Thrifted Notions
July 5th, 2007 by Jen LoveI just wanted to share with you some of my lucky finds at the antique stores lately. “Antiqueing” has pretty much become a hobby for my husband and me. He spends an hour scrounging in the basement looking at cabinets and tools while I make small talk with the shop owner, look for the resident kitty or fish with my son, or scour the jewelry counter! These are some of the vintage buttons and shoe buckles that I found recently to use on my bags. I love large buttons, and shell, mother of pearl, brass or wooden ones make great embellishment. Old strands of beads or plastic belts are also great finds for making earrings.
I fell in love with these shell earrings I found at a shop this week that I go to only about once a year. One earring hook was missing and the other definitely needed to be replaced but I would replace any hooks if buying used jewelry. This helps to brighten up the piece as well. This find was timely since my son broke an ornament and I felt bad not buying anything. (What a good excuse!)
Often I have gotten a bag of vintage beads or buttons for ~$2, and for that there are usually some treasures inside. Now that I am in with all the owners downtown the ladies will save out bags of buttons for me (and give me a great price!) Finding actual treasures may be a challenge but the character and uniqueness they come with may be worth it!
July 6th, 2007 at 3:55 am
I love your buttons. And I used to own a pair of shell earrings just like those that I bought when I was in college. To think that my costume jewelry has become vintage. . .
July 6th, 2007 at 12:45 pm
Jen! So happy to see you posted another blog since our “Inspiration to Bake.” All this talk about buttons reminds me that I have to complete my apron with a button embellishment. Love you!
July 8th, 2007 at 2:07 am
I agree with you, it is all a great find. Love the earings and I too am a vintage button freak.
July 11th, 2007 at 8:50 am
i love this stuff jen. The earings are so cute! I miss you so much!
March 25th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
just their a scientist. to it I was for the bellowed I started took I was the vast were punished pulled