The T-Cozy

Lots and Lots of Lots

In my never ending search for vintage goodness, lately I’ve had the good fortune of finding things in multiples. I love discovering instant collections for my Etsy shop. Here are some recent finds...

Lots of vintage bib aprons in unused, mint condition!

Lots of half aprons with lovely patterns!

Lots of handmade vintage lighthouse bird houses!

Lots of 1970s house coats! (to be used as yardage for small sewing/decor projects)

Lots of vintage curtain tie-back pins!

Lots of crocheted pot holders!

Lots of 1950s Androck flour sifters!

Lots of serving trays! (that can be memo boards with the addition of magnets)

Lots of vintage thread!

Lots of ceramic wall pockets!

Lots of colorful tea towels!

Lots of painted picture frames! (crafty projects in the works)

Lots of vintage shelf liner!

And finally, lots of small picnic tins! (perfect to top off a stack of larger ones)

My, that was lots of fun!

Susan
Connect with me on Instagram and Facebook. I’d love to hear from you!

Vintage French Seed Label Goodness

Now in my Etsy shop, an array of handmade items that feature original 1920s flower and vegetable seed labels! Found in unused condition, the labels are new old stock from a seed merchant in Burgundy, France. 

Great for sketching, journaling, to-do lists and more, my handy pocket notebooks measure 3.5 by 5 inches, the perfect size to slip into your back pocket, handbag or shirt pocket.

They can be purchased singly or in sets of three and are fun stocking stuffers for gardening enthusiasts.

For your gift giving pleasure, I also created sets of kraft-colored tags with jute twine cords for tying onto wrapped presents, a bottle of wine, a bouquet of flowers, gift bags, a house plant and more. They’re blank on the back to provide room for a handwritten message.

So pretty! You can find these items filled with vintage French seed label goodness in my Etsy shop HERE.

Susan
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Sew Fun! Fabric Ditty Bags for Clothes Pins and More

My latest creation is inspired by a clothes pin bag I’ve had for ages. Using it as a pattern, I sewed up a bunch of new ones for my Etsy shop.

I made my ditty bags out of a fruity textile from my stash. A cord on either side serves as a simple, low-tech way to cinch them closed. And even if you don’t hang wet clothes outside on the line, they can be very useful.

I picture one displayed on a hook in a laundry room... holding sewing supplies, toiletries or small toys... or as an eco-friendly, reusable gift bag filled with goodies for a cherished friend or family member. 

Measuring 9 inches wide by 7 inches long, each 100% cotton bag, complete with ten new wooden clothes pins, is for sale in my Etsy shop HERE.

Susan
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Hi There! I Know It has Been a While...

Not sure where the time went and I apologize for not posting sooner. Weren’t the past two months crazy? Have you enjoyed spending more time at home? Since I normally work out of my studio, it hasn’t been that different for me — except that I’ve quite happily had my family working here, too. 

What have you been up to? My Etsy shop has kept me busy. I’ve also spent time sewing face masks for labor and delivery nurses and ICU health care workers at a local hospital.

I have enjoyed having the opportunity to read more, organize my studio, and draw in my sketchbook. Three of my drawings were inspired by vintage kitchenalia.

I like how they turned out so much that I featured them on spiral notebooks in my shop HERE.

And here is my latest sketch, inspired by current events...

I’m very grateful that we’re healthy and safe here. I do hope all is well with you and yours.

Susan
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A Collector’s Collection Continued

More from Rosemary’s amazing stash of vintage textiles! I’ve listed her tablecloths and bark cloth and have now moved on to handkerchiefs. Thirty-two in all, they are making their way into my Etsy shop this week.

So pretty! A few have already sold, so if you’re interested, stop by my shop soon for the best selection.

Susan
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Sharing a Collector’s Collection

I’ve hit the mother lode of vintage tablecloths! Rosemary, an avid collector with an amazing eye, has kindly asked for my help in selling over 20 from her impressive stash, each more lovely than the next. (Lots of pretty hankies and bark cloth too.) The last few days have been spent soaking, laundering, ironing — and getting them ready to share with you!

Several of my loyal Instagram followers (vintage tablecloth fans like me) requested that I sell some of these beauties directly on my feed. Although I haven’t tried that before, I’m willing to give it a shot. So the four shown below will go on sale at this link on Friday 2/7 at 3 p.m.

I’m curious to see how this IG selling experiment goes. If these textiles easily find happy new homes, I will continue selling some of them that way. If not, they will head over to my sweet little Etsy shop.

Susan
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Dear Diary

My latest sewing project: fabric covers that dress up classic composition books in vintage style. Using a 1940s floral from my personal collection, this textile came from the estate of an avid sewer who lived in a stately Victorian in my neighborhood. Her charming fabric is one of my all-time favorites. 

Using a coordinating cotton on the interior, I added crocheted pansies and rick-rack bookmarks to make these retro covers extra special.

The composition book is filled with 100 blue-lined wide-ruled pages. The cover is reusable and, when needed, can be placed on a fresh book easily found at stores like Staples or Walmart. 

