Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Flea Market Finds and Makeovers


Hello, Dear Friends! 
My goodness, it is already June!
I know that I have not been around 
lately, and I apologize for my absence. 
I have been thinking of you, though. 

I wish I could say that I have been sun-bathing
on a tropical island, but no,
 that is wishful thinking! 
I have actually been hard at work. 
We finally had some hot and dry weather, 
here in western Washington State, 
which means that I have been catching up
on my outdoor painting chores. 

I've stained the deck, given all my deck chairs
a new coat, too, and have been having 
a bit of fun here and there on the side.  

I recently went to another flea-market with my daughter, 
Heather, and we had so much fun finding treasures! 
I have shown you a photo of my kitchen, 
because that is what I was searching for.....
all things 'kitchen' and all things 'green'. 
So without further ado, let me show you what I found! 


This was the first thing I spied as we walked
in the doors of the old field house at the local
fairgrounds where the sale was held. 

 Although.....it didn't look like this.....


It was bright blue! Although it was cute, 
it wouldn't fit in with my decor, 
and I wanted to try my hand at something 
I've wanted to do for a long time - stencil 
a doily pattern. 


I started out by spray-painting all three table surfaces 
a creamy white. 

When the paint was dry, I used some two-way tape to 
tack down some paper doilies with the middle one
'over the edge'. 


I then spray-painted the whole cart green. 


What do you think? 


I was happy with the outcome, 
although if I were to do it again, 
I would use a temporary spray adhesive
on the doilies, as some of the green paint 
sifted under, but not enough to spoil 
the effect. 


It is the perfect little piece for my kitchen, 
and can be wheeled out onto the deck, too. 

It would make the cutest dessert cart, wouldn't it?
Or a sweet drink cart.  


I also found some beautiful hand-crocheted pillow edgings. 


So much work went into them! 

Of course I had to make some pillows for them! 


I found four green-checked dish towels and made two 
pillow cases out of them. 


Before I hand-sewed the crochet lace to the edges, 
I wove a thin green ribbon along the flat edge
so I could gather them slightly to fit. 



A standard bed pillow fits inside each one perfectly. 


The dishtowels are thick and sturdy - 
resisting wrinkles. 

I think of all the work that went into 
the crochet lace and what they once were used for. 
Perhaps for a bride or a beloved family member. 
Maybe the pillow cases wore out and the lace 
was painstakingly removed and stored away, 
only to end up at a flea market for me to find :) 
Now they are loved once more. 


I found some green-handled vintage kitchen tools, too. 
An apple corer/peeler comes in handy sometimes. 



And who wouldn't like some fancy-cut 
 baked sweet potato 'fries'? 

  
I found some new pretties for my 
'kitchen queen' cupboard, too. 


A very cute green and cream sifter......


Two vintage vases......



Some green depression glass dessert cups.....


And a pair of lime juice glasses and a flower-edged pot-holder. 


I'm always looking to add to my pot-holder
collection and I found several little beauties. 



In green, of course! I love them for placing under 
serving dishes or to protect surfaces from scratches - 
never to use as actual pot-holders! 

They are too pretty for that. 

The tin holds cooking herbs. 



I found this heavy metal flower holder, too. 
It makes a perfect holder for my planning desk. 


My son and daughter-in-law gifted me 
with the window on Mother's Day. 


The panes open up in the back to insert 
photos or artwork.
xoxo
Kai is always photo-bombing :)


This sweet little needlework made it into 
my sitting area on one side of the glass door. 


The frame matches the 1950's pen and ink
watercolors on the other side. 


I hope that you enjoyed my flea-market finds 
and that I have inspired you to visit a 
flea-market near you!  
You never know what treasures you'll find. 




All that decorating made me hungry.....
Won't you join me for a bite? 

xoxo

Thank-you for stopping by, Dear Friends. 

xoxo

42 comments:

  1. aawwsss..great finds and I love Kai's(do you say/write it that way?) photo-bombing!!! I also love finding treasures fronm Flea-markets and I usually visit those with my daughter or with my very best friend.
    I hope your weather is staying sunny. Love, Satu xxx

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  2. You have the sweetest home, my friend. I just love all of your pretty little touches and oh, what a clever idea to spray paint doilies onto your beautiful vintage find.

    Thank you for the lovely and delightful photos, dear Karen. Hugs to you!

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  3. I saw a cart like that very recently and wished I had the right spot for it, but I don't :(. It's so versatile and charming Karen and you have the perfect kitchen to highlight its charm.

    I live your stovetop too. I think it must be very convenient to have that flat space next to the grills.

