Bette's Bungalow

Tomorrow is the day!

2012-01-31T20:17:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, February 1, is the "Grand Re~opening" of "Green Table Gifts"just south of the Chandler Fashion Square Mall. 3401 W. Frye Road #13, Chandler, AZ 85226 to be exact.

I couldn't be more excited and honored to be a part of this team of very talented women! This unique store incorporates creative, unique hand made items and a few of my favorite (vintage) things.

As if that weren't enough, "Green Table Gifts" is one of a few distributors in Arizona of the newly famous (to America, that is) "Annie Sloan Chalk Paint". I am slowly learning to use it, and I'm finding that it seriously lives up to the brush~fire type reputation now appearing on the blogosphere and planet "Pinterest". If you're a newbie to the restoration world (like me), you can sign up for classes. Yes, there will be classes at the store! And if painting isn't your thing, keep your eye on the calendar, because there will be a veritable offering of creative things you can learn.

So if you're in the area, please, go. Check this out. Great prices, fabulous artists and just enough vintage items to satisfy the girly~girl in all of us!!

Trunk'in it. 1800's style.

2012-01-29T16:09:00.000-08:00

Dusting off this sweet ol' trunk today. Hate to part, but I must.
Love, love the vintage hardware.
Wood. Metal. Glorious Rust. These are a few of my favorite things!
Wouldn't this make a wonderful coffee table? Too big for my little home, but would look lovely in yours now wouldn't it??
Even has the original key! Sweetness! Imprinted on lock is "Eagle Lock Co., Terryville, Conn.".
Carefully dusting her off. No, I wasn't painting it. Who would mess with this wonderful green patina?
The Beagle stays with me. I'm just throwing in her picture cause' she's cute. And adorable. And patient with me as I do my crazy projects.
Moving on now...there's a bit of water damage on the left side.
Has the inside cover.
And top shelf/drawer. Yes, she's old.
Here's the right side water damage. Good thing rust is in style (did I mention that I love rust?)
Now the right side. Pardon the shadows, it's getting late.
Yup, she's a beaut. Measures 3 feet in length, 1 feet, 9 inches across and 13 inches in height.

And there she is. Currently awaiting placement in a most appreciative home.

Have a look at my little nook!

2012-01-28T20:26:00.000-08:00

Just four more days! My new, little spot!

I'm so excited! I'm so terrified!
Here's the humble beginnings of my little vignette. I've since added more wares...to my new business opportunity...

at...

near...

Venturing forth!

2012-01-23T05:56:00.000-08:00

If you hear crickets chirping in the background of my blog this week, it's because I'm off working on an exciting new business venture.

I won't tell you what it is yet, but it does involve the words "green" and "table". That's all I'm sayin' bout that, unless you are imagining me restoring an old table with the color green. Uh, that's not happening (or as my husband says, "that dog just ain't gonna hunt").

More details (and changes to my blog) coming soon!

Que the crickets now...

American Restoration

2012-01-17T19:29:00.001-08:00

I've got an upcoming project. Yes, it involves fabric. And I'm going to document it.

I'm not going to tell you what it is yet. Uh, uh. No.I know, I know...I said that I would not blog about cleaning linens again. But technically, this is not a linen. It's more, well, you'll just have to check back in a few weeks to find out.

You know, because I'm not telling you what it is yet.
I. Am. Stoked.

Even spoke with a wonderful museum curator today who gave me the step by step process.

It's gonna' be grand! Reeeeaaaalllly grand.

Sneak peek. Just a little one, mind you...

2012-01-16T09:50:00.000-08:00

Sharing a peek of a few of my weekend finds.

Just a little one, mind you.Sources never to be disclosed (what's the fun in that!?!).
Coming to a booth soon!!

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." James 1:17

Home for my "chippy" chair

2012-01-12T15:46:00.001-08:00

My son scoffed, said it couldn't be done.But my "chippy" chair has found a new home.

On the ledge.

Added bonus? My husband loves it there. Woot! Now the chippy paint that's left on the chair can stay put for a while.
Here's a night time pic.

Still tweaking with the vignette, but I'm doing a thankful happy dance. Oh. Yes.

old jars and such

2012-01-10T21:49:00.000-08:00

You know what they say? Well, me neither. Nor do I care.That old hutch (the one with ugly trim...mentioned it earlier and I'm not mentioning it again), well that old thing needs to be filled. And filling it I am.

Or, did.

And now I'm blogging about it.
Nearing the first anniversary of my vendorship and no one ever told me about the Christmas rush turn around and pack up everything in your house and booth and price and add inventory till it makes your head spin thingy.

It's a good thing too cause' I may not have signed up for this gig.
Jars! Jars! Bottles and jars! Love em'. Every one has a story, only you have to kind of imagine it now because no one is around to tell it to us and it's quite difficult to track down the orignal bottle owners...yeah, just enjoy it.

Did I mention that my head is spinning?
Spoons, spoons, silver plate spoons. Coming to my wall soon. Promise.
Petite pottery jars from all over the world. Sheesh, people were alot smaller back then. Tellin' ya.
Now here's my biggie for the season. Turn of the century O.P. CO. Syracuse China. 12 piece place setting, not kidding you, by golly. Owners took care of this set, I mean it. Serious preservation. And it delightfully awaits a new home in my hutch with the ugly trim (last mention, promise).

A hutch, a good measure of pride and some sandpaper

2011-12-30T21:24:00.000-08:00

I don't want to tell you about this. Uh, uh. No. I don't. But I feel that I must pause and memorialize this moment.

I bought a hutch. With ugly trim.U.G.L.Y.

Why did I buy it you ask? I still don't know. I'm pretty sure it had something to do with the fact that I didn't pray before I went to procure it.

