It doesn't hurt to ask! You just may need to chase out the bugs...

It doesn't hurt to ask!

My mother acted like every store she visited was the flea market.  Growing up this mortified me to no end.  She always haggled prices, or asked, “Is this the best you can do?”.  Shopping at the mall with my mother felt more like an episode of “Lets Make a Deal” than a simple shopping trip. While I agreed that at a garage sale this was perfectly acceptable behavior (although rarely did I try it), who went around asking the calendar kiosk if they could have a BOGO special? Nancy Marie did!

As I’ve grown up a little, got a lot more confident, and had to start stretching my money across more than retail excursions I too have become that person. After all, it doesn’t hurt to just ask, does it?!

While you don’t always get what you offer sometimes you can get even more than expected. My recent acquisition of packing crates proved that idea just this past week.

I’ve been eyeing old crates for a while but couldn’t accept the price tags on those found at the antique stores.  Working at a farm, we have lots of wooden packing crates.  For shipping, storage, decoration or just because! I began noticing they were everywhere, but being my first two weeks on the job I wasn’t quite confident enough to ask if I could buy them.

Finally, one bold morning I asked if they would consider selling any, or, if not, where they got them. “Buy them? There’s two in the lawn that we forgot about that have been rotting away- take those!”. I could have hugged that farmer (and told him so!). 

Alone, truly weathered by the elements were two wooden packing crates.  Maybe not vintage, but outside long enough to pass as! After using a very long stick to chase out some spiders and other creepy-crawlers I packed them into the truck, squealing with excitement the whole time.

Yes, that green bag was left by a dog's owner trying to hide the evidence behind my boxes!

I cleaned them up with some light sanding to get rid of dirt and debris.  While I’m not sure if they’re going to get painted, lined, or something else I’m pleased-as-punch to use them to display my treasures for now.  Remember, a project is never really finished…

My rewards in the bank! The Buffalo Bank that is...

My rewards in the bank! The Buffalo Bank that is...

I have some new woes being a working girl.  Yes, woes of a WORKING GIRL! The woe-iest woe has been the neglect of my blog.  After a lot of deliberation and courage I took a completely different direction in my career.  I left a large organization to work a multi-tiered role at a family owned and operated farm and vineyard.  This change, while exciting, has been exhausting! As I’m getting the hang of my new schedule, I’m going to do my best to continue my hobby-passions in vintage and such.

Usually in celebration of a promotion I’ve been presented with a gift of encouragement and recognition of my hard work.  For my first management role, a proper watch.  For my first national role, an amazing designer trench coat (a very generous reward indeed!). And while I had been eyeing a TUMI brand luggage piece for the next rung on that ladder my upward path changed. Not that my path will be any less rewarding, but the rewards are very different than those offered by the large organization. Rather than a ladder it’s more of a wild path I’ll be traveling with a lot of turns and half of it still untraveled.

So how do you, responsibly, reward this change? I already “invested” in the practical, durable shoes needed for my uniform of jeans and t-shirt every day. So what to get a tour coordinator/cow train driver/wine sales/wedding coordinator/CSA helper…

Rather than something needed for the job, my loving finance appealed to my heart- with vintage. Remember my post on still banks? Remember that Buffalo bank in the window in Leesburg? You know, the one that inspired the love for those little banks? That was way too expensive to buy? Well…it’s mine, it’s mine, it’s mine!!!!

After having it in the window for a couple years the price became much more realistic. So with me turning away from “corporate life” and taking the risk to follow something I love, this gift was the perfect congratulations.

I also must make a tiny correction.  It’s ours, not just mine.  Another flashback, remember that post on not being a ball hog and sharing?  Turns out, with Evan’s Oma being deeply ingrained in our collection (literally, ½ of the collection of 4) he’s really into these things too. After presenting me with the gift he began talking about how we need a shelf to display our collection.  I’m sharing this hobby too, which means I’ll also have a partner to hunt with.

I already have a great idea for a display shelf made of packing crates. Stay posted for that project….

