THRIFT STORE SCORE #4

Happy Day friends!  I hit the thrifts yesterday and I must be out of sorts because all I came home with was this...

A floral duvet cover.  I love the flowery softness of it and I thought hey!  How about some cute pajama pants with a ruffly  hem.  I would have more than enough to do a couple of matching tank tops too!

I find that instead of using a pattern to sew clothing, I just take apart an item which fits well, press the pieces and trace that onto patternmaker.  I then place the pattern in a ziploc bag for future reference.

I like the fabric of this duvet cover so much, that I will use the remainder of it for a raggy quilt.  So, there you have it....even though I came home with one thing, I can turn it into several things!

A PLACE TO HANG YOUR HAT AND A NEW FEATURE TO BOOT!

Happy Day everyone!  Hope your weekend was lovely.... Mine was about painting and sanding and building.  I made a beadboard coat rack...

This is it before gluing and nailing.  I just placed everything on it for this picture.  I love starfish.  I thought they would be a nice touch on the coat rack.  I would like to add an old mason jar with some sand and a candle in it....

This is a simple thing to make.  Just some plywood and some bead board!  The hardware store cut the plywood to size for me.  I can't say it was cheap though....the hooks and starfish cost a few shekels!  But hey, I think it was worth it.

In other news, there will be a new feature here at Bungalow on Bank.  It will be called Garage Sale Safari where I document my adventures whilst garage sale-ing.  Should be a good time folks!  I can't wait to bring you with me!

This post is linked to http://www.abeachcottage.com/ linky party.

THRIFT STORE SCORE #3

Today is a beautiful day!  I had to get out for a bit, so I whistled for Molly and we jumped into Betsy to go thrifting.  YEEEEHAWWWW!

First, I had to make a short drive out to Callander which is a small, picturesque community on the shores of Lake Nipissing.  I purchased a "window mirror" from a fella who was selling it on Kijiji.  It's smaller than it looked in the photo online but hey for 10 bucks you couldn't go wrong.  I will paint it white, sand it back and wax it.  Then perhaps some nice little nickle hooks will go on.  I am thinking of adding some trim to the top too.  We will see....

On the way home I saw the beautiful Haflinger horses(from my post called "My First Love") in their paddock playing and kicking up their heels in the sunshine.  Why oh why did I forget my camera!!!!  DANG!  They looked positively joyful. 

Value Village is on the way home too so I stopped there and purchased a denim duvet cover.  I will fold it in thirds and drape it across the bottom of our bed where Molly always lays.  I like to think of our bed wearing a denim "dress" with a "petticoat" showing underneath.  The denim will look great with the cotton gauze bedskirt I made.

Lastly, I picked up a starfish at a craft shop.  I want to use it with the mirror somehow.  Even though I do not live near an ocean, I like to feel as though I do.  Perhaps I will one day...who knows?   I have visited the Atlantic ocean and even swam in it one summer on vacation... brrrrrrrrrr....c.c...c...cold!  (This was off the coast of Nova Scotia)   The salty air, the hot sand, the pounding waves.. yes, it's easy to imagine I am there right now! 

While this is not a thrift store find, I recieved this lovely art in the mail today.... so springy!  I just need to mat and frame it....

That is it for today's post friends.  Why not take a minute and imagine the place where you feel the best.... 
Happy Day!

STUFF THAT GOT AWAY...

Every now and again, I will sell something at the bungalow that I really should have kept.  Like this....

This chair was sooo comfy.  And well made.  I hadn't really planned on selling it, but, someone came by the garage, liked it and made me an offer I couldn't refuse.  Oh well....

And then there was this....

A really nice functional little chest of drawers which is becoming hard to find these days.  They are so cute all painted up with nice glass knobs. Sigh.

Lastly, I sold this gem and again....I regret it. 

The Ikea Tulsta chair with not one but TWO slipcovers!  GACK!  I really regret not holding onto this chair because there isn't an Ikea in these parts of the country.  I would have to travel for 4 hours to get to one.  These little chairs are so versatile .... they can fit into any space, they are comfy and you can't beat the slipcover thing for easy cleaning.

Yes, some things I sell and I wish I hadn't BUT they are only things and can be replaced.  I met some great people through selling these items too.  And some times I really need some cash and so I am thankful that I had something to sell!

