Vintage Indie

Vintage Green: Repurpose, Reuse & Recycle - The Incredible Versatile Record Rack! By Elizabeth Holcombe

I have found several of these wonderful metal record racks in thrift shops and rummage sales! Back in the day they were used for holding and organizing 45 rpm records or “singles.” If you are of a certail age you may have had one of these for your records.

These are wonderful! Paint them to match your décor or the season. I use mine to hold the following items:

1. Christmas cards! A great way to display them. Paint the record rack red or green!

2. Holding recipes! Perfect for your kitchen organization. Paint your rack to suit your kitchen décor and insert recipe cards for easy access!

3. Holding postcards! Display postcards from your recent travels on your coffee table to share with folks who stop by! Let them thumb through the postcards and plan their own dream vacation!

I know you can come up with lots of other uses, such as bill organizing (we all have to do it sometime!), homework organizer for your school kids, a rack to dry collages or other artworks, and MANY more uses! Have fun!

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)

Eco Living: Up-cycled Wood Towel Holder

New on the Etsy block is Made in the Red Barn.

I love this idea from Made in the Red Barn, it's something I'll be adding to my wish list. The Red Barn Bundle is what you see above. It includes a handmade up-cycled wood holder and two dozen "unpaper" towels. What "sold" me on this clever idea? Number one, the ease of use. You don't have to fold towels, number two you don't have to worry about where to store towels when you finishing laundering and third, two dozen towels seems like a practical amount for a week at a time. At least for my family of four. 

Making the switch to no paper towels is something I've wanted to do for a long time, but convenience is sometimes key.  You pull a towel from the dispenser, use wash and reuse again. Visit Made in the Red Barn for various colors, towels and more.

Enjoy!

Special Guest Starr Keller: Vintage Green Packaging

My new favorite thing: Eco-friendly Vintage boxes

Since I started my little jewels business, I have been stuck in the rut of packaging nightmares. I am ashamed to admit that I did the usual buy online, click, click, get. Boring cardboard-ish boxes for shipping from my site and etsy, velour bags (I am gasping to type this) for customers at art shows and festivals. All this changed last Friday when I opened up a little pretty piece of mail: these adorable, handmade, Wacky Vintage Blossoms Gift Boxes from ecovintagevegan:

I added my labels and I have to tell you...they are so pretty I have them sitting on my work desk. They work perfect for the bigger upcycled pieces that I have - and I of course love that they are handmade. I love the shop's description: The premise of ecovintagevegan is to promote the understanding of being green and eco friendly to our environment. Encourage reusing, recycling, repurposing and embracing vintage.

Hooray for that!

Visit our Special Guest Starr Keller at her website Starr Strung Designs.

Through The Lens: Bucks County Frames & Stunning Photography

{ Through the Lens } { Independent Photography } {Inspired by Life }


©Bucks County Frames


Bucks County Frames are nothing short of gorgeous eye candy. The beautiful frame pictured is also created by the photographer. Just when you thought it couldn't get any better, Bucks County Frames chooses to produce environmentally sustainable frames. Their craftsmanship is not typical moulding, as each one is handcrafted and created with a furniture quality finished corner. On top of the beauty of their heirloom quality frames they are VOC (volatile organic compounds or chemicals) free! Visit Bucks County Frames & Moulding Co. on Etsy. Be sure to take a look at their profile as well.

Recycled Living: Giving Glass New Life

I thought we would start off our eco-friendly features with that of YAVA Glass, where they " Give Glass New Life", don't you just love it! These glasses give your ordinary beverage bottle new life and make them into something chic for your home.









Visit Yava Glass on Etsy to see what else they are doing with glass.

Tales From the Flea Market: Episode 3 Fabrics, Textiles and Embellishments – First Sunday of the Month

With today being dubbed Vintage Green Day, we think it is a great idea to promote GREEN Shopping. Our favorite way is with vintage, of course. Join our special guest Cindy Cooper as she brings us Episode 3  of Tales from the Flea Market straight from  Alameda Point Antiques and Collectibles Faire.

On this trip to the Alameda, the focus is on Fabrics, Textiles and Embellishments.

