Two Dancing Crows: Eye Candy and Pretties

Friday, June 10, 2011

Vintage Trailer Blog

Hi All,

Since summer is upon us I'm not doing quite as many creative things just because I'm distracted with getting outdoors. But that doesn't mean I'm not doing other creative things such as decorating our vintage trailers.

I wanted to invite you to follow my other blog all about our two Vintage Shasta trailers. Follow me as I renovate and decorate them. I'm partial, but I have to say they are turning out pretty darn cute! Creative Times Magazine is going to have a special feature in the July/Aug issue featuring our small Shasta Compact trailer as well as some other really neat canned ham style trailers.

So if you want, hop over to http://daisyshasta.blogspot.com and follow me on this adventure!

Monday, October 4, 2010

Mixed Media Robin's Nest Painting for sale

Ah, it's been awhile since I've painted and wow did it feel good! Here is my newest mixed media painting on a wood cupboard. It's 13 x 21 inches. It comes signed, dated and ready to hang. I hope you like it. I really love how the colors just pop with the black background. It's on Etsy and comes with FREE SHIPPING!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/58101548/original-ooak-mixed-media-robin-egg-nest

Monday, August 23, 2010

1964 Shasta Astroflyte

We have so enjoyed our little 68 Shasta Compact. However, we decided that we would like something just a bit bigger and so started searching a larger Shasta. I looked online at various vintage Shasta trailer's for sale and came across a 1964 Shasta Astroflyte. Some mistakenly call this a Astrodome. The difference between the two is the Astrodome's had a bathroom whereas, the Astroflytes did not. Plus the layout is different. I actually prefer this layout with the dining table in front and couch/bed in back. The plus to this trailer is the overhead bunk. From the outside it sort of reminds you of a mini fifth wheel.

This camper was located in Maine. After much debating on if we should drive the distance to pick it up ourselves, we opted to have a transport company deliver it for us. That just made more sense all around.

Sadly, we had to say goodbye to the little Shasta Compact. Hubby wouldn't let me keep both. Although I tried to convince him. But in the end we can only use one trailer at a time and storage was an issue. So the little Compact was sold last week to a very nice family. I was sad to see it go but happy that they will have their own adventures with her. Happy trails little wee one!

Here is the 64 Astroflyte. Isn't she a beauty!? I love her colors and interior. She even has a newer refridgerator. How nice it will be to have that instead of relying solely on the cooler. She does have the original icebox but I'll store that.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

68 Shasta Compact Interior

I thought I would try and take some better pictures of the interior of our little trailer. I can't tell you how cozy and cute it is inside. Though I so badly want to decorate it. I'm just trying to figure out how without altering anything original. For starters, those uglee orange cushions I'm going to recover. But I'm going to leave the original fabric underneath. Also while I love the little cowboy curtains, I need to color coordinate so I'm thinking red fabric for the cushions? Hmm, have to think on that. The stove and icebox are green. You don't know how bad I want to repaint those! I'd love to do a robin egg blue or even pink! How fun would that be?

If I knew that I was going to keep this little trailer forever I'd paint the paneling. I've heard you really want to leave them as original as possible. So I'll decorate it as much as I can without altering anything. I'm already scoping out other Shasta's, much to my hubby's chagrin. I'd like an older "canned ham" style one. Maybe a 16 footer that's just a tad bigger (:

Anyway, here is the inside of my tiny little palace (hee hee) on wheels. I love just sitting in it. Not sure what it is but there is a cozy feeling in there and I can't wait until our next camping trip in this cutie.

Without the table.

With the table.

My little kitchen.

Monday, July 19, 2010

1968 Shasta Compact Trailer

I've always been a fan of vintage things and travel trailers are certainly included in that. Who doesn't love the "canned ham" look of these retro rigs going down the road? Or the small charming space within their metal doors? OK, well maybe some may not find them quite as endearing as I do, but I couldn't resist getting one of my own.

Introducing our 13 foot 1968 Shasta Compact. It's tiny on the outside but amazingly can sleep up to 5 on the inside. It has a bottom bed (where the table and benches are) that fold down and it's larger than a king size bed. Then it has the pull out top bunk that will sleep 2 kids easily. This particular Shasta is in original condition and great condition at that. Sorry it's not for sale.

I love the vintage fabric used for the curtians and pillows. Isn't it darling? I do plan on having the seat cushions covered over. Not recovered, but just covered over in order to retain the original seat cushion fabric.

