Apron Thrift Girl

Book and Newsletter Review ~ Kovels

Kovels Newsletter

There aren't many colleges that offer a degree in ReSelling. Most ReSellers and Antique Dealers simply learn the business by first buying and collecting. Later when they realized that their "hobby" was filling the entire house, garage, shed and storage unit, they decide that perhaps it was time to "sell" some of their excess items.

Therefore an education for a ReSeller isn't as conventional as other jobs. One of the best ways to learn is to see as many antiques and collectibles as possible. This means shopping at estate sales, antique stores, reading through antique guide books, going to auctions and looking at completed auction sales on-line. The more familiar you are with items, the more chances you have at making money.

The Kovels Newsletter is your ReSelling education in a nutshell. For $27 a year Kovels will arrive in your mailbox packed with information, photos and prices. I came across a collection of Kovels from 2001 at a thrift store recently. I read them cover to cover. Even though they are 10 years old, the content is still relevant.

Here's a little background information about Kovels from their website:

Kovels Antiques, Inc., was founded by Ralph and Terry Kovel. Hailed as "the duke and duchess of the antiques world," they have written more than 100 books and special reports about collecting. Their bylined column is the longest-running syndicated weekly column in the country, distributed to more than 150 newspapers. Their guides include the annual Kovels’ Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide, which has sold over 4 million copies since its first edition.

"Neither of us was trained in art, antiques or writing," Terry remembers. "We came from Nowheresville as far as the experts were concerned. Maybe that's why we can write what we write, because we think like beginners and write in plain language."

The last statement about thinking like beginners and writing in plain language is why I think this newsletter would be perfect for many of you.

The May 2011 Issue includes these sale reports:

• TV Westerns
• Victorian Oak Furniture
• Cereal Boxes
• Horse Collectibles
• Shelley China
• A Variety of Clocks
• Glass Motor Oil Bottles
• Dictionary of Marks - Mexican Silver

Plus

• Buyer's Price Guilde
• Collector's Gallery

 

Pictures include information about the item, a photo and the price it sold at auction.

The Dictionary of Marks is such useful information. The one above, Sanborn, I've actually come across and sold. Markings are one of the most complicated aspects of ReSelling. Some are so mysterious that you'll never uncover who the artist or maker was. Luckily some are distinguishable and with information like this in the newsletter, you'll have a lot more knowledge when buying and selling.

The newsletter is very easy to read and comprehend. There is even a Hotline section which tells you what is hot at the moment. Did you know that Taxidermy is back? You'll have to get a copy of the newsletter to learn how it's back but in a new way.

Kovels also publishes an Antiqus & Collectibles Price Guide with 42,000 real prices based on real sales. It inclues 2,600 color photographs. There even is a Curtis Jere Owl in the book that sold for $780, very similar to one that I sold back in February. The same one I found at an estate sale for $40. There are items in the newsletter and book that you can find at estate sales, garage sales and thrift stores.

You can also access some fabulous free resources on their website. When you register you'll have the chance to receive a free Kovels Komments which is a great email newsletter. I've received this for years and read every word of it.

Kovels has a Facebook page and a Twitter as well. The wonderful thing about Kovels is that you can access information on any budget. The more you want to spend, the more you will learn. This kind of education could pay you back when you recognize a valuable item at the next estate sale. To me, this is an investment in your business. It's the kind of math that really does work.

**I received the book and newsletter free for this review. For more information about how I write reviews please see my disclosure policy. Thank you.

Vintage Notions Book Review and Giveaway

 Vintage Notions by Amy Barickman

I have to admit, I completely and utterly break the "don't judge a book by it's cover" rule. If I see a book with an eye candy cover, I'll feel so tempted to buy it. I'm most guilty of this in the craft area of any book section whether it's a bookstore or thrift store. When I opened up the parcel from Amy Barickman and lifted out the book Vintage Notions I just held it reverently in my hands for a few moments. It was beautiful and absolutely perfect. When I opened up the first few pages I had to sit down.....and read page after page of this incredible book. I did judge this book by the cover and it exceeded my expectations.

Amy Barickman's Vintage Notions features:

• Inspirational essays and projects for each month of the year
• Seasonal Recipes and decorating ideas
• Four storage pockets - one for each season
• Twelve Magic Patterns - easy-to-make, chic sewing projects

Yet Vintage Notions is more than this little summary above. It's heart and soul behind the all the things that many of us do that might seem mundane in our lives. How often do we cook a meal wanting to rush through the process of it in order to just sit down and eat. Or even worse, grabing a meal in the deli section of the grocery store to-go. Or we rush through a craft to get it completed rather than take our time for the sake of simply crafting. I have been guilty of this myself. Some days I do long for a year around life that is similar to those summer months where life slows down and I can really take my time in the kitchen with the children or work on a craft project in the warm sun while drinking a cold glass of freshly made lemonade. This book is a reminder of that life that I crave.