The perfect gift for a budding writer, student or teacher, these can be found in my Etsy shop HERE.

🎉 Happy 2020!

Susan
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To Brighten Your Holiday Season...

✨Enjoy 25% off colorful vintage tablecloths in my Etsy shop through 12/24/19 with coupon code TPARTYTABLECLOTHS

Happy Holidays!

Susan
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Fun Fresh Finds

Been busy over the past month stocking my Etsy shop with colorful items brimming with vintage appeal. For your viewing (or shopping) pleasure, here’s a peek at some of my favorites . . .

😍 These cheery items, and many more, can be found in my Etsy shop HERE. 

Wishing all the best to you and yours this holiday season!

Susan
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Kitsch in the Kitchen

Pretty designs, pretty fabrics, pretty trims. Vintage aprons are so appealing. These wonderful retro textiles are available for purchase in my Etsy shop. And best of all, they are on sale through the end of October!

Aren’t they fun? These next two are extra special because they are reversible. It’s like getting two aprons in one!

With its colorful umbrella pattern, I think the one shown below would be a fabulous bridal shower gift.

You can find these fun, kitschy aprons for sale HERE. Happy shopping!

Susan
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What It Was Then, What It Is Now

I found this rusty old wire basket last weekend. Any idea what it might be? 

It’s the rack that holds glass baby bottles inside a sterilizer pot. Although the pot had seen better days, when I looked inside and saw the empty rack, I knew it had potential. 

I decided to repurpose it into a supply caddy. So I headed to the grocery store for seven small cans of tomato paste. I emptied their contents (spaghetti sauce anyone?), scrubbed them and soaked off the labels.

Off to my favorite fabric store where I purchased a fat quarter in a cotton mini flower print. So cute!

After carefully measuring a can to determine the exact size, I cut out seven pieces of fabric. I measured just under the top and bottom lip of the can. 

Using craft glue, I wrapped the body of each can with the cut fabric and let them dry. (If you prefer, decorative paper can be used, but fabric will hold up better over time.)

Once dry, I popped the gussied-up cans into the holder. I love how the cans’ ridges are still evident; it gives them a nice texture.

Voilà! Ready to corral the various items needed in a busy studio, sewing room or home office. And so easy! 

The listing for my repurposed creation can be found in my Etsy shop HERE.

Susan
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It’s an Etsy Shop Sale!

Save 20% on all handmade items in my Etsy shop through Monday, November 26.

Happy shopping... and Happy Thanksgiving, too!

Susan
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👋🏼 Hello from T-Party Antiques’ Studio!

Welcome to where you’ll find me most days . . . my studio. Filled with all of my favorite things, this special room never fails to make me smile. Come on in!

Alongside my worktable and cottage gallery wall, a shabby wooden ladder showcases four vintage tablecloths. They are but a small portion of my textile collection; a few others are neatly folded nearby in an old metal shopping basket.

My studio is where I work on a variety of creative pursuits. One of my latest projects: lace garlands made from vintage crocheted doilies. So pretty! 

To me, vintage + made from wood + shaped like a teapot = irresistible. Hence my collection of handmade soap powder dispensers and teapot-shaped ring holders.

The collections continue: picnic tins and world globes, some of which are for sale in my Etsy shop HERE and HERE.

I love to find fun ways to store and display supplies. Small drawers from a vintage doll dresser corral thread that belonged to my mom. And a Harlequin sugar bowl sans lid now holds my pin cushion. 

Needless to say, the centerpiece of my studio is the whimsical 1950’s worktable — truly perfect for a former tearoom owner.

So, are you smiling yet? 😍

Susan
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My Etsy Listing To-Do List

I like to spend my days finding, making and sharing items with you in my Etsy shop. My latest acquisitions are shown below. Once these treasures are in hand, I begin to create their Etsy listings. That’s when I truly miss my brick and mortar antiques shop. I long for the days when a patron would simply walk in the door, fall in love with an item, buy it, and take it home — all in a matter of minutes. 

Now that I sell online, the process is a bit more complicated. Each item you see in my shop is cleaned, photographed and written about with the utmost of care. Once it is purchased, it must be securely packed for shipment to virtually anywhere around the globe.

So... if you ever see something on this blog or in my Instagram feed that you can’t live without, please feel free to contact me before it makes its Etsy debut. I’d be more than happy to sell it to you directly and circumvent the time-eating listing process entirely!

Wishing you a wonderful weekend,

Susan
Connect with me on Instagram and Facebook. I’d love to hear from you!

Susan
Connect with me on Instagram and Facebook. I’d love to hear from you!

Snow Day = Sew Day

We have had quite an abominable winter so far with super cold temperatures and lots of snow. And it’s only early January! Just last week, normal activity ground to a halt when a massive East Coast storm blew in. 

If I have to be housebound, there is no place I’d rather be than in my cozy studio. So during the storm, I decided to hunker down and spend the day channeling spring by sewing pennant banners out of cheerful vintage textiles.

