Thursday's Unique Picks - Please Don't Lose The Opener

Ohhhh the anticipation...the excitement.
Anyone know what today is?
Anyone? Anyone?

How are you celebrating baseball season? Why not deck out some cupcakes with these sweet vintage  baseball glove cupcake toppers from Crickleberry Cottage's etsy shop.

Opening Day for the Columbus Clippers, of course!

Who are the Clippers, you ponder? Well they are Columbus' AAA Minor League baseball team.

Just to be clear. I don't really like baseball...but I do like Columbus Clippers baseball. Makes sense, right?

Check out my sweet new Clipper's gear. This one of a kind D.I.Y Clippers bag was a Christmas Gift from my Hubby. D.I.Y? Yes. He bought me this vintage bag (on etsy, of course) and the Clippers patch and it was up to me to assemble, since sewing is not really his forte.

So to celebrate opening day, I thought I would sing a little tune that you may know and love, accompanied by some great etsy finds that you may want to get to know and love!

1949 sheet music from the MGM musical "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" found in  Oma's Trunk's etsy shop.

Take me out to the ball game,

Take me out to the crowd;

Buy me some peanuts...

Adorable vintage style peanut bags from In The Clear on etsy.

and Crackerjack,

Some may associate beer with baseball games but there is nothing wrong with throwing back a glass of vino while cheering on the team...especially if you are using these great vintage Crackerjack prize wine glass charms handmade by D&J Leis Antiques on etsy.

...and a hot dog 
(seriously, how is this line not in the lyrics?)

Fantastic dancing stained glass weiner from Western Art Glass' etsy shop.

I don't care if I never get back.

So let's root, root, root for the home team,

If they don't win, it's a shame.

Hoping for a win! This great embossed copper "win" necklace is from Juls After Midnight on etsy.

For it's one, two, three strikes you're out,

At the old ball game!

Go Clippers! Bring home a win tonight! You know that they say...

If the home team loses the opener...
they won't be able to serve beer the rest of the season.

Please don't lose the opener. But if they do...you won't have to worry, if you have this great vintage beer bottle opener around your neck, from Poor Sparrow's etsy shop.

(A girly could get powerful thirsty without a cold one to wash down all of those hot dogs.)
Hope that you enjoyed our opening day inspired etsy picks and I wish all of your favorite teams the best of luck this baseball season, unless they are playing my Clippers of course.

Thursday's Unique Picks - What Are You Made Of?

Valentine's Day is looming...

Uhhhh...

Adorable assorted selection of vintage valentines from Treasures of Vintage Memories shop on etsy.

What do girls want? My Husband would say, "what don't they want". 

What do boys want...gross get your head out of the gutter. 

Surely there are loads of lovely gift ideas from etsy sellers...but where to start the search. 

I thought maybe this little Mother Goose rhyme, that my Grandma used to recite to me, might give us some direction. Yeah...let's see what you are made of!

What are little boys made of?

"What are little boys made of..." illustrated poster from leesaralou's etsy shop.

Snips...

Manly grunts all around...an instant collection of vintage tin snips from It's Verily Vintage on etsy.

Snails...

When the room heats up on Valentine's Day, prop open the door with this hand painted vintage iron snail door stop from Portuguese Vintage's etsy shop 

and Puppy Dog Tails.

Uncork the magic with the tail of this little pup. This great vintage wooden dog has a corkscrew for a tail and can be found at Nickadizzy on etsy.

What are little girls made of?

Oh so nice...eye chart inspired illustrated poster from CJ Prints on etsy.

Sugar...

Sugary sweet without the calories...custom order this handmade crochet "frosted sugar cookies" scarf from Kellyz Kreationz etsy shop.

Spice...

Slip out of those pajama jeans and into something to spice Valentine's Day up...like these beautiful 1950's satin tap shorts from  Concetta's Closet on etsy.

and All Things Nice.

Mama always says...boys like nice girls. This little handmade pillow from Your Homebased Mom on etsy, is a nice
reminder...

