Treasures at Interiors Anew

I haven't stopped by Interiors Anew in Woodstock for at least 2 weeks.  So, I had to go there today.  I had always wanted and looked for a vintage metal shopping cart.  There it was outside of the store today for $19.  I grabbed it.  I may use it for my yarn collection.  I'm not sure.  I still need to clean it up and then I will decide.

Inside, Judy was still pricing some items and I spotted a white garden stand.  It was $20 and I had to have it.  I plan to do some work around my gardens tomorrow and will find a place for it.  I have been plant shopping the past two days and have brought home some great pink/purple plants to continue my garden color theme.  I stopped at the Barn Nursery in Cary yesterday and used my $10 off coupon with a $30 purchase.  I found a lavender plant and an allium.  I also went crazy on vegetable plants that are in my basement right now until the weather warms up.  I just had to be ready for that time.  Today I stopped in at the Home Depot in McHenry and bought a few plants.  Some of the plants were 4 for $10.  I'm looking forward to finding a spot for them tomorrow.  I want to plant them before the rain that is expected on Thursday. 

I'm looking forward to the two church rummage sales on Friday.  On Thursday, the McHenry County Defenders will have their sale at the Algonquin Township office on Rte 14 between Crystal Lake and Cary.  I have found treasures there before.  It is worth a look.

Spring Sales are Here!

What a load of fun I had yesterday treasure hunting!  I went to the church rummage sale in Ringwood first.  I find something at this sale every other year.  Well, this was the year.  I found lots of sewing items, picture frames, fabric, crochet hooks and buttons.  Everything was from 50 cents to $1.50.  I spent some time this morning sorting the buttons.  Lots of cool vintage ones.  There were also lots of hand sewing needles and sewing machine needles.  I will never run out of needles, but always good to have handy.

I then stopped at an estate sale in McHenry.  The house was jammed packed, but organized and clean.  Not like the one I went to a few weeks back.  Anyway, I found a vintage 8x10 double picture frame to use with Austin's 8th grade pictures next year.  I had used one for Ethan's and wanted to have a matching one for Austin. Now I do.  I also found a black coal carved Lincoln statue (Austin loves all things from Lincoln), a hand painted metal tray for $3.50, a milk glass miniature vase for $1.50, a bag of vintage Christmas floral items for 75 cents, childrens records for 50 cents each, a large brass bell for $5, some really bright vintage fabric for $2 each, a vintage Christmas elf for $2, another seashell box, but really vintage for $1.50, a vintage Easter rabbit bobblehead for $1.50, a bag of vintage Easter toys for 75 cents and a vintage Christmas apron for $3.  I had a box full when I finally left.  It was a fun sale to be at.

I did garage sale for most of the day and stopped at a sale that I just happened to drive by.  It wasn't listed in the paper.  Sometimes those are the best.  This was one of those good sales.  I found a vintage blue cake stand for $4 and a purple pedestal bowl for $1.  Great great items.  I was very pleased.

I am so glad that spring is finally here.  I spent all day today weeding my gardens and moving garden ornaments around.  The yard is looking really nice.  I hope the sunny days continue.  I even had a few minutes to just sit on my porch and read Midwest Living Magazine.  I don't always make the time to just sit and read while sipping some iced tea.  I'm so glad that I did today.

St. Pauls Church in Crystal Lake is having their rummage sale on May 3 starting at 9am.  Remember, the church in Ridgefield is having their sale at 8am on the same day.  Since they are in close location to each other, you can go to both.  I know that I will be.

I'm Having Fun!

I'm having fun going to sales.  Yesterday, I stopped at the Sparrows Nest in McHenry and found a great pin (looks vintage and definitely me) for $2.50 and a cute pair of earrings for $3.50.  The pin has a nice vintage look with pearls and rhinestones.  I then stopped at the Goodwill in McHenry and found 2 small seashell ring size boxes for $1 each.  I added them to my ever growing collection. 

