Exploring For Fabulous Vintage Finds

 Hi Everyone!

It has been a minute for sure.  I have been having some great down time to reflect, spend time with the Lord, and of course do some creating.  It is a cloudy and rainy afternoon here in North Texas today.  The temperature is quite lovely though in the high 60s.  I hope all of you have been doing well.  We are now well into the new year.

I wanted to share some great vintage finds I have come across the past couple of months.  I very much enjoy exploring and looking for older items to use in my craft area and my creations.  There is just something endearing about items made many years ago.  The craftmanship, the quality, and the beauty are enchanting and charming to me.  I admire the obvious love and care that went into the manufacturing of years gone by.  Come along with me as I share a few treasures I have recently found, and how I am using them.

To look for these unique and lovely finds, I shop a variety of venues.  My favorites are thrift stores, estate sales, and antique malls.  This also adds to the adventure in that I find I can explore different towns and cities, see all kinds of homes, and even enjoy wonderful drives at times.

1940s Harvey Pink Round Wicker Sewing Box

This awesome sewing box was found at a local antique mall.  Pink is one of my favorite colors and this cutie delivers.  How can you go wrong with vintage pink wicker?!?  I use this vintage box to store quite a few of my laces and trims.

Chenille and crocheted Hello mat

Oh how I love this piece!  I am an avid lover of chenille!!  I went to an estate sale and was digging through all the linens and came across this beauty.  It is in such amazing condition too.  I am going to take a guess that the lovely previous owner never used this for a welcome mat.  There is a crocheted border around bright white, pink, green and blue chenille.  I only paid $6 for this beautiful rug that is very possibly handmade!  As you can see in the picture, I am using this as a cheerful greeting above my desk in my craft area.  What a great find!

Vintage Wooden Sewing Pieces

Two more pieces I found at another antique mall are this wooden hanging pegged thread holder and a vintage sewing table drawer.  These are both wonderful and useful pieces I use in my craft area.  Great storage spaces, and very sturdy and well made.

Vintage Clear Glass Jar with Handle

I found this amazing vintage glass jar FULL to the rim with vintage buttons at an antique mall.  Love, love, love this find!  I believe the glass jar dates back to 1940s or 50s, and it has the rusty metal handle and lid still intact.  Someone added a pretty rose applique to the top of the lid.  I will keep using this as button storage.  I use a lot of buttons in my handmade creations, especially my fabric flowers and slow stitch projects.  This was another awesome score!

Completed Projects from Thrifted Fabric

Finally, I want to mention some of my delectable fabric and lace finds.  Thrift stores galore!  I find the most beautiful and amazing fabrics and laces at thrift stores.  I have found yards of fabrics in wonderful condition.  BUT, I never pass up the linens and formal dress areas.  You can find gorgeous formal dresses for next to nothing in price that are abundantly full of laces, and the color variety blows my mind!  I have found so much lace in so many varieties and colors at thrift stores.  I buy these dresses for an average of $5 each and get tons of lace to use in projects.  I have found lots of vintage blue jean items too, from overalls to jackets.  The linens and drapes offer up some great textures and finds as well.  I bring the items home and deconstruct them into usable craft pieces for numerous projects.  You cannot beat the value!

I have so enjoyed sharing these finds and ideas with all of you.  I hope I inspire you to explore, have fun, and create!  Until we talk again, God Bless and take care!

Sincerely,

Tonya Lea