Now that we are clear on what boys and girls are made of...hopefully, it will make choosing something special for your Valentine from great etsy sellers a snap...or should I say smooch!

XOXO

This Week In History - Define Timeline...

February 1st, 1884

Adorable handmade dictionary rings from Out Of The Blue's etsy shop

On February 1st, 1884 the first portion of the Oxford English Dictionary is published. Sure there were other dictionaries in publication at that time, but members of London's Philological Society wanted to step it up. What does Philological mean? Why don't you look it up in the dictionary? Plans to produce an error free, up to date dictionary started brewing in 1857. The concept was to cover all of the vocabulary from 1150 A.D. to present (present as in 1850's ish) into four volumes. They estimated it would take about ten years to complete. Over forty years later, after the 125th and final fascicle, the dictionary was published, complete with 400,000 words and phrases in ten volumes. Yes, I see a hand back there...What is a fascicle? You are going to have to look that up in the dictionary. 

For more information on the Oxford English Dictionary or this date in history check out this article on The History Channel website.

Thursday's Unique Picks - Twelve Days On A Budget

Hello...is it me you are looking for? 

Back again...(about time, right?)

So here we are...t-minus 17 days till Christmas. I am hearing some cheers and a few groans from the crowd. 

I know, I am in the same boat. Excited for the holiday, but as always, feeling completely unprepared.

Two new additions to our home's vintage kitsch-mas collection that the hubby and I acquired over the last few months.

What I really need is a Christmas tune to get me into the mood. 

How about The Twelve Days of Christmas? 

Not just any version of The Twelve Days of Christmas...but a Unique Picks version with fantastic finds from etsy sellers! Let's put a modern spin on the lavish list of gifts from this 18th century tune.

The actual cost of buying all of the gifts from The Twelve Days of Christmas, in 2011 would cost a mere $101,000, according to PNC Wealth Management in this article from TIME magazine online. These finds from etsy are not only unique, they are a little more practical and are actually affordable when you compare it to the rising cost of buying fowl and dancing girls (plus tip) these days.

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

A Partridge in a pear tree.

Show stopping 1970's partridge in a pear tree needlepoint embroidery from  drowsy swords vintage on etsy.

On the Second Day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Two Turtle Doves...

...and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the Third Day of Christmas my true love gave to me 

Ah HA! So that is what a turtle dove is. Adorable original designed cut paper note card from Starfly Creations on etsy. 

Three French Hens...

These little rubber hens are prefect for crafting and can be found in High Pie Supply's shop on etsy.

...two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the Fourth Day of Christmas my true love gave to me

Four Colly Birds...

(Whaaat? I thought it was calling birds. Nope. Colly Birds. What the heck is a Colly Bird? What the heck is a Calling bird? Exactly.) 

A Colly Bird is an old English term for a black bird and it somehow got twisted in translation to "calling bird" in the lyrics of the song according to this enlightening article from Bird Watcher's General Store.

O.k., so maybe these aren't blackbirds, but they are Victorian Calling cards that have beautiful bird illustrations, and I think that should count for something. These Antique calling cards can be found in Stuff To Charm You's etsy shop.

Three french hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the Fifth Day of Christmas my true love gave to me

Five Golden rings...

Who said the gold rings had to be for your fingers? This vintage gold  tone ring statement necklace is from  Antiquesnoddities on etsy.

four colly birds, three french hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the Sixth Day of Christmas my true love gave to me

Six Geese -A- Laying...

I literally love this original watercolor artwork by John Tebeau on etsy

And yada, yada, yada (did she just yada The Twelve Days of Christmas verse? Yes.)

On the Seventh Day of Christmas my true love gave to me

Seven Swans -A- Swimming...

Gorgeous 1960's ice bucket decked out with gold swans from Dainty Rocker on etsy.

you carry on with the singing...your voice is better.

On the Eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me

Eight Maids -A- Milking

Who needs eight milk maids when you could have one terrific vintage milk maid planter  from Any Old Time's etsy shop.

where were we?

On the Ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me

Nine Ladies Dancing...

