Vagabond Couture - Re-dyeing Leather

photo via

I've had a lifelong vagabond love affair.  No, not with their dirty, traveling lifestyle but with their worn leather bags!  Let me preface all this by saying that I am not a handbag person.  If I could shove everything into my jeans pockets, I would.

But a couple weeks ago I came across a purse style that I liked.  Really liked.  The only problem - it was from a line that was a couple years old and couldn't be purchased new (not that I could've afforded it new anyhow - holycows!).  So after a bit of searching, I found a used one on ebay!  But it was the wrong color.

The color was called "Straw", and it wasn't horrid.  Just not what I wanted.  I knew that I may not get another chance to own that style so I bought it - in the wrong color.  Then I went to Feibings Leather and bought the products I needed to dye the leather.  First, let me tell you that it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be but it wasn't instant gratification either.

I followed directions that I found online (here).  Deglazer first to remove the finish.  Then dark brown oil dye,  letting it dry over night between coats, then Resolene to seal it and Mink Oil to protect it.  I did two coats of the dye and even used a Q-Tip to get into the seams and crevices.  After the first coat, I text my husband and said, "I'm crying - the dye totally ruined the bag".  But I held my breath and applied a second coat the next day.

I'm the first to admit that I'm not a runway couture kind of girl but I love the vintage, worn look of how it turned out.
Hmmm... Vagabond Couture -who knew?!

Linking up with The Vintage Farmhouse

White Wednesday - The Boho Ball

 After we delivered our items to the Na-Da shop area last Thursday afternoon, we headed to a nearby shop -  Moxie.  We were supposed to be looking for our Boho Ball dresses but I was distracted.  They had a hanging lamp that I was absolutely smitten with. 

It was all ruffles!  About the length of a size 10 strapless dress.

Yep, I wore a lamp shade to the Boho Ball.  Hey, I'm not the only one that's worn a lampshade at a party!  But I might be the only one that's worn a lampshade TO a party.

Return to White Wednesday

Ruffled Leggings are Available!

So many of you have been asking that it seemed the best way to tell everyone was just to make a big deal of it and announce it here on the blog...  The ruffled leggings are available again!

Go directly to the shoppe

 Did you see the darling ruffle stockings that Val posted on the French Cupboard blog from her trip to Paris?

I think I've found a new way to wear my ruffle anklets!

Return to White Wednesday

Granny Boots or Cowgirl Boots?

I have recently come to wonder exactly what kind of gal I am. Fashion-wise, I mean.

I've always been a granny boots, old fashioned lady but I was reminded recently that when I was a little girl I used to love my cowboy boots and riding the ponies around our small pasture. And I DO absolutely heart my studded Frye shortie cowgirl boots! They're kinda girly - in a rough sorta way.

In fact, I've discovered that I have a bit of a collection of both styles. Aren't these two very opposite styles?? How did this happen?

What's YOUR preference - Granny boots or Cowgirl boots?

Cameos & Lockets

Apparently I like necklaces. I've never been a jewelry person so this has kinda snuck up on me. I've worn the same diamond studs in my ears for 10 years. My only rings are wedding and anniversary rings. But yesterday I was puttering around and realized just how many necklaces I have. I guess my relatives have known that I have a fondness for necklaces because I've been getting scores of cute oldies as gifts over the last couple of years. And I wear them! Sometimes I wear a couple at a time. How in the world did this affinity slip by me? Maybe I should try out some new earrings...

P.S. Here's a great deal that showed up in my in-box today! (click to enlarge)

If it won't enlarge for you... go to www.overnightprints.com for 100 free custom 4x6 postcards. Enter code 100PCNOV at checkout.

Fall Where They May

Thought I'd share some autumn pics. I took the top one somewhere in TX but I don't recall the vendor.

This is an untouched vignette out the back door. I let the leaves lay where they fell.

Ignore the double chins and just tell me that you love this skirt as much as I do. ;)

Another one of super-mom's gargarge sale deals!

Old School

About 7 or 8 years ago I used to make alot of these bracelets from vintage typewriter keys. My dad's a welder so he cuts off the shanks for me and uses a grinder to get the backs all smooth (it's a TON of work to do on your own but he makes it look easy - 'cause he's a superhero dad with awesome tools!).

Unfortunately, the old typewriters are definitely not easy to find any more (and expensive when you do find them) so I haven't made any bracelets for about a year.

However, I came across an old Underwood a couple weeks ago. So... I borrowed the superhero for about a half hour and put together two bracelets. They're on the website. (Along with some spare loose keys for someone who might like to do some crafting.)


I've never seen a "Shift Freedom" key so I think that must be an unusual one. (?)


I love the old fashioned letter type but I'm so grateful that we have computers now! It really wasn't that long ago... Even 20 years ago... At a large law firm, we were typing on electric typewriters (with carbon paper) and there was only 3 computers for the entire office! Old-School is retro and lovely but there are some aspects of the bygone that I'm definitely glad have been modernized!

btw... these cool letters are FREE from Dover Samplers HERE.

Your Bag, Madam

I've made a decision! I know, call the press!! Let me tell you what has inspired my new decisions...

Look at these gorgeous handbags that are sprouting up! This one is at Paris Couture Antiques.

