I couldn't wait any longer for spring to arrive, so I put away all signs of winter in my house and brought out the springtime items. I always love to decorate for the change in seasons, but so much more this time. I love the winter and the snow, but I'm ready to wear lighter, brighter clothes and to get my hands in the soil. I want to plant a lot this year and change some of my gardens around. I am wishfully hoping to start during spring break at the end of March.
So, on this white out snowy day, I'm baking peanut butter chocolate chip cookies (I found the most delicious recipe in Better Homes and Gardens). As I look around my house and see signs of spring: birds, rabbits and flowers, I'm dreaming of a green spring and the rummage sales next week.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Sales Are Coming!
I'm so excited. In 2 weeks, rummage sale season begins. I already had the church sale in Prairie Grove on March 7th on my calendar starting at 9am, but now I can add the Methodist Church on 1st Street in Cary for the same day at 1pm. Most years, both sales are on the same day, just at different start times. This way, I can go to both. What a great way to start off the rummage sale season; not with 1 sale, but with 2! I will be seeing my rummage sale friends twice that day. Oh happy day!!!!
Today was a fun stop at The Sparrows Nest in Cary. I have been trying to go every other week. They had so many vintage linens of all kinds. I found a really nice green crochet flower doily for $3.50. I really am being picky since I purged many linens over the winter. I don't like to spend much on them. I also found a pink milk glass vase for $6. I spent a little more on this vase then usual since pink milk glass is hard to find. It was in good condition. The thrift shops should start to get more donations since the warmer weather is coming. People will be cleaning out their homes. It pays to stop by quite often. They have winter clothes on sale now.
I'm still getting ready for the Mchenry County wide garage sale on March 16 at the Holiday Inn in Crystal Lake from 7-1pm. So many things to take to sell. I hope I can fit it all into my van and still have room for my kids to help me.
Today was a fun stop at The Sparrows Nest in Cary. I have been trying to go every other week. They had so many vintage linens of all kinds. I found a really nice green crochet flower doily for $3.50. I really am being picky since I purged many linens over the winter. I don't like to spend much on them. I also found a pink milk glass vase for $6. I spent a little more on this vase then usual since pink milk glass is hard to find. It was in good condition. The thrift shops should start to get more donations since the warmer weather is coming. People will be cleaning out their homes. It pays to stop by quite often. They have winter clothes on sale now.
I'm still getting ready for the Mchenry County wide garage sale on March 16 at the Holiday Inn in Crystal Lake from 7-1pm. So many things to take to sell. I hope I can fit it all into my van and still have room for my kids to help me.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Newest Felted Purse
This is my newest felted purse creation. I finished it a few weeks ago, but only put the handles on today. I was too busy with my felt hearts and stars. It is a nice long one. I'm working on a light blue felted purse right now. I've been going in so many directions lately that it may be awhile before I finish it.
Every year I say that I won't be selling at the McHenry County garage sale that is hosted by the Northwest Herald. Well, I signed up again this year. I have done it every year since they started having it. This year it is back at the Holiday Inn in Crystal Lake on March 16 from 7am to 1pm. I have lots to sell, especially clothes. Lots of vintage treasures for good prices too. I just want to get rid of things, clean up my house and begin my hunt for treasures. Hope to see you all there.
Every year I say that I won't be selling at the McHenry County garage sale that is hosted by the Northwest Herald. Well, I signed up again this year. I have done it every year since they started having it. This year it is back at the Holiday Inn in Crystal Lake on March 16 from 7am to 1pm. I have lots to sell, especially clothes. Lots of vintage treasures for good prices too. I just want to get rid of things, clean up my house and begin my hunt for treasures. Hope to see you all there.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Fun Day!
Yesterday was a perfect day. The sun was shining, I felt good and it was Ethan's birthday. What a fun day it was!
I stopped in at Interiors Anew on the Woodstock Square (my favorite store) and found a wonderful turquoise cuff bracelet for $8. I have been finding some jewelry there recently. It fit my wrist perfectly. Sometimes cuff bracelets are too big and need to go up your arm to fit perfectly. This one fits perfectly where it should.
I also had time to stop in at the Sparrows Nest in McHenry. They had a table full of doilies. I found 8 doilies and 1 apron for $10. They are in nice condition and have nice blue needlepoint on them. Perfect for the summer.
I am starting to get so excited with the weather warming up, even if only for one day at a time. That means that sales will be beginning soon. The first that I know of so far is on March 7th at 9am in Prairie Grove.
Happy Valentines Day! It is the perfect time to craft a heart to give to those who are special to you.
I stopped in at Interiors Anew on the Woodstock Square (my favorite store) and found a wonderful turquoise cuff bracelet for $8. I have been finding some jewelry there recently. It fit my wrist perfectly. Sometimes cuff bracelets are too big and need to go up your arm to fit perfectly. This one fits perfectly where it should.
I also had time to stop in at the Sparrows Nest in McHenry. They had a table full of doilies. I found 8 doilies and 1 apron for $10. They are in nice condition and have nice blue needlepoint on them. Perfect for the summer.
