Treasure Hunting Report: What We Keep

I planned to do a giveaway today, to thank you all for your support launching the Etsy shop (Minden Shop), but I haven't decided what delectable item to offer up.  We have already stock-piled sweet finds for when we re-open the shop in 2013 (remember, we close our doors August 15th) and I'm trying to figure out a giveaway goody that you'll all love.  While I think on that, and nurse an embarrassingly bad sunburn (it's like I'm new to this planet and didn't know what the hot red ball in the sky is), I thought I'd tease you a bit with some treasure hunted goodies that didn't made it into the shop.  Okay, and a few that did!

I spotted these Shelley England moulds at a rummage sale on my third time perusing a table.  Definitely need to be patient as a treasure hunter, and look under every rock.  I saw a set of 5 minis like this for sale here for 78 British pounds.  



The moulds live a Mom's now, and were perfect for displaying earrings for the shop, like these deep, dark Baltic amber earrings:

Or these Sputnik-inspired earrings (they come with a matching pendant, too):

On the subject of miniatures, I bought all five of these wee little jars (about the sizes of the jellies above) for $1.00!  I plan to spend way too much time painting them (with this project as my inspiration) for a play kitchen.

With play kitchens still on the brain, we scored some sweet melamine pieces.  Three different manufacturers, all the same shade of pea green (some are Melmac, some are not)  At one time, this colour was super hot.

Three (shame, not four) stainless steel egg cups for . . . you guessed it . . . a play kitchen.  Stamped Denmark.

Something for the real kitchen: my Mom found these gorgeous, lustre ware ramekins.  They are pristine, never used.  I have a feeling they might remain that way, as objects to admire only.  We have a few Fire King lustre ware pieces for sale in the shop, like this pair of sweet laurel bowls (thanks to my Grandma's treasure hunting skills). 

A pitcher perfect for maple syrup on lazy breakfast days.

We found this sweet, mid-century platter for my Mom.  It is the perfect bridge piece between her creamy, somewhat ornate everyday china and the stream-lined mid-century mod pieces she loves, because the colour perfectly matches her china but the style suits her other serving ware.  I made her keep it. 

There's more.  I'm still unpacking my loot from the drive home.  But you can see that we haven't kept the juiciest finds to ourselves.  What we've kept is cute and all, but our best goodies have gone into the shop, where I pine for them.   I'd actually really love to keep this turquoise and gold tiled tray we have for sale:

Or maybe this yellow Dansk butter pot.  I think it would be perfect in a kitchen just as an objet d'art.

  
These gold Regency-style wheat sheaf glasses are so glam, and then I found an even sparklier set.  So perfect for holiday parties.

But, we can't keep it all.  Hubby was suspicious of this whole Etsy "business"  and theorized it was a ruse to thrift and keep more.  I'm trying to prove him wrong!  Although, proof-reading this post, seems a lot of these goodies went to Mom's, huh? 

Have a lovely weekend, and happy thrifting.

P.S. Tell me what kind of prizes you like to win!  I'm overwhelmed with ideas, here.  Too much pressure.

Why I Blog + Warm Fuzzies

Most of my friends outside of blog-land are not really into decorating or DIY.  Hubby & I have only lived in Ottawa a few years and we were just happy to make friends so quickly.  I didn't do a survey and find out if they were crafty first.  Don't get me wrong, we have fabulous, fabulous friends and I feel so lucky to have such wonderful people in my life.  But since I started this blog, it has felt amazing to connect with people who will notice the small tweak to the curtains, laugh about the hilarious new DIY tablecloth and say they want to try my Ikea Expedit Hack.  When a reader tells me they tried my billy button tutorial and it worked, I swear, it's the highlight of my day. 

I also appreciate that blogging keeps me accountable.  It pushes me to finish projects, plus it gives me the courage to try new things I'd only been thinking about, because I know I have you all cheering me on, waiting to see the reveal.  You think I'm the slowest DIY'er ever?  Imagine me with no one to report to!  More than that, my readers blog-friends also inspire me: blogging about their own DIY successes or emailing me with interesting questions or wonderful ideas.  

I just wanted to take a moment and thank you all for stopping by the townhouse, and chiming in.  I have no visions of grandeur, because I don't think I will have the good fortune to do this professionally (although that would be swell).  I'm just excited to finally know people (other than my Hubs) interested in DIY and budget decorating!  It makes me smile every day. 

