Trash & Treasures Tuesday: It's Halloween time!

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. I love it all: dressing up, handing out candy and mostly, decorating! Here are some Etsy finds to help you get in the Halloween spirit...

Photo and item from vintagescrapshop

This upcycled dictionary page would be the perfect understated touch to any home decor. I bet it would look cute framed, too!

Photo and item from loda

Cut from a pop can, this little pumpkin pin is too cute.

Photo and item from petitefabrique

If you give Halloween gifts, these spiderweb tags would be a nice finishing touch!

Photo and item from 42things

I bet you could make a super cute fall banner from these upcycled leaves.

Have any good Halloween decorating tips? Find some good items on Etsy? Share 'em in the comments!

Peace & thanks,
Kaitlin

Trash & Treasures Tuesday: Hittin' up the antique stores!

Sorry I've been M.I.A.! Work and life got super busy, but not so busy I didn't have time to hit up some antique stores! 'Tis the season! Check out my recent vintage finds...

Okay, I didn't buy this wreath, but I couldn't resist taking a photo!

The hutch was the biggest splurge and the linen was the best deal ($4!), but I love it all! Find any cool vintage items thrifting lately? Leave 'em in the comments!

Peace & thanks,
Kaitlin

Trash & Treasures Tuesday: What can YOU make from scraps?

My crafting desk is filled to the brim with piles of random scrap fabric. An old McCurdy's box packed with miscellaneous buttons is wedged in the bottom drawer. I wanted to make something with them, but not being a stellar seamstress left me with few options. I started piecing things together and found a fun style of hair clips and pins the incorporates both.

I like the modern fabric juxtaposed with the vintage beads and buttons. They are a statement piece in your hair or a sweet touch to your favorite fall coat.

The best part? They are easy to make! A little stacking, sewing and gluing and the leftover fabric from your latest project has a new life! I've used old calendars, newspaper, magazines and origami paper to add a sturdy base.

So what's your go-to project when you want to use up small amounts of leftover materials? Leave 'em in the comments!

Peace & thanks,
Kaitlin

Trash & Treasures Tuesday: Freebies!

Nothing beats a good deal. Scouring thrift stores and garage sales for that amazing bargain takes the cake. Except maybe finding something for free. And where better to look for freebies than the internet? One of my favorite blogs, How About Orange, has a handy "free downloads" section, where she links to loads of yummy freebies. Joy!

There is everything - from wedding stationary to desktop wallpaper and from note cards to fonts. Here are a few of my recent favorites:

Black and white wedding printables, courtesy of e.m. papers.

Canister decals, courtesy of Cathe Holden.

Illustrated bookplates, courtesy of Illustrator Helen Dardi.

A printable menu, courtesy of Alma Loveland. (I printed this one, laminated it and stuck it to my fridge! Dry erase markers work perfect!)

I love when creative people share their amazing work (for free no less!). Have you ever offered something for free on your blog, Etsy shop, store, etc.? A little crafting pay-it-forward. I like it.

Peace & thanks,
Kaitlin

Trash & Treasures: Back to School

Does anyone else get nostalgic this time of year? Makes me want to bust out my Carebear lunchbox and sharpen my number 2 pencil. Sigh. I loved school. Let's see what Etsy has for back to school, Trash & Treasures style.

This cabinet door turned chalkboard would be perfect to jot down your last minute back-to-school-to-dos. Love the pop of aqua and the rustic door handles. Courtesy of halfpintsalvage. 

This journal was created from an old Reader's Digest Novel and is far cuter than the standard sketchbook. Courtesy of RagnazIdnar. I also love the nod to library books inside...

Cute!

When I was younger, I loved watching Charlie's Angels reruns. My mom was always on the lookout for this very lunchbox when she would go thrifting. Such a good momma. And here it is! Etsy is amazing. I'm this close to buying it. Courtesy of TeaPotHollow.

Anything that made going back to school fun for you? Any good finds on Etsy? Leave 'em in the comments!

Peace & thanks,
Kaitlin

Trash & Treasures Tuesday: Getting Ready for a Trunk Show

I've done a few arts and crafts shows in the past. I've hosted a few jewelry parties in my home (showcasing my own work). Next Thursday will be a first for me, though - my first trunk show!

