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Friday, June 24, 2011

Re-do, Re-create, Re-purpose

Maybe it was the Depression Era Grandparents........maybe a Mom who could a  take  little bit of this and that and make a wonderfully decorated home on a budget.......or maybe it was the because in our family things were passed on from Mother to Daughter, Father to Son.....but, I have always figured things could be redone, recreated, or repurposed. I suppose that's why I love the vintage hunt. finding something that most would throw away and finding it's new lease on life.
I don't have a before pic of this wooden ladderback chair, but it was in horrid condition. With some nails, wood putty, a coat of Vanilla paint, some hand-painted rose garlands, and a victorian inspired lace, satin ribbon with satin rosettes accented pillow, this old chair has new life.
Discarded dinner plates become hand-painted wall art, or, place a clear plate over it and it can become a serving dish for cookies.

A vintage 1940's hat and coordinating hankie, hand-embroidered, await to become  a music box base and a dress for an Angelic Music Box creation


With the help of a vintage apron pattern,  a....................................................

vintage 1940's  hydrangea doily and new coordinating calico............................
will become a stylish apron.

A chipped souvenir plate becomes a floral wall hanging.


A 1940-50's rose motif tablecloth that was stained and threadbare. With some quick stitching and paper doll cutting expertise, I created pocket appliques for this vintage apron.

A discarded, rusty, and albeit holey water pump becomes a garden water feature.....
okay , I couldn't figure a way to incorporate a vintage textile in this one, but I do find uses for anything discarded into the garden. I have a 1950's Tappen stove sitting out back covered over.....LOL..to my husband's disbelieving looks....it will be a potting/serving buffet  table on our kitchen deck when we get it finished...hey it was free... and I'm on the lookout for a vintage ringer washer to fill with geraniums by two trees that'll make the perfect holders for a good old fashioned clothesline.

And, newly found vintage transfers..................................................



.......or vintage ephemera used as transfers........................................................
can become new Brown Gingham Creations like this....................

A vintage Southern Belle embroidery transfer will be added to............
this vintage hand-tatted edged hankie
to be the beginning of my newest Brown Gingham Creation pillow, Summertime..
I thought I'd do some different posts this time showing progress of one of my creations using vintage finds.
Summertime will be the first of a four pillow series of the season's.

Don't forget Saturday is Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound
Wednesday is Rednesday at It's a Very Cherry World
Vintage Thingy Thursday at Coloradolady

20 comments:

Southern Lady's Vintage said...

The chair and chair pad are adorable Melody!! You have some wonderful ideas on re-using some of our vintage finds. I would love to see a photo of how you use the old Tappan stove. And if you find your old washing machine a photo of it filled with your geraniums!! Thanks for joining in on Vintage Love Market this week. It's always so good to see you there! Have a blessed day!

Susie Jefferson said...

What great ideas - and that chair is an absolute triumph! You definitley have That Flair.

Happy Pink Saturday and a hug from the UK!

Jenny's Heart said...

I love your creativity!
You rock!

Daniella said...

You always have the coolest vintage treasures!!! Those transfers are awesome!!!
HPS!
xxDaniella

Cathy said...

Wow, I wish I had some of your treasure-hunting karma! And what fun things you create from them. This summer my goal is to find things that can be used as garden ornamentation, and you are my inspiration! Hugs, Cathy

Lorraine said...

What lovely make-overs! That Southern Belle transfer is so sweet! Happy PS!

LV said...

You should have shown all these vintage things in Vintage Thursdays.

Cinderella Moments said...

I love remakes! You have the touch. All your projects come out so beautifully!
hugs,
Caroline

Splendid Little Stars said...

What lovely transformable work you've done! The apron is so clever!
Kudos to you for saving items from landfill death!

Daniella said...

I didn't know you took orders. I know you have an etsy shoppe.

I only do "big" giveaways when I reach a big number of followers, but maybe I will have to do one at 250, and it will feature your etsy store!!! I think you are awesome!
xxDaniella

Judy said...

Love your chair redo! Thanks for sharing that very pretty white chair.

deb said...

Your Chair is so cute!!
*hugs*deb

★Carol★ said...

I can't wait to see the whole pillow series, Melody! The first one is going to be so lovely, and it will be fun to see what you come up with for the other seasons. One of my favorite things is repurposing, especially in the garden. Love all of your ideas!
Happy REDnesday,
Carol

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Melody, you are sooo creative! I love how you repurpose and create such lovely pieces. Very inspiring! :)

Jil~Say It With Roses said...

Wonderful and creative ideas! You did a great job on your ladder back chair...I love that style of chair!
Jil
xo

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Melody,
Hello!
Wow! Some truly great finds!! Love the chair.
Love the idea of an old water pup in the garden too!!

hugs,
Debbie

romance-of-roses said...

Everything is wonderful...from the vintage apron pattern to the water pump. But that white vintage chair is just to adorable.
Hugs...Lu

Coloradolady said...

I love all your goodies!! I have a chair very similar and it sits outside to be reworked into a treasure....this has inspired me to get with the program and do something fantastic with the chair!!! Happy VTT!

Niesz Vintage Home said...

Love the chair make-over! And the old water pump and bucket are perfect for the garden. I'll keep my eyes open for an old ringer washer for you. :-)

Kimberly

SueLovesCherries said...

Hi Melody! I love what you did with that chair - so pretty! And, I can't wait to see the finished pillow of the pink hanky and transfer. My favorite is the red apron, though! ;)