Today was a super day with 2 church rummage sales.  In the morning, the sale was at the Presbyterian Church on Route 47 in Woodstock.  I found a vintage gold trimmed oval mirror tray for $3 (I always wanted one), a vintage Enesco lady planter for $1, 3 pairs of clip on earrings for 50 cents each and lots of books for the boys at 50 cents to $1 each.  They had a great collection of books to choose from.  The books I bought looked brand new.  They will be great to give as gifts.  In the evening, the Methodist Church in Crystal Lake had their rummage sale.  I found a few books (again for 50 cents each) and 2 shell boxes for 50 cents each that I will probably use to give gifts in.  They are really nice lidded baskets. 

Tomorrow is the Ringwood church rummage sale starting at 9am and then lots of garage sales in Woodstock and McHenry.  I can't wait to begin my day!

Great Black Iron Plant Stand

I bought this black iron plant stand at a garage sale last summer for $3.  I love the design on it!  It sometimes takes me awhile to figure out where I am going to put it.  I didn't want to put a plant on it.  I had something else in mind if only I could find what it was.  I left the stand in my garage until that idea came to me.

Well, during an estate sale this winter, I found a black iron flower for $5.  It was so lovely that I knew I would use it in my garden.  I put the flower on the plant stand and it looks like it was meant to be.  I love the look with it on my front porch.  It goes well with the black iron bistro set.  The corner of the porch where I put it needed something more.  This was it!  See, sometimes you buy something and don't really know what you are going to do with it until later on.  This was one of those times.  I just knew that I loved both pieces and they looked great together.

I took the picture the other day when it was nice and sunny and warm.  How that has changed since then.  Hopefully the sun and warmth will be back tomorrow.  I have my fingers crossed.

Treasure Hunting in Rockford

My friend Cecilia and I went treasure hunting in Rockford yesterday.  We had no idea that we would be driving in blinding snow/sleet and being really cold.  But, we did have fun anyway.  We went to The Vintage Market on Garfield Street which is held in a home on a dead end street.  It was really fun and wow! to set up a sale like that in one's own home is truly amazing.  The sale was set up inside in the kitchen, living room and dining room and also outside.  Lots of goodies and wonderful jewelry.  I bought a necklace that has, Garage Sale Girl, inside of a bauble.  I loved it right away.  How well it fits what I love to do.  It was made by Jeannie Labelle and she can be found on the TheVintageMarket.net website or on facebook at facebook/Jeannie.Labelle.  Cecilia had been admiring these religious inspired bracelets that Jeannie makes and found one that she loved.  Jeannie makes wonderful vintage looking jewelry using lots of vintage items.  Her creations are fabulous! We also walked out with bunches of lavender.  I love the smell of lavender.  My van smelled great all day long.  There was a nice crowd even though the wind and cold were brutal.  There was a tent set up outside for paying and those poor souls were freezing.  It is amazing how even the cold won't keep us away from treasure hunting.

Afterwards, we stopped off at an estate sale on Jefferson Street.  They were the kindest elderly people ever.  We had loads of fun there too.  I left with linens for 50 cents to $3, a made in England floral pottery piece for $2, and a bracelet for $4.  Cecilia also found some treasures:  2 rugs for $15, a handmade rug with a wonderful cat pattern for $10, linens, jewelry and notecards for 25 cents.  We had a few minutes to stop in a church rummage sale on the way home, but didn't find anything.  Since we were on a schedule to pick up the kids from school, we needed to head home.  We had so much more on the list to do, but that will have to wait for the next time.  And, there will be a next time.

I had so much fun yesterday.  Cecilia and I share the love to treasure hunt, but have different likes so we don't fight over the same items.  It's refreshing to have an honest opinion on treasures that we saw.  We also got some great ideas for future crafting projects.  Nothing like treasure hunting with lots of laughs with a friend.

Here are some places that we didn't have time to visit, but will go to on the next trip:
Just a Second 1710 N. Main Street in Rockford
The White Trunk at 1706 Rural St in Rockford will open on May 14
Urban Farmgirl 2202 Rural St in Rockford opened twice a month/next dates May 9-11 and 23-25
To see what vendors were at The Vintage Market, check out TheVintageMarket.net

There is a rummage sale on Thursday April 25th at the Methodist Church in Crystal Lake starting at 5pm.  The Presbyterian Church on Route 47 in Woodstock will have there rummage sale in the morning starting at 8am.  The Church in Ridgefield is having their rummage sale on May 3rd starting at 8am.  I went to a few rummage sales this week, but didn't find anything.  I'm just glad to have gone to the sales.  The Cary Library and the Crystal Lake library book sales were really nice.  I found a lot of books at both.

