Thursday's Unique Picks - Twist on Traditional

I love you more today than yesterday...but not as much as tomorrow!

Thank you, to the Spiral Staircase, I couldn't have said it any better myself.

I hope that you enjoyed my little ode to love to open up today's post.

Love is in the September air.

 Our wedding day, September,8th 2001

Yesterday happened to be the Hubby and my wedding anniversary,
and today is my parent's wedding anniversary!

My parent's wedding day. September 9th, 1972. Yeah, my mom is a hottie and my pop looks pretty slick too!

While doing a little research for this weeks post, I came across this little poem...Looks like we totally lucked out by having our wedding in September.

"Married in January's hoar and rime, Widowed you'll be before your prime;

Married in February's sleepy weather, Life you'll tread in tune together;

Married when March winds shrill and roar, Your home will lie on a distant shore;

Married 'neath April's changeful skies, A chequered path before you lies;

Married when bees o'er May blossoms flit, Strangers around your board will sit;

Married in the month of Roses - June, Life will be one long honeymoon;

Married in July, with flowers ablaze, Bitter-sweet mem'ries in after-days;

Married in Augusts' heat and drowse, Lover and friend in your chosen spouse;

Married in September's golden glow, Smooth and serene your life will go;

Married when leaves in October thin, Toil and hardship for you begin;

Married in veils of November mist, Fortune your wedding ring has kissed;

Married in days of December cheer, Love's star shines brighter from year to year."

"there are a couple of rhymes from popular folklore that believes your marriage will take on certain characteristics depending upon the month you chose..." according to the AnniversaryIdeas website.

Sure, now I am reading this...one would think this would be a useful little poem when choosing your wedding date.
Too late to think about what month the wedding is in now...I guess we should just carry on celebrating the anniversaries and hope for the best.

I love you for Evah! Show your sweetie you will be sticking around for a while. Great art print from sweet perversions designs on etsy.

When I was a newlywed, I for some reason, thought that anniversaries were all about getting fancy jewelry from your hubby every year. Now, I am not saying there is anything wrong with getting or giving beautiful bobbles to mark the anniversary of your wedding day, I am just saying, as I have gotten a bit...older, I think I have gotten a little bit wiser (if not wiser...we can just say craftier).

"I loved you long years", antique postcard from missgaylee's etsy shop. Instead of a cheesy Hallmark card, be romantic and give a vintage postcard.

You know those "traditional anniversary gifts" by year? Traditional doesn't have to mean lame. In fact, I realized that by following these crazy guidelines, it forced me be to be more creative with the gifts.

What is the deal with those "Traditional gifts by year" anyway? Where did this come from? Who made this list? I have been asking myself all of these questions...

"In the United States, the wedding anniversary symbols begin simply, with paper and flowers, and gradually increase in substance and value. The order of gifts reflects the investment that the couple gives of themselves to each other."

Source: Gretchen Scoble and Ann Field, The Meaning of Wedding Anniversaries, page 7.

Lovely vintage gold filled "Happy Anniversary" charm bracelet from Purple Daisy Jewelry on etsy. I love this, and in the case of this gift, I think it might stink to have to wait for your 50th wedding anniversary to get it.

Since the middle ages, in the Germanic region of Middle Europe, they have been associating silver with the 25th wedding anniversary and gold with the 50th wedding anniversary, but it wasn't until 1937

that, "...the American National Retail Jeweler Association issued a more comprehensive list, which associated a material for each anniversary year up to the 20th and then each fifth year after that up to the 75th, with the exception of the 65th."

Source: Cookie Lee, Wedding Anniversaries: from paper to diamond, page 61.

Found in this article on About.com.

Satisfied now?

See, I told you Hallmark didn't make this list up, just as filler for the pages in the back of their calendars.

So this Hallmark card isn't cheesy, it is actually pretty sweet. 1944 Hallmark anniversary card from Holiday Kitschklatsch on etsy.

For this week's Unique Picks I searched for great finds on etsy, keeping in mind the guidelines for "traditional gifts by year". I am hoping to give you some ideas on how you can make "Traditional" a little more fun and maybe even a touch more sentimental.

Let the gift giving begin...

1st Anniversary: Paper
Think beyond a sheet of plain white...

Handmade paper mache cake plate from Little Island Company on etsy.

Since You are supposed to eat the top layer of your wedding cake on your first wedding anniversary for good luck, wouldn't it be great to have a special plate? One that incorporates that traditional gift of "paper"?Double traditions = double fun.

2nd Anniversary: Cotton

Oooh sexy, let's take this one into the bed room.

Embroidered vintage cotton pillowcases from Sunshine Studio by drawingandcoloring on etsy.

