Shabby Vintage Junk

Shabby Vintage Junk & Friends at The Vintage Shed

2012-02-09T18:27:00.000-08:00

Hey Vintage Lovers everywhere....!

Well I hope you've all had a FABULOUS week....After spending ALMOST 4 days at home trying to regain some sort of order (Casa SVJ was a MESS....!!!!!) when the alarm went off this morning I was itching to get out....!!

Loaded up with some YUMMY smalls, I hit the road & headed straight to The Vintage Shed where I am now foofing my booth....!

Those AWESOMELY talented VINTAGE GIRL....!!!!!

My next door neighbour....The GORGEOUS Viv....!

Well I must away....I'll be be back over the weekend with some updates....!!!!!

Cheers,
Tamarah :o)

Vintage Tins really are such PRETTY things

2012-02-07T12:02:00.000-08:00

Morning Treasure Hunters near & far....!

Yesterday while TRAPPED in my bedroom I allowed myself to become distracted by my BEAUTIFUL collection of vintage tins....

Twas a PLEASANT distraction whiling away the minutes touching, marvelling & remembering from whence they came....Most of them were sourced via eBay in the US, while a few have been lucky finds here in Oz....

There are 15 pictured here though I do have a GORGEOUS pink Huntley & Palmer duck tin in storage....Each & every one makes me SMILE out loud & are filled with all manner of tiny Treasures....!

Playing with Instagram here....Needs a little tweaking....!!!

This last pic here is from one of my FAVE Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic books, Sumptuous Settings & Other Lovely Things (pg 116)....I see we share a fondness for some of the same tins....!

Do you have a collection of tins....? I'd LOVE to see them if you do.... You might have some that I haven't seen before....!!!

Cheers for now,
Tamarah :o)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Help....I'm trapped in my bedroom....!!

2012-02-06T15:40:00.001-08:00

Morning Junk Friends everywhere....!!!!!

With my office out of commission due to a water leak we're in the process of 'negotiating' the repair of, storage has become an issue here at Casa Du SVJ....!

So much so that yesterday I decided to devote a few hours tidying up the wardrobes in my bedroom to make some room....Alas, one thing led to another....You know how it is....And I literally ended up spending the WHOLE dang day in here....!!

When the alarm went off this morning at 6am I thought to myself that another two hours should do it but hey....It took me almost two hours just to refold my vintage bed sheets....!!!!!

Well....At least I'm surrounded by things that make me SMILE out loud.... Vintage sheets & pillowcases.... My terrier collection (vintage + Terriers Of Mandsfield made by my Friend Wendy), architectural salvage & dare I say, my vintage cat - Baxter.... Though as I'm determined for him to make it to 32.... He's not VERY vintage at all....!

Well.... Back to it I guess....Hope you're all enjoying a FABULOUS week....!

Cheers,
Tamarah :o)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Camberwell Market

2012-02-04T13:35:00.001-08:00

Morning Everyone....!

Still practising using my iPad on the road....Here are a few pics I took as we walked through the Camberwell Market to our FAVE breaky place where I am right now....!

Cheers for now,
Tamarah. :o)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Glen Waverley Bazaar

2012-02-03T16:57:00.001-08:00

Morning Everyone....!

Thank you all so much for your comments on my last post....I've popped by to visit most of you however, there are a couple of you I have no way of contacting so please know your comment made me SMILE out loud....!!!!!

Following on the same vein as yesterday, this post is coming to you from one my comfy armchairs in my space at the Glen Waverley Bazaar thanks to the new gadgets in my life....!

I've been marking down some stock & catching up with other stall holders....I'd LOVE to see you if you're coming over....11a Aristoc Road....!

Cheers for now,
Tamarah. :o)

Posted using BlogPress from my iPad....!

Test post from my iPad using BlogPress....??

2012-02-02T23:07:00.001-08:00

Hello Treasure Hunters....!

I've just returned from a blog break with a quick post via my new iPad (THANKS Santa....!!!!!) using the BlogPress app to upload pics directly from the iPad to Blogspot....!

Now I can stop making excuses & get back to some serious blogging as I really can blog from ANYWHERE....!!!!!

Below are a few quick pics from my space at The Vintage Shed out at Tyabb after a quick 'refoof' this afternoon....!

Wherever you are I hope you enjoy a SAFE & HAPPY weekend overflowing with Treasures from the past....!!

Cheers,
Tamarah :o)
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Stormy Weather....

2011-12-06T13:06:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone....!!

A short time after arriving home from the US early October I encountered some 'stormy weather'....An exceptionally appropro metaphor of course for the 'stuff' that comes at you out of nowhere leaving a trail of destruction in it's path....!

I had some tough choices to make....Though to be perfectly honest, it would have been much easier to immerse myself in the more pleasant side of life & simply disappear into the blogisphere & ignore the chaos....

Instead....I got busy....For 7 weeks I left this place to work on the issues at hand & concentrate on my business....I'm pleased to say the time away has been well worth it....The 'stormy weather' has abated & I've made it through a PLETHORA of Shabby Vintage Junk projects....One of which I've shared below....!!

THANK YOU for your emails of concern & well wishes....I hope to be able to start visiting with you all again soon....In the mean time, if you visit when I post I'll be commenting here on my blog....!!!!!

**********************************************************

When I moved into The Vintage Shed at the beginning of July I was hoping to be able to pop a lock up cabinet into my space for smalls straight away....Alas....I was unable to find the right piece....Week in week out I searched until one day a few weeks ago I received a call from a Friend to say he may have what I was looking for....Even better though....He had a PAIR....!

I popped over to have a look & was THRILLED to find two of the sweetest little deco kitchen cabinets with sliding glass doors....P-E-R-F-E-C-T....!!!!!

One cabinet required very little work....LOVED the chippy cream paint....Just had to freshen up the interior with some white paint, line the shelves with yummy vintage wallpaper & change out the crinkly glass with plain glass....DONE....!!

The other one though was a real fixerupperer....The cream paint had blistered from exposure to heat & I just wasn't happy with it....

Ok so this isn't the BEST before shot....You can't see the blistered paint & I've ALREADY removed the crinkly glass....DOH....!

At least you get an idea of how the shelves looked after the contact was removed....!

I LOVED the chippy cream & green trim of these little cabinets so no matter what I did THAT particular sign of wear was STAYING....!!

Initially I scraped the blistered cream paint off to expose the darker cream underneath....

But I decided I really wanted it to match the other cabinet so committed to repainting the entire piece....MINUS the top & bottom trim of course....!

The inside after two prep coats & two top coats....

I kept the paint splattered metal rails....

And there's the chippy trim at the top & the first prep coat on the exterior....

And here she is in all her glory....**sigh**....!

They are GORGEOUS if I don't say so myself....Since installing them in my space I've had several inquiries as to whether I'd sell them....Ummmmmm....NO.... :o) !!!!!

I've been obsessively holding onto this wallpaper for almost TEN years....I just KNEW it was waiting for the RIGHT piece....**wink**....!!

Bunnings matched the paint BEAUTIFULLY if not perfectly & I'm really happy with the end result....!!!

And Mr SVJ added an unobtrusive locking mechanism which can be removed & repaired easily as required....

I also left the chippy shelf trim....Love....Love....LOVE that....!!

And there you have it....Total cost of the makeovers for BOTH cabinets was $35.00

$5.00 - Undercoat

$8.00 - Sample pot of matched cream paint

$20.00 - Two locks

$2.00 - Wallpaper

Replacement glass for the doors was found in the Hard Rubbish....!

I hope you're all having an EXCEPTIONALLY creative, productive week filled with LOVE & LAUGHTER....Perhaps most importantly though....I hope you're surrounded by WONDERFUL Friends....Because without those....We might all just disappear into ourselves & walk around in circles when faced with 'stormy weather'....!!!!!

Cheers,
Tamarah :o)

ALMOST FAMOUS....'Sunday Service'....An AWESOME history of the Camberwell Market by Leah Annetta....!

2011-10-19T14:35:00.000-07:00

Last year when I was busy promoting the FIRST Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza, I was VERY fortunate to have been contacted by Leah Annetta after reading the article in the local Progress Leader newspaper about my home & the upcoming Show.

Leah asked if she could come over & interview me about my experiences & association with the Camberwell Market as both a stall holder & seeker of Vintage Treasures....!

ALWAYS happy to talk to a fellow Treasure Hunter & THRILLED by the idea someone was going to write a book about one of my FAVOURITE places on earth I jumped at the chance....!

Several days after our initial conversation, Leah arrived on our doorstep with a plate of THE most AWESOME home made jam drop bikkies & we spent time swapping Camberwell Market yarns....The early starts, Treasures found & our shared enjoyment of the 'characters' that MAKE the Market....HOME....!

It was a WONDERFUL meeting which has caused me to ponder from time to time how very fortunate I am to have met such a kindred spirit purely by chance....If it weren't for the SVJ-X & the local paper, we may NEVER have met....SURELY I would have bought the book on it's release & I would have probably stood in line to have it signed by the author, but this would have just been a fleeting moment in time & probably not sufficient to generate an enduring bond of any kind....INDEED....I was VERY LUCKY....!

And LUCKIER STILL when I received my copy of Leah's recently released book, 'Sunday Service' at the Market last Sunday to find Leah had kindly included TWO whole pages of my Camberwell 'story' INCLUDING both my business AND blog details....!!!!!

The front cover of the book has a GREAT pic of the Market from the 1970's while the back cover has a pic of the GORGEOUS Leah between two of her FAVE Market finds....A pair of INCREDIBLE carousel animals....!

The history of the Market from the very FIRST meetings that lead to it's establishment along with it's trials & tribulations, it's volunteers, traders & buyers has been BRILLIANTLY documented by Leah & I KNOW anyone who purchases a copy is in for a very ENJOYABLE read....!!!!!

There will be a formal book launch at the Camberwell Market Sunday 6th November when Leah will be on hand to sign your copy however, if like me you're ITCHING to see it NOW, you can pop by the Rotary van in the walkway & purchase your copy over the next two Sundays....!!

If you live interstate & would like a copy feel free to contact me directly at: shabbyvintagejunk@hotmail.com
'Sunday Service' retails for $43.00 & postage in a pre-paid satchel will be at the current cost which I think is around $11.00 or so....!

Well I must away....PLEASE forgive my lack of posts of late as I'm flat out running between my spaces at The Vintage Shed & the Wholesale Antiques & Collectibles Bazaar in Glen Waverley as well as working on those 'other' projects I've been hinting at over the past month or so....All of this combined with negotiations re the next Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza & I'm a tad on the busy side....!!!

I hope you're all enjoying a BRILLIANT week....!!

Cheers for now,
Tamarah :o)

Wholesale Antiques - Glen Waverley .... Melbourne's NEWEST Antique / Vintage Centre

2011-10-04T13:41:00.000-07:00

Hello Vintage Friends....!

After arriving back home Saturday morning I literally hit the ground running....I'll be back with updates, exciting news & a Dottie Angel giveaway of the UTMOST kind SOON I promise but for now....I wanted to share some AWESOME news with you....!!!!!

For those of you ITCHING to do some SERIOUS Vintage Shopping during the week, I'm pleased to advise a NEW Antique / Vintage Centre has just opened in Glen Waverley....YES folks IN THE BURBS....!!!!!

WOOHOO....Open 7 days a week from 10am - 5pm this place is HUGE....747 hanger size....Now granted, ALL the spaces haven't filled as yet but they're filling as I type & filling FAST....!!

I have a stall myself....It's TOTALLY different from my space out at The Vintage Shed but I'll talk more about that in another post....!

Right now I want you to hop in your car, get on a train, tram or bus or heck just LEG IT out to:

11a Aristoc Rd, Glen Waverley

Aristoc Road is between Blackburn & Springvale Roads on the left as you're heading AWAY from Chadstone....The Centre itself is signposted as per above....ODD name I know but hey I'm not gonna complain....!!

You actually make a left hand turn OFF Aristoc Road when you see this sign & drive down to a factory complex....The building doesn't have a sign as yet but you'll know when you've found the place....!!!

Now what are you waiting for....Go on....GIT....!!!

Hope you're all enjoying a WONDROUS week....!!!!!

Cheers from Camp SVJ,

Tamarah :o)

Shabby Chic....Rachel Ashwell & Me....!!!!!

2011-09-28T20:26:00.000-07:00

I remember back in 1995 when I was living in Dallas, Texas I watched a show on telly where an actress from Y&R was being interviewed in her home....She picked up a pretty floral cup & saucer & said, "Oh & I love this....It's very shabby chic"....I wondered at the time what this 'shabby chic' was but wasn't able to find any info....

Fast forward to December 1999 when Mr SVJ & I were away on holidays....I popped into a bookstore & spied Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic Treasure Hunting & Decorating Guide....The cover alone set my heart racing....You know when you discover something so WONDERFUL your body tingles with anticipation of what's to come....? Well THAT'S how I felt....!!!!!

I raced back to the hotel with my TREASURE....Ran a bath & emerged SEVERAL hours later with the BIGGEST smile on my face & a NEW appreciation for all things Shabby Chic....!

In 2003 Mr SVJ & I were in the US in St Louis & I took the opportunity to fly to Chicago for the day for no other reason than to visit the Shabby Chic store there....**magic**....!!

Then....In 2009 when Rachel's business faced some serious challenges I flew to LA for five days to visit the Santa Monica & Malibu stores before they closed....I drove back & forth....Back & forth between both stores for five days....**heaven**....! You can't imagine how HAPPY I was to learn Rachel would be re-opening her Santa Monica store....

On travelling to Texas to source Treasures for my business Shabby Vintage Junk in 2010, I KNEW it was one of Rachel's FAVE places to shop....I heard from vendor after vendor, "Rachel's just been by"....DRAT....I missed her by a hair each time....I was dying to spy her in action but three Shows in I kept missing her....

Well....I'm so VERY PLEASED to say I FINALLY had the opportunity to meet the FABULOUS Rachel Ashwell last night out at The Prairie at the opening of her NEW store....And I have to say....The smile on my face is still just as BROAD as the smile you see below....

I have some FAB pics I took of the grounds while I was there....Be sure to pop back in a couple of days....!!

Wordless Monday....wink....!!

2011-09-26T21:34:00.000-07:00

Shopping for PATINA....

2011-09-24T16:03:00.000-07:00

Howdy Vintage Friends EVERYWHERE....!

As ALWAYS, I hope this post finds your 'junking cup' running over....hahahahaha....At the very LEAST....I hope you're having a SWELL weekend....!

I'm working my butt off shopping the GREATEST Show in the US so PLEASE forgive my lack of posts....I'm just popping in quickly to share some YUMMY finds with you....Each & every piece has the most D.I.V.I.N.E patina my eyes have had the PLEASURE of alighting on....!!

REAL patina can't be manufactured....It's a a natural process occurring over a period of time through constant use & wear.....**happy sigh**

Painted over & over through the years....This pieces patina is PERFECTION....!

Chippy....Metal....!

If this LOVELY piece of hardware could only talk....I wonder what it would say about the hands that have touched it over the years....

Breathtaking....

Well Friends I must away....Along with sourcing Treasures comes a myriad of responsibilities....Paperwork & packing to name but two....!

Cheers for now,

Tamarah :o)

Processing....PROCESSING....P-R-O-C-E-S-S-I-N-G....!!!!!

2011-09-13T22:08:00.000-07:00

Dear Vintage Friends....!

I hope this post finds you all enjoying a FANTASTIC week....! As it seems more often than not these days I'm literally 'all over the shop'....Running here....Running there....Running bloody EVERYWHERE in a mad flap trying to get everything done....So busy if truth be told I don't know whether to laugh or throw my hands up in the air & just BE DONE WITH IT sometimes....Rather than sit & wallow though, I thought it might be a good idea to write a series of posts on what it's actually like running a ~~small~~ TINY Vintage Reselling business full time....It may very well serve as a deterant for anyone out there who thinks we're all leading a GLAM, carefree life surrounded by neat vintage stuff....**wink**....!

So....To start....When I resigned from work this past January it was done so after careful consideration & contemplation....Mr SVJ & I have no debt other than our mortgage which is in GREAT shape due to spending the first five years paying above & BEYOND the minimum payment....!!

I'm a frugal girl by nature & was happy to pay 93% of my wage towards our home & made a game of seeing how much I could scrimp & save from the amount I was left with each fortnight....! I don't BUY retail/new....EVER....Unless of course you count the Stoopidmarket but then I shop at Aldi so that doesn't really count & as our fruit & vegies are purchased at the Dandy Market each Tuesday....It counts even less....!!

I digress though....

The point is I didn't just resign from work....I sat down, looked at our finances, put a business plan together & weighed up the risks....CAREFULLY....If it wasn't for the support of Mr SVJ & his SECURE income, I wouldn't have been able to leave my job....PERIOD....!!!!!

