Katy over more coffee. Then there would be a late dinner with my good-looking husband followed by a sleeping son and an interesting foreign film on the computer. Let's pencil that in for next week.

What don't you leave home without?
Chapstick, diapers and wipes, and a good pen. Sometimes I DO leave home without my wallet.

What's your favorite local shop?
The Council For The Blind thrift store always has something exciting waiting for me but I'm never let down by Good Girl Art when I need some visual stimulation.

What is your greatest indulgence?
My Modernica Rocker from Phorm.

What's on your wish list?
A yellow bike.

What's your favorite bargain find or product?
Recently it has been the metal locker we found on craigslist. It was a headache to refinish but I'm so happy with the outcome. We've been fortunate enough to find the gems on craigslist and in local flea markets. I'm not sure there is much competition for mid-century and quirky pieces in Springfield.


What is your biggest interior design nightmare?
Vertical blinds and very small windows.

Who are your favorite artists? And why?
I've recently enjoyed the work of Ellen Raskin. She uses the best colors in her illustrations and I love vintage children's books. Also, Mary Emma Hawthorne's work really resonates with me. I appreciate someone who uses simple materials that have been found in the recycling bin to make pretty things.


Where do you find inspiration?
It feels like Flickr is an unlimited source of visual inspiration. I've also got a list of design and personal blogs I read daily and weekly because they never fail to get my heart all aflutter. Traveling to a new city always gives me fresh ideas.

Who do you admire and why?
I am lucky enough to have two great friends nearby who remind me to make my dreams come true. Katy and her husband are on their way home from picking up their adopted son after two years of hard work and waiting. Elsie has just moved into a great big space and, without giving away too much, is venturing out into new territory with her work and business.

What's the last great book you read?
'How Does A Dinosaur Say Goodnight?' by Jane Yolen.

What's your favorite film?
My top three most loved films are 'The Namesake' for its love, 'Roman Holiday' for it's spunk, and 'Chocolat' for it's magic.

If you could photograph anyone in the world, who might that be?
The old women of China. Oh, the stories they could share...

Who would you like to sit down to drinks with?
After I got over my shyness, I'd love to visit with Karin Bergquist of Over The Rhine.

Do you have a guilty pleasure?
Nutella and peanut butter sandwiches.

What is your most treasured belonging?
If there were a fire, I'd grab my son. If there were time, I'd grab my computer. This is assuming my husband doesn't already have it.

What souvenir did you bring back from your last trip?
A teal, vintage school chair from a flea market in Southern California. It rode in my lap most of the way to Missouri but I was determined to get it home.

What is your idea of living hell?
Having no money and no friends.

What are some of your favorites websites/blogs to visit?
Design*Sponge, Apartment Therapy, Dooce, Hula Seventy, OhJoy!, Poppytalk, sfgirlbybay(!), and all of my crafty friends' blogs.

Thank you so much for allowing us to drop in on your very lovely home, Rachel! For more about Rachel's inspiring creativity, be sure and visit her blogs, Bling On My Sewing Machine and Red Velvet Art, as well as her fab vintage etsy shop, Pony Party.