Vintage Indie

Happy 4th of July Weekend!

I'm signing off for the weekend for some much needed time with my husband and little family all together. Take some time to enjoy your loved ones and friends.
See you back here on Monday!
xoxo Gabreial

On the Road with Contributing Editor Elizabeth Young: Aunt Artie's Antique Mall New Albany, IN

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Located in a historic building in downtown New Albany, Indiana, Aunt Artie's Antique Mall provides 14,000 square feet and three floors of antiques and collectibles for locals and tourists alike.  The property was originally built in 1852 as a public hall for amusements and entertainment.  It later was used as a hospital during the Civil War.  It is also rumored to have a ghostly inhabitant or two.

 

Owner, Judy Gwinn purchased the building in 2001 and named the mall after her very own Aunt Artie.  The mall has three floors including a rough room on the third floor.  Over 40 dealers are represented as well as several consignees. 




There are over 20 locked and well lit cases for smaller items.  Aunt Artie's offers a wide variety of antiques including glassware, furniture, estate jewelry, toys, china, and holiday collectibles.  One dealer from Michigan specializes in books.  Two dealers specialize in advertising.  "Whatever you want, we are sure to have it," says Gwinn.

(Pictured above Elizabeth Young, Contributing Editor)

 

The windows facing Main St. are quite eye catching and ever changing.  The displays are redone monthly, incorporating items from different booths.  At Christmas, a huge sleigh and 3 vintage choir people from the 1930s make quite a statement and lure holiday shoppers into the mall. 

 

Sylvia Degenkolb, a local artist from nearby Louisville, KY, opened an art studio at the end of the second floor in early 2009.  She specializes in portraits and offers private lessons.  Degenkolb can be found painting in the studio several times a week or an appointment can be made to meet with her.  Her art is also available for sale. 

 

Location:  128 W. Main St., New Albany, IN  47150 

 

Phone:  (812) 945-9494

 

Hours:  Monday-Saturday 10-5, Sunday 1-5

 

Special Events:  A Christmas Open House is held in November on a Wednesday night.  Chamber music plays on the second floor and a banquet of food is provided by Gwinn and other dealers.  Customers and dealers can mingle and take advantage of holiday sales.  Other random sales are offered throughout the year.

 

Dining Alfresco Series: Vintage Green Dishware

You remember Melamie don't you? It's coming back to the department stores, I've seen a ton of new patterns but what about vintage Melamie? It's stood the test of time and available in many retro colors and styles. It's great for dining alfresco, saves on paper waste and easy to clean.

I found a great collection of Melamie at this fabulous vintage store on-line called Laurel Leaf Farm.







Visit Laurel Leaf Farm to see more. Click on the shop now button for many other vintage treasures as well.

Dining Alfresco Series: Vintage Green on the Lawn

Kentucky Symphony Orchestra Summer Series 
Photo Credit Kentucky Symphony Orchestra

My family and I plan to dine alfresco this summer during the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra Summer Series. They provide the music and the beautiful lawn, and we've decided to pack a delightful dinner.

Dining alfresco can be made easy with charming handmade accessories, like those from Country Life Naturals.


Start with this Antique Grain Sack Linen Cozy Bowl. Handmade with Antique Hand Woven Grain Sack Linen C.1890's.



Next, fill your grain sack with snack bags like these, perfect for dried fruits and nuts. Handmade from vintage linen/cotton tea towels makes them eco-friendly. 



Last but not least pack everyone a delicious sandwich or fill a pita in one of these Vintage Linen Sandwich Lunch Bags including a food safe liner. I don't know about you, but I love the vintage fabric details!

Head over to Country Life Naturals for more great picnic supplies for dining alfresco on the lawn.

Dining Alfresco Series: Place Cards by Timeless Paper

Summertime is great for dining "alfresco" I thought we would do a mini series with items handmade, and brought back to life by you. Spark your imagination for beautiful dinner parties outdoors with friends and family.

Up first, why not include details from the great outdoors with place cards from Timeless Paper.



I fell in love with the whimsical designs offered at Timeless Paper. They also offer table numbers.

Product Review: The Complete Package is Nostalgia Organics

Nostalgia Organics aims to grab you a little closer with their beautiful product packaging and dreamy marketing materials. After viewing the products, I wanted to see if the product stood up with the same standards as their marketing and product appeal.




