Queenie's Vintage Finds and Treasures

My Little Garden Gate...

2012-01-03T21:14:00.008-06:00

Hey and welcome everyone! I hope everbody is off to a great start this year. The new year for me usually begins with some nesting around the house and scouting out new ways to freshen things up and change things a bit....I usually want the rooms lighter and brighter this time of the year....I've already started looking forward to spring even though the temps are freezing lol! That's just me. I wanted to show you my little garden gate today....

Regular readers of my blog may remember when I found this last year, if not you can click HERE to see the post, and you probably guessed it, I found this little gate at a yard sale....if memory serves me right, I think it was a whole dollar :)

I'm using it to hold some of my vintage hankies and little plaques....

I made this "Forget Me Not" one....from one of my old postcards....

I almost didn't pick this little gate up....because I didn't know where I'd put it at the time...but I'm glad I brought it on home with me. I knew I'd find a use for it later and sure enough....it's great to display my hankies and little plaques on in my reading room. I think it'll work. What do ya think?

I think that nesting around the house is one of the little joys in life and a fun way to start off the New Year....don't you? Happy nesting to you fellow nesters :)

Thanks for stopping by for a visit today....hope you have a wonderful week!
Big Hugs,
Queenie

This week I'm linking up with these blog parties:
Knick of Time Tuesday
Wow Us Wednesday
Share the Love Wednesday
Vintage Thingy Thursday
Time Travel Thursday
Feathered Nest Friday
Home Sweet Home
Vintage Inspiration Friday
Show and Tell Friday
Thrifty Things Friday

Click on any of the links and I'll shuttle you over to some beautiful blog posts! Thanks for hosting ladies :)

Happy New Year.....

2011-12-27T11:47:00.110-06:00

May this New Year bring with it many blessings and all that your heart desires....

I found this quote and I thought it was worth sharing with you~

"Celebrate the happiness that friends and family are always giving, make every day a holiday and celebrate just living."
~Amanda Bradley

I thought, well ....Christmas has come and gone, but why not make everyday a reason to celebrate?

Life is such a precious gift... just to be able to live, love and laugh....there is so much to be thankful for. I will celebrate it every day of this New Year, and I'll honor the day I've been given and make it special in some small way...this is my New Year's Promise. Thank you God for family and friends and the gift of Life.

Tell me, what are your New Year's Promises or New Year's Resolutions? Have you made any yet?

I also want to share this postcard with you, it is one from my collection of old cards, maybe you can use it for creating some of your craft projects. It dates back to 1916....I hope you enjoy it! I just love the aqua wintery scene and the cute clock.

This week I'll be linking up with the following blog parties:

Tabletop Tuesday
Vintage Thingy Thursday
Time Travel Thursday
Feathered Nest Friday
Home Sweet Home
Vintage Inspiration Friday
Show and Tell Friday

Click the above links and I'll shuttle you over to some beautiful blog posts......thank you ladies for hosting :)

Thanks for visiting! Happy New Year Everyone :)
Big hugs,
Queenie

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas...

2011-11-30T11:40:00.007-06:00

My holiday decorating is all done....is yours? Have you gotten started yet? I think most people out there have. I usually wait until mid-December to start, but this year I decided that I wanted to put up the tree and decorate early...so that I can just relax and focus on the things that are really important....

Here's our little Christmas City...

And here's our Christmas Tree...

Oh and here's our beloved Rocky....I have to tell you that He helped with the tree, as always...gotta give credit here where credit is due ya know.... and he's tuckered out...he told me that he was not posing for any pictures this year for me to post on my blog, but after he saw these....he did give me persmission to post these and to tell you all how he'd helped and show you how tired he was after all that work :)

See?

He didn't help me with the curio cabinet though...I put all of the vintage Christmas stuff in there all by myself....

Most every single thing inside here came to me over the years from yard sale shopping....that's just too fun ain't it?

I'll be looking forward to seeing your holiday posts in the weeks to come...thanks for stopping over to visit :)

This week I'm linking up with:
Rednesday
Cats On Tuesdays
Share The Love Wednesdays
Time Travel Thurday
Vintage Thingy Thursday
Show and Tell Friday
Thrifty Things Friday
Feathered Nest Friday
Vintage Inspiration Friday
Charm of Home

Click onto any of these links, and I will shuttle you over to a lot of other blogs and blog party fun.

Thanks girls for hosting :)

A Very Merry Christmas from our Home To Yours everybody.....I wanted to share something with you...
To me, Jesus is the reason for the season, not Santa Claus, but I do love Santa and PLEASE KEEP READING, because I wanted to share the SWEETEST article that I found ABOUT SANTA a couple of years ago and IT WAS THE TRUE STORY BEHIND THE LEGEND OF St. Nicholas, "Santa Claus"  After reading this article you may just give yourself permission to love the jolly old guy, just like when you were a kid.

My heart was so touched to find out about this history and to find out more about this person, that I never really knew, but who had been such a vivid part of my Christmas childhood memories ... and after reading the article, I will never see Santa in the same light again. Besides Santa is cute ain't he? I created a page to share that story that I'm talking about, with you and I have a link  HERE so that you can go and read it for yourself if you would like to.

It's not that long of a story and it really is worth reading, especially if you have secretly said to yourself during the holidays, "I am so tired of seeing Santas everywhere, and where did this ever come from anyway, because it has nothing to do with Christmas"  I've heard it said a lot, just while out and about.... and I think we've all at some point and time, thought or said the same thing or heard it said. This story will likely change your mind about the way you see him.....maybe even take away the commercialization of him a little bit.... and make you think of Santa in a whole different way.  That would be great wouldn't it? Especially since you'll likely be seeing a lot of him this holiday season out and about everywhere....I'm not sayin' we should worship him, or anything, but maybe we'll just think of him with a smile and remember him the way that I think he would have wanted to be remembered.  After all, St. Nick loved Christ greatly and even went to prison because of his faith.  I just wanted to share this story and my link with you all, because reading this story did bless me and my family and my hopes is that it would bless you and yours too.

Merry Christmas Everybody...
God Bless Us All!

Big hugs,
Queenie

Happy Thanksgiving...

2011-11-21T21:42:00.002-06:00

I just couldn't let this week slip away without wishing everyone a Happy and Peaceful Thanksgiving....

May the spirit of Thanksgiving fill your hearts with gratitude and your homes with peace and joy...

"In everything give thanks"

~1 Thessolonians 5:18

I want to share one of my antique postcards with you too....

By the way....What are your plans for Thanksgiving?
I'll be cooking Thanksgiving Supper in the evening here at home, ....and some of my family will be coming over and eating with us. I am looking forward to visiting and eating some good food! I can hardly wait, as a matter of fact. I hope to share some of my Thanksgiving recipes with you on my recipe blog in the future posts over there, of course it will be after Thanksgiving before I get them posted over there. But, I did recently share my great-grandma's southern dressing recipe. If you don't have a dressing recipe and you happen to be looking for one, you can click HERE to view my post and get the recipe. It's never too late to start a family tradition.... For me and my family....we have a tradition during Thanksgiving...being thankful and of course.... it's all about the dressing too.

I hope that you all have a blessed Thanksgiving Day....
Big Hugs,
Queenie

P.S.
For those family members that are across the miles, that I can't be with this year for Thanksgiving...you are with me in thought and you are held close to my heart...always, always always.

My Recent Vintage Findings...Needlepoint Pin, Antique Perfume Bottle, Vintage Suitcase, Roosters and More

2011-11-05T14:53:00.006-05:00

Hey everyone and welcome.... I snapped some pics of my recent finds to show you...these were all found over the early summer and early fall by me and hubby ....Some found at thrift stores, and some at yard sales....all too charming and inexpensive to pass up...

This needlepoint stick pin was a thrift store find...I thought it was so cute....

and this mirrored compact...hubby actually found this for me...I'll keep it forever...

I found this vintage pink rosy egg vase at a different thrift store....it goes with my aqua one....

and this pretty little aqua pitcher below is one of my faves because it is crackled to perfection....

This milk glass Jenny Lind piece was a yard sale find...

I know...I was completely shocked too....out of all the stuff that's out there at yard sales, (mostly clothing.. which I do like to plunder through too)....we rarely come across things this nice....but then again...sometimes we do!

This hobnail perfume decanter was a yard sale find too....

As well as this crystal and sterling silver antique perfume bottle that hubby dug out of a box of junk. I thought it was just beautiful....and we were delighted to get home to do the research on this old beauty....

It is marked Hamilton & Diesinger Sterling on the back of the lid.... and from what we could find out about this The company is Hamilton & Diesinger Silver Co. out of Philadelphia, Pa they specialized in Fine Silver Flatware and were in business from 1890-1915. I was happy to find out this little perfume bottle was likely from the late Victorian Era.

The crystal lid was stuck on the top, from old perfume residue...and maybe that's why someone didn't want it anymore...but we soaked it for a while in warm water and presto..it became unstuck.

