My Vintage Vow

Suitcase set up....

2012-02-28T09:21:00.001+10:00

This week is going to be all about playing around with suitcase set ups and displaying for the rummage on Sunday. The crazy thing is that I have a mental week, it is crazy busy with something on nearly every day or night. However if there is one thing I do well it's working close to the deadline, so if I somehow manage to find time, I have other crazy ideas bubbling.

So anyway here is a peak at a very rough dry run of a set up yesterday, which is going to change a thousand times over by Sunday I'm sure. But what I really want to show you is my makeover on the red case. Inside the frame it will end up being interchangeable so it can either be decorative or display signage or products.

I have added more stock and product to all of this since yesterday when I did this dry run, but I just wanted to share with you all, what I'm busy with this week.

P.S - sorry for lull on posting in the last week, it hasn't been intended but between net problems, sleep deprivation because of the most social engagements we've had in a year and crafting and getting ready for the rummage, posts have been on a go slow. Oh and did I mention I smashed the screen on my iPad......honestly I can't be trusted with valuable technology. Bare with me anyways normal posting we will resume after this week I hope.

Sneaky Peak, busy bee...

2012-02-24T13:45:00.001+10:00

Net issues have continued this week with our service provider, so I've been using more of that time to get busy with things. Oh and I should mention that it only dawned in me in the wee hours this morning that the Suitcase Rummage is next weekend......did you hear that Vowers next weekend.....I need to get to sorted.

So here is a sneak peak of some of the touches I'm putting to my other suitcase renovation. I'm sorry I can't show you everything, but I need to sort out a few minor inclusions to be added. Hopefully I will be reporting in over the weekend to show you the finished product. I'm rather excited about what I have in store.....I hope it all comes together as I have envisaged.

Storybook bunting....

2012-02-22T19:30:00.001+10:00

Have you missed me? I've been out of action for several days, due to network issues with our internet service provider. Anyways I'm back on deck but have a little catching up to do here and over at my other blog. Anyways the down time from the net has been good and refreshing and gives a new perspective on creative ideas and pursuits. So much so, I'm brainstorming a posting schedule so I have more space and time for free thinking creativity.

So would you believe one little project I achieved in this said down time is some bunting. BUNTING I hear you say....yeah, bunting, would you believe with all the bunting craze that has circled the blogosphere I haven't given it a grown up go?

This is what you get with downtime from the net and some Little Golden Books.
A little Bambi love.

Of course this is not all that I achieved, I got other odds and ends done as the prep for Suitcase Rummage is getting closer......exciting times.
I best bid you a good evening and be on my way to catch up on all that I have missed in the online world. I should be back to posting regularly in a day or two.

Flea Market Finds, a little old school cheat...

2012-02-19T14:57:00.001+10:00

What do I mean cheat? Well this weeks finds aren't this weeks finds. Why? Because I have been under the pump this week with my Little Vowers and the remainder of the week has really been about family time and celebrating Little V's birthday. So these finds are still genuine scores I have picked up in he past but haven't shown. Is that ok? You forgive me, don't you?

My first "old school" find is this old preschool teachers art apron. Do you remember your preschool or kindy teacher sporting a smock or apron? I do! I have a few little spots on this that still need a little work getting out, but then it will be looking for a new home with a vintage loving, teacher.

Lastly I wanted to show you these.

A collection of vintage match box labels I have had for a long time, that I picked up for next to nothing and I have more.
I do love elephants

Linking up with Sophie at Her Library Adventures, be sure to pop over and check everyone's hauls for the week.

Sweet Birthday for my Little V.....

2012-02-18T13:06:00.001+10:00

Little V had her first birthday yesterday. Goodness me, how she has changed our world and lives beyond measure just as her brother before her. I'm sure I am like many other mothers out there who spend a moment on their child's birthday reflecting on their child's birth. I certainly have, as it was such a special day in more than one way for us. I've shared my birth story before over at my other blog, click here to read if you like.

Five seconds and the "table" is clear.

We had a lovely day and with the Big V taking the day off for extra family
time it has been a rather relaxed and sweet day for us and our sweet girl.

We headed to Mount Tambourine in the afternoon for some sweet treats for afternoon tea to celebrate.

Happy Birthday baby girl....from Daddy.

Kind of says it all doesn't it.

Hmmmm waffles and ice cream.

Playing peek-a-boo and other silly games with mummy's handmade notebook....but I can get away with it right? It's my birthday!

I just trick mummy into silly photos and she will forget about her notebook.

Celebrations aren't over yet as we decided just yesterday to have afternoon tea on Sunday afternoon, so we will have the Big V's parents, brother and his wife here as well as Little V's godparents hopefully for some cake. Keeping it simple, relaxed and in the family.

Little V's Birthday Gift....

2012-02-16T19:11:00.001+10:00

Wow wee what a year it has been. Tomorrow my sweet miss, my Little V turns one, and there is very little she needs or requires so the Big V and I opted not to buy her a gift and instead I have made a very simple little something for her.

At just one she is very much a girl and likes a tea party, pretending to stir a spoon in a cup and pretends to feed herself and everyone else in the family. So to extend on her and Master V's imaginative play at theses times, I have used some vintage fabric scraps, denim and a few other bits and pieces and whipped her up this.

A lace trimmed mini tablecloth using a thrifted pillowcase, the trim was also thrifted.
Two little napkins or coasters using scraps from a thrifted pillowcase,
and finally
Two cloth tea bags using denim and fabric scraps and some elastic.

I'm looking forward to tomorrow as the Big V is taking the day off, so we will be having some family fun. We haven't planned anything concrete yet, but an afternoon drive up to Mount Tambourine might be in order for a cuppa and some cake I think.

And drumroll please....the winner is.....

2012-02-14T20:52:00.001+10:00

Dramatic pause.
Look around at the audience.
Exhale.
Jos from Sew Cook Laugh Live

Congratulations you are the winner, of all this vintage fabulousness.

Insert acceptance speech here.
Cue the music.

Ok, ok I'm getting carried away, in all seriousness congratulations once again and thank you for joining me on my adventures here at My Vintage Vow. Thank you to all those who entered and even if you didn't enter thank you. Thank you everyone for all your support, comments and love so far in my journeys and adventures here. I can't wait to see what the year holds, and what kind of capers we will be having. But I do hope I will be sharing them all with you.

To all my sweet Vowers much love and vintage wishes to you all.

Today is for love....

2012-02-14T07:58:00.001+10:00

Spreading the love today and reminding all my lovely Vowers and those who stumble upon me today, that today is your final day to enter my giveaway. So to enter click here and check out the Johnson love you could be in the draw for.....entries close 8pm tonight.

I also want to wish everyone a sweet Valentines Day, doing whatever you do, how ever you do it and with whomever you do it with, even if it's just yourself and for yourself, have a fab day. I'm at home today with my Little Vowers and in some quiet time today I'm going to work on things I love in my creative space.

Big love to you all.
X

Flea Market Finds, a few pretties...

2012-02-12T16:34:00.001+10:00

I hope everyone had a fruitful week with your thrifting adventures, I popped into a few oppy's this week and came home with more odds and ends for the the Little Vowers than anything else. But with two Little Vowers who's feet grow like nothing else I just can't see the point in spending $20 every few months for brand new ones because their feet have grown. So I'm pretty pleased that I have landed the kids some great shoes this week and I think I still have change out $5 for those efforts.

But of course all my purchases this week weren't for the Little Vowers and I picked up some other lovelies.

A sweet rose bouquet brooch which appears to have once been anodised but has lost that lustre and shine, but either way it's still a sweet little score. Mind you if anyone knows how I can give it back some of its shiny glory please let me know. Background to the brooch is a vintage floral sheet I picked up for a $1......can't complain.

And then there is this ever so sweet vintage bed jacket. I'm wanting to take inspiration from the gorgeous Kelly Doust book the Big V bought for Christmas and perhaps revamp it a little and wear it outside the bedroom........do you think I can make it work? I'm still looking for the inspiration on how I'm going to do that, but I just couldn't pass it up. I really thought it was sweet and thought if I didn't give her a new home she might just sit on the rack for eternity being overlooked by others.

As always I'm linking up with Sophie at Her Library Adventures and checking out everybody else's finds from this week.

Oh and one last thing if you haven't already make sure you enter my giveaway if you fancy a little Johnson love.

Lazy Saturday's and......

2012-02-11T14:07:00.001+10:00

The men folk are outside doing what men do, playing in dirt and chopping trees. The girls are indoors having a tea party and when the Little Vowers are napping this mumma is working on a special Little Vowers first birthday present.

Little V is days away from turning one and she is already walking around stirring a spoon in a cup and having a sip of tea (pretend tea of of course), so what I have planned and I'm working on is to bring a little more life into this tea party scene with.......
you guessed it a little more vintage floral loveliness. I'll share more with you all later next week, who knows if it all turns out like I hope there might be a few DIY/tutorials coming up too.

Simple Vintage pleasures....

2012-02-10T14:54:00.001+10:00

Simple vintage pleasures are, watching my Little V crashed out on our green shag-pile rug and a cushion covered in a cover refashioned from a vintage pillowcase, I made.

Giving this mumma some unexpected time to finish off the latest bag I'm working on.

Have you been able to catch some unexpected breaks in the day to steal a moment for you? If you're having a break right now why not enter my vintage giveaway for a little Johnson love.

Meeting bloggers and rummaging around...

2012-02-09T20:25:00.001+10:00

The weekend is nearly upon us and I've only managed now to do this post about last weekend and the Bloggers Meet-up and the Suitcase Rummage. I was looking forward to last weekend all of last week and Sunday didn't disappoint. Our Blogger Meet-up was at Jade Buddha in Brisbane and Caroline from Things I do and I had a little walk around the markets nearby before the meet.

It was my second time attending a bloggers meet-up and I felt right at home. Once we were all pretty much in attendance it didn't take long for us all to be throwing down business cards like we were declaring poker hands.

Melissa from Suger Coat It was our hostess with mostest, and made sure we were all happy, whilst being quietly bombarded by blogging questions and taking photos of the event.

Anne from Domesblissity sweetened everybody up with attaching homemade coconut ice to her business card......everyone is still talking about it.

Food was had, laughs we're shared, blogging tips exchanged. It was nice to see blogging buddies and meet new ones.

Like Ames from the newly renamed Accidental Wonderland, who is just gorgeous and waiting on the birth of her second child.

If you haven't met the vintage, rockabilly, pin up loving beauty Sheri Bomb you must......if you like a little ink, she's got some lovelies to check out.

If you want to admire a mumma with five and all that she does Danielle at Five Little Reasons is not only stunning in person but down to earth too.