Pictured above is their "garden party" a launch including their newest spring and summer lines.





What's that you smell, Ruffles? Why yes, it is Aromatherapy Balm included in Nostalgia Organics newest line. I have to admit that I'm very sensitive to fragrances and this balm was a dream. It wasn't over powering at all.  It lends a silky smooth feel and easily rubs in. It left a sweet and charming aroma on my skin.



Up next, a favorite in the Wyatt household is handmade soap. All the good natural stuff your skin needs to feel clean and smell great. Our trial was of the Sweet Orange. The smell was more cinnamon than orange to me but I barely made it to trying the soap after reading more about the eco-friendly packaging.



The soap sack is limited edition fabric and reusable. Pair it with the sewing pattern on the back of the label to create a charming chick egg cozy.

I hope you enjoyed this review of Nostalgia Organics newest line, visit them at their shop.

Vintage Indie Market News:

The Vintage Indie Market is still underway with about 15 days to go! Visit today for our newest featured vendor!

The Daily Swank - Strawberry Patch Garland

Bring summer flavors indoors with this charming handmade garland from corrieberry pie via Etsy.

 
Strawberry Patch Garland

Making the Most of Monday: Date Night Makes the World Better. Period.

If you are new to the magazine, Making the Most of Monday is a regular part of our features. Mondays  signify one important thing, a fresh start. It's like a new years resolution at the start of every week.

Hopefully by Monday you've taken some off time during the weekend to rejuvenate, spend quality time with loved ones and friends, which makes Monday your chance to really get to work and make the most of your week.

If you missed the last Making the Most of Monday click here for Are you REALLY enjoying life?

Date Night Makes the World Better. Period. 

Today's Making the Most of Monday is for the parents who read. I just want to remind you about date night. Did you forget about it? Me too! Guess What?, there's hope, it still exists! 

We all know that marriage alone is hard work. (If it isn't for you, then please email me all of your secrets). Top marriage with bustling children and you have yourself a life! I'm a happily married woman and I'm happy to proudly boast that it is wonderful. It isn't perfect by any means, making it wonderful takes work, patience, time, honor and love.

Do you ever get caught up in routines day after day and sometimes forget about each other?  I hope I'm sending you a little reminder to make a date night.

This past weekend my husband and I decided to go out for date night. We did something a little different for dinner and tried a new cuisine that we've never had. Guru India, a newly opened restaurant in our area. Holy moley, I love me some Chicken Curry! It was so delicious, like the delicious that makes you want to go back the next day. (I'm thinking of take out for lunch!) Anyway, it was so much fun trying something completely new together. We dissected it through all of our senses and opinions. This kept the conversation about that moment in time.

It was so nice not to think about work, the kids, responsibilities for an hour or so and just talk. We followed up date night like little kids and seen the new Transformers movie. By the way it was AWESOME. I loved it, almost better than the first. The best part though, is that we just enjoyed each others company. We were reminded why we love each other so much you know, before all the kids and bills and responsibilities. Today I feel fully refreshed, and thinking I won't wait so long until the next date night.

Sometimes all it takes is sending the kids off to bed early (it won't hurt them) grabbing a movie and whipping up some of your own fresh air popped pop corn. Date night can be what you make it, but you have to remember this time is about you. You need to be alone, work on the two of you. Remember those little details that brought you together in the first place. You'll be so thankful that you did.

Do it! Plan a date night for this weekend!

What do you do for date night? Have any great ideas? I'd love to hear them!

If you are new to the magazine, Making the Most of Monday is a regular part of our features. Mondays  signify one important thing, a fresh start. It's like a new years resolution at the start of every week.

Hopefully by Monday you've taken some off time during the weekend to rejuvenate, spend quality time with loved ones and friends, which makes Monday your chance to really get to work and make the most of your week.

If you missed the last Making the Most of Monday click here for Are you REALLY enjoying life?

Date Night Makes the World Better. Period. 

Today's Making the Most of Monday is for the parents who read. I just want to remind you about date night. Did you forget about it? Me too! Guess What?, there's hope, it still exists! 

We all know that marriage alone is hard work. (If it isn't for you, then please email me all of your secrets). Top marriage with bustling children and you have yourself a life! I'm a happily married woman and I'm happy to proudly boast that it is wonderful. It isn't perfect by any means, making it wonderful takes work, patience, time, honor and love.

