Freecycle and Thrifting

Freecycle is a fantastic Yahoo Group! I joined about 3 weeks ago and I have already picked up some great items. The first item I got was our sweet bunny, Floppy (see the previous post). Next I picked up a serger, just needs some maintenance, going to the shop next week.

This weekend I chanced upon this wire closet shelf/organizer. We are using it in Holly’s flea market booth to hang her vintage clothes. I just need to buy two support brackets and screws. Holly is re-doing on of my flea market booths. She is using her extraordinarre’ decorating diva skills to turn a ho-hum booth to Classic Retro Vintage wonder.

So join your local Freecycle Yahoo group and see what treasures you can find. I am purging my closet so I am giving away a sack of clothes on Freecycle soon. The person who wants the item emails the giver, the giver emails back his/her address and confirms pick up(unless it is already gone) and then wantee picks the item up. Usually items are just left on the porch for pick up. Lots of fun.

Here are some furniture items I recently thrifted at a moving sale. A wooden chair for my living room, needs to be re-glued in a couple of places and the seat needs to be recovered.

A nice bamboo folding screen, $10.

 

A vintage child’s playpen, great condition, $5.00. It folds up for storage and the mattress is in good shape and has the cutest animals on it. The playpen has pastel wooden balls that are on springs and can bounce if pushed down. It has the seal of approval from Better Homes and Garden Magazine!

An estate sale sign lured me to stop the other day, I tried to ignore the urge, really I did! I drove a few blocks past the sign but I broke down and turned the wheel into the no-return land of estate sales, oh, the shame! Here are just some of the spoils, two large trash bags of vintage 1950’s & 1960’s clothes, $2.00 dollars each. (you can tell I am remorseful, right?)

A 1950’s Brown with Turquoise blue polka-dots with a blue silk hankie in the pocket. A housewife would look very snappy in this dress while fixing her family’s dinner.

A 1950’s red sweater with a crochet collar trimmed in white. It looks like something for the soda shop scene.

Here come the 60’s! A purple geometric print knit jacket. A slim white or black sheath dress under the jacket and hair teased to perfection for the office crowd.

Another geo print knit dress with a matching belt. Groovy, man, groovy! Perfect with brown chunky heeled shoes for the date on the town.

Much, much more. All of these vintage clothes will go in Holly’s new booth.

Join your local Freecycle Yahoo group! Let me know what you pick up or give away. Share the wealth is my philosophy.

Crazy Lazy Days of Summer for Kids Swap

We have participated in several swaps for kids on Swap-bot, Alex always loves to open her swap box!

I am coordinating the Crazy Lazy Days of Summer for Kids Swap. Summer for kids means bubbles, water guns, popsicles, cooling off by playing in the water, staying up late to look at the stars, riding bikes, visiting the zoo.  For the older kids the end of summer means trying to get in the last fun days before the school starts. I thought that a surprise box in the mail might make their day! 

Summer ends at varying times around the United States, here in Oklahoma, we will have Summer until Late September/Early October.

If you have a child/children that would enjoy this swap, go to swap-bot, read the rules, become a member. Swappers have to be 18 or older to join, so you will have to sign up for your children. The last day to sign up for this swap is July 30th. The Send By date is August 5th.

I wish I could be at every home when the swap box arrives to see all the kids faces! I will see Alex get excited at everything she pulls out of the box!

July’s Exchanging of Hands

I have been cleaning-organizing all my treasures, so I thought what a perfect opportunity to have another Exchanging of Hands here at Bombshell’s Panorama.

Here are July’s Treasures

1. For those that love vintage linens- Embroidered Pillow Case – Someone did some very nice embroidery. The case shows some aging and wear. Would make a great pillow, apron pocket.

      2. For those who do paper crafts-A sheet of velium flower stickers.

       3. For those who love to write letters-Brand new set of Apple Stationary.

      4.  For anyone who love Dobermans or collect Beanies-A McDonald Ty Mini Beanie Baby; Doby the Doberman. Sorry for the picture, since I don’t collect beanie babies, I wasn’t sure if I should take it out of the package.

