Christmas Cards Recycled

I am a big collector of stuff. You know. Stuff that others might consider trash. For instance, when I was organizing my new file cabinets, I discovered just bookoos of Christmas cards I have received through the years. It was quite entertaining just looking through them. I discovered some dated back to 1994. Some came from couples with one child, then later years' cards revealed 2, 3 and 4 children. Some of the cards were from folks who are no longer with us. "Grand daddy and Joy" in his crooked script. Ahhh...Memory Lane brings about nostalgia.

So, besides throwing them in a file drawer, what does one do with these things? I don't know how I came up with this, but it's working. What I did is this. I took the paper cutter and I cut the back side off all of the cards (the side with the personalized part). As long as there isn't writing on the back side of the front of the card, this idea works. The front of the card, with it's cute picture and possibly some writing, now serves as the front of my Primitiques Party invitation. On the back, I pasted a little printed card, indicating time, place, etc. (Actually, Mom and Snakelover did the pasting. Thanks, y'all!)

I know. This isn't rock-your-world amazing. It's by no means fancy or classy. What it is, is a part of my effort to reuse and recycle stuff. And in the process, I am reducing stuff I have been holding onto for unknown reasons.

By the way, you know I saved a few of the back sides with handwritten notes. I can't just let everything go in one day!

Christmas Party with Joy!

A party is planned. Enjoy the pictures and then, check out your invitation. Yes, you have to come to Poetry, Texas for it. Won't that be fun?

Would you look at how smart y'all are? I said I needed suggestions for these stands a couple posts ago, and I got some great ideas! Yes, I may add embellishments to the paper. Kinda bland now. But, you can see it coming together, can't you?

The back left one is sporting one of those dry cleaner hanger things with a clip. I threw a business card on that. And the other pics are of Mom and Dad. Kinda cute with the clothes pins, eh?

An s-hook went into the top of this stand. And the wreath is filled with my grandmother's old broaches and earrings. She had quite the collection!

Not bad as a hat holder with the cloth ball thingy.

Joy, indeed! I love that y'all helped me with this!

Now for the party. We are having an Open House at Primitiques 'n Poetry and YOU are invited! We'll have punch and cookies, special discounts and a drawing for Margo's Junk Calendar.

Saturday, November 29, 1pm-4pm. Invite your friends. This does happen to be First Monday. So, come see us after you've spent the morning in Canton. Perfect!

Also, notice that I added some local antique businesses to my sidebar. If you have a local business (within about 20 miles), holler and I'll gladly add your info.

ho Ho HO!!!
~Mindy

Egg Nog

There were some really good suggestions for my stands from the last post. I am going to try some of them tomorrow. See what I can do. The magnet thing, I'm sad to say, isn't going to work, with the round pole and the flat magnet. I tried. But, the Joy idea on cardstock might be cute. And the papertowel thing is fun! I'll take pics and show you what I come up with. Thanks, y'all!

So many of you were busy this weekend. From making homemade bread to crock potting pulled pork, to long walks with the family dog. Witt's parents were adjusting to Witt's schedule this weekend, as he likes to keep 'em guessing. Now, I didn't bake or cook anything this weekend. No long walks with a dog. No newborn to deprive me of sleep. Believe it or not, I started decorating for Christmas this weekend!

It all started Friday when I stopped by my favorite adult beverage store and I was happy to see that my favorite drink in the whole wide world is currently in stock.

Pennsylvania Dutch Egg Nog.

Write it down. Get it. Drink it. But, first. Promise that you won't hate me when your pants start fitting tighter. Be prepared to exercise during this season, or your cute little party dress for New Year's won't glide over your curves quite like it is supposed to. It is fattening! And it is wonderful!

Oh. And it does have spirits. So, make sure you have a designated driver, or just stay home when you consume this delightful concoction. It will knock you on your booty if you're not careful.

You will so much enjoy decorating your home while enjoying a cup of this goodness. Can I get an AMEN from any other folks in the know?

I know. You wanna see what I got done, don't you? My house isn't photo ready. But, give me another weekend with Bing Crosby and Perry Como and we'll see what pics I can come up with.

By the way, Pennsylvania Dutch Egg Nog is what I give as a host/hostess gift during the Holiday Season. Maybe this explains why I get invited to so many parties!

If you'll pardon me, I need to go run around the block a few times.

Show and Tell

Today, I share with you several of the boxes in my house. This first one is an old bottle carrier of some kind. It has been stained over, but if you catch the print in the right light, I think it says "Jack's Beverages" on the front.
See the dividers? Cool box.
Next, I think the top box came from kinfolk. But, I don't remember who. Mom? A little help if you are reading this. The bottom one...well, read the comments...Mom fills in the blanks on my waning memory. Grandma painted it this antique red color. Wouldn't have been my color of choice. But, changing it would involve work. And I hate the W word.