I am starting to get so excited with the weather warming up, even if only for one day at a time. That means that sales will be beginning soon. The first that I know of so far is on March 7th at 9am in Prairie Grove.
Happy Valentines Day! It is the perfect time to craft a heart to give to those who are special to you.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Birthday Fun!
Yesterday was my birthday! The sun was shining and the weather was great. I even had my car windows down while driving to an estate sale. I couldn't ask for anything better.
I went to the Sparrows Nest in Cary and found a few pins and a necklace. I also found a great aqua vintage pottery vase for $6. (I only spent $18 since I used my 10% coupon). Later in the afternoon I had a chance to go to a Caring Transitions estate sale in McHenry. I found some more great vintage pins (they were $5-$6 each). Upstairs in a bedroom I found 3 aluminum Wendell August Forge coaster for $8. The homeowner had glued them to a black ribbon, but I tried to pull the ribbon away from them and saw that I could. At home, I took off the ribbon and the glue washed away with soap and water. It was a nice find. They are now in my china cabinet for aluminum only.
I've been trying to finish up making the felt stars with vintage ornaments. Today was the day to sit and do that since it was raining for most of the day. They really came out nice. I am so thrilled with them. Now I can begin the next project...so many to choose from.
I went to the Sparrows Nest in Cary and found a few pins and a necklace. I also found a great aqua vintage pottery vase for $6. (I only spent $18 since I used my 10% coupon). Later in the afternoon I had a chance to go to a Caring Transitions estate sale in McHenry. I found some more great vintage pins (they were $5-$6 each). Upstairs in a bedroom I found 3 aluminum Wendell August Forge coaster for $8. The homeowner had glued them to a black ribbon, but I tried to pull the ribbon away from them and saw that I could. At home, I took off the ribbon and the glue washed away with soap and water. It was a nice find. They are now in my china cabinet for aluminum only.
I've been trying to finish up making the felt stars with vintage ornaments. Today was the day to sit and do that since it was raining for most of the day. They really came out nice. I am so thrilled with them. Now I can begin the next project...so many to choose from.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Hearts
My week was pretty hectic, especially Thursday when I had a flat tire and had to teach a class on seed starting to Austin's science class. I didn't have much time to craft.
To end the week on a good note, I stopped at Michael's and found some great bargains. I bought paper flowers, heart felt stickers and felt for only $4. (I bought a lot of felt at Hobby Lobby where it was 25 cents each for most.) The flowers and stickers were only about 29 cents each on 90% clearance. I had run out of vintage flowers and sparkly ornaments that I was looking for other items to use. I can't wait for the rummage sales to start so that I can look for vintage craft items. I'm getting a little antsy. (Maybe alot!)
I sat down at the end of the week and made some really cute hearts. I think I will make more stars this week since I have a few more sparkly ornaments and I'm in the mood to make them.
To end the week on a good note, I stopped at Michael's and found some great bargains. I bought paper flowers, heart felt stickers and felt for only $4. (I bought a lot of felt at Hobby Lobby where it was 25 cents each for most.) The flowers and stickers were only about 29 cents each on 90% clearance. I had run out of vintage flowers and sparkly ornaments that I was looking for other items to use. I can't wait for the rummage sales to start so that I can look for vintage craft items. I'm getting a little antsy. (Maybe alot!)
I sat down at the end of the week and made some really cute hearts. I think I will make more stars this week since I have a few more sparkly ornaments and I'm in the mood to make them.
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Yay! For Estate Sales
2 estate sales today. How fun is that? I even had another person tell me that I looked familiar because we see each other at all of the sales. These 2 were in Fox River Grove. I will travel for a sale.
The first one was by Caring Transitions and it was 50% off today. I found a really cute covered container for $4 and a wind up heart box that plays music for $1. Perfect for Valentines Day. The other sale wasn't 50% off but they were willing to negotiate. I found a really neat metal (heavy) flower with a flower piece inside for $4. It is black and I'm not sure if I will paint it or not. It will definitely be a nice piece for the garden. I have so many treasures to put out into my yard that I can't wait for spring to arrive. I'm not really counting down. (Maybe just sometimes.)
The first one was by Caring Transitions and it was 50% off today. I found a really cute covered container for $4 and a wind up heart box that plays music for $1. Perfect for Valentines Day. The other sale wasn't 50% off but they were willing to negotiate. I found a really neat metal (heavy) flower with a flower piece inside for $4. It is black and I'm not sure if I will paint it or not. It will definitely be a nice piece for the garden. I have so many treasures to put out into my yard that I can't wait for spring to arrive. I'm not really counting down. (Maybe just sometimes.)
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Feeling Blue?
I'm still finding stuff to do inside now that the cold weather is here. More organizing and purging along with crafting. I made 4 more felt stars with the rest of the vintage pieces that I had. Austin loved the grey one so much that he kept it. He has a silver aluminum tree in his room, all year round, and he hung it on that alongside the other ornaments that he has. He is the collector! (or packrat). Now I have other treasures to look for at sales. I'll be on the lookout for pieces that will look good on the stars.