The best part is when I hear from someone who bought something from me say "Gee, I always remember when I bought "such and such" from you.  I always think of you when I look at it."  That makes me smile and any regret about selling the "such and such" goes right out the window.

METAL FLOWERS AND HAPPY SPRING!!!!

HAPPY SPRING EVERYONE!  Hope your weekend was lovely!  The sun was shining for most of ours, but still quite chilly in these parts.  Even so, I LOVE springtime.

I have had these metal flower thingys in the garage for some time.  I tried unsuccessfully to sell them on Kijiji and had only a bite or two on them.  People liked them, they just didn't know what to do with them.

So, I figured since I am such a maniac with the paint....well, I'll just paint 'em!

Then I can display them on the space above the door on my garage/shop/hangout.  I think they are kind of cool and interesting.

In fact, I am now considering upping the cool factor of them by maybe decoupaging the petals of the flowers in some colorful fabric or paper.  I cannot leave well enough alone!  It's just how I roll!

Please stay tuned for the finished product... it was a tad cool for spray painting this weekend.

THIS WEEK'S THRIFT STORE SCORE

Hello Friends!  And a happy Friday!  Well, I must say there were many many things at the thrifts this week.  People seem to be purging big time and I guess it may be attributable to the spring like temperatures we are enjoying at the moment. 

It is always an adventure for me when I enter a thrift store.  Almost like a study in the way people live.... like urban archaeology.

I did find a wonderful little milk glass hand.  I think it may be fairly old but I am not sure.  I just liked it, so I bought it. 

Here is a turnaround which I will paint white.  Then, I will decoupage some cans in some lovely scrapbooking paper and affix them to the turnaround.  They will hold my paintbrushes, pencils, and other art tools that I use on a regular basis.

In other news, Betsy (my truck) highjacked me to the fabric store!!!!!!  GACK!  (hee hee)  Yes folks, it is quite a battle for me to stay away from the place.  Fabric is indeed my drug of choice.  Whilst I was there drooling over this... I seem to remember a Ralph Lauren fabric from years ago which looked like this and I always loved it.  By the way, I LOVE RALPH LAUREN! (ok, I said it).....

I met the most lovely lady.  We chatted about our various projects and then went on our ways.  Isn't it lovely when you meet a total stranger and you engage in a wonderful conversation?  Like the old saying goes, "A stranger is just a friend you haven't met yet."  And of course, I know all the gals who work there, especially Peggy.  Peggy is knowledgeable and very good with color.  I always enjoy chatting with her about sewing and life in general.

I am off to shake up some paint cans folks.  Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

CHALLENGING TIMES

Hello Dear Friends!  This post is a little more serious in nature.  I would like to pose a question to you, who read this blog. 

How do you cope with challenging times?   Are you a person of faith?  Do you cope by staying busy? 

I tend to cope with most challenges in the same way.  First off, I STOP.  BREATHE.  THINK.  Depending on what the nature of the challenge is will depend on how I cope.  But,  I do depend on God.  I also believe that we are given common sense, reason, rationality and a sound mind with which to deal with most anything. 

In recent times, we have seen the devastation in Japan, Haiti, the Gulf.... I could go on, but the point is, these crisis and challenges big and small seem to always be with us.  And it can be weighing us down.  Or, we can just take it in stride, one thing at a time, one day at a time, one breath at a time.  And all the while remembering the beauty, the goodness, the purity and the joy that can be ours.

I heard something once by a motivational speaker and I shall always remember it... he said: "If I can look up, I can get up and if I can get up, I can go on!"

Oh how I love that saying.  It really spoke to my heart.  I think of it often.  These words, this sentiment, the love that is behind the willingness to share them... oh, how I would love to send these to those who are suffering in this world.

And so, if any of you are suffering with your own crisis, this is my little gift to you today.  Given with an open loving heart.

Happy Day All

MOSAIC CHAIR

Hello!  I have a beautiful old chair which is very solid and in fact, I think it is oak.  I keep it in the laundry room so I have something to stand on to change light bulbs and reach high shelves.  It is a wonderful candidate for mosaics.   I have alot of chippy china in various colors and chose this fabulous green and white transferware for the back of the chair.  I may have gotten a little carried away with the freehand painting on the sides,but hey, this is art.

