Treasures of the Past

It's been 3 weeks!

2010-01-06T18:32:00.001-08:00

Sorry I haven't updated this blog. I'm usually hiding out at my scrapping blog A Scrapmom's Musings or at my crafting blog The Creative Cottage.

Not much is happening. I am so bogged down with other commitments on those two other blogs as well as working outside the home, that I've sadly neglected this one. While packing up Christmas decorations last weekend, I discovered that I have items in my basement that I need to do something with. That is one of my goals in the next couple of months. I miss yard saling!

Other than that, there's not much to post about here.

My Christmas Home

2009-12-13T10:52:00.001-08:00

I decided to join in on a few Christmasy blog hops and would like to thank Hootin' Anni' for hosting the Home for the Holidays" Blog Parade; Jerri for hosting the "Holly Bloggy Xmas Bash" being held from Dec. 14th to the 18th and to The Nester who is hosting the Christmas Tour of Homes 2009. Stop by these great blogs and have a great time!

So.....I'm still decorating and most likely will right up until Xmas Eve! But, for now, enjoy my simple home with its simple decor'. Thanks for looking!

This Santa is the oldest and beloved of all ornaments on my tree. Why? Because he was made by my simple hands when I was a girl of 11. He has moved many times with me over the years and is still unscathed! It's a miracle! He is made from a hollowed out egg, a cotton ball for the beard and trim and a chin piece from my baby brother's hat at the time. I look at this and remember the day that I created him so many years ago....

The tree isn't quite complete. I need to add my beaded garland and more ornaments. I wish I had added more lights as well, but it's too late now.

A recently acquired ornament that was handmade by Sharon Kyser. I just LOVE it!

The next two paper ornaments were also created by Sharon for a swap in which we were partners:

Below is a Santa standing by an antique coffee cart on which sits my vintage nativity set:

Ornaments in a cut glass bowl:

An antique side table covered with my collection of Snowmen. Below the table are my soft dolls--santas and snowmen--each of them holds their own story as well.

My Santa collection:

A snowflake garland in my dining area:

My Nativity Set is 25 years old. My mother bought it for me and my husband for our first Christmas.

This angel watches over me in the scrapbook room:

My husbnad loves to fish and this is his contribution to the tree every year!

This ceramic tree and angels were made by my sister years ago. They sit proudly on my hutch in the dining area:

This gingerbread house sits on the dining room table proudly made by my daughter.

That's it for now. I'll be posting more soon. Thanks for stopping by,

Getting Ready to Attend Some Blog Hops

2009-12-13T07:58:00.001-08:00

I just love blog hops. I find them so inspirational and it's a wonderful way to make new friends. Just a few days ago, I received an email from The Inspired Room and saw a "Holiday House Tour" blog hop going on. So, I clicked on that and found so many gorgeously decorated rooms for Christmas. From there, I discovered more "hops" happening and decided to join in.

At this point, I want to thank you for visiting this fairly new blog of mine. I created it several months ago to show off and talk about my love of vintage and repurposing antique finds, flea-market discoveries, etc. I'm usually at A Scrapmoms Musings Click Here --my first and most beloved blog. I'm an obsessed scrapper and that blog is where I spend 95% of my time, hence the neglect to this blog. But, I plan on changing that. It's a New Year's Resolution.

Well, I'm off to create a Holiday Post and upload some holiday pics. Check in tomorrow to enjoy the tour.

Have a great day!

I'd Love to Share My Tree With You

2009-12-12T08:27:00.000-08:00

My Christmas Tree has had many different looks over the years and after I decorate the tree each year, I always ooooh and aaaahhhh over it, thinking it's the most beautiful tree in the world. It's a simple tree really, but what makes it beautiful to me are the ornaments. Each ornament holds a special meaning and when they are unwrapped each year, I stop and think about where it came from, who had given it to me and if I had bought it for myself--why?

My tree is an eclectic mix of whimsy and classic. My girls are grown now but I have most of the handmade decorations they made in school. I also have a Santa that I made when I was 11 years old. It's made from a hollowed out egg, with hand drawn eyes and the beard is made from a cotton ball. It's the oldest and most beloved ornament on the tree. I have several paper crafted ornaments made by some special scrapper friends as well. There are ornaments that pertain to the personality of each child--such as Tweety for Val when she was around 10 when she had a "thing" for Tweety back then. There's a cookie jar for Jackie because of her penchant for sweets. Another has hand painted penguins for Zachery because of his love of penguins at the time (around age 7, I think). Each day I add more ornaments and each day, my tree becomes more special.