 

Out there are many incredible vintage fabrics and textiles and the possibilities of re-working, re-purposing and re-using are endless.  You don’t see this type of quality and workmanship in today’s cloth. The cottons and linens in particular offer a subtle softness.  I collect vintage pillowcases for just this reason – they are so perfectly soft and look great on the bed all mixed up. It’s original, comfy and pretty all at the same time.

 

Like jewelry, fabrics show in time frames.  The Victorian era showed us amazing re-inspired damasks, lace and velvets.  The 40’s brought bold bark cloth. The 60’s introduced us to groovy paisleys and patterns on everything and this is also about the time wear-able polyester came into play.  Who wants to remember the PPO’s (polyester pull-ons)? You know the ones – thick polyester with a slight flair, elastic waist and a seam right down the front.  It seemed light blue was the favorite PPO color.  Having a bad flashback.

 

Every time I’m at Alameda I stop by Euro-Linens – www.euro-linens.com.  Their set-up and offerings thrill me every time and every single piece is original ranging from 35 – 135 years old. They have vintage French linens made into pillows, and other boudoir comforts.  Those O M initials in the picture below are cross-stitched in red thread!   The workmanship is splendid and the prices very reasonable and more than that –they are striking!

 

 

European Linens – Row C on the corner next

to George. You’ll see em.

 

 

 

Inside European Linens – One space

to the right on Row C– Alameda.

 

I haven’t been getting too far past the front gate lately so after the Euro-Lines stop by I’m heading straight for the outskirts of Alameda – Something wild like Rows U-Z to see what I’m sure, I’m missing.

 

Oh wait – before I can head to the outer banks, I want to go by what I call embellishment central.  Embellishments can be anything that adds design interest to a piece and here you can find all kinds.  Monopoly pieces, plastic checkers, doll heads, keys, drawer pulls, fixtures and even numbers and letters are available for as low as one dollar.  Many collage artists and scrapbookers delight in the small and original chotchke items this vendor has to offer.  Fun stuff.  I picked up a blue plastic princess phone key chain which is a replica to one I received in Kindergarten for learning my alphabet. Ma Bell used to give them out as swag. I also bought my friend Rita a majong piece with her favorite number. Oh and a gold drapery tassel with cording that will make a beautiful trim embellishment on a pillow perhaps.

 

 

Alameda Row G - $1 chotckes and more!

 

Moving on up the rows, I spot Jennifer Saxton and her linens.  She embraces the notion of re-cycle, re-do, re-find and even has her own children’s clothing line, Princess. Princess features little jackets and dress sets made from some of the most sweetly colored cloth – some chenille, some florals – all darling.  I was most intrigued with a beautiful piece of bark cloth (circa 1940’s) that made me want to reupholster everything in my home.  The peacock blue, the fuchsia pink – all so vibrant.

 

Jennifer Saxton Vintage Fabrics & Princess Collection

 

Now, clothing at the flea market is hot - there certainly are some fantastic finds that can be worn as is or re-purposed into something even more fabulously wear-able.  Hats, sweaters, coats, dresses, shoes and more are plentifully found at Alameda.  What’s fun about vintage clothing are the fabrics, patterns and built-to-last quality typical of vintage workmanship. I swear this is where designers and retailers such as Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters and the like get their inspiration.   

 

 

 Vintage Clothing and Hats-a-plenty, Alameda, California – Row K 

 

As you can tell – there is much to be found and as usual I’ve hit just the tip of the Alameda iceberg. 

 

Stay Tuned – Tales from the Flea Market will next take on furniture finding and re-purposing or re-inventing finds. Last month we ran out of time to check out the loading zone – I’ll get to it maybe next time or the time after that.  Also, I’m planning a Rose Bowl run the second Sunday in April.  I’m literally weak in the knees thinking about what I’ll discover.

 

 - Cindy Cooper

 

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About the Flea Market - Alameda

The Alameda Point Antiques and Collectibles Faire or simply “Alameda” if you are in the know, offers a stunning array of vintage finds from jewels to furniture to collectibles and everything and I do mean everything in between. 

 

I’ve been foraging Alameda for about eight years with stunning success and much happiness.  I love everything about this monthly event -  the wares, the people, the typically cold weather and the view of San Francisco Bay Bridge and skyline. This market is second only to the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena! Fabulous.

