6 degrees of salvage

I briefly showed you this chair before my show last weekend, but once I found its origins I just had to expound.

So, about 2 months ago when driving down Milwaukee Ave, over here on the east side, I see this chair on the curb. As usual, I made a u-turn and popped open the back of the truck. The intricate scrolling and tall back were just too good to pass up.

I wanted the transformation to be fairly drastic, so a new vibrant color choice was the first step. Left over, of course...from this project.

Once that was on, it was easier to see my end vision. I went thru my stash of scrap fabrics to recover the seat, but none really jumped out. I scoured the local fabric stores and although I found a few that would work....not that perfect match. Since I only needed a 16 by 16 inch square, I stepped outside the box and used this fantastic old bath towel, picked up a a thrift store.

The color was just what I was looking for and the dual texture added a nice upolstered touch. After stripping the original seat to bare wood and re-padding with high density foam and the towel. The chair was complete.

I named it the Verona chair because at the base of this wooden wonder was a stamp reading 'Made in Italy' . Thought it was a nice reminder of its origins....but that would soon be thrown a big loop.

When I arrived at the show that morning and started setting up all my wares, the organizer of the event came up to me, and said 'that is my chair.' At first I thought she just meant that she had one like it, but after further investigation, we discovered it really was her chair....even down to the doggie chew marks on one of the ball feet. Her ex-husband had inherited it and must have put it on the curb, as he lives in the neighborhood where I found it. Now really...what are the odds?

I always like to tell my customers, that these items come from our local streets, and something you toss out today might become tomorrows treasure, but I didn't think I would ever see such a close connection. I couldn't have made up a better story if I tried.

At the end of the show, the previous owner, Maureen, came over and whispered..."I think I need the chair" and I replied," I think you do too".

I love this story and it is one I will surely be telling for years to come. As for the chair....it has appropriately been renamed 'the Maureen.' In honor of it's previous, and now current owner. I hope she gives you many years of happiness. Enjoy.

Write on! Hippie Christmas # 4

The finale. Just 4 short months ago I was rescuing all these treasures from a landfill fate during student move out and now the finale is here.

So here is our before....

A pretty cool coffee table to start with, and with a groovy paint choice, it would have been an easy quick fix, but I thought of one just as easy and even more groovy.

Chalkboard paint ! Readily available at your local hardware/paint/craft store and really easy to apply. But first the prepping. If you want a nice, smooth surface you MUST sand. Nicks, gouges and overall gook will only intensify once the paint it applied. A belt sander can smooth it in seconds, otherwise just a medium grain sandpaper and some elbow grease will do the trick too.

Now the paint. When I want a really flawless finish I use a roller and when I want it really, really smooth I use foam. No nap to create high and low points.

After just one coat, the table looked like this. Easy, easy and a real professional appearance too. I ended up doing two coats, just to be safe, but as always, follow the manufacturer's directions.

Although it would be a great game table for score keeping or just general doodling, after a conversation with my mother, we discovered it was also perfect toddler height. Nate and I have two 1 year old nephews and they were definitely the inspiration for this one. Saturated primary colors (from left-over cans) were the color choice, and I simply alternated the paint colors to create an appealing order.

I finished this the night before the Artists Open House, so I was not able to get a lot of sunny shots, but I think you get the idea. After inscribing a little message for the fair goers that morning, I wrapped up a small bundle of colored chalk to complete the package and we were off.

It was the second sale of the day and was attracting lots and lots of toddlers. It was instant advertising. The lucky buyers were a couple getting it for their grandson for Christmas. Ahhhh, my thought exactly.

I'll be sharing more photos and stories about the show and all the new transformations later this week.

Fresh off the workbench

Better late than never right. Here are two transformations that you can pick up at tomorrow's Artists Open House at the Goodman Center..... as well as many others.

Telephone table BEFORE

Oldham telephone table AFTER


Roadside chair BEFORE.....

Verona chair AFTER...
More details on their transformations later, I just couldn't wait to share.

blast from the past

This summer while hitting the flea market circut. I rediscovered my love for these faces. Fisher Price little people (before there were choking hazards).

Dealers are selling them and all their accessories....some for a some serious cash. ie) the castle. They made me smile, so I took home a big handful and figured I would come up with some use...and I did.

