I love my job!

This is the time of year that I really start to enjoy my job. The townwide yard sales start. One of my favorite towns is a historic town called Hackettswtown in NJ. Over 150 years old with beautiful well kept old homes. 

One of the homes on this rainy sale day had a sign that said "sale under porch." My problem was I got sidetracked by the overpowering flower smell. I didn't even notice the nice lady sitting in her stone porch screened-in alcove. I just had to find that smell! There were so many flowers to try smelling. Flowers I didn't recognize, lilacs, rhodos and then the owner popped out to check me out! I was too busy looking for right flower to be embarrassed. The owner sweetly pointed out the Lily of the Valley which at the height of 4" I easily missed.  She explained that the flower had come from her grandmother and that her husband had spent years creating their heritage garden. It looked like Eden. 

The linens I bought from her were just a nice bonus. I also bought that day a suitcase and crate but what I really wanted was a Lily of the Valley plant.

I LOVE Typewriters

I really love typewriters! If you follow my etsy store I am sure you have noticed that. I love them in any shape or color. To get them in color isn't easy. I still remember when I let a pink typewriter  slip through my fingers because I didn't want to lay out the money. 2 years later I am still kicking myself!  All these different typewriters type differently and behave differently. They even sound different.

Many of my customers buy them for their photo shoots. I would REALLY love to post their photos to my blog. Sure would beat my photos!

Above is a 1928  Duotone Remington No.3 currently in my shop: http://tinyurl.com/6ezrwt6

Below is 1960 Royal Pink Typewriter. I really want one in good condition! 

Olivetti Typewriters and Instructions for the Lock

The Olivetti shown is the Lettera 32 in blue. The lock is on the right. You simply move it up or down as needed. I have also had the 22. I think the lock was on the left. It seems Olivetta puts the tiny little lock in places that are hard to find but your typewriter DOES work you just need to find you lock. When you find the lock and unlock it your carriage will move.

Mason Jar Soap Dispenser Instructions

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As seen in Country Living magazine 9/10. Remove glass insert from lid and drill a half 1/2" hole to fit pump insert. Inserts can be found at onedreamdesingn.com for $3.75.  I have loads of jars and lids in many styles so come shopping or send me an email. http://www.etsy.com/shop/ingenuityondisplay

Ideas for Vintage Show Ribbons

Ribbons are beautiful, satiny and colorful. There will always be one to match or coordinate with your decor. They are beautiful together or all alone. I have had several customers buy them in groupings to decorate their offices. Below is the same idea in a bedroom.

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Another fun idea is dressing up a mannequin. LOVE this! I have a relative that has a mannequin in her hallway and she dresses her up for every season. How fun "she" will look with her daughter's ribbons on there. 

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By some ribbons and enjoy making your space colorful!

I Do Believe Country Living Missed the Mark with Horse Ribbons

Country Living is my favorite magazine by far but horse ribbons were really hot a year ago. I just received September's issue this week and there is a horse collecting theme. Horse Show Ribbons are one of the featured items. The price for ribbons can range from $9.99 - $20.  I think they also had had a beautiful display of vintage ribbons in a frame last month. Here are a few of the vintage ribbons I have sold.

 A year ago my ribbons were selling like hot cakes but now not as quick. I hope Country Living makes a new interest in all show ribbons! Not only are horse ribbons beautiful but dairy and dog too.

Vintage Western Electric Phone Ma Bell

The joy of my job, being out on the road and hunting for treasures, is that I get to bring home whatever suits my fancy for the day. Yesterday it was phones. Actually, I have been looking at phones for awhile. I grew up with the original Ma Bell phone even though it was the 80s. WOW! As a teen that was an awful phone. Cool to look at and I always loved the rotary dial sound but it was heavy and the pointed handle meant I couldn't talk for hours. I also loved the ringer! 


Theses are 2 different model 302s. The top phone is made out of thermoplastic with a bakelite handle. The bottom phone is steel with a very hard rubber handle. Both are early 50s. Both can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/yegnpz5


 If you are old enough to remember Ma Bell would charge her customers $4 a month to rent these phones. I think that is about $50 in today's money. Can you imagine?!