Flea Haul

Some great finds from my first sunday this year at the "Elephant's Trunk" flea market!

Open since the 1970's and spread out over 55 acres, i think that one of the best features, besides being local, is that the merchandise is made up of more than 60% antiques and collectibles. If you plan to attend, the hours are 7AM to 2PM, cost: $2 and I recommend sun protection and comfortable shoes ~ since you will quickly lose track of time wandering aisle after aisle, chatting with all of the knowledgeable dealers & slipping into a time warp!   

1966 kitch-y calendar, 1972 farmer's almanac, california postcards-1953, old photos, sewing machine manual, mini "photo folders," hand-tied book of poetry, children's watercolor set, a bio of Marie Antoinette, some old books to alter and my two major coups: 1874 accountants journal with over 500 pages of meticulous writing and a bright orange astrology-themed metal tray ca. 1968! Link to flea market

Paper Beads from Vintage Maps

1st attempt! WIP, a photo by cookievf on Flickr.

As a part time jewelry designer, this is a great solution to finding just the RIGHT color!

A "WIP," I will be making a few more sizes and shapes, in a similar color palette, to be paired with a cream-colored dogwood flower pendant. For added sparkle, Swarovski crystal bicone (beads) in teal sound just about right!

Art Journal Fodder: Craft Foam

Thrift shop find!

Cut from a sheet of craft foam, there are two ways to play peek-a-boo! You can choose to reveal the POSITIVE/stamp or the NEGATIVE/stencil (or BOTH).

To use as a stencil, simply fill a spray bottle with watered-down paint or dilute alcohol ink in a small amount of household rubbing alcohol. To use as a stamp, brayer or use your fingers to spread a thin layer of paint onto a smooth surface, I use a 8x8" ceramic tile, press and stamp!

Tools used: pen, craft knife with a fresh blade and an "anywhere" punch!