Thursday's Unique Picks - National Road Trip

Last weekend the hubby and I set out on an adventure....

We hit the road, the National Road that is, in search of vintage treasures.

Snapshot from the National Road.

Every year, usually around the first week in June,  Route 40 plays host to yard sale mania. 

Snap shot going due East along Route 40 of one of the Historic National Road mile Markers. Photo credit goes to hubby. I didn't spot this right away, because I got distracted by an awesome yard sale.

These yard sales are stretched out along the 800 mile Historic National Road that runs from Cumberland, Maryland to Vandalia, Illinois. 

In case you wanted to know a little bit of history about the National Road this handy dandy youtube video wraps it up into a tidy six minute package. Informative, yet entertaining. I just love visual aids.

Since we only had two days for our yard sailing adventure, and didn't really know what to expect, we charted our course from Columbus, Ohio, due East on the first day and due West on the second day. 

Snapshot from along the National road Due West. This was a must stop yard sale. Busty mannequin clad in lingerie with handmade quilts and vintage military clothes, heck yeah pull over!

Day one brought us to West Virginia and on day two the adventure wrapped up somewhere in Indiana. 

Spotted at a yard sale in Indiana. I just loved this vintage desk but I think I liked what the price tag said even more.

haha! old.

It is important to note this yard sailing trip is not for the faint hearted or impatient. There is no rhyme or reason to where people are set up for sales, there is no knowing what types of goods will be found. One man's junk is another girly's treasure, but sometimes that man's junk is just junk. On Some stretches of the road, you get lucky and an entire town has tables set up. You can hop out of the the family truckster and walk around, but in other towns...well, I don't think that everyone along the road got the memo. Even though the road was not chock-a-block with sales, the scenery was amazing and the folks we met along the way couldn't have been nicer!

Since I spent last weekend searching for vintage treasure in West Virginia, Indiana and Ohio I decided that for This Week's Unique Picks from etsy sellers would be devoted to etsy finds that were handmade in those great states! 

Going East from Columbus...

Now serving West Virginia. This vintage tray is from VintageUpcycled's etsy shop.

Welcome to some handmade etsy finds from West Virginia.

Flirty fun handmade apron from Surley Girl Designs on etsy

Absolutely adorable handmade toy kitchen  from Mama Made Them on etsy.

West from Columbus...

Smells like Indiana. State of Indiana shaped soap handmade by Columbus, Ohio's own Stinkybomb Soap's etsy shop.

You will run into Indiana and these handmade etsy finds...

(and p.s. by far the best yard sales we found!)

Sweet little decorative handmade clay bird by Davis-Vachon Gallery on etsy

Julian welcomes you to Indiana! Handmade Upcycled argyle sock monkey from  Heidi BG on etsy

What is round on both ends and high in the middle? Why Ohio of course.

Ohio IS the heart of it all! Original painting by Mokopo Creations on etsy.

These etsy picks are handmade in the heart of it all.

Ring a ding, ding handmade ring, upcycled from a 2002 State of Ohio quarter by  Custom Coin Rings' etsy shop.

A girly's dream in aqua and blue, handmade patchwork vintage chenille fabric pillow from The Pink Palace on etsy.

East or West, Home is best. (but I may be a bit bias)

We are now back home in Columbus after our National Road trippin. This vintage trivet I bought for myself in Englewood, Ohio, pretty much sums up the state of my house, as I sort through all of my treasures from the adventure.

My vintage finds from my National Road trip are much like these great handmade etsy picks, definitely unique and quite eclectic. Go ahead, explore etsy, and check out what other great handmade finds your favorite state has to offer!

It's Curtains For You...

I do realize that in my last blog post I stressed the importance of laboring less this Labor Day...but it is the weekend before Labor Day and well, this is fun for me.

Get ready for some D.I.Y, Garage Sale Girly style.

Project: Recovery

(as if there aren't enough tutorials online about reupholstering...so what's one more right)

The Makeover Subject: Dining Room Chair Cushions

When the hubby and I first bought our home...almost 7 year ago, He surprised me with a super cool Mid Century Dining room set. I loved everything about it except the fabric on the seat cushions...

