Magia Mia

It's All About the Chalk.......

2012-02-21T21:29:00.002-08:00

Chalk paint and chalkboards......both are all the rage right now. So what could be better than putting them together. And since I can't seem to stay away from painting frames, I finally finished up two that have been staring at me since October. I had some leftover Annie Sloan chalk paint that wasn't enough for furniture, but perfect for the small projects. Unfortunately, I was hungry for a chalk paint color that didn't exist in my arsenal, so I had to improvise with latex paint and Plaster of Paris. It's not Annie Sloan perfection, but it works in a pinch. And wouldn't you know it, they make pre-cuts of sheet metal that fit perfectly into this sized frame. So after self-etching primer and a few coats of chalkboard paint, they're ready for messages and magnets!

These old gold metal pierced frames are just a dream

for their elegant bones and detailed crevices.

Layered with a homemade pale green paint,

then Duck Egg Blue, and finally an Olive wash.

But the details don't really come alive

till you add the dark wax.

Not just for patina, but also to accentuate the positive.

And how's this for not wasting a thing? I really hate having to toss out an easel back, just because the finish looks bad. These easels were originally those fugly, fuzzy, and faded burgundy ones. I have discovered that if you paint them enough to saturate all the fuzz, they are given a new lease on life. Chalk paint works great for these, but in this case,

I used craft paint, sanded them a bit, then sealed them with matte varnish.

On this frame, I just used a straight Provence blue,

then finished with the dark wax.

As with the other frame, I distress them enough to expose

some of the gold beneath, just to add a little twinkle.

It always feels good to finish a project.

Especially one that's been glaring at me for months.

I've got more chalk-painted accessories in progress, which I

will reveal in the next post.

Ciao for now......

Linking to:

Un momento, per favore

2012-02-15T19:10:00.000-08:00

Help! What is it?.......Desk accessory or cracker holder or......? It's 10" long, and barrel is 2-1/2" diameter.

Voice of an Angel

2012-02-11T19:28:00.000-08:00

Her voice was lightning in a bottle,

Dimmed by her demons.
It continues to be a mystery to me
How such a powerful gift
Is bestowed upon something so fragile
as a human body.

A tragic loss to the world of music.

RIP Whitney.

Junk Salvation Hillsboro 2012

2012-02-07T21:23:00.000-08:00

This last weekend I went to Funky Junk Sisters Junk Salvation show, in Hillsboro. I had a great time chatting with my favorite junkin' peeps, and meeting vendors for the first time that I admire greatly. Though I didn't take a slew of pictures, here are a few to share........

Into Vintage

Miss Amy of Into Vintage

Fabulous Hats from Chris of Mack & Momma's

Wendy of Vintage Market

Ormolulu

Molly Mo's

Tarte

Today's Country Store

Help!...Who is this?

I hope to add my name to this wonderful roster next year!

50 Years, an Elephant, and a Seashell Valentine

2012-01-23T19:17:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I just turned 50. Now what? I could say the sky's the limit, but that's already covered when I fulfill my promise to skydive this year. I've fortunately been blessed with good genes, so at least I don't look 50. :) I suppose the best gift you can give yourself, at the half-century mark, is a medical check-up. Well, aside from the inevitability of menopause, at least I now know I do not suffer from diabetes or thyroid problems, and I got an A+ on my cholesterol test. So I think I'll just saunter over to the fridge and gift myself another slice of cheesecake, Thank.You.Very.Much!

Courtesy Oregon Herald

A local Oregon celebrity, of sorts, will also be turning 50 in a few months......Packy the elephant. I know this may seem like a strange factoid to include in this post, but my mother has a soft spot for Packy, since his mom, Belle, was pregnant at the same time as my mother was with me.

Courtesy Jim Vincent/Oregonian Gallery

For those of you not familiar with Portland history, in 1962, Packy was the first elephant born in the Western Hemisphere in 44 years, so at the time it was a very big deal. LIFE magazine covered his birth with an 11-page spread. Packy is currently the largest Asian elephant in the U.S. More about him here.

Okay, so when I started this post, I had no idea it was going to veer off on a tangent about an elephant. Perhaps the menopausal mind fog is kicking in sooner rather than later.......

On another note, I just finished creating some lovely little Valentine trinkets with white Nassa seashells. I kept them understated to showcase the natural elegance of the shells, rather than the overkill one might find in a coastal souvenir shop. I applied them to skinny little pipe cleaners. The kind of pipe cleaners actually made for pipes, not the long, thick chenille stems you buy at craft stores. They were just the right length for bending into a 2" heart shape. I used Ultimate glue to secure the ends of the pipe cleaner, and also for attaching the shells. I opted for white glue over glue gun to give myself more open time for positioning each shell.

I attached a great vintage faceted metal button for antique charm, and dotted hints of clear glitter around the shell base without being over-powering. Finally, I added some exquisite, thin white and silver tinsel cord for tying it to a gift or bottle. I didn't permanently attach the cord, so the heart could be re-purposed into a jewelry piece or for mounting in a little frame.

I don't know yet if I'll be making any more of these,

but I've listed this sweet trio in my Etsy shop.

Well, I'm off to get that cheesecake now.......

The Soul Stirrers

2012-01-16T14:09:00.000-08:00

It all begins with divine inspiration.

Followed by the written word.

As powerful as the phrases may be,

there's something mystical

about vocal delivery that

Brings them to life,

Brings out our humanity,

Stirs the Soul,

...and moves one to tears.

Puccini's Nessun Dorma

Star Spangled Banner

Martin Luther King Jr "I Have A Dream"

".....little children will one day

live in a nation

where they will not be judged

by the color of their skin

but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today!"

Happy Birthday Dr. King

Silver Lining in the Clouds of 2011

2012-01-08T21:40:00.000-08:00

2011 was not the most exciting year on record for me. In fact, it was a strain on my health and my pocketbook, so it requires me to dig a little deeper to find the highlights. It began with a wicked mystery flu-like illness, so I suppose it's apropos that it ended with a flu from Christmas through today. What I can say, was it was a year of firsts.

In February 2011, I went to Junk Salvation in Hillsboro, and met many vendors whose blogs I read. Sometimes when you meet new people, you aren't aware at the time that there is a reason, or that someday your paths would cross again. Three vendors I chatted with a lot all had a ripple effect on my year.

First: This may sound silly, but I was unaware that Blogger was free, as I had only researched Typepad, which I believe charges a fee. That lack of information was the only reason I hadn't started a blog yet. So when I met Tracey of Cottage Industry at the Junk Salvation show, and she told me about free Blogger, I started this blog right after I got home.

Second: I met Pam of One Gal's Trash and Plucky Maidens, who I would later cross paths with again, when I threw my hat in, to be a vendor, for my very first vintage show in Plucky Maidens Junk Fest this past November.

The third vendor was Chris of Mack & Momma. After being only one of a few people I conversed with at JS, and she ended up being my neighbor at the Junk Fest, and a perfect neighbor she was. I look forward to getting to know her better this year.

Hooked myself up to Facebook, though I'm not a frequent participant.

Since I've only been in the vintage market loop for a few years now, Monticello Antique Marketplace wasn't even on my radar, since I don't frequent East Portland. Who knew it was merely blocks away from a dear friend. Doh! Needless to say, I made a point of visiting it for the first time last year, and it didn't disappoint.

Went for the first time to the Boys of Barn House show, and A Vintage Gathering on the same day. Met many more wonderful vendors at both, as well as my bloggy friend Amy of Into Vintage. Recap here and here. After meeting the fabulous Deb and Bob Kennedy of Retreat, at Barn House, Deb explained to me how to start a Facebook page for my Etsy and blog, so I did just that when I got home that day.

