Today I went on one of my junking trips, and oh did I score! A vintage original green Fiesta Coffeepot. I made a place for it in my collection, this is the tallest pottery item in my collection. I found this at a thrift store.

"Circa 1936-1951: Standing nearly 10 1/2" high and second in height to only the 12" vintage Fiesta vase, the original vintage Fiesta coffeepot makes a spectacular statement on the festive table. This example in the original green is a wonderful example of the most classic of all vintage fiesta glazes— the original green."


from - Vintage American Pottery

Vintage Ceramic Rose Canister

Via Pinterest

My junking hobby strikes again. A beautiful vintage ceramic rose canister....  My find is square shaped (5 1/2") ...but just the same. This lovely thing is a 1920's to 30's Japan made item.  The surprising thing is that it has no chips. I made a happy home for it in my craft studio, and holds some snacks for me. I love it!

Now, a little update on my visit at my Dermatologist. I had the Levulan blue light treatment on my face. It was very painful, and continued to be very painful for 48 hours. There was no numbing done. My entire face was beet red, swollen, hot, and painful. I found those first 2 days miserable. I took ibuprofen and had ice for holding on my hot skin. It is now 3 days, and I am better. I still look terrible..but it isn't painful.  I am very red in the spots where my skin had cells that would become cancer in the future. I am hopeful that I will have a good outcome following healing.

Ideas for Vintage Planters

I am a thrifter, junker, and I am always thinking of ideas to use things in new ways. I do have a McCoy planter collection. I collect mostly this white color, the clay is a white color...and they used a clear glaze. The pieces will often have crazing, or crackling inside the planter. These are used for office items and storing of small things. I think that this is a good idea, business cards, paper clips, pens, pencils, and other items.

Vintage Cast Iron Door Stop

I made a stop at a Goodwill Store today. Look at this vintage cast iron flower basket door stop...a great find! Circa 1900 to 1940. Less than $5! Now I will not need to use a boot to prop open the bedroom door. It could also have over uses... a bookend perhaps.

Unleash Your Joy

Kelly Rae Roberts Artwork

I love the art of Kelly Rae Roberts, she is an Oregon artist. I met her at the Brave Girls Symposium last July. She is a really fun and inventive artist.

I was very surprised and happy today when I found this 8" x 12" art print. I put it right beside the small television in my studio. This makes 3 of her prints in my collection...all found at thrift stores. I sometimes put my own additions on the prints, a glittery stone, a bit of old broken jewelry...something special to me. I think that I might add some kind of addition to the angel wings, on this print.

I am very grateful for my daughter and her hubby coming for the holiday weekend. They are important to me, and I love to have them stay with us.

I have been feeling very good since I stopped taking Lisinopril. I will see my Dr on Monday, to talk about the medicine.

Vintage Turkey Platters

This Vintage Turkey Platter was made in the USA, about 1950.

This Vintage Turkey Platter was made in Japan, about 1960.

I found these 2 platters the last 2 years. They came from thrift stores, found at different places and different times. The prices were very affordable. I think that it is great to use these. My tip to find these, go to the stores when they first put out the holiday stuff. I just stalk the stores to get the good stuff. You never know what you may come across.

At the present time I am stalking the stores for vintage Christmas, especially for the "right" vintage things. I am being very focused on unique, special things. Things that can be used all year around are a priority....like vintage hanging crystals, stars, birds, pearls, and hearts.

Luna LED Light - A Good Thing

I found one of these Luna LED Lights ($2, new, in package) at a thrift store. It looked liked a good idea to try. For a cheap price, I took it home to Prairie Flower. I have this little red portable power charger in my trailer (it's about the size of a pack of cards), for cell phones and my e-reader. This little gadget plugged right in and gave great light. It is LED so the power usage is very little, it is rated for 20,000 hours of use. The flexible 9" snake neck allows bending it to use the light many ways. I used it as a reading light for a hardback book. I am very happy with this item, and recommend to other campers without electric lights in their vintage trailers.

Fiesta Butter Dishes

I decided to get new dishes last fall. I have wanted Fiesta for a long time, and have a small collection of vintage Fiesta. I found a great sale after Thanksgiving last fall, and purchased a selection of dishes in several colors. Hubby saw the large butter dish (the current style) and I said for him to select his favorite. He selected a very dark blue. 

I found the smaller size in Scarlet Red at a thrift store recently, this is a discontinued style, sometime after 2004. The Scarlet Red color was introduced in 2004, the first bright red ever made. This is all the information that I have found from research. 

The Red one will have a place of honor on the counter next to a Turquoise canister with coffee in it. This happy purchase was only $3.59. I just love it when I find great stuff.

BTW, I have found some other Fiesta items in the past year at thrift stores....but only bring home my colors.