Do you dig in the boxes when you go to a yard sale or do you overlook those? I love to see what's in the boxes on the ground at yard sales, because you just never know what you might find in them. Sometimes there's just some junky stuff that nobody would ever want in there, but then sometimes you'll find something so pretty in there hidden away.... seemingly...almost as if it were so that you could come along and find it. Tell me....What's the best thing you ever found in a box of Junk? For us, I think it would have to be this old antique perfume bottle... for sure :)

The little pixie elf was a yard sale find....Darling hubs found it too...I told you in my sidebar "about me" section that he's a passionate bargain treasure hunter too... didn't I? We have bunches of fun together....

And here's the markings on bottom...

These old skeleton keys are rare finds for me.....and I just love the look of these old things...

And this lightweight vintage suitcase....

Makes a great place to store some of my linen collection....Although, I will have to admit that I'm not so sure yet if I'll be keeping it inside with the linens in it or not.....No, not because it's haunted, but I may have to move it out of here, because sadly I noticed that it does have an old old odor to it and usually I don't notice that in things....but I smell it when I walk by, and I don't like that...sure don't want my old linens taking on the smell. I put a dryer sheet inside of it and closed it up for a while to try that and it didn't work to remove the smell of the suitcase...

Does anybody have any other suggestions on how to remove the old odor...the inside and outside seems to be covered in a paper type material? I'll tell you that I might end up putting it in my craft area out in the outside storage building...I could use it out there to store some crafty things that wouldn't absorb odors.

Even though it has this old smell, I still love it and I thought it had so much charm... I couldn't pass it up and especially for 50 cents...maybe it will even someday become a modge podge paper mache craft project itself...I can almost visualize it covered in antique postcards and other antique images....can't you?

I'm not sure if this was used for travel or some other purpose, but I'd love to find out more about it, if you have any info about it....please do share it with me.

And last but not least is this cute little rooster family that's made from terra cotta material and is handpainted...it puts a smile on my face everytime I look at this. :) It sits on top of my microwave in my kitchen. I did have some vintage baby yellow chicks on the bench, but I thought the roosters looked cute for fall and this time of the year. The little yellow chicks will make their appearance again in the Easter time around here...I'm sure of it ....they are tucked away for now. Want to see the post with the vintage yellow chicks? You can click HERE

Well, thanks for stopping over to see what my latest findings were.... what have you been up to and finding lately? I can't wait to make my way over to your place to find out :)

This week I'll be linking up with these blog parties, be sure to click the links and go over for a visit or do a blog post and join in on the fun!

Hunter Gatherer Party
Share the Love Wednesdays
Time Travel Thursday
Vintage Thingy Thursday
Thrifty Things Friday
Have a wonderful week!
Big hugs,
Queenie

Views of Audubon Park on St. Charles Ave. in New Orleans

2011-10-24T11:16:00.008-05:00

Welcome to a Audubon Park~

We went for a visit to New Orleans French Quarters recently....the weekend of Oct. 7th-9th, and I wanted to share a few pics with you. We don't live too far from there, about a 4 1/2 hour drive to get there, so it's not too far to go for a trip. We've been there two times before, but I will have to admit to you that we got a little stressed this time, probably from getting a little lost when we first arrived into New Orleans, (this city is big, or at least it is to us).....and yep we got lost...even after already having been there 2 other times in the past. Of course, we were a little younger then. I think the hubby forgot some key things between then and now, but I'm not blaming my sweetheart, he still did good....poor fellow.....the hubby is really on his own when it comes to getting us somewhere, because I'm no help when it comes to directions lol. I hope to someday do better. All it takes is one wrong turn around there.... and you are soooo lost too... or at least that's just the way it seemed lol! Lots of one way roads.

Well, Once we figured out where we were and how to get to the French Quarters and the Garden District part of town, things became more familar and we felt better, less stressed and we had a good time.

On our visit, we went to the French Market (I found some handmade perfume oils, some handmade soaps and a pretty silver and torquoise bracelet), we ate across the street from the French Market at Creole Cuisine and had Po-boy Shrimp Sandwiches and some Red Beans and Rice....and we just walked around taking in the sites and sounds. There were so many people there this time....the weather was beautiful and I guess that brought everyone out and about, which I know is wonderful for the tourism there.

I enjoyed the busyness of Jackson square, the window shopping.... while passing by all of the different shops, I enjoyed seeing all of the art around the square that artists were selling... and it just wouldn't be the same there without the jazz playing everywhere and the street performers that are all around, (always a treat especially for people like us that rarely see that in our neck of the woods) and seeing the horses and buggies that lined the streets....just takes you back in time, and so do the beautiful old buildings with their french influence....

But my favorite thing about this trip was really just driving the Garden District streets and seeing the old grand houses and just being in the serenity of this park that we had the pleasure of visiting. You can take the trolly car to the Garden District to get there or you can drive yourself....we'd taken the trolly car ride last time we were here, so we drove our car this time...the trolly cars were packed, because it is not just a tourist thing to do there, they are the way of transportation for many local residents as well.... so they can become very busy and packed.

I just loved this park.....it's my kind of past time....it is such a nice place to sit and rest a while..... especially after having been in the city and in the hustle and bustle of things....Audubon Park was just what my heart was craving....

Pretty fountains for throwing in a coin and making a wish....

Flowers still blooming....

Moss draped trees...and the little lake with it's very own fountain...

Walking trails...

and just being out in nature....these are the things that make my heart sing....and are truly some of my favorite things :) To learn more about Audubon Park and it's interesting history you can click HERE

Here's the restaurant that we went to and made a memory....it was all good, I truly enjoyed it all....even the part where we got lost...I knew we'd eventually look back and think it was funny :) How many of you have been lost while on vacation? It's never that funny... until a little time has passed... ain't that right?!

This week I'm joining these fun blog parties, and I want to shout out a big thank you to the hosts of these linky party events....

Mosaic Monday
Our World Tuesday
Outdoor Wednesday

Please be sure to click on the links and I'll shuttle you over to more blog post fun!

Thanks for stopping by....I hope you have a great week :)
Big hugs,
Queenie

~Welcome Fall~

2011-10-17T09:56:00.009-05:00

I'm welcoming fall, how about you!? I know most of you bloggers, friends and family have probably already been decorating and celebrating harvest time, but I have only just begun...mostly because our area of the country has just recently started getting a taste of the fall temperatures...I'm so thankful, because I have been eargerly awaiting it. I'm so glad fall is arriving.... I'm loving it ...I love the crispness in the air, in the mornings.... and in the evenings...it's been such a blessing and such a pleasant change....

I do have a few vintage finds to share this week. The little plate here is a recent flea market find....it's Currier and Ives Autumn, ...I just fell in love with the scenery on the plate...the dirt road, the old house with it's wooden fence and the autumn in the air with the changing leaves on the tree and the harvest of pumpkins on the ground beside it....I can't help but say that this little cottage house is the house of my dreams, other than I'd add a big front porch to the front of it and I'd fill the porch with rocking chairs and a swing. Oh, isn't it so much fun to keep a dream planted in your heart....something to look forward to in the future? What do you dream for? I think dreams make for a life filled with hope. They really do. I think we should always keep a dream in our heart, whatever it may be.

The other decorations are yard sale finds that I already had found....I made the chalkboard (that I use all the time) and the little fall flower arrangement last year, and the handled dish that I put the flowers in, is a sugar dish that was missing it's lid. That worked great for me :)

I hope the orange polka dot ribbon on my pumkin lets me qualify to join in on your Tuesday linky party "Dotty Hop Day" Holly...I sure wanted to join in on all the polka dot fun going on over there this week :)

"No spring, nor summer beauty hath such grace

As I have seen in one autumnal face"

~John Donne

This week I'm linking up with these parties:

Seasonal Sundays

Marty's Tabletop Tuesday

Tuesday's Dotty Hop Day

Share the Love Wednesdays

Time Travel Thursday

Vintage Thingy Thursday

Be sure to click on the links to visit more posts, and a big thank you to the hosts of these fun partying events

But Lookie Lookie....before you go, I wanted to tell you that I recently won a giveaway, it's this handmade dish cloth. Twyla of Two Crazy Crafters made this with her very own hands. Isn't it gorgeous?! I just love the colors, and I can only imagine the work that went into this. You can click HERE to visit her shop and find out more about the dish cloth. Thank you Twyla, I love it, and I am so glad that I was the lucky winner of it!

Well, thanks for stopping over to see what I've been getting into lately friends... I hope that you all have a great day filled with the wonder of this beautiful time of the year. Be sure to always keep a dream alive in your heart, and remember there is always so much we can be thankful for already...enjoy this harvest time :)

Big hugs,
Queenie

Come See....

2011-08-03T11:14:00.005-05:00

What I came home with this time....Here are some treasures from a recent trip to the flea market plus some yard sale treasures too....

A Pretty Floral Tin....

An ink bottle.... Ruby Red glass.....

I wish I knew the age of this...and if it's a reproduction or old....if anyone has info about this please do share....

Doily that I added to the side of the bathtub....

I found this porcelain rose bouquet at a garage sale... and it's marked on bottom Made in England.....

I do believe I am getting me quite a collection of these ....

And little doggies too....Here are my most recent additions...

This little milk glass dish came from the flea market...

Along with this precious aqua trimmed plate that also was a flea market find.....

I think the dainty floral design is so pretty....and for only $2....Oh yeah, I was overjoyed to run away with it....