As I mentioned earlier, I participated in Plucky Maidens Junk Fest in November, at McMenamin's Grand Lodge in Forest Grove. It seemed like a no-brainer to make this my first show, since it is less than 20 miles from home. I had grandiose visions for my booth design, but didn't have enough time to even come close to fulfilling the complete vision. Newbie mistake. I've done better productions in my own living room, but at least my sign turned out well. While my first show wasn't profitable, I did learn a few things. I won't do another show with stairs involved that eats up my set-up time, it would behoove me to not rent a U-haul again that eats all my profit, and as a vendor you need to walk into a show with the same mentality as walking into a casino. Go for the sport of it, the atmosphere and the people, and if you win money, it's a happy bonus. I would like to try my hand as a vendor again this year, so we'll see when my gambling spirit is replenished. :)

Photo Courtesy of Oregon Skydiving

Since 2012 marks my 50th year on this planet, I've made a commitment to myself to make this a year to try new things. Therefore, NEW is my word for the year. From an unimpressive perspective regarding new things, I've started a Pinterest account, and yes, it is a glutton of time. On the more monumental end of the spectrum, I promised myself years ago to go skydiving for my 50th year, and I fully intend to do so. Can't wait till the person in that picture above is replaced with me!

I think this has been a good exercise to write down last year's events, no matter how simple they may have seemed at the time. Sometimes we forget how much has transpired, and how much we have accomplished. I guess there really is a silver lining in every cloud.......

Believe........

2011-12-24T16:18:00.000-08:00

Though I have grown old,

the Bell still rings for me

As it does for all who truly

Believe.

Polar Express

I wish you all the childlike Wonder and Magic

this Holiday Season can bring.

Simple Pinecone Decor

2011-12-21T18:57:00.000-08:00

Just like bottle brush trees, I think just about every conceivable thing has been done with tree cones for holiday decor. But because cones come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and intricate designs, you don't need to be creative to decorate with them. Just a simple display allows for their natural beauty to accent a space.

I am fortunate enough to live in Oregon, where conifers are plentiful. Since my love of treasure-hunting includes nature's treasures, I sometimes accumulate a decent stash of cones. Earlier this year, while house sitting, I was luckily there at the right time, to collect a variety of beautiful cones from their backyard. (And no, they didn't mind me taking them. For every nature-loving Oregonian such as myself, there is another who could care less and considers fallen cones as something for the yard debris bin.) After filling 2 garbage bags full, I didn't realize how abundant my collection was, until I started filling baskets with them. Oy! So I thought I'd show a few examples of instant centerpieces for your holiday decor, if you want to acknowledge the season, but aren't exceedingly creative, or short on time.

Well it doesn't get any easier than this. Simple, understated Mid Century style with this heavy-duty salad bowl overflowing with compact pine cones.

Here's a more unique way to display cones,

and is truly a conversation piece.

I acquired this globe in two pieces, so no, I didn't ruin it.

Since it already has an axis hole,

I used it to screw the hemisphere to a candlestick.

I used large, long pine cones to contrast with the globe shape.

These Spruce cones are stunning on their own,

but just for fun, I felt like painting them.

Most people save themselves a lot of time and effort

by spraying-painting or dipping their cones. I chose to hand-paint them with a brush, to cover the majority, but still let a little of the natural color come through for definition. The really cool, happy accident is that painted in red, pale green, and aqua, they remind me of hyacinths, making this basket an apropos vessel to display them in.

Using spruce cones in their natural color, they look elegant and delicate in this vintage basket purse with bamboo handle. I dry-brushed the basket in aqua paint, and tied a vintage cloth tape measure around the handle. I love these juniper sprigs, and I can't believe they're artificial.

So if you're in a hurry for a centerpiece,

shop your house, your yard, or a park,

and you're sure to find something worthy

of filling an empty space.

Elegant Bottle Brush Bottles

2011-12-17T18:32:00.000-08:00

I'm sure we can all agree that just about everything has been done in the world of bottle brush trees, but I thought I'd share a few of my latest creations. Most of the bottle brush trees I see are usually decked out with glitter and ornaments. While I love that look, I decided to keep them simple and just let them be an accent to some of my vintage perfume bottles. More of an understated elegance.

Since these are small creations, using the highest quality

ribbon is affordable, making these look exquisite

without appearing too crafty.

I added one tiny mercury bead

to this champagne wired ribbon

I used sheer ribbon so as not to hide

the beautiful curvaceous shape of this bottle.

This sweet little bottle has nice lines,

and to keep it from competing with a bow,

I kept it simple with lametta tinsel wire

wrapped around the neck.

These look fabulous on a mirrored tray

with tiny twinkling lights.

I have more bottles to play with,

so I must away........

Linking To:

Mercury, Tin, and Glass

2011-12-15T20:19:00.000-08:00

I think it's safe to say that most vintage junkers have a few bottles and jars ~~hoarded~~ displayed somewhere in their homes. I have more than a few, and they have been patiently waiting for me to fulfill my promise to embellish them. A promise I made when I first acquired them years ago. Well, nothing like the Christmas season, when my creative mojo is at its zenith, to follow through on my crafty projects.

Along with my bottle and jar hoard, I have another one: tart tins. Lots and lots and lots of them. Also an item I promised to create with. A couple Christmases ago, I played around with the hoards, and came up with a pleasing look, but then never made any more. Well, I may not have made a dent, but I did make a small group for displaying.

I'm partial to interesting shapes and textures.

Here I have a tall salt shaker, 2 spice jars,

and 2 Houbigant perfume bottles.

It didn't occur to me until I arranged these together,

that they look like artsy versions of

ladies wearing shawls, or perhaps angels.

Don't you just love her Rubenesque curves?

She's a bit more Mod.

And this opulent lady is

always dripping in diamonds.

I've assembled these to be

temporary, but you could

always use permanent adhesive

to hold everything together.

My instant assembly only requires

a tiny Rare Earth magnet.

The magnet will hold the mercury ball in place,

if you take off the wire and glue the metal cap to the ball.

If you get a strong enough magnet,

you don't even need to

glue it to the tin mold.

I love how thin these magnets are,

as they don't interfere much with the aesthetics.

I don't attach these festive tops to the jars,

so I can use them as lids, and the jars/bottles can hold

dragèes, glitter, or doodads.

You could even skip the jars altogether,

and use the magnet and tin to

creatively display a mercury ball collection.

Note: If you opt to use my temporary method,

it is important to mention that these tiny magnets

should not be easily accessible to

children and pets, as you do

not wish to have them

ingest anything magnetic.

Linking To:

A Kitschy Wreath, a Steampunk Tree, and a Backgammon Board

2011-12-09T22:39:00.000-08:00

Yes, that is a strange combination, isn't it?

Well, as I said previously, you can't pin me down

to only one Christmas style.

First up, I found this interesting little red wreath

at the thrift store.

It's made from some natural raffia/grass fiber

that's old and sheds.

The fiber is strung and wrapped around

a base formed from brittle newspaper.

Attached to it was this sweet metallic cardboard candle,

and heavy silver bells, each with a faux red berry inside.

So I rescued it, and kitsched it up with plastic flora,

tiny mercury bead loops, and vintage red and silver rick rack.

A really striking addition is the backdrop.

I found this old backgammon case a while back,

and I'm totally in love with the design and colors.

Standing up, it makes an eye-catching screen for

a variety of vignette styles.

Now we shift gears to something completely original.

I call this a Steampunk tree, but it could also be

a library tree or Western tree.

I really had fun with this one.

Dictionary pages decoupaged to a styrofoam cone,

with antiqued brass chain pinned into it

using upholstery tacks.

The trunk is made using a plastic chess piece,

and an antique brass light fixture part.

The "tree skirt" is a vintage iron branding star.

Topped off with cardboard star,

coated in silver and gold German glass glitter,

with a vintage Topaz rhinestone in the center.

I originally created this to sell, but just couldn't part with it.

That happens sometimes......:)

Linking To:

Nostalgic Christmas Decor

2011-12-07T21:36:00.000-08:00

Well, it's that time of year again. My creativity goes into overdrive at Christmastime, and decorating the tree and the home delivers unending design opportunities. You really can't pin me down to one style for Christmas, because I rarely commit to the same one twice. I have equal love for rustic, elegant, whimsical, kitschy, and Old World. I have created new tree ornaments every year for a good 20 years. Some I've kept, some I've donated, but most are easy to break down and re-purpose.

