A Celebration of All Things Loved at Charms of Leffingwell

Have you ever been Charmed?
I was yesterday!
I went with my friend Diane Bunker (check out her Website here! She does art!) on a little adventure in Ellenton and Parrish, about 35 minutes North of Sarasota.
We went to several junk shops (they are dirtier than thrift shops) and I found a few treasures; an old quilt and some beautiful books and a few glass Aunt Gemima Syrup bottles.
Then I got some new fabrics at the quilt shop and then we had a delicious lunch at a nice Italian Restaurant and Martini Bar!
I really wanted a chocolate martini but it just is never gonna happen! I think I like the idea of of getting drunk on chocolate more than anything, right?
Then we went to CHARMS.
This is the back of the house where you can park.
There are whimsical little garden art displays and flower beds and trees and it is lovely! You know that there is going to be something magical inside!
I love the montage of antiques and interesting things everywhere!
There were even a few chickens!And an owl...
So, we walked around to the front, yellow roses along the way.
I was starting to get excited. Like I knew this was my kinda place...
Around to the big front porch, delighting in the stained glass windows.
So lovely with the sun shining through.
It reminds me of Asheville.
I love this old house and the anticipation is rising as we head inside.
Oh, I hope there is treasure waiting for me...And there is!

Time to explore! There is so much to see! Antiques and chachkas  are everywhere!

We have already been greeted by the owner, Bobbie McGraw, upon our arrival in the parking lot and she has walked with us inside.
She is lovely and spirited and tells us about the Charmed Tea and Fashion Show that is going to take place the day before Mother's Day and a portion of the proceeds from the event will go to benefit the students of James A Tillman Elementary School.

Bobbie leads us upstairs to show me the linens and cutters that she has available and so that she can check out the Blog and see my stuff on Flickr.
She is in love with my quilted bag and has expressed an interest in carrying them in the shop.
I am thrilled at the prospect and we chat happily about aprons, barkcloth, lace, and pompoms!
I am so happy to have found this delightful place! It is such a Calamity! There is so much to look at that even I am going into sensory overload!! As if that were possible!!!
Chenille and linens and lace everywhere!
Even the bathroom is filled with treasure!
vintage hats and dresses and sweaters and knick knacks!
I could have stayed in the kitchen for hours and not seen it all!
It was definitely my favorite room.
wow is all I can say! over and over again! wow!
I am so glad I have these pictures to look through because I am seeing things that I totally missed yesterday!
So, if you live in our area and want to get together for tea and scones then give Bobbie a call to make reservations.
She serves a wide selection of tea and scones, pastries, savories with Devonshire cream, jams and marmalades.
I want to come back with a group of my BFF's and wear hats and gloves and flowing dresses and have a TEA PARTY!!!
Please, oh, please, won't you come have tea with me at Charms?!
I might set up some Paper Doll Classes there this summer. It would be wonderful out back under the shade of the old oaks where she has started to create a magical garden.

It isn't difficult for me to imagine twinkle lights and chinese lanterns strung from the branches and chandeliers and tables with comfy chairs and glitter getting spilled and the sound of laughter and music and happiness flowing through that enchanted place.
I can see children dancing in fairy wings...
Charms of Leffingwell is located at 905 Leffingwell Avenue in Ellenton, Fl.
Bobbie McGraw would be delighted to have you come and visit her and have tea and enjoy her lovingly restored 100 year old Victorian Shop.
The hours are: Wed-Sat 10 til 5, Sunday 12 to 5.
Monday and Tuesday by chance or appointment!
call her at 941-723-6563.
Tell her Calamity sent ya!