I LOVE Christmas and all the comes with it and I especially love decorating the house for the occasion. As of today, Christmas is only 13 days away and I'm still decorating! The tree is not quite done, but I thought I'd share it with you anyway. Enjoy!

Thanks for looking! And I wish you and yours a Very Merry Christmas!

Christmas is 3 Weeks from Today!

2009-12-04T19:20:00.001-08:00

I'm almost done with my shopping but then there's the baking and the umpteen projects I've committed myself too with very little time to complete them!!! Aaarrrgh! I'm happy to announce as well that I'll be featured on Craftaholics Anonymous as part of the Reader Tutorial Week. My tutorial will be shown on December 16th. My tutorial is on creating a papercrafted Pinecone Ornament. It's fairly simple--just a bit time-consuming. If you'd like to create one of these ornaments, stop on over to the blog at Craftaholics Anonymous on December 16th. Thanks!

Ahhh, It's That Time of Year!

2009-11-05T13:39:00.000-08:00

And what time of year is that, you might ask? It's nearly Christmas! It's only 6 weeks away and as always I'm stressing over what handmade gifts I can make. I LOVE making things for family and friends, but I never leave myself enough time to complete the projects! The first thing I have to do is create an ornament for a swap I'm in at Etsy Cottage Style. I know exactly what I'm making, just have to get off my butt and do it! I've got other ideas of what to make just by browsing through some other blogs on re-purposing objects to make something else that's quite unique and personal. This is just a short post to let everyone know that I'm here (although I'm usually at A Scrapmom's Musings. Will post something when it's done!

Looking for New Treasures

2009-10-28T07:45:00.000-07:00

I'm heading out this morning to do some errands and will try to get to the local thrift store and see what I might find. Who knows? I'm looking for vintage children's books right now. I'm always on the lookout for anything I can use for home decor as well. There's not much out there. I don't live in an area that's 'overflowing' with 'treasures', but I always keep my eye out. Have a great day!

I've Been MIA

2009-10-20T16:05:00.001-07:00

Yes, I haven't been on this blog in a few weeks and I apologize. I haven't found a thing to add to my vintage collection/flea market finds. I have been busy and am usually on my scrapping blog. I just created an altered rolling pin for a Trash to Treasure Swap. I've tried to upload a pic, but am having trouble

No New Finds Lately

2009-10-04T08:56:00.001-07:00

It seems that all the great yard sales are on the weekends I'm working! Last weekend was gorgeous and although there were a few yard sales in town, I didn't go to any of them as I was at Harvest Days with my grandchildren and Jackie. Matter of fact, Jackie won First Place for her home-made (from scratch!) pumpkin pie and I won 3rd for my Dutch Apple pie. I'm now in the process of creating a repurposed item from a find for a swap over at Junk Queen's. I was having major problems deciding what to create, but then I found inspiration and am nearly done with it. Just hope my swap partner likes it. I can't post a pic yet as she hasn't seen it yet. So, I'm just busy with no real new finds as of late. Have a great day!

Vintage Tags I Created

2009-09-14T09:59:00.000-07:00

I don't think I posted on this blog the tags I created for a tag swap hosted by Carol B at QueenBe's Altered Needs. I belong to Etsy Cottage Style and joined this swap. She just informed us that the tags are now postal! I can't wait! She posted all the tags on her blog and they are gorgeous. Such talented ladies. When I was making my tags, I consistently felt that they weren't good enough. I sure hope the gals like them. Also, if you find that there's been a space of time in which I haven't posted here, do check out my scrapping blog: A Scrap Mom's Musings, found HERE. I love scrapping along with collecting 'treasures'. Stop on over for a visit. I'd love to hear from you. Have a great day!

Yard Sale Treasures!

