'Shabby Sweethearts' pave their own road

Jovina Kelly, left, and Brenda Olivera. (Courtesy of Brenda Olivera)

Next weekend two Coeur d'Alene women are striking out on their own. Brenda Olivera and Jovina Kelly will hold the Shabby Sweethearts Sale at the Mica Grange on Highway 95.

Olivera, who has been a buyer for the Shabby to Chic Shoppe in Coeur d'Alene, decided she'd like to try her hand at the business.

"It's been a ton of work," Olivera said, "but it's been a lot of fun."

The pair chose the old Grange as the location for their sale, and they've rounded up a number of other vendors to bring in shabby treasures. There also will be an outdoor market on the Grange grounds.

"I have been a fan of Rachel Ashwell for several years," Olivera says. "A shabby sweetheart loves old things and finds new ways of reusing beautiful old items."

Olivera and Kelly have invited dealers who specialize in cottage style to participate. Spocandle and Wild Idaho Chocolate Co. will have items for sale.

"Sometimes you just want to get out of the house, away from the kids and enjoy looking at lovely things. The sale is for treasures, for fun, for beauty and for the enjoyment of decorating," Olivera says. "What more besides a tiara could a girl want?"

Cheryl-Anne Millsap