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This is such an easy and obvious idea – once we’ve thought of it or (in my case) seen this darling example – it’s one of those slap-self-upside-head and say “WHY didn’t I think of that? I need nightstands!”
Isn’t that great? I don’t even need specific instructions. Remove the top, find a board or tray to use as a new top – and voila, you’ve got a nightstand that fits even in a small bedroom, that offers you STORAGE, that can be customized to your exact taste, and that you probably found at a thrift store for, what, $20? Or on Craigslist as a giveaway 🙂
And may I say, bless Pinterest! There are so many wonderful ideas over there – this one is originally credited to Sugar Bee Crafts. I couldn’t find the exact link to this dresser-to-nightstand idea but there are so many wonderful ideas over there – you’ll want to explore!
P.S. And I haven’t even mentioned – okay, haven’t *emphasized* – that this is one more useful and wonderful example of the Recycle, Reuse, and Rethink mantra that I love. That you love.
So it’s all snowy and cold here and I’m tucked inside like I should be, all warm and cozy. Of course my thoughts strayed to Spring – gardening, and sunshine, and (you knew it) spring dresses. I took a little break and went on over to Etsy for my “mini spring vacation” and look what I found!
and
Aren’t those adorable dresses? They’re available at Thread Over Heels at Etsy. Not only are they cute, they are also super affordable!
And this may come out wrong, but I was so glad to see such cute dresses in larger sizes – it’s a lot easier to find Size 2 dresses in vintage, probably because so few people are that skinny. So – a shop with cute, affordable clothes for women of ALL sizes – this is a great find!
The fashion biz – or maybe the entire retail biz – can be funny. Here’s another example of how color names are a little tricky. All these jewels are called “aqua”:
And there are even more color variations in the “aqua” jewels in my Etsy shop – I just picked a few examples that I’d photographed on a white background.
From aqua green – to deep turquoise – to light blue – in the jewelry biz, they can all be called “aqua”.
Confusing? Sometimes!
P.S. And you’ll notice my title says “Vintage glass beads or jewels”. It’s funny how we get used to certain phrases…. jewels or stones have no holes, so they’re not “beads”. But we’re used to using “beads” in our jewelry – it’s funny how many people just prefer that term. So sometimes I’m just going to go with the flow – vintage glass beads. Or jewels 🙂
You know I love vintage, and the idea of recycling and reusing things that we think of as “throwaways”. And if that idea helps me add personal style to my home – and storage – and organization! – well I am definitely interested.
Case in point – you know all those old dressers advertised free on Craigslist? Or at the garage sale for $5.00? Do NOT overlook these – they have potential!
Repurposed Chest of Drawers – with no drawers
Now, in this pic they’re using the repurposed chest of drawers to hold knickknacks and decorative stuff. I’d turn it into a bookcase or to hold bins and boxes in a craft room. But still, you get the idea. It’s totally useable – and cute – and probably cost next to nothing.
And! If you have just one or two of the drawers, why you can re-purpose those too. Lots of ideas out there – here’s one I thought would be super useful:
Bathroom storage! Or, well, wherever you need it. Notice they didn’t remove the old drawer pulls – which I think is charming. And also – the dowel added as a towel rack. Like I said – useful 🙂
These ideas are not original with me – I am mining Pinterest for tons of wonderful ideas. The link goes to my Pinterest page – a window into the wonderful, useful, fun world of Pinterest ideas. Love it!
There’s the question 🙂 Some people call these lovely old rhinestones “jewels”. Or “stones”. Or “beads”. The terms are almost but not quite interchangeable.
Technically – if I’m informed correctly! – beads have holes in them, or rather through them, so that a wire or pin may be inserted in order to attach the bead to your jewelry piece. You can see the holes easily in these clear glass heart beads:
However, vintage glass “jewels” or “stones” have no holes. They’re placed in a metal setting which has a loop or ring so the jewel may be attached to your jewelry item:
See, there’s a loop or ring on the metal setting – not a hole through the “bead”.
That shows you the technical differences.
But in reality? They’re all treated as “beads” – the general term that applies to pretty charms, dangles or beads, that you use to create jewelry. People ask for beads all the time when they might mean cabochons, jewels, stones, or, well, beads. It’s all good 🙂
And of course, I’ve usually got some lovely heart beads – or jewels – in my Etsy jewelry supplies shop. Go peek – and if you don’t see what you need, just ask!
I’ve got a few new colors of these pretty rhinestone connectors in my Etsy shop. If you make jewelry, they’re super useful. Use them as links for bracelets or leading to the focal on a necklace. And when you use them for earring dangles, you can combine them with other jewels to make smashing color combos.
Add a peridot teardrop jewel to the rose pink rhinestone connector. Or a shimmering Swarovski pearl to the crystal connectors. Or – well, you see what I mean. These are fun to work with!
I’m sneaking this in when I meant to get back to my sapphire pear earrings – but I just got these sapphire heart jewels in, and it’s been so long since I had any sapphire hearts. I’m not sure why, but it’s really hard to find vintage heart jewels lately. Maybe because they really are in demand?
And so pretty!
Yes, they’re available in my Etsy jewelry supplies shop 🙂
Of course I watched (some of) the inaugural fuss yesterday – I have issues with every politician, but I still think the Obamas are better than the alternative last November – and I am very fond of Michelle Obama.
And like a lot of women, I love to see what she chooses to wear!
It’s not (just) shallow of us to watch her wardrobe. Her style choices influence retail fashion and that means business and sales and commerce – and we need commerce! But it’s also fun to watch. I loved her Jason Wu gown:
Michelle Obama and Date
But what I specially like is that she doesn’t always wear Designer Couture. Sometimes she wears Gap or, in this instance, Target:
Love it! That she’s wearing Target, I mean – I also think it’s a cool dress.
Now if we could just get her to show off / promote / wear some American vintage…. that would be beyond fabulous!
So you’re looking for glam, you’re looking for classy, you’re looking for that very special gown? Have I found a goodie for you 🙂
Vintage White Beaded Gown
It’s available at Anxiously Red Vintage at Etsy. If this wonderful gown is gone, when you go to look – never fear. She’s got LOTS of wonderful goodies, terrific pricing, and great feedback – you’ll find something you love in her shop 🙂
P.S. And don’t forget to check out her retro shoes. Wowza!
I couldn’t resist – I got sidetracked when I found these wonderful vintage finds. THIS is why I love vintage fashion!
Now that is just a classic. White linen, it’ll look good forever (and you can bleach it, gently!) Belt it, wear it loose, wear it over a bathing suit or with black velvet. Totally a classic.
And these!
I mean, talk about fun shoes – purple, and suede, and ballet flats? Love them. Comfy and adorable.
These are from one of my favorite vintage shops on Etsy, Look Again Vintage. Even if these goodies are gone when you read this (and yeah, somebody will grab them) there are always great finds over there.
So cool. So fun. And did I mention affordable? I do love vintage!
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Jewelry and Accessories
Vintage, Recycled, Upcycled!
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