The T-Cozy

Catching Up and 20% Off on Etsy

Now that I've finished my Studios magazine article, I can get back to some neglected duties, such as planting my window boxes, going to estate sales, and working on Etsy listings. The window boxes are almost done and the rest of the garden is looking good. We even have a new stone wall that I'll share photos of soon. This morning, I'll be stopping by a couple of estate sales, and later today, I will finish listing the vintage items shown below. 

New additions to my Etsy shop include jadeite Fire King, old cameras, rustic foot stools, paper ephemera, white art pottery, and more. I even found another Sew Master toy sewing machine. It seems that every time I list one, they fly out the door. The last two shipped all the way to South Korea.

As a thank you to my loyal customers, and to patrons yet to come, I am offering a 20% discount in my Etsy shop all weekend. Usually, I have a birthday sale, but this year it falls on Memorial Day and things will be a bit crazy here. So please enjoy 20% off today May 18 through Sunday, May 20. To receive the discount, you'll need to enter the coupon code SPRINGSALE at check out. By the way, for those of you who don't like using PayPal, I now accept credits cards on Etsy.

I'm looking forward to a busy week. We'll be heading down to Hannah's graduation as well as packing up both kids' stuff at college. Lots to do!

Enjoy this beautiful Spring weekend,

Susan

Paper Doll Dress Up

You may have noticed that I love to buy and sell vintage toys. Not only are these relics a welcome reminder of my childhood, I can play with them a little before they get discovered in my Etsy shop and ship off to a new home.

Yesterday, in order to photograph them for their Etsy debut, I played dress up for a while with this 1940s set of sister and brother paper dolls. Aren't they super cute? I love Sis's pigtails and her brother's cowlick. And their vintage clothes are fabulous, with paper attire for every occasion.

So sweet! I like the ensemble with the rolled-up dungarees and straw hats that looks like a cross between Huck Finn and Beaver Cleaver. Which outfit is your favorite? 

Susan

Racing with the Clouds to Meet My Deadline

Please excuse my brevity, but time is tight for me today. I am shooting my upcycled vegetable bin for an upcoming Studios magazine article. 

Here's a little glimpse at its makeover . . .

I prefer to use natural light when taking my photographs. Luckily, today is partly cloudy with a few peeks of sun. With a forecast calling for rain for the remainder of the week here, this looks like the only day to get my pictures done before Thursday's deadline.

Ooh, the sun just came out. I better get going before I lose the light!

Susan

A Not So Lazy Susan

Last week, I found this vintage aluminum and glass serving piece. It's a Lazy Susan from the 1950s that will be making an appearance in my Etsy shop soon. She spins and can hold a variety of nuts or dips in her divided glass bowl, with plenty of room around the outside for chips or crudités. 

But before she gets discovered on Etsy, I had fun playing around with others ways Lazy Susan could be useful. Shown below, an old tea kettle-turned-planter is happy to employ her as a pedestal.

Miss Susan would also come in handy in a home studio or craft area. Her divided dish, and the addition of a few glass ramekins, can hold buttons, beads, or other small supplies within easy reach while working on a crafty project.

Or how about transforming her into a beach-inspired centerpiece? Arrange some sea shells around a vintage sand pail, and you can almost hear the ocean.

Well then . . . I guess this Susan isn't so lazy after all. 

Susan

Shelf Life

I am always on the lookout for appealing vintage shelves, like this folk art one shaped like a tulip.

Seeking a little inspiration, I worked on a new Pinterest pin board this morning. I titled it Shelf Life and is features some wonderful photos that I found online of shelves stocked with interesting items. I'll soon be trolling the internet for more. 

Shelves are a great way to bring focus to a group of items, be it a collection or things that just feel like they belong together. I use both large and small ones in many forms for display all around my house. Here are just a few . . .

Aren't these shelves perfect for displaying vintage items? Love 'em!

Susan

Changing the World

Last week, I finally got around to switching over the clothes in my closet from fall/winter to spring/summer. Then, I brought the items I no longer wear over to Goodwill. While there, this vintage globe caught my eye.

Although it has seen better days, I took the globe home anyway thinking that I would upcycle it. So yesterday, I searched online for some repurposed globe ideas. I came across many creative ways to change the world. Here's what I found . . .