Alas....As FRUGAL a girl as I am though....I started my business with NO capital other than a home filled with yummy vintage furniture & homewares that I would be able to sell as required....There were NO funds in my business account to act as a buffer so I was reliant on my LAST pay packet AND the proceeds of my stall at Fryerstown in January to get things going....Add a couple of well timed tax returns into the mix & I've managed to keep my head above water these past 6 months....It hasn't been easy though & I'm NOWHERE near drawing a wage....!!

Due to my ~~tight~~ constrictor like budget, I need to pay as LITTLE as possible for my Treasures....There is of course a downside to this....Rather than buying in bulk STRAIGHT from Pickers who've spent the time sourcing Treasures themselves, I need to do the leg work myself....And this involves time....Lots & LOTS of time....!!

On average, I spend a MINIMUM of 35 hours a week just trying to find NEAT stuff....These hours are spent in the car driving from one end of Melbourne to the other as well as country runs & costs me around $150- a week in petrol....

Then comes....The PROCESSING....Which is the NUMBER ONE downside for me (next to the FREAKIN' paperwork)....Because my Treasures come to me ~~as they are~~ filthy, broken, almost BEYOND hope....I then need to clean, repair & decide how far to refurbish a piece to get it to a state that I would then be happy to have in MY HOME....!

Today for example....I spent from 6.30am to 11.45am out the back cleaning my stuff....Bent over, scrubbing my heart out....The yellow rubber dish gloves protecting my hands perished within the first hour so I did the rest 'commando' & have bruised & bloody knuckles, scratches up my wrists & a few more bruises up my shins for my efforts....

In the end....I was left with a pile of ALMOST ready to go pieces....!

In this lot there are several small projects requiring spraying with metal poly....I also need to cut a piece of ply to fit the black atomic looking 50's magazine stand & paint it a cheery red....

Mr SVJ will be happy with these yellow storage containers I found him for his 'bits'....!

I was initially a little bummed when I found this orange enamel piece as it was missing one of the containers....Of course all I need to do is pop a terracotta pot in there with a succulent & away you go....!!

Galvanised crates, wire bird cages, wooden & metal stools, Willow trays & buckets....DELICIOUSNESS....!

This one's a KEEPER....This is the THIRD one of these I've found over the last 12 years & each time I say I'm gonna keep it I end up selling it....Well not this time....It's STAYIN'....!!

Just in case you're wondering, it's a hospital maternity ward bassinet....K-E-E_P-E-R....!!!!!

After the BIG STUFF was cleaned & drying I started on my textile pile....This is a YUMMY barkcloth curtain I salvaged to sell as fabric....I've NEVER ever found a penny weight before....Usually, lead fishing weights were used etc....This time around I found TWO coins dated 1959 & 1962....**smile**....!!

So there you have it....PROCESSING day at Casa SVJ....

Cleaning heavy items = 5 1/4 hours

Cleaning, sorting textiles = 1 hour

Loading van to go to storage = 1/2 hour

Unloading & reorganising AT storage unit = 1 hour

TOTAL = 7 3/4 hours

** My days not finished though....As I'm off to the The Vintage Shed to restock tomorrow, I need to spend a couple of hours sorting what stock I'm taking down, pricing it, adding the info to my spreadsheet & loading the van....But that's a WHOLE new post....! **

NB: there's probably another 1 1/2 hours worth of work in the items requiring additional work/repair but as it's windy today, I can't spray....This means, items go into storage tagged as WAITING to have work done when I can fit it in....!!

** If you have any questions re this post & PROCESSING day, feel free to ask....I'll answer any & ALL questions in the comment section....!! **

This post was not written to illicit sympathy....Just sayin' it as it is & keepin' it real....I AM hoping it might provide 'food for thought' for anyone thinking of taking the plunge into the world of vintage furniture & homewares or indeed for anyone who visits me when I have a stall at the Market thinking the clean, repaired, YUMMY vintage item READY to place STRAIGHT into your home I'm asking $20- for is TOO much to pay....**wink**....!

Well I gotta go....I still need to get ready for The Vintage Shed before I can even THINK about organising something for dinner....!

Cheers for now,

Tamarah :o)

Thinking of my Friends in the US....!!

2011-09-11T05:41:00.000-07:00

September 11 has become a date in our lives that no longer passes by without reflection on some level....No matter where you were or who you are, this day is now a day to remember....To give thanks for all we have & to think of those no longer here with us....

Source

An INVITATION from FAR AWAY saves the day....!!!

2011-09-07T21:20:00.000-07:00

Hey Fellow Gleaners....!

As ALWAYS....I hope this post finds you well & HAPPY....!

I have something a little 'different' for you today....Yep....NO JUNK this time around....Just my HORRID feet....hahahahaha....

Sunday week ago I was at the Market talking to my Friend Kylie about a trip we were planning to the US....I was concerned a problem I had with my left foot was going to pose a bit of an 'issue' with all the walking we were going to be doing....!!

I was diagnosed as having Hallux Limitus almost two years ago & was advised I needed to stop using the treadmill & try some orthotics in an endeavour to possibly correct the problem....Alas....I FOOLISHLY continued on my merry way thinking all would be well....!!

Well....now I need surgery which of course is TREMENDOUSLY inconvenient & will no doubt put me out of action for a good long WHACK....BUGGER....!!!!!

Anyways....Out of the blue....Several days after discussing the problem with Kylie I received an invitation to help out a Friend from Oregon....I was ELATED to say the least at the prospect as it will mean I'll spend a lot less time on my feet....Needless to say this called for some frantic juggling as our flights required changing....(THANK HEAVENS for travel insurance)....And I'm pleased to say we're all systems go again....Yayyyyyyy....!!

STOOPID toes seem to be heading SOUTH for the summer....hahahahaha....

I've always said feet are the UGLIEST part of the body....Well....They certainly are on MY body anyway....!

Well I must away....I'm off to The Vintage Shed to REFOOF....!

I hope you're all having a FABULOUS week....!!

Cheers for now,

Tamarah :o)

A few more TREASURES rescued over the weekend....!

2011-08-28T14:18:00.000-07:00

*** This post is dedicated to my ever FAITHFUL Friend Wendy from Bonnie Doon....Wendy Love....Once again, I am SO SORRY to have 'missed' your birthday earlier this month....I am EVER grateful for your tolerance & forgiving ways....!!!!! ***

Morning fellow Seekers Of The Past....!

I trust you all had a FABULOUS relaxing weekend filled with Treasures....! Once again I'm just popping in BRIEFLY to share some of the pieces I've seen as I've made my way through the HR....Alas....I've not been able to pick them all up so I've documented their existence with my trusty Iphone....!!

Comments on this post have been disabled as I'm unable to come & visit with you at the moment as along with sourcing, I have several projects on the go keeping me away from the computer....!!

This piece requires HOURS of restoration AND cleaning but I'm SURE you'll all agree....

It's one SERIOUSLY S-E-X-Y piece of wood....!!!!!

DIVINELY tattered 1940's hope chest....Originally covered in brocade it was recovered at some stage with this BEAUTIFUL floral linen fabric....It was SO HEAVY I almost left it behind....ALMOST....**wink**....!!

PERFECT blue....Aussie made 1970's....And NO restoration required....A RARITY indeed....!

GREAT industrial bookshelf....The ply backing has had the RICHARD so I'll replace that & I'll use it when I have a stall at the Market for my smalls....!!

Aluminium hospital bedside cabinet....LOVE the quirky veneer finish but that POOR MANS WOOD (chipboard) will have to go....A nice hardwood top & some metal handles will finish this one off just nicely....!

I thought this was a PAINT BY NUMBERS piece when I drove by but on closer inspection it turned out to be Hobbytex....!

ORIGINAL Sebel Hobnob chairs....WOOHOO....!

DROP DEAD GORGEOUS head board....I'll chop the legs off & use the other side to make one of my YUMMY blackboards....!

LOVELY drop leaf table....!

....Almost peed my pants laughing when I spied this....ALMOST.... :o) !!

I ALWAYS know where to go if I need some EXTRA luggage....!

This one's a CUTIE....

Yayyyyyyyy....I haven't found a crinkly wire rubbish bin in the HR for SEVEN LONG YEARS....**long sigh**....!!!!!

Aussie (pronounced OZZIE) manufacturers stamp dates this WICKEDLY SEXY piece to 1956 back when Elvis was turning from from a Prince....To THE King.... :o) !!!!!

Just no room in the van to squeeze this beauty....**sob**....!

OK....Must away....Take care & have a BRILLIANT week one & ALL....!

Cheers,

Tamarah :o)

Treasures from the nature strip....!!

2011-08-23T14:35:00.000-07:00

Hello Treasure Hunters....!

I hope you're ALL 'travelling well' & enjoying a WONDERFUL week....!

I'm just popping in to let you know I'm still here....Alas....I'm working on several projects at the moment & have literally been to POOPED TO POST....Add to this the fact that Hard Rubbish has been in my very street for the last week & you have a recipe for MADNESS & MAYHEM....!!!!!!!!!!

I can't stay for long as I have a MOUNTAIN of work to attend to out on the back deck so I'm leaving you with some pics of Treasures I've seen over the last few days....Unfortunately, I haven't been able to pick up everything due to space restrictions....Mind....I DID consider asking my storage guys if they had a space I could lease for a MONTH just to handle the excess.... :o) !!

*** NB: I've blocked comments on this post as I'm behind on responding to my last two posts as well as my blog reading....While it tickles me no end to read your comments....It stresses the HECK out of me when I don't get to come back to you in a timely manner....!!!!! ***

Love this 70's print....Keeper....!

Indeed...!

I've never....EVER....Found one of these in the wild....LARGE green demijohn....WOOFREAKINHOO....!

Yummy....Industrial....Office....

Curly wrought iron....

I SQUEALED out loud when I saw this as I'd just purchased a book on STRING ART....!

1920's....Kauri pine....**purr**....!

An enamel topped table....A RARITY here in OZ & I suspect was bought in from the US...!

Summer's just around the corner....!

I've been collecting this style of frame for a while as I have a special project in the pipeworks....

White....CHIPPY....Wicker....

Metal globe....YOWSERS....!

Gorgeous....GORGEOUS....G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S....!!

LOVE these babies....May have to add them to the KEEPER pile....!!!!!

Suitcases....Wooden filing box....**drool**....!!

This piece is DROP DEAD DEFREAKINLICIOUS....SOLID wood construction with several shelves....PERFECT linen cupboard....!

Too CUTIFUL....!

LOVED this piece....

With shelves on either side, this piece is tre practical AND PRETTY....!

I SO would have snapped this up if it had just been in a tad better nick....!

And a SWEET shade to bid you farewell....!!

Cheers for now,

Tamarah :o)

Trish Hunter Finds....One of my FAVE reasons for heading to the Market....!

2011-08-05T07:33:00.000-07:00

Hey Fellow Gleaners....!

I trust you've all had a FAB week....!! Can you believe the weekend's here already....WOOHOO....I can only IMAGINE the Treasures awaiting us all.... :o) !!

I'm ESPECIALLY looking forward to Sunday as I'll be at the Camberwell Market selling my junk, meeting Friends old & new PLUS there's the added BONUS of catching up with the GORGEOUS Trish Hunter from Trish Hunter Finds....!

If you haven't met Trish before, you need to pop over quick smart & have a read of her blog....As a matter of FACT....Trish is the REASON I started blogging....A couple of years ago when I discovered the Blogisphere, I stumbled into Trish's blog & had a BLAST reading back to the beginning....I LOVED the way she took pics of her thrifted outfits at the end of each day expressing her individuality through quirky vintage fashion....And of course I so ENJOYED reading about her thrifted Treasures....!

I finally had the opportunity to meet her in person at the Market last year & was THRILLED to learn she was working towards launching a unique boutique vintage outlet in the form of a mobile caravan shop. Indeed....Trish & her Dad worked side by side for MANY months to rebuild & outfit the GORGEOUS caravan she takes to the Camberwell Market each & every Sunday.

An ever changing INCREDIBLE collection of mid century retro homewares & vintage clothing now resides within the BEAUTIFULLY outfitted caravan & Camberwell Shoppers have embraced Trish & her business with open arms....!!!

I'm lucky I get to visit with her when it's still dark 'cause once the sun comes up....Trish is one VERY BUSY lady....!!!!!

*** NB: All pics are property of Trish Hunter....! ***

I'd be smilin' too I think if I had this GORGEOUS space to show off my Treasures in....!

Can you say, "Cute as a button"....?

Something for EVERYONE....hahahahaha....!!

I've shopped at MANY vintage outlets & I can honestly say I've NEVER seen a NICER selection of vintage clothing....Trish's taste is impeccable & each piece is in next to immaculate condition....!!

I LOVE popping inside each Sunday to see the new pieces Trish has selected for the weekend....!

These genie bottles NEVER last long....

Don't you just LOVE the floor....

I'm HOPING Trish will be able to join us at the next Extravaganza....Now that WOULD be a TREAT....!!

Well I must away....It's just after 12.30am & I need to hit the hay....I hope you all have a WONDERFUL, safe weekend....!

Cheers for now,

Tamarah :o)

PS: Unfortunately, it was overcast when I went down to The Vintage Shed on Thursday & the pics I took are quite fuzzy so I will need to wait until NEXT Thursday to show you my space & introduce you to some more of my Shed Mates....!!!!!

My new FAVE Treasure....At least for now....hahahahaha....wink....!!

2011-08-02T19:59:00.000-07:00

Hello Junk Lovers EVERYWHERE....!

I hope wherever you are you are enjoying FABULOUS weather like we are here in Melbourne....!! It seems Spring MAY have come early as we're enjoying our FOURTH consecutive day of GLORIOUSLY mild weather for which I am ABUNDANTLY grateful....Bring on Summer I say....!!!!!

I'm at home today working on some pieces to take to The Vintage Shed tomorrow morning so I can't stay for long....I just wanted to pop in & show you a piece I rescued from the HR last week....I LOVE it to bits....It has the PERFECT patina....I can use it in EVERY room & it was FREE....Well....Aside from the 6 hour stint behind the wheel & the $30.00 worth of fuel my van guzzled as we pottered through the streets that is....!!!!!

A utilitarian piece with an industrial vibe, this piece was originally a drawer from a workbench & at a guess, due to the pitting evident inside the pigeon holes, it was used to store nails....

So PERTY....

It's now a coffee & tea station on my kitchen bench....!

Mason jars filled with JOE & special tea blends sit on top....

While my collection of THRIFTED glazed coffee mugs from the 70's reside inside....!

**sigh**....It REALLY doesn't take much to make me happy.....!

....Not REALLY....!

Well I must get back to it & out into the sunshine....!!

Cheers for now,

Tamarah :o)

The BEST $25.00 I EVER spent at The Vintage Shed WITH Vintage Girl....!

2011-07-29T00:26:00.000-07:00

Hey Keepers Of The Past near & Far....!

As always....I hope you're all well....!! My week has sped by in a BLUR once again with two deadlines taking priority over most everything else so it's appropro that this post (due yesterday) is BEHIND....Oh well....As they say in the classics, "Better late than NEVER"....!!

One of my FAVE US Bloggers, the ever GORGEOUS Jane over at Mamie Jane's is FOREVER posting 'before & afters' of what I reckon are some of the most INSPIRING uses of junk around....If you LOVE a blog that gives you are GREAT read along with SWOON worthy pics....Do yourself a favour & pop over....Trust me....You won't regret it....!!!!

Anyways....I thought, I'd follow Jane's BRILLIANT example & post my own little B&A Project & as Thursday is the day I go out to The Vintage Shed to restock & foof & I'm running BEHIND with everything & DON'T have any pics from my time there yesterday, I'm provided with the PERFECT opportunity to share this with you....!!

I spied this tray when I visited with Simone & Bec at Vintage Girl....I suspect it may have come from a Post Office or some other government building originally....I LOVE it's utilitarian nature, colour, patina & the fact that it was a TEENY TINY $25.00 had me running to the counter to pay for it....!

I had a plan for it the MOMENT I spied it....I was going to stand it on it's end & rest it up against the wall in my office & use it to stack all the little boxes I have in there that I keep all my jewelery bits & what have you in....

Isn't it YUMMY....!!

SO YUMMY I thought I'd show you TWICE....hahahahaha....

But as soon as I arrived home & had cause to open THIS horrid drawer, I promptly CHANGED my mind & used this WONDERFUL piece to bring order to the chaos that has reined supreme in this drawer since we moved in 4 1/2 years ago....!!!!!

Too FREAKIN' easy....!

Well Friends I must fly, as the weekend is on our doorsteps....I wish you HAPPY HUNTING....!!!

Oh....Before I nick off though I'd just like to make note that I haven't been able to come back to you all as yet re your comments on my last couple of posts however, I do hope to rectify this tomorrow night & come pay you a visit & see what you've been up to....!