I have saved snippets of favorite fabrics for years. Most were once useful kitchen items (tablecloths, tea towels, curtains, etc.) but they had seen better days. However, they still had lots of usable bits, so why not cut them up and repurpose them?

Usually I make my textile garlands out of triangular flags of all the same fabric. But this time, I chose to mix things up resulting in a fun, happy medley of color and pattern. I had just enough to make three different lengths of bunting. Aren’t they pretty?

I love how they turned out. Soon all three will make their Etsy shop debut, perhaps by the end of the week.

Stay warm and safe this winter. And when all else fails . . . get creative!

Susan
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West Elm Pop-Up Prep: Making Vintage Textile Collages, Zippered Pouches & More

Did you know that West Elm graciously offers artists the opportunity to sell handmade wares at their home decor stores? How great is that?! My local Westport, CT store is hosting pop up shops throughout the holiday season and I am so pleased to be one of the artists this year. With my first pop-up fast approaching, I’ve been busily making things to sell. Here is what I’ve been up to...

In my Etsy shop, I sell Swatch Portraits utilizing humble embroidery hoops that frame vintage fabric. To shake things up a bit, I began making textile collages featuring remnants of favorite fabrics, embroidered bits and rick-rack sewn together in a happy design. And once I got started, I just couldn’t stop! 

For kicks, I put them up on the wall of my studio. I love how colorful they are and how they look all grouped together.

In the spirit of the season, I decided to make a bunch more using a Santa Train textile from the 1960s combined with a whimsical dotty fabric and yellow rick rack.

Aren’t they fun? I then embarked on another sewing project that enabled me to learn something new...

In all my years of sewing, I had never put a zipper in before. So I decided to be brave and create an array of zippered pouches made from a stash of yummy fabric remnants.

I am happy to report that zipper installation wasn’t nearly as hard as I expected. Here are my finished pouches...

Today, I am gathering, organizing and pricing all of the handmade items that will accompany me to the sale.

If you happen to find yourself in my area on Saturday, December 9, stop by and say hello at West Elm, 35 Main Street in Westport, CT. I’d love to see you! And for some last minute holiday shopping, I will be there again on Sunday, December 17.

Susan
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Tray Transformation

When I’m feeling crafty, I like to use the ancient art of decoupage as a way to inject new life into vintage objects that have seen better days. At a local thrift shop, I discovered a green metal serving tray that was just waiting to be refurbished. I realized its potential and scooped it up for a mere dollar.

The next day, I gathered materials for the project: tear sheets from old garden books, Mod Podge, an X-acto knife, a cutting board, and a collection of flower-shaped vintage buttons magnets.

After selecting various garden-themed images to use on the tray, I carefully cut them out. 

As I often do, I decided to use book pages with text as a background. I glued them in place and coated them with light beige paint to soften the black typography. 

Next, I arranged colorful wildflower drawings and black and white illustrations on top of the background, as well as the Latin names for the flowers I had chosen. When all of the elements pleased my eye, I coated the front of the tray with five layers of Mod Podge.

Now this tray is all ready to be of service in the kitchen, embellish a dresser, or grace a coffee table. And by adding six of my handmade button magnets in matching colors, it can do double-duty as a message board.

And there you have it! Of course, if you actually want to have it, you can find it for sale in my Etsy shop HERE.

Give this fun and easy decoupage project a try. If you do, be sure to let me know. I’d love to see a photo of your handiwork.

Susan
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Labor Day Savings in My Etsy Shop

Enjoy 10% off in my Etsy shop this Labor Day weekend! You’ll find reduced prices on an array of fun, whimsical items that are chock full of vintage goodness. This T-Party Antiques sale goes through Monday, September 4.

Have a nice holiday weekend. Happy shopping!

Susan
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Instagram Color Stories

Visual styling has always come easily to me. For some reason that I can’t quite explain, I have a knack for arranging random objects into pleasing displays, whether on the shelves of a shop, in my own home, or on my Instagram feed, where lately I’ve been having fun creating these “color stories” using products that look happy together from my Etsy shop. 

Fun stuff, right? Thanks for stopping by!

Susan
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Introducing T-Party Antiques on Society6.com!

I am pleased to announce the opening of my Society6 shop! Filled with fun products chock full of vintage goodness, you’ll find art prints, stationery cards, throw pillows, tote bags, wall clocks, shower curtains, wall tapestries, travel mugs and notebooks bearing my favorite T-Party Antiques images!

I'm having a blast working on this new venture and there will be more items with additional images to come. To view my shop, click HERE.

Happy shopping!

Susan
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Sew Sweet! Vintage Toy Sewing Machines

Although I never had one as a child, I’ve definitely made up for lost time when it comes to vintage toy sewing machines. These adorable relics are my Etsy shop’s best sellers. I have sold over 50 and sent them to all four corners of the globe! 

Aren’t they adorable? My personal collection consist of three that I keep on display in my studio. They are KAYanEE Sew Master machines manufactured in Germany post WWII by the KAYanEE Impex Corporation of New York, N.Y. 

