DIY Vintage Collectibles Repurposing With All Things We Do

 DIY Vintage Collectibles Repurposing With All Things We Do at LilacsNDreams. Welcome to everyone visiting today!

Wow! Where has this time gone? A lot of time was spent with my husband being ill, his recovery, doctors, hospital, ER visits, and etc. He’s back to work, doing good, still has an issue now and then, but its expected according to the doctor. 

Now, we have a house we have been working on getting too. Thursday we had a slight delay due to someone not doing their job correctly, got some feathers a little flustered, but all is good, and moving forward. The appraisal was done on the home Friday. There have been a few steps with The VA/VU that have been covered with their processing. Learning experience too. So, now waiting to hear the numbers with the appraisal, and hopefully things are good that we will soon be closing…I think it was predicted for mid July on closing. Time will really be moving along then. So many things to donate, downsize, pack, arrange where things will go in new home, which rooms, and so on. Especially where to put all my crafty things, and hopefully in the near future I can start crafting again. 

I will be so comfortable to be crafting again, painting, cutting, and doing some thrifting for pieces to work with, and looking for some vintage collectibles too. The Pandemic put such a hold on things. It’s great things opening up again, and to be able to work towards some normality of things also. I’ve missed doing a lot of things, and am really anxious to get busy with things again. Course, anxious for the house, and adding some touches in there as well. Next spring hopefully we start with some minor adjustments we want on the house too. Extending a room making a 4th bedroom, and adding another bathroom to the house too. Some remodeling, and updating has been done already. Simple things we like, and anxious to add a little more. Putting a tin roof on is also on the list. Dog should be happy there with the fenced in back yard too.

Well everyone I don’t want to bore you with my repeating, and rambling with my excitement of events. Cross the fingers, and wish us luck the next time you hear from me that we are moving. Thanks for stopping by, and visiting with LilacsNDreams! Take care, be safe, and see you again soon. Toodles . . . 

Repurposing Reusing Upcycling Restyling What You Already Have

Repurposing Reusing Upcycling Restyling What You Already Have

Welcome to LilacsNDreams! Today I was thinking about repurposing, reusing, upcycling, restyling, and wondering about how many items have had this done in our homes, and how many times it's been done too. Many of us will have projects in our home that we did ourselves, or we might have gotten things while we were doing our thrifting, searches, treasure hunting. 

I LOVE to repurpose, and rescue things myself. I have a habit of hanging onto things because I might need it later, something will come to mind to redo it, and etc. It's always more fun to rescue precious treasures, and give them a new life. Sometimes it might be a little paint, some varnish, maybe marrying one piece to another making something unique, and just being creative. 

I have found it to be more cost effective when you use what you already have, maybe thrifting for items to reuse for your home, repurposing for resale, etc. What I like about repurposing pieces that I already have is that they have their own character, patina, details, and so on. Newer pieces will not have some of these characteristics that we enjoy, or cherish. Keep in mind that some of the older pieces were sometimes better made than the new things that are being produced today. 

So, before you plan on buying something new, have a look around. Carefully look for pieces that you could reinvent. Some items might need just a little updating of maybe some new materials, gluing together, fresh paint touch up, new hardware, and so on. Remember to just have fun reimagining your treasures in a new way. 

Few ideas would be maybe that old tv armoire you were thinking of getting rid of. Why not convert it into a microwave cart, maybe some sort of a kitchen pantry for you, and some kind of a kitchenette play thing for your children...for a daycare would be really neat too! Don't get rid of your dining room table. Instead cut the legs down on it to make a coffee table. You could also update the table by putting a new top on it by adding some boards, and then painting or varnishing everything. Dressers is another thing that many of us decide to give away, or discard. Instead you could think of converting this too. Maybe use it to make a bathroom vanity, cut some of the drawers out making it a bench with storage under it. Another simple task would be to reuse a shower curtain. It's water resistant for use in the shower. So, why not cut it down to use for some of your outdoor furniture as covers, using on top of tables and benches, etc. 

Please keep in mind that I am not telling you that you need to go out, and do exactly what I am suggesting here. I was only thinking that instead of throwing things out, and before buying something new...that maybe you could consider some of these suggestions to repurpose, and reuse your treasures. Nearly everything has some sort of a second life by using our creative thinking to form some constructive ideas. Seeing beyond what it is, to what it can be can be so much fun! Also, it can save a few pennies for us too!