This next blanket box is the replacement piece for Cousin Janelle's old hope chest. Primitive. Clean lines. I like it! And it is stuffed with all my old quilts.

And now. Check out this mother of all mothers. See how big it is? It's a chippy blue color. I wax this baby and it is just awesome. More linens are stored in here. How many linens can one woman have? Well, I have a lot. For sure.
See the top? Waxed, it is just lovely.
Now. That was the SHOW portion of this post. It is now TELL time. You tell me...See these stand thingies? I have collected them, waiting for my creative-genius-self to figure out something to do with them. Any suggestions? I've done hats. A puppet. Not sure a wreath would balance on top. Maybe you could just suggest a holiday idea. hmmmmmm
Happy Sunday!

~Mindy

Meet the Folks

Y'all have been reading about me the last few months. Yesterday was dedicated to my sister, LucyJane. Today, you get to meet more of my peeps.

Here's Dad and LucyJane. Dad is a retired salesman and a full time junker. He garage sales, he goes to auctions. Before his purchases get moved along for profit, he stores them in the garage. When he hears the garage door opening and knows it's me, he always runs to the back door and tells me not to look as I'm walking through. He loves to see me, but he hates to see me coming. "Dad, can I have this?"

Here's Mom. Think we favor just a little? Mom is a retired nurse. She literally knows everything. I swear. And she knows how to do just about everything. She is amazing.

When LucyJane and I grow up, we want to be as smart as Mom. Seriously.

Here's Mom and Dad celebrating 45 years of marriage. Well, I think they were actually taking a pause from celebrating at this very moment.

Yeah. Here's Dad celebrating now.

By the way, Dad always says "yes" when I want something in the garage. I am his baby girl, don't ya know?

We'll get back to junk and more good stuff next blog. Now, you know more of the players in my life.

All photos are courtesy of Snakelover

Inspiration

What to write? What to write?

When in doubt, look to family for inspiration! This is my sister. We decided to give her a nickname for the sake of anonymity. From this day forward, you will know her as LucyJane.


Why LucyJane? Well, our grandmother (not Joy with the teeth) gave us nicknames when we were young 'uns. Hers was LucyJane. Isn't that cute? My sister hated it. But, wait til you hear mine. Jabber Jabber Jones. Ok. I have always liked to talk! My own grandmother called me on it!

LucyJane has just got to be my best friend in the whole wide world. We crack each other up. We have the same mannerisms, sense of humor, parents. We are a force to be reckoned with.

Last week, she sat at my computer to read my blog and said "You haven't mentioned me yet." Well, I had, but she is not a regular reader.

I imagine, being the attention seeker that she is, she will be thrilled that I dedicated an entire post to her!

Here is a little something she forwarded to me not long ago.

"She is your partner in crime,
your midnight companion, someone
who knows when you are smiling, even in
the dark. She is your teacher, your defense
attorney, your personal press agent, even your
shrink. Some days, she's the reason you wish
you were an only child."

I'm sure you'll hear more about her in future posts. Indeed, you could say she has been my inspiration my whole life! After all, I am younger. he he he

All photos are courtesy of Snakelover

Letting Go

A few weeks ago, I shared with you some new rules at my house. Basically, for every piece that comes into my house, a piece of equal or larger size must go.

See this Lane Cedar Chest? The history goes back to 1950 when my Great Aunt Birt and Uncle Otis gave it to my Cousin Janelle for her high school graduation. I can prove this, as the paperwork is still in the chest. Long story short, it came to live with me in the early 90's when I graduated from college. It has stored my quilts for years. I've enjoyed it. The issue? There was a great blanket box in my store that I thought would look better in my house. So? The blanket box is now at the foot of my bed and this family heirloom is for sale at Primitiques. Kinda weird, letting go.

Now, check out this cedar closet. My grandfather's. It was in my office for years. I had a book shelf inside of it, and the piece has served me well. Remember those primitive file cabinets I mentioned a couple days ago? Now you see why this had to go. Letting this go is weird.

Primitives. Have you been with me long enough to know that I do love me some primitives? And Oak. Oak is a big favorite. Well, I picked up an oak dresser a few weeks ago off craigslist. It now rests beautifully in my bedroom. Remember the rule? Something of equal size had to go. Check out this primitive cabinet that has tear stains on it. My tear stains!

Yes, those are great hinges and door pulls.

Look at those pictures. There are doors on the front and doors on the side. This piece almost made me cry the first time I saw it. It was so primitive. It was so me! It's not a family heirloom, but, I think letting it go hurts the most.

Parting is such sweet sorrow.

It's a Good Day

photo courtesy of Snakelover

Happy Veteran's Day

Thanks, Dad

and all the other veterans who served

and to those folks who are serving.

God Bless America!