I stopped in at the Sparrows Nest in McHenry where they have lots of springlike dishes and plates. I found a really nice blue/white square pottery plate for $1.50 and a vintage made in Japan miniature leaf dish for $1.50. Both with the blue theme. I'll use them for summer decorating when I bring out the blue/white treasures. How far away is summer anyway? Wishful thinking when the weather is so cold.
There are lots of birthdays coming up in February that I am planning for. Good thing that I shop all year round for gifts. It's always fun to find something that you know the person will love and that the treasure is unique.
I did stop by the Material Girl store in Crystal Lake for their sidewalk sale. They had a lot of great fabric on sale for $4 per yard. It is a really neat store to browse in. I got some great ideas for future projects.
I stopped in at the Sparrows Nest in McHenry where they have lots of springlike dishes and plates. I found a really nice blue/white square pottery plate for $1.50 and a vintage made in Japan miniature leaf dish for $1.50. Both with the blue theme. I'll use them for summer decorating when I bring out the blue/white treasures. How far away is summer anyway? Wishful thinking when the weather is so cold.
There are lots of birthdays coming up in February that I am planning for. Good thing that I shop all year round for gifts. It's always fun to find something that you know the person will love and that the treasure is unique.
I did stop by the Material Girl store in Crystal Lake for their sidewalk sale. They had a lot of great fabric on sale for $4 per yard. It is a really neat store to browse in. I got some great ideas for future projects.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Valentines Valentines
So much to think about and do on a cold snowy day. I made 8 valentines with red felt, vintage flowers, ornaments and yarn. I made them in much the same way that I made the stars. I even found a paper Mother heart in gold that I attached to one of the hearts. I would love to keep them all for ME, but I won't. I love giving things away much more than I like to keep them for myself. I bought a bag full of the vintage flowers and other pieces at a garage sale a few years ago for $1 and I used most of them on the valentines. They really turned out cute.
Even though it is snowing, I am getting ready for teaching a class on Alliums (one of my favorite flowers) at Gardenfest at McHenry County College on April 6th. Registration is open now so make sure that you pick the classes that you want to attend. For those of you who don't know about it, it is an all day event of gardening classes held by the McHenry County University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners (I am starting my 6th year as a Master Gardener, yay!) and the college. It is $40 which includes lunch, lab fees are additional. It is a great event and the keynote is Bruce Spangenberg who is the Horticultural Chair and Instructor at the college. There are also great vendors to buy from. It is a great day and we have so much fun. If you live locally, plan on attending. Just contact the college for more information. It is never to early to be dreaming of spring and planting.
Tomorrow Thursday 1/24, the Material Girl store in Crystal Lake (across from the Raue Center) is having a sidewalk sale starting at 10am. I haven't been to a sale of theirs, but I'm looking forward to seeing what they have on sale. It should be a nice way to spend some warm time for a pick me up.
Even though it is snowing, I am getting ready for teaching a class on Alliums (one of my favorite flowers) at Gardenfest at McHenry County College on April 6th. Registration is open now so make sure that you pick the classes that you want to attend. For those of you who don't know about it, it is an all day event of gardening classes held by the McHenry County University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners (I am starting my 6th year as a Master Gardener, yay!) and the college. It is $40 which includes lunch, lab fees are additional. It is a great event and the keynote is Bruce Spangenberg who is the Horticultural Chair and Instructor at the college. There are also great vendors to buy from. It is a great day and we have so much fun. If you live locally, plan on attending. Just contact the college for more information. It is never to early to be dreaming of spring and planting.
Tomorrow Thursday 1/24, the Material Girl store in Crystal Lake (across from the Raue Center) is having a sidewalk sale starting at 10am. I haven't been to a sale of theirs, but I'm looking forward to seeing what they have on sale. It should be a nice way to spend some warm time for a pick me up.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Felt Star Ornaments
I first saw felt star ornaments in the Holiday magazine by Matthew Mead. I knew that I could make them with vintage pieces that I had around the house. So, since today was only 9 degrees outside, what better time to make them.
I used off white and khaki colored felt to create the vintage looking stars. I found a great star template that had rounded corners like I wanted to use. I got 3 stars per felt piece. Years ago, I bought a ring of needlepoint thread from a sale for about $2. You never know when the thread will come in handy. Today was it! I have every color imagineable. I attached vintage aluminum reflectors with the thread and then attached vintage ball tree ornaments inside of the reflectors. The balls were attached to a pipe cleaner so I put a hole through the felt and just bent the pipe cleaner to keep it attached. I then stitched around the star with the needlepoint thread and filled it with craft fiberfill. These will make great presents. Too bad I won't give them out until next Christmas.
These would make cute hanging valentine's also. I may use the yo-yo fabric and vintage buttons pieces on the valentine's. It's so much fun being creative.
I used off white and khaki colored felt to create the vintage looking stars. I found a great star template that had rounded corners like I wanted to use. I got 3 stars per felt piece. Years ago, I bought a ring of needlepoint thread from a sale for about $2. You never know when the thread will come in handy. Today was it! I have every color imagineable. I attached vintage aluminum reflectors with the thread and then attached vintage ball tree ornaments inside of the reflectors. The balls were attached to a pipe cleaner so I put a hole through the felt and just bent the pipe cleaner to keep it attached. I then stitched around the star with the needlepoint thread and filled it with craft fiberfill. These will make great presents. Too bad I won't give them out until next Christmas.
