Vintage Stool Redo

This is my decoupaged stool. I used the comics pages from the Sunday newspaper to cover it.

My neighbors put the stool out for the trash and I snagged it. They haven't seen the "new" version yet. Sorry I don't have "before" pictures but it was basically a gray metal stool with lots of paint spatters and stains. Not worth the work it would have taken to "restore" it. But I loved the shape and size of it so....

So, I decoupaged it and then added several coats of acrylic because it will live in my kitchen and I need to be able to wipe it off. I added the little black feet to the legs so they wouldn't scratch the floor.

Here's what the back looks like. It was tricky getting the paper into all those crevices, but - if you get it wet enough the paper mold itself to the surfaces.

So - what do you think? Easy weekend project (have to allow for dry time between coats of decoupage and acrylic).

Jeu de Paume Decorating: London Vintage

I've talked about the quirky-yet-appealing Jeu de Paume books before.
From this website, "PAUMES is a small and dynamic family-run Japanese publishers, working in close contact with artists and designers in Europe on different editorial projects. With a poetic and original approach, édition PAUMES explores the environments of those who stimulate the creative industries, and in doing has produced a set creative "bibles" that overflow with inspiration."
Newest edition: London Vintage
See more jeu de paume books, pictures and how to order here

A New Crop of Confetti...

...is what jewelry designer Michelle Taylor calls her latest additions to her shop, Blue Moss.

According to Michelle, she started designing her own pieces when she was unable to find what she liked. Apparently, enough people kept asking her "where did you get that?" that she began creating for others.
Sometimes people ask me that same question but I think it might be for different reasons.

She uses a great mix of vintage and found pieces for a really unique look.

I found these pieces on Michelle's blog, Blue Moss.

From the Past Week

Since I'm doing some other things and don't have any of my own stuff to post about, I thought I would share a few more of my favorites from around Blogland this past week...

1. Miniature cuties from Atelier Sterre (via Daisy in lala Land)
2. Lovely egg basket from Marie Claire Idees Blog with complete how to.
3. Injured George by Make It Awesome via Softies Central. Poor bunny. (Cute!!)
4. Wool Butterfly Lampshade by MIXKO
5. Great idea for using an old book cover from Sweet Paul.

Fabric Sail Boat - Lovely!

Ahoy!
I have always lived surrounded by water on the east coast of the US. I love being around the water and I love boats. I don't know anything about boats but I love them.
I think most people love sail boats and Apol Lejano-Massebieau has created her lovely version of one from vintage cotton that she found at the monthly "brocantes" market in Arles.
Arles...as in France. Tres jolie, n'est pas?

I found Apol through her blog, La Pomme.
Where to buy: La Pomme's shop on Etsy. Ones similar to these are $35 and there are smaller versions made into ornaments for about $15.

Vintage Christmas Ornament

This tiny little birdie is so cute!
He is flocked with paper tail and plastic beak. Adorable little knit stocking cap. Bits of gold glitter are sprinkled on his body. I am not sure how old this is but it is probably from the 50s, 60s or possibly 70s. Only about 2" high.

Vintage Christmas

These little girls are just adorable. They are from 1978 and were made in Hong Kong.

These are plastic and normally I'm not a huge fan of plastic ornaments but these are just too cute. I think they look Scandanavian or German.
What do you think? Sweet.

Play Kitchens

I saw this adorable kitchen on Our Sweet Life's blog.

She made this for under $60 mostly out of recycled materials. Really cute and the ideas for expanding on this are endless!

Then I saw this kitchen from a Sears1959 Wishbook. The whole kitchen was priced at $27.95. Can you imagine! I know I'm showing my age, but I could have been that little girl and boy would I have loved this kitchen! It's pink for cryin' out loud.
As a side note, I was about this age, maybe a little younger, when my grandmother took me shopping one day. I can't remember the store but I remember a photographer taking my picture playing with some of the toys in the store. I had no idea why he wanted my picture but I didn't need an excuse to play with those toys that's for sure! Then my picture showed up in the newspaper! I think it was some sort of article on Christmas shopping and the season and all that but I can't remember. It's been a long time since I've seen the picture but I'll never forget that day. I think my mom may still have it somewhere.

Vintage Halloween Tags

So here's what I've been working on. I made these tags using a reproduced picture of an old French document from the 1800s.
I cut each tag by hand, stamped the tag, added a picture from (copy of ) a vintage Halloween post card, then added glitter and two colors of ribbon for hanging.

Sweet and Shabby Vintage Cupcake Tin of Art Goodies

Look at all these lovely art goodies! Can you believe they're giving this away over at Sweet Six Studio.? It's a promotion for an art workshop they are conducting. There's more information there for how to win this plus how to join the workshop. I'm seriously considering it myself. What a great idea.

Drawing in Ink and Colored Pencil

I drew this last year. It's from one of my children's books but I can't remember which one. I love the vintage pictures in the book and this little boy out for a day of adventure. Too bad it had to rain. I love his little puppet and toy horse on wheels.
(Update: It was from "Mother Goose Tales for Children")

Happy Friday and I'm Off for a Few Days

I will be traveling for a few days so I may or may not get a chance to update.
In the meantime please enjoy these lovelies...

Adorable Halloween art doll with a vintage look from Garb-oodles Soup

Birdcage with fabric birds. Found on Charlie Pop & Bubbles blog, but made by the talented Alicia Paulson.

Sweet animal softy from Lalootka's Attic

and vintage bird collageprint (what is it with me and birds?) from Geninne's Art Blog

Pillow Case Dress Orange

Aren't the colors of this pillow case dress great? Very orange and very vintage 70s. I made the dress from a thrifted cotton pillowcase. I added coordinating ribbon ties and band at the hem and added the yoyo with button center. The yoyo can be removed for washing. Another recycled item.

Vintage Post Card Tags

Vintage postcards made into tags.

This tag and lots of other great ones, from the Polka Dot Barn were made from scanned vintage post cards by artist Jan Thomason.

There are some for sale in her Etsy shop. This one is $6 for a set of 3. Others I saw ranged from $1.50 up. What a great way to really make a gift extra special with one of her tags.

Vintage Toys from Arthur's Circus

Have you seen Arthur's Circus?

Wonderful toys and vintage items for sale, like these little bunny pull toys and wooden blocks. They have lighting, toys and other accessories and fun things. They will also try to find particular items for you.

Pin Cushion Poppit

Elizabeth Holcombe's blog is a feast for the crafty eye.

She makes wonderful, vintagy things like this pin cushion poppit. Awesome cuteness!