Olivia from Wait Until the Sunset, is so bubbly, friendly and welcoming. Deb from Home Life Simplifed is inspiring. Mrs BC from Mrs BC House of Chaos is adorable and sweet. Then there was also Jos from Sew Cook Laugh Live, Sarah from Stitching Lyrical, Amy from My Life As A Cake, Cate from Life Behind the Purple Door, Rachel from Redcliffe Style and Gillian from Tessie Girl.

Goodness me is there anyone I forgot I hope not?

After the meet we headed off for a walk to check out the Suitcase Rummage market and came cross some weird and wonderful things.

But most of all Caroline and I are excited about venturing out over the next few months into the rummage to sell our own handmade wares. We're both quietly confident we will do alright with both of us having a point of difference in a lot of the stuff we make.

So with that being said, I best end this epic post and get back to work on some more bag designs.....time waits for no one.

Celebrate with a GIVEAWAY.....

2012-02-07T13:48:00.001+10:00

I'm so excited about this giveaway, because it's really a celebration, a celebration for you, for me, for all of us. You have all been so sweet and supportive of my adventures and endeavours. So as a way of saying thanks to all my followers here and over at our Facebook page, I have put together this awesome giveaway of vintage finds for your kitchen.

So I shan't tease anymore and instead I will tell you the lucky winner will receive the following.

Two Johnson plates
Two retro flower juice glasses
Vintage Tupperware Butter Saver
Vintage Smock Style Apron (perhaps you'd like to start a trend of wearing it as a top too)
and the small brown and orange retro flower tablecloth.

For your chance to win this giveaway you will need to be a follower of this here blog and leave a comment below, so please be sure to have a valid email to your account or leave a contact email in your comment, so I can reach you if you are the winner.

If you're super keen to win those Johnson plates and the rest of the giveaway, you can have a second entry by popping over and becoming our Facebook fan too, just be sure to pop back and leave a separate comment for your two entries.

AND I guess it goes without saying if you REALLY need this giveaway and those plates for your collection I will give you a third entry if you mention this giveaway in a blog post, just be sure to leave a separate comment again.

Since it's a celebration this giveaway is for everyone, international followers included, entries will close 14th February 2012 at 8pm.

Good luck.

It's time to celebrate....

2012-02-06T16:15:00.001+10:00

Yesterday after a long day in Brisbane having fun meeting up with fellow bloggers and also checking out the Suitcase Rummage market. I came home to find the Big V and Master V had a surprise for me, all the leftover weekend housework had been taken care of and I didn't need to lift a finger.

So with that all being said and done I was in a rather jolly mood and sat down to check in my My Vintage Vow Facebook page to find that we hit triple digits.

So it's time celebrate all my Vowers everywhere, so stay tuned this week as I will be posting a giveaway......and it's going to be a goodie.

Giveaway may or may not include some Johnson love giggles

Flea Market Finds, and furry Fauna...

2012-02-05T18:25:00.001+10:00

I have just one sweet find to quickly show you today, as I have been in Brisbane for a Hello Blogger Events Queensland Bloggers Meet-up. My lovely came with me and we also checked out the Suitcase Rummage. So I hope to be checking back in later tonight or through coming days with pics and stories from our day today.

But for now I wanted to show you a cute, wooly find I found this week (amongst others).
It's a child size button up wool vest, it is so soft and cuddly, the animals are simple but cute. I just love everything about this vest it's just sweet, simple innocent made under the label G'day Mates it is hand knitted original 100% pure Australian wool.

Linking up with Sophie over at Her Library Adventures, I hope to catch you over there checking out everyone's finds from this week.

Handmade and Vintage Brooch Swap Linky.....

2012-02-04T20:02:00.001+10:00

Well the time has come, and I'm excited to see over coming days some amazing brooch love being exchanged amongst my dear blogging buddies and follow vintage lovers.

Thank you all once again for participating in my first ever hosted swap, and just remember a special someone will be receiving a surprise package from me soon.

So please as you receive your parcels be sure to pop back here and add a link to your post about the treasures you received, so we can have a little link party and share the love around.

It's another FB Garage Sale.....

2012-02-03T13:39:00.001+10:00

Happy Friday dear Vowers, I've been a little quiet this week. I've been tired the Little Vowers aren't sleeping well and I have also been busy plotting and planning and sorting.......as you know I'm working on big plans this year. So I have put together another FB Garage Sale. On offer this time around is a mix of vintage, non-vintage clothes, coats, bags and even a painting by me.

If you're in the market for a little something pop on over and have a look.
P.S - I have two vintage wool coats on offer if anyone is planning their winter wardrobe already.

Tie Dye Hippy Mumma...

2012-02-02T14:16:00.001+10:00

I'm frequently referred to by the Big V as the hippy mumma. If you've popped over to my other blog Journey to Bliss you might know what he is referring to. Nonetheless I thought it was high time I let you know a little bit more about me, him and the Little Vowers. The description of being a hippy mumma I guess is true in as much as a broad description to some of our natural parenting ways.

I have referred to breastfeeding in posts here, where I deliberate about what vintage pieces to wear if I'm going to be feeding Little V, but what you may not know about us is that we are also a full time cloth nappying family, amongst many other things. We mainly use Modern Cloth Nappies, but with it being summer it's hard to pass up the good old terry square that has graced many of us older ones bottoms when we were babes.

However, because I like colour and I like to be different I have two dozen tie dye terry squares, that a gorgeous mummy friend did for me before Little V was born nearly a year ago.

This is jut some of them.

Whoops a little more tie dye, this pic was taken several weeks after she was born.

I can't help but smile when I pop these on Little V, and think between a tie dyed bottom and vintage finds for her and myself, that there is a mini-me in the making.

Busy this week doing....

2012-02-01T21:08:00.001+10:00

Plotting and planning

a giveaway is in the wings with numbers growing here and we're about to reach triple digits on Facebook.....99, who's going to be the 100th?

Sorting and photographing

for another Facebook Garage Sale of vintage, non-vintage, cute, funky, quirky clothing and bits and pieces and odds and ends. I've got to off load, so the true vintage pieces can breath and make room for more.

Preparing and primping

for a Blogger Meet Up this Sunday and a day with my lovely where we will get a market fix and stroll around the Suitcase Rummage. I'm primping because I don't get many chances still with Little V being so young to dress up and mix with large groups. Although she will be with us for the day, this mumma still deserve some niceties.

What are you busy doing this week?

Monday was for a, spot of thrifting.....

2012-01-31T07:19:00.001+10:00

Finally yesterday we had a slight break in the weather here (or at least for part of the day), so after dropping Master V off at family day care Little V and I went on an outing. We went for a quick rummage and lucky for me it was one of those 50% off days, but as Little V's teething woes were hitting her hard we didn't stay long to make the most of it.

However I did manage to come home with several items, so it was a morning well spent nonetheless. I thought I would show you this non-vintage piece I picked up. Being a 100% silk I just couldn't pass up this floral oriental quilted jacket. It's very well made and in perfect condition. As I said it was 50% off today, so I couldn't help but grab it for $1.25. Although it's now one of those purchases I'm wondering what I'm going to do with it. Wear it? Alter it? Sell it? Deconstruct it and use in another project?

Oh well, I'll work it out. But for now tell me what you did to start your week off? Did you pick up any questionable thrifted finds like me?

Flea Market Finds, out of the archives.....

2012-01-29T13:11:00.001+10:00

Well as I have highlighted in a previous post this week the weather here in Queensland has been crazy with torrential rain and flooding all over the place. Therefore with that in mind it has been safest and advisable to stay close to home, so with all that being said I haven't been able to stray to any local oppies for a rummage.

But this hasn't stopped me from linking up for Flea Market Finds with Sophie this week, because I have pulled out some old finds from the "archives" if you please. I've been wading through some of my funky, quirky and cool stock and personal collection recently and thought I'd show you these for something a little different.....all of which at some time or the other have been thrifted.

What about this one...perhaps for the vintage loving man in your life if he likes football (that's what we call soccer it his house), a vintage Manchester United Sponsors Jacket.

Does this bring back memories for anyone? It's the real deal licensed supporters wear.

What can I say about this vintage knit vest, a very cool find from a while back at a car boot sale for 50cents if recall correctly.

Vintage Button Hair Tie DIY/Tutorial

2012-01-28T20:34:00.001+10:00

I've been a bit surprised by the reaction to the vintage button hair ties I made and posted this week. I've also received a fe emails enquiring about them and a few questions about how they are made.

I honestly thought I was being a little bit of a dork in posting a pic of them and I never imagined the reaction to them or thought others would want to know how to make them themselves. So as a way of saying thank you for all your lovely comments and emails, in return I have put together this DIY tutorial for you all.
So here goes, my first proper DIY blog post.

Supplies you will need:

* scissors
* needle and thread
* a selection of vintage buttons (ones with shanks, see pic below)
* no snag hair ties, the ones without the metal thingy on them

Before we get started, make sure your buttons have shanks and that the whole is a decent size to fit a double thickness of the hair tie elastic through.

To make the job of getting the hair tie through the shank easier take your needle and thread, and double over the thread and tie off the end so you have a loop of thread, that the needle won't come off.

Next take your needle and thread and hair tie, and loop the thread over the hair tie, making sure you pass the needle below the knot. If you've done this correctly you will have captured the hair tie and it should look like this.

Now pass the needle and thread (with hair tie trailing behind) through the shank of your vintage button. Continue to pull through until about this point below.

At this point you can remove the needle and thread either with scissors, however I prefer to be patient and use the tip of the needle to loosen the thread wrapped around the hair tie and free itself out of the loop.....that way you won't end up with a random bit of cotton around your hair tie.

Once the thread is removed you will need to pass one side of the hair tie through the other looped side, see below.

Continue to pull through the shank until it is tight, and flick over the smaller loop so it sits snug on the other side of the shank, see below.

Then sit back and admire your work.

Me and my hair....

2012-01-28T12:55:00.001+10:00

I'm known in my real life circle of friends for having a new hairstyle or colour on a regular basis. I can't help it, it's just one of those things I do, I get bored with my hair easily. It probably doesn't help that I have never been confident of what to do with long hair past about shoulder length, and how to style it nicely. Don't get me wrong I like my pixie do's once and awhile, it's the general go to when I have no idea of what else to do. Over the years I've been long dark, blonde, red, short, shorter and pixie, I've has the bob, I've been funky, I've been edgy, I've been it all. Oh and there was a time when I was thirteen I had a spiral perm, I cringe now even thinking of that.

But I have been searching around for inspiration lately and I keep coming back to a hair style I have always wanted to give a serious go. It's a little bit old school, and a change from any bob I've had before, it's the old bowl cut bob but I'm ever so keen to give it a go. What do you think? After all it's hair, if doesn't work out you chop it off.