Do you ever get caught up in routines day after day and sometimes forget about each other?  I hope I'm sending you a little reminder to make a date night.

This past weekend my husband and I decided to go out for date night. We did something a little different for dinner and tried a new cuisine that we've never had. Guru India, a newly opened restaurant in our area. Holy moley, I love me some Chicken Curry! It was so delicious, like the delicious that makes you want to go back the next day. (I'm thinking of take out for lunch!) Anyway, it was so much fun trying something completely new together. We dissected it through all of our senses and opinions. This kept the conversation about that moment in time.

It was so nice not to think about work, the kids, responsibilities for an hour or so and just talk. We followed up date night like little kids and seen the new Transformers movie. By the way it was AWESOME. I loved it, almost better than the first. The best part though, is that we just enjoyed each others company. We were reminded why we love each other so much you know, before all the kids and bills and responsibilities. Today I feel fully refreshed, and thinking I won't wait so long until the next date night.

Sometimes all it takes is sending the kids off to bed early (it won't hurt them) grabbing a movie and whipping up some of your own fresh air popped pop corn. Date night can be what you make it, but you have to remember this time is about you. You need to be alone, work on the two of you. Remember those little details that brought you together in the first place. You'll be so thankful that you did.

Do it! Plan a date night for this weekend!

What do you do for date night? Have any great ideas? I'd love to hear them!

Road Trip Madison Indiana: Sticks Interior Decorations by Steven Joslin

Back in April my husband and I took a little trip to Madison Indiana. I've been going through the pictures again and was reminded of Steven Joslin Proprietor of Sticks Interior Decorations.

 

While strolling the main street of Madison my eye was drawn to the sleek and sophisticated yet charming likes of Sticks Interior Decoration.

 

Steven Joslin the stores proprietor, welcomed us inside for a further look into his beautiful studio.



Steven spoke with us about his passion for handcrafted goods produced in the United States. Many items were those of local Madison residents.



The handcrafted quality of the furniture and lighting wasn't to be gone unnoticed. Each sharing specific qualities of formation and design portraying uniqueness, reminding me why I love handmade so much.



One of my favorite details of this shop, were the vintage cabinets and countertops used for checkout and storage. I loved this rustic element.

Steven Joslin takes a lot of pride in what he does. I love his since of style and compassion he has for handmade products. His studio/store is inviting, comfortable and full of books with luscious fabrics waiting for your to get your design project started.

Visit Steven Joslin's Sticks online at SticksLiving.com

411 West Main Street  | Historic Downtown Madison, IN 47250
212.288.3510

What You Make of It: Dime Store Chic - Divers Towel Rack

Divers Towel Rack -  A fun and whimsical place to hang your beach towels this summer!
By Elizabeth Holcombe

     

Supplies:

1. 3 diver/swimming trophies with divers removed from the base (keep the screw nut that held the figure to the base)

2. piece of pine measuring 14 x 3-1/2 x 3/4

3. drill bit matching the size of the screw on the trophy figure, and wider drill bit for counter sinking

4. two colors of spray paint in your favorite colors

5. sandpaper

6. 3 washers to fit the screws on the trophy figures

Decide how far apart you want the trophy figures to be and drill a hole to fit each screw on the figure in three places (I drilled the center hole in the center of the board and drilled the side holes 5 inches apart from the center.) Also drill two smaller holes between the three holes for nailing or screwing to the wall.



Turn the board over and drill a wider hole/channel around each small hole.
Sand wood until front and corners are smooth.


Spray paint the wood. Allow to dry.
Lightly sand the trophy figures and spray paint them a contrasting color from the board. Allow to dry
Attach the trophy figures with the washer first, then the screw nut. Tighten. Done!



Hang this fun towel rack anywhere you need extra space for your beach towels!~~~Happy Summer!

Elizabeth Holcombe Fedorko, aka Bethsbagz, began her checkered crafting career when at four she realized using paste on paper was better than eating it. Inspired by vintage dime store treasures, vintage fabric, and a no-fear attitude toward color, Beth crafts totes, pin cushions, wreaths, and corsages into her Dime Store Chic creations. Beth would love you to take a peek into her whimsical world at her blog.

This project & photos are copyright Elizabeth Holcombe, Vintage Indie. You may not reproduce or copy this project. (Dime Store Chic designs are intended for personal use and not for sale)

Handmade Crush: Birch Bark Nesting Boxes

Wouldn't these look beautiful doubled as a planter.