2009-09-05T07:35:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I haven't been here in a few weeks. I tend to neglect this blog in favor of my scrapping blog--which I shouldn't. Too many blogs, not enough time. But, anyway, I just came back from a few yard sales and bought a few things--not much really. Alot of it was junk or just waaay over priced! And, I had a limited amount of funds as well! I went to one house where one lady was selling all of her Boyd's Bears that usually run $20 and up (the ones she had anyway) for $1 to $2.00 each! Yes, you read that right! I bought one and wanted to buy so darn many. I just might stop by on my way to work and buy a couple more! The problem is....where do I put them once I have them home? Here are my finds.

I just LOVE this angel doll! Not sure where she'll sit quite yet, but I had to pick her up. Below is one of the many Boyd teddies a woman was selling. This went for $2.00.

Below is a photo of the angel doll and an antique looking prairie dress.

And here is a pic of a tiny Boyd's bear. She stands about 5 inches tall. I so wish I could've perused more yard sales, but I have to work. I hope you enjoyed my finds.

Still Working on some things

2009-08-18T11:00:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't posted in several days. It's been hot, so I've been lazy. We, as a family, spent the entire day Sunday at Fort Foster in Kittery, Maine and had a wonderful day! The last couple of days I've been working and the heat has just wiped me out. But, I am working on some vintage items and will hopefully have something posted soon. Have a great day!

It's A Hot One!

2009-08-14T14:02:00.001-07:00

I really shouldn't complain about the recent heat, but it is HOT! June was so darn rainy and July was below average with temps in the 60's. We did have a few good hot days and then August hit and Wham! 90's!!! But, here in New England, we get the humidity as well which makes 92 degrees (as it was today) feel like it's over 100! I like the weather in the low 80's. The whole weekend is suppose to be hot and I am thankful that I don't have to work. I see a couple of beach days lying ahead.

But, back to a more 'vintage' note. I plan on creating a mini-altered frame as pictured in the post below. I'll post when it's complete.

An Altered Frame Idea

2009-08-06T12:22:00.001-07:00

I was browsing through some sites about altered items and found this on the Memory Makers site. It was created by Kara Ward, courtesy of EK Success. It's an Altered Heritage Frame using nothing but mini tags. Each tag is decorated and then lined up in 4 rows to create a lovely piece of art. I have alot of the stuff I need right here in my room. I'm going to have to give it a try. Just click HERE for directions and list of supplies.

If you do create one, leave a link in the comment section. I'd love to see it!

I Need Help in Deciding Blog Design

2009-08-03T09:16:00.001-07:00

I want to change the look of this blog and have come up with three that I like. The 'Yellow Dots' gives my blog a sunny, happy, upbeat feel that I really like and the banner shows items that are more my style than in the other two. The second choice, "Antique Bits" is also very nice in a feminine vintage way that gives the blog a heritage feel. The last one, "My Scroll" also gives a nice vintage feel, and the blue is appealing to the eye and makes the blog stand out more when you first visit it. I am looking for the "wow" factor I guess. In other words, when you first visit my blog what does it say to you just by color and the look of the banner? Thanks so much for your help.

I also went to a couple of yard sales on Sunday. I didn't find much because it was threatening rain and alot of people closed up shop early. I headed out late (1:00) because my husband and I had a lazy morning and then decided to go out for lunch. But, I did find these two cross-stitch rose pieces. I think I'm going to hang them in my bedroom.

Have a great day, ladies!

Changing the Look of My Blog

2009-08-01T17:37:00.000-07:00

I decided to change the look---again! I liked the pink with sage but wanted something that looked more vintage. So, yes, you are in the right place if your looking for my blog. I've just changed it up a bit. When I finally find the style I want--it will stay. For now this will do.

Flea Market Trip and Yard Saling

2009-08-01T16:41:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I'll be visiting some yard sales (or curb-side sales as some may call it) and flea markets to see what kinds of goodies I can bring home. My dh just groans and wonders why am I bringing in more junk when I should be getting rid of it! He just doesn't understand. I am hoping that I will find a Thumbelina or a Barbie (the one with the brunette bubble (afro) hairdo from 1961 (?), but finding anything like that at a yard sale is wishful thinking. I would have to go to a dealer somewhere. I did look on e-bay and they are selling anywhere from $150 to $400 depending on the condition. Because so many of my cherished toys as a child were tossed away or given away, I have kept my girls dolls. They are now 21 and 24 and they are so glad that I've kept them. But anyway, I digress.....