Sharing the Love

A couple weeks ago, me and my friend, Mayron, went on a short buying trip to Sulphur Springs. Of course, we stopped all along the way at garage sales. We filled and emptied the truck with good junk twice before we actually made it to our destination. At one garage sale, I found about a dozen small paint brushes. Black wood with black or white brush ends. Now, Mayron had just passed by that table. She could have seen them. But, she didn't. As I was gathering up the brushes, my friend, in a clear and concise voice said "I hate you." Yes. She was speaking to me. And she was serious!

If you are unaware, this is bonding language. It's like guys patting each other on their booties at football games. "I hate you" is a good thing. A compliment. High praise from my friend, Mayron. My insides fluttered. She liked the brushes!

When we made it to our destination, (Town Square Mall, 102 College St in Sulphur Springs 903-438-0286), we split up and started looking. I found several nice pieces. But, my heart went pitter patter when my eyes rested on these file cabinets. They were primitive. Hand made. And come to find out, made out of old apple crates. How could I pass up these works of art? OH. The price would be the determining factor. Indeed. My budget was not going to budge for these treasures. Gloom, despair and agony on me.

I picked out some under $10 items and made it up to the register. Tony, the big man of the establishment, assured us that dealers are willing to make deals at this place. And if we saw something we liked, be sure to mention it and he'd see what he could do. Me, in my most sincere, "I am poor" voice said "Well, unless you have a buy one get one free special going on, I doubt I'll be getting what I want". When I told him that I liked the file cabinets, he said that they were his and that I could, indeed have them, two for the price of one.

I didn't hear her through my giddy excitement, but I know good and well that Mayron said it again. "I hate you."

Can you feel the love?

How Cool Is This?

I have been bestowed, not once, but twice in the same day, with the Kreativ Blogger Award. I am honored! Thanks, y'all!

Blogland is such an interesting world. A world where you "meet" folks with common interests. You read of finds, creations, families, pets, projects, ups and downs. You see photographs that you sink into. Sometimes, you hear music that bonds you with the blogger, even if for just a few moments.

Amy at WhisperWood Cottage surprised me with this award first. Do you know her? She's a sweetheart! Amy is not stingy with sharing cool stuff. Sharing is good.

Candy at Junk Sophisticate then knocked me out with another award! Candy is a true junker and a great writer. She finds cool stuff and she "works it" beautifully. Check her out. She is worthy!

I only started blogging in August of this year. Before then, I had no clue what was going on in your lives. I didn't know there were good writers, junkers with the heart of my heart, photographers and people who I could enjoy reading about.

As part of my award, I have been asked to share with you 6 things that make me happy.

• 1. God. The Wonder and Wonders of God would be first. He's so cool and He gives us so many awesome things to bask in. Happiness begins with God, don't ya know?

• 2. Family. I have the coolest family. My parents are a hoot. And my sister is the best. We never get together that we don't crack ourselves up!

• 3. My Romance. David. Snakelover. Student of Life. God's gift to me. Who knew? It is SO our turn!

• 4. Primitiques. My store. Forever growing and changing and providing me with a creative outlet. And an excuse to shop!

• 5. Nature. I love animals and plants and trees and the sky and the wind and bodies of water. Dirt, green stuff, breathing stuff, growing stuff. In the garden. It's all good.

• 6. Music. Probably not something I've really revealed in blogland. I am a music person. Who isn't, really? I got through college on vocal scholarships. When I sing, I am happy.

And now, I am instructed to bestow this honor on 6 other bloggers. What a task! As discussed, I've not been doing this too long. I see other bloggers I know, already being awarded. I recently did start searching around, and looking at other blogs. So, while some of these may not be tried and true bloggers, they are appealing. And I'd like to expose you, perhaps, to some new folks.

• 1. Student of Life - Snakelover - David. He shares his awesome photography and sometimes, deep philosophy. He can be quite sappy, as he loves me. Be ready to gag sometimes. No. We did not invent love. But, we are enjoying it like it's brand new!
• 2. Tricia at The Domestic Fringe can keep you laughing. She has a wit and way of writing that will have you laughing out loud. She shares her life in such a way that you just want to be her friend.
• 3. Theresa at Garden Antqs Vintage is the kindest, sweetest, most inside beautiful person I have met in blogland. I think she is fairly well known amongst most. She seems to be everywhere! If you have not met her, face to face, you have missed out. She is just a sweetheart. And she said I was pretty. How can I not like her? Ha!
• 4. The Farm Chicks. Am I slow to catch this creative blog? They do some cool stuff! I recently discovered them, and I like 'em. I like 'em!
• 5. Sandra at Canyon Wren Cottage. Another recent discovery. She always has pictures that make me wish I was there! And from multi million dollar homes to goodies from the dollar store, she will always keep you guessing!
• 6. Debbie - Tn'T - Talking Trash. I know, Deb. You already got this once. But, I can't help it! You are so inspirational! If you haven't discovered this creative writer, wonderful junker, lovely person, then click away. She will entertain you for hours and have you blowing milk out of your nose.