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Vintage Indie is happy to welcome Cindy Cooper as our newest Guest Contributor. She'll be joining us for "Tales From the Flea Market" a new series sharing real life stories of trips to the flea market. Cindy Cooper is also a vintage jewelry aficionado and would love to help answer your vintage jewelry questions.

Vintage Green Day: In the Kitchen - A Cafe Apron Tutorial

Us vintage gals have a thing for vintage tablecloths, fabrics, hankies and especially vintage pillowcases. Fess up, how many vintage pillowcases do you have? In honor of our own "Vintage Green Day" ( In honor of Earth Day) We've invited the lovely Lee-Ann from WhoopsieDaisies to share her simple tutorial for making a cafe style vintage pillowcase apron.

This one is made from two vintage pillowcases. They are so much fun to use because of the unique embroidery work you find on each one.

Materials Needed:

• 1 Vintage Pillowcase

• 2 6"x19" pieces of fabric for pockets

• 2 2 1/2"x about 40" pieces of fabric for ties (can use upper portion of pillowcase)Vintage Trim - Rick Rack or Ribbon

• White Thread

• Sewing Machine and/or Serger

• Straight Pins

• Iron

• Rotary Cutter and Mat

• Transparent Ruler

• Scissors

Instructions:
1. Press your pillowcase using your iron and spray starch.
2. Determine the length for your apron. (Mine is 21") Add 2 1/2" for the waistband. Using a rotary cutter and transparent ruler, cut across your pillowcase.
3. Determine the width of your apron. (Mine is about 33" wide) Flip your pillowcase over, and cut a slit down the middle. Lay it out flat on your cutting mat and cut to the desired width being careful to center the motif.
4. Hem the sides by serging; zig zagging; or turning under 1/4", press, turning under another 1/4", press, then stitch in place close to the folded edge.
5. At the top of your apron, turn down 2 1/2" towards the back for the waistband and press.

6. Open back out and turn under 1/4" along the raw edge. Press back down.
7. Using rotary cutter and ruler, cut 2 strips of fabric for the apron ties 2"x about 40" (twice the width of your pillowcase works great!).
8. Press under 1/4" on the 2 long sides and 1 short side of each apron tie. Press under another 1/4" on the 2 long sides.

9. To avoid bulky tips on the apron ties, fold the material back out and trim the corners. Fold the short end to make a pointed tip and press. Stitch around the apron ties close to the folded edge.

10. Insert ties into the sides of waistband. Pin in place. Stitch all the way around close to the folded edge.

Vintage Green Day: Farmers Markets & Market Bags

It's Earth Day today and we're celebrating in our own special way dubbing today our "Vintage Green Day"!

A great way to celebrate this place we call Earth is to support those who take care of our bellies. The farmers who work the fields to provide us organic fresh produce sans harmful pesticides. These farmers are committed to doing things the natural way, the way they were intended. 

For more information on Ecological Farming and what it means,  visit the Ecological Farming Association. Plan ahead for a great season of eating natural , fresh and local by visiting Local Harvest. There you can search where to find farms and farmers markets near you.  If you know any other great links for supporting farms in your area please feel free to post them below.

Now that you've located your local farmers market, you've planned out your trip you're almost ready to go.  Something we've done to get our boys involved, was getting each child their own reusable market bag. We shop along side them and they feel important choosing what we eat, learning about the different varieties  as well as carrying it in their bag. I also bring a few extra for me and hubs. 

What to look for in a market bag:

1. Its eco-friendly or made from using eco-friendly or recycled fabrics.
2. It has wide enough straps to fit comfortably on your shoulder.
3. It's large enough to actually hold something.
4. Its washable.

One of my first Market Bag purchases came from The Craft Pantry.
It has held up nicely and holds a lot. The above pictures is their Personalized Family Market Tote.
Get the conversation going with this one!


This Market Tote is an exclusive design from Pouch. It features recycled purple denim fabric and and 2 pockets made in matching vintage fabric.


This bag is hand painted by the Carry Me Away store owner. This design is a little more subtle with a message in mind,  but visit her shop for gorgeous hand painted designs.

Vintage Green: Take me to the Park

While searching for some spring and summer fashions, I came across this handmade dress from LittleOcean.


