Use it or Lose it.

I forget that most people didn't grow up in a house full of antiques.  And in regards to anything pretty and old, it seems most people have a sense of wonder that borders on fear. As in, afraid to breathe too hard anywhere near something that was made before 1960. Often, this is not a bad thing, as lots of things should be preserved and carefully handled. However, some things need to live out their intended purpose. Like this vintage (maybe Victorian?) black glass trim I bought at an auction. Oh the look of horror, "you're going to sew that onto a hat? But it's a hundred years old!". Well, yes. I am going to (lovingly) sew that onto a hat. What good will it do me sitting in a box? You buy a new pretty dress, you wear it out (and maybe avoid red wine). You buy an old pretty dress (or trim or tea towel), you do the same. I might as well show it off and put a little history on that hat. Plus, it ultimately makes my hat cooler than yours. 

Plaid-on-Plaid Moment #2

And now I've apparently taken up posting pictures of my crotch online.

Estate Auction Find of My Life

I've been out of town again, helping out my parents with an auction (and their garden!). Needless to say, this box lot of seventeen 1950s and early 1960s glasses is perhaps the coolest thing ever. They are all manufactured by Art Craft and in great shape. The rhinestone arrangements and aluminum frames are stunning. I was showing them off to a fellow bespectacled style nerd who said, "Yeah, there's like LensCrafters cat-eye, then there's like punch-you-in-the-face cat-eye!" Looks like I'm going to have to get some lenses put into these babies so I can start punching people in the face (metaphorically, of course). Best part? I got the whole lot for $5. 

Once Upon A Time...

In honor of Labor Day, I got a lot of work done. I went to see a run of "1001" at DePaul, and it's shaping up to be a clever devil. I made a dent on my enormous personal project list; alterations, birthday cards, favors for friends, etc. And even though my other projects turned out adorable, this is by far the coolest thing I made today. 

I used to work at Bubbles Academy, a children's enrichment center, and one of the lovely ladies there thought it would be so cool if we had a giant ancient-looking storybook to use as a prop. Well, I thought that was pretty cool too and took on the project. It was easier than I thought, and easier still now that I've already made one. A friend wants to make one for his niece, and I think it's a terrific gift for an imaginative kid.

I just made the cover so the teachers could change out the story inside, but it would be really cool to make personalized pages or mount an existing book inside. I started with a 1/2 inch-thickness sheet of black foam core (about $6 at Blick) and used a razor blade to cut it to size (mine is really big, 42''x36'', so it can be read to a class). I marked off a four-inch section in the middle and scored both lengths to serve as the spine, and reinforced it with duct tape. I used rubber cement to attach a purple taffeta lining, wrapping it around the edges and onto the other side (be sure to leave wiggle room so your book can open and close!). Then, I mounted the outside with some green leather I had laying around (yes, I do have huge pieces of leather and I know that's weird, but fabric or vinyl or wallpaper or lots of things would work too). I used a little E6000 (it's toxic, be careful) to make sure everything was super stuck. Inside, I stitched ribbons along the spine so that teachers can tie in their story pages. To finish, I pounded in upholstery tacks ($2 at Home Depot), added the brown leather bands, distressed the leather with a sanding block, and lettered the title with acrylic paint (note the sexy drop shadow). 

I don't mean to show off, but I think maybe kids would read more if they had enchanted storybooks laying around...

The Bee's Knees

I'm a total sucker for vintage cotton prints. They remind me of guestroom bedsheets at Grandma's house and sweet little aprons, it's something comforting and homey. One of my favorite little history facts is feedsack dresses. Flour, animal feed, and other grains used to come packaged in a patterned cotton sack, which women would then use to clothe their families. Cool, huh? And people think I'm weird for reusing Ziploc bags. 

One can find vintage fabrics at garage sales, flea markets, thrift stores and of course online. For those less inclined for the hunt, Repro Depot has great reprints of vintage fabrics.

I have a bad habit of buying a yard of fabric just because I like it, with no particular project in mind. Of course, I now have tubs of fabric waiting to be turned into... anything. I was sorting through some supplies this weekend, and I found all of these cute cotton prints I'd forgotten about. This is definitely going to be another kitchen addition; napkins? aprons? dishcloths? Maybe all three!

Speaking of Badass Brides...

So I have a grudge against wedding gowns. They're over the top, they feed into this whole storybook princess crap, you spend lots of money on something you wear once and are supposed to treasure forever. Kind of weird. And don't even get me started on the whole blushing bride shrouded in white idea. Okay, okay, my feminism is showing, but really. 

Back in the day, you just got married in your fanciest dress. Or you bought/made a new fanciest dress, which you'd wear over and over (and, it could be you favorite color!)

Now, check this out... THAT is how people should think of wedding gowns, as a fabulous party dress to have fun in.