Happy treasure hunting!  I hope the weather warms up soon so that garage sales will be plentiful.

Two Busy Sale Days

Wow!  The past two days have been lots of fun.  On Thursday, I started out at the First Congregational Church Rummage sale on Pierson Street in Crystal Lake.  We were waiting in the rain for awhile and then we were let inside to wait.  Time went by quickly talking to my rummage sale friends.  They had rearranged the sale in different rooms to make it easier to get around.  Jewelry and boutique items were in a room of their own and antiques and better items were in the large room but off to the side.  I found a Wesmoreland milk glass pedestal bowl for $8, some jewelry for 50 cents to $1 and fabric with sailboats/lighthouses on it for $2.  They had lots of fabric which was fun to go through.  Since I just sold lots of my fabric at the garage sale, I was a lot choosier.  A doily and pottery flower were 50 cents.  One of my rummage sale friends gave me a shopping bag full of fabric since she knows that I like to sew.  That's one of the nice things that has happened in getting to know my rummage sale friends.  If one of us knows what the other likes or is looking for and we find that item, we give it to them.  It has become so much fun to walk around the sales and have someone come up to me with an item that they know I could use or vice versa.

On my way to the church rummage sale in Huntley, I had some time to waste.  I stopped in at Sweet Repeats thrift store on Route 47 in Huntley and at the Goodwill.  I didn't find anything.  The stores were very low on household merchandise.  Once again, we stood outside in the rain and waited to get in.  This time, we weren't allowed inside to wait.  I'm glad that I keep an umbrella in my car.   I didn't find that much at the Huntley sale.  I did find some linens for $2 each and a rose pattern china tea kettle for $4.  It matches the set that my mother gave to me.   (I did manage to find the kids some vintage video games and Pokemon cards.)

Today, I went to the estate sale on Pleasant Street in Woodstock held by Windfall Antiques.  They usually have good sales and their prices are reasonable.  There were a lot of Woodstock memorabilia items.  I found some really neat vintage rings for $1 each.  Yes, $1 each.  How could I pass them up?  I also found another vintage Christmas angel ornament for $1, an Abraham Lincoln pin for $2 to give to Austin and gold aluminum coasters for $1.50.  I will probably use the coasters for a project in the future.  They have a starburst pattern and are thin enough to drill through.  My thoughts are going crazy for a project.

Ok, seems like I should be done with the sales, but before I met my friends Mary and Pat for lunch, I had a few minutes to stop in Interiors Anew in Woodstock.  I found the most beautiful silver cuff bracelet with raised flowers on the top.  It was absolutely beautiful and I paid the $25 for it.  But, it is so worth it by the weight alone.  I can't wait to wear it.  I always manage to find something in that store.  They had quite a bit of summer furniture/wicker items and they were selling very quickly.  Ann, a fellow master gardener, walked out with most of it.  If you see something in the store, you have to buy it then or it sells quickly.  I learned my lesson the hard way.

Tomorrow is the Crystal Lake Library book sale starting at 9am.  I saw the sign at the Methodist Church on South Street in Woodstock for their rummage sale starting on Thursday, April 18. I don't know the time yet.   Happy treasure hunting!

Estate Sale Hunting

2 estate sales in one day!  The first one was in McHenry and what a hoarder house it was.  You could hardly get through the hallways, never mind look through everything in each room.  The prices were kind of high and I didn't see a lot of treasures that I had to have.  I finally found 2 vintage metal flower frogs.   Another woman grabbed the smallest one.  I got the medium for $8 and large one for $10.  I paid a lot for them, but I never see them anymore.  Just watch, now I will find them everywhere.  I also found a vintage Illinois serving tray for 50 cents, a Pyrex measuring cup for $4 and a French vintage handbag for $5.  Overall, it was fun.  I waited for 45 minutes for my number and for them to open at 10am.  (Later than usual for an estate sale) and a half hour to finally get in when they did open.  There were so many people there. One guy had come at 3:30am to put his name on the list to get in.   It wasn't so cold when you stood in the sun.  At least there were people to talk to.  I met Cindy.  She sells on Ebay under the seller name:  threetangerines.  She was informative and fun to talk to.  I need to check out her site.  I told her to check out my brothers Ebay site:  junkentreasures.

