Tuesday, December 22, 2015

One more Christmas Project

While flipping through an old issue of Flea Market Style magazine I ran across this picture of some old picture frame molds, and it looked like a Christmas tree to me. So I decided to make my own out of some old frames.



I'm happy with the look and it was a pretty quick project.

Hope you are ready for a very Merry Christmas

Saturday, December 5, 2015

Lamp shade Christmas Tree, Christmas outside the Box


And now for This year's Tree
Made from old lamp shades, Inspired by Pinterest (of course)

 First an assortment of lamp shades from garage sales, and goodwill.

 

First I skinned them
Then I mounted them to a threaded rod with bolts I purchased both at the hardware store,
and mounted it to a base(this part took the longest)



Now for embellishments. Juno wanted in on the action.

A few shades get some gold trim from my stash

A large stash of vintage ornaments is helpful, and you'll need hooks.

This project could be as small or large as you want, based on size and quantity of lamp shades.
I'm still unsure about the paper bells, but it does give it some dimension



 An old Wool  blanket below.

There is even a version of this idea with covered lamp shades. See my pinterest page

There you have it, My completely vintage Christmas tree made from old lamp shades.
I think this will be a one year tree, because next year I'll have a 1 year old grandchild and this would tip over real easy.  I may make a table top version though.

Friday, December 4, 2015

Alternative Christmas Trees, a Tradition

A few years ago I decided I was going to retire the "traditional" Christmas tree for awhile . My boys are grown and moved out and
the tree is the hardest part for me, First there is the hauling it down, then putting it up and stringing lights. By that time my family has pooped out and abandoned me. Not to mention the putting it away 4 weeks later.

With that in mind, I put up a vintage aluminum tree for a couple of years. These go up real easy and there are no lights to string



Then I went way outside the "box".   with  this small tree from old spindles



As an accent I made this one from a single spindle and some wire. I still bring it out every year. It's a good accent decoration
 
Then I went to Pinterest and got loads of inspiration

 For the last 2 years, I have this one I made with an old screen and lots of vintage glass ornaments. At the end of the season, I wrap it up in an old sheet and just take it to the attic. I'll probably bring it down this season too. Inspired by this original project at Sointovintage.blogspot.com

 
 But when I saw this idea on Pinterest by lucydesignsonline.com I just had to try it.  Vintage frames make up this fun, but heavy accent tree. 


Wait till you see what I have cooked up for my main tree this year.


To see the complete list with links, go to my pinterest page.




Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Junky Advent Calendar Reason for the Season

Time to redeem the true meaning of the season, in a fun and yes, junky way.
Reason for the season Advent Calendar

I've done this for several years now and it is always so much fun.   I was
Inspired by  Jodi's Jesus Tree project.

Here's how it works, first take a piece of wood and insert 24 nails.
Each Day,  draw an ornament from the basket, talk about it, hang it on the nail or hook.  Below are some examples
Each ornament will have a special meaning that relates back to the Reason for the Season, or names of Jesus etc.

The ornaments illustrate the meaning of the name with vintage items (or even not so vintage)
Have your little ones follow along as well.
You can see examples of each of the 24 tags as well as different ways to make an advent display on my pinterest page here

If you want pre-printed tags  go  here .
  And they are much better than the ones I made.

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

2015 Christmas Tree Project with Old frames and trim

As you know if you follow my blog, I don't currently put up a traditional Christmas tree. Every year for the past 4 or 5 years, I've put up an alternative to a traditional tree.



 

This year I was inspired by a pin from Lucy Designs.  She took trim molding and old frames and makes some fabulous all white trees that have been featured in magazines.

I was inspired by her designs and a pile of old frames to do a similar project for myself.


 


First I gathered and took apart various old frames I had from past projects.  I look for  old frames at garage sales and scoop them up when they are a good price.  I laid them out in my barn until I had the basic design I was looking for. I was going to use frames for the base, but later changed my mind. I used an old ornate hinge for the topper.


Next I pulled out some scrap wood and my screw driver and began drilling from the back to secure the wood in place. This took awhile to get it all just right.  In the end the back looked like this. No pretty but strong.



 And there you have it.  My version of this project involved some moderate woodworking skills. I did use my miter saw on a few pieces and the drill as well.  but if you had enough frames you probably would not need the miter saw.

I like the variation of colors, and in person you can see the dimension that the old and sometimes shabby frames give it. Watch in the next few days for some more  Christmas projects, past and present.

 
I probably won't use this as my substitute tree this year, but It's a fun decoration item. Right now it's on my porch, until I'm ready to start really decorating for Christmas. 


Friday, October 16, 2015

Portland and the Junk Bonanza

In April my youngest Son and his wife moved to Vancouver WA. We were sorry to see them move so far away but are happy for their success.  So when Ki announced her Portland Junk Bonanza I knew it was a good excuse to go see my kids.

 

 We arrived a day before the show so I spent Thursday with my Husband shopping in local towns, using Ki's suggested shopping list found here

Thanks for the tips Ki, these were all great shops. Warning though, the prices around Portland are not the bes, but with a little hunting you can find a bargain.


And lots of unique stuff
Then I headed to the bonanza venue to take a sneak peak at set up. NO buying allowed.

As usual these dealers did not disapoint with their items and displays.

Time for opening day and Early Bird Shopping
Ki poses with some early birds in line
Uber Chic Brought goods all the way from LA and when Last I saw, they were almost sold out.

Loved this truck
Great displays everywhere you turn
And this Harp Box was to die for

More of my shopping around Vancouver and Portland in the next post.

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