It went something like this (just start at the 1:00 mark, you'll get the picture):

After a sleepless night, tossing and turning over the horrible sales scene in my mind, I woke up, grabbed my coffee and a sandpaper block and set out to right the awful wrong (did I mention that this is a grammar~free blog? well it is).

Here's half of the hutch. No, I'm not posting a close up photo...this is as close as you're getting.
Now I've browsed a good number of creative blogs where creative, perfect, (did I mention creative? well it's worth mentioning again) women dwell and repurpose furniture in the blink of an eye.

I'm a realist. I've accepted the fact that this is not my talent. I'm o.k. with this really, I am. Which furthers the mystery of why I bought this piece.

So, because the hutch was already in questionable shape, I sighed a huge relief when I began scraping away the hideous golden black manifestation.

I love you chippy, shabby. I really, really love you!
Don't gag. This is the edge on the bottom piece of the hutch.
Here is the top edge shabby~sanded (yea, I just made that up).
And here is the after photo of shabby~sanded~trim. I still have a little sanding to do, but I think it will make a good display piece for the myriad of inventory awaiting placement to the booth.

There's a parable here somewhere, I'm sure of it. Something to do with sandpaper scraping away my pride and God being merciful and kind to me even though a.) I made a questionable purchase b.) I failed to ask for His help. Yea, I spent an afternoon sanding the trim and God wrapped His arms around this little sandpapering daughter and simply loved on me with His grace.

Merry "Vintage" Christmas!!

2011-12-24T10:24:00.000-08:00

from our home to yours...
...have a very Merry Christmas!
Take some time to reflect on the true meaning of the season. The old, old story. That still rings true for us today.

"And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

Luke 2:8-14 ESV

Chippy Chair

2011-12-23T15:41:00.000-08:00

My husband brought home this "chippy" vintage chair to me today. He found it in an old barn.
I love it!
But even more than the chair itself, I love the fact that my husband knew I would love it.
28 Christmas's spent together. This chair will not be heading to the store. I love what it represents and I am grateful to God for it.

Merry Christmas everyone! Cherish the people in your life.

Shabby Chic'n it Today

2011-12-17T11:09:00.000-08:00

Nursing my disappointment of not being able to attend the "Sweet Salvage" occasional sale this weekend with a closer to home estate sale.

I am temporarily appeased. Generally speaking, I'm not a shabby chic kind of gal.
Yet how could I pass on such a darling chandelier?!?
I just couldn't, I tell you. Could. Not.
Someone has to preserve these dear lights. Might as well be me.
pure. sweetness.
And here's the little sister. Some little girl somewhere needs to have this in her room. Stat.
I went searching for industrial and industrial I did find.
Just one more to make a pair. Soothing to the eyes, lines and metal. Oy!Truly the most satisfying element of estate sales are meeting the family members whose loved one has passed away. To talk and share with them at this tender time in their lives is priceless. I consider it a privilege and I walk lightly upon this hallowed ground.

In light of that, this dear blow mold Santa shall remain in my home. The family gave it to me for free since the platform upon which he stood was broken.

Welcome Santa friend, welcome.
Also welcoming this fancy lady from Italy.

Just a few of the treasures I found this morning. Happy hunting out there!!

"Slow down, you move too fast..."

2011-12-12T08:22:00.000-08:00

...and besides, you just might miss out on the tiniest of treasures. If you're in a hurry, that is.Good morning! Just finishing up my coffee and pumpkin bread (yawn, yawn). Time for a mini recap of some of last week's treasures.

The theme, you ask? Finding tiny treasures in unexpected places (but you have to look, you'll find them if you take your time).
O.K. So, these tea cups are not tiny. But they are worth mentioning as I found them with my mom last week. Darling shamrock edged tea cups from England. Found them in a cluttered garage, we did.
And this. I know I'm letting the cat out of the bag, but somewhere in the near future all of the vintage Scrabble games will be non existent as a set. Alas, Scrabble letters will become jewelery and boards will be hung from picture frames. The two shall part, ne'er to meet again.

Snag them up while you can, they're going fast.
Aaand, now for the teeny~tiny talk (tee, hee). I went searching high and low (well, Michael's and World Market to be exact) for little bottle brush Christmas trees. Michael's did not have any at all (don't they go on "Pintrest"??) and World Market was sold out, except for an ugly (my opinion) red one that was on display. Yes, I bought it. Only to surprisingly come across a box full of "dust bunny" covered old trees the next day at a garage sale! In the bottom of an old musty box! Hark!

Fell in love with the above, tiny tree. So sweet & feminine.
And what did I discover in the very bottom of a very large moving box filled with a veritable myriad of disposable junk? Why precious little vintage child's tea cups from West Germany and Czechoslovakia of course!
Delicate little tea cup and saucer with brushed petals. Not a single chip or crack. How can it be?
To be honest, it really isn't about dollar signs. It's a rescue mission.
Preserving history, from the bottom of a dirty box.
One vintage treasure at a time :O).

For My Mom

2011-12-07T15:35:00.000-08:00

I'm dedicating this post to my mom (hi mom!). Her and my dad came down last weekend to attend my son's youth group Christmas banquet with us. And of course we squeezed some garage saling in. Even in the rain we found a few treasures.

As I've mentioned many times before, there was of course a theme. Only this time it was a disturbing one. Naked mannequins. Two garage sales and one flea market. Yup. There they were, taunting us. Must have been a screaming sale somewhere in the valley because everyone was trying to pawn them off on us.