That's why it tickles me when other, much more talented, bloggers share my projects with their readers.  I get to meet more blog-friends!  So thanks to Cassity, from Remodelaholic and Roeshel, from DIY Showoff, for featuring my DIY play kitchen on their blogs this past week (click here to see the Remodelaholic feature and click here to see the kitchen on the DIY Showoff). 

 If you missed my original play kitchen reveal, take a look at the post by clicking here.



And, if you saw my DIY play kitchen and said, "Tanya! I don't have time to make a flippin' play kitchen but now I don't want a cheap, plastic one either," I have a cute BIY (buy-it-yourself) option from Costco.  This set is $189.99.  I'm still pretty excited mine was less than $35.00, but this is two pieces and darn, is it cute.

Costco.ca

This is my favorite part - read the highlighted line in the description.  For some reason it makes me chuckle.  I imagine a kid in the background whining, "Mom, Dad, when do I get a turn?"

This is NOT a sponsored post.  I just heart Costco and want this play kitchen as an objet d'art!

P.S. One of the ways I try to thank you all for being such cool friends is by hosting giveaways.  I don't get paid or perked, the bonus is 100% for you!  And you don't need a blogger account - you can just use the comment form and enter your name (but be sure to include your email address or check back to see the winner announced).

I have a giveaway going on right now, so check it out here, and stay tuned because I have three more in the works!

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Play Kitchen Craziness: 4 Mini Makeovers

You didn't think I only painted one teeny tiny box, did ya?  Nope.  I was high on paint fumes for days, knocking off mini makeover after makeover for the play kitchen. 

I bought a bevy of silver accessories at the thrift store, that I made more kid-approved with a blast of cheery spray paint (I pulled the colours from the fabric).  While I love the patina on some of these silver pieces, I doubt my 3 year old cousin will marvel at it.  Instead, I think she'll approvingly scream, "Piiiiiiiink!!!"  As a feminist, I am trying not to encourage her to think that pink is only for girls and the only colour for girls.  But darn it, a mini pink cake stand is too cute.  I'll make her a tool box next.  Then buy her a muscle car.

1. I flipped over two lacy candle stick holders to use as two, tiny cake stands.  Adorbs:

   

2. A small-scale colander looked fine as-is, but with a lick of paint it looks like it was meant for kids:

3. A pretty tray with a great patina was just the right scale for a play kitchen, but it needed a dose of fun for Camilla to enjoy it (it's her play kitchen, not mine!):

4. A little butter dish looks like a mini covered serving dish and is now double the fun in a candy pink:

I gave each item a thorough clean, then a coat of primer, followed by many, many, thin coats of spray paint.  They should hold up to wear and tear, but I'll give you an update in a few months, once the munchkin has given my paint job a run for its money! 

Here are the paints I used: 

Primer: Krylon indoor/outdoor primer in white
Pink Paint: Tremclad rust paint in gloss candy pink
Blue Paint: Krylon indoor/outdoor paint in gloss blue ocean breeze

None of these items will be food safe, of course, but they will add some colour to the play kitchen (which is a sophisticated mix of griege, white and silver).  Watch for a post on the play kitchen reveal soon.

I linked these projects up here: DIY Showoff,  Funky Junk Interiors, Young & Crafty, Craft Envy, My Repurposed Life

P.S. We were secretly in Boston, MA from Wednesday-Saturday!  I promise to share some fun highlights.  Hint: think Zooey Deschanel in "Yes Man".

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Treasure Hunting Report: Melmac, Who Knew?

Confession: I am sometimes a snob when it comes to materials.  I refuse to wear polyester.  I like the feel of vintage Irish linen tea towels.  If it means I can only afford to buy one sweater a year, I spring for soft wool or cashmere (and I literally bought only one sweater this winter).  I like things to feel good, plus I like to buy things that will last and I have more confidence in certain materials.  With this snobbery in mind, I have felt a bit "meh" about plastic dishes.  But when we stopped by Bentley's Flea Market a few weeks ago and Gemma pointed out how cute the vintage Melmac dishes Annette was selling would be for a play kitchen, of course I took a second look.   I'm play kitchen obsessed right now!

