inspiration

Sadly, this is the last of the blog tour posts… I have so enjoyed being able to do a group project like this with you all! I have gotten many emails too asking if I plan on doing this again, and the (tenative) answer is yes! I’m hoping to do something similar (with a few tweaks) sometime after the first of the year—just when a little inspiration is welcome post-holidays! Thank you everyone who has taken the time to blog about their collections, as well as those who have commented.

Firstly is Lholy-chan of Amelie no mori who shares her lovely collection of vintage buttons (house in equally eye-catching and beautiful tins! How I wish mine were as attractively stored…). She also talks a bit about the sort of person who tends to collect things… which I loved reading. She also shared a snapshot of her lovely (vintage and some not) lace collection—gorgeous!

Ashley of Bramblewood Fashion has so many amazing collections to blog about! It was hard choosing what to show you; between her vintage movie magazines (which did win in the end), old sewing and knitting patterns, and gorgeous antique and vintage books, it was a tough choice. She has many collections similar to mine, which was fun to see what she has unearthed over time!

Christine at Crafting: Plus-Sized Edition has one of the most fun collections yet: Betty Boop! Collections of cartoon or comic book characters always have a soft spot in my heart (SH collects GI Joe’s; having grown up watching the cartoons…). They’re so colorful and I think speak of a sense of fun the collector has.

Bonita of Depict This! has a really special collection—her pearl jewelry pieces she has acquired over time. I absolutely adore pearls (or pieces that have a pearl or two for accent), and seeing all her lovely accessories was a delight. The piece above she even made—so much talent!!!

Erica of Experiments and Accidents posted a collection that I almost squealed over (well, I may have actually squealed at my computer screen) in delight! She shows off her collection of Cherry Ames and Bobbsey Twins books, the latter of which I fondly remember reading as a child (along with Nancy Drew and a few Hardy Boys mysteries). Seeing this post makes me want to redouble my effort to collect up some of my favorite childhood books.

Sarah at Gypsy Skirt Vintage had a similar conundrum to many of us who have posted their collections over the past week—which one to share?! In the end, she decided to write about vintage buttons. Ladies (and gents—any guys reading these posts?)—prepare to drool if you have a weakness for colorful and intricate old buttons!

Jackey of Northwest is Best had a neat collection to share—one that appeals to my desire to travel (especially outside the US) one day—coins! She said that most have found their way into her collection via friends who travel—isn’t that neat to have something easy-to-pack to request from friends who are visiting another country? I loved looking at (and reading!) this post…

Peggy at Plush Nest has the most eye-catching silver compote collection—truly a dramatic one too (as she points out). She also discusses a bit what it’s like to put limits on one’s collecting instincts (I sympathize… especially as an ardent thrifter!)—but how to also enjoy one’s collection on a daily basis.

Katie at Under the Red Umbrella showcased a collection of vintage glassware she has. I love that these pieces are thrifted, colorful—and useful. So often collections easily get stashed away and forgotten, but she manages to utilize these beautiful pieces for everyday storage use!

Finally we have Andi of Untangling Knots, who has a very fun collection of movie ticket stubs! I too have a habit of hanging on to old ticket stubs (though I rarely go to the movies these days… I admit Netflix has made me a bit lazy about the whole thing!), and appreciate keeping them for the memories. I think I still have all my stubs from seeing the LotR trilogy years ago! Important dates with SH too—or movies that proved to be riveting (like Hurt Locker). Go take a peek at what she’s saved up!

I feel like I’m repeating myself, but again a big thank you to everyone who has joined in this fun blog-tour! I can’t tell you how much I feel like I’ve gotten to know some of you better, and I hope this has been an enjoyable week of collections for you as well.

Be back tomorrow with the usual inspiration post—and the winner of the Sewaholic giveaway!

July 23, 2011 · 15 lovely thoughts
posted in inspiration · tags: cherished-collections, inspiration

Firstly is Kit from Curly Frizz who shares her beautiful collection of old vinyl records! As a fellow record collector (purely of the casual sort—I mostly check the thrift shops to see what they have for a  dollar!), it’s always fun to see what sorts of music others collect, and perhaps find some new-to-me titles and musicians to search for!

Kristen at Kristin Makes has what is perhaps the most intriguing collection I’ve seen in this tour yet! Pebbles she collects on visits to various towns and spots. As much fun as collections of manmade objects can be, there is something so beautiful about natural objects that remind you of a time and place you visited.

