Blog For Thrift Store Vintage Collectibles Upcycle Repurpose

 LilacsNDreams Blog For Thrift Store Vintage Collectibles Upcycle Repurpose DIY Handmade

Hi! Welcome to LilacsNDreams! Happy to see you landing here to visit with me!

I know I left here to go over there for another Blog I started for LilacsNDreams. I do still have that, but I just felt like I wanted to drop by here. Still kind of hard to let go where I have been for so long. So, here I am. 

This year started off a little rough for us here at home. I had hernia surgery which kept me in hospital for the night with an issue that came up. Next day everything corrected, was fine, and I was released. About 2 weeks later my husband had a heart attack. Something none of us seen coming, and was very unexpected. But, after talking, going over things, being told things we realized this had been coming, and finally surfaced. That happened on the 16th, and on the 23rd of January hubby had double bypass surgery. It was an experience not wished upon anyone. 

So, during this time of recovery, doctor visits, physical therapy there unfortunately was no income being received. Unemployment was filed for, but was denied. Reason…his inability to work/surgery. His boss was not on a “list” that this could be treated like a lay off, and they do not support medical issues. Hubby, and the boss…also our dear friend…were not happy at all. For the years he drove here where has all that money gone? His boss wants to talk with his accountant to find out about paying unemployment, can he quit paying it since it can’t be used, and those kind of things. Soooo living off of credit cards, using what money was set aside for a rainy day, and doing best we could. Survival with doctor visits, and each drive was over an hour from home. Medicines to buy…hubby has no insurance. Never really a need for it because he never gets sick, and has never really had a need to see a doctor. Also, due to his profession of truck driving he was not released to work as soon as others can be released. As the doctor explained he did not break an arm, or a leg that could be casted. Bone in his chest was cut open, and put together with wire. Takes time to heal, no stress, and no physical work that could injure the bone. The next surgery would be more difficult due to more damage to try to fix. 

Almost 3 months of him being home. A lot of walking, and a lot of sleeping. I had a lot of time during these months to think about things, and reach into my feelings a little about what I like to do with LilacsNDreams. I sooo enjoy some of the things when I first started out online. Thrift Stores, Yard Sales, Flea Markets, and that search for vintage collectibles. I enjoyed searching for home decor, glassware was another passion, I so enjoyed things as found but sometimes seen possibilities of them in another way too. How I could upcycle an item to do this, oh it would look great if it had this color added to it, wouldn’t this be unique if these pieces were united, repurpose it for another use, and so on. I enjoyed searching Thrift Stores which you seem to be able to find a little bit of this, that, and look through piles for things. I wish sometimes I could have like a Thrift Store where you can sell a little of everything you would like to put into it. Things old, new, used, discarded, forgotten, handmade, DIY, and honestly a lot of things I enjoy doing myself with online sales. Wouldn’t it be neat to have an online Thrift Store? That idea excited me thinking about it. 

Now, another thing IF I did something like that. Would I keep my name of LilacsNDreams that I have had, and worked under since 2004 when I started? I have the domain for it, could set up a website to sell on, and have had that for a long time too. I have done social sites with it, my different blogs, different selling platforms, etc. When checking with AI with this name it pretty much describes everything I talk about which is a good thing to know. I also have another name with a domain I acquired some time ago. I have dabbled with it, have a blog with the name, but haven’t built it up like I have with this name of course. That name is ThriftyShopGirl. So, it’s me thinking again. Taking the time to look at different things, different ways of things, searching around a bit, making my notes, and trying to feel out what is the right way. I like the Online Thrift Store idea so that I can dabble with a little of the different things I like to do, that I have interests in. I need to feel my way through with the name idea. That is something I really need to look at more, and feel out a little more too.

So, everyone that is where my thoughts, and ideas have come to after everything that has happened this year to bring me to this point. I hope to be able to decide a little more here soon so that I can start putting inventory together for this venture….which this will be the fun part!! The thrill of the hunt, and ideas! It feels good, and free when I think of this. The inventory won’t be a real bad thing to put together. The decision of the name has me caught up a bit, and will hold things up a bit till I can determine more the better way to go with it.

Sorry for the story book. I was happy to share some thoughts, and ideas with you.  Thanks so much for spending time at LilacsNDreams! Happy to have you here. If you would like to share something about this topic, please feel free to do so. Thanks everyone, and see you again soon!

Repurpose Recycle Reuse Restore Reclaim Upcycle With LilacsNDreams

Repurpose Recycle Reuse Restore Reclaim Upcycle With LilacsNDreams

Hello to all visiting today! I deeply apologize for my absence. It was not intended, and unfortunately unavoidable. I had been sick with a really bad head cold for a good 3 weeks. It’s that time of year with weather changing that I normally get this, but usually does not last as long as this one did. Sadly, I had just seen my doctor for regular appointment a few days prior to me becoming sick too. I’m feeling so much better, a lot less of a cough, can breathe again, and eating has come back with my appetite.

