Aunt Helen's Obsession

A few months ago I made an impulse purchase on Etsy and have been meaning to share it with you ever since it arrived. Lucky for me I came across this potpourri of old buttons lovingly stitched to a bright yellow cloth and cardboard backing. Debra of Saffron Colored Pony says the "buttons in this collection called Aunt Helen's obsession. Sewing buttons onto card stock, mostly in a pleasing manner. They come to you on their original cardboard backing that Aunt Helen culled." I dare say I share in Aunt Helen's obsession. Do you?

And....there is another of Aunt Helen's button cards available here.

Wooden Spoons

I picked up this lovely collection of wooden spoons at Impulse 1672 a couple of weeks ago. A worn and sturdy assortment of the most basic kitchen implement....useful for stirring and serving. For now they are hanging out in the studio but may wander to the kitchen soon 'cuz I'm still trying to decide if I should add to the collection. And now here's some spoon-spiration for you on this last Monday of the month:

Ariele talks about the magic of spoons.
Abbey found this huge spoon collection.
An old spoon assemblage by yours truly.
Elisabeth paints sweet faces on spoons.
Start your own collection via 86Home.
Remember my spoonful of ship?

Lucky Dolls

Lizzie has been playing quite a bit with paper dolls recently. I pulled out my collection of paper dolls to show her the other day and thought I'd share some here while I was at it. These "Lucky Dolls" from Japan (circa 1950's-ish?) were her favorites. Their wonky offset perforations and vibrant coloring is totally endearing.

Vintage Kitchen Collection

All sorts of odds 'n ends are being gathered together to form "collections" for the shop. I'm determined to leave Kansas with less stuff than I moved here with 5 years ago--in home AND studio. Anyone who's seen my studio knows this is a TALL order (right Patrick?!). Lizzie jumped in on the action contributed her toy rolling pin to this kitchen collection. She's saving up money for more Legos and will receive 1/10 of the profit when it sells  :)

Vintage Game Boxes

 

Been meaning to share this collection of vintage game boxes that I listed a couple weeks ago. They're currently en route to Istanbul, Turkey (I love the international community on Etsy!). My family played a lot of games when I growing up and now we play a lot of 'em with Lizzie. This past week she's been perfecting her Checker skills and almost beat me. One of these days she will.

 

Cookie Jar Clown

Meet our new cookie jar clown. I bought him from Kelsey last month and he's been making himself at home around here.

Still trying to decide what to store inside 'cuz I'm relegating him to the studio (don't think even I could handle him hanging out in the kitchen!). Buttons, beads, random trinkets? Decisions, decisions! Of course Lizzie is insisting he be filled up with homemade chocolate chip cookies.

And I had to share one more picture 'cuz I loved their toothy twin-ness. Sounds like we may be baking cookies this week :)

Bunny Jumble

All the bunnies 'round here are in a jumble trying to get organized for the arrival of the Easter Bunny. Thinkin' they may need a bit of help! May you and yours have a relaxing weekend together and be sure to enjoy all your sweet treats.

Clown Tiddly Winks

Tiddly Winks, Whitman Publishing Company, 1958

A while back I blogged about The Bargain Barrel, a favorite local thrifting spot. I had mentioned I kinda wanted to head back over there to retrieve this game of Tiddly Winks. Lucky for me, it was patiently waiting in the case when we stopped in last week. So...it looks like I'm heading into a serious clown phase...what with the clown finds last week and now this. I've even got a clown-y piece coming together in the studio. Talk about inspiration!

Found Clowns

While we were out 'n about this weekend I found a few clowns. My favorite is this roly poly fellow. I was inspired by the old clown troupe image to create a little video to show off his delightful roly poly action. Not sure if the little wooden characters are clowns but they could be and they fit into the theme quite nicely. As for the ring toss--Lizzie has claimed it and has become quite adept at helping the clown catch his toy. It looks like we're in for a F-U-N-filled week!

Eye Candy

Most of the weekend was spent photographing some of my personal collections for a special project. Since I can't share them here yet I took a few Hipstamatic images so you'd have some eye candy on this Monday afternoon. Enjoy!