Embellished with flower decals, they can be quite hard to find. However, those decals definitely elevate their cuteness factor.

Below is a small sampling of ones that have found new homes over the years.

Have you always wanted one of these charmers? If so, you’re in luck; I have a few for sale in my shop. The Pièce De Résistance is this one below made by Elm City Toy Products of West Haven, CT. 

Called Little Lady, this toy sewing machine sports dark pink paint and is sprinkled with tiny cream, yellow and black flowers decals. You can find it in my shop here.

I think these two KAYanEE models are super sweet, especially because of their blue color and floral decals. The one above can be found in my shop here.

The KAYanEE shown above resides in a wooden base with finger joints at the corners. It’s available for sale here.

This last one is a Junior Model toy sewing machine that was manufactured by Gateway Engineering Company of Chicago IL. Although it has been well-loved, is sports a couple of special features. The wooden base is not a standard and must have been added by a handy father long ago. It also has a miniature red tomato pin cushion glued to the back right corner. Sew sweet!

Susan
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Elevating the Classic Composition Book

A while back, I came across a charming cotton textile made in Japan by Yugyoku. Created by Kokka, it has a whimsical pattern of flowers, circles and well-dressed chicks. Isn’t it adorable?  

Since I sold several of my handmade composition book covers at West Elm’s Holiday Pop-Up Shop, I figured it was time to finally put this fabric to good use and make a few more.

How I love my new Janome sewing machine! It makes any project a breeze.

I had just enough fabric to make three covers.

Just for fun, I added a rickrack bookmark embellished with vintage buttons at the end. 

Sewing composition book covers like these are super simple. I watched a tutorial by the Craft Genie to learn how. But if you’re not into sewing and are pining away for one, you can purchase one of my creations in my Etsy shop here.

Susan
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Pretty Pictures

In case you didn't know . . . I adore photography. Always have, always will. How nice that I get to share my favorite pics with you right here on The T-Cozy. Lucky me!

Here are some new shots for your viewing pleasure.

Our cottage looks extra cozy when covered in a blanket of snow.

Step inside. Want a cup of tea?

Our kitchen is bright and sunny. And just beyond it is my sweet little studio, also known as My Happy Place.

I can’t help but smile when I’m in here.

It has space for all of my crazy collections.

Needless to say, I have a weakness for things made from wood that are shaped like teapots.

My desk is chock full of vintage eye candy. This is where I work on listings for my Etsy shop.

I’ve spent this week listing valentines from the 1930s. Adorable.

My latest acquisition — three metal trays in the perfect shade of aqua. One is already in use as a message board in my kitchen. The other two are in my shop and come with four handmade button magnets.

It’s hard to believe that my 10-year blogiversary is this March. Wow! How did that happen? Whether you are a new reader, or one that has been with me for the long haul, my hope is that The T-Cozy has been a respite for you, a place to relax during your busy day and enjoy my quirky brand of home decor with a vintage twist. 

I am ever grateful to you for being here. It has been an honor to provide you with decorating inspiration and to share my love of photography with you. Have you enjoyed what you’ve seen and read here? I do hope so.

Susan
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I Like to Make Things

I have been an artistic person for as long as I can remember. Art was always my favorite subject in grade school and I proceeded to get a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in college. After graduation, I put my creative talent to work as a graphic designer for 24 years.

In 2003, I longed for a change, so I laid my design business to rest and opened an antiques shop and tea room. When it closed in 2008, Etsy became the perfect place for me to share my love of vintage items as well as the things I like to make, shown below...

Vintage button magnets

Mixed media primer pictures

Vintage book cover journals and handmade note cards

Pennant banners sewn from vintage textiles

And altered art world globes.

Recently, I had the good fortune to be one of the local artists featured at West Elm Pop Up Shops around the country. I did one in Westport, CT in mid-November and they asked me back for another. So I happily popped up again last Saturday where I brought along this array of handmade goods with a vintage vibe...

And here they are on display at West Elm...

I’m happy to report that my items were well received. Top sellers were my repurposed book cover journals, fabric swatch portraits and Flower Fairy note cards. 

I so enjoyed popping up and meeting West Elm’s friendly sales staff and super nice customers. Many thanks, West Elm!

Susan
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Lots to Do

This fall, I have been helping a neighbor lighten her load. A collector with an appetite for many different things, she lives in a lovely little home that is running out of room. So she asked me to help her decide what to sell, what to keep, and what should be taken straight away to the thrift store.

First, we headed down to her very organized basement to look through boxes, boxes, and more boxes! We began by grouping similar things together, and little by little, we had put together a number of sellable items destined for my Etsy shop and eBay. Here’s what she decided to sell . . . 

Ceramic pottery in shades of green, gold, chartreuse and aqua

A large lot of small oil cans

Kitschy French Poodle collectibles

Glass, metal and ceramic flower frogs

And an assortment of vintage miscellany. My, that’s a lot of stuff!

