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Viewing: Blog Posts Tagged with: Thrifting, Most Recent at Top [Help]
Results 1 - 25 of 25
1. Bald Eagle Costume

Bald Eagle Costume

Hope you had a happy Halloween. Ours was lots of fun, and thankfully, the cold and rain held off until right when we were all ready to go in anyway.

This year, I only made one costume, since my daughter only needed a thrifted dress for her “diva” outfit. Our son, seven, wanted to be a bald eagle. He has a thing for birds of prey. At one point it seemed his visions were never going to match up to reality, but in the end, both of us were happy with how it turned out.

It’s made from four thrifted items: brown jammy pants (unaltered), long-sleeved brown T-shirt (sized down), brown henley shirt (cut open and scalloped for the wings), and the cut-off top of a fleece hoodie (sized down and scalloped for feathers). My son made talons made of yellow foam and cardboard. He also made the foam beak, which he attached to a pre-bought plain white eye mask. I tried to convince him to just attach a beak to the hood, but he was having none of that.

I thought he did a great job making eagle poses here. For more semi-homemade costumes from previous years, click here.

Meanwhile, I’ve been slog, slog, slogging through my novel rewrite. Also, enjoying the fact that Bletchley Circle has new episodes. Woo!


7 Comments on Bald Eagle Costume, last added: 11/11/2014
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2. Rooster


I did this rooster for a rug company so it also comes with a black border. I did this by using an old recipe book, acrylic, cardstock paper and dye ink. 

I love, love going thrifting with my girlfriends and when I ran across an old vintage recipe book for .25 I snatched it up. It was falling apart so I don't mind cutting it up for this project. 

I need to start sharing my thrift finds here on my blog...just because it's fun. 




1 Comments on Rooster, last added: 5/30/2012
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3. Los Angeles in the wintertime

A trip to Disney with Laura, Chris & Keiko. My picture taking was limited but I did see John Lasseter's office!
a painting for the Supahcute show
findings from the Rose Bowl Flea
MINE!! It's the perfect height for standing & painting :)

1 Comments on Los Angeles in the wintertime, last added: 3/22/2012
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4. Thrift Store Gems

It was a banner day at the thrift store the other day—even a little party-like, since I went with my friend Laurel.

Behold my growing collection of thrift store needlepoint pieces. These are  impossible to resist. They’re hand-stitched! They’re kitschy! They’re only 1 to 2 euros a piece!

I’m not in too much danger of over-collecting since I don’t see them every time I go. But it’s a fine line, I’ll give you that.

The two latest ones are the one at the bottom with the linen-ish frame and the one on the far left. The parrots are still my favorite.

I was on the prowl for funky prizes for a new table manners incentive program at our house. Voila! These are some of the more interesting prizes I found:

The Australopithekus rubber stamp just slays me. What item couldn’t be improved with a little Early Man stampage?

And the trink glasses are pretty rockin’, too.

The pièce de résistance of the outing:

A Hannover plate in blue and white! It was a little steep for the thrift store—8 euros—but totally worth it. It’s a view of the Marktkirche and the Alten Rathaus, in one of the first areas I stopped in Hannover. Definitely a keeper.

The weather is warming up around here, and today is actually sunny. So happy about that. I just started reading Cold Comfort Farm. Ever heard of it? It is totally hysterical, and seems so far ahead of its time (published in the 1930s). I can’t quite describe it—I’ll think on a description, but if you like A Series of Unfortunate Events or Wes Anderson movies (Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums), I think it would appeal to your sense of humor. Also if A Room with a View makes you laugh out loud. I can’t believe I’d never come across it before.

Have a great weekend!


3 Comments on Thrift Store Gems, last added: 3/10/2012
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5. Went to Amsterdam and Thrifted


Who needs clothes when you can fill a suitcase with vintage treasures? I did use a few pieces of clothing as safety wrapping for some breakables. But this was my suitcase a few days ago after my trip to Amsterdam.
There are some vintage items that will stay here in my personal collection, but most will go up in the shop. There are some great finds in there. Will show some of them soon. For now i'll share some pictures of thrifting treasures that i did not bring.

This table only needs a little TLC and it would be a prize possession! Look at that shape! And those legs! And how those drawers open! If it could only have fit in my suitcase...

