Fav little spot on a day like today.....

You wouldn't know it's summer here today, or for the last few days with the drop in temperature and rain we are having. It's been a nice change especially since our air conditioner died just last week.

So with the drop in temperature and rain, it's been a nice time for enjoying baked goods, reading and relaxing in one of my most favourite places in the house.

Known around our house as "my chair", I have become even more attached to my old school swivel rocker since having my little Vowers, many a night has been spent feeding my babes off to sleep in this beauty. It is by far the comfiest chair in the house. I have toyed with the idea over the years of redoing the cushions but have decided the tweed is perfect and part of her charm.

She was bought several years ago for $15, and she has been worth every cent. Quite seriously though, in an emergency other than the obvious things everyone always says they would grab, I would also try and lug her out into the path. Sad but true, but that's how I feel about her and the calm that she brings upon you when seated within her arms.

Monday are for.......mayhem

Monday mornings are usually busy around home. There's the odd but of housework that's left from over the weekend in lieu of enjoying our selves as a family. So I have loose ends to tie up on a Monday and Master V to get to family day care and errands to run. But before coming back home this morning and getting into some housework, I popped by three local op shops (shall I say on the long way home), but it was all rather mundane stuff. I did however pick up some crafting supplies and a few other odds and ends.

Back home and trying to get the enthusiasm for straighten up the house.

Wearing a:
thrifted tee that chopped at and altered
thrifted scarf
thrifted belt
gifted denim shorts
(I so look ready to tackle the house head on don't I?)

Well I shan't complain it's pretty tame, and if I'm honest a lot of it is my mess from sorting through lots of stock and craft supplies. I'll have it sorted pretty quickly and then I can get some more crafting and creating done.

I might even pop back later to show you a little something I've been playing around with on the weekend.

Flea Market Finds, for the young and old.....

Some of you may of already seen some of this weeks haul as I just couldn't help myself Friday and had to share all those sweet books and illustrations. But of course that isn't all that I came home with this week. As well as those children's books, I just happened to be in the store when this was brought in.

Now it's not vintage, it's a little old but I certainly wouldn't say it's vintage. How old it is, who knows but that wasn't my point for buying it. I bought it for Little V, but honestly who wouldn't buy something so sweet for their little one? It's going to look so sweet in her room, a vintage floral heaven for my wee one.

But wait I have more, I also managed to score these two sweet light cotton tops. I am in love with this vintage yellow one with fine crochet detail........just perfectly light and cool for hot summer days. Both are just sweet and perfect for jeans and cute little slip on shoes, just simple and easy and just what I need at the moment with my little Vowers. Oh and they were 75 cents each.

Linking up with Sophie at Her Library Adventures, pop on over and check out everyone's finds from this week.

I've been a....

Busy Bee this week, but it's all been enjoyable and exciting.
Monday saw me moving.
Tuesday was about showing brooches and making brooches and being inspired.
Wednesday was all about launching my first ever swap, Handmade & Vintage Brooch Swap. You still have until the 20th February to sign up.
Thursday was for acknowledging awards.
Friday was all about stories.

And today, Saturday has been for sorting through vintage clothes, especially cute baby and children's clothes. It's been for crafting and creating, cleaning and being inspired and for relaxing reading Real Living, old issues but hey it's all knowledge it's all power it's all fun.

There is always a story.....

I popped into my fav oppy this morning, it's become part of my Friday morning routine. I drop Master V at family day care and Little V often falls asleep afterwards in the car and since she rarely transfers well from car to pram or house I take a drive to my fav oppy. When I get there she often wakes and I can give her morning tea and she is happy whilst I have a look around and a chat.

I've said so many times now how I love visiting this sweet oppy, the volunteers are the most welcoming ever and we are always greeted now with hugs, kisses, smiles and laughter. I spend more of my time there lending an ear to some of the craziest stories I have ever heard from these volunteers about life and far away places.

Today was much the same I had a belly laugh at crazy stories but I also bought home some stories as well.
Check these out.....

The Enid book is obvious, but do you know what the others are?