About the only Christmas items that make encore appearances are antique/vintage decor like Shiny Brites, bottle brush trees, kitsch, etc., for tabletop display, and of course, costly items like lights and faux greenery to accessorize. So needless to say, anytime I spot old Christmas decor items at the thrift stores, it comes home with me. Friends and family know to not give me anything decor-oriented, unless it's vintage components to create one-of-a-kind nostalgic, and sometimes quirky, pieces. Once the glue gun is warmed up, and the Christmas craft boxes are opened, anything goes.

I'm currently surrounded by glass glitter, glass balls, plastic kitsch, faux greenery, candy canes, and all things nostalgic. I truly enjoy creating tabletop items, whether whimsical or serious, and here are a few I've created today. All of these are easy peasy and can be disassembled to create something new.

Faux tabletop tree in antique coffee can,

with glass glittered balls,

and Spanish moss tucked in.

Plastic kitschy tree in milkglass compote,

with chartreuse glass balls, giant rickrack,

and glass glitter star

These mini Santa mugs are dime-a-dozen,

so kitsching them up is the best way to

make them more unique.

I found these candle rings years ago, and hadn't found

the perfect spot for them until now.

They're just the right size on top of Santa's head,

so I glue-gunned them down,

and fit 5 candy canes inside the ring perfectly.

I love how they look in a group,

but would be adorable separately as table markers

or place card holders.

The funnest part of creating is to just experiment

and layer anything in front of you.

You just never know what will work until you try.

I'd better go for now.

The glue gun is waiting.

Link Up:

Just because it's small doesn't mean it's easier to Paint

2011-11-22T18:03:00.000-08:00

Wow, it's been awhile. I've been busy painting, among other things. Remember this:

Well look at her now........

This was incredibly labor-intensive, due to my perfectionist

need to paint almost every nook and cranny.The only areas not painted

are the bottom of the chest,

and the backs of each drawer.

I used 2 of my favorite Annie Sloan

chalk paint colors - Provence blue and Versailles.

I thought they'd marry well to the bright

retro gold drawer lining.

So many details on this piece,

to paint, sand, and wax.

I even painted the tiny pulls. Oy.

I finished off the details with hints of gold wax,
just to highlight the contours.

I painted 2 small accent tables in the time

it took me to paint this piece.

I really love how this turned out,
and I've listed it in my Etsy shop.

Wicked Wishes!

2011-10-31T11:56:00.000-07:00

Photo Courtesy Warner Bros

Double Double Toil and Trouble
Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble
Something Wicked This Way Comes!

Wishing you a Witchy and Ghostly All Hallows' Eve!

Lucy, you got some paintin' to do....

2011-10-26T17:50:00.000-07:00

Some goodies I've acquired recently,

and I will be waving my magic paint brush

over all of them with a little chalk paint.

How stinkin' cute is this?

It's a jewelry chest,

and looks very much like those

large retro consoles all the

hep cats have right now.

Not sure how I wanna paint this.

It might be cute if I only paint the outside,

leaving the wood bare on the inside.

I do like that you can hang it,

stand it on a tabletop,

or lay it flat for tiny supplies.

Charming bones on this beautiful

Old World primitive magazine holder.

I think it would double nicely

for storing kindling.

Oh the color possibilities are endless.

What to do, what to do.......

Join me on Saturday, November 19th,

at the Plucky Maidens show,

to see how these lovelies turned out!

Buried Under Stars

2011-10-24T19:04:00.000-07:00

I've been M.I.A. as of late, but I have a good excuse. My one-woman atelier has been very busy with a custom order of 30 Christmas tree ornaments.

While 30 ornaments may not seem like much,

I am a stickler for details.

I first began selling this burlap star design

a couple years ago on Etsy.

I had a box of antique ink pen nibs

that I hadn't yet found a use for.

Once I combined them with old bingo cards and burlap,

there was no stopping me.

Finishing touches of German glass glittered stars,

Lametta silver tinsel, and just the right gunmetal chain,

make for a perfect mix of rustic elegance

and Steampunk industrial

The glass glitter and Lametta tinsel

will both tarnish over time,

bringing harmony to all the components.

This is a newer version,

using a Dresden star with an Amber rhinestone,

making this less rustic, and more Steampunk.

Never satisfied with just one design, as I get bored easily,

I created a version of this map design last year.

This time, I stamped the direction letters,

making it look more like a compass rose.

The backing star is decoupaged in

wrinkled tissue paper, giving it the look

of Old World leather or parchment.

My newest design for this custom order

is the use of old dictionary paper.

At a glance, this collection of stars may look like simple crafting, with some cutting and gluing. While that's technically true, these are surprisingly labor-intensive, with lots of cutting, adhering pen nibs one at a time, 3 different types of glue, 3 different layers of alcohol ink, attaching connector tags and chains, lots of varnish, etcetera, etcetera.......

While I am happy with these creations,

I can safely say that.......

I was not built for mass-production.

I am an Idea girl,

and my hands cannot keep up with

the daily inspiration swirling in my head!

Linking To:

In Memoriam

2011-10-06T23:24:00.000-07:00

We've become so accustomed to technology,

that few take the time to

appreciate and acknowledge

the genius that conceived a new idea.

To witness a Leonardo da Vinci in our lifetime

is a rare gift.

To the Creative ones,

the Inventors,

the Nonconformists,

the Visionaries,

the Pioneers..

You Inspire Me.

RIP Steve Jobs.....Gone too soon.

Halloween Homage

2011-10-05T19:47:00.000-07:00

This may sound blasphemous to all the Christmas lovers out there, but Autumn and Halloween are my favorite season and holiday. Perhaps part of the reason is that I live in Oregon, where our Fall scenery is so conducive to the blustery day, mystical mood of the season. I'm not saying I don't enjoy the Christmas season, but October holds a special magic for me. Time for scary movies, changing leaves, foggy mornings, Halloween candy, and costume parties. What's not to love?

Every year, in honor of my love for Halloween, I hand-paint a bowl for display or to hold Trick-or-Treat candy. This year I decided to go with an understated look for

my favorite day of the year.

This was one of those vintage salad bowls made in Japan.

Blonde wood, with an uniremarkable grain.

It had some stains inside, and no amount of sanding

would remove it. So I had no choice but to paint the inside,

then glaze in several layers to color-match

the outside, and to add faux wood grain throughout,

for more visual interest.

I painted a large 31 inside, with smaller numerals around the outside rim. I alternated 3's and 1's, so that you can read them as 31's or 13's, just to play with superstition.

Definitely a sophisticated bit of whimsy for

my Halloween fix,

and currently for sale in my Etsy shop.

I must admit it won't break my heart if it doesn't sell,

and I have to keep it......:)

Sometimes More IS Better

2011-09-20T22:13:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been almost 2 months since I started using Annie Sloan's chalk paint. Although I've only tackled small projects, I've come to really appreciate how well it covers, and its ease of distressing. I haven't mixed any custom colors yet, because I'm still enjoying the merit of Annie's original colors.

As I peruse sites showing Old World European interiors and furnishings, I have discovered the great authenticity in Annie's color potions. Although each shade is fabulous on its own, the real magic, when morphing a run-of-the-mill piece into a time-worn treasure, comes when you layer the colors. I've used one, then two, and now 3 colors on one piece.....Magical......

Before, the finish of this wood shelf was a dark red-brown, so it made a great base color for the 3 paint color choices.

I started with Arles, then Olive, and finally Provence.

The really time-consuming part was painting and distressing all the inner scrolled surfaces, but it was so worth the effort. I love the color combo so much that I only used clear wax, so as not to alter the shades.

You can't conjure this magic with spray paint!

I can't wait to use these colors on a piece of furniture, though I may have trouble letting go of it, I'm quite sure......

Color Therapy

2011-09-13T22:09:00.000-07:00

It is common knowledge that colors have a psychological effect on us, so no matter what shade you add to your home, you should be thinking about how it makes you feel, and not just if it's trendy or looks good. This is the advice I give to my painting clients when guiding them with their color choices. My personal preferences tend to lean towards warm tones, since I live in Oregon, where the overcast sky casts grey light on everything 60% of the year. So despite the fact that all shades of grey are so trendy right now, I run away from it most of the time. (I would however break that rule for stone walls in a European castle.) But I digress........

