burlap christmas

Burlap ornaments from Lovelies on Etsy.

Gift Tags from 42Things on Etsy.

Pine cone ornament gift set from SamsNatural on Etsy.

Pillow cover by MyAdobeCottage on Etsy.

Burlap table runner from hgtv.com via Pinterest.

Burlap garland swag from laurieannas.blogspot.com via Pinterest.

Burlap woodland fabric bird by CottonBirdDesigns on Etsy.

Sweet little tree with burlap garland from hgtv.com via Pinterest.

Pine cone and burlap garland from bhg.com via Pinterest.

Burlap garland pendants from Miss Mustard Seed via Pinterest.

tween room wall decor idea

Thank you Michelle at {Primp} for featuring my giveaway this week! I have my own primp to share. Inspired by a issue of Jeanne d'Arc magazine featuring children's rooms, I decided to do something about the sparce wall in my son's room. I have been pretty happy overall with his recent "tween" upgrade, but one large wall had me a bit stumped.

This photo of a wall in a boy's room inspired me.
The lockers {<--swoon}. I did decide I loved the map idea enough to do my own version.

Before pictures are required to be bleak and black and white I think. This lone clock above the ikea PS locker always felt a little too bare.

Unfortunately I was only able to take blurry pictures this day, but I am thrilled with my $39 map from www.maps.com. I still would like to mount the map on gatorfoam and trim off the white edges. I decided to go with a bold 69" wide map of the geography of the earth, it is a print of a hand painted map and it has a neat look to it. I was nearly tempted by some vintage maps on craigslist, but I thought with something current, Michael might learn by osmosis.

The clock even found a new happy place in the open closet.

This idea is featured at Primp Your Stuff Wednesday.

i love this tutorial.

Check out this Folded Origami Flower Tutorial from Rhett Didn't Give a Damn { <-- love the name! }

last minute sign project.

My Ruffles & Rust booth, including sign. I did end up turning the door and opening up the space a little more.

My finished sign. At the right angle, you can see the transfer, otherwise, I am pretty happy with it.

I was inspired to make a sign for Ruffles & Rust last week, Wednesday... leaving Friday AM {<-- way too late to start something like this}. I armed myself with inkjet iron-on transfers (one transfer per word in my logo) and some leftover burlap. It surprised me how well the transfers worked, just a little extra rustic look { <-- that's why you are supposed to let it cool before you peel the backing off }.

Can I point out - we now have trim around the floor in our lower landing! This recent project is where the white paint for the sign background came from. This picture is post transfer, I was not sure how to hang it at this point.

My transfer was done, but I really hadn't thought ahead to what I would be putting it on. Initially, I thought frame it, but like the loose edges of burlap. Where's some reclaimed wood when you need it?

So my backyard picket fence is missing a few teeth. All for a good cause! My dad came over and nailed my 3 pieces of fence together to form my sign.

A little wood, a little spray mount, a little dad time = one pretty cool sign.

-------------------------------------

This project is linked to Primp Your Stuff Wednesday.

blank slate.

My doors and trim sat in a partially painted state for 4 years!

So I finally bit the bullet and admitted to myself that certain home projects are just not for me. After 4 years {<-- yes you did read that right}, the doors in our hallway are finally painted and have knobs! I was beginning ot think it was going to turn into what my grandma used to call her "40-year project". Getting our trim painted has been a serious mental block for me - mid 1970 was not a great time for trim - very dark requiring 2 coats of primer and at least 2 coats of paint! I hired someone and tacked painting the walls on to the end of his to-do list. My hallway was painted yesterday {<-- the rest of the living room is still in the works}.

After a bit of a paint flail {<-- my sister-in-law created this term, I find it descriptive in many situations}, I settled on a Miller Paint color, Soft Light White. The old standby that has been around forever, the perfect off white that is neither too yellow or too red. I backed off of the darker taupe type tones that I loved 5-6 years ago, my goal is to emphasize my things rather than my walls. Muting the color also makes my plain gray carpet a tad more appealing and my newly painted rooms are feeling more open and bright.

So here is my hallway - a blank slate. Ruffles and Rust is coming up this weekend, the best opportunity I can think of to turn this blank canvas into a masterpiece!

in the works. clock faces & a road trip

Creativity always strikes when I have the least amount of time - what is that about?

I pulled out these little watch faces my mom picked up for me at Antique Cottage and Garden. I'm pleased with how these sweet little pendants are coming together. I'm thinking a simple chain for these - probably something like 17 to 18 inches. I struggle with these one-of-a-kinds, a) I don't want to think of something I could have done later that would have been more fabulous, and b) it is hard to part with the finished product!

