Winter Is Here

I wasn't ready for winter.  It came and dumped 4 inches of the white stuff on my wheel barrow full of balsam & winter berry.

Logically this would go *IN* my garden shed, but there is just one problem.  The shed is so full.

I'd clean it out, but you never know when you'll need.....

Elk antlers . . . .



Three vintage doors . . . . .



Rickety stools . . .



Twigs and a window . . .



Hi, my name is Jane.  I have a problem.

Did YOU see anything good in there???  ahhhh huh! I thought so.

Honestly, taking these pictures gave me the giggles.  My poor husband has every right to be irritated with my hoarding.  However, a true "junker" sees treasure in everything.  Am I right?

Stay warm & enjoy the beauty of winter.

Rag Lights

You may have seen this idea floating around blog land or Pintrest.  When my mother-in-law gave me all her quilting scraps, I just had to try the rag lights.

I cut strips about 1 1/2 x 7 1/2", but irregularity is the name of the game.  That's why this was the perfect craft for me.  No straight lines, fussy measurements, or sewing!

The lights were dirt cheap.  The 11 foot strand of LED C6 with 35 bulbs were on sale for $4.99 with an instant $2 rebate from our electric company.  Needless to say I bought the rebate max of 5 boxes. 

I just tied them on randomly with no method or order.  I think it turned out great, but it did take time.  You can do this and watch TV at the same time.  So, it's a no-brainer.

A few tips: Don't use too many fabrics with white backs.  I had two out of six that DID.  But they blended in okay because my lights are white.  Also, I used 109 strips. This will vary if you use a longer strand or if you prefer a thicker or sparse look.

Linking up to:

Dittle Dattle

Between Naps On The Porch

Festive Entry

I've transitioned from Halloween to Thanksgiving outside.  It won't be long & snow will force me store most of it away.  Until the pumpkins get soft, I'm going to enjoy them as long as I can!

Wax Turkey

It seems hard to find vintage Thanksgiving theme decor.  Other than oodles of pumpkins & leaves, it's tough.  I'd like more turkey items!  Postcards, platters, and school items would be ideal.  This summer, at a local flea market, I scored an old wax turkey candle for one dollar!

It looks kind of ugly alone, but it's WAY cuter if you put it in a display.  The perfect spot for it was on an old cast iron corn fritter mold!  I had to fork out $15 for the iron. But after cruising a swap meet all day, that was the best deal.  You know how it is, when you get your heart set on something.

I snatched the lovely pottery last week at a thrift shop.  It was marked $7.50 in three places.  I'm pretty sure they were firm on the price!  The bottom is labeled USA 2003.  I'm hoping that's not the year...but a model number.  It just caught my eye & I loved the rich color.

BED SPRINGS

I found a creative use for old rusty bed springs.  If you team them up with rustic barn wood, you can't go wrong.  A little burlap never hurts either!





This project cost me a total of $4, half for candles & half for the tiny hardware that holds the wires down.  I'll have to keep this prototype because the nails that I pounded up through the bottom of the board to poke the candles down onto are a little short.  I plan to make more of these & hopefully (crossing fingers) sell them at a local craft show.  What would YOU pay for a center piece like this???

Linking up to:

Dittle Dattle

Between Naps On The Porch

Ditch Digger

You've all heard the term "dumpster diver".  I'd consider myself more of a "ditch digger".

We own property with an old rusty garbage heap.  I estimate it to be about 50 years old.  I figure in that amount of time, all the germs have dissipated.  At least that's how I convince myself that it's not gross.

Would YOU ever dig for treasure?  Have you?  Before you say "no" and "never", consider my finds!

Yes, even the cart!



Giant tea cup (he he he)?  Or vintage batter bowl?



Textured Root Beer Bottle!



The wire fencing spool, that you'll novice at the base of the cart, provided me with perfect wire flower shapes!  Here is what I did:

It's a flower wreath, of sorts.  Junkers can scavenge & create something for practically nothing!

Linking up to:  COASTAL CHARM

Funny Little Man

I found a new door stopper.  He's a heavy paper weight, vintage tire man figurine.  At first, I considered selling him.  But he's wore on me, and now I think he'll join our household.  Proud little guy.

Can you believe that someone threw this little guy in a garbage heap in a field? ......... Don't answer that.