Even though i have no kids i would display a rocking horse like one of these in my living room. Not sure about their age, the one in the middle looked the oldest. I should have turned around that blue one in the back, it was an wooden rocking elephant!

In a small antique shop just outside Amsterdam i found this table full of old Delftware pieces. So typical Dutch! I do have an appreciation for pretty Delft's Blue, but it's not totally my style and the breakable risk is high, so none of these finds went in my suitcase. (although i was walking around with the kissing couple figurine for a while before i decided against it and put it back)

Only in my dreams would this huge shop scale fit in my suitcase and be under the airlines luggage weight limit.

My heart skipped a beat when i stood in front of this huge bookcase filled with antique children's books. No matter which one i pulled out, each one had amazing cover art. Again, that stupid airline luggage weight limit! Books are heavy. Oh the choices to make...

How do you call these? Vintage kitchen burners? To keep the food in your pots and pans warm, or a kettle of tea. There where many. Too many to choose from. I left them for someone else to find.

Dutch orange enamel Brabantia kitchenware always makes me happy. I would have emptied out this shelf was it not that this was on my last thrifting day and my suitcase was already pretty much full.

So far for my 'What-i-did-not-thrifted' pictures. But right now, next to me, on and around my desk are loads of wonderful thrift scores i did bring. All waiting to be photographed. Hoping for clear skies tomorrow so i can start and share!

0 Comments on Went to Amsterdam and Thrifted as of 1/1/1900
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6. Thrift Haul

I lucked out on a recent thrifting trip.

I’d been looking for awhile for something cool to add to the hall art gallery. Our apartment has a long, long, bowling-alley-like hallway that is just begging for more artwork. Since it’s a hall, you can’t help but stand fairly near the walls, so it’s a good place for groups of smaller pieces that need a more intimate setting.

I found the birds and flowers at thrift shop #1. I love the way the black backgrounds make the colors pop. Somehow it makes them look more modern to me, too. I’ve considered painting the frames aqua or something like that. What do you think?

I found the little house piece at thrift shop #2. There’s just something about it that’s so sweet but not sugary.

Actually I don’t know if I’ll ever get to hang them because the kids want two for their own (girl wants birds, boy wants house). I’m stuck on the hallway idea, though, so we’re kind of in a deadlock over it.

Here’s a detail on the birds. The handwork is really impressive.

Next up: a platter, a Christmas tablecloth, and two skeins of cotton yarn.

I’d been looking for a platter like this for a long time to go with but not match our china (see it here). This one is perfect except I wish it were a little bigger.

The yarn is for our little weaver, and the Santa cloth—-well, I just couldn’t resist. It’s kind of a funny size, but I figure we can use it as a runner or as reuseable gift wrap.

All this loot for 7 euros 50 cents!


6 Comments on Thrift Haul, last added: 10/2/2011
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7. Danish and German Flea Market Finds

I could just about feel the flea market in Copenhagen pulling me across the street. Come look! Cool bargains you won’t find anywhere else! Luckily, the family obliged for a few minutes, while I gasped over the budget prices for vintage Danish ceramics.

If you’ve ever been in Copenhagen, you know it’s not really a place for bargain shopping. So I was excited to find the blue Mother’s Day and the black/ white Bjørn Wiinblad plates. Just a few euros a piece for perfect souvenirs.

I’ve been interested in Bjørn Wiinblad since discovering his work in the pages of Holly Becker’s new book, Decorate. Jonathan Adler, whose home is featured in the book, collects Wiinblad, and I just love the zany, humorous figures. BTW, if you want some totally awesome inspiration for your home, get Holly’s book. I’m thinking about just setting up camp in its pages.

The Wiinblad plates are from a 12-month series. I got October and December.

The blue Mother’s Day plates, which are about dessert size but designed for hanging, are Royal Copenhagen from the 70′s. They made one of these plates for each year between 1971 and 1982.

The other two plates (playing children/ animals) I bought at a charity shop here in Hannover. They’re children’s china, something you find a lot more of here because children are expected to use “real” plates, not plastic, as well as real silverware and glass glasses. I just couldn’t resist the one with the children playing. So cute.

The animal plate cracks me up because the wolf is smoking a pipe—-such a taboo nowadays, especially on a product for children. This plate was made in East Germany. I’m not too worried about it turning my son into a delinquent.