That entire rambling paragraph did have a point - my love for Annie Sloan's Duck Egg Blue. Yep. I really love this color. As a painter by trade, I've grown to appreciate most colors, but very few have psychologically affected me this way. I feel calm and content, with a sense of well-being, when I look at the objects I've painted with it. I must have been surrounded by Duck Egg Blue in a previous life, and it must have been a good one........

Remember this in a recent post?

Well look at her now in Duck Egg Blue.........

Mini bottles of alcohol and shakers of glitter have nothing to do with each other, unless you like to drink while you craft, but don't they look cute in there?

I painted the whole thing in a Cream base, to brighten the top coats of Versailles on the inside,

and Duck Egg Blue on the outside.

The bottom used to hold drawers, but I think it looks adorable anyway. Reminds me of a miniature china hutch.

Now all I need is a larger version for even more

sense of well-being.....

In Remembrance

2011-09-11T10:02:00.000-07:00

United We Stand

9/11

Labor Day Spoils

2011-09-07T17:03:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite haunts for junking is the Goodwill Outlet store. I am fortunate enough to live only a few miles away from one. Although this is not as grungy as dumpster-diving, it is still not for the meek, germophobic, or faint of heart. Gloves are definitely on the menu here. Quite the diverse population frequents this place, making it an "interesting" melting pot of social etiquette and lack thereof, so you must approach your mission with thick skin. The first half of this year at the outlet yielded nothing interesting to sell, so I hadn't bothered to go the last couple of months, but Oh how that changed.....

I pirated all this booty and then some this weekend.........

Well, you know I have a radar for aqua, so this sewing basket and enamelware kettle/pail with lid were mine mine mine. The little white basket with bamboo handle is screaming for a tiny Toto. A charming vintage green hard side suitcase with the most divine, kitschy interior.

Metallic quilted vinyl interior, with vinyl ruffle edging and mirror intact!

Folk art corner shelf with cutouts, and a fabulous spice cabinet with mesh screen doors. The bottom compartments probably used to have drawers,

but is still loaded with character. Striking and tall candlestick that really makes a statement at 15". The bowl is one of those lightweight molded wood salad bowls,

but this one isn't woven like the ones I'm used to seeing, so I found it interesting. Everything but the bowl will be getting the chalk paint treatment.

More aqua goodness in this dish rack. Textured wood/gesso frame in fantastic condition. Charming rattan basket in a warm vintage yellow top-sprayed in old red. I actually bought 2 of these, and they're screaming to be Christmas decor.

And speaking of woven wooden salad bowls.....

This one is quite substantial, at 14" diameter, 4" deep, and much heavier than others, making this a fabulous

Retro or Tiki display piece. I don't usually gravitate to wooden spoons, but these lacquer ones are just beautiful with folk art designs. They're either Mexican Olinala or European, but not Russian, and I'm leaning towards Mexican.

Charming colorful details.

A super cute vibrant yellow flower basket with fiberboard bottom and a red Tonka trailer.

An antique bottle capper that truly brings back

childhood memories of homemade rootbeer

in the Summertime.

An oh so fabulous cast aluminum easel stand.

The accent table is all metal, with faux bamboo legs

and screen top.

Check out this easel, with beautiful Rococo bones.

Great for displaying small artwork, a book, or a plate.

How perfect would this be for holding a

Spell book on Halloween?

And this table, Oh My......

Mid Century fabulous. I adore the pattern in the screen,

and the bamboo frame.

After I remove all the rust, I may or may not repaint it,

even with all its chippiness.....

It's such a statement piece.

I actually came home with more than I've shown. So much junk, so little space. Time to sell!

Unconventional Vases

2011-08-27T18:44:00.000-07:00

This weekend's Saturday Night Special on
Funky Junk Interiors is all about vases, or rather,
what can be used as a vase.
Since I have a tendency to collect containers
or anything that resembles a vessel,
this week seemed a no-brainer for me.

Here are a few of my contributions to the link party.

Antique coffee can.

Line it with a bowl, add a floral frog,
and she's ready for flowers.

So how often do you use your silverplate condiment holders?

They have such beautiful pierced detailing,

that it seems a shame for them to only

grace the table for utilitarian purposes, No?

I lined this with a spice jar, but any small glass will do.

The wide base is especially suited for use as a vase,

as it keeps it from tipping when full.

Isn't this so much prettier than a bottle of A-1?

I got lucky lining this one, because I just happened to have

a square honey sampler jar on hand.

A perfect fit.

The back side of this one has the little hook for hanging

the condiment spoon.

Any small jar will work with this size,

but I used a chrome shot glass

that looks fabulous.

When I acquired this cigar box eons ago,

the previous owner had nailed in wood dividers

to make the box more functional.

Despite the nails, I really dig that this

cigar box is wood, and isn't the paper label trim gorgeous?

But I digress.

Aside from the obvious cigar box use as storage,

I really love the look of the lid, but when it's closed,

you can't really enjoy it.

The paper "hinge" was wearing down,

so I detached the lid completely, then turned it around.

I wanted to attach it somehow to the box,

in an upright position, but didn't want to add any

obnoxious-looking hardware to it.

So, after searching high and low,

I found some brass turn pins I use for making frames,

and attached them to both sides of the back of the box,

right next to the top edge. I screwed them in tightly,

so they don't turn, and Voila! I inserted the lid

between the turn pins, and it sits perfectly on the box,

and it's easily removable, if I wanted to switch it out

with a mirror or picture.

I've seen lots of wooden bottle crates used to display glass

vessels with flowers in them, but how about making

a petite display with a cigar box?

I used votive candle molds as mini vases,

and added small bottles in between.

This display makes me think of a woodland walk,

and the collection of nature's specimens

you find along the way.

Linking to:

Another Product of Chalk Paint Addiction

2011-08-24T19:38:00.000-07:00

Wooden tray in a weary stained finish.

All dressed up and ready for some action.

I loved the barrel shape of this tray, but the finish was sad.

Now that she's coated in Annie Sloan Duck Egg Blue, followed by clear and dark wax, and heavy distressing,

she's ready for use.

I can picture so many displays with this.

White sea shells, candles, guest towels, or dried Hydrangeas.

Mini white or orange pumpkins, and even Halloween candy.

Christmas holly, pinecones, red berries, and Blue Spruce branches.

As Amy so succinctly commented in my last post,

I am a chalk paint junkie.

I'd better get some new colors

before I get tired of my beloved aqua shades.

.........Never.

My first chalk-paint-on-wood makeover

2011-08-22T17:18:00.000-07:00

from Frumpy Wallflower........

to Belle of the Ball......

I was happy with the wood's finish, so I decided to use that as the base color. I added 2 coats of Annie Sloan's Provence chalk paint, followed by clear wax and lots of distressing. Finished off with dark wax,

to really give it the Old World patina.

As much as I love Duck Egg Blue, the rich, luscious Provence continues to thrill me. I would love an entire wall to have

the finish of this corner shelf,

with the reddish-brown tone revealed in spots.

Perhaps something fun to do on clay pots or a brick wall.

Okay, so maybe it appears like I have a one-track mind, with all the chalk paint projects in Provence and Duck Egg Blue. The reality is that these are the first chalk paint colors I've purchased, as samples no less, and I still have plenty of paint left. Now that I know I'm in love with the paint,

and how fabulous it distresses,

I'm sure a few new colors are in order, and stat!

Next painting project.....rustic wooden tray.

Chalk Paint Frame: Parte Deux

2011-08-13T20:05:00.000-07:00

Good, elegant bones, so not quite a sow's ear........

Definitely a silk purse..........

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint over a gold/white metal frame.

Cream base coat. Provence blue top coat.

Clear, then dark wax and sanding to enhance all the pierced details.

This chalk paint even does wonders for the old easelbacks. This backing was a worn Burgundy velveteen, so with a coat of Cream, then Duck Egg Blue, it's got a great new life, and coordinates lovely with the frame.