And these at Little Store Named Bella.

First decision, I put together a little bag for yesterdays project. Second decision, start watching for a line of handbags on the website (I'll give you all the sneak preview and you can tell me if they're good or bad, k?). This one is really just a quickie that I put together for the project-a-day, but it's still kinda cute. I love old needlepoints!

Third Decision, at least one of all the project items from this week are on the website, plus a few other little goodies that were added Thursday night.

Tote Along With Me

My daughter told me the other day, "How come you never sew anymore mama?" So, I've put myself to a challenge. Can I make something new everyday this week? Seems like a sinch but my schedule has been so hectic lately. So I know it's not truly homemade but...

Shhhh... I've only got a few but if you'd like one... Go Here. I found a package of extra canvas bags that I had in storage, so I had them printed up with the logo. I guess I'm trying to hurry Spring along with a little Spring cleaning. How is it that the more I clear away, the more I find to clear away???

I'm taking care of business this morning so that I can spend my afternoon visiting some of you. Quick, go bake a cake =)

Peep Toes

Yes, I've now see it all. Those babies are chocolate shoes! I LOVE girly shoes.

In real life I've never been one of those girls that fixes her hair everytime there's a potty break, nor have I ever been at the height of fashion. I don't care much for the latest clothing (Stacey London would hate me! I don't have a problem wearing old pink slips overtop my bluejeans-gasp) and I don't read hair style magazines (Are there even words in those? ...I know straight hair is the thing but I love long curls and sometimes even an up-do for no reason at all - with a sweatshirt, even!)

I'm modern victorian through and through (and perhaps a bit 1930's). Though I adore a touch of lace, more often than not you'll find me in jeans and tee shirt. I'm in flips (flipflops) all Summer and dread the outdoor ventures that keep me from my comfy slippers in the Winter. Peep-toes are not realistic in my life. How then does a girl like me come to own a collection of dainty shoes? Because certainly there'll be a wedding... (remember that scrumptious wedding last Summer?)

p.s. Check out the Banner of Love Giveaway!

Charming

Last week I got a call from an elderly friend whose wife passed away just before Thanksgiving. He said, "Shirley was a fan of jewelry..." When he asked if I'd like to come over and pick out a few things, I was touched to tears. I love these two people so dearly. You can imagine how I cherish this charm bracelet with the Holy Bible, Sewing Machine and old typewriter charms. She loved to sew and she loved roses too! We had such similar tastes.

But I can't even tell you the hug I felt around my heart when I saw the mustard seed! If you don't know the story of the mustard seed you can read it here. A perfect symbol of Shirley!

But this is not a sad post. Remember Monday's should be fun! So I drummed up a freebie. Although this coupon says it was reserved just for me, I found it online and anyone can use it - YAY! Free Charm bracelet (or necklace) and there's lots of other free stuff too!! You'll have to pay the shipping but I've answered all the 25 pages of annoying "Do You Want to Receive this Offer" questions so all you have to do is add it to your cart!

And I found this one on ioffer for $35. Not free but pretty cool AND we get to check out ioffer!

Happy Monday!

Reflections

Since it's the time for resolutions and trying to change how our reflection looks, I thought you might enjoy this new addition to the sidebar. As many free personal things as I could think of! And you can use a photo of yourself to try on different hairstyles, clothing... Filed under New Reflection, it includes:

Clothing - FREE clothes, shoes, bags - Good Labels!

Fashion - Create Virtual Model & try on clothes that flatter you

Hair & Makeup - download photo of YOU & have fun -also FREE products

Perfume - Free monthly samples or search by brand

Prayers for Women

Skin Care - Free Product Samples

Spiritual - Personal Revival - 12 wk study

Toiletries - Free Products

Weight Loss - virtual model & free samples - you change the body type, hair, age

I haven't tried it all out but I've always wanted to know if another hair style might suite me better - now I can see what I'd look like in a new "do"... but without all the tears =) And the virtual model for weight loss is pretty inspiring.

Pink Leaves

We're going to be working on the blog template today and when I say "we", I mean Sara from SadieOlive. I hope to have some wonderful new links for you to browse!
Just a couple pictures today. I found this set of "Autumn" plates last year around this time and, whatd'yaknow, they're pink and green leaves! Unfortunately, I only have four but they fit so perfect in my scheme that I just had to keep them.

This is my mom's new Fall outfit that she got at Goodwill. I didn't do a very good job with the pictures, but the details on the dress and jacket are amazing - bits of lace and old buttons! So cool!

She only wears skirts and they have to be ankle length so this was perfect. When I was a kid she used to wear blue jeans and had the best outfits of all the moms. My friends and I used to borrow her clothes. She had a princess Leah hairdo and was so artsyfartsy everything she touched was beautiful. These days she's trying to be more modest with her clothing. I'm not quite there yet and probably never will be. I love my jeans!! I'll be the white haired granny in denim and some kind of victorian jacket, and by then it'll be SO out of style but I won't care because I'm a firm believe that if you wear what you feel beautiful in, you're beautiful! That said, I would definitely wear this lacy shabby outfit!

I'm off to start housecleaning and school work with my little ones. Happy Monday! (p.s. Mitch is at school this morning!!)