Online Shopping for antiques and vintage treasures???

Yep! Yep! Yep!

I have some favorite antique and vintage shops that have an online presence also, some are new and some have been around for a couple of years...some I have known about for awhile and some I just discovered...

Let me introduce you to a few of my favorites :)

   Old Crow Antiques

Old Crow Antiques is a very new online shop specializing in fun and funky vintage collectibles....keep an eye on this one folks, the owner has a great eye for the interesting and the unusual...

                                          Thea's Interiors

Thea's Interiors is the new online presence of a wonderful B&M shop in Portland, Oregon.  Thea has been an Antique Dealer for several years and in addition to her shops she sells at Antique Shows and in her spare (?) time  does interior decorating.  This shop not only has a selection of fabulous antiques but she also showcases special hand created items from gifted artisans.

                                               Siettela

Siettela is a shop located in Japan.  I first met the young man who owns this shop when he purchased items from us at an Antique Show....you may even find some of those items currently for sale in his shop!  He travels the world purchasing unique and functional items and I love the way he showcases each one.

Em's Heart

Em's Heart has some of the most beautiful antique linens available online, each one has been carefully laundered and pressed and the descriptions are like a small history lesson....she also sells acid free tissue paper and a linen wash to help you preserve your antique linens....

                                    
                                              Factory20

Factory20 is a shop I just discovered today, it specializes in vintage and antique industrial style furniture...can  you say zinc tables!  I love this look....so check out my newest discovery!

I hope you enjoy visiting some of my favorite shops and checking out their goodies!

Happy shopping!
VE

IN THE STYLE OF....ARTS AND CRAFTS

cubiclegirl 

The Arts & Crafts Movement (1890 - 1929) started in Britain and within a few years found its way to the United States.

While the American Arts and Crafts Movement did share the philosophy of the reform movement and encouraged originality, simplicity of form, local natural materials, and the visibility of handicraft, it also  accepted the use of factory work in the production of items which made  it possible for middle income families to purchase and enjoy simple but elegant items.

The terms "Arts and Crafts", "Craftsman" and "Mission Style" have come to be used interchangeably, but there are differences.  

I would love to share some artisans of today who create in the Style of the Arts and Crafts or Craftsman traditions :)

WONDERFUL TILE WORK...

 

 

DuQuellaTile

 

 

 

BEAUTIFUL POTTERY....

BelairDesign

ELEGANT LINENS...

Thistlehandwerks

EXTRAORDINARY FURNITURE...

MMWoodStudio

UNIQUE STATIONERY...

CindyLindgren

I am adding some links for anyone interested in learning more about the Arts and Crafts style and period.

http://www.arts-crafts.com/www.arts-crafts.com
http://www.arts-crafts.com/archive/rsimages.shtml

I hope you enjoy seeing the amazing work of these talented artisans!  Enjoy...

VE

Let's Repurpose!

We know about reuse, recycle, and upcycle, but the most difficult for me is to repurpose. To have an item that is in good condition and that I love, but it's intended use is no longer necessary (or logical). I don't want to rework these pieces or alter them if I don't have to.

To repurpose an object requires we "think outside the box", and I find this extremely difficult sometimes. I will stand and stare at the item trying to picture other uses in my mind. There are some people on this blog who are very good at this, I'm not one of them.

An example is this linen piece which was created to hold the knives from a silverware set. I have absolutely no use for it for my knives. However, it is in mint condition with hand embroidery done lovingly by someone many years ago. The thought of altering this in any way wasn't an option for me. After spending literally months thinking about it, I realized it would make excellent storage for my crochet hooks, and could accommodate a large quantity and variety of sizes. Perfect! I'm thrilled with its new use.

What objects do you have that you can't part with, but are at this moment wrapped and stored in a box somewhere? It's time to get them out where you can see them, think about them, and find a current way of enjoying these pieces. In the post by goodgosh, Peggy last week, she painted a  figurine in blackboard paint, and now messages can be written on it, and it's adorable as well as fun. Repurposing adds new life to old objects and make great conversation pieces.

Collecters, crafters, and artists are the original recylers. We've been doing it all our lives.

pepper

Upcycle with Cutter Fabric, Lace, and Linens

Those old stained and worn linens and fabrics can be upcycled into wonderful new items. So many times we see them at flea markets, thrift shops, and garage sales for just pennies, but we pass them by because they aren't perfect,

Look closely at the trim and needlework. Is it in good condition? If it is, these sections can be cut out and reused. The salvaged trim and needlework are beautiful on pillows, purses, clothing, and anything else your creative mind can imagine. Look closely at the fabric, are there large enough sections that can be cut out and reused?

Check out these shops to see just how wonderful the upcycled items can be.

I thought this blouse was so unique. I've never seen recycled fabric used this way.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/39905675/pink-lime-button-shirt-top-upcycled



Look at this tote made using salvaged fabric.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/56033592/animal-farm-cotton-tote?ref=v1_other_2


And look at the wonderful use of vintage doilies in this pillow.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/40503471/beach-shabby-chic-throw-pillow?ref=sr_list_4&ga_search_query=the+shabby+chic+pillows&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=2&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title



The next time you run across a treasure trove of vintage linens, stop and take a closer look at them.  For just a little bit of money, you can make wonderful keepsakes by upcycling them.  Have fun and set your imagination free!

pepper