My Dainty, Vintage Compact Collection

Yesterday I went to an amazing estate sale, and I found two vintage compacts. Which this is a somewhat rare occurrence. I was over the moon all day! But the most exciting part is that the compacts aren't just ordinary compacts.

The Zell compact (burgundy, floral one) is shaped like an old camera (love!) and offers rouge and powder. There is also a tube thing that comes out of the top. I'm not sure what it is for.

The Coty compact is awesome cause of the aqua! And I like the little seal on the top. And it's just so tiny! 

I freaking love them! 

As for my collection, I am trying to recall how I started collecting vintage compacts. hmmm. Well anyways, I collect mostly Stratton compacts. I love these the most because of their quality and design. But I collect other brands too, even no-namers. If it's cute and dainty, odds are, I will love it.

There are a few reason why I like collecting compacts. The designs are what attract me most of all. Some designs are so ornate, and the attention to detail screams quality. Another reason is because of the mechanisms. The Stratton compacts and others have a spring-loaded plate (keeps the powder in place) that pops open when you open the compact top. This extra convenience is part of that attention to detail I was talking about. I suppose the last reason I love collecting compacts is because of how dainty and feminine they are. The romance behind them really gets to me. hehe 

What do you collect? And why do you collect it?

 

How to Create a Keepsake Vignette

I collect vintage compacts (mostly Stratton) and I wanted to display them in a  "cherished" way. So I found some small random boxes around the house, covered them with hankies and started arranging my compacts around. I also added keepsakes from my boys, special pictures, old gloves, and vintage jewelry. 

You can easily create a keepsake or collectibles box with inexpensive items from thrift stores, yard sales, or even from things around your house. I created this one with a vintage carry-on case.

There is really no wrong way to put it together. 
But there are some tips I can give:

1. Try to create different heights for interest. I used the boxes for this.
2. Put the larger things in first. Largest then smallest.
3. Use anything you love. Create a theme or make it eclectic, like mine.
4. Try and use items with different textures, finishes, patterns. This will add interest too.
5. Make it your own. As long as you love it, that's all that matters! 

Now, go create a keepsake vignette and send me a pic. I want to see your creations!

Classic Movie: Journey to the Center of the Earth

At first you might over-look this movie because it is a 1950s Sci-fi, but this movie has so much to offer: action, adventure, love, wit. And don't forget about the graphics. That is one appeal of this movie. They did such a great job with the graphics considering the year it was made (1959).

It is probably cheesy to some, but it is more nostalgic for me. This movie and The Teahouse of the August Moon had such an impact on me when I was young. So much so, that I use the three notches in Journey to the Center of the Earth as my painting signature. 

Sweet Potato - Watercolor

Now lets talk about Pat Boone. Handsome and smooth are two words I would use to describe Pat. He's got the looks and the voice. He makes it look so easy when he sings, and the smoothness of his voice is...well, listen for yourself. Pat Boone - My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose

Give this movie a try! You don't want to miss the giant lizards, a crystal paradise, and let's not forget James Mason!

Pat Boone and Arlene Dahl

Another place for you to score great vintage

Vintage Lawnware Lamp - $17

As you know, Zach and I love going to auctions. They are exhilarating! If you have not gone to one yet, I'm telling you, you are missing out.

But there is another place to find vintage, and that is online auctions. There is this auction house here in Fayetteville that used to hold live auctions, but they have recently changed to online auctions only. At first, I did not like the change. The live auctions are so much funner, and bidding online is kinda like ebay. But I realized after the fact that it is so much easier and cheaper and faster! Well, at least this online auction. I have found that not many people know about regional online auctions. This can make things cheaper. So check out your area for online auctions. This is a great site to find them!

Vintage Mid-century Side Table - $9 (excuse my pack)

I just thought Lennon's face was funny in this pic. hehe

 

The Teahouse of The August Moon

THIS is one of my top 5 favorite movies of all time. I don't know how many times I've seen it, but I also own it too. It will never get old for me. I actually adore Marlon Brando and Glenn Ford. Dreamy...

I would categorize this movie as a comedy. There is so much comedic wit and troubles. But this movie also offers love and admiration for the Japanese people. Being 1/4 Japanese, I have a thing for movies set in Japan. (Check out Sayonara. Another Marlon Brando film.) This is also a war movie; I find films with a historical background so much more interesting. 

Set in Okinawa, a captain must enforce the new way of living planned out for the islanders by the US government. Many unexpected events get in the way of this plan, such as a geisha, a distillery, and an obsessed vegetable grower. As I write this description of the movie, I realize how crazy this all sounds. haha. It is worth the time!

Check back in and let me know what you think of it! 
I would love to chat about it!


Pic courtesy of http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Theatre/TheTeahouseOfTheAugustMoon

In with MORE old...

Well, Im gonna give this blogging thing a go...again. I really do love to write. It is a great outlet when you talk to people under 7 years of age most of the day. Don't get me wrong, I looove talking with my bouncing boys, but there is something to be said for adult conversation. And blogging does that for me. lol Writing to you is like having a nice adult conversation. 

Now, I am adapting my blog to talk more about intangible vintage, such as, music and movies. I love those things as well. To tell you the truth, classic movies and music make up a lot of who I am. We'll go into that more at a later date. But for now, know that I will be broadening our conversations about vintage. YAY!

My $2 Side Table

I found this vintage side table at a yard sale last year. It was from the side of an old vanity. When the seller said it was $2, I knew I had to snag it! 

I wish I would have taken a before pic. It had a really cool art deco design. I tried to find a way to save the design, but couldn't think of anything. So I painted it matte black and roughed it up a bit. Those nobs are original too! Love them!

I want to put an old sign on the side. Guess I will have to wait till I find the right one. I thought about painting a sign on the side, but I really want an old rusty metal one. And the search continues...