Well, two ladies will do. I don't really have space in my house for all nine of the dancers anyway. This original vintage photo is from Gwen's Sew Vintage on etsy.

Honestly, I can't be expected to remember all the words.

On the Tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me

Ten Lords -A- Leaping

Handmade leather wallet with Lads -A- Leaping, from Backerton's shop on etsy should fit the bill. 

 Stick with it, we are almost there.

On the Eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me

Eleven Pipers Piping

Surely this unique handmade candelabra contains at least eleven pieces of pipe. This great upcycled, industrial inspired piece is from The Artful Forger on etsy.

Strong finish kids.

On the Twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me

Twelve Drummers Drumming

Chippy chalkware drummer boy book ends are from The Unique Bird, my etsy shop (just a little shameless self promotion).

eleven pipers piping, ten lords -a- leaping, nine ladies dancing, eight maids -a- milking, seven swans -a-swimming, six geese -a-laying, five golden rings, four calling..oopsie, habit...colly birds, three french hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree.

Nice! What is the grand total for all of these "Twelve Days of Christmas" inspired etsy finds...(not including shipping)? Can I get a drum roll from the twelve drummers that are drumming?

$384.70

I know, what a bargain!

Don't fret about getting all of these fabulous etsy finds twelve days before the 25th. The actual Twelve Days of Christmas don't begin until the 25th and last until January 6th. Happy holiday shopping!

Sew What?

Hello again! How has everyone been? 

I know it has been quite a while since my last post... I just wanted to let you know that I haven't had a slack attack. Things have been hopping for The Unique Bird lately and I have been a busy little girly sewing, sewing, sewing...much to the chagrin of my 1982 Kenmore Ultra Stitch 12. As my little vintage sewing machine ch-chunks along, I feel it is sending me subliminal messages..."why don't you go and play on the computer and let me get some rest?". Sorry little Kenmore, we have miles to sew before we can sleep because there are some exciting things happening for The Unique Bird!

Sew, what is all the excitement about?

Our handmade wine bottle accessories have been at hit at Meza Wine Shop in Westerville, Ohio! 

Picture via Meza's Facebook Fan Page.

We have been creating a fresh new selection of our handmade upcycled sweater wine bottle cozies and Bloomin' Wine Bottle Stoppers (exclusively sold at Meza) that are perfect for Fall. Thanks Meza! Keep selling those delicious bottles of wine and we will keep those bottles dressed in the best handmade wine bottle wraps and sweater cozies from The Unique Bird.

Last weekend we were a vendor at the Fall Flea in the Short North, in Columbus, Ohio.

I was busily adding some new handmade vintage fabric home decor accents to spice up our selection for Fall and complement our assortment of vintage home decor.

Our booth at the Fall Flea October 2011.

We were so excited to feature a selection of  beautiful handmade feedsack handbags and totes from our talented friends at Objet Adapte, in our booth!

We also featured a selection of handcrafted crochet neck warmers and  bracelets from Mama Bird. Yes, my super talented mom crocheted these cozy accessories for our booth! I am thinking she needs to get a shop on etsy too.

Thanks so much to everyone that stopped by at the Fall Flea! 

If all of that isn't enough to get excited about...I am proud to announce....

drum roll please....

You can now find unique handmade vintage fabric pillows, 

One of my new vintage fabric throw pillow designs that is now available at Wholly Craft!

upcycled sweater wine bottle cozies 

and our signature handmade vintage fabric wine bottle wraps 

at Wholly Craft in Clintonville, Ohio!

Wholly Craft storefront photo via Craft Caucus.

And starting next Tuesday, 10/18/11, you will be able to buy a selection of our handmade vintage fabric pillows, 

vintage fabric appliqued garland

and unique vintage kitchen goodies 

at Celebrate Local, in Easton Town Center, in Columbus, Ohio.

Image via Celebrate Local.

Celebrate Local is a new seasonal shop at Easton Town Center that showcases the best of Ohio produced handmade and artisan goods. The Unique Bird is so thrilled to be a part of this new shop! 