Soulstice Artisan Market (in Rochester, NY) was sweet enough to extend the offer to host a trunk show for myself and my fiance. I'm super excited! I'll admit I've been neglecting my Etsy shop, blogging, creating... but this trunk show has kicked me into high gear! I wanted the pieces I show to represent how and with what materials I've been creating with lately. So most everything I'm bringing will have some element of recycle/repurpose.

These necklaces were both made with vintage beads (the teal flower used to be a clasp - I'm in love with it!) and pieces of broken modern jewelry.

The pin on the left was made with scrap fabric and ribbon, a vintage button and newspaper. The clip on the right was made with scrap fabric and ribbon, a vintage button and clippings from an old calendar.

This next piece is not for sale (it's part of a custom order), but it was also made with vintage/older pieces.

I'm so glad this show came around and helped me get into a creative zone. What helps you create? Anything help get you started? Share 'em in the comments!

Peace & thanks,
Kaitlin

(If you'd like to say hello at the trunk show, stop by the shop on August 26 between 6 and 9pm! And thanks for letting me do a little self-promo... I'm just so stoked!)

Trash & Treasures Tuesday: Quick Hit

Hi all! This weekend was a little crazy, so I didn't get to the project I had in mind to share.... instead, I thought I'd share an amazing upcycle project I found on one of my favorite blogs, How About Orange.

From everyday newspaper to one-of-a-kind gift bag:

Photo courtesy of How About Orange.

This tutorial, like all of HAO's tutorials, is easy to follow and fun! Check this project out and some of HAO's other awesome upcycle projects.

Have a happy week!

Peace & thanks,
Kaitlin

Trash & Treasures Tuesday: My favorite thrifting spots

For this week's edition of Trash & Treasures I thought I'd share some of my favorite thrifting spots in Rochester and online.

My all-time favorite spot for vintage jewelry and accessories is Far Out Vintage in Village Gate. I've gotten some of my favorite pieces there and they always have a fun $1 table.

Another great store for vintage jewelry is Echoes Consignment Shop in Honeoye Falls. This place is always filled to the brim with unique pieces. I could spend hours in there!

I like looking through the clothes and shoes at the Goodwills in Rochester. They have a good blend of new and old items (although, it seems to lean toward the new end lately... which isn't my preference).

Utter Clutter is another fun place to poke around... but you'll need a good amount of time to look. The place is packed!!

The best place in Rochester for vintage house ware items is the Craft Antique Co-Op. I freakin' love this place! I could spend days drooling over all the amazing furniture and collectibles. Love it!

And, if you can't find anything in stores, Craigslist has a ton of deals!

Far Out Vintage - vintage scarves; $3 each. 

 Far Out Vintage - bee pin, $1; gold & white flower pin, $1; gold circle with pearl pin, $1. 

Echoes - gold hummingbird, $3.
The rest were gifts!

Echoes - flower pin, pink oval and bird $7 total.

Goodwill on Ridge Rd. - boots, $3.99!

Craft Antique Co-Op - clock, around $7. 

 Craft Antique Co-Op - lamp, under $20.

Where do you like to thrift? Share 'em in the comments!

Peace & thanks,
Kaitlin

Trash & Treasures Tuesday: Updated Treasure

Remember that super cute vintage patio set I scored on Craigslist?

It got a little makeover last week!

While I loved the vintage feel of the orange seats, they were a little weather-worn. I decided to recover with some outdoor fabric on super clearance from Joanne's. It would have been nice to use some of the fabric laying around the house, but I wanted to make sure it was weather-proof.

We popped the seats off, folded the fabric snug and stapled away! I think they turned out pretty well. And, the set still cost a fraction of what I would have paid in the store.

Any fun summer projects planned? Share in the comments!

Peace & thanks (and a belated Happy 4th!),
Kaitlin

Trash & Treasures Tuesday: Ideas for a Summer Party

Buying a new home means many sweet friends and family members will want to check out your new digs. We've decided to have an all-day, come for as long as you like, outside on the deck, enjoy some treats, housewarming party. I've been poking around Etsy for some ideas... here are a few of my favorites.

These upcycled glass jars with chalkboard fronts are perfect for some extra lighting in the evenings, or for some citronella candles to keep the buggies away. Courtesy of BragginBags.