 

My Alien-Pod-Yarn Project

Alien-Pod-Yarn Project

Another fun piece to hunt for at thrift/vintage shops are craft materials.  Many hobbyists donate unwanted fabrics, buttons, beads, etc. While they're not always less expensive than purchasing from your chain craft store you may find materials that are unique or reminiscent of another era.

For this project I opted to purchase my craft material at a chain (in this case it was cheaper and you all know I’m on a budget these days!).  After the use of 40% of a full priced item coupon the project total cost was around $4.00.

I originally found the idea on the blog of one of my favorite clothing lines, Free People. I suggest visiting their site since it provides detailed instructions. Below I’ve added more materials than their directions suggest but also lessons learned for anyone who may want to try this:

Materials Needed:

·         Yarn

·         Elmer’s Glue or similar

·         Balloons (I suggest a color that matches the yarn so when pieces stick it’s not so bad)

·         Thumbtacks to hang from ceiling

·         VASELINE (I did not follow this step and regret it!)

·         Plastic cup with lid (just save your next soda cup from your favorite fast food restaurant)

·         A tarp (or other object you don’t mind getting glue all over, I covered a counter top with an old towel)

·         Fishing line or other clear string to hang when complete

Lesson 1: Despite my best efforts the yarn always got tangled following the provided instructions. What I did instead was placed my yarn in the cup, topped the cup and put glue on the lid.  Then as I pulled yarn out of the straw hole I ran it through the glue and my used to my fingers to thoroughly coat each strand.

Lesson 2: Trying to wrap the balloon while it hung was impossible. It’s a balloon; it’s not a 20lb medicine ball that stays in place as you paw all over it. I opted to just grab on to the dang thing and use the hanging technique for it to dry. This made it messy and gave the effect of peeling skin anywhere the glue touched my body (i.e. everywhere my skin my exposed).

 

Lesson 3: They do not pop into pretty shapes right away.  I had to gently pull apart the yarn so that it reshaped into the pear-like shape desired. I think this may be were Vaseline helps!

Overall I think it came out pretty. I do regret using white only because Evan said it looks like I hung alien pods from the ceiling. I do look forward to trying it with a different color in the future to create a collection of these in a bare corner of our bedroom.

Follow up on the Freedom to Choose Your Reaction

Although it was too hot to wear the wool hats while riding they still made for good pictures! Yes, that's the horses backside in my view while Aunt Lisa at least had a body shot in the background.

I would say that this was a $1.00 well spent.

Shop for a Cause

Shop for a Cause

You may or may not have known this, but many thrift stores give back to the community.  Not just your big names like Goodwill or the Salvation Army either.

One of the requests my aunt had during her visit was consignment store shopping.  You can imagine my excitment! While I’ve lived in the area for over four years I only have a handful of “go-to” antique/thrift shops.  Her request prompted me to search the web for new shops to suite her vintage preference- clothing.

In sifting through the search results I began to notice a trend; many of the thrift/consignment shops were linked to a non-profit organization.  From homeless humans to homeless pets we had the opportunity to shop for any number of good causes.  Trying to stay in the same region we narrowed down a few stores to visit.

An organization, The Good Shepard Alliance, was the first of these stores to visit. The 100% leather satchel (below) that I scooped for $5.00 will go towards assisting the homeless or those in transition within our county.  Aunt Lisa left the store with a silk blouse and picture frame also spending under $10.00.  A subsequent trip to another Good Shepard location had her packing with a silk dress, embellished tank top and faux pearl beaded necklace.

 

As we ventured into historic Leesburg to browse some of my trusty antique shops we also wandered into The Resourceful Woman. While this store did not offer my usual beloved vintage style we were pleasantly surprised with what it did offer.  Many of the local boutiques and even big name department stores donate to the local shop where 100% of the proceeds benefit the Loudoun Abused Woman’s Shelter.  Alright, so we did not get ANYTHING vintage, rather, we got merchandise that still had the tags on it!  I left with originally priced $168.00, Stiches brand, green, corduroy pants for $10.00 and Aunt Lisa a Coach purse for $50.00.  Let’s not forget, all of those dollars are going straight back to community non-profits. 

 

So with a mix of vintage, and just really great finds, I discovered a another benefit to looking for vintage- it can benefit those in need. Now that is a good reason to shop, a good reason indeed.