We never did make it over to my booth, so here's the latest photo shoot. For my mom.
Can't you just feel the warmth from that fireplace? Mmmmm, I can!
Sweet dealeo on these vintage lamps! Only I've got to help my mom with her haggling skills ;O). You'll get it mom, you will (inside story).
I'm liking this lighted corner. It really draws you in (thank you C.S. ;O)).
Last remnants of vintage ornaments. Get em' while you can.
Oh I miss my hutch! I'm in search of a new one, not to fear. Not really enjoying the back of my neighbor's hutch.
Now if you're going to rent a booth to me with a post right smack dab in the middle, well, I'm gonna put a ladder next to it. Uh, huh. A ladder.

Actually this is one of my "snags" from the early bird salvage sale. Suuuwwweeeet!
Don't you just want to hang around and peruse the valuables for an afternoon? Me too.
No, I'm not walking under it. Just puttin' stuff under it.
Love these cobalt blue wine glasses! Mother ~ daughter garage sale find, oh yes. I almost want to say they are Murano because of the quality of the glass. But I can't. So I'll just pretend. Cause I don't really know. And they're pretty.
Pretty chachkie things.
Not doing very well inspiring the creativity for my Pyrex bunsen burners. I'll have to work on that. Makes. Note.
Q.: What's an antique booth without primitive printing trays? A.: A booth without primitive printing trays.

Look ma! That's my booth!!

Love you.

Salvage Treasures & Sprucing Up for the Holidays

2011-11-22T08:19:00.000-08:00

You simply cannot be the first person to a salvage sale, have a 15 minute head start on the crowd, and not have a plan.

Since I was a newbie, I knew I had to keep my expectations low and be strategic (a small budget kept things in perspective too).One thing on my mental list was a cloche. Only I didn't know it was called a cloche. This is what it's all about, learning.

O.K., it's about acquiring too.
For some reason I wanted salvage, metal type finials. I was searching for larger ones to display my vintage hats, but immediately fell in love with these darlings. The price was fantabulous so I couldn't pass!
My search for an ornament, jewelery and all around "chachkie" holder was productive. Love this shabby tree!

I have three more items to share with you, but they are currently residing in my antique booth. Will see tonight whether they found a good home or not!
Decorating my ledge with items already in my home. With the exception of the reindeer (thanks mom!). Just a little inspiration from the creative folks at Sweet Salvage!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone, and happy sprucing up your home!!

Sweet Salvage for the Soul

2011-11-18T16:12:00.000-08:00

Let me start out by saying a huge, THANK YOU!! to my friends and family for helping me win VIP status to the "Sweet Salvage" Occasional Sale this week (it's still going on through Sunday, I didn't buy everything)!

This entitled me to a 15 minute head start on shopping, and what a 15 minutes that was!I was a complete newbie to the Sweet Salvage scene and if I had known what was in store for me I would not have slept a wink the night before. Not. A. Wink.

45 minutes early and there was already a line outside. Should have been a clue.
I'm not a big believer in Nirvana, but when I stepped inside, I knew this place was going to mess with me. In a big way.

There are almost no words to describe the heavenly warehouse of glorious rust, iron, vintage wood, baubling treasures, tin, finials, silver plate...I have to stop now, or I will relive the whole fantasy...
...after I acquired my 15 minutes of treasures (that's for another post), I began my gawking. All of the things I love and people who knew how to put them together. I mean, really put them together.

Once they let the doors open for the general public the frenzy began. Not your average run of the mill frenzy. No, this was more like an apocalyptic, hurry and grab everything off of the shelves or we're going to die frenzy.
And I loved every moment of it! There really are more people like me out there!

See the deer head hanging on the wall way back there? Makes me kind of warm up to the idea of bringing my husband's elk heads in from the garage.

Somebody stop me!
Every place I turned, I was inspired by the creativity in decor of precious salvage. Pure genius, pure genius.
Now I know what to do with my piles of rusty railroad nails and old photos!

Vintage ornaments. Please have your own personal moment of silence.

Thank you.
Don't forget to look up or you will definitely miss something.
Then quickly look back down again.
Gah! Love the old hankies and how they are displayed here!
Even waiting in the check out line was a pleasure. So much to take in.
Looking forward to many more visits to the Melrose District. Thank you "Sweet Salvage"!!

God's grace, a good man and some twinkle lights

2011-11-16T12:40:00.000-08:00

Sprucing up the place so my customers feel welcomed and warmed by Christmas past.
It helps to have friends who remind you, "Don't forget the twinkle lights!" (love you Cindi!).
The hutch with the dry sink. Only took me 6 months to decide to let it go. My first "big" furniture acquisition and the moment when my husband agreed to take a chance on me in this business venture. I love that man!
My first big acquisition, and my first big sale (not to mention, it sold the very day after the twinkle lights were added...who knew?).

Looking forward to many more!!

Begging? Who's above that? Not me.

2011-11-11T19:51:00.000-08:00

Found this creative little business in the Phoenix area called "Sweet Salvage". You can check out their blog here!!

What I find intriguing about them is their entrepreneurial spirit and one of a kind items. You see, they are only open for business 4 days out of every month. They begin on the third Thursday and close the doors on Sunday. Each month is a different theme, and when its over, its over. Then they spend the entire month in search of new treasures to bring to you and me.

Now, if you happen to check them out on facebook (and "like" their page) or the above blog and sign up for their emails, would you please mention that I sent you. Please! Because if enough of my friends & family do this I could win the opportunity to be let in early on Thursday morning (tee, hee) and get first dibbs. So to speak. Not because I want to be first or anything...o.k., YES! I do!

Here's a little video blurb about this business:

Cast Iron Fireplace Mantel

2011-11-11T09:24:00.000-08:00

In case I haven't mentioned this before, I like rust. And old things.And if they are beautifully crafted, well, yea, it's a good day.
Cant' say that I've ever purchased a fireplace mantel before, and I almost separated this set. I was drawn to the two ornate pieces.