    You did a wonderful job with the pillows. So perfect on the sofa, and the dish towel fabric surely will make them sturdy and long lasting.

    The doilies are brilliant, and having one fall over the edge is just the right amount of whimsy.

    Since we've been chatting about sewing, I have to tell you I spent three hours this afternoon making a large bag to hold knitting supplies for a friend, only to have the zipper pull fall off when it was completed! Ugh! Win some lose some ;).

    xxx

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  4. What a delightful cart, and the color is just right for your kitchen. You found many lovely things at the flea market. Lots of green items to go in your kitchen and around your house. I really like the pillow cases you made. They have a feminine touch. The window is a thoughtful gift from your son and daughter-in-law. And I always enjoy seeing all the goodies on your "kitchen queen" cupboard. Flea markets are the best, aren't they? I'll have one of those cupcakes now please. ; )

    Hope you have many happy June days, Karen.

    ~Sheri

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  5. Hi Karen!! Been missing you. ;)

    That doily cart is the most charming thing I've ever seen! Brilliant!!

    I love all of your wonderful finds. It's amazing all of the things you found with your green theme. I think everything added perfectly to your adorable kitchen. Now bright and sunny and extra green for summer.

    Great job on those pillow cases. The lace touches really add to them. Such a fun cheerful post. Thanks for sharing!!

    Blessing to you. xoxo

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  6. You have been busy rummaging for bargains! Great idea to stencil the doily on the trolley, very effective. x

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  7. Wonderful finds and I like the new version of the three tiered cart. Very nice!

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  8. That cart is just brilliant, it fits your home so well and I love the colour you've used. Some great finds too.

    A lovely post to look at and read.

    Happy June Wishes

    All the best Jan

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  9. Looks like you are staying busy and creative! I love all of the green color, and the cart is so cute with the doily stencil!

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  10. You have found many beautiful things which gives added beauty in your house. You have done a great work to bring them look beautiful:)

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  11. My dear Karen, wonderful fleamarket -finds! I love the way you sprayed this tiny table-wagon!
    and - you know, I love your home so much! I can see your creativity and your Love in every single picture!
    Have a wonderful rest of the week and a lovely weekend ahead!
    Sending Love and hugs and blessings, my sweet friend, Claudia xo

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  12. What great finds, a wonderful haul. I love what you have done to the cart, such a versatile piece of furniture. The trim was a delight and looks perfect on those pillows. I am always on the look out for vintage trim to add to my collection, that and of course BUTTONS!!!!

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  13. Yes,It's just an adorable kitchen!You did a great job!Lovely treasures,every detail,every piece is so precious and exquisite!

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  14. Hello, your decorations, kitchen and home are so pretty. I like the cart and your makeover. I would love the little green dessert cups. You found some really cute and great items. Happy Thursday, have a great day!

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  15. I totally am in love with your Kitchen and all your wonderful finds and projects!! The cart came out lovely!! And I adore the green depression glass pieces!!
    Hugs,
    Deb

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  16. Your little cart turned out so cute, Karen, and I love the doily effect. I've been looking for a cart just like that. Your certainly found some wonderful, vintage, green treasures for your kitchen. You must enjoy thrifting with your daughters. Your pillows, with the beautiful edge, look perfect on your comfy daybed. Thank you for sharing your heart and home with us. xxoo

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  17. Great finds, I need the green cart. My Mother had one.

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  18. What sweet treasures you found and I love what you did with that cart!

    It is always a treat to see your lovely kitchen.

    Have a wonderful weekend ~ FlowerLady

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  19. I love how you painted the cart! So cute! You were so lucky to find so many green items to fit your decor. Is the ceiling light painted with flowers or decoupage or did it come like that?

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    Replies
    1. Hi Rose, thanks for your sweet visit! Yes, I was lucky, as green is not as popular as it once was in decorating. I think I gathered up every single 'green' item! haha! The ceiling light is hand-painted and was a gift from Ramblin' Man one year for our anniversary. He found it at a little shop. It has wildflowers and a butterfly painted around it. One of my favorite light fixtures! xoxo

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  20. What treasures you've found, dearest Karen, your kitchen is even cozier now, it's such a hertwarming place !

    Thanking you so much for this stunning post of yours,
    I'm sending blessings on the remainder of your week,
    may it be filled with joy and smiles !

    XOXO Dany

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  21. I am crazy for your doily stenciled cart! What a great idea! And what a great find. All of your finds are perfect for your sweet kitchen area. I love flea markets and go to any one I can find!

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  22. Got milk? 😊...my oh my you've been busy! Love the serving cart work you've done.

