Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Industrial Chic


Can you believe I did not even prepare a post for my Industrial Chic Linky Party. But after reading and seeing everyone's great projects I just had to go ahead and write one up.

I've shared my "play room" with you before, and although I originally intended it to be my cottage space, it has lots and lots of industrial touches.



An old US Mail sack lines my shopping cart laundry bin and a wonderful bag that says Always Wear Your Gloves is attached. I wonder what the bag was originally for? In the corner is an old banana crate with pillow inventory in it, yep those are price tags. The night stand is an old medical cabinet and the lamp is an old butter churn. Above the windows are burlap coffee sacks 1/2 cut and hung by rusty hinges.

Look on the shutters, An old wooden clamp holds the sweetest old photo of an unknown little girl.


On the other side of the bed is an old burn basket filled with metal letters

An old gear vignette on top and one of my trouble light lamps as well.
In this corner a laundry cart with extra pillows and sometimes blankets for guests. The East Texas Media sign was a "trash" find and it's hung from an old metal gate.


On the next wall old signs and letters as well as a lamp made from a spring and more gear molds add an industrial touch.

You've seen Miss Petite before, and here in this very overexposed photo you can see the fun chalk board I found hanging behind her. Behind that is an old survey map of a nearby county in Louisiana. Industrial wire shelf and old chair finish out this wall. that round thing inside the shelf is part of a boxing bag apparatus.

An old laboratory stand has been turned into a lamp by adding 2 trouble light cages.
That rounds out this room, which probably has the most concentration of industrial projects of any room of my house. Here are a few snippets of other Industrial touches in my home.

An old Industrial gear mold which reside in a place of honor in my Living Room. Along with an old Editors Chair from a small town newspaper.


An old barometer (let's add guages and gears to our list of industrial items) sits on my dining table vignette along with a NSEW Weather vane. In the background is my Authentic London Bus transit route sign.


Old organ pulls sit in a fun old scale.( Let's add musical instruments and parts of instruments to our industrial chic list too.)

There is lots more as I just love this type of Decor. When I gave my little definition earlier in the week. I was in no way trying to limit what Industrial Chic is. As you can see by the links on my linky thing there is a lot one can do withing the Industrial Chic decorating style, and It's so much fun. Thanks to everyone who has participated in my linky party.

Don't forget to go back and click the next one
.

Margo



You are invited to a Linky Party-What's a linky party?


I'm so excited to be trying out my first linky party. For those of you who do not know what linky party is I'll try to explain.

I pick a topic, for this party it's,
Show me Your Industrial Chic

Then at the designated time you will add your blog post, about using Industrial elements in your home decor, to my linky list. Update, or your great industrial finds, they don't actually have to be incorporated into your decor yet.

Adding your blog to my linky list is easy and will bring traffic to your site.

For my linky party I'm going to have some prizes, to be given randomly (no judging or voting).
I've yet to decide the prizes but you'll know when the party starts.


Margo's House


Prizes will be offered to anyone who comments or links.

If you want to see an example of a linky party go to Bec's blog here

Since Industrial Chic seems to be the current trend, and I for one LOVE IT!!!

So start taking pictures of your interpretation of Industrial Chic around your home, and come join the party.

Margo's House


Here's all the info

Party starts on Friday Oct 15 at 7:00 AM central time
All are invited
Entrants will be eligible to win prizes

Make a blog entry on your blog showing how you are using touches of Industrial Chic in your own home. Then hop over to my blog and add your link to my link party that will be up and running (hopefully, cross your fingers, this is my first time) by that time.

One more thing, if you would please add this button to your blog side bar so I can get lots of folks participating. I can't wait to see everyone's interpretation of Industrial Chic.










Industrial touches do not have to be whole rooms, it can be just a touch here or there, and we all want to see it.

Friday Oct 15 7:00 AM - I'll be allowing links to be added all weekend long.

OH! 1 more thing, I will pick several winners (randomly) from all the linked entries and comments on that day to win prizes , I'm not sure what it is yet, so stay tuned. Prizes will be junk oriented.


Industrial Chic Linky Party right Here
Be there or be square!!!


Please leave me a comment to let me know you are coming or think it's a good idea or not. I'm getting a little worried that I'll be all dressed up and nobody will show up :(


Margo's Antique Space

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Show me your Industrial Chic - Linky Party


Since Industrial Chic seems to be the current trend, and I for one LOVE IT!!! I decided to try my hand at a linky party.

Primitive lead to Cottage, now Cottage is Leading to Industrial in the decorating world. All of these styles crossover from time to time, and I'm sure many of you can find bits of all three (and maybe more) in your home.

What exactly is Industrial Chic you ask? My take on it is anything vintage factory, transit, manufacturing, medical or school related. I'm sure there are more words that can fit, but as you know pictures speak a thousand words.


Found here

So start taking pictures of your interpretation of Industrial Chic around your home, and come join the party.