Speaking of Antique Cottage and Garden, Roses & Rust Vintage Market in Anderson, CA { <-- named Romantic Homes #7 market } is this weekend. My 40th birthday on Friday is the perfect excuse for my mom and I to hit the road with an empty van and shop the market all day on October 8 (I'm usually a vendor - this time I get to shop and I am really excited!). Girls vintage market weekend!

vintage halloween bootique - this friday!

I hear that Martha {Vintage Trifles} moves everything out of her house and transforms it into a vintage BOOtique. I cannot wait to check this out. She has been posting teaser pics on her blog and I've been wanting to share some with you here (all pictures are from her blog). Today is the first dreary day of fall and my focus has turned to my house and the lack of fall decor! Time to go shopping...

Pixie sighting!

Apothecary must haves...

whimsy... treats only, no tricks!

WHEN
September 30, 5-8 pm, $5.00 Early Moonlight Buying
October 1, 9 am-3 pm Free Admission

WHERE
Vintage Halloween Bootique
5020 Daniel Street South, Salem
503.581.7225

display junkie. portland store fixtures

As you know, I have a bit of a thing for display pieces. I push myself for more "less than conventional" ways to display my items. I get more inquiries as my display evolves - "is your mannequin for sale?". No. But let me tell you where I got it - I have been singing the praises of Portland Store Fixtures this past month as my display has taken shape.

Can I give you a hand with anything?

I think I need to create a variation on my "vintage junkie" bracelet - "DISPLAY JUNKIE". You know who you are.

If you haven't been to Portland Store Fixtures on SE 2nd and Main (think OMSI area), then let me show you what you are missing. Portland Store Fixtures carries new items, anything you need for packaging, in addition to a fantastic selection of used displays. Be prepared to scavenge a bit <-- I think this is the best part - there are 2 warehouses full of stuff, from hangers to large display furniture, organized into categories.


I. want. the. pink. one.



Choices. Choices.



I call him tie man. I suspect he did not come from nordstrom this way.

Last but not least, I walked out with a great vintage (teeny waist) mannequin and 2 stands.

booth comes together.

A super quickie follow up to the previous post - I am so thrilled with how my booth set up! This garden setting was so pretty and cooperative on Friday. The next show for me will be Ruffles and Rust - I need to figure out how to pretty up the top of that canopy frame - I can't use the cover at the show, but the frame is allowed.

I am notorious for purchasing from booths around me - I'll share some of those in the next day or two. And yes I bought a display item!

A Vintage Flea Market at Deepwood

I didn't mean to go missing for so long! I'm coming back after a vacation with no internet (more on that later) and the first week of school (which seems like a blur), to let you know about a vintage market this weekend that you don't want to miss. The spot - Deepwood Estate English Gardens, the weather - cooperating, the vendors - how can you miss this?

The spot - Deepwood Estate English Gardens

WHAT. WHERE. WHEN.
Deepwood Vintage Flea Market
Historic Deepwood Estate 12th & Mission Streets, Salem

•  Friday, September 16, 5-8 p.m., Early Buying Soiree -$15.00 includes wine & appetizers, $10.00 with vendor coupon (see below). 
• Saturday, September 17, 9 am - 3 pm, Free Admission 

Vendor Coupon. Click on this to open a larger version, print it out and bring it with you to receive $5 off your entry fee on Friday night.

THE VENDORS.

• Vintage Chick Designs  
• Pink postcard  
• Danner & Soli  
• Wind Horse Antiques 
• Rusty Rabbit 
• Tootsie and Me  
• Oh! Baby Designs 
• Lily  
• Peonies & Possibilities 
• Vintage Renaissance  
• Lavender Hill Cottage  
• Molly Mo's
• Loose Ends 
• Molly Ferder Designs  
• Christine Marie Studio 
• Local Girl Makes Goods  
• Living A Radical Life  
• Vintage Trifles 
• Cafe Venae  
• Stacked Creations 
• Aunt Adeleine's 
• Roost Reimagined 

 and several more gals with some great JUNK!

display. upcycled necklace lamp.

I've been a bit tardy in posting. Preparing for 4 shows in 4 weeks has left me little time for blogging. I do want to share a display piece with you (as you know we can not have too many pictures of those).

The necessity of showcasing more necklaces led to the invention of my "upcycled" lamp necklace display last night. I wasn't sure what I as going to do with a pedestal (shabby purple and gold, a little dirty) that I got at Plucky Maidens last week. I picked it up because it was interesting (what potential display piece isn't?) and it was $10.

