The Iron Birdcage

Europe, I'm coming for you!

2010-03-24T12:07:00.000-07:00

How the heck did people travel before the internet? I can't imagine all of the time spent poring over maps and books and making long distance phone calls to reserve rooms that may or may not stink. Anyway, perhaps I'm planning too much. I've been to Germany plenty of times without a single hotel reservation. But alas, I have too much time on my hands and I'm too excited to not plan until I'm blue in the face.

We finally booked our hotel for Paris and Munich! Mark will swear that we only booked the Paris hotel because of the pug on their webpage but that isn't entirely true. Now I'm focused on booking a hotel in Bayeux. There are so many beautiful choices! What's a girl to do?

Springtime Daydreaming

2010-03-18T06:37:00.000-07:00

I love this picture found on {this is glamorous}. It reminds me of Savannah, even though my life there wasn't this ethereal.

And I'm still obsessing over my second favorite red head (Tori Amos is first, of course) Florence from Florence and the Machine. I really really really want to be her BFF. Watch her videos here.

Lastly, I watched Romeo and Juliet last weekend. Oh, how I miss the 90's. Clueless and Empire Records and Romeo and Juliet and a major crush on Leonardo Dicaprio.... Life was good.

I Love Paris in the Springtime

2010-03-04T05:24:00.000-08:00

Hello All, and happy March. I love that Spring is coming - even though I won't be in Paris just yet. It's warm enough now for me to paint my outdoor table and chairs pink. My heirloom tomato plants will arrive soon and I can't wait to prepare for their arrival. I saw a little birdie in my bird house (birdie babies I hope!). Anyway, here are some pictures of how I hope my spring and summer progress. I cannot give anyone credit for them as I do not know where they came from but please let me know if you do.

PS- Alumni weekend at SCAD is coming up. I just LOVE Savannah in the spring time. If you've never been, make it a point to go.

We interrupt this broadcast...

2010-02-19T08:52:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to Post a little picture of a dress that I'm working on. It's not quite done but I think the back is just so pretty.

Have a great weekend!

Letters to Paris (The City) Part Deux

2010-02-16T12:06:00.000-08:00

Dear Paris,

Whether or not you would like to meet me, you will. When the glorious month of October arrives we will be together at last. Do you like October? Is that a good month for you? I sure hope so because the tickets are non-refundable. Chances are that I'll be sleeping on a dirty Parisian street corner because I won't be able to afford a luxurious hotel room but I don't see why that should have anything to do with our relationship.

Love,

Krista

Letters to Paris (The City)

2010-02-05T06:06:00.000-08:00

Dear Paris,

It has been a month since I decided that you and I should meet. Well, this isn't entirely true. I've known for years that you and I should be together but it has only been a month since I decided to do something about it. At any rate, I will scrape together my pennies and purchase tickets next week. I know you don't care. I know that you will be indifferent to my comings and goings. Perhaps you will even heckle me and call me a stupid American. I don't care. I will love you anyway. I'm sure of it.

Love,

Krista

The Old Refrigerator

2010-02-02T06:58:00.000-08:00

Oh Paris, the ocean that separates us seems to get wider by the minute. But I've set my mind to being with you in August. Meanwhile, if I set my mind to more things, I can only imagine what I would accomplish. I'll bet it would be astonishing.

So, added to my to-do list is decorate our outdoor fridge. Mark and I were given an old fridge that we put in our garage. It's yucky. That's an understatement. But there are so many things we can do to spruce it up! I like this idea from Flax and Spindle:

And this idea from The Old Painted Cottage:

PS- I'll be in NY next week so don't fret if you don't hear from me.

French Country Tablecloth

2010-01-25T10:35:00.000-08:00

Oh boy, my birthday weekend is over and I'm back in the grind. The good news is that I still have a job and a security clearance! And there is no bad news. Except that birthday presents were limited this year due to Mark and I trying to save for a vacation. It will all be worth it, right? That's what I keep telling myself. And although I'm not sure we'll be able to save enough to go, it is our dream to visit The City of Light this summer. And in the spirit of Paris and all things French, I'd like to bring this little project to your attention. I saw it in Country Living some time ago and it has been on my to-make list ever since.

This French Country tablecloth is simply a painters canvas dropcloth painted with fabric paint! It'll cost around $10 to make and it looks vintage. I love.