I hope some of these might be new to you. And congrats to the winners! I enjoy y'all so much!

Party Tips

I just sent out my very first evite for the holiday season. Evite. Are you familiar? It's the best thing since sliced bread. Now, no. It is not a classy, handwritten, personal invitation. But, in this day and age, it's a wonderful tool. You choose your invitation, you write your own invitation, you invite folks via email to your shindigs, and then folks can RSVP, via the evite. It also allows you to choose a map option, which allows your guests to print a map to your home, freeing up your time to blog, instead of copy directions over and over. You are able keep up with attendees, what they are bringing, how many in their party, etc. It's amazing. Check it out, if you aren't familiar. For informal occasions, evite is a blessing.

Next. Plum Party. This wonderful little company has Etch It Cups. Go here to order them. These are the red cups. They also come in clear and I don't remember what else. I don't personally, like to drink out of plastic. Call me a mason jar snob. But, these cups are fun to personalize and it helps keep slobber from being swapped, by picking up the wrong cup.

Are there any companies, products or tips you'd like to share to help your fellow bloggers this holiday season?

I Painted Something

I never paint anything. Well, I rarely paint anything. I picked these babies up at an estate sale a few weekends ago, and even I knew they needed help. The green wasn't offensive, but there were issues. I can't say it was rust, as these stands are solid wood. But, it looked like rust. Fungus? It wasn't just red dirt. Heck, I have no idea. And just spending time thinking about it is more than I want to do.

I generally like to buy things and use them or sell them "as is." I have a full time job. I have a wonderful man I like to spend time with. I have more cats than I can count on one hand. I have local family that I enjoy hanging with. I have friends, even. And I have Primitiques, my child. All this stuff makes actually painting and working on stuff non-desirable to me. Time is an issue, ya know?

Check out the bowl shape on top. What is that all about? Plant stands generally are flat on top, right? I don't see any indication of this being used as an ashtray. Candy stands? What do you think the bowls are for? Candle?

Happy Wednesday!

Unique Unique Home Show

The date is set, and you want to be there. Well, you should want to be there! Mayron and Marcie are workin' it, bustin' booty, shakin' their groove thang to get it all together. And together it will be, only for us to tear all apart in two weeks. Tuesday, November 18 at Marcie's house. Click here for details on their home show.


The following pictures are of the house a few shows ago. Look and see how clever they are.

Mayron and Marcie literally play house at Marcie's. They start out with a shell of a house and they decorate it, furnish it, prepare it for shoppers. Almost everything you see is priced and waiting to be loaded into your truck/trailer. It's an event of buying, viewing great ideas and observing two of the most talented women I know. They work magic with the absence of color.

Even the food looks well placed, eh?

I lusted after this little bench.

Columns in the corner.

That is a cot under the canopy. I wanted to crawl in for a nap.

The magic all starts in the front yard.

Clever, aren't they?

Who'd have thunk it?

Classic, industrial, modern, quirky, antique...

Unique Unique Design

for more info, click on their link...

Just a touch different from my own home pictures yesterday, huh?

See you there!

Change

Whew! Been there, done that. This needs to go. I'm not sure what's next. But, here's the before. I'll post the after, after inspiration.

Check yesterday's post for the before. Here's the after. It could use a little polishing, but, I like it better. Maybe cover the back in black velvet or something? hmmm What do you think? And this little travel case, I bought in Sulpher Springs Friday. It's perfect in my guest bath!
Any changes going on in your house this weekend?

Happy Sunday.

My House Rules

A couple days ago, I mentioned that my house rule regarding decorating is the decor must be old or art to come in and stay. And, as promised, here are some pictures. Enjoy!

Guest bedroom.

Guest bath. I don't have Grandad's teeth, but I do have his shaving brushes.

I find that old skis make great shelves. This and the next 3 pictures are my dining room.

Looking at these pictures (which were taken over a year ago), I find myself wanting some change. I've lived with this look for a while. I'm due for some new ideas and fresh looks.

Speaking of which, I bought some kick booty, primitive file cabinets yesterday. As soon as they get out of my truck and into their new home, I'll get some pics up. They are amazing. And the story behind them becoming mine is pretty funny. Either I, or Mayron will tell you that story. I will give a plug to Tony at Town Square Mall, 102 College St in Sulphur Springs (903-438-0286). He plays well with others. Go see him!

Oh! And Mayron and Marcie are getting ready for a show, which is set for Tuesday, November 18. Ooo la la. I know nothing, but I know they are good and it will be an amazing show. Maybe soon, I'll post some pics from previous shows. Stay tuned.

Happy Saturday! ~Mindy