Due to the time frame of this happening I was not able to work on any projects that I wanted to do, and then post them with Facebook Marketplace. Instead I am working hard to get our other house in order for our daughter, and family to stay there while visiting us for Christmas. Air mattresses for them all to use, towels and things there to shower, and so on. Most of time will be spent with us, but they cannot bring their dogs to this house with our dog here. He is high strung, and other dogs around does not work well with him.

I have been getting some things to start preparing ahead for everyone being here. We will not be celebrating Christmas Day, but on the following weekend. Works great for hubby to get home, and have time off. Works pretty good for those visiting with other family members, and also for friends to stop in too. As always we have the open door policy…Stop on in for a meal, to visit, for the company, you have no where else to go, etc. So, I have a little time to prepare christmas snacks, get pies put together and made, and etc. Busy busy like many do at this time.

So, right now I have plans for after the first of the year to sit down, work on projects, and get things posted with Facebook Marketplace. I’m hoping to have a website set up which will be easier to visit, and shop. I have something in mind I have been looking into, and hope to have it working in a few months too. Crossing fingers!

So, with a little imagination some of the old items can be like new again, and once conventional things can  become unique. I’m hoping for us all to learn some things, share some things, and be inspired with Repurpose, Recycle, Reuse, Restore, Reclaim, and Upcycle with LilacsNDreams. 

Thanks so much for visiting with LilacsNDreams! Happy to have you visit, and hope to see you again soon. Take care, and be safe! Happy Holidays!

Repurposed Handmade DIY Crafting Upcycled Shirts Keychains Cups

 

Repurposed Handmade DIY Crafting Upcycled Shirts Keychains Cups with LilacsNDreams for Cheyenne Customs.

Welcome to everyone visiting with LilacsNDreams today!

Many of us enjoy the fine art of crafting with handmade, homemade, DIY, repurposed, upcycled projects for our homes, given as gifts, for special occasions, etc. Holidays are fast approaching, and buying unique handmade gifts gives gift giving a special touch to be cherished.

In November I will be doing a vendor craft show with another person. We felt that offering our items together would add a variety to the booth, a few more choices, and help you a little with some of those creative thoughts for this fun time of year. 

Below you will see some pictures I shared from Cheyenne Customs that I am doing the vendor fair with. Cheyenne makes custom bows, shirts, signs, keychains, and more. If you would see something you like do not hesitate to contact Cheyenne, and place your order. Any questions please feel free to ask her too. The best way to contact her is to message her from Facebook with messenger. You can find her place at Cheyenne Customs

                                                         Shirt had been made for Easter

Covers for your cell phones

Sometimes she’ll find deals like on hats she can offer to you plain, or if you would like something printed on it she can do it

Cups personalized, bottom of socks with sayings, different face masks for adults and children

Wooden keychains have been popular, and are so cute too!

I have this shirt myself, and get compliments about it too

Dish towels can be done also. I adore decorating my kitchen with things like this too.

The designed bows look great, and are so cute when little girls wear them too!

Why not add a little character to your home lounging attire? Wear something unique when you’re out, and about doing errands too.

I have this shirt ordered, and cannot wait to get it either! Popular coffee sayings, and I adore country music too!

Some of her first cups Cheyenne made

Definitely clothes for kids too

Cheyenne shared a print to see who would like it used on something for them, or given as a gift too

Cheyenne used plain divided trays, and added print with designs to make them fun for the kids. They have been popular too.

As you can see we should have a nice variety of items with the combination of Cheyenne Customs, and LilacsNDreams. This will be my first vendor fair having some of my products being offered. I’m anxious for the opportunity, and a little nervous too. Trying to get organized, and get a few more things made to offer too.

Thank you so much for visiting with LilacsNDreams everyone! Take care, be safe, and see you again soon! Toodles . . . . . . 

Handmade Homemade Hand Altered Buying Online and Local

 

Handmade Homemade Hand Altered Buying Online and Local with LilacsNDreams. Welcome to everyone visiting!

Special reminder that buying products this way is better for everyone, creators and buyers. 

Handmade is considered made, or prepared by hand rather than by machine. It is made by hand, a hand process, and made by people using their hands. Individual pieces, or materials that compromise a finished item. Paint, wire, and pieces combined that create a final item. 

Hand Altered is glued, nailed, screwed, sewn, stapled, embroidered, inscribed, painted, drawn, photographed, etc. Any alteration, or embellishment to an item by hand, hand controlled machine, and traditional art or craft method. Hand Altered can also be referred to as hand embellished, or hand assembled too. 

Homemade can be referred to pieces that are repurposed, upcycled, restyled, reimagined, etc. Made or prepared in the home, made by oneself, crudely or simply made. Creative touches, quality supplies, ingredients, and so on. 

So, why pieces like this? Many reasons which I will mention a few.

