A Couple Projects I've Done This Summer

I've been busy all summer and haven't had a chance to update my blog!

I bought a couple of neat mid-century modern pieces of furniture and refurbished them. They were purchased at Peddler's Mall, an indoor flea market here in KY. I mentioned it in this previous post.

The first piece is this cabinet. It was pretty rickety and rough and had years of smoke built up on it. The color was way too dark. I only paid $9 for it.

I painted it a chocolate brown and the back panel is off-white. Now when I put my collectibles on the shelves we will actually be able to see them!

The next piece is this bar. I really liked the design but the color was horrendous...sort of a greenish-brown fake wood. It was only $12.

So I used some of the leftover paint from the cabinet and here is the result:

I'm really pleased with how it turned out. Now I need to throw a cocktail party!

It's Tiki Time!

I discovered this YouTube video last night and as a fan of Tiki, I thought it was really great. His enthusiasm is contagious! This is Duke Carter, the author of Tiki Quest: Collecting the Exotic Past.

His book looks interesting, too. It's filled with photos of his personal colletion of Tiki items as well as historical information.

click here to read more or to purchase this book


(click on image to enlarge)

Screen Door Inserts

Not long ago I wrote about mid century front doors. That got me thinking about screen doors. They don't make them very unique these days. But there are a few companies that I've discovered that make inserts for your screen doors. Here are some examples:


Moonshine

They have a variety of silhouettes to choose from to make your insert suit your style- tropical, desert, rustic, or modern. They arrive completely assembled and ready to install.

$250- free shipping within the U.S.

Old Florida Retro

I mentioned this company in this post about retro house numbers. Their website says that these are actual reproductions of designs still seen in historical neighborhoods of South Florida.

(be sure to click on the pic to see larger image)

prices range from $400-$450

Susan Wallace

I saved my favorite for last. Susan Wallace is an artist in Austin, TX. She collaborates with her clients to create custom desings. I really love her work. Here are some examples. Be sure to check out her website to see more.

(be sure to click on the pic to see larger image)

Retro Patterns

Look at all these cool vintage patterns I found at Goodwill yesterday! They were 25 cents each. Some were even uncut!
My daughter picked them out, she's really into the 1960's retro look. Now my project list for this summer has grown even longer. (as if I don't already have enough to do!)

The one on the right looks easy to sew...it'll probably be the first one I try.

The one on the left is really cute and it says it's easy to sew- my kind of pattern!

The one on the left looks like it came from a James Bond movie. :)

This one looks easy and is so pretty!

Etsy Seller - The Vintage Supply Co

Tonight I came across an Etsy seller that you are really going to have to check out: The Vintage Supply Co. They specialize in 1940s-1970's clothing, accessories and household items. My kind of shop! Here are just a few examples of what they have to offer:

vintage 1960's green chiffon dress - $65
mod 1960's red and navy shoes - $60
vintage 1960's aqua and cream dress - $70



vintage tan Kangol mohair hat - $25
vintage 1960's red flower and paisley suitcase - $40
vintage 60's flower vinyl tote - $30

vintage 50's-60's black fold away cat eye glasses - $50
vintage 50's-60's gold aluminum cat eye glasses - $45
vintage aluminum elliptical shape glasses - $45

vintage 1950's rattan desk and matching chair - $499
mid-century modern coffee table with hairpin legs - $375

vintage 1960's-1970's Pyrex olive green flower nesting bowl set - $55
vintage mod 1960's cream accordion handbag - $45
vintage 1950's rockabilly purple gingham dress - $60

My Retro Paintings

I thought I'd share some of my artwork. These were done over the course of a few years. I haven't done anything within the last year or so, but I hope to get back to painting over spring break and into the summer when I have more spare time. I'm sure you can see some are inspired by the artist known as SHAG (a.k.a. Josh Agle). I was inspired by the artwork that can be seen background of his paintings.

This one originally had a print of some ballet dancers on it but was water damaged. I got it at a flea market for next to nothing and painted over the ballet dancers. I really like the retro 3-D effect:

This one was inspired by a sample of vintage barkcloth fabric:



It's the largest painting I've ever done- 3 ft. x 4 ft. The only place I had to paint this was on the dining room table, which was very challenging with 3 kids running around constantly. I guess that's why I've never attempted anything on this scale since! Not until I have an art studio!

Crestview Doors - Mid Century Front Doors

Ok, so for a very long time I have been wishing I had a cool retro front door like this but they don't sell them at Lowe's or Home Depot. So, I guess I'm stuck with a boring front door, right? Wrong! You can buy them at Crestview Doors.

click here to see a Crestview door on your house

I know what you're thinking...this has to be expensive. Well, it is a little pricey for a finished door ($800-$1200) BUT for a lot less ($179-$319) you can get a Door Lite Kit and add windows to your existing door yourself!

click here to see the door kits

Now I have a new project to do this spring!