Saturday, May 29, 2010

Today's Junk-it


Today I was able to indulge my inner scavenger and spend the morning at my favorite thrift venues. Before I even leave the house, I find a Depression Glass guide in the mail from Paperbackswap.com. This is an auspicious omen for the upcoming hunt. By the way, if you haven't joined yet, I highly recommend it. I've been able to trade lots of old books I no longer care about for ones that I actually want - like crochet books. You can't have enough crochet books.


First stop is the neighborhood Half-Price books because they are having a 20% off sale during the Memorial Day weekend. I find this book on filet crochet for $3 (because you can't have enough books about crochet, right?) and two cooking magazines for 25 cents each (because I am a little bit cooking-impaired and can always use more recipes and instruction.) With 20% off, the total comes to $3.02.



Next stop is Thread-Bare (aka The Stitching Studio), a DIY thrift store whose proceeds go to a good cause. This shop is mainly for quilters and people who sew but they often have yarn and vintage items. I find a great 70s craft magazine and a vintage crocheted potholder booklet. (Did I mention you can't have enough crochet books/booklets/pamphlets/printed material?) Drive out is $1.08.


Onward to my two-fer: two thrifts stores side-by-side in a strip mall. I strike out at Goodwill but I find these four vintage hand painted Christmas mugs at the Salvation Army, regularly 4 for $4.99 but on sale today for half-price. I now own 4 mugs that I don't have an immediate use for and will have to store until I can figure out a crafty use for them. This sort of item is my Thrifting Achilles Heel. If it wasn't for my iPhone Ebay app, which encourages me to catch and release, I would be bringing home MUCH more booty than I already do. In fact, I think the savings from this app may more than pay for my monthly data charge. Hmmm....


My last stop is the mother of all junk stores - the Goodwill Outlet Store. I am slowing down now but I do manage to find four squeaky dog toys for a total of 81 cents. A few will go to the dog, but I plan to cannibalize the others in order to get the squeakers out. My son, who hates crafting with a passion, has actually agreed to make 'dog toys' with me. My plan is to use my stash of felted wool sweaters to cut and stitch together a dog toy or two using my thrifted squeakers. Sounds like a fun holiday weekend activity, doesn't it?

Friday, May 28, 2010

Magic Ball Scarf

I'm currently working on a light summer scarf made from a 'magic ball' - a ball of yarn composed of lengths of many different yarns. For a control freak like me it's a little unsettling not knowing what yarn will turn up next. But lots of fun as it turns out.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Thursday, May 27, 2010

How to display your wares

Isn't this a clever display option? I saw this train case display recently at a local crafts show and was very impressed. I actually have a couple of these vintage train cases that I've found out junking. Didn't have an immediate use for them but couldn't pass them up. Unfortunately, I don't have the patience to do craft fairs (plus I'm too shy) but I thought I'd pass on this great recycling idea to those who do.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Repurposing old dolls

Photo by Luxford St.


Love this hat rack (limb rack?) from Luxford St over on Etsy. Lots of other clever and useful reused items there as well.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Silk Necktie Art


Lilian Asterfield Ascot
Originally uploaded by LilianAsterfield

I went to the very first Austin Renegade Craft Fair this morning. Lots of great creative stuff. I think I was most impressed with Nicole Deponte's upcycled neckties. I've always thought there should be some use for all those beautiful silk neckties that I see at every thrift shop. Something besides making quilts or pillows, that is. Check here for more of her work.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Ride the Wild Rooster


Not completely sure why I like this print but I really do. More great art from Tessa McSorely can be found at her Etsy store, How to Use Art.

Friday, May 7, 2010

Let's Get ready to Scrumble!

One of the things on my crochet to-do list is to learn how to scrumble. Scrumbling is free-form crochet, i.e., making it up as you go along. I found a great set of tutorials to download here. Anyone else going to try it?