The tiny tole tray was an estate sale find....and so is the tiny cobalt blue bottle....

And last but not least is this vintage "Heaven Sent" perfume bottle... that I found at the flea market. I actually love this scent and wear this perfume, so I was thrilled to find the old-fashioned vintage bottle of it.... You know I couldn't resist the aqua color on the bottle. I don't think the perfume that's in the bottle is any good any more....but I can maybe put my new perfume inside the old bottle somehow. I'll have to see about that :)

I thought it would be fun to show you what the new bottle looks like that the perfume is now put in these days. Looking at the two small bottles....well, it's another example of a by-gone era.... for some makers of things.

I don't know why some makers of perfume have stopped making the pretty bottles for their products. Yes, of course, there are still many perfume makers putting their perfumes in pretty bottles, but what makes an old maker stop? It really gets me thinking and makes me wonder why the times changed for them. Did the scent loose it's popularity over the years or for some other reason did they need to find a cheaper way to make it? Or is the scent so widely used and popular that they don't feel the need to give the consumer the pretty bottle? Is the bottle on the right more expensive to make? Did they need to lower the price due to the competition and so many other makers of perfumes out there? Why change the bottle? Is it that much more expensive to make the bottle on the right? They are both glass. What do you think?

My questions may never be answered...but I'll forever be lovin' this perfume and that old bottle.... and of course I'll be in the shadows watching and waiting and hoping that the maker of "Heaven Scent" will return to their old-fashioned perfume bottle making roots. You know I think that even if a perfume had to end up costing a little more for the consumer to purchase, companies would probably sell more, because of the bottle being pretty. Maybe it would make somebody that's never tried the perfume want to try it. Just sayin'

As for me, I think the fragrance is so fresh and classic, and yes, maybe a tad bit old-fashioned.....but still.... I've worn it on and off since I was a teen.

You know what's strange to me that didn't dawn on me until just now.... I don't even think that the maker of the perfume is the same as it once was. The new spray bottle on the left is marked on bottom by Dana Classic Fragrances and the Vintage Bottle is Helena Rubinstein...hmmm....that's got me really curious as to why....I may just have to do some googling to find out more. I'll keep you posted on what I find out :)

Well, thanks for stopping over to see my newest vintage finds...it's always fun meeting up with you all like this :)

I'm linking up with Two Thursday Linky Parties this week...

Vintage Thingy Thursday, click HERE
Time Travel Thursday, Click HERE
Hold on tight...and I'll shuttle you over to more fun blog posts.
Thank you all for visiting the hosts of these blogland party events....and a special big thanks to the hosts of the parties too :)
Big hugs,
Queenie

Edited: To Update
"More information about the perfume bottle"

Upon doing some brief research, it seems that the original Heaven Sent Perfume was introduced in 1941 by then cosmetic giant Helena Rubinstein, who was considered to be the first self-made female millionaire, in a time period when woman were not loaned money. She lived to be 94 years old. You can click her name to learn more about her and her life. As the years went by, the formula was sold and slightly reformulated by other companies, including Mem and Dana Classics who now holds the formula. It seems that there are some bottles that are now made that are a little fancier than my new little plain spray bottle that I bought, (which is the one on the left), but I'll have to say that even after seeing some new one's online, that look better than my spray bottle.... I still favor the old bottles from the 1940's, which I think is around about the age of my oldie but goodie. Guess it's just the vintage heart in me.
If you would like to find out more about your perfume bottles, I found a wonderful website called Cleopatra's Boudoir that offers a wealth of information on various perfumes, including my Heaven Sent. You can click the name above to visit that website. I found it interesting to learn more about the perfume's background, and when I get some more time, I will explore that site even more. Hope you enjoy it.

My Recent Finds....An Old Needlepoint Footstool, A Shabby Chair and Handpainted Plates...

2011-07-24T15:14:00.006-05:00

Hey everyone,

How's your summer been so far? Mine's been a scorcher, but still fun and I've been on the hunt for treasures ...how about you?! I can never resist those garage sale signs that are everywhere on weekends this time of the year, because you just never know what you might find there...here's my most recent finds that I came home with...

My shabby chic chair.....already sanded to perfection, in my book....

I just love the detail....

And I had to have this colorful basket....

Finally, a place to keep my potatoes ...and yay, they are out of sight and off the floor now!

And I can never resist a beautifully done needlepoint....though I did recently hit my foot on it.... and I almost broke my pinky toe on this pretty baby of a footstool.... but not to worry, I'm okay and it's okay.....and I've moved it to a safer location and I'm lovin' it...

Just look at this gorgeous design and detail....

And how beautifully it matches my handpainted plates that I found the week before...I added these to my wicker basket that you may remember me finding...it seems that I keep adding more and more to my basket....

And last but not least is this old milk glass Jergens Lotion Dispenser...

Don't you wish the companies still made the pretty bottles for their products? Can you imagine going in the stores and getting bottles like these again? I think that would be so awesome!

I love this quote that I have also found recently....

"To select well among old things, is almost as equal as inventing new ones"
~Nicholas Charles Trublet

I will have to totally agree.....

Thanks for stopping by to see what I came home with recently...I hope that you fellow treasure hunters out there came home with something that's fun that you love :)
Big hugs,
Queenie

I'll be joining and linking up with Twice Owned Tuesday, and Vintage Thingy Thursday

Be sure to click the links and I'll shuttle you over to some Blog Party Fun :)

My Vintage Inspired Old Shabby Bathroom Shelves....

2011-06-24T00:59:00.001-05:00

Hi, come on in...I've got something to show you and it's in my bathroom. I know....It's sort of a Crazy place to take you, but I hope you are gonna be inspired....I think you will, especially if you like a vintage, collected over time, style of decorating.

A few years ago I found this old shabby shelf and I think it's probably my best find ever.....it gives me a place to layer some of my favorite things....and I love it's chippy paint that I wouldn't dare paint over.....

The fabric on the back of it is some that a friend gifted me with some time ago, so I already had it.... and the candle holder was also a gift...I really love the look of the barkcloth fabric.......

The old bottles are some I picked up at garage sales ....I just dolled 'em up a little with some vintage pendants and brooches....

Embroidered fingertip towels ....I can never pass these by....

The hankie valance is a gift from my friend Holly, she made it and sent it to me a couple of years ago....I love it and it is one of my favorite things...

This old tobacco jar is holding my epson salts....I love this find and even the metal lid is so pretty and ornate...

This soap dish is old but I'm not sure how old.... I wish I knew more about....anyone with info, please do share....

More yard sale finds....well come to think of it, the vase came from Ross a few years ago...

Well, that's my vintage finds in my bathroom....

Thanks for stopping by, to see my vintage inspired shabby chic bathroom shelf.....would you believe that it was only one dollar? I told you it was my best find ever...I'll be hanging on to this for a long long time :)

Be sure to stop by these fun linky parties that I'll be joining this week

Home Sweet Home

Vintage Thingy Thursday

Time Travel Thursday

Vintage Inspiration Friday

Feathered Nest Friday

Cindy's Show and Tell Friday

Big Hugs,

Queenie

Oh I've Just Been Diddlin' Around and Puttin' Out My Recent Finds....

2011-06-01T12:36:00.005-05:00

What've you been up to? Have you found any good treasures while out on your junkin' adventures? Well, I sure found me some goodies...... I found this wicker basket at a yard sale for 50 cents, and this small old table cloth for 25 cents....it makes a nice soft homey place for my birdie...don't you think?
I nestled it here on my old ladder back chair that sits beside the window....and

I was thrilled to find this tin bucket for a buck at a recent store closing sale ....this bucket makes a perfect home for the hydrangeas that I picked at Michaels half price (since mine outside have yet to bloom ....I'm still looking forward to that), along with the little crowned birdie....Less than $15.00 for the whole arrangement here! I just set the hydrangeas one by one in the bucket...I wanted it to seem as if I freshly picked them from my bushes and brought them inside.....a girl can dream until my hydrangea bush blooms outside right?!

This cute little Teapot is a Thomas Kinkade and I found it at Goodwill for only $2.99! I have always been a fan of and loved Thomas Kinkade's Art because of the quaint and picturesque cottages and scenes that he so beautifully paints. So of course I was thrilled to bring this home!
The tiny terra cotta pots were found at a roadside sale and I had to grab those up for 10 cents each....I'll be using them for a decorating vignette sometime I'm sure....and the mini flags are some I picked up for a quarter each at another of my favorite thrift stores. Oh, I almost forgot....I also found the little glass bell cloche for 50 cents at a yard sale...see it down below with the cupcake under it?

Sure couldn't resist this little pumpkin stage coach at a garage sale.....

It came with horses and the "happy (I think) couple"....by the looks on their faces... I'm not so sure.... maybe they are just a little camera shy....oh, that's probably all it is......

Nontheless, I was thrilled to take it home and you will not believe it, but it was only marked 25 cents for all of it!! I ran, "not walked" away with it!! You know you would have too lol! :) So what if the horses won't stand up on their own...I did a pretty good job of propping them up.