Cheers for now,

Tamarah :o)

I've said it BEFORE & no doubt will say it again & AGAIN....My GORGEOUS Friend Sue from Montreux does FREAKIN' SEXY JUNK....!!!!!

2011-07-26T20:32:00.000-07:00

Hello Lovers of Vintage EVERYWHERE....!

I've just returned home after visiting my Friend Sue from Montreux AWESOME Vintage Retail 'Pop Up' event at 23 Grattan Street, Prahran & man oh man I am seriously GOBSMACKED....!!!!! Talk about WICKEDLY SEXY industrial H-E-A-V-E-N....**SERIOUSLY long drawn out sigh**....!!!!!

Sue's DROP DEAD GORGEOUS warehouse space in Prahran is the venue for this FIRST time event which is SO appropro with it's exposed brickwork, peeling plaster, worn cement & AWESOME light....!

Unfortunately I'm SERIOUSLY 'on the fly' at the moment getting ready for my weekly trek to The Vintage Shed so I can't stay around & walk you through my pics so I'll leave you with a few choice 'Tamarahisms' which I'm sure will give you a reasonable idea as to how much I enjoyed my time there this morning....!!!!

NB: I took a GREAT many pics which unfortunately didn't turn out....They were quite blurry as if something was moving & I can only put it down to the fact I must have been SHAKING in EXCITEMENT....!!!!!

Beyond BEAUTIFUL

Divinely DELICIOUS

Inspirationally MAGICAL

GLORIOUS Industrial Chic

Romantic

SHUT UP....!!!!!

TWINKLICIOUS

Walk this way....If your HEART can bear it....!

Simple PERFECTION

Balance

RUSTORAMA

Palpitatingly DIVINE

PULSATINGLY Breathtaking

Seriously FREAKIN' SEXY

**purrrrrrrrrr**

I nearly TEARED up when I spied this stack of cowhide cushions as I was INSTANTLY transported back to my SECOND home in Texas....!!!!!

Bloody SENFREAKINSATIONAL

HEAVEN

PERFECT fit

THE END

Sue my Friend....You ROCK....!

Vintage Girl ROCKS at The Vintage Shed....!

2011-07-22T16:09:00.000-07:00

Hello Vintage Treasure Hunters....!

It's Saturday morning here in Melbourne & I'm EXCITED....I LOVE the start of the weekend....Mind you, I have a STACK of cleaning & repairing to take care of for the Market tomorrow out on the back deck so I'm homebound until at least NOON but come 12....I'm out the door into the Hard Rubbish like nobodies business....WOOHOO....!!

Before I get a start on the days work though I wanted to introduce you to a couple of my Vintage Shed mates....Simone & Bec's (aka Vintage Girl) space would have to be my ABSOLUTE FAVE (next to mine of course **wink**) space at the Shed & I LOVE visiting with them on Thursdays when we're all restocking....!!!!!

The Treasures they come up with each week sourced far & wide blow me away & I'm in AWE of the transformation their space undergoes EVERY week as Bec breaks it all down & builds it back up again for a TOTALLY fresh look....As there's is a DOUBLE space this is no small undertaking....!!

The Vintage Girl blog provides it's readers an opportunity to purchase items BEFORE they head off to The Vintage Shed & I'm sure after viewing the pics below you'll be heading over there to add them to your reading list so you can keep an eye on the Treasures as they unearth them....!!

I LOVE the quirky, colourful nature of the Vintage Girl space....

I have a real thing for these little mirrored cabinets & was seriously eyeing this piece off....hmmmmm....

And there's Bec hard at it....

Milk bottles, trophies, spools & Aussie flags (PRE made in bloody China....!!!) waiting for new homes....

I LOVED this tray, thermoses & the large wooden spool....These spools are GREAT display pieces & make the BEST stands....!!!!!

**sigh**....Milk bottles & signs are my FAVE....

Just had to show you this bunny tray close up....How GORGEOUS is that....!!

Something for EVERYONE....

Instant collections.... :o) !!

I hope you enjoyed these pics from Vintage Girl space at The Vintage Shed....One of the things I really ENJOY about this business is the clever & creative people I come into contact with & the GORGEOUS Simone & Bec are without exception two of the most CLEVER & CREATIVE young women I've had the pleasure of meeting this year....Both have young families yet manage to devote a large portion of their free time to their business & are genuinely open & Friendly individuals....I hope you take a moment to pop over to the Vintage Girl blog to say hello.....I know they'd LOVE to hear from you....!

Now I gotta fly....Before I head off though....Don't forget all you Melbourne guys....If you've been considering adding a feline Friend to your Family, little Hartley needs a home as per my post below....!!!!!

Oh & don't forget my SPECIAL offer to those of you reading my blog who visit The Vintage Shed this week....!

Cheers for now,

Tamarah :o)

Hartley - 4 months & ADORABLE....!!!!!

Can anyone in Melbourne help little Hartley....He needs a home & family of his very own....!!!!!

2011-07-21T19:35:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends....!

A while ago Mr SVJ & I made the decision to open our homes on a temporary basis to abandoned kittens & contacted the FABULOUS organisation, Homeless Hounds here in Melbourne....!

We decided on kittens as we felt they would have a BETTER chance of being adopted than older cats & it would break my heart to know an animal I'd fostered were put down because no-one wanted an older animal....We also had to consider the impact on our own 'kids' Baxter 13 & Harley 11....!

We didn't have to wait long....As a matter of fact, several days after signing up we received a call that a 3 month old male had been flown in from Mildura....Well....You didn't have to ask us twice....Mr SVJ popped up to the Stupidmarket, grabbed some extra kitty litter, another tray & kitten food & we went & picked the little fellow up....That was FOUR weeks ago today....!

We named him Hartley because of the heart shaped mark on his little nose & after two weeks in quarantine (laundry) away from our babes so they could get used to the new 'smell', he's pretty much had the run of the house since....And it would seem our OWN hearts....!

We would DEARLY LOVE to keep him but that is NOT why we decided to foster kittens....As much as it will sadden us when he leaves, we need to be able to have a place for OTHER unwanted kittens to come to so they too have a fighting chance at placement....!

Little Hartley is four months old....He's a CHEERFUL, PLAYFUL soul but also LOVES to sit & be cuddled....He will set you back a TINY $160- which is to cover his desexing, vaccinating & microchipping....!

If you are interested in meeting Hartley, please email me your phone number at shabbyvintagejunk@hotmail ....Please ALSO leave BOTH your name & blog name (if you have one) so I know who I'm dealing with....!!

*** NB: I've closed comments on this post so those of you in Melbourne who are interested in providing a new home for Hartley will need to email me directly....!!!!! ***

Cheers,
Tamarah :o)

The FIRST Shabby Vintage Junk at The Vintage Shed Giveaway & WEEKLY Special Offer....!

2011-07-21T04:03:00.000-07:00

Hey Thrifty Friends....!

How are you all going....? Has your week been a productive one or have you found yourself wearing the Mad Hatter's hat like me, running about like a nutter looking at your watch every 2 minutes wondering WHY you don't seem to be getting through your lists....?? If you answered yes to the latter I can relate however, following a nice relaxing drive down to The Vintage Shed at Tyabb this morning to visit my space where I restocked & foofed, I came back relaxed, inspired & ready to tackle a HEAP of projects....Maybe that's just what you need....A visit to The Vintage Shed....Nice SEGUE no....***wink***....hahahahaha....!

For those of you who DO make the trip down to Tyabb, I would LOVE to spread some BLOG LOVE & say THANKS with a weekly GIVEAWAY & Special Offer....!

Now you DON'T have to be a Follower, all you need to do is read this blog & let the WONDERFUL Ladies at the front desk know by saying, "I read Tamarah's blog" & leave your name so I can post my THANKS....Too easy hey....?

OK....So this week commencing tomorrow Friday 22nd July when The Vintage Shed opens for business at 10am, the first person who goes to the desk & announces they read my blog will win a picture frame blackboard valued at $22.00.

Anyone who reads my blog who visits the Vintage Shed over the next week will also be entitled to a 10% discount on ANY blackboard in my space....*** This discount ONLY applies to blackboards & does not include any other items.***

NB: This offer is ONLY open to those of you who read this blog & who are able to visit The Vintage Shed from tomorrow, Friday 22nd July to Thursday 28th July....Alas, this offer is NOT open to any of the GORGEOUS Vintage Shed guys who read my blog....!!

My space today after a little 'foofin'.... :o) !

This is one of my picture frame blackboards & I've left one at the front desk for one of you....!!!!!

I added some YUMMY milk bottles today all the way from the US....KILLER graphics....They make WONDERFUL vases....!!!!!

I have some GREAT news re my metal ladder shelves....I've found another ladder so some time over weekend, Mr SVJ & I will make some shelves in readiness to install it in my space & I'll add a price tag to this one next Thursday....!

And I'm parting with SOME of my cigar boxes....I have a STACK of these in my office as they make very HANDY storage....The graphics are TO DIE FOR....!

Remember when my LOVELY Friend Sue from Montreux blogged about her collection of cigar boxes....?

I snuck over to Sue's just now & NICKED this pic....

And this one too....!!

With the FIVE boxes I have on offer at The Vintage Shed, you'd be WELL on your way to a collection to rival Sue's YUMMY stack....hahahahaha....!!

Ok I must away....I'm painting my fridge.... :o) !!

Cheers for now,

Tamarah :o)

A very SWEET reminder as to WHY I do some of the things I do....!!

2011-07-18T17:22:00.000-07:00

Hello Seekers of the Past....!

I trust this post finds your week off to a FANTASTIC start....As always, I'm running around like a headless chook but have stopped for a sec to share a little something with you that made me smile out loud on the weekend....!!

On Sundays when I do the Market, my day starts shortly after 3am to the sound of 'angry crickets'....(Iphone alarm sound)....More often than not, as Saturdays are pretty much the BUSIEST day of the week for me I don't get into bed until around 12-1am so after two hours sleep I'm not really at my best....Anyways....At the sound of the aggro crickets, I awake disoriented....Hardly knowing who I am let alone what day it is....Bones & muscles aching from hauling furniture about the day before & at the back of my very FOGGY mind swirls the question....WHY....??.

After I've unloaded my van at the Market & moved it over into the vendor car park I run around for a couple of hours searching for a Treasure....Just one....One little thing to reward myself for the effort....Sometimes I find something though, there are some Sundays where I don't find a single thing & as I stand at my stall working very hard at selling my junk, the question of WHY returns....

If I'm very LUCKY, one of my GORGEOUSLY creative Customers will come by & remind me EXACTLY why I do what I do....Case in point....The LOVELY Lara Cameron from Kirin Notebook Blog stopped by & purchased a little 1950's stool from me & showed me a pic of the last piece she'd bought from my stall a few weeks back....It was a sweet set of 1960's plastic drink cups in a tarnished wire stand which she had CLEVERLY transformed into a MAGIC succulent garden....!!!!!

I can't tell you how this ONE interaction on Sunday warmed my heart....It literally validated the WHOLE day for me....The pic below was taken by Lara herself who often blogs about the transformation of her Treasures....Please be sure & pop in for a visit as this is one very CLEVER & INSPIRATIONAL 'Keeper Of The Past'....!

** sigh **

Well Friends I must fly....I need to unload the van & get back out on the road....!!

Cheers for now,
Tamarah :o)

The Vintage Shed - Tyabb....There's NO place like home....There's NO place like home....!!

2011-07-14T03:33:00.000-07:00

Hey Fellow Gleaners....!

Can you believe it's THURSDAY night already....?? I hope everyone's had an AWESOME week....!! Personally speaking though....I can't help but wonder where in the heck my week's gone....I KNOW I've been busy but if I were to actually sit down & write my accomplishments down on paper....I wouldn't have much to show for my time....!!

At LEAST I have evidence of what I got up to today....Yes indeed....As PROMISED, the pics below are of my new space at The Vintage Shed in Tyabb. Today I went out to tidy up & add some new stock & I'm THRILLED to say I've had some sales....As a matter of fact, Sportsgirl were out there before I arrived & bought ALL of my YUMMY clocks....WOOHOO....!!

Mr SVJ & I are going back out on Saturday to hang some picture hooks high up on the brick wall....I'll also be taking out some soft furnishings to soften up the look....!!

OK....This pic begins a 360 degree view of my space....Love....LOVE....L-O-V-E this shelf ladder....Not CURRENTLY for sale though....As soon as I have a 'back up' I'll pop a price tag on it.... :o) !!

I've decided to do a COMPLETE redo here at Casa De SVJ so several KEY pieces have found their way into my space....My YUMMY French door being one piece....**sigh**....

And my GORGEOUS green wardrobe....

BEAUTIFUL Poultry Farm sign....AND my three HUGE green glass bottles as well as the AWESOME Examination table Mr SVJ converted into a console table for me....I really....REALLY miss these pieces....!!!!!

The pieces you'll find in my space are made from materials I enjoy the MOST....Galvanised pieces, gently rusted ironwork, glass & wood feature predominantly throughout....And although my style may be considered quite masculine in texture & tone, the individual pieces I gravitate towards can be incorporated into any of the more feminine, pretty interior design styles....!

I've even thinned out my enamel breadbin collection....I REALLY don't need FIVE of these beauties....Though....If they don't sell in a month or so I may re-evaluate that one....hahahahaha....

LOVE me a blackboard....

Or TEN....hahahahaha....I recently found a number of ply picture frame backings from the 40's & turned them into mini blackboards....While each is for sale, they're a GREAT way to get my message across....

Say it LOUD....Say it PROUD.... :o) !!

I really....REALLY do miss my door.... :o( !!!!!

I SO could have kept my chippy white mailbox....hmmmmm....Maybe I'll set a 'sell by' date for this piece too....hahahahaha....

There you go....Some roses....:o) !!

Now NEXT week I'll show you around the place & introduce you to my fellow Shed mates....I'll also tell you about a FUN 'SVJ at The Vintage Shed' giveaway & announce my FIRST weekly discount open to ALL my Readers (Followers) who visit The Vintage Shed....!!

Well I must fly....My Reader as ALWAYS is overflowing with all your FABULOUS posts so I need to get busy....First off though....I just need to stop by the fridge & grab a top up....Composing Posts is THIRSTY work....hahahahaha....!!!!!

Cheers for now,

Tamarah :o)

The GORGEOUS 'Bells Belles' celebrates a MILESTONE....Happy HAPPY Birthday....Yayyyyyyy....!

2011-07-09T05:07:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends....!

I hope this post finds you well & enjoying a FABULOUS weekend....!

My Saturday was spent in part in the company of Friends....Always a WONDERFUL thing to do....More so of course when they are Friends with which you share a common interest....Case in point, my Friend Leah from Bells Belles & the very CLEVER & talented Callie from Hunted & Collected....!!

I was fortunate to meet the GORGEOUS Leah a little over a year & half ago when Callie & I attended Fryerstown for the first time as vendors & shared a space....Leah happened to be next door to us which made for a WONDERFUL treat as her passion for Vintage Fashion made for a YUMMY place to visit during quite moments....!

Leah was working for a major retailer & like myself, had taken a few days annual leave to participate at the Antique Fair....Six months later though, Leah's business 'Bells Belles' became a bricks & mortar reality when she resigned from her job & moved into a DELICIOUS shop in Castlemaine at 28 Johnstone Street....!!!

One year on, 'Bells Belles' celebrated it's FIRST birthday & I was THRILLED to have visited with Leah today to mark the occasion....

And here she is....The ADORABLE Leah Bell....!

Leah's business has diversified over the last year moving from being primarily fashion based to incorporate vintage furniture & homewares....

Gorgeous....GORGEOUS vintage furniture & homewares....

Stock literally disappears out the door as soon as it arrives due to the very VERY reasonable prices....This means EVERY time you visit, it's like you're walking in for the FIRST time....!!

It NEVER ceases to amaze me the YUMMY pieces she finds....Don't you just ADORE these metal Sabco chairs & flags....!!!

**sigh**....Chippy....White....What more could you want....

This pale blue dresser was a T-I-N-Y $140- but was sold BEFORE I arrived....BUGGER....!!

With a GENEROUS 20% discount offered today in honour of 'Bells Belles' FIRST birthday, Treasures like this AWESOME lino didn't last long....

One of the things I LOVE about Leah's vintage clothing is that EVERY piece is in DROP DEAD FABULOUS condition....And STUNNING....

Each & EVERY piece....

Something for EVERYONE....

Callie's LOVELY Friend Mandy came up for the day & was also busy taking pics....

I think I FONDLED EVERY dress on this rack....Yep....Along with a couple of cardis & boots what MORE could you need in your wardrobe....??!!!

Now I'm afraid to say, the pics I took of Callie's BEAUTIFUL jewellery turned out blurry....(SORRY Callie....!!!!!) So I suggest you pop in & visit with Callie at Hunted and Collected to view her EXQUISITE collections....!!

Leah Love I'm SO GLAD to have been able to celebrate your businesses FIRST birthday with you today....I look forward to sharing MANY more....!!!