Pic Source

A bit of Meryl Streep action in the Cry in the Dark.
I've got for a bit of work ahead of me growing my hair back to a reasonable length to get this style, so you might see some hair clip and accessory posts and creations coming up in the meantime to hold me over.

But what about yourselves, is there a style or colour that you have always wanted to give a go despite others opinions?

Whoopsie.....did you miss me yesterday?

2012-01-27T10:22:00.001+10:00

It kind of totally slipped my mind yesterday to get any blogging stuff done. But seriously I have good excuses, there is significant and rather stressful matters occurring with my family. Some some serious emotional energy was zapped yesterday and time on the phone with another family member talking about said matters.

However in lieu of any blogging work yesterday I did get some crafting and sewing done and I finished up another two clutch handbags.

Here is one of the bags i finished up. For those who have been enquiring, all my bags are made using as many up-cycled, recycled items as possible. I use everything from old and vintage placemats, doilies, vintage buttons, vintage fabrics, vintage handkerchiefs, clip on earrings and basically anything else I can get my hands on that I can see potential in.

Yesterday with the slight break in weather, I thought there was a glimmer of sunshine and hope for some thrifting today, but it has bucketed down over night and this morning........so it looks like another day indoors and to be honest some quiet de-stressing time focused on creative projects and a nice cuppa will be nice.

It's raining, it's pouring.....

2012-01-25T20:32:00.001+10:00

The rain has really set in here over the last few days, it has been on and off torrential since we got back from Melbourne Sunday night. Today has seen heaps of road closures due to flood waters and schools being closed and much more.

So with that being said my plans for today were changed up a bit whilst I tried to keep Master V from going stir crazy and Little V happy as she has two toothy pegs coming through. All whilst trying to keep the Big V up to date on road closures and conditions so he could ensure himself and staff of doing necessary work and getting home.

So the only down time I have managed today was about half an hour, whilst an unsettled Little V rested, so during that time, I rustled up these vintage button hair ties.

In other rainy weather news, the roads to my fav little oppy are under water at present and with the expected weather conditions over the next few days it's unlikely I will get to run my Friday morning routine of popping in. It will be a shame if that is the case, as it is one of the gorgeous volunteers birthdays tomorrow, and I wanted to bake her a little something and take it in Friday......oh well there is always next week I guess.

To hang or not to hang that is the question....

2012-01-24T10:00:00.001+10:00

I am a muse or it would seem as though I am or have been.
I have had two different artist at two different times paint or draw me.

This is actually a pastel piece that was done by one of my old art teachers who is a renowned master pastelist.

Then there is this painting that was done many years prior to the one above by a family friend of the Big V's family. I was unaware at the time I had been used as inspiration, until it was given to me. Our family friend who painted this has gone on in leaps and bounds in her artistic endeavours.

But there is a question here for my Vowers, what does one do with two portraits of oneself? They are not currently displayed in our home and the Big V frequently throughout the years suggests we should hang them. But I always think its a bit up oneself to have myself hanging about the place.....don't you think? What would you do? I can't give the pieces away as both artist have asked I keep them in the event they want to use them in exhibits. Would you hang them? I ask these questions because as you know I'm on a constant endeavour to decorate our home and I am also refining my stock storage area in the office and, I've just pulled these out this morning to get to other stuff and thought I would pose the question to you all.

Swap Partners Announced.....

2012-01-23T10:02:00.001+10:00

I'm so excited to be posting partners for the:

this morning.

So without further ado here are your partners, so you can get to thrifting, crafting and creating some brooch love.

Zaranne Handmade and My Friends Call me Nelly
I Am Scoobylou and Things I Do
Vintage Sweetheart and Sew Cook Laugh and Live
Barn House Antiques and Jody Pearl - Reinventing Fashion
Kijaro Adventures and Domesblissity

Since this is an open swap rather than a secret swap, I will leave it for you all to contact your partners regarding postal adresses. However if you have any issues whatsoever or need my assistance please contact me and I will help out.

Also since we have ended up with even numbers and I have not ended up with a partner, I will also be putting all your names into a draw and one of you lucky ladies will receive a special parcel from me. So please ensure you all send me your postal details ASAP so that you can get the surprise of a visit from the postie with some love from me, if you are the lucky winner.
Email: myvintagevow(at)bigpond(dot)com

Lastly, I just want to say a big thank you to you all for joining in on my first ever hosted swap, I am so looking forward to seeing your parcels. Please make sure you all pop on over to all the other participants blogs that are involved and say hi.

So there you go it's offical there are your partners, may the thrifting and crafting gods be with you.

Flea Market Finds, and over 50 years old....

2012-01-22T21:24:00.001+10:00

Of course I'm not talking about myself when I say over 50 years old. But I am talking about this "A Hampton Book" cloth baby book. It is just the sweetest little book ever, the edges are all still in great condition but the big job is on to wash and clean it safely and gently. Obviously with age some of the cloth pages are a little stained and pitted.

I'm still trying to determine the safest way to wash it. What kind of solution would you use, something like a nappy soaking agent made up mildly or pure soap like Lux?
Would you soak for a period of time, if so how long? Nelly, what solution did you use exactly for the dress you mentioned to me?

On Friday I also picked up this 1930's crochet pattern book, I don't crochet but I do know some very talented crocheters.

I'm rather smitten with the idea of this sweat top and cap.

And this bag and matching gloves.

Amongst my finds were also these juice glasses and other finds this week not picture also include, Italian poultry shears, I nabbed for $1.50, thank goodness because I haven't wanted to part with fifty odd dollars or more for brand new ones. I also picked up more vintage buttons, as well as some other special finds I'm saving.

I've tried to keep things brief, because as you read this I am mostly likely still in Melbourne on our whirlwind one day trip. We've been up since the crack of dawn, well earlier to the truth, so let's just say once we get home it will be well past some of these Vowers bed times tonight. But it has been a wonderful time and it has all been for a wonderful women, the Big V's Gran's 90th birthday.

I will be looking forward to sitting back on Monday and relaxing with a cuppa and checking up on everyone's finds over at Her Library Adventures.

Doing my Friday thing....and a question for my Vowers.

2012-01-20T14:01:00.001+10:00

It's no secret now that I have my Friday morning routine set, dropping Master V at family day care and popping into my fav op shop. This morning was another lovely visit, and along with stories from the volunteers, I picked up another awesome storybook find.

Of course, it wouldn't be a Friday morning out if I didn't come home with other finds. But for now I need my Vowers help. Can anyone tell me the safest, gentlest way of washing a vintage fabric children's book?

Pic Source

I would be ever so grateful to anyone who can help me out, the book is 50 plus years old, so I want to give it the love it deserves. I've got to hop to it and get on with other stuff around the the Vower house now, as we are off on a whirlwind one day trip to Melbourne on Sunday for the Big V's Gran's 90th. I've also got some craft projects I want to get finished up and if I can squeeze in time I have a little something to revamp that I would like to wear on Sunday.

Oh and a big P.S to my Vowers it's your last chance today to sign up for the Handmade and Vintage Brooch swap.

Two days left....

2012-01-19T08:30:00.001+10:00

Don't miss out on your chance to sign up.

Considering it is my first hosted swap I am already stoked with the response, with 10 people already signed up and excited. I'm so looking forward to seeing everyone finds and creations.

Remember to pop in on Monday as I will be announcing and posting your partners, then you can confer with one another about appropriate postal addresses etc.

If we end up with an uneven number of people signed up I will be partnering with a lucky someone.

Hmmmm you never know I might decide to put everyone into a random draw if I don't end up with a partner and you might get a little something from me too......ohhhh now wouldn't that be nice?

I'm Pinterest-ed to know....

2012-01-18T13:32:00.001+10:00

Who is on Pinterest? Do you use Pinterest?
I'm on there and have pinned three or four things at this point, even though I had my invite months and months and months ago. I know some people are mad for it and pin like crazy.

Pic source Pinterest of course.

So I'm Pinterest-ed (yes a made up word which I'm sure I'm not the first to use the play on words) what other creative souls thoughts are on Pinterest. Does it help or hinder your creative process? I've heard and read other creatives talk about it and have suggested that they keep their activities on these such sites to a minimum as it gets in the way of their own process, projects and personal inspiration.

Then I have other questions like am I being silly for not being more interested in Pinterest, when it comes to the world of blogging and followers wanting other places to connect with you? Am I hindering my process and my goals by not opening myself up to this audience more?

If I do go down this path further will I lose my own creative flare to Pinterest? I rarely ponder the heavy things in posts here, but this has been on my mind for awhile......and why not open up a bit of conversation once and awhile to a bit of debate, don't you think?

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

2012-01-17T20:24:00.001+10:00

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

2012-01-16T12:28:00.001+10:00

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.....

2012-01-15T14:31:00.001+10:00

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....

2012-01-14T19:54:00.001+10:00

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.....

2012-01-13T19:44:00.001+10:00

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

2012-01-13T10:51:00.001+10:00

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....

2012-01-12T13:12:00.001+10:00

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....

2012-01-11T05:39:00.001+10:00

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?

2012-01-10T14:32:00.001+10:00

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....

2012-01-10T08:44:00.001+10:00

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....

2012-01-09T20:05:00.001+10:00

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.....

2012-01-08T17:37:00.001+10:00

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....

2012-01-07T20:19:00.001+10:00

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....

2012-01-06T16:52:00.001+10:00

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....

2012-01-05T13:06:00.001+10:00

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....

2012-01-04T07:48:00.001+10:00

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.....

2012-01-03T07:13:00.001+10:00

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....

2012-01-01T17:57:00.001+10:00

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....

2011-12-31T08:33:00.001+10:00

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....

2011-12-29T05:16:00.001+10:00

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.....

2011-12-28T13:59:00.001+10:00

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.....

2011-12-22T20:23:00.001+10:00

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.

One last thrift before Christmas....

2011-12-21T19:31:00.001+10:00

Seriously, I mean it. I don't think I have time for another thrifty adventure before Christmas Day. I have to get real now and get the groceries done and shortbread made and presents wrapped.

This morning my dear lovely and I went on another crazy op shop adventure, back to the same place.....yes my fav little place. As it was their last day being opened for the year and they were having a morning tea. My little Vowers had me up early this morning so I baked a simple but sweet little cake to take along with us. It was a good thing I took something along because the amount of finds the two us of walked out the door with was ridiculous.

I actually intend on vamping up this picnic basket with my suitcases for my market wares. I will keep you all up to date with my progress on these projects.

Rather cool old lamp with shade and a cool little tray.

For you Pyrex and Crown ware lovers.