An easy transformation is turning half of the globe into a decorative bowl. The one above, from Better Homes and Gardens, rests on a simple glass candle holder.

These pretty globe bowls were created by Cathe of Just Something I Made. I love their scalloped paper edges.

Maps on the interior and a cake stand were added to this beautifully done bowl by SweetWolf on Etsy. 

Here are two examples of globes embellished with decoupage. Artist Wendy Gold, of ImagineNations, creates these whimsical art worlds using recycled materials. Aren't they stunning? Be sure to check out Wendy's website to see lots more. 

Vintage globes can even become lamp shades. The pendants, below, are from Rosebud's Cottage.

This table lamp with a recycled globe shade is by giftbaskets4fun on Etsy. Love the beaded trim!

Fun decor in a dorm room, child's room or study, this globe turned chalkboard is by amysoldschool on Etsy.

A timely solution is this Northern Hemisphere clock by IMOTIME on Etsy.

And finally, a globe mounted in a shadowbox sports an assortment of vintage letter tiles by Beth Schaleben of Patina White. Such fun!

Aren't these repurposed globes wonderful? It's hard to decide what to do with mine, but I think I'm leaning toward trying my hand at decoupage. Once I give my Goodwill globe its facelift, you can be sure I'll share it with you.

To the artists of the global reinventions in today's post — thank you for the worldly inspiration!

Susan

A Vintage Vegetable Bin with Potential

As mentioned in my previous post, here is the additional item I acquired last weekend . . .

It's a vintage metal cabinet that was used to store vegetables. I've seen these before, but usually they are smaller and open in the front. This one has a door and is quite ample in size. It weighs in at 14 pounds! Generally, when I'm shopping for things to sell in my Etsy shop, I select pieces that are small and easy to ship. This relic would be a beast to pack up, so I just may consider it a "keeper" for now.

I've placed it along the wall of my sewing corner and I like how it looks there. Plus, this bin will provide loads of storage. 

The lid flips open to reveal a large area at the top. And there is even more storage once you open the cabinet door with shelves inside and along the door.

I love the large flower basket decal on the front and the bin's chippy blue paint with bits of jade-ite green peeking through.

Perhaps I'll use this bin to store studio supplies. Or maybe I'll fill it with books and magazines. Just for fun, I loaded it up with some newly found Franciscan Ware dishes in a pretty aqua color. 

I can envision this piece on a cottage kitchen counter filled with dishes like these. Or in a cottage pantry chock full of potatoes and onions. Or even in a cottage bathroom stocked with spare towels and toiletries. So may possibilities.

I've got the bin — all I need now is the cottage!

Susan

Massachusetts Mementos

This week, I've been working on listing the vintage items below, my latest discoveries from our weekend away in Massachusetts. I'm making progress. A few of them have made their Etsy shop debut; the rest will be making an appearance soon.

I'm quite pleased with these finds. Aren't they fun? And there is yet another relic that I'll share with you, as soon as I figure out the best way to photograph it. So stay tuned!

Susan

A Few More Minutes with Andy Rooney

Being a fan of the news program 60 Minutes, I was saddened to hear of the death of Mike Wallace last week. And just a few months ago, another 60 Minutes icon passed away — Andy Rooney. Mr. Rooney happened to be a resident of my town. He resided here with his wife and four children since 1951 and called Rowayton "a great, unpretentious hometown." When I moved here in the mid-80s, I lived just down the street from Andy and every now and then, I'd see him walking home from the nearby train station. Even though he kept to himself, he was Rowayton's one and only celebrity and will surely be missed.

A few weeks ago, the Rooney house was open to the public for an estate sale. After reading the ad in a local paper, I knew I wanted to go. It stated:

Wonderful old Victorian home in Rowayton has been home to the Rooney family for 60 years — chock full of Americana, modern art and memorabilia from Andy Rooney’s incredible career in journalism and television. Period antiques and an amazing collection of American early 20th century prints and oils create a sale full of surprises and an opportunity to shop for a piece of history. 

Special offering: Andy’s antique Underwood typewriter, his vintage desk chair, pieces of furniture he made, many autographed books, vintage press & WWII memorabilia.

Although the home was lovely, I was most intrigued with the basement where Mr. Rooney had set up a home office with an unusual U-shaped walnut desk. And in the adjoining room, there was an impressive woodworking workshop with serious tools and large, unused pieces of cherry wood, pine and mahogany.

