The Mystery Thrift Off Day 2

Well, today is the day that Lindsey from BetterAfter posted the second set of 4 contestants' pieces. Mine was one of them, which means I can show you what I made.

Remember, I started out with these...

...after a little cardboard cutting and some paint, I ended with these...

The olive boats, turned upside down, became the bases for the cat and dog. If you've been around here for awhile, I know you understand that the dog had to be a Schnauzer.

Go check out the other 3 designs. You might just be amazed -- I was! Again!

I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. There is some fierce competition.

Vintage Planter

This baby caught my eye...and why wouldn't it?

And, I just happened to have a plant that needed a little bit bigger pot. 

Vintage Thrifting

The other day I went to one of my favorite thrift stores and was poking around knowing thinking I wouldn't be purchasing anything. Then I saw it -- this great little Mid-Century lamp base.

My heart skipped a beat. I looked at the price and talked myself out of the possibility of purchasing it. It was too much for my frugal-thrifty-I'm-trying-to-not-bring-things-into-the-house, self. Then I saw the sign. The sign that said what was marked down 50%, and don't you know it, lamps were on the list. And don't you know it, I bought it. Ta-daaaa.

the shade is a temporary fix....maybe...keeping my eye out for the right shape. 

Merry Christmas and Finding Santa(s) ...

I don't know where these past 3 weeks went. I was finishing up jobs, trying to get some organizing done around here, started painting my bathroom and doing a little bit of shopping. Because I do 98% of my shopping at secondhand stores, I get to pick up some vintage Santa's along the way to add to my collection...like Mr. Santa Salt Shaker.

I have a bunch of mini and regular sized hot chocolate Santa head mugs that I didn't pull down from storage, I was off track with Christmas this year and almost didn't even get any kind of tree up. But I did find a stashed bag of mini mugs that were an 'end of the clean up from last year' that never made it into the main boxes. Lucky for me, I found a few other Santa's at the thrift store to add to my collection, so I gathered them under the tree.

And the tree? I did climb up to the top shelf of the garage and get the box it's stored in. I pulled out the top half, took a bunch of the recently found vintage ornaments that were supposed to be for wreath craft day, and pulled out a tree topper that was earmarked for ebay. Voila! My small tree looking festive with Santa's showing off underneath.

I hope that you all are enjoying the holiday season and

have a very Merry Christmas!

A Gift, A Gift, A Very Cutie Gift

Finally!! I'm telling you about my Schnauzer gift. I meant to post many weeks ago after receiving it, but busy-ness and laziness got in the way.

Look at this little guy!!

The sweet and talented Suzy from GeorgiaPeachez sent this to me. She said while thrifting one day she came across it and knew it had to go home with her, to be sent to me. How nice is that? To be in someone's thoughts that you've never personally met and only know through blogging. 

The funny thing was (and still is) is that I had (and still have) a small collection of things on my desk that are meant for her. When I received her email asking for my mailing location, it couldn't have been timed better because I needed hers, too. The difference? She is not a procrastinator and sent it out immediately. Me? Wellllllllll..... 

...but I do have an excuse, I'm going through some more stuff and the pile is getting a little bigger. Plus, I had work and the 5 weeks of vacation that got in the way, and, and, and....

Thank you Suzy!! He's an adorable addition to my Dog/Schnauzer collection. 

A Tisket a Tasket a Vintage Laundry Basket

Along with the store display rack I told you about yesterday...I pulled this out of the dumpster, too...

A vintage laundry cart. A friend thought maybe it was originally used at a laundry-mat. 

It would be cool to use it as a towel holder in a bathroom, or for something in a kitchen. I'll be using it for its intended use for now, as I was looking for something that could replace the wicker chair that I would pull over to the clothesline and place my basket full of clothes onto. 

It pays to visit friends you haven't seen in a long time. 

