Thrift Share: Lanvin, Blanket Bindings, and other Marvellous Things

Happy New Year, everyone! I hope that you've all started the new year on the right, vintage shod foot, and are ready for many new adventures..

Just before Christmas, I stopped in at my favorite Church shop in Harvard Square. A few last-minute gift shoppers were there, along with a triad of Church ladies - one of which vociferously complained about the moldy air. Where there's must, there's interesting vintage, so I made my way through the store.

I found this tray, still on the shelf after a few months, and knew that it would soon be mine. It reads "Globe Quality Stainless" on the back, and I'm not sure if I want to send this to etsy,eBay or use it for entertaining. Nuts on one side, olives on the other?

Making my way to the back room, I pored through a few racks and shoe displays, hoping for some more Delman shoes, but the only thing that caught my eye was a large jar of buttons (2c apiece) and a basket filled with vintage sewing supplies :

These are on their way to etsy.. the crochet hook, however, is a sign that I'm meant to take up the fine art of thread-based creation once again.

Now, for the aforementioned Lanvin. I was moving towards the far end of the shop, past the line of shoes, when I spotted this crazy knit maxi-dress on the rack, or more accurately, it's label and then the rest of it:

I need to dry clean it, and will find a model to wear this while it's photographed. I find that clothes that are modelled not only look better, but tend to sell better than items that are hung up on hangers. Also - I love the red top, which will be perfect for Rednesday!

I bought several small items, including a mini pewter vase, Christmas Ornaments, a Christmas greeting card, and a wee wooden dolly in a car.

I saw something that would be perfect for my boyfriend there, so I'm thinking about bringing him with me on Saturday. Ladies, you'll be amazed at how much guys love the Thrift..

Best wishes to all of us for a joyous, prosperous, and inspiring 2011!

 

 

Celebrate the Season Swaps!

...or, a festival of lessons in generosity and procrastination. Generosity from all of my swap members, and procrastination on my part in posting about them!

Earlier this fall, right after Halloween, the wonderful faerwillow announced this year's round of Swaps. Four in number, I opted to participate in all! Why not re-create the wonder of years past when the post contained lovely packages from afar, with goodies unknown? I joyously anticipated each swap arrival..

On Yule, I opened all of my packages..

** When reading, click on any of the tiny images to open them in a new window, full-size **

First, I exchanged 3 gifts to give with our Mistress of Swaps, faerwillow, and received a box of delights from nature and from talented and crafty (in only the best possible way!) hands.

Handmade Blessings, Petits Cairns, Ornaments that Delight

Boxes of Music & Tools of the Trade, all with instructions for use!

I did not photograph a lovely Blue Bauble and some sweet-smelling pine needles, but they are well-loved. Speaking of pleasure, I do think that this lovely Willow wand I received has a new would-be user:

Next, a Yule~holiday card arrived in the post from Moontides. Bright-red and full of cheer, it has a warming influence on my mantel:

Moontides was also my ornament exchange swap partner, sending along a quartet of Angels to guide and inspire:

Tracy of The Faerie Castle was my book exchange partner sending along this touching tale of giving, grief, and the reclamation of hope:

 I highly recommend it for all of your little friends.. and grown-up ones, too..

I am so blessed to have been a participant in these swaps.. Let's keep this going in 2011 and beyond!

 

 

 

All of my new Twitter followers will get a coupon code for 10% off everything in my #etsy shop, Miss Howe's Curiosities! Please follow me on Twitter (see the link on the right hand side) and get a little something nice for yourself in the shop! http://www.etsy.com/shop/misshowescuriosities

Thrift Share Monday : Brooches and Braces and Pearls, oh my!

Welcome to my belated edition of Thrift Share Monday! A few bits and pieces were found, and I think they have a lot of pizzaz..

First, this nifty little brooch, with paste stones and black and yellow enamel:

A funky pair of '80s enamelled,wedge-shaped pierced earrings:

I found this wonderful pair of vintage men's braces - or suspenders, depending on where you're from ;) - modelled by my boyfriend!

..and of course, the aforementioned, if plastic, pearls:

I've been pleasantly surprised by what I've been finding in the markdowns or clearance sections of consignment shops. Although higher priced than your average thrift store find, there are bargains to be had and the items have already been cherry-picked for their condition and quality.

Thrift Share Monday: Last Minute Holiday Crafts and Decor

I made a quick stop into the much-maligned Central Square Goodwill, just to see what Holiday-themed goodies I could find. Hoping to find Christmas and other December holiday gear, may I say that I was not disappointed.

First, I found this tiny, tiny Nativity Set - no more than 2 1/4" high by about 1/2" wide. It's probably destined for my etsy shop:

For you last minute crafters, an assortment of faux "bulbs" from a company that is still in business ..

.. and a packet of 12 plastic reindeer with wire stakes, perfect for a holiday cake or a wreath.

Entertaining, and worried about your glass tumblers being broken? I found these 8 plastic Old Fashioned glasses, some of them new in their individual sleeves, and still in their original, if somewhat battered, boxes:

I was hoping for some more Boonton Ware, as I found a couple of months ago, but instead found a plethora of Holiday wares. Happy Hunting, all!

 

Children's Christmas Book Giveaway at My Mink Betty

The Fabulous Betty at My Mink Betty is having a Children's Christmas Book Giveaway! I've just entered, so do stop over and enter to win  7 Christmas-themed children's books..

She's also got a great post on her family Advent Calendar, too.. I'm preparing to get one for the first time..

Thrift Share Monday: The Ring's The Thing

While not a thrift store, I have found some exceptional values and unique things at consignment shops. On his way home from work a few months ago, my boyfriend saw a sign for a new shop of this type, with a rather amusing name - The Mad Closet. Located in Cambridge, MA (on the Cambridge/Belmont border), it is a small space packed with wonder.

Taking advantage of a recent Buy With Me group deal, I purchased a $50 merchandise certificate and resolved to make a visit. I had nothing particular in mind, but knew that as soon as I spied this on the front counter that it would be mine:

Firey opals set in copper, their flame spoke to me, even though I am not typically a ring person.  Amazingly, it fit my ring fingers, both right and left, perfectly - as if it were made for me. The most amazing part of all of this was the name of the creator - Chas Howe. My surname, though I'm pretty sure he's no relation to me.

Notice the twin titles of both jeweler and optometrist? I love the mix of creativity and practicality. A quick Google session led me to discover that he was a practicing Optometrist in Northern VT in the early part of the 20th Century. Can anyone with an Ancestry.com subscription send me anymore information on him? Please? I'll be eternally grateful and feature you on my blog! Of course, if anyone has any more jewelry from Charles Howe I'd love to see a picture of your wares!

Here's another look at both ring and box:

Don't you just love it when you are drawn to things? Have any stories of just being attracted to something, especially if you found that you or your family or friends had some connection to it? Do tell in the comments below!