The book was inspired by Mary Brooks Picken, a 1920's entrepreneur who became an international authority on dressmaking and fashion. Amy says "I conceived of this book, Vintage Notions, to rescue Mary Brooks Picken from obscurity and to reintroduce the inspirational essays, clever sewing patters, cooking basics and beautiful illustrations from the Institutes's (The Women's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences) newsletters with a fresh and modern voice."

The book is cleverly divided into seasons. Within each season there are sections such as Inspiration, Good Looks, Sewing, Cookery, Fashion and a Magic Pattern. The Slip-Over Apron - Magic Pattern is at the top of my to-make-list.

January begins with an inspirational essay by Gustave L. Weinss written in January of 1920. I adore where he writes, "So, as the New Year advances, let us all try to recognize and utilize the wonderful possibilities of getting a new start."

Despite the fact that this was written 91 years ago, these are words that many of us will resonate with. We all feel blessed with a new beginning at the start of every new year. There are so many lovely quotes throughout the book that it will truly warm your heart.

If you are a collector or a fan of vintage linens, the photos in this book will not disappoint. This photo above was my favorite piece. You'll find borders and snippets of vintage linens on practically every page.

It's not often that we get a glimpse of what cooking was like in the 1920's.

I have a lemon tree brimming with lemons at the moment and have added "making lemon syrup" to my to-do-list. Yes my lists are filling after looking through the chapters of Vintage Notions. When life gets busy the thing I most often miss is spending time in the kitchen.

Our culture is doing a miraculous thing where we are turning to once forgotten arts such as preserving food, homesteading and crafting. Everything feels energized and reading the historic words in Vintage Notions really makes me want to be a part of this movement. I want to go back to the land, cook in the kitchen and craft in the sewing room.

You can purchase your own copy through Amy's site Indigo Junction.

Amy has kindly given me a copy of Vintage Notions to giveaway. Simply leave a comment and I'll draw a name next Friday. I'd love to hear a lost art that you have been longing to try.

Please see my disclosure page for details about Reviews.

Simple Times - Amy Sedaris - Book Review and Giveaway

Simple Times by Amy Sedaris

When I was asked to do a book review for "Simple Times" by Amy Sedaris I was completely on board. I've always been a crafter that adores simplicity. I want my crafts inexpensive, relatively easy and very quick. Someone asked me if I knit the other day. I said that I kind of do. Then I remember the sweater I started for Cerys when she was three that I still haven't picked up since this post. So Amy's book was definitely something that I wanted to take a look at.

This book is pure sass and having a sense of humor is a necessity when combing through the pages of Simple Times. There is wit in practically every sentence of the book including one like this "There is a much more leisurely attitude toward crafting and virtually anyone without a job and access to pipe cleaners can join the elite society of crafters." But since I buy vintage pipe cleaners every chance I get, I was game.

Hair Sample Lamp

Some of the crafts in my opinion are tackier than all get out such as the doll wig doorknob or the Hair Sample Lamp (although kind of cool looking at the same time).

Other crafts are odd but I was drawn to them such as the Beaded Spiderweb that pins to a dark corner in your house.

I can imagine that your teenagers might love this book with crafts such as the Crafty Candlesticks made out of drumsticks. The directions are incredibly simple and anyone should be able to follow them. Although like I said there is dry humor dripping from every word. Even in the candlestick directions she suggest only painting down to where the candlesticks fit into the holder because that will save you an inch of paint. She ends the craft with this note: "These candles take at least 3 days to make but burn for a lifetime."

Nearly all of my craft books are pretty darn serious so a book that was not only on the lighter side but included out-of-the-box crafts was pretty entertaining to read. Even if I didn't jive with all of the crafts, I was still inspired which to me is part of the reason that I buy craft books.

What makes this book perfect for thrifters is that Amy is taking many items that could be considered trash and she's making something creative out of it. We thrifters do the same every week when we buy felted wool sweaters to use for crafting, damaged vintage kid's books to cut out the illustrations to use for art and of course the mountains and mountains of broken jewelery that we all own. I mean who can pass up that bag of injured pins, necklaces and clip-on earrings for a $1? Certainly not me.