And last but not least..... more teacups to add to my growing collection....Isn't this little tower of Teacups too cute? This tower of Teacups under the glass dome cloche idea is not one of my own though...I must give full credit where credit is due....I got the idea from Bella's Rose Cottage. I love her blog and I would like to thank her for sharing such a sweet idea...I'm lovin' my little teacups showcased under the glass dome.

Well, garage sale season is in full swing for sure now.... hoping there will be a lot of sales this weekend.....it's a hot one down here in the south today....supposed to have heat index in the triple digits....maybe we'll cool down some before the weekend....fingers crossed but I don't think it's happenin'

Thanks for stopping by....have a happy day everybody!

I'll be linking up with Wow Us Wednesday, Vintage Thingy Thursday, Thrifty Thursday, Time Travel Thursday I'm posting a little early, but be sure to visit these lovely blogs to see more bloggin' linky party fun on Thursday.

Big hugs,
Queenie

Some Vintage Finds, A Gift in the Mail, and Roses for Mother's Day....

2011-05-06T09:18:00.003-05:00

Hello...hope all is well with everyone and that you all had a wonderful Easter. These are some of my thrifty vintage finds from recent hunts...

Never can pass up little shoes...for 50cents who would?!

Or adorable embroidery....I just love this....

How cute....

and some rose paintings....signed by none other than ~"Rose"

Would you believe these were only a quarter each? I love garage sales....

And a little tole tray only 50 cents....

I'm keeping my tea bags in this above....

Last but not least...I found this Made in Germany tiny creamer...only a quarter.....so unique, but not so sure I like her holding the bunny like that...

Finding thrifty finds is always fun...and finding goodies in the mail is even funner....Deb sent these goodies recently for my B'day....

I love it all....thanks again Deb!

Now some Roses for Mother's Day.....

In honor of my precious Mama ~
Psalms 31:25-30
She is clothed with strength and dignity;
   she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom,
   and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household
   and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed;
   her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things,
   but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
   but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Love you Mama~

A Very Happy Mother's Day to all the Mother's out there...Do something special....you are worth it :)

This week I'm linking up with
Thrifty Things Friday
Home Sweet Home Friday

Thank you ladies for hosting this fun weekly link party.
Please click on these links and I'll shuttle you over to more fun and pretty posts.

Thanks for stopping by for a visit...
Big hugs,
Queenie

Happy Easter Weekend.......From My Home To Yours

2011-04-21T21:53:00.006-05:00

Hello and welcome....I finally got the chance to do some decorating for Easter today....it was such fun....it's about time I got around to it....it really snuck up on me this year....

I sure hope you all are ready for Easter and that you all have a very Happy and Fun Easter....May you be filled with love, hope, joy and a sense of renewal.... because this is the time of the year for miracles.....they are all around us really........

There is so much beauty in nature to behold...

....A seed, a stem, a bud, a leaf, a tree, An egg, a bird, a flower, a blade of grass, A tiny baby born so perfectly...

How can one say that miracles are past?

~ Frances Wells

Don't you just love this time of year?!

Today, I want to share some antique postcards from my collection with you.....

These were bought online at Etsy....

I especially love the cross postcards....they are a reminder to me of Christ's undying love. Jesus Christ lives...what a Miracle. Nothing is impossible with God...Nothing. I am grateful for all that he has done. He is the greatest treasure and the greatest gift that I have ever known.

These postcards date back to early 1900s....use them as you wish for your crafty creations that you make or sell, but please I ask that you do not sell the digital images themselves. Thanks :) Hope you enjoy them....

Now, I'm linking up with:

Feathered Nest Friday

Home Sweet Home Friday

Vintage Inspiration Friday

Click on the links above and I'll shuttle you over to some blog party fun...thanks ladies for hosting these fun weekly blog events!

A Very Happy Easter to all...God Bless you and May God fill each and everyone of you with a hope like you have never felt before...so much so.... that it will overtake you with joy....Hope you have a perfect day :)
Big hugs,
Queenie

Roses and Wild Spiderwort

2011-04-16T23:38:00.002-05:00

I'd say one of the best things about Spring is.....

Being able to go outside and cut some fresh flowers to enjoy inside.....

These Wild Spiderwort were courtesy of mother nature....they were found growing wildly in the woodline of our property this week....couldn't resist clipping a few...

And....the roses are from my back yard as well. Courtesy of my Aunt Brenda.... who bought me a topiary rose tree last year for my birthday...and I am enjoying every single rose that blooms ....who on earth would ever think I could grow a rose?! I am happy to report that it's doing great this year :) I would love to someday try my hand at growing a whole rose garden, that would be sheer bliss! Maybe one day I will....

I hope you all enjoyed seeing these as much as I've enjoyed sharing them with you :) Also hoping something is blooming beautifully near you ....

"When one flower blooms, spring awakens everywhere"

~John O' Donohue

So so true isn't it...I'm so glad spring has fully sprung aren't you?! I think you need not even answer that question...I think the answer would be a big yes right?!

I'm linking up with:

Seasonal Sundays
Cottage Flora Thursdays

Click the links above and I'll shuttle you over to more fun :) A special thanks to the hosts of these link party events.

P.S. I want to thank all who visited me last week and left comments in regards to my son and my hubby......it meant a lot to me and I appreciate the thoughts, well wishes and the congratulations.

Vintage Hankies Galore

2011-04-12T10:28:00.008-05:00

Hello to you....gosh I've missed you all. I know it's been a while since my last post....but I've had so much going on lately that time has gotten away from me and...

There's not been much time for me to post or come out to play in blogland.

You see....My husband had shoulder surgery end of March and I have been sooo busy on the homefront taking care of him, and taking him to doctor appointments and physical therapy. Bless his heart.... no doubt, It's been a lot of stress....I'd be lying if I said that it hasn't . But we've survived and I am thankful to the Lord for seeing us through thus far...... I'm happy to report that he's doing some better now... but He has still got a long way to go on his road to healing and recovery... but he's feeling better and I am thankful for the progress he's made so far. I just wanted to briefly let you know what's been going on with me before I get on with today's post. If you would say a prayer for my husband... it would be so appreciated....

I'll be the first to admit that these past few weeks have been sort of a roller coaster ride for me... with the hubby out of commission with his arm and unable to do anything.

But....

You know what ...

"Perhaps "I" am stronger than I think"

~Thomas Merton

And so are "you"

"Always remember that"

Now, I can hardly wait to show you my latest finds from Saturday...Just look....

I found a bag of the sweetest hankies to add to my collection this past weekend....

The dainty and floral embroidered ones are my favorite....

I love the crochet lace edged ones too....

And.....The floral ones just make my heart skip a beat....

Which one's do you like the best?

What have you found lately?

I'll be looking forward to seeing.....

By the way I found these at a garage sale and they were all less than $5.00....less than $5.00 for some little works of art and a little piece of history... that I adore...sure can't beat that :)

I'm Linking up with these fun blog parties

Very Merry Vintage Style

Treasures and Trinkets

Vintage Thingy Thursday

The links can be clicked on and I'll shuttle you over to some more blog party fun...thank you ladies for hosting these events!

Well, thanks for stopping by to see my latest vintage finds and for your prayers for hubby.
Don't forget to visit the blog party links in this post :)

I'll be back as soon as I can to post again...Have a beautiful day!
Big Hugs,
Queenie

Happy St. Patrick's Day.... A Taste of Ireland....

2011-03-14T20:30:00.233-05:00

In honor of St. Patrick's Day.....

I created a little vintage vignette for my sidetable that's in the corner of the kitchen. All of the treasures are previous finds... the silver tray is one that I made into a message chalkboard last year, a green vintage clock that was a yard sale find, an embroidered cloth with green, antique postcards that I recently bought online to add to my growing collection, an old silver oval brush, and daisies and buttons glass hat that was also a yard sale find (the faux shamrocks came from the Dollar Tree Store) ....

I wanted to share photos of Ireland also, that I found online courtesy of Irish Views

I'd like to give special thanks to this website for sharing such beautiful photos and offering them for free....

My Irish family roots go back a long way....and I don't know that much about it, but to think that my ancestors on my Dad's side of the family came from this beautiful place.....interests me and makes me want to learn more about it.

This country is so pretty...what I would give for a chance to visit it....I would love to...

Thank goodness for the internet, because I am able to....and can even share it with you....

~An Old Irish Blessing~

May the road rise up to meet you...

May the wind be at your back...

May the sun shine warm upon your face...

And rains fall soft upon your fields...

And until we meet again...

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

To learn more about St. Patrick's Day and how it came about...... and what it is about.... you can click HERE and it will shuttle you over to more information about this holiday. My favorite symbol of St. Patrick's Day is the Shamrock...St. Patrick used the plant's three leaves to help teach people about Christianity and to help them to understand the Holy Trinity.

These two postcards are from my collection and I'd like to share them with you for you to use for your crafty creations, however please do not sell the digital images themselves. The postcard above is from 1910...

This one above is from 1911....

Happy St. Patrick's Day to you!
Thanks for stopping by for a visit today...

I am joining two St. Patrick's Day Blog Parties:

A Holiday Haven's St. Patrick's Day Party, Click HERE and I'll shuttle you over to the rest of the party in progress now. (you can join in on the party anytime through the 17th of March)

There is also a St. Patrick's Day Blog Crawl Party at Cuisine Kathleen's.
You can Click HERE and I'll shuttle you over to her blog.

