FOUND - whimsical art, vintage treasures, fun finds!

Eco-funky: Junk Market Style

Tonight I don't have photos of my own to share for Eco-funky Wednesday, so I'll just pass on the link to a fun website that features tons of projects using recycled materials.  Junk Market  Style!  Hope you enjoy checking it out.

inspiration in Healdsburg, CA

Last week, we headed over the Golden Gate Bridge on a short vacation.  Spent 3 nights in the Somona wine country town of Healdsburg.  Wandering around in 70 degree sunshine, I found lots of interesting shops (and wine tasting rooms) that give me inspiration.

A little vintage store called Me 2 U Vintage had just opened the week before.  It was tucked into the side of a building on the main street.  Isn't this a great check-out desk?

And there were lots of clever little displays.  I should have taken a picture of her entryway with handmade flags. And the bicycle out in front.  Here are a few shots from Me 2 You:

  

 

The daffodils were blooming (for real!) in the park.  That gave me hope that Spring might just come to Michigan in the next 6 weeks or so. 

Uniquely Chic Floral & Home is a florist shop that pays amazing attention to details.   Even their tags are special.  Handstamped 3 layer tags with deckled edges on every item in the store - as a shop owner, I can only imagine how much time that takes!

 

Live flowering plants were tucked in with vintage and new home goods.  It seemed like a spring garden.  It did my winter weary soul good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I bought a wonderful apron (with one of their special tags), but also got LOTS of inspiration absolutely free.  Now I can start thinking about Spring displays for FOUND!

 

Eco-funky jewelry findings

 

Game pieces can be eco-funky additions to a bracelet or necklace.   Whether you prefer the old metal Monopoly markers like those above or the more recent colorful plastic, a hole can be drilled and a jump ring attached.

 

Add initials with Scrabble tiles.  These are easy to drill if you have a steady hand and the right drill bit.

 

Other odds 'n ends, like these brass tool tags, can be hung on a chunky chain or a simple cord.

 

In addition to the things above, we have lots of fun recycled pendants from vintage buttons, Patera frames and charms that can be combined with game pieces and other findings for a one-of-a-kind necklace or bracelet.  There are endless examples of artists using game peices on etsy and other places on the web.  Feel free to share your favorite links in the comment section.

Use your imagination and have a eco-funky week!

Eco-funky Wednesday: Valentines & Postcards

 

There's something really sweet and endearing about vintage Valentine cards.   They stir memories of childhood.  Sometimes we find a box that has never been used like those above.  But it's okay to reuse old cards.  Just add your name and an extra xoxox, under Jim or Sally's cursive third grade handwriting. 

 

Some are fun to put out every year - this little cook would be cute in the kitchen.  The chef hat is in rough condition but it's still adorable. 

All year long, picture postcards that were never written on are an inexpensive alternative to gift shop greeting cards.  You can find them at antique stores, resale shops and FOUND! 

 

Just add a message and a 28 cent stamp - and drop in the nearest mailbox.

 

Since many old postcards have interesting pictures, I asked Raun at FoundRe to send us a dozen frames made from salvaged wood, cut to fit standard postcards.  They arrived last week.  For framing, cards that have been used are also good. 

Everything pictured above is available that FOUND (as of tonight).   I'm leaving in the morning to go see my sweet daughter and won't be back until Valentines Day.  

I left a treat for my sweetheart husband who will be shoveling snow at home this weekend - decadent, locally made artisan chocolates from Sweet Gem Confections .  

 

If you have a chance to stop by FOUND this week, mention this blog post and get 10% off anything that has a heart on it!   Tell the shop assistant you read it on the blog when you check out.

Make or reuse something and have a eco-funky Valentine's Day!

Eco-Funky Wednesday: Vintage Men's Ties

Remember when business men wore ties to work every day, male teachers taught in neckties and every man was expected to wear one to church on Sunday?  That was pretty common in the 60's when I was growing up. 

My dad had dozens of ties in his closet - mostly thin and some variation of red, but one special yellow tie and even a wooden novelty tie could also be found there.  Grandpa Berg wore extra wide, fabulously handpainted silk ties to his bank meetings.  I wish I had the one with the bucking bronco that he got in California...

Today, ties seem to be making a style comeback ala Mad Men.  But I'm also seeing more repurposing of vintage ties.  They are widely available for not much money at thrift stores.  A super easy way to repurpose one is to simply add a buckle and use it as a belt. 

Sewing on old silk ties can be a challenge, as the fabric slips easily.  One Ann Arbor seamstress who has mastered the technique is Celibeth Donnelly.   

 

We carry her eco-funky little bags at FOUND.  What a great way to accessorize an outfit AND have a place to carry essentials!   We only have 4 of Celibeth's one-of-a-kind, handmade purses left.  I love the grey and charcoal patterns on this one:

 

And the cute wide vintage rick-rack handle and dots 'n stripes on this one...

One of my customers was telling me about a sentimental quilt she had made from dozens of her father's old ties.  She's reminded of him whenever she sees the quilt.  Incorporating special ties into a pillow would also be fun. 

I've seen various styles of skirts made from vintage ties.  When you remove the back seam and iron them flat the wider end forms a natural flare for a flirty looking skirt.

A quick search on etsy found various sellers making things from ties.  Here's a fun cocktail dress from Glamarita.  Follow the link to see her other items.

 

When combined, the various stripes, dots and prints found in men's ties make them a great, affordable material for eco-funky repurposing!