Vintage Thrift & Craft

Still in Christmas Vacation

Even though Christmas is over, My family and I are still in Christmas mode. All of the decorations are still up, still have holiday food and we are not on ANY type of routine or schedule. We had a good Christmas with lots of family and friends, I even went thrifting with my friend Terri on Friday, and lots of good presents. Paige had a good morning with her new guitar. I had her convinced she wouldn't get one. Here are some quick pics from Christmas morning. More later.

My $2. Christmas House

This past week I picked up this $2. house that's decorated on all sides. It will keep for years and it's really kitschy. Someone took the time to create this and I knew I would give it a good home for Christmas.

Here's a picture of my Ashes in his Holiday Hat. He's such a sweetie!!!

Christmas Goodies from my Walking Buddy

Janice could be my sister. We look alike and I've known her since high school. We try to walk for health and sanity 2 to 3 times a week. We laugh, talk, vent and solve problems. Last night she brought me some Christmas goodies and she out did herself. First and favorite, peanut butter balls. Then her home-made hot chocolate mix in cute little bags. If that wasn't enough, I got a Christmas Cookies scent Yankee jar candle.

I have been blessed with many good friends. I went to lunch with Sandra Tuesday, who is moving 5 hours away Jan 2nd. I'll spend Sunday night with Tammy and Terri at our annual Christmas party and Janice of course. My life is full of laughter and support with these terrific ladies.

Finished Spoons and Christmas Trees

I finished my slider order and they are all ready for pickup. I even have vintage paper Christmas bags to accompany them.  I think they turned out well and I experimented on one for me. I used a vintage Christmas light bulb. I just love doing crafts and creating things. It's sort of scary making things for people who might not appreciate hand-made items. I love getting hand-made gifts. I guess that's why I like Etsy so much.

Here's a peak at my Christmas trees. The big living room tree only has vintage balls on it and that's where all of the present go. The smaller den tree is more homespun and hand-made. It also has vintage ornaments on it too. More detail pictures tomorrow. Sorry for the picture angle but my computer technician is at school right now. Here's my mantel too.

My first big order...

Last night I received a call from a friend wanting a favor. She asked if I could make her 16 spoon sliders for the girls in her office...by Monday. I was so excited, I said yes...! Here's the one I made for myself along time ago. I use old spoons and vintage clip earrings in the spoon part and I dangles a porcelain doll arm from mine. The spoon is welded together and a ribbon is used as a chain. I'll show you the finished spoons later.

Paige's self potrait

In Paige's art class they drew self portraits by taking a photo of themselves and then drawing from that. Here's how Paige's turned out. I'm so... pleased with it. I think it looks just like her. Good job Paige!!!!

Asheville finds...

As usual, I was on the hunt for some vintage goodies. There were many to be had and of course I bought some glass ball ornaments. I bought a tee with creatures on it from a local artist. I found this old canvas picture of a girl and her dog at The Screen Door. I found some pottery at The Woolworth's Walk. I found a postcard set at the Loft by artist Yoshitomo Nara.

Randy got some candies from the Mast General Store and Paige bought this cool tee from the Loft that was way expensive. It's hard to see but that's the only picture I have. See says she's a self-proclaimed hippie. My friend calls her the Bohemian child. More on that later.

Fun in Asheville

Paige and I spend the weekend in Asheville with my niece. We had a good time and lots of fun. We had the BEST hot chocolate in the Double decker bus. We went to Paige's favorite store, The Loft. The Vintage and Modern consignment store has funky clothes and shoes. We went to my favorite Asheville stop, The Screen Door. I got some great display and craft ideas there. I have a sweater that has a hole or two in it and this gave me an idea to fix that. We went to the Nature Center Saturday night where they had Christmas lights. It was so pretty and the animals varied from wolves to bears. Here are just some pretty pictures I took. Here is Paige in her Asheville attire for Saturday.

More on what I bought up there later.

More Christmas Finds

My Salisbury visit yesterday was good. I found the cutest things like this vintage candy dispenser. In the same booth, I found more old ball ornaments. I found lots of kitschy stuff...handmade and old.

I found a whole bag of vintage paper houses for $3.00 at the thrift store. I was so excited about this find. I love the search back in the "Christmas section" of my favorite thrift store.

Paige and I are hitting the road tomorrow for Asheville North Carolina. We're going to see my niece and see Asheville in it's holiday style. I can't wait to hit downtown and go to The Screen Door.

Touches of Christmas

I've been busy lately decorating inside and out.  I like to put little touches all over the house. Here are a few of the Christmas things that make me smile. My kitschy wreath next to the back door. My rag wreath and swag I made from vintage tablecloth scraps. A bowl of vintage Santa's. Christmas kitsch in a glass. My little table in my craft room. The marble light Christmas tree was made by my aunt when I was 5 or 6. The doll head table dressed for Christmas.

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree when it comes to Christmas. Paige has a big tree in her room. Her bathroom is also decorated but in black and white. Here's her tiny bathroom tree. More Christmas photos later. I'm off to Salisbury to search for more Christmas goodies.