This one of a kind dress is handmade with vintage mauve and white striped cotton fabric, and accented with Accented with grey and white pinstriped straps. Be sure to check out the gorgeous cuffs at LittleOcean as well.

Vintage Green: Rescued & Restyled Mobile Gardens

One of my most favorite topics is vintage green, rescued and restyled vintage to make something useful and new for today. Of course we love vintage a little more than most around here, but what is better than loving vintage? Keeping it out of landfills of course!

SemperNova has a shop full of products that have been rescued and restyled. Just in time for spring sprouting, are their Mobile Gardens. Complete with casters so you can move them around wherever you need them. 

Vintage Green: La Petite Vintage Vignettes - A Mini Series by Jerusalem Greer

Vintage Green is something I often talk about here on Vintage Indie. Living eco-consciously  by using vintage and antique materials for a new purpose. Our contributing editor Jerusalem Greer is looking at some of her vintage items in a new way with her newest mini series La Petite Vintage Vignettes. We hope you enjoy these and hopefully you'll find some new inspiration for your vintage. 

"For the mademoiselle  who has given up smoking but she has not given up on style, may we recommend vintage ashtrays for holding precious bits and baubles?"

 

"Vintage treasures really are the best medicine" she thought to herself, as she admired her collection of perfume bottles, all cloistered in her apothecary jar."

Jerusalem Greer is a mom, a wife and a modern vintage gal just trying to live the artsy life. Full of love, laughter with a grateful heart, she enjoys creating beautiful spaces and goodies, which bring joy to all who encounter them.When she's not filling the role of "style and design editor" for Vintage Indie Mag, she is busy working in her studio at Storia Divita. Please visit her new website Jerusalem Greer

The Daily Swank - Sustainable Living - Ouno Design

Lindsay Brown and Sarah Gee are the design geniuses behind Ouno Design. Their collection of sustainable home decor as well as accessories are something to admire.

This Mod Circles and Squares Bedspread is handmade from 16 collectible vintage scarves. These bedspreads create a unique artistic appeal to any bedroom.

Designers Lindsay Brown and Sarah Gee are committed to recycling as well as green, sustainable practices in contemporary design.

Looking to add a splash of color in your home? Pillows are an affordable way to do it. With designs like these Paisley vs. Paisley Mod you can feel good about it too as they are created with vintage fabrics.

Look for these and many other stylish home accessories at Ouno Design.

Vintage Green - Flatware Pony Up Design

Maybe I'm on a lunch kick with the eldest going back to school and packing his lunch this year. I love today's Vintage Green find. Pony Up Design has the right idea when it comes to lunching  in a more eco-friendly fashion. They've created a line of flatware travel sets and ideas so that you can forgo the plastic ware you are used to packing.

These are my favorite picks from their shop since they are created with vintage materials and vintage flatware. They also have a line of eco-friendly flatware sets, with burnished bamboo utensils. Perfect for every day lunch, picnics and traveling. Head over to Pony Up Designs for your pick!

It's Here! It's Here!

Now I know what you are thinking, "She's fell off her rocker"... her idea of a gorgeous picture filled feature is of her stinking' recycle bin.

Seriously I haven't. Bear with me for a moment. Even I know, no amount of Photoshop editing can make my new arrival look pretty. It's the purpose of it that has me gleaming. I've been awaiting 3 years since we moved into our home for a pick up recycling system. A few weeks back our local waste company teamed up with our city to provide recycling bins and brand new very large garbage cans to everyone to "clean up the city". My son learned of recycling in 1st grade and has been awaiting the arrival. Little did I know our bin was going to be HUGE. I was expecting a little red box like you see in other places. Nope, this one is massive. There is a whole list of thing acceptable and not acceptable to throw in, so I'll be printing up a list to hang on my fridge until we get the hang of it here at home. I dedicated a whole post on this to remind you, to check your local recycling information and maybe you'll get a shiny new bin too.

In other recycling news this article How to: Track Junk Mail recently published on Apartment Therapy's Re-Nest also got my wheels turning. Although I'm excited about recycling, I'd like to take as many necessary steps to prevent the "junk" and waste in the first place. My husband made a crack after I read on our bin that junk mail is acceptable. He said " We won't have a problem filling it up with junk mail that's for sure". You should see the amount of massive junk mail we get. Are you with me? It's ridiculous. My first step to try and eliminate this. Check out DMA Choice Direct Marketing Association. You can remove your name from many mailing lists or add it to those you prefer. 