The freedom to choose your reaction

While I hate to be “one of those people” that goes around reciting the cliff notes from every clique business/self-improvement/help book that was ever written I am going to do that today.



Earlier in the summer I participated in a leadership course based on Steven Covey’s 7 Habits for Highly Effective People. Habit 1: Be Proactive, “Proactive people pause and allow themselves the freedom to choose their response based on principles and desired results”. Ironically, I had to use that space in-between-the-response wisely when my former employer delivered the news that I did not get the job I recently interviewed for.



During that space I could have: been angry/bitter/desperate/sad….or a whole bunch of other socially acceptable responses for someone in my situation. Rather, I used that space to reaction with the decision to shop. Vintage of course.

I used that pause to decide I was not going to take myself so seriously. Most of the world doesn’t so why should we? Sometimes people respect you more when you just grab the reins and make the most of the ride!



Knowing my aunt was coming into town and desired a day horseback riding I went out seeking “proper” tacky equestrian entire. I succeeded. With 3 for $1.00 hats and $1.50 scarf we will not only look our best on those horses but the photos are sure to be priceless. I am also confident that no one will be taking me serious with that on my head!

Teaser...

What could I be up to now that required real power tools?

Beat any Tuesday "Bluesdays" with a little thrift

Not that I'm counting, but although I've only been under-employed for 11 business days the budget crunch is beginning (yuck, gross, blah). To relieve some pent up lack-of-shopping-frustrations I allowed myself $10 to splurge at The Closet in Herndon today.

As you may recall, this is the same store I snagged my cherished lamps not so many weeks ago for $5.50/set so I knew $10 had potential to go far!

I left exuberant with a bag filled to the brim!

Antique replica bacon press to be used as kitchen decor ($1.50), painted wood frame for future project ($4.00), single-flower-sized vase ($.50), knit dollie ($.25), yellow lace handkerchief ($1.00), and paisley scarf ($2.00).

No major life lesson here today just a reminder that lightening can strike twice ! The Closet is sure to remain a favorite hunting spot in future vintage to come!

A project is never really finished....

One thing I've had to train myself to do is STOP. Sometimes I get carried away with ________(fill in blank with any embellishment, glitter, stickers, paint, etc). Thus, the constant advice that less is more. But pulling away from a project can also allow you to come back later to add just a pinch more _______ (full in blank with any embellishment ).

Today was my refinished tv stand. About 5 weeks ago I sanded until I bled, replaced drawers with an open unit for our record player, painted a super awesome antiques finish and had sewn a burlap curtain. I left it alone until being inspired by all the cool industrial signs at an antique emporium. So here's the quick instructions:

Materials:
Spray paint
Cardboard
Razor blade or exacta knife

Instructions:
1. Trace or draw pattern into cardboard
2. Carefully cut pattern out
3. Place stencil on material
4. Spray paint about 6 inches away in short bursts
5. Let dry as per spray paint instructions
*enjoy!

I chose the number 7 because that was Evans jersey number his whole soccer life. So in five minutes I made it personally perfect with a personal, sentimental touch.

Make the small things count

Make the small things count

Deciding to take a day away from all things job-hunting related I ventured out with a girlfriend, Catherine, to take in some country air and antique viewing.

Just like the fresh coat of paint, this was a welcomed release from job applications. The three hours spent browsing shops and catching up with a friend was wonderful. It helped take me out of my tiny little world of “jobs, jobs, jobs” to emerge in the larger, more important world of me; the world of my friends.

Since this was a first for us, “vintaging” together, I also learned some new things about an old friend. Not to sound creepy, but observing where she went first in the stores, reactions to my “ohhs and ahhs” and also what made her “ooh and ahh” was a mini friendship lesson. I learned she liked things I wouldn’t have assumed before (rusty metal and ants), and also made mental notes of places she may like in the future (Manassas antique shop with lots of jewelry!). These small observations may be teeny-tiny, but just like a flower unfolds its petals to full glory, friendships have petals to drop too. Being aware and listening with your ears and eyes is an important part in any friendship; trying new things together gives you both an opportunity to listen with new ears and eyes.