Snapshot of the subjects. At the back, is one of the chairs with its original fabric. The fabric could have been worse, but of course I couldn't leave it alone. At the front of this photo is my first attempt at reupholstering the chair cushions about four or five years ago.

It is not that my first attempt at upholstering wasn't successful. The execution was sufficient. 

OK, so I used a few too many staples but it was my first time doing this kind of thing.

The Problem: The New Upholstery Fabric

I chose this vintage looking fabric from Urban Outfitters. I loved the colors and the pattern. It was sold as a bedspread, but I thought this 100% cotton printed fabric would be a perfect cost effective solution to cover the cushions. In theory, yes this worked at first. I didn't account for the fact that we get a lot of sunlight though the patio doors at the back of our house. You could say there was some fading. As much as I tried to rotate the chairs so they would all look equally sun faded I eventually realized my attempts were futile and I should just try and find a new fabric (maybe something meant to be used for upholstery...I know, novel idea).

The Solution: It's Curtains (for you, old faded fabric).

I wasn't going to just settle for any old boring fabric, and being the thrifty gal that I am wasn't going to shell out a ton of money either. I tried the traditional upholstery fabric route and just never got excited about the fabrics that I found. I searched online for any vintage upholstery fabric that might tickle my fancy...no dice. This went on for about a year and a half (It's not like I obsessed about it everyday, but occasionally when looking for fabrics to use in my etsy shop, my mind would take a detour and I would start searching for fabric for my chairs).

One of two vintage curtain panels I found while at a garage sale. It was fate folded up and peeking out of a box.

I almost didn't stop at that garage sale that day. We were supposed to be going out of town but I had to run to the post office to ship a package. I saw a garage sale sign and even though I only had four dollars in my wallet I couldn't resist the temptation. This lovely pair of vintage curtains were sitting in a cardboard box on the floor of the garage. I asked the lady that was having the sale how much she wanted for them. She told me two dollars... I thought she was talking about just one of the panels but as luck would have it, she was selling the pair for two dollars. I snatched them up and walked around the rest of the sale clutching them at my chest. I had no idea what I was going to use them for but, I really loved the colors and the pattern. The nice lady selling them asked me where I was going to hang them, I told her that I had no idea. She informed me that they had been hanging in her bedroom since the 60's. She loved them because they did a really great job at keeping the light out of the room and suggested I should hang them in my bed room. Thanks, I'll think about it. When I proudly was showing off my find to my hubby he actually said..."it might look kind of cool to use those to cover the dining room chairs". Bingo (and since they are curtains I am hoping that the fabrics will not fade...hoping).  He is not just a pretty face you know, he is quite the idea man when he wants to be.

Story time is over...get to work

Step one: Remove the cushions from the wood base of the chair (I know, Captain obvious). 

A special thank you to my assistant, Christopher, for taking care of the cushion removal for me.

The tools you need to succeed.

Tool List:

1. Screw driver

2. Needle nose pliers

3. Staple gun

4. Fabric scissors (duh forgot to put these in the picture)

5. Lots of staples (I guess this is a supply, so shoot me)

Step Two: Remove the old faded cotton fabric. Pry up the million staples that I had previously used to apply old cotton fabric, with the screw driver.

The pliers are a useful little tool to pull out any of the old staples that may be a bit more stubborn and not want come out easily with the screw driver. 

*bonus* I didn't need to remove the cushion's original fabric because it was in pretty decent shape. This saved me from having to deal with the batting in the cushion. If the original fabric has major holes or weird stains or if you are working with a very tight fit you may need to strip the old fabric too.

Step Three: Once the old fabric and staples are removed from the cushion, lay out the new fabric flat face down.

(If the fabric is really wrinkled you may need to iron it. I was in luck, this fabric was pretty wrinkle free)

Place the cushion, also face down on top of the fabric and figure out how large you will need to cut the fabric to cover the cushion (It is always better to have a little extra. You can always trim it away later).