Well I'm off to the Market tomorrow so I must away....!!!

Cheers for now,

Tamarah :o)

PS: I've moved into my space at The Vintage Shed however, due to the TERRIBLE weather last Thursday, all the pics I took were VERY grainy....Weather permitting, I'll be back this Monday or Thursday WITH pics....!!!!!

Happy 4th July to all my Junkin' Thriftin' mates in the USA....!!!!!

2011-07-03T03:31:00.000-07:00

Hello Junk & Thrifty mates EVERYWHERE....!

I hope you're all having a WONDERFUL weekend....!!

I just wanted to pop in & wish ALL my Friends in the US a happy HAPPY 4th of July weekend....This is one AUSSIE (though I'm SURE I'm not alone) who lives vicariously through your Independence Celebrations....!!!!!

If you're travelling....Take care....I look forward to catching up with you soon....!!!

Cheers from Oz,
Tamarah xxx

Shabby Vintage Junk has MOVED to Tyabb & The Vintage Shed....WOOHOO....!!!!!

2011-07-02T02:42:00.000-07:00

Hello Treasure Hunters near & far....!!

I trust you've all had a BRILLIANT day....!! I've had busy....BUSY....B-U-S-Y day myself moving into my VERY FIRST space at The Vintage Shed down at Tyabb....Yayyyyyy....I FINALLY have a PERMANENT home to share my Treasures & unleash my creativity in between Extravaganzas....!!

I feel VERY fortunate to have been asked to join the WONDERFUL Team down there & look forward to spending time in the company of my fellow Treasure hunting stall mates as we meet up each week to 'foof our boofs'....hahahahaha....ALWAYS wanted to say that....**wink**....!!!!!

Each Thursday I'll be posting about The Vintage Shed....I'll show you the Treasures I take down there & I'll also introduce you to the Team....There'll be SPECIAL discounts for those of you who FOLLOW my blog to show you how MUCH I appreciate you popping in....Oh & they'll be giveaways....But more about that later....For now, I just want to show you my installation & then sit back & catch up on what you've all been up to....!!

This is the entrance to The Vintage Shed....There's a walkway either side of this alcove however, I recommend you take the right path first....**wink**....!

OK....SO I came up with this idea that I wanted to install 'something eye catching' above my space....And to make it easier on Mr SVJ I sourced the PERFECT frame from the Hard Rubbish....Can you guess what it was....?? It WAS an old cot....I simply took it apart at either end & Mr SVJ screwed it together bracing it with aluminium strips....EASY PEASY....!!

The ceiling is HIGH....That ladders's a GOOD six meters....!!

Taking shape....

And there it is....PHEW....I think if it had taken any more than six hours Mr SVJ would have gone out on strike....Needless to say....I OWE him BIG time for this one....!

Well Friends I must away....I'll be back with pics of my space when it's finished shortly....In the mean time....Take care & ENJOY your weekend....!!

Cheers for now,

Tamarah :o)

SWEET little NURSERY piece READY for another 50 years active duty....!

2011-06-30T22:32:00.000-07:00

Hey Vintage Enthusiasts....!!

I trust this posts finds you looking forward to a potentially Treasure filled weekend....I for one have been flat out like the 'proverbial' working on a number of different projects....I'm doin' somethin' H-U-G-E tomorrow which I HOPE to be able to share with you tomorrow evening so be sure & pop by over the weekend.... :o) !!

While I've been getting ready for a BIG MOVE, I've ALSO been working on all the pieces I want to take to the Market on Sunday....

This little nursery piece being one of them....I could KICK myself that I didn't take a BEFORE pic as it was COVERED in horrid stickers that I had to peel off & painstakingly remove the gummy residue....TWO HOURS & half a bottle of eucalyptus oil later, I'm pleased to report this little 1950's wardrobe is ready for another 50 years on the front line....!!

It's the PERFECT height for a change table, comes with 4 x drawers to store all those little nursery necessities as well as a space for hanging....And to top it off....Its painted a LOVELY creamy white which has stood the test of time remarkably well....The inside was painted not too long ago & cheerful yellow contact added to the drawers giving it a fresh look....!

If you're interested, it'll be for sale at the Market on Sunday for the THRIFTY sum of $90.00....!!

Won't find find one at Freedom or Ikea for that price....Nor will you find one made here in Oz....!!

Sturdy....

Original....

Cute....

Practical....

Functional....

Fresh....

THANK YOU for your LOVELY words re my previous post for my Friend, the GORGEOUS Miss Bec....If you haven't visited her yet, don't forget to have a squizz....Bec's one in a MILLION & probably the NICEST Treasure I've found this year....!!

Cheers for now,
Tamarah :o)

Have you met my Friend Bec....?? No....Well then you simply MUST....!!!!!

2011-06-28T23:23:00.000-07:00

Hello Vintage Friends....!

I hope you've all had a WONDERFUL day....!!

Since 'falling' into Blogland a couple of years ago I've discovered MANY blogs that I ENJOY & subsequently follow (though I prefer Reader to Follower)....! Scrolling down my list today I was able to pick out a NUMBER of reasons WHY I've added particular blogs to my list: STUNNING pics, BRILLIANT info, AWESOME makeovers, FANTASTIC tutorials, INFORMATIVE business advice, HEROIC junking tales, BLOODY funny, EXCEPTIONAL writing skills....And the list goes on....Basically though....EVERYONE on my reading list is there 'cause they MAKE ME SMILE OUT LOUD....!!!!!

There are a couple of blogs however that are unique to my reading list because they've captured for ME, the playful side of granny/nana chic (YES....The VINTAGE in Shabby Vintage Junk) that I ADORE ALMOST above & beyond the 'shabby' & the 'junk'....!!!!!

I turn to these blogs when I find myself stressing & obsessing on a creative level....When I'm having difficulty translating the picture in my head into reality, I pop in & read BACK to the beginning....I smile as I re-read posts & gaze DREAMILY into the BEAUTIFUL pics....And when I'm done soaking up all their FABULOUSNESS....I'm ready to start....Again....

So....If you haven't had the PLEASURE of meeting this LOVELY lady, I'd like to introduce you to the INCREDIBLY CREATIVE....

And ever so talented....Miss Bec from naughty shorts!....!!

Oh & S-T-Y-L-I-S-H....Indeed....Be STILL my wildly FIBRILATING (NEW word) heart....!!!!!

We share an ~~obsession~~ fondness for vintage sheets & fabric....

***HAPPY dance***

Though I'm SAD to say my studio does NOT resemble this GLORIOUS work space Bec has organised for herself....!!

Every week, this UBER clever girl crafts BEAUTIFUL Tea Dresses....

....from previously mentioned sheets & fabric....

LOVINGLY labelling them....

Before sending them all over the world....!

Each....

....and....

....EVERY....

....One....

....Simply TO DIE FOR....!!!

Bec has a FAB Etsy shop which I'm SURE you'll ENJOY so be sure to pop in after you've visited her blog....!!

Next Wednesday I'm going to introduce you to one of my FAVE Small Vintage Businesses so be SURE & pop back to meet Trish....!!!!!

Well I must away....!

Cheers for now,

Tamarah :o)

PS: All pics in this post have been ~~stolen~~, ~~pinched~~, ~~nicked~~, ~~acquired,~~ borrowed from Bec's blog....Come on....Did you SERIOUSLY think I took ANY of those beauties....hahahahaha....!!!!!

Isn't she LOVELY....Isn't she WONDERFUL....Isn't she PRECIOUS....

2011-06-28T16:31:00.000-07:00

Dear Fellow THRIFTERS & GLEANERS everywhere....!!

While the title of my post pays homage to the EVER FABULOUS Stevie Wonder....I'm NOT gushing about a new born babe....No siree....I'm talking about the MOST DIVINE Wedding Cake Topper I found yesterday in an Op-Shop....I need to back track briefly though....

Yesterday I took my LOVELY Friend Sophie out into the Hard Rubbish for a look see....Alas....Treasures were light on the ground so we intermingled our time in the HR with visits to Op-Shops in the area....We found some NEAT stuff & at around 1.30pm headed home so Sophie could relieve her MIL from baby sitting duties....!!

With several hours left in what is generally one of my BUSIEST sourcing days, I headed back out armed with my cup of coffee to hit a few Op-Shops in & around the Oakleigh area & THIS is where I found my NEW (to me) BEAUTY....TWENTY of the BEST dollars I have EVER spent I reckon....!!!!!

Exquisite....

Ethereal....

PERFECT in EVERY way....

Paper flowers, MERCURY glass bell which tinkles MAGICALLY....

***sigh*** And now I have THREE.... :o) !!

Mr SVJ asked when I showed him, "Why did you get another one?" To which I responded, "Because when you FINALLY BLOODY WELL ask me I'm gonna have a cake the size of our house....!!

This one was my FIRST....I was very fortunate to WIN it from the GORGEOUS Alicia over at Time Worn Style MANY moons ago on eBay....!!

And this DIVINE topper was purchased from the ADORABLE Gina over at Vintage Junk In My Trunk when she FIRST opened her Etsy Shop....I was her FIRST Customer....LUCKY me.... :o) !!

Well now I've shared my little bit of HAPPY with you I MUST away....I HOPE to be back later to share a WHOLE LOT OF HAPPY in the form of one of my FAVE blogs....!!!!!

Cheers for now,

Tamarah :o)

I'm Back....Yesterday was a GREAT day....Today....Well it's back to reality....!!

2011-06-20T19:27:00.000-07:00

Hi EVERYONE....!!

I hope as always this post finds you well, safe & HAPPY....!!

Boy oh boy does it seem like a LONG time since I popped in....In my defence I've been busy....BUSY....B-U-S-Y working on a MULTITUDE of projects which I'm DYING to share with you....Alas....My news will HAVE to wait as I have a MOUNTAIN of cleaning to get through before Mr SVJ returns home from the city this afternoon....!

So....Without further ado....Here are some Treasures I rescued yesterday while out & about.....The items below were accumulated in a S-E-V-E-N hour stint....And I'll probably spend another 5 hours cleaning & then repairing on top of that will probably add another 4 - 5 hours....hmmmmmm.....I know....A good Friend is ALWAYS reminding me to spend time where I'll make the most money but sometimes, when you come across pieces deserving that SECOND chance....All common sense (business that is) goes out the window....!!!!!

Oh before I get on with my show & tell though....Since Blogger crashed a few weeks ago I've been unable to leave comments on a LOT of blogs....Please KNOW that I have been doing my BEST to visit with you....Anyways....I was reading somewhere that downloading Google Chrome may help....I did this & WOOFREAKINHOO it has made a HUGE difference to EVERYTHING....Pages download quicker, I've been able to leave comments, there's an auto spell-checker thing & I just uploaded all these pics in the BLINK OF AN EYE....Pinky swear....!!!

Just sayin'.....

Chippy paint....Wood....Metal....My four FAVE junkin' words....!

Two MAGNIFICENT chippy paint ladders....The one on the right is a scaffolding ladder....Now I have TWO of those....Can you say....**Happy**....!!

DELICIOUS green metal bin....It was FILLED with HAIRY FREAKIN' spiders....But I suffocated them in some homebrand spray (compliments of Hard Rubbish) & they are....no more.... :o) !

The wicker basket used to house a big old green demijohn for making home brew (wine)....Alas....The bottle was nowhere to be seen....**sigh**....

I have NOT found one of these D-I-V-N-E wrought iron letter boxes in YEARS & did a SPECIAL dance when I found this one....Love....LOVE....L-O-V-E it to pieces....!!!!!

I was STOKED to find this mid century wallpaper....It's been a WHILE since I scored some so I was 'reasonably' excited to have found this stash....!

The white metal trunk is a BEAUTAYYY & I ALWAYS snap up vintage jars & lids when they cross my path....!!

A couple of sweet wooden boxes & a really NEAT sprinkler round out this vignette just nicely....!!

Now this chair is....Well....It's DROP DEAD FREAKIN' GORGEOUS that's what it is....White....chippy paint....**sigh**....It IS a fixerupperer though....I'll have to pull it all apart as the seat needs to be cleaned, glued & clamped....And the legs at the front will need to be cut down about 5cm due to rot....Mr SVJ will help me make new bottom pieces & we'll dowel them in place for a sturdy finish that'll give the chair another 50 years....It was just too BEAUTIFUL to leave behind....See....Common sense (business)....NOWHERE to be found....hahahahaha....!!!

The cream rotary dial phone has NEVER been used....Which it was RED though....Oh & some kids books with GREAT graphics....I have a Friend I can swap these with....!

Suitcases galore, a 70's travel bag PLUS a great home made 50's coffee table made from solid wood....Not YUKKY chipboard that was so POPULAR for TOO long....Yeckkkkkk....POOR MANS WOOD I call it....And I don't mean to offend with that term....I use it simply to describe the POOR MAN who obviously had no SENSE when buying materials at the hardware store....!!

AWESOME wardrobe mirror....Need to cut this down slightly & replace the ply on the back....GREAT army surplus bag & GROOVY leather handbag....I think this bag will be my NEW 'go to' bag for a while.... :o) !!

And THIS piece my Friends is my FAVE piece of the day (week, month maybe....!!!!!)....Solid wood construction....Sexy....SEXY shape....And SO TOTALLY functional....**GREAT BIG HEAVING SIGH** ....I ADORE it....I'll use it for display & will hold onto it for a GOOD LONG while I reckon....!!

It's TRAGICALLY FILTHY & requires some repair work....I'll also need to cut another shelf with some matching wood I have in storage....

But the effort will be WELL worth it as you just don't run into these pieces every day....**smile**....!!

I'm TOO SEXY for this blog too SEXY yeah....hahahahaha....

I picked up the cot in the background as I have a need of the frame for a SECRET project I shall reveal shortly....The broom handle however I can share with you....WHENEVER I spy these I pick them up....The worn wood, peely paint & overall patina are just too PRECIOUS....I have a bunch that I intend on employing as curtain rods, towel rails etc....Besides....They look GREAT together sitting in my galvanised bin....**happy sigh**....!

Well Friends I must fly & get started cleaning all this stuff....I PROMISED Mr SVJ I'd have his garage cleared by the time he got home & I BETTER make good on my promise....!!

Cheers for now,

Tamarah :o)

And the WINNER of the Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza is....

2011-06-10T04:59:00.000-07:00

The ever GORGEOUS Alisa at Mon Alisa Designs was the name drawn out of the bucket by Mr SVJ earlier this evening...I've contacted the LUCKY Girl & hope to be able to send her prize along next week....!

THANK YOU to everyone who joined in the fun & took a button & OR blogged about the Extravaganza....I can't tell you how much I appreciated you all HELPING to promote the Show....!!

Cheers for now,
Tamarah :o)

It's OFFICIAL....I am a DICKHEAD....!!!!!

2011-06-09T03:40:00.000-07:00

YUP Vintage Friends....It's TRUE....And I'll tell you why....

Last Wednesday when Mr SVJ & I were due to go up to the Scout Hall in Ashburton to begin transforming it from BLAH to FANFREAKINTABULOUS....I realised the battery in my camera had died....Unable to locate the charger I made a 'mental' note to come back for it in the morning & take it with me back up to the hall....

Anyways....

Long story short....It took Mr SVJ & I from 10pm Wednesday until almost 8am the following morning to do what we needed to do & I didn't make it home until the afternoon by which time I'd completely forgotten about my camera, charger & a number of other things....!

So can you believe it....ME....Tamarah Charter, Blogger, Keeper Of The Past, Organiser of the Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza, MULTITASKEREXTRAORDINAIRE....Didn't take one single SOLITARY picture to capture all our hard work....!!

I would think THAT in itself warrants me a turn or two wearing the DICKHEAD hat....But wait....There's MORE....

I popped in to see my GORGEOUS Friend Sue from Montreux / Trove Trading yesterday for a bit of a catch up & while I was there I thought I'd suss out what she's been doing to produce those DROP DEAD YUMMY pics you see on her blog....Well you could have felled me with a feather when she replied, "I just use my iPhone"....

C-R-A-P ....I HAD my iPhone in my pocket during the Show & DIDN'T THINK to use it....!!!!

Now that GUFFAW guarantees me some bench time in the DICKHEAD hall of fame FOR SURE ....hahahahahaNOT....!!

THANK HEAVENS Mr SVJ had his video camera with him so I managed to get video footage late Thursday afternoon....Unfortunately, the big lug's been using the camera at work this week so I have to wait until he brings it back home before I can share it with you....!!

Moving on....

I'm THRILLED to say the Show was a BRILLIANT success....The team of Specialists participating went above & BEYOND....The displays were AWESOME & the sets designed & built for the two days left no doubt as to the creative talents of the individual businesses involved....!

The hour long Early Bird session was WONDERFUL....We had 44 x Vintage Enthusiasts shopping up a storm prior to opening to the general public....!!