As I have said in a previous post, doing mosaics is much like doing a jigsaw puzzle.  It is so relaxing and the finished product is lovely I think.  It is a unique way of putting your own creative stamp on something.

This chair was done quite a few years back, but I think it is still pretty and will be around for a few more years to come.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's THRIFT STORE SCORE!  When who knows what I will drag home to the bungalow!  hee hee

Happy Day Friends!

I have linked to http://www.abeachcottage.com/ linky party...

T SHIRT DRESS DIY

Hello Dear Friends!  Happy Day to you.  Are you like me and have t shirts you really love but have shrunk a little or alot?  Or perhaps you have a bit of the old "middle age spread" in your nether regions?  Well, I have a great little DIY for you....

The t shirt dress.  Not an original idea, for I seem to remember something along these lines from the 90's.

I thought of this idea whilst rifling through my stash of fabrics.  I thought, oooo... I like this fabric but only have a 1/2 metre of it.  Then, it came to me.... why not make a ruffle from it and attach it to my too-short  t shirt.  The new "dress" could be worn with tights or jeans or a nighty (as some of mine are used). 

So, I called a neighbor who is an excellent sew-er.  I paid her to make these up for me because at the time, I was ill and not into sewing.  She did a great job too! (thanks Wendy)  I had her make up some belts for them which button in the back.  (you could use velcro or just tie them in a bow or whatever)

You can make this ruffle as long or short as you want.  Or as "ruffly" as you want.  Wendy used a super strong clear elastic to make the ruffle.

 This way, the ruffle is stretchy as well as the t shirt. (make sense?)  I happen to love multi-purpose things be it clothing or furniture or whatever.  These t-shirt dresses are ideal for many purposes as I mentioned above.  By adding ric rac around the seam or a fancier belt, you can really jooge? them up.

Well ....that is it for today.... I have a shiny black lab waiting for a game of ball and who am I to refuse her?  I am her "multi-functional" person.... her Mommy, her best buddy, her chef, her chauffeur, her wrestling partner....well, I could go on and on, but I won't.  You get the picture I am sure!

A QUILTY MEMO BOARD

Happy Day All!  I have a neat little idea for you today.  A few years back, I purchased some Moda charm packs from a local quilt shop.  I made a memo board, dresser runner and stool cover as you can see in the above pic.

On the shelf above my sewing desk is a quilty runner with "prairie points" which I really like to make.

As you can see, I attached each square with a pushpin.  I meticulously glued a tiny flower to the head of the pins!  (oh and please excuse the "paint job" on the wall.  We are getting ready to paint and change up this room)  This is where I create and I find I like to re-decorate it fairly often.

I love that these charm packs come already cut.  However, I did learn the hard way that they are not cut precisely.  So, it is wise to check the measurement of each square.  Don't you just love fabric?  I am considering joining FA....(fabricaholics anonymous)  I am working on this addiction to fabric I have.  In fact, there is a local charity which makes quilts for those with cancer.  And I have some wonderful cottons coming their way!

I have been featured http://diybydesign.blogspot.com//2011/03/swing-into-spring-its-party.8.html
I am linking to http://romantichome.blogspot.com//2011/03/show-and-tell-friday.html

PRAYER FOR JAPAN

Just a short post about the recent tragedy in Japan.  There are no words really.  So, I just want to offer up my prayers for the survivors of this disaster.  And for those who lost loved ones.  Our hearts are with you.

JUST PASSING THROUGH....

Happy Day All... I thought for today's post I would show you a few of the things which have "passed through" the Bungalow.  My garage is sometimes a hive of activity in the summer.  Many people drop by to see what is in there and sometimes a sale or two will occur....

Like this....

A beautiful little parlour table....

and this...

this tapestry was all hand done!....

Sometimes I sell something that I SHOULD NOT HAVE SOLD!!!!  Like this beautiful 100% wool rug 8' x  10'  I never see these rugs and especially in this shape and that large size. It was perfect.  Ugh.  Oh well....

This easle went very quickly!  The lady who bought it LOVED it!

how about this darling aqua trunk thingy....so cool!

I really love finding these treasures.  It is great fun and the people I meet usually teach me something valuable.  In fact, I have learned much during my treasure hunts.  About people, how they live, struggles they have been through, history, and life in general.  In fact, that is the real "treasure" in all this.