I could picture Andy sitting at this desk and clicking away on his classic Underwood typewriter, hunting and pecking at the keys. Once I remember him sharing on 60 Minutes that he only used two fingers to type — something we both have in common. By the way, silent bids were taken on this gem of a typewriter. At the end of the estate sale, it sold for a whopping $3,000! 

Just yesterday, the Rooney house went on the market. The 2,474-square-foot, four-bedroom home was built in 1882 and is situated atop a hill, within walking distance of the village and train station. Priced at $749,500, it seems like a bargain to me.

I started watching 60 Minutes in earnest while at college. After spending the day studying, my friends and I would emerge from the library and gather around a television in a local eatery to watch the show. Three decades later, I'm still watching most Sundays.

I always looked forward to the few last minutes of 60 Minutes with Mr. Rooney, even though I didn't always agree with his often curmudgeon-y views. However, I truly admired his wit and wisdom — especially this quote: "I didn't get old on purpose, it just happened. If you're lucky, it could happen to you."

Susan

Tray Story

I can never have too many vintage trays. And I seem to never run out of uses for them. Here's a peek at the array of trays around my house.

Even more vintage trays! These are offered for sale in my Etsy shop.

Trays are so helpful when serving tea, clearing the dining table, or treating someone to breakfast in bed. I like to tuck them behind items on a shelf or kitchen counter. Extra large trays transform an ottoman into a coffee table. Tiny trays provide a place for my watch and rings to rest at the end of the day. Vintage trays come in all shapes, sizes and materials. And best of all, they are both decorative and useful — the perfect combo!

Susan

Sheep Herding Dreams: A 1909 Travelogue

I discovered this antique journal at a neighborhood tag sale. The marbled paper on its cover caught my eye, and when I peeked inside, I saw that it was filled with beautiful handwriting. I was intrigued and knew this item had to come home with me.

Even though I am aware that it is bad etiquette to read someone else's diary, in this instance, I just couldn't help myself.

On the very first page, I saw that the writer, a young man named Harold M. Willmott, was from Darien, Connecticut, the town right next to mine. His diary begins on Monday, May 3, 1909, the day he said good-bye to "Mama and Papa" and bravely left home to journey across the country.

After reading a bit, I learned that Harold yearned to work on a sheep herding ranch and would be traveling by train all the way to Miles City, Montana. Train travel was quite a bit slower back in 1909. For instance, it took Harold 3-1/2 hours to reach New York City, a ride that takes just under an hour today.

In Manhattan, he purchased a one-way ticket to Chicago for $18. Then took a boat to Jersey City and boarded a train to Illinois, where he proceeded to write about the many sights from his window along the way. Harold arrived in Chicago 28 hours later.

From there, he traveled on across the midwest. Harold finally got off the train in Steele, North Dakota where he planned to stay a while with some family friends, the Robinsons.

While in Steele, he enjoyed many walks over the prairie where he often spotted Native Americans. He stated, "I like this country pretty well. You can lead a grand free life and be your own boss."

On May 18, Harold left Steele for Montana where he hoped to find sheep herding work. Sadly, when he arrived in Miles City, his dreams were dashed. He found out that he was two weeks too late and all of the herding jobs had been taken.

Eventually, Harold found work on a farm, where he rose at 4:45 a.m. every morning to begin his chores — milking the cows, plowing the fields, and planting potatoes. A month after he left home, Harold writes, "The hours are awful long here. I work 17 hours and only sleep about seven."

Then, on June 11, he decided he'd had enough and quit his farm job. After doing odd jobs for a couple of weeks, he headed back to Steele where he found employment at the general store. Working in the dry goods department suited him and he seemed quite content.

Unfortunately, the entries in Harold's journal end abruptly on Tuesday, July 20, 1909, while he was still in North Dakota. Why did he stop writing so suddenly? Since I found this travelogue right here in Connecticut, I can only assume that Harold eventually headed home. And after reading this relic from cover to cover, I have decided it truly is a vintage treasure. So I will be donating it to the Darien Historical Society. 

I often wonder where the antiques I find have been. After all, every vintage item has a story. But few can share theirs as beautifully as this one does. 