They are twenty-six hardcover "A Serendipity Book" by award winning children's author Stephen Cosgrove and many of which are illustrated by Robin James. Before I rant on check out some of these illustrations and titles, they are too die for.

Then there is the Enid book and of course I have to show a few fav pics from these as well.

When one of the volunteers mentioned to me I should have a look at these, as she had thought about me when she saw them come in the other day, I decided to take them purely because I was smitten with the titles and images.

Of course I wasn't to know that the $5 I paid for all those books, I could now get $5 a piece for them or more depending on the title, and since all mine are hardcovers and from the 70's and 80's I'm a lucky thrifter. I wanted to try and wait until Sunday for Flea Market Finds to show these off to you but I just couldn't wait and besides do you really think that's all I came home with......I've got other finds for Sunday to share.

Sponsor

Morning my sweet Vowers, I have a short but sweet post it's just a bit of a blog housekeeping post for you.
You may or may not have noticed that I have added another tab to the top of my page here, right there^ under my header......it says "Sponsors".

If you're looking for some blog love, why not pop on over and have a read about a "Sponsor Swap".

Liebster Blog....

Awww thanks Nadya at Wolves at The Door, you're ever so sweet, in awarding me this award. If others haven't pop on over to Nadya's yet, you must she is so incredibly talented and inspired.

The idea is to give the award to a blog you enjoy and follow that
has less than 100 followers.

The rules are:
1. Copy and paste the award on your blog.
2. Thank the giver and link back to them.
3. Reveal your top 5 picks and let them know
by leaving a comment on their blog.

I actually found it difficult to select 5 blogs to award, but here is my list of some fab blogs I enjoy popping by on, some are starting out and some have been at this blogging thing for awhile. Either way these are some of the blogs I enjoy and are a mixed bag of things I love in life and appreciate, vintage and being a mum.

1. Things I Do......she's my bestie, but seriously she has just started blogging and she is creative and inspired.
2. Diva Jools......as her blog line says antique handcrafted adornments, love, love, love.
3. I am Scoobylou......if only had her sewing talents.
4. Zaranne Handmade......a thrifted, a sewer, a collector and a sweetie.
5. Über Simplicity........love, life, parties and passion.

These are all such lovely ladies, so please show your love and introduce yourselves.

Handmade and Vintage Brooch Swap....

With all the brooch love flying around the place at the moment, I got to thinking how nice it is to share and show a bit love to fellow bloggers and vintage lovers.
So I am putting together a......

I'm going to try and make this as simple as possible, as this is my first time hosting a swap. The swap will see you giving your partner a vintage or thrifted brooch, by all means you can gift one from your own collection if you so choose. As well as a vintage, thrifted or gifted brooch you will also be sending your swap partner a handmade brooch either made by yourself or bought as a handmade item.

All associated costs including postage regarding the swap lets try and keep to $20 or less or similar in your currency if you are overseas. That's right this swap will be open as an international swap, if you wish to participate.

If you wish to take part in this swap please simply leave comment of your wish to participate by Friday the 20th January 2012, then on the 23rd I will post your swap partners and then you will have until Friday the 3rd February 2012 to send your parcel to your partner (so last mailing day) then on Saturday the 4th February 2012, I will start a post with a Linky for all participants to link up to, so we can start checking out each others beautiful brooches.

I think that about sums it all up for now, I hope I haven't forgotten anything. If I have I will pop back later to ETA. Otherwise it's time to put your name down for the swap and get to thrifting and creating.

Does this one measure up?

So I eluded to the fact I got distracted yesterday in my moving efforts and spent a little time crafting. Honestly I couldn't help it after seeing this awesome tape measure brooch tutorial over at Kate's Irrelevant. Since buying myself a cute little magnetised tape in my fav colour, I've been wondering what to do with the other tape measures I have that I no longer need.

So Kate came to the rescue with this tutorial and thankfully I have all manner of findings so I pulled out some brooch backs.