The second estate sale was in Crystal Lake by Caring Transitions.  It was a nice house on Pomeroy, but I didn't find anything.

I spent so much time today preparing for my Allium class at Gardenfest tomorrow.  It should be a fun and informative day.  It definitely gets you in the mood to garden.

It's Funny.....

It's funny how a collection starts.  I found a wonderful seashell topiary at the Sparrows Nest a few months back.  Since I love seashells, I had to buy it.  It now sits on top of my desk.  So today, Austin and I went to the Zion Lutheran Church rummage sale in McHenry and what did I see.  Another seashell topiary for $1.  I just had to buy it.  Does this mean that I have another collection?  We will just have to wait to see.

I found a few nice things.  I needed a small easel for pictures and I found one for 50 cents.  I found knitting/crochet needles for 10 cents each, 2 pins for 50 cents each (one was from Atlantic City.  I love finding things from New Jersey), and a small wooden stool for $1.  Austin found a Wii game for $3 that was never opened.  Since the day was so beautiful, finally, I went to Carriage House Antiques in Crystal Lake.  One of the vendors is leaving and her booth was 50% off.  I found a cute pink basket for about $3, a ceramic green basket for $2.50 and a 4 piece pottery dish collection for $5.  Then, I had to visit the Sparrows Nest in McHenry and found a vintage crochet doily for $4.  I was so thrilled to have found some great treasures today.

Tomorrow are 2 estate sales, one in McHenry and one in Crystal Lake.  On top of all of that, I am getting ready for Gardenfest on Saturday.  I even had time to rake the leaves in a few gardens in my yard.  I love getting out there in the early spring to get my hands dirty.  It always makes me feel so good.  I am hoping to finish up the garden clean up next week.

Thursday, April 11 are 2 rummage sales.  One is at the First Congregational Church on Pierson Street in Crystal Lake at 9am and the other is at 12 noon in Huntley.  I am so excited to have 2 sales on the same day.  The Cary Library book sale (and the McHenry Library sale) are on Saturday, April 20th.  The Crystal Lake Library book sale is on Saturday April 13th.

Happy treasure hunting!

Rick's Picks

Since it was the last Friday of spring break, the kids and I decided to do something fun.  We visited the Burpee Museum in Rockford to see Rick's Picks. Rick Nielsen from Cheap Trick had his treasures on exhibit.  It was so great to see so much rock-n-roll history.  The kids especially loved his unique guitar collection.  I loved his silver suit.  The exhibit goes on for a short while in April.  It is well worth the visit.

We stopped at the estate sale in McHenry on the way home and didn't find a thing.  Oh well.  That happens sometimes.  Instead, I went through my spring and summer clothes and have a full bag for my next garage sale.  It always feels good to organize and get rid of clothes that no longer fit or that I haven't worn in over one year. 

Next week I'm hoping to begin cleaning up the garden.  I always wait for spring to clean up the leaves and perennial debris.  It is nice to look at in the winter when covered in snow, but a lot of work to clean up in the spring.  After being inside for the winter, I look foward to sore muscles from doing yard work.  I also have a to do list for the garden.  I just hope that the snow melts so that I can start on that list.

Park Place Sale

The kids and I treasure hunted at the Park Place sale today.  It was very crowded with buyers.  I found some great jewelry:  pins for $1-2 each, bracelets for $2 each and clip on earrings for 25 cents.  I was happy with the prices.  I have a craft in mind for the earrings and who could beat 25 cents for a pair.  The kids found comic books, nerf guns and Gameboy color games plus the handheld device.  We had fun chatting with friends.  The season has definitely begun.  I am so happy!  It's always a long winter when there are no sales.

We then took a drive up to Lake Geneva for a few hours.  The Pizza Hut has an all you can eat buffet for $6 per person.  After lunch, we walked around the lake and town for awhile and had to go to our favorite ice cream place, Kilwins.  The weather was perfect.  Everyone else must have thought so too because the town was crowded.  All parking places were filled.  I guess everyone needs spring right now.  I know that I do. 

