Inspiration: Paris Opera House

I ripped this page out of a book I have about operas. The grand architecture and linear border are so striking!

Thrilled to Bits

This contest theme was a bit strange. Ha! My Thrilled to Bits design is in Spoonflower's Watercolor Power Tools challenge of the week.

Retro Floral Aprons

 This fun apron hails from the 1960s, is in perfect condition, and is trimmed with piping. The sky blue floral print is complete cheer.

 This longer ditsy floral apron is probably from the '70s. Note the lacy pocket and ruffle--very Little House on the Prairie.

The rickrack and funky diamond floral date this apron to the '50s. It also features an interesting coiled plastic one-size-fits-all waistband. Perfect for whipping the apron on and off!

Creamsicle Mermaid

 My Creamsicle Mermaid fabric is in Spoonflower's Mermaids challenge of the week. The winning design will be turned into girls' PJs by CWDkids!

Finnegan's Market

 Last Saturday I went to Finnegan's Market in Hudson, Quebec. It is a pleasantly sized, nicely situated, laid back outdoor antique and craft market. Bonus: the town of Hudson is stunningly quaint.

 I found this gorgeous ceiling medallion and plan on painting it white to touch up the scuffed bits. It only cost $10! Instead of gluing it to my ceiling I am going to hang it on my wall.

 This $1 vintage travel sticker was my favourite out of a binder full of them. The doughy chef makes me chuckle.

 At the last booth I was looking at I saw this bundle of vintage sewing patterns in a box under the table and whipped it out. It cost $3! I adore the illustrations! More for my collection!

 This sweet tag was under the patterns. I'm not sure what it was for--Bridge, maybe? If you know, let me know!

 I also got these lovely saucers in a mismatched bin for $2 each.

 Finally, this $20 apple crate has wonderful texture and graphics, and a woody smell!

 I highly recommend making a trip to Finnegan's!

The Artisan Pickle

My The Artisan Pickle fabric is in Spoonflower's Pickles design challenge of the week!

Recent Thrift: Metal Ornaments

I found this switch plate and these metal ornaments at an architectural salvage store. I'm thinking of painting the ornaments (letting some of the metal ridges show through) to use with pretty knobs on furniture.

Yes, Mother Dear

Good things are always where they are meant to be, and leap out at me at the right time.  A couple of weeks ago I was at a church garage sale flipping through the frames when I found this print from 1923. Breathless and beaming with joy, I gave the saleswoman the $0.25 for it, thanked her while telling her my scheme, and covered the frame in a bag before my mom saw. 

My mom was totally oblivious, which is pretty astounding because she always has premonitions about gifts. Maybe that's a mom thing. Anyway, this vintage, found, faded, faithful, floral, framed, poetic, typographic gift is beautiful in so many ways--just like the wonderful lady who proudly propped it up on her mantel today. 

Finely Carved

My Finely Carved design is in Spoonflower's Wooshop challenge of the week. It was inspired by the carvings on 18th Century commodes.

The French Cat

If you need to escape to Felineland and/or France, this book of breathtaking photography is your ticket. It's absolutely gorgeous!

Vintage Striped Vera Scarf

The other day I was in the changing room at Value Village and my mom, who was thrifting with me, was apparently entertaining herself by flipping through the scarves. As I opened the door to show her a shirt I had on, she tossed a scarf into my hands and said, "Look what I found--it's very cute and French-looking!" I agreed. She added, "And look at the nice logo!" My jaw dropped and heart leaped. After babbling about the fact that it is a Vera scarf, I looked at the price tag--$1.99--and babbled some more.

Judging by this article about how to date a Vera scarf by the logo, I'd say it's from the '80s or '90s, so it's not incredibly old, but I love it anyway!

Eyelet Blooms Border

My Eyelet Blooms Border fabric is in Spoonflower's Flowers for Mom Border Print challenge of the week. It would be easy to whip it up as a skirt, table cloth, and so on!