Many of our budgets have been cut and cut again. I am not rushing out to buy a lot of craft supplies from Michaels. I used to go at least once a month where now I got maybe 3-4 times a year with my coupon in hand and a strict budget.

Here are some examples of Frugal Crafts that you will find in Simple Times:

• Tin Can Stilts
• Dough Dice (made from the ends of a loaf of bread)
• Rusty Nail Wind Chime
• Toadstool Champagne Corks (by far my favorite craft in the book)
• Personalized Hanky
• Hand Crafted Bookmarks
• Brown Sugar and Lavender Body Scrub
• Tassels

If you are faint hearted then I'd suggest skipping her Safety Meeting chapter which includes photos of needles through faux skin, iron burned marks on the leg and blood pouring from the eye. It's all meant in good humor but I have a weak stomach and have to fast forward my Tivo through anything that involves injury or blood. The message though, through her dark humor is BE SAFE when crafting. As someone who is a little klutzy while working glue guns I can relate to this lesson.

If you have small children you might want to keep this book on a high bookshelf since some of the subjects discussed and photos are not really for young eyes. Especially the chapter on Romance.

Okay so my final thoughts on this book? I'm not sure exactly what to say. Part of me loves the idea of cheap, simple crafts but a part of me cringed at her writing style. In some moments it appears that she has no boundaries when it came to the written word. Some of the photos I loved and wanted to craft that item while other ones left a bad taste in my mouth.

I imagine that when one writes a book like this, this is the reaction that they want. So I guess to sum up Simple Times you might laugh, cry, be inspired, cringe, throw up in your mouth, laugh some more, shake your head and sit down and do a craft that you wouldn't find in any other craft book on the bookstore shelves. If you want unique than this is your kind of Craft book.

Want a chance to win it?

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I'll draw a name from Random Number Generator next Tuesday, November 23rd.

Good Luck!

UltraMetabolism - Book Review

Food complexes me.

I adore food, I love food, I am drawn to the idea of food and I require food for the mere sanity of my life.

And yet it truly mystifies me. 

As my regular readers know, I've struggled with food, weight, health and diet over the last few years. I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease 5 years ago. My only symptom: anemia. I didn't have any stomach issues or the other unpleasant symptoms that sometimes go along with being Celiac.

I've had ups and downs since moving to California which in a childlike way are completely unfair. I'm here in the state that I've missed for 15 years, my children are in my dream school that I've been longing for since Cerys was age one, I'm finally in the sunshine again and yet my body often feels like crap.

I've written about this off and on since January. I went off of coffee and switched to white/green tea which made me feel anxious even though I lost some weight. I went back to coffee and started gaining weight darn that half & half. I tried exercising but my body was resisting. It hurt too much, something to do with my legs. I was ready to go on a very strict diet to clear my body of everything but I just couldn't face doing that. Many of you advised me not to and I appreciated that.

A couple weeks ago I was so sick. I was lethargic, dizzy and full of anxiety. I felt so frustrated that everything I ate seemed to make me sick. And as I said at the beginning of the post I simply adore food. I wake up planning my meals for the day with excitement. When I go out I can barely eat anything since gluten seems to be in everything under the moon. I went to a dinner last night as a thank you gift for volunteering at a school event and I couldn't eat the bread, salad (with blue cheese which has gluten) or the pasta. Luckily I brought my own food but something inside hurt that I couldn't join everyone else and enjoy the meal. I suppose it's just that I have to think about every meal I eat. I can't relax and merely take pleasure in food. It's not really about the food though it's about being in the moment without stress.

The biggest perk of being a bookseller is running across thousands of books every year. Some of these books make it into my own collection and have really changed my life. One of the first books that I read after Cerys was born was called The Incarnating Child. I don't know where I had picked it up, I only remember reading it while I was nursing her when she was a newborn. That book together with the influence of a website called Mango Mama shaped my life for what it is today.

Last weekend I came across the book UltraMetabolism by Mark Hyman.

 

I have another of his books which I think I mentioned a month ago. This one was published in 2006 but I still wanted to review it here at ATG. Often the books I need in my life will appear. Does that happen to you?

I realize that I don't move enough except running to a yard sale but I really eat very little. I used to weigh 110 after Cerys was born. When I went off of gluten, plate after plate of Pamela's brownies comforted me during this massive diet change. I started gaining weight which was probably a mix of the brownies and the fact that my body started to take in nutrients and anything else it could get it's hands on. My weight has pushed up to 140 at times but on a 5'1" frame, that's a lot of extra baggage. Both physically and mentally.