These would make cute hanging valentine's also. I may use the yo-yo fabric and vintage buttons pieces on the valentine's. It's so much fun being creative.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Another Cute Pillow
I couldn't resist making another pillow. This is another thing that I will be adding to my mom's mother's day pile. I used some more vintage yo-yo fabric circles and vintage buttons. Of course the fabric was from my garage sale finds. I love how this one turned out!
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Finally a Sale!
Finally an estate sale! I was starting to go stir crazy. Caring Transitions had an estate sale in Huntley. Today was half price. I spent a total of $2.50. I bought a colander for $1 (I am going to plant something in it in the spring) and a Pennsylvania tray for $1.50. That will go into my mom's mother's day package. Even though I didn't find a lot, I had a fun time. I can't wait until there are more sales.
On a side note: I stopped at the Huntley outlets today and found some good sales at Tommy Hilfiger. It is worth the trip if you need some winter clothes.
Since I was in Huntley, I thought why not stop in the Goodwill and Sweet Repeats Thrift store. I only found a Japanese Pokemon dvd for the boys at the Goodwill for $1.99. At Sweet Repeats, they were having a clothes bag sale and they were doing a bingo ball game to determine what percentage off you got on your purchase. I got 10% off. As I was walking through the store, I spotted milk glass under a silk flower arrangement. So, I lifted out the flowers and found a wonderful milk glass bowl for $12. But, since I was getting 10% off, I thought why not. It is really beautiful and I didn't have anything like it. I didn't find any chips or cracks either. I was so excited with this new addition to my milk glass collection.
On a side note: I stopped at the Huntley outlets today and found some good sales at Tommy Hilfiger. It is worth the trip if you need some winter clothes.
Since I was in Huntley, I thought why not stop in the Goodwill and Sweet Repeats Thrift store. I only found a Japanese Pokemon dvd for the boys at the Goodwill for $1.99. At Sweet Repeats, they were having a clothes bag sale and they were doing a bingo ball game to determine what percentage off you got on your purchase. I got 10% off. As I was walking through the store, I spotted milk glass under a silk flower arrangement. So, I lifted out the flowers and found a wonderful milk glass bowl for $12. But, since I was getting 10% off, I thought why not. It is really beautiful and I didn't have anything like it. I didn't find any chips or cracks either. I was so excited with this new addition to my milk glass collection.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
I Love! Pillows
I love making pillows! I am running out of space in my house to display/use them. I will probably need to be making them for gifts soon.
I saw the cutest pillow on the front of Sew-it magazine Feb/March issue. They used yo-yo fabric for flowers. I have so many of those yo-yo's made from vintage fabric. Last summer, I bought a box full of already cut vintage fabric circles to make the yo-yo's. I also bought some already made from the Historical Society in Union during a sale. So, I used them with garage sale fabric. The fabric is a blue color with a flower pattern. I chose 3 that blended well with the vibrant pattern. I didn't use stems/leaves with this pillow. I liked the look without them. I did use vintage buttons to hold the flowers in place. My mother had sent me a tin of vintage buttons that she got at a garage sale for $1. (I showed them in a past article.) I am so happy with the look. I decided to put the pillow on the sofa with other similar colored pillows. Just a little rearranging.
I do have some other ideas for using the yo-yo's in future pillows. I want to make some yo-yo's from all of that fabric I have that is already cut. Someone took a long time to cut the circles and I want to finish it for them. I must have about 150 circles. Just enough for a few more pillows.....
I saw the cutest pillow on the front of Sew-it magazine Feb/March issue. They used yo-yo fabric for flowers. I have so many of those yo-yo's made from vintage fabric. Last summer, I bought a box full of already cut vintage fabric circles to make the yo-yo's. I also bought some already made from the Historical Society in Union during a sale. So, I used them with garage sale fabric. The fabric is a blue color with a flower pattern. I chose 3 that blended well with the vibrant pattern. I didn't use stems/leaves with this pillow. I liked the look without them. I did use vintage buttons to hold the flowers in place. My mother had sent me a tin of vintage buttons that she got at a garage sale for $1. (I showed them in a past article.) I am so happy with the look. I decided to put the pillow on the sofa with other similar colored pillows. Just a little rearranging.
I do have some other ideas for using the yo-yo's in future pillows. I want to make some yo-yo's from all of that fabric I have that is already cut. Someone took a long time to cut the circles and I want to finish it for them. I must have about 150 circles. Just enough for a few more pillows.....
Sunday, January 13, 2013
New Pillows
I have been wanting to make some new pillows for my living room. Every time I read a magazine, I think of pillows and colors that I want to use and make. All of the magazines are showing such wonderful colors for spring like seafoam green and pale blues. I love the colors and wanted to brighten up my living room. The pillows really did make a difference. Maybe just because they are something new. I'm happy with the look.