Next Chalk Paint Morph: Vintage wooden corner shelf.

A Vintage Gathering

2011-08-08T22:16:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in the previous post, I went to 2 vintage outdoor markets on July 30th, the other being Barn House. I've already expressed my sentiments of the magical atmosphere of treasure-hunting in a farm setting, so I'll just show you some pictures of A Vintage Gathering. This show is just a few miles down the road from Barn House, which made for a fantastic destination for an all-day treasurefest!

I got to meet some great people, but my first priority was to meet my bloggy friend Amy of Into Vintage. This was her debut into the vintage flea market world, and she did a bang-up job. I took a couple pictures of her booth, and had to crop them way down, to show what was left in her booth! And this was before I left, so there was probably even less when it was over. Go Amy!

This farm was totally charming, and the air was filled with vibrant and creative energy.

You'll have to excuse so many photos of blue sky. Here in the PNW, we haven't really seen a true Summer up until a couple of weeks ago. Isn't it just the most gorgeous weather for strolling through a vintage market with a cuppa?

A Vintage Gathering does several shows a year, so check their site for future vintage goodness!

Barn House Virgin No More

2011-08-07T11:49:00.000-07:00

Vintage flea markets are fairly new to me, having only gone to antique malls and shows at the Portland Expo Center. I'd heard of the big fleas like Round Top and Rose Bowl, among others, but up until about a year ago, was unaware of what was brewing in the PNW. Thanks to the fabulous Land of Blog, I have discovered a whole new world of vintage Utopia. When I found out that a taste of this goodness was in my neck of the woods,

I knew I had to mark my calendar.

Last weekend, I was fortunate enough to go to not one, but 2 vintage flea markets. At only 45 miles away, how could I not go. One of these shows was the fabulosity that is Barn House, and hosted by the generous and spirited duo of

Joe and Jermonne,

on their farm in Battleground, WA.

I've only read about their show, so needless to say,

I had to see for myself what all the hype was about. I was not disappointed. The terms flea market, venue, vendor, and dealer are so nondescript, that they simply do not do justice to the people and location that created this experience. Because that's what these shows are - experiences. There is such creativity and sense of community in the atmosphere, that I truly felt like I had arrived at the Mothership. So much time, effort, and love is put into every "Vintage Utopian's" display, that you realize this is not just a place to shop,

it's a lifestyle.

I could go on about all the highlights of the displays and treasures, but I think perhaps the most striking facet of a vintage show at a farm is the juxtaposition. The pairing of vintage elegance with a pastoral backdrop, complete with barn, animals, and hay underfoot, is the most incredible visual feast, as each element truly complements the other.

I've got a soft spot for whimsy and theatrics, having dabbled in them myself for various projects, so I get pretty stoked when I witness over-the-top displays. It takes a lot of creative moxie to go crazy with your bad self, putting your whimsical mind's eye on display. I give that individuality award to Cindy, Queen of Tarte. Is this fabulous, or what? You go girl!

I met some wonderful people at this show, like Auntie Joy, Cindy of Tarte, Lisa (Thing for Roses), and of course, the BH hosts with the most. I'd like to give very special mention to Deb and Bob Kennedy, affectionately known as DeBob, who took the time to chat with me a great deal in the hot, hot sun. Their welcoming and spirited conversation was captivating, and they treated me like an old friend. So captivating, in fact, that I assume that's why I completely failed to take pictures of their inspiring, grand display.

Well, that's my theory, and I'm stickin' to it!

Thank you Joe & Jermonne, for having the vision and generosity, to share your farm for such a memorable event. I will most certainly be back, and will tell everyone I know about the magic that is Barn House!

Morphing Frames ala Chalk Paint

2011-08-04T19:27:00.000-07:00

I've been a frame-painting machine this week. After finally amassing all the components I've been needing to complete my frame projects, I have no excuse to not tackle them now. So with Annie Sloan Chalk paint in my arsenal,

here I go............

Cute Vintage Frame with good bones........

Becomes Paris Apartment Chic.......

With Annie Sloan Chalk Paint colors Provence, Duck Egg Blue, and Cream.

Waxed and heavily distressed.

And finally, backed with vintage wallpaper and classic Rolo chain for hanging.

Now this little ol' resin frame can age with some dignity.

This is the first of many more morphs to come!

Making Mudpies

2011-07-27T19:41:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid, I had the good fortune of growing up on a farm. I did like playing with dolls sometimes, but when you live on 4 acres with a creek, a forest, a pasture, and a barn, there's just too much fun waiting for you outside. Besides climbing and swinging from trees, I really enjoyed playing in the dirt, and making/baking mud pies. I took great care in mixing different soil ingredients to make the perfect pie, and letting it bake in the sun. So it should come as no surprise that I still enjoy playing with dirt and rocks.

Idiscovered Hypertufa several years ago, and I immediately fell in love with the process and aesthetics. I've always been drawn to old stone, whether it forms a wall, fence, or vessel, but stone is quite heavy, not to mention expensive. Enter Hypertufa. It gives the look of weathered stone that Mother Nature created, rather than man-made, weighs much less than stone, and much much cheaper.

There is a lot of freedom in creating Hypertufa, from the shapes to the ingredients. The basic mixture includes cement, peatmoss, and sand, but you can add other materials to give it whatever look you desire.Adding more peatmoss makes it more brown, adding perlite gives it more of a granite look, or you could add cement dye to give it a lava look. But that's only half the fun. The other half is what shape you want to create.

Since I'm not much for convention, I like my planters to be uncommon shapes, rather than the usual terracotta pot, and they must look antique, rustic, or weathered. Once you decide you're going to create a hypertufa vessel, you look at everything as a potential mold. You find a shape and size you like, line it with a garbage bag, and now it's a mold. A milk carton, a plastic floral liner, a bowl, etc.

My favorite vessel is my half sphere. I wanted a perfect, deep round bowl shape, without a flat bottom, and finally found the answer......an old aluminum colander. I lined it with a plastic bag, and it was ready to go. If you wrinkle and squish the bag, it will give you even more texture once the hypertufa sets.

I made these planters a couple of years ago, specifically for planting succulents into, and the weather has done a fabulous job of aging them. Notice the beautiful crumbly texture like old architectural ruins. See how well they blend with the lava rocks?

There are limitless possibilities of what you can create with hypertufa. You could even design some cool holders for tea lights. With plenty of Hypertufa recipes and tutorials on the web, you won't have any problem jumping in and creating your own vessels.

Vintage Verde

2011-07-09T23:23:00.000-07:00

Favorite things of mine that are even better together - gardening and antiques. I especially love container-gardening, so whenever I find a great antique vessel, it's always considered a potential planter.

I have a soft spot for succulents, whether it's a Sedum, Sempervivum, or the plethora of other choices out there.

They are totally low-maintenance, with an undemanding root system, so will grow almost anywhere, in the poorest, sandiest, or shallowest of soils.

So gather up your favorite vintage vessels, add some pebbles or moss, and create a stylish tableau for your summer soiree.

Isn't she lovely....Isn't she wonderful.

2011-06-21T16:26:00.000-07:00

My special treasure of the week. Acquired at the thrift store after a boring estate sale.

Stunning scroll design, gilt bronze or brass, with incredible punched details in the metal.

Topaz colored gemstones, she's missing one chaton on the lid, which I think I can easily remedy with a search on Etsy.

Still has the chain attached for latch.

She's a precious, petite jewelry casket, measuring only 3" long by 2-1/4" wide, and has a sticker on the bottom "Made in Western Germany".

I really bought this with the intention of selling it, but I am admiring it more and more every day. It doesn't help that I can't find anything like it in my research so far, to establish a value. So until that day, she will mingle with my antique German alarm clocks, where she looks very much at home. :)

Lucky Unicorn

2011-06-12T22:36:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: She sold on Ebay for $51. Yay me! Open those nondescript boxes Peeps. You never know what's hiding inside!

I didn't hit any estate sales this weekend, but I was fortunate enough to acquire a nice little collectible from the thrift store. It truly pays to be inquisitive, since this item was inside its nondescript original box.