Reagan of Lil’ Vintage Homemaker is one stylish, vintage-lovin’ gal! She shared her beautiful collections of vintage hats and gloves, as well as some inspiring images of how she has worn these pieces out and about. I especially love some of the large, 50s hats she has!

Clare of Magpie Makes shows off her lovely collection of vintage jewelry pieces, as well as a beautiful little seashell box that was once her grandmother’s. I loved seeing what pieces she had inherited, and some of the stories behind them! A very beautiful and special collection!

Blanka at Minor Swing of O’Sullivan’s Girl caught my eye right away with her Beatles memorabilia collection! My sister is quite a Beatles fan, so perhaps I have had it ingrained in me (after years of hunting down Beatles records at thrift stores) to always take notice when I see something along these lines. She also shows off her fun collection of beer mats (coasters for us in the US)—so neat!

Renee of Nana Nay’s Garden shared so many of her collections—it was hard for me to pick which to picture! (But just having been thrifting today and on the hunt for dishware, you can guess what won!) She shows off her collections of old photos, Pyrex, dishes, stamps and cookbooks (love!). So fun!

Kristen of Summer Sets In showcased her collection of newer, but simply charming and beautiful, pottery. Each is unique in it’s own way—and I love all the soft colors that Kristen has picked for many of the pieces. The elephant teapot is my favorite!

Rebecca of Tales of A Wannabe Seamstress has the most lovely collection of vintage cookware! She says that she has lots of midcentury pieces, but adores the colors and patterns of 70s pieces too (me too, Rebecca!). Lots and lots of amazing patterns and colors in this post—prepare for a visual feast!

Next up is my Sister at A Two-Bit Jeremiah with her collections of rubber ducks and vintage vinyl—both of which are thoroughly her! We often have gone hunting for old records when she visits and thrift stores (and be sure to read about her neat finds at a garage sale last summer!). The rubber ducks are probably my favorite though—also because I look for them when SH and I travel! (They’re just plain adorable too—who can resist a rubber duck?!)

Ashley Louise at Yammering Muse shared her beautiful collections of singing figurines (be sure to click through—they are so charming and sweet!), Scottish bits and pieces, as well as the darling pins pictured above. I adore the pins—but also because I have a soft spot for Scottie dogs; I couldn’t resist using this photo!

Be sure to stay tuned for the fifth and final installment in the Cherished Collections Tour tomorrow!

July 22, 2011 · 10 lovely thoughts
posted in inspiration · tags: cherished-collections, inspiration

Halfway through the blog-tour already! So many great collections again today; I hope you’ll enjoy looking through these as much as I did while I was putting this post together. Thank you everyone who has been leaving such sweet comments on these posts—I’m glad you’re enjoying these!

Sam of All Things Quilty and Sewy shared some of her beloved teacups she has collected. They are all Royal Dalton tea trios (something I had never heard of—it’s a dull day when you don’t learn something new!) and all equally beautiful. I just love the older patterns especially; she even has a set from the 20s!

Summer of Comprehensively Quirky shows off her eye-catching vintage glassware and handmade lace collections. I grew up with my paternal grandparents doing antique shows, and remember very much the boxes of vintage glassware in a variety of hues as well a cut crystal. I’m always amazed at how vibrant the color were—gorgeous collection, Summer!

Galadriel at Garden of Galadriel pulled out her beautiful vintage linens collection and discussed a bit about how she finds pieces. They are all so delicate and painstakingly executed; it’s amazing to me how much needlework women of the past were able to put out! She also uses many of her pieces for everyday use, which I think is so much fun!

Mortira of Inspirational Beading shares what I think is one gorgeous and unique collection! She loves things that are inspired by Ancient Egypt, and has quite a few pieces that recall the design style of that period in time. From little statuettes to pieces of furniture that have been repainted to echo the motifs and colors of Ancient Egypt, she has built quite an impressive collection!

Hannah at Leopard and Lipstick (great blog title!) gathered up two of her collections to share. One is sparkly, and the other is both visually arresting and also a way to learn. You’ve guessed the first half from the image above (aren’t those jewelry pieces to-die for?!), and she also shares her large collection of books as well. (Added a few titles to my wishlist just from looking!)