Crush: Birch Bark Nesting Boxes
Want it? Visit  NHWoodsCreations

My Vintage Pad Home Tour: Katherine of Chicago, Illinois.

Welcome to another home tour here at Vintage Indie. Today, we have the pleasure of touring the personal home and style of Katherine of BackGarage.


Thanks so much for joining us Katherine, can you share your favorite details of your Chicago apartment with us?

It's so easy in Chicago to find apartments with hardwood floors and vintage detailing: built-ins, fireplaces, molding.  I take them for granted -- I'm so used to them -- but I love the hardwood floors.

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Sun Room

Do you have a favorite vintage item?
I'll pick two, one big and one small.  I recently got my Kent-Coffey highboy dresser from Craigslist -- $50!  It's Danish Modern style, but it was made by U.S. manufacturers so it's much bigger than a typical piece of Scandinavian furniture.  My fiancé and I share it and there's enough room for everything.



Second are these Polynesian busts I got from a packed little vintage shop here in Chicago called Mode.  They're pretty common -- I actually first saw them in Kim from Desire to Inspire's home.  So when I found them in this shop I knew I had to have them.  I like things that are a little on the bizarre side.



Where do you find inspiration for decorating your home?
I read a lot of vintage and design blogs and I pour through Flickr all the time.  I've also started to read about mid-century design more seriously, rather than just collecting stuff or looking at it online.


Living Room & Danish Modern Chair


How do vintage things play a role in your room/home?
I wonder sometimes how people can say to themselves, "Hmmm, we need a butter dish."  And then they just go out to Target and purchase one of the three that are available.  Granted, a butter dish isn't the most important item in your house, but, you know, it's the little things.  And when you buy vintage, there's such a wealth of designs and colors you can choose from, you can really express your personal taste and style, rather than that of just one designer.


Breuer Style Chairs


Do you have any favorite vintage/antique pieces in your home?
My favorite antique pieces are all from my mom and dad.  My dad was an antiques dealer in his spare time, so I have a lot of old wood tables and cabinets that I wouldn't necessarily pick out on my own today, but that blend well in my space and give it some history.


Dining Room

Where did you love for vintage come from? How has it influenced your decorating style?
I'm not sure where my love for Danish Modern came from -- it's not the style I grew up around, really.  I think my love of vintage items started as a budget-conscious decision and grew into a habit.  And I like design -- classic design.  How else do you afford it but to buy vintage?


Kent Coffey Side Board

Any advice on creating your look?
If this is a look you're interested in creating, just scour eBay and Craigslist for Danish modern furniture, lots of green ceramic planters (Haeger and Hull), some "decoratus absurdum" in the form of mannequins and skeletons, a few vintage metal pieces, a classic chair or two, and pull it all together with some re-purposed Ikea furniture.

Ikea CD Stand

Thank you again Katherine for inviting us in your amazing apartment. Please take a minute to visit Katherine's blog BackGarage where she also hosts links to her Etsy Shop BackGarage for great vintage finds.

Indie Wedding Guide Directory Spotlight: I Do Films

Today brings us something new, I'll be highlighting some of our vendors over at the Indie Wedding Guide & Directory. If you have never visited please head over, I think you'll enjoy it!

Today's Directory Spotlight features I Do Films of Evanston, IL.

Lori Roche serves as the Artistic Director

Matt Buckman serves as the Chief Cinematographer

Together they form a dynamic duo creating beautiful wedding cinematography.

From their philosophy:

vin•tage
–adjective
1. representing the high quality
of a past time
2. being the best of its kind
3. characterized by excellence,
and enduring appeal
4. one of the most distinctive
5. never goes out of style

"Vintage describes our philosophy. We strive to be the best wedding cinematography studio aroundand our wedding films have been praised by our clients. Please watch the testimonials on our Demo to see how we have become one of the most distinctive studios in the Midwest."

Visit them at the Indie Wedding Guide & Directory under Event Services.

Are you interested in being listed in the exclusive juried directory at the Indie Wedding Guide. Follow this link to the application form.

The Daily Swank - Romantic Jewelry

Today's Daily swank is a mix of romantic trinkets and treasures found in jewelry from FleurAvenue.

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Shop for vintage bobbies, necklaces, rings, bracelets and more at FleurAvenue.