But the sweet garage sale lady kindly explained what it was, ehem, because I was blinded by the rust.

And what a sweet lady she was, along with her friend. Made a very nice deal with me and when I left they said I was like a grand daughter to them.

The people I meet are precious sometimes. I may,
or may not, clean this set up. Because not everyone loves rust as much as I do. And a few little pieces need some tweaking, but I'm game.
Thank you, dear husband, for waking me up early with that cup of coffee. I'd say it was worth it :O).

Yes, I am one of those people

2011-11-06T21:05:00.000-08:00

I know, I know. Thanksgiving has not even arrived yet. I can hear the jaded mantra of "Why are the Christmas decorations out before Halloween?" in my head.

I've said it a million times myself.
New to the whole antique booth scene this holiday season, I found myself dreaming of the Holidays early into the summer (come on, be real, if you live in the desert you dream too...beginning in May!).
We dream big here in the scorching Valley. Very big. So much so that we can appreciate retro snow apparatus. Even if we can't use it. Unless we visit our mom up in the mountains (is the room ready yet mom?).

"Rosebud"...(10 extra points if you know what that means).Christmas hankies and doilies, oh my! Let the decorating begin!

I've never been a fan of modern decorations. I'd much rather savor the nuances of Christmas past. Don't be shocked. It's true.
Shiny Brites and European glass ornaments.

Moment of silence please.
Thanks to my friend with superior decorative and organizational skills (it's all about the people you surround yourself with...in more ways than one), we found a "niche for my kitsch" (arr, arr).

Dear angry Santas, may you find a good home.
I'm sorry that the top of these metal trees were cut off. Not literally, thankfully. I'm sorry because this metal trio is sweet. It pays to bring along your mom to yards sales, she spotted these sweeties from afar.

A perfect concoction of rusted metal, old wood and vintage soda bottles. Yea, that's the only fix I need. Throw in a little retro Johnny Mathis and Bing Crosby Christmas tunes and we are set!

A Little Inspiration and Even Less Temptation

2011-10-29T11:19:00.000-07:00

Please hear me out. One of the best things that ever happened to me was losing our house.

She's (the house) gone, she is. And with it, my foolish desire for finding comfort, prestige and pleasure in material possessions (well, I'm still working on my Bronco...these things take time...so glad I love a gracious God). After all, it was just a shell.

Though the loss did not come without some painful smarting, now I am free. Free to know what really matters. And free to purchase items for resale, from garage sales, without the insatiable desire to keep them (there's a long story behind all of this, but that's for another day).Perhaps you do not have a resale shop, may I inspire you to bring warmth to your own home with a very small amount of money? Gals, you don't need Pier One and Pottery Barn (don't hate me!) and you certainly do not need to break the bank to add beauty to your own nest. Wherever that may be.
I found the silver ladle and knife on a table marked "Man Stuff". The gentleman even scoffed at my browsing, but I told him that I always look through everything. He was even surprised that I pulled the beautiful utensils from his own box...I'll say it again, "Life is like a box of chocolates..."
What do you see? A filthy canister? Or a sweet little accent piece?
Check the bottoms, don't be embarrassed to do it, I tell you! Antique Delft, my dears, antique Delft. .50 cents and she's all yours. Won't she look lovely on a tall book shelf?
I'm sorry that I did not take a before and after shot of this little table. It came with a hideous plexiglass top and only two pieces of trim. As soon as I got it home, I removed the plexiglass and trim...took a deep sigh of relief that the paint covered underneath the trim and snapped away with my camera!
$2.00 ladies, that's it. Did I mention that I'm also a sucker for almost anything that has chicken wire attached. Another weirdo confession. There will be more...
Yes! Yellow spots galore! The dirtier, the better I can haggle. What's to argue about .25 cents a piece?
Now, just for fun, I couldn't resist this dear "Lady" from "Lady and the Tramp".
Even better that it has the "Walt Disney" stamp and is made in Japan.
And of course I couldn't pass up on a few good books for my grandson.
Complete with squirrels and "pinon nuts". My husband will be proud. Especially since he's up in the high country right now hunting those critters...no, we won't go there right now...
Oh, and the book ends with a wondeful Park Ranger (hats off to my lil' Park Ranger brotha and sister in law!).

Now that I have sufficiently inspired you (or, your budget is tight like mine)...get up early and grab your coffee next weekend! Declare your own personal war against "Made in China" and "Ikea" (please, really, don't hate me)or whatever your mantra is, and save the world with me...one vintage treasure at a time :O).

**On a side note, I paid a whopping $13.50 for all of the above items. Viva la' garage saling!!

Before "Made In China", There was "Blow Mold".

2011-10-24T14:49:00.000-07:00

Yes, kids, we really did produce items right here in the U.S. of A.

Good old "Imperial" produced these blow mold vintage Halloween candy holders. Hurry and get yours while supplies last ;O).

No, really hurry because I only have one.

Think Outside the Box

2011-10-15T19:12:00.000-07:00

Way outside.
Overflowing, extending, gushing, outside the box.
I did it. I got my garage sale feet wet this weekend.

And what did I find at 6:30 in the morning? Sequins and baubles. I literally drew an obnoxiously loud breath when the yard sale owner pointed out almost tens sheets, full sized mind you, covered in Christmas ornaments. I eventually exhaled when she led me towards the "bored housewife" ornaments from the 50's, 60's, and 70's.

