Gehring Road

etsy finds :: the beginnings of a collection

 Bottle Opener Collection as seen in Country Living Magazine May 2012 Issue

Oh friends, I'm on vacation... though it doesn't exactly feel like vacation it is here none-the-less. I still have class and appointments and the dog to look after (Rob is off to Denver for work tomorrow) and grand plans for sewing (pajamaed sewing which I know is the best kind of sewing), but vacation it is. I love vacation, though we don't have plans to do anything out of the ordinary, that is just the vacation that I seem to need right now. Restful, rejuvinating vacation. And look at me blogging... I love vacation.

I spent some time today outside with the dog enjoying the glorious weather that wants to visit us this week (thank goodness) reading my issue of Country Living. This little indulgent reading in the sun time happened just before Kylie melted down when a dog had the temerity to walk down her street and just seconds before she ripped her too sharp claws into my side and stomach (we won't dwell on that) and just a few minutes before Rob seeing my slashed side said, "Oh my god, that looks awful"... Just before that I happened upon the Hanson's most beautiful bottle opener collection. I love it. Such a sweet and beautiful collection and their bravery in hanging things on the walls in their home is admirable (we've yet to hang anything since Rob painted... a while ago). So I prowled Etsy while contemplating if my encounter with Slash left me needing Neosporin or not and found some beauties... love these bottle openers!

Vintage Mermaid Bottle Opener from My 3 Chicks Etsy Shop

Brass Horse Bottle Opener by Lock the Gate Etsy Shop

Vintage Hand Brass Bottle Opener from Lisbon Story Etsy Shop

Owl Bottle Opener from Portugese Vintage Etsy Shop

Vintage Turn of the Century Cast Iron Nude Lady Bottle Opener from Broadway Treasure Hunt Etsy Shop

HMS Victory Anchor Bottle Opener from Portugese Vintage Etsy Shop 

Rare Antique Scissors Bottle Opener and Nutcracker from Yesterday's Silhouette Etsy Shop 

Vintage Bottle Opener Scotsman Irish Bottle Opener from STL Vintage Etsy Shop 

Vintage Cast Iron Cowboy Bottle Opener from Sweetrefrain Vintage Etsy Shop 

Vintage Owl on Brass Bottle Opener from Portugese Vintage Etsy Shop 

 

How lovely would those look on a wall in a kitchen or dining room. I'm thinking of surrounding some with a frame in our entryway. I also love this one seen at Pottery Barn. I think she might be the first in our little collection. All of this vintage shopping and prowling has me thinking of Brimfield. This year, I'm buying that shoe trolley! I know, I've been saying it year after year... this year as a little present for the massive amounts of work I've been doing and will be doing in June... it has to happen. I wonder what little bottle openers can be found in some of the cast iron tents. We shall see. Happy weekend to you!  

 

etsy finds... seeing red and pink

Red Shades to Pink Vintage Wooden Spools from Found for You Supplies Etsy Shop 

I'm loving color right now... from colored jeans (aparently I have successfully blocked the Z.Cavaricci memories from my youth and am willing to try again...) to colorful fabric arrivals (oh, it's been a good, good mail week my friends... and the good is that Rob is in Seattle to miss it all!). I plan on sewing some today... maybe another granny square. That would of course require an extrication from the bed. I'm feeling a little underwater and I don't even have class this week. Stress at work combined with a stressful decision regarding summer classes is making me... a bit exhausted. So today, I'm seeing red, and pinks, and salmons... but in a good way. Here's what I've been finding...