UltraMetabolism starts out with cleverly mentioning different diets and the myths that surround them. He dissects:

• The Starvation Myth of eat less + Exercise More = weight loss
• The Calorie Myth of All Calories are Created Equal
• The Fat Myth of Eating Fat Makes You Fat
• The Carb Myth of Eating Low Carb or No Carb Will Make You Thin
• The Sumo Wrestler Myth of Skipping Meals Helps You Lose Weight
• The French Paradox Myth of the French are Thin Because They Drink Wine & Eat Butter
• The Protector Myth of Government Policies & Food Industry Regulations Protect our Health

Each of these sections are backed by studies and how over time these diets are either based on myths. It was interesting to read about the French diet. The biggest difference he said is that the French people eat slower, they eat real food (not heavily processed) and they eat less than us. They also walk everywhere. Our culture is based around the car and easily accessible junk food.

Mark states that the government food pyramid advises us to eat 6-11 servings of rice, bread and cereal a day. He thinks that this has significantly contributed to the epidemic of obesity.

His idea of a food pyramid is to flip it upside down where we are eating healthy fats (omega-3 fats from fish and flax seeds and mono-unsaturated fats from olive oil) at the bottom and eat mostly vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, fish, eggs and lean poultry and only a little meat, sugar, refined carbohydrates and dairy products.

If we concentrate on a diet based on whole, real, unprocessed food, it will be the best way to avoid health risks associated with eating fake foods that damage your health.

A whole foods diet can be very fitting with frugality. Keiran and I went grocery shopping yesterday and as we combed the aisles for sale items I would see something and ask myself: Can I make it at home for less? Can I make it at home for better nutrition? The answer was yes on most items. Our shopping bill came to far less than normal.

Luckily Mark's diet suggestions aren't too far off of my current diet. He even mentions that gluten is one of the most common undiagnosed causes of inflammation that promote weight gain. He also mentions eating at least 8 eggs a week for breakfast. My body is at the point where if I don't eat enough protein at breakfast, I'll feel weak the entire day no matter how much protein I eat later. This morning since we were all woken early by a thunderstorm I made one of my favorite egg recipes.

• 5 eggs
• 1 lg clove of garlic
• chili powder
• 10 cherry tomatoes (cut in half)
• brown rice
• green onion

Lightly saute the garlic for two minutes. Mix eggs in a bowl with a teaspoon of chili powder. Add egg mixture to pan. When the eggs are nearly done add the sliced cherry tomatoes. Serve with brown rice. Add green onions to rice and lightly sprinkle salt over everything.

 

My main goal with reading this book and following Mark's suggestion is to build up my metabolism while still enjoying foods that I love such as olives & avocados. Any diet that suggests eating avocados is one that I embrace. There are many suggestions in this book on how to get more nutritionally dense food into your everyday diet that will help your metabolism. He includes a recipe for Olive Tapenade & Raw Veggies. How delicious does that sounds?

If anyone struggles with weight or doesn't feel healthy, I highly recommend this book. Just read through a couple chapters and see if you connect to what Mark is saying. I know that diet and food is very personal. Thankfully for me, I think this is the one that will help me for now.

The Sweater Chop Shop - a book review

I recently received a small parcel in the mail from Storey Publishing with a couple books to review. It was my first package from them and I was a little nervous as to what they would send. Would it fit well into ATG? When I laid my eyes on The Sweater Chop Shop by Crispina ffrench I gave a sigh of relief followed by a wide smile. This book was perfect.

I'm not really a detailed instructions type of girl as I've shared with you a few times. My right brained personality starts to feel all fuzzy with them sometimes. The patterns in Crispina's book though are fabulous. They are extremely easy to follow and the idea of taking a thrifted sweater to recycle into something unique and hip left me giddy.

I recently found a beautiful sweater at a rummage sale that someone had partially felted. I paid .50 cents for it and brought it home for a future project. It was ideal to use with patterns from The Sweater Chop Shop.

The book is filled with household item patterns such as pot holders, mufflers, pillows and simply divine, sweater patchwork blankets. She also has a section on making new sweaters from old sweaters. The kind of items that you'd only see at high end boutique stores or cool indie stores.

I want to make each of these both for me and for Cerys. This is from the section on Mix-and-Match Sweater Add-Ons which seriously is my kind of chapter. I adore altering clothing and find it a quick and easy fix to spruce something up that I have thrifted.

Crispina started out recycling sweaters in the late 80's when she made her first "Ragamuffin".