Vintage Wood Ironing Board

My story today is about the old wood ironing boards, the hard working women's torture. At least it is to me, envision a childhood spent ironing all the family clothes! I finally decided that I was done with that chore. The next 2 times I had to done the ironing...I ironed in so many wrinkles on purpose...well, I never had to iron the clothes again. I was smart. (Mother never knew. She though I was messy! My Dad probably complained...but I hated ironing those wrinkle prone cotton shirts weekly...and everything else.) I hate ironing, but do need to press sewing projects from time to time. My old metal one broke and the iron was a horrible mess....I took them to the dump one day...the end.  What joy that simple act gave me. I learned that there are ways to hang dry my things. I didn't have any way to press for a few years.

I came across a vintage wood one at the local antique store one day, it was nice and sturdy, and the price was cheap. I have been using it about 10 years now. 

Today, I stopped by the thrift store, looking for embroidery thread for a project...I saw 5 vintage wood ironing boards on top of the dumpster. I asked inside the store if I could take a look to see if there was a good one. There were several styles and sizes. One had very pretty original green legs, but there was a small broken brace....nope. There were 2 good ironing boards in the group. I selected a smallish one, that will be handy for crafting. The size is 4' long by 1' wide, and is stamped on the back 1940. Yes, I did "dumpster dive" for an ironing board....me...crazy or what? The price 99 cents! 

The photos above are from Pinterest, and see there are other uses for the things. I could just put a pretty little vintage tablecloth on it for a dessert buffet.

So, if you are looking for one of these....just ask them to save a good one for you. Otherwise, you will not get one, because they toss them. Now I need to oil the rusty metal, clean it up, paint the legs a pretty color, and make a pretty cover. I really don't need any more projects.............craZY!

Vintage Sewing Patterns

I was browsing the thrift store a couple of weeks ago. I noticed a large cardboard box full of patterns. I decided to take a look, at first I saw only 1970's era patterns. I was uninspired to say the least. Upon further digging deep into the box...there were a few very old patterns. I have never heard of Du Barry Patterns. However the copyright date at the bottom is 1941....and the original price was 10 cents. I rather liked the illustration, and my cost was very low. I believe that this one was a keeper for me. All kinds of potential crafting uses are possible.  I would not use the original pattern cover, but I could use it digitally or make copies. Sort of fun, and I imagine these are mostly thrown into the trash, and lost. 

Vintage 1949 Skiing Metal

I found this one-of-a-kind vintage 1949 skiing metal at the thrift store a few days ago. I took a close look at it....and you know me....for a couple of dollars it came home with me. I am not certain what I will do with it. In time the ideas will come to me. For now, I am going to display it. I am really looking for a Boy Scout kerchief slide. There were so many made that I think I will find one.

I am always on the watch for vintage Girl Scout stuff. I don't want to use my personal items for crafting, they are my own collectibles. I will display them. I have found 2 old books. I purchased some GS badges last year and now have a project for them. Coming up soon.....

Vintage Pendleton Blankets

Pendleton Woolen Mills are located in Oregon and Washington, USA. I have toured the Camas, Washington mill and the process of making these incredible blankets is amazing. About 35 years ago the mill had a outlet, seconds store on the site. I purchased several blankets there. I got an extra large Chief Joseph Ivory blanket, that I use on a king size bed. They would make some blankets out of various odds and ends of yarn, kind of like a camp blanket...except there was no pattern, just stripes, and each blanket ended up one of a kind. These were only sold there. I purchased one of those also, it is a double bed size, the colors are lovely whites and grays, truly lovely. They had no tags from the outlet store, but of course I know where they came from, and that it was 1980. I still have lengths of plaid wool, to use for sewing.

The blankets that Pendleton makes are made to be used for generations. Sometimes the blankets end up at junk stores, and thrift stores. A true junker, and lover of these items....I always check for the blankets. I have touched enough to be able to tell a quality blanket from feel. There are times when I find one that is in wonderful condition, no mouse or moth holes, fringe intact and worth the small price to acquire.

I found a blanket identical to this photo, at a thrift store's 1/2 off sale. I did buy it. The nights suddenly are colder, and it is under the bedspread to cover me. Wool is wonderfully warm, and comfortable to sleep under. Fellow junkers....keep your eye out for these beauties. It is difficult to date them, there is a symbol for wool, that has only been on the tags since 1964. The Beaver State tag is older than that. The leather tags are currently used on these blankets... motor robes.

Vintage Native American Silver Jewelry

My cell phone camera is not the best for photos, and they are blurred a bit.

I found a great bargain at the thrift store last week, and now I am going to "show and tell" about it. This bracelet is vintage sterling silver and turquoise, one of a kind, hand made by a Montana Silversmith. "Son of Bear", as his work is marked, is Ray Miller, a man who is part Cherokee. His work of unusual, it features very detailed leaf and flower patterns applied on the base sterling silver bracelet. He stopped silver smithing sometime about 1990. His work is dated between 1960 to 1990. 