Here's all the info

Party starts on Friday Oct 15 at 7:00 AM central time
All are invited
Entrants will be eligible to win a prize, see info below

Make a blog entry on your blog showing how you are using touches of Industrial Chic in your own home. Then hop over to my blog and add your link to my link party that will be up and running (hopefully, cross your fingers, this is my first time) by that time.

One more thing, if you would please add this button to your blog side bar so I can get lots of folks participating. I can't wait to see everyone's interpretation of Industrial Chic.










To get you started, here is some inspiration from around the web.


Found here


Found here

It doesn't have to be a whole room, it can just a touch here and there

Found on keetsa.com


Found here



Well this is how "they" do it, now show me how real folks do it.


Friday Oct 15 7:00 AM - I'll be allowing links to be added all weekend long.

OH! 1 more thing, I will pick 1 winner (randomly) from all the linked entries to win a major award ;) , I'm not sure what it is yet, so stay tuned.


Industrial Chic Linky Party right Here
Be there or be square!!!




Monday, October 11, 2010

Getting it home

I am notorious for not taking my glasses with me when I go garage sale-ing. They are in the car, but I'm already inside by the time I realize I need them. So I do my best to look through the boxes of jewelry and boxes of cool junk, trying my best to see what is in there.

The glasses thing is new with me and I'm still just in readers, but It's at the point where I NEED them. So anyway, I love it when I get home and can truly inspect what I have purchased.

Today's find is a great case. A baggie full of keys, I could see there were some interesting ones, but I couldn't truly see how many or the specifics, but the price was right so I got them.


What I see looks about like this

First thing I do when I get home is grab some glasses, rip open the baggie and inspect... I was not disappointed.


Look at some of these lovelies. I knew there were some small keys in there which I need for my Faith Necklaces, but these are great. It was like Christmas.

Woo Hoo!!!! Now a bag of old keys might not make your day, but it sure makes mine. :)

In honor of my imperfect eyesight, I've made this necklace

That is a real magnifying glass

This item and more are in my current Etsy Listings. Lots of great vintage stuff... junk and jewelry, I'm de-stashing. Hop over and see if there's anything you want.

Friday, October 8, 2010

The Ampersand

I don't know what it is about this symbol but I just love the Ampersand (&). The way it twists turns and squiggles and says so much..."and". The possibilities are endless, AND this AND that AND AND AND. It seems I have accumulated an ampersand collection in my office.


This is one of those accidental collections. I found one like it kept it, found another and then another and before I knew it I had a collection, so it was time to find a place to display it. My office (at the pay the bills job) is the perfect place. Typography is such an "office-y" kind of thing. Now keep in mind that this is a work space and has some of the modern office yuck to it, fluorescent lighting, suspended ceiling, filing cabinets and the general office equipment. But I endeavor to junkify it anyway. Since we are here lets look at my other wall too

This is my "exploded clock" wall. I just love my gear molds. I'm enjoying my newly painted walls. The golden color it has warmed up the space and made it more homey for me.

Do you have any accidental collections?

Thursday, October 7, 2010

New Item Available Now, Canvas Totes

Since picking up some calendars at the Bonanza and a couple of feedsacks too, I've been sewing away at some new Canvas Bags for Etsy.
The bags above and below are available now on My Etsy


The other's, seen below, are headed to Winnie & Tulula's tomorrow.

Bag is comfortably large measuring 16x13.5x7.5 deep, handles hang 10". Great for over the shoulder, forearm or hand carrying. I've also added a small zippered pouch inside for small convenience items. Bag is 100% cotton.

Bag is great for shopping, laptop, files and papers, books, teachers, picnics, pool or beach etc.

Hope over to Etsy if you want one. And watch for more coming soon.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Little Changes



OK, so I have this very inexpensive shower curtain and it came with these tassels hanging from 3 panels. That's all fine and dandy but it was missing something.

This idea came to me awhile back, but I would just think of it when I was sitting on the throne and then I would forget about it.

Then I saw something at the Bachman's Idea House that encouraged me to get it done. I changed out those tassels for some old keys. It was easy as apple pie and is definitely more "Margo"

There you have it, 10 minutes and no tools needed.
The Bachman house had different little bits of this and that hanging from the curtain rings. That would work too, but this is what I had in mind.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Fashionista--I am Not

Ok, I know I don't usually delve into fashion on my blog, but I'm gonna pull out my "girl card" and act like one for a change. Let's talk fashion (as best as I can).


I do love looking at the beautiful clothing at Anthropologie, however, my 5'2" height, busty with an extra 20 lbs doesn't lend me to wearing ruffles well. Let's just say I don't like looking like a "gaudy wedding cake". But I can look can't I?

And my new discovery is Ruche thanks Linda for the hint.

I just loved this little item, and thought it might actually work for me but... it's Rayon. And although Rayon is fine, It just doesn't work for the Texas Weather. Rayon for me is like wearing plastic in 100 degree heat, and that just won't do. But I once again, I can look.