Heeere Kitty Kitty

Heyyyyy!! didja miss me? I kinda fell off the bloggin' train there for awhile. Due to computer issues, (now I'm having iphoto issues) phone issues, going to bed 2+ hours earlier everyday and filling boxes with stuff stuff stuff for my tag sale...but I'm back to sharing -- like this white Persian. It's HUGE! I found it at a tag sale and had to have her. I had Bug strike a pose with her so you can see the difference. Mind you, Buggy Boo is a petite girl at 11 pounds but you get the idea. It's kind of weird with it's scary creepy eyes (which is why I like it) and awesome at the same time. I'm going to let it visit for awhile but then it might end up on a selling venue.

I also put it out in the yard, but I'm afraid someone will steal it because it's so COOL.

I bet you wish you had a big ass cat to sit in your garden, too. LOL

On other notes -- I've been picking up some vintage sewing machines for Renato the sewing machine guy. It's fun because I get to touch them and buy them and ogle them and not have to store them. Win for him, win for me. Photos to come once I gather them together.

I hope you've all been well and enjoying the Spring season, we've seen lots of rain, it's raining now even, and if it wasn't raining it was cold but then it got hot hot hot! New England weather, why are we surprised each year?

Have a great day!! 

Lots and Lots of DMC Embroidery Floss!

My friend Angela bought a DMC box of floss at the thrift store that she volunteers at, she wanted the box, not the floss...so she sent the floss to me knowing I'd go ga-ga over it!! and I did! 419 skeins. Newer, not vintage! They came neatly jumbled in the Priority Mail box, I separated the colors and took a count. 419! woooo hoooo yippy yi yayyyy!

I just told R. that if I die before it's gone, it goes to his daughter M. She'll lovvvvve it!

I just ordered 500 bobbins off ebay.

Wind Wind Wind Wind Wind...I'll be doing it for hours and then they can join my other 100 bobbins I've been winding lately of my mom's (vintage) floss and collected thrifted floss.

Oh happy day!

I'm so easy to please. :-)

Vintage Thrifting

These prints really drew me in but I did not get them. I have tried to find info. On them but have not had luck. They are signed 'Blatt.'

The pile of Blue Heaven came home with me. Most likely will end up on eBay, but I so like the blue of the plain pieces.

Vintage Thrifting

On the way home from work today I stopped by 'My Favorite Little Thrift Store' around the corner from my house...to drop off a bag of stuff...um...then I went shopping. The two automatically go hand in hand, I can't help myself.

I own this set of chrome canisters....

but for some reason I am drawn to this set of 4 (the smallest is missing from the picture.)

I've been eyeing it for a couple weeks now. It's butt ugly and cool at the same time. Since my walls are chartreuse, it won't really go, and I don't have enough room on my counter, but that whole 70's thing has my heart. 

ANNNNNDDD it has the salt and pepper to match!

I am drawn to this owl carving it's so cute, but not really my style -- once again -- the 70's.

I did buy this 6 cup Pyrex Flameware Percolator...coffee anyone?

and I've been keeping an eye out for one of these jars, and this one is BIG. It will be used to store my homemade laundry detergent. 

Then, curbside, I saw a pile of wood and a doll house. I turned the car around, lifted things up and there were two of these Gothic architectural frames. They're awesome -- and a bit heavy. I think they might just be what the living room needed.  The guy at the house where these were saw me and yelled over the fence that they were 150 years old. I should have asked for more history. They definitely did not come from a house in this neighborhood, as they are all '50s Ranches and Capes.

The doll house ended up being more of an architectural mock-up and since there were a couple pieces missing I figured I didn't need to bring it home. I try to remember that I'm getting RID of things. 

I'm hopeless, I swear. 

Flea Market Sunday

We were there for 2 minutes. The first table I perused I found this cuff bracelet. $3. Mine. It just so happened to coordinate beautifully with the rings I was wearing (the 2 larger ones are vintage, the other an artist made.)

It was quite appropriate, too, as I was wearing my Wonder Woman t-shirt...too bad there wasn't two

Bam! Pow! Pow! Bam!

Thrifted Vintage Lawn Chair

Shady spot found on this expected 93 degree day (I was told in the sun it got to 103.) Sitting in my near mint lawn chair from the 70s. Reading 'A Small Furry Prayer' while I wait for new tires to be put on the Rav -- cha ching. A slow-leak-flat-tire brought the low tread to my attention. After paying property taxes this morning, it was not really on my list to spend a chunk more money today, but alas, safety first safety always.