Finally and likely my most favourite find of the day are these old Christmas decorations, we had these when I was a child and I just couldn't pass them up. I'm sure the Big V will scoff at the mere suggestion that they will go anywhere near his immaculately decorated tree like a department store one. So I am going to start an "Ode to Trudie Tree" that's all about me.

Some kitschy reading and inspiration....

2011-12-20T13:32:00.001+10:00

Lookie, lookie what my darling dear friend picked up for me from the Friends of the Library Shop (a shop on the Gold Coast where the old, unpopular, out of date books go for sale to the public).

I love the pictures throughout the book, and I feel rather inspired to dismantle the book to use some of the imagery in other crafty ideas I have been inspired to do.

But then there is the odd activity in there that serves as inspiration for another little something to try.

Either way I thought I would share this kitschy coolness with, so you to could swoon over some of the pictures.

The pictures above make me day dream of one day having my little vintage caravan decked out with my wares on board for markets.

Fabric covered fridge anyone? I think the Big V would have minor heart failure if I told him I was going to do this.

You'd be a real cat to be reading this book.

Isn't she exquisite?

Inspired to track down some old paint by numbers on my thrifting adventures. I've noticed around the vintage loving bloggers and thrifters that they are making a bit of a resurgence. I'm sure I could find a nice little place for one like his.

The book covers crafts like crochet, macramé, tie-dye, sock monkeys and everything else in between that is weird and wonderful. Did you know you're never to old to have a groovy bed doll? That's what the book tells me.

Answering your questions....

2011-12-19T20:29:00.001+10:00

I realised the other day that I have got a little behind in answering some questions from some of my lovely Vowers and that goes for some emails too. So I thought I would address some questions and comments that you've been sending my way. In the process I'll share a bit of blog love around and you might find out something about me you didn't know.

Sue from Divajools commented just yesterday about my Flea Market Finds asking if I would be looking to make something with my lovely vintage pillowcases.

Sue, yeah I'm uncertain at the moment. If I don't make some dresses, tops or skirts for Little V, I will put them towards her linen stash for when I do her room next year when she moves out from our bedroom as we currently co-sleep. Thank you so much for popping in as always. Please Vowers pop on over and visit Sue she is so wonderfully creative and talented.

Nelly commented on one of my Funk It Up on a Friday posts:
Nelly said: Bet you used to model. I think frock on Friday was any frock at all. So fock on anyway you like xx

Nelly, no I haven't ever really modelled. I did help out once doing a one off runway show for an in store parade, but that's the extent of it. I did have glamour photos done many years ago, just for myself and the owners of the business where I had them done were happy with the results and asked to use my pics for their promotional materials, but seriously that is it. Thank you honey for the compliment, but seriously it has never been something I have ever entertained. Vowers once again make sure you pop by Nelly's, she is actually selling off some of her vintage goodies at the moment.

Finally Vix commented on my Flea Market Finds, a plenty post.
Vix said: Wowsers! I'd have snapped up all three of those beauties. That skirt is fabulous. thank goodness it's a 30inch waist, it's saved me having to fly over and wrestle it out of your pretty hands.
Is that cravat a Tootal?
Dying to hear how your trip to Kitty's emporium went. x

To finally answer your question it is not a Tootal. The label shows a diamond shaped with PLS inside of it. Oh and Vix, please feel free to try and come and rip something from my hands. I'd let you rip it off me, to have a chance to sit and pick your brains about your thrifting adventures.

Please dear Vowers pop on over to Vix's she the epitome of a vintage goddess and her flare and vintage stylings will sure to leave you weak at the knees.

There you go dear Vowers, I promise I will be getting back on top of things after Christmas, I have many wonderful plans for next year and I look forward to sharing my adventures with you all.

Flea Market Finds, small haul before Christmas.....

2011-12-18T13:20:00.001+10:00

I popped out yesterday morning for my second thrifting trip of the week. Funny thing is I rarely pop into an op shop on a weekend these days, being a SAHM/WAHM I tend to do my thrifting during the week. I was actually on a mission yesterday morning to find something specific and I had no such luck coming home with the goods I was after.......but I didn't leave empty handed.

So here are just a few little finds, as I try to wined down my thrifting before Christmas.

Top left - sweet little dish and cup with floral, which are going to my friend
Top right - purple floral pillowcases
Bottom - is an old Mikasa sugar bowl
I also picked up some old cloth bound books for 50 cents each which I think I am going to have a full around with turning into journals.....but then again the do look nice on my bookcase, oh well, we will see.

I probably should be truthful and admit that I might not wined down my thrifting until after Wednesday, as my favourite little oppy is having a morning tea, party day thing I think I will attend.

I'm linking up with Sophie at Her Library Adventures like every other Sunday, so sit back relax and pop on over and check out everyone's finds from this week.

Friday night happenings and guest posting....

2011-12-16T21:38:00.001+10:00

Good evening Vowers, I hope the evening finds you well. Firstly after a slight delay and shall we say technical difficulties, I'm excited to let you all know that I am guest posting for the first time ever over at Suger Coat It. I'm over there sharing some thrifting secrets.

So please pop on over and check out my tips and say hello the ever so wonderful Melissa.

In late Friday night news, talks with the Big V tonight now see us talking about how I can commandeer a corner of the garage for more creative workspace away from little Vowers hands. I'll still have a small area in our office where I can concentrate on my writing and blogging......but it means more space. I'm rather excited about these plans, as it will allow me to spread my wings further with my creative plans.

When all else fails, what do you do?

2011-12-16T13:17:00.001+10:00

You craft. Well that's what I have ended up doing, this wasn't the post I had intended for today, nor has my day turned out how I had intended.....but not to worry. I have a crazy amount of projects to finish or ones to start. So I have been making most of some time today to do just that.

I'm playing around with two new clutch designs, ferreting around in some (yes just some) of my vintage button collection for inspiration. Making fabric yo-yo's and finishing off Master V's Christmas shorts.

I popped out this morning in hope to find a myself a Christmas present of the vintage kind in the shape of a dress, but no such luck. I did however come home with a cool wrap skirt and a sweet little something for a baby boy, which I will show you once I get more of this crafting out of the way.

Have you got any Christmas crafts or sewing that needs to be done?

Fiddling and tweaking on a Monday....

2011-12-12T13:46:00.001+10:00

It's a day of fiddling and tweaking today. As you can see the blog is getting a bit of a makeover and tweak. You may of noticed at some point Friday my header went all wacky and fragmented. I am not tech savvy by any extent of the imagination, so several emails and calls to friends and blog buddies and it looks like some blogger changes in the last few days made my header incompatible with the new changes. So with a little bit of help we are now playing around with a slightly new look, so please bare with me through these changes, as we're not quite there yet.

Aside from tweaking with this here blog today, I have been fiddling around with some sewing and getting the little Vowers Christmas outfits sewn up (well started anyway). But I have also finally got appropriate coloured thread and finished another clutch handbag. I must say I am really thrilled with this one. This one has an extra special factor to it with the vintage hand painted wooden button cover. So whoever ends up with this lovely down the track will be able to make use of the button cover as an accessory on their clothing and this clutch.

Do you have any Christmas craft or sewing projects you are needed to get on top of?

Flea Market Finds and some kitschy fun....

2011-12-11T16:01:00.001+10:00

I have been in Brisbane for a end of year blogger meet up today, thanks to Hello Blogger Events. All the Vowers in this family headed out today and joined me on the trip to Brisbane. Little V came with me to the meet up and Master V and the Big V went off looking for some fun and mischief.

Anyway I thought I better finally show you this little number I scored a few weeks ago I have been waiting for an occasion to share with you all, as well as linking up for Flea Market Finds this week.

Perfect vintage dress, with some bowed ballet flats I bought retail, blue nail polish (the Big V is shuddering, as the toes are yellow.......oh the humanity). I'm felt perfectly lovely, having a chance to put something nice on for a special day out. The pic isn't the greatest as it's rainy and severely overcast, so lightening isn't great.

But before I sign off I best show you some more of my flea market finds my from Friday's crazy op shop trip with my friend.

Pretty kitsch huh? Perfect for a kitschy BBQ wouldn't you say? I came home with other randomness, that I hope to show you when I get a chance.

As I mentioned before about linking up for Flea Market Finds, make sure you pop over to Sophie's to check out everyone's finds this week.

Saturday night ramble....

2011-12-10T22:20:00.001+10:00

Hello darling Vowers, firstly let me apologise for the header looking all wacky. I'm trying to get to the bottom of it, but I am not tech savvy and I'm trying to get some assistance from others on the matter. I'm hoping to get some crafting and sewing done this evening then some primping and preening in preparation for a blogger meet up in Brisbane tomorrow.

I've got a few thrifted and vintage dresses lined up for consideration in the morning, which I have been keeping up my sleeve to show off to you all when I get a chance. Whilst I wait to put Little V down to sleep for the night (hold on I joke, there's no night about it, she wakes several times each night).

Anyways I digress I'm here to tell you that my darling friend has blogged a couple of posts today to show her finds from our op shop visit Friday afternoon. So please pop on over and say hi to Caroline at Things I Do at her new blog. While you're over there make sure you check out her other post showing off the thrifted and vintage gifts I got her for her birthday and the special find I picked up at Kittys for her.

Ahhhh damn it, it's late now so I'm just enjoying one of these.....pic from here. Hope you're enjoying your evening and have something fun planned for your days tomorrow, hope to see you all later tomorrow afternoon for Flea Market Finds.

Crazy thrifting afternoon.....

2011-12-09T14:21:00.001+10:00

Yesterday afternoon after my little Vowers were up from their naps, we headed over to my gorgeous friends house for her birthday for a coffee and to shower her with vintage and thrifted birthday presents. When she posts about them over at her new blog, I will link so you can all see my little extra something else I picked up from Kittys last weekend for her.

So after coffee and presents what else is there to do then to go op shopping of course. I took my girlfriend to my most favourite little place. My girlfriend had said she had been there once before and said she found nothing. I assured her that it must have been a freak day because there is always cool stuff there.

So what do you know it was a crazy afternoon, of laughter, mayhem, awesome finds, freebies and all sorts......but honestly I knew my little place wouldn't disappoint. Here are just a few of my finds from yesterday.

There you go, I also came home with:
- some kitschy stuff perfect for summer and cocktails
- a green paisley jacket
- a busted up and bloody knee for Master V......a story for another time
and some other secret odds and ends. I'll pop in over the weekend with more pics. Wishing you all a happy start to your weekends wherever you are.

Love....

2011-12-06T09:33:00.001+10:00

With my Aunts passing a few months ago some little bits and pieces are going to various family members. I saw this at my parents place the other day, after their most recent trip to see my Nanna (dad's mum). How sweet is this and what a lovely reminder.

