Sunday, March 24, 2013

Wild Irish Rose

My husband and my lovely next-door-neighbor were installing some new stairs in our home today. I couldn't find much to do during the process, so I went into the basement and made art.

I call this "Wild Irish Rose"

To make this, I used:

- An old wine bottle
- Vintage magazine ads (60's/70's)
- Old sheet music ("Wild Irish Rose")
- Decorative paper
- An old clip-on earring
- Glitter
- Paper letters
- Buttons, sequins, beads
- Old couch fabric samples
- Ribbon
- Flowers
- Alcohol ink

I think it looks pretty cool! I just love the "wild" feel of it, and I adore the lady with her feisty expression. The little fabric/earring hat completes her ensemble. I'd definitely hang out with this chick.

Unfortunately, I'm not Irish. But I'm sure I can find a "Wild Irish Rose" who would love to own this piece.

Take Time for Lemonade,
Kris

Friday, July 20, 2012

Flying with Fleas

I love a good flea market. Nothing like bringing your biggest shoulder bag and heading out to a one-stop junk carnival of fun! Although some of the prices are higher than garage sales, I am usually able to find some unique treasures at flea markets.


Before I show you what I bought this time around, I'd like to show you some interesting finds. Another great thing about flea markets - you're bound to see something that makes you smile!

Nothing like a table of wonderful assorted glassware! One of life's greatest joys is searching over a table like this one to find a gem. I like that little blue teapot. Perhaps I should have bought it. Live and learn.

Ahh, now a sight like this makes me yearn. I adore knobs, hinges, keys, and trinkets made of metal.

This was an interesting sight - a giant rooster overlooking a nun and lady friend's slumber party. Haha! The things you see at flea markets...

I thought this was a cool old instrument. This one's for you, Kim.

Baskets and baskets of kitchen supplies. Baster, anyone? How about a whisk? Noodle grabber? Spork?

A glorious assortment of ceramic dog statues. I have recently decided to start a similar collection, simply because these are so adorable and seeing them all lined up makes my heart happy. Too bad I hadn't thought of this new collection idea at the time, and unfortunately, did not purchase any of these precious pups.

Gotta love the PEZ dispensers! I used to have so many. Wonder where they went.

Disney characters! Gotta love it. I spy Jiminy Cricket, Balloo, Pluto, Flounder, and Pumba (to name a few)

This made me laugh.
Clothed Barbies - $1.00
Naked Barbies - 50 cents
Naturally.

Random bearded shaggy-haired man head.

Now I suppose I should show you what I actually BOUGHT at the flea market...

Gavel (for the classroom) - 50c
Twine (for crafting) - $1.00
Dumbo Figurine - 50c 

Hair Feathers (NEW) - $5.00 for both boxes
(these usually sell for $10 a box)
Covergirl Eyeliner (NEW) - 25c each

 Little Vintage Suitcase - $7.00

It completes my set-up perfectly!

Pluto Figurine - 50c

Vintage Camera - $3.00

Vintage Street Light Insulators - $1.00

Vintage "Chemist" Glasses - $2.00

Load of Keys (50+) - $3.00

Disney Christmas Game Book - $1.00
Vintage Minnie Mouse - $2.00
Snowman Decoration - 50c

Aren't those fun finds? I was excited to get them. My favorite treasure is probably the old green glasses. They look great in my living room and are definitely a conversation piece. I love strange, one-of-a-kind treasures. 
Until next time, flea market...

  

Take Time for Lemonade,
Kris

Monday, July 16, 2012

Skillet Collage

Hey y'all. Just thought I'd write a quick post about a collage I made for my sister. Since she's a Foods teacher, I thought it would be great to incorporate that theme into her collage. I bought this candle a while back at a garage sale for 50 cents:


I loved how unique it was - it came in a little mini iron skillet (perfect to burn in my kitchen). It smelled wonderful and I was very happy to have found it! Once it ran down to the bottom, I knew I had to keep the skillet. I washed it out and used some Goo Gone to get rid of all of the wax residue - and ta da! A cute little mini skillet, perfect for some type of craft.