She has been producing and selling these sweet, lovable creatures for more than 20 years. She includes a general lesson in making Ragamuffins but gives you the tools to be able to make countless other animals and beings. She includes a pattern for a Dinosaur, a Potbelly Ragamuffin Body and a Stand-Up Ragamuffin Body. I personally heart the Dinosaur and plan to make one as soon as I can replenish my sweater supply. Crispina suggest having 3-6 felted wool sweaters in assorted colors, patterns, textures and weights before you begin a Ragamuffin.

Her last section is my personal favorite. It's based on making festive projects using scraps. I had to make this:

What I loved about the sweater that I worked with were the metal clasps that it came with. I simply took off two of these and used them instead of buttons.

This probably took me 20 minutes and I love the finished product. Cerys gave me a metal business card case with pink flowers on it but it only holds a handful of cards. The Recycled Sweater business card holder can be packed full of cards without worry. I worked on this project  yesterday at the craft party and so many people had to take to look at The Sweater Chop Shop book. A few moms were adding it to their wish list. Visually the book is eye candy, full of fabulous photography, funky illustrations and easy to follow patterns.

I also made a couple Pot Holders having grown frustrated with our awkward and dangerously slippy silicon pair.

Having been spoiled with going to two craft groups this week, I easily finished both of these projects at the gatherings.

The Sweater Chop Shop speaks straight to my thrifted heart because it is a book focusing entirely on Re-Using or Recyeling thrifted sweaters. Because many of the projects deal with small squares or pieces of wool, it makes it even easier to pick up sweaters with a few moth holes in them. And definitely pick up sweaters that the previously owner has already felted for you. I'll admit it was easier to find sweaters in cool Washington than it is in sunny California so I plan to stock up this summer when we travel north for our summer vacation. 

Crispina also gives you tips on what kind of sweaters to thrift. As I have discovered a few too many times, not all wool sweaters will shrink and felt. Her "Assembling Your Materials and Chop Shop Toolbox" is priceless with her advice on how to buy and prepare wool sweaters. This is a book that will save you a lot of money because your supplies will be so cheap to start with. A must have book for your Frugal Resource library.

the salvage studio - a book review

If you asked me who my thrift idols are it would be a sweet list of people who I really look up to in our  thrifting world. At the top of my list though you would find three incredible women who make up The Salvage Studio. I had the honor of meeting them two years ago when I did an interview at the official Salvage Studio in Edmonds, Washington. It was really one of those places that you never wanted to leave. Ever. I was thinking of reasons in my head to stay and just live there. I mean three salvage studio gals can easily become 4. I could move to Edmonds, set up a tent in the back area and live in this thrift paradise forever. Of course one phone call from Dave reminding me to pick up Keiran from Kindergarten brought me back to reality very quickly. I was forced to say my goodbyes and head back on the ferry to home with only a souvenirs to remind me of my enchanting day with Amy, Beth and Lisa.

Fast forward two years later and I now have the honor of being one of the first to have had my hands on their new book, The Salvage Studio, sustainable home comforts to organize, entertain and inspire. 

I've purchased and looked at so many of these books over the last decade and by far this is the creme de le creme of the thrift/junk books on the market today. It doesn't take long for me to love this book when I see that it is published on matte paper. It feels lovely, it smells lovely and it's just waiting for me with endless projects to create. The photos are incredible and truly inspiring. This review was actually due two weeks ago but was delayed as I was trying to get my hands on a vintage baby crib in order to make this project for the book review post.

I've seen a hundred vintage cribs at yard sales collecting dust in the corners but when I want one in order to make this lovely, and so needed, paper rack, there isn't one to be seen anywhere. And I really, really want one for my paper collection sitting awkwardly on a shelf in my craft room, probably getting squished and creased. A vintage crib is on my thrift shopping list as we speak.

This book is filled to the brim with projects using everyday thifted finds. Or even items that we have lurking about in our basements and garages. Every time I open the book I feel so motivated to make something out of nothing which could very well be their tag line for their next book. I've seen books before that require you to actually spend a lot of money to make something from a thrift store. Not in this book. I want to make everything from their craft room/office projects. After I get my hands on a crib I will next look out for an old frame to make this.

The Salvage Studio book reminds me of Martha's Everyday Food cookbook. Not only are the ingredients for these projects every day objects that we all have or can find let's not talk about the crib though but they create something unimaginably useful. I can't be bothered with cookbooks that are chock full of exotic ingredients that I have to drive to Seattle for. I want to open up my cupboard and find everything there and make a simple tasty meal that the family will enjoy and ask for again. This ribbon holder would be a perfect project for me. I have heaps of vintage ribbon that I sadly have in a tangled mess in a little basket.