Much love to all my lovely Vowers.
X

A trip to Kittys

2011-12-05T14:08:00.001+10:00

I have been on the lookout for some old suitcases for a couple of weeks now. I've been working towards plans to get myself along to the Suitcase Rummage in Brisbane in the new year. I'm hoping to sell some of my handmade and up-cycled wares I've been working on as well as a few selected clothing pieces. So with that being said I've got some big ideas in place to convert some old suitcases into little shop fronts for displaying my wares. So come Saturday afternoon, after my little Vowers had their naps, I gave the Big V the word to get ready we're going up the mountain, to pay Kittys slice of heaven a visit. I had the heads up that Kitty had a selection of cases, so what better excuse to finally get myself up the mountain for a visit and wander through the store.

Knowing all to well that the store would have so many lovely things to adore and investigate I sent the Big V and Master V off for a drive, as I certainly didn't want Master V's two year old wandering hands finding the most precious item in the store and attempting to give me heart failure. So I strapped Little V into the carrier and off I went in past the lovely lavender in the garden, up the stairs and onto the veranda. Straight away I was staring at a stack of cases up to chest height to ponder. There is a vintage drinks trolley, crockery, typewriter all begging to be looked at adored.

Kitty wasn't at the store when I arrived but she had mentioned to Sue that I might be dropping in. Sue came out on the veranda and straight away knew who I was and straight away we were full steam into talking about all this loveliness before me. She then invites me to have a peak at special something they picked up that morning, a vintage baby carriage.......oh my goodness, I'm imagining me pushing Little V down the street in it.

We head back upstairs and I try to seek out each corner, where I appreciate something new......ohhhh, ahhhhh, isn't that the sweetest, oh my goodness I've always wanted one of these, oh I'm coming back soon, I'm saving my pennies for that, are all words and phrases to come out of my mouth. All whilst I'm meant to be searching out a special little something for a friends birthday this week as well.

THEN I see the cabinet on the counter, I see a watch, not just any watch a gorgeous art deco watch. I mention to Sue that I've been on the lookout for a vintage watch because I can't find anything modern I like. Sue then just proceeds to take it out of the cabinet and it's original case and slips it over my wrist. That is when I had one of those emotional experiences where you actually really feel the beauty and history of something. I say to Sue, I think you're going to need to take it off me it's so beautiful I think I'm going to cry. When the Big V arrives back to the store, Sue and I both mention the watch and hint that Santa might decide I have been a really good girl this year and deserve an art deco watch. So I guess it's a case of wait and see on that front.

I don't have any fashion scores to share with you this time, because with Little V strapped to me I couldn't try anything on. But not to worry this mumma will be visiting again to lust over more of those pretties you see the lovely Kitty showing off. But you must be wanting to see what I came home with?

These are going to be perfect for my plans, and I'm and the lookout for one more now.

I also bought a little something for my friends birthday but I can't show you that just yet because she follows my blog and her birthday is later this week. But the lovely necklace you see above came home with me thanks to the ever so lovely Sue who gifted it to me.

So there you have my visit to Kittys, I really am so lucky to live so close to a such a wonderful mind field of vintage. I had such a wonderful time looking around and thank Sue once again for making me feel so welcomed and showing me so many lovely items and helping select a present for my girlfriend.

This is an epic post today so I best be on my way and draft my second letter to Santa about that art deco watch.

Flea Market Finds, a plenty....

2011-12-04T16:31:00.001+10:00

You might of seen my post on Friday from my thrifting trip out in the morning, where I showed you some of my finds already.......I just couldn't wait. So here are a few other pieces, I wanted to share with you as well. I had hoped I would of had time this weekend with the Big V home to dress up and style some shots but that sort of time has eluded me. So I hope you won't mind these shots for now until I have time to play dress ups.

Seriously how can this vintage blouse not make you smile with that floral.

Now this lovely is rather reminiscent of something we all saw on the goddess Vix this week. But just so we are all clear I haven't ducked over to UK over the weekend to accoust her for it. My lovely vintage wool skirt was made in New Zealand "Cinnamon" label, 30 inch waist.......if you're wanting to know. The fringe is in perfect condition.

Finally a little something for the fellas a vintage paisley cravat from England.

Such a shame I haven't played dress ups for you, but I have been busy thrifting my heart out Friday and Saturday. In fact yesterday afternoon saw the Big V and I take the little Vowers for a drive up the mountain to pay Kittys shop a little visit. I had a wonderful time, all of which I will post about within the next two days. But I must tell you now whilst I was there I had one of those take your breath away moments.

As always I'm linking up with the lovely Sophie over at Her Library Adventures, so pop on over and check out everyone else's finds from the week.

Finds from Santa's sack....

2011-12-02T20:22:00.001+10:00

Well Little V had a nap today so in between working on a new clutch handbag design I also had a few moments to snap a few pics of just some of my haul today.

This sweet darling I saw on my last trip to the store and when I saw her still there today I decided she needed a new home with us. She is just lovely with what looks like her original dress.......oh and knickers on. I just love how brilliant blue her eyes are, she is so pretty...you just don't see little girls dolls like this anymore.

I picked up this collection of pillowcases, a mixed bag really. The embroided ones I will likely put in the stash for Little V's room, and I have projects lined up for some of the others.

Then there are these vintage carved wooden plates, I love the designs and they will be another perfect addition to our decorating efforts. Speaking of decorating efforts it's all slowly coming together and I'm looking forward to showing you all. Oh and there is some print on the back of one of the plates I hope to get more info from once I remove an old faded and discoloured price sticker from.

A close up of one of them.

Finally I picked up a little something for the Big V, a travel backgammon set he loves the game. I have been on the search for years for a really nice full size vintage one but is still eludes me, so this sweet travel one will be loved and appreciated in the meantime.

There you go, that's just some of my finds from the Santa sack, I'm looking forward to Sunday though to show off my vintage fashion finds to you all. Hope you're having a great end to your week and ramp up to the weekend.

Santa's Sack is heavy......

2011-12-02T11:20:00.001+10:00

I dropped off Master V to family day care this morning and of course I decided a spot of op shopping was in order, before coming home and getting into putting the Christmas tree up ready to be decorating tonight.

Little V and I headed to my most favourite store and I am so thrilled I did. The gorgeous staff were all full of smiles, laughter and Christmas cheer and packed up my goodies in a Santa sack and some other freebies. I parted with $15 and let me tell you this Santa sack is heavy with all sorts of vintage and retro finds. When Little V naps later (well hopefully she'll nap) and I will get pics done, as I can't wait to share some of my finds with you all.

My wee Jada (I think this is her first introduction to my Vowers) looks like she is having a sulk in front of Santa's sack. Give her five minutes and me turning my back and she will be asleep on top of that sack.

Stalking the postie round two and sneaky business.....

2011-11-30T13:41:00.001+10:00

After a late afternoon trip out yesterday afternoon to a special little op shop I like for a vintage dress or two, I pulled into our street willing the mailbox to have a little package in there for me. What do you know the mailbox delivered.

My slimline business cards arrived. I've stolen the great idea off Ashley at Lil Blue Boo who says she frequently orders slimline business cards and hole punches them to double as swing rags as well. On the back they are just simple with my name, email address and blog address. They've come in a timely manner with me getting asked more and more about my blog and what I'm doing and when I will get on to the weekend market scene........*giggle* yes I've been up to stuff behind the scenes, but some of you possibly already knew that if not gathered as much as I have sold some handmade stuff through my Madeit Store on my sidebar.

As it is I'm currently mulling over the thought of running out the time my items have left on my Madeit Store (unless remaining pieces sell before then) and heading over to Etsy or Big Cartel. I already have an Etsy Store ready to go, but at least I will be able to sell both my vintage clothing (probably starting with baby and children's), toys, goodies and my handmade up cycled accessories. Any thoughts or experiences with Etsy vs Big Cartel I would love to hear. But for now it's still one day at a time as I work on my little dream. Things may go well, things may not as I move forward but one thing is for sure you've got to give yourself a chance huh?

What kind of thrifter are you?

2011-11-29T13:30:00.001+10:00

I've been thinking and pondering.
When you are thrifting do you, have you or do you currently have a list of things you're on the look out for? Or are you a just go with the flow and see what you stumble across type of thrifter? If you have a mental list, what's on your list?

What is this first thing you head for to have a look at when you're in a thrift store? Do you go with a budget? Do you like an organised store or a good old get on your knees and have a rummage through type of store? Do you look through every rack and nook and cranny? Is there anything you would just never buy from a thrift store and use or wear? Finally what do you like most about some of your favourite thrift stores?

For me I do have a bit of list of things I'm looking for especially at the moment with decorating, but there is always a bunch of other things I hope I will stumble upon each trip out. I'll perhaps share my list in a separate post! When out thrifting I generally always have a look through the clothes first and if time is on my side I will look through every last rack. I will also try and search out as many nooks and crannies as I can. I often open up drawers and doors on shelves and cupboards where some thrift stores have excess finds tucked away, when they see me doing that I generally get the can I help you line. I'm pretty ok with buying most things from a thrift store, but underwear is a no go for me.

At the end of the day some of my favourite places to check out aren't just about the goodies I often pick up. They're about some of the lovely volunteers who are always so sweet and welcoming. One of my favourite places to visit, is generally so jammed packed full of stuff that it does take a bit of digging around in. But they also hold onto a lot of things other stores don't and being a crafter I always score great bags full of crafting and sewing odds and ends. They let me pile things up on the counter, and they even try to keep Master V entertained so I can have a good look around and if they think I'm struggling with all my bags (yes I frequently buy a lot from this one place) they offer to help with the kids and bags when I leave the store.

So please share your thrifting quirks, your routines, what makes your favourite place visit!

Starting the week with, some crafting....

2011-11-28T12:29:00.001+10:00

Some of my very first followers back in the day on Facebook whenever that was now, would remember me crafting up some clutch hand bags from all up cycled, recycled and thrifted goodies (bar the closures). Well I'm back to it, and am working away on some designs and will soon be selling them again.

So here is a sneak peak of a lovely I finished this morning,

Oh and I've been a bit sneaky and have been working on some other upcycled accessories, so here is another peak at what I have been up to since last week.

It's been a nice morning here with Little V and I, she has been crawling around in our creative space/office and pulling out my fabric and trimmings and having fun, maybe she is looking for inspiration.

Flea Market Finds, a bit of sweetness....

2011-11-27T14:08:00.001+10:00

Another busy weekend had and nearly over. We caught up with friends Friday night, which resulted in a late one for our wee Vowers then we backed it up again with another late one last night for a friends farewell. In our infinite wisdom and my thrifting madness, we decided to hit a local car boot sale for a walk around early this morning.