I adore these coasters, made from upcycled wallpaper samples. They are even New York themed. Love! Courtesy of Burlap+Blue.

This vintage inspired pedestal is perfect for some summer desserts. Made from a candlestick and a plate - simple but so smart! Courtesy of Burlap+Blue, again!

I'm a sucker for garland. This cute set is made from repurposed fabrics and would be perfect on my deck! Courtesy of Green Hot Mama.

Any green tips for having a summer gathering? Leave 'em in the comments!

Peace & thanks,
Kaitlin

Trash & Treasures Tuesday: Recently Thrifted

The official start of summer = garage sales galore! And while poking through boxes of forgotten treasures in someone's yard will always be my favorite way of thrifting, the birth of Etsy and other online avenues pave the way for virtual garage sailing. Below is an assortment of deals earned the old fashion way and through the comfort of my MacBook.

These adorable earrings made from vintage lucite cabochons are an Etsy steal. I ordered the red and cream pairs and the seller was sweet enough to throw in the pink pair! Thanks, Dangsworld!

My mom gave me this and I though the old McCurdy's box was vintage goodness all by itself. Opening it was even better...

 Vintage buttons! I foresee lots of button crafting in my future.

I snagged this small child's desk at a garage sale for $5! It makes the perfect nightstand in our guest room.

And last but not least, some 80's records, 25 cents each. REO, The Boss, Duran Duran, Journey... all the greats. Hehe. I almost bought Rio online for $10 a few weeks ago - good thing I waited!

Any good thrifted treasures lately? Share 'em in the comments!

Peace & thanks,
Kaitlin

Trash & Treasures Tuesday: What do you mean Father's Day is THIS Sunday?!

How is it the middle of June already!? Father's Day snuck up on me this year, and since my Dad is The Best Dad In The World, I dug around Etsy for some gift inspiration (trash & treasure style, of course).

My pop works for a local payroll company and is a member of the Greece Rotary, so he often sports a tie. This tie tack, made by RNEST's very own Beadwork by Amanda, would definitely spice up his wardrobe.

Made from a piece of recycled circuit board, the tack is a nice blend of traditional and unique.

My dad used to be a DJ and brought a lot of great music into our home. I think a record player would give him a good excuse to dust off his old albums and rock out. This one from Etsy seller All Unique would do the trick.

Over the years, my dad has collected miscellaneous pieces of silverware. One year for Christmas, he presented three complete sets (each unique) in wooden cases he restored to me and my two sisters. It was amazing! Maybe it's time to replenish his supply. Etsy has a ton of great silverware, like this assortment from AB and C.

And while this next idea might not fall into trash or treasure, it's DIY all the way! A superhero's gift box for a super dad, courtesy of AlphaMom.com.

Find any good gifts for Dad? Make him the perfect present? Leave 'em in the comments! And happy Father's Day to all the gents out there who care for and love their families!

(But seriously, my dad is The Best Dad In The World and I'm The Luckiest Daughter In The World. Love you, Big Guy!)

Peace & thanks,
Kaitlin

Trash & Treasures Tuesday: New Treasure From Old

Everyone has a spot were they toss jewelry when it breaks; damaged necklaces, cracked beads, snapped bracelets or one half of a pair of earrings. It might be a little jewelry container, a shoe box or just in the bottom of a drawer. The stuff you just can't part with. A few months ago, I was given a plastic bag filled with sentimental pieces that were either broken or just not being worn.

Some beads were vintage and some were new. Each piece had character and something about it that was meaningful to the owner (let's call her Ms. V.). Ms. V. gave me the great honor of taking this collection of jewelry and creating something new. She wanted a statement necklace she could wear for special occasions that incorporated all these little slices of her jewelry past. Here's what I came up with:

Each strand focuses on one color that was prominent in the collection of beads (light, dark, clear), but splices in a few contrasting colors here and there to make it look more cohesive. I didn't want it to look like three separate necklaces, but one larger piece. I'm happy with the results, but even better, Ms. V. was happy with the results (and it looks rather stunning on her, I must say!).

I think this is a great way to reinvent your jewelry; you can turn your sentimental pieces into the pieces you love to wear (for both the history and the style). Your forgotten jewelry is trash no more!

Peace & thanks,
Kaitlin

*And many thanks to Ms. V. for trusting me with such important memories!