STEP 1: Wash and tumble dry a natural-colored canvas drop cloth--ours measured six by nine feet ($8.44; hardwareworld.com)--a few times to soften the fabric.

STEP 2: Lay the cloth flat. Run a strip of 1/4-inch grout tape down the middle of the fabric widthwise. Then run two additional pieces of tape on each side of the first, spacing them 1/4 inch apart (you'll have five strips total).

STEP 3: Squirt some red fabric paint ($1.89 for two ounces; createforless.com) onto a paper plate and dab a brush in it, off-loading any extra paint onto a paper towel. Working in short strokes, lightly brush the paint on the cloth between the taped areas to catch the grain of the canvas.

STEP 4: Continue to layer the pigment until it appears as dark as desired. Remove the tape once the paint has dried according to the package instructions.

It's that time of year again

2010-01-12T06:58:00.000-08:00

Regrettably, I have a birthday coming up. The only good thing about birthdays is that they are an excuse to get whatever you want. In my fantasy world, this is what I get:

A Dean and Deluca cheesecake with strawberries

A new pair of shoes

A really large obnoxious necklace

Something pretty for my hair

A memebership to a pilates studio

And the top at Anthropologie that I really want

I want all of that in addition to world peace, a career, win the lottery, and a month long European hiatus.

PS- Would you all mind indulging me and wear pink on January 24th? It's such a happy color.

This Year...

2010-01-04T06:06:00.000-08:00

This year I will...

recover 3 chairs

refinish 2 chairs

and make slipcovers for 5 more chairs.

I will make at least two dresses

and finish the sewing projects that I started last year (or a few years ago)

I will save money, get organized, be nicer, and lose ten pounds.

I will nurture friendships and save more animals.

And I will not partially amputate a finger this year either.

If you think this sounds lofty, you should see what I didn't write here!

365 Days of Sequins

2009-12-28T07:42:00.000-08:00

365 days of sequins is fast approaching and I am concerned that the limited number of sequins in my wardrobe might hamper my ability to successfully incorporate sequins everyday. But alas, I have been blessed with a minute amount of determination and some sewing skills that I will manage to scrape together and muster something up. I made a few nice finds at Wal-Mart over the weekend thanks to Max Azria and Miley Cyrus. It's unfortunate that I can't afford every single sequined thing at J. Crew...or even one sequined thing at J. Crew. I think a few choice purchases at Forever 21 and some leftover sequins from that fantastically useless college degree I have might just get me through January. And perhaps my trip to NY in February will turn something up. Meanwhile, is it wrong to wear enormous bows and flowers in my hair at my age?

I hope everyone had a fantastic holiday and has all of their new year's resolutions lined up. I've had mine lined up for years... the same ones. What must that say about me?

Florence and the Machine

2009-12-21T05:17:00.000-08:00

Good morning all and thank you for the kindest thoughts. This has been a difficult holiday season for sure but I'm getting through it.

Today, I would like to bring to your attention an album that I have had on incessant repeat for the past few weeks. It is Lungs by Florence and the Machine. Florence has the voice of an angel and the most spectacular red hair that I always seem to be attracted to (Tori Amos!). Her music inspires images of gypsy bands playing and dancing in the woods (listen for the harp!) and her lyrics stay in your head and on your heart. Her videos are surreal and dreamy. Oh, I desperately want to be her friend. Florence, please be my friend! At any rate, her music is uplifting and Lord knows I've needed that. I think poor Mark is ready to break my CD in half, though.

Grandpa Frisch

2009-12-11T10:05:00.000-08:00

A week and a half after diagnosis, my grandfather has passed away peacefully. It has been the most emotionally draining experience of my life thus far. How could a healthy, active man die in a week and a half? I truly believed that even though his cancer was terminal, that we would still have another year together. He was an amazing, goofy, stubborn, old German who had so many stories to share and so few people to share them with. He deserved so much more in life and in death.

I did have the opportunity to hold his hand and say goodbye. I hope he knew I was there. His death, the closest I have had to deal with in my life, has naturally prompted many, many questions about life and faith and family. I have determined that all of this is entirely too confusing for me to think about at the moment (Scarlett O'Hara style) but that I will be seriously contemplating all of these things in the near future (perhaps on this blog so please excuse me).