Vintage Green - For Your Coffee

One of my favorite things about shopping vintage is the fact it's so "green". Don't you just love, vintage, green and eco friendly all bundled into one.  Today's Vintage Green find is along the lines of preparing for my travels. Coffee is my friend. I'm a big fan of organic, fair trade and locally brewed coffee (more on that later). I'm also a fan of having my coffee every morning. It's a must have and when you are traveling. Don't stoop for those paper sleeves anymore. You know the ones a certain "big box" coffee house has. Check out Hobocamp Crafts for a rather marvelous alternative.

Clucky Bird Cameo Coffee Cuff is up first. This adorable eco-friendly cuff is just the thing your coffee needs to keep it cozy. Made from recycled vintage fabrics, cream lace and a little white button. Green and chic, just the way we like it.

How about getting in touch with your retro side with this super cute Mushroom and Bubblegum Coffee Cuff. Find these and more fabulous handmade vintage green alternatives for you and your style at Hobocamp Crafts

Get outside already!

My husband and I have been discussing a move, quite often actually. He longs for the quiet country and I long for a front porch, I know if I had one I'd be out there working instead inside. I love the outdoors and love entertaining outdoors. Today's Design and Style is something I think you will adore. Bring a splash of color outdoors with these fabulous vintage restored gliders.

Can you say amazing. I fell in love as soon as I landed this baby. This "Summer Breeze Teal" glider with cream inserts is only a click away and includes free shipping at Vintage Glider.

Teal not your color? How about a splash of red for a more retro feel. I'm thinking of my friend at the Red Shoes store for this one, I think she would love it.

The best part, all gliders have been restored and given new life instead of filling up landfills.

Not fancying a glider today? Feast your eyes on this chair. Isn't she pretty. I love the pinwheel design.

Vintage Glider can also customize a piece not yet powder coated for you. They have an amazing selection of color choices. You can find this furniture and many others ready to ship or waiting for your color choice at Vintage Glider's website.

Enjoy and get outside already!

Photos copyright VintageGlider. May not be reproduced or usd without permission.

The Daily Swank -Vintage Green - Vintage Tie's Who knew?

Who knew that old school vintage ties could be so classy. Well today's Daily Swank shows them off in a fabulous new light. What was once old is made new again with these adorable Vintage Fabric Necklaces from Rowenaallen.

Shop Vintage - Check it out - Recycled Desk

Today's Daily Swank is a really cool find. Recycled Desk is a company from El Monte, California that specializes in vintage and retro style metal office furniture. I love what they are about, "What's good for the office is good for the environment"™

Head over to their website for more info on what's in stock & how you can pick your new office furniture!

Vintage Green Eco-Living - Pitter Painter

I'm always looking for fun and unique items that are "Vintage Green" and created from recycled components.

Check out these Bookish Coasters from Pitter Painter made from recycled vintage books and sewn by hand.

Head over to Pitter Painter for other cool recycled products handmade from vintage materials.

Vintage Green - Eco Living

Vintage Green is something I often talk about. Living eco-consciously  by using vintage and antique materials for a new purpose. I'm not perfect by any means, but I do my best and I'm finding new ways of living greener. New resources are popping up everywhere with stylish designs, fresh ideas and practical tips.

My latest read Eco-Chic Weddings by Emily Anderson is fabulous for the eco minded bride. You won't believe the fantastic ideas for  design elements,  favors, jewelry and so much more. It's a whole new way to plan a wedding and the best part, it's fresh. New ideas, colors & styles. Look at weddings in a whole new light at eco-chic weddings. Stay tuned for more from eco-chic weddings.

I hate to admit it but sometimes I feel like I'm the last one to hear about things. Kind of like how I just found out about the Freecycle Network. It's this wonderful online community that hooks locals up with each other to recycle. You find your local group and read through the offers of things like bike racks, furniture, clothing and more that people would rather find a new home for than throw in the trash. You walk away with a fabulous new treasure (to you) and you save the landfills.. .sounds good to me!

As always, I'm looking for your ways of Eco-Living the Vintage Green way. How do you use your vintage to recycle. Feel free to send me your submissions at any time!

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