Made by Corday, a company no longer in business, it is a solid perfume encased inside a wax seal stamp. Labeled as Fame, Signet de Corday, it also has the wax included.

The stamp design is a Unicorn, fenced in near a tree, and was never used, as evidenced by its original sticker still covering the stamp.

The very elegant handle has an amber gemstone on both sides. Isn't she beautiful?

Apparently, this particular Corday item is somewhat hard to find, making it quite sought after. I was unaware of its demand when I purchased it. I just thought it was cool-looking, so I bought it. Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised when I got it home and researched it. I currently have it listed on Ebay, and it has amassed several watchers in just one day. Let the games begin!

Truffles and Acorns

2011-06-07T16:42:00.001-07:00

This past weekend, while many lucky treasure-hunters in the PNW were experiencing eyegasms at the junking Nirvana that is Farm Chicks, I resorted to so-called estate sales close to home.

And while they were feasting in a forest teeming with truffles, I was subsisting on meager acorns. Out of four sales, this is what I came home with:

If Barbara were grading this day using her apron score, she would grade it -4 aprons, for time spent in construction en route to sale, wayward child riding his scooter around me while I tried to shop, and the seller's lack of preparation (hardly had anything on display yet for me to look at, and was still carrying things out to price). And finally, while I waited for her to bring out more items, she would stop what she was doing every time her 8-ish son wanted to talk about whatever was on his mind at any given moment. Needless to say, waiting around yielded nothing else, and that is a half-hour of my life, and half a gallon of gas I will never get back.

Thankfully, my good ol' standby GW came through with a Hail Mary to save my low-scoring day. Though nothing to brag about, a few acorns is better than nothing.......

Hopefully next year I can make a pilgrimage to the Mecca in Spokane,

so I can dine on truffles too..........

In Memoriam

2011-05-30T10:35:00.000-07:00

We cherish too, the Poppy red

That grows on fields where valor led,

It seems to signal to the skies

That blood of heroes never dies.

Moina Michael

Photo: C.Steinberg

Poulet la Poste

2011-05-29T21:31:00.000-07:00

More Estate sale fabulosity! Bought this from a chicken owner this weekend. Ain't she sweet!

I adore rich and vivid lithos, especially on metal.....

I scooped up these measuring cups in delicious Aqua.

Though this sale didn't yield a yitload (Sue's word), this was only Phase 1 of her liquidating. I'll be getting an email for Phase 2 and possibly a preview before the actual sale. She is an avid junker and mixed-media artist, so I'm looking forward to it!

Cooking in History

2011-05-27T18:37:00.000-07:00

How abfab are these recipe books! I spied these at an estate sale today, and scooped them up for Etsy or Ebay.

The silver one is an aluminum binder that closes up like a box. Recipes are from Pillsbury Flour Mills, dated 1933.

This appears to be an early example of those cookbooks you add recipes to as you get them.

Each recipe is removable, cut the size of index cards, but made from thin paper. Remarkably good condition for its age.

Lots of history within this book. The cover was designed by a commercial artist, founder of a very successful graphic sign company, still in existence today.

Clearly a labor of love, it was originally assembled by the Ladies of St John's Guild of Wisconsin in 1949. This book was obviously a very successful fundraiser, as this copy is from their 8th printing.

They had a Milwaukee designer create these beautiful category sketches, depicting local landmarks.

I find it thoroughly charming that it was published using each guild member's hand-written recipe and name, rather than typed to look the same. Really gives it that small town feel, like a community of women who exchanged recipes over the years.

The charming cartoons throughout the book were drawn by a young lady who is a descendant of a prominent artist from the 1800's. She is now a board member of the Museum of Wisconsin Art.

These two culinary treasures appearing on Etsy and Ebay tonight!

Chloe, My Spiritual Teacher

2011-05-20T12:49:00.000-07:00

This post is dedicated to Beethoven the Cat, who traveled his life journey with Donna of Funky Junk Interiors. She recently had to say Goodbye to her beloved feline teacher, and decided to host a link party in his honor, with the theme, Pets In Our Home. So here's to you, Beethoven. My Chloe gets extra love, each and every day, with you in mind.

Beethoven & Donna

We can learn a lot from our furry companions............

The best home accent is a Kindred Spirit.

There are beautiful views everywhere, no matter how small.

You can turn any spot into a photo op.

You don't need a mansion to be happy.

And to quote one of my favorite ads.........

Home......is the most important place in the World.

Link to Funky Junk Interiors

U.O.O.

2011-05-01T19:41:00.000-07:00

Unidentified Oregonian Object.................

No more cruel jokes, Mother Nature.

The flowers are in full bloom now.......

And they don't like to swim.......

Happy May Day!

Recycled Kitschy Can

2011-04-22T20:56:00.000-07:00

I've got a thing for containers, whether they be cigar boxes, hat boxes, bowls, or tins. Especially tins. I seem to have a radar for them. So when I spy one being thrown around in a pile, I immediately feel the need to rescue it. The biscuit and candy tins with handles and finial lids are my favorites, and if they have an interesting shape, all the better. I don't normally bring home ones that have severe problems, but for this one, I made an exception.

It had a gold swing handle, which had been pulled out on one side. At first, I thought I would be able to re-attach the handle, but that was proving more of a challenge than I anticipated. So there were only two options - pull the handle out completely, or get rid of the tin. So after many crazy little ideas, I ended up with this:

I've had these little soft plastic red flower beads for some time now, and knew someday, I would find a clever use for them. I threaded them onto tie wire, which you can find in the building section at Lowes or Home Depot. It's really thick wire, but very flexible for winding around things. It fit perfectly through the flower holes, and then I stuck the ends through the existing holes of the tin, looping the ends to keep them from slipping out.

The finial was rusty and jiggly, but still intact, so I decided to paint it to coordinate with the flower colors, and triple sealed it.

So the next time you see an unfortunate looking tin, give it a second chance with some funky alterations. You could change the handle with wood beads, gathered fabric or ribbon. Endless possibilities. They're great as gift baskets, and for storing tea bags, office and craft miscellany. With a jar of water, it makes a sublime, cottage-y vase. This little charmer is ready for a new life of retro goodness, instead of a sad landfill existence. Happy Earth Day!

It's Just Paint, right?

2011-04-12T19:33:00.000-07:00

One day, many years ago, I was surfin' the nets, and I stumbled upon a picture of the Cypress Hotel lobby in California. I'm not sure which Cypress it was, since a new search doesn't yield any picture that looks like this one, which I assume means they have since changed the lobby.

The gorgeous red and old gold squares on the wall are/were leather, and Wow, what a bold attention-getter. I was in a painting mood that weekend, so the inevitable light bulb glowed above my head. I was living in a rental home, where I was allowed to paint anything my heart desired, as long as I painted over it when I moved. I decided that if that wall was good enough for a hotel, it was good enough for my foyer, so off I went.

I didn't bother to use primer behind the red, because I wanted to benefit from the white wall as a base color. That way I could brush on the color, and then smoosh it around to give it a mottled leather look, making messy and uneven a good thing. (The red was actually a much deeper shade, not so orangey like the picture.) Then, just for fun, I made some medallions to tack into the corners of the squares, to give it a Medieval touch. I had a vintage metal fob, made a mold of it with paperclay, allowing me to replicate it, and I stuck upholstery tacks in the copies before they hardened. After painting them to coordinate with the wall squares, they were ready to stick into the wall. Voila!

This picture only shows a portion of the entire foyer I painted, so imagine double the amount of squares. These were painted floor to ceiling, on 10' high walls, making each square 30". I realize this look would be too bold for the average homeowner, but I just like to remind people how fabulous and versatile paint can be........and yes, I used 2 or 3 coats of primer to cover it up when I moved. Oh, what would I do without primer!?

Hormonal State of Mind

2011-04-06T18:14:00.000-07:00

If Mother Nature were to pick a state for going through her Menopause, Oregon would be it. Cold chills, Hot Flashes, and lots of weeping. Yep, that's us.

I picked these lovely Grape Hyacinths yesterday, during the 10 minutes the sun shone through the clouds.

