Thursday, July 29, 2010

Notes on Halloween and a Winner!

Thank you all for taking my Halloween poll! I asked you guys when you started decorating and shopping for Halloween and the results are in! Sept. 1st won by a hair over Now! at 19 to 17 with Oct. 1st in a distant last place with only one vote. If I round it out, it seems pretty split down the middle, so I decided to post to Etsy just a few of my very first Halloween girls of the season. :) I posted 3 today and will post the other three tomorrow. But for now...here are some peeks!

These black and white girls aren't solely for Halloween...but they sure look great displayed with bats and black cats!

These little gals are certainly fully decked out for Halloween...although I think the one on the right is a little nervous. Who could blame her when a gold pumpkin boy is running full speed towards her head!

And little Paige must have known it was time to announce the winner of my giveaway! After I snapped photos of the Halloween girls, she hopped right into the middle of the frame...so I snapped a few of her! :) Thank you so much everyone who entered my little giveaway with a story about their pet(s). I LOVED reading them all and had a few chuckles too. Thank you thank you!

Now for the drum roll! And the winner of my pet story give away is......

Noricum!


Congratulations! Please contact me at vintagebycrystal@yahoo.com to claim your prize! :)

Monday, July 26, 2010

Is it too early to start thinking Halloween?

I always have a hard time deciding when it's a good time to start thinking about Halloween. Or more accurately, deciding when you guys probably start thinking about Halloween. There's a pretty big holiday gap after the Fourth of July... I've already started working on a few Halloween pieces, but when should I start offering them for sale? In the past I've offered them as early as July. But is that way too early? Are people still totally in summer mode and don't even want to start seeing ghouls and goblins out and about until Fall actually starts?

I need some help! I put together a little blog poll. I hope you guys will help me out let me know what you think...honestly. :)

Saturday, July 24, 2010

New Treasures from the Flea Market

I went to a local flea market a few weeks ago and picked up some fabulous goodies. Treasure hunting is by far my favorite way to spend a free morning and is something I sadly find I have less and less time to do. I love seeing all of the well loved (and some not so well loved) treasures sitting patiently, waiting to be reborn into something new or simply just loved again. Like these teddy bears. They were $5 and $10 and were well worth the moola. The little one I think is from the 40's or 50's and the bigger one I would guess is even older. They joined my other old stuffed animals in and near the old tin doll house I use as a shelf in my studio.

In this post I'm going to do something I don't normally do. I'm going to tell you how much each treasure cost. I guess it's often considered tacky to talk about price...but I always want to know how much other people spend on their treasures...so what the heck. Do unto others...right?

This milkglass bunny container was a real steal at $4. It's possible that it's a repro...but it was very dirty, like it had been buried in some barn for many years...so who knows. At the next booth they had the more common milkglass hens that were going for $30 each. I felt good about taking home bunny.

This little guy is kinda funny and was only a buck. It's not that old, but it is starting to rust, which I like. He'll be great when coloring eggs at Easter time and during parties to hold ice cream cones or paper candy cones (that was Ben's idea!).

If I were at a garage sale, this guy would have been kind of a lot in my book, but I couldn't pass him up at the flea market. My middle name is Fawn and so I am always drawn to them when I spot them. This fawn planter was only $5 without a chip in sight. Not too bad. I'd like to plant something in it that resembles trees so it will look like he's in a forest...any ideas?

These flowered hats were only a couple of bucks each and will be harvested for their flowers and leaves. Score!

This set of never used cardboard farm animals, maybe 30's or 40's? ...complete with barn, was my splurge of the day and was completely well worth it if you ask me. I absolutely love miniatures, farm animals, old time graphics and old things in general. This set encompassed all four. Twenty bucks bought me the whole thing complete with all of the animals and their stands, the barn, the directions for putting it together, and the box. All in perfect shape. I put it together as soon as I got home. I'm so thrilled!

My mom has this old hologram Barbie TV. She used to let me play with her old Barbie and accessories on rare occasions when I was a kid. Each time I was so excited to see each unique item in her Barbie box and carefully handle each piece as I set up a little Barbie scene. This TV and the vase of flowers were 50 cents each and now reside on my shelf of miniatures.

This old cake topper is semi sort of a buyer's remorse item. It was marked $8 but I got it for $5. It's in really bad shape. The whole base is broken and the new Mr. and Mrs. want to lean forward to take a plunge of death instead of the plunge of marriage. But it still looks good with my collection. Not the worst.