Slowly but surely, I've been listing these relics. Happily, several have sold. Soon I'll be focusing on the Poodle lot as well as a collection of doggie brooches I've yet to photograph. 

Susan
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Autumn Endeavors

Hello there! Sorry I haven’t posted in a while; it has been quite the busy month.

To prepare for the holiday shopping season, I have been furiously listing all sorts of new items in my Etsy shop. A few are shown below, with lots more to list.

John and I enjoyed some time away this month. We visited our daughter in Philly and our son in Baltimore. We also stayed at a lovely B&B called Buttermilk Falls Inn located in New York’s Hudson River Valley. 

One morning, we explored the Walkway Over the Hudson, a 1.28-mile-long linear walking bridge. Quite a view!

Today is Halloween, so here’s Jacob’s dog Lucy dressed up as a taco. Isn’t she adorable?

Gotta go — the first of many trick-or-treaters are at the door... Happy Halloween! 🎃

Susan
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Hello, Fall!

It’s the Autumnal Equinox, when day and night are of the same length everywhere in the world. I think there is something very special about that, don’t you?

To celebrate the new season, I am offering 10% off in my Etsy shop — today only. Simply use the coupon code HELLOFALL at checkout to receive the discount.

Here’s to wearing cozy sweaters on cool, crisp days. Enjoy!

Susan
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Back to School

Here we are once again, at that time of year when weekday morning school buses stop at the corner and neighborhood children sleepily climb aboard. My, what a quick summer! Our kids are grown, so we don’t feel the back to school blues as keenly as we used to. However, our son is now a second grade teacher, so at least someone in our family still abides by the grade school calendar. 

The start of the academic year inspired me to focus on classroom-inspired items for my Etsy shop, like the Altered Art World Globe, at left, and these items below...

What a cute 1950s oak school room chair! Scaled down for the smallest of students, its seat is a mere ten inches high. 

This instant collection of vintage books could be the start of a reference library. Published in 1939 by Doubleday, it’s part of a set called The Pocket University which covers a wide range of interesting (and obsolete!) topics.

My repurposed journals utilize vintage readers as the covers. Spiral bound, they now sport clean, blue-lined notebook paper inside— all ready to write essays, collect recipes, or record daily events.

Take a trip down memory lane with these vintage children’s primers featuring large, easy to read text and wonderful illustrations.

I've saved the best for last... yesterday’s discovery: a 1953 Pine Life Cycle classroom chart by the New York Scientific Supply Company sporting beautiful botanical illustrations by Louise Bush.

Isn’t it wonderful? I can just picture it hanging in someone’s loft or gracing the wall of a conservatory or garden room. Wish I could keep it, but it is so large that I simply don’t have the wall space for it in our cozy cottage. Therefore, it will be making its appearance in my Etsy shop tomorrow.

Thanks for stopping by!

Susan
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What’s New in My Studio

It has been a busy summer and it’s going by fast. Hard to believe that it is already mid-August.

On summer days when I’m not off traveling and spending time with family and friends, you can find me here...

A great way to start the day, especially because the window above my desk faces east and lets the morning sunlight stream in. After I check my email and do a bit of bookkeeping, I often head over to my work table for a little sewing project.

I am obsessed with cherries lately. So when I discovered vintage cherry-embellished fabric at a local estate sale, I knew just what to use it for...

... an itty bitty pennant banner. Isn't it adorable? If you, too, have a thing for cherries, this mini flag garland is for sale in my Etsy shop here.

Recently I found the prefect rug to protect the floor beneath my sewing chair. Lucy likes it, too. This sweet pooch belongs to Jacob and stayed with us in July. She’s a wonderful dog and we had lots of fun puppy-sitting. 

There is something else new in my studio that I’m very excited about. Say hello to my brand new Janome sewing machine! 

Although my aqua 1960s Singer is fabulous, it only sews a straight stitch forward and back. So it was time to get a machine with a few more bells and whistles. I spent a day last week reading the manual and getting to know my new machine. It sews like a dream. I think I’m in love!

With “back to school” days fast approaching, I decided to make a few composition book covers using my favorite 1970s floral textiles. Aren’t they pretty? They can be found for sale in my Etsy shop at this link.

This week’s project: throw pillows for Hannah’s new apartment. 

Happy Monday!

Susan
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Sold But Not Forgotten

In the mood for a little vintage eye candy? If so, here's a look back at some of my favorite things from my Etsy shop that have found new homes over the years. Enjoy!

As the total number of items sold in my Etsy shop approaches 1,800, I'd like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for your loyal patronage. Many thanks to each and every one of you!

Susan
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Setting the Summer Table

Today is the summer solstice, when the sun is at its northernmost point above the equator. It’s the longest day of the year, lasting 15 hours and 13 minutes. How I love long summer days!

To me, summer means alfresco dining at the beach or on the back deck. When I set my summer table, I like to use brightly patterned vintage tablecloths. Last week, to prepare for picnic season, I sorted through my collection and freshened them up by laundering and ironing everything. Then I placed my favorites in a 1940s market basket so that they would be easily accessible. Their cheerful fruit and flower designs never fail to brighten my day...