Speaking of flowers…another small thing that counted: Forget-me-knot china dish! 

Shown with peach for size comparison- it's small!

My mother who passed several years ago loved wild flowers. During the warm weather months our home was always brightened by untamed bouquets of whatever she could readily pick from the backyard. From a branch of the lilac tree outside her bedroom window to a bunch of tiger lilies from along the creek path; in old mason jars or a cherished teapot, flowers were abundant! Her favorites being black-eyed-Susan’s and forget-me-nots.

Since her passing I’ve always kept an eye out for reminders of her, including anything with these flowers. Yesterday for a mere $2.00 I acquired tiny little dish delicately painted with forget-me-nots. I’ve placed it on my dresser, to hold my engagement ring when not wearing. Fitting, since she did really cheer for Evan being the man I’d marry.


The little dish, with the tiny flowers was just another lift yesterday. A lift that would remind me the smallest of things can really make a girl happy. In life, it usually is the small things that count.

Sometimes you just need a fresh coat of paint

For my few loyal readers, you may have noticed that in the past week all vintage has been on hold.

In the description of my blog I promised to grow and become a better person while pursing my passion of all things vintage, re-purposing and other creative endeavors. Yesterday I put my money where my mouth is. Well, not my money, more like my paint brush....

It's no news that tough economic times are shared across the country. Both companies and families have had to tighten their purse strings and cut back. As families may be skipping a vacation or pulling from savings, companies too are faced with difficult decisions, including reducing their workforce. In this past week my organization had to make that difficult decision, and I was one of the impacted employees. And, well gee! Sometimes life can really take the wind out of your sails!

After a week spent focused solely on cover letters and applications I felt heavy. Heavy hearted, heavy eye-lidded and just plain heavy! All of that heaviness simply let me drown in the sorrow of losing a position I loved, anxiety over money and nerves for upcoming interviews. Yesterday I had to put myself in my place.

Having spent significant time in my "office", I knew what needed to be done. Putting on my best painting smock I turned on the radio and put my hair up. With a quick scan of my "workshop" I produced a nice warm beachy paint leftover from a past project and got to work. After an hour of rolling, some light scrubbing and re-organizing I felt lifted again. I not only had a clean desk but a little color to lighten the mood of my office nook.

It was only a fresh coat of paint but that reprieve from job hunting reminded me of why I started to this blog. To encourage myself to spend more time investing in things I love. Even when life gets tough, even when that wind is sucked from the sails- staying true to yourself can get you through it! Taking a break, taking time to do something you appreciate can re-energize you. That energy is what you need the most during difficult times.

So while I cannot neglect the important task of job hunting, I will remember that my virtue is in vintage. Holding true to my virtues will make this a much easier time period.




And to think, I got all of that from a just fresh coat of paint!

Use your own vintage

Breathing new life into past cherished items is one of the greatest joys in vintage. I wrote before that knowing the story is also part of the joy. So why not look within your own home, objects with your great story to create a new one? This idea dawned on me when packing for a weekend beach get a way.

Desiring a dress that was casual enough or a beach dinner but stunning enough to make an impression I thought to an old favorite- my white lace cutout dress. Bought almost 8 years ago I've worn the dress only twice. Despite loving it and how it makes me feel wearing it- the white sheer material was hardly ever appropriate. Since the white was the problem, I decided to take a chance and dye it- tie dye it.

 Materials:

1 package of fabric dye (I always use RIT brand)
Rubber bands
Large pot
Bleach
*rubber gloves

 Mix dye according to package instructions. Wear gloves, I did not and my hands were blue for two days! My item was small enough to follow instructions for stove top dye method. In my garmet I double-processed. Once to get overall color then "tie-bleached" to get a lighter version of the same color. I mixed bleach with water (probably 1 part bleach to 5 parts water)and then followed tie dying instructions. YouTube has tutorials for tie dying techniques which are helpful for first timers.




The dress was originally bought for a fancy 18 year old-me's date. Found at a boutique on Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo, NY it was magical. My mom helped me pick it out and said she pictured one day my wedding dress looking like this lacey number. The night I wore it I felt beautiful.