Mary Beth at Mary Beth Makes Hats shares a very neat collection: vintage yarns! She also wrote up a little about the history and use of each she showcased on her blog. I think my favorite is the Corde yarn, which is the same used for many of those coveted 40s corde bags (which I would love to make my own version of—one day! Seeing as I already have one I inherited from my great grandmother).

Portia of Miss P blog posted about her beautiful and growing collection of vintage housewares—particularly of the kitchen-sort. From cute little soup bowls to pink (!!!) Pyrex, she has managed to gather up a gorgeous array of vintage kitchenware to use and enjoy. (Looking at this makes me want to pull out a few pieces I have hiding!)

Jen at Pretty Little Pictures gathered up four of her favorite collections! Vintage dresses (I want to raid her closet!), vintage Home Journals, and vintage sewing and knitting patterns. She has posted quite a few scans of the Home Journals on her Flickr over time, so you might want to go peek there as well for some inspiration!

Laurie of Teacups in the Garden rounded up her beautiful stashes of dishware that she has collected over time. She has a great eye for patterns and soft colors, as well as unique details—looking through her post was such a treat! (And made me remember why I am always on the lookout for pretty dishes at the thrift store…)

Finally Sarah of Vintage Bobbin shares not only a collection of vintage jewelry and tips on collecting older jewelry from her mom. It is a treasure trove of a post—not just visually, but also if you’re a bit of a jewelry-collecting novice (like me!). I read the post from start to finish and have it bookmarked for future reference—or the next time I find a neat piece at the thrift store!

July 21, 2011 · 10 lovely thoughts
posted in inspiration · tags: cherished-collections, inspiration

Welcome to Day 2 of the Cherished Collections Blog Tour! As with yesterday’s post, there are so many amazing collections from each participant; be sure to click through the links to visit their respective blogs and view the entirety of their Cherished Collections post!

Firstly is Anja from A Heart and Soul Story. She shares her covet-worthy collection of thrifted and vintage handbags. I always love seeing what other ladies find at flea markets and such, as good handbags are something I’m always on the lookout for too. I especially love her coral vintage handbag—so pretty!

Lianne at Insert Creativity Here beautifully photographed her various collections—looking at the images she shared is a feast for the eyes! From rusty old keys to bits and pieces she’s found; she has some really fun collections. Plus her colorful thread and fabric stashes aren’t to be missed!

Becky at Love of Stitch is truly a lady after my own heart… she shared her collection of vintage needlework books! She shares three beautiful and inspiring books that she has picked up at charity shops for very little—it just goes to show you that it’s worth digging through the used books sometimes! I especially am intrigued by the last one (pictured above)…

Kerry of My Orange Stilettos decided to photograph and blog about her brightly-hued vintage dress collection! I love all the cheerful colors and iconic vintage styles she has picked to share. The green-polka dot sailor dress is my favorite—also because it’s a handmade vintage piece!

Jeanne Marie’s Sewing Studio blog is the spot where I think my jaw nearly hit my keyboard! If you’ve followed this blog for a bit, you know I am an avid tea-drinker (I can literally not start my day without a cup or two!), and an elegant tea set makes it all the more special in my opinion! Jeanne Marie shared several of her favorite tea services—all are so beautiful and must be a joy to use!

Trudy of Sewing with Trudy posted her amazing collection of patterns; from vintage to reprint she’s included them all! She also shares how she stores her collection (totally thinking of stealing it… although it would take an awful lot of binders for me!), and that she’s managed to find most of her vintage patterns for mere pennies—something I also try and do with my vintage finds! (Best wishes to you and the little one too, Trudy!)

Corinne of Sewtopia has a keen appreciation for things from the past (we have had a few chats back and forth over email about collecting tendencies!), and I was so excited that she decided to share some of her vintage linens and dishware! Vintage table linens are a huge weakness of mine, and seeing what others have unearthed and found is always fun!

Lane of The Outside Lane truly has a keen eye for gorgeous vintage costume jewelry—her post made my heart skip a beat! Some of it is inherited, which makes it all the more special (her jewelry box—a beautiful piece—was passed down from her grandmother). Click and be prepared to drool!

A big thank you again to everyone who has been participating in this blog-tour! Stay tuned for part three tomorrow afternoon…

July 20, 2011 · 11 lovely thoughts
posted in inspiration · tags: cherished-collections, inspiration