So, there you have it folks.  A little peak into the great stuff that can be found at Bungalow on Bank!  Have a wonderful relaxing weekend everyone!

A PILLOW AND THE LAKE

As I have mentioned in an earlier post (the lake), I love spending time at the lake.  Our city is located on two lakes actually.  One lake is shallow and massive.  It is given to extremely rough waters when the wind is up.  Storms and strong winds are known to happen quickly on Lake Nipissing.  In fact, my grandfather, "Daddy Jim", once spent the night under his small boat on an island when it capsized during a terrible storm.  He survived thankfully, but my poor Nanna was not impressed after a fretful night.   The other lake is super deep and cold and clean. (well, fairly clean)  I have a preference for the latter.  Beautiful Trout Lake.  With that said, I felt I should dedicate a pillow creation to our precious lake.
Here it is before stitching....

In my previous post "Love Pillow", I used an old Ikea lumbar pillow to applique the word love on it.  I had two so I figured I would use the other for the lake pillow.  I cut up some old shorts for the letters and used the pocket as a cell phone or ipod holder etc.  I just like how the pocket looks.  I can't decide on a color for stitching....hmmm....perhaps off white or blue/grey.....

Ah yes.  I will take the little pillow to the lake when I go for a swim in summer.  I will spread out my raggy denim quilt and lay my wet head on the downy softness of the pillow and dream beautiful dreams as the warm sun infuses me with it's healing rays.... Wow... am I ready for summer or what!

THRIFT STORE SCORE!

Hey All!  And a good day to you too.  I have a new feature at the bungalow.  It is called "THRIFT STORE SCORE".  I am hoping to make it a weekly thing.

Like many of you, I am a thrift store junky.  Hopelessly, totally addicted.  And the only cure is a marathon viewing of Hoarders.  Even then, I am likely to shake off what I have seen and jump into Betsy and head for the nearest thrift.   I should add that Betsy now drives herself to them without help from me!

Now, you may be somewhat confused if you read my "Downsizing" post, but, I do re-sell some of what I drag home.  I will clean it up, fix it up, sew it up, paint er up and then give it up (for a few shekels!).  After all, a gal has to make a living somehow. (especially if she is prone to "blue spells" and feels like a  round peg in society's square hole at times!)

So, here is a pic of this week's thrift store score....

A beautiful headboard, which is about to become a bookcase.  I will take off the doors, and the bottom spindle things, and paint it a lovely soft white.  It should sell very quickly after I put my hand to it.  That is, unless I fall in love with it, then, something will have to leave the bungalow if the bookcase comes in. (My new anti-hoarding rule:  something comes in, something leaves)

I also bought a white cotton skirt which does not fit, but, it has lovely ruffles which I can remove and attach to the bottom of a t shirt or make curtains, a slipcover detail or whatever.  The cotton is soft and nice.

In other news, I feel a rotten cold coming on.  My chest is congested, my nose is runny and I have a cough that feels like it is coming from the bottom of my boots it's so deep.  Ugh.  I never get colds, but I guess I didn't dodge the bullet this time.

I would like to end this post by saying how deeply grateful I am to have followers.  I appreciate each and every one of you and the support you have shown to me since I started this blog.  I will do my best to do my best with every post.

ANTHRO-INSPIRED PILLOW

Snow.  Snow.  More snow.  (There is currently a snowstorm as I write this post) Ugh.  Okay, I have almost had it with the white stuff.  Off to the batcave (read sewing room) I go to create something beautiful.

How about this Anthropologie- inspired pillow from a pattern I downloaded from a super great blog called http://www.sewhomegrown.blogspot.com/  This lady, Jessica, is very talented and generous.  She had her hubby draw this pattern and then made it available to everyone on her blog.
This is the pillow in it's first stage... before stitching and construction....

And here it is after stitching.... now it's time to make an actual pillow!

I have some of the Heather Bailey Pop Garden fabric for the deer's head and some pretty aqua and cream gingham for the background.  I had a most enjoyable time of stitching the little head on with that hot pink embroidery floss!  Let it snow and blow all it wants... I am having wonderful, creative time.