Betty's Valentines

I've been saving these handmade Valentines for months with the intention of sharing them with you today. Each of the darling cards are inscribed to a girl named Betty--I'm thinking she must have saved them from a class party many years ago. Lucky for me she did as they are now a special part of my ephemera collection. My hands-down favorite is the clown Valentine but that anthropomorphic heart comes a close second. May you and your Valentine(s) have a very special day together!

Landscape Stripes

We've been enjoying a new addition to our collection of art objects, Landscape Stripes, a delicate collage by the lovely artist Joy Patrice O'Brien. I'm loving every little detail about it--from it's geometric overtones to the pencil markings and (of course!) the tattered book page. For now, it's nestled on top of our front room bookshelves as I've quite used up my quota of allotted nail holes in our rental house. The whole 'leaning' look is growing on me as a result.

Thrifted Zippers

Thrifted zippers anyone? Thought you might enjoy some retro zipper eye candy this evening!

The Bargain Barrel

The Bargain Barrel is a hidden gem for thrifter's here in Manhattan, Kansas. It's a small, second hand shop off the beaten path but is always chock-ful of surprises. You never know what you'll find among their varied selection and I have never left empty-handed or more realistically with an empty trunk!

It's family-owned and family-run by a father/daughter team, Phil Petty and Kelsey Currie (how cool is that?). In fact I learned that Kelsey is one of my loyal blog readers (*waves at Kelsey*) the last time I stopped in a couple weeks ago. She keeps the place in tip-top shape and has everything organized with fun labels so it's a pleasure to browse.

And...I cannot mention The Bargain Barrel without introducing Chicken, the shop's cat-in-residence. Chicken was adopted as a kitten when she was found in the dumpster at a nearby Kentucky Fried Chicken. She's such a friendly-lickin' cat and adds character to the shop--there's even a sign on the front door warning customers that Chicken likes to lick (see first photo)!

I've amassed quite a collection of vintage beads which I love using in pieces like The Circus Wagon.

The glass cabinets are always fully stocked with vintage and antique treasures at very reasonable prices.

If you collect vinyls, this is definitely a place to browse. We even picked up some old records for our antique Victrola on a recent visit.

A couple of the aisles are stocked with random hardware, tools and old objects of interest. You know....the kind of stuff that appeals to assemblage artists.

Speaking of hidden treasures, this fun floral print was lining the drawer of a old wooden cubby. I resisted but it was kinda hard. Patrick says "NO MORE FURNITURE"!

A jar 'o buttons on the front counter. Need I say more?

Drool. Love the graphics. I may have to go back and get the Tiddly Winks 'cuz I keep thinking of that cute clown with his polka dot suit.

So....if you've lost your marbles or if your passing through The Little Apple be sure to stop in The Bargain Barrel and see what hidden treasures are waiting for you!

Things Organized Neatly

My grocery blocks were featured on Things Organized Neatly yesterday. Oh how I love this blog by Austin Radcliffe! Yes, I've raved of it before right here. But...there are a bunch of new folks 'round here so if you've never visited this site be prepared to be sucked into the TON mindset. In no time at all you'll find yourself tweaking 'n arranging all the objects that surround you. Now that I've piqued your interest, here is a great interview that Imprint did with Austin about his blog and you don't wanna miss this article the New York Times featured earlier this year. If you need more you can take a look back at other images of things I've organized neatly here, here, here, and here. Obsession I tell ya!

Salesman Button Sampler

This old salesman sampler of buttons 'n buckles has been sitting in my studio for months and was finally placed in the shop. I kinda had to come to terms with letting it go to a true button collector. As you know, I love, love, love me some buttons but I'm more the sifting, sorting type of "collector" who loves to play with them and use them in my own projects. Of course, the OCDish side of me wants to just sit and admire the beautiful neatness of these pages! The Patent Button Company of Waterbury, Connecticut was founded way back in 1876. I found some interesting history on the company while surfing the interwebs but I just gotta say--they sure set their salesmen up for success--didn't they?