Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Vintage Sewing Trims


I often pick up bags of miscellaneous sewing supplies at flea markets, antique shops and auctions.  Just one trip to the big-box sewing stores such as Hancock Fabrics and Jo-Ann Fabrics, one can see the benefits of buying cast-offs rather than new supplies just for the monetary benefit alone. 

However, to be honest, I love sewing with vintage material and trims.  There's just something cosmic about it all, as if I am somehow channeling the woman who used a half-yard of lace trim before carefully storing the rest away never to be used again, until it found its' way to me.

During the past week, I've dusted off the sewing machine and started sewing again. The holidays are fast approaching and gifts must be made instead of burning the midnight oil a few days before gift-giving occurs.  (I'm having flashbacks of Christmas 2010)   **Smile**

I also plan to create items to fill up a few spaces on this much-neglected website as well as in my Etsy account.  So the other day as I was sewing, I opened a bag of vintage trims and pulled out a few selections of black rick rack trim and instantly became enamored with one of the packages which was already opened and partially used.



Truly, this is just too sweet to use, so I set it aside and will be on the hunt for a vintage frame in which to display this treasure in my sewing room.  I'm very thankful for the person before me who decided to save the paper label after using part of the rick rack.  I have to think this is a bit rare, since most of the vintage trim I have come across is made by Wrights.


While this package is quite old, as well, the clip-art isn't nearly as adorable, so I have no problem tearing it open and using, which is what I did.  

If you are a crafter, broaden your horizons and look for vintage items to use in your craft.  They can be found at nearly every flea market, antique shop and of course eBay.  

Hunting is half the fun! 

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Flora's Cafe



I was going through my flickr account deciding which photographs to print and list on Etsy when I came across a link to one of my pictures taken in St. Joseph, Missouri.


If you'd like a copy of Flora's Cafe for yourself, especially fun if your name is Flora, it's listed on Etsy:


Perfectly suited for kitchen decor, don't you agree?

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Photography for Sale


I don't know what I like better:  the Jim Pogg sign painted on the side of an old brick building, or the moss-encrusted blue awnings on the abandoned storefront.  Put the two of them together and you've got a "wow" factor!

It was nearing the end of the day and we pulled into town to take a few pictures before the sun set on another day of exploration.  Just a few moments earlier and the sun's rays would have actually illuminated the Jim Pogg sign, but I'm not complaining.

This is just another glimpse from the past I was not a part of, but find it just as interesting as if I had.

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A few of my fine art photography prints are available on Etsy . The link is to your right or you can click below: