On Clip on Earrings Turned Into a Sweater Clip and Other Swap Meet Things

While visiting the swap meet a few months ago in search of a green sweater for my rose bush costume, I came across these clip-on earrings, which while not exactly matching any thing on my lamp, I decided were too cheerful to pass up especially since they were only a dollar. It also gave me a really good excuse to attempt turning a set of clip-on earrings into a sweater clip, which I've been wanting to try for a while. Aside from struggling to get the chain open with a pair of needlenose pliers because I didn't have any gold jump rings (something I plan to remedy before doing this again), it was remarkably easy to loop the chain around the hole at the edge and comes with the benefit of getting to enjoy my clip-ons without my ears feeling like they're going to fall off. 

Other vintage findings included a handful a pins, a small blue bag, and these two lovely framed prints (now dubbed Lady Grace and Lady Prudence). 

♥️ ♥️ ♥️

On "A Happy New Year" from 1911: A Photo Post

"A Happy New Year" from 1911 to all my lovely readers! 

This postcard was purchased back in September along with the other two I mentioned here. In my eyes, everything from the artwork to the coloring makes this a perfect postcard!

The lady in brown must be learning to skate, she does not look enthusiastic at all!

 Wishing you all a happy start to the new year!

 ♥  ♥  ♥

On Six Ideas for Vintage Decorating

For those who love vintage it is well known there are various degrees that people go to decorate their houses with vintage items. Some people live in time capsule houses where almost everything is vintage and others choose to decorate more subtly with a few things here and there. While I think it’s great if you have the ability to go full vintage, I personally fall into the later camp at this point, so to wrap up the month of May I wanted to share six ways for giving a room that special, yet subtle, vintage touch!

Coloring Books

I know, you’re probably thinking, “Coloring books, Inky? Aren’t those awfully thick?” Well, yes they are, but no I haven’t gone mad.  I’m talking about the ones that are closer to the thickness of a magazine and the very thin art books that would have been part of a series. These ones are great for framing! Plus, if you did want to frame a thicker coloring book, there are always shadow boxes. 

About a year ago this lovely flower coloring book crossed paths with me. It’s about magazine thinness and fit perfectly in a frameless frame (which, unfortunately, does not photograph well) . 

Sheet Music

A little more obvious along the lines of paper items is sheet music. There are a lot of great cover designs and even if you’re unable to get an original, there are a ton of covers ranging from very classic looking to downright bizarre you can find online and print.

1913 and 1909

These two I found in a library book sale about four years ago for 75¢ and love having them up on my walls!

Wind Chimes 

This is one of my favorite of vintage decorations. If you can find flat chime pieces you can hang them on your wall just like a picture with some extra pins/small nails to arrange the chime pieces so they aren't all in one lump. 

I had a relative who worked with company that sold wind chimes in the 60’s or 70’s and going through a box one day was delighted to come across these card suit chimes. They add a touch of whimsy to the wall, as well as being an alternative to something framed. 

Clip-on Earrings

Don’t wear your clip on earring because they pinch your ears, but still want to display them? Then clip them on your lampshade and you can enjoy them without the pinching! It’s also great if you have earring that have lost their match.

Please excuse the dust!

Folding Fans

You can find them with landscapes, flowers, animals, people, and cutouts, so why not put them on display like a piece of artwork?

My early 1960's fan has been propped up with thumb tacks (I would NEVER stick them through it) for about 11 years and I’ve only ever had to adjust it once to keep it from falling. However, mounting one in a shadow box would probably offer far better protection.

Record Albums

I adore having a record album frame! It allows one to display and enjoy some of one’s favorite album covers, as well as providing an option that could easily be changed out for something new dependent on the season or your likes.

A happy rabbit for spring.

101 Strings records are wonderful for framing.

Hope you enjoyed these ideas and will be able to give some of them a try in your own decorating! ♥

On Five 1950’s Things I Love

In honor of this being my 50th blog post, I thought it’d be fun to look at five 1950’s things I love.

1. To Catch a Thief
Made in 1955, To Catch a Thief is in my top favorite movies from this decade. With Cary Grant, Grace Kelly, an engaging plot, an interesting setting, and beautiful costuming, there’s nothing I dislike about this movie!

Earlier this year I also read the book it was based on, written in 1952 by David Dodge, and found it to be equally as good.

2. Sewing Boxes
I really like the accordion sewing boxes of the 1950’s. They’re well made and hold a lot of supplies. They also double as a small table if you don’t constantly use the supplies they are holding.

3. My Favorite Building!
Built and opened in the early 50’s, this wonderful building’s large window and all the natural light are two of the many things I love about it!

 

50's wall clock!

4. The Modern Household Encyclopedia
Having quite a few 1950’s books that I adore, I must admit I had a really difficult time choosing which one to put on this list (Beauty course book? Home decorating? High school English textbook? Which one?!?). However, this book published in 1955 won out because it lives in the pile next to my bed.

The Modern Household Encyclopedia, while thin, really seems to have it all, ranging from cooking tips to locating your slippers in the dark (phosphorescent buttons, just in case you were wondering-see photo below).

(click to enlarge)

It’s great fun to flip through because you never quite know if you’ll end up reading a definition or a how-to.

A page with both good advice and questionable advice
(click to enlarge)

Lovely idea for hanging hats in the car!
(click to enlarge)

5. Constance Depler’s “Bar Hounds”
Constance Depler was known for her artwork in the 50’s and this is one of my favorites of hers!

While my list could probably go on and on forever, and is indeed missing a few of my most favorite things (I didn't even touch on clothes or sewing patterns!), these were some of the things that quickly came to mind that give me great pleasure in regards to the 1950’s and seem to be the perfect way to celebrate my 50th post! ♥