      5. For all the Bunny lovers out there-Two Handmade Bunny Pins. 1. Bunny in pink dress, made of small wooden spools 2. Muslin bunny stuufed with patches.

    6. For those who love to crochet-Vintage Pineapple Crochet Pattern Book. Copyright 1946. Doilies, Tablecloths, Bedspreads, Runners.

    7. For those who quilt-McCall’s Home Decorating pattern, Grandmother’s Flower Garden Puff Quilt.

    8. For the princesses-A Princess Crown and Wand Craft Set. What little girl wouldn’t love to make this?

    9. For those that love pink and green-Handmade pink/green round doily.

   10.  For those who decopage-8-1970 Space Pictures. You could use the pictures for decopaging your little astronaut’s suitcase.

OK, same rules as before:

• Only one item per person, share the wealth!
• First one to comment on a particular item, gets it. Therefore, you can check the comments on the post as to whether something is available.
• This is open internationally. Be patient, please!
• Email me your address.

I have been in the mode of cleaning, yardwork, purging, throwing away, etc. all week.

What extra chores I have done since Monday: 

1. Cleaned out the East Side of my Carport,
2. Throw away a huge pile of trash that had collected over the winter, 
3. Mowed my 1-acre yard,
4. High-pressured cleaned my back deck,
5. Re-potted houseplants,

What is left for this week:

• Iron at least of 20 husband’s shirts,
• A big huge pile of laundry, 
• High-pressure clean my propane tank and then paint, 
• Work Saturday and Sunday at Flea Market

So I will probably will collaspe Sunday night and not be able to move for a few days!

No rest for the wicked!

Sewing and Swapping

I have been sewing some lately, I made some handbags. I made a shoulder bag from some vintage bark cloth for a 1950’s purse swap that I participated. I am a member of Swap-bot. Swap-bot is a site developed by Rachel and Travis Johnson, which promotes swapping various things with people from around the world. I have been swapping there since last September, I enjoy swapping crafts, teas, art, etc with people around the world.

Bark cloth was used for drapes, upholstery, pillows from about 1940’s through the 1960’s. I had just scraps of this bark cloth. I love the brilliant red flowers with the jungle green leaves. The velvet beaded button is new but I thought that it looked vintage enough for the bag. My swap partner wanted extra long straps on her bag, so I measured from my shoulder to the middle of my hip, hope the straps are long enough. The first bag I mailed disappeared into the “Lost” world of the postal service, probably in the belly of a foreign ship sailing over the Pacific to lands unknown into the hands of some scalawag, who will trade it for favors from a wanton woman. I had to develop a intriguing mysterious story, that’s just how my mind works.

I also made my swap partner a small reversible shopping bag. Alex did not understand that the bag I made was not for her! She grabbed the bag and ran into the living room and started putting her crayons and markers into the bag. When Nanny had to explain that the bag was not for her, Alex was very tired and had a 2-year old melt down. So while she was taking a short nap, Nanny had to make her a bag for her crayons and markers.

This is the reversible shopping bag I made. The yellow fabric is named Dragon Dances and is a reproduction of a 1930’s fabric. The green material was designed for the Museum of New Mexico, Musuem of Internationl Folk Art. Both fabric are made by Andover Fabrics. The green has patterns of doves, flowers and skulls, which I am sure relates to the Mexican Dia de los muertos, the celebration of Day of the Dead. Holly’s post, ElDia de los Rhinestones, has a link with more information about the celebration. I could hardly believed that I found this fabric in my small town’s version of Wal-Mart.

Dragon Dances

Museum of New Mexico, Museum of International Folk Art

Isn’t this sock doggy cute!!! His name is Argus and he has vintage buttons eyes and a tag with his name and a small dog bone in his paws. This was a Sock Doggy Swap, my swap parner did an excellent job! I didn’t take a picture of my version of the sock dog, he was made of blue argyle socks and was named Rowdy. Yesterday I received a message telling me that Rowdy was going home with my swap partner’s niece. How very nice that he will have an excellent home!

If you are interested in joining Swap-bot, contact me so I can give you some tips.

Many of you have superior crafting talents, I would love to see the arty endeavors. Some of us have very green thumbs, have a peak at Jackie’s Garden.