We hope to enjoy many a camping trips in our little trailer. It's so cozy and tows like it's not even there. It weighs only 1200 lbs.

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Free issue of Creative Times Magazine

While we put the finishing touches on the new issue of Creative Times magazine, I wanted to mention our most recent issue. It's full of great articles, tutorials and more. Check it out and all of the archived issues FREE at http://www.creativetimesmagazine.com/

Monday, May 17, 2010

Redecorating the front porch ideas

So I've been doing a little redecorating on my front porch to create a little oasis for sipping iced tea and reading my favorite magazines. To start I decided to recover the cushions on this vintage metal crib that is now a day bed/couch. Instead of sewing it I took the easy route and used safety pins to secure the fabric in place...lots of safety pins. But the results turned out fabulous!

The next thing I needed was a little greenery for the ledge. I found these short crocks at a estate sale for $5 each. I bought four of them. Originally, I was going to go with cat grass but couldn't find any so I went with live moss. I think it adds just the perfect touch of green don't you?

The only thing I missing now is I'd like to find a narrow coffee table that I could redo by painting white and place it in front of the crib seat to have a place to set mail, magazines, etc., But it's coming along!

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Antique Underwood Typewriter

I wanted to share with you all my latest find. I've always wanted an antique typewriter. I envisioned one sitting upon an older desk just waiting for someone to type a lovely letter to a long lost relative or friend. So here she is...my old Underwood. Right now she's not in working condition as she needs ribbon. Though I doubt I'll ever get any and this will just be a display item (Like I really needed one more thing to display right? lol!). In any case, I just love it!

Friday, March 19, 2010

My new obsession: Canned Ham

Ok, I know what some of you are thinking. No, I'm not talking about that kind of ham. I'm speaking of these little darlings...

*Photo courtesy of www.CannedHamTrailers.com

Is that cute or what!? I have to tell you I do love camping but I got over the whole tent camping concept years ago after borrowing my Mom's RV for a weekend. There was no going back to "roughing" it after that.

So what's a girl to do? The answer is easy! If you combine my love for vintage and camping you come up with one of these 1960-something Shasta canned ham trailers. I want one so bad!! They are hard to come by though in restored condition. Not to mention if you do find one, the price tags aren't anything to sneeze at. But I imagine myself and my little family heading out on the open road towing one of these compact little "homes" behind us.

During my obsession...err, I mean research I came across this neat blog that takes you through one family's journey of restoring a vintage Shasta trailer. They did a fantastic job and I would love to have one like it. Check out the interior photos. Yes, it's tiny. But the use of sleeping space is very good with the over head bunk bed. The way I see it is most of the time we would be enjoying the great outdoors anyway, but these are easy to store and you don't need a huge SUV to tow one. That's right up my alley! Now if I can just convince hubby that we truly need one of these. I'll keep you posted on my progress of wearing him down (:

Oh and before I forget, I also want to join Sisters On The Fly. You have to check out their website and be sure and look at the gallery to see hundreds of these cute little trailers.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Creative Times Magazine Spring Issue

The March/April issue of Creative Times Magazine is now available for download! Grab your free copy here: http://www.creativetimesmagazine.com/current_issue.php. It's full of great places to shop, free patterns and tutorials, and exclusive articles.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Feeding my little stove obsession

So last weekend I went to Luna Pier days. Luna Pier is a darling little waterfront town we have not to far from where we live and every 4th of July they have a festival of sorts. The entire town is like one giant garage sale. Fun stuff! Anyway, I was telling my girlfriend how I was peturbed at myself for passing up a salesman sample stove I saw at one of the sales. It was identical to one I already have so I guess I was trying to have a practical moment and resisted buying it. Well, I sort of kicked myself afterwards.

Anyway, so I'm browsing Craigslist today and saw this ad with this little mini potbelly stove and immediately emailed the owner. She said she still had it so I stopped by and picked it up on my way to an appointment. It's heavy cast iron and 8 inches tall. It's bigger than I thought it would be. Guess how much I paid for it?....$3 bucks! So getting this little gem sort of made up for my brain burp the other day of not snatching up the other little stove from the sale.

Not sure what it is about stoves that has me so captivated by them but I just love them! I have 3 full size ones in my house; one pot belly and two cook stoves. If my kitchen was larger I would love to have a real antique cook stove and a retro fridge (:

Anyhoo, I feel satisfied now that my obsession has been fed and have the little stove sitting on top of my antique sewing cabinet.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Studio Inspiration

I think I could just move in to several of these studio's! Have you seen them yet? If not, hop over to the Etsy Open Studio's on Flickr and check them out. You'll find some serious inspiration.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

New Canon Rebel XSi SLR Digital Camera

Getting a new camera has been long over due for me. My old camera is a Sony 4 megapixel that I've had forever. So it was time for a new one.