The gift bags were a big hit as were the prizes (from my own stock) drawn every 10 minutes....My ONLY regret was that I was SO BUSY, I barely had time to catch up with everyone....!!!!!
Now the LOVELY Ryn from Flo & Olive has kindly allowed me to use a couple of pics she took of her own GORGEOUS space....

I'm sure you'll agree this was a TREAT for the eyes.... :o) !!!!!

And then....The FABULOUS Miss Eagle over at The Network took a HEAP of pics & posted them on YouTube for us....I've been trying to leave her a comment to THANK her for taking the time to do this alas....Blogger is being a JERK....AGAIN....And keeps booting me out every time I try....!!

While this clip doesn't show a lot of the hall & the overall 'look' we achieved, it gives a GREAT overview of the eclectic Treasures offered over the two days....!!

The ever DELICIOUS & TALENTED Andrea over at The Pink Poodle also posted a heap of pics from late Thursday afternoon so you MUST pop in to see those.... :o) !!

Well I must away....To be honest I'm still K-NACKered & have spent the last few days trying to put my house, storage unit & paperwork in order....I think I should be done with all of that by the end of next week....I HOPE....!!

I'll be back tomorrow night to announce the winner of the Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza giveaway so stay tuned....!!!!!

Cheers,
Tamarah :o)

I am seriously K-NACKered....!

2011-06-05T04:26:00.000-07:00

Dear All....!

I'm just popping in ever so BRIEFLY to THANK all those who attended the Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza on Friday & Saturday....Your attendence & overall support of the Show & feedback are VERY MUCH appreciated....!!

I'm taking a couple of days to wind down because I'm absolutely S-P-E-N-T & need to process everything as well as try & regain some order here at SVJ Headquarters....I mean....This place is a FREAKIN' MESS....!!!!!

I KNOW I previously advised I would be drawing the WINNER of the SVJ-X Giveaway TODAY but am hoping you don't mind if I leave it a few days....I PROMISE I'll be back to let you know the outcome of the drawer before the end of the week....!!!!

Cheers for now,
Tamarah :o)

Let's meet some of our TALENTED Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza 'Specialists'....!!

2011-05-31T16:25:00.000-07:00

Hello Vintage Friends....!

As promised, I'm back to introduce you to several of our Specialist Vendors participating in the Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza....While there are 16 of us, some of the team have been so busy working on the Treasures they're bringing to the Extravaganza they were unable to submit their profiles however, I'll include links to their businesses at the end of this post so you can go visit with them before the Show....!!

** NB: All pics belong to the individual Specialist Vendor profiled....! ***

Andrea Frost aka 'The Queen Of Random'
The Pink Poodle

Hi Everyone....

Having raised two wonderful boys & seeing them through university & out into the world I figure it's my time to shine & pursue my creative interests. Now my time is my own once again, I spend many hours searching out Treasures for my business, The Vintage Hatbox.

I sell shabby vintage flea market goodies on ebay, with my latest interest involving linen and lace....I love the tactile aspect of vintage textiles & enjoy repurposing my finds & sharing them with my readers on my blog, The Pink Poodle.

I feel privileged to be participating in the Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza for the second time & am looking forward to creating a visual feast to entice & delight our visitors.

*************************************

Callie Whelan - Hunted & Collected
Callie from Hunted and Collected will be again bringing her eclectic mix of wonderful vintage adornments, which will be uniquely styled with a treasure trove of delightful goodies including vintage mannequins, industrial wood patterns and some lively little air plants - all of which will be available for purchase. Her inspiration for the show will be 'classical opulence' with a shabby twist. From her extensive collection of fabulous vintage jewellery, she will be bringing 1930s celluloid, quirky 1940s figural plastics, 1920s flapper glass beads, as well as her ever popular collection of war era wood and bakelite jewellery, with some lovely sparkly retro delights as well.

For a preview of some of the creme of her vintage jewellery crop, be sure to check out Callie's collection online at www.huntedandcollected.com - particularly if you wish to get a head start on your fellow junkers. If you don't find that special something there, don't despair; she tells me that she has been putting aside a collection of vintage pieces especially for the SVJX. But, if you are hunting something specific and you want her to bring it to the fair, don't be shy about it! Drop her a line or two via her contacts page, as she has over 3000 treasures at last count and she might just have what you are looking for! And she does wholesale too!

Also, best get in early to get your hands on a collection of 1940s figural scatter pins all priced at only $5 ea! They look fabulous on children's coats or create a scenic delight with several on your winter jacket.

*********************************************

Alison Gibbs

Alison Gibbs lives in Mt Martha on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula.

I will be selling jewellery created from vintage elements - cotton, buttons, beads, laces, ribbons, fabric and jewels.

As a Specialist Vendor at the SVJ-X I am looking forward to introducing my Vintage Line of Jewellery to all lovers of Vintage.

I have a website - www.alisongibbs.com where I sell my Vintage Line of Jewellery along with other jewellery and artistic creations, preloved and vintage treasures.

Come visit my blog - www.alisongibbs.blogspot.com

****************************************** Lisa Amirtharajah - Vintage Influence

Vintage Influence is a vintage furniture, homewares and interiors business. I specialise in ‘vintage’ design or ‘vintage influenced’ design. With that in mind I create furniture and soft furnishings with a vintage vibe. In addition, I provide a design inspiration service sourcing original vintage items for the home.

My style has been described as ‘Eclectic’, ‘Colourful’, ‘Quirky’ and ‘Fun’, four adjectives that describe me and the philosophy behind Vintage Influence perfectly. I share a passion and love for all things vintage that by their nature have a history and a story and believe in the principals of salvaging, repurposing and up-cycling.

It was this love and passion that inspired me to start my business and I look forward to sharing my eclectic, colourful, quirky and fun vintage finds and creations with others.

Vintage Influence Contact : Lisa Amirtharajah 0400 167 477.

*************************************** Natalie Olver - The Cupcake Wrapper Co.

My passion for all things junk/vintage/antique related is in my blood with all members of my family being keen collectors.
I have been able to feed my love of merchandising with vintage props through the business that I am one half of ‘The Cupcake Wrapper Co.’

At the SVJ-X I will have many items for sale including some of my own treasures that have been in my home for many years which I now feel the need to move them on so I can introduce some new pieces. My home was featured in Home Beautiful last November & some of the pieces photographed will be for sale at the Extravaganza.

I look forward to sharing my pieces with you....Maybe I'll even find a few new things I can’t leave without! I look forward to meeting many fellow lovers of all things Shabby Vintage Junk! ********************************************* Frankie Wright - Inspired By Vintage

Inspired by Vintage was born out of a love of the old & timeless pieces from the past....

There is only one criteria that must be met with my items and that is simply that I must love them and wherever possible be able to use them in my day to day life.

Featured at the Vintage Extravaganza will be a selection of bakelite and vintage canisters, homewares & a large selection of vintage children toys including cars, trucks, puzzles and children books.

******************************************

Irene Bibes - Re-Vintaged

Re-Vintaged was created to give me an excuse to trawl through Op Shops and Second-hand stores &spend inordinate amounts of time online searching for that perfect piece of fabric, lace or linen. My emphasis will always be on Vintage floral fabrics and Hand-embroidered Linens and how I can re-purpose or Re-Vintage them.

I am the perennial bower bird and if I see something, the price is right and I just have to have it , it comes home with me. & I hope others will share this passion of mine at the Shabby Vintage, Junk Extravaganza.

I am presenting a selection of hand-made items including cushions and bunting, to small upholstered items. There will also be an eclectic array of household items, vintage linens and fabrics.

See you there!

Irene Bibes

My blog: irene-re-vintaged.blogspot.com

****************************************

Morris Brown Morris brown is a collaboration between two friends of horticultural persuasion!
Our first store opened four years ago in the main street of Healesville, with a new store opening last July in the leafy green suburb of Heathmont.

Most often described as eclectic, our stores encompass a range of both old and new, all chosen for their particular beauty. We stock jewellery, homewares, clothes, soaps, stationery and anything that takes our fancy, all displayed within a framework of vintage, most for sale (a few that aren’t!) Because of this, our shops are frequently changing and always interesting!

Come and visit us at:
264 Maroondah Highway
Healesville 3777
Ph 59 62 4042

192 Canterbury Rd
Heathmont 3135
Ph 9729 1263

Or www.morrisbrown.com.au http://www.morrisbrown.com.au

***************************************************** Jenny - Vintage Living

One of my high school friends reminded me recently that I’d always loved old things but I first started collecting seriously over thirty years ago when I was inspired by English designer Trisha Guilds gorgeous collection of Carltonware, Clarice Cliff & frosted green Depression glass.

This ignited in me what has become a lifelong obsession for collecting. Over time I have collected Carltonware, Clarice Cliff, Malingware, Royal Winton all-over floral, Victorian enameled glass, Depression glass in all colours, Victorian chamber jugs, Edwardian oils of roses, barbola mirrors, Murano glass – in particular cornucopias, Staffordshire florals & rosy 50’s china. There are more but too numerous to mention!

This love of the chase led me to opening a stall in an antique market which, in turn led to my opening a shop eight years ago called “Vintage Living” which I closed 4 months ago as I was long overdue for a break. I used to tell customers that I had to start selling to support my habit! Two of the highlights of my shop experience were hiring out items for films & this year many of my pieces will feature in the new Peter Weir film “The Eye of the Storm” featuring Geoffrey Rush, Charlotte Rampling & Judy Davis.

Also, I had the pleasure of a visit from the lovely Taylor Swift who remarked that I had a “very beautiful store” & purchased a dinner setting for twelve & a beautiful set of 1930’s china kitchen cannisters. My biggest problem has been that while I fall in love with new looks, I don’t fall out of love with old ones & hence I have an over-abundance of collectables!

I have presently been seduced by the more neutral, natural aesthetic but I still look at my old copy of Martha Stewarts “Entertaining” & can’t help but remain in awe of that gorgeous country kitchen – which prompted me to collect baskets all those years ago!

I am supported in all of my ventures by my husband who spends his weekends cleaning, repairing & painting for me when what he’d rather be doing is sitting watching the footy! At the “Extravaganza” I will be selling small furnishings, prints & paintings, china, lightfittings, Florentine, vintage clothing, jewellery & linen.my stall.

Talk about cutting it fine....hahahahahaha....20 x Early Bird Totes HOT off the press....!

2011-05-30T18:40:00.000-07:00

Greetings All....!

Case De SVJ has OFFICIALLY been renamed 'Camp CRAZY House'....There is a WHOLE hellofalot goin' on around here today & I am doin' the Mad Hatter dance BIG TIME....Yes indeed folks I'mlateI'mlateI'mLATE! & I KNOW I should be elsewhere but here I am talkin' to you lot....hahahahahaha....Not for long though....I've just popped in to share a few of our canvas Early Bird totes FINISHED last night....

There are TWENTY in total which are going to the first 20 x Early Birds who booked tickets to the Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza....!!

Hand made by myself & my Mother-In-Law on two NON industrial sewing machines these BEAUTIES will be filled with Treasures generously provided by a number of our Specialist Vendors.....!!

Aren't they YUMMY....!!!!!

OK....Gotta fly....!!

Cheers for now,
Tamarah :o)

PS: I WILL be back later to introduce you to a number of our Specialists....!

HEAVENS above....We've got people flyin' in from ALL over the country to attend the Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza....!

2011-05-30T06:51:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone....!!

I'm running BEHIND this evening & after pulling an all nighter last night, I really need to get into bed....I wanted to share this SWEET pic I received a short time ago though from one of our interstate Early Birds....

The GORGEOUS Michelle is flying over from Western Australia JUST to attend the Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza....!!!!!

Michelle's so EXCITED to be joing us she's counting down 'sleeps'....

I can't tell ya how much this pic made me SMILE....!!

Cheers,
Tamarah :o)

One GIANT step for Tamarah....One TINY step for the Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza....hahahahahaha....

2011-05-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hello fellow Keepers Of The Past....!!

Things are really hopping here at SVJ Headquarters....Though Mr SVJ & I have gone to separate corners of the house after an 'artistic' disagreement & I'm ENJOYING a few moments of peace & quite....hahahahahaSNORT....!!

Chaos has moved in & STUFF's seemingly STREWN the length & breadth of our castle to the point where I'm surprised I'm actually getting anything done at all....!!

I HAVE managed to finish this GORGEOUS cubby or pigeon hole unit though & I just thought I'd take a moment to show you....I needed a large piece for the Extravaganza to display my smalls & I think this will do perfectly....!!

Twenty boxes will allow me to display a number of TREASURES during the two days of our Show....

Clocks.....Spools....Globes....SWEET vintage toys....Glass jars filled with Vintage Notions.....

A trophy or two....A Kokeshi Doll maybe....hmmmmm....I'm SURE I could play at this all day....!

It's a shame though I have so many....MANY more projects requiring my attention....**sigh**....

Dare I ask...."Are we there YET....?"....hahahahahaha....6 more sleeps to go....And then....

....Our Early Bird visitors will get to enjoy all of the hard work we've gone to to create....

The Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza....

And back by popular demand are my BEAUTIFUL Friend Wendy's Terriers Of Mansfield....A recent addition to her hand made range of Vintage Terriers are these English mohair CUTIES....**LOVE**....!!

Well that's enough mucking around....I trust you're all having a BRILLIANT weekend....As promised earlier, I'll be back shortly to introduce you to some of our Specialist Vendors....!!

Yes indeed....One GIANT step for me....One TINY step for the SVJ-X....!!

Cheers for now,

Tamarah :o)

When SPRUIKING & THRIFTING go hand in hand - An Ode to the GORGEOUS Naughty Shorts....!!

2011-05-26T19:35:00.000-07:00

*** The Early Bird ticket offer to the Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza closes today 5pm EST....If you are considering purchasing a ticket to the early session you will need to contact me at shabbyvintagejunk@hotmail.com before this time to secure your booking....! ***

Hello Vintage Friends near & far....!

As always, I hope this post finds you well & HAPPY....! I'm running around like a blue arsed fly at the moment....With ONLY 7 x sleeps to go until opening day, I'm in the process of swapping my ORGANISER hat for my SPECIALIST vendor hat & if I thought I was busy before....I am SERIOUSLY under the pump now....!!

The living area of Casa De SVJ looks like a bomb went off....I have painting projects, sewing projects, pieces of furniture clamped waiting for glue to dry, pompoms hanging EVERYBLOODYWHERE....Oh & lets not forget the string of Parisienne stained price tickets hanging the ENTIRE length of the room....!

Needless to say....Yesterday I took the opportunity to escape for a few hours into the city to visit with my LOVELY Friend Daniel from the Red Brick Barn for a cuppa & a chat before heading down to Brunswick & Smith Streets to hand out flyers for the Show....THEN....As a reward for all my SPRUIKING efforts....I visited a FEW Op-Shops on my return journey....hahahahahaha....And here are my YUMMY Treasures....!!!

Doesn't this pile just SCREAM HAPPY....

I know my GORGEOUS Friend Bec over at Naughty Shorts! would have LOVED to have been with me when I discovered these DIVINE sheets....! Between the two of us....We have QUITE the collection....!!

I've NEVER seen one of these maths charts....I've seen the spelling chart for sure but NEVER one of these...At $2.00 I'm happy to say SCORE....!!

I have a feeling Bec would make a DIVINE TEA DRESS or two out of these BEAUTIFUL sheets....!!

Oh & these too would make GLORIOUS TEA DRESSES....Aren't they just DELICIOUS....!!

When I picked these green glass cups & saucers up I thought they may have been Pyrex or Fire King....But NO....They're FRENCH....**sigh**....Just need a soak in Napisan & they'll be PERFECT....!

And last but by NO MEANS least is this FABULOUS wallpaper which reminds me of my FAVE designer, Orla Kiely & I can't wait to use it....!

Well Friends I MUST FLY....I'll be back shortly to introduce you to some of our Specialist Vendors....!!

Cheers for now,
Tamarah :o)

PS: Don't forget....The LUCKY Winner of the Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza Giveaway will be drawn on the 5th June....To remain eligible you need to keep your button up until this date....!!!!!

Early Birds Catch the Worms & Win WONDERFUL PRIZES at the Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza....!!!!!

2011-05-20T04:26:00.000-07:00

Hello Treasure Hunters....!

This year at the Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza we are offering Early Bird entry from 12noon - 1pm....Just IMAGINE if you will, shopping for ONE FULL HOUR before all your Vintage Friends enter at 1pm....!!

Not only do our Early Birds gain the benefit of experiencing the Show FIRST, seeing the FABULOUS displays & nabbing those HARD TO FIND Treasures....They have the opportunity to win FABULOUS prizes drawn throughout the hour....Oh YES....There are prizes & LOTS of them....!!!!!