There were lots of older sellers out today selling quite a bit of vintage stuff, but slightly on the expensive side. There wasn't much at all in the way of vintage clothing, so there were no scores in that department today.

However I did pick up these lovely vintage linens, which I'm adding to my decorating stash for when I do Little V's room. In actual fact I got two of each of these florals and the green ones are big enough for our bed. The Big V, however has poo pooed the idea of floral in our bedroom for our decorating efforts. So I guess I'm on the hunt for retro, geometric fabrics and linens for our room instead.

Oh and here are two vintage children's pieces I picked up during the week as well. I'm loving the little sailor girl number.

In usual fashion I will be linking up with Sophie at Her Library Adventures, so be sure to pop on over and check out everyone's finds this week.

Stalking the postie paid off....

2011-11-26T13:15:00.001+10:00

I spent a portion of yesterday amongst other things stalking the letter box and door mat hoping that at least one of the several packages I'm waiting on to turn up. My stalking paid off, the best parcel arrived, from my partner for The Op Shop Swap with some Christmas cheer.

Let me tell you now that I have been totally and utterly spoilt by my partner Rebecca over at, I am Scoobylou. I sent Rebecca an email yesterday but think I failed in providing enough adjectives to express my excitement over all my goodies.

All wrapped up in my favourite colours green and orange.

Three vintage baby pieces......awwww, spoilt right there.
Vintage pattern.
Handmade cloth coasters.
A Christmas Little Golden Book.....the pics are the sweetest ever.
Red and white handmade Christmas decoration.
A handmade scrap fabric brooch with button detail, by Rebecca herself.
AND.....the coolest vintage Avon perfumed bubble bath bottle in the shape of a teapot. I am smitten with it. I wish there was some sort of smell-o-app or widget available so I could whip off the lid and let you all have a whiff. It still has the original contents in it and has the old worldly scent that I have been longing to find in a perfume. It is going to be a perfect addition to my decorating efforts.

Oh and the bird card is handmade.......sweet huh?

Close up, because the thing is do darn cool that I thought you would all want to another look.

Finally a close up of two of the vintage baby pieces......altogether now......awwwww.

All my Christmas's have come at once in this swap, I feel very blessed and spoilt. Thank you once again Rebecca not only are you a very talented crafter and sewer, you're a killer in the thrifting department as well as being ever so giving. May you have a sweet Christmas.

Funk it up on a Friday.....

2011-11-25T13:08:00.001+10:00

Yep I'm going to do another one of these posts. I love Frock On A Friday all you fellow vintage and blog lovers participate in each week, and wish I could take part but to be honest it just doesn't work for me to dress up in my vintage finery and get about my day with Little V breast feeding and running errands, working on the business stuff all while Master V is at Family Day Care. So what works for me instead is to Funk it Up on a Friday with a thrifted edge.

So this what I'm getting about in today. A thrifted dress from the monster sale I went to a few weeks back. Thrifted granny beads, shoes and belt. The dress isn't vintage I bought it because I liked the floral. I think I'm going to tweak it just a tiny bit by rouching the sleeves a little bit.

I'm a nutter...

2011-11-23T18:12:00.001+10:00

Well at least the Big V thinks I am for bringing this home this afternoon from a late afternoon thrifting jaunt.

I saw her when I walked into the store and couldn't stop thinking about her the whole time I was there, so I decided that she needed to come home with me. I'm trying to convince the Big V that we can make a perfect home for her somewhere here in our decorating efforts.

He tells me that he is reserving judgement and comment on her for now. Personally I think he is being rather cold towards our newest family member.

Starting the week with.....

2011-11-21T14:13:00.001+10:00

Some Christmas crafting for a swap.....but sshhhh my swap partner might be snooping about he he he.

Some more crafting with these.

And a few touches of these.

Then taking a break to stalk.

I'm very eager to see the postie this week. But I guess along with me, you will just have to wait and see why I'm excited.

What are you up to this fine day?

Flea Market Finds, just a quickie....

2011-11-20T20:41:00.001+10:00

I've been in Brisbane most of today for my cousins wedding and therefore with a busy weekend haven't had time to ferret through my other finds for a different collection I was considering showing you. But never fear here's something I prepared earlier, a couple of finds from a few weeks back, that I haven't shared.

The floral sheet is a set and I've put it aside with a collection of other goodies for when I do Little V's room. The navy dress was hard to photograph but has a rose design to the fabric. Then we have a vintage handmade sheeting dress, it's a larger size and doesn't look much hanging there but it is rather sweet when belted in at the waist. I also scored some cool clip on earrings.......hmmm I probably should do a post on some my vintage costume jewellery, maybe a rainy day post. Finally I picked up these Italian leather Bruno Magli shoes, I'm led to believe this pair may be vintage and kept in good condition, so a little research is needed.

So there you are, not a massive haul but there might be potential in there.........we will see.
In usual Sunday style I'm linking up with Sophie at Her Library Adventures, so pop on over and check out everyone's finds from this week.

A touch of home decorating....

2011-11-18T14:38:00.001+10:00

Over the last few months and weeks I have been trying to chip away at reorganising the house and start on some decorating efforts. To me home decorating is a bit like how I feel about wearing vintage fashion. If it feels right for you and you like the look or the feeling something gives you.....go with it. At the end of the day it's you home you're the one who has to live in it each day.

So with that being said how I choose to put things together may make an interior decorator cringe but, this is our life, our story, our memories, our space, our inspiration.
The last few days I've been working on our lounge room/entrance and this is what I have happening so far.

My lounge room is hard to photograph, so this is just a small area I'm showing you today. I'm turning vintage retro pillowcases into cushion covers for our lounge. I'm working with colours in blue, green, white and touches of yellow and orange. I have brown carpet with a big green shag pile rug. I have plans for more cushions and with a no sew plan to convert into a cushion cover it should be an easy job, but it does help I have a snap press *taps finger on the side of the nose.

Our enter table has a thrifted cup and smoky glass port goblet with succulents planted. Our Buddha is a reminder of calm and our time in Bali for our honeymoon. Next to Buddha is my vintage half litre bottle you might remember. The flowers are fake but special to me, because of Master V's insistence when we have been shopping that mummy must have them. Finally the photograph is a reminder of a wonderful weekend the Big V and I had in Melbourne and the glorious and calm view we woke to in the morning.

Finally for a little quirkiness above our lounge are some vintage cards and tokens from the board game Life. I selected the artist for me because I am the creative, artistic one and the athelete for the Big V because he has played numerous sports at representive levels. I thought the Big V would poo poo the idea of these frames, but he is really liking it, so that is a bonus with some of his fuss pot ideas sometimes.

So there you go, just to show you a little bit of what I'm up to. It might not be to others liking, but I'm loving how things are coming together as I play around with things. Finally after all this time this house is slowly starting to feel and look more like home.

Market Research.....

2011-11-17T19:38:00.001+10:00

It's been a couple of hot days here and the little Vowers are STILL sick and croaking away. But this is what I have been up to.

Plotting and planning and researching.
I have some pretty serious goals and dreams I'm working on and I am looking forward to the next 12 - 18 months and what may lie ahead.

Says it perfectly....

2011-11-16T13:08:00.001+10:00

Popped out this morning with my little Vowers (they're still both croaking) for a quick spot of op shopping and to pick up some envelopes for Master V's plans today he he he. Thankfully aren't I lucky you can generally pick up a bundle of envelopes from an op shop as cheap as chips.

Along with a few wee other finds, I stumbled on this.

I couldn't pass it up, purely because of the words, it speaks so clearly to me, of our journeys in the last few years.

I'm going to use the words if not the plague itself by our front door. I have a piano stool I bought for $3 at a car boot sale ages back and I need to give it a new lease of life. It will be nice little entry nook where guests can rest a bag and their odds and ends and read these few words.

More car boot adventures.....

2011-11-14T14:12:00.001+10:00

This has been delayed a little today due to, two sick croaky little Vowers, but we are currently experiencing some calm so here I am. So I mentioned last night that I had other wonderfulness to share with you from the car boot sale.

I hope the following will delight fellow vintage lovers.
This lovely lady you see pictured was hyena-ed (yes an invented word) by me after I went chasing her down after passing our site. I had seen her a mile off, honestly who wouldn't spot her a mile off in a skirt like that. I got caught up with a buyer at our site and then went high tailing to catch up with her. I told her about my blog and asked about her skirt, and asked if I could take a pic. She told me the skirt was indeed vintage, bought on line from the Philippines all the embroidery is raffia......would you believe? It was stunning and there was embroidery front and back, this gorgeous lady was so sweet and delighted I caught her and blushed that I had made her day.

Now for the story of the one that got away. I'm still reeling in the wake of my foolishness for missing this one. This jacket was for sale from the same lady I scored yesterday's finds from. After buying my initial purchases my eye was cast to this brilliant piece, I took photos because honestly who wouldn't it's so cool. After finding out it was going for a tenner I mentioned I'd have to come back, as I had already spent the breakfast money walking between our site and getting to hers. So off I was back to our site to get more money, but of course we had a little rush on at our site, then I got held up with a chit chatter......and you guessed it by the time I made it back it had gone....agggrrrrrrr, why, oh why, oh why.

The jacket was a New Zealand Frontiersmen Jacket from 1961.

And finally I mentioned yesterday our day turned into a bit of a swap meet. One of dear best friends came and sold with us yesterday from our site. Whenever we do a car boot sale our friends mum also comes down for a visit during the day and to have a scavenge around. Her lovely daughter was also trying to off load some her mums excess household odds and ends as well. So you get the picture don't you? There was heaps of great junk around. So between our friends mum coming back to our site with things she bought. This is what we also ended up with between the four of us exchanging each others bits and pieces for other things.

I got the following for some surplus craft supplies I had and and a sandwich tray.

I scored these two old pale pink baskets, to be honest they're really for pot plants to go into. However I am going to re-paint them and line them with fabric bags from vintage sheeting for Little V's room when she moves out from our room. A Bunnykins set, just because Master V was given one so we thought we would take that off their hands so they both have a set. Then there are the cast iron hot plates we swapped for; the Big V is rather excited about this as we bought a new BBQ last week. Finally I swapped for a pair of little Asian slip ons to flip around in at home.

Flea Market Finds at today's Car Boot Sale

2011-11-13T18:40:00.001+10:00

One should never under estimate the glory of a car boot sale on a Sunday morning and what gems you might score. Once we were all set up with all our wares laid out for the early morning thrifters, the Big V sent me on the breakfast run for the car boot sale essentials of bacon and egg rolls. So off I went dollars in hand to feed hungry bellies, when something caught my eye.