 Big Red/Orange Vintage O'Cedar Tin in French from Abby in France Etsy Shop 

Spring No 2 Archival Print from Amber Alexander Etsy Shop 

Vintage Red Long Safety Deposit Box from The Corner Store BK Etsy Shop

Vintage French Red and White Ribbon in Display Box from Abby in Franch Etsy Shop (disclaimer, this makes a very beautiful gift for anyone with a birthday in May... ahem)

Vintage 1950s GE Pedestal Clock from The Boutiful Bird Etsy Shop

French Ladies Art Vintage Print from Stardust Art Etsy Shop

Red Vintage Enamelware Milk Can from Freuden Des Lebens Etsy Shop

Lace on Pink Laptop Bag from Track and Field Designs Etsy Shop

French Vintage Baby High Chair from La Pomme Etsy Shop

French Antique Ink Pad from The Hope Tree Etsy Shop

Wood 7up Crates from Vintage Lancaster Etsy Shop

 

I'm off to pad around the loft a bit today... hopefully some sewing will happen. Wishing you the most lovely and relaxing weekend! 

etsy finds... more bright and cheery

Vintage Zucchi Towel from Call Me Jasper Etsy Shop

Is it just me or is this year flying by? I honestly can't believe it is mid-February already and have absolutely no recollection of January... at all. I'm anxious for things to move at this pace for a bit however, the return of my free time and creative time is something I will celebrate much more than a degree or lack of tuition payments when this year is over. I have a beautifully short week, ending with a field trip (only two kids this time) to head to a Poetry workshop. These poetry recitation enthusiasts are doing some great work for the arts and I have the privilege of accompanying my student (who won for our school... yay!) and the runner up to a workshop. Friday begins a very, very short (but much needed) winter break, and I actually have a night off from my Tuesday class after this week. I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel my friends. Just a few more months. In the spirit of bright and cheery thoughts, here are some etsy finds I've been oogling...

Coral Dresser/Sideboard from Poppyseed Living Etsy Shop

Antique Sticktite Grease Pail from 86 Home Etsy Shop

Original French La Poste Cast Iron Mailbox from Rue Des Louves Etsy Shop

Vintage 1960s Dansk Turquoise Creamer from North Star Vintage Etsy Shop

Welcome to the Lake Sign from Signs of Vintage Etsy Shop 

Vintage Dairy Box from Bella Lulu Etsy Shop

Orange Painted School Desk from Wannanea Etsy Shop

Hand printed golden yellow bird brolly fabric from Sarah Waterhouse Etsy Shop 

Vintage Gooseneck Red Metal Electric Desk Lamp from Fishbone Deco Etsy Shop 

 

Other than copious amounts of work (that I've been squeezing in all times of the day) and much period film watching (I was given the second season of Downton Abbey around Christmas time, have watched and loved Great Expectations and Birdsong) I'm trying to fit a teeny bit of sewing in... at least to balance out the fabric acquisitions... it isn't going well! The amazing work that is being done by others right now is super inspiring... I need a few more hours in the day, don't you think? My Flickr Favorites are here... this girl sure does know how to oogle! Happy weekend to you! 

 

something(s) new

No other sewing this weekend, just some planning... I've been looking for projects that are quick and fun, ones that I can walk away from and work on at (a sometimes maddeningly!) slow pace. The current schedule is dictating how much time is spent in the loft sewing, so projects have to be quick yet fun. My drawstring bag was the first of those quick little projects, and just the thing to remind me that balancing time means also budgeting time to do what I love. So far, so good. Right now, I'm starting some "granny square" blocks. I'm loving Jolene's (Blue Elephant Stitches) blog and work right now and just couldn't resist starting something new. Just the cutting of one block for now, to be joined by others... in time. My inspiration for these "granny squares" was found here, an absolutely beautiful crocheted granny square blanket by Wood and Wool Stool. It was something I pinned a while ago, and think it is just the perfect inspiration for these blocks I'm making. I'm using Kona Ash for the background and played around tonight with the idea of adding another ring of color, making the block a bit bigger. I really love the pace of this kind of creating, a good thing indeed.

Another really lovely thing arrived this weekend, my "bright and cheery" tin scored on Etsy. Love.