The first 20 x registered & paid up early Birds will receive a FANTASTIC hand made tote made from recycled canvas awning (tough & endurable for vintage shopping....!) filled with Treasures GENEROUSLY donated by a number of our Specialist Vendors

Will you be an Early Bird, shop first & have the opportunity to score YUMMY VINTAGE PRIZES or....Will you be waiting outside WISHING you'd taken advantage of securing an Early Bird Ticket....!

Early Bird tickets are available for purchase for $15.00 & will only be available for a short time longer....To secure your ticket send me an email: shabbyvintagejunk@hotmail.com

Cheers from SVJ Headquarters,
Tamarah :o)

Pic source: The Graphics Fairy

When - Friday 3rd June & Saturday 4th June 2011

What Time - Friday: 12noon - 1pm (Early Birds ONLY - Bookings Essential)
1pm - 6pm (General entry)
Saturday: 8am - 4pm (General entry)

Where - ASHBURTON SCOUT HALL, 337 High Street, Ashburton (Melways ref# 60 E10)

Parking - Ample FREE parking for our Customers is available adjacent to the Scout Hall. There is also free parking available in the streets surrounding the hall.

Wheelchairs & Prams - The Scout Hall does not currently have ramp access however, the step into the hall is quite low & we will be able to assist anyone in a wheelchair wishing to visit....!!
Mums & Dads with prams are welcome however, due to the amount of people moving about the hall it is preferable (when possible) prams be 'parked' in the foyer while you're shopping.

Amenities - There are no public toilets available on the premises for our Customers.

Entry Fee - $5.00 General Entry (per person), $15.00 Early Bird Entry (per person).

Payment Options - This will vary from Vendor to Vendor so to be on the safe side, make sure you bring plenty of cash. There are ATM's just down from the Scout Hall in High Street & Safeway is 300m up the road for EFT withdrawals.

OK....Let's ReCYCLE & break this BABY down....!

2011-05-19T07:03:00.000-07:00

Okeydokey....Now that entries for the Shabby Vintage Junk Giveaway Extravaganza Giveaway have closed, I thought I'd take a break from promoting the Show & share a project with you....I know I'm ALWAYS showing you pics of my finds but RARELY ever do you get to see what I do with them....!

Now this is a sweet little gentleman's wardrobe from the early to mid 1940's....It's a GREAT piece, in WONDERFUL nic & could most certainly be ReUSED for the purpose with which it was originally intended however, I have other plans for it....!

Working with a TIGHT budget & KEEN to promote the 4 x R's....ReUSE....RePURPOSE....ReIMAGINE & ReCYCLE I tend to make do instead of making a trip to the hardware store....At the moment, I have several SVJ-X projects on hold because I need 'parts' so I'm gonna 'canabalise' this piece & ReCYCLE the pieces....!

Before....

This is a simple project requiring a few hand tools....My gloves, hammer & 'persuader' (tire iron) were sourced from the Hard Rubbish....The pliers were an unavoidable purchase as I haven't as yet found any on the side of the road....!

Now I'm pretty much a crash & bash kinda girl when I get going but this job requires a gentle approach....The ply needs to be lifted carefully to ensure it doesn't tear....

All of the nails need to be removed for safety as well as the fact some of the pieces may require machining at a later date....Mr SVJ gets VERY annoyed if I leave nails for him to saw through....hahahahaha....!

Contrary to popular belief....The 'persauder' can be used for gentle manipulation....hahahahaha....

At this stage it's pretty much a carcass....The top, back & most of the front pieces of ply & the door have been removed along with the shelves....

If you've ever trodden on a nail &/OR had a bloody tetanus shot....You don't want to leave any of these little buggers sticking out....

A quick whack with my trusty hammer & a potential trip to the emergency ward is avoided....!!

Nearly done....Just the sides & the frame to break down & I can put everything away....!

Larger nails need to be carefully hammered back through so as not to split the wood....

So close....Just need to pry the sides from the base & remove the last piece of ply from the inside....!

Yayyyyyy....Do you see what I see....? THREE long narrow blackboards in waiting on the left....Hardwood pieces to be used in a HEAP of repair projects & sheets of ply to be used as backings on a number of projects....!!!!!

And this was all I was left with....And if I HAD a wood fire....I'd utilise this TOO as kindling....!

Well I hope you've enjoyed having a look at what I get up to when I'm not promoting the Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza....With any luck....I'll come back & show you how I turn the tall narrow pieces into blackboards....!!

Cheers from SVJ-X Heaadquarters,
Tamarah :o)

14 HOURS & Counting....Absolute LAST CHANCE to WIN The Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza GIVEAWAY....!!!!!

2011-05-18T17:19:00.000-07:00

Morning Keepers Of The Past....!

There's LESS than 14 hours now to get your entry in for one of the most AWESOME giveaways going on in blogland at the moment....!

Valued at $260.00 the prize is DEFINITELY worth vying for....And all you need to do is grab a button....You don't have to follow my blog....You don't need to bend over backwards, do a number of different things to enter....NO....All you need to do is grab a button, keep it in place until the 5th June to help SPREAD the word about the Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza....It REALLY doesn't get much easier than that....!!!!!

If you blog about the Extravaganza you get an additional 3 entries but you don't even have to do that....Just grab a button....Too easy....!

Before I go I would like to say a big THANK YOU to Beth Cregan at Write Away With Me who has posted an interview with me on her blog....! In the interview we discuss my recent transition from the corporate work place to the junk world & my dreams for the future....And thanks to Beth's WONDERFUL editing....There's hardly a !!!!! in sight....hahahahahaha.... :o) !!!!!

SO TRUE....!!!

Cheers for now,
Tamarah :o)

LAST CHANCE to enter the FABULOUS Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza GIVEAWAY....!!!!!

2011-05-17T16:46:00.000-07:00

Hello Lovers of Vintage Everywhere....!!!!!

I hope this note finds you well on what happens to be a VERY CHILLY day here in old Melbourne town....I could make a reference here about squirrels & nuts but I'm pressed for time so I'll just get down to business....hahahahaha....!

Firstly & MOST importantly, I just wanted to say a BIG THANK YOU to all who have participated in the SVJ-X giveaway ....Your comments & willingness to help out by letting your Followers know the Show is on it's way has been WONDERFUL & I APPRECIATE all of your efforts....!!

THANK YOU also to those of you who have emailed me asking if there was anything else they could do to help....Beth, Gail, Clare, Sally, Andrea, Ivy, Francine & Amy you guys ROCK....I owe you all BIG TIME....!!

Secondly....I need to remind you this is your LAST CHANCE to enter the giveaway which ends tomorrow Thursday 19th May at MIDNIGHT EST....!!!!!

So.....What are you sitting there gawking at my Roses which bear NO relationship to the prize whatsoever for....Go get grab yourself a button &/OR blog about the Extravaganza for a chance at winning THE most FABULOUS prize....!!!!!

Cheers,
Tamarah :o)

DROP DEAD GORGEOUS tiny Roses painting....A recent find signed & dated 30.09.09....!

As our Friend Rachel would say...."Perfect....Perfect....Perfect"....!

Aussie Bloggers I NEED your help....!!!!! NO Pictures to detract from the SERIOUSNESS of this request....!!!!!

2011-05-15T18:05:00.000-07:00

Dear Vintage Friends....!

This post sees me with my hat in my hand....A rare occurrence for this hardened 'junker' I can assure you however, the hour is nigh & I NEED help from all you Aussie bloggers out there who hold vintage near & dear to their hearts....!!!!!

Last year I FINALLY set my dreams in motion organising the first Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza here in Melbourne....This was achieved whilst working full time & over a period of many months....It was a WONDERFUL event for all involved....The feedback was BRILLIANT & the turnout achieved with next to no budget for advertising was TERRIFIC....!

This time around however, they've been some 'glitches' & due to 'issues' with insurance, the window for organising & advertising this event was severely narrowed....In short, from the time I finally received the 'go ahead' until opening day on the 4th June was a scant six weeks....And trust me....From an organisational perspective where 'whatever can go wrong, can & WILL go wrong' is inevitable, six weeks is NOT a great amount of time....!

I really believe in the Extravaganza & feel it fills a void in the Australian Vintage Scene....To date, there are NO Vintage Furniture & Homewares Shows LIKE this in the country & I'm keen to share it with both vintage enthusiasts & non vintage enthusiasts alike....!!

I have a team of creative Specialist Vendors working hard to bring together a Show to thrill & inspire our visitors....And I can't wait to see the surprise & delight on the faces of those who attend the Extravaganza when they first walk into the hall & witness the transformation we'll have worked so hard to achieve....!!!!!

Last week, prior to the Blogger issues I posted a FABULOUS giveaway here & would really appreciate it if all you Aussie Lovelies would pop in, take a button &/or post about the Extravaganza on your blogs....!!

In return....You have the opportunity to win a BEAUTIFUL Treasure I KNOW you'll be very HAPPY to receive if you are the LUCKY winner....!!

Also....If ever in the future I can help you with YOUR vintage business or blog I will be MORE than happy to do so if able....All you need to do is email me at: shabbyvintagejunk@hotmail.com & I'll be happy to 'talk' to you about it....!!!!!

Cheers for now,
Tamarah :o)

PS: The giveaway is open to all bloggers here & internationally....!

*** Comments have been disabled on this post as you need to comment on the giveaaway post....! ***

Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza - GIVEAWAY....Only ONE rule....Open to everyone EVERYWHERE....!!!

2011-05-11T20:12:00.000-07:00

*** NB: Due to Blogger 'issues' this post has been reset to ensure everyone has the opportunity to take advantage of this giveaway....!!!! ***

IF you commented previously & do not see your comment don't worry as I have kept the email alert I received PRIOR to the 'issues' & have entered you in the drawer....!!

Dear Vintage Friends....!

With the clock ticking QUICKLY to the 3rd June, advertising for the Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza has kicked into HIGH GEAR.....And I've decided to UP the ante with this FABULOUS giveaway for which there is ONLY one rule....!!!!!

*** All you need to do is grab the Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza button on my sidebar & pop it on your sidebar leaving it in place until Sunday 5th June....! ***

When you've added the button to your sidebar please come & leave a comment to let me know.

*** Adding the button to your sidebar will get you ONE entry....In addition, if you BLOG about the Extravaganza you will receive an additional THREE entries. ***

NB: Some of you have already kindly popped the button on your sidebar which is most GREATLY appreciated & you WILL be INCLUDED in this giveaway....Just leave a comment to remind me....!!

Of course this giveaway is NOT open to our Specialists participating in the Show....!

Now what will you win for helping spread the word about this BRILLIANT Vintage Show....???

The LUCKY winner will receive this LOVINGLY handmade miniature mannequin valued at $260.00....!!!!!

With the majority of elements used in it's construction being vintage, this UNIQUE mannequin is heirloom quality & will add a touch of elegance to a range of design styles....!

Standing approx. 65cm tall x 23cm across the shoulders x 18cm deep this BEAUTY's been modelled on Salesman's samples from the late 1800's where the pigeon chest & wasp waist were considered popular 'attributes'.

This giveaway is open for ONE WEEK ONLY & will close MIDNIGHT EST Thursday 19th May. To continue to be eligible for this prize once you have entered, the SVJ-X blog button must stay on your sidebar until Sunday 5th June when the LUCKY winner will be drawn....!!!!!

How To Add A Button

Adding a button is a simple process however, I've provided instructions 'below' if you're unsure....!!!

* Click on your DESIGN tab from your blog or dashboard page.

* Click on ADD A GADGET.

* Scroll down to HTML/Java Script & click on it.

* When the box opens up type in something like: Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza GIVEAWAY.

* And then paste the code into the box below:

*** The html code is located under MY button on the top right hand of my sidebar. ***

* Then press SAVE & you're done....!

THANK YOU again for helping out & GOOD LUCK with the drawer....!!!!!

Now what are you sitting around for....Go git yourself a button....!!!!!

GOOD LUCK,
Tamarah :o)

Oh my HEAVENS....The PRESSURE's on....Interstate Visitors flying in for the Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza....!

2011-05-11T16:45:00.002-07:00

Oh I just had to pop on & share this Vintage Friends....!!

Just when I was worried all those balls I have in the air were gonna come crashing down around my head I receive the most WONDERFUL phone call from Natalie in Newcastle asking me to reserve two Early Bird tickets for herself & her Man as they're flying down from NSW to attend the Extravaganza....!

To say that I'm THRILLED to discover I've inspired & enthused someone so far away to attend the Show is an understatement....!!

Natalie Love you've just MADE MY DAY....I PROMISE you're gonna have a FABULOUS time with us....!!

*** If you're planning on attending the SVJ-X & haven't booked your Early Bird ticket pick up the phone or send me an email....It's NOT too late & I'd LOVE to hear from you....!! ***

Cheers for now,
Tamarah :o)

***************************************************

What IS The Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza....?

2011-05-10T17:13:00.000-07:00

Hello fellow Keepers Of the Past everywhere....!

I hope this post finds you well & enjoying a FABULOUS week....! Personally speaking I've been flat out like a lizard drinking promoting the FAST approaching SVJ-X....Between emails, phone calls & dashing out to deliver flyers all over the city, it's pretty much been 'head down bum up' for me....At some stage I actually need to take off my Organiser hat & put on my Specialist Vendor hat to work on the MANY pieces I need to get ready for the Show....!!!!!

Anyways....The point of this post is to share with you a conversation I had yesterday with a journalist who asked me to describe what the Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza was & how I believed it differed from the current vintage shopping experience being offered to those learning of the event for the first time.

I hesitated as I replied, very aware how easy it is for words to get 'lost in translation' before responding carefully, that the Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza was a Vintage Furniture & Homewares Show where our visitors, be they vintage enthusiasts or otherwise would find Vintage Treasures to enhance & adorn their homes, wardrobes & lifestyles.

I added that the combined creative talents of the 18 x Specialist Vendors participating, promised a unique shopping experience for our visitors which would delight them visually & perhaps inspire them to use vintage in ways they may not have considered previously.

I stated emphatically the SVJ-X is NOT to be confused with a flea market or trash & treasure event where customers have to wade through new & 'imported' mass produced items to find that Treasure nor when they did, would it be an item requiring repair or follow up service when they took it home.....!!!

Describing the individual spaces within the hall's layout as a series of 'themed boutiques' I explained the design & layout internally would allow our visitors to peruse each space at their leisure....So much so I envisioned their time at the Show would be that of a lengthy & relaxed nature.

Finally, I volunteered the Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza was a unique vintage event based on shows I'd attended in the US over the last year & while we currently have vintage clothing events, a show if this nature offering Vintage Furniture & Homewares, is new to the vintage market here in Australia.

Do you think anything could get 'lost in translation' here....??

Well I must away....As MUCH as I miss you all....With just 23 days to go until opening day I can't afford to sit around....!!!!!

Cheers for now,
Tamarah :o)

****************************************

When - Friday 3rd June & Saturday 4th June 2011

What Time - Friday: 12noon - 1pm (Early Birds ONLY - Bookings Essential)
1pm - 6pm (General entry)
Saturday: 8am - 4pm (General entry)

Where - ASHBURTON SCOUT HALL, 337 High Street, Ashburton (Melways ref# 60 E10)

Parking - Ample FREE parking for our Customers is available adjacent to the Scout Hall. There is also free parking available in the streets surrounding the hall.

Wheelchairs & Prams - The Scout Hall does not currently have ramp access however, the step into the hall is quite low & we will be able to assist anyone in a wheelchair wishing to visit....!!
Mums & Dads with prams are welcome however, due to the amount of people moving about the hall it is preferable (when possible) prams be 'parked' in the foyer while you're shopping.

Amenities - There are no public toilets available on the premises for our Customers.

Entry Fee - $5.00 General Entry (per person), $15.00 Early Bird Entry (per person).

Payment Options - This will vary from Vendor to Vendor so to be on the safe side, make sure you bring plenty of cash. There are ATM's just down from the Scout Hall in High Street & Safeway is 300m up the road for EFT withdrawals.

Vendor Enquiries - If you're interested in participating in the NEXT Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza scheduled for this coming October, please contact me at shabbyvintagejunk@hotmail.com

Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza - EARLY BIRD TICKETS - The HOTTEST Ticket in town....!

2011-05-06T16:20:00.000-07:00

Dear Vintage Friends....!

With the Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza FAST approaching you need to start planning your strategy....Having attended some FANBLOODYTABULOUS Shows in the US, I can say from experience....Strategy is a M-U-S-T because shopping an AWESOME vintage show can be somewhat overwhelming....There are so many BEAUTIFUL Treasures vying for your attention it takes all your concentration to focus on the task at hand....!

This June for the first time we're offering Early Bird tickets....That's right....Some lucky folks will get to shop the Extravaganza ONE FULL HOUR before the doors open to ALL of your 'Vintage Friends' waiting outside....!!!!!

Our Early Birds will be the FIRST to see the AWESOME displays & WONDERFUL Vintage Furniture, Homewares & Treasures we've sourced just for the Extravaganza....

What will your strategy be....?

Have a GREAT weekend everyone....!!

