If anyone has done any home decorating-type projects that include vintage ephemera, will you let me know?  I'm looking for some pics for a project.  Thank you!

 

A couple of years back I found a vintage garden trellis in an antique shop...naturally, paying that antique shop price meant that it was too precious to leave it outside over winter! So I brought it in, set it up in the living room bay window, draped it with greenery, added lights and vintage stuff as well as Buddhist prayer flags and Christmas decorations. It's my all-purpose holiday thing! And it stays up all year. I love it. Somewhere in my mixmastered jpeg files I have a shot of it, will post it later.

Hugs,

Pat 

Marn, how about your map paintings? 

Well, Marney, I'm sure you are well past the point of using pictures of my "holiday trellis"! The files were mis-filed and I ran across them this week.

 Pat, I can DEFINITELY use these!  These are wonderful!

 
Tell me about the ornaments - did you make them?  Are they heirlooms? 

 Good! I'm glad you like them. The ornaments are made from antique ceiling tin tiles, and were made by a friend. I bought almost everything she made, including some terrific flower pots. I'll try to remember to take pictures of them, too, as they're quite unique. She is no longer making things, alas.

Pat 

Hi All:

Here is a neat "architectural element (thingy) that I just bought at Big Lots that is perfect for displaying art cards ACEO's on. I have them tucked in right now, but plan to hang them from all the spiral arms when I can think of a better way. My cousin and I went to Big Lots after Christmas and they'd just gotten in a shipment of all these beautiful architectural style items, all different styles for pretty cheap, from $6, many were $7 and $8 up to $25 for a huge tin sun that was beautiful. I don't know if any of you live near a Big Lots, but I think artists would really like all of them. They're in the home and garden area and the last time I was in they're going fast.

Ok, now, here goes, I'm going to try to post my first pictures here on Artella.

Annie

Here's another angle

Hi Annie!  What a super idea for displaying all kinds of smaller artworks - it could even hold postcards, bookmarks, beaded ornaments ---obviously the ideas are endless!  I loved the way you've got them displayed right now with your artworks 'tucked' behind the iron pieces.  Another idea I had after looking for some picture hangers was that some metal clips (larger size) or even Victorian picture hangers might fit in beautifully with the scroll design.  I'm not sure if they would open up far enough to fit over the scroll.  They are usually a medium-dark grey color but you could paint them with a color to match your scroll design, if you wanted.  Boy, I sure wish we had a Big Lots here in Alberta, Canada with those kind of prices that you listed.  What a find!  Thanks for sharing this unique idea.

- chameleon

Hi Chameleon:

Big Lots gets some very cool things in for cheap. I don't take the store for granted one bit, I'm glad we have it in our tiny town here. The only thing is, you kind of have to frequent the place to get the deals because there's a saying that, if you see something you like at Big Lots, you'd better buy it right now because it won't be there tomorrow. That is so true. Hey, maybe someday they'll expand to Alberta. They sure seem to be doing well despite the economy. Glad you liked my display thingy :)

Annie

Pat: I love your vintage trellis, especially the star part of it! What a great idea for an art display. Talk to you soon :)

Annie

Wow, that is stunning. Gotta get to Big Lots fer sure now! For displaying cards, sun catchers, etc I strung a length of chain across a picture window and tied stuff to it. I also use tablet backs as bases for collage using old papers, etc, making curled and beaded wire hangers for the tops. I like to make these as a different type of birthday greeting.

When you put old pieces with new, you create an eclectic look that lends character and warmth to a room. We don't have very many vintage pieces but one decorating item we love is a floor lamp owned by my parents which was probably purchased in the early-mid 60's, I'm guessing.  It has a tall, tubular plastic shade with three wooden 'arms' and a brass stand attached to a wooden base.  It's kinda' funky and definitely not my mother's usual taste for traditional!

- chameleon