This is my absolute favorite shade of blue..........a vibrant, rich Periwinkle. Aqua and Azure come a close second and third.

Photo Courtesy of Keukenhof Gardens, The Netherlands

I've grown up with these charming little gems, making them my favorite Spring flower. Easy bulb to grow, since they are so talented at multiplying, and you just can't beat their impact.

It's supposed to be Spring now, but you wouldn't know it by the temperature. The weather report is calling for the snow level to drop to 1000 feet tonight, but do the flowers give a damn? Nope, just one of the pitfalls of a hormonal state.

Link Back To Funky Junk Interiors

Avril Trompe L'oeil

2011-04-01T13:37:00.000-07:00

April Fool The Eye!

And speaking of fooling................how about the technique of trompe l'oeil, French for "deceive the eye". Given the right opportunities, paint is really the magician and over-achiever of all home decorating elements. With nothing more than paints and brushes, any surface can be transformed from Plain Jane Mundane into objects and architecture. Yes, practice and skill are required to manifest these tricks, but even a first attempt is so much for fun than not trying at all. The key to painting adventures is to be fearless. Always remember it's just paint, and you can paint over it if you don't like it. Don't you wish everything in life could be this simple?

So, in honor of April Fools Day, I thought I'd share a few of my eye deceptions, which were all first attempts when I painted them. All of these examples started out as plain white orange-peel walls. Although I don't believe any of these were worthy of being in the Smithsonian, I really enjoyed the process and the atmosphere they created.

Faux wood-paneled walls

This was a rental home, so some structural elements could not be changed.

Faux stone block wall

Faux Tuscan window with a view

If you really want the best optical illusion., the key to trompe l'oeil is understanding perspective and lighting, Without that understanding, your paintings will be pretty murals on the wall, but they will lack the dimension to qualify as trompe l'oeil or fool anyone. Perfecting that skill can be very technical and taxing, which is evident in my own examples' many flaws, but even a bad attempt enhances the atmosphere in a room. So just go for it, and have some fun.

Treasure Facelift

2011-03-28T17:40:00.000-07:00

I rescued this charming Japanese treasure recently, and knew I could give it a new life. When I found this box, it had been partially stripped inside. It was once a music box, but the musical piece had been removed, leaving open holes where the mechanism fit.

I filled and glued the holes with cork, then painted them. The previous owner must have had visions of grandeur for the interior, but ran out of steam, since they started to remove the faded orange corduroy lining, but didn't finish. I certainly found out why. I want the glue recipe that was used in this box, as removing the rest of the lining was incredibly difficult.

I sanded the interior, but left much of the wood flaws alone, to maintain the vintage appearance, and then painted the inside a glossy black. I decided that rather than the obvious choice of lining it with Japanese paper, I would give it more of a Paris apartment vibe with my own Fleur de lis art paper. I inked up the paper to make it look aged and worn like the rest of the box, and triple-sealed it. Now she's ready for duty as a jewelry box or storage for crafty bits.

Time Flies.........

2011-03-28T12:01:00.000-07:00

Especially when you're sick.........

I don't know what the hell I've had floating around in my body, but enough already. Basta! It's been way too long since I've been in the land of the living, and any heavy creative thinking feels like I'm exerting myself. So to get warmed up, I'll take baby steps and post a couple of new Etsy Treasuries I've recently been included in..........

Scandinavian Bread Board

Solid Copper Tiered Mold

Vintage Golden Nature Guide Books

Color Me Gezelligheid

2011-03-15T19:01:00.000-07:00

The list is long of vintage treasures that gives me a warm fuzzy, or as my Dutch pal Nita calls it -"gezelligheid". Considered one of those untranslatable words, it has many connotations, but for this post, it's about those treasures that make my heart smile. Speaking of the Dutch, they truly embrace color, and when you live with the gray skies of The Netherlands, as well as here in Oregon, color is your friend. Whenever I assist my painting clients with their color choices, I usually suggest a shade with some warmth to it, to offset the gray sky light that will inevitably be cast on their walls. But back to my point......do I have one? Yeah, that's right - colorful warm fuzzies. One of the many on my list is vintage kitchen items, and the richer the color, the better. So whether you paint your kitchen white or black or both, how could the room be unhappy with treasures like these adorning it..........

Quon Quon Cocktail Tray

Well Bucket Planter? with decal

Aqua and Red Scoop Master Ice Cream scoops

Wooden Paddle for Butter? Cheese?

Don't they look happy together?

I'll be listing the wooden items in my Etsy shop, just as soon as I discover their original purpose, or when I grow weary of researching.......:)

A Moment of Silence

2011-03-13T11:31:00.000-07:00

To the People of Japan

Our thoughts are with you during this tragic time.

Good Bones

2011-03-10T13:10:00.000-08:00

I've had a love affair with old picture frames for decades. Wood, metal, gesso, Syroco, it's all good. They just need to be intricate or an odd size. Large and tiny, I've collected them all. As long as they have "good bones", the finish is irrelevant, 'cuz that's what paint's for.

Very old Syroco Frame

Gesso and Wood Frame

Some of them have great enough architecture, that no embellishment is necessary. It would just be gilding the lily, or ruining the resale value.

Gold frame painted 2 shades of Aqua, and rubbed in Gold

Gold frame painted in 3 shades of gray, and rubbed in black and silver

Frames I appreciate for their good bones, but choose to sell, get new paint finishes, and I almost always insert a vintage image in them, whether from an old magazine, book, or old wallpaper. Even better if I have an antique photograph. I think they sell faster, because some people aren't good at visualizing the potential, plus it just makes for a better image when marketing online. Empty is not a problem in an antiques booth though, since you can be more creative with them on the walls.

Gold frame painted in warmer gold, and rubbed with aqua

Old easel back covered in wallpaper, and easel sanded and painted

I got really ambitious one time, when the easelback of a frame was in really bad shape, I decided to apply vintage wallpaper to coordinate with the new paint treatment. It turned out great, but it was a lot of work......doesn't help that I'm a perfectionist.

Wood frame painted blue and moss, and lightly sanded

Worn backing re-finished with vintage wallpaper, and added turn pins

Much easier to add wallpaper without the easel, and it adds a lovely finishing touch for selling or gift-giving, even if the back won't be viewed much.

If they house an undesired picture, I just use the pic for something else, or give it to Goodwill. I've been decorating with them for ages, even when my friends thought empty frames on a wall were strange. I especially love a grouping of diminutive ones on a tiny wall, like in a powder room, or one of those too small/useless walls. I've even hung them on my Christmas tree and wreathes. I've amassed this little grouping over the last year, and most of these are small-ish, being 8" or less. I think I've finally come up with some creative projects of how I will sell these in my Etsy shop. More to come on that.

Bingo Treasury

2011-03-06T10:28:00.000-08:00

I love it when an Etsian includes one of my items in a really clever treasury. Today, it's my Bingo star ornaments. Love it!

Why I Love Paint

2011-03-02T11:57:00.000-08:00

I mentioned in my profile that I paint interiors for a living. While I find decorative painting (faux finishes and murals) more entertaining for me, I usually end up painting more solid colors with roller and brush. The average homeowner isn't adventurous enough for that much drama and zing, which is not to say that there aren't plenty of dramatic solid wall colors. I've painted some really bold walls in red, purple, hot pink, turquoise, and even black, with some really exciting results. I have found that while I wouldn't live in many of these colors, I come to appreciate the value of every color I paint with. Like people, each one has their place in this world. :) My favorite thing about paint is the instant gratification of transforming a room in a minimal amount of time, and the cost is so unbelievably inexpensive. If I were a $3000 sofa, I would really resent that $30 gallon of paint for making a bigger statement than I could. :)

After painting entire homes, top to bottom, it is exceedingly rewarding to see the finished product. I just stand back and savor the transformation. Whenever I revisit these spaces, I always think to myself "Wow, did I really do all that by my little 'ol 5'2" self?"

When I do tackle the less physical, but more detailed projects, it's always a good time (and sometimes frustrating) when I can break out my brushes. I am truly in a happy zone with a brush in my hand.