The kids love their plates, and I’ve planned a spot on the wall for the Bjørn Wiinblad ones. I’m still looking for a home on the wall for the Mother’s Day plates.

The SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) Summer Solstice Scrawl Crawl was a lot of fun. This was an event blog where SCBWI members across Europe sketched and wrote all day on Tuesday and shared their creations on the same blog. Here’s my entry here, but make sure to check out the others. It’s really interesting to see where people were all across the continent.

I’ve been missing NPR lately and listening to a bunch of old Fresh Air interviews over the web. Favorites: Jason Schwartzman, Chloe Sevigny, Jason Segel, and Ted Danson. I guess I’m feeling like listening to actors. We’ve been watching HBO’s Bored to Death

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8. Thrift Happy

Thrift Happy

I should have been cleaning. But when the urge to seek out unknown treasures for bargain prices calls, cleaning loses every time. No hesitation. Not even close. Oh well, life's too short anyway, right?

 Every year I go to a sale in Mazomaine, Wisconsin, about 25 miles from my house. Held by a church, the prices are cheap and selection is great. I somehow missed the first day this year, which is the best day to go. But I went today, the second day of the sale, and still brought home a couple boxfuls for about $22.00. (yess!) Here are some of my finds. Pardon the mess, I was too excited to get them out of the box to clear the table much. Oh, and that cleaning thing.



How great is this table top lamp? I PAID $1.00 FOR IT. (This is why I am a junkie.) Need to get some type of shades for it and find a spot for it.



I was taken with this signed photograph picture, the colors are really nice. The photo was was taken in Italy. I really like the triple mat on it too. It was $10.00, but they saw me hesitating and knocked it down to $7.00. I Need to get a different frame for it, something with a little contrast. 


2 Comments on Thrift Happy, last added: 4/10/2011
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9. Oval Patchwork Bedcover

Here’s a sneak peak at another patchwork project I’ve been pecking away at for a long time. I’m feeling the need to finish these bedcovers lately, so hopefully I’ll have more to show you soon.

This patchwork pattern is a modified version of an Amy Butler design (Patchwork Duvet Cover) from her book, In Stitches. It started out as thrifted clothes I picked up on one trip to the Goodwill in Charlotte. Here’s an early pic:

I decided this print (below), though I liked it, had too much white to work in the design, so I used fabric paint to darken the white to a kind of purplish brown color. You can see the result in the first photo. It’s a watercolor-type paint, so it doesn’t change the “hand” (the feel) of the fabric much.

The oval appliques will go on a light green background when I finish the last few. I tried laying them out on white (top photo) but I didn’t think it worked so well. What do you think?


2 Comments on Oval Patchwork Bedcover, last added: 1/27/2011
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10. Adventures in Thrifting: Germany Edition

Every town has its own thrift store scene strengths. I love cruising to see what kinds of clothes, craft fodder, and crazy stuff are available. For the most part, the thrifted clothing here in Hannover is not a strength, though I’ve found some cashmere sweaters just asking to be made into scarves.

Vintage textiles are a whole other story. There’s a place here called Fairkauf that’s like the department store of thrifting, with four entire floors of stuff.

My favorite is the floor of household goods, much of it embroidered tablecloths, runners, hankies, plus all-cotton (mostly white) bed linens. The collection of china and dishes is nothing to sneeze at either. I’ve been dreaming up a new quilt and snapped up some of these things with it in mind. I couldn’t resist the cherry placemats, though (not part of the quilt plan) and the bird fabric (also not for the quilt). It’s just asking to be over-dyed, don’t you think?

Below is a “commode” we bought to go next to my work station in the dining room. It holds the printer and scanner (when is someone going to design some more attractive computer equipment?). We were looking at some cheap something at Ikea or whatnot and I thought I could do better. This solid wood, glass-covered, dovetail-drawered baby was only 30 Euros! It also happens to go really well with our dining room furniture.

 

Next up is a candelabra I got at the Flohmarkt (fleamarket) on Saturday. I really like the lines, though I wish it had more candle holders. You need a lot of candles to light up your life in January here. I can’t complain for 5 euros, though! I’ve been wanting to go to the Flohmarkt for a long time. It was pretty cool, lots of interesting stuff, from furniture and antique toys to books and ancient dentistry tools. As you see, I restrained myself.

