did you know?

You can make do.  I love how this is made to seem like a new idea.  It's not a new idea, we are just making do in a new way than what our parents or grandparents did.  We repurpose!  Sounds hip doesn't it.  Well many seem to think so and I am so happy that you all like the idea.  Because that is what my whole business is based on, is making do and repurposing.  And you know it is a passion of mine, finding new ways to use up some of that old stuff!



A comment was recently left asking me about cutting up these old fabrics.  It is hard to do.  Most of the linens, like the embroidered linens that I buy are not in perfect condition.  There are holes and stains in so many of these pieces that I buy.  So, I just lay out my pattern and make it fit.  So on the new item that I am making you see only those little stitches of embroidery.  We are all amazed at the work that someone else did and the time and love they put into their projects.

I do buy pristine pieces of linens too.  Sometimes this is just what I need to make that dress or skirt.  But more often, if I buy a vintage tablecloth and it is perfect, I will not cut it up.  Those ones get used by me.

And my friend Gabreial at Vintage Indie let me know just this morning about how some others are making do too.  Enjoy!

to market, to market

I love the internet!  I feel like I can be online all day!  And if you are like me :) than you are going to be doing some of your Christmas shopping online too.

So, I have started advertising more for all those holiday shoppers.  If you go to Vintage Indie Market you will see my new ad there under Children's Shoppes.  I have a special discount there for 10% off if you shop using my vintage katie jean shop over at etsy. Over the next few days I will show you some other fun and new places to shop!



Plus, I hope you all had a fun Halloween!  I would love to know what everyone was dressed up as.  My own were pretty funny.  I might sneak in an extra post to show you a few of my snaps!

thank you!

You are the best! I won the Artist Challenge over at Vintage Indie!!

I am so thankful to have your support for my business. And to show you my appreciation, I am having a giveaway! Just leave a comment on any post, and you will be automatically added. The giveaway will end on October 31st. And it is a surprise! I promise it will be something made by me :)

time to vote - for me!

Today when you visit Vintage Indie, you will see this banner for the Artist Challenge and a little item made by me. Can you guess which little thing I made? Check out #3 and vote for me!

I made a lingerie bag using a vintage handkerchief. The black border just makes the colored flowers so vibrant and beautiful. It is just perfect to put under you pillow with your nicely folded nightie. Or put it away in your undergarment drawer, a nice feminine touch! This bag has little pink pom pom fringe and simply closes with velcro, covered with a delicate pink vintage button. I think it makes a perfect gift for a new bride, or a special gift just for you!



So, please vote for me #3! If I win, my prize will be a month of free advertising on Vintage Indie. Thanks all!!

headliner

I'm a headliner on Vintage Indie! And there is also an interview I did about my studio space in my home. If you look on there again tomorrow, you will see a special artist challenge.



Glitter and Grunge is partnering with Vintage Indie to come up with a unique artist challenge theme. There is only one rule, it has to incorporate something vintage into the mix. When they are showcased on Vintage Indie the readers will vote on a winner. So please and Choose me! Choose me!

charm flower brooch

Wow! Look at this! This is my first tutorial and it is so great to see it on someones site :) I'm so happy. Gabreial did such a great job with my pictures. If you make your own flower brooch, I would love to see it too!



Note:This does make a big brooch. You can make yours smaller and try a 3" or 4" square.

my vintage life

I am participating with Vintage Indie and telling you a little bit about a vintage item in my home. It is hard for me to pick my most favorite vintage piece in my home. But I can tell you about my first real vintage purchase. This one was for my new house that I moved into just five years ago. It is a little shelf that I love and is so beat up, it's bent, chipped, rusty, and holey! But it is also my favorite aqua color.



I think I might have paid a little too much for it. But after I saw it, I left the shop and couldn't stop thinking about it! I was so afraid that it would be gone when I came back the next day. I imagine it being brand new and used in a French Doctor's office. Now, it is hung above our family computer desk, below an old post office clock that doesn't work. And I do still love it as much today, as I did five years ago!