I hope that if you live in Columbus, or if you are just visiting our fine city, you can stop into one of these awesome retail shops and take a peek at some of our unique handmade and vintage wares!

Sew, What's Next?

Well, in a few weeks we will be a vendor in the Grandview Holiday Bazaar.

It is bound to be one sweet shopping experience! 

The Holiday Bazaar takes place on Saturday, November 12th 2011 from 10 a.m to 3 p.m.

1240 Oakland Avenue, Grandview, Ohio 43212

I plan on sewing up some fantastic new vintage fabric goodies for this event to amaze and excite you. (fingers crossed)

Sew, now you are all caught up on some of the exciting happenings and opportunities that have come our way!

I have not forsaken my little blog...but I am going to warn you that over the next few weeks my posts may be a little bit spotty, as the sewing factory in my nest will be in full swing. 

I will try my best to post when I can and eventually I will get back on some sort of a schedule...but for right now I am just going to take my Dad's advice, "Just do the very best you can every day".

Thanks so much to my customers, readers, family and friends for your support and patience...The Unique Bird wouldn't be where it is today without all of you.

Thursday's Unique Picks - You Say Tomato

Hello September! Welcome to my favorite month. 

Next week, I will be celebrating one of the things that makes this month so special to me...

Next Thursday, September 8th, the hubby and I will be celebrating our wedding anniversary.

Vintage 10 year anniversary cake topper from Antiques Galore Gal's etsy shop.

It isn't just any old anniversary, we are entering into the double digit phase. 

Ten years. Pretty sweet.

Then...

September 8th 2001.

Now...

Summer lovin' 2011.

What makes it work. Our love is like a song...

Ya know, the classic tune written in 1937, By George and Ira Gershwin.

I say fantastic. Screen printed and hand sewn tea towel from Bravura's etsy shop.

Upcycled cross stitch tote with a Karen Walker quote, "You say Potato, I say Vodka", by Stitch Please..Ikid609 on etsy.

"Potato, potahto, Tomato, tomahto, Let's call the whole thing off"

Wait...that sounds really bad. I don't mean, "let's call the whole thing off"...there are more words.

"But oh, if we call the whole thing off Then we must part
And oh, if we ever part, then that might break my heart..."

Told you. 

SO, all I am trying to say...is that the hubby and I could have our very own version of that tune. 

This week's unique picks highlight an eclectic mix of etsy finds to help me illustrate.

Adorable vintage mustard and relish jars from Whimsical Vintage on etsy.

On hot dogs (one of our favorite foods), I say mustard, You say ketchup.

Ha ha ha! Happy Guy Wine bottle rack designed and handmade by Knob Creek Metal Arts on etsy.

Adult beverages... I say wine, You say champagne...of beers (living the high life).

Salty 'n sweet is all the rage these days! Be on trend with this charm necklace from  pollyannacowgirl's etsy shop.

On Snacks...I say salty, You say sweet ( the same could be said for our personalities. He is the nice one).

Robot love. This wedding cake topper is handmade by Builder's Studio on etsy.

Movies...You say Sci Fi, I say Romantic Comedy.

1950's-1970's collection of Football and Baseball books from Sarahendipity on etsy.

On Sports...You say baseball AND football, I say,"OK I will watch sci fi, if you don't make me watch stupid football".

High quality organic catnip cassettes for your bad ass metal cat from too bad mice's etsy shop 

On Music...You say Metal, I say Please make it stop.

When you care enough to send the very best...choose this great greeting card from  Junkmail Greetings from CarolLeeDesigns on etsy.

We don't quite see eye to eye on every little thing...(even though my hubby is only about three and a half inches taller than me) but we seem to have made it work.

Sweet pint of an original pencil illustration by Le Petit Elephant on etsy.

Happy Anniversary (in no particular order) to my: CFO, copy editor, best pal, and my favorite person.
 Husband, I am talking about you.

Hope you enjoyed this weeks eclectic mix of unique finds from etsy sellers and my little love story! Please stop by next week for our new blog post feature, "This week in history". I promise the historic event will not be about my wedding.