The unsuspecting sales lady had no idea that's what they were called. I think my "Oh. My. Goodness. Bored. Housewife. Ornaments!" exclamation remedied that dilemma for eternity.
Didn't your mom ever make these?
Mine did (hi mom!). I have one hanging on the tree each year to prove it.
Sigh. Heavenly.
How did they find the time? We're too busy nowadays.
Sweet little "Lefton" Christmas angel. She needs her kissing mate. I snagged her up, nonetheless. No idea why this was among the "ornament sheets".
Pixie elves. I do not like them, but customers do. Needs a bath, this one does.
My .50 cent handmade, 50 states (a penny for each state...ar, ar)with state flowers quilt. I'm not sure why the woman sold it to me for .50 cents so I did a quick Woolite soak, I did.
Old metal bread box and kitchen ephemera.
Darling wooden bowl with painted flowers. This taught me, yet again, to stop at every garage sale. I almost didn't because the woman only had about 5 items sitting on her table. "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know..."
Heavy metal planter or shelving. I thought it was different so in to my truck it went.
What's a garage sale trek without a vintage tablecloth.
And fancy, dainties like this!
This is where I need reminding. I am a seller (say this three times, Deborah, click your heels...). But doesn't this old telephone table look simply lovely beneath my prayer sign? Can't you just see my devotionals on the little shelf?

Yea, I employed my husband to help me here. He's good at direct confrontation.
Almost missed this cutie at one particular sale. A cast iron bird feeder. Delightful!
I was so excited to find this little tea kettle! A "Berggren" designed piece was on my wish list for discoveries. Not a million dollar treasure, but I think her designs are adorable. I found a little blog with a bit of historical background. Quite the inspiration for industrious housewives if I do say so myself.
Apothecary bottles near the turn of the century. So what if I've got about 2 dozen bottles on the back porch? I liked them. I really, really liked them.
Never, ever, never judge a garage sale by it's owner and disorganized display. I stopped at a driveway with just a couple of tables and two boxes on the ground. Beneath the crumpled newspaper and random glasses I unearthed this vintage "Hull", Made in the U.S.A., chips and dip platter. Not one crack or chip. No, not one!

Kept my inhaled breath to myself on this one. As much as I could...
...because I found one more "Hull". Suuuwwwweeet!

Whew! So this marks the beginning of a new season. I've learned a few more things as far as self control, how to haggle, how to walk away. You might say that I've become a bit, persnickety. This is business, folks. Business.

O.K., so it's fun too. Really, really fun!

Kitsch and the Angry Santas

2011-10-11T12:05:00.000-07:00

What good is an antique booth if you don't have a little "kitsch"?I definitely raised my dad's eyebrows a little when I haggled over this old punch bowl set at a garage sale last year.

Had to have it. Don't ask why, I just did.
O.K. even though I said not to ask why, I'll tell you anyway.

Kitsch. Pure and simple.

Today we have Facebook and blogging. The housewives of the 50's had Ridell and Holland Mold ceramics.
The funkier, the better. I don't know why Santa looks so strange, but I'm fond of him and his buddies.

And hopefully someone who visits my store will be too :O).

A Vintage Linen Restoration Primer

2011-10-09T19:21:00.000-07:00

Buckle up. This post will be long. Lots of "squishing" and "rolling". And some fun. And, I won't be doing this again so pay attention.

I've searched the world over (well, not really...just ebay forums and tablecloth websites), and I've made some compromises, taken short cuts along the way. There is only one method (in my humble opinion) that truly works to restore these precious vintage fibers. How many linens have I ruined? I shall not linger on that question, I move on...
Go out and find yourself a beautiful, old linen. I'm using this coarse, linen, art deco, tea towel. I don't have a book on tea towels, but my best guess is that it is from the 20's or 30's based on design, dye and fabric.

I purchased it from an antique dealer who was having a delicious garage sale (cost me a toe nail...but that's another story). I love the design and the feel of the fabric. But. It. Is. Dirty. Filthy. Time for a bath dear towel, so here we go...
Purchase a little bottle of "Woolite". Remember this? Your mom always used it. Yeah, that's the one.Now put a little water in your tub, add a smidgen of woolite, and soak that sweet baby. This step is vital. The linen has most likely been tucked away in some forgotten drawer with accumulated dirt and dust. Not to mention the precious fiber is old. Old as the old dirt. Gently, gently add it to the water and listen to it say, "aaaaaah! thaaaaank yooooouuuu dear wash lady".Start squishing it around. This is the therapeutic part. Unless you have trouble bending over the bath tub because your back hurts from years of bending over the bath tub with all of your children. In that case take two ibuprofen before you start. Or during, if you forget.

The best part is when the water starts to turn a little yellowish brown. Just a little. Then you know the dirt is beginning to loosen. O.K. Listen up. Do not wring out your old linens.

Empty the bath tub of the dirty water and fill it just a bit with fresh water. Squish your piece around again. Repeat this process several times with 3 or 4 fresh water squishings. Do this until all traces of soap are removed. This is important.
Lay your piece (I folded mine over once) on a clean towel.
Gently roll up the edges of said towel. This is how you "wring" it out. Did I mention not to wring it!!

Sigh...I wonder if they need any help on the restoration of the Star Spangled Banner...I'll have to check on that,get yourself a gallon of water.Take it outside and pour it into a stock pot and turn on the outdoor cooking stove that your daughter in law gave to your husband for Father's day and the weather is beautiful outside and you are so glad because you live in the desert and you have been inside for 4 months straight.