I have been going towards seafoam green and pale blues a lot recently. So, I went through my stash of garage sale fabrics that I had and picked the ones closest to those colors. The one pillow has blue and brown in it. I didn't want to put any trim on it because I thought the pattern was wonderful just the way it was and wanted to draw attention to the color and pattern. The other pillow has a great floral pattern with a greenish background. I found an applique piece that I had made a few years ago and used that as the focal point for my pillow. I kept these two pillows simple this time. They blend in well with the other pillows that I made.
There are two more pillows that I would like to make. I'm coming up with ideas for those, but already have the fabric picked out. I just may keep those simple also.
I have been going towards seafoam green and pale blues a lot recently. So, I went through my stash of garage sale fabrics that I had and picked the ones closest to those colors. The one pillow has blue and brown in it. I didn't want to put any trim on it because I thought the pattern was wonderful just the way it was and wanted to draw attention to the color and pattern. The other pillow has a great floral pattern with a greenish background. I found an applique piece that I had made a few years ago and used that as the focal point for my pillow. I kept these two pillows simple this time. They blend in well with the other pillows that I made.
There are two more pillows that I would like to make. I'm coming up with ideas for those, but already have the fabric picked out. I just may keep those simple also.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
2013
I just finished putting away the Christmas treasures. It always looks so bare after. I like the change of seasons/holidays because I get to start fresh. I always have something to decorate with that adds to the decor. I put up some Valentine's items and red and pink/white doilies.
I have also been so busy purging. I have the biggest pile of stuff to sell at my garage sale and bags and bags of clothes. I'm sure that I will have so much more when the time comes for my garage sale. I have been selling on Ebay (milena2000) and have a lot listed right now. It's a great way to make some extra money for when treasure hunting begins again.
I have been redecorating and reorganizing my house. A lot in the kitchen. (The junk drawer can actually be opened and things found). I have gone through my yarn and fabric stash and have come up with some great craft ideas. As I do them, I will show you pictures. I started making snow globes to have ready for next Christmas. They are so fun to make. I need to eat more artichokes so that I can use the jars.
I have had so much fun blogging my pathtojunkentreasure. I hope you will join me for 2013 as I look for treasures. I have set up a page of tips that I hope are helpful for reorganizing and purging your household. There is no better time to renew and refresh your space then the new year. Hope your 2013 is healthy, happy and full of junkentreasure!
I have also been so busy purging. I have the biggest pile of stuff to sell at my garage sale and bags and bags of clothes. I'm sure that I will have so much more when the time comes for my garage sale. I have been selling on Ebay (milena2000) and have a lot listed right now. It's a great way to make some extra money for when treasure hunting begins again.
I have been redecorating and reorganizing my house. A lot in the kitchen. (The junk drawer can actually be opened and things found). I have gone through my yarn and fabric stash and have come up with some great craft ideas. As I do them, I will show you pictures. I started making snow globes to have ready for next Christmas. They are so fun to make. I need to eat more artichokes so that I can use the jars.
I have had so much fun blogging my pathtojunkentreasure. I hope you will join me for 2013 as I look for treasures. I have set up a page of tips that I hope are helpful for reorganizing and purging your household. There is no better time to renew and refresh your space then the new year. Hope your 2013 is healthy, happy and full of junkentreasure!
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Happy Happy New Year!
I can't believe that 2013 is almost here. This year has gone by so quickly.
I bought Charizard Pokemon fabric this summer at a garage sale for $4. (Pokemon material is hard to find.) Anyway, the boys wanted me to make them a quilt. I do love to quilt so I was up for the challenge. I used fabric that was bought at garage sales since I have a large amount of great fabric. I made a simple quilt so that the Charizard figures would stand out. I hand sewed POKEMON on one edge and then hand sewed 2 letters per side (sort of) to make the word POKEMON. It came out really neat. I wanted it to be done before the new year and it is!
I have soooooo many other projects that I want to start, but this was an important one for me. I didn't want to have too many unfinished projects laying around. I finished a knitted scarf the other day and when I washed it to felt it, it didn't come out the way I wanted it to. So, it's back to the beginning again. I will use the scarf for pieces on other projects. That happens sometimes when you felt. Things don't always wash the way you want it to.
Wishing everyone a very happy healthy New Year with lots of paths to junkentreasure!
I bought Charizard Pokemon fabric this summer at a garage sale for $4. (Pokemon material is hard to find.) Anyway, the boys wanted me to make them a quilt. I do love to quilt so I was up for the challenge. I used fabric that was bought at garage sales since I have a large amount of great fabric. I made a simple quilt so that the Charizard figures would stand out. I hand sewed POKEMON on one edge and then hand sewed 2 letters per side (sort of) to make the word POKEMON. It came out really neat. I wanted it to be done before the new year and it is!
I have soooooo many other projects that I want to start, but this was an important one for me. I didn't want to have too many unfinished projects laying around. I finished a knitted scarf the other day and when I washed it to felt it, it didn't come out the way I wanted it to. So, it's back to the beginning again. I will use the scarf for pieces on other projects. That happens sometimes when you felt. Things don't always wash the way you want it to.
Wishing everyone a very happy healthy New Year with lots of paths to junkentreasure!
