My Salvaged Treasures: November 2013

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Noel Vintage Holiday Market

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration. Even though we did it small this year, we still have enough turkey left over for several more sandwiches, but the pie and all the side dishes are long gone. We were blessed with gorgeous weather all week long including last weekend for the Noel Vintage Holiday Market. The show was held indoors at the Placer County Fairgrounds on Friday evening and all day on Saturday, so we had plenty of time to set up before the opening bell on Friday.

This is the lounge that greeted customers as they walked in the front doors. A perfect spot to rest your weary feet and chat with friends.

I couldn't believe the amount of natural light we had, I was tempted to put on my sunglasses when I arrived Saturday morning.

One of my favorite dress forms found a new home. Her base is made from a vintage lamp; I think the lady who bought her might have plans to wire her up.

Most of my rusty stuff is gone including this ladder and stenciled ammunition box.

I'm having seller's remorse about letting my Tonka Ramp Hoist go, but I can't keep everything.

They were priced separately, but the same lady bought the set of six silver goblets and the mirrored tray.

Thanks to all my clever blogging friends (from this post) for the idea of using a ribbon to secure the wire cloche to the pedestal silver base. Everything remained intact even when I wrapped it up for a customer.

My mom's jeweled wreaths went to good homes.

The small silver trays and muffin pans disappeared along with the repurposed light fixture/spring tree. I had to keep adding silver to the picket fence box, yes!

Let's take a walk around the room.....

Vendors were spread out on the stage too. I wish I had a picture of every booth in the room, but so many were still setting up when I went exploring.

I'm definitely looking forward to doing it all again next year.

Lots of things on my "to do" list this weekend and next week. I need to get all my stuff priced and set up in the store for the Paris Flea Market opening Thursday through Sunday. I sold so much jewelry, so I'll be working on replenishing my inventory for Holidays in the Vineyards at Big White House Winery on Saturday and Sunday. Hopefully I'll find time in the middle of the night to clean my house for my good friends who will be staying with us and selling next to me at the winery. I'm really going to need wine by then!!

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Thanksgiving Thoughts

We're staying home for Thanksgiving this year and having a small family gathering. Christmas was always my favorite holiday when I was a child, but as an adult with grown children of my own, Thanksgiving now ranks number one with me. It seems like the media and most of the stores go from Halloween right into Christmas without stopping to take a breath and appreciate the calmness and meaning of Thanksgiving. I hope you enjoy these "be thankful" thoughts that I shared last year....I think the words are so true!

BE THANKFUL

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.

~~ Author Unknown ~~

Wishing you all a safe, happy, and blessed Thanksgiving celebration.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Tape Measure Tree and More

I finished up a few more projects that will be coming with me to the Noel Vintage Holiday Market this weekend. It was too dark in the house yesterday to take pictures because of the dark sky and approaching storm, but I did manage to get a few quick pics while dodging raindrops out in my yard.

I finally figured out what to do with the stash of tape measures I picked up at a yard sale
for next to nothing. With the help of some old scissors, teeny tiny screws, a yardstick, and rhinestone earrings, these whimsical trees were born.

I was going to glue the tape measure branches to a piece of wood or old cabinet door just like my folding yardstick tree from a couple of years ago, but I couldn't find one the right size. Inspiration hit when I saw the tree Laurel from Chipping with Charm made from old crates and a yardstick.

I used the other half of the yardstick for tree #2. This project would have gone a lot faster if my staple gun was strong enough to penetrate the tape measures. I used the tiny screws because I didn't have nails small enough and I didn't want to risk splitting the wood. I'm sure some heavy duty glue would be good enough if it was going right up on my own wall.

A little glue holds the hook in place.

My trees are packed up and ready to return to the same area where I found the yardstick.

This small section of industrial equipment was found at a local antique show. I added
some burlap to the rusty metal compartments for a little texture and interest.

Just enough room for a baby pine cone,

a Christmas tree,

and a little glass star ornament.

There was just enough time to get one last shot of this old mop bucket before it started to pour. I glued jute webbing all the way around and added three mini chalkboards. Oh JOY!

Partying with:

My Repurposed Life for Catch as Catch Can

The Answer is Chocolate for BFF Open House

Common Ground for Be Inspired

Funky Junk Interiors for Funky Junk's Party Junk

Monday, November 18, 2013

A Few Creations for the Holiday Market

Is it really mid November? I don't remember getting off to a late start way back in January, but I sure hope I can catch up before the year is over. First thing on my agenda this week is to finish up some last minute details and a few more holiday inspired creations for the Noel Vintage Holiday Market this Friday and Saturday.

Last week I created a few cloches and some whimsical goodies made with old springs.

Wire baskets purchased at a flea market were turned upside down for an instant cloche.
Etched light globes topped with wooden knobs were a perfect fit inside the silver plated goblets.

Old wooden knobs were glued to the original bottoms.

I can just hear the sound of breaking ornaments if little hands (or big hands) decide to pick this up without the base. Do you think some clear tape would be a good idea, or should I bring it without the ornaments?

Before settling on shredded sheet music, I tried faux snow in these silver cups, but they looked too much like fried eggs.

Just for fun.....see what I mean?

I still want to use this cast iron skillet as a base for a cloche, but haven't found the perfect match yet.

Old springs, jello molds, and some shredded paper hold little LED tea lights.

The show will be held indoors with no flames or real candles allowed; I thought these battery operated tea lights would be a perfect alternative. Purchased at Bed, Bath & Beyond for $19.99 with my 20% off coupon of course. These really are brighter than any others I've used.

I've had this part from a chippy metal light fixture for ages. Sheet moss, an old spring, and a few Christmas ornaments make it a whimsical little tree.

The base of the spring was too large for the light fixture until I tweaked it a little by adjusting the screws.

I hope to get a few more projects completed and posted this week, but we'll see how that goes. So much to do and to think about right now. Hugs!!!

Coastal Charm for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday

Knick of Time Interiors for Knick of Time Tuesday

Cozy Little House for Tweak it Tuesday

Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday

Ivy and Elephants for What's It Wednesday