Did I just see a sign saying retro dress ups? Umm, yeah I sure did. Hunger pains can wait! So there I was digging around in a suitcase for these goodies. Only to be told by the seller that it was all stuff she had kept for dress ups when her kids were young. Gee I thought her kids must have done a splendid job of dress ups because these beauties are glorious and deserve new homes out of dress up boxes and into vintage lovers wardrobes....they are in such great condition.

Excuse the deadpan look I was in middle of telling Master V not to touch the tripod.
Anyways I digress, this dress is perfection....it is stunning in person and the colours are gorgeous.

High waisted vintage wrap skirt. This beauty is so long that I am nearly on tippy toes, some wedges are in order me thinks.

Then this two piece beauty that the seller said her son used to wear even though it's a women's two piece.

I have a bunch of other news from today to share with you including "the one that got away" and a beautiful vintage piece which involved me chasing down a gorgeous lady who was wearing it for a pic. Oh then there are the tales of how our day turned into a bit of a swap meet of sorts and what we got out of that. I will be back in the morning with more news from the day, so make sure you pop back.

So it's good evening from me for now, but I will be linking up with Sophie at Her Library Adventures and checking out others finds before I retire.

It's no Frock but I'm going to Funk it on a Friday....

2011-11-11T13:47:00.001+10:00

Since becoming a mum I have found it hard to find times and occasions when I can get into my vintage pieces. Often things aren't appropriate to wear with the kids, especially when breast feeding I don't won't to have to get out or half out an outfit to feed. Then there are the other matters that concern me at times like getting pieces marked or ruined with grubby who knows what hands and being thrown up on.

So with that being said I have been on a mission to thrift parts of my wardrobe so that I can still be true to my vintage and retro loves and stylings and getting into some garb that I feel is more me. Monday and Friday's, Master V goes to family day care and I often try to head out with Little V to go thrifting and run errands, catch up with friends and the likes. So I have been trying to make these days a little more special for me and put on some of my lovelies.

So today I thought I would funk it up and at home and the post office in this:

Wearing the apron I bought from the fair as a top.
Denim shorts, remember my stylish friend who was clearing out her wardrobe.
Hoops earrings, had them for ever.
Plastic bangle, from a mystery box purchase I made years ago.
Shoes which you can't quite see are espadrilles thrifted early this year for $4 I think.

I must say wearing an apron as a top, especially for a breast feeding mumma like me is such a great idea. I have pockets in front and the apron can help me feed a little more descretly (not that I've ever been to concerned but sometimes you get a dirty gawker that you want give a bit of what for to).

What am up to?

2011-11-10T12:27:00.001+10:00

You probably gathered I like to tease a little bit, it's all good harmless fun.
So let me tease you with a obscure view of something I have started work on again, and I am very excited with the inspiration I have running through my veins, after a mega haul of crafty notions andodds and ends on Monday.

Anyways my little tease, is probably not all that much of a secret if you follow My Vintage Vow on Facebook, because I let it slip what I was up to today.

You wanna check me out...don't ya?

2011-11-09T12:32:00.001+10:00

Pixie it is.

Excuse the gratuitous bra exposure, but ahhh well what can you do with a baby who is still breastfed and pulls at your top. Anyways I thought I would pop in quickly and show you this quick pic. I need get the brows manicured, as soon as I can get a few moments away from my little Vowers this week.

Pixie or somewhere in between?

2011-11-07T19:58:00.001+10:00

This is my hair the last time I got it done.

It's a little worse for wear at the moment as I have let it go that little too long between cut and colour. So I have my girlfriend coming tomorrow afternoon who is a hairdresser to do my hair and I'm thinking another change may be in order.

My hair is going to get lightened again, but the burning question is do I go pixie again or somewhere in between? I've even been looking for bowl cut inspiration.

Will I be singing she's a mod, she's a mod, she's a mod yeah, yeah, yeah.......tomorrow or something else?

Bits from the monster sale...

2011-11-06T14:52:00.001+10:00

Up and at it with Little V strapped in and we hit the crowds at the Lifeline $2 Clearance Sale yesterday. Little V promptly dozed off strapped to me, so I was lucky to enjoy cuddles with my girl whilst thrifting about in the tonnes and tonnes of clothing.

I came home with in excess of 50 items, some vintage, some quirky, some funky, some labels....a little bit of everything actually. So I will just share a few pics of some of the favs.

Some of the vintage and retro children's and baby items I picked up. I am loving the yellow t-shirt.

Hello sunshine....pretty bright huh? Skirt is vintage Katie's label from back in day, who didn't have one of these skirts, it's high waisted, bright and beautiful and not been worn. What can I say about the t-shirt, every vintage collection has got to have some tee's of bands, singers and icons......got a few in my haul.

A shot of the pattern on a vintage island dress I nabbed.

Now this was hard to photograph, so please excuse the camera work. Pretty impressive colours huh?

So there you go a small taste of my finds. Other finds were quirky printed blouses and dresses, more high waisted skirts, vintage baby and children and heaps more. Oh and some sweet vintage sleep wear........which really should be given new homes and lives and be donned outside the bedroom. In fact if I'm going to start a new trend of wearing vintage aprons as tops, why not start a sleep wear as day wear trend too....who's with me?

Well there you go a taste of my finds, how did everyone else go this weekend?

Monster thrifty sale....

2011-11-04T18:17:00.001+10:00

I've been trying to rest up today. Why, you ask! Because this weekend I'm going to be getting my thrift on. Here on the Gold Coast this weekend, Lifeline is having there $2 Clothing Clearance Sale. This isn't just some sale, it's a monster sale that happens twice each year and it is complete madness. Situated inside an indoor sporting complex, seven tonnes of clothing will be waded through by mad keen thrifters and fashionistas like ME. Of course I'm looking for vintage gems amongst all this craziness. But gee I'm excited!

So I have a plan of attack for tomorrow:
* Good breakfast fill up, as thriftiness waits for no body
* Light breezy clothing, it's going to get hot with lots of bodies about
* Baby carrier, gotta keep Little V happy.......pram is just going to get in the way
* My granny market trolley is going to be a must
* Practice mind control techniques for those gems I see other people picking up that I want them to put down so I can have them.

Pic of May 2011 sale source.

Hoping I have some awesome finds to share with you all over the weekend.

Help vintage my home...

2011-11-03T13:16:00.001+10:00

Can I call on you, my trusty group of Vowers? I'm looking for help and some people to act as a go between for the Big V and I and our difference of opinions with our decorating efforts. So.......I was thinking as we work our way through different areas of the house if the Big V and I are differing in opinion perhaps I could rely on my lovely Vowers weighing in on our debate. I will post pics and links where appropriate and you can leave comment.......of course I would look favorably at those who agree with me he he he.
Nahhhh seriously though I would like to hear what others have got to say good bad or otherwise.

To give you a heads up about the Big V though, I have had to compromise with him about the redecorating. I am the one with the love of vintage and retro and although he can and does appreciate the stylings of other decades, he does like modern interpretations. As for me, I love it and appreciate it all........I suppose that's why the Big V is concerned with what suggestions I might come up with. I'm often told I'm a hippy because of my love of vintage and my natural parenting ways.

So here is our first debate. You see these pics and this wall?

I would like to put a collection of art, and possibly some thrifted floral tapestries and some plates. What do you think? These two pieces pictured are pastel drawings I did several years ago. The hibiscus although not my greatest piece is of significant importance as it represents my twin angel babes Elle and Meg. I mention this only because if you're commenting and offering suggestions, this is a non-negotiable piece we plan to have it displayed somewhere, somehow in our decorating efforts.......being difficult now are I? Otherwise feel free to comment.

So my thoughts are to frame the chess piece pastel, and a few small floral tapestries for this wall. Then comes my brainwave to also frame the Johnson ware plates I scored the other week.
Here they are again.

I haven't quite convinced the Big V of this idea, I got a "yeahhh maybeeee" with a weird side head tilt.

Opinions, thoughts, suggestions are welcomed, pick a side his or mine. Is it a go ahead for me or back to the drawing board?

Get Organised with this weeks Etsy Treasury List....

2011-11-02T13:07:00.001+10:00

It's Wednesday and we're two days into the month and the silly season is fast approaching. What better time than to get organised and create some calm before the festivities are right upon us.

My Treasury list this week has been inspired by signing up with Aspiring Mum for 30 Days to Create Calm, I will be documenting my journeys with this project over at my other blog Journey to Bliss, as well as talking about creating a nurturing home environment through meeting all sensory needs.

But you know me I will always be looking to try and put a vintage, retro, up-cycled, recycled twist on the projects I do. So here it is, my Etsy Treasury Curators list for this week. I hope this helps you with organising efforts.

Oh I'm rather smitten with Vintage Wooden Cannister set.

To check out all these items and more please click here to view the live list.

Can you guess what I'm up to?

2011-11-01T20:27:00.001+10:00

I know I'm slinking in hoping you won't notice the fact that I didn't quite carry out my Blogtoberfest pledge. But I have a good excuse if you want to hear it, my iPad has had demons in it which has resulted in me not being able to get to any of my posts I have started on or have been working on. Anyways the iPad went to the Apple store for an exorcism this afternoon and I am now back on deck now.

I have been making good use of my time in my absence though I have been doing a touch of craft for a necessary purpose. Anyone want to hazard a guess to what I'm too?
Here is a photo clue to what I'm working with....

More than our Fair time...

2011-10-29T21:03:00.002+10:00

What an utterly wonderful time it was attending Brisbane's Vintage Fashion and Decor Fair yesterday.The excitement and buzz for Fair Day to arrive went on for several days with Nelly and I texting each other trying to plan our first ever meet up.

There was just so much to look at and a nice classic car can always get a vintage gal like me in the mood for a spot of shopping.

After Little V and I oggled the car a few minutes, I got on the phone to the lovely Nelly, to find out where she was (she was hanging and chatting with Kitty). Nelly came out to find Little V and I and greeted us with that gorgeous smile of hers and a hug.

We popped back by Kitty's so I could say hi and have a chance to meet her, and I feel ashamed to say that I haven't meet Kitty until yesterday. Kitty's shop is a mere half an hour from my house and I just haven't got my butt up the mountain yet to see the store. I will now have to make effort to do so as I didn't get much of an opportunity to see Kitty's wares, but lucky for me I can just take a drive any other day to see her offerings rather then waiting for next years fair (Kitty did I hear you right though, is there a second one at another location? )

So with that being said we were off and checking out everyones wares, there were plenty of call outs to one another accross the room......Nelly, Nelly look it's green (we both love green), Trudie where are you, this looks like your sort of thing.

