Good Day at the Thrift Store

One of my children had a doctor's appointment a couple days ago. After that, I took him to school and dropped him off. By the time I did that though, it was better for me to stick around that area than go home, since we live kind of far from school. It is not worth the drive home if I have to leave right away to pick them up from school.

So, I decided to have a little peek at the thrift store... boy I made a good decision!

I found some vintage pillow cases, a couple of Liberty of London clothes (by Target) that I can use for quilts and such, but I will share some items that I am really thrilled about.. .check them out! (followed by a squeal of JOY)


Aren't they gorgeous?

A vintage tea towel...


Also a vintage table cross...



and, milk glass cups...


Aren't they so pretty? I am most excited about those vintage tea towels and the table cloth. They are in such good condition, and such items are VERY hard to come by.

Every year around September I get antsy because I know there is going to be a Country Living Fair in Atlanta (or Columbus, Ohio). What's country living fair? It is basically a festival-like atmosphere with over 200 vendors and artisans selling antiques, gifts, home décor, and jewelry. Also the events are filled with seminars and demonstrations from Country Living editors, contributors, and special guests, as well as live music, gourmet markets, and more.

Mmm... Doesn't that sound like a lot of fun or what? I certainly don't care for ALL types of antiques/vintage items, but there are certain things that I love, yep, you guessed it right, fabric, linens, laces, buttons and other sewing notions. I am wondering if there is going to be some vendors selling those things at CLF, if you have been to CLF before (you lucky you!) please share your experience, I would love to know!

It is one of many dreams of mine to attend the country living fair someday. Until then, I guess I will get an adrenalin rush from the thrift stores when I find those rare vintage items. ;)

Link Party #19 and Two Way Clothes for a Little Girl (From Men's Boxer)

A few posts ago, I wrote about how I bought several items by Liberty of London at Target at a great deal. My motive was to use the fabrics. I have been thinking about what things to make, and finally started working on them last week. The first item that I finished is Rachel's tunic/skirt made from men's boxer.

The idea came to me at night and I couldn't wait to start. I started working on it right away. That is why I don't have pictures for a tutorial (I take picture's in natural light).

The boxer I bought was XL, and it was $1.25! Isn't that an awesome deal or what? Basically, I just made a skirt out of it, and I also added shoulder straps so she could wear it as a tunic. When I want her to wear it as a skirt I fold the straps in.

She really likes it (them?).

as a skirt...


and as a tunic...




She was dancing in the wind for a while. Because I think its color is perfect for the coming season to cordinate with other things she already has. I know I stretched the $1.25 pretty well. :)

Now, it is your turn to show me what you did this week! The rules are as usual:

1. Please post something YOU made. It doesn't matter if it is crochet, quilt, clothing, anything would be fine. I want to see it! If you use someone's idea or patterns please give them the rightful credit.

2. Link to your specific post, that way it is easier for everybody to find and read it.

3. Please grab the "Tea Rose Home" grab button, and link back from your post. If you can mention the party in your post or place the button on your side bar, that would be great! I want more people to have a chance to come and show off their creation.


<br /><a href="http://tearosehome.blogspot.com"><img border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462799092490427250" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 126px; height: 160px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuoA01dPDcxCv9Ku09VYtszSXA0_T7FXqIzGCrwEgkVFc0iH6Odrctb37Xnb2X1S-la8wBXHBzIAuYLRqt-QdLdVoVbXgOK8JmMJuJJddy66mk2pygB_tIigOtSDA50N0l7LEbzg3Ii-M/s200/GrabButtonLinkParty.jpg" /></a><br />


Let's party!

Vintage Patterns Found

Sometime last week, I found some vintage patterns at one of the thrift stores that I go to. One of them was printed in 1957... that is a little more than half a century ago! I love the illustrations on these patterns. They were only 50 cents each! They reminded me of my forever fashion icon Audrey Hepburn.

I don't know if I will actually use them to make dresses for me(if I do, I seriously need to get back to my excercise routine to have a skinney waist like those models). I think, I can even frame them for my sewing room.

Hmmm... thrift stores are full of tresures, that is why I can't stop going there. It is also yard sale season; have you found anything amazing lately?

Wednesday at Tea Rose Link Party!

I can't believe this is already my third link party. It is such a pleasure to see what everyone is up to. Everyones' post motivates me to keep doing what I love to do, for that, I thank you!

I have been wanting to do something with scrabble letters for a while. My family owns the game, but I didn't want to use them for my craft (well, I can't do anytning permanent, and the risk of loosing some pieces is too great). I have been on the lookout for scrabble everytime I go to the thrift stores... then BINGO!