 Yesterday 27 year old me wore it for a beach weekend with my finance. In a new shade and with confidence that only age can build, I felt magical. We dined ocean front then took the dress right onto the shore creating one of our best memories yet.

 Man do I love this dress.

Day 3: Ta-da!

Day 3 Ta-Da! It's done!

Day 3 work was a repeat of 1 and 2.  We had to prep the new boards then glue and hammer onto the base.

Hanging It Up To Love

Our antique door-headboard

Last year we visited our local hardware store to inquire about hanging a 50 lb. stained glass door as a headboard. Since its 1) heavy glass and 2) above our heads when we sleep- dependability was a must! The hardware expert lead us to "Anchor Wire, Picture Hanging Systems". These systems are brackets that attach to the wall and the object to be hanged. So far, the piece has remained undisturbed!

You can find different sizes based on weight to hang. They usually run under $15 for brackets with all needed materials (screws, anchors).The best part- built in levels! The only downside is you do need to drill a bracket into your object which causes damage.  This is only a problem if you decide to reveal the wall side in the future.

Instructions for use: "Attached one bracket to wall using included mounting hardware. Ensure wall bracket is level with included level. Mount other bracketto back of object to be hung. Slide object bracket over installed wall bracket" 

Before and After Views- the, "Ta-Da"

                                   

Final thoughts: Anyone that says, "she should have made it bigger...". Yes, I agree. I got scared that it would be overwhelming and used the less-is-more approach when I should have gone H-U-G-E (had I listened to my project partner in the start it would be a foot taller and probably just right). Either way, we love it. The board colors are perfect for the industrial-farmhouse vibe we were looking for. It also warmed up the living room without needing to paint the apartment. All-in-all, I'll chalk it up as a success! Now on to the next story....

Quick Fixes for the Wood Wall Art Project

Before I reveal the last day and completed project here were some tips along the way.

Not all of the boards were perfect for the project. In pulling apart pallets some cracked while others looked too new. These were both easy fixes using the below tips.

Problem 1: Mismatched boards, faux-antiquing technique

There are a lot of different ways to "antique" materials. The method I used during this project was simple and available with materials already in our home.

Materials:

Shoe polish (black)
Old rag
Sand paper

Gently dab the rag in the polish and rub over material. Sand lightly to finish the look and prevent polish from rubbing off on other materials.

WARNING: Use the less-is-more approach with the shoe polish! You can always add more, but its difficult to take away the polish. You can also use sand paper to fade spots you over-indulged in polish.

Before: Top       After: Below

Problem 2: Cracked Boards

Materials:

Wood glue
Zip ties

We live in an apartment so our tools are limited. So while I'm certain clamps would usually be used I was able to correct cracks with a ribbon of wood glue and secure around the board with a zip tie. I left the zip ties on for 24 hours before snipping off.

WARNING: Wood glue is NOT Elmer's school glue and does not dry clear. Use a damp rag to immediately wipe up any glue that leaks onto the visual side of your project.

Don't be a ball hog

Lessons Learned from Day 2: Don't be a ball hog

Day two was rough for me.  Not that the project itself was difficult, but learning to share a project.

My lovely fiance, Evan, was interested in the wood wall art and wanted to help.  All week long he was making suggestions on measurements, materials, size, etc. He also ended each suggestion with, "...but this is your project so you call the shots".

Honestly, I needed the help but was afraid of losing the credit.  I like the feeling of looking onto a completed project and knowing that it was all my blood, my sweat, and my tears that got it done.  I don't just start these things because i love how my fingers bleed after a few good hours of hand sanding!

So even though there is a clear "I" in Vintage, there's also enough letters to spell Evan, so I graciously began to surrender this as our project. Somewhere in my heart (behind the center-of-attention-only-child part) I know it will be more satisfying in the end to share the project story together rather than alone.

Day 2: Project Wood Wall Art

Lessons learned from day 1:

When dealing with anything you found outside, in the elements with limited information on its past use: wear protective clothing! This is probably a good lesson taught in every middle school shop class for all craftsman projects, but one I learned the hard way. I had an allergic reaction to something on the wood panels which resulted in a burning sensation through the evening- "yay for old wood found salvaged from the outdoors!".  In the future I will, and I recommend, long sleeved shirts and pants.