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Merry Christmas
I made this pinecone tree years ago and still have it. I keep it with my Christmas treasures and love to bring it out every year. Sometimes, like this year, I have to reglue a pinecone. I have it on my kitchen table so we share all of our meals and homework with it. It reminds me of when I was a new homeowner and watching my money. I collected little pinecones until I knew what I would do with them. (I still collect pinecones and have them contained in a vintage metal tub in front of my fireplace.) This is what became of some of those pinecones.
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!
Friday, December 21, 2012
Music Boxes
I stopped in at Interiors Anew on the Woodstock Square. It's always nice going in there. You never know what treasure awaits. With Christmas being only a few days away, I was hoping to find some charming holiday item.
As soon as I walked in, I spotted a small table with wind up music boxes (only the shell of the music boxes). Each one played a Christmas song. I bought the three that played "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" for $3 each. I will keep one and put the other two into Ethan and Austin's Christmas stockings. They still had music boxes that played "Deck the Halls."
I think that they are wonderful now; just the way that they are. I'm not going to put them into anything. I remembered that I had found a frame with vintage looking sheet music with "The 12 Days of Christmas" on it. So, I grouped them together with some gold glass pieces that I had. It had just the right effect that I was hoping for. A little touch of yesterday.
As soon as I walked in, I spotted a small table with wind up music boxes (only the shell of the music boxes). Each one played a Christmas song. I bought the three that played "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" for $3 each. I will keep one and put the other two into Ethan and Austin's Christmas stockings. They still had music boxes that played "Deck the Halls."
I think that they are wonderful now; just the way that they are. I'm not going to put them into anything. I remembered that I had found a frame with vintage looking sheet music with "The 12 Days of Christmas" on it. So, I grouped them together with some gold glass pieces that I had. It had just the right effect that I was hoping for. A little touch of yesterday.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Cookies and Buttons
Cookies and buttons. Some combination huh?
I spent this morning baking chocolate chip peanut butter cookies (I found a really great recipe to try.) I had been looking forward to this all week. So, in between eating and eating the cookies (I needed to make sure that they tasted good for others), I went through a tin of buttons that my mother had sent to me. She found them at a garage sale for $1. So many of them were vintage. They were also pretty dirty so I wiped off each and every one of them. I didn't really mind since I was waiting for batches of cookies to get done.
The buttons were so wonderful. I separated them into piles of what I would be using soon. (I added them to my red suitcase button collection.) I am trying to finish up on a scarf that I am knitting. It will have flowers on it and I'm going to use the buttons for the center of the flowers. I have my idea in my mind. I just hope that it comes out the way I am planning. But, sometimes I love what happens instead. It's the surprise ending that comes out better than I could have planned.
I'll be making peanut butter blossom (kisses) cookies this weekend. Notice the theme of peanut butter. I love peanut butter!
Happy baking!
I spent this morning baking chocolate chip peanut butter cookies (I found a really great recipe to try.) I had been looking forward to this all week. So, in between eating and eating the cookies (I needed to make sure that they tasted good for others), I went through a tin of buttons that my mother had sent to me. She found them at a garage sale for $1. So many of them were vintage. They were also pretty dirty so I wiped off each and every one of them. I didn't really mind since I was waiting for batches of cookies to get done.
The buttons were so wonderful. I separated them into piles of what I would be using soon. (I added them to my red suitcase button collection.) I am trying to finish up on a scarf that I am knitting. It will have flowers on it and I'm going to use the buttons for the center of the flowers. I have my idea in my mind. I just hope that it comes out the way I am planning. But, sometimes I love what happens instead. It's the surprise ending that comes out better than I could have planned.
I'll be making peanut butter blossom (kisses) cookies this weekend. Notice the theme of peanut butter. I love peanut butter!
Happy baking!
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Look at this Vase!
What a wonderful vase! I was at the Goodwill in Huntley today and found this great vase for 99 cents. I just couldn't pass it up. It goes so well with my other larger ones on the windowsill in my office/guest room.
You have to check out www.holidaywithmatthewmead.com to see the wonderful pictures that he posted of the sale he had recently. He is also having a contest for a great cake stand and jelly jars. You will be inspired to create. I know that I am. He created groupings for displays that go together so well that you will be looking throughout your own treasures to do the same.
It was nice today to take a break from all of my organizing and purging. It started to snow periodically throughout the day. A white Christmas would be so nice. Now I can focus on baking and enjoying the joy and peace of Christmas.
May you have a wonderful and blessed Christmas!
You have to check out www.holidaywithmatthewmead.com to see the wonderful pictures that he posted of the sale he had recently. He is also having a contest for a great cake stand and jelly jars. You will be inspired to create. I know that I am. He created groupings for displays that go together so well that you will be looking throughout your own treasures to do the same.
It was nice today to take a break from all of my organizing and purging. It started to snow periodically throughout the day. A white Christmas would be so nice. Now I can focus on baking and enjoying the joy and peace of Christmas.
May you have a wonderful and blessed Christmas!
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Creating and More Creating
I have been busy, busy, busy organizing and purging my collections. I just finished going through all of my vintage tablecloths, hand towels and needlepoint treasures. I have a pile that I am going to part with. That leaves room in my closet to begin collecting again when the sales start.