The sky was so beautiful this morning. It was burning orange but my camera wouldn't capture it for some reason. Perhaps it was a little secret between grandpa and I.

PS- When my grandparents moved to South Carolina, I used to pick up Captain D's a few times a week and go visit with them. My grandfather passed away at 2:38 this morning and the Captain D's burned to the ground at 2:26. Oh grandpa, I hear you!

365 Days of Sequins

2009-12-04T05:15:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the absence! As you remember, we recently discovered that Mrs. B has stage IV lung cancer. Well, on Sunday we found out that my grandfather has been diagnosed with a form of brain cancer called Malignant Glioma (it's what Ted Kennedy had). It's been quite the family emergency. I'm glad to report that the tumor has been mostly removed and that he seems to be in good spirits and doing well. Needless to say, it's had us all a bit depressed. And while we are all wracking our brains trying to find ways to make this funny old German comfortable and happy as long as we can, I've been wracking my brain to find some way to perk my spirits as well. This is why, on January 1st, I am implementing 365 days of sequins. In addition to sequins, I'm hoping to also incorporate glitter, bows, ruffles, and flowers because those make me happy too.

This is where you guys come in. I have some ideas of how to wear sequins everyday but I could always use more. See something sequiny and pretty online? Send me the link! Sequin crafts? Lets post them here! Wanna do sequin trades? Anybody else want to jump on the bandwagon?

The goal is this: I'm hoping that by lifting my own spirits, I can lift the spirits of the people around me as well - especially grandpa. A good attitude can take a person a long way in life and in recovery. And I think it just might be impossible to not have a good attitude when you sparkle everyday.

Thank you all for your help and support. And in the name of sequins and grandfathers and mothers and animals everywhere, please remember that it is the holidays and I encourage you all to choose a charity to donate to, whether it be to cancer research, animal welfare or anything else in between.

Image courtesy of StarForeman

The Glitter Houses

2009-11-17T08:04:00.000-08:00

Ok, I can't think about couches for one more second. Instead, I'd like to tell you about these perfectly sweet little glitter houses that I'd seen at TJ Maxx. After seeing this post at French Charming and this post at Everyday Beauty (don't miss it!), I knew I wanted my house to be free of red and green this holiday season. It never really gets cold in the South and traditional holiday colors just don't seem appropriate. So, when I saw glitter houses at TJ Maxx a few weeks ago, I knew they were just what I needed to get my collection started. But I, of course, looked at them and decided that I could make them. Well, my friends, I didn't realize at the time how lucky I would get. I found these detailed instructions and patterns online!

The pretty music ones were found over at Paper Tales. And I just love the idea of putting one on a cake stand with a cloche. It feels like a giant snowglobe. If anybody decides to make them, let me know. I'd love to see how they turn out!

Post Script - There is a fantastic silver glittery "JOY" sign at Target for $2 and a set of shimmery pink "Joy", "Noel", and "Peace" votive holders for $6 at TJ Maxx.

The Dream Couch

2009-11-13T12:03:00.000-08:00

Dear readers, hunting for the perfect couch is so time consuming! Fortunately, I have a lot of free time at work. Perhaps next week I will share with you the couch that we are considering. But for now, I'd like to show you one (of many!) of my dream couches. It is from Wisteria and highly impractical for our purposes. Maybe one day.....

The Book Clock

2009-11-09T10:30:00.000-08:00

Marky and I had a very long weekend driving to and from Atlanta. But on the way home we passed a little country yard sale and decided to stop. The lady had tables of old books for $1 a piece. Now, Mark and I have a habit of buying books, especially ones that are over 100 years old. We had hit the jackpot! I immediately thought of a project that I'd seen in Country Living a while back and had just recently seen on Ruffles and Stuff. The second I saw this 1922 French book I knew it was the one. And then, by an act of God, I actually finished the project the next day. Not only that, but I finished 3 (count 'em, THREE!) projects that day. The good news is, I also picked up a beautiful red book with a rose embossed on the front. I'd love to make another and give it as a gift but I seriously do not know one person who I think would appreciate it. If anybody out there in the vast expanse of internet would like one, leave a comment!