I'm having fun filling this sweet little addition to the loft with ribbons and buttons. Wishing you a lovely start to your week, hopefully it is filled with a little bright and cheery and much inspiration!

etsy finds... bright and cheery

Peacock, Flowers and Bunting Plate from Nina in Vorm Etsy Shop

Hi there! It's been a while, I know... my days have looked hectic, chaotic and a little crazy as of late. I'm feeling a little under everything if that helps to explain... under the weather (I feel like the beginnings of the flu have arrived as of yesterday... remind me next year to get a flu shot!), under water (with work and class and class and work), under-rested and under whelmed with all of it. Sewing has grinded to a halt, though the fabric spying and etsy spying have not. Hey, every now and then some brightness and cheer are in order. Here are some Etsy bright spots...

Vintage Apples Crate from Bellalulu Etsy Shop 

Sunshine Yellow Storage Tin from Sweet Love Vintage Etsy Shop (warning, you can't snag this... I did! What a tease!)

Moth Made from Vintage Fabric from Mister Finch Etsy Shop

Refurbished Retro Yellow Electric Fan from Fishbone Deco Etsy Shop 

La Belle et Le Bete Print from Rob Hodgson Etsy Shop 

McKee Range Shakers from Broadley Street Etsy Shop

Vintage Rustic Metal Kitchen Scale from Haven Vintage Etsy Shop

Happy little bits of Etsy goodness no? My bright spots this week have been coffee, a guy that will drive head long into a raging winter storm and then sit in a library while I have class for four hours and a sweet little lady who looks crazy with happiness when I finally get home. Sweet indeed, I tell you. Less than a year is the current ETA on my Master's degree... which I have successfully put off finishing for a looong time. I'm feeling happy to be meeting some interesting and dedicated individuals in my classes, but a little sadness for the absolute lack of free-time for the next few months. There is a bright lining... I foresee a period of intense appreciation and intense creativity when my life returns to normal. Important lessons in the midst of it all, I like that... and coffee, I like that too. I hope your January has been productive, filled with bright spots and... your own! See you soon! J

etsy finds... gifty

Reclaimed Wood Love Sign from PBJstories Etsy Shop

I'm days away from dropping loads of money on classes for next semester and we're now days away from Christmas... stresser? A little. We try really hard to pair down the holidays and do small things for each other here in our home, though Rob's "something little" last year was my iPad... I'm spoiled. I've also given up on trying to hand make a little something for everyone, I did that a few years ago and found myself not necessarily enjoying the moments of the holiday but trying to spend every waking moment finishing too many projects. Actually I was scary... and then Rob got shingles... so this year, I'm just going with things I really love for the people I really love in my life... small things, useful things and hopefully, thoughtful things. There is no end to the window shopping though! I find myself falling in love with "sure that's useful" things on a daily basis... luckily in a few short weeks, I'll be preoccupied with school... who am I kidding, I'll still be pinning, favoriting and sharing them with you. Here are some lovelies found lately... add them to your list for Santa... 

Astrological Maps Bracelet from Anthropologie

Dandelion Flower Letterpress from Sweetharvey Etsy Shop

Vintage Sunshine Yellow Wooden Lemonade Crate from Epochco Etsy Shop

Many Mittens Garland from Anthropologie 

Set of 10 Origami Christmas Trees from Paper in the Pocket Etsy Shop

Typography Pride and Prejudice Dishtowel from Brookish Etsy Shop

 Two Vintage Metal Coffee Cans from Randy as Seller and Buyer Etsy Shop

Blue Aquamarine Earrings from Orit Naar Etsy Shop

Vintage Orange Crush Sign from Camp Hobachee Etsy Shop 

I Heart Hope Poster Print by William Dohman Etsy Shop

I Heart the United Kingdom Necklace from Truche Etsy Shop 

Rob is off to Denver for work this week and weekend, so I'll be adding to my list for Santa... via Pinterest, Amazon and Etsy respectively. The plan is also to get the Christmas tree this weekend (Saturday is looking like a balmy 44 degrees... which is about 40 degrees warmer than it was last year when we got the tree) and deck the halls... I've got some great little details up my sleeve this year. Can't wait to share. Happy Tuesday, what are you spying online? 

etsy finds... on a sunday

Red Tartan Plaid Tote with Upcycled Leather and Brass Chain from By Loom and Hyde Etsy Shop

Happy October! The last few weeks have been a bit rainy and a bit gloomy around these parts so we used a break in the pouring rain to grab mums, corn husks and pumpkins today. No pictures though, and a good thing too, everything was soaking wet... but beautiful. The front porch is decked and it is feeling like fall... finally. Here are some fall-ish picks I've been spying...