I hope that you will visit these lovely blogs and join in on the rest of the party. Thanks ladies for hosting this fun event :)

Big hugs,
Queenie

Celebrating Spring...

2011-03-03T19:28:00.007-06:00

Every season brings with it a newness and freshness....that I just love. Don't you? It makes me want to be creative. Spring is right around the corner...so I've changed some of my home decor this week.....there's been a lot of nesting going on around here. The blue birds have been building nests in the bird houses outside and I've been busy...busy...busy inside too :)

I made a new flower arrangement with lilacs & daisies that I picked.... from the Dollar Tree store, I got five dollars worth....

The vintage white pitcher is one I already had from a past junkin' adventure, along with the silver tray, doily ...

and blue and white toile tea mug, made in England and one of my favorites...

The green tapestry butterfly pillows are some I bought recently at Kmart

And the faux cherries, blackberries, and tiny green apples are some I got in a bag at a garage sale for $1 last Saturday....I already had the glass jars, they were past finds, they always get a new look...with the changes of the seasons :)

I am happy that spring is in the air...
I cannot wait to watch the butterflies dancing around again, and I am looking forward to seeing the blooming trees and flowers. I know everyone is excited that spring is almost here... before long we all will be celebrating spring...no matter what part of the country you live in....just hang in there, it's comin'! We've already had some dogwood trees blooming around our area and our pear tree out in our front yard has buds :) That makes me happy...

I am also happy to know that...
"He changes the times and seasons"
              Daniel 2:21
AND....
" No winter lasts forever~
No spring skips it's turn."
             ~Hal Borland

Thank you for visiting my blog today....I hope that something makes you feel happy today :)
This week I am linking up with these blog parties:  Just click on the links below and I'll shuttle you over there to these lovely blogs...it'll be fun...I promise!

Sherry's Home Sweet Home
Linda's Junkin' Finds
Cindy's Show and Tell Friday
Debra's Vintage Inspiration Friday
Courtney's Feathered Nest Friday

Thank you ladies for hosting these wonderful blog party events!

Big hugs,
Queenie

A Quaint, Charming, and Gorgeous Seaside Town and Some Vintage Finds...

2011-02-24T20:30:00.019-06:00

This is the little village like coastal town of Seaside Florida. By the way....I did find some vintage finds on the way to getting here...and I'll show you my "junkin' finds" coming right up at the end of the post....but first let's tour this place....

We (me, hubby and youngest son) visited here last Saturday... it's about a 45 minutes drive from where we live. It felt so nice to be outside, it was 78 degrees... the ride was beautiful.

We are not native Floridians (we've lived here about 16 years) so we're still exploring this wonderful state and all it has to offer.

We've been enjoying the outdoors a lot lately and I wanted to share it with you all here at my blog. In our part of Florida, we really have to make the most of getting outside in the pre-spring and early spring season, when the weather is still enjoyable for walking, because in our neck of the woods, it does not usually know how to ease into spring...it just turns to summer and fast.

Before we know it, it will be scorching hot and very humid...well, then we'll have to stay near some air conditioning or water :) That's just the way it goes.... Oh and we'll have one more cold spell right before Easter just as a reminder that winter will return in due time. Well, I've talked enough now...on with the tour...

Most of this area here were art galleries and shops, with places to live above the stores I believe....

This was a residence and there was a sign that said so on the fence....I guess there had been one too many tourists try to come in their home...lol! There was a beautiful front porch on this yellow cottage but people were outside on it, and the door was open too and I could see the people inside also and so I didn't take a photo to respect their privacy...but isn't their yard darling?!

I just love the picket fence and the little walkway.

There are beach cottages all back behind this area of the town...and across the street is the ocean...and places to eat and sit for a while and take in the sights and sounds....

This above with the red doors is the towns post office.....

Old Airstream travel trailers line the street with food and drinks for sale....

Ocean views are just beyond this...

This was my last picture of the day, this was the scene directly in front of where we had parked the car....I was delighted to get back to our car to see this! The old bike is so precious and so is the lady here that it belonged too. I spoke with her for a moment, commented on her bike and I'm so glad she gave me permission to take her picture with it....I can just imagine the charmed life she must live here at this place....bikes are everywhere...I think she really made hers her own...don't you?

To top off an already sweet day...I even found some vintage finds....I came home with these little treasures...cobalt blue salt and pepper shakers (that I'm using) and this jar for me to house my salts in the bathroom, beside the tub.

These were found at a roadside sale, on our way down to Seaside....I never pass up one of those roadside sales.... How about you?!   I was happy to find some treasures to remind me of this beautiful day :)

I am linking up with Linda's  Junkin' Friday Party, be sure to visit her HERE and see the other Junkin' Friday posts! Thanks Linda, for being such a great host!

I hope you all enjoyed the tour of Seaside....it's so much fun for me to share it with you. I always enjoy visiting blog posts that take me someplace ....seeing what people come home with is so interesting too.   I hope you've  enjoyed seeing things through my eyes today....
Big hugs,
Queenie

Some Pieces of the Past....

2011-02-20T19:47:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Mosaic Monday hosted by Mary at Little Red House

My photo mosaic was vintage inspired...with each item holding a special memory and a special place in my heart...

Some of the things here belonged to my Grandma T, (like the silk screen printed floral picture, it now hangs in Mama's house), others are from my Mama's collection, (like the crystal door knobs and single skeleton key)...and then I've even added some of my own old bottles to the photo mosaic.

Old things really have a way of bringing back a memory, don't they? I think a lot of times when I'm out hunting treasures...I am drawn to something mostly because it brings back a memory of someone special to me. I've heard others say the same thing is true for them. Do you find that to be true for you too?

Is there anything here that brought back a memory for you? I'd feel honored to hear about it :)

Well, thanks for visiting me this Mosaic Monday....there are more photo mosaics to see at the links at Mary's Blog Little Red House, just click HERE and it will shuttle you over there. Thanks so much Mary, for hosting this event!
Hope you all have a happy day :)
Big hugs,
Queenie

p.s. For anyone that might be interested in making a photo mosaic (collage), I made mine through picnik it's really simple through that website. If I can do it, I think anybody can. Mary also gives a wonderful tutorial over at her blog, as well.

Winter Lakeyard Views....

2011-02-16T21:37:00.002-06:00

This week has brought with it some beautiful warm temps around 70 degrees...It's been perfect weather to get outside and take a walk......

I just wanted to share some photos that I took of the Lakeyard area of our town...

everytime I visit here...I'm sure to find a squirrel....didn't he just get his shining moment here in the spotlight?! He probably never thought in a million years that he would end up on the internet....

and neither did Mr. Swimming Doggie....the rascal was trying to catch some ducks.... I'd never seen a dog doing that before....I'm so glad he gave up.... and the ducks got away.

The ducks and seagulls are always here to greet people...

Well, the trees are still bare...but I am hopeful that spring is on it's way...and I can hardly wait...what about you? We'll just have to carry it in our hearts until it officially arrives. We can do that.

Hope you enjoyed the views here, and I hope you have a blessed day too :)
Big hugs,
Queenie

Sharing Antique Valentine's Day Postcards from My Collection

2011-02-13T14:58:00.004-06:00

Hello...and Happy Valentine's Day! Well, almost....I know it's not 'til tomorrow, but I just had to share these very old postcards with you....before the holiday slipped away...

They are part of my growing collection....and I love decorating with them for the different holidays and seasons...

Feel free to copy and use these images for your personal use, and for your crafty creations that you sell, however please do not sell the digital images themselves.

I hope that you enjoy them :)

If you make something with these images...I'd love to showcase it here on my blog for everyone to see. If you want me to, let me know. My email address link is in in the sidebar of my blog. I think it would be such fun to see your craftiness.

I hope that everyone has a Very Happy Valentine's Day and be sure to make someone else's day special...even if a smile is all that you can give....that may be just what someone needs most :)
Big hugs,
Queenie

Little Feathered Birdies....

2011-02-09T06:53:00.001-06:00

I've always loved birds and decorating with birds...for as long as I can remember. I think some of the very first things I collected for my home were birds...there's just something about them...

They are so cute and.... well.... free...they can go wherever they want to.... and no worries.......and I think another reason I adore them.... is that they are a sweet reminder of a bible scripture that I love....

"Therefore I tell you, Do not worry... Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them".

~Matthew 6:25-26

Want to get you some? These cute little feathered birds are some I found recently found at Dollar Tree store....you get 2 for $1 . I decided to put one on top of my mini shelf that was once upon a time was a lamp...remember that re-invention? If you missed that before and after you can click Here to see that post. Here below are a couple of pics from that post....

This is how the mini shelf looked before adding the bird...cute for summer and spring... but for winter...I just wanted a little change...so when I saw the birds, I knew right where I'd put them...

I still love my Mr. Bunny too....and he will definately be making an appearance on top of my mini shelf in the Spring... around Easter time! So you'll be seeing him again in the near future.

Well, I hope you have a great day...and with no worries :)
Big hugs,
Queenie

Love Is In The Air...

2011-02-06T21:38:00.005-06:00

Love is like magic and it will always be, for love still remains life's sweet mystery.....