Susan

Miniature Eye Candy

I just can't resist these miniature dressers. Once used to hold doll clothes, today, these relics become a focal point when perched on a full-sized piece of furniture. And their little drawers are perfect for storing small items, from jewelry to art supplies.

Just like babies, puppies and kittens — isn't everything cuter when it's in miniature?

Susan

Let's Do Lunch

Lunchboxes have been finding their way into my Etsy shop lately.

As you may know, I adore and collect old picnic tins, and these vintage relics are a smaller, cuter version that I find equally appealing. They evoke memories of my elementary school lunch room, where my box contained a PB&J sandwich, potato chips, carrots, and a chocolate chip cookie, or two. Yum.

What was in your childhood lunchbox?

Susan

Pinterest Inspiration

Several times over my years of blogging, I've shared this special notebook with you. 

The cover is a clue to what is inside — page after page of tear sheets from favorite shelter magazines that never fail to inspire me. 

Not long ago, I pasted in pictures on the notebook's last page, so I was planning to buy a new one. However, that was before I discovered Pinterest.com.

What is Pinterest? As stated on their About web page...  Pinterest is a Virtual Pinboard that lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, and organize their favorite recipes. Best of all, you can browse pinboards created by other people. Browsing pinboards is a fun way to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests.  

I finally found some time to create a few of my own pinboards, but I've just barely scratched the surface. With 14 boards so far, my head is filled with all sorts of themes for more.

I love how Pinterest is connecting people around the world who have shared tastes and interests. Can I assume that if you are a reader of this blog, we have a similar style sensibility? If so, I hope you will take a peek at my pinboards. If you like what you see, please follow me. And if you are creating your own Pinterest pinboards, I promise to follow you, too.

Although my inspiration notebook has served me well, Pinterest has quickly become my preferred method of viewing visual inspiration. And whenever time permits, I'll be pinning new things and creating more boards. But let me warn you — pinning can be addictive!

Susan

The Case of the Upcycled Case

Every so often, I get the urge to transform an object that has seen better days and turn it into something useful once again. My latest project — a lighted makeup case from a local thrift store. Although its white vinyl, faux alligator exterior had seen better days, I was sure that this 1970s relic had potential. All it needed was a little upcycling.

I was so excited to begin working on this project that I completely forget to take a "before" photo. (Sorry!) So what you are seeing is the refurbished case that is now pretty as a picture. 

Originally manufactured by Dunston Leathers of New York, this makeup mirror's snazzy new look was achieved by applying vintage paper that was once 1940s curtains. (Yes, they actually made curtains out of paper back then!) It has a beautiful Asian-inspired pattern of branches, leaves and flowers in shades of pink, brown, black and green on a gold and cream background. Love it!

The case opens to reveal a round double-sided mirror and four bulbs that turn on via a switch on the cord. So theatrical! I've added a velvet ribbon at the bottom to help pull out the mirror section and place it on an angle for easy viewing.

Inside, you'll find a lift-up flap with a small compartment for storing makeup and one for the cord when the case is not in use. 

It also has two channels along each side which are where the bulbs go when the case is closed. 

I am very pleased with how this refurbished case turned out. Wouldn't it would look great on a vanity table or dresser? Just listed in my Etsy shop this morning, it is now a perfect mix of 1940s glam and 1970s functionality. I'm hoping it will be discovered by a girly girl with an appreciation for vintage things.

Susan

Green Day

Green is one of my favorite colors — tranquil and refreshing, it is the color of peace and ecology. As the emblematic color of Ireland, green represents the vast green hillsides and Ireland's patron saint, St. Patrick. 

You will always find green items around my house and offered in my Etsy shop. And although I won't be wearing green today (it makes me look sickly), I'm sure there will be plenty of it around.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Susan

M'm! M'm! Good!

This pull toy was one of my estate sale acquisitions this past weekend. Isn't it darling?

Made by Fisher Price in the mid-1950s, this wooden farm truck features none other than the cherubic Campbell Kids.

These rosy-cheeked characters were created by illustrator and writer Grace Wiederseim Drayton, who added some sketches of children to her husband’s Campbell's condensed soup advertising layout. The kids were a hit and they have been selling Campbell's Soup since 1904. 

At first, Campbell Kids were drawn as ordinary boys and girls. Later, they took on the persona of farmers, policemen, sailors, soldiers, and other professions.