If you, like me, are a thrifter, you must must read this post by Blair Peter of wisecraft about torturing her husband via iphone thrift photos. It’s hysterical and inspiring. And besides that, she has a great blog with tons of other inspirations.


4 Comments on Adventures in Thrifting: Germany Edition, last added: 1/21/2011
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11. Thrift Love

thrifted

I’ve had some good luck with thrifting this past week.  A couple of things for myself (including a navy blue cashmere sweater for $2.75!) but mostly for le shop.  Some things need repairing, others perhaps a little embellishment or alteration.  More things for the to do list but I’m excited about doing hands on stuff and salvaging these pretty things!

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12. Busy busy weekend

pretty apron from Susan

Last weekend was so busy! On Friday I met up with my friend Susan from Montreal, a fellow illustrator and crafter. She makes beautiful little needle felted animals that appear in the unbelievably charming vignettes in her calendar.

We did a bit of a swap and I don't want to make you jealous, but look at the lovely things Susan brought for me (as well as the apron on the top of this post!):
floral upholstery fabric, silk threads, striped ribbons, glass and mother-of-pearl buttons, silver ribbon, lacy white and blue ribbon, and not one but two versions of little red riding hood ribbons. I love everything so much!

We visited the workroom for the Sheridan student sale, and as usual we were greeted by the friendly Maisy, were inspired by the crafts, coveted the workroom fabrics and fed delicious cupcakes. Thank you Karyn!

On Saturday I rushed down with Bradley to the Movies & Makers craft show, hosted by Lisa of GirlCanCreate. I was nostalgic since I grew up going to the Fox Theatre every weekend for the matinees. Once again, lots of craft inspiration. And a delicious cupcake from Lisa, thank you!
That morning we just happened to pass by the Beaches United Church bazaar on Wineva Ave. and I found these adorable pillow cases. Bradley has graciously suggested that I am welcome to cut his up to make something else.
Shortly after that I met a friend to see the Sleeping Beauty ballet at the Four Seasons Centre. It

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13. My Creative Space - Week 2

BEFORE...
AND AFTER! WELL, DURING!
Crzylady at Home Grown Insanity who is apparently both organized and an organizer has given me lots of food for thought and inspiration for reorganizing my creative space. She has this great checklist, perfect for creative spaces, and a wonderfully gentle manner. I'm planning to post my progress weekly, along with a project or two that I can actually work on as I gain space and order - and a feeling of peace.

As you can see, I have a long way to go - but I'm taking the first "baby steps" as Flylady decrees. (Flylady, in case you aren't already familiar with her, has a free online organize-your-whole-life-even-your-body website that has been very helpful to me in general, though not one bit with this space...). I'm throwing stuff out as well as shifting some things to other places, and creating some better homes (and labels) for the stuff I keep.

I took Crzylady's advice to start by clearing one big space, both to give me working room and a sense of encouragement - and it has helped. I got my drawing table cleared off of most of the unnecessary junk, re-established my stations and cleared the floor enough around them that I can fit easily in and out of my chairs. Phew! And then I even started clearing out the shelves on the wall behind. Look! There's some empty space! (Probably won't stay that way for long - but I'll settle for order.)

Anyway, I got things tidy enough to get working on my Christmas card (that's what the little Christmas tree in the foreground goes to), to make good progress on the sketches of two picture books, and to nearly finish this gift I started making a while ago. SPOILER ALERT, MARY LOU - don't peek.

It's a drawstring knapsack for my walking buddy. On Saturday mornings we visit estate sales and then take our walk in the neighborhood around it. I'm making her a bag to tote her loot, and I've used all thrifted materials I've acquired at the sales. The main fabric is blue and white ticking from a vintage pillow cover, the calico lining (shows at the casing) was a vintage fabric I bought from a crafter's huge stash (it was really something - and it takes a lot to impress a hoarder like me), and the pocket on the front is from an embroidered hand towel. The bag also has a couple interior pockets. I used the excelle

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14. Best thriftscores are always in the back


It's been awhile since i found a treasure to add to my collection of 60's and 70's big eyed art.

One of the joys of thrift shopping is that you never know when or where you might find that perfect piece.
Like all the way in the back of a tiny thrift store, behind a bunch of dusty, uninteresting paintings.
There she was. Sweet big eyed Indian girl.