My crocuses are coming up.  The yellow ones are opening.  It is definitely a glorious day.  I'm getting ready for Gardenfest at McHenry County College on Saturday, April 6.  It is sure to be a great gardening information day.  I'm teaching a class on Alliums.  I love Alliums and Hydrangeas.  I'm looking forward to the day.  It is always a lot of fun. 

Tomorrow is an estate sale in McHenry that looks good.  I hope to get there.  The Moose Lodge on Clay Street in Woodstock is having a book/game/dvd sale on Saturday.  Also, the Burpee Museum in Rockford is having an exhibit, Rick's Picks, from Rick Nielson of Cheap Trick.  It is an assortment of his collecticles in rock-n-roll.  We're heading out there tomorrow since it is only $8 per person on Friday instead of the usual $15 per person.  It will be fun to see his treasures.

Happy Spring!

Even though it is still cold and windy here, I know that spring is around the corner.  My crocus and tulips are popping up.  That is such a happy day.  I love when the flowers start to emerge.  It is a glorious feeling.  I took a stroll in my yard to make note of what has to be done soon.  Lots of projects to do and more stuff to organize and get rid of.

I have spent the better part of the last few days cleaning and organizing.  It took Ethan and I all of Friday to rearrange his bedroom and to store childhood things away.  He was great at throwing stuff away.  I was proud of him.  His room looks great and he loves it.  Now on to Austin's room. 

Saturday was an indoor garage sale at McHenry Middle School in McHenry.  We only found a few things.  I did find these two really nice vintage pins for $5 each.  Nice and sparkly just like I love.

On Thursday, Park Place in Crystal Lake has a spring garage sale starting at 8am.  Zion Lutheran Church in McHenry is having their rummage sale on April 4th starting at 8am.  Hopefully there will be more garage sales this week.  Happy hunting!

Springtime in the Greenhouse

Today the Master Gardeners had a field trip to Hampshire Farms in Hampshire, IL.  What a perfect day for a field trip to a greenhouse.  It is soooo cold and blustery.  On top of that, a semi carrying a load of cheese was on its side near to Hampshire Farms and the road was closed.  After driving round about, I finally managed to get there.  What a treat it was!  So many flowers in bloom that it felt like spring had arrived.  Not to mention that it was warm in there.  There were so many in bloom hydrangeas that I wanted all of them. 

Hampshire Farms sells wholesale only to Home Depot.  It is a very large operation and we were lucky to have had a tour of the place.  1 1/2 hours of springtime bliss.  I couldn't have asked for a better way to spend the morning.

Big Sale Today

Boy am I tired!  Today was the McHenry Wide Garage sale at the Holiday Inn in Crystal Lake.  The boys and I started to set up at 5am.  They were such a big help.  I couldn't have done it without them.  We sold sooooo much stuff.  I am very happy that the big stuff went.  Especially a bike that was Austin's.  I also sold a lot of clothes.  Everything that was left over went to the Salvation Army and the Sparrows Nest in McHenry.  I am so happy that my house is cleaned out...for now. 

The boys had a great time and spent my money on some Pokemon stuff and other things.  They really love helping out at these sales and getting good deals.  I heard them bargaining and they did a great job.  I am so proud of them.  I did have a quick chance to look around after Caldwell relieved me.  I only found 2 vintage pins for 50 cents each.  More to use on my felted bags.

Last night, the boys and I went to the Algonquin Library book sale and bought quite a few books and video games.  Another fun sale.  We ended with cookies and lemonade, as usual.  We really look forward to these sales.  The next one is for July 18-21. 

The next garage sale is at McHenry Middle School in McHenry on Saturday March 23rd and then there is one at the Park Place in Crystal Lake on Thursday March 28 at 8am.

Blue Felted Bag

I finished another bag!  Everytime I make a bag, I love it more then the one before it.  I'm excited about this one.  The felting came out wonderfully.  I also used a vintage fabric yo-yo piece under the flower pin.  I think it looks great.  I'm glad that I had a blue purse handle.  I'm keeping my eyes open at sales for odd colored purse handles.