Edited a few hours later: Today’s mail brought a package that’s what Swapping is all about! I was so excited when I saw the package because of all the Fantastic Stamps (will use in my ATC art) on the outside! Great idea, Kristin!

Then the inside of the box set my heart to fluttering! My gosh, look at all that stuff! Just for me! Put together with much care and thought from Kristin!

Look! Look!

• Licorice Bites and Hazelnut Chocolate Bar from Harry and David, which btw, everybody is snacking on right now. All I can say is “yum!” 
• Lemon Drop, Cherry Lollipop and Apple Taffy votives,
• A vintage scarf, really pretty
• Green container of great beads,
• A handmade cupcake pin cushion from Kristin, how talented!
• A handmade envelope made from a picture of flowers with flowers seeds inside, 

• Blue and White Checked with veggies piece,
• ’70’s ruffle from curtain,
• Light green with butterflys piece,
• Sage green embroidered piece,
• ’60’s Mod orange and brown piece,
• Greenish blue textured piece,
• Really, really nice piece of trim

Oh, my, all the crafts I can make!!! Let’s see I will light one of the candles, snack (if any is left) on candy, use my pin cushion, wear my scarf and craft until the cows come home!

Many, many thanks for such a well-thought out swap, Kristin. I just had to share!

Changing of Hands with a Twist

This Changing of Hands has two parts, 1. Sewing 2. Paper for Art. The twist, you ask? These new items are give aways, I want nothing in return. The rules will be at the end of the post.

Part One: Sewing

A. Fall Quilt Pieces/enough to make a 16 x 16 inch square pillow front.

B. Small Pieces of Fabric featuring Ms Betty Boop. She is a cowgirl, a biker chick and Ms. Boop on the Town.

C. A Cinderella Simplicity 9353 Toddler Dresses/Toddler size 1, Breast 19 inches, Waist 19 1/2 inches.

D. Simplicity 9466 Toddler 3,4,5,6 Pant Outfit/This pattern is one that has all the sizes on the pieces.

E. Butterick 3948 Large Smocked Dresses with bonnet, diaper cover, slippers/Large Weight 22-26 pounds, Height 28-30 1/2 inches. This pattren includes the smocking transfer.

All the above patterns have been used. I have checked all and there seems to be all the pieces, etc. However, I cannot be 100% certain.

2. Paper for Art 

A. 5 pages from a french book, 7 inches x 4 1/2 inches. I have no idea what any of these pages say, so if it weird, etc. , just take a deep breathe and let it go!

B. 5 pages from a German book, 4 inches x 6inches.

C. 5 pages from a book titled Henry Esmond from 1950, 4 3/4 inches x 7 1/4 inches. Very nice aged look.

D. 5 pages from comic book Jughead with Archie, 4 3/4 inches x 6 3/4 inches. Now I do know what these pages say, just blame Jughead!

E. 3 small prints of artist Paul Kleas, 4 inches x 6 inches.

F. Two pieces of paper, a. olive flower texture b. green vellum. Both 8 1/2 x 11 inches.

G. A photocopy of a Russian Language Primer, it will be several pages.

OK, the rules:

• Only one item per person, share the wealth!
• First one to comment on a particular item, gets it. Therefore, you can check the comments on the post as to whether something is available.
• This is open internationally, BUT if the postage is outrageous, I may have to take my time and/or money (budget) to send you the item. Be patient, please!
• Email me your address.

Take a look at my last Changing of Hands, all the items are still available. Leave a comment on this post about what you have to trade and it is yours! You can find my list of wants on that post.

OK! That’s all, folks!

Changing of Hands

 

The scientific name is Lycoris Squamigera. This lily has several common names, such as Naked Lady Lily and Surprise Lily. In the Spring the green leaves come up and look great for about a month or two. The leaves then turn brown and die. In August, up pops a stalk (no leaves) with buds that open up pretty pinkish purple lillies. Thus the name Surprise Lilly.

Well, this shopkeeper is open for barter! I am going to be posting a Changing of Hands entry once a month, so keep checking back, you may find something you can’t live without. Here is March’s Barter Goodies!

