Tree of Thrift

This is a tale of a tacky picture turned tacky art duo.  

Several years back, our friend Doug made the move from Chicago to make Madison his home.  As a bachelor,  his apartment was fairly simple, but he did have some decor gems.  In his bathroom... this awesomely gnarly tree picture.  

 Glued onto a beveled wood plaque, a mustardy gold sky framed the tree.  Tacky, but I loved it.  Each time he moved, the tree came with him and now lives with him and his new wife.

So when I  found a dingier version of the "golden tree" at a thrift store, I snatched it up faster than you could say trash, with an idea of making it a set.

Last weeks was Doug's birthday, so felt it was time the doppelganger made its appearance.

I wanted to make a real contrast, so the dark branches turned white, that mustard sky became violet and the autumn brush was transformed into a lush green moss.  

It was a hit. AND in case they were wondering where to put this gem... they have an empty spot on the other side of their bathroom mirror.  It's like it was just waiting for its twin.

2012 the Year of the Dragon

Today begins theYear of the Dragon.  2012's dragon is that of the water variety, which happens once every 60 years.  The dragon is the only sign in the Chinese zodiac that is mythological, but it is also the most power.  The dragon is driven, fearless & willing to take risks. Possessing high energy & prosperity, the year of the dragon brings optimism and hope for the year ahead.

..and to commemorate, some of my favorite dragon themed Etsy finds

Nancy F's illuminated photo

Hit it and Beat it 's cool metal sculpture

Zipluxe 's groovy metal wrap ring

LK Farnsworth 's colorful vintage celluloid necklace

Printster 's graphic linocut print

& Aqua Moose 's sweet pottery pet.

Hotel de Glace

In just 6 weeks, I will be crossing a very cool thing on 'my list'.  Staying in an ice hotel.

I studied one summer at the University Laval in Quebec City, Canada and fell in love with the city's European charm.  Cobble stone streets, old fortress walls and hearing French everywhere.  A return trip, with Nate, has been on the list for awhile and when I saw that Quebec City had an ice hotel it became our next adventure.

The 36 room Hotel de Glace opens today and although only open for 12 weeks, the hotel expects thousands of visitors to their grounds. Ice sculptures, guided tours, snowshoeing and even an ice slide make this man made natural fortress a site to be seen and I just cannot wait.

When you arrive at the hotel, you are greeted with a cocktail in the bar served in what else..an ice glass.

Hot tubs & saunas are both on site and when it is time to retire we'll tuck ourselves in our arctic sleeping bags for a cozy nights sleep.

We are only spending one night at the ice hotel and a couple more in the old city.   Until then, I am brushing up on my French, searching for great restaurants and making sure I have lots of warm weather gear.

Favicon

Notice anything fun when your opened this page?  I now have a Favicon!  You know that little square image next to the URL and it was really easy to do.

 Blogger recently added a button for it on the design tab, but if you Google it I am sure you will find a method for whatever system you have.

Just one more step towards branding and a new focus for 2012.  More DIY's, an expanded vintage shop and an all encompassing website.  Exciting stuff indeed!

Favorite Finds of 2011

After a long vacation, I am back an back with a bang for my favorite finds of 2011.  Some went right to the shop and others found a special place in my home. I hope they give you some vintage inspiration.

My first is a very special one.  This vintage plaid garment bag was sold in November to a prop agent in California for the show Mad Men.  Yes, that Mad Men.  You can bet I will be scouring each episode this spring for its appearance.  

Metal is always a hit and when in the form of these old Zoo 101 it is a no brainer.

While tearing down at last May's Vintage Bazaar, I spotted this darling vintage Christmas house. Complete with glittered snow and stained glass windows, it was the star of my table decor this year.

and while scrounging thru my family barn this summer, I unearthed these fabulous Hot/Cold knobs.  Perfectly patina'd and really heavy.

This collection of antique phonograph cylinders is true blast from the past.  I found that a tall shot glass (set inside) makes for a darling bud vase and keeps the cardboard sleeve dry.

Sets are always a win and when they are Pyrex and in monochromatic shades of green, they are even better.

This little metal dog will fit right in with my existing pack.  I named him Felix.

Letters are still the rage and when they are my husbands initial, this neon castoff could not get in my truck fast enough.

When I am searching for a specific treasure, Etsy is my first stop.  This bundle of 1930's funny money was the key element in my Budget Surplus lamp. (now for sale at Hatch Art House)

The thrill of the hunt indeed.  A 3-D art piece was missing its star, until a trip to a thrift store made the diorama all come together. Also for sale at Hatch

 How about this for nostalgia.  A pair of Rock um Sock um Robots.  

 An Italian finger vase.  I thought the periwinkle color was fun on its own but when my fuchsia zinnias are added, it pops even more.

 Quirky and fabulous.  A trio of mannequin arms was just too random to pass up.  I have a great project in mind, but the engineering behind it is presenting some challenges.

 Owls may be so 2010, but when they are as cute as this little turquoise bank, it becomes timeless....in my opinion of course.

and lastly....an old fish/bait basket.  Filled with a string of lights and hung from my porch ceiling, the glow it provides is just magical.

Happy 2012 to all.  May this year be filled with adventure, fun and much treasure hunting!

the Runway

There are projects that I think of and come together in a weekend and there are others that takes months.

My Runway trio for example. The last new piece for last weeks Hatch show. I had an old set of 3 blond kitchen cabinets that I wanted to do use together, but nothing was clicking.

Then- a very clever Etsy-er listed these bundles of colorful vintage buttons.  I just liked the way the 3 colors looked together and added them to the supply shelf.  It wasn't till months later that I put the 2 together and just knew that the buttons needed to be dresses.

After giving the doors a fresh white coat, I quickly sketched out a rough outline, painted the dress a matching color and just started gluing on the buttons.  A little paint by number, a little puzzle constructing, but I achieved what I was hoping.

Now- just needed to give them some personality.  Of course they needed different hair dos, but the other parts remained similar.  Soft flowy limbs, flirty eyelashes and some ruby red lips.

To top it all off.  Barbie boots.  Not sure where I picked these up, but I was able to scrounge up 3 pair and these girls were off the the show.

So, that is the show recap.  5 blog posts in one week....I think that is a record.  I hope you enjoyed and see you back here soon.

Fridge Philosophy

I wanted to create a little something for the show that everyone could bring home.  Something that resembled my style,but in a lower price range.  How about jar lid and Altoid tin magnets?  I have been collecting them for quite awhile and thought they were a perfect vessel for some inspirational words, colorful images and some 3-D elements. 

 

Throughout many times in my life, I have relied on little quotes or sayings to help me put things in perspective and get me back on track.  Like a little mantra or positive message, they really can change your mood. Even if that is just putting a smile on your face.

Images included magical pages from a children's book

recycled landscape shots from an old calendar

and for some 3-D elements....

my favorite fuzzy chicks are always a hit

and how about a little caffeine boost?

A few are still available at Hatch and I'm sure you'll see some in my shop soon. In the meantime....feel free to email me for any special requests.

Enjoy today !