Hopefully this helped you along a little bit with some ideas, and getting into the creative mood with repurposing reusing what we already have. At my Etsy shop I have been listing some fun vintage items with some jewelry too. Soon I hope to have some creative pieces done that I can offer for sale. I will keep you posted. Small delay with that as our son who is in the service will be home for a couple of weeks. So, all of our time will be spent with him while he's here. 

Thanks so much for spending some time with LilacsNDreams! Hope to see you again soon. Take care everyone. 

Thrifting, Junking, Repurposing, DIY, Crafting, Handmade, Vintage Collectibles

Welcome to LilacsNDreams! Thrifting, Junking, Repurposing, DIY, Crafting, Handmade, Restyle, and vintage collectibles too!  What can I say, I love dabbling with a lot of things! 

Hello! Hello! Hello! to all visiting. It's been a very long time, and I deeply apologize for that too. The holidays, getting in truck with husband, visiting son on base, bringing his dog home with us for a while...he's like having another child in the home, having an early christmas with our son, and having a late christmas with our daughter. Then, while school was out for the christmas holiday our grand daughter stayed with me for a week. New Years eve was spent with daughter, and her family being here. Also, we had our son on facetime so that he brought in the new year with all of us, and not by himself. Excuses, but they were some precious times that don't want to be missed either. 

So, here we are into the new year 2019. Also, the first month of the new year is done as well. Time has gotten by me unfortunately. Things were different this year during holidays because my husband couldn't be home to share it with us. First time in quite a few years we had this happen. So, I did the tree myself, decorations outside and inside myself, gift wrapping, cooking christmas dinner myself, etc etc. Then, of course I had the fun of taking it all down myself too. Really wasn't that bad. Only issue is the new tree we got this year. 7 1/2 foot tall, and I'm about 5'4". So, that was a chore itself. Love the tree, it looked great, but taking it down....I can't find containers big enough to store the tree as it is. I got one more idea to store it, and hopefully I get that done this week. Next time hubby is home he can then put it away for storage till the next time. 

I'm not one to really set too many goals for the new year. It's easier for me to work on the smaller things, and add as I go along. My biggest goal is to just work on the house as we are able to, and get it more to a point that it is our home. Baby steps, but it will come along. Just another reason I am anxious for spring because that is when all things will be new, fresh air, windows open, things growing, and so on. 

I need to get my craft room into a more organized order for use. That includes going through things that have been stored here, downsize if I need to,etc. I'm anxious for this too. I have been thrifting a little bit here, and there. Getting things in order to start working on. Different glass pieces waiting to be worked with, some need to be washed yet, and then collecting a few extras along the way to use with things I want to make. 

I am anxious for this year to truly get back into the groove of making things, and getting back online selling again too. My dearest friend just lives a couple hours from me, and we converse about things we want to do, set some goals, and try to coax each other to help out in the motivation department too. She is in the process of getting her craft room ready, and organized too. Hopefully in the spring we have made some plans to do some thrifting, and junking. Also, to dig into some things for crafty pieces too. She has a few stores she wants to introduce me to, and I am anxious for it too. That is one good thing about this move that we made. I have a few more areas for shopping, and searching for treasures. Also, a new area where I can spend more time with me, and not chasing around for everyone else. More Me time is something we all need. 

LOL! Well, now that I have bored y'all with my thoughts, and ideas I shall stop here for now. Hope it didn't scare y'all away, and you come back to visit to keep tabs on things being done. Right now I am thinking, and planning maybe a Christmas in July. I'll keep you updated as things go along for me. Along with that I think I might start working on things for some of the holidays along the year too. I have some ideas, making notes, making lists for supplies needed, watching videos to help me a little bit, and I am truly excited for this! I only hope I can do what I am planning, but have fun with it too. 

Thanks so much for visiting with LilacsNDreams, and I hope to see y'all again soon! Stop by now, and then to check in on what is happening, chat with me, etc. Enjoy the company as I venture along with things. Take care till the next time everyone!

Online Summertime Sales Slow to None

Online Summertime Sales Slow to None

For many who deal with sales online, or in the brick and mortar stores will sometimes notice sales being slower. Some have not had many sales to speak of. When this happens, many of us will question ourselves about what are we doing wrong, do I need to change something, is there more I could do, and etc.