I'm not really looking for anything specific. I just like to see what little treasures I can find and put to good use here at home. Most of the stuff I own is second hand. My home is eclectic-cottage style as I like to call it. Perhaps someday, I'll take pics and post. Enjoy the rest of the evening, ladies!

I've Been Reminiscing

2009-07-29T08:36:00.000-07:00

about my girlhood toys. I don't know what brought on the memories or the want to have some of my old toys back. When I was about 6 years old, I had a Thumbelina doll that squirmed and wiggled like a real baby. Everything about her was so real. For some reason, my mother gave it away. My mother didn't believe in saving things for memorabilia sake---when we outgrew it, the toys got tossed or given away. I had so many great toys as a girl. I had the original Barbie, all four of the Beatle dolls, The Dating Game board game--just so many toys that are worth money today but more than that--they were and are a part of me. So, while remember bittersweet memories of my youth, I decided to search on-line for the Thumbelina doll. Way out of my price range, but it was nice to look upon her sweet face. Thought I'd post a picture of her on this blog just as a reminder of my youth. Perhaps this longing comes from the fact that I feel as though life is passing much too quickly. I just don't know. But, someday, I would love to have Thumbelina back in my life.

Thanks, Ladies, for Visiting My Blog

2009-07-29T08:24:00.000-07:00

I just want to say thank you to all of you ladies that have recently become a follower of this blog. It is still new and I will do my best to make it a place of inspiration and fun. I've been a bit busy since my last posting but thought I should send a quick post today before heading off to work. I have some items I purchased last weekend that I want to work on or at least use in my house somewhere. Some items will take a little longer to post as I have plans on altering them. If you have any ideas or suggestions on how I can improve this blog, I would love to hear them. This blog is for you as well as for me! Thanks again for following!

I Am So Inspired!

2009-07-26T07:28:00.000-07:00

I attended Karen Valentine's "Where Bloggers Create" party this past Friday and I am in awe of so many studios, little creative corners and spaces that abound with so much inspiration and creativity. I've decided to use some of the ideas I've seen and apply them to my own room. So, stay tuned over the next few weeks and see how my room is transformed---once again! Thanks go out to anyone who has decided to follow my on my creative journey as well. I so appreciate it!

Welcome to My Creative Space.....

2009-07-23T19:26:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my creative space. If you've visited my sister blog, A Scrap Mom's Musings, than you've seen my space. But if you haven't, do read on! This is the place where I sit with my muse and do my best to come up with some fantastic layouts (well, sometimes), alter an item that had been trash to one person and is now my "treasure", and a place where I can craft other items to my heart's content. It's a place to rejuvenate, to become inspired and to inspire. Some of these storage ideas have come from scrapping magazines and websites and some I came up with by repurposing containers found at yard sales and flea markets and even from around the house! If it can hold something, it can be used in my room! I hope all of you find some inspiration here as I'm sure I'll find some in the places I plan on visiting today! Please leave a comment as I love hearing from visitors. And, if you feel comfortable in coming back more often, do sign on as a follower. I'd love to have you join me on my creative journey. So, without further adieu, here are some pics of where I create. Thanks for visiting ladies!

To give you an idea of the layout of the room, please read: To enter this room, you would walk through a pair of French doors (love 'em!) and face a window directly in front of you. This window (shown further down) has a window seat that holds an assortment of items that inspire me. This "vignette" often changes according to mood and season. To the right and left of this window are the built-in wall shelves. To your right as you stand at the door is my desk which also faces another window. This window overlooks the porch and the street. Opposite my desk where I create is my computer desk. This is a small room (9 x 9) but it works for me. I hope this gives you a bit of an understanding of where you are in the room.

This is a built in shelving unit to the right of the window. This holds containers of embellishments, everthing from A-Z in the scrapping world!

This shelving unit is to the left of the window (to the right of the computer). These shelves store boxes and boxes of photos (the lower 3 shelves!) and other larger embellishments.

To the right of my desk sits a book shelf housing all my scrap/craft related magazines and books. The entrance to this room is through a set of French doors from the livingroom.

Below is a stack of vintage inspired boxes that house my kits and unfinished mini albums

This is my desk --it's not much, but it's comfy.

A vintage birdhouse that hangs in front of my window between the two wall units.