With each project you will find a materials list, a tools list and very clear, if not witty, set of instructions. For example for the Garden Dish Tower the instructions read "Stack your pieces for a trial run. Do this when your pets are taking naps." I adore authors that throw in humor like this as it speaks fondly to my own heart.  Seriously though this book is incredible and I endorse it with every thrift bone in my body. Run out and get it and I can assure you that you will not be disappointed with The Salvage Studio book.

wool pets ~ a giveaway & book review

I grew up on a little farm & homestead. Although the olive orchard took up most of our land we also had a small pasture, a barn, a chicken coop and a pond. I never appreciated the farm when I was young. I was just insanely jealous of all the kids that lived in town. I was just a country girl. They could bike to the park, bike to the pool, walk to our tiny downtown while I was stuck with the sheep. Now as an adult I am very nostalgic about the homestead. I have many warm memories of walking around the orchard, making my own fishing poles to fish in the pond (out of wood, staples, string and a safety pin-and no I never caught anything), sitting in the chicken house with the chickens and carrying on a conversation with them and of course there was the once a  year visit from the sheep shearing man.

He always drove up in a huge, beat up car with dents all over the sides. It had a noisy engine which was always unpleasant to my young ears. He was huge as well and for some reason I was intimidated by him but it could have been the giant, sharp, electric sheep shearers he carried in his right hand. I remember that I had to watch this process but it was with a mix of fear and excitement. My dad would always stand with me, one arm protectively around my shoulders as if he sensed what I was feeling. I would stare into the sheep's eyes as they were tossed on their back, this huge man heaving his body over them so they couldn't move, legs held tightly and he would begin shaving the wool off of each sheep. Of course after it was done the sheep would jump up and take off running out of the barn wondering what the hey dickens that was all about. I couldn't help but start smiling at how silly they looked with the word naked flashing through my childish mind. That started me laughing and I would run out of the barn having seen enough for the day. Being young I never asked where the wool went or if we received any money for the wool. The man would pack it all up in bags, shake my dad's hand and take off in his noisy belching car leaving us with our small flock of naked sheep.

Which all brings me to a book review of a wonderful book called Wool Pets by Laurie Sharp.

Laurie is an incredible felt artist who I have the honor of knowing personally. She has been a part of our greater school community ever since we moved here. At our last school auction we had what they called "living artist" where an artist is invited to create an item that we then later auctioned off. I've yet to try felting (except for throwing a wool sweater in the washer/dryer) and was enamored to watch her work her magic. As you know from my experience with the last craft book I worked with, I am one who needs clear instructions. This book is written with clear, concise instructions with warm writing.

This is one of my favorite projects in the book.

What is not to love about this mermaid?

I love how each detail of the project is photographed (by Laurie's husband and business partner). I love pictures and I need them to visualize what the author is saying.

My second favorite item is of course the owl.

I love how Laurie adds small details to each project that makes them look like a piece of art. I'd love to make this owl and add him to my mantel next to my owl vase. Laurie even gives suggestions to use all-white wool instead of gray wool to make a snowy owl. The book includes 20 figures and even includes projects such as a clown fish and a border collie. Laurie writes "When I'm doing a public demonstration, I often hear "I don't need another complicated hobby or craft." But needle felting is different. all you need to get started is some wool, a barbed needle, and a foam pad. You will be amazed at what you can create."

I'd say that I admire the simplicity of the book most of all. I'm anxious to try these patterns out and  will go out and find some wool roving and a barbed needle so that I can get started. Laurie also has a detailed resource list at the back of her book. You can read more about Laurie's felting adventures on her blog and you can purchase her book and supplies from her store. Laurie has sweetly offered one of her needle felting kits for a giveaway.

This kit is considered "easy" and will be perfect for anyone just beginning in wool felting. The kit includes white, orange and blue corriedale wool, black merino wool, two new felting needles, a wooden skewer, beads for eyes and detailed photo instructions. Leave a comment and I'll add your name to the giveaway. I'll keep it open until September 30th and I'll announce the winner on October 1st.

Here is what the finished bluebird will look like. I think this bird is so lovely and sweet. She now hangs in my kitchen and will keep me feeling cheerful in the dark cold days of winter.

Thanks again for all your heartfelt comments about my day yesterday. Ironically after writing the post and eating 2 peanut butter cups I felt less blah and more like myself. And when each of your comments came through I kind of felt like I received a small hug from each of you. It made my day so much lighter and happier. When I woke this morning my craving for chocolate had dissipated. Well not totally dissipated, just back to it's normal everyday chocolate craving.

