NEW! Fun Vintage Fat Quarter Bundles

I just started adding these adorable fat quarter bundles of vintage flocked  and swiss dot fabric to the shop today. I've listed a few in the past, but am in the process of creating lots of new mixes. Each comes bundled with 1+ yard of ribbon and a sweet vintage applique. Here's the first one I'll be adding today! Quantities are limited as to what fabrics I currently have in stock, but I'm always on the look out for new additions. Also, if anyone is interested, I can sell straight yardage of many of these fabrics.

An Old Space Revived: Creating A More Functional Workspace

Well, I finally did it! I've been wanting to create a pretty little space to call my own for quite some time. The attic has always been my workspace, but over the past few years it has become increasingly cluttered. It seemed to become a dumping ground for extra inventory, Christmas decorations, outgrown childrens' clothing and anything else that didn't have a permanent home. After receiving 2 custom orders, and not having enough space to spread out and fill them, I decided it was time to finally make my space function the way I knew it could.

Next, the dilemma of redoing a space on a shoestring budget. It was actually quite fun only using things I already have. Thank goodness for ingenuity and a retired neighbor with lots of fabulous tools. Believe it or not, I didn't spend a dime.

Here's a list of my reclaimed supplies:
leftover paint
reclaimed 2 X 4s (from walls we removed in the basement)
old plywood that I used to use as a table top at antique shows
2 doors (from a cabinet that was left behind when we purchased the house)
vintage faded fabric (not fit to sell) and some newer remnants (leftover from past projects)
random metal tins
leftover scrapbooking paper
a few home dec items we aren't using
5 bookcases I've had for years (only $20.00 per section from Wal-Mart and  Big Lots)

O.K. I think that's about it. I put in a little elbow grease and here is the outcome. It's not perfect or completely finished, but so far I'm pretty pleased with the results.

I lined up my bookcases on two walls to help store the inventory that is currently listed in my shop, as well as some projects I'm working on.

Next I upholstered one of the cabinet doors to make an over sized ironing board and painted the other to use as counter space and a cutting table. The base is a simple 2 x 4 frame with a fabric skirt. This gives me plenty of space to keep extra stock or items that I want to get ready for sale. I can store quite a bit under this huge table. It's almost 4' by 7'.

Under the windows I created another skirted 2 x 4 frame and topped it with a painted plywood counter top. It's the perfect place for my computer and has a pretty nice view as well. There is plenty of hidden storage here too, but since there is a radiator under this table, I think I'll leave it empty for heat flow, especially in the winter.

Some industrial wire shelving currently holds my shipping supplies and some of my inventory. I'm hoping to eventually swap this out for a few more inexpensive bookshelves. It would definitely be prettier, but functions quite well for now. The fabric panel conceals a nice size closet that stores our off season clothing and a few other odds and ends. Sitting pretty in the corner is my hand me down sewing machine that is currently out of service, a.k.a. broken. That's o.k. though, between work and the little ones, I don't even have time to consider what sewing projects I would like to start.

My last addition was a nice little area to start taking all my photographs. I have some new lights that I've been wanting to try for a while. Usually, I take all my pictures outside, but am going to give indoor photography a try, and even made myself a little photo box from a tutorial I found online.

So, this is my new little space to get away to and hopefully get much more work accomplished. Now all I have to do is put a lock on the door to keep little hands from moving everything around. My 2 1/2 yr. old is convinced this is her new playroom. Secretly, I feel like it's my new playroom too.... and I'm happy to share it with her!

It's Just That Simple

Work has been a bit slow the past few days, as I've been sidetracked with two little pumpkins who have allergies, colds and ear infections. Even with the runny noses, it's been quite nice to just take a few days to concentrate on my babies and cater to their every need. After what seemed to be an eternity, I finally managed to get everyone fed and occupied so I could do some work. My 2 year old, of course, did not agree. As she pulled a bag of "stuff" from the craft cabinet, making a huge mess in the process, I began to scold her. As I did, she ran to the living room squealing with delight. I looked in the bag and found some tissue paper squares, a few appliques, a glue stick and a little spool of ribbon. That huge smile was all about some sad skinny red satin ribbon...she is definitely my daughter!