Thrifting Vintage

Awesome chenille spread. Atomic retro tureen. Craft book, and as I looked through it I realized I already have it. Breakfast tray for keeps, other stuff for eBay.

A Birthday and Flea Market Sunday

We stayed home from camp this weekend to celebrate my brother's 50th birthday. The party was to be held outside, but due to the rain, we stuffed ourselves into my niece's house. I don't see my brother's often, or my Aunts and Uncles, so it was good to sit, chat, jab each other and laugh. I brought photos of my brothers as teenagers and my niece and nephew as toddlers, those alone created some good laughter.

My Aunt brought the famous 'Chocolate Cake With Gooey Frosting' that we grew up with. We always had homemade desserts and this was a favorite. I think the last time I had it was 19 years ago when she made it for the after gathering of my dad's funeral. And I remember her asking me before the funeral what I would like her to bring and I said this cake. It's so weird, I feel like I had a piece of that cake just last year, the taste is so familiar. My family commandeered it from the rest of the group of my brother's friends, there was no way we were going to miss out on a piece. Funny thing is, I didn't know it was there. They were passing out pieces of cake that my niece made and Aunt Verna whispered in my ear, "I brought the CCWGF cake." I quickly rejected the other cake being offered to me and snuck the famous cake, which was still covered, into the living room where we all were. The plates from each person was quickly shoved into my face, no one wanted to miss out. Oh the memories. My siblings and I chattered on about the cake and cake memories. So silly. Just goes to show what food brings to a family.

Since we camp now on the weekends, we don't usually make it to the Flea Market on Sunday morning during the summer. You know we had to take advantage of being home and the nice weather. We grabbed a coffee and browsed...and bought. Although I passed up a few things I just wanted to HAVE...I kept it to a few things that I collect.

A display head -- to add to my growing collection of heads...

and some necklaces, sometimes a girls gotta wear some vintage bling...

I especially like the bold circle one.

I hope your weekend was fun!

A Thrifting We Will Go

A day of thrifting with Angela brought me some nice goodies. At the first shop I found some fabric (go figure) and a skein of yarn. I really like these colors and my mind is whirring with ideas. 

Then at the second shop which had Angela asking a lot of "what's this?" questions, I scoped out as much as possible trying not to spend the whole afternoon there. I think I missed a few things but pretty much looked at or touched 90% of the goods. There was a lot of eye candy. 

I filled my arms with some nice pieces of clothing but only a couple items fit, like this skirt by Ann Taylor and this cool leather purse with a colorful floral print on it which has a vintage vibe to it. 

This shirt I fell for as soon as I saw the cuff peeking out. It's a men's size medium but cut slim enough that paired with a some jeans, my studded belt, skull belt buckle, high heel boots and that colorful bag...awesome, and, it's a Bob Mackie label. Woo hooooo.

Rummaging through the linens I found a few good things but realized they wouldn't really work for what I needed them for, so I put them back. I did walk away with this nice weight and color vintage Martex bath towel...

and two tapestries that I think will become awesome as pillows. 

It's been a lot of fun hanging out with Angela. I was spoiled with good food -- for example, she whipped up yummy scallops and asparagus for dinner, spinach/chicken/walnut/cranberry salad for lunch and we enjoyed a nightly Dilly Bar treat. I dragged her kicking and screaming (not) for a Starbuck's coffee, one of my favorite 'social' things to do when on vacation. We talked, played with the dogs, had an interesting situation when we picked her computer up from the shop, and didn't get tired of each other...um, right Angela?  

Flea Market Sunday

What beautiful weather we had here. How could I not go out and peruse the goods? 

um, and come back with something.

I saw this from afar...after getting it home I realized it felt so familiar to me...I believe I had one when I was much younger. This will be added to my suitcase collection. 