What is the bargain? An Internet search reveled some surprising results. I saw a similar bracelet priced higher than $750! Wow, I see this price and wonder if it is well above reasonable. Yes, the item is very heavy for the size, a lot of silver. I would never consider purchasing an item like this for that kind of price...I am not crazy. I paid $15, half off the $29.99 price. I never pay much for my silver, because that is part of the fun. Things to look for at junk stores, and flea markets.

So much for the story! I have a nice little collection of Vintage Native American jewelry. It all started with a small Hopi pendant that I purchased at Yellowstone National Park, Old Faithful store, about 1979. I love wearing these things most of the time, because they are casual and fun. This suits me and my style.

Vintage Train Case

Oh my....look at the thrift store find today, only $3.50! An old piece of luggage, a vintage train case from another era. The interior is pretty plain, and the mirror is gone....but...it doesn't smell bad. I know that many ladies have fun painting and mod podging fabric to these...I like this item as it is. I took a mister clean eraser sponge to the edges, and cleaned up the grubbiness. Hum, what to do with this small treasure? I think that I will use it to store electronic gear, tablet, Nook e-reader, camera, MP3 player, speaker, batteries, cords, power back-up, etc. These things are not something that I keep in my trailer, and it is handy to store them together....I will spend much less time looking for things, if I organize them.

Here is my thrift store shopping hint. My local store only gets new merchandise two times each week, Tuesdays and Thursdays. I go to the store in the early afternoon...when the stuff is being put out. I find great stuff in the carts of things being sorted and put out onto the shelves. Don't be shy...look for the great things. I also always look at the jewelry cases, sometimes there are great jewelry pieces. More on that later.....

Vintage Southwest American Jewelry

Do you like the look and feel of vintage jewelry? I sure do. Do you know that shopping for these items at thrift stores is fun, and I love a hunt for beautiful, and unique jewelry....at bargain prices.  When looking for these items it is best to start at a good Antique Shop that specializes in SW silver jewelry. Why, because you can become educated...by carefully looking at pieces, looking at the marks and the differences in items. The prices are an idea of the dealers estimate of value. Go to several shops and learn from each. Look online, but I don't buy items, I have been misled by photos.

I have found and purchased these two vintage bracelet's at thrift stores since the beginning of 2015. I am particular, and only select the special things that I will enjoy wearing. I found the sunflower bracelet just on Tuesday.... Happy Valentines Day to me.

White McCoy Vase

This beautiful vase is my other great find at a thrift store. When the vintage faire doesn't have anything that "speaks" to you...Check out the thrift stores. I never know if I will find anything or something great. The vase is about 12 inches tall. I collect this color because they make a great arrangement when put out together in a display. And...every color looks good in them. A very versatile collection, indeed......and you know what? My collection is about 25 vases, and all were found at thrift stores. They haven't cost me much, and I have received enjoyment and use of them...in fact, I used them for the floral arrangements for my daughters' wedding 3 years ago.

The Art of Redo - A Small Side Table

When the weather allows this winter, I get a few outdoor projects completed. While I am juggling so many things at home...a long list of things...!

OK, I found another fix it up project at the local thrift store, for under $5. It is well made, maybe from the 60's or 70's. This small side table (about 15" x 10") is just right to use outside during the summer...and it is small enough to take camping. I can set up a chair, sun umbrella, and this little table. 

This table was rusty around the top, and the top was very dirty, it was scraped up and yucky. However, the top is removable, and I took it apart. The project was pretty easy. A good cleanup, rust removal, and repainted with black paint...  The top required more work...I used a piece of outdoor fabric over the original top, glued down, and top coated with clear lacquer. I have used this fabric on other items for my trailer. My chair is red, and the umbrella is red with white trim. It works for me.

I can envision a wonderful trip to a high mountain lake, sitting by the shore, and watching the fly fishermen, and kayaks on the lake. Lovely!

Vintage McCoy Pitcher

I was out junking again, my weakness.......I found this vintage 1930 - 1940 pottery pitcher. The price was too much, even at the thrift store. I like to get bargains, Yes, I like my collection to be reasonably priced. I went home and looked for this unmarked pitcher in my McCoy Pottery Book. I had a hunch about it....there were two sizes of this ball pitcher. Book value was about $40-$80. The thrift store put it on 1/2 off sale this week...and of course I got it for a good price. Yippy! A great addition to my USA Pottery collection, and it looks very pretty in the green corner cupboard with all the other colored pottery.

Romantic Lace Bunting

From Pinterest

I really love this idea. I know that many of us have collected crochet doilies and embroidery.  This romantic bunting is very pretty. I have been watching out for some old fabric pieces to use for a bunting. I thought that I might find an old tablecloth with embroidery and crochet...to use for this idea. I did find a twin bed size skirt with machine embroidery and lace on it at the thrift store. I am planning to cut it up for reuse. I am using some of it for a bunting...I think that it will be fun to use for some occasions. I will make it for nearly no cost for the materials, and that is important to me.