Here is one of my efforts, I made several. I did find though that with the stapler I have on hand that mine needed some extra support and security so some needle and thread came in handy.....mind you, you may need pliers on hand to help pull the needle though the tape layers in the centre.

It was this little project that left me all inspired to decorate my next suitcase. I don't want to say too much but think window box. I'll need to make more of these and other fabric flowers and I'll need the Big V's help for another part of the project......I can't wait to get started with the rest of it and showing you all.

Now as it is a boiling hot day here and my air con looks as though it wants to die a suspected slow death, I'm off to find some cool fun for the little Vowers and I. Therefore my surprise idea for brooch and vintage lovers, will be on hold until late tonight if it's cooled down enough or in the morning.......either way just be sure to pop back by.

Brooch Love....

There have been so many people showing brooch love and flashing their collections lately, so I thought I would drag out a few of my favs, to share with you all.

I have loved and lost many more than these few I have selected. I also tend to with different collections of mine to gift them from time to time, it's just what I do and I think it's nice to spread the love and give a pin a new home as well as be a bit of pretty or sparkle in someone's life.

Top left is a fabric brooch that I received recently in a swap with Rebecca from I Am Scoobylou. Below the fabric brooch, is Sarah Conventry brooch which also does double duty as a pendant. This one is particularly precious as it is from my mum's mum who I only ever knew as a baby until I was about three or four, so I don't really have any memories of her. It's such a pretty brooch and would you believe I found another just like this, but only as a pendant on eBay years ago.

Top right well it's green do I need to say anymore, we all know it's my favourite colour.
Below that greeny loveliness is this sweet bouquet brooch (although I've had to remove the back to replace the pin this week, as it had died a slow death). I bought this one and the other one below at a car boot sale years ago for next to nothing. The pink flower brooch below, from my best assumption is hand painted and old, but it is ever so sweet and I do love it.

Then finally we have.

This amazing brooch which again can be worn as a pendant, this beauty gets a lot of wear and a lot of comments when it gets an outing especially when worn as a pendant. If I had a dollar for every time people have been compelled to touch it and inspect it and it's chain when I'm wearing it. I did research on the marker years ago, it is my understanding that Barcs the marker was a costume jewellery designer in Melbourne around the 1950's. I love this one so much, she is one who will forever remain with me.

I hope to pop back later to show you what I was working on yesterday and a bit more broochiness (yes an invented word). Then you will need to stay tuned because I have a great little idea for those brooch lovers out there.

I'm moving out....

To the garage.
Yesterday afternoon, we acquired this ginormous desk from my bestie over at Things I Do. Would you believe she had two of these? So we have done a swapsie with some other furniture for this said desk.

So last night the Big V set about taking down all the shelves you see behind the desk that are loaded with his manly stuff. He drilled, he banged, he dragged, he grunted.......I kind of sense there should be some sort of Helga like saucy statement inserted in here, but I ain't that quick witted this evening.

In fact the Big V was home early from work today and he basically walked in the door and straight out into the garage to get into more hot and heavy work, reorganising the other walls of the garage so that I will have good quarter of the garage as my new space to get my craft on, so to speak.

As you can see that man of mine, has been busy. Now pay no attention to the desk just yet I'm not organised the way I want. I got eager and started dumping things from the office in here, as I wanted to get a feel for what sort of storage ideas and containers and so forth I might need.

Oh and I probably should add that I got distracted along the way and thought I should work on a quick little project I saw a tutorial for last week. I will show you said little project in another post, as it has now sparked off what I believe to be the most inspired and brilliant idea for my next suitcase renovation. To be honest, I was getting so excited by my own brilliance I was asking the Big V to give me high fives.........to which he was offering me a chuckle and a half assed high five, he acts like this because my over exuberance offends sometimes I think.

So there you have it, I've got a lot of work to do to get fully organised out there in the garage and I also have a bookshelf being moved in there too, so have more storage space. Thennnn when that is all sorted, I have my other portion of the office I'm still taking up to sort out and make more space efficient. The Big V must really love me to be sharing his space with wardrobes, racks and containers of vintage clothing and collectibles, waiting for us to be ready to get into markets etc.