Love works in ways that are wondrous and strange and there's nothing in life that love cannot change.....

Love can transform the most commonplace into beauty and splendor and sweetness and grace......

Love is unselfish, understanding, and kind, for it sees with its heart and not with its mind.....

Love is the answer that everyone seeks~

Love is the Language that every heart speaks~

Love can't be bought, it is priceless and free,

Love like pure magic is a sweet mystery!
By~ Helen Steiner Rice

....Love Never Fails 1 Corinthians 13:8

I've just been putting out some Valentine's decor....I love decorating for the different times of the year. February is such a fun time of the year....it's one of my favorite months .....because it's dedicated to such things as romance, hearts, beauty, "love" and all things sweet....like my all time favorite thing..... "chocolate" I sure hope that sweet surprises are around every corner for you...
With Love and Big Hugs,
Queenie

P.S. Last week I created a Valentine's Day treasury at Etsy, to showcase other shop owners at Etsy. Treasuries are such fun! If you've never heard of a treasury....I'll fill you in.....a treasury is a way for you to showcase other Etsy seller's items.....and show off what you like at Etsy, .... What you do is you choose your favorites and save them and put them into a collage in the treasury page ..... Once you're done, it's put in the Etsy Treasury and your lists of Treasuries and then others can view it. You can click HERE to see my treasury that I made last week. It's really cute, and I had such fun with it. Creating something is always fun to me, and I think it's such a great thing to be able to showcase other shop owners.... and let other Etsy sellers shine as well as being able to save a wish list :)

Sharing Some Sunshine Today....

2011-02-04T13:57:00.003-06:00

Though our winter has been a cold one, this year, we have been blessed in our area with some warm fronts along the way. Last weekend it was gorgeous... temps were in the low 70's and last Saturday was a perfect day for a drive and a walk....and so our family got out and about in nature....one of my favorite things to do. I wanted to share with you some views I captured, In hopes that it will warm you up today....I want to spread a little sunshine... because my heart truly goes out to those effected by the nasty weather that has effected much of the country. We've not even been spared down here in the south, we've had a cold and rainy week .... the high today is 44 and more rain. For anyone that is living in the south, you know how cold a wet cold feels...it feels like 20 something here when it's 40 something. Well, I don't know about you all, but I'm sooo over winter time and I am ready for spring and some more blue skies!
These were taken near St. Andrews Bay and Oaks by the Bay Park...

I love those blue skies....can't wait to see that again...

How sweet.... a kitty along the trail... See him? What a nice surprise....

Ohhh what I would give to put my toes in some warm sand today....what about you?

Let's dream...we "can" do that....

Well, keep hoping and dreaming.... spring will be here before we know it. Hang in there everyone...the sunshine is shining somewhere, (right here in blogland). Hope you have a safe and happy weekend....
Big Hugs,
Queenie

P.S. Thank you so much for your visits and comments on our mirror project in my last post...I appreciate you :)

Before and After Decorative Mirror Project~ Magazine Copy Cat Challenge

2011-01-30T13:26:00.007-06:00

Hello and Welcome!
NOTE: For those that have stopped by for The Magazine Copy Cat Challenge...I have edited this post as to join in on the linky party fun....please know that this is an older post and a project that I did earlier in the year... just wanted to link up and join in on the party fun....now let's move on to the project and get the party started! Thanks for stopping by :)

Well, there's not been a whole lot of treasure hunting going on for us (hubby and I)...because of the true winter weather we've been having down here in the south, but we've still been keeping busy around here..... we always have something going on and something up our sleeves. This past week it was on the homefront. My inspiration came from the Better Home and Garden Magazine Sept. 2007 issue. Just Look at this pretty mirror....How inspiring huh?! I'm so glad I saved this issue.....

Because right there in plain sight was my solution for this

cracked mirror that is permanently anchored (glued) to the wall , (yeah, not good). I showed the hubby my inspiration picture from the magazine and told him my idea, because I would need his help...I would not be able to pull this off by myself. Well, I was overjoyed when he told me that he thought he could create a similar look for our double mirrors in the living room.

I was so excited about this little home improvement project because I had been hunting for a solution for the "oops" crack for over a decade, (I kid you not), and I'd tried everything from floral swags, to curtains, to vintage hankies strung up like valances (does anybody remember that, that was actually my favorite attempt to cover the crack).
So, with all of the excitement in the air, he took some measurements.... and we were off to the Lowe's Store to get the wood, wooden appliques and trim, and he cut the pieces to fit the top of the mirrors.
We then painted the pieces....with the same paint we had left over from the mirror trim and other trim in the room. Olympic Fast Hide Semi-Gloss in the color Winter Mood. We let it dry and he glued it all up there with construction adhesive.

Here is my new and improved mirrors!

I am so proud of my husband and think he did so good with this!

I've debated with the idea of making the wooden applique designs in the center stand out more... by maybe dabbing it with a stain and rubbing it off....but I am not sure about that.... I think I'll leave it like this for now. I really do love it :)

So that's our latest home impovement adventure.... if you have glued on mirrors in your mobile home, here's a nice solution to bring them up a notch on the style meter, or here's a way to add a special touch to plain mirrors you may have. This would be a pretty feature to add to the top of bathroom mirrors too I think. Thanks for sharing in my home improvement joys and thanks for stopping by!
Big Hugs,
Queenie

P.S. NOTE: Don't throw out those old magazines so fast, you may have missed something in there that you can still use! Thanks Better Homes and Garden Magazine, for the inspiration in your magazines.

Special thanks to Robert, my hubby....for always putting so much effort in all that he does and for doing such a great job...and for making all my dreams come true... even on our limited budget...love you .... you are the best :)

Thanks Debbie for hosting such a fun blog party!

Be sure to head on over there to Debbiedoos to see the other party participants HERE

Thanksgiving Wishes.....

2010-11-22T06:30:00.007-06:00

Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving......Filled with love, and of course, delicious foods :)

Big Hugs,

Queenie

Before and After~ Teacup Pincushion

2010-11-14T14:14:00.003-06:00

This pretty roses teacup was a recent find, and she was missing her saucer, but that's okay....I had something else in mind for her anyway....

She sure does make a cute little pincushion.... What do you think?!
Hope everyone has a sweet week....until next time
Big Hugs,
Queenie

Bingo Queen Tag~ Bookmark Craft Project

2010-11-08T18:46:00.001-06:00

Hey and Welcome......Here is a recent craft project that I made for one of my relative's birthday..... she loves to play bingo.....so this was perfect for her.....

The black and white image is courtesy of Karen from The Graphics Fairy Blog, you can get this image by clicking HERE

Here is the Bingo Card that was given to me by an online blogger friend....thanks so much Deb....remember when you sent this? I finally got around to making something with it :)

and so were these words that were part of a game or flash cards....that she also sent me.

This project was easy to do, and fun too. If you have a Bingo Queen in your life, make her one of these....she'll love it! Maybe the bingo queen happens to be you....go ahead and make one for yourself if that's the case :)

This week I'm participating in Brag Monday over at Karen's Graphic's Fairy Blog Click HERE to visit her blog and see all of the other blogs participating in this crafty and fun weekly party event. Thanks so much Karen for sharing your wonderful vintage images with us!

Thanks to all for stopping by too :)

Big Hugs,

Queenie

Sharing Some Vintage Holiday Card Images.....

2010-11-01T06:30:00.003-05:00

These old cards are some recent finds from an indoor Flea Market that I love to go to......don't you just love old cards? (and flea markets too?)

It's hard to believe Thanksgiving is right around the corner.....I can hardly wait!

Just look at those faces.....and the Mr. and Mrs. both have the soft red flocking on them.....how cute?!

Sweet Tradition ....I just love Christmas Scenes like this one...."Hanging The Stockings"

Isn't this little boy with his package so adorable?!

Christmas time will be here before we know it...... so I did want to share these images so that you will have time to use them for your craft projects, if you would like to. I hope that you enjoy these :)

I am so happy that we got a new scanner and printer earlier this year...it's been such fun using it :)

Well, I hope that everyone has a happy day and a wonderful week :)

Big Hugs,

Queenie

Treasure Hunting At The Flea Market...

2010-10-25T06:30:00.002-05:00

Is such fun! Here's what all I came home with recently from there.....this gorgeous little oval picture with pressed flowers inside....love that red background with the aqua turquoise flowers..... Pretty vanity tray with lipstick holders and cherubs....

Another lipstick holder......I thought it was very unique and pretty.....

And this oval one with lipstick holders that will hold 5 standard lipsticks....

Do you think it was my day to find mirrored vanity trays with lipstick holders or what?!

And last, but not least is this silver utensil lot....these didn't come from the flea market, these came from the auction and were in the boxed lots that I shared pictures of a couple of weeks ago....these are shabby as can be, with lots of flaws..... but I thought someone might be able to use them for a craft project such as windchimes, altered art, a shabby chic shadow box for the kitchen or something else fun....so I listed these in my shop at Etsy, for someone out there to up-cycle/re-cycle. If anyone is interested please click HERE to get to my shop.

Thanks for stopping by.... have a happy day and a great week too :)

Big Hugs,

Queenie

My Little Craft Corner....