This weekend at the Craftacular (very fun by the way), I debuted my little guys as necklaces or keychains. They got a stellar reaction. Lots of smiles, memories and good ole nostalgia...especially the dog. My Jabberjaw lunchbox provided a nice display box as well as the little slide transformed into a sign holder. I will have more next week at the Artist Open House and if there are any left...look for them in my shop.

Speaking of the Open House. As I mentioned last week, this is a show with my furniture pieces. So besides my already completed projects, I have been digging thru the garage to see what others I can crank out in a short time frame.

I picked up this telephone table at the Cedarburg flea and it has made the cut. A scrap piece of woolen, plaid fabric was the inspiration and I just picked up the paint yesterday. It is going to be very modern, hunting lodge chic. Look for it later this week here ,or see it LIVE at the open house this Sunday the 6th.

get funky

'Tis the season for holiday fairs.

This Saturday I will showing some of my more gifty items at the Craftacular, AND the following weekend (Dec. 6th), I am schelping out all my housewears and bigger furniture pieces for the Artists' Holiday Open House...a funkified Yuletide shopping experience.

This show will be a lot more like my one this summer. An assortment of curbside castoffs that have been revamped and recycled into fabulous eco showpieces for your home, or that special person on your list. Who says you can't give an end table as a Christmas gift?

There will be about a dozen local artists showing their wears in the beautiful new Goodman Community Center. Bring a friend and check it out. Some of the highlights will include my 4 Hippie Christmas projects, a fantastic wine and cheese cart, a magical peacock lantern and a few more vamped up chairs. The center is located at 149 Waubesa Street here in Madison and the show will be in Evjue Room D from 10-6pm. I think it will be a really diverse group.

For more details and a list of vendors, check out the show's Facebook page

bookmarks

The Craftacular folks are giving away holiday gift bags to the first 50 people in line at next Saturday's big event. A perfect opportunity for me to get crafty and think of a unique, cost effective, yet marketable item to donate.

This summer I picked up a disassembled kids picture book (probably from the late 60's) with all these great images and phrases.. After mounting them on coordinating construction paper, covering them in plastic and attaching a piece of twine, they became fun, recycled bookmark giveaways.

I couldn't pass up the opportunity to advertise my business to those 50 people either, so a clear address label on the back with my logo and website serves as a nice little calling card.

Not willing to brave the line to get your bag ? No problem. If you are a friend of GREEN CRICKET SALVAGE on Facebook and stop on by...you will take one home too. Hope to see you all there.

Craftacular !

Mark your calenders for the 5th annual holiday Craftacular here in Madison - Saturday November the 28th.

Over 60 vendors will be filling the Masonic Center with fantastic handmade goods....including yours truly. I have been several times as a customer but this is my first time exhibiting. You are sure to find loads of unique gifts in all price ranges...and if your like me, a few things for yourself.

As for the Green Cricket booth...you will find a unique selection of my LP trays (from all genres) now with trim, new filmstrip earrings (black and white too) and a few other recycled goodies I have up my sleeve. Be one of the first 50 people in the door and you also receive a free gift bag. In it you'll find a fun Green Cricket item too.

For more info check out their site .... or their Facebook page.
Hope to see you there

Rhapsody in Blue - Hippie Christmas #3

November is here and that means the 3rd installment of my Hippie Christmas challenge. I know I promised the coffee table, but I am saving that one for next months grand finale...I think it is going to be a pretty cool transformation. Anyway, back to this month.

I snatched this guy up on the corner of Blair and Gorham during student move out. The trash truck was literally a half a block behind me, so I had to be quick. I loved the cutouts and the odd little wings at the bottom were a fun design element.

After a coat of primer and initial application of my periwinkle blue, I noticed this happening

...cracks and bubbles like this means the paint is not adhering. After further investigation, I found that even with the primer, a few spots of the base wood still had some layers of the varnish from the previous paint job. After sanding, rubbing with a bit of mineral spirits and then re priming, I was ready for the paint. My advice is if the finish looks questionable, sand, then prime... you will save yourself some time. You can normally tell from the touch. If it is slick, chances are their is some residue left. I am normally so excited to get to the fun stuff, I have been known to create more work for myself when I rush thru the prep. Lesson learned.

Now the fun stuff. With a serene coat of blue to highlight the delicate cutouts, I still needed something for the top.

Last week I spent a few days helping my dad clean out his old farmhouse. Among the cool treasures (more on that later), I found boxes and boxes of old sheet music from my grandmothers collection. Some dating back to the 1920's. I liked the texture, detail, and of course the recycling factor, so I got out my trusty Mod Podge and went to decoupaging.

