shopping in my closet...february

 Well who would have thought we would still be living with this virus? It's been about a year and although we have learned a lot about safety precautions, most of us are not back to "normal". I'm not sure things will ever go back to what they were before.

Many of us are still staying in and trying to be careful with not only our health but our finances. All the more reason to continue shopping in my closet. I actually enjoy it! I like to be inspired by looking at my favorite catalogs online then digging through my closet to recreate the looks.

Inspiration outfit from the Sundance catalog.

This inspiration from the catalog

blouse $118.00

jeans $98.00

blouse TJ Maxx $12.99

jeans Goodwill $6.99 

I added layers of silver and turquoise bracelets, beaded earrings, a necklace and chunky silver rings all found at various flea markets.

And a pair of cute braided vegan leather sandals bought on sale.

So for a quick recap...

Sundance outfit $216.00

Shop in my closet outfit $19.98 

I'm sure we are all living and coping with this pandemic in different ways. I'm fortunate that I am able to remain at hope. I truly don't mind being home at all. This is my happy place and I feel quite content. I hope that you are all doing well and finding the best possible ways to handle life right now.

Sending my love, positivity and prayers out into the world.

fine art...?

 What do you picture when you hear...

a collection?

Is it fine works of art, a line of clothing or perhaps a library of rare books or old records.

Well, after spending so much time in my garden, it seems that one of my favorite collections is a random scatting of old garden items sprinkled around my home, porch and throughout the garden.

These old treasures speak to me and I love finding well worn garden tools at thrift shops and flea markets.

Some of my favorite things to find are...

weathered sundials and spritzers

broken rusty rakes

galvanized watering cans

terracotta pots in every shape and size

hose nozzles and sprinklers

metal wash stands

and precious garden statues

There are so many things that bring a smile to my face and many of those things have to do with gardening. I will decorate indoor as well as outdoor spaces with vintage garden collectibles.

Is it fine art...?

No not exactly. But, to me, old worn garden implements are every bit as lovely as a Monet.

Do you scour flea markets for a cherished treasure to add to your collection? I'm curious...

stitched with love

 For those of you who sent a note and asked about the quilt angel in the post from January 1st, I can't share where I purchased it.

Because I didn't buy it, I made it! And it is so easy to make. I have shared vintage quilt projects in the past, I have even shared them in magazines. I'm happy to share it again.

Here is a quick tutorial...

I don't have a pattern that I use, these are the basic shapes. Remember you need two identical pieces for a front and back for the head, body and arms.

Once stitched wrong sides together, turn it right side out and fill with batting. You can even add dried lavender and rose petal potpourri to create a scented sachet.

I create a retro 1930's hair style with yarn. The face is simply two light blue dots with a fabric pen and pale pink cheeks. Use your creativity and make any hairstyle in any color you wish: red braids, brown curly locks or long blond tresses.

For the wings, I find an old doily and weave a circle around the outer edge with wire. Then pinch the circle together in the center to form a double wing shape.

Fasten the wings to the back with stitches or hot glue. Then embellish your angel in any way you like.

I like to bring the arms together in the front to give the appearance of praying. Sometimes I place a starfish in her arms or flowers or a vintage ornament.

These precious angels can be made in any size. These are just a few tips to get you started. Use your imagination to create your special angel. This is a wonderful project for beginners just learning to sew!

And please don't worry, no quilts in good condition were harmed in the making of this angel. I use something called a cutter quilt for my craft projects. Cutter quilts are damaged and in very poor condition, yet there are sections salvageable for projects. These quilts are found at yard sales and thrift shops for just a few dollars.

Do you have a favorite craft project that you have enjoyed making during the pandemic? I lost my creative way for a bit, but revisiting things I've made in the past is helping to restore my joy.

Feel free to share your project ideas,

I love to be inspired by others!

the little things

 As I was looking through my bedroom pictures from the previous post, I realized it's the little details that are the things that speak to my heart. 

Junking and collecting have always been things that make me so happy. Although I have not been out and about since February of 2020, I find it fun to look through some of my little treasures and reminisce about the

"good ole days".

My various collections don't have any rhyme nor reason. Things just speak to my heart. The cohesion comes from a monochromatic color scheme since the mix of items are all so eclectic.

Some things are still out from my Christmas decorations. I love them so much that they might just stay out until next Christmas!

When looking at my bedroom, it really is the "little things" that make my heart sing. It's not just the visual beauty that speaks to my heart but it is in the memories that they evoke. Before moving to Florida, my momma was by my side throughout all of my junking adventures. So as I look at these little cuties, I revisit wonderful fun times with my mum!

What are some of your favorite things to collect?

I hope you have someone special that shares your adventures with you!

Happy junkin!

 

wash up

 After reminiscing about the shade garden on Sanibel from my last post, I thought I would share another small yet important section from my garden. The wash station.

I can easily spend countless hours in my gardens. No matter how dirty I get, it doesn't bother me a bit!

But when it is time to come inside, I want to at least get the first layer of muck off my hands.

So I carved out a small area to create a pretty wash station. It's much like a work bench with the addition of a large wash bowl, soap and towels.

The wash station is decorated with vintage garden themed accessories.

A large vintage Ironstone washbowl makes the perfect vessel for the wash station. I fill it with clean water when I begin my day and the sunlight warms the water so it is perfect when I am ready to get cleaned up.

Floating a few petal or flowers not only looks beautiful, but it smells fragrant and the natural oils from the flowers are released into the water. Nature's spa.

I like to keep a lovely bar of my favorite soap next to the washbowl. A little hint: to keep the soap dish clean, I place a small layer of tiny seashells or garden stones in the bottom of the dish. It keeps the bottom from getting all yucky.

I use linens to decorate my garden. A number of my old linens have stains or small holes. Instead of discarding them, I use them in my garden. Sometimes I buy slightly damaged linens and lace at yard sales just to use throughout my garden as well.

I don't know if you have ever considered a wash station for your garden. I can tell you it is a wonderfully helpful as well as beautiful place in my garden. If you do want to create one, why not make it pretty? A little lace can make an unexpected impact.

Have fun digging in your garden...

and pamper yourself when you're done.

reminiscing

 I have been spending so much time working on my gardens at my "new" 1920's home. It has made me think about my gardens at my Sanibel Island home. Although both are on the Gulf coast, the gardens are completely different. I have been carving out a niche for a cottage garden little by little. I have been thinking of adding some inspiration from the shade garden in Sanibel.

Here are a few pictures from a walk down memory lane.

I have always decorated my gardens like I decorate inside.

Furniture, accessories, lace, linens, lighting and of course...plants.

I can't wait to keep seeing how these gardens will unfold.

Everyday is a new discovery.

green goodness

 Green pottery...

collecting these beautiful treasures is a passion!

I like to mix in a few pieces of transferware.

All of the different shades of greens look so wonderful together.

Oddities like flower frogs and color pencils add interest.

The different shapes create a visual texture.

Live plants give the display life.

The antique Hoosier top without the doors is perfect for showcasing my crazy collection.

Elements of old metal garden tools finish off the display.

I have searched yard sales, thrift shops and auctions over the years to constantly add to my growing collection.

It is a nice tie of my love of gardening and my love of vintage pottery. We all have our "thing" we love to collect, but I have my "thingsssss" I love to collect.