It's a big piece (18x22"), but that didn't keep me from taking her with me. It may sound strange, but in the store she looked a bit sad. And the moment i brought her in to the house it felt like she started to look a bit happier.

It's one of those pieces that when you end up with it in your home it feels like it was supposed to be there all along. You instantly can't remember how the wall looked like without it there.

I had to take the frame off to be able to see the signature on it, it looks like the title plus initials of the creator. "Hasler Twin B.I.". Does that mean she is part of a two piece series?

5 Comments on Best thriftscores are always in the back, last added: 8/22/2009
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15. Hebrew Turtle Story


Shalom!
I can't read Hebrew, but i can definitely look at pretty pictures!

Found in the thriftstore. Dated 1977.

Going through the pages, back to front, what i think the story is about, is a young boy has to move house and packs all his toys and when he unpacks the turtle is gone.
Hm. Not really an obvious plot for a children's story. Where's the happy ending? Then again, there might be some very wise words that go along the illustrations, and my version of the turtle story most likely not even resembles what is really going on.

Nonetheless, i'm happy with my turtle book and its gorgeous pictures!

2 Comments on Hebrew Turtle Story, last added: 8/20/2009
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16. Getting ready for date night


Miss Kitty is getting ready for her special date with Mr. Big.

(thrifted miniatures and dresser from the re-ment strawberry line)

9 Comments on Getting ready for date night, last added: 8/7/2009
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17. Wash your hands please


I have a thing for vintage children's books. Especially illustrated books. But every once in a while i pick up one that doesn't has a lot of pretty images. Sometimes it's because of the subject or if the book has a gorgeous cover.
Or in this case, it was the bright red sticker inside. I had never seen it before and i adore it. Looking at the stains underneath it, not everyone did actually wash their hands! (yuck!, but believe me, the rest of the book is very clean!) Plus the book has a lending card in it. Which i always see as a plus, because to me it adds some history. I love seeing handwritten kids names and the lending dates. Unfortunately on this card no year was added, but Jennifer L, Angela and Anfleur have all read the book at one time!

Hail, Hail Camp Timberwood by Ellen Conford was printed in 1978 and has a wonderful bound to stay bound leather cover (which is in perfect shape, so bound to stay bound really works).

2 Comments on Wash your hands please, last added: 8/1/2009
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18. Tiger will stay


I went back and forth for a couple of minutes trying to decide. My love knew it right away.

This tiger won't be for sale.
It is decided. Tiger will stay.

7 Comments on Tiger will stay, last added: 7/23/2009
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19. The risk i knew i was taking


When i started listing vintage finds in my Etsy shop and looking through sellers eyes on recent thrift hunts, i knew i was taking a risk.
A risk i wanted to take.
One i would run into very soon.
Here is it.

I bring items home and before i know it i fall in love what is standing right in front of me. I already connected with it and don't want to part. Listing it? Selling it? No way! This must stay here. Ohoh. These are no good business manners. Shouldn't do it. Sometimes i do, sometimes i overwin and they do get listed.

And then there are the safe thrifts. The items that really are my style. Ismoyo style. Even so, the moment i lay eyes on it in the thriftshop/at the fleamarket/churchsale, i just know i won't ever feel the need to keep it forever. But if nobody would pick it up from my store, i wouldn't mind to have it in the collection either. So safe thrifts are listed.

Allthough sometimes safe thrifts turn into keepers when my Love sees them. He is just like me. Oh no, she can't leave! She needs to stay with us! Ohoh. Here we go again.

* The incredibly stylish salt and pepper cats in the first photo were the first where i felt the risk. Haven't listed them yet. They are currently living in our kitchen. Still pondering if, when and how i would list them.