A Wooden Paper Doll with attachable (velcro) clothes. This cutie is 13 inches tall and has a 21 piece wardrobe.

                    

Sharing Time. A big person/Little Person Project Book. Some of the projects are:

1. Build a Box Playhouse
2. A Puppet Stage
3. A beautiful Daisy

A total of 40 projects.      

Vintage Full Size Strawberry Sheeting. Strawberry Fields Forever, maybe curtains.

    

Sew & Go Baby. A sewing book for Baby Gear. Everything from Baby Announcements to Recycling  Sweaters, Dad’s Shirt, etc. into baby clothes.                              

Metro 7 Blouse XL. I bought this new, never wore it. I love the blue/brown combo.

            

Faded Glory Blouse. Ladies 16/18. The blouse’s bust line did not really fit, so it is yours! The beading detail is nice.

      

Vintage Crochet Books. Any combo set or all. The Annie’s Showcase of Needlecraft (24 crocheted cuddly critters), Learn to Knit Combo and the Ouick Fashion Sweater Combo.

                

 Let’s see what do I need???

• Vintage Material
• Buttons/Ribbons/Trims
• Old Magazines (1920-1970)
• Colored (Medium Tone) Wool Felt 
• Your offer

If you see something you want, just email me with attached pictures of your barter items. We will see if a Changing of Hands can happen. If so, we will barter and exchange addresses.

Do you like to recycle or make old into new? I like to recycle clothes, furniture and new packaging(bottle caps, etc.). As a culture we throw away to many useful items! The earth’s resources are not unlimited. I have a big surprise to announce in about three weeks, so please check back, you might be interested!

Do you like thrifting? Thrifting is a big part of recycling. Check this out. I love the retro graphics!

This is one of my dream get-aways.

I would really love to hear from you about your recycling projects. Email me with the story and pictures and one entry a month will feature Your Recycle Projects.

Look around your house today to see if something old can be made new again! After all, it is Spring! 

I LOVE the $ Store

I absolutely love going to the $ Shop, especially the Independently Owned Ones. The large franchise chains are OK, but the little ones have more variety and neater items. There is one in a town close to where I live called the The $ Shop. I really find some unique and interesting junk items there.

Look at the little Valentine Boxes for treats.

Nice dangle earrings for the Belly Dancing Swap!

I bought another pair for myself, of course, that goes without saying!

Here is a little pottery chicken holding a wire basket of yellow flowers.  I like the look of the pottery and wire together.

I bought this package of little clothespins for a craft idea, actually I stole the idea from my Grandma’s kitchen. I will update you when I finish, and I will share the pattern. Be sure and check back!

I am so full of ideas for crafts lately, my brain is buzzing. I found these socks thrifting last week. My youngest granddaughter’s, Ruby, nursery is decorated with a vintage cowboy theme. I plan on making a sock riding pony from one of the socks. One of her great-grandfathers was a rodeo bull rider and another set of great-grandparents rode horses alot, so there are lots of vintage pictures for the walls.

OK, OK I am very tired of winter!!!!! Yesterday was 74 and sunny, I actually thought I could feel Spring. Alias, winter is back, today it is 38 and cloudy, forecasting freezing drizzle tonight!! Gee-ssh! Enough is enough! Now I realize other parts of the country are colder, but I DO NOT live there. In fact, Mexico sounds good about now. I know that Cycles are eternal and Spring will come, the daffodils are sticking their little heads up (hope they don’t get their little heads frozen off) by the south wall of my house.

Take care of yourselves!

Round Three in the Winter Blast!

I live in NE Oklahoma where the winters are usually mild, it gets cold and snows but it does not last. My ideal version of winter is that it snows on Christmas Eve and melts the day after Christmas! Well, I guess Old El Nino is testing us this winter.