Cheers for now,
Tamarah :o)

When - Friday 3rd June & Saturday 4th June 2011

What Time - Friday: 12noon - 1pm (Early Birds ONLY - Bookings Essential)
                                       1pm - 6pm (General entry)
                      Saturday:   8am - 4pm (General entry)

Where   - ASHBURTON SCOUT HALL, 337 High Street, Ashburton (Melways ref# 60 E10)

Parking - Ample FREE parking for our Customers is available adjacent to the Scout Hall. There is also free parking available in the streets surrounding the hall.

Wheelchairs & Prams - The Scout Hall does not currently have ramp access however, the step into the hall is quite low & we will be able to assist anyone in a wheelchair wishing to visit....!!

Mums & Dads with prams are welcome however, due to the amount of people moving about the hall it is preferable (when possible) prams be 'parked' in the foyer while you're shopping.

Amenities - There are no public toilets available on the premises for our Customers.

Entry Fee - $5.00 General Entry (per person), $15.00 Early Bird Entry (per person).

Payment Options - This will vary from Vendor to Vendor so to be on the safe side, make sure you bring plenty of cash. There are ATM's just down from the Scout Hall in High Street & Safeway is 300m up the road for EFT withdrawals.

Vendor Enquiries - If you're interested in participating in the NEXT Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza scheduled for this coming October, please contact me at shabbyvintagejunk@hotmail.com

Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza - Vintage Furniture & Homewares Show: An Invitation....!

2011-05-03T04:47:00.000-07:00

It is with the GREATEST of pleasure I extend to you this invitation to join us at the Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza - Vintage Furniture & Homewares Show....!

Whether your vintage passion is for country, French provincial, industrial, Shabby Chic, granny or pretty vintage, the FIFTEEN hand picked Vendors participating in this AWESOME Vintage Show will be able to accommodate your EVERY vintage desire....!!!!!

The first FIFTEEN people to book & pay for their Early Bird Tickets will receive a handmade tote (PERFECT for carrying all your Vintage Treasures) made from recycled canvas awning.... shabbyvintagejunk@hotmail.com ....!

When - Friday 3rd June & Saturday 4th June 2011

What Time - Friday: 12noon - 1pm (Early Birds ONLY - Bookings Essential)
                                       1pm - 6pm (General entry)
                      Saturday:   8am - 4pm (General entry)

Where   - ASHBURTON SCOUT HALL, 337 High Street, Ashburton (Melways ref# 60 E10)

Parking - Ample FREE parking for our Customers is available adjacent to the Scout Hall. There is also free parking available in the streets surrounding the hall.

Wheelchairs & Prams - The Scout Hall does not currently have ramp access however, the step into the hall is quite low & we will be able to assist anyone in a wheelchair wishing to visit....!!

Mums & Dads with prams are welcome however, due to the amount of people moving about the hall it is preferable (when possible) prams be 'parked' in the foyer while you're shopping.

Amenities - There are no public toilets available on the premises for our Customers.

Entry Fee - $5.00 General Entry (per person), $15.00 Early Bird Entry (per person).

Payment Options - This will vary from Vendor to Vendor so to be on the safe side, make sure you bring plenty of cash. There are ATM's just down from the Scout Hall in High Street & Safeway is 300m up the road for EFT withdrawals.

Vendor Enquiries - If you're interested in participating in the NEXT Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza scheduled for this coming October, please contact me at shabbyvintagejunk@hotmail.com

And So it BEGINS....An APOLOGY to my Blog Friends....!!!!!

2011-05-01T07:21:00.000-07:00

Dear Keepers Of The Past, As always I begin this post with the wish you are all safe, well & RESTED following the weekend....! It's almost midnight here & I was just about to drag myself to bed for a few hours after a FREAKISHLY busy day when the thought entered my fuzzy mind I needed to pop by & say hello to you all & let you know what's going on at Casa De SVJ.... :o) !! With the Shabby Vintage Junk fast approaching, I find myself totally focussed on it's promotion *** FULL details will be released this Tuesday***....Which means I won't be able to spend as much time visiting with you all & for this I apologise in advance....While I'll be posting SVJ-X updates regularly, it's unlikely I'll be able to answer your comments....And considering my preference has ALWAYS been to 'visit' with you in a relaxed atmosphere with a glass of wine or stubby (beer) in hand & 'conversate' with you at length, I'd prefer to be able to catch up with you properly when my mind is ONLY focussed on what you've been up to & NOT what I need to or SHOULD be doing....Besides....I KNOW how you all enjoy your inboxes being BOMBARDED with my natterings when I come by.... :o) !!!!! That being said, as both Organiser AND Vendor of what is going to be an AWESOME vintage event, I will NEED your support & encouragement as my nerves FRAY & my patience is tested....Rest assured....Your thoughts & words of wisdom will be well received & no doubt make my day when it seems to be falling down around me like a tired old pair of undies....hahahahaha....!! Now I MUST away to the land of Nod but before I do....I'd LOVE to share today's Treasures with you found at the Market in the dark shortly after 4am....I haven't found a vintage mohair pooch since LAST September at Round Top so I was OVER THE MOON T.H.R.I.L.L.E.D to find this little fellow....Bedraggled, forlorn creature that he is with his holes & straw sticking out I ADORE him to pieces....And JOY OF JOYS....He doesn't SMELL....WOOHOO....!!!And ANOTHER clock to remind me how PRECIOUS time is AND that it's running out....hahahahahahaha....Along with a ANOTHER trophy....'Cause everyone's a WINNER right.... :o) !!!!!**sigh** Goodnight everyone....SWEET junkin' dreams....I'll be back....SOON....!!! Cheers,Tamarah :o)

Build it....And they will come....Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza....A Vintage Show in the making....!

2011-04-25T16:08:00.000-07:00

Hello Fellow Vintage Lovers EVERYWHERE....! I trust this post finds you all safe & well following the Easter break....!! Mr SVJ & I have been flat out like lizards drinking over the last few days building my set for the upcoming Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza....Full details of which will be advised this week once the Vendor line up has been finalised....!!!!! I'm PLEASED to say, 95% of the materials used were salvaged from the Hard Rubbish.....Aside from these FABULOUS posts....I bought these from a salvage center some time ago intending to use them as table legs....For the time being though, they make a WONDERFUL entrance....!Mr SVJ's face was as DARK as THUNDER when this pic was taken so probably BEST you can't see it....You'd think he'd KNOW after all this time I change my mind....A LOT....hahahahahaha....!!Speaking of which....Here's that piece of galvanised tin I lugged home last week....! Well I must away....Gotta go see a man about a dog....For my International Friends that's Aussie for "I'm off to do something I probably shouldn't share for fear of incriminating myself....hahahahahaha....!!!" Cheers for now,Tamarah :o)

Doin' what I do BEST....Tam with a Van....!!

2011-04-18T21:18:00.000-07:00

Hello Keepers Of The Past Everywhere....! Having been stuck at home for the past week in a 'hold' pattern I RELISHED the opportunity to take care of a few errands away from the house this morning....Besides....I'm BUILDING something & needed supplies.... And you know....That's one of my FAVE things about the HR....If you need it....It WILL be there....I should qualify this though & say this does NOT count for antiques of GREAT value....ie. If you say to yourself, "Oh I NEED to find an antique that'll fetch me $5000- today in the HR"....I can GUARANTEE you'll piss off the HR Gods & get NADA....However, if you say to yourself "Gee I really need some wood & stuff to help me build that thing"....Well then chances are you WILL find what you're after....

As an added bonus I found these TREASURES....More about them in a minute though....

Not hard to pick the diamond out of the rough here....

Isn't it GORGEOUS....The key's missing but I have a SQUILLION 'round here & one of them is bound to work....All I need to do is give her a GOOD clean & a VERY LIGHT waxing....She's BEAUTIFUL just the way she is....!!!!!

Not bad for 45 minutes hey....? Mind you I WAS running errands so I couldn't dick about....!

These cotton dresses are TO DIE FOR as is the one legged teddy, beach bag & wallpaper....All from the SAME PILE....***happy dance***

OK so it looks a bit scary inside & I'm kinda thinkin' the corrugated iron may NOT have been such a good idea but what the HEY....I MAY be able to utilise it in the set I'm building for my space at the Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza....But MORE about that L-A-T-E-R.... :o) !!

Just gotta get it all out & 'sorted' before Mr SVJ gets home & goes off his tree....hahahahaha....

Hope you're all enjoying the start of the week....!!

Cheers for now,

Tamarah :o)

PS: My title references a comment made by my Blog Friend Shaynna Blaze....!

I am NOT a patient person....

2011-04-14T21:52:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends....!

This has been a frustrating week for me....Though I'm SURE this would NOT be the case if I were a patient person....A person capable of waiting....Mr SVJ has quite often remarked my IMPATIENT nature will see me arrive early to my own funeral....I would have to say I'm inclined to agree....
So while I wait for the 'powers that be' to make decisions which I find myself powerless to influence & HURRY....I've been at home watching 'paint dry'....Or more precisely....The pricetags that I use for my Treasures at the Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza....(YouTube link to SVJ-X)

I LOVE how they end up....Coffee stained & crumpled....Recycled paper, string & vintage stamps help me stay TRUE to my desire to live a vintage, recycled life....

Plunger coffee saved over time in my big pot on the stove....

A good soaking....

Followed by a quick rinse....

And after a quick dry....Ready for stamping....!

I hope everyone is having a less frustrating time of it this week....I'll be back when I'm not feeling so....IMPATIENT....!!

Cheers,

Tamarah

MEGA picture post = Thrifting Update, A Collection + The SWEETEST Granny Rug E-V-E-R....!

2011-03-15T00:52:00.000-07:00

Hello DEAR Friends...!

As ALWAYS, I hope this post finds you safe & well....!

Before I begin today's ramblings I would like to take a moment to refect on the tragic events we've witnessed in Japan over the last week.....I'm sure I'm not alone when I write of an overwhelming sense of helplessness when learning of such catastrophic events....I know I find it difficult to comprehend the fear & devastation these people must be experiencing....What I DO KNOW though is that there is merit to the saying, "Every little bit helps"....!!!!!

Now....This post has a LOT of pics....24 to be exact....So grab a coffee....A glass (bottle) of wine & get ready to witness the ECLECTIC 'gatherings' of Shabby Vintage Junk....!

My first pic is but a SAMPLING of Treasures sourced since my LAST post....Mostly thrifted, there are a few pieces I've found at fetes or the Market....OK....Are you ready.....??

*** sigh ***

This vintage slip was found today at an Op-Shop....I LOVE the detail & the pretty blue colour....Well....It's CLEARLY to DIE FOR....!

Two hand knitted jumpers (WOOL no less) in moss green & taupe....Just so happen to be MY colours....$8- each at the Op :o) !!

SCRUMPTIOUS leather Doctors style handbag....This piece makes me SMILE EVERY time I see it....I've used it TWICE already since I bought it at the Market for $10-....SCHAWINGADINGDING.... :o)

ADORE this EPNS toast rack....PERFECT for postcards & 'what have you' in my office....And this style of Tupperware & retro colourway....Well....I just CANNOT get enough of it....

STUNNING Floral Card Basket....I LOVE these to pieces but they have to be PERFECT for me to part with my money....!! This one was $10- at the Market on Sunday.... *** Happy dance *** ....!

Found this trophey engraved 1950 today at one of my FAVE Op-Shops....A teeny TINY $2- was all it took & it was mine....MINE....M-I-N-E.... :o) !!

Today was a GREAT day for scarves....I even found TWO Vera's....Can you say....WOOHOO....!

The watermelon & grey scarf is a YUMMY Oroton silk find.... ** sigh ** .... :o)

I just LOVE tooled leather bags & purses & always ALWAYS snap them up when they cross my path....I also ADORE the simplicity of vintage wallets & purses....The fact there are NO credit card slots makes me SMILE OUT LOUD....!!

How CUTEIFUL is this wallet with it's MEMO pad....LOVE IT for sure....!

The graphics on these games (from my ALL TIME FAVE monthly Fete) & Making Things book are just AWESOME....!

Now this ensemble consists of a YUMMY vintage wool blazer ($6-), grey corduroy a-line Country Road skirt ($5-) & brown velvet cloche style hat ($6- showing original price tag of $44.95) all thrifted today....Can you say....FASHIONISTA....hahahahahahahaha....Sorry....I crack myself up sometimes....And if you saw me in my paint stained falling down TRACKIES & torn grubby t-shirt you would well understand.... :o) !!!!!

Now here is a collection I want to share with you....I've been collecting these greeting card boxes for years now....My first one....The box at the bottom on the far right was purchased at the Market around 10 years ago for $10-....I've NEVER spent any more than $10- for one with the cheapest, the little rose one at the front setting me back just 50c at a garage sale 8 years ago....Oh & then there's the LARGE one at the bottom back left....That was a FREEBIE from the Hard Rubbish....The basket is another story though....It cost me $25- around 7 years ago at an Antique Store in Nagambie....Covered in orchids it is the ONLY one of it's kind I have ever felt DESERVED to be in my collection....It is just D-I-V-I-N-E....TRUELY....!!!!!

The ONLY blemish I allow when purchasing these boxes is DUST....So if the lace is grubby....I can deal with it....If the box is smooshed, the plastic cracked or the box lopsided....Nah....NO CAN DO....

They HAVE to be PERFECT....

In every way....

....Except....

....For....

....A little....

....Dust....!!

Now last but by NO MEANS least is this ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS Granny Rug....

It set me back $2.50 from an Op-Shop....It was discounted because it had....A SMELL....Not a MOULDY rotten kinda smell....More like a PEE smell....I took a chance knowing I'd be HEARTBROKEN if I was unable to get rid of the smell but I'm MOST PLEASED to report it is 100% G-O-N-E....!!

I'm HOPING the GORGEOUS Fiona over at Onabee (** NB: If you LOVE to crochet, knit & ALL things Granny Chic you must....MUST....M-U-S-T go visit this LOVELY CLEVER Lady....!!!!! ***) is going to help me repair the small holes that appear here & there....!!!!!

There you have it....A bit of Retro, Granny, Shabby, Romantic, Glamorous Chic that tickled MY FANCY this past week....I can't wait to see what's tickled YOU....!!!!!

Cheers for now,
Tamarah :o)

Another day....ANOTHER jigsaw puzzle....!

2011-03-08T03:53:00.000-08:00

Hello Vintage Enthusiastes EVERYWHERE....!

I hope this post finds you all feelin' chipper....I've been flat out like a lizard drinkin' gathering Treasures like there's NO tomorrow....Something to be said I guess for that old sayin'....Make HAY while the sun SHINES 'cause in a week or so I'm taking a wee break to go visit some Friends in 'faraway parts' & need to ensure I'm STOCKED up for when I return.... :o) !!

Speaking of which....I thought I'd share a recent load of Treasures with you....Without further ADO....Behold yesterdays 'jigsaw puzzle'....

Hard to tell if there's anything to get excited about at this stage....

Some interesting shapes & textures to be sure....

Miscellaneous clutter....Ahhhhhhh....So THAT'S where my apple got to.... :o)

OK....So FIRST up....High....Like WAY HIGH on my HR shopping list has & will ALWAYS be vintage jars....ESPECIALLY Mason & Agee jars....Well yesterday for the VERY FIRST time in my 10 year HR history, I stumbled upon not one but TWO boxes filled with BOTH....Can you say....H-A-P-P-Y....???

These have all been cleaned & while I've kept the three Mason jars & this YUMMY jar at the front, the rest are going off to storage....For the time being.

This desk is GORGEOUS with GREAT bones....I've scrubbed it & am in the process of fitting some AWESOME door knobs to the drawers....LOVE the Willow tin on top & how's that RAD lamp from the 60's....!!

HEAP of 1950's frames....DROP DEAD YUMMY rusty metal table....It's been scrubbed & introduced to Poly....Sunburnt plant stand & Pope fuel tin....I've NEVER seen one of those before....!

Oopse....Almost forgot the Lloyd Loom basinette....Love....LOVE....L-O-V-E the chippy paint on this piece....SERIOUSLY....!

CUTIE PIE olive green vinyl travel bag & assorted vintage luggage....I never EVER pass up vintage luggage....It is FOR SURE a FAVE....!!

Resin frame has a break in it but some adhesive will fix this & then it will get a paint job....I think sky blue for this one.... :o) !

Now this IS A PROJECT....When I knocked on the door of the house this was in front of to see if it was OK to take it, the lady apologised for it's condition advising her Son had ripped off the doors when he put it out on the nature strip....hmmmmm....RIPPED is not an exaggeration....You can see a portion of a door frame HANGING off the cupboard underneath the drawer....!

Aside from this, the piece lived the last part of it's life in the garage & has oil throughout....I'll remove the ply & replace it with ply sourced from the HR, fix the doors & hinges which are bent & give it a clean....I'll see how it looks & will only resort to a new paint job if I HAVE TO....It has a GREAT colour combo goin' on with the grey, yellow & green which I'd like to keep....We'll see....!