These pillowcases are not only a creative solution to the "Cotton" gift, but I love that they are embroidered with "Mr and Mrs". I don't think this is a prudish way out, I think it is subtle and romantic way to say..."time for bed" (wink, wink).

3rd Anniversary: Leather

OH sweetie, do you remember our honeymoon?

Handmade leather photo album from leathermaps' etsy shop. This shop has an amazing selection of vintage inspired, handmade leather photo albums. Stop by their shop and take a peek, you just may be able to find your honeymoon destination.

Just because it has been a few years since the honeymoon doesn't mean you can't show your sweetie how memorable the trip was! Simply add some pictures from the trip and you will be the sentimental love sick fool you were on your honeymoon.

4th Anniversary: Flowers

Picked fresh and won't wilt.

Gorgeous handmade felt flowers to hang on your wall and enjoy everyday from Lilac Saloon on etsy.

These flowers will last as long as your love for each other (I can't believe I wrote that).

Sappy sayings aside, these handmade felt flowers are a great solution to the "Year Four Flowers" and you could always custom order some in your wedding colors.

5th Anniversary: Wood

 Knock on wood, this will be a hit!

4eva yours! Handmade, customized birch bark vase from bettula's etsy shop.

What wood be sweeter than you and your honey's initials carved onto a tree trunk...well, maybe a portable version like this birch bark vase.

6th Anniversary: Iron

Isn't this ironic?

"Take it off", fantastic wood and cast iron coat rack from paperdollwoodshop on etsy.

Sometimes after six years of marriage you may need a subtle reminder like this graphic wood and cast iron clothes hook, hanging in your bedroom.

As it says in this item's listing, "Life is too short for small talk...".

7th Anniversary:Copper/ Wool

This is just my two cents...

Ultra easy, ultra thrifty D.I.Y. gift, I gave to the hubby on our seventh anniversary.

I bought a cool little frame and framed a penny from the year we were married. So maybe pennies aren't made of copper anymore but it's the thought that counts .

(I had to dig through lots of coin jars to track down a 2001)

With all that dough you saved by giving this gift you will be able to buy a nice bottle of wine...

Sweater Wine Bottle cozy from The Unique Bird on etsy.

Get cozy with your honey and wrap the wine bottle in a wool sweater wine bottle cozy. How romantic, reminiscing about your wedding day over a lovely bottle of wine. Copper check. Wool check.

8th Anniversary: Bronze

This is not a bust.

Vintage bronze "Good Conduct" medal from GypsyCaravanBeads on etsy.

Eight years into marriage, you really should be awarded a medal "For Good Conduct".  You have done your duty, so why wouldn't you deserve this, "light hearted" gift of bronze.

9th Anniversary: Pottery/Willow

You are here (well, my hubby and I are).

September 8th, 2010

Not to stray from tradition but...

Last night we had tickets to the Columbus Clippers baseball playoff game. I decided it would be nice to surprise him and have our anniversary displayed at the bottom of the scoreboard. Surprise! He decided to do the same thing to surprise me...

"9th Anniversaries Sarah & Christopher" haha. At last It wasn't my grammar error.

Were they just trying to be funny because we both contacted them separately?
Did they really think there were 2 couples at the game with the same anniversary and names?
Was it a simple spelling mistake?

I swear I spelled it right. Oh well, you get the picture. It was sweet though.
Now this is where I will put the traditional spin on this gift.

I was thinking, if I could get a photo of our name on the scoreboard I could put it in a frame made of "pottery". Done.

Maybe you would like to do something similar for your 9th anniversary. You don't have to do something as fancy as going to a baseball game, a night out to dinner also works. Snap a photo, and then you slip it into a great pottery frame.

Handmade ceramic frame decorated with willows, from Chutney Blake Designs on etsy.

How about that, one gift that incorporates both traditional gifts, pottery and willow.

10th Anniversary: I'll save that for next year's post...

not to leave you hanging.

For my loving parents...

38th Anniversary: I really wanted to find something to help you out Dad...but you lucked out.

You pick.

Such a sweet vintage anniversary card from ric rac and buttons' etsy shop.

After 20 years, there are only "Traditional" gifts every five years...so this gives you a few years to save up for 40 because...

40th Anniversary: Ruby...

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 -Labor Less Day

So you know what Monday is, right? September 6th.

It is not just two days before my wedding anniversary...and twenty days before my birthday...it happens to be the un-official start of fall. (or at least in my opinion)

I think this one branch, on a tree in my back yard may agree with me though...the leaves are already changing.

I declare the first Monday in September dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. Well, I didn't declare this, but the Labor Movement did in 1882, and it became a federal holiday in 1894. According to the U.S Department of Labor.