The Dream House - Again and Again

2009-11-02T09:45:00.000-08:00

Mark and I have been spending our weekends (and admittedly, most week nights) staying up late with an open bottle of wine - him writing songs and playing guitar and me interrupting him every few minutes to ask his opinion of the rough floor plan that I'm sketching for our dream house. It has been my lifelong dream to build my own house exactly the way I want it and I may be getting ahead of myself a little but it makes me so excited to fantasize about it.

I find the detail on this staircase absolutely charming and I adore the natural light.

The Prettiest Chandelier

2009-10-28T06:04:00.000-07:00

Ok, the rumors are true. I have an infatuation with shoes.... and CHANDELIERS! I drooled over this chandelier when I first bought this magazine. Many months later I found the exact chandelier in a vintage store near my house. Much to my husbands dismay, it will be ours in one last small payment and I am very excited. I try to explain to him that it is an investment piece. I was also excited to see the chandelier at Such Pretty Things. She found it at a store called Vignettes in California and a similar one in NY at ABC Carpet and Home.

The Other Mother

2009-10-22T05:52:00.000-07:00

This might seem a little off topic but it is very important. This beautiful woman is my best friends mother. She took me in when I needed a place to live, she gave me advice when I wasn't sure what to do, she celebrated Thanksgiving and Christmas with me when I didn't have any other family, she made me breakfast on Saturday mornings, listened to my boy troubles and woke me up ferociously early because a miniscule spider was in her bathtub. For a while, Mrs. B was all I had. She has never once treated me any differently than she would have her own daughters. Living with her was like never leaving home at all. She so graciously flew to South Carolina and spoke at my wedding even though she wasn't feeling well. But having her there was such a blessing.

Mrs. B has been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.

Please pray for her and for her family who loves her so much.

The Dream House: Bedroom

2009-10-21T04:48:00.001-07:00

This speaks for itself. I don't even know what to say about it. Two chandeliers?! Oh, heaven.

The Dream House: Pt. 2

2009-10-19T06:18:00.000-07:00

Many great magazines were lost when the economy plummeted. One of my favorites was Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion. This house was featured in one of the last issues and truly embodies what I want my dream home to look like and feel like. I love the expansive porch and the mismatched pieces. Tune in later for the bedroom and a very special chandelier.

The Ugly Chairs

2009-10-15T06:34:00.000-07:00

When Mark and I first moved into our house, we had nothing. We bought this little dining set on Craigslist for $75. This picture isn't a great one but you can see how hideous the blue plaid fabric is. But beyond the fabric are the prettiest wingback captain chairs. I promised Mark that I would make slipcovers for them. Two and half years later I have yet to make one slipcover. Then I came across this picture in a magazine that I picked up called "French Country" or something of that nature and I said to myself, "Krista, make the damn slipcovers already!" I think the slipcover look is so cute and laid back without being too informal (and with 4 dogs in the house, I really need to be able to take it off and wash it). But dear Lord, can I do it? Well, I'm armed with books and I'm a decent seamstress so let's hope so.

The Dream House

2009-10-13T11:00:00.001-07:00

I may be light years away from owning my dream house but I fantasize about it constantly. One of the most important rooms for me will be the kitchen. I love food, I love to cook, and I love how food and cooking bring people together and make people happy. I'm sorry for not remembering where these photographs are from as they have been on my computer for quite some time. If you do recognize them, let me know so I can give credit.

PS- I'm really into the all white thing lately. It is so out of character for me but when it's done right it is so peaceful.

Some Free Things

2009-10-05T07:38:00.000-07:00

Good day, all. Sorry for the absence. Today I would like to make you aware of some of my favorite secrets.

The first is Feed Your Soul, a free art project. It's a place where plain people like me can download free art and artists can get their name out there. I've already downloaded and printed a few. It takes only a second and voila! Free art.

Secret number two is a particular favorite. Lowe's has a fantasic website for projects. You can go straight to this website for ideas on how to make lots of neat things. But the best part is that you can sign up for two free magazines, Lowe's Creative Ideas for Home and Garden and Lowe's Creative Ideas for woodworkers. Now, nobody in my house is even remotely a woodworker but after the last issue, I think we might try (pray for our fingers!). I love getting magazines in the mail. It's such a treat and a pleasant surprise after a long day of work.

Happy recession!