I think this old Dennison die cut was a good find at a buck. Full price is probably at least $10 or more. Plus, I really like it and can't wait to spook people with it at Halloween.

This was a dollar too. A really cool collapsible basket. I'm thinking eggs. Yes... Next year when we move we're getting chickens and I'll need something to collect the eggs in! :)

This tin was....guess how much? That's right! A dollar! I usually don't collect tins, because I hate how they like to give me a hard time when I try to open them. I'm not a priss, but I hate broken nails. But this little cutie was unique with it's movable handles and picnic basket appeal.

Lastly are these old paper and cloth American flag picks. The cloth ones are very hard to find and are always ridiculously expensive...like a dollar or two each. This whole lot was $10 and includes waaaaay more than 10...plus the old paper ones. The lady I bought them from was really funny though. She gave me the price for them and I agreed, but then said, "Oh wait...I have to keep a few of them for myself," and took a few out of my hand. Oh well. I didn't mind too much. I can't wait to use them next year for patriotic spun cotton cuties!

Thanks for reviewing my finds with me! And if you haven't already, please enter my blog giveaway. Check out my last post for details. I've heard some awesomely sweet, funny and endearing pet stories so far. Thank you!! :)

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Blog Give Away!!

After writing about my recent sad and happy experiences with our kitties, so many of you wrote to me with your own stories of your loving pets. Thank you for that!

It was so nice and heartwarming to hear about all the love we have for our beloved animals, that I want to finagle some more pet stories and memories out of you guys! And what better way to do that than with a bribe! A give away bribe to be more specific!

Leave a comment telling me a story or memory about your pet(s), current or remembered. They can be funny, heartfelt or surprising. And it doesn't have to be just about cats or dogs. There are all sorts of pets and I personally have been lucky enough to have made many animal friends of all shaped and sizes over the years.

I'll start off with my own memories of the pet cows I had as a kid. Sequin was a beautiful mostly black girl that won all the ribbons at the fair and had a snotty personality to match. Jaxx was a big fatty with a heart of gold. She was so wide she could hardly fit through the milking parlor doors! Sequin would see me from a distance in the barn or pasture and would look for a second, then turn the other way. Jaxx would see me and come running over to be scratched and patted. Jaxx loved apples and carrots, which I always gave to her on her birthday. Sequin liked to run away from me during walks and roll around on any hill or sand pile that happened to be nearby...a scary thing to watch, as their stomachs can get twisted that way! They were so opposite in personality, but they were my babies and I still smile when I think of them. :)

Ok, now your turn! I'll randomly pick a winner in one week, the evening of Thursday, July 29th. I will announce the winner here and they'll get to choose between the spun cotton dog or cat. Also, I'd love to have a chance to write back to you guys individually when you leave comments. If you'd like for me to write back, just include your email address in the comment. :)


Monday, July 19, 2010

Do You Believe in Fate?


Do you believe in fate? I think I might.

Magic has been living under the apple trees in the cow pasture at my parent's house now for almost two weeks. And while I feel comforted knowing what a beautiful and meaningful place that is...it hurts to know that she's not here with us. Somehow I think fate felt that we needed something to help us heal right away. We didn't exactly seek out new companions... Nothing could replace Magic. But after driving Magic back to New York and laying her to rest that evening, my sister told me about some long haired kittens that needed homes at the farm next door. The next door neighbors, who are our second cousins, weren't actively seeking homes for these kittens and so they were otherwise doomed for a hard and short life on the farm, as Magic almost was all those years ago. Their sibling had already been stepped on by a calf, as Magic's sweet brother had been as well.

Ben thought it was too soon, but I knew in my heart that we needed them as much as they needed us. I couldn't imagine having to spend long days in the studio all alone with no one to distract me and no one to pet. And I couldn't bear leaving them behind to live a dangerous life. I convinced him to go look at them and if they were the right age to be taken from their mom, then I knew it would be right. Low and behold, they were the right age and were fluffy adorable little things. Irresistible. The gray and white one cuddled with me instantly.

They came back to Boston with us and slept beneath my feet the whole time.

Since then Sophie and Paige have been filling that hole Magic left in our hearts. It seemed that Magic left us at the time she did almost knowing she had to make way for new lives. She had a brain tumor and lasted far longer than the vet had expected and for that we will be forever grateful...and also grateful for the wonderful gift she has given us with her life...and now with the lives of these kittens that are so well behaved, cuddly, soft and putting big smiles on our faces.