Craspedia bunch from Flores del Sol Etsy Shop 

Milk Bottle Wall Vase from Mary Ober Etsy Shop 

Mid Centry Vintage Teacher's Stand from 86 For the Home Etsy Shop 

French Advertising Tin Box Red/Gold from Lucie Tales Vintage Etsy Shop 

Wool Coin Purse Yellow Plaid from Oktak Etsy Shop 

Metal Bread Box from Cynthia's Attic Etsy Shop

Quilt Ladder from Surveyor's Corner Etsy Shop 

Vintage Blue and White Metal Dutch Boy Pail from Kelly Street Vintage Etsy Shop 

Antique Wood Shoe Shine Box from Frog Goes to Market Etsy Shop 

Lidded Bee Bowl from Circa Ceramics Etsy Shop 

The Rucksack in Cinnamon Brown from Infusion Etsy Shop 

I want to grab that rucksack, the little lady and the guy and head out for a leaf peeping picnic, but today it's more like napping, grading papers and trying to move as far away from the sound of Rob's uber-drill (I can't begin to describe the sound of this concrete drill...aparently I'll try...it's like a cross between a scream and a cat fight) as possible. Such is life. I need to carve some more time out in front of my sewing machine... until then, back to contemplating some grading. I hope you are having a beautifully relaxed and lazy weekend! 

etsy finds for the first time in ages

1948 Vintage JR Bauman Dress Form from Old New House Etsy Shop 

My last quiet day at home and I'm spending it alternatively snuggled up and sewing... not so bad, I'd say. I thought as a farewell to this space for a bit, I'd share with you some amazing Etsy finds, ones I've been spying on for some time. Enjoy!

 Light Grey Sideboard from Poppyseedliving Etsy Shop 

Vintage French Country Basket from Lapomme Etsy Shop (my best find this summer!)

Vintage Ice Cream Freezer Bucket from Bellalulu Etsy Shop 

Painter Antique Wood Easel from 86 For the Home Etsy Shop 

Library File Card Cabinet from Concept Furnishings Etsy Shop 

Vintage Rulers in Antique Fabric from Unique Shiny Etsy Shop (ps, this seller is so wonderful!)

Vintage Oak School Library Ladder from AmSuarezFl Etsy Shop 

Print Mounted on Tin Home Sign from EM Rooney Etsy Shop 

Cape Cod Cranberry Box End or Side from CCWashashore Etsy Shop 

Wise Old Owl Tree//Minerva Embroidery Handbag from Cindy Mars 7 Etsy Shop 

 

Some rain heading towards us this weekend, I'm thankful for that as my last moments of summer can be spent not feeling guilty for enjoying time spent in front of the sewing machine... a lovely and happy Wednesday to you! 

etsy finds tuesday... it's a royal wedding!

Commemorative Tote Bag of Royal Wedding Procession from House That Lars Built Etsy Shop

I'll be waking up on Friday (normal time for this lady!) at 5 am to catch a glimpse of the royal wedding... truth be told, I'm a wee bit excited about it and I haven't really a clue as to why.  We're planning some celebratory scones and tea for breakfast one of us (that's me) will be glued to the telly (it's a telly on Friday you see) faking a British accent and commentating on the dress, the flowers, the pomp, the royals, the Beckhams... and one of us will be rolling his eyes. Luckily Etsy has my Royal Wedding mini-obsession covered and someone needs to convince me that I don't need that tote bag for my knitting supplies, it's too sweet... here are some finds for your crack of dawn viewing party...