The little winged ends seemed to have been an after thought in the construction of this side table, because after a little closer look, I found they were quite unfinished on the ends. Instead of cutting, trimming or filling with putty, I choose to just disguise them. After all, the whole point of fixing up a curbside cast off is that it is not a huge investment and making this wood look like a finished edge would have taken a lot of that.

So, besides covering the top with the strips of sheet music, I made those raggedy edges look crisp and clean by covering them too. Kind of worked with the linear lines anyway. After all the sheets were in place and another coat of the Mod Podge to seal, this once dark, clunky piece was ready for her encore.

I read a quote once from a decoupage artist that said something to the effect of "If something stays still long enough, there is a good chance I will try to cover it in paper." I have to say I share that philosophy. It is really a fun and easy medium for transforming things. I have used maps, comics, newsprint and even Suduko pages. Little risk, as most would end up in the recycling anyway, so give it a try the next time you are feeling creative.

Dia de los Muertos

While poking around on Etsy, I found a truckload of cool items commemorating the Mexican holiday Day of the Dead or All Souls Day. Here is just a sampling of the unique handmade goods.

skull garland Raw Bone Studio


wall art Carmela Jay

colorful tote shortymc40

wedding couple Goodydevi

candlabras from Pattymara

Boo

Have a spooky spectacular Halloween.


image from Outdoor Urbanite

Ico Parisi

On one of my trips to the Twin Cities this summer, I found this mega thrift store right off the Interstate that has become a new fav. I popped in looking for some more albums and besides coming out with a few of those, I also came out with this table and a groovy, rattan footstool.

Our dining room is a bit 70's chic and felt it would be a really nice addition to the space... and at $7 the price was right. SO, this weekend while perusing a vintage furniture shop here in town, I see a whole stack of them. Cool. I thought mine was just a random piece. Turns out it is from an Italian designer Ico Parisi, circa 1956, and the value on auction sites range from $495-700. yes, SEVEN HUNDRED dollars. I need to get it appraised to be sure, but the details are pretty unmistakable. I felt like one of those people on Antiques Roadshow.

I am probably going to sell it, although I really do love it (even more now that I know it is a designer piece), but, the cash could certainly be put to a little better use...maybe a down payment on a new road bike for the spring or even a weekend getaway, we'll see.

Anyway, without sounding too trite, this proves once again that you never know what treasure you will find amongst the trash. And for all those folks that turn up their nose at second hand goods...you don't know what you are missing.

'C' is for cookie

If you think a cookie is just a cookie, I would strongly suggest that you make a stop at Batch Bakehouse here in Madison and prove yourself wrong.

The other day I checked out this new bakery and could not resist trying one of their chocolate chip cookies that were piled on a big platter. The crunch of the exterior followed by the soft goo of the interior was more than I had anticipated. A hint of salt and the chocolate was so creamy and in perfect proportion to the batter. Seriously, I think it is the best chocolate chip cookie I have ever eaten...and I have eaten my fair share, trust me. I must have talked about it for days until I had the chance to go back and satisfy my urge once again.

In addition to the cookies, Batch offers sinfully delicious, sugar dusted morning buns and of course the fresh baked bread. Started by the clever folks at Ian's pizza (of mac and cheese pizza fame) these folks have got a real winner on their hands. Open Wednesday thru Sunday on the hip Eastside, Batch has become a new staple in my shopping stops, as I am sure it soon will be for you too. If you are in town, or plan to visit, you must put this one on your list.

Where is your spot for the BEST cookie ever ?

a-maze-ing

Our fall here in Wisconsin has been a little disappointing. Cold, wet weather have limited the chances to partake in all those fun, autumnal activities. But, with the forecast on my side and a free afternoon, Friday, I kidnapped Nate to cross off another thing on my list....a corn maze.

It is quite the rage here in the Midwest. Farmers plot out a course and create a path or maze, for the willing to navigate their way thru.

Our choice, Treinen Farm's , near Lodi, is about 30 minutes from Madison. Nate was a bit skeptical, until he saw this years mermaid design spread over 15 acres.

This place is quite the operation. Besides the maze, they have a pumpkin patch, kids play area, pumpkin sling shot and hayrides. They start you off with a small square of the map and it is up to you to find the other squares hidden inside various mailboxes.