Day 1 1/2 and 2:

I bumped the hardware store visit to Day 2...

Purchased materials:
*3/4" wood nails
*Wood Glue
*Hanging System (will explain when its time to hang)
*1/4" thick hardwood board to mount all panel boards onto
(Total Cost: $37.00)

Tools:
*Hammer
*Sandpaper block
*Metal snips

After clearing a work zone in the apartment we were set to begin! Laying the boards out first we started to see two issues:

1. Not all boards matched up nice and neat (warped woods, angled cuts, completely different colors....)

2. We are about a panel and a half of boards short of what we need (this was anticipated)

After playing around with different partners we opted to accept the imperfect look, after all that's why we choose to use old wood panels! We also decided to discard some that were too mismatched.  While we want it to look rugged, we don't want it to look messy. I'm going to try a finishing technique later on to even out the color of some partnered boards.

Some light sanding to each board, front and back, helped clean them up and freed loose pieces which could result in splinters when handling.  

Each piece received a ribbon of wood glue on the board side before nails.  We tried to stay within the same old nail holes to eliminate the need for additional holes or a poorly crafted appearance. Mistakes made during this part: Wrong size nails purchased (grrr!). Luckily we had some 1” nails at home that did the trick.

The nailing of boards took all of 30 minutes which made it that much more disheartening that we did not have enough to finish.

After nailing the next issue was trimming the excess from the back.  This took a pair of metal snips.  While safety goggles probably should be worn during all times this is a part where I cannot emphasize their importance enough.  The ends of the nails fly wildly when snipped.  The “ping-ping-ping” of them bouncing throughout our apartment resulted in an on-hands-and-knees search for metal tips during clean up! For the tips that were too difficult to snip we hammered sideways and will be covering with duct tape to prevent any scrapes to the wall when hung.

At the end of Day 2 we are half way complete.  I’m hoping to finish by the end of this weekend!

Day 2 Results

Project Wood Wall Art: Day 1, Prep work

When visiting friends in the Cleveland, OH area I was inspired by the ambiance at a local watering hole, The Bottlehouse.  The atmosphere was community-farm tables, B.Y.O.F (bring your own food), and quality libations.  With mild lighting and a modern take on rustic furnishing the place made you want to curl up with good friends and good stout.  This modern cottage vibe was completed with a "wooden wall". Serving as a backdrop to the band's stage was a reverse wood floor.  Essentially, wood panels on a wall.

The Inspiration

I love this idea and am attempting to recreate a similar piece in our home.  The challenge: making it removable and reusable. Being apartment dwellers we need to minimize damage but also create something we can save for future use.

The goal is to complete this within two weeks.  After some light planning (measuring and gathering pallets) I'm ready to get started. Day one...

Materials: 

• Old "freebie" pallets
• A hammer

Goal: Remove all old nails from pallets, trip to hardware store to purchase backdrop.

Sometimes its easy!

Sometimes its easy!

I snapped the original picture at Oma’s on Canandaigua Lake in Naples, NY with my smart phone.

As mentioned earlier, I picked the frame up for $6.50 at the Community Thrift store in Herndon, VA.

Worked a little bit of “Insta-gram” magic on the lake photo then printed it out cheaply using Shutterfly free online photo storage.

And viola, an art piece that has family meaning displayed in a unique frame fitting its rustic image!

Ask the story- it makes yours better

Ask the story- it makes yours better

Having a good story to go along with your (hobby, purchase, decision, political view…) is something almost everyone should know.  This idea was reinforced during a recent visit with my dear Aunt Lisa.  While closing out the day at her local Buffalo pub, Essex Street, she enlightened my friends and I on some of the bar décor. Nailed to a wooden panel was a single, tiny, black heeled shoe. 

The shoe ended up there well over a decade ago after a very long, and what sounded like, fun, evening where Lisa found herself at home one-shoe-short.  In respect for this being her story, I am withholding details.  Since the owner himself appreciates a good story behind his décor the shoe has remained upon the wall since that night.