Or use your regular inside stove.Then remember that you need to take out a newer tablecloth from your laundry machine to dry out on the green grass of your backyard and be mad at yourself because it would have been so nice to have full sun because this is the ideal bleach. Fresh sun. Green grass.
Place your rolled up towel, Oxi~clean (love.this.stuff) and long stirring stick on nice table next to stove. Not to worry, I don't use the forked end. Now wait on your garden bench while your gallon of water comes to a boil and take pictures of yourself because you are odd.And because people already know you are odd, due to the fact that you are taking pictures of yourself and cleaning vintage linens is your hobby...make funny faces and take more pictures of yourself.I hope my husband doesn't see this one. Well now, the water has come to a boil, turn off the stove and add 1 cup of oxi~clean to the pot.Get another gallon of very hot water from the tap and pour that into the pot with the soapy, hot boiling water. Stir the pot. No, really. Stir it.Unwrap your beauty from the towel sausage.
Lower that baby into the cooking brew of oxi~clean.
Stir some more, ever so gently, until the piece is immersed well. With the exception of checking every now and again to make sure the piece is submerged, let her sit and bathe in the pot for several hours (MAKE SURE THE STOVE IS OFF!). Check for dye "bleeding" as you may want to remove sooner if this occurs.Now take your Christmas tablecloth off of the lawn because you forgot that your son's Beagle is not smart enough to know she shouldn't walk across it. Find your redneck outdoor wash line and hang her there.Because you didn't plan well and started your project later in the day, you now return to your pot after dark. Past the prime time for drying your towel in the sun. Also, the trip to Costco inbetween triggers your memory and you remember that you need to make 7 lbs. of meatballs for the evangelism outreach and bring them to church the next day. Back onto the towel. No wringing. I mean it.The inevitable red dye bleeding. Hopefully fading is minimal.
More rinsing. No wringing. Place the piece in the stock pot in your kitchen sink. Add fresh water and squish to remove all soap. Do this quite a few more times until oxi~clean free.Back to the towel sausage roll. Yes, I'll say it again...NO WRINGING!
Hang your clean piece on the redneck wash line to dry. In the dark. Because it's late. And you missed the sun.

Don't leave it out too long. You know, birds and things that creep in the night. The next day, after a gentle, gentle iron, you can muse and nuzzle and ooooh and aaaaah over your clean and restored fabric.

Did I mention that I love old linens? I dream of them. Yes. I do.Before gentle, all day, oxi~clean, bath soak, into the night and 7 lbs. of meatballs......crisp, fresh, restored, don't touch this with your dirty hands, art deco, tea towel! The photo doesn't do the detailed justice, but it's clean baybee, clean.

There you go. Don't expect this again. This is the last time I'm telling you.

Cleaning linens to me is as gardening to others. Can you imagine the linens in heaven? Someone will have to clean them. I mean, they will get very dirty after thousands and thousands of years ;O).

Minnow Bucket

2011-09-21T09:06:00.000-07:00

Stopped by my antique booth yesterday and lo and behold, we are seeing human life form again. Yes, people are emerging from their desert caves and....(drum roll plueease)...SHOPPING!

Before I begin my own personal shopping quest, I have committed to cleaning out and tweaking. I've stored up quite the little collection over here and after clunking myself on the head a few times, I've remembered what my antiquing is all about: SELLING. So out my wares must go! Out, I say!

Yet, there are some exceptions. I do draw lines in the sand. And my minnow bucket is one of those lines. Too many memories of fishing with my dad attached to this ol' thing. She.goes.no.where. Except the top of my ledge.Poor Isaac, he's the ladder moverer (is that a word?) around here. Best keep the ladder close, son. I've got the Fall tweaking bug and it's only just begun! Mwa, ha, ha!

Making the case for the case

2011-09-08T09:58:00.001-07:00

Among the loot amassed from garage sale trekking last year is this sweet ol' red, hard shell suitcase. I did not pay much for it and I must say, this simplest item is a room maker.

Top it with a matching hat box from Ross and you have a delightful pair.And I still get my "rusty hinge fix" to boot!!

Ledges are my friends.

2011-09-06T15:20:00.000-07:00

ledge: a relatively narrow, projecting part, as a horizontal, shelflike projection on a wall or a raised edge on a tray. (dictionary.com)
Ledges, I like ledges.

Don't worry, you don't need to talk me down off of one. Well, not yet anyway...but that's for another post. You see, I have been living in the land of sweet marital felicity. I mean, my husband never, ever, never, never, never complains about my housekeeping (or lack there of). Until one day, when he stepped into our bedroom to find a host of treasures newly placed. Oh, I try my best to keep a tidy house, I do. But with recent procurements of certain items that are old in nature, well, er, finding creative space management has been a wee bit challenging.
I am also learning that antique sales are fickle in nature. Depending on which way the home and fashion magazine winds blow. One day tools are a hit on ebay, then on another? Not so much.
So to the ledge they must go. Not permanent mind you, let's just say they're in transition.

It helps that I have a weird affinity for old west, rusty metal, and worn wood. And that sweet WWI army case above!! I just could not abandon it to my garage now could I? Dear me, I am becoming one of "them"...a dealer who collects...somebody stop me!!!
At least it goes with my aptly termed "cowboy country" decor (a friend's observation) already. Now how did that happen? So coincidental...moving along now...(as I whistle nervously)...
On to the bottles. Dozens of old bottles that patiently wait for placement at my antique booth. What to do? What to do? Why another ledge of course (hat tip: IKEA catalog!!)!!
Only this time its the bathroom.

Dearest, sweet ledge. How do I (and my husband) love thee? Let me count the ways!

Mi Amore'!

2011-08-29T15:31:00.000-07:00

Vintage "faux" bikes are all the rage now. My purist soul recoils at this digressive fad! Hence, the bringing forth of this old, European sweetie to the outside market.

Yep. I'm on a mission.

She needs a little work on the tires and perhaps a little tune up, but I venture she's worth it.

Saving the world, I am, one vintage treasure at a time.

**Update: Sold! Same day as ad, new record.

Time to gear up.

2011-08-28T17:45:00.000-07:00

Record heat temps? No problem, I can dream can't I???

