Monday, December 31, 2012

My 2013 "Anti-Hoarding" Resolution

I think I am addicted to thrifting. As long as it doesn't become a "hoarding" problem then I guess I'm okay. My New Year's Resolution is to sell more of my thrifting finds just so it doesn't become a problem. Well, now that I've announced my resolution, here's what I found...

I was able to explore two estate sales this weekend. At the first sale I found a really nice Arabia enamelware bowl from Finland. I also found several pieces of Kosta Boda vintage glass ornaments at this same sale.
I found this sweet 1973 Turquoise Automatic Electric Starlite phone. We plugged it in and it works! It comes with an extra long phone cord which, at the time, was the closest thing to a "mobile device".
I couldn't resist this industrial set of metal drawers. It is the perfect size to hide stashes of vintage trinkets.
At another sale I found this little vintage plastic tree that was designed to hold treats on the point of each branch. The main reason I bought is that it was made by Louis Marx and company {Marx toys} and had their company address on Fifth Avenue {the "Toy Building"} in Manhattan. Marx Toys went out of business in 1978.
To start my New Year's Resolution, I've been spending a lot of time listing more items in my Stuff to Treasure store. Please stop by and see what's new. I plan to list more items in the next few days.

Hope you had a great day of thrifting. And may your new year be filled with unexpected treasures!

This is linked to:
Hey What's For Dinner Mom?

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Christmas Sneaks Up on Me Every Year

I know that Christmas comes at the same time every year and you would think one could plan and prepare months in advance. I suppose there are many people who are well prepared for the holidays... I am just not one of them. But in my defense this is the busiest time of the year for my work {I just went to a press check yesterday for Tim Holtz's catalog} and this particular year I received some rush freelance projects that have taken up all of my free time.

Between freelancing and holiday preparations I finally found some time to go to one estate sale. It was the second day of the sale but I did find a few nice crafting supplies and a nice vintage Christmas treasure.

My favorite find is this vintage cardboard Santa once given as a promotional item by Richfield gas stations probably back in the 60s. This paper ornament has survived in great condition.
Another fun find was a jar filled with vintage bells. They definitely have a nicer sound than modern bells.
I also bought a jar of sequins. I wasn't sure of what I would do with them except that I've seen many lovely ones used on an old bottlebrush trees. I also found a container of sequin pins. I didn't even know that there were special pins that are used with sequins.
These are two pairs of old paper foil wings. I think they would look great used in a collage.
The final item I found was a box of old, metal sewing bobbins. I like metal bobbins better than the modern plastic version.
It wasn't a very large find but it was definitely a very colorful selection. Now I must get back to working on my freelancing and wrapping some presents.

Hope everyone had a wonderful day of treasure hunting.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Sadness and Grief

I did not know them but I am a Mother and I feel the collective grief of all Parents. I will honor the angels and not waste a moment of my time on any publicity given to the shooter. I do not want anyone to believe that by doing the unthinkable they will get more attention. 

- be kind -

Monday, December 3, 2012

Designers Craft Connection Blog Hop - December

Welcome to the Designers Craft Connection Blog Hop for the month of December. This month's theme is "Handmade for the Holidays".

I am excited about this month's theme because; 1) I love making things, 2) I love the holidays and 3) I had a perfect idea for a dual-purpose project.

My sister and I exchange handmade ornaments every year. This year our theme was "Something Made of Paper". So combining the themes I created a "Tim Holtz Cuckoo Clock" ornament.
I began by covering a small box with old sheet music. This happened to be from The Nutcracker Suite in case anyone happens to notice. Before I sealed up the box I punched two small holes in the bottom of the box and ran a small chain through it leaving both ends hanging out of the bottom. I sealed up the box and used Distress inks to age the paper edges.
Using all Sizzix dies, I die cut two Tattered Pinecone pieces and followed Tim Holtz's video to create the pinecones hanging beneath the clock. I added some snowy glitter using white glue.
I cut out a House, 3-D and used the Woodgrain Texture Fade for added dimension to the sides. Again, using Distress inks I highlighted the raised texture. I cut an opening near the top arch and attached a small die cut Cardinal {more festive than a Cuckoo Bird}. 
I die cut the Weathered Clock and first applied Tea Dye Distress ink as a background color. Next, I used Perfect Medium with an all-over pattern stamp and applied Perfect Pearls in Heirloom Gold. This created a random, worn metallic look to the clock face. Before assembling the clock/house I laid the clock face on the front and determined where the clock hands would be attached. I used a small brad to attach the hands then removed the clock face while I worked on the next steps. 
I assembled the clock/house and decided that it needed a roof. I folded a piece of brown cardstock and ran both sides through my Vagabond die cutting machine using the Snowflurries Texture Fade. I sanded the raised surface to give it more texture. I also added a small piece of die cut Vintage Lace along the front edge of the roof. It is cut from more old sheet music and left over from a previous project. It gave the house a gingerbread roof line. I used a large needle to punch two holes in the roof and top of the house. I glued the roof to the house then strung a piece of vintage ribbon through the holes.
I used hot glue to attach the house to the bottom box. I glued the clock face to both the house and the base. On the left side of the clock I added a small bottlebrush tree. On the right, I glued a small die cut Reindeer.

I hope you enjoyed my Handmade for the Holidays project. Please use the DCC Blog Hop button on the right to visit all of the talented designers and see their creative projects.

This is linked to:
Beyond the Picket FenceCoastal CharmElizabeth and Co., Making the World CuterMy Uncommon Slice of Suburbia, Savvy Southern StyleSew Can Do, Sew Much AdoSomeday CraftsSugar Bee Crafts, The Shabby Creek CottageThe Thrifty HomeThe Trendy TreehouseTopsy Turvy and Twin Dragonfly Designs

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Autumn Thrifting

Autumn has finally come to Southern California. It was a wet weekend but we managed to get to some estate sales.

My favorite find was a set of Putz Houses. I love vintage Christmas items so it was wonderful to find so many of these old cardboard houses.
I also found a bag of vintage millinery shellac holly leaves and berries. This is just a small portion of them.
There were also a large amount of old velvet ribbon and rayon seam binding in a nice selection of colors. The original price of the velvet ribbon is marked as 12 cents a yard.
We also found an old, French embroidery book full of patterns and photo of everything from alphabet samplers to macrame.
While driving around we also discovered proof that Autumn had finally come to Southern California.
I hope everyone had a great thrifting weekend.

This is linked to:
Brambleberry CottageIt's a Very Cherry World, Mod Vintage LifeSir Thrift-a-Lot, The Colorado Lady and Vintage Wanna Be
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