A Rose is a Rose…

But a Blaze rose is a rose and so much more.

This ruby red, climbing beauty was first introduced in 1932. It is the rose that I associate with the women who most influenced me-my grandmothers, aunts, and my mom, and I seem to remember this rose growing in every garden lovingly tended by these women.  This rose provides me with a tangible link to the past-when all of these women were still a part of my life.

I’m happy to say that I  have my very own Blaze rose, growing in my garden-carrying on the tradition.  Any other rose just wouldn't be the same.

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My Father’s Coat

This is a repost from almost two years ago, but it’s fitting for today too,  I think.  Happy Father’s Day Daddy!

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As the leaves start to blow across another autumn and the days get cooler, I start wearing my father’s coat. My father bought this coat—a striking jacket in a dark blue, black and green plaid with woven leather buttons and faux sheepskin lining—back in 1965. The tag inside the collar says “Lakeland Sportswear. Styled in Wisconsin.” It’s a cool, vintage coat—the kind I wish men still wore.

At some point my younger sister ended up with it, and it didn’t become mine until a few years ago when she asked me if I wanted it. “Oh yes!” I said—I’d longed to have it for the longest time.

As I mentioned before, I’d always thought it was a pretty cool coat. I liked it because it was vintage, and it was a great style. I loved the beautiful plaid fabric it was made from, and the neat buttons on it. And once it became mine, I added something else to this list—I loved it most of all because it had belonged to my dad and he had worn it.  You see, after overcoming some trying times in my younger days when my father and I were at odds with each other, I was lucky enough to eventually realize just how wonderful my dad is.

I love wearing my father’s coat. It’s nice and warm and gives me a certain pride too-pride in knowing that I am like my dad in more ways than I ever dreamed I would care to admit. And I wonder too…how he could have known all those years ago, that when he picked out this coat it would become MY favorite some day.

Thanks Dad. I love you!

Five Minute Makeover

 

I found this wooden  frame at Goodwill a week ago.  It was new, but it had a decidedly vintage feel to it with the beading around the edge, and at $1.99 I couldn't pass it up.

I knew with a nice coat of paint, it would definitely look like a frame straight out of the 40’s or 50’s.   I chose a color called Key Lime (paint was around $4).  In about 5 minutes-the transformation was complete!

 

I love the way it turned out!

Have you ever transformed a thrift store find?  I’d love to hear about it-I’m always looking for new ideas!

 

Technorati Tags: thrift store,picture frame,spray paint,vintage decorating

Stars and Stripes and Sailors!

In celebration of Flag Day yesterday, this photo appeared on Bing.com’s home page.  It’s such a great image that I wanted to share it here too.

I don’t know who the photographer is, but he or she deserves credit for taking a stunning picture of what must have been quite an amazing sight in real life.  Great work!

Technorati Tags: sailors,flag day,flag,photography

 

A Walk Through My Garden

Will you come along with me?  I’d love to have the pleasure of your company!

Purple Columbine and pink Thrift.

A  lovely stepping stone made by my mother in law.  Lots of Iris and Daisies too.

There are two garden benches in my garden-perfect for relaxing after a hard day pulling weeds, or contemplating pulling weeds…

We salvaged lots of rocks to outline the flower beds-and used recycled old brick for a path.

 

This curious plant  (possibly a Yarrow)  produces flowers that are both light pink and dark pink! 

 

 

Cherries!

 

Until next time!

Now tell me, what is your favorite flower?

(P.S.  Here is a before photo of what the back looked like when we moved in four and a half years ago!)

Technorati Tags: garden,flowers,gardening

The Beauty of Bakelite

Along with the right barkcloth, great vintage buttons are one of the signature elements in my bag designs-and some of my favorite buttons are made of bakelite.

Bakelite (pronounced bay ka lite) was developed in 1907 by Belgian scientist Leo Baekeland. It was the first plastic made from synthetic compounds and was originally developed for industry, being extremely useful because of its non conductive and heat resistant properties.

It became clear however, that bakelite was perfect for other things including buttons because it was available in an array of colors and could be carved, molded, and laminated into many shapes.  Some other popular uses for bakelite included telephones, jewelry, drawer pulls, radios and utensil handles, to name but a few.

Modern Materials for Modern Living.   Bakelite Plastics, 1957

The buttons I’ve shown are coat buttons from the 1930's. During the Great Depression people had to make do with what they had, but for a few cents they could update the look of a garment such as a coat with new buttons. Their biggest challenge was just having to decide which of these beauties to choose!

 

As a side note, not only do I love finding and using great vintage items-but I love learning about these items too.  From time to time I will do more of these features.  Let me know what you think, and if you have something vintage to share, I’d love to read about it too!

In Amy’s (Climbing) Shoes

A couple days ago, my daughter Amy’s rock climbing class went on a field trip near Vantage, Washington to climb a rock formation known as the Feathers.

Rock climbing is a great sport.  It is helping to teach Amy self reliance and it boosts  her confidence.  She is constantly trying to improve her skills and challenge herself-and she is getting better and stronger each time she climbs. 

Here she is-in the tan shirt-sizing up the rocks.

Amy begins her first climb.

Almost half way up.

When I look at these photos I almost bust my buttons!  Amy looks like a real pro!

Amy at the top. 

 

I am so proud of her-and not only that, I am so inspired by her! It makes me hope that I can learn to be more like her!!

Now, if only I wasn’t so afraid of heights…