The Architectural Remnants Sale

2009-09-21T06:39:00.001-07:00

Oh, I wanted to tell you about this sooner but I was too excited. This Saturday, there was an architectural remnants sale in Charleston. The Charleston Historical Foundation had rescued pieces from the trash after hurricane Hugo 20 years ago. They are just now ready to part with it and I was a ready and willing customer.

The sale included windows, doors, columns, shutters, chairs, bathtubs, ballusters, slate, and other rather random things like books, magazines, and rusty things. It all appeared to have been dumped in a warehouse and forgotten about for 20 years. There were a lot of people there and not a lot of stuff to go around. By the time I had gotten there, I had already missed out on a beautiful, large glass etching of a skyline (Charleston, maybe?). I quickly started sorting through things and giving them to my husband to guard. I took the neighbor boy too for extra guardability.

I picked up two shutters ($8), a small window with broken panes ($3), and a large, very old window with no panes ($4), 5 ballusters ($2 each), an odd piece of wood that is very heavy and I have no idea what it was ($5), and a fantastic chair ($20).

I have plans for everything except the shutters. I really had to talk my way into that chair because I have four unfinshed ones at home that I've been promising to finish for the past few years. I even went as far as to say that I wouldn't buy one more chair until I finished those... that didn't last long.

I'm sorry that I have no pictures of the event but I will take before and after pictures of the things I bought. Now if I can just get motivated to finish fixing up all of these chairs.....

The pictures are from the Post and Courier and are from the sale.

The Cutest House Ever!

2009-09-14T08:11:00.000-07:00

Good morning all! This morning I sat down to sort through all of the blogs that I normally read. I decided to visit The Old Painted Cottage (I admittedly only visit this blog about once a month even though it is quite cute) and I was stunned, amazed, jaw-hitting-the-floor shocked to see how Jennifer turned around the ugliest little house. I would have looked right at that house and said "next!". But she saw potential in the sponge painted walls and dry brushed cabinets. AND she is currently posting how-to's for some of the projects that she did. She is an ingenious decorator, budget concious, and DIY. What more could you ask for? I'm ready to move in! I must say, I'm incredibly impressed and her house is my inspiration and motivation to make my house just as cute. Congratulations Jennifer! Your house is so effortless and so chic and I LOVE IT!

Her pictures are copyright protected but I really wanted to give you a little sneak peak so that you are forced to visit her blog for the entire tour. This is not to be missed!

The Little Teacup

2009-09-08T08:41:00.000-07:00

I'm always looking for an excuse to collect something. But of course, I have to justify my collecting by having an idea of what on earth I will do with it. I really have a thing for vintage china. Here are a few pretty ways to display your vintage china and decorate with it so you can justify it to your husband too.

Images courtesy of {this is glamorous} and Brabourne Farm

The Wedding Leftovers

2009-08-31T07:04:00.001-07:00

After Mark and I were married, I was unsure of what I should do with all of the beautiful things I had collected for the wedding. A few of my favorites ended up on our mantle. The dessert stands are from Touchstone Catalog and the teacups are vintage. They were used to hold flowers for centerpieces. The rusty iron birdbath and vase are from A Rustic Garden. The birdbath held candy and the vase was... well... a vase! I'm glad that I had the wedding as an excuse to buy these things because I never could have justified them otherwise and they make such a nice addition to our home.

The Little Window

2009-08-24T07:59:00.001-07:00

I can't imagine how I forgot these great ideas for windows in the window post. My window is finally hanging on the wall - as is, of course. Such a pretty little thing she is.

The Unexpected Wall Decor

2009-08-24T07:35:00.000-07:00

I'm so sorry if any of you get Country Living magazine and have already seen this in there. It truly is one of my favorite current publications. This idea comes from the September issue. These posters are actually gift wrap. They only cost between $3.50 and $4.50 a piece! The very top picture is from Country Living. The map is the gift wrap. The pictures below are the ones that I've either purchased or desperately want to purchase. There are many websites where you can purchase these papers but here are two of my favorites: Luxury Touches and Hollander's. The Petit Fours are from John Derian and is not available online.