I have collected 4 different colors of plastic sewing baskets but I am not using them for their intended purpose. I have been trying to figure out what type of container I could use for storing office and art stuff. As I've been cleaning out, I have come across the sewing baskets and had an aha! moment. I was going to buy some 'nice' baskets but I have a really hard time with buying new and not vintage. I'm glad I went with this idea and I wasn't even looking when I found this big beauty...

It is in great shape and has it's two inserts. I looked it up on ebay and although prices and sales vary, one sold for $47 in February. $47!! I bought mine from a very nice lady for $3. There was a green one I inquired about at another booth and it was not as in good condition and it didn't have the inserts. She was asking $10. She might get it because of the green color, but I'm a cheap-o and have gotten them for SO much less (and usually filled with sewing notions and scissors) and I like that challenge. 

Of course, I had to rummage through the fabric/linen bin. $5 later and I bought this fabric...

and two vintage sheets...

a tea towel and a pretty thick bath towel made by Sears. 

There was a gold and white one, too, but with some pulls...I'm kicking myself I didn't add it to the pile. I don't usually find them this thick. 

All in all, a satisfied customer. $8.50 spent? coffee and lunch with my boyfriend? Sun shining all day? 

Yes, Yes, Yes!

I hope you had a great day, too!!

Hello Spring! Hello Flea Market!!

I didn't realize the Market was open until R's daughter Madalena suggested we go whilst R. and his youngest went shooting at the gun club. OK. Works for me.

I picked up this old quilt. It has a few holes so it could be patched or used as a cutter, which is more likely. I think it'll be great for making things from it.

Then of course, I couldn't resist these colors...

Oh my! Another scarf to add to my collection. A collection started 27 years ago with a leopard print scarf bought in NYC on Canal Street. A country girl going into the big city with friends. Oh how some memories stay right there in the front of the brain.

I also picked up two water pitchers because I need them. Yes, really, I need them. Really, I'm not kidding. I've been having people over and didn't have vessels for water. I found this one for $5. I really really like it. I've not seen one similar in my travels.

and...

I couldn't help myself...I don't have this color...

yes, another sewing machine -- about 35 pounds of metal. It's an Adler, German made. A company started in the latter part of the 1800's that went through a few hands and product changes. They continue to make industrial sewing machines but stopped production on household machines in 1961. I will clean it up and repair anything that is needed repair. Hopefully, all it needs is a clean up and oiling because I did a search and parts might be a bit difficult to find.

When I was looking at it, even Madalena noticed the styling. Being a vintage car fan herself, she noticed the front 'grille.'

A girl after my own heart. I actually walked away from it to think about whether or not I should make an offer on it and the fact that I don't need it, but oh, the color and style. I went back and offered a cheap price I wouldn't budge from no matter what. He counter offered and I stayed true to my offer. He had no use for it, it had been his mother's-in-law and I'm sure wasn't interested in schlepping it back home. So, it became mine. The carrying case is a mess. I hadn't even looked at the cover and it's blackened top. Apparently it had been stored in the garage and it does smell of oil, so maybe the residue is of oil. It looks like mildew but doesn't smell like it. I'm OK with it because I've been wanting to recover or paint a case but feel like it's sacrilegious if it's in decent shape. I won't have a problem re-vamping this one.

There were more things I could have bought, but being mindful of purchasing mostly what I need and not what I want was my mantra for the day because I'm actually still packing up things for a tag sale...

I Can't Get You Off My Mind

A big sized bowling bag, found when browsing Goodwill before Christmas. Passed it by begrudgingly, not knowing if this was still the teenager's style. I wanted it for myself but was trying to behave. Sent said teenager a photo of it, turns out she loved it. Went back and it was gone. Dang! It was only $5. I don't like it when I try to be good. 

Yup, it's March and I'm still thinking about 'one that got away.'

Oh Oscar! You Retro God

I found this as I thrifted around before Christmas. Oscar de la Renta scarf, excellent condition. Fun, pop, retro goodness. It would look great framed, and that may happen, but I'm thinking it will be more suited to someone's home with a graphic retro style, so it may end up on ebay. I really do 'dig' it, though.

My camera sucks when it comes to reds, guess I should get me a photo program to enhance/alter...this is brighter and more raspberry in person.