1)  Find something unique. Home decor, clothing, wall decor, and many things will not be exactly what someone else has. You can keep up with the trends  by fixing, adding, changing, fixing it up. Makes it unique for you.

2)  Super Craftsmanship. Handmade items get individual care, special attention, focus on details, quality control, etc. There are no assembly lines with unskilled workers. 

3)  Putting money into good hands. When you pay an artist, or craftsman for their work they are actually getting the profit from it. You are not paying a CEO of a major company, their overhead, and so on. You can also improve the economy, and make a difference by shopping this way with Handmade, Homemade, and Hand Altered.

4)  Better Customer Service. I like to think that buying this way you get individual attention from the seller. When receiving products you might have a hand written note, a thank you, and once in a while you might get some little freebie included with your item. If you have a problem with some kind of mix up, lost or damaged in shipping, maybe item received was faulty, it is almost always taken care of effectively. These sort of issues though happen less frequently due to the care, and the concern Sellers strive for in having Happy Customers. 

5)  Go Green. Smaller scale operations will produce less waste, use recycled materials, found objects, industrial salvage pieces, etc. items that could have gone to the landfills, but with these technique of Sellers they are spared and used.

6)  Get custom items and alterations. Great to have things made just for you. It’s a pleasure to receive one of a kind items, and maybe to help complete a vision you might have of something not yet out there. Also, if you don’t have the skill or time to make it yourself, there is someone out there who does. 

7)  Make somebody’s dream come true. Many of us dream about quitting the day job, becoming your own boss, and doing what you love to do everyday. Whether it is for you, or helping someone else with this, it is very inspiring. 

                              “Do What You Love, and the World Will Follow”

As mentioned before there are many categories that fall into these topics mentioned. Jewelry, clothing, accessories, home decor, housewares, vintage, used, soaps, lotions, bath products, etc. they all have something in common. Start from scratch, connect things, or pieces making something for you. 

There are many wonderful sellers out there doing all kinds of work. They take much pride in what they do, and like many others work very hard at what they do to make their items to be offered to you. When shopping please don’t forget about them. I would suggest if you have not already bought something like this . . . Give it a try. You will be very surprised at what you get, and will want more. It’s addictive! 

The picture below was made by a friend who is no longer here. She took much pride in her work, and spent much time with it. This bunny was made from colored glass beads using safety pins to form the body. Under the body was a light, and when lit was so soft colored and cute!

Thank You for visiting with LilacsNDreams. See you again soon. Till then take care, and be safe!

Toodles . . . . . . 

Federal Glass Bowl Candy Dish Compote Holder Wood Bowl Glassware Home Decor

 Federal Glass Bowl Candy Dish Compote Holder Wood Bowl Glassware Home Decor with LilacsNDreams. Hello to everyone who visits today!

Yesterday was kind of a lazy relaxing day. So, when it was time to consider what to share with everyone I was a little bit stumped, and not quite sure what to share this time. So, I went back through old pictures, looking at past things I’ve done, having memories of things I did, etc. That is when I decided to share a little bit of things I had done over time. The pieces I am sharing have all sold back in time when I started this change of interests for selling. This would be around the time I was getting started with repurposing different pieces, and I was starting to experiment with painting too. I miss some of these pieces, and wish I still had them. I enjoy being able to combine sometimes a vintage piece with another to give it a new life for others to be able to enjoy too.

This is a Federal Glass Bowl Candy Dish Compote Holder I had repurposed, restyled, and upcycled. 

This was a cute, sturdy little piece that I combined 2 pieces of glassware uniting them to make this one compote piece. Many uses for it like a candy dish, candle holder, jewelry dish, catch all, in bathroom with some soaps and things, and the possibilities are endless. I used a gorgeous iridescent clear glass bowl by federal glass. I united it with a glass candle holder with an hexagon shape to make the base/stand for this adorable piece. Both glass pieces were sturdy, and just adorable together! It look store bought.

Now, this is a picture showing some items I found while thrifting back in 2011. Pay more attention to the brown wooden bowls. Those bowls were my first projects that I painted. I used white spray paint, a French blue spray paint, and the pink paint I used was a pink slipper color. It was a trying time to learn to paint with spray paint, what to do so it wouldn’t run, and I also tried a little of distressing with the white and blue bowl compote stands. The other pieces you see I eventually did some plate compote stands with them too. Creativity of uniting pieces is fun, and makes the finished items unique in small ways. Adds a little life, and character to items being repurposed and preserved for new times and uses.

Below you will see a picture that shows the wooden bowls I had painted with the colors mentioned. I was pretty proud of myself, and how they looked when finished. It excited me to do more too!

Hope everyone enjoyed seeing some of my first repurposed, and restyled pieces I made. I haven’t done as much with the compote plate stands like I use to. But, I do dabble a little bit with it yet. 

Thanks so much for visiting with LilacsNDreams everyone! I appreciate you stopping by, and hope to see you again soon. Take care till the next time, and be safe everyone! Toodles . . . .