In all reality sales during the summer generally do become slower for many. Depends on what you are selling, supply and demand, and you know. Consider that many people, and families during the summer spend time vacationing, traveling, spending more time with family and friends, and their focus is not with buying too much of anything. Sure, they will buy when they are traveling, visiting out of town, and vacationing for different little souveniers. The majority of their time is not spending all their time online buying, but maybe emailing, researching with travel plans, some take the summer to prepare for winter months themselves with their diy projects, their online inventory, and things like that.   

Selling has usually been slow for me during the summer time which I have adjusted to. I have adapted with the sales being very slow, or if any at all. I like to try to take the opportunity to work more with my blogs, spend some time with my website, reorganizing things, do a little research about some diy projects, and hoping to take the time to repurpose pieces too. I also have been noting some of my inventory, reviewing past sales of what has or has not sold for me, and try to prepare a little bit for the next year or seasonal changes.  

Like many others I also like to take some time to go thrifting, yard saling, junking, visit some estate sales, maybe attend a few auctions, and enjoy the wonderful weather! It has been a different summer this year with the late start of it, but enjoying what I am able to now.  

So, if you are getting the summer time blues with your online sales or storefront sales, are concerned about slow sales, or no sales, don't be too worried. Just remember that summer time is generally slower for many. Now.....the season will soon be changing from vacations completed, traveling becoming minimal, and with school soon starting again for the little ones, those in middle schools, high schools, and college too. Once the season changes, and people are back home more they will be spending more time with their computers, and doing some of their favorite online shopping again.  

Hang in there everyone, things will soon get better!:) Thanks for sharing time with LilacsNDreams. See you all again soon!

Thrifting Junking Repurposing Homemade Creating Weekend

Thrifting Junking Repurposing Homemade Creating Weekend

Welcome to LilacsNDreams everyone! Wow! It is Friday, and it feels good to be here too. You have any big plans for the weekend? Nothing big here. Birthday celebrations with sister, and hopefully time to sleep, sleep, and even a little bit more sleep with the hectic schedules that have been here the past 2 weeks. 

Oh, yeah, I was kind of hoping to get some more pieces put together, and get more new things listed in the shops too. Can't jump ahead too far as my plans don't always work out. Day by day:)

Whatever your plans are for the weekend enjoy them, and have fun! WooHoo! It's Friday, and weekend here we come. Thanks for dropping by everyone to visit with LilacsNDreams, and see you again soon. Take care, and have a fabulous weekend with all you plan. Get in a little bit of shopping with Thrifting, and Junking if you can too. Till the next time. . . . 

Thrift Store Yard Sale Goodwill Transformations With Repurposing

 Thrift Store Yard Sale Goodwill Transformations With Repurposing.

Hello Everyone, and Welcome to LilacsNDreams! So, how was Labor Day Weekend? Did you all enjoy? It wasn't bad here. I always look forward to seeing a good friend of mine, and being able to share things we like to do, answer questions, give ideas, and all of the fun girl stuff.

As most of you know I enjoy Thrift Stores, Yard Sales, Goodwill, Salvation Army, and any discount place I kind find pieces to work with. Some pieces I find I will collect, display, or sell as is. Other pieces are involved with one of my favorite things to do which is to repurpose, and upcycle. There is sooo much out there to see, to do, to create, and what makes it even better is that I enjoy doing it. I enjoy making pieces that become one of a kind for others to enjoy. Right now I have been doing cake cupcake plate pedestal stands. I love glassware, and I have always been selective with my pieces that I find too. I have been slowly adding some of my work into my Ecrater Shop. Along with that shop you will also see pieces at Etsy, and Artfire too. 

I enjoy making cake cupcake plate pedestal stands. I have made a 2 tier one, and I have a 3 tier one that I hope to be listing soon as well. There are so many possibilities with these pieces once they are made. How amazing, and the cost of homemade can be so much more cost efficient compared to buying new sometimes too. Anyway....I can easily get carried away with this:) Many suggestions with some of these pieces is to use them in servings with cakes, and cupcakes. Maybe some cookies, or even some sandwiches for those lovely tea party gatherings too. Oh, don't forget you could serve some yummy truffles, candies, mints, and many wonderful snacks for any occasion. 

You can also use these pieces with your home decor too. Use them as candle holders, for center table arrangements, use on your kitchen counters with some soap and scrub pads, use in the bathrooms with rolled cloths and decorative soaps, on your dressers holding some of your favorite jewelry and trinkets, rest your eyeglasses on them when not in use, wonderful on the dressers and vanities. Great to use for organizing things in your home too. Since they are slightly raised you can put things on top, but also under them too. 