For what will be the best-accessorized play kitchen ever, I picked up a few sugar bowls that look like mini casseroles and some plates that will act as platters, in colours that were made to match the adorable ice cream cone fabric we've been making tea towels and pot holders from.  The shape and colours of vintage Melmac dishes are so sweet, I'm sad for the lost years I snubbed it.

Melmac, for those who don't know (I didn't, so I researched), is a brand of melamine produced by the manufacturer American Cyanamid.  It was used by various companies/designers to make dinnerware that became popular in the 1940s, after melamine (a durable, thermoset plastic) became affordable.  Melmac was produced in later decades also and you can find pieces from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s.  Even Russel Wright used the material to make stylish mid-century dinnerware! 

No play kitchen plans?  I think that these durable, stylish pieces would be perfect for storing bathroom goodies like Q-tips and makeup.  Or a set would be great for patio parties.  I love non-breakable items for spaces in which I run around barefoot.

The Retro Kitchen

Here are a few logos for your reference, and check out this website for more links and information for collecting and identifying pieces.

Some melamine tips:

• Do not microwave.
• Keep away from heat (like a stove top).
• Avoid using sharp knives because it can become scuffed or scratched.
• Avoid hunting for Melmac at Ottawa yard sales because I will find you and give you what Hubby calls my "sad-face".  It is super sad and you will cry and feel guilty forever. 

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DIY Mini Pot Holder

Yesterday you caught a peak of the wee little pot holder my Mom and I made for the in-progress play kitchen and here's the how-to.  I love that this project used leftover batting from when I upholstered the kitchen chairs.  I'm so happy I saved the scraps like a mad hoarder.

Steps to pot holder goodness:

1. Cut out a rectangle of fabric, about twice the size you'd like your finished pot holder to be.  Fold the fabric in half, with the right sides facing each other (basically, inside out).
2. Cut out a piece of batting slightly smaller and place on top of your folder fabric.
3. Sew the batting to both layers of fabric, leaving one end open (so you can turn it right side out again).
4. Then trim the corners.

5. Flip your fabric inside out, so the batting is now on the inside, and neatly fold the edges of the opening.
6. Make a loop for the trivet from a folded and sewn strip of fabric (or you could use ribbon).
7. Pin the pot holder closed, pinning the fabric loop in place.
8. Sew the opening closed.

Then you can sew a decorative square, or trace the pattern with stitches - any quilty-ness you prefer - to help keep the batting in place.  You can also add trim or other decorative details.  When you're done, you have a little pot holder like this:

And, of course, you can use this same technique to make a full-scale one for yourself.  But it won't be as cute! 

Edit: If you do make this for oven use, use thicker batting (or a double layer) encased in a special heat shield fabric (your printed fabric will hide the heat shield).  Your local fabric store can help pick the right heat shield.  The thickness we used is great for hot casserole dishes (my grandma keeps a pot holder on the table when passing around dishes during dinner) but for removing something from an oven, you will need the heat shield for safety.  Thanks Carol for prompting me to clarify this important safety matter! 

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DIY Cloth Napkins and Tea Towels with Mitered Corners

I hope you enjoy this sweet tutorial for sewing napkins (or tea towels) with tidy, mitered corners.  My Mom & I have gone a bit play kitchen mad and we sewed mini tea towels and mini quilted pot holders for the play kitchen I made.  Although the finished products are wee, you can use the same sewing tutorial to create larger tea towels or make pretty cloth napkins.

How to sew cloth napkins and tea towels with mitered corners:

Start by ironing and cutting out your fabric.  Then fold, iron and measure your edges once, and then turn them over once again and iron, for a tidy edge:

Do this all the way around your fabric.  Then gently unfold your ironed edges and take a look at where the folding has created a square.  Fold the corner in toward the fabric at that point and iron it in place:

Next, test out your mitered corner before making any cuts.  To make the miter, trim the edge of the corner:

Then re-fold the edges iron back into place, like this:

Pin into place:

Finally, sew along the edge.  When you have sewn all the way around, tie off the thread.  You can also do a second row of decorative stitching.

And ta da!  Depending on the size, you've created a pretty cloth napkin . . .

or mini kitchen accessories for a play kitchen . . .



You can use this tutorial to create a mitered edge on almost any sewing project, from tea towels to table cloths - anything that is square or rectangular!

Don't forget to check out the finished DIY play kitchen, the quilted mini pot holder tutorial, and my DIY project gallery for more great sewing tutorials!

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