This old toy has so much character. I can picture it holding alphabet blocks in a child's room or markers in an art studio. Or how about on the kitchen counter, filled with small pads of paper and pens for writing out the grocery list. Too cute!

Susan

March (Listing) Madness

Happy March! Just a quick post to fill you in on what I've been up to lately — mainly listing these latest vintage finds in my Etsy shop. I've also been working on an upcycling project that is turning out way cool. Once it is done, I'll share it with you.

Love this stuff. Tomorrow, I am going to an estate sale right around the corner where I hope to find even more goodies for my shop. 

Guess what? Next week is my 5-year blogging anniversary! To celebrate, I am having a giveaway that you can read about in a post on March 6. Mark your calendar! 

Susan

Time Travel

I have all sorts of new vintage discoveries that will be making their debut in my Etsy shop this month. Here is a peek at three with a travel theme.

This past weekend, we drove Jacob back to school. I discovered this fabulous Tartan plaid train case in a shop near his college. When I opened the case, I found this badge pinned to the inside.

Before emoticons were all the rage, in the early 1970s, folks wore these smiley face buttons. This iconic graphic also appeared on coffee mugs, bumper stickers and t-shirts, with the accompanying mantra . . .

Have a nice day!  ;)

Susan

Really Rosy

It's February, and before you know it, Valentine's Day will be here. A dozen roses are often the gift of choice on that holiday. But who says they have to be in the form of flowers? Here are a dozen rosy items, both past and present, from my Etsy shop.  

Unlike expensive bouquets, these rose embellished relics won't wilt. And they're much more afforable, too!

Susan

Polka Dots & Morning Glories

This week, I acquired three vintage kitchen canisters with a most charming design. Embellished with morning glories and polka dots, I adore their 1940s vibe. Unfortunately, two of the canisters have seen better days. They have tons of wear and one is missing its lid. But the largest canister is in great shape. 

I like to share, so I listed it in my Etsy shop. Then I repurposed the smaller ones. Now they hold a couple of plants in my studio.

They are so cheerful — even on this rainy, gray day in Connecticut.

Have a nice weekend!

Susan

Speaking of Love

When it comes to vintage valentines, the 1930s is my favorite era. Many cards from that time have frame-worthy illustrations on their covers. But what I love most about them is what they have to say on the inside. (Click on any photo if you'd like a larger, more readable view.)

Aren't the verses sweet? The little drawings inside are adorable, too. As Valentine's Day approaches, my Etsy shop card stash from the 1930s is dwindling. So in the coming months, I'll be on the lookout for more to sell next year.

Susan

Playful Vintage Finds

I love old toys. They are whimsical and fun, and perfect to display in a sewing room, studio, kitchen, child's room — anywhere!

Here are some of my latest playful finds . . .

This is my fourth toy sewing machine. I prefer the Sew Master ones, made by KAY-an-EE, that have colorful floral decals on them.

This toy refrigerator also has a decal on it, but I'm fairly certain that it didn't come that way. I'll bet it was applied by its original owner back in the 1950s.

The inside of this fridge is awesome. Stocked full of realistically lithographed groceries, it even has a crisper drawer.

I found another 1950 first edition of Susie's New Stove. My all-time favorite Little Golden Book, whenever I come across one of these charmers, you can be sure it will come home with me.

To complete the toy kitchen, I found this 1950s Wolverine toy stove and Marx toy sink. 

Moving on to music — this 45 record from 1960 has the cutest little cowboy on its paper sleeve.

Here is something I've never come across before — a 1950s portable phonograph made by Zany Toys. It consists of a stand, a circular platform on which to place a record, a needle arm, and a crank to hand wind the record and make it play. So ingenious!

This 1930s print is titled "All Tuckered Out." After all, a full day of play can be tiring. 

By Maud Tousey Fangel, the premier children's artist in the U.S. during the first half of the twentieth century, this piece was lithographed in relief, and has a puffy, three dimensional surface.

Fun stuff!

Susan

Sweet Vintage Finds

Now that it is finally feeling like winter here in Connecticut, tag sale season has turned into estate sale season. And oh, how I love a good estate sale! What fun to walk through wonderful old houses and search for vintage goods from attic to cellar. 