To my Big V, I know you're unlikely to read this but if you do, thank you baby for helping make transitions to my dreams a reality. Thank you for your belief and support and I look forward to having you as my apprentice with this venture of mine.
X

Flea Market Finds, first week of 2012.....

This week is the week lots of op shops re-opened since the Christmas / New Year break. I popped into a few places this week as well as my fav little spot. However at my fav little oppy they had so many donations while they were closed that when I visited after 2 days of them being opened they had barely got through anything. So most of what I was looking through was stuff I had seen just before Christmas. I'll give them a week to get more sorted and pop back in, as they may be starting to set things aside for me.

So here are just a few finds I picked up this week.

The pillowcase you may have already seen in my previous post as I have already crafted them up into some cushion covers. I also managed to pick up this little coin purse.

Awesome little 1970's breakfast set, doesn't appear to of ever been used.

Finally here are some of the buttons a grabbed at the antiques fair yesterday, the pic doesn't do some of them justice. Some of them have some really interesting textures and designs to them, and as I mentioned yesterday I'm looking forward to using some of these in my bag designs and other projects.

This coming weeks thrifting adventures may be kept to a minimum, as I'm going to be busy and on the move, so stay tuned and I'll show you what's going on.

Oh and just before I go just like every other week, I'm linking up with the lovely Sophie at Her Library Adventures. Make sure you pop I over to check out everyone's finds from this week.

Rotary Antiques Fair....

This afternoon, Little V and I headed off to the Casino to put it all on black.
I kid you of course. Jupiters Casino here on the Gold Coast is hosting the Rotary Antiques Fair. There was lots of lovely stuff to look at, sadly for some there was very, very limited vintage clothing. However I did spot several vintage children's pieces. At one dealers site, I picked up some vintage baby booties and said to Little V, "aren't they the sweetest". At 10 months her response when I put them down and moved on was to cry.......hmmm this mumma thinks we might have a mini-me in the making.

Here are some pics of little pieces that caught my eye and attention.

This vendor had heaps of vintage buttons (these are just some of them) and of course some came home with me. Some may even make their way into some of my bag designs.

Needle point brooches anyone?

Vintage baby and children's.

So sweet, so simple.

Or perhaps you like this girls 1950's dress for $95.

Of course whilst at the fair I had to stop by and see Kitty and Sue's little spot, I paid that little art deco watch another visit and stared at her longingly through the glass cabinet (Sue was busy, so excuse the pic through glass).

Finally just opposite Sue and Kitty this dealer had this 1950's Brexton Picnic Basket, never been used, it is exquisite. Can you imagine the picnic you would have with this, and of course you'd have a gorgeous frock for such a pinic I'm sure.

There you have it, a few snap shots of our trip to the fair. How I wish I could have spent more time and how I wish I had deep, deep pockets loaded with cash there was so many other beautiful pieces I wish I could have bought home with me. However I must say the trip was also enlightening to take note of the value of some valuables that have been handed down to me from the Big V's Gran and some family friends of mine.

I hope you are all enjoying your Saturday night, I'd hope after our long day we get some decent sleep after a woeful night with Master V last night, four hours broken sleep for this mumma and puppa last night.......I'm sure I don't need say anymore.

Crafting, opping and relaxing on a Friday....

I have been out this week on two very low key thrifting trips, and it would appear as though a trend from last year seems to be developing again......pillowcases! Well this week has been no different and I picked up another little beauty for 50 cents and what do you know, with a little bit of crafting, some unpicking and sewing a few straight lines I whipped up two no-zip cushion covers, for a sweet little spot I'm decorating in our redecorating efforts.

I can't wait to show you this little spot which is fast becoming my and the little Vowers favourite spot to hang out throughout the day. I hope your Friday has been an easy one on you to start the year off.

Suitcase renovations have begun....

The new year is here and this mumma has plans big plans, big, big plans, big evil plans for world domination.

Whoops........did I say that out loud?