2010-10-17T15:15:00.001-05:00

Welcome, come on in, and let me show you my little craft corner that I've been talking about in recent posts. It's something I've dreamed about for a real long time. It's a place all my own.... to craft .....and the best part is.....when I want to make something, I no longer have to get it all cleaned up, when it's time to eat supper. I can just leave the mess until the next day or the next, or the next even..... if I want to :) I've still been tweaking and still organizing and changing things..... since I took these pictures last week, but this will give you an idea of what it looks like. I found a rug yesturday for the area...It is sage green with roses on it, so just imagine that there too, okay? So without further delay....Here it is......

I made these labels for my button jars last week..... using some of my vintage button cards. I scanned them, cropped them and enlarged them......printed them and glued them to the jars...these jars were originally pickle and jelly jars that I had saved and had painted the lids red. I'm glad I saved them now, because they have really come in handy :)

This is my free sewing machine...there is a story behind this one, and here it is. Well, I made some throw pillows last year and I decided to consign them at a consignment shop. They sold to a lady who happen to want more of the material that I had made the pillows from. Well, she got my phone number from the shop owner, and she called me to ask me if I had anymore of the material..... or if I knew where to get some more of it. Of course, I didn't know where to get anymore of the material..... it was likely discontinued, but I happened to have a little bit left, so I offered to give it to her. She offered to pay me for it, but I said no, because I wasn't going to use it for anything else, and I just appreciated her buying the throw pillows. She said okay, and so I took the material to her. When I took the material to her, we started talking and I told her that my old sewing machine had broken. She then said that she had a sewing machine that she didn't need, it had belonged to a relative, who had passed away, and she wanted me to have it. I couldn't believe my ears. She went on to say that she already had a sewing machine, and wanted to bless me with this one, and give me it. I was so thankful to her..... and I just knew in my heart, that God was looking out for me and was blessing me too. I am so grateful for this lady's generosity...and for her kindness as well. When I look at this sewing machine.....I can't help but smile big, because it is much more than just a sewing machine to me..... It is a reminder of the goodness of stranger and the goodness of God.... who I feel used her to bless me. I will always be thankful for the day that this sewing machine became mine.

Here's a place for my wreath making supplies and flowers....I love to make seasonal wreaths....

My paints...I really would like to practice my roses...because I am very rusty at painting these days...I wish I had stuck with it back in 2002, when I first taught myself to paint. For anyone wondering...no, I didn't paint the picture above the paint supplies...I am not gifted in landscape painting, but I do have an appreciation for it, and all handpainted art.....so I kept this painting, that was from the auction boxed lot that hubby recently got.

Sea Glass, Sea shells and Broken Roses Plates......they can inspire me inside of the old ball jars until I use them for something.

This little wicker shelf was a recent $1.00 find.....I sure found that just when I needed it....

I used things that I already had for holding different crafting doo-dads....

An Old jewerly box...this works great for organizing small things.... because of all of the little compartments.....

I'll still be on the hunt for more containers to help me get more organized.....

Here's some pretty Boxes for the paper crafts.....

This was a soap box that I recycled by adding a vintage image to the top of it....

And another soap box that I embellished the top of.....

More papers crafts....thanks so much to all of you girls, who have inspired me to love paper crafts.....and you know who you are :)

My plastic drawers that I've filled with bags of ribbon.....I found something yesturday that I can use to organize these better....and hopefully I'll get a chance to show it soon.....

and some of my fave fabrics.....

I still have a lot more organizing I'd like to do... but for now, this will do.....and I am happy :)

Here's the whole view of my craft corner.....you just have to imagine the sage green rug with roses on it, that I put down there on the floor yesturday.....

This is the BEFORE pics of the corner, when it was first built.

Well, Thanks for stopping by today, to see what I've been up to. This is where I'll be creating now. I think spending time out here is going to be sheer bliss! A very special thanks to my sweet husband, "R" for helping to make this dream come true for me.
Big hugs, Queenie

A Quick Before and After Project ~ Silver Chalked Tray

2010-10-06T09:38:00.009-05:00

This is such a fun and easy craft project for silver trays and platters that have seen better days....These are so decorative and practical too. I have wanted one of these, since I first saw them in magazines and then all over blogland as well.....I'm so glad I made me one finally, and You can make one too.....Here's how.....

Sand the surface to be painted....lightly with a fine sand paper, just enough to rough it up for the chalk paint to adhere......

Tape with masking tape, all surfaces that you don't want to paint,

Paint with Chalk Paint, (you can purchase at Wal-mart for about $3.75 a can). I painted it with three light coats, letting it dry between coats. After the three coats, I let dry for 24 hours before using it....following paint can instructions. That's it......

The best part about this tray is that my son's are loving it.....they think it's so neat, because they never have to ask, "Mama, what's for dinner tonight?" They only need to look on the table at the daily menu. By the way, I do plan my grocery lists weekly, by a planned menu for the week. So I know about what I'll be cooking each day. I've done this as long as I can remember, it was my husband's idea long long ago. It makes it so much easier to plan ahead and then I know what I'll be cooking in advance, and plus it really does keep me on budget. Which is always a good thing :)

Well, it's sure been Chilli eating wheather this week, even in the south. I've been waiting all summer for this kind of wonderful weather.....it's been just perfect, I couldn't ask for anything more. Anyway, If you are interesting in my homemade recipe for Chilli, you can click HERE

Thanks for stopping by....have a great day! Hope your weather has been as nice as ours has been :)

Big Hugs,

Queenie

For the Love Of Old Linens and Embroidery.....

2010-10-04T13:09:00.005-05:00

I don't know what it is about old linens that just draw me right in....but they do, and I just adore them......Here are some linens that I found at the moving/estate sale that I recently posted about....
They were a little bit dingy with a few stains, but I grabbed them up anyway....I planned on soaking them in oxyclean....that usually does the trick for removing yellowing and stains.

Here are some close-up pics of how they turned out after they'd been hand washed......such pretty details.....

I did iron the one on the right, but I see now, that it sure doesn't look like it....anyone out there have any tips on really getting the wrinkles out of 100% linen fabric? Sometimes that's tough to do. So many times when I iron linen fabric, I'll think it's ironed and then after I turn the iron off, a little while later, the wrinkles come back. It's kinda crazy.

Look at the details on this one.....

Each one is so unique and is really a little piece of art......

I will hang on to these pretty babies and take very good care of them.

I can't make up my mind which one of these table runners that I like best....the linen one with cut-out design or the white cotton one below with eyelet design.....

I am so pleased that the soaking in oxyclean, got rid of the dingy white... looks so fresh and pretty now :)

(These aren't for sale but I do have some linens for sale in my shop at Etsy HERE ......for anyone that might be interested).

Now, last but not least is this cute embroidered tea towel, which I think is extra cute.

As I look at each embroidered piece, I imagine the work that went into them, and I get a tugging at my heart strings, as I am reminded that someone's sweet hands made them.....and that's makes them extra special. I think I will always be drawn to old linens, especially embroidered ones. Let me ask you something..... What are you especially drawn to while out treasure hunting? What draws you in like a magnet everytime? You can tell me in my comments section down below this post.

Well, Thanks for dropping by today, to take a peek at some of the vintage linens that I found....if you have a love for them as I do, I hope that you find some around every corner, when you are out treasure hunting :) I hope you have a happy day too.....

Big Hugs,
Queenie

Before and After Chair Make-Over~ Red Toile Shabby chic Chair

2010-09-26T08:09:00.002-05:00

Before and After are always so fun to see aren't they?! Here's the After pics of my shabby cottage chair make-over. Now at least it's shabby in a good way :) (shabby Before Pics down below)
The paint was already wonderful..... antique white and chippy....so I only cleaned it good and left that as it was.....I just took the dirty fabric off the seat and added the red toile......this is now in my bedroom in front of the window....I am lovin' this this little red toile chair, this is the same fabric that I used for my throw pillows and valance.

Here is the BEFORE Pics of the chair.....very dirty and in desperate need of a make-over.......but I sure couldn't pass this chair up for $3.00, it had good bones and I love the shape of the back. What do ya think?!

Oh, Rocky likes it alright, but he wanted me to make mention that he did help with this project.....and he wanted me to tell you that I first covered the chair in aqua gingham and then changed my mind about it, and covered it with the red toile.......and he's glad this project is over and done with....

because he's got much more important things to do in his cat's life.....like catching up on his cat naps. He's a hoot, the rascal just has to be in the middle of everything going on. Gotta love him :)

Thanks for stopping by and seeing my chair make-over... Have a happy day
Big Hugs, Queenie

This is an older post, but I'm Linking up with Kathleen's DO YOU TOILE PARTY? Just Click the link visit the other participants or join in on the fun.