Honestly Vowers you would have been in heaven there were racks upon racks upon racks everywhere of vintage goodness to go through. See what I mean?

And here are a few pics of lovelyness we spotted and enjoyed along the way.

Firstly a pic of the new bloggy friends......yay for vintage and how it unites.

How freakin' rock star is this jacket......I love it, the vendor also had a second one teamed with a puffy yellow tule skirt. The night before she said she had sold a navy one with zip off tails....now I would of like to of seen that.

We enjoyed a short lunch break with Kitty and of course some vintage chatter was neccessary to recharge for round two. Round two saw me in the groove and ready to start parting with some cash. I met some lovely fair goers along the way and had a lovely natter with a few people and laugh with others. It was nice to be in the company of people like Nelly, Kitty and like minded vintage lovers. It's always nice to be around those who share your love, passion and interests.

I'm rather chuffed to say that I only gave myself a $50 budget yesterday and out of that came my $10 entry into the fair. I bought 5 items and still came home with $5....not bad, not bad at all I say. Sadly though I did miss out on seeing the last few stallholders offerings as Little V was really starting to have enough and was getting rather grizzly (she is teething as well). So I had to make an early exit but thank you Nelly for a wonderful, fun morning.....Nelly and I are already plotting and planning next year.

So here you go Vowers here are my finds from the fair.....

From left to right...
1. Apron $2...which I fully intend on wearing as a top during summer, with a singlet underneath.
2. A cool pair of high waisted pants $5.
3. The most perfectly fitting dress on me.....it's a vintage Japanese made dress $15.
4. Sweet short sleeve dress.
5. Red, Blue polka dot ric-rac sweetest maxi dress that ever there was, $5.

There is so much more I could have bought, but a gal got to stick to a budget when she is working on big plans. So at least I got to indulge myself in some pretties along the way.

I will be linking up with Sophie at Her Library Adventures, so please pop on over and check out everyone's finds from all over the place.

P.S - make sure you do pop on over to Nelly's for more pics from our day.

What to wear, what to wear?

2011-10-28T19:31:00.001+10:00

Well I had a totally different post planned for today, which has now gone on the back burner for a few days. Why? Because I'm consumed with that burning question of what to wear, because I am heading to the Vintage Fashion and Decor Fair in Brisbane tomorrow. I'm so looking forward to it and will be meeting up with the fabulous Nelly.

Excuse the dodgy pic, but I haven't had time today to play dress ups and frock it up for a photoshoot. Little V and I have been busy catching up with friends who have just returned from Bali.

Should I wear my most favorite purple, floral high waisted maxi skirt? Should I wear the thrifted cherry dress? Should I be practical, Little V will be with me so my strapless numbers will be out as that could make breastfeeding interesting.

Oh well I'm sure I will work it out, being a SAHM I don't get much chance to get my vintage on, so it will be nice to get some of my special threads on tomorrow too.

Vintage Fashion Fair.....

2011-10-27T19:34:00.001+10:00

After reading Kittys Vintage and Kitsch post this morning, I got myself into a flap when I learnt that the Brisbane Vintage Fashion and Decor Fair is on this Friday and Saturday.

This morning I commented on Kittys post saying:
No, no, no this weekend just won't work *sigh* I can't make it. If only it started in the morning on Friday then I could scramble and go in the morning. Have a fab time, can't wait to see pics.

Image sourced HERE.

But guess what, plans and other arrangements have been shuffled around and confirmed and I am now planning on heading to the fair Saturday. Little V will be with me and strapped in for the ride.

I'm so flipping excited.

Garden Inspiration and Beyond....

2011-10-26T14:33:00.001+10:00

Wednesday it is and here is my Etsy Treasury Curators List, a little vintage, a little retro and little unusual but most of all a little inspiration for the garden and beyond.

To check out all the live links to these lovely items click here and whilst your there why not check out all the other great treasury lists by other curators and be inspired.

Little bits of pretty....

2011-10-25T19:36:00.001+10:00

Woohooo....I got a sweet little package delivered today. Lea at We Like to Make Stuff has an ever so sweet and fabulously vintagey fundraising effort running at Little Bits of Pretty for The Children's Hospital at Westmead. They are ever so close to their goal, so please pop on over and read more about their story and please consider helping with this wonderful cause.

So sweetly wrapped in old pattern paper and a vintage sheeting bow......it looked so lovely I admired it for awhile before opening to see my goodies.

Lea I have already earmarked some of the buttons for buttony projects and thank you ever so much for the extra handmade surprise. I wish you every success in reaching your goal.

FB garage sale...

2011-10-24T20:15:00.001+10:00

Finally Vowers I have made my way through juggling teething unhappy Little Vowers and flying solo this past weekend and have now priced up everything for the Hosted Garage Sale Wardrobe Clearout I am doing for my friend......remember the stylish one I keep referring to?

So please feel free to pop on over and pick up some great brand name pieces to mix in with your vintage finds. Some labels available are Peter Morrisey, Jag, Country Road, Veronica Maine to name a few and other regular labels. Oh and there are some really gorgeous accessories available for a steal.

Please check album comments for postage and payment details and please feel free to link if you so wish.

To check it out, just click here...you know you want too.

Flea Market Finds from Family Fun Day....

2011-10-23T12:52:00.001+10:00

A lovely assortment of finds this week and I had extra sets of hands for carrying things since I scored all this on our family fun day outing. My success could have also been because I felt that I was groovin' in my outfit for the day......which mind you I keep looking at the pic thinking I look a bit of alright if you know what mean? Anyways I digress, this is Flea Market Finds....

First up is this sweet dress that I teased you with the pattern the other day.

Then next up is this lovely little sweater, once again finding it hard to not put this one in my wardrobe for winter rotation.

Oh and some Johnson ware.......they are just devine I love them.

A little something for Little V......altogether awwwww.

And finally the sweetest little deer from Japan.....I am smitten with this dear deer.

Now that you gave oggled my finds for the week, why not pop over to Her Library Adventures and check out everyone's thriftiness.

I have some other finds to show but have tucked them away for now.

Buy Nothing New and a completed swap...

2011-10-22T16:33:00.001+10:00

I thought I would share this over here, those who follow me over at Journey to Bliss will know that I am a member of a cloth nappy forum Nappycino, and we generally have a swap a month with a different theme each time. This month the challenge was to fill a C4 size prepaid envelope but Australia Posts requirements say the envelope can be up to 20mm in thickness and no more than 500gms in weight. So as you can imagine, with me pledged to Buy Nothing New this month I had to put the thinking cap on to fulfill this swap.

With exception of the envelope which was clearly bought new last month when I signed up for the swap, all items pictured are thrifted, gifted or handmade by me.

These are a set of three postcards I made for my swap recipient. She is an ABA (Australian Breastfeeding Association) member like myself, so when thrifting last week I came by an old Nursing Mothers Association (what ABA used be named) book I knew straight away what I could use the images for. The book cost me 50 cents and I had plenty of cardboard at home to complete this project.

Next up (top) are a set of gift tags made from leftover scrapbooking stuff I have (lucky I haven't culled everything) as well as up cycling buttons, fabric scraps, ribbon and even the dragonfly is off a broken piece of jewelry. The tie part is raw brown garden twine!

Bottom left is some fabric covered magnets, using old promotional magnets we had lying around and fabric scraps. My swap recipient likes green and red.

Then finally bottom right, we have a knitted/crochet dishcloth I found ages ago on a thrifting trip for 50 cents. A packet of carrot seeds were a freebie that the Big V was sent from Yates. The little black address book was thrifted for 50 cents. Then we are left with the sparkly green pencil and novelty mini animal pegs, which were part of our prize haul from our family fun day on Thursday.

I hope my swap recipient is happy with these goodies, I've had fun putting all together. Now it's time to sit back and what for her reaction.

Blogtoberfest tired tease....

2011-10-21T21:01:00.001+10:00

I'm like a dog with a bone and won't let go of my Blogtoberfest pledge, so as a sad, sad tired result of today this is my pathetic post. The post I do just to say I didn't let the team down, so to speak. I won't ramble, but I will tease instead. So here is a flash of pattern from a little number I picked up yesterday on our family fun day. Very much looking forward to showing off my finds in more detail this week.

Pretty huh?
Anyways loyal Vowers surely you must be tired too, how about we all convene again tomorrow after a lovely nights sleep?

My Vintage Vow

Suitcase set up....

Sneaky Peak, busy bee...

Storybook bunting....

Flea Market Finds, a little old school cheat...

Sweet Birthday for my Little V.....

Little V's Birthday Gift....

And drumroll please....the winner is.....

Today is for love....

Flea Market Finds, a few pretties...

Lazy Saturday's and......

Simple Vintage pleasures....

Meeting bloggers and rummaging around...

Celebrate with a GIVEAWAY.....

It's time to celebrate....

Giveaway may or may not include some Johnson love *giggles*

Flea Market Finds, and furry Fauna...

Handmade and Vintage Brooch Swap Linky.....

It's another FB Garage Sale.....

Tie Dye Hippy Mumma...

Busy this week doing....

Plotting and planning

Sorting and photographing

Preparing and primping

Monday was for a, spot of thrifting.....

Flea Market Finds, out of the archives.....

Vintage Button Hair Tie DIY/Tutorial

Me and my hair....

Pic Source

Whoopsie.....did you miss me yesterday?

It's raining, it's pouring.....

To hang or not to hang that is the question....

Swap Partners Announced.....

Flea Market Finds, and over 50 years old....

Doing my Friday thing....and a question for my Vowers.

Two days left....

I'm Pinterest-ed to know....

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

Monday are for.......mayhem

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

I've been a....

There is always a story.....

Sponsor

Liebster Blog....

Handmade and Vintage Brooch Swap....

Does this one measure up?

Brooch Love....

I'm moving out....

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

Rotary Antiques Fair....

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

Suitcase renovations have begun....

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

Pay it Forward....

Kate's Irrelevant Giveaway.....

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

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

TwentyTwelve....

Rainbow of inspiration....

What I got.....

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

One last thrift before Christmas....

Some kitschy reading and inspiration....

Answering your questions....

Flea Market Finds, small haul before Christmas.....

Friday night happenings and guest posting....

When all else fails, what do you do?

Fiddling and tweaking on a Monday....

Flea Market Finds and some kitschy fun....

Saturday night ramble....

Crazy thrifting afternoon.....

Love....

A trip to Kittys

Flea Market Finds, a plenty....

Finds from Santa's sack....

Santa's Sack is heavy......

Stalking the postie round two and sneaky business.....

What kind of thrifter are you?

Starting the week with, some crafting....

Giveaway may or may not include some Johnson love giggles