While I'm not always keen on the color combinations, I truly enjoy the challenge of making it work for the client, because all that matters is that they're happy with it. I relish in the fact that they believe in my artistic abilities to produce the results they're looking for, and I don't take that opportunity for granted.

This mural was seriously fun to work on, though it took way way longer to finish than I would have liked. Sometimes I get carried away, with new ideas swirling in my brain, causing me to improvise mid-project. For the life of me, I can't find any before pictures of this, but just imagine a white strip of wall over a shower surround.

Needless to say, these large projects make painting my furniture pieces and objects a lot less daunting, since I have a short attention span and get bored easily. I'll post more before and afters in the days to come, to show more of my passion for paint!

Artful Measuring

2011-02-26T09:45:00.000-08:00

Recently, I was admiring my little clock collection......the ones I've found treasure-hunting that I refuse to sell. While I appreciate the gifts of technology, as evidenced by my use of digital photography and the internet, some digital inventions just won't do. Specifically, clocks and watches. I have a radar for a beautiful old timepiece, and my heart skips a beat every time I spy an under-priced one in my junking jaunts. Although their aesthetic appeal is what grabs my attention first, it's the soothing sound of their sweet ticking that lulls me to sleep at night, especially several at once. Makes me feel as though I'm in a clockmaker's atelier in the Old World.

But as I pondered about my timepiece fixation, it occurred to me that my quest is much broader than for just clocks and watches. I realized I have an affection for antique measuring devices in general. Scales, rulers, tape meaures, barometers, etc. I even like compasses, but that's probably just because they look like clocks.

I suspect if I took the time for more introspection, I'd uncover the root of my jonesin' for all things that measure, but for now, I'll just say it's because it rhymes with treasure. :)

Snowlandia

2011-02-24T18:53:00.000-08:00

Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, snow has always been a hit and miss kinda thing. Some years we've had a foot, and others, maybe an inch, if we're lucky. Portland is only an hour from Mt Hood, but if you aren't active in snow sports, your only option is an Indian snow dance and crossing your fingers, especially when you're only sitting at about 250 ft above sea level. This winter we were really neglected in the snow department, so any trace of it makes someone like me giddy when it floats down and actually sticks, even if it's only an inch or 2 deep. Well, today was proof that it's never too late for snow, as the tail end of February is a hint late for us, here in the Willamette Valley. Oregon is blessed with massive amounts of foliage and diverse terrain, even within Portland's city limits, so the combination of crisp green, texture, and the beautiful white stuff is especially magical and striking. And even as I write this, all the snow has already melted, so I'm glad I snapped these quickly this morning.

I've endured many years of heckling from transplants of other states, like Minnesota, etc, who have lived in much harsher winters. But I'm sure an Alaskan would heckle anyone in the lower 48, so it's all relative. Truth is, Portland winters are relatively mild, so the irregularity of snow keeps residents rather out of practice when it comes to driving in it. It also doesn't justify Portland owning a large fleet of snow equipment, so any amount of snow or ice can easily shut us down. We're a pretty hilly city, along with a slew of bridges, so accidents are almost a guarantee. Some of us have no problem driving in snow, but I personally refrain, in an effort to avoid those drivers who are either reckless, or clueless, about how to maneuver in a slick spot. I'd rather look like a wimp and stay off the road, than watch helplessly as another car barrels into mine. No thank you.........

But for every person who panics when it snows, there is another one who is delighted to see it. So I'm going to go start another snow dance, in the hopes of conjuring up some more, before Winter officially leaves.........

Flashy Eye Candy

2011-02-21T18:23:00.000-08:00

The list is long, of the antique treasures my heart skips a beat for, and ephemera is one of them. As an artist, rich and finely-detailed graphics rank high on my list. Over the years of treasure-hunting, I've stumbled upon a publisher that really delivered in artistic excellence, and have since acquired a few of their lovelies. Platt and Munk items are major eye candy for me. I was fortunate to rescue this collection of giant alphabet flash cards, each measuring 9-1/2" x 13-3/4". Although it is an incomplete set (I think I'm missing 7 letters), it was a miracle I rescued as many as I did, as they were being tossed around in a Goodwill bin full of books, getting bent and soiled. Gag me, I really hate that. No respect for vintage......

I considered copying and shrinking my favorites to use as gift tags and decoupage projects, and they would look fabulous framed as is. But to use one of Sue of Vintage Rescue Squad's favorite words, "alleged", I think these would shine if I suspended them, with clothespins from a string, to create a banner for my "alleged" antique booth someday......... (Nothin' but love for ya Sue.)

For the love of Books

2011-02-19T19:44:00.000-08:00

My friends can attest to the fact that I am not an avid book reader. I can count on two hands the number of novels I've read in my adult life. My creative mind gets easily distracted, always with a plethora of ideas and projects I could be tackling. Despite my lack of interest in heavy reading, however, I am paradoxically in love with books. Old old books. The older, the better. Case in point.........this sublime collection of Mark Twain limp leather books from 1917. Twenty-six of them to be exact. An abfab estate sale find. The look and smell of old leather books is Nirvana to me, and there's something about being wrapped in a room full of them that inspires my creativity. Go figure.......

P.S. Perhaps if I'd actually read each of these books, I would've noticed the copyright dates range from 1897 to 1918, which I assume means the reader waited, with great anticipation, for each title's printing.

I Heart Treasuries

2011-02-14T22:11:00.000-08:00

Two more Treasuries I was featured in today. It never gets old....

Oriental Tin

Very very old Prayer books

More Etsy Amour

2011-02-12T16:17:00.000-08:00

My sublime melamine Aqua tray was featured in an Etsy Treasury today. I do love that tray........

Preservation and the 4th Reward

2011-02-12T00:09:00.000-08:00

Sometimes when I talk about my treasure-hunting to people, I get a polite smile and a blank stare, because they cannot remotely comprehend my passion. I might go on about how I scored an old typewriter. Perhaps I rescued some precious WWII yearbook that should be cherished by a historian or a veteran, rather than being tossed around in a Goodwill bin. And "what are you going to do with a bunch of old black and white photos of people you don't even know?" they ask. Well, I think all treasure-hunters can agree on the rewards of our passion, namely the Hunt, the Research, and the Profit. And when we are really fortunate, we receive that precious 4th reward. Sometimes it's the satisfaction of rescuing a rare or collectible item, that would otherwise perish in the landfill. Maybe it's just the satisfaction of not adding more to the landfill. But perhaps my favorite of all, is when it involves receiving a message from my customer, telling me why they purchased it, and those stories tend to be very heart-warming. Today was one of those days.

I recently sold this tiny basket in my Etsy store. It was very well made, with a wooden base, and braided woven bands, leading me to believe it was a child's basket purse or a salesman's sample. It is only a little over 6" long x 4" wide. My customer wanted me to know how much her daughter loves her basket. She bought it for her to carry her Beanie Baby dog in whenever they go shopping. How can you not smile when you picture that image? This basket did indeed find a special home, and is creating a new childhood memory. Yes, the 4th Reward is definitely a good thing.

Etsy Treasury Love

2011-02-10T14:32:00.000-08:00

I'm always thrilled and flattered when anyone features an item of mine in a Treasury or Blog. Today I was featured twice. Yay! Thank you fellow Etsians!

Happy Birthday Teacup

Salt & Pepper Trio

Today's Treasure

2011-02-09T19:12:00.000-08:00

Sweet little find that I'm going to list in my Etsy store. I picture this as a mini gift basket, filled with chocolates or bite-size cookies. Wrapped up in designer cellophane or tulle, and tied off with French ribbon and velvet or paper flowers. When the treats are gone, it can be fashioned into a pin cushion. Too cute!

Buongiorno!

2011-02-08T19:47:00.000-08:00

Well, after much vacillating I am officially blogging. I've been a lurker for several years, reading many artistically-inspiring blogs, and now I hope to contribute my own ideas to the inspiration pool.

I will be sharing my adventures in treasure-hunting, decorating, crafting, transformations of trash into treasure, and anything noteworthy (to me) that day. :) Hello World!