Step Four: Cut the fabric to size.
(p.s. the cut doesn't need to be perfect unless you are really tight on the amount of fabric you have)

Step Five: After your fabric is cut you are ready to grab the staple gun.

Tip: please note what end the staples come out of.

You want to start with two staples at opposite ends of the cushion.

Place the first staple near the center, along the front of the cushion.

Pull the fabric as taut as you can along the back of the cushion and Place the second staple near the center.

Step Six: Fold back the sides of the fabric and place a single staple on each side near the center making sure you are pulling the fabric taught cross wise (Just like you did in step five).

Step Seven: Working the curves. This is where things get a bit tricky. You will need to gather the fabric around the curves, try to distribute the gathers kind of evenly so you don't end up with any major folds, pull the fabric very taut and work the staple gun.

I suggest placing just a few staples at first just to anchor the fabric (you can go back later to place any extra staples you may need to secure the fabric).

Step Eight: Conquering the over hang portion on the cushion (I hope for your sake that if you have a cushion to recover it doesn't have an over hang because it is a bit of a pain in the pa-toot).
You will gather and distribute the fabric like you did around the curves, but this time you will have a few pleats. If you are super anal you can try and evenly pleat around the over hang and give each corner the same number of pleats. I am not.
Hang tight to the fabric and continue to staple around the cushion.
Tip: keeping the fabric pulled tight while securing the fabric is important, so you don't get weird wrinkles on the top of the cushion.

Step Nine: Trim away the excess fabric. Raw cut edges are A.O.K. Most of the edges will be covered when the cushion is screwed onto the chair.

(Anyway, who the heck is going to be flipping your chairs over to check out the bottoms)

Not too bad right?

Step Ten: Screw it back onto the chair and ta da! I had fun...but I am glad I only had six chairs

(too many more and I may have had a little less fun).

It is so fresh and bright. I love it.

(this fabric better not fade)

Then I got a little crazy and added a table cloth just to see... I just love mixing patterns.

Now if I could just change the flooring this easily....

Thursday's Unique Picks - First Class All The Way

While garage sailing around town last weekend the hubby and I stumbled upon some wonderful treasures.
You really never know what you are going to find. Sometimes it's lovely vintage treasures that you can use to decorate your home, but last weekend it was all about the experience, the ambiance and the great people that we met.

Experience the ambiance found in a basement of a tag sale we found...

Sweet mural spotted on the basement wall at the tag sale. I think that cow may be a bit of a flirt.

I have a feeling that this sweet mural was placed there to serve as a strategic distraction from the very energy efficient unit that was "tucked" into the corner.

This unit is not Energy Star rated. I asked my hubby to stand in the picture so you could get a sense of scale.

I am easily distracted by things like a flirty cow, a rooster and a frolicking pig and can't believe I almost missed the elephant. I am serious. The hubby had to bring this to my attention.

Onward to the next yard sale experience.

We came upon a house that had quite a collection on Victorian era steamer trunks lined up in their drive way.

I complimented the owner on his impressive collection and display. He explained that he was a collector that had to downsize a bit to make room for more. I sure do like the way he thinks.

He was eager to show off the impressive features of these beautiful trunks, like the special compartments for ladies to store their hats, trays for trinkets, original hardware and leather straps etc.

I was distracted by the pretty decorations on the interior lids of the trunks, and asked if he cared if I took pictures of them.

Although he seemed a little bit confused by my interest, he was happy to open them all up for me, and even excitedly pointed out the some of his favorites. 

 He kept inquiring if I got a picture of this one...

or that one...

 Did you see the one with the little Christmas picture?

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I loved them all. Loved the pattern mixing, loved the illustrations, but I especially loved the level of excitement that the captain of this yard sail had for his antique steamer trunks.

After the photos were taken and my thank yous were said, the captain left us with a little piece of steamer trunk trivia.

Image from General Metal and Holloware

Q: Do you know why some trunks have flat tops and some have rounded tops?

A: It's all about class baby. Sure the flat top trunks are for space saving storage, but the rounded top trunks belonged to the first class passengers. The rounded top trunks could only be placed on top of the stacked flat top ones, keeping them safe and sound.
The more you know.