Royal Wedding Paper Chains Union Jack Pattern from Nicola Luke Etsy Shop

Royal Wedding Engagement Ring Dessert Plate from House That Lars Built Etsy Shop

London Town Earrings from Signature by Natonia Etsy Shop

Royal Wedding Tea Towel from The Screen Prince Etsy Shop

Set of Six Royal Wedding Souvenir Postcards from Claryce Design Etsy Shop 

Royal Wedding Wills & Kate Coffee Cosy from Cosy Up UK Etsy Shop 

Keep Calm Print from 3 Lambs Graphics Etsy Shop 

Vintage Union Jack Flag and Crown Bracelet from Rezin 8 Designs Etsy Shop 

William and Kate Royal Wedding Print from Taylors Type Etsy Shop

If you're watching on Friday, bleary eyed and barely awake... we're right there with you. I can't wait to feast on the pageantry, though I hope in the midst of it all, Kate and her Prince are able to steal a few moments for themselves.  My guy will likely be sweeping me off my feet with his scones... and our Welsh import will likely be alternately snuggling and sleeping and growling... not so glamourous but so perfect. Happy viewing... Cheers! 

etsy finds... pops of color

Vintage 50s Ceramic Cuckoo Clock from Twin Hearts Vintage Etsy Shop 

Birds all around here... I recently discovered the Angry Bird Ap, thought this is strange and installed it on my iPad. There follows the fastest three hours of my life, I looked at the clock wondering how one spends three hours flinging cartoon birds at objects and officially called it a bit of a habit. I'm limiting time spent with cartoon birds... really all birds (they are not my favorite).

We're also under attack by one lone robin here in our home.  He is seeing his reflection in the doors (garage and home), windows (woke up to robin giving us the stink eye in the bedroom window this morning... interesting) and really anything reflective.  He shows up in the strangest places... giving you a certain look through one eye, it's... unsettling. So, paper has been put up, screens have gone in, and we have some window washing to do this week (the forecast says 78 on Monday!). 

I have an eclectic group of Etsy finds for you today. It has been a while since we've done this here, last time it was ode to brown and right now, with the sun (that isn't blocked for robin) and things popping up from the ground... there are many bright pops of color in my Etsy favorites... here are a few...

Vintage Red Enamel Pitcher from La Pomme Etsy Shop

Distressed Blue Chair with Flower Fabric Seat from Darling Octopus Etsy Shop

Vintage Ohio Art Tin from Call Me Jasper Etsy Shop

Delicious Ice Cream Screenprinted Shopper from MrPS Etsy Shop

Rare Blue and White Porcelain Liptons Tea Sign from Vetromile Etsy Shop 

Mint Vintage Tammis Keefe Towel from Call Me Jasper Etsy Shop

Vintage Wood Fruit Box from Haven Vintage Etsy Shop 

Passport Cover Retro Paris Metro Map from Two Polka Dots Etsy Shop 

Can't Shake the Blues Side Table from Spruce Home Etsy Shop

Urban Throw Pillow NY from Nesta Home Etsy Shop

Vintage Daisy Angel Handkerchief from NeatoKeen Etsy Shop

Zippered Cases from Pilosale Etsy Shop 

Salt Air Hair Print from The Wheatfield Etsy Shop 

Vintage Malted Milk Soda Fountain Container from Solstice Home Etsy Shop

Off to enjoy the weekend... Rob is off to spend the day in the woods getting some firewood cut and split for the season.  I'm banned from such activities as my physical therapist noticed my tender shoulder was "sitting wrong" in its socket after last week's cutting and stacking. So, finalizing grades for the third quarter (we currently have only 40 school days left, not that I count such things) and possibly heading to a knitting class today is on the agenda... and of course a little bird dodging peeping as it happens.  Back tomorrow with some changes here on the blog and a bit of exciting news.  Happy Weekend to you and yours, I hope the sun and warm weather find you too...