A little vignette of birdhouses and a teddy bear--it makes me smile

Ribbon Storage. It has since grown! I wrapped my ribbon around cards (think of oversized embroidery floss cards)and then put them in this basket that once held a Pyrex casserole dish!

A hodge-podge of items sitting on the window seat. This tends to change constantly!

A vintage suitcase that stores my stencils.

I didn't like the "clutter" of what was inside my bigger Sterilite boxes, so I covered the insides with decorative paper and labeled the box with a paper flower. Viola'

Scraps of vintage looking fabric in a wire basket

My first piece of Wall Art. This was created from a challenge being offered at Vintage Flaire--"A-Z Wall Art".

Bookcase displaying notebooks--everything from Book of Me ideas to Photography. More page kits and patterned paper are store here as well. The narrower book shelf (which sits directly to the left of the computer desk) holds completed mini albums, photo albums, notebooks, and binders for CD's. There is also a wire paper organizer that sits between the computer and the narrow book shelf. Excuse the blurriness.

And this is the computer where I enter another world....

Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting my creative space. Please stop by again!

Vintage Touches Around My Home

2009-07-23T12:39:00.000-07:00

I live in a house built in the 1920's. I own a couple of old cars that I'm too embarrassed to show. My part-time job outside the home is to take care of the elderly. You see, I love all things "old", "vintage", anything that falls into the 'antique' category. Hey, I'm vintage myself! My husband is vintage. I just thought I'd show off some of the vintage items I have around the house. Most of my treasures were inherited from my mother-in-law when she passed away many years ago or were purchased from flea markets and yard sales. I hope they put a smile on your face.

A Vintage Boat

2009-07-23T12:26:00.000-07:00

While attending a cookout at my parents last weekend, I stopped in at my sister and brother-in-law's house to see how their renovation is coming along. Perry (my bro-in-law) showed me his new 'toy'. It is a 1957 Chris Craft boat. It needs alot of work which will be his project after the yard and house are completed. My favorite part of the boat was the back---note the fin tails (I think that's what they're called). I laughed because I'm just as vintage as the boat--I was born in 1957. I guess Chris Craft boats were quite the thing in the 50's and 60's.

Such Neglect!

2009-07-23T12:23:00.000-07:00

I've been neglecting this poor blog for a few weeks! I am so in tune to my scrapping blog that my blog for all things vintage has been pushed to the back burner. Well, as of today, I will fix that! From now on, I will do my best to spend equal (or as close as I can get!) time on both blogs. Today, I found an invite to a blog party held by Karen Valentine of My Desert Cottage. Her blog is WONDERFUL! I am no inspired and motivated to clean up and decorate my blog for visitors tomorrow---hopefully! If you read this, Karen, thanks for the invite!

A New Creation!

2009-07-02T09:53:00.000-07:00

This is an item I made for a swap on the Etsy Cottage Style blog. I thought I'd post here as well. I'm going to make another one (or two) to sell on consignment at a local craft store. I made this using a wooden disc, a wooden spool, a wooden napkin ring--painted them, then used crackle paint. I glued the wooden pieces together to create a stand. The jar is an ordinary mason jar filled with excelsior, some faux eggs and a bird. The lid is made from the metal mason jar lid, a pill bottle cap and a wooden knob. I think it came out pretty darn good!

Yard Sale Finds

2009-06-07T19:23:00.000-07:00

I went to several yard sales this weekend and got lucky with a few great finds. I will use all these items somewhere in my home. I'll just spruce them up, alter them a bit, add a touch of lace, flowers, other assorted embellishments and then put them in a place of honor in the house. Of course, my husband thinks my finds are "junk", but, to me, they are treasures worth saving. I will post the "after" pictures sometime in the future. Have a great day!

Brand New Blog!

2009-06-05T19:01:00.001-07:00

Yet another blog I've created! I swear I'm addicted to blogs! This particular blog will be centered around my love of things from the past. Anything vintage--real or faux---will be featured here. This will be evolving as time goes on. I love to go to flea markets and yard sales and see what I can find that is another's trash, but my treasure! I love anything that is of a vintage feel although I don't like an item if it looks "chintzy" or "cheesy". I do alter some items as the artistic muse inspires me. So, check back often and see what I've discovered!