Note to Self ~ a book review

When Felicia asked if I wanted to do a book review of Note To Self by Samara O'Shea, I enthusiastically said yes. How can I resist a book "on keeping a journal and other dangerous pursuits". I felt it was serendipitous that only a few weeks before this request, I had started writing in my journal again. After a very long break. Like years.

What was intriguing about Samara's book was the fact that it is part memoir and part "how to" book. To me, an ideal reader's cocktail. She lures us into the book quickly through her journal entries taking us on a journey through her life. She often shows us an exact excerpt of her journal which includes her youthful style of writing. It is sweet and endearing. As she weaves us in and out of chapters you can't help but reflect back on your own life. It left me scrounging in my attic among the dust balls to locate these.

Don't you love the 70's one in the front? When I compare Samara's journal entries to mine I blush in embarrassment. Where her writing is deep and full of meaning, mine seems to be completely boy focused. I know I was a late bloomer but my journals seem to emphasize that. Here's an example of when I was about to turn 16.
April 12, 1988
A boy named Michael called me today. We talked for awhile. I think he likes me. He's pretty handsome. We are square dance partners (36 year old Selena cringes). He kind of blew me a kiss today. There is one thing wrong. He's sort of a cowboy. I don't like that kind, but I might make an exception. I can't wait until tomorrow until I get to see him. Ps. I'm so happy.

(I was so biased back then)

Three days later- April 15th, 1988
Hi, I'm so sad. I wanted Mike to call me but he hasn't. Now I really like him and I don't know what to do. It will be such a long and desolate weekend. It's supposed to be fun. I'm turning 16 and I'm so sad.

Is this your typical 16 year old? One minute happy as a clam at high tide and the next facing a desolate weekend? All because of one flirty cowboy?

The funny thing is that when I read the journal entry aloud to the children, I barely remembered who this guy was. And apparently he ruined my 16th birthday. I guess some things are truly best forgotten. I just googled the guy and I think I found his myspace page. Let's just say I dodged a real bullet there.

My favorite part of Note to Self is when Samara says, "If the sweet sixteen-year-old who swore she'd never try drugs and would remain a virgin until marriage mistakenly got her hands on the written ramblings of the unruly twenty-two year old, she'd discover that she was destined to break both of those rules-often at the same time. At some point, she'd lift her eyes from the pages and innocently ask, "What does blowing lines mean?" Then the responsible twenty-five-year-old would tap twenty-two on the shoulder and say, "I think you've had enough." Twenty-two would say "Mind your own business!" She was feisty. I would have to come in and break it up- me, the twenty eight year old matron who oversees them all (my thirty year old self is rolling her eyes at me: I can feel it).

What an incredible image Samara creates with that very small paragraph. What would you say to your former self? I think I would say, don't ever work in a cemetery, avoid Aberdeen (no offense to any Aberdeen readers) at all cost, stay in the sun where you thrive and don't ever try out for a musical if you are not prepared unless you want to suffer dire humiliation that will follow you well into adulthood.

If you've never tried to write in a journal or you have found yourself in a journal slump, this book could be the thing to inspire you to write down bits and pieces of your life. I still hear my mother telling me to journal because it is on of her biggest regrets. My slump was caused by never finding the time to write. I am a slow writer and a quick thinker. That makes writing in a jounal frustrating. But I feel that I am forgetting things much too quickly. Even simple things like Keiran saying "nanks" to us instead of thanks. We don't correct him because it is too darn sweet. We even find ourselves saying nanks to each other. But one day when he learns to properly say thanks, I might forget this. I now try to jot down quick thoughts about our day. Even simple things like, "We had a yard sale today and the children made $27.00 by selling popcorn and cookies". I think when I am 80 and sitting in my pink-polka-dot hoover chair and reading my journal I will be grateful that I took those ten minutes to write down my thoughts every evening before bed.

Book Review - Garage Sale America

When I was asked to do a book review on my most favorite and loved (if not obsessed) subject in the entire universe, I could barely say yes quick enough. I can't think of a subject more dear to my heart than a book on garage sales. In fact with this book under my belt, I am preparing for a massive community yard sale over in Seattle this coming weekend that features over 150 yard sales in a dense area. Side by side yard sales for an entire weekend.