It was a gorgeous, early evening. Cool temps, blue skies and a nice breeze that whooshed thru the rows and rows of stalks. Growing up on a corn farm, I was always very respectful of the massive fields. My father, for good reason, made it very clear that the fields were not for playing, it is way too easy for a child to get lost...really lost. But, with my mountaineer hubby as my guide and the map of course, it was quite fun for kids of all ages.

In no time we were collecting our squares and although they say it takes about an hour to find the finish, Nathan found it in about 35 minutes....with only one wrong turn.


and at the end...an observation tower. Although you couldn't see the whole scope of the maze's design, it was a great spot for a sunset viewing over the golden fields of southern Wisconsin.

For a list of corn mazes in your area check here.

DIY Halloween

With a little over 2 weeks until Halloween, now is the time to start planning and making those costumes. If you give yourself the time to gather all the goods, a handmade costume is really not that tough....even if you do not consider yourself crafty. Besides why buy more NEW things, when there is always something old you can transform.

This is me circa 1978 as a fortune teller. Mom's old scarfs, lots of bangles and a styrofoam ball wrapped in tin foil made for a very authentic gypsy. I am sure my 8 year old theatrics helped embody that character just a little. My mom made the BEST costumes.

...and it was as if I was a fortune teller when I made this Max costume for Nate last year. I am sure you have all seen that the beloved children's book "Where the Wild Things Are" has been made into a movie that opens this Friday. This is a great one for all ages. I used a hooded disposable poly suit that you can find at most hardware stores or ReStore (they are normally used for painting), add the big yellow buttons (made from construction paper), a crown and a scepter and you have your own little wild thing.

Keeping with our story book theme, last year I was Madeline. That sweet French girl in her blue overcoat and big straw hat. Not wanting to buy a big blue coat for the occasion, I hit the thrift stores in search of inspiration. The solution. A graduation gown. Bigger thrift stores like Ragstock have entire rounders filled with gowns in ever color. A scrap of white fabric to cover the tell tale 'graduation' neckline and a big red bow was all it took. Accesorizing with some bobbie socks, mary-janes and that big straw hat (also thrift) and this little girl was ready for the fete. Total cost $7.00.

How about the Travelocity roaming gnome ? An outdated navy trench coat, a poster board cone hat, a buckle made from cardboard and tinfoil and a purchased white beard was all this one took to transform Nate into this ad icon...and his companion, I was his travel journal. 2 used maps decorated with various postcards and an airplane headband. We pulled this one together in 24 hours.

AND....I swear as soon as I found out my sister-in-law was having twins, I couldn't wait to make them Dr. Seuss's Thing 1 and Thing 2. Red leggings and long sleeve tops are easy to find at any big retailer add on a ironable chest number and the hair....I took blue fleece hats from Old Navy and hot glue gunned strips of fly fishing hair in that iconic blue. I Googled bright blue fun fur and it was one of the options. Who knew. I would have never thought of that, but because I gave myself the time, and patience, I was able to get an almost perfect match.

As for other ideas...look to pop culture, movies, books, topics in the news, or just hit the thrift stores. Chances are a skirt, a hat or a prop will start getting those creative juices flowing. Remember, these costumes do not need to last more than a night or two, so if you do not sew, duct tape, Stitch Witchery , hot glue and even staples can serve as great tools to construct your costume. The bottom line is it should be comfy and of course safe for the kiddies.


Need more inspiration, or some great "how-to's" ? check out these sites.

a very cute strong man
PBS Craft Apparent


or your own version of "UP"
Country Living

Homemade costumes can be a great creative outlet for your family, usually very eco friendly (as you are using USED goods), a lot cheaper and of course one of a kind.

Happy Halloween !

in the pink

It is hard not to notice the influx of PINK this time of year. My October magazines were filled with some fantastic, charitable buys that help support the fight against breast cancer. Here are just a few to get you started on your holiday shopping.

cozy wren house $65.00 (10% donated to the Susan G. Komen foundation)
Louisville Stoneware




Gerbera daisy umbrella $25.00 ($5 donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation))
Unique Vintage



Marimekko tote (100% donated to the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade)

AVON

Mondrian shelf- Hippie Christmas #2

Another month come and gone and another project completed from my Hippie Christmas segment.

For you new folks.....I live in a university town and when the students move in and out, they leave tons and tons of usable home goods lining the streets. I am highlighting one project a month from my stash this year to show how 'trash' can be easily re purposed.