And look at old photographs, like this one of my father playing with his old farm house and animals (graciously inherited by one undeserving family!!).
Since I'm not quite ready to hit the early Friday morning garage sale track, I am brushing the cobwebs off of last year's forgotten treasures and sprucing them up for online sales.
Yelsa, yelsa...look out dear "no early birds please" garage sale holders!! Mwa, ha, ha! It's just a matter of time...

It's been a little quiet around here (que the chirping crickets)!

2011-08-24T17:34:00.001-07:00

I apologize for the sustained absence, but we have an illness in our family that occupies our time and hearts at the moment.

In other news, Fall is just around the corner. Really. It is. I can smell it.

Despite the record heat temperatures this week, it is coming. And with it, the long awaited garage sale season beckons me anew!
So hang in there with me for just a bit longer. And if you're impatient, go visit my booth at Power Rd. and Baseline in Mesa. "Village Antiques" at the Power Square Mall, #109. Not many stores can boast of selling vintage Pyrex bunsen burners now, can they?? Check it out...and much more to come :o).

This "Vittle Ottle"

2011-08-02T14:48:00.000-07:00

In case there was any doubt, I must put to rest the notion that antique dealers are only in this business for the money.

Admittedly, we are a quirky, nerdy sort of folk. I'm not going to lie, in the back of my mind there is the wild hope of that dream dicovery. The unearthing of that rare, one of a kind, museum "wow" piece. But, truly, at the heart of the matter we just love history. And if that history is tied to nostalgia, well then all the better.

A history that is revealed through ingredients.
Raised lettering on a glass soda bottle.
Bubbles from hand blown glass of wine bottles.
Signatures left from bottling companies revealing origins and age.
Sweeter and older clues.
Inverted bottoms revealing the work put into making simple glass containers, by hand.
Last, but not least, searching for "blop~tops" and olive and amber colored glass.

So, the next time you open your favorite bottle of wine, amber ale or glass of coke, remember...there is an entire history that went into getting that to you.

And if you can't remember that, then at least take a moment to enjoy this..."The answer to all of your problems is in this vittle ottle" :o)!

Just trying to confuse the heck out of you

2011-07-29T06:44:00.000-07:00

O.K. Time for clarification and decisions.

My blog name, "Bette's Bungalow", seems to be destined for a more business type use. Website? Store? Not certain. Yet one thing is clear, Bette's Bungalow is morphing into a collection of musings pertaining to all things vintage.

However, my habit of everyday blogging is not ready to die so easily. And if you are so inclined to listen in, my new (and old) blog is now public. "People and Pineapple Upsidedown Cake".

Funny thing is, I created "PPUC" blog (clever, yes?) years ago. I simply let it sit and brew, knowing some sort of purpose would be in its future. So, here's to small beginnings and holding on to the past (now I'm confused!). Thanks for bearing with my technical changes!

Sometimes it pays to lurk.

2011-07-25T20:22:00.000-07:00

Spent the weekend up north celebrating 28 years of marriage to my best friend. I do not deserve this man and I know it. He cooks dinner for me and takes me "picking". Even on our anniversary, at his insistance.
So what do I do when we get to our first yard sale? Lurk across the street. Oh how I wanted to climb this fence!
I was strongly deterred by this sign and the fact that my brother is a police officer in this town.
After hitting a string of thrift stores we happened upon a "Flea Market" in the parking lot of an established antique store. The thing about antique stores up north in the summer time is that the prices are fairly high. But the parking lot? Mwaa, ha, ha. No price tags? Fair game!

The trick on a limited budget is to quickly scan the treasures and find the best possible pick for your money. Especially if you're reselling. Finding these old Pepsi and Coca~Cola crates filled with dozens of vintage bottles (some 100 years old) was a sweet deal! It's a dead give away when my heart is beating quickly and I have to hide my enthusiasm from the seller when she threw out her price (must be some sort of inner sensor?).
Now here's where the lurking payed off. After my husband confiscated the old bottles into the truck (in a very dignified manner of course), I took a little walk around the back lot. Rust, dirt, rotting wood ~ oh yes! Stacks and stacks of windows and doors.
(yes, those are my sons' blue jeans hanging from the line) After explaining to my perplexed husband that buying old windows was really a good thing. Really. He made more room in the truck and we drove ever so carefully home.

The problem now is that I need to get them to my store. Fast. Ideas are bombarding my brain for using these windows in my home...chalk boards, painting my "Bette's Bungalow" logo on them & nailing chains on the back, hanging them up the stair case...somebody stop me!
And the dried up old paint! The color!
Happy Anniversary baby. Thank you for a wonderful getaway, weekend. You are my most precious treasure.

"It is a mercy to have a faithful friend that loveth you entirely; to whom you may open your mind and communicate your affairs; And it is a mercy to have so near a friend to be a helper to your soul and to stir up in you the grace of God." ~ Richard Baxter

Getting the Goods. A Summer Survivor's Guide for "Picker~oholics" living in the Desert.

2011-07-14T10:54:00.000-07:00

I don't mean to brag, but living out here in the desert can turn you into quite the rugged individual. Yes, I survived the great dust storm of 2011. Although my life, as of late, makes that "haboob" look like a trip to the dollar store.
And while living my life vicariously through these guys on Monday nights has somewhat quenched my insatiable thirst for the next treasure hunt, IT'S JUST NOT ENOUGH!! NOT ENOUGH, I TELL YOU!!!