The ones that didn't make it into the basket are shown below. These are either already in my Etsy shop or will soon make their appearance. 

Aren't they yummy?

Welcome, Summer!

Susan
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Pretty Up Your Shelves

Last week, I took part in a little bit of studio beautification that was inspired by four unused packages of vintage Royledge shelf lining paper I discovered at the Brimfield Antique Show.

In the corner of my work space is a narrow painted shelf with curvy trim. I use this piece to store art supplies, my button collection, and a few of my favorite vintage things. 

These shelves were already in need of a thorough cleaning, so I emptied them out and wiped them down. Then I decided to pretty them up with shelf paper. I chose to use the floral one with pink and red flowers.

I love the shelves new look. Super easy and extra cheerful! The package housed a full fifteen feet of edging, so I plan to use the remaining floral paper to line the shelves in my studio’s Hoosier cabinet.

If you, too, would like to give a shelf unit, cabinet or pantry a retro makeover, three more packages of shelf liner have just made their appearance in my Etsy shop. 😍

Susan
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A Day at Brimfield

Lucky me! On Tuesday, my friend Karen invited me along to the opening day of the Brimfield Antique Show. What fun!

The largest outdoor antique market in Massachusetts, Brimfield is massive and virtually impossible to see all in one day. Even so, we spent six hours walking the various fields and saw quite a bit. 

Wonderful stuff! Karen was particularly taken with a tent filled with Tin Lizzy doll altered art assemblages, below. They were made by Betsy Wilbur of Red Herring Antiques. Aren’t they a hoot?

Here are my Brimfield discoveries. As you can see, I used restraint and I didn’t buy a lot. Love what came home with me though!

Many thanks to Karen for asking me to accompany her to Brimfield. It was a sunny spring day and spending it perusing fields brimming with vintage treasures was just about perfect.

Susan
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New Old Finds

Yay! I've had a run of good luck this month finding all sorts of yummy vintage things. So there is, and will be, lots of new stuff in my Etsy shop. Have a look...

At an estate sale last weekend, I discovered a giant-sized tin that once held 300 Sweet-heart Sugar Cones. Although I intend to sell it, for now, it looks right at home atop my Hoosier cabinet.

The items, above, are extra sweet, like the aqua serving tray paired with a set of my flower button magnets so it can do double duty as a memo board. Love the tiny windsor-style doll chair! I also found a 1920's print that sports a humorous poem called "Welcome Guest," perfect to hang in a guest room. And those 1970s circus train birthday candle holders are kitschy as can be.

As you may have noticed, I like to use picnic tins and suitcases for storage in my studio. I'm hoping that these three will soon go to new homes (except the train case, which is a keeper).

Why I am so drawn to vintage vases with two handles? Maybe because they look like they have cute little arms with hands on their hips? Not sure, but I do know that these three beauties were made long ago by Shawnee Pottery.

More fun storage options: an industrial metal bin with drawers, a canister set with hand painted strawberries (it just sold), and a wooden box featuring a charming cottage illustration on the lid.

Mother's Day is fast approaching. This folding bed tray can be used to treat mom to breakfast in bed. It can also be a lap desk or a reading stand since the top tilts to accommodate a book.

I must admit, I have a soft spot for vintage toys. Brimming with nostalgic appeal, I think the ones shown above are beyond adorable.

So that's what's new in my Etsy shop! Never fear, I'm working away to get everything listed as soon as I am able. And by the way, Etsy has just redesigned its shop pages. Now the pictures are larger and you can scroll down to see every aspect of the shop all on one page. I really like the new format. Take a peek and let me know what you think...

Happy shopping!

Susan
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It’s a Pennant Banner Sale!

I created this array of festive pennant banners out of cheerful vintage textiles. Aren't they pretty? And so perfect for spring!  

Hang one of these lovelies wherever you want a spot of color and whimsy… at your next birthday party, backyard picnic, in your studio, child’s room, porch, craft space, office, bedroom — anywhere! 

For your springtime shopping pleasure, I've just reduced these handmade garlands 20%. You can find them in my Etsy shop HERE.

Don't you just love a sale? Happy weekend, 

Susan
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I Like to Share

Among other things, I collect vintage picnic tins and tablecloths. And because I find them pretty to look at, I keep several on display in my studio (like the tins that live on a custom-made wall shelf, or the colorful textiles draped over rungs of a rustic ladder).

Now that we reside in a cozy cottage, I am mindful to keep it serene and clutter free. Therefore, I relegate most of my colorful collections to my modest workroom. And I can't keep everything . . .

So for your shopping pleasure, I am offering for purchase the picnic tin and tablecloth, shown above, in my Etsy shop. Don't they look perfect together? Good thing I like to share!

Susan
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Making Things

Last week, the bright sunshine that flooded my studio motivated me to spend time working on a few fun projects.

First, I got out my old Singer sewing machine and fashioned a festive pennant banner from a vintage tablecloth with a Vera Neumann vibe. Then I used a bit of the remaining fabric and made an embroidery hoop art swatch portrait. This textile is sunshine personified!

