Vintage Junk in My Trunk

Holiday Happenings

Whew! We're winding down to the last minutes of this frantic season, and I'm almost afraid to say I think I may be done.

But I think I may be done.

Well, except for the second tree to decorate, a few more gifts to buy, some more to wrap, parts of the house still uncleaned, laundry that's backed up all week, and food to prepare.

So almost.

But while I had a minute, I thought I'd share a few vignettes of some of the vintage Christmas items around here.

I found these little packages of Shiny Brites at a spectacular yard sale last year. I originally bought them to sell but the boxes are just too darn cute, so here they stay.

I've been seeing these little toy cars and trucks carrying bottle brush trees all over the blogosphere, so I made a few of my own.

Also, red and green books tied up with twine.

I've always bought these cute illustrated Christmas-themed postcards, mainly to transform into our own holiday greetings. I tend to gravitate towards the same style, which I think is the work of the artist Ellen Clapsaddle. Unless you have another name for me?

This year they got displayed in vintage green flower frogs.

This sparkly white bottle brush tree is not old, but I like its vintage aspirations.

Well, I'd better get a move on. Hope you're "almost" done with all your preparations as well!

Calendar Giveaway Winner

Like everything else this season, I am even behind on the calendar giveaway! But wait no more -- the lucky winner is:

Vintage Coconut, please email me your address and I will send the calendar out to you right away.

Or as soon as I dig myself out from under this pile of Shiny Brites!

And if you didn't win, you can still own your very own vintage calendar -- just go to the Vintage Rescue Squad Etsy shop.

Gratuitous image of recent vintage Christmas find, because this post seemed naked without one

I have a bunch more finds from this month still to show you, but it may be 2012 before they actually get posted. Hope you're enjoying your holiday frenzy!

Ho, Ho, Ho, Yo!

Santa came early this year and graced me with not one, but TWO of Vintage Rescue Squad's fabulous “Dreaming of Junking 2012” calendars.

love Georgia Peachez' ornament wreaths!

There are all kinds of great vintage items featured, and loads of junking adventures listed for your pleasure.

divine ring of rusty keys!

These make great Christmas gifts for your vintage-minded pals; order from Sue’s Etsy shop if you're on the lookout for some stocking stuffers.

that red toy phone looks mighty familiar!

Or, if you're feeling lucky, leave a comment here to win my extra copy! Drawing ends Thursday, December 15 at midnight EST; winner announced Friday.

Buttons, Beads, Bells, Brooches, and Bling

That retro aluminum Christmas tree really put me in the decorating mode. 

Even though I have yet to do any real shopping, bake any actual cookies or breads, start my custom Christmas cards (an annual insane tradition which entails designing, printing, trimming, glittering, and addressing 100+ cards), plan the holiday meal, prepare the home for the holiday meal, wrap any presents, or play any holiday music.

So I'm ready! Not. But I was inspired enough to put out a few more vintage touches.

Christmas-themed kitty postcards, tinsel, pink mercury glass bead garland, rhinestone brooches, buttons and jingle bell cards were in my stash and waiting to be displayed.

I only have a few of those bell cards, but have you seen Magpie Ethel's collection? Woo-ee!

One gal around here is ready, at least.

Here she is in all her vintage holiday glory.

Stunning, and ready to party!

Pink & Silver -- the New Red & Green

You may remember this little beauty from here.

Or, as I like to say, Best. Yard Sale Find. EVER.

So this was the "before". Already pretty cool.

Stella thinks so too. At one point she jumped from the couch right into it. I expect it to be on the ground, with something shattered, almost every morning.

Good thing I have plenty of Shiny Brites^®.

Yep, just fabulous pink ornaments, in all shades and sizes. Some striped, some indents, some teardrops, some with written sentiments.

So here comes the big reveal.

In the daylight…

And sparkling in the evening, without any lights on it!

I LOVE THIS TREE!

Apple, Meet Tree

At the end of that school Christmas Bazaar, an announcement comes over the loudspeaker stating that all items in the “Flea Market” area are FREE.

I don’t believe I’ve ever seen my charmingly pokey teenaged son move so fast in his life as he raced out to get the goods.

(Earlier in the day he helps his kindergarten partner pick out holiday gifts.)

Fortunately, it appears he’s got the junking gene.

(Although he insists this FREE! soft woven flower pot is a hat.)

UNFORTUNATELY, this is what he had piled against my car when we left. Brass seashell art, chipped glass candlesticks, dirty plastic place mats, and a broken stone fountain.

And this mirror.

Hmmm, might not be too bad with a little white paint.

(Mirror has a virtual blur, not a real life one)

Yep, pretty good. I think we have ourselves a picker!

Just Like Price-Waterhouse Does It

The entries were carefully tabulated under the strictest of conditions.

The judge impartially readied herself for her mission.

The whole process was very elaborate and labor-intensive.

But we at last have a winner!

Congratulations to Peace of The Art of Peace blog who is our big winner! And thank you all for your lovely comments!