Whew. O.K. Got that out of my system. Truth is, it's hard to search for antiques in over 100 degree weather. We may be tough, but we're not stupid. We don't have yard sales in the summer. So, I improvise.No antiques? Get my photographer son to take pictures of antiques. That's right. You heard me. Only took me 6 months to convince him to sell his pictures in my booth. He has a gift so this is just my way of spurring him on (and letting off some vintage~mania steam ~ two for one deal!). Now what do these things all have in common? Goodwill. Not one of my highest recommendations, but desperate times call for desperate measures. I typically don't find the best deals in there (Goodwill is getting a little too proud of their "junk"), yet, after visiting three stores and beating off (ehem, I mean, gently perusing with) the other pickers, I found these little sweeties.
A Franciscan "Autumn" pattern, relish dish. Could not find this on ebay or my reference book. Score!
I liked him. I just liked him, that's all. Found out he was made in the 50's in a little ol' pottery place from Laguna Beach, CA called "Riddell's". This would probably go in my husband's "wow, you are quirky sometimes Deb" category. "La, la, la, I can't hear you..." is my reply."Olde English Countryside" hand engraved plate from England and ye, henceforth, and such and so forth...
If I passed on the "Coca~Cola" pitcher my son would have let me have it. These sell quickly. I mean, in one day and out the same day.
Now this was my favorite because I took a chance on it. Just a simple sugar bowl and lid. Made in America. That's the clincher.
Opened up a whole other world to me, "Vernonware". And found yet another site dedicated to its collectors.
Keeping with the emerging desperation theme, a dear friend of mine offered to help me organize my home in light of my new found antique business. This is where I operate and hide all of my treasures, in the upstairs loft.

Note the trunk on the left. That's where I hide my bookkeeping paraphernalia as well as tools I bring to the booth.
Here's a clever nook dedicated to all of my reference materials.
Here's to hoping your summer is filled with rest and inspiration! Keep it Vintage Baybee!!

Finding My Peace of Mind in the Hedgerow

2011-06-30T08:22:00.000-07:00

The professional photographer has not arrived yet.But that doesn't stop me from trying.
Nor does it deter me from enjoying the charming details of this old bed...
...among the hedges. Yup. That's where you'll find me.
What is it about this old, weathered rust?
Soothing.
Telling a tale of workmanship,
bedtime stories,
romance,
and sweet dreams.
Who knew that was all right there, lurking in my backyard? Among the hedgerow.

Heading Down the Shore?

2011-06-29T11:18:00.001-07:00

Picked up this pair of sweeties the other day and since my home is a home full of men, out they must go. I couldn't convice the guys that these genuine Fashionaire Samsonite pieces would enhance their manly decor, although my older teenage son did remark that he was impressed with the retro design.Yes, these are the real 1960's deal. If you do a little research you'll find that this particular edition is hard to find. There was a limited edition reissue in 2007 and apparently only about 600 pieces were released. Those sold for over $500.00 (I'm trying to sweeten the deal, can you tell?).
The larger suitcase measures approximately 2 ft., 5 in. in length and 1 ft., 9 in. height. It definitely has vintage wear, but hey, isn't that why we like these things?

The inside is a bit worn...
...and could use some repair...
...yet if using for decor (like a sweet little girl's room)...
...it only adds to the charm.

Gah! I love old labels. Could eat them if I could. Weirdo confesssions. Moving on now...
The smaller suitcase measures approximately 1 ft., 11 in. in width and 1 ft., 6 in. in height. Just as darling as the larger one, yet could use a little bit of sprucing up (magic erase is my secret weapon).
Old handles! Old name plates!
Love the orange polka dots!Not too perfect inside...
...so I'll even throw in some genuine sand!
Here's that label again!
I strangely feel the urge to watch old "Mod Squad" reruns.

Venturing forth!!

2011-06-28T12:49:00.000-07:00

"Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle." Martin Luther King, Jr.

How's that for a dramatic introduction? Well, it's time to tell you. I've moved. Now you may have noticed that my blog name is the same, but I moved my content (yes, I saved it all just for you mom and dad). You can find my scribblings and meanderings tucked away over here at "People and Pineapple Upside Cake".

And so, with the birth of a new grandson, comes the dawning of a new...blog? I'm trying to be ever so sensational about this, but I'm afraid it's simply quite ordinary. This blog, Bettes Bungalow, will be my new platform for selling vintage wares. Therefore, I will be generally discussing and selling my treasures here. I won't be so personal either. I guess we'll just have to talk on the phone now or actually go out for coffee.

Farewell, dear blog! Welcome new one! Thanks for listening in for a while. I hope you continue on with me as I venture forth. Say a prayer for me and check back soon...I'm dying to tell you about my new luggage!! Grace.

Is she or ain't she?

2011-06-27T11:39:00.000-07:00

Strange little habit I've picked up as of late ~ calling objects "she". You'll just have to roll with it (I think it started with my Bronco and has just taken off from there).A few posts ago, I wrote about "Vaseline" glass here. Collectors are crazy for these Uranium filled treasures. I had a suspicion about my .50 cent garage sale treasure, but wasn't sure. So my husband brought home a black light and...well, drum roll pluueeeze...
Vaseline? Is she or ain't she?
Ta~da!! She is! Glows like a 70's poster!

Uhh, now where did I place my lead apron and gloves?
I'll be changing her price tag now, thank you very much!

Collectors are my friends

2011-06-15T06:26:00.000-07:00

So, we thought our generation owned the top award for the most dangerous chemicals used in every day products. Not so. Try to one~up putting "Uranium" in your drinking glasses. Yea. Thought so.

I recently purchased a greenish~yellowish depression era juicer. In my search for its identity, which always leads me down a very entertaining and educational road, I discovered that I may have a genuine Vaseline (as the term goes), Uranium filled piece! Though I need a blacklight to prove it, and I placed a large question mark on the price tag, it's a sweet little find.

Almost as amusing as the history of this type of glass itself, is the fact that there are actual conventions held for Vaseline glass collectors! Ahh, my collector peeps! They make me smile, even more so when they buy my stuff!