I found a BRAND NEW unopend scrabble game for $1.99!


I also picked up a silver tray for $1 with the intention to do this...


with some spray paint, the tray looks so much better.


I put magnets on the back of the alpabet pieces, so I can use them with the tray as a message board. Here are some loving message for my kids:



I was totally having fun doing this, as I made these massages I showed them to my kids. Their response? "That's not fun!!".

Then I realized that this board can be used as a design board too.


The flowers are made out of leftover t-shirt fabric and I just glued on the magnets.

Best of all, this tray is perfect for Rachel's take along activity in the car.


I made some magnets for her to play with, and put them in a container (this container has a magnet on the bottom, so it sticks to the tray too!).


Actually making magnets for her was a really fun process. I cut out images from old magazines and mod podged them on thick paper (the thickness of a cereal box). After they dried, I cut them out and put some magnets in the back. She loves them!! I found some disney princesses on a fruit snack box too. I think I found a new obsession for me for a while.

Have you been working on something last week? Do you have something you want to show off? Here is your chance, join the link party!

Here are the rules:

1. Please post something YOU made. It doesn't matter if it is crochet, quilt, clothing, anything would be fine. I want to see it!

2. Link to your specific post, that way it is easier for everybody to find and read it.

3. Please grab the "Tea Rose Home" grab button, and link back from your post. If you can mention the party in your post or place the button on your side bar, that would be great! I want more people to have a chance to come and show off their creation.

4. One more thing, please DO NOT link anything inappropriate or any kind of advertisement.

Go visit people on the list and say hi! I can't wait to see your projects!
Note: I was going to post last night, but I had some problems with McLinky. Sorry!

A Story of Statement Jewelry

A few weeks ago, I was watching a short documentary on the Japanese channel. It was about jewelry artists living in NY. They introduced a few designers, all of them had a common ground. They make "Statement Jewelries".

Usually, statement Jewelries are big, bold,and most of the times inexpensive compared to its size (Think of a diamond, people pay how much for a tiny stone?). In the documentary, the reporter also said that statement jewly become popular when the economy is not doing so great. During the Great Depression era, statement jewelry was a big trend. I guess people were after the "Wow" effect and something to cheer them up for a price they still could afford.

I thought about our economy now... hmm... that make sense. Those statement jewelries are everywhere. I usually perfer small real jewelry. BUT, I see so many pretty necklaces, earrings, and rings to drool over. They sure make a plain outfit shine.

I particularly liked one desinger who collects antique parts and pieces to make her original jewelry. She showed some of her collection. My eyes went wide, while hold a dust rag in my hand (I was dusting the furniture). Wow, they were truly a piece of history.

I have been itching to find my own statement jewelry pieces. I am no expert with antiques. Nor, can I tell the difference when I find something; what is "old" and what is "vintage". They sure sound sooo different. Although, when I see something I can immideately tell if I love it or not. If I think it's beautiful, that's good enough for me.

The other day, I found two jewelry pieces that I fell in love with at a local thrift store. They are unique and my style. Above all, they were $2.99 each!

A pair of earrings with rose print...


Then, this gorgeous pendant head with dainty detailes.


Lucky me! I found a chain that would match with the pendant in my jewelry making box! I can start wearing it right away:) Next time when you go visit a thrift store, or yard sale, look around a bit carefully, you might find a piece of history too.

Great Bargain for Future Posts

Aren't they beautiful colors? When I did the ruffle shirt tutorial by using a Down East wonder shirt, a couple of readers gave me a info for the Down East warehouse. Thank you for watching over me Melissa and Madeline P!! I had no idea that such a thing exsisted, so, of course, I went there to check it out!!

The warehouse was smaller then I imagined, but I was able to find several shirts. A few of them were from JCrew, and they were only 2 for $5!! Some of the shirt I bought had small cuts, but I am going to cut that part anyways, so I didn't mind. I already have some ideas of what I am going to do with them, and of course, I will post the pictures in a future post (after I finish all the projects I am currently working on).

Lately, I have been busy with so many things. The progress on my projects are slow... but I have a special post coming up on this Friday...I sooo, want to tell you what it is... but I can't!!!

Come back for sure to find out on Friday morning. You won't be disappointed!

Great Finds Part 2

Are you all so anxious to find out what else I found at a thrift store? I am so excited to share what I found and their small transformations!

The first item is this...


Display Rack! This is another item that my husband said, "What the... They really sell everything". I have been wanting one of these for my work space for a while. All I can say is "Ask and you shall receive." Oh, just incase you are wondering how much I paid for this, it was $5.