So bottom line, it is a day off work to celebrate how hard you work. How best to celebrate Labor Day? Well, by not laboring of course (another opinion expressed by the writer of this blog).

You got it! Not Labor Day, Lazy Day. Great letterpress card set from Mad Cat Press on etsy.

So let's sit back and check out some Unique Picks from great etsy sellers who have the right stuff to help make Labor Day a little less laborious, ultra relaxing, and possibly non-productive.

I can relate to this card. This card is from one of my new favorite sellers, GoodGosh on etsy. You need to check out their shop to explore their "slightly warped, yet sensitive side".

Remember you are not being lazy, you are just participating in a federal holiday that celebrates how hard you work every other day.

Great photo of Old Glory by LaurenB Photography on etsy. 

Escape the office and enjoy your day.
This is your patriotic duty.

I pledge to not put on anything tight, restrictive or fussy. Something even better than business casual. Think lounge. Think comfy. Just think, there is no reason to take those pj's off and rush to the office on Monday.

What a hoot! These awesome owl graphic sweat pants are from Branch Handmade on etsy.

O.K. I know pajamas all day is a little bit sad...so I suggest slipping into something a bit more comfortable, like some snazzy sweats. 

I pledge to avoid my usual healthy fiber filled breakfast with something scrumptious and sweet and homemade. (but not homemade by me)

Yes, six homemade pumpkin spice muffins delivered to you by the postman. Don't these muffins from Kays Simply Homemade on etsy, look delicious?

Things always taste better when I don't have to make them.

AJKArtistry's etsy shop says RELAX. They are giving your spoon a special place rest after stirring all of that Baileys into your coffee on this labor free holiday. (Not that I am advocating liquor in the morning, but come on, you know you aren't going anywhere.)

Ahhh, this is the life. Love this lounging, vintage pixie figurine from cammoo on etsy.

Just chillin' or ready to take a nap after all of that Baileys and muffins? Guess you could head outside for some fresh air and fun (or not. Remember it's up to you. This is your holiday, you hard worker!).
I pledge to have some fun this Labor Day.

 This vintage set of Jarts comes in its original box and can be found in Vintage Bond's etsy shop.

Join in some adult fun with this game of Jarts. Outdoor fun for everyone, except children and the exceptionally clumsy folks like myself.

I do have a feeling that my Hubby would not let me partake in this game, because if I would certainly get injured it may be too arduous for him to dial "911". I will have fun today and try to not poke my eye out.
Since tossing sharp darts through the air into small rings may not be relaxing fun for me, maybe I could try something else...like tossing a bean bag through a hole.

Made to order Corn hole boards from acspecialties etsy shop.

Yeah, corn hole seems less dangerous and is a lot of fun...but the last time I played, my throwing arm hurt for days. I think maybe I will just sit back and watch. I can keep score (If I actually understood how the point system of this game worked).
Clearly outdoor games are not my ideal way to unwind.

Now that's what I am talking about...mid century modern corkscrew from goodygirlred's etsy shop. This baby is automatic to help you avoid any unnecessary strain on this holiday.

I am thinking about sticking to something I am good at like popping open a bottle of wine and just hanging around.

Great printed original illustration by Katrin Schwulst from seasprayblue on etsy.

This would be the most fun. I am pretty low maintenance.
 Maybe a pizza delivery and a maid would be nice too. OK, now I am getting greedy.

1920's era picture magnet from MelanieKors etsy shop.

I will just settle for a maid.

I asked the Hubby, hypothetically, what would be your idea of fun on Labor day.
He said he would enjoy spending the afternoon on a hammock.
That's swell, I could do that too.

"Swingin' In A Hammock", 1930's sheet music from Kelly's Vintage Goods.

 I do have a sneaking suspicion though, that the hammock that is in the hubby's head is not really built for two.

Now that's what I call relaxing in style. Beautiful handmade hammock from NANTUCKET HANDMADE HAMMOCKS by GRETA CROCHET DESIGN.

 He also requested a beer in his hypothetical, less laborious, Labor Day happy place. That's easy enough.
I spotted an ingenious little contraption on etsy that would make opening beer bottles and cleaning up the beer bottle caps a breeze.

Wall mounted beer bottle opener with a vintage beer can bottle cap catcher from Handy Sam's Creations.

To complete his dream scenario, I thought he may enjoy a little video gaming to fritter away the day.

 Old school cool. 1970's Mattel electronic football game from Swankarma on etsy.

All in all, I think This weeks Unique Picks have given you ideas for a stress free, fun non laboring holiday.
And as you wind down from all of the things that you didn't do on Labor Day you may want to make yourself a list for the rest of the week...

I love this "Lazy Ass" note pad from Wide Sarcasm Sea's etsy shop.