Steamer trunks prove to be both effective for packing as well as lovely to look at. Love the attention to detail on the inside and on the exteriors.
Functional and stylish travel...I feel a Unique Pick theme coming on.

Adorable vintage photo from Aunt Sue's New Old Lovely etsy shop

So that was my little round about way of getting to this week's Unique Picks. Get packing in style for your next trip, with these great finds from etsy sellers.

We can't all fly in a private jet like Ted Danson, but we sure can pack in style like we are first class.

Part of my personal stash of vintage awesome. 1958 American Airlines brochure.

Where are you headed?

These may help you to decide...

Find fantastic destinations in this great collection of 1960's travel brochures and maps from Bountiful Books & Papers etsy shop. 

So what is your suitcase situation?

Is it rugged? Classic? Vintage chic?

These Picks are all of that and more.

 Set of vintage leather luggage from McLovebuddy's shop

How do you make a lovely piece of vintage luggage even lovelier?

Add a beautiful hand painted detail.

 Hand detailed vintage train case from VintageTravelers etsy shop

You may be mistaken for James Bond if you start toting this piece around.

Swanky vintage pick from Lucille's Attic.

Let's be honest folks. Travel has changed slightly over the years. As amazing as these vintage cases look they may prove to be a bit cumbersome and expensive to travel with. Unless of course you don't carry your own bags or give two wits about paying for your heavy bags. If that is the case I am guessing you really are a first class passenger.

I do personally prefer the modern convenience of the wheels on my suitcase, since I am forced to attend to my own luggage.

I don't think this makes me "coach class" or "cheap", but rather um...independent when I travel.

I actually choose to leave my vintage luggage at home where it serves as a jewelry box in my bedroom.

Think of all of the accessories you can stash into a lovely little vintage train case.

You can always deck out your modern rolly suitcase with this gorgeous "first class" looking luggage tag.

Set of copper personalized luggage tags from anandi's laboratory

I know that I can get a little obsessive compulsive when packing. I prefer to use little fabric storage bags when packing my suitcase, to contain all of the little travel needs that I can no longer carry on.

You too can show off your first class obsessive compulsive disorder...I mean organization skills, with these little storage bags in your suitcase.

Vintage fabric toiletry bag from Ivory Gray Designs

Sharp looking travel shaving/cosmetic bag composed of Pendleton wool from Timberline Treasures

I am sure the baggage screener will be impressed with your organization and sense of style.

Dirty clothes can also be confined in style when traveling.
I love this.

Fabric travel laundry bag from SoxyPuppet's etsy shop

My favorite part of this bag has to be this...

Once again, the baggage screener may appreciate the heads up on this.

Lastly, let's talk about a few other travel accessories that may help you to have a first class travel experience.
Wakey, Wakey.
No need for the wake up call when you have your very own travel alarm clock. A vintage fantastic one to boot.

Vintage travel alarm clock from Joie De Cleve
Dressed to im-"pressed".
Pack a travel iron to avoid all of those pesky wrinkles.

Brand spanking new 1940's vintage travel iron from Altered Paradise at Regina's Studio

Avoid bulky camera cases, but still keep your digital camera safe with this adorable handmade felt case.

So cute from Sweet treats by claraiuribe's etsy shop

Here is a first class solution to keep all of your travel documents organized.

It is the In Touch Clutch (tm) from downstairsDesigns

Snack attack en route?
You can avoid those "coach class" peanuts by packing your own designer almonds in this reusable snack pouch.

Reusable organic snack bag from Bebeloosh Mini's etsy shop

Whether you scored a seat in first class, or are smooshed in the back, here's a little something that couldn't hurt to bring along.

It is a vintage St. Christopher medal. He is the patron saint of safe travels. I am not Catholic but I think it is mighty fine that he has your back. This one is  from Blue Grotto' s etsy shop.

Bon Voyage folks!

 Fantastic set of  1940's early aviation postcards from ImagesUnearthed

I hope that you have enjoyed this week's Unique Picks with ideas for making your trip seem First class and stylish all the way.