* The olive green sugar and cream set were decided upon even before i picked them from the shelf. These would be in my kitchen for the years to come. Yes. It's that serious. ;)
* Made myself to decide to list the pretty girl waiting for her bus. I am fond of her, so if nobody scoops her up, i am happy to keep her here. She's in the shop. (until Love sees her and makes me unlist)

2 Comments on The risk i knew i was taking, last added: 7/15/2009
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20. Doll Too Cute

Random things of the day:

* Got a great deal on this adorable Korean vintage doll. I love her. Wish i had a whole collection. Then again, maybe she is the start of a collection?
* My parents are visiting new york. Hadn't seen them in almost a year. So we're having fun.
* I'm working on a design for an IGoogle theme. Hold on, soon you can add your own ismoyo theme to your igoogle pages!
* Added a left column to my blog. If this is annoying or messing up pages, let me know!
* I got a lot of great vintage items and some Japanese craft books that i'm photographing to put up in my etsy shop.
* And there are a couple of new vintage image magnet sets waiting to be listed.
* In need of some 5x8 poly zip bags. Wasn't paying attention and bought 4x7's the other day.
* Confession: i dropped my metrocard in the toilet the other day. (before peeing!) it still works. ;)

4 Comments on Doll Too Cute, last added: 6/15/2009
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21. What will i be from A to Z


Every once in awhile i come across something that actually makes my heart skip a beat. This happened recently when i was at my local thriftshop and saw this vintage (1973) kids book called "What will i be from A to Z" by Donald L. Gelb.

From the first page of the book:
This little book is made for me.
It's fun to read as I will see,
For all the pages are in rhymes
And reading them makes happy times.
I'll turn the pages one by one
And join in all the choosing fun.
I'll follow on from A to Z
And help decide what i will be.
A Doctor, Milkman, Teacher, Nurse,
Are here with others all in verse.
Befor i Choose, it's wise to know
That wishing doesn't make it so.
I'll do my work and get my rest,
And eat the foods that are the best
For me, my sisters and my brothers.
Then i'll grow up and do for others
The work i choose to make life better.
What will i be? I choose the letter

I love how the book shows endless possibilities of what you can become.
And i Love Love the illustrations! I'm thinking that if, one day, i might have a little baby, i would frame some of these illustrations. Dream big, you can become anything you want to be!

4 Comments on What will i be from A to Z, last added: 5/31/2009
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22. Mini makeover

My chair "after"

So recently I was in a shop coveting some refurbished mid-century modern armchairs but they were over $500 each and we're feeling poor lately. Just like everyone else I'm guessing?
the chair "before"

But a few days later I found a chair at Goodwill that was really similar. The arms didn't have the exact shaping of the other chairs, but the joins were dovetailed rather than butt-joined which I liked. Of course the upholstery was really shabby and the wood finish was also very worn and patchy.
Also one of the arms was dislodged at the join. The woman at the cash looked at me like I was a bit pathetic for buying this dodgy chair and charged me $5.99.

So I bought the chair, took it home and took it all apart. The first step was using some carpenter's glue to fix the arm at the join. After adding the glue, it was just a matter of tapping it gently back into place with a hammer over a tea towel (so as not to mark the wood).

Then I sanded the whole thing with a fine sandpaper to keep the smoothness of the wood. Then I stained the wood with a dark colour (Royal Mahogany) then varnished with Polyeurethane. Then one last sanding and one last coat of varnish. I think the wood is mahogany but I really don't know my woods. It's definitely a nice hardwood.

The last step was reupholstering the chair. I really wanted to use something I already had, so there wasn't a lot of choice. I actually got the fabric I used at the workroom fabric swap, it's a creamy white chenille that has a texture of tiny squares. I had just enough! This kind of upholstery is quite easy, just wrap the fabric and staple on the underside. Just take care to tuck the fabric neatly around the corners.
The final touch was a pillow made from an old cashmere sweater. I've been meaning to do this for ages, I see them in magazines all the time and they always look so nice. The best part is this one is also so soft and cosy because of the cashmere. Perfect for that last little patch of winter.

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23. Picnicking

We had a busy weekend, hosting my family on Saturday for dinner, and hosting Bradley's family for Sunday dinner. And both evenings I was up until 1am working on artwork for the last of a series of five children's books I've been working on the past few weeks. It's not as bad as all that though because I've always been a night owl. I perk up around 6pm and get very energetic around 10pm and have to force myself to go to bed at a reasonable hour. Which I rarely do.

