For example, this vintage mug rack immediately caught my eye, and I started to formulate a plan for how it could be used. I thought it would be a nice way to display bracelets, but they would have to be as funky and unique as the rack itself. So I made a bunch of stretch bracelets out of vintage beads and hung them from the arms of this rack. Who would've thought simple piece of kitchenware would inspire a whole new design for my craft show setup?
Have I ever mentioned how much I love vintage beads? Just in case, let me go ahead and say that I love them a lot.
Next up is a set of mushroom ornaments. The metal wires they were hanging from were corroded from being hung above the oven for many years, so I removed them. I could have replaced them with new wires, but I decided that I wanted to repurpose these little shrooms into something different.
So I attached magnets to the backs and stuck them to my refrigerator. They added a nice retro touch to my kitchen. Even the husband likes them, which is good because he doesn't always share my love for kitschy things.
And lastly, I bought something that I believe was handmade. It's a vintage frame with a piece of cushioned, gold velvet in the center for displaying pins and brooches. I loved the way it looked with pins attached to the velvet, so I decided to make my own pins as a throwback to the adorable daisy brooches that were so popular in the 60's and 70's. I even used some of the funky colors that were typical of that period- brown, yellow, orange, and green.
I am having so much fun with all the unusual things I keep stumbling upon. Now I just hope that when I take some of them with me to craft shows, there will be other people who can appreciate my love for all things retro.
Have you ever found inspiration in an unexpected way?
25 comments:
Cool reuse of all things you are finding at your cool job!
I am always staring at trash wondering if there isn't one more thing it could be before landing at the dump! LOL
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Every time I go rummaging around, I try to be open minded about what I see and how it can be used. It's SO great when you find pieces like these! Yay Holly!! :D
♥ me.
Holly, you do have a special talent for great vintage finds, and even greater ways to repurpose them!
Maybe I'll get some inspiration from you and find ways to used old vintage things I might stumble upon from now on!
I love the mug rack. I try to reuse household items in displays as much as possible. My stainless steel bowl makes a wonderful magnet display. I have a few trays made from Easter candy dividers.
I was reading about the mushrooms and thinking they would make really great magnets. Had to laugh when I read the next paragraph! They look great.
Holly! I really love how you turned the mushrooms into magnets... my grandma has always had these little mushroom magnets on her fridge and yours reminded me of hers!
I also love the flower brooches you made, they are fabulously retro and the bright colours really POP on the gold velvet!
I love thrifting too, every time I go my mind runs wild with ideas, its a really great way to get motivated and inspired!
What a fantastic job you have :) I LOVE that this will be a fixture on your blog! I've thought about doing something similiar but that involves committing and following though ;) The mug rack is great for the bracelets!
You are so cute. Keep up the good work. You are precious.
Wow you got some good stuff. I really like how u turned the mushrooms into mangnets and the photo frame!!
The little orange thingy you found would be perfect to display your jewelry at Indie. :-) Just a thought! hee hee
What a fabulous jewelry stand that makes!
You did great at your displays! Well there's one time that I likes the poultry lady's dress pattern at a local market so much that I ask her if I could take a picture of her. She thought I was raving mad, but hey, I love capturing my inspirations anytime anywhere :)
Btw, I have a surprise for you down at my blog!
Cool web site, I had not come across hollyrocksjewelry.blogspot.com earlier in my searches!
Continue the great work!
those vintage, glass, make a great staple for any beader’s collection.. i suggest you use them as a spacer bead, or to increase the beauty of any design.. that's cute..
Love you fridge!!!
Vintage and retro are my middle names. I wish it was still the 70's..without all the political unrest. ...and hair.
Holly, do you think you could give me a tutorial on how to shop estate sales? Because I think I could need one. I don't feel like I'm so great at shopping. I need inspiration!
i think i am going to have to get one of those flower pins!!
Great post Holly! Love those little mushrooms :)
so adorable - all of it! i have a show coming up & i'm trying to come up with some display ideas - i've been thinking of trying something with a frame and black velvet fabric, so this is just what i needed!
I wish I could find some great vintage pieces like this!
http://pagesixxx.blogspot.com
wow! That is indeed such an innovative way to hang those bracelets! btw thanks sweetheart for showing us the beauty tips even though my contest is not meant for people outside singapore.
Great finds and display ideas! I love the frame with the velvet.. so cute! ;)
just drop by here again :)
waddap?
I agree Holly, it really helps to get out there and live and let life inspire your creations. Sitting around trying to come up with a new idea can be a drag. It is so fun to come up with them like you did. Happy vintage hunting and creating! :)
Hello! You've been tagged on my blog - please come have a look.
http://audreyscountrycrafts.blogspot.com
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