Gold Rush

Autumn has arrived in Northern Minnesota in all it's splendor.  In a matter of days, the leaves have turned from green to vibrant shades of orange, yellow, and red.  The changes that have taken place outdoors have inspired me to add some Autumn touches indoors as well.

Faux crystals from Michael's fill an amber bowl.

This figurine has had some repairs, but she is charming nonetheless.

The jewels in my stained glass windows sparkle in the early morning sunlight.

My collection of brown bottles blend with the tortoiseshell glass border of the window.

I created these windows for privacy, rather than hang curtains that block the light.

This old jug got a new Pottery Barn inspired jute twine wrap.

Candy corn colored candles and "Cupid" print dress up the mantel.  The shoes belonged to an old neighbor.

My favorite Annabelle Hydrangeas are already dried and will last through the winter until next year's harvest.

Colorful wreath to brighten up a dark wood door.

Here it is, my very first sheet music wreath.  Don't worry, girls, I didn't use "The Little Mermaid" piano book.  In fact, I think one of the books belonged to your piano teacher......too late now!!!!

Artichoke and berries add a pop of color.

I bought this old church window for Megan and Dave's lodge wedding.  It sat atop a stone fireplace flanked by wildflower bouquets and pillar candles.  I think I've found the perfect spot for it in this corner of the dining room.  The orange toned clock is one of many in my rotating clock collection.  The ceramic pumpkins are from Bath and Body Works.

Now that I've shown you what I've done indoors, let me show you what Mother Nature has created outdoors.

Heading out in our kayaks last evening.

Mirror-like reflection on the water.

Small ripples create a watercolor effect.

Mother Nature is treating us to a last burst of color before winter sets in.

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Common Ground Vintage Inspiration Friday

A Bittersweet Sale

Pictured above is a Bittersweet vine I bought for half price today at the landscape center.  I'm hoping that it will continue to produce berries next year, since I've planted this same vine before only to find out that one needs to plant a male AND female plant in order to get berries.  Now, where exactly do you look to find out the sex of your vine?  Under the leaves?  On the branches?  I have no idea.

But, the title of this post refers to another sale I attended this morning.  Here's the invitation I received in the mail a few weeks ago:

Kris and her husband have been hosting these sales for the past 20 years and this was their last sale.  EVER!  Before she "opened the gate" to let the herd of people in, she thanked everybody for helping her make the sales a success.  And paying her mortgage.  And putting her kids through college.  She has a few more estate sales she has committed to, but after that she is out of the business.  A very sad day for moi.

Well now, I suppose you want to see what I bought today.

Two large bags and four little boxes of Christmas ornaments for a grand total of $4.00!  Christmas is just around the corner, after all.  I'm seeing some wreath making in the cold months ahead. 

I'm sure this hand powered drill will come in quite handy for all those holes that need to be drilled during a power outage.  And Bill's favorite color IS red.  It  was a splurge at $1.50.

One of the pricier items of the day at $8.50, but what a great color!

Pretty star pattern on this colander for $1.00.

I must be thinking of winter.

Can one ever have too many fans when they are priced at just a few dollars?

I really only needed 1 cork, but the whole bag was, as you can see, $1.00.

I have absolutely no idea what I am going to use this for, but it has that lovely red rooster on it.  I may have overpaid on this item.  It was $4.00, but it is quite large at 30" tall.

Lots of red and green stuff.  I must have Christmas on the brain!

Do I need yet another old frame?  For $1.50, yes.

How cute is this old book!?

This was too good to pass up!  Most of Bill's eleven siblings look alike (a few exceptions), and his brother Mike is just one year younger.  Too funny!

Every summer I wish I had one of these baskets for a cascading flower, and now I do.  I'm pretty sure I paid top dollar for mine at a price of  $10.00....although,  I've seen them marked quite a bit higher at some local shops, too. 

 So, I didn't buy any big items today.  I arrived at the sale 1 hour before it started and was number 64!!!  Geesh, the dealers were lining up at 5:00....  AM, waaay to early for me on a Saturday morning!  I had to cover my eyes so I couldn't see all the good stuff parading by me as the early birds exited the sale.

All in all, I'm pretty happy with my finds of the day.  



One more vintage item to post:

Happy Birthday tomorrow, Dad!

Junk in Our Trunks

This weekend, my mother and I met my 2 daughters and their babes for a girl's weekend and our first visit to Junk Bonanza in Shakopee, MN.  Pictured at left is a key chain I gave each of my daughters before heading to the sale on Saturday.  No more
digging in my purse for that elusive tape measure.

 Below is a hand painted board displayed at the entrance to the sale.

The moment we stepped inside, we could see all the treasures still available, and this was the third and final day of the sale!!!  I wonder what was offered on the first two days?!

With two babies in tow, we raced (in my opinion) through the sale rather quickly.  We even met up with my sister, niece and grand-niece.  Since they were leaving, they carried home one of my purchases so I didn't have to lug it around the few hours we were at the sale.  Whew!

Here's what I found:

Enamelware bowl to replace the plastic sink in the play kitchen I'm restoring.



This sweet embroidered piece was the first item to catch my eye.  I haven't decided if I'll frame it or use it to embellish a pillow.



Pair of vases for $16.00.

Nicely crazed surface.

I don't think I need to explain why I bought this particular feed sack.

I'm thinking of making a pillow or two for the man cave.

 The green and red are the perfect colors. 

Last, but not least, I've been looking for a cabinet to hang on a bare wall above the bathtub.  Although this one is missing the beveled mirror, it's very sturdy and reasonably priced, I think.

Charming hardware.

Maybe a little work will be required to remove the key pegs.....

and fill the holes and cover up the red paint.

Scene from Halloween XIIII?

Nope.  This is the view through the red spray painted glass.

So, what do you think?  Was it worth the price I paid?

Of course, we had to take advantage of the photo opportunity.

Daughter Julie on the left, Megan on the right, and me in the middle.

Game plan for next year:

• Leave children at home to spend quality time with Daddy.
• Bring plenty of cash.
• Have cell phones in our my purse.
• Get there early.
• Empty trunk before the sale!!!!

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