It took me a long time to post about Magic, because I knew it would be hard, and it was. But I thought she deserved for the world to know how special she was. Thank you so much everyone for your touching comments and support. It really has meant a lot to me, especially hearing about all the other special furry family members out there. And while I will love Magic for the rest of my life, now it's time to be happy and rejoice in the new additions to our family. :)

Friday, July 16, 2010

I Love You Magic

Magic - Sept. 1993 - July 7, 2010

Magic, I can't count all the ways I love you. From the very first time I saw you in the hay mow on Halloween when I was 9 years old, I knew you had to come home with me...spitting and growling and all. It didn't take long for us to become friends and since then you've been my best friend unconditionally. Whether I felt fulfilled or lonely, you've always been there with your sweet meow, soft fur and infinite cuddles. You were such a big part of my world and my heart and I find it hard to be here without you. Even that last night as I held you in my arms, listening to you purr as we drifted off to sleep, I was in heaven with you. With any luck, perhaps I'll see you again someday. Until then, my heart will hold the magic you brought to me throughout my life.

I love you Magic.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Out and About

It was a hot day at the Somerville show on Sunday, but the rain held off and we had a really nice time. I haven't done a show since February and even though I didn't have a ton of items to sell, it was so nice to see everyone and meet a lot of new people. :)

This cute photo of Ben and I in our booth was taken by Nathan Boucher and the following photos were taken by Jessica Burko. Thanks guys!

Then on Monday I procrastinated from doing more work by joining our friends for a little trek to Providence RI, which is only an hour away. It's such an adorable city and I loved all the little houses and stores. I brought home a really cool '50's umbrella rack and we ate some chewy handmade ravioli for dinner.

I snapped a couple of photos of the cool hardware found on the front doors of the neighborhood we strolled through...so cute!

Then today I went to meet up with some crafty friends and afterward I had a leisurely stroll through the Public Gardens and Boston Commons and stopped into Anthropologie for some quick inspiration (and now I really want to make pillows).

All in all...a great couple of days to clear the mind!

Friday, July 9, 2010

Come visit me tomorrow at the Somerville Show!!

*UPDATE:  Due to an inclement forecast, the show is rescheduled for Sunday, July 11th. 

The Somerville Arts Council and Boston Handmade present an ArtsUnion Event:

~ The 2010 Boston Handmade Somerville Marketplace ~
Saturday, July 10th
3-7pm in Union Square, Somerville, MA
I have lots of cute quirky animals that are looking for new homes
and you can adopt them on Saturday in Somerville...rain or shine!

These cats girl and princesses will be out and about too!

Monsters will be there to be sure...hopefully not terrorizing the place.
I hope to see you there! :)

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Independence Day is (almost) here and I'm ready!

Ask and you shall receive! Mary B. wanted to see how I decorated my house for the 4th... And I'm happy to show you!

I didn't do a ton...mostly because I don't have tons of decorations for the 4th. Maybe next year I'll find time to whip up some fun banners and bunting to drape all over. But for this year I have two displays, both in my dining room.

The abacus in the photo above was a gift from my German friend Lena. Perfect colors for this American holiday!

My little spun cotton "George Washington's Daughter" is brought to the same height as Magpie Ethel's adorable figure by perching her atop a vintage hat box. The adorable honey comb balls were a gift from Laurie of Magpie Ethel too!

These awesome vintage crepe paper pair were a rare Etsy find. I am just so tickled with them! There's something about old crepe paper that makes me giddy!

Of course I had to bring a whole slew of my patriotic gals into the mix. They gleefully flank my permanent patriotic collection.

It's like the 4th of July parade!

I also have a vintage feather tree all decked out in red, white and blue. I bought this baby at an antique store for fairly cheap...mostly because of it's dire condition. The branches are being held on by masking tape and I think the drum plant holder base isn't original to the tree. One of these days I'll take a couple of hours to fix it up, but I couldn't pass this up because it was filled with tiny vintage ornaments.

Someone pinned buttons to the branches...I wonder if they've been there since just before Nixon's presidency?

Trumpets and tiny glass baubles galore!

That ship charm is really neat and someone even made a tiny garland from those gold stars you used to get for being good in elementary school. :)

There are several of these handmade scrap rosettes. They are moth eaten to perfection!

I added Abe and the flag garland.

The best thing about this tree is that whoever put it together gathered up any little thing that reminded them of America and added it to the branches. This old drink umbrella included.

This drum is the base. It actually says "Merry Christmas", but I'll ignore that for now. The star ornaments are from Silver Bella and I think they are new made to look old. They are too big to add to the tree and I didn't have time to find another place for them....so I just left them leaning at the base...

Until next year!