When I first started reading Garage Sale America by Bruce Littlefield I had to get use to the male tone and writing style that included a few sides of cliches to go along with the book. I'm so spoiled by the female side of yard sale/thrift store descriptions in the blog world that it did take some time getting used to his writing voice. But I became quickly swallowed up into his own garage sale adventures where he would line up early for barn sales scoping out where to hit first or when he rented a huge Penske truck in order to hit 450 miles of the World's Longest Yard Sale. (which he says isn't technically the largest). I would find myself salivating each time he would share a story about a garage sale purchase. He always included a background story and price for the item. Even though thrifting is so much in my blood, I never would have guessed that I would get nearly as much enjoyment of reading other people's stories as my own thrifting experiences. By the end of the book, I discovered I found a long lost brother and considered inviting him out to Seattle to check out our sales. Then I remembered that we have similar taste and decided that I'd better keep quiet.

My favorite part of the book is the two page spread of his Penske truck garage sale haul. He lists out his $1000.00 bounty by item, price and a photo. I was so inspired by his coca cola cooler for $100.00 (the kind that used to sit in front of old stores or gas stations) that I had to find myself something similar. This last weekend I found a vintage Coleman, green and white cooler (1/8 of the size of Bruce's cooler) for $2.00. Just in time for our Memorial Day party. On Monday it was full of ice and cold beer. It was perfect.

I was a tad jealous as we took a tour of Bruce's Edgewater Farm. He described all of his buildings, (yes as in multiple) and how he has filled them with thrifted finds. I love, love, love his Recreation Hall complete with a barber's pole (one of his Penske haul finds) and a vintage phone booth ($40.00) so people could take their cell phone calls during parties.

I really enjoyed not only reading the stories behind what he had purchased, but learning how much he paid for something. I think the bargain is so much part of the enjoyment to this passion of thrifing. I love telling people how much I paid for something as much as I enjoy hearing how much they paid. This book is a very quick read and full of bright, colorful illustrations. The best reason to buy this book alone is the resource pages in the back. It has a Garage Sale Guide for the entire country. These are the large garage sales that have become so prominent on the summer calendars over the last decade. Because of this book, in two weeks, I am heading south to the border of Washington and Oregon to a 13 miles (+152 miles) yard sale. A friend and I are going together and planning the perfect girls weekend away. Bruce also adds a garage sale glossary for all those newbie garage salers out there.

I finished his book on a Friday and was so motivated to be out there garage saleing the following day when I found this: 

I came across the sale around lunch time. It was one of those sales where the neighbor up the street was having an advertised one so this women thought she would join the band wagon to take advantage of the passing traffic. My jaw dropped when she said I could have the set for $25.00. The chairs need a little bit of work but it is your basic turn key table set. They fit perfectly in the breakfast nook.

As garage sale shopping becomes more trendy it means us die hard salers have to be more creative in finding the good sales and finds. More and more sellers are telling me how much an item is worth on eBay and therefore pricing it as such. One of Bruce's "Do's and Dont's for Sellers" list "Don't Quote eBay or book values. Nobody Cares." I went to a sale on Saturday where a woman had a cookie jar for $75.00 telling me that she found that price on eBay. I agree with him that I don't care how much the price on eBay is, especially since many people don't know how to read the prices on eBay. Some people don't know that a completed price in red means an item didn't sell. My top tips for finding the good sales are:

-get to them before they officially open. They might not take in early birds but at least you can be first in the gate. Look through the ads to see what sale looks best. Word of warning though, the ads with the least amount of writing can sometimes be the best sale.

-look for sale notifications on old fashion bulletin boards. Not everyone is tech savvy and able do a Craig's list posting. I find the sales I want to go to are the ones where the couple brings out 80 year accumulation from their basement rather than list all of the ritzy branded items in the ad.

-drive by the main streets of town on Friday/Saturday and look for those non-advertised last minute sale signs on utility poles. The messier the writing the better.

-don't be afraid to ask if the seller has a certain item hidden away. I once asked if the seller had any Cd's for sale and was then shown to a "media room" where I found the mother lode of music and movies ($1.00 each), including a double CD of Jethro Tull-Living in the Past that is an original master recording worth around $250.00.

-check out Craig's list. Sometimes people are selling a houseful of stuff virtually without having an actual sale. I recently purchased 200 books this way. You never know what they might pull out of a closet for sale even if they didn't mention it in the listing.

And to finish this post, here's a party idea. Invite your book club friends to your house, feature this book and each of you bring your best garage sale find ever for a show and tell. Bring another item that isn't so cherished and do a garage sale item swap. It can even be your ugliest ever found item. You can talk about the book and exchange your own personal garage sale experiences over wine and chocolate. A good way to pass the time until the next garage sale.