P.S. WE FINALLY GOT OUR NEW STORAGE BUILDING!! How could I almost forget? Our new storage building is built out back now, and it's a 12ft. by 20ft. I am so happy!! Can you tell?! It smells like fresh lumber in there when I walk in (I love that smell). Hubby has it wired and it has electricity, and he is still going to be building shelves for storage of things we sell, as well as storage for seasonal things and totes/bins and boxes for shipping ect. We need the extra space badly, as we were busting out of the other building. We have been busy getting both buildings in order and have made alot of progress....at least I can get my seasonal bins down now and when Christmas time gets here, I will be able to get to the Christmas trees with ease. Anyway the best part of this news about the new building..... is that a corner of it is going to be for me to put two tables.... so I'll have a craft corner.....a place to do my craft projects, and not have to put the mess away when it's time to eat supper! Well, as you can imagine, I have been busy busy busy organizing. I'll be sure to show my craft corner when I am done with it..... don't know when that will be .....but I'll be sure to do a post about it when I'm done. Now tell me something.......are we ever really done?! Would it be any fun if we were? :)

Welcoming Fall~

2010-09-19T08:07:00.026-05:00

With some warmer colors for the living room........ Welcome Fall....I have been eagerly anticipating your arrival.....

Fall stands for so many wonderful and exciting things... Don't you think?! Scarecrows, Halloween and Trick or Treating....

Harvest time.....

and Pumpkins.....and Turkey......

School Carnivals....remember bobbing for apples? I do!

Of course, I never bobbed for them, but oh the fun of watching other people do so.....

Beautiful Changing of the leaves....and did I mention Pumpkins....and Pumpkin Patches....

Pilgrims and Thanksgiving Time.....

Grapevine wreaths, acorns and pinecones..... and warmer colors

Candles in scents like apple nut butter.....that warm the heart as well as remind us of all the yummy foods that come with this time of year.....

Shorter days and cozy nights....more time to watch movies in the evening....because it gets dark so early......

and Cornucopias.......known since ancient times as the horn of plenty..... it is a symbol of food and abundance. It is also a reminder to me that no matter what....we are so very blessed in every single way.

I really love fall....even though it is still a scorcher in my area....heat index still in the mid 90's ........I know that it won't be long now, and cooler temps will be on the way....I can hardly wait for that :)

Now, before I forget, I wanted to make mention that all of my fall decorating started withfinding the little tapestry pillow and the brick red valances and extra material that I found while yard saling not long ago, (remember that?) and yay, there was enough extra material in the same fabric as the valances here for me to make these throw pillows down below, I was able to make 4 of them :)

I almost forgot to say that this wicker table on wheels is one of my latest finds.......I put my french blue table that used to be here, in the storage building until spring time arrives once again....I'll pull it out again then. I'd been on the hunt for something that I could put here that would look more warm....for fall....I was so happy I found it.

Would you believe that this table was only $2, it was dusty and needed a good cleaning when I found it, and it had some scuffing on the edges of the rattan, but I cleaned it up and used some scratch cover markers on the scuffed places, and I also used some Old English furniture polish stain on it all over, and it looks like new :)

Just so you know....Rocky is really enjoying the cozy new look of the living room for fall...can you tell?! Change is good....it really is, not too much change, but a changing of the seasons and decoarating for the different seasons is always fun.... especially since it really doesn't have to cost much money to do so. Off season is a great time to buy seasonal treasures, and yard sales and thrift stores are great places to find these things too. I spent very little money on my fall decor..... as I found most of the things while out yard saling and thrifting..... I made most everything myself....like the throw pillows and flower arrangements....that makes it extra fun don't you think?! :)

Thanks for stopping by.....to help me welcome fall....hope that you have fun decorating for fall too :)

Big Hugs,

Queenie

I Know It's A Little Late.....

2010-09-12T11:22:00.003-05:00

But I just had to show you what my Labor Day Weekend looked like....oh it was a Labor Day alright.....Hubby and I went to our local auction and he bid on 6 rows of stuff and won......and where was I you ask? Well, obviously not where I should have been... by the hubby's side nudging him to stop the insanity....lol Instead, I was chatting away with a lady we always see and talk to when we go to the auction....she and I like to catch up on our junking adventures. Looking back now, maybe I should have been paying attention to what the hubby was up to, ....because before I knew what was going on....all of the boxes were ours.......and it took us probably 10 car loads to get it all home...I am not joking....This is what all we had to rummage through... It's a lot of stuff and do you believe we had it all sorted through in 3 days?

We were determined to get this done ....and quick, we literally had no more room to store this much stuff in our storage building yikes! It was one of those what we were thinking moments....lol! The pictures do not even really show how much stuff was really here.....It was so much work....

Sadly, some of the stuff wasn't worth keeping and some of the things that weren't salvageable. Out of all of these boxes we probably ended up with about 20 percent that we could keep and sell....

we alot that we didn't want to local charity.

Auction policy is that if you bid on it, you have to take all that's there in the row, you can't just leave what you don't want sitting there. Maybe that auction should invest in a dumpster onsite. Just sayin'. We'll be extra careful the next time we go back to the auction. We have to live and learn sometimes....that's just life. Oh well, I got some nice things.....not exactly what we expected out of that many boxes of stuff, but Here's some of the good stuff, and some of what I am keeping for myself....

This is the After picture....when I found it, this was so dirty,..... I took it out of the frame, soaked it and remounted it. I hung it in my hallway as to remember this little adventure....

I got this old sugar dish without a lid....that I plan on making a small fall flower arrangement with, and this tiny made in England harvest doll....I thought she'd be cute to use in a fall cloche vignette....

A piece of quilting that was the front of a stuffed kitty cat... that was not salvageable, but I didn't want to throw out the quilted part, so much work went into it I know..... so i cut this out and soaked it...it would make a pretty front to a throw pillow....

I have to admit that I almost fell out, when I found this Shabby Chic Rachel Ashwell Book in the box of books.....I think I jumped up and down for real....it was unbelievable...I've had the most fun looking through this book, and have always wanted one.

The old platter is sweet too......it made my day... especially after having seen all of the junk that I'd seen, while going through those boxes.....

And here are some cute doll house size books..... I love these. I am hoping this will be the start of many more doll house treasures that I will be able to find.....as I would love to have a doll house one day to decorate. I have wanted a doll house ever since I saw Kim's at Dear Daisy Cottage Blog.....have you seen her dollhouse over there at her blog? Click HERE to go see it. It's the cutest thing :)

Well, that's the way my Labor Day weekend (last weekend) turned out....it was a lot of work, but It was fun too.....guess it's just a day in the life of a junker. We did share a lot of laughs through it all..... some of the laughs, no doubt were laughs just to keep from crying,as we were literally up to our elbows in junk. lol Looking back, we did get a few treasures out of the boxes. I think we learned something very important too...... Don't bid on whole rows of boxes at the auction...especially when you can't see what's in the bottom of the boxes.... right honey? Have you people out there ever done anything this crazy before? If so, please do share, I would love to know. I haven't ....and I don't intend on doing it again :) I think a box or two at the auction will be sufficient....we don't need whole rows...we'll just pass on those next time :)
Thanks for stopping by to see what we've been up to......hope you have a great day, and whatever you do always make it fun..... when all else fails laught to keep from crying...that always works for me :)
Big Hugs,
Queenie

Before and After~ Project with Vintage Perfume Bottles.....

2010-09-05T16:23:00.009-05:00

I know I cheated a little and showed you the after photos first..... They are so much prettier than the before shots believe me. So here are my vintage perfume bottle finds from last weeks post.....

Here are the close-ups of each one....I had such fun re-invented each bottle.....

This one had no lid, so I made a stopper for it from clay. I formed the rose, like I do for my faux desserts and then formed and molded the stopper to fit the bottle....and then I baked it and wah~la....I have a stopper that fits the bottle.....

This one has a shabby white and rusty screw on lid...I love that

This one I embellished with an Antique Victorian perfume label. The label is courtesy of Karen at Graphics Fairy Blog.

She has a beautiful blog......and shares images that are from her huge collection of antique ephemera. I always have a ball, looking at all of her free antique images. If you've never been over to Karen's, treat yourself and head on over there :)

Now, here are the bottles that I showed you in last weeks finds.....here they are in their pitiful, and dirty BEFORE state. They so needed a make-over don't you think? I'm so glad I bought these and saved these old things...... I will be on the look out for more old vintage bottles that I can rescue :)

For anyone that may be interested.....these one of a kind bottles can be found for sale in my Etsy shop HERE or you can click the links in the sidebar of my blog.

Thanks so much for stopping by and seeing what I've been creating :)

Big Hugs,

Queenie

For the Love Of Old Stuff.....

2010-08-30T17:47:00.018-05:00

Most of these Old finds came from a moving/ estate sale.....everything in the house was for sale so there was a lot of stuff to be had. I came home with a lot of oldies but goodies this time. Lookie there....a staple gun! Just what I was on the hunt for this week because I'm gonna be needing it for this......

My $3.00 chair....a little dirty yes, but too cute to pass up, and I love the cracked and chippy paint...that will not be changing....I think this will be my next little before and after project. And here's a few close-ups of some other stuff....

Some pretty black and white transferware plates from the 1940s, I do believe....

Some vintage bottles that are very dirty..... and here are some cute green party cups....

Old Rose Picture .......

and another old picture ...... And last but not least are these vintage playing cards.....aren't they so pretty?! I just love these!

Well, that's it for this time, I'm sure some of these things will end up in my shop at Etsy soon....I hope everyone has a great week :) Thanks for dropping by!

Big Hugs,

Queenie