Never having an interest in banks, within the last year I’ve decided to collect still banks- with, of course, a background story as to why….

While window shopping in Leesburg, VA I spotted a small metal bank in the shape of a buffalo. Being from Buffalo, NY I had to inquire about the little guy.  Learning from the shop owner that the bank is referred to as a still bank and seeing the $300 price tag I left without the bank; however, my boyfriend said he thought he had a few from his Oma (grandmother in German). 

When he was growing up his Oma would always give the grandchildren antiques or other fun vintage finds for holiday gifts.  Evan always appreciated these and saved them growing up.  And sure enough, two of the banks he received as childhood gifts were original still banks.  After a little bit of research I learned these would be of similar value to the Buffalo spotted in Leesburg months ago.  Since that first discovery of still banks the rabbit and lion became permanent apartment décor items and the decision to hunt more banks was made.

This past week I finally made my first purchase as a collector of still banks at an antique shop in Leesburg (where it all began!). One great thing about antique “malls” is multiple smaller venues.  This provides a constant change of pieces.  One bad thing, there’s often no opportunity to contact a vendor while you’re there to negotiate, check authenticity or learn the story.  A new display caught my eye at the familiar store and sure enough, I saw a bulldog, still bank in full paint and a leather collar reading “Mack”.  Full paint for anything old is rare- very rare, so I was skeptical.  Fortunately I was able to call the vendor.  “Mack” was recently acquired from another collector who had multiple pieces behind a glass case in their home.  Unlike other banks of this time, it wasn’t played with or used to keep loose change- it was treasured.  While it wasn’t an original from the 1880s like my lion or rabbit it was a reproduction from between the 1930s and 1950s; hence, the much less than usual cost.  After a little praise and appreciation provided from me, I got a little bit of a break and purchased my first piece to add to the gifted collection.  The best part, I know the story behind every piece in my collection. 

Brief overview of antique mechanical and still banks: http://www.waybacktimes.com/antiquedetectivebanks.html

Vintage takes patience

Vintage takes patience

Once upon a hot spring day in Virginia I managed to drag my unassuming partner to a familiar antique store.  Much to my excitement, his dismay, a festival was flooding the fields.  Multiple vendors, intense parking situations, dogs barking, small children with dirty hands, hot sun beating down…oh the excitement.  It was this situation that caused me to walk right by the perfect crystal lamps for our bedroom. One,  knowing that negotiating the $75 price would not be an option that day, and, two, my fiancé was getting that look in his eyes (wide, kinda panicked, burning with, “get me outta here!!!!”).

Once upon another time…. I walked past what looked to be the most amazing thrift store within ten miles of my home.  Windows lined with unique DIY art projects, floral dresses and under $25 price tags.  I race to the door- it’s locked! Sadly, the damn store is open six hours a week! I sulked by the shop to my beauty parlor reciting the store hours promising to make it back.

Present day: On a day where beauty was the priority and hunting vintage was on the back burner I arrived early for my glamor appointment.  As I walk into the salon I spot my style guru walking through the shop with a strange owl painting adorned with a hand-written price tag.  The store, it’s open for another hour that day!!!!  “Go!” she tells me, and go I do.  Nearly skipping down the sidewalk I reach the store, open the front door and am greeted by multiple vendors, dogs barking, small children with dirty hands…but I’m here! Within ten minutes I have found:

1.       1.  wooden 10x14 picture frame fitting with my farm-house-vintage-industrial-theme-of-the-

moment, $6.50

2.       2. A milk glass vase, $1.00

3.       3. TWO CRYSTAL LAMPS, perfectly mismatched, at $2.50 and $3.00

Angels shined down on me this week and a valuable lesson in vintage was learned.  It takes patience.  The hunt is one of the best parts and it makes it that much sweeter when the universe aligns and you find what you want, at the price you wanted it. Anyone can buy the first thing they like, hang it up and smile.  Great for some, but doesn't have the best story or reward for many.  

Next up, learning to repair the lamps and find the right shades….Oh, and find a picture for that frame.