I pulled out some of my fat quaters and played "display".



The next item... I found two separate items and transformed them to one.



I found this gold metal candle holder($1.99), and this beautiful glass($.99). With a little imagination and spray paint, two unwanted items became this...


I love it. Now I have a beautiful candle holder, I might start planning to do a "Romantic Valentine's Dinner for Two". We don't have to go out, I could put the kiddies to bed at 6:00. Hehehehe... Although, for some reason when I try to be romantic and seductive I always end up doing something silly. It becomes a love COMEDY! So, maybe not.

A Great Find and a Story to Go with It

This post is about the item I found at a thrift store and a short story to go with it.

This Ladder caught my eye...


I always wanted to use a ladder to decorate my house. Many places sell them and the ones I saw were anywhere from $30 to over $100. I found this one for $2!! I came home and washed it, disenfected it, and just left it next to the fireplace. I had dinner to cook, so I just left it there. My hubby came home... I wasn't going to say anything, I was wondering how long it would take for him to notice there is a ladder in our living room.

To my surprise, immediately "What a...! Why's there a ladder in our living room?"
I said "Hey! You noticed it right away! Awesome, Honey! I found it at DI today! Guess how much I paid?" (I use this phrase a lot.)

"Gosh they sell everything there. What do you need a ladder for? Where is it going to? You better not have paid more then $2."

Let me tell you ladies, since you can't see us or hear the tone of his voice when he said this. He is not being mean or bossy, that is how he teases me.

Ok, back to the story...

I said "That is just amazing!! How did you know that I paid exactly $2 for it!"
He said "Well, I know you. So, what are you going to do with this?"

Remember, I was cooking, so I was facing the stove when we were having this conversation.

I said,"I am going to use it for decoration. You know you can put magazines, or quilts..."

Then, my 9 year old who was doing his homework at the kitchen table said, "Mom, he is rolling his eyes!"

"No, I didn't! He is lying!"

Hmmm...which man do you think I would believe in this case...

I gave him a quick crusty look and went on cooking. I was so excited to find this, and it is already white, I don't have to do anything. Since I haven't quite figured out where to put it, it will be next to the cabinet for now.


Hang on tight, I have more "finds" to post later this week! Do you have great finds you are excited about?

Good Things Happen to Those Who Wait

This is Monday morning and I am still in my pajamas sitting in front of the computer. This doesn't usually happen because, I have things I have to do or places I need to be. Today, not so much and I am loving it.

The kids are playing with the toys they got for Christmas, everone is happy... so, I decided to update my bloy post now, instead of waiting till tonight.

Sometime before Christmas, I did my usual stop and look at a thrift store and guess what I found...


A book by Martha Stewart! To tell you the truth I didn't even know about this book, but I was really excited! The book is in perfect condition, and when I looked through the pages, there were so many great tips and advice for what to look for when you are looking for collectable items (like glass jars, Milk glasses, plates... and so on) at a flea market; how to clean and take care of them and ideas for decorating the house with those finds. The book is just perfect for someone like me, who loves thrift stores and yard sales!

The second item that I found was this:



Actually, I have been wanting to buy these molds for several months, I have kind of gotten back in to baking, so I wanted to make beautiful tarts. At William Sonoma, of course, they were expensive, so I have decided to wait a while.

I decided to check the silverware and bakingware section just in case, and this little red box was sitting right on top of everything!! What are the odds? In my mind, I was thinking to myself, "Is that what I think it is? No, I don't believe it. Don't get your hopes up so high Sachiko...". Isn't that funny I was several steps away but I was thinking all that. Also, I was acting calmly, so other people wouldn't see me acting unusual or the direction in which I was looking and find the box before I could grab it. It is a total rush to those who shop at thrift stores.

The box was a little dusty, but everything was in perfect mint condition. It had a little sticker saying $2.oo! Each of the molds were sparkly clean and I can tell they were never used. Finding something is nice, but finding something you have been looking for is DESTINY! I felt like angels were floating around me and making holy sounds, ahhhhh. Look what happens when you try to live each day honestly and work hard. Good things happen! :) (However, I still haven't quite figured out humility.)

I am looking forward to using them for the first time and making mini tarts.

That is why I can't stop going to those stores. My curiousity "what if..." or "just in case" has helped me to find some pretty nice stuff in the past. If you never have shopped at thrift stores, you might want to try it, you never know what you will find.

By the way, I am participating in these link parties today, there are many wonderful posts, I highly recommend visiting them! Have a fabulous day everyone.