Enamelware Love

A lovely blogger bought this enamelware plate from me and shared how she used it on her blog chocolat-et-marrons-grilles.  Isn't it styled beautifully? 

chocolat-et-marrons-grilles

Her photo really made me appreciate enamelware (even more)!  I have a roundup of sweet enamelware photos to share with you today.

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Organization Idea: Pegboard

A multi-function space requires excellent organization.  Since my craft room also doubles as my guest room, I must ensure that there is adequate storage for all my supplies, and adequate space for guests. Always on the lookout for simple yet smart storage solutions, when I saw a white pegboard for $1, I knew it would be perfect in my craft/ guest room.  Pegboards are great because they provide storage and organization, without taking up square footage.

 This wall as you enter the room didn't serve much purpose, so I decided to put the pegboard here.  However, I needed to remember that this was going to be the first thing people saw as they entered the room.  Because this is where my guests stay, I wanted it to still be inviting.

I picked out some of the crafty supplies that I use frequently.  But also considered materials that were colorful and pretty to look at.

Next, I laid everything out to ensure a nice symmetry and that it would all fit.  Because a pegboard is so flexible, there wasn't a lot of pressure to get everything perfect.  It can always be changed as needed.

Anyone else rockin' a new pegboard?

The Best of April

I certainly have had my fill of April showers, and am hoping that as promised May will deliver some flowers. Despite the April rain, we did accomplish a great deal during the month.

 Refreshed the Master Bedroom

Made an Industrial Style Light

Turned a Vintage Puzzle into a Chalkboard

Shopped Estate Sales

Attended an Auction

Replaced a Light

Fell in Love with some Elephants

Catch up on the happenings of January, February, and March.

Estate Sale Finds- Randomness

Warmer weather means more opportunities to snag some thrifty treasures.  Today's collection of finds is quite a random mix of things, acquired over the last few months.  If you are a long-time reader, you might think I have a thing for deer.  It is true that I have featured a few deer on the blog.  But I bought this piece because it is cute (of course) but also because it is mint in the package.  These cardboard wall hangings are from the 1950-60s, and this one is in great condition.  Would be pretty cute in a nursery.

Another piece from the past....a vintage radio.  This radio has nice color and texture. And it looks like the Mercedes logo is on the front.  I wonder if there is any connection...I might have to research this.

These old fans are so neat, and I always wanted to own one myself.  This one came from an estate sale.    It is inoperable.  The cage is bent, so the fan blades don't turn.  But I like it for display.

What have you found lately...do share! 

See more thrifty treasures here, here, here, and here.

Master Bedroom- Refresh

I don't know about you, but there are some rooms in my house that seem to come together rather quickly.  And then there are other rooms, that take months  years to get right.  The master bedroom is one of those rooms for me.  It started out with hacking these Ikea chests into bedside tables.  

Vintage Puzzle Chalkboard- DIY

In honor of Earth Day, I am sharing a great reuse project.  Vintage wooden puzzles are always something I come across at estate and garage sales.  Sadly, over the years of children playing with them, they often end up missing pieces and incomplete.  Such was the case for this USA map puzzle.

Going Once, Going Twice...Sold: 5 Tips for Attending your First Auction

One dollar bid, now two, now two, will ya' give me two? Two dollar bid, now three, now three, will ya' give me three?  

Oh yes my friends...that is the sound of the auction, beckoning you to come in and buy some stuff!  Until very recently, I had never been to an auction.  I suppose that is not entirely accurate, as I do vaguely recall attending a doll auction with my mom when I was little.  But I really was unclear about what was going on, and I remember sitting very still, afraid that even the slightest movement would be mistaken for a bid!

But let me tell you, I have been missing out.  Auctions are fun!  I was a little nervous going to my first "real" auction, so I want to share a few tips with you.  So if you decide to go, you will feel like an expert.

Tip 1:  Do Your Research
Most auction houses advertise their upcoming sales online with pictures or with a paper catalog of the items to be sold.  Spend some time viewing the online photos to decide if the auction is a good fit for you.  Some auctions are very specific, selling only one kind of item (cars, coins, etc.), while others will have a variety.

Tip 2:  Arrive Early
Typically the auction house will be open a few hours/ days before the start of the sale for you to preview the items.  At an auction items are sold "as is, where is" meaning the buyer is responsible for inspecting the condition before the sale.

Tip 3:  Get a Number
See the clerk of the auction to register and get a number for bidding.  They will need your name, address, and driver's license in order to issue you a number.  Get a number even if you don't think you will buy anything...you just never know!

Tip 4: Beware the Fees
Most auctions charge a buyer's premium, which is an additional fee tacked on to purchased items.  Sometimes the fee is a percentage of the price, sometimes it is a flat fee.  Make sure you know the terms of sale, so you can factor this fee into the overall purchase price.

Tip 5: Just Ask
There may be other items in the auction house that you are interested in, that are earmarked for a future sale.  Ask the auctioneer to sell that item while you are there.  Most of the time, they are happy to accommodate you.

I hope you will attend an auction in your area soon!  It really is a fun time!