CLEANING GREEN

Well folks, it's that time of year again.  Spring cleaning.  I love to fling open windows and let the fresh air flow in.  Even though there is still snow on the ground, spring is upon us... you can feel it coming.
And the bungalow is in need of a scrub-down, sweep-up, dust-bust and a good dose of old fashioned elbow grease to rid the place of grime and dirt.

I really prefer to clean as "green" as possible, using natural ingredients wherever I can.  Did you know that if you put some vinegar in a jar and add some orange peels you get the most lovely and effective cleaner?  Yup.  Very simple and "green".  I put mine in a spray bottle and clean away. 

Baking soda and vinegar followed by boiling water will freshen and clean out your drains too. (I use equal parts)

A half of a lemon placed  in a bowl of water will clean and freshen the microwave after just 2 minutes on high.  Wipe out with a soft cloth and wallah!  Speaking of cleaning cloths, I have a special fondness for waffle weave cotton.  When I see those shower curtains made out of it at the thrift stores, I buy them and cut them into 12" x 12" cloths.  I like how they look and they are super absorbent.  Of course, I buy only white ones so I know if they are really clean and I can put a wee bit of bleach in them if necessary. (I am trying to step away from the bleach too.

It is time to use my clothesline and I always seem to forget to wipe it down before the first use in the spring!  Ugh... I soon remember when I find an ugly black line on the first sheet or towel!  The wonderful smell of the fresh air in the laundry cannot be duplicated by any fabric softener.  Again, vinegar in the final rinse of the wash is a great softener.  For some reason, when I am standing at the clothesline hanging out my wash, I always feel so happy.  Pictured below are my wool blankets airing out on the line last fall....

 I guess it is a sense of accomplishment that I am able to provide clean fresh clothing and linen for us and using the power of the lovely sunshine and wind to do it.  And I feel thankful to have the line, the clothing etc when so many people in the world do not have these things. 

We are so fortunate here in Canada to enjoy the resources we have.  Let us remember to do what we can to protect them.  Cleaning green is one small way to do this.  And small ways add up.

Happy cleaning friends!

DOWNSIZING

I am a "baby boomer".  If you are familiar with the best-selling book "Boom Bust Echo" by David Foote, then you will know that statistically we boomers drive the economy.  Just the sheer number of us determines many things when it comes to trends, how money is spent and on what.

We are seeing many people "downsize".  In other words, they are purging years of accumulation and the large homes in exchange for a smaller abode and less stuff to worry about.  For some, it is about living on less now that retirement is upon them.  Or perhaps it is a health issue.  Whatever the reason, downsizing is happening on a large, large scale.

 We will not live forever.  How do we want to spend our remaining years?  Do we want to be bogged down with clutter or do we want to be freed up to persue our interests be it travel, or sport or whatever?  Perhaps we want to volunteer our time and energy to some worthwhile cause.

I have been thinking about this quite a bit lately.  I feel that I do not want to acquire too many new (to me) things.  I want to want what I have.  I am quite thankful for my meager belongings and little bungalow.  I would like to write more and share thoughts and ideas with others so that I may be of help or inspiration some how.

What do you want to do with your life, dear reader?  Is it all about decorating your home and creating a nice space for your loved ones?  Perhaps it is about sharing your love and knowledge with children and grandchildren. These are valid questions we need to be asking ourselves in my humble opinion.  Time is of the essence.

I have opened my life and my heart for you to glean any wisdom from my experiences that you may.  This little space in the blogosphere has been a real blessing for me and it happened so very quickly.  It is as though everything I have been doing in my life led to this.  And here it is for you.  God speed, my friends.

SEASHELL LIGHT SWITCH

Our bedroom is pretty "beachy".  We love the beach and I wanted to create that feeling we get there with the use of color and natural materials.  While laying in bed staring into space, (one of my favorite pastimes) I thought I really must do something with those boring light switches.  One is a dimmer switch and the other is the old fashioned type.

So, to the shell stash I went and chose two lovely shells to cover the switches.

And voila!  A little detail in the room which makes me happy when I look at them... (it doesn't take much folks!)

Whilst I was at it, I figured Miss Molly could use some shells too.....

Lookit the purdy dawg..... I am going to kiss that face right now!

Might as well decorate the dog too since she is part of the "details" in the bedroom!  