The Greatest Vintage Store

2009-08-18T06:03:00.000-07:00

Dear friends, Marigold's is my favorite vintage store in the world. When I'm having one of those days and I need a little cheer, this is where I go. They always have an interesting and changing selection of vintage and vintage inspired pieces. Even us poor people can find something that we can afford there. Unfortunately, they are in Summerville, SC and you cannot shop online. Fortunately, I live in Summerville and I go all the time! I will soon post pictures of the beautiful chandelier that I purchased there after I saw it in a magazine. It's stunning. And I actually purchased the teacup above in pink for my wedding and never got it back. Well, if you ever make it to this neck of the woods, give it a go. There is no place like it.

The Flimsy Bookcase

2009-08-17T08:42:00.000-07:00

Mark and I finally bought a bookcase this weekend. We invested $26 into a cheap one at Target just to get the books off the floor. Oh but the frustration was priceless. Evidently, the weight of books on this particular bookcase is too much for it to handle. We struggled all evening to get the bookcase to stay upright (you should see the holes in my wall) to no avail. The books are still on my floor. The fantastic bookcase that I've been holding out for is not in our financial future so I'm trying to find thrifty alternatives.

This idea, found in Better Homes and Gardens, is so adorable and so me. I find so many nifty ideas on that website. Now let's hope I can find a plain old bookshelf at a price that won't make my husband gasp.

Here are some tips on decorating a bookcase. I had so much fun getting mine set up yesterday before it pulled away from the wall.

Lesson 1: Grouping light and dark items together makes arrangements more pleasing.

Lesson 2: Horizontal stacks of large books visually ground a shelf and are restful to the eye. The stack can be used as a base for accessories, adding height where it's needed.

Lesson 3: Create a focal point for each shelf by packing away smaller items and replacing them with fewer larger accessories. Notice how the large accessories are staggered left to right throughout, creating an interesting visual rhythm.

Lesson 4: On each shelf, leave a little empty space where the eye can rest. Hide less attractive paperbacks in decorative baskets.

Lesson 5: Confining layered picture frames to one shelf results in less clutter.

Tip: If you have a bookcase or cabinet with multiple shelves, make sure to stagger items on display so they're not aligned from shelf to shelf.

The Antiqued Mirror

2009-08-13T05:49:00.000-07:00

I love old mirrors that you can barely see your face in. They have such a mysterious quality, I think. Unfortunately, I don't see too many of them. That's why I've decided to make them myself! Technically, I have purchased all of the materials for this project and even started it but I haven't finished it. This is by far the best how-to that I've seen on distressing mirrors, however. Give it a try and let me know how it goes!

Materials and Tools:

framed mirror

paint stripper

muriatic acid, available at most hardware or tile stores

cotton rags (strips of old t-shirts work great)

paper towels

spray bottle

eye dropper

chemical-resistant gloves

protective eyewear

ventilation mask

paintbrush

putty knife

black artist's paint

black spray paint (I'm using gold paint)

Steps:

1. Start by removing the paper or cardboard backing from the framed mirror. If possible, keep it in one piece so it can be reattached later.

2. A modern mirror is essentially a sheet of glass backed with a mirrored coating, to antique this coating first remove the layer of paint which covers it. To remove the paint, brush a thick layer of paint stripper onto the back of the mirror. Leave the stripper on for about five minutes and then remove with a cotton rag. Depending upon the strength of the stripper, this step may need to be repeated until the silver backing is revealed. If necessary, lightly scrape the loosened paint with a putty knife. Be very careful not to scratch the mirror's surface.

3. After removing the paint, gently remove all traces of the stripper with a cotton rag.

4. Very carefully pour muriatic acid into a spray bottle.

5. Mist the muriatic acid onto the mirror where you want antique spots. This will create a spattering effect. For larger antique spots place drops of muriatic acid onto the mirror with an eye dropper.

6. Allow to sit until the muriatic acid removes the reflectant surface. This will take approximately one minute. Time will vary, depending on the strength of acid that being used, so keep a sharp eye on the acid's effect and wipe off a small spot at regular intervals until the acid has antiqued the mirror at the level desired satisfaction.7. Use paper towels to blot the excess muriatic acid off the mirror. Next, lightly wipe with a damp cotton rag and allow to completely dry.