When a sale sounds promising, I do my best to go, even if it is far from home. But it can be a bit of a risk, and certainly a huge time eater, when a sale ends up having nothing of merit. However, other times it is worth the long drive, like yesterday, when I ventured thirty miles from Rowayton to a couple of great sales. 

Here are a few of the many vintage goodies that came home with me.

Such sweet vintage finds — a pretty book with Mountain Laurel blossoms on the cover, two die-cast toy pickup trucks, the tiniest green ceramic pooch, a couple of 1940s curtain tie-back pins shaped like flowers pots, and a round tin with a beautiful geometric pattern.

I love finding wonderful things to sell. Back when I had my antiques shop and tea room, I enjoyed arranging my latest finds into interesting vignettes in the store. Now that I sell my items online, my time is spent photographing them and writing detailed descriptions for their Etsy listings. So if you'll indulge me, I may set up and post little vignettes like this one from time to time, just because I miss doing it so much.  :)

Susan

Repurposed Inspiration on Etsy

Yesterday morning, while having my breakfast, I dined in front of my laptop and browsed around Etsy. Before I knew it, my ten minute meal turned into a two hour Etsy foray! As you may know, I am a fan of using vintage objects in new contexts, and the talented sellers on Etsy always inspire me with their upcycled transformations. 

Here are my favorite discoveries. Some are complex, others are easy peasy — all are inspiring. Enjoy!

Reclaimed kitsch: Vintage Kettle Lamp by BeeJayKay. This colorful table lamp is composed of an aluminum tea kettle, croquet balls, Lite-Brite pegs and a metal spring. Made to look as if it is blowing its lid, the metal candle holder spring in the spout resembles steam. An added touch is the Lite-Brite pegs which glow when the lamp is turned on. 

Getting personal: Suitcase Cabinet by BenclifDesigns. This upcycled custom creation is made from a vintage suitcase. Complete with wall hanging hardware, lights, shelves, mirror, collectibles, and cork board, this seller gathers information regarding the buyer's personal style and creates a customized wall cabinet reflecting their interests.

Yardstick redo: Business Card Holder by RobertaGrove. This business card holder is made from 100% vintage, repurposed parts. Its perky green and yellow color combo is guaranteed to brighten up any office. 

Folk art with a story: Junk Fairy by krodenbach. Named Tripoli, this Junk Fairy is made of vintage recycled parts including a children's block, glass knob, bottle cap, veggie steamer, game pieces, dominoes, electrical caps and beads. Tripoli was given his name in honor of the high occurrence of the number "3" in his family. He is one of a set of triplets and always sneezes in threes.

The repurposed wrist: Mixed Tin Bangle by eaststreetpins. This colorful bracelet is made from a variety of tin cans; paprika, coffee, and olive oil to name a few, with several stripes from upc codes mixed in. The bangle's interior is tin with copper rivets, steel wire and embossed edges. 

Plaid whimsicality: Tartan Plaid Thermos Birdhouse by thedustyraven. When the wind blows up the kilts and your wee chickadees are chilly, this unusual birdhouse will keep them snug. It was created using a vintage thermos, a couple yards of barbed wire and a fanciful metal lid for the roof. 

Red gingham goodness: Magnetic Memo Board by ivorybird. This tin magnetic memo board sports a charming red and cream gingham and floral print. It is rustic, shabby, and very worthy of a place in a country style home. 

Makeover magic: Reclaimed cuckoo clock by bloomsburyloft. By using paint, bits of sweaters, fabric, vintage buttons, ornaments, enamel flowers, and a pretty bird, this upcycled cuckoo clock gets a charming makeover. 

Calm under pressure: Upcycled Doll Art by gjarvisjewelryetc. A little wall hanging to watch over you during those stressful days, this charmer is made from a couple of large plastic jar caps, a vintage doll, and other found objects cast in resin.

Aren't these Etsy sellers so inventive? I hope you have enjoyed this peek at their inspiring repurposed creations.

Susan

Going (Jadeite) Green

When I'm out trolling for vintage treasures to sell and keep, I invariably gravitate toward things that are Jadeite green.

For instance, last Friday, I found this 5-piece set of metal trays at a consignment store. Not only are they in the perfect shade of — you guessed it — green, they also have red cherries painted on them, and sweet scalloped edges, too.

How handy that the four small trays fit inside the large one. These will be useful for storing small bits and baubles in my studio.