Sale updates:  I am in booth 12 at the McHenry County Garage sale at the Holiday Inn in Crystal Lake on Saturday March 16 from 7-1.  Look for me.  I have a full booth. 

Friday, March 15th is the Algonquin Library Book sale starting at 4pm.  No charge to enter on Friday (only on Thursday). 

All That Glitters....

All that glitters......it has to be wonderful vintage costume jewelry.  Boy do I love vintage costume jewelry!  That has become an even bigger obsession recently.  I just looked through all of my collection and it always amazes me on how wonderful each piece is.  The more sparkly and large the better.  I especially love pins and bracelets. 

My friend Cecilia was helping another friend price vintage pieces that had belonged to her friend's mom.  Her friend is also selling at the McHenry County garage sale on March 16.  I was so kindly invited over to (help) and to look at her collection.  Wow!!!!!! She has so many wonderful pieces.  It was never ending.  Each time we opened a box, we were excited.  I had the most wonderful day.  I was so thrilled to have been welcomed into this, shall I say, event.  It will be exciting to see more of her collection at the garage sale.  I added 12 new pieces to my collection and I am so excited.   Her prices are good and fair.  Cecilia knows my taste in jewelry pretty well and was right on when I picked out the same pieces as she did for me to add to my collection.  Thank you sooooooo much, Cecilia. 

I did stop at the Mother Load estate sale in Woodstock and only found 2 old gardening books.  I also look for gardening books to add to my growing collection.  They were only $1 each.

Tomorrow and Sunday is a Caring Transitions estate sale in Crystal Lake.  March 23 is an indoor garage sale at McHenry Middle School in McHenry.  I don't usually find many treasures at this sale, but, you never know what you will find.  I guess that is what keeps me going.

First Rummage Sales of the Season

Wow!  Today sure was fun.  The sun was shining so it made standing in line waiting to get into the rummage sales warmer.  I had a great time catching up with my rummage sale friends.  Standing on line passes quickly when you have someone to talk to.  We compared notes on our finds at the morning rummage sale at Faith Community United Church of Christ in Prairie Grove.  Their fall rummage sale is on Sept 12th and 13th.  Mark your calendars.

At that sale, I found a few books and Pokemon cards and spent a whole $3.50.  In the afternoon, it was the rummage sale in Cary.  I only found a box of labeled specimen rocks for $1.  It was just nice to be out even though I didn't find many things at the sales today.

I did stop at the Sparrows Nest in Cary on the way home and found a great milk glass piece for $4.  They are all decorated for Easter, so if you need Easter themed items, go now.  I also stopped at the Sparrows Nest in McHenry and found a New York snow globe that plays music (it works!) for $4. It even has the Twin Towers in it.  I'm going to put it into Austin's Easter basket.  He'll love it.

Tomorrow is an Estate Sale in Woodstock by Mother Lode on Lincoln.  I'm looking forward to it.  Friday, March 15th is the Algonquin Library book sale.  (It opens on Thursday night but they charge a few on that night).  Then, I'm selling at the McHenry Wide Garage Sale on Saturday March 16th at the Holiday Inn in Crystal Lake from 7am to 1pm.  I keep finding treasures to bring with me, but I can't fit it all into my van.  I'm going to try to pack it full; as I do each year.  The fun is trying to fit it all into my booth.  Everyone gets a kick out of watching me trying to cram it all into the booth.  Somehow, it always works.  Hope to see you there!

Snow Day

Just because I have been dreaming of spring, we got a major snow storm today.  We are expecting up to 10 inches.  Even the schools were closed.  So, we spent some time outside snowshoeing and building a very ugly snowman.  The snow was too soft and wouldn't pack enough to make a solid nice snowman.  We did manage to have a snowball fight though. 

I probably jinxed it by spring cleaning my house this week.  I moved furniture, washed drapes and washed windows.  I like to spring clean at the end of February because once it starts to get warm outside, I'm out there.  No time for house cleaning then.  I like the fresh clean smell when I spring clean.  I even got the kids involved today.  It was actually a lot of fun.

Thursday can't come fast enough.  2 rummage sales on the same day.  Maybe spring is just around the corner.  Even if it isn't, just give me the sales and I'll be happy.

It's Spring In My House!

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.   

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. 

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.)

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.

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.