I spent about a month researching and finally decided on a Canon Rebel XSi SLR 12.2 Megapixel after talking with my neighbor Jan who is a professional photographer. It's the camera she uses (: So I figured I couldn't go wrong with it.

The SLR digital camera's are a little more complicated than the point and shoot digital cameras. They are bigger in over all size but have a ton more features. Besides the features the images you can produce are fantastic! At least that is what I'm finding thus far. Here are a couple I've taken. I love how crisp they are and even when I reduce the size of these pictures as you see below they still retain a lot of the clearity of the originals. With this camera I will be able to take wondeful pictures for my creations and pattern covers and it will be great for printing family photos too (:

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Vintage Locker Baskets

Last week I stopped at my friend Connie's new shop up in Blissfield, Michigan. It's called Patina and it's absolutely wonderful! Connie and her partner have a blessed talent of creating wonderful trash to treasure pieces as well as Primitive and Cottage Chic. The shop is so quaint and filled to the brim of all kinds of wonderful decor, painted furniture, antiques and vintage items.

One thing that caught my eye in particular were these vintage (not repros) locker baskets. She had them displayed on the wall one on top of the other. Did I mention that she has a real talent for decorating? I need to get her to come over to my house and help me figure out what to do with a couple rooms (:

Next time I'm up there I'll ask her if I can take a couple pictures of the shop so you all can see. If you are close enough to visit be sure and stop by! The shop is called PATINA and the address is 106 S. Lane Street in Blissfield, Michigan 49228.

Aren't these the neatest things? So versatile too.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

My most treasured possession

While I don't treasure many material things, there is one that I do treasure and that is my great-grandmothers pickle jar. When I first saw it I thought it was a sugar bowl because of the tongs. But my Mother said they used it for pickles.

I think it's gorgeous! I bet even more so if it was polished, but I'm terrified to break it so I haven't attempted it. What is your most treasured possession? Perhaps something with sentimental value?

Monday, June 16, 2008

Etsy Find - Kitchen Switchplate Cover

I simply love this handmade switchplate cover I just bought. Created by PickalaPoopa.etsy.com. I think it will look fantastic in my kitchen!!

Friday, May 9, 2008

Original mixed media Angel painting

I just finished this up and love how it turned out. The colors against the black background really pop! It's a mixed media painting that I did on a solid oak cupboard door. For the base I used antique hymnal song pages which gives it a wonderful effect and even texture. It measures 16 x 13 inches. I hope you like it. You can see more pictures of it on Etsy here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11658322

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Local Auction

I went to a local auction yesterday and came home with too much stuff! LOL! There was a "Country" store closing in Blissfield, MI. The building was two stories and quite nice. The building itself sold for $57k. I was surprised it went that low. Then the contents were next. The shop consisted of 90% primitive stuff. A lot of it made in the USA, which was good. It was sad though to see yet another retail shop closing ):

I came home with a small adorable pot belly stove. My husband bout had an attack...I now have 4 stoves of various styles including 2 pot bellies. Where I'm going to put it, I have no idea. First, I have to clean it up a bit. Inside of it there is a string of flicker fire type lights. It makes it look like there is a real fire inside.

I also bought a couple large Lee Middleton black dolls. They are so cute. They are closest I will get to those reborn looking ones...those actually kind of creep me out. But I think these two have really sweet faces.

Then I bought a few "lots" of misc stuff. It was a lot of fun...very crowded, but fun. I ran into one of my friends and we enjoyed chatting most of the time.It felt good to get away from the house for a bit and do my thing (:

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Baubles Everywhere!

I have found a new love...these little bauble charms or as some may call them, "Bubble Charms". Tiny little images are encased behind clear class "bubbles" that magnify the image. I made a couple for my daughter and one for myself to wear. Aren't they the neatest little things? Each measures 3/4 inches. I have a bunch more 1 inch ones I want to make but here is a picture of the first batch. A rose, picture of a vintage girl and a Pug dog (:

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Angels Abound

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

I hope you all had a blessed Christmas and are ready for 2008!

Aren't these the prettiest little angel picture holders? They are covered with silvery glitter. I found them in the after Christmas clearance section at Kohls. I plan on displaying little vintage pictures and keeping them out year round.

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