The Benefit of the Writers Strike

I don't know about you, but I am so over tv. I can't believe I just said that. I love tv. Always have. But since the writers strike has cancelled so many of my favorite shows, I have been a lot more productive in the evenings. I don't know, maybe I just have too many ideas of things to do running around in my brain and I finally realized that I just need to get busy.

Yesterday I got busy working on a couple projects. One I actually finished that I'm pretty happy about. On my way to Monticello yesterday, I hit a couple thrift stores. I'll show you my thrifty finds in a minute, but I also found this cute little denim jacket ($2.50) and dress ($4.99) at Value Village. You may remember recently that I just reconnected with an old college friend and found out she has a daughter I didn't know about. Well, we haven't made any plans to get together yet, but I wanted to make something special for her little girl, so that when we do get to see each other, I would have something for her. So, after washing everything I started to work on cutifying this little ensemble and here is what I came up with.

I used some of my favorite barkcloth era cotton twill fabric.

I found the perfect piece of vintage lace from my stash and made a little band around the bottom of the dress. I then stitched a rose from the same fabric on the front of the dress. On the jacket I just sewed more of that fabric on the back panel and collar and voila! Instant sweetness! I still want to do a handstamped label and maybe a little coordinating head band. If I was really adventurous I would make a little fairy wand to match too, but that might be a bit much. We'll see...

Now for my thrifty finds. I am really low on funds right now, so I tried to be selective in my purchases. First stop, Goodwill, where I found this adorable bed tray. I don't know how vintage it is, but it is in great shape and the tray part actually tilts up. Price was $9.99 which was a little higher than I hoped, but, what's this? A $10.00 coupon hiding in my wallet? Yes, it is. Yeah! So, price for bed tray, free! I also got a pewter alphabet/numbers dish and a little handmade candy/gum dispenser which of course will be painted white with maybe a little rose wallpaper added. Wouldn't it be so sweet with pink and white gumballs in it?

Also at goodwill I found this sweet little hand painted daisy lap desk. Very nicely done. That will just get a price tag and go directly to Monticello.

Next stop was the Deseret shop which is a thrift store run by the members of the LDS church. I almost always find something here and I can count on the prices being really cheap. There I got the wedding veil, wire basket, metal planter, double picture frame and weird little safety pin and bead doll all for $3.75.

I was pretty good at Monticello and only got two things. The little cabinet box and little metal hanging thingy. I just sold two of these in my booth, but I've never seen a tiny one like this before. It will hold some of my bracelets in my bedroom. And lastly, the necklace came from Value Village. It is really long and I'm sure I can come up with a lot of uses for it.

Well, I told myself that I must go walking today. Once a week is just not cutting it, but I guess it's better than not at all. I am meeting some friends for lunch today, but also plan on working on some more projects. Hopefully I can finish something to show on my next post.

Happy hump day!

I don't know why, but I'm having trouble with spacing today. I keep trying to fix it, but it isn't saving my changes.