8. Using a paintbrush, add a thick coat of black paint to the spots on the mirror damaged by acid. This paint will show through. 9. Finish by applying black spray paint to the entire back of mirror, this will protect the mirrored coating. To add an additional protective layer, reattach the back that you removed in the first step. If the original backing was damaged, staple craft paper or poster board to the back of the mirror before adding wire and hanging.

The Little Window

2009-08-10T06:42:00.000-07:00

This weekend I toted my jet lagged husband to the Ladson flea market, his least favorite place. Among a few aquired treasures was a small old window with four panes for $4. Of course it is the very moment that you are staring at a pile of windows that you cannot think of one window project. In college I had an old painted french door above my bed with white Christmas lights woven through where the windows should have been. It was so romantic and dreamy.

Well, I got my window home and cleaned it up. I have every intention of hanging it as is. However, I have found a plethora of window and door projects online. In addition to the door table I've found a window pot rack, a window greenhouse, a window greenhouse table, windows as cupboard doors, and windows as room and garden dividers. I desperately want to replace the glass with antiqued mirror but I don't want to fuss with it.

All of these projects and pictures have been taken from here.

The Young at Heart Papa Bear

2009-08-03T07:14:00.000-07:00

There are so many things that I could write about today, this third day in August, but I have somebody special on my mind - my Papa Bear. Technically, things his age are considered vintage, so he does fit on this blog. Papa Bear is truly my favorite person on the planet. He is so funny, artistic, thoughtful, and insighful. Honestly, we are exactly alike (not to toot my own horn or anything).

He is on my mind today because I spent a wonderful evening yesterday with him and Mama Bear. He invited me over to watch a movie and he made me the most amazing chocolate cake from scratch. Like a bad Baby Bear, I had a little sliver for breakfast (but it has coffee in it! That's a breakfast beverage!).

It would be impossible to really explain all that he has ever done for me and it would take all day to list all of the little things he's done to make me feel special (like write me a letter on Peirre Cardin paper because he thought I'd appreciate it. He was so proud of his Pierre Cardin paper). But I do want to thank my Papa Bear for being the most amazing person I know, for supporting me in everything I've ever done, and for always leading me in the direction that he knows is best for me. I would also like him to know that I am so proud to tell people that he is my dad.

The Something Old Hanky

2009-07-31T05:06:00.000-07:00

The hanky in my hand was my something old on our wedding day. It was given to me in the heat of the summer of that same year. Mark and I were in Myrtle Beach for the weekend, browsing around a church sale. A lovely old lady sold us our first Christmas tree for $1. We laughed about how we had a tree but nothing to put on it. The kind old lady told us that she had boxes upon boxes of decorations and invited us over to her house later that afternoon to pick some up.

We arrived at her house at 2 o'clock that afternoon. Her name was Barbara. She lived in a small, beautifully decorated house. She loved old things too! We stayed for hours. She gave us two rugs, boxes of Christmas decorations, three iron fleur-de-lis finials, a silver tea service, a bag of dried hydrangeas from her garden, and some old china dessert plates and teacups. As we were about to leave, she asked me if I had something old for my wedding. I told her that I did not. She began to cry and pulled a hanky from her pocket. The hanky was delicately embroidered and surrounded by the sweetest lace. Barbara told me that she had carried it on her wedding day 50 years ago and that she would be honored if I would carry it on my wedding day. I was hesitant to accept such a special present but she insisted.

I promptly wrote Barbara a thank you note for all of the beautiful things that she gave me. I wanted her to know that her special things would have a place in our home and be cherished forever. I never heard back from her. I sent her pictures of me holding her beautiful time-stained hanky at our wedding and I went back to the sale the following summer to look for her but she wasn't there.

Wherever she is, I hope she knows that I will love her things and that I am so grateful for her kindness and generosity. Every day I hope I can be as selfless and kind as Barbara was. Each of her things has a place in our home now. You can see the tea service on the antique store counter and the china on the rusty plant shelf. The iron finials are displayed in the living room (but I'd like to make wine stoppers with them) and the rugs are in the foyer and kitchen.

Pay it forward.

The Vintage Wedding Band

2009-07-28T04:07:00.000-07:00

My husband left yesterday for 11 days and I'm so lonely. I hate taking care of a house and four dogs by myself and I hate not having anyone to share my day with. However, I still have my beautiful wedding band to remember him by.

