Wednesday, February 6, 2008

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.

16 comments:

Esther Sunday said...

OMGosh - that outfit turned out soooo adorable - great job. Love the finds. Great score on the bed tray. It is so perfect for decorating a bedroom with. You go girl! Love, Esther

Diane Fay (littlealma) said...

Very nice finds!!! I always enjoy lurking your site! Just wondered how you were able to make your word part of the blog go all the way (well pretty close) to the edges? Weren't you struggling with that awhile back? And would you mind me asking, do you keep all of your wonderful finds? Or do you resell them? I am just curious, because I have been doing some great Goodwill shopping since starting to read these blogs, but I am running out of space - I love it all, but where do I put it all? Just wondering what other people do.

Thanks - and have a good day!

Diane

The Feathered Nest said...

I love it all!!! You found some good stuff. I've got to get out to do some junkin' myself. My room is getting a little lean....I love the jacket with the barkcloth...what a great idea! xxoo, Dawn

cherished*vintage said...

Hi Lisa! I totally hear you about TV. So strange not to have it on in the evenings around here... Ya know, I'd be getting a lot done in the evenings too if it weren't for blogland! haha Hey, have you ever thought about selling some of your thrift finds from your blog???
-Karoline

Lori said...

Wonderful girly outfit! Fit for a mini princess! Lori

Sandi McBride said...

You always find the neatest stuff...I'm tellin' ya, Lisa you have got to come and teach me your tricks...or do you have blood hound? Hmm. I'm with you on the tv thing...cept on Monday night, the Medium...oh and on Thursday night ER oh oh and Friday night Ghost Whisperer and Moonlight...darn...I miss good new tv, lol
hugs
Sandi

Auntie Joy said...

Hi Lisa,
I totally think a wand would be in order for the outfit, or...how about a CROWN!!! It isn't like I am accusing you but... now I am hearing they are gone from my post AGAIN!!! How weird is that?? I put them back, too strange, you were the last one to see them...;)
JOY!

Auntie Joy said...

Hi Lisa,
I totally think a wand would be in order for the outfit, or...how about a CROWN!!! It isn't like I am accusing you but... now I am hearing they are gone from my post AGAIN!!! How weird is that?? I put them back, too strange, you were the last one to see them...;)
JOY!

Auntie Joy said...

Hi Lisa,
I totally think a wand would be in order for the outfit, or...how about a CROWN!!! It isn't like I am accusing you but... now I am hearing they are gone from my post AGAIN!!! How weird is that?? I put them back, too strange, you were the last one to see them...;)
JOY!

Flea Market Queen said...

love the goods again...
you amaze me!
Priscilla

Linda said...

Great finds! Love the bed tray and the lap desk is neat.
The little outfit for your friend's daughter is darling. I love your choice of barkcloth...she is going to be one happy little girl. Linda

Amy said...

HI Lisa,

Great finds as usual! I was at Monticello yesterday too - your booth looks great - it always has such pretty things and beautifully displayed too. Have a good day! -amy

Charlotte said...

I wanted to give you a blessing, so I passed the blessing award to you. It is posted on my blog today.

Cindy said...

Cute finds and love the outfit. And I hear ya about the TV watching. Thank goodness for TCM channel. : )

karlascottage.typepad.com said...

Make the fairy wand!!!!!

Sweet Cottage Dreams said...

I am telling you, all of the good stuff must go to Oregon to the Goodwill there. Never do I find things like you do here in our town. The workers must grab it first. Ya hear about stuff like that...hmmm...

xo