It had been a while since I combed through my vast collection of vintage buttons. So out they came. Before long, I crafted sets of button magnets from translucent yellow flowers and added colorful carved buttons for the centers. Aren't they sweet?

These whimsical magnets would be a cheerful springtime addition to a fridge. Or place them on a metal tray, washboard or cookie sheet and you'd have an instant message board.

Since another of my handmade altered art globes sold last week, it was time to create a new one. 

Using a vintage Replogle Land and Sea Globe, this one sports a gold metal stand with a Meridian band attached at the North and South Poles allowing the globe to pivot on its axis and adjust it to any angle.

My, how I love my studio! As I always say... everyone should have a little space that is all their own. Mine never fails to inspire.

Now I'm off to run errands. But before I go, I'd like to wish you all a Happy Spring!

Susan
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Pitter-Pat

Can’t we all use a little eye candy on a rainy Monday? Thought I’d start off this gloomy day sharing cheerful things that make my heart go pitter-pat. Enjoy!

I found these lovely old tea tins last week. Two sold lickey–split, I plan to keep a couple of them (for now), and one just made its Etsy debut HERE.

A stitchery picture on the wall in my studio features a garden overflowing with flowers. How I wish my cottage garden looked like that!

To me, there is nothing sweeter than vintage toy sewing machines. Shown are a few from my personal collection and some that have sold in my Etsy shop. (They sell super fast.) I still have a very cute one listed HERE. And an extra-fabulous one will make an appearance in my shop soon.

An array of colorful thread that belonged to my dear mom looks very happy stored in this rustic old drawer.

Sometimes all I have to do is walk into my studio and the ideas start flowing. It’s a special place that inspires me daily. 

Vintage chenille bedspreads are the epitome of cozy cottage decor. I was thrilled to discover this rare peacock one at a local antiques mall. You can find it for sale in my Etsy shop HERE.

My studio’s vaulted ceiling afforded me space for this 13-foot-long storage shelf, the perfect spot for my collection of picnic tins. I love their different faux textures and patterns. Now all I have to do is look up — and smile. I hope I’ve made you smile today, too.

Happy Monday!

Susan
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A Touch of Sweetness

As you may know, I'm a former tea room owner and just like a good cup of tea, my Etsy shop is infused with things that radiate warmth and a touch of sweetness. I stock a selection of vintage goodness — things I love most, like pottery, textiles, books, toys and more. Here's what you can expect to see in my shop this spring...

Over the past month, I've been searching far and wide for this array of vintage goodness. What do you think? Fun stuff, right?

Happy shopping!

Susan
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Repurpose-Worthy Discoveries

When on the hunt for storage pieces for our cozy cottage, I seldom opt for new bins made from plastic and metal. Instead, I prefer using vintage items with character, like these fresh estate finds that came straight from a cellar workshop. 

Old wooden drawers are perfect to use for storage in a studio, craft room or home office. They also make great display pieces and can hold postcards, books, remote controls, and more on a coffee table. Here are a few more ideas of what these rustic relics can corral...

Sporting a wonderful patina and just the right amount of shabbiness, these repurpose-worthy finds are now for sale in my Etsy shop's Home Decor section HERE.

Susan
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Basket Beautification

Presenting my latest crafty project . . .

When I found this basket purse, its flat wooden top was unadorned. I decided to embellish it with vintage millinery elements: cherries, green leaves, red flowers, and a tiny black bird. I also added miniature red loop braid trim along the top edge.

At an estate sale several years ago, I discovered a large stash of milliner’s bits and bobs; leaves, flowers, birds, fruits, ribbons, and more. I've been incorporating these wonderful elements in art projects ever since.

Made from what I believe to be woven hickory, this 1960s basket purse has metal grommets along the top edge that have dulled to a nice, dark patina. Sporting a bent oak handle, it has a leather tab that snaps to securely close the lid. Unlined on the interior, I covered the inside bottom with vintage fabric in a pretty floral pattern.

These adornments have certainly raised this relic’s cuteness factor, don’t you think? Now it’s super sweet and would look great displayed on a dresser or vanity. It would also be happy to store supplies in a craft studio, home office or sewing room.

If this beautified basket has captured your heart and you want it for your very own, it is available for purchase in my Etsy shop HERE.

Enjoy your Thursday!

Susan
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Primer Projects

You may have noticed over the years that I adore vintage books, especially children’s primers from the 1930s to the 50s. The main attraction for me is that they are brimming with charming illustrations of kids from a time when things seemed simpler and less complicated. In my thrifting travels, I often come across primers that have seen better days; perhaps they have scribbles inside from over zealous students, or their bindings are shot from too many little hands turning their pages. However, if those books have nice covers and appealing pictures inside, you can be sure I'll take them home and find other uses for them.

When these worse for wear books have attractive covers, I turn them into spiral bound journals. Or sometimes their drawings catch my eye and spark an idea, like my altered art world globes.