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  23. Got milk? 😊...my oh my you've been busy! Love the serving cart work you've done.

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  24. Your cart came out so cute! I love your creativity. I also have to say that I LOVE your stove!!

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  25. Karen, you have been missed! You found such wonderful treasures! I love what you did with the cart. What a great idea to spray paint the doily on. The pillows are so sweet and I adore all your green depression glass. Hip Hip Hooray!!!

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  26. Hola karen querida ,, su casa me encanta, esa decoracion es muy linda y acogedora,, la felicito por su buen gusto m, espero que tengas un bendecido dia
    Cariños

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  27. Your home is SO beautiful dear Karen - like taken from a magazine of Shabby Chic Vintage! My style is not so abundant but I love to see how wonderfully you decorate your home. Great finds. Happy weekend.

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  28. I love your flea market finds. All so beautiful. Loving what you did with the cart and the color is great. Best of all I love your white cabinet..then again the whole kitchen and sitting area is so comfortable and relaxing. I love it all. Thank you for sharing.

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  29. I love flea markets and in my town people just don't support them by going out to visit.
    I think you're clever to paint your kitchen cart that way and I love the pillow covers,I have a lot of old lace like yours also
    The vintage green kitchen gadgets are always fun to find. I use to have lots and sold them in yard sales

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  30. Hi Karen, MY goodness you have been so busy and everything sure looks gorgeous. I love this shade of green in your decor. It is so fresh and cheerful. The cart turned out so wonderful with the doilies you created on each shelf. Love it!! The pillow covers are so pretty and lace like this just calls my name. I have lots of my grandmother's creativity in crocheted lace and I add it to many pretties too. Your home is beautiful and such an inspiration. Thank you for stopping by. I sent you an etsy convo last week to say hello, hope you got that. Have a great weekend talented friend. xo

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  31. I love your new finds. That must have been so much fun shopping through all those treasures. You found some great stuff. It all looks so pretty in your house. Bringing them home and finding a place for them is half the fun of it.
    xx Beca

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  32. You found some lovely stuff. The trolley looks great, I didn't realise the doilies were stencils 'til you said so.

    Diana

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  33. Hello Karen. I love how you transformed the trolley and the clever way you stencilled the doilies! The trolley was made to fit into that space in your kitchen too.
    So many goodies - you had a fabulous time on your outing.
    The green glassware really appeals as well.
    No wonder you needed that beautiful treat after such a busy day.
    Enjoy your weekend and Cheerio for now :D)

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  34. Oh my goodness Karen, we have the same cart! mine needs to be spray painted and brought into the cottage. Right now it sits in the garage :/ but this summer maybe...

    Your home is simply lovely Karen, thank you for sharing it with us :D

    mari

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  35. HI Karen...
    It is always a delight visiting you! Great finds....love the cart!
    I have one on the screened porch at the cottage...but not nearly as pretty as yours.
    Have a great weekend...
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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  36. I don't mind if I do sit a while in your beautiful kitchen, Karen and share a bite with you...thank you. One can get a little hungry wandering around your beautiful home, having a peep at all your treasures that live within. My you found some beauties, didn't you. Love the cart and oh how pretty it looks with it's new lick of paint and those pretty painted doilies. Love the new pillow covers too. The sweet lace adds a beautiful touch. I do think your couch with all those comfy pillows would be the perfect spot to sit awhile.

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  37. Oh how fun to have found all those treasures, I love the lace edging and how you gave it new life again, that cart is so cool, neat paint idea with the doilies and will be very useful! I love the window the kids got you, I love them!!
    Have a terrific week!

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  38. Hi Karen, sorry I'm late in commenting but I love all the new things you have created. The stenciled card turned out beautiful! What a lovely design. And, I love the way you have added ribbon trim through the beautiful antique lace you found. I hope you have a wonderful, fun filled week! Hugs, Pat

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  39. Well, I exclaimed several times as I appreciated your wonderful finds and how you incorporated them into your room. The cart is very cleverly decorated and as you pointed out it will be useful as you roll it around for desserts or drinks. I especially love how you used the lace and I am so glad you rescued it! And the sifter, peeler, flower frog and embroidery piece were meant to be where you put them. Home...ahhh 🤗😘

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  40. Oh I so. LoVE your blog and all your special loved finds...that revamped cart with lace Doiley effect and green checked pillow case with handmade lace. What clever finds and how you have incorporated into your home.
    Beautiful
    Thanks for sharing x
    Alexa-asimplelife visiting from Sydney, Australia

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  41. The stenciled cart is adorable! Great finds!

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Thank you for stopping by! Your comments are important to me and are very much appreciated. xx Karen

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