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I first saw this wedding band in an estate jewelry store in dowtown Charleston. I walked in thinking that there would be nothing we could afford. Everything was so sparkly and beautiful. As I was gazing at all of the lovely diamonds, this band caught my eye. It made such a statement! And the price was right - almost a carat of diamonds for under $600. We didn't buy it that day but I couldn't stop thinking about it. A week later we went back and I didn't see it. As the tears welled up, the shop girl told me that it had simply moved to another case. We bought it that second. The beautiful shop girl still knows be my name and still greets me every time I go in for a cleaning.

The diamonds aren't perfect but it adds to the charm. I'd rather have an old, imperfect ring that a new, perfect one any day of the week. My ring has a history and a story. Perhaps it belonged to a bride who lost her husband to a war but never stopped loving him. Perhaps it belonged to a woman who had been married to her husband for 50 years and he held onto it after she passed and then he died of heartbreak. Whatever the history, I'm glad that I can add my story to it.

The Doorknob Wine Stopper

2009-07-27T06:31:00.000-07:00

On a recent jaunt to the mountains with my favorite groom, I found similar doorknob wine stoppers in a fantastic little wine shop called Persimmon on the Square. I should have just bought one but of course the first thing out of my mouth was "I can make that." Well, I haven't tried to make one yet but I have millions of projects in the works. I think I'm just going to break down and buy one from knobstoppers. I've also found reasonably priced ones on Etsy. The crystal doorknob will sparkle beautifully at a candle lit holiday party or make a great hostess gift.

The Rusty Plant Shelf

2009-07-23T10:55:00.001-07:00

This plant shelf was purchased many years ago and was eventually abandoned in my parents garage. I recently rescued it along with another plant shelf (my mom was going to paint them!) and gave it a home in my living room. It now happily displays part of my china collection. I'd like to hang some dried lavender from the rusty old hooks but right now I'm just glad to have given it another chance.

The Old Clock Door

2009-07-20T07:30:00.001-07:00

I know that this is a random object but I've been admiring it for quite some time. Evidently, somebody thought it would be a good idea to fashion an old rusty door out of spare parts and throw a clock on it. I think it's great! I'd love to prop this up in my living room. Every time it rains I think about the old clock door and feel sorry that it has to be out in the elements by its lonesome. I will come for you soon old clock door.... don't you fret!

The Antique Store Counter

2009-07-10T09:04:00.000-07:00

Today I'd like to share this fantastic find that I made on Craiglist! Well, in all fairness, my husband found it and knew I'd love it. Then I had to convince him to buy it. It's an antique store counter. The pull out bin to the left and the back are tin but the rest is wood. We paid $150 for it, which I think is a steal. The chipping paint and the nail holes in the top are just charming and it fit seamlessly into our living room.

Remember to always check Craigslist for great finds... even free finds! The sellers are often willing to negotiate prices and there is a large selection of items.

The Iron Birdcage

2009-07-08T12:17:00.000-07:00

A little voice in my head began nagging me about a year ago telling me that I wanted vintage birdcages. Perhaps it was my longstanding fascination with birds (Oh, they are so free!) or perhaps it's just that they are so beautiful. I've had no luck online or in my local junk stores but I never gave up the search. I just knew in the back of mind that I would find one.

One day, in the most unlikely spot near Warm Springs, GA, I saw one sitting outside of a junky looking indoor flea market! I made my poor, dear husband swing the car around so I could carry this treasure home. It was just as lovely up close. The white iron birdcage stood proudly on a tall swirly stand. There was a smattering of little rust stains decorating it. We discovered that the lady was only asking $150 for it! Oh, my dreams were coming true.

But my husband was skeptical. "It won't fit in the car", he said. "What the heck will you do with a birdcage?", he asked. On June 13th, 2009, we drove away from that exquisite treasure, leaving it in Warm Springs, GA where nobody could ever love it like I would have.

Well, hubby, here is something I could have done with it: I could have made a lamp!

The fantastic Grace Light at Poetic Home has really fantastic ideas for what she calls "Freedom Lamps" named because she repurposes birdcages so that birds can be free. Yay! She combines my love of vintage birdcages with my obsession with light fixtures! Thank you Grace for all of the wonderful inspiration and excuses to buy a vintage birdcage if I ever see one again.