What happened to cotton & gauze summer clothing? We need it almost year round here.

What about this one?

Rayon Again Agggg!

This one is cute

This might actually work only 75% rayon, and would look cute over something cotton in the Fall (weather a little more rayon friendly). So that is a possibility.

But I really need to try it on, because for me what looks good on the hanger (or mannequin) does not always work for me.

This is cute

But did I say, "I don't do dresses", I look dreadful in a dress and loath the occasions where I have to wear one. Especially now since I can't cover my very white legs with Tan Hose (when will those come back into vogue?)

So I'm back to my blue jeans, tennis shoes, and variations on the t-shirt. Comfortable, practical, cool, and great to junk in (as long as it's not white).

But I do love me a good hand bag!!!!!!!

Thanks Robelyn!

More from Red Neck Chic

I guess I'll focus my fashion attention on Junk Jewelry and Cool bags. As much as I try to branch out on the shoe front, I always seem to gravitate back to my comfy tennies.

Maybe these would work

Converse



So there is my attempt at fashion talk

Sunday, October 3, 2010

She considereth a field, and buyeth it


Reprinted post from 2007


Pro 31:16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it:

Recently I was talking to Mr Roboto, about why we as women, love to shop and create. We both feel that it is a primal thing, within the way we were created. Men were created to hunt, protect and provide. Women to gather, nurture and beautify. Although these rolls have become blurry in recent times, the "stuff we are made of" stays the same, and we continue to Hunt and Gather just in Modern ways.

Women of centuries past have made clothing, blankets, baskets, rugs and numerous other things for the home, and made them beautiful at the same time. They could have made the baskets and rugs all the same color, the function would have been the same, but they made them with patterns, and went to the trouble to make dye's for color. All in the name of beauty and craft. We Junkers and Crafters do the same today, but so many of us feel guilty or as if we are indulging pleasure instead of fulfilling our function in the home. Yes cooking and cleaning are important, but the things we do for our surroundings and our inner soul are just as important to our home and family.

I love Proverb 31. For those who don't know it is about a Virtuous Woman. Many of us read this and do not understand how it can apply to the Modern Woman. Well it does, and it is so fun to figure out how. The verse above for example, Pro 31:16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it. Ladies--that is shopping!!!! Now don't laugh, or think I've fallen off my rocker. I'm not talking about frivolous shopping, I'm talking about careful, budget conscience, frugal shopping for home and family.

It is up to us to beautify the world we and our family live in. When we can do this frugally we are being a virtuous woman. When you hunt for those bargains, clip those coupons, shop those sales. You are being a virtuous woman, A Wife worthy of praise whose "price is far above rubies", or her "value" is far above rubies.

So don't feel guilty ladies, when you are out doing your salvage finds, quilting crafts, Scrap-booking, and bargain hunting. You are fulfilling your roll in the home AND having fun doing it. It's how you are made--now enjoy it.

I encourage you to read Proverbs 31:10-31 and you will see yourselves there. This woman is a craftsperson, she is making and selling and it's a good thing. Read it and find yourself there.

Friday, October 1, 2010

Weekend Finds

In Texas, in the heat of the Summer only novice folks have garage sales. After all who want's to sit on 100 degree heat all day waiting for something to sell. So as the weather cools down just a bit the good stuff starts to come out.

Today I was only able to hit 2 sales and I chose well.

Lots of small items that my customers love. A whole group of cool baby shoes,
Glass door knobs galore, and door plates too. Love the waffle rosettes, and I found some vintage Christmas for another project I'm working on.

Not bad for just 2 sales.


A Little Something for Me

I don't know why I love things with drawers, lots of drawers. I joke that it's my attempt to compartmentalize my life.

A few weeks ago I walked into my friend Alison's Flower shop and saw these great multi-drawer oak cabinets. There were 3 of them, as seen above. Then she put them in the Gresham Barn sale and I stared at them for several days. They almost sold on preview night but the lady changed her mind. So there they sat, people oogled over them, but continued to pass them up. Knowing they had not sold, I contacted my friend Alison on Monday and told her that I had decided I wanted them.

Today I went and picked them up and brought them home. Those suckers are heavy!!!! First thing was to feed the dry wood with some Howards feed-n-wax, this stuff is great.
I've had several folks ask me where to find Howards products. If you are local here in Tyler, you can purchase them at Our Little Corner in Noonday, or go here to buy from their web site.

see the difference in the top drawer and the other drawers. I think this piece had once been painted as it appears to have some remnants of paint in some of the crevices. I love how it makes it look shabby, beat up and used. I love the industrial handles and the little card pockets on the fronts.

These are actually 3 separate cabinets that fit together like a puzzle, see above and below

All waxed and cleaned up, they are now in their new home. These came out of a doctor's office on an Indian Reservation. And they are oh so cool. Lots of storage there. I may add feet, I may add a top piece, but for now they are as they are, lovely compartments for all sorts of stuff.

Thanks Alison for a great find!

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