Here's the finished product. I used the phrase "Eat, Pray, Love" because I thought it really went well with the skillet medium.


To create the collage, I used an old children's book. I was happy to find the image of the vintage woman cooking. I also used a Scrabble piece, old classroom letters, a 3D sticker that I colored with alcohol ink, a page from a vintage cookbook, buttons, ribbon, and scrapbook paper. Oh, and of course I used Mod Podge to seal it all in. Here's a closer look:



So there you have it. A very cheap, easy, and personal gift idea for anyone who loves to cook or eat! 
I think it will look perfect in my sister's classroom! 


Take Time for Lemonade,

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

The Versatile Blogger

 

I won a blog award! I am so excited! YIPPEE!

 A BIG thank you to Jennifer from Pieces to Treasure for nominating my blog for this award. I feel so honored! I must say, I really enjoy your blog, too. I love being considered a "versatile blogger." From crafts, to garage sale finds, to random thoughts on life - I like to write about it all. I thought this was called randomly unfocused - but "versatile" sure sounds more pleasant!
 
This honor includes the following...

1. Thank the blogger who nominated me
2. Include a link to his or her site in the post
3. Include the above award image in your post
4. Give 7 random facts about yourself
5. Nominate 5 other bloggers for the award
6. When nominating include a link to the site
7. Let other bloggers know they have been nominated

Alright. Here are my random facts...

1. I am married to my high school sweetheart, Bill. I love him more every day, and we have so much fun together. We live in a comfy home with my Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier. His name is Jake, and he brings us constant smiles and genuine joy.

2. I am a high school English teacher and am also involved with various activities in the school, like Marching Band, Speech Team, and Group Interpretation Play. During the school year, I'm usually incredibly stressed and busy. I don't have as much time for crafts, either, which is unfortunate. I'm currently working on my second graduate degree and can't wait until I'm finished!

3. Going to garage sales is a real joy for me. It is one hobby that I can say fills me with a sense of purpose and pride. I love to turn random strangers' "junk" into my own type of treasure . View more thoughts on this here - where I reflect on what the "junk life" means to me.  Obviously, you can tell by this blog that I love to be creative and make pretty things.

4. I love all things DISNEY. Walt Disney World is my favorite place ever. There is something so wonderful and magical about Disney; it definitely holds a special place in my heart. I have so many fond memories of going to Disney World with my grandparents. One of my life's dreams is to visit Disney every year (this dream is still pending). I also love Disney movies and collecting Disney memorabilia. Minnie Mouse is my favorite.

5. Country music is also a big part of my life. It speaks to me. Ever since I was a little girl, I have been listening to country music, and it has continued to inspire me and shape who I am as a person. I guess you can say I have a Southern soul.

6. I love to read and write. There is something wonderful about being able to express my thoughts freely and precisely through writing. I'd like to do more of it, though. My favorite author is definitely Jen Lancaster. We have a lot in common, and she writes memoirs that really crack me up. She's a hoot.

7. I truly enjoy life's simple pleasures. I love lemonade stands, dogs of all shapes, sizes, and breeds, daisies, talking with senior citizens, farmer's markets, ice cream, roller coasters, sidewalk chalk, sno-cones, flip flops, and driving with the windows down on a sunny day. I also love all things vintage - especially old books, cameras, keys, clocks, and advertising. Oh, and I truly believe that a nice, quiet nap can cure almost anything.

I am happy to nominate the following blogs for their spunk and versatility:

Geneva at My Heart's Song
Brittany at Crafty Mischief
Awdrey at Sweet Art

These blogs definitely show personality and fun, all while providing creative ideas accompanied by vivid, beautiful photos. They're a joy to visit and I think you'll love them, too!

This was fun. Yay for blog love!

Take Time for Lemonade,
Kris