I meant big plans or big to me plans with my wee little business.

Anyways where was I? Yeah that's right, you might remember that I bought these two cases from Kitty. As I have intentions of getting into the Suitcase Rummage in Brisbane in the next few months. Along with the cases I also recently picked up an old picnic basket that I intend on using as my third case for my wares and goodies.

I started by gently tearing out all the lining for the suitcase, which left some small fluffy and rough sections from the wadding that was used in the base. So I used a fine sandpaper to sort out that issue.

The inside of the top lid is covered in fabric, it's actually one of my recent vintage pillowcase scores. The inside bottom of the case I have painted in pastel yellow. Using clear 3M and venetian blind cord I have fashioned a little hanging space on the inside of the top lid. I have other ideas up my sleeve to tweak this design out, but I'm tossing around ideas and options.

Anddddd as you can see there is one of my clutch bags I finally added the finishing touches to last night.

The clutch will do double duty for it's new owner whoever they be, and the brooch can be removed and used separately as well as the bag. I'm hoping it's a nice addition someone will fancy.

I've said it a few times now since New Years but I am just full of buzz and excitement with this years possibilities. I hope you are too.
X

Pay it Forward....

This morning before my two Little Vowers were awake I was sitting in bed catching up on my blog reading and so forth. Reading up on the happenings of the gorgeous Love Elycia, and her post reminded me that I was part of a Pay It Foward challenge amongst my friends on Facebook last year. The challenge was to make something handmade for the first 5 people who commented on my status at that point. Then I had 12 months in that time to make and send a little handmade love off to them.

So guess what? I'm going to do this again both here and over at Journey to Bliss so that will mean 10 people in total will get a little handmade love from me some point within the next twelve months. You all know I love a bit of up cycled craftiness so you could get a
little magic from me.

All you have to do is be a follower and be one of the first 5 people to leave comment and a way of contacting you and I will get lurking about your blogs to suss out a little something special for you.

Please also leave a comment if you're not one of the 5 but you have been inspired to pay it forward too.

Oh and if there are already 5 comments here and you'd still love a chance at a little handmade love from me pop on over to Journey to Bliss and see if there is still a chance for you there.

Kate's Irrelevant Giveaway.....

What an awesome giveaway is this, for a mumma like me and all the plans I have for 2012. Especially some of those plans I've already been sharing with you all. Since I know that I'm not the only one with big hopes and dreams for 2012, I thought that this giveaway was a must share.

Oh and let's face it, it gets me another entry to the giveaway myself.....but seriously I know others who would love this.

Image source

So with all that being said you must pop on over to Kate's Irrelevant and secure your chance at an entry into this wonderful giveaway.

Flea Market Finds, a little something for little people....

I picked up these two sweeties a few days before the New Year.
A ever so sweet baby girls dress.

And for a little champ this sweet top.

I will be back to my usual thrifting habits when the Big V returns to work later this week. But in the meantime I'm just enjoying family time and hanging onto these moments before the year gets into too much of a whirlwind.

Linking up with Sophie as always and checking out everyone's finds for the start of the year.

TwentyTwelve....

What an amazing year 2011 has been. Without a doubt the best thing to happen this year was the birth of Little V on February 17th. She has expanded my heart, my love and my healing to measures I would never had imagined.

Here she is a day old.

It hasn't been the easiest of times finding a groove with two little Vowers just under two years apart. But despite the trials and woes we have had with Little V, I have slowly been able to carve a path and direction here and with my business. I had all the hair brained schemes in the world that I would have been selling at markets and all sorts by now. But it just has not been possible. I'm grateful though, because coming into 2012 my hopes, dreams, plans and desires with My Vintage Vow are more defined. Since leaving high school some 17 years ago I've been telling people what I've dreamt of doing, and it's only now I can see my desires taking shape.

Anyways I feel as though 2012 is my year and I'm determined to take it on, full on. I have so much I want to do and achieve and time management is going to be key to my plans but by jingos I'm going to make it happen.

So here is my TwentyTwelve, a list of things I'm doing, hope to be doing, working on now and hope to be working on more.