In late November, we had the 1st EVER BLIZZARD WARNING!!! It snowed 14 inches! This past weekend we had a 3 (that’s right 3) day sleet and ice storm! 6 days later the ice is still on the ground and we are preparing for another weekend of Snow, 4 to 8 inches!! The schools have not been opened all week due to the roads and walking areas being soooo slick! I also do not remember that ever happening either, maybe two-three days. Just south of here the area is declared a major disaster area, many, many people are without electricity, water, etc. Tuesday evening the Emergency Management for Mayes County ran the ETS system on the local tv station informing people about the severe conditions, shelters, etc. A little scary, the ETS system is the one that would be used in case of Nuclear War. I will be very happy when Spring arrives. Speaking of Spring,  the Daffodils are showing their little heads under the snow and ice. Hope Eternal! The cycle of life goes on.

I have fixed many pots of soup/stew these past few weeks. One of my favorites, is my version of Santa Fe Stew.

Santa Fe Stew

• 1# Hamburger (I use venison)
• 1 Small Onion,
• 3 Stalks of Celery,
• 2 cans of beef broth,
• 1 can Black Beans,
• 1 can Kidney Beans, 
• 1 can diced tomatoes,
• 3/4 cup canned diced tomatoes with green chillies,
• 1 can carrots,
• 1 tsp. basil,
• 1 tsp. mexican seasoning(can substitute cumin),
• salt and peper to taste
• add 4 cups of water.

Saute onion and celery in olive oil until tender, put in small bowl aside. Brown meat in same pan you used for sauteing the onion. Combine remaining ingredients, put the onion and celery back in. Cook until warmed throughout. Sometimes I use the slow cooker or a large kettle on the stove. Garnish if desired with Tortilla chips, grated cheese. Easy clean up. This will certainly warm you up!

I also have spent time reading, crafting, etc., to cold and slick outside to do anything else. I made my first Sock Monkey!

    

Well, what do you think? I like him. This monkey is for a Monkey Lovers Swap. I think some more will be made. Look at his/her face.

I also have been working on a Matchbox Valentine Swap, I have two partners. Take a small actual matchbox and decorate in the theme of the swap or make your own box, I use actual matchboxes. Then fill the box with a sorts of very small items also relating to the theme. For an additional treat, I made Finger Pin Cushions. These are made from plastic bottle caps, I save them and other people save them for me.

I made one with a pink and purple Valentine’s theme.

The I Need You Heart Pin is from the 80’s, Vintage buttons, Small Heart Confetti, Sparkle Buttons, and much more.

Inside are Vintage Gold Buttons, Small Cameo, Plastic Creme Lacy Hearts, Gold Filigree Hearts, Long Stem Red Roses and much more.

I will tell you how to make all the above items in another post. I probably will have time to do more cooking and crafting in the days to come. I am looking out the window and it is starting to look like snowy weather. Worse case senerio the weather man is saying 10 inches of snow!

Vintage Feedsack Fabric Brooch

I made this fabric pin for a swap on Swap-bot. The purple floral material is from a vintage feedsack and the purple button is a vintage button. The fabric reminds me of new Japanese patterned fabric. The green leaves are new fabric. It is a yo-yo that I stuffed with cotton batting and used embroidery thread to form petals. I used purple felt on the back. I will write further instructions later.

My swap partner favorite colors are Fall like colors, so I made a pin from reproduction 1930’s fabric. The fabric has nice browns, golds, reds and greens. I also made some yo-yo earrings to match.

I think I will make some more for Ebay, Dewy Rose Jewelry. I might offer custom orders. Hmmm?

This blogger is doing funny things with my pictures!!!

 I hope she will like the handmade flower pins.

Would you like to know a little bit more about feed/flour sacks?

Flour/feed sacks were used by depression (and later) wives and mothers to make everything from girls dresses to underpants to boy’s shirts.  Many were used for quilts. also. The feed companies wanted to sell feed/flour, so the fabric patterns became better and better for incentives to purchase the feed/flour. The women had to get the labels off the fabric, which also became easier and easier for convenience. There was not enough money for “new clothes”, so mothers mended and “made do”.  I have even read that normally girls did not have a “store bought dress” until high school, which reminds me of a story my sister-in-law tells. When her Dad was going into town to buy feed, she went with him so that she could pick out the fabric she liked for her dresses. Now my sister-in-law is only 56, so feed sacks were used for many years after the Great Depression. Look at Womenfolk for more information on the history of feedsacks.