The stand is a good start for a long lampshade frame (purchased from Vintage Trifles), but not tall enough. I poked around goodwill yesterday, and felt lucky to find a candlestick style lamp ($6) suitable for raising up the whole display closer to eye level. I pulled the cord out of the lamp and took off the part that holds the bulb. I used wood screws to anchor the lamp to the pedestal.

I was thrilled to receive so many compliments today (Camas Vintage Street Faire) about my display. I wasn't sure if I should paint it a distressed white color, but the comments I received today confirmed that it is as it should be. I'll post this week about how I created my printer drawer display.

my first treasury. slate

I was a little intimidated by the treasury process. I've been on etsy for a few years now, why haven't I don't this before? It was really quite easy and I think I've now found one more way to avoid the projects I should be working on (like cleaning up my workspace).

It's been hot here, I'm thinking this is my subconscious search for for some gray. My first treasury is titled Search for Slate.

If you love gray, don't miss this blog { <-- a perfect gray }.

thank you & a giveaway

I want to thank Frugalicious Me for a lovely feature! Check out Tasha's blog not only for my giveaway, but also some great ideas for dressing, decorating, designing, and dining...on a dime! Embrace creativity without breaking the bank. I like her definition of frugalicious { To live economically, yet deliciously fabulous! }

For instance, don't miss today's tutoral on pretty luminaries.

i'm feeling plucky...

Today I happened upon the Plucky Maidens show with a friend. I did not know this show existed until a few days ago - there is another one in November and I will be back! Over 50 vintage vendors! I was diligent to take pictures, only to find that I focused a bit much on displays (I must have been too busy shopping). So despite my slightly repetitive subject matter, I'm sharing a few photos I took with you. {<--You know I know you love display ideas!}

The point at which you know it is going to be good!

This needs to go in the i <3 burlap folder...

I like the way this photo was done.

Bird Trump Tower.

that would be another display.

Today's favorite finds. A French letter from 1866 and a French dictionary page <--with horses on it!

shopping. pottery barn bed & bath

My Pottery Barn (Bed & Bath) catalog came yesterday. I tend to use Pottery Barn for inspiration, rather than for purchase. Here is my someday list.


Ok. right away I have found a mistake in the catalog. How can they not make this headboard in a king size? The shutters peeking through - inspiration! I saw some blue french shutters at the Oswego Antique Fair on Sunday, I could not think of a way to incorporate them into my home, now of course, I know the perfect spot! Accents behind a headboard. Perfection. {PB}

The vintage Victorian ceiling tile mirrors - these will go over my (not iron gate) headboard. I see a few similarities to my room here - the duvet I have is very similar, so are my nightstands. I am always looking for a way to incorporate a touch of french/shabby vintage - my house is a 76 split level. Apparently at that time, there was no use for things like wide baseboards or hardwood floors, the character of the home is not always obvious...  {PB}

I <3 this room. I want chandeliers in my bedroom. And a mantel. Now I want a cottage! {PB}

These lamps aren't quite right for me, but I do like the nightstands and how they've paired the ivory quilt/shams with the printed sheets. I love stacks of books.

Not to forget the bath... I am always looking to find anything that will "help" my bathroom that houses an apple green tub. I have yet to find anything with the particular shade of green. I do think that there are some out there that could readily appreciate the "vintage-y-ness" of apple green, but I'm not feeling it. these towels with their snippet of green, do have potential. {PB}



tutorial. paper birdcages

I am hijacking a pretty picture from a recently discovered blog that I can already see I am going to enjoy (Anne Shirley and Jane Austen in the same blog, um, no-brainer). I thought this looked like a "doable" little project. Enjoy your visit to oc cottage for the how-to.

ornament? gift bag tag? I see many possibilities here.

don't miss. oswego antique fair

Over 40 booths that will be filled with vintage, antique and hand-made goodies.

Hosted by Sixpence Antiques & Gifts

WHEN Sunday, August 14, 9 am-3 pm
WHERE 519 3rd Street, Lake Oswego (between B and C Avenues)

Partial list of vendors (there are so many more, but this post would be too long!):

* The Withies
* Roost REimagined
* Me!
* Vintage Station
* K Marie Designs
* Noelle Penn
* Les Trois Amies
* Fleurs
* Beaucoup
* more...

softly and tenderly. bye grandma

Jesus called my grandma home on July 26. I was in charge of her memorial slideshow. It was fun to see my own children, nieces and nephews reflected in these snippets of history. I have a few favorites I would like to share.

as a young girl.

first child's first haircut.

birthday party.

grandma had 4 boys in a span of 5 years!

her own football team.

grandma leaves behind 4 sons, 11 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

my favorite picture.

this is how I remember her.