But I still managed to sneak out for a little thrift shopping Sunday afternoon although I felt oddly guilty. Lots of shops were closed and it was like "why aren't you at home have quality time with your mom? I hope you're not here picking up last minute flowers because you forgot it was mother's day" But it was worth it because I really liked what I found. This picnic basket (for $4.99) actually has a little table that fits inside it. Also good for separating things in the basket so less things get squished. I assume. The table cloth is a previously thrifted item but seems to belong with the basket.
When we go picnicking I like to take a pillow, and I've decided the charming pillowcase (below) will be perfect for that since it has a kind of woodland feel. I bought this from the friendly & talented Marnie at the Trunk sale (I also loved her "play capes" for children). The sale was lots of fun and as usual a source of lots of buying and swapping as well as selling.

note the bird ribbon. how can I resist anything with bird ribbon?

I also bought this cutlery roll from Marnie, which will also go in the basket.
My favourite part is the matching napkins.
And while I'm showing off the things I got at the trunk sale, I'm loving this spring scarf created by Dory who posts here. The colours came out a bit dark in the photo, the dark patches are actually navy blue corduroy.
It's warm but not too warm if you know what I mean. Also I like to see the fabrics that other people put together, it's like getting a little batch of someone else's stash.

9 Comments on Picnicking, last added: 5/23/2008
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24. How to buy a vintage suitcase

The best way is to find one abandoned on the street, thrown out by someone who just doesn't appreciate it. I'm still haunted by the one I found several years ago, kept for a bit, then decided I didn't need anymore. I know now that it was a suitcase from the 30s, and it would be kind of nice to have it now.
But I lucked out (after some fruitless searching yesterday on Queen W), when I went to the St. Lawrence Sunday Market flea market. I have to admit that I'm definitely a night owl, so I usually get down to the market by around noon. But I'm haunted by an old work friend who asked me when I usually go to the market, and was shocked by my answer. He assured me that by noon only detritus was left, and there was no point in going. That's the word I always think of, ringing in my ears: "detritus... detritus... detritusss..."

So the last couple of times I've managed to get there by around 9 or 10. (Still not the recommended 5am but I'm more likely to stay up until 5am then get down to the market by then.) And I have realized that there is actually better stuff the earlier you go. It starts to get crowded by noon and some of the tables do seem to be picked over.

When I went today to look for a vintage suitcase I was lucky because usually you never find what you're looking for. (You do end up with things you didn't even think of, such as the tiny box of gramaphone needles pictures at the top of this post.) But I actually found one seller who had several vintage suitcases and was very friendly and patient as I opened them up and tried to decide which size, which colours, which condition, which lining. I love the one I finally picked, so while I'm no expert here are the features I can suggest that you might want to look for.

1. materials: some are made from cardboard, some leather and some are made from coated wood. Mine is made from coated wood and I like it because it's sturdier than cardboard and it has that charming textured finish typical of the 30s/40s suitcase.

2. condition: I was tempted by one with a crack but decided it would be better to have a sturdy one that definitely won't fall apart. Mine has corners reinforced with little metal plates which will help protect it against damage from knocks.

3. smell: definitely check that it doesn't smell musty, especially as that will probably transfer to anything you put into it.
4. latches/hinges: should work easily and seem secure. Ask if there's a key because that's always nice to have.

needs a little bit of a vacuuming

5. lining: I like pockets and compartments of any kind, and of course colour and type of fabric depends on your taste. I love the grosgrain ribbons in mine that are meant for securing the contents, presumably with a jaunty bow. The satin is a sort of pale tan/grey/champagne kind of colour.
6. outer appearance: Some have stripes, some a mock wool plaid kind of pattern, or you can move ahead to the 60s/70s and get a psychedelic floral number. Mine is mustard yellow with a cream border, and it has a nice nubbly texture that looks like fabric. I suspect that suitcases with a label with the name of the manufacturer are more collectable. It's just nice to know where things come from.

7. size/comfort: mine was large enough to be useful but isn't too heavy and has a comfortable handle.

8. price: you decide, I paid $30 which was well worth it to me.While I was at it I found these darning eggs. The little pink one is apparently a "baby" darning egg. Not sure but I guess it's for darning little booties and such, although I don't like to think of some poor baby wearing worn out socks. This is possibly why I've never seen a "baby" darning egg before but since I bought it at the same place with the suitcase and other darner, the seller gave me a big discount and I couldn't resist the charming little thing.

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25. Ghost Stories


My two older brothers always had fun telling me all their ghost stories and spooks lurking around our house back in Manila. Those days were priceless!

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