Magpie Ethel

Estate Sale Friday

 Friday.  Another crazy morning of estate sale fun.  Hit 5 sales.  3 were duds.  I still did pretty good tho.

The goods. Boxes of tiny old ornaments, vintage wrapping paper, old birthday invites, glass garland in original wrapper and other fun stuff.

This silly little tiny handmade tool bench.  I love the fact that someone took the time to hand paint all the different tools on the back of it. (Sorry forgot to clean it for the photo...was rather grungy!)

A box of old wrapping paper (will the madness never end with my vintage wrapping paper obsession), pine cone bird, and this adorable box of "Cutie Coasters"

 The pair of birds on these coasters are too cute. As the box says they are "lovely - new -colorful"!

 

 

 

 

 

 

These tall oddball items are handmade candle holders made out of old ornaments and metal. A couple of them still have the old melted candles.  They have seen better days and I purchased them with the intention of cannibalizing them for the ornaments.  I got quite a few after I took them apart.

I also love old bed jackets.  This turquoise beauty had the original tags.  I actually wear these stylish garments during the evening.  I am one of those gals who puts on pajamas fairly early in the evening and I find these bed jackets less cumbersome to wear than a traditional long robe.  I now have three bed jackets to rotate through.

So...not a bad day in the estate sale world.  Hope to hit a couple more tomorrow!

Studio Tour

After all these months of blogging I have not fully shared my studio with you. There has been a photo here or there, but for the most part it has been a GIANT MESS.  I have been ashamed.  I spent the past few days clearing stuff out and organizing.  I know I have a ton of stuff...but I like organized clutter....so here it is, in all its colorful, glittery glory.

 

Here we are about to enter.  The studio is attached to my garage.  The family before us used it as a storage area.  I didn't see the potential when we first moved in...but eventually as my crafting evolved I realized the possibilities the space had and took over.

 

 

GASP! 

 

It is full....I know, I know, but full of cool, vintage stuff.

 

 

There is even a sink for when I am messy and need to clean-up. The cabinets were here too, but were stained oak.  It did have the cool turquoise countertop (I pulled up carpet and painted the concrete floor to match the counters.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I traded a Christmas wreath I made with my neighbor for the cabinet on the left.  It sat in her garage for years.  I wanted it bad and she knew it.  She finally decided to part with it and we did a trade.  The bottom drawers are file cabinet drawers.

This is a spot that friends sit when the come to chat. It is an old crib that I just left one of the side rails off of.  The skirt on the bottom hides bins of supplies.

My work table. It was already painted pink when I got it from my sister in law.  I added the galvanized top.  It always has clutter on top of it.

 

 

 

I love this pink cabinet.  It was sitting in someones front yard with a big "For sale $50" sign.  I didn't waste anytime scooping it up.  It holds my collection of turquoise pottery and vintage linens.  I also have a collection of vintage floral trays that decorate the walls.  I have over 100 of them and the only bare space left is the ceiling!

 

Well that is about the end of my photo tour. Hope you enjoy my space as much as I do!

Estate Sale Friday

Yesterday was not an amazing day in the estate sale world.  Drizzly morning and there just didn't seem to be a classified ad that screamed "this is the one!".  I did hit a church sale.  I spent $3.75. 

One great old wire shelf that is destined for the studio.  Perhaps it will be the answer in my quest to organize, but I doubt it.

One Campfire uniform from 1969 complete with beads.

One container of glittery snow for crafts.

One creme figural container with original paint.  I believe it is an cat.  (See July 5th post for collection)  It has the original 79 cent price on the bottom.  I paid a quarter.

A Summer Party

Time to celebrate my  hubby's birthday with a family party.  Perfect sunny day and so fun to decorate the back yard for the festivities.  Lots of pinks and flowers...not really a very manly decor party, but so totally me.

Here we are peeking into the backyard about to enter through the picket fence.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hubby's concrete deer even got in the act.  I would have had the deer wear an embellished hat, but Tom doesn't like me to gussy up the deer...he wants him au natural.  I'm lucky I got away with the plain party hat and festive necklace!

 The table is ready for guests.  I finally got to use my vintage pressed plastic pieces that I posted about a while ago.  Don't you just love the PINK folding metal chairs?  I found them at IKEA a few years ago.  I didn't really need folding chairs, but HEY they were PINK and I couldn't pass them by.

Everything looks better with my fun vintage pressed plastic serving pieces.

 We have alot of family parties and I always use part of my collection of fancy handled silverware.  It is all about color and whimsy for me.

I love this little table where I have the self serve drinks.  It was my grandfathers workbench table.  I asked for it after he passed away and it has been in my backyard since.  I added the metal stars and galvanized top.  It has weathered really nicely.

Thanks for checking out the party...had a great BBQ and a fun visit with family.