So this was my canvas this month...a segmented bookshelf or side table. Nice, sturdy and painted all white. Very linear, modern and geometric. Sitting solo on a downtown intersection...how could I pass it up. The empty spaces were the inspiration here.

This is a work from Piet Mondrian entitled 'Sans Titre'. Mondrian is the father of geometric abstraction. Typically only using 4 to 5 primary colors, Mondrian took right angles to whole new level when he combined these shapes and colors and outlined them in black. So basic, yet so complex. These 2 were soon destined to meet.

The colors were easy enough to replicate... your basic artists primary palette. Red, yellow and blue.

After a fresh coat of white over the whole piece, I started choosing the order. 3 to 4 coats should be plenty to give a rich look and when finished off with a black border...the piece is transformed.


Besides a little vision and paint, this project was quite simple. Although it is fun to flip something 180 degrees, sometimes when you work with what is already there....the transformation almost does itself.

Month 3's Hippie Christmas project....the coffee table.

the league of justice chair

More stylish than a locomotive, able to provide a welcome rest in a single sit, its a bird, its a plane its...the League of Justice chair!

Once a plain jane Steelcase chair rescued at the UW Swap this spring, its modern lines, great condition and that back stem, were all screaming for a good re purpose. It sat in my garage for about 4 month until I starting thinking comics.

Coincidentally, my brother in law Darren had recently bought a 1000 piece lot at a garage sale and he, well maybe my sister in law, was more than happy to give me a dozen.

I didn't have brothers, so was never really in to the comic book world, but I love the saturated colors and crazy graphics. Wow, some of these books are quite racy too. I stayed with right angles on all the cuts, thought it would add to the lines of the chair. That and a few nights gluing while Nate and I watched the season one DVD's of HEROES (I know quite ironic) and my mission was complete.
The League of Justice chair has been coated with several coats of poly so although it cannot stop bullets, it is quite functional as well as eye catching. Polished silver tube legs make this chair a welcome spot for your inner super hero.

Coming Monday.....the second installment of my Hippie Christmas challenge. Its a cool one.

greyhound dreams

Carmen, over at Bad Dog Frida, had asked me to put together some magnet sets for a Greyhound rescue event they are attending this weekend in Milwaukee. As well as the magnets, I wanted to create something else for her to offer.

Remember these bad boys. A set of 6 kitchen cabinet doors that a neighbor left on the curb.

The bevel is a perfect frame. So after a base coat of primer...it became a nice blank canvas

Three dimensional, surreal, and 100 % recycled. I did not buy one little thing for this piece. The clouds are batting from a jewelry box that I starched to make a little firmer. The floating bones are from a scrap piece of decorative paper.

....and the dog image is constructed using pages of an old dictionary. Loyal, greyhound and dog are just a few of the definitions.

A bit reminiscent on a Simpson's opener or maybe I was channeling Magritte. Either way I love this little hound and hope he goes to a good home. So many of these dogs have just been discarded or are thought to have no other use. Fitting that this piece proves most things are a little better when they are given a second life.

take 2

Just got 8 new rolls of film to make earrings out of. Mostly educational films from the 70's... the fashion and hairstyles are hysterical. I also snagged a few rolls of black and white at this weekends Junk bonanza. Feet and feet of really cool images that I will be transforming for the upcoming holiday shopping season.

Find them in my shop or at these retailers.... Twin Cities Green in Minneapolis and Absolutely art here in Madison.

yee-haw

The Junk Bonanza was definitely the trip. Fantastic stuff, great vendors and really really reasonable prices. 3 rooms filled with unique collectibles, refurbished furniture and clever clever ways to use JUNK.

I bought the early bird pass for $20 a few months ago. I figured if I was driving 4 hours to go to a flea market, I should get there early. Such I good idea! Not only did I do 90 % of my shopping in those two hours, I got to chat with the vendors, take more time with my decisions and stay much cooler. Besides the fact it got a little warm after the doors opened to the public, about 500 more people also entered the shopping mix. Well worth it...and I got an awesome gift bag for coming early too.

I came home not only with some great finds (this jungle gym horsie being my fav) I also met some really inspiring industry folks at the blog party. Thank you Serena ,Margo ,Matthew, Nancy, Linda and of course Ki. The event was fabulous and I will see you all again next year!

If you are in the Twin Cities area...you still can cash in. The event goes thru Saturday.