the state of thrifting: arizona

I've spent five of the last ten days visiting my aunt in Tucson, Arizona where it's sunny and warm. Most of the time. Things didn't get cold and rainy until the day I left so it all worked out. We spent some time at the Tucson Gem Show because lately I've been getting the urge to make vintage-inspired jewelry! (Must be due to the 6-square-inches of empty space I've created in the Doily Factory by using up a microscopic amount of my fabric stash. No, wait -- that can't be it because I've filled up twice that much space with new-to-me vintage fabric.)

I exercised 'extreme' self-control and brought home only a few strands of glass beads in aqua and jadeite green along with some pretty, carved medallions. And lots of ideas.

Please bear with me as I veer off-topic for a moment but here's one of those new-to-me vintage fabrics I mentioned. I've never seen this one before. Mid-century, square-dancing farmers!

I also spent some time trolling Tucson thrift stores (things seemed a tad overpriced compared to where I thrift at home) and antique malls (bought nothing but still like to browse). Knowing I would have to ship it or squeeze whatever I purchased into my puny carry-on suitcase restricted my purchasing a little and provided support for my Crafty Resolution #7. I did find a few things for my etsy shop, PeppermintBark. Just waiting for the box to arrive. 

Remember the old days before air travel became what it is now? You could fill a big box with vintage treasures, seal it shut and check it as baggage for free. And without having to remove your shoes and belt, unpack your laptop or display your creams and potions in the clear plastic Baggie of Judgement. One airport security person looked at my jam-packed ziploc bag and asked "Is all of this just for you?"  Ow.

Now it's time for me to get the Doily Factory up and running again, which in my dreams, would look something like this. Year round, of course.

Hope you have a terrific weekend and a sweet Valentine's Day.

the family jewels

Nearly 20 years ago I inherited my mother's costume jewelry collection, most of it already vintage by then since she'd had many of the pieces for most of her life. She was a bit of a note-writer, attaching handwritten messages to some of the pieces, reminding me when or how she came to have them.

She had a little of everything and these are some of my favorites.

I love this faceted amber glass necklace. The note with it says "My father gave this to me in 1929. Photo taken wearing it." I hope I have that photo somewhere. And for those of you doing the math, my mother was born in 1920 and I was a later-in-life surprise for my parents. That's all I'm sayin'.  :-)

This little necklace is my favorite -- more faceted glass. I always admired it when she and I would look through her jewelry box. The note with this says "I'm glad you like this. I wore it as a young girl."

There wasn't a note with this Italian mosaic necklace. The tiny details on it are amazing.

Two sweet pins. A pretty celluloid bouquet from Japan and a googly-eyed Scotty in a turquoise top hat.

And this is the 'Mysterious Mary' pin. No note and no idea who Mary was. But I think I'll keep it in case the mystery is solved someday.