Use at weddings at the wedding table, bridal showers, baby showers, birthdays, holidays, special occasions, give as a gift, and so on, and so on. The list just goes on, and on with all the possibilities. Some of the pieces I have been making have become at times a two-in-one type thing as well. Not only can you have the pedestal stand with things on top, but due to some of the pieces I use you could also consider flipping them over. Upon doing this you can use them as a single candle holder with some flowers around the plate, use it as a single candy dish bowl, and as mentioned endless possibilities. When they are sitting right side up I once in a while like to set a flicker candle under some of the glasses, goblets, and glass pieces that have been used with bigger openings. 

Below are some pictures of pieces I have done. Some of my first pieces I made some of them had lace, ribbon bows, pearl strands, and etc on them. Yes, I still have some pieces I am working on that will have some lace on them to give a little more character. But, each piece is different, and is always made in the way I am inspired at the time of creating.  To see more pictures, details, and so on visit the places mentioned that they are listed with. Any questions, make sure you contact Me, ok?

 Green 2 Tier Cupcake Candle Plate Glass Pedestal Stand is listed with my shop at Etsy. I used 2 salad plates that are like new, and attached with a glass candle holder. 

I am happy with how this piece turned out using vintage salad plates, and a glass candle holder that attaches them. Pink Rose 2 Tier Cupcake Plate Pedestal Stand Vintage Inspired is listed with my shop at Artfire.

These 2 pictures are for a Stoneware Cupcake Plate Amber Glass Pedestal Stand that is listed with my shop at Etsy. Picture above is generally how you see them. This 2nd picture shows how you can flip it over, and use it in a more distinctive way too. 2 for 1 as I often call some of them.

This piece is a bit different as I used a glass bowl, a glass candle holder, some lace, and some ribbon. This Glass Candy Dish Candle Holder Pedestal Stand is listed with my shop at Ecrater. Visit to see all pictures, and details for this item. 

This is very similar to the piece above with the amber glass that has 2 pictures. Different decorative plate with this, and a gorgeous green glass pedestal makes this Green Cake Cupcake Plate Glass Pedestal Stand that is listed in my Ecrater Shop. 

 Taylor Smith Taylor Cupcake Cake Plate Pedestal Stand was repurposed by Me, and is listed with my shop at Ecrater. Visit to see more pictures, and details of this adorably vintage inspired piece.

 Glass Chandelier Candle Holder Repurposed Lighting Brown Glass was a fun piece to make. Used a chandelier light cover, and attached it to a green saucer. Visit Artfire for more pictures, and details of this item.

 Blue White Cake Cupcake Plate Blue Glass Pedestal Stand was one of my 1st pieces made using a dinner plate, and a vintage cobalt blue glass goblet. Hmmm, possibilities. See listing at Artfire.  Below this picture is another picture that goes with this same listing.

This picture actually is with the one above is which shows how this can be turned over, and used in this way too. Don't you just love all the possibilities of these pieces?

 Ok, this one is not listed yet. The pictures have been done, and revised for listings. Now, to get in there, and get it done. I used a glass dish that has the sawtooth rim design, and attached it to a small glass candle holder. Very simple, but yet cute and would be very nice with all it's uses in home decor too. 

This is yet another picture that will not be offered for sale. The glass bowl is a vintage indiana piece that will be given to my sister for her birthday along with the 2 tall glass cylinder candle holders that you are seeing. I have some of these glass cylinder candle holders at home that are a bit taller for each side of a pink glass lamp I have with a glass globe. My sister fell in love with them. So......I went shopping, and found these pieces to put together for her. In them I will add some berries air freshner pieces that look like berries too. Then, probably add some white candle in with that too. Below is just another picture for better viewing by showing one of the pieces without the flash used. 

  

 I know, a lot of pictures and I do hope it did not slow the page down for anyone as it was loading. Most of these items have been listed with my shops, will be listed, or as mentioned is being used in gift giving for a family member. 

Thanks so much for sharing your time with LilacsNDreams everyone. Enjoyed having you here, and hope to see you again soon. Take care everyone.  Hey, don't forget you are always welcome to leave comments with all of my listings. If you want to share something you are more than Welcome to do so. Thanks again everyone!:)