I had been collecting pretty plates and items that would make a fun project. (I used a clear glass candlestick, a milk glass drinking cup and a gold gilded ashtray. Each item cost me between 25-50 cents. Each cake plate cost about 75 cents to $1 to make.) I wanted to make pedestal cake plates. I made a few the other day. The glue that was recommended didn't work as well as I had wanted it to, so I had a lot of redos. But finally, they stuck. I'm happy with the results. They will make nice presents.
Last year, I made a few Christmas stockings with vintage tablecloths that had holes in them. (Remember, never cut up perfectly good vintage tablecloths. Only the ones that have holes in them or have other major problems.) I also used vintage ribbons that I had been saving. I gave some of those stockings out as gifts this year filled with goodies.
I had been collecting pretty plates and items that would make a fun project. (I used a clear glass candlestick, a milk glass drinking cup and a gold gilded ashtray. Each item cost me between 25-50 cents. Each cake plate cost about 75 cents to $1 to make.) I wanted to make pedestal cake plates. I made a few the other day. The glue that was recommended didn't work as well as I had wanted it to, so I had a lot of redos. But finally, they stuck. I'm happy with the results. They will make nice presents.
Last year, I made a few Christmas stockings with vintage tablecloths that had holes in them. (Remember, never cut up perfectly good vintage tablecloths. Only the ones that have holes in them or have other major problems.) I also used vintage ribbons that I had been saving. I gave some of those stockings out as gifts this year filled with goodies.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
And Even More Jewelry
Boy, did I have a busy weekend with Holiday parties and family activities. But there was still time in the schedule to go back to the estate sale on Grove Street in Crystal Lake on Sunday. She sold a lot, which was great for her, and she put out the rest of the vintage costume jewelry which was good for me. My cousin Barb had spent the weekend with us and she also found some great jewelry buys.
I ended up buying 9 pins and 2 bracelets for $18. What a great deal! I found a few rhinestone pins and was very pleased to see that one was marked Weiss on the back. That was a very good deal! I only have a few Weiss pins in my collection so I was so very excitied. Those deals and finds don't come along every day.
I hope that there are more good sales this week.
I ended up buying 9 pins and 2 bracelets for $18. What a great deal! I found a few rhinestone pins and was very pleased to see that one was marked Weiss on the back. That was a very good deal! I only have a few Weiss pins in my collection so I was so very excitied. Those deals and finds don't come along every day.
I hope that there are more good sales this week.
Friday, December 7, 2012
Sooooooo Much Jewelry
Another fun day going to estate sales. The one in Crystal Lake on Grove Street was great! She will be adding more stuff on Saturday and Sunday. I bought a lot of vintage pins and bracelets for $3 each. I can't resist vintage jewelry. I also can't resist elf or santa vintage items so I bought 2 elfs for $2 each and 1 santa for $1. I also got a vintage Mrs. Claus ornament for free. Another of my finds was a working roulette ash tray from Las Vegas for $1. It is so cool. I'm not sure what I will do with that yet. It was just to cool to pass up and for the right price. I'm going to try to make it back this weekend to see what other treasures she has.
I also went to 2 estate sales in Woodstock. 1 was on North St in the new townhomes. What a magnificient place it was. Sometimes it is more fun to look at the building and structure than to shop the sale. I did find some PC games for the boys for $2 each and even a brand new, never opened DVD of King Kong. Everyone needs a King Kong DVD. The other estate sale was on the corner of Raffle Road and Banford. I didn't find anything there.
The estate sales this past week have been fun and I've found some really nice treasures. I was glad that most of the sales had lots of vintage items. Too many of the sales recently didn't have many vintage items. I hope there are more sales like these in the next few weeks.
I also went to 2 estate sales in Woodstock. 1 was on North St in the new townhomes. What a magnificient place it was. Sometimes it is more fun to look at the building and structure than to shop the sale. I did find some PC games for the boys for $2 each and even a brand new, never opened DVD of King Kong. Everyone needs a King Kong DVD. The other estate sale was on the corner of Raffle Road and Banford. I didn't find anything there.
The estate sales this past week have been fun and I've found some really nice treasures. I was glad that most of the sales had lots of vintage items. Too many of the sales recently didn't have many vintage items. I hope there are more sales like these in the next few weeks.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Estate Sales Treasures
I went to 2 estate sales today. One in McHenry and one in Crystal Lake. I had the best time at the one in McHenry. Not to mention that I found some treasures there. The garage was opened first and I found 2 wonderful turtle cookie jars. One had a chip inside so I got them for $10 each. I thought that Ethan might want them for his turtle collection and I was right! If he didn't want them, I was going to give them to my mother for her cookie jar collection. See how collectors can cross over into other categories.
Inside the house were other treasures waiting for me to purchase. I found 3 hankies for $2 each (1of The 3 Little Pigs, 1 of a child and ducks and 1 of hearts), more turtles from $1-$5, a wastebasket that is hand painted for $3, a vintage orange pin for $4, 2 Christmas vintage ornaments for 50 cents each and an aluminum cup that collapses for $2. I don't see them anymore and this one had a note inside that it belonged to someone in the army. Kind of fun to find that note.