She jumped up and down, shaking her head yes, repeating "Me? Me?"  I of course obliged, opened the ribbon and watched her as she fiddled and twirled, trying to make her own little art project. We grabbed a handful of buttons and began stringing them onto the ribbon. Within a few minutes she had a pretty little necklace, and surprisingly she played with long enough for me to get 20 minutes of work done.
I wish it was always that simple!

Sneak Peek: Fresh Fabric Finds Coming Soon

What a great week for hunting down some fresh merchandise! I'm so excited to show off my latest finds.  I couldn't wait until I had time to list my amazing fabric discoveries. Here is a sneak peek of what will be showing up at In With the Old Vintage.
 

Treasury Tuesday: What's Your Favorite Condiment?

I've been so busy lately, I haven't made a treasury for some time. There have a few up my sleeve, but insipration struck this weekend. With all the nice weather, my hubby fired up the grill on Saturday. When I arrived in the kitchen for lunch, I was greeted with that irresistible aroma of smokey, slightly charred, hot dogs.

Since picnic season is arriving any day now, I decided on a condiment poll. It's always a huge debate in my household. My husband, a mustard devotee,  feels that ketchup on a hot dog is reserved for children. The shameful glances often come my way because I, on the other hand, usually teeter back and forth between ketchup and mustard with relish.  I'm more of a follow your fancy condiment consumer.

All this hoopla morphed into my kitschy treasury, "Ketchup or Mustard?".  I'll leave it up to you.....

By the way, last night I was definitely in a mustard sort of mood!

Hope you enjoy,
Courtney

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=125780 

Fun Things to Come....

My husband and I bought a beautiful craftsman style home a few years ago. We had collected some wonderful things to decorate our apartment over the years. Unfortunately, many of them just don't match the style of our new home... no matter how hard I try.  I finally decided to sort through our collections in storage and start adding them to my shop. Here is a sneak peek of a few items that will be popping up soon at IWObyCourtneyJane:

I love this chartreuse green Royal Haeger TV lamp and planter. The color is truly reminiscent of the 1950's.

 

I've always been drawn to old seltzer bottles. This one is a vintage Sparklette made in Czechoslovakia.

 

I almost can't believe my husband agreed to part with this lamp. It was one of the first mid century finds I brought home. He insisted we keep it! It is absolutely incredible and I'll be sad to see this wonderful mod tulip lamp sell.

Well, the little ones are calling. Off to make them some supper.

Flights of Fancy Friday.....Dreaming of Sandy Beaches and Balmy Weather

This morning I'm longing for sandy beaches, sunny days and balmy weather. What I wouldn't give for a warm weekend getaway. Alas, this little jaunt will have to take place in my mind. Thank goodness I have a good imagination. To help everyone get in the mood, here are some of my favorite vintage travel finds.

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Of course you can't head off into the sunset without some fabulous luggage. These vintage valise would be a pleasure to pack. First up, an awesome hand decorated vintage train case from Get Ready, Set, Go . It screams for some hot rollers and Dippity Do, in a modern sort of way, of course. The second, from Cheeky Vintage Closet, really floats my boat! These feather light florals invoke visions of large sunglasses, wide brimmed hats and daiquiris poolside, in a plush palms hotel. And while today's lavish holiday doesn't include my little angels, who could resist sending them to grandma's house without their own posh overnighter. This one, from 1stLove , would definitely get my little girl packing!

Now that I've finished with the  preparations, it time to kick back and relax in my little tropical oasis.

 While I usually don't want to be reminded of  the time once I've arrived at my exotic hideaway by the sea,  I have to say waking up to this vintage gem, from Sugar Lily Vintage, would put a smile on my face.

After an exhausting day of lounging in warm ocean breezes, sipping on mai tai cocktails, I'm definitely ready for a night on the town. This stunning 1930's Kamehameha wedding set, from Fab Gabs Vintage , is just what I'd wear to dance the night away.

As the morning sun rises and the sounds of the oceans waves wake me from my slumber, there is time for one more relaxing walk along the shore. With just enough room for a small blanket,  my morning coffee and a few tasty morsels, this basket from Faded Prairie,  is perfect for an early morning picnic.

What a relaxing trip it was, flittering about the waves and lounging in the intoxicating breezes. With these fabulous finds, I arrived in style, woke with a smile, danced the night away and found some well needed respite from a hectic week.  I hope you are as relaxed as I am now!

I think I may have to take a 15 minute vacation every Friday. Enjoy your weekend everyone!