* Registering to sell at the Suitcase Rummage.........suitcase renovations have started, post coming soon, it's looking so freakin' cool.
* Working on up cycled, handmade wares.......you might remember some sneak peaks of bags I've been working on already.
* Moving out of the shared office with the Big V, to a large corner of the garage.....plan is in place and I hope to report movement on this within a month or so......I'm busting for the space to work creatively without interruption. But as for the Big V he will still have the office which he will then share with a growing collection of vintage clothing and finds.....I'm very lucky though to have a man who is supporting my passion to build my business.
*Plans are in place to financially to expand my collection, for markets I hope to selling at in the later half of 2012.
* Attending as many vintage, antique fairs, markets, sales, expos as I can possibly get myself along to and be amongst more of my sort of people who love all the things I love....first one is next weekend so watch out for a post.

Then there are the other things here like....
* Giveaways......one is coming soon.
* Guest posts.....drop me an email if your interested.
* Features
* Lots of fun
&
*More

Personally there are other things on the agenda
* Working on health and fitness
* Family
* Expanding the family.....yes you heard right and no I'm not, not yet anyway
&
* Studies

Image source

So it's been a bit of an epic post, but you've stayed long enough for the fireworks. From me to you my lovely Vowers I wish you all the most wonderful and splendid of nights if you are out celebrating. Depending on where you live there is always on last chance for a thrifting trip before the end the year......perhaps a party frock may be found. Anyways whatever you are doing, where ever you are my wish for you is to be safe and to be happy. May 2012 be your year and I look forward to sharing good times with you all in TwentyTwelve.

Love
Trudie
X

Rainbow of inspiration....

We popped out yesterday to run a few errands, and whilst out I popped into Spotlight to use my gift card from my parents for Christmas. I loaded up on threads, trims and ribbons and other odds and ends........oh and a cute little retractable tape measure in green. I don't often by any trims and ribbons new preferring to use thrifted odds and ends for my bag designs where I can. However I don't mind the colourful inspiration I came home with, some of these will work nicely as a contrast to genuine vintage and thrifted elements I'm using in some designs.

What's inspiring your creative efforts at the moment?

What I got.....

This Christmas the Big V and I set a budget for our Christmas presents to one another of $50 each. Even though the budget was set it hasn't stopped either of us in the past going stupidly over budget to surprise one another with one thing extra special. But what would you know this is the one year that we have both stuck to the budget without one of us going crazy.

So with that being said, the gorgeous art deco watch I tried on at Kitty's has not found a new home with me......momentary *sigh*.

However the Big V, still knows how to make me happy by fuelling my interest and love in my passion and bought me the best book.

Kelly Doust's - Minxy Vintage......How to Customise and Wear Vintage Clothing.

I've been sitting down soaking in every word whenever I get a chance. The pictures of clothing from her collection that are featured are exquisite, there is something on nearly every page to swoon over. Kelly's book and the way she writes about altering vintage items from all eras is so inspiring and a boost to ones confidence to want to give it more of a go.

Here are a few vintage lovelies I've been swooning over that Kelly has transformed.

Thank you darling I'm thoroughly enjoying my Christmas present and so pleased you bought me something to support my passion.

A tree with a bit of whimsy.....

Well the Big V has agreed that my gorgeous vintage Christmas decorations would actually add a little whimsy and childhood nostalgia to our tree. So the "Ode to Trudie Tree" has not needed to be exercised.....shame in some ways though the "Ode to Trudie Tree" was sounding rather pompous and up my self, but oh so fun.

I too conceded to the Big V that the vintage baubles weren't going to look great with our current arrangement, mind you I chose the colour scheme (I'm sure my colour choices are of now surprise to some of my Vowers).

So instead I opted for display the baubles in a vase, like so.

I'm getting rather excited about Christmas Day, to be honest I actually adore the spirit and magic in the air on Christmas Eve. Why not, join me over at my other blog in sharing a few pics and words of the magic and spirit at your place on Christmas Eve.