This was a fun sale and a large house so all of us on line got to go in right away. No waiting this morning.
At the estate sale in Crystal Lake, I found a children's book on the 3 Musketeers for $2. Nothing else.
Tomorrow are a few more sales. I'm happy that sales are still going on because there may not be that many soon. At least I have had more time to go through my own collections and to rearrange and purge. It's been fun.
Inside the house were other treasures waiting for me to purchase. I found 3 hankies for $2 each (1of The 3 Little Pigs, 1 of a child and ducks and 1 of hearts), more turtles from $1-$5, a wastebasket that is hand painted for $3, a vintage orange pin for $4, 2 Christmas vintage ornaments for 50 cents each and an aluminum cup that collapses for $2. I don't see them anymore and this one had a note inside that it belonged to someone in the army. Kind of fun to find that note.
This was a fun sale and a large house so all of us on line got to go in right away. No waiting this morning.
At the estate sale in Crystal Lake, I found a children's book on the 3 Musketeers for $2. Nothing else.
Tomorrow are a few more sales. I'm happy that sales are still going on because there may not be that many soon. At least I have had more time to go through my own collections and to rearrange and purge. It's been fun.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
My Work Space
I spent a few hours today posting auctions on Ebay of vintage Christmas tablecloths from my collection. It is definitely time to give them to another home. So, I thought it might be a good idea to show a picture of where I spent most of my time. My desk is really a vintage dressing table. I took off the mirror and stored it. The desk is the perfect size for the space plus it looks vintage.
I have a wonderful seashell "topiary" on my desk next to a picture of a seagull from Atlantic City New Jersey. I love the ocean and it makes my day to look at these day in and day out. I use a vintage flower frog to hold my pen. On the other side is a head lamp that I bought years ago at the Volo Antique Mall. I also use an aluminum box to hold notes. On top of the bookcase, which is filled with gardening/knitting/craft/quilting/antique books, I have a vintage floral painting that blends well with the vase next to it. I also made a wreath out of vintage hankies years ago and I love how it looks. There is also a pink milk glass bowl and white milk glass pitcher on top.
I love being surrounded by things that I love. I like for things to be neat and organized and I'm also a homebody that likes routines, so this area is my comfort zone. Recently I added some vintage cow farm toys to the shelves. They were a true find.
I have a wonderful seashell "topiary" on my desk next to a picture of a seagull from Atlantic City New Jersey. I love the ocean and it makes my day to look at these day in and day out. I use a vintage flower frog to hold my pen. On the other side is a head lamp that I bought years ago at the Volo Antique Mall. I also use an aluminum box to hold notes. On top of the bookcase, which is filled with gardening/knitting/craft/quilting/antique books, I have a vintage floral painting that blends well with the vase next to it. I also made a wreath out of vintage hankies years ago and I love how it looks. There is also a pink milk glass bowl and white milk glass pitcher on top.
I love being surrounded by things that I love. I like for things to be neat and organized and I'm also a homebody that likes routines, so this area is my comfort zone. Recently I added some vintage cow farm toys to the shelves. They were a true find.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Christmas Tree
We put up our tree this weekend. It is always decorated in white lights (which is the part I have a hard time doing). Nothing like having Neil Diamond's Christmas songs playing in the background while decorating the tree. It really was a lot of fun and the kids love fighting over who gets which ornament to hang.
I tried taking pictures in all kinds of light, but the pictures didn't come out like I wanted. I'm posting one of them, but it doesn't do the tree justice. It is very wide and full. This year we used vintage ornaments, whether really vintage or just vintage looking but new. I also hung a lot of the crafty ornaments that I have.
It was a good time to sort through my ornaments and set up a discard pile for my garage sale. I managed to clean up quite a bit so that I have room for all of the new ornaments that I bought this year. I'm doing the same thing with the vintage Christmas tablecloths that I have. I'm going to be selling some of them on my Ebay site: milena2000. It always feel like I'm losing something from myself when I get rid of things from my vintage collection. I know that I need to pair down regularly, but it still feels hard. Matthew Mead (see his blog and website: www.holidaywithmatthewmead.com) is doing the same this weekend. Too bad I don't live in New Hampshire because I would be adding to my collection instead of cleansing it.
I tried taking pictures in all kinds of light, but the pictures didn't come out like I wanted. I'm posting one of them, but it doesn't do the tree justice. It is very wide and full. This year we used vintage ornaments, whether really vintage or just vintage looking but new. I also hung a lot of the crafty ornaments that I have.
It was a good time to sort through my ornaments and set up a discard pile for my garage sale. I managed to clean up quite a bit so that I have room for all of the new ornaments that I bought this year. I'm doing the same thing with the vintage Christmas tablecloths that I have. I'm going to be selling some of them on my Ebay site: milena2000. It always feel like I'm losing something from myself when I get rid of things from my vintage collection. I know that I need to pair down regularly, but it still feels hard. Matthew Mead (see his blog and website: www.holidaywithmatthewmead.com) is doing the same this weekend. Too bad I don't live in New Hampshire because I would be adding to my collection instead of cleansing it.
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