This week's inspiration came in the form of a tattered primer filled with adorable drawings by Mildred Lyon Hetherington. They captured my heart, so I was determined to make something with them. I've been saving some unfinished wood frames I found a while back. Now it was time to put them to good use.

First, I covered the frames with bits of text from the book. I selected five of my favorite illustrations, mounted them on thick cardboard and placed them inside the frames. Then I added a simple word relating to each image using green letter squares that were once pieces from a vintage board game. Lastly, I decoupaged them with several coats of matte finish Mod Podge.

Perfect for a child's bedroom wall, these pictures would also be happy to grace just about any room of the house — like propped on a shelf among favorite books or tucked behind a farmhouse mixing bowl on the kitchen counter.

What a fun project! I love how they turned out. You can find them for sale in the Home Decor section of my Etsy shop HERE. 

Have a great weekend,

Susan
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It’s a Welcome 2016 Sale!

I hope you had a wonderful holiday season. Ours was chock full of fun with family and friends. And I am happy to report that I accomplished one of my New Year’s resolutions this week: cleaning out the Hoosier cabinet where I store my Etsy shop items. Now that the cupboard is organized — and before it’s bursting at the seams once again — my “Welcome 2016 Sale” has begun! 

Shop this selection of vintage goodness at very special prices...

Have a great weekend!

Susan
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Shiny and Bright

Vintage Christmas ornaments never stay around for long in my Etsy shop. It's easy to see why.

These classic ornaments are extra pretty. I even love the original boxes they come in. And so I'm pleased that they will be gracing the Christmas trees of folks who truly appreciate their vintage goodness.

Happy Holidays!

Susan
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Vintage Tablecloth Love

Nothing cheers up a table (or me) like a beautiful vintage textile. Sporting bold, lively fruit and flower patterns, these relics always make me smile. Here is a little tablecloth eye candy to brighten up your day. 

These tablecloths are 60 to 80 years old. They were made to last from sturdy cotton and printed with bold, colorfast dyes. I think it's safe to say... They don't make them like they used to!

Susan
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Etsy Newcomers

For your vintage shopping pleasure — these latest finds are now in my Etsy shop. And there's much more to come!

Susan
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Coming Attractions This Fall

September is always a quiet month in my Etsy shop. Before the holiday rush begins, I take advantage of this peaceful time to search far and wide for items chock full of vintage appeal. Here are my latest acquisitions. 

A couple of estate sales this weekend look promising, so I hope to find even more to list in my sweet little shop. And next week, I'll be heading to Vermont for a very special fall getaway. Perhaps I'll find some treasures up north... We'll see!

Susan
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The Smile Factor

A dear friend stopped by my studio last week. She looked around and said, "Wow, wish my workroom looked like this!" 

I love hearing that, especially when it comes from a creative soul who understands my studio's decor style. It consists of a happy mix of all things well-loved and colorful that share a common trait — the smile factor. 

A collection of thread that belonged to my mother lives inside a doll dresser drawer; cheerful vintage tablecloths hang from a rustic old ladder; the cutest tin cart ever sits next to my lovely oak Hoosier cabinet. These grin-provoking relics inspire me daily.

Here are more whimsical things that make my studio a happy place . . .

When I sit down to write a blog post or create a new Etsy listing, I usually gaze at this fun array of items on my desk. Even my business cards live in a vintage dish in my favorite color — aqua!

And when I open my Hoosier cupboard, I'm greeted by a good-humored hodgepodge of Etsy items patiently awaiting new homes.

When out and about looking for things to sell, I only buy what truly delights me, such as the yummy items, below, destined for my Etsy shop.

My studio's lighthearted, not-too-serious collection of vintage goodness reminds me to relax and smile. How I relish that daily reminder.

Keep smiling! 

Susan 😊
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P.S. Check out other inspiring workspaces at WeWork, a co-working resource for those in need of a collaborative space. It's always inspiring to see where creative people create!

Cut, Paste, Repeat

To me, there is nothing more relaxing than spending a sunny summer afternoon getting creative in my studio. A few days ago, I turned on my favorite music and settled in to work on another up-cycled art globe. Crafty bliss!

First I cut out charming 1940s illustrations of children, houses and picket fences. Then I used a vintage Cram's Imperial World Globe as my canvas and artfully decoupaged the neighborly images onto it.

I love how this one turned out. Having just made its appearance in my Etsy shop, hopefully someone else will, too!

Until then, it is in good company on top of my Hoosier cabinet alongside my other worldly creations.

Susan
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Sew Cute

Happy Monday! I hope you had a nice holiday weekend. Ours was chock full of fun with family and friends. But now it's time to get back to business, which for me, is fun, too. 

Today, I'm working on new listings. Here's a sneak peek at two vintage Kayanee toy sewing machines that will be making an appearance in my Etsy shop soon. Aren't they adorable? 

Well, I better get back to work/fun.... :)

Susan
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UPDATE: Both machines were snapped up before they even made it to my Etsy shop!!! They’ve been sent off to happy new homes on the west coast today.