I also found this lovely Hall China "Connie" teapot at the same store. It's just like one that I have in my collection. 

I'm pretty excited about this discovery, as I rarely come across these Victorian-style Hall teapots anymore. Destined for my Etsy shop, I'm sure this one will make some teapot collector very happy. 

This trash can is a new addition to my studio. Yes, it's green, too.

I sold this old rotary-dial telephone on Etsy last year. Great color.

Called the "Benjamin," this is another Hall China teapot from my personal collection. It's in the same lovely green shade. 

What can I say? I love green!

Susan

Vintage Textiles, Table Lamps, and More

As promised, here's a quick look at more of my latest finds . . .

Lovely linens: Risqué ladies, flowers baskets, sailboats, and a nifty comb and brush holder.

Vintage illumination: Decorative and whimsical ceramic table lamps. 

From the Roaring Twenties: A Wright's Bias Tape how-to booklet filled with darling, frame-worthy illustrations.

Chenille shenanigans: Cozy crib quilts and "cutter" bedspreads.

I'll be pretty busy over the next week or so doing the listings for these vintage goodies. Once they find their way into my Etsy shop, it will then be time to list an array of sweet old valentines. 

Susan

My Latest Vintage Finds

Gleaned from several estate sales and our recent trip to Rhinebeck, NY, these new vintage discoveries are trickling into my Etsy shop. Have a peek . . .

 

Home decor with a history: Some fruity finds, a swell sewing tin, a hard-to-find soap powder dispenser, a glass pitcher with daffodils, and 1940s art pottery.

Packing it up: A wonderful paperboard suitcase once used by a Zanol Products traveling salesman.

Just for kids: A nursery rhyme print, grade school work books, a tartan plaid lunch box, a Little Miss Seamstress sewing set, a laptop desk for the budding artist, and a darling toy sprinkling can.

Good reads: A girl's chapter book with a lovely cover, a 6-volume set of The Mother's Encyclopedia, more chapter books with pretty covers, books for the bird lover, and a bound set of The Home Garden magazine from 1947.

I am really jazzed about these latest finds. And I have even more fabulous relics that I'll share with you tomorrow.

Susan

The Vintage Handyman

Isn't this a crazy time of year? So much to do! I have piles of yummy vintage finds that I had hoped to have in my Etsy shop by now. But it has been super busy around here and I still have loads of things to list — like this array of items featuring the vintage handyman. At estate sales, you'll usually find me rummaging around in the basement where I often come across interesting relics for the do-it-yourself-er. 

I found this kitschy dish towel featuring a Mr. Fix-it with issues.

I also found a 1955 volume of Popular Mechanics Do-It-Yourself Encyclopedia. It is chock full of useful projects with detailed instructions for making lamp shades, mail boxes, a Lazy Susan, a knitting table, lawn furniture and so much more. 

Pretty cool stuff! I'm certain that many of the items I sell and collect were handmade by some gent in his wood shop using a book like this for reference.

This Family Handyman magazine is from 1954. It has the subhead "the do-it-yourself magazine that tells you how in language your can understand."

Here is the other side of the towel. More problems for Mr. Fix-it . . .

Another how-to book, called It's Fun to Make It Yourself, was published in 1944. 

In its introduction it states: This book is essentially for the reader who enjoys doing things for himself — and to the average man there are few pleasures comparable to that which comes from the completion of a piece of work by his own hands.

I'll bet books like these were given as gifts to handy guys by their wife or kids. On this day fifty or more years ago, you'd probably find them all wrapped up and waiting for dad under the Christmas tree.

Susan

HGTV's Etsy Treasury Challenge 2011

This holiday season, HGTV has challenged Etsians to create their own HGTV-inspired Treasury. Did you know that "Treasury" is Etsy's ever-changing, member-curated shopping gallery? And any Etsy member can do one. 

This is my HGTV inspired collection . . .

My Treasury relates to an HGTV show called Dear Genevieve where folks write a letter about a problem room in their house. If they are very lucky, the talented designer, Genevieve Gorder, stops by to completely transform the room. Wouldn't that be awesome? 

It's such fun to play curator. And there are so many amazing Etsy sellers. Please help me promote them by clicking HERE to view my latest Treasury. Thanks!  :)

Susan