Yeckkkkk....I'll keep you posted.... :o) !!

Can you believe it's Wednesday tomorrow....Where are the days, weeks & months going....?? What I WOULDN'T give for an extra FIVE hours in each day...hahahahahaha....I bet I'm not alone with that one....!!

HAPPY JUNKIN'....!

Cheers,
Tamarah :o)

RESCUED & THRIFTED Treasures....I so LOVE my Job....!!!!!

2011-03-02T05:23:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends near & far....!

I hope as always, this post finds you all well & enjoying your week....! I'm having a STELLAR week on the Treasure front which I'm ITCHING to share....Below are just a FEW pieces I've managed to GLEAN since Monday....!!

This cabinet was JUST what I was looking for....Well not EXACTLY but close & I can make it more so by painting it....It's actually covered in a walnut laminate but I'm thinking of painting it white & using it to keep my vintage fabric stash in.... :o)

This pink Willow bin is a RARE find....Usually when I come across these they are BEYOND salvageable however, aside from the light rust on the inside it's in WONDERFUL condition & the 4 x transfers are COMPLETE....YAYYYYYY....I'll introduce the inside to poly & we're good to go....!

DELICIOUS frame, ADORABLE blue Willow Kitchen Tidy (oh how I LOVE me some Willow....!!) & one of two small galvanised bins....

Wooden tomato crate (keeper), childrens toys (LOVE the little bear....ummmmmm....keeper) & GORGEOUS Wuthering Heights style painting....I didn't take a pic of the back unfortunately of the home made frame braced with pieces of VINTAGE RULER....How neat is THAT....!!

Two more paintings (on board), the other galvanised bin & a YUMMY Sorbent towel dispenser....

Isn't he ADORABLE....LOVE the patina on these two tins....!!!!!

TO DIE FOR crinkly office basket & DROP DEAD GORGEOUS card box....I have NEVER in all my years RESCUED one of these from the HR....N-E-V-E-R....!!!!!

SWEET 50's sewing book & wooden office tray....

*** sigh ***

Now for some THRIFTED Treasures....

YUMMY wool skirt....Fits like a DREAM around the waist....Not so around my bum....Couple of weeks out in the HR should burn THAT off QUICK SMART....!! A TINY $5.99 at Savers....

DROP DEAD DELICIOUS hand knitted wool shrug in MY colours no less....Absolutely A-D-O-R-E this piece....!!!!

*** purrrrrr ***

An old mans hat complete with fly (fishing lure)....You know I can't wear a hat to save myself however, I recently discovered this style SUITS my noggin' so I'm on the hunt & have TWO so far....!!

Well I MUST away....It's almost 12.30am here & I'm pooped....Can you believe it's Thursday tomorrow....And the 3rd of March no less....Where are the days going I ask....??

Cheers for now,
Tamarah :o)

Flea Market Style Magazine available in Australia here at Shabby Vintage Junk....!!

2011-02-24T18:45:00.000-08:00

Greetings Keepers of the Past....!

I am OVER THE MOON excited to be quite possibly, the FIRST person here in Australia to clap eyes on the SECOND instalment of Flea Market Style Magazine created by the Queen of Junk herself, Ki Nassauer & the FABULOUS team over at the Flea Market Style Blog.

I sat ABSORBED, mouth open....Drool falling Homer like down my chin as I perused this STUNNING magazine earlier this morning after the Courier arrived....And I can HONESTLY say, WITHOUT A DOUBT....While I did not think it possible....This edition is even BETTER than the first....The pictures, editorial & layout are CREDIT to Ki & her Team & I am THRILLED I ordered EXTRA copies to share with my Aussie blog mates....!

I have 18 x copies sitting on my dining room table waiting to be sent to the first 18 x Aussie readers who send me their email details....The cost per copy is $25.00 which includes postage....!

I'm currently at home, outside cleaning Treasures but will be monitoring my emails throughout the afternoon. As soon as you've left your details I'll send you an invoice via Paypal & if you get back to me before 5pm TODAY I'll whizz down to the Post Office & get your copy out to you....With any luck you'll be able to read it FIRST THING Monday when the Postie arrives....!

Now....Back to those grubby Treasures....!

Cheers for now,
Tamarah :o)

PS: As of 5.30pm I have 15 x copies of this FAB magazine available....If any Aussie readers comment this evening I will send an invoice through to you & post your magazine off tomorrow morning....!!!!!

I've showed you some Frogs....Now here are some Princes....!!!!!

2011-02-20T14:12:00.000-08:00

Morning Wonderful Recycling Friends Everywhere....!

We've been without internet access for several days due to a faulty coaxil & I've been ITCHING to share a few HR finds (Princes) from early last week....I won't linger as I need to unload & head back out....

I popped this pic up first....It's a little on the blurry side sorry but it's a PERFECTLY decayed Victorian oil on canvas of fruit....!!

Isn't it BEAUTIFUL....KEEPER....!

Now here all my 'Princes' together....

The glass front cabinet has been cleaned however it needs a fresh pane of glass as this one's cracked in two places & the shelves need wallpaper or painting due to staining....

This ironstone jug is also a KEEPER....Cracked over the years with BAD repairs & in need of MORE (pieces were inside) it's STILL a BEAUTY & I'll use it to house big floppy flowers....A tall jar inside to fill with water & Bob's your uncle....!

SEVEN frames in total....DIVINE....!

STUNNING turqoise lamp base, 2 x Pyrex pieces, tin....ANOTHER Le Crueset frypan (these things are CALLING to me in the HR i SWEAR), enamel bowl & an AWESOME trouble light....I collect them so it's a KEEPER....Oh & the table everything is sitting on.

HUGE wooden storage case painted GREEN inside....LOVELY....!

An old Hills swing seat....Can you say K-E-E-P-E-R....And a Willow bin....** sigh **

LOVE this sweet kettle, Willow Measure & TWO Willow freezer blocks....I've NEVER found these in the HR before....SCORE....!!

And this was my BEST find of ALL....I pulled up to a pile & there was a rusty TOTALLY DEAD Willow peddle bin....I thought to myself...."I BET it doesn't have the galvanised insert"....And LOW & BEHOLD when I lifted the rusted lid there it was (in PERFECT condition) shining like a BEACON & I SWEAR there were angels & a deep voice saying, "I've been waiting for you."....PINKY SWEAR....hahahahahaha.....

My PREVIOUS Princely find is NOW complete....*** BIG FAT SATISFIED sigh ***

Last but by no means least a heap of tools....KEEPERS all now residing in my tool box....!

Well I must away....TOMORROW is my day off & I hope to be able to spend some QUIET time on my computer in the Land Of Blog....Until then....Take CARE....!

Cheers for now,
Tamarah :o)

Hard Rubbish....You GOTTA kiss a lot of FROGS before you find your Prince....!

2011-02-14T13:18:00.000-08:00

Hello fellow Junkers, Thrifters & Gleaners everywhere....!!

I hope as I type, my words find you all well, safe & HAPPY....!! I've been outside since 6am this morning cleaning, sorting & repairing HR finds & have just popped back in for a quick coffee....I'm getting ready for the Maldon Antique Fair this weekend where I'll be participating as a Vendor so time is of the essence....That being said, as HR is a BIG part of what I'm doing RIGHT NOW, I wanted to share some thoughts with you....

The title of my post is VERY appropro....When cruising the HR I REALLY do spend time looking at a LOT of useless (to me) stuff....Don't get me wrong....I would estimate that the stuff being thrown out is around 90% recyclable in one form or another....There are building materials that could be re-used....Large furniture items that could go to any one of a number of charitable organisations....Clothing & kitchen appliances that could be sold at a garage sale or sent off to Vinnies....There's just SO MUCH waste goin' on it's hard to fathom....!!

Of this 90% though....There's probably ONLY around 30% that's SVJ worthy....And there's a LOT of competition for that 30%.... :o) !!

Some piles like this one are WHOPPERS....

If I was managing a recycling centre & this lot came in there would be VERY little I would send to landfill....VERY little....!

However....These were the only SVJ items I found....It may seem like a waste of time to pick up just a few pieces of crockery but I tend to build collections so these pieces have become part of a much larger group I have here at home....The wooden top was off an OLD stool....GREAT piece of wood which will become part of another stool in the not too distant future....The scoop is a BAKELITE beauty & I ALWAYS pick up coloured bakelite....ALWAYS.... :o) !!

A peripheral glimpse of PRETTY fabric....

Yielded a GLORIOUS boquet which is now soaking in my laundry....!

Alas....A LOT of piles look like this....

This....

And this....!

Then....Just when I think I'll NEVER spy ANOTHER Treasure....E-V-E-R....I SPY this....

DROP DEAD GORGEOUS satin quilt....

**sigh** ....It was NOT meant to be this time....Smelling of SOMETHING evil (let's not go THERE) & torn or chewed at the end....I rolled this one back up & put it back in it's bag of....SHAME....!!

While STILL mourning the loss of the quilt I caught a glimpse of this YUMMY piece out the corner of my eye....

Once....A VERY long time ago....This would have been a mirror....Soon it will become a blackboard or perhaps an inspiration board to pin pics & bits of tat....!

See....I spent a LOT of time yesterday kissing a LOT of FROGS....HR is NOT as easy as it seems....When I DO manage to come home with my van filled with Treasures....I spend DOUBLE the time I did finding it sorting, cleaning, repairing & carting off to storage....Now this is by NO MEANS a complaint....Because I LOVE LOVE LOVE what I do....Just the cold hard facts....As WONDERFUL as it is to discover & glean Treasures from piles of refuse a homeowner does not see the POTENTIAL in....There's a LOT of work that actually goes into the sourcing & continues long after the sourcing is 'done'....If anyone around Melbourne would like to come out into the HR with me for a 6 hour stint to witness first hand the FUN HR is, let me know....I'd enjoy the company....Oh but you have to come back to my place....Help me unload & clean everything....hahahahahaha....!!

Cheers for now & HAPPY Treasure Hunting,
Tamarah :o)

Sometimes....Hard Rubbish makes me CRY....!!!!!

2011-02-09T14:00:00.000-08:00

Hello fellow Keepers Of The Past....!

Just popping in QUICKLY to say HEY & to THANK YOU for your comments on my previous post....I'll be making my way back to you all shortly....!!

Last night after dinner & a FRUSTRATING day spent indoors endeavouring to bring some order to the CHAOS that is currently Casa de SVJ, I went out into the HR for an hour to wind down & look for wood....Yep that's right....I need me some GOOD woods for a couple of projects I have on the go....

Anyways....Sitting under a tree....UNDER a box filled with YUCKY MODERN Christmas lights was a brown suitcase covered in NEAT vintage customs & travel labels....I almost FELL over backwards when I opened it up to find this D-I-V-I-N-E Vintage Wedding Dress inside....A LUMP the size of Texas inhabited my throat & tears welled in my eyes while a MYRIAD of emotions whirred through my mind....

Isn't she BEAUTIFUL....I can just see it, sans sleeves & taken up to just below the knee....OR....Left as is....!!

It was folded inside out & resting between thick white unsoiled paper....There is the SLIGHTEST 'smell'....Though NOT musty/mouldy which I reckon will come out with a trip to Mr Gouge....

There's even a few pieces of CONFETTI tucked in the bodice....** magical ** ....!

Be STILL my beating heart....

As DROP DEAD GORGEOUS behind as from the front....

The label, non POOFINESS of the sleeves have me dating this to the 50's (as does the zipper below) though if you have any ideas yourself I'd LOVE to hear them....!!

All in all....A FABULOUS Treasure I'm THRILLED to have found....Currently displayed on my smaller dress dummy I'm thinking she's a size 10....Though possibly an 8....Ummmmm....I think that's around a 6 - 8 US....?? Oh yes & the veil was ALSO in the suitcase....!!!!!

Held onto for SO many years & then TURFED out into the HR without so much as a 'Thank your Mother for the rabbits'....While I am SO VERY PLEASED to have found her....From time to time....A GLORIOUS find such as this does make me cry I'm sure for OBVIOUS reasons....So now I'm on a MISSION to preserve her etheral BEAUTY....!

Cheers for now,
Tamarah :o)

Shabby Vintage Junk

Shabby Vintage Junk & Friends at The Vintage Shed

Vintage Tins really are such PRETTY things

Help....I'm trapped in my bedroom....!!

Camberwell Market

Glen Waverley Bazaar

Test post from my iPad using BlogPress....??

Stormy Weather....

ALMOST FAMOUS....'Sunday Service'....An AWESOME history of the Camberwell Market by Leah Annetta....!

Wholesale Antiques - Glen Waverley .... Melbourne's NEWEST Antique / Vintage Centre

Shabby Chic....Rachel Ashwell & Me....!!!!!

Wordless Monday....**wink**....!!

Shopping for PATINA....

Processing....PROCESSING....P-R-O-C-E-S-S-I-N-G....!!!!!

Thinking of my Friends in the US....!!

An INVITATION from FAR AWAY saves the day....!!!

A few more TREASURES rescued over the weekend....!

Treasures from the nature strip....!!

Trish Hunter Finds....One of my FAVE reasons for heading to the Market....!

My new FAVE Treasure....At least for now....hahahahaha....**wink**....!!

The BEST $25.00 I EVER spent at The Vintage Shed WITH Vintage Girl....!

I've said it BEFORE & no doubt will say it again & AGAIN....My GORGEOUS Friend Sue from Montreux does FREAKIN' SEXY JUNK....!!!!!

Vintage Girl ROCKS at The Vintage Shed....!

Can anyone in Melbourne help little Hartley....He needs a home & family of his very own....!!!!!

The FIRST Shabby Vintage Junk at The Vintage Shed Giveaway & WEEKLY Special Offer....!

A very SWEET reminder as to WHY I do some of the things I do....!!

The Vintage Shed - Tyabb....There's NO place like home....There's NO place like home....!!

The GORGEOUS 'Bells Belles' celebrates a MILESTONE....Happy HAPPY Birthday....Yayyyyyyy....!

Happy 4th July to all my Junkin' Thriftin' mates in the USA....!!!!!

Shabby Vintage Junk has MOVED to Tyabb & The Vintage Shed....WOOHOO....!!!!!

SWEET little NURSERY piece READY for another 50 years active duty....!

Have you met my Friend Bec....?? No....Well then you simply MUST....!!!!!

Isn't she LOVELY....Isn't she WONDERFUL....Isn't she PRECIOUS....

I'm Back....Yesterday was a GREAT day....Today....Well it's back to reality....!!

And the WINNER of the Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza is....

It's OFFICIAL....I am a DICKHEAD....!!!!!

I am seriously K-NACKered....!

Let's meet some of our TALENTED Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza 'Specialists'....!!

Talk about cutting it fine....hahahahahaha....20 x Early Bird Totes HOT off the press....!

HEAVENS above....We've got people flyin' in from ALL over the country to attend the Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza....!

One GIANT step for Tamarah....One TINY step for the Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza....hahahahahaha....

When SPRUIKING & THRIFTING go hand in hand - An Ode to the GORGEOUS Naughty Shorts....!!

Early Birds Catch the Worms & Win WONDERFUL PRIZES at the Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza....!!!!!

OK....Let's ReCYCLE & break this BABY down....!

14 HOURS & Counting....Absolute LAST CHANCE to WIN The Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza GIVEAWAY....!!!!!

LAST CHANCE to enter the FABULOUS Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza GIVEAWAY....!!!!!

Aussie Bloggers I NEED your help....!!!!! NO Pictures to detract from the SERIOUSNESS of this request....!!!!!

Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza - GIVEAWAY....Only ONE rule....Open to everyone EVERYWHERE....!!!

Oh my HEAVENS....The PRESSURE's on....Interstate Visitors flying in for the Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza....!

What IS The Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza....?

Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza - EARLY BIRD TICKETS - The HOTTEST Ticket in town....!

Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza - Vintage Furniture & Homewares Show: An Invitation....!

And So it BEGINS....An APOLOGY to my Blog Friends....!!!!!

Build it....And they will come....Shabby Vintage Junk Extravaganza....A Vintage Show in the making....!

Doin' what I do BEST....Tam with a Van....!!

I am NOT a patient person....

MEGA picture post = Thrifting Update, A Collection + The SWEETEST Granny Rug E-V-E-R....!

Another day....ANOTHER jigsaw puzzle....!

RESCUED & THRIFTED Treasures....I so LOVE my Job....!!!!!

Flea Market Style Magazine available in Australia here at Shabby Vintage Junk....!!

I've showed you some Frogs....Now here are some Princes....!!!!!

Hard Rubbish....You GOTTA kiss a lot of FROGS before you find your Prince....!

Sometimes....Hard Rubbish makes me CRY....!!!!!

Wordless Monday....wink....!!

My new FAVE Treasure....At least for now....hahahahaha....wink....!!