And in other news.... BETSY LIVES!  Yes, you heard right.... she's on the mend (for now) and recovering nicely.  Thanks for your prayers and good wishes for her speedy recovery!  We'll be junking together again before we know it!

ODE TO BETSY

My truck died this week.  Well, I should say she is very very ill.  Her name is Betsy.  Yes, at first, all she required was a little "plastic surgery".  A bit of bondo, a bit of paint, a bit of oil here and there.  That's how the illness started.  And now, here we are...nearing the end of the road.  She nearly took me down with her yesterday when her brakes gave out.  Thank the good Lord that we got home safe and no one was injured.

Oh we have had some good times she and I.  She is 17 years old.  Some would say she's in the prime of life.  But alas, my mechanic says otherwise.  She needs major surgery if she is to survive at all..." complete overhaul" I think he said.  I couldn't hear after I heard the words "big bucks".

When I think of the many loads of fabulous junk she has hauled home for me, I get teary.  Or how about all the little jaunts we took looking at the city just the two of us?  I remember when I saw her in the lot at the dealership that first day.  I took one look and it was just like it was when I saw my hubby for the first time... I knew Betsy was the truck for me.  Oh, she was used.  Yup.  Someone had their way with her before I got her.  He may have been a little rough.

 Her chassie was shook up and the tires on her were balding.  I cannot guess what all went on in her bed in back.  Her steering wheel had been groped by who knows how many men. And someone had farted into her upholstry alot.  I mean, how much can a gal take?.  Nevertheless, she was a looker in her day.  With that "long box",  steely grey interior and a set of headlights that would make a grown man cry.  But alas, as happens to us all, the looks have faded and rust has set in.  And sadly, she has some scarring on her rear end.

She is resting comfortably in the driveway now.  Her engine is quiet and although the brake line is still bleeding a bit, it will be replaced tomorrow.  Then we will see how things progress from there.  The prognosis isn't good but we can always hope for a miracle folks.  So, before Betsy goes to that great junkyard in the sky, let us pray for her.....she needs all the help she can get!

SIGN O THE TIMES

I wanted to celebrate the birth of this little blog by making a FABU sign.  Crazy color...check, needleworked...check, funk factor....check and CHECK!  I figure I will display it in my craft room/office for now til the weather is nicer and then out to the garage/lounge/hangout/second-hand business area it will go.  Should be a wonderfully wacky addition to the goings-on out there....

Perhaps Miss Molly could use some "funkifying".  Maybe a nice neck- kerchief or new collar or some such adornment is in order.  She is, after all, my most valuable employee.  I mean, who is going to work for me for NO MONEY???  Okay well, maybe the odd cookie and bellyrub.  The only problem with her is the jumping up for kisses on the lips of poor unsuspecting patrons/buddies/hanger-outters,  who see this rather large black thing lunging up with a big smile and lips all pursed up for a big smooch.  BAD MOLLY!  Not everyone wants to kiss a black lab on the lips!

I'd just like to give a "shout-out" to the wonderful Heather Bailey who designed the happy fabric used on the sign for the blog.  If you have a chance to visit her blog, check out what her customers have done with her fabrics in their projects.... unreal!  The colors, patterns and designs are fantastic.

BIRD IS THE WORD

It's no secret that I love color.  Wacky, wild craaaaazy color.  I need it.  So, when I spotted these little birds on the web, I went gaga.....
spoolsewing.com/birdmobile
Down to the fabric store I went. (where I have absolutely NO business given the amount of fabric I have stashed)   I chose some pretty fabric for the little birds I want to make.

 Next, out to the yard for some branches (because what bird in it's normal mind would sit on the ground???) and a sap bucket for said branches to sit in.

Yes, Mama likey.  I emailed Miss K and sent her some pics of the little birds.  Of course, she (who shares much the same taste as yours truly) got excited when she saw them.  "Oh Nanny, are you making those?"  Oh yes dear one, I am.  And you will too, when you come north to visit.  What a craft time that will be!  It should resemble a scene from the movie The Birds (Alfred Hitchcock thriller).  Except the birdies are friendly and far more fashionable.  No eyes will be pecked out.  Unless we are interrupted whilst we are sewing!

bbb bird bird bird
bird is the word
everybody knows..
bird bird bird
bird is the word

*from the song by the Trashmen