January | 2009 | Make Mine Eclectic

Etsy: A New Fav.

January 6, 2009 at 10:03 am (Tid Bits) (Christmas, decor, eclectic, etsy, gifts, handmade, home, homemade, house, Inspiration, on-line shopping, potholder, presents, promotion, shopping, skulls)

I had heard of Etsy before, but had never shopped thier site. Before Christmas my mom asked me if I had, and said that she was going to try it. When Christmas day rolled around, we were both delightfully surprised.

She had ordered me this adorable apron and potholder set from an Etsy seller named Annie’s Attic. The set was so cute, the seller had quick shipping, and it came all wrapped up in matching tissue and ribbon, with a hand written thank you on it. We were so impressed not only by the wonderful products, but also by the personable service. We just had to promote Etsy and this particular seller. No more poor service (thank you greatbookdeals at Amazon) and no more torn up packages and broken toys (another Christmas story), this was great on-line shopping.

Take a look at this oh-so-cute apron and potholder!

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Thank you Annie’s Attic and Etsy! We will both be return customers!

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All Things Can Become New Again

January 5, 2009 at 4:36 pm (Inspiration) (design, diy, do it yourself, furniture, home, house, ideas, Inspiration, old, reclaimed, recycle, repurpose, reuse, trash to treasure, upcycle, vintage)

I have talked about this before, but just can’t get enough. Old things becoming new again. I love this idea. I especially love repurposing items when the new purpose is something completely different than its previous use. This has actually become pretty popular lately, so there is a lot of inspiration out there. I thought I would compile some of my favorite repurpose finds. I might even have to start a new project soon!

http://hubpages.com/hub/Cool-Repurposed-Furniture

http://www.minispace.com/en_us/article/innovative_repurposed_furniture/2/

http://www.poetichome.com/2008/10/28/repurposed-card-catalog-transforms-into-table/

http://blissfullydomestic.com/blissful-home/decorating/repurposing-fur/

http://www.robomargo.com/furniture.html

These ideas are all great. The first picture is water skis made into a chair. I have also seen old surf boards used as shelves. The second is a shopping cart made into a chair. These would be totally cute on a deck or around a camp fire. The next photo is a library card catalog with added legs used as a coffee table. Then there is the side board dresser turned into a bathroom sink vanity. I love this idea. More storage and totally unique. The last is a side table made from suitcases. Great because storage is built right in!

Try thinking of new uses for old objects. Not only will your home be more unique and express your personality and taste, but it is greener for our world to recycle old items. Its a win win!

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Name That Chair

January 5, 2009 at 12:45 pm (Home Changes and Additions) (advice, chair, desk, eclectic, find, garbage, gem, help, home, house, information, MCM, mid century, mid century modern, new home, new house, office, pocket desk, pretty, question, trash, trash to treasure, white)

I know I have posted pictures of this chair before, but I am still wondering. I saw this lonely little chair on the side of the road just waiting for the garbage man about a month ago (yes, the side of the road). I went straight home and begged Tony to go nab it for me. I mean the poor thing is adorable and in desperate need of saving. So, being the amazing and understanding guy Tony is, he drove his truck over to the house where I spied the chair and scooped it up.

When we got it home, we realized there wasn’t a thing wrong with it. It wasn’t broken, stained, or even scratched. It looked as though some one had owned it since it’s original day and finally used it in a garage or shop, as it was a bit dirty. They must have thought it wasn’t new enough looking to clean up. Well, I have news for these people. This chair is amazing. I scrubbed it with my handy dandy Magic Eraser (amazing also by the way!). And, the thing was soon good as new.

We now have the perfect addition to our pocket office. But, we were still wondering what kind of chair this is exactly. It is unmarked, but looks mid-cenury to me. I am no expert, but was guessing 50’s or 60’s. If any of you out there have seen another one of these, or have any info, please let us know!

Even if we never solve the mystery, we now have this truly cute chair all for our own!

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Some New Year’s Inspiration: 100 Things I Love

January 2, 2009 at 10:17 am (Inspiration) (aviators, bathtub, cameras, candles, dice, home, house, ideas, Inspiration, list, love, personality, pictures, records, reflection, spiral staircase, style, sunglasses, things)

I recently saw a list some one had made of 100 things they loved. It seemed so inspiring to think about that many things that you enjoy or care about. So, I tried it. I thought that it also helped to take a deeper look at your style and personality. So… here’s my list. I hope it might help inspire you too…

100 Things I Love: