Vintage Stamps - a New Obsession

We all know that I have an unhealthy (i.e., expensive) obsession with all things paper - especially vintage paper. It's just so...perfect - crisp, interesting, it smells like paper. I know, I'm weird.

So when I saw this trend start to emerge, I knew I had to (reluctantly) jump on it.

Photo from Martha Stewart Weddings

I just LOVE the vintage stamp look. Especially since USPS is not currently offering anything in blue that I like. Although, they do have these fabulous king and queen of hearts stamps that I've seen people use beautifully.

A couple other examples:

Both above and below from Rory and Brett on Flickr

Another gorgeous example. From Darling Dexter on Flickr

So, of course, the question is...where does one purchase vintage stamps?

Ebay of course! You want to search for new, unused, off paper, amercian, postage stamps (in no particular order). That's how I got all mine. Which, of course I don't have photos of since it's dark when I get home and, really, photos just look so much better in natural light.

I promise I'll take some though - especially once they're on the actual invitations.

I just scrolled through until I found blue ones. Like these...

or these...

Expect to pay more than face value (especially when you count shipping), but it's totally worth it.

There is also Champion Stamp Company I've never ordered from there, but a lot of wedding resources suggest them because you can view their entire catalog and order whatever you want.

Rehearsal Dinner Dress (Maybe, please)

Two posts in one day! It's like Christmas!

I wanted to share one of my favorite, favorite, favorite Etsy stores, TimelessVixenVintage

They sell AMAZING vintage designer dresses (mostly from the 50s and 60s) and I'm determined to wear one for the rehearsal dinner (and every day thereafter if need be). I say "determined" because not only are they not cheap, they are teeny tiny - well at least compared to the worn out yoga pants I usually sport.

So which once should I get? (I'm just going to pretend that some of my favorites aren't on reserve or haven't been sold)

(all photos taken by the owners of TimelessVixenVintage)

This red one is definitely my favorite

Just look at the bow on back!

It's sold though :(

I will wear one of these. I will. :)

Cookie Stands 2.0

I finished one!

I can just picture all the cookie stands spread out over the table. Each covered with tasty, soft, chewy cookies...my drunken friends eating too many, while parents tell their children to only take one. :)

I thought I'd try to put together a quick tutorial if you're interested in making something similar.

1. Go to Goodwill and collect a number of vases, candle sticks, plates, platters, etc. OK, so you don't really have to go to the Goodwill store, but you can't beat the prices. I think the most I spent on any of these was $6.

This specific cookie stand used the plate and candlestick circled above.

2. Wash and dry every piece. Not only do the glue directions recommend it, you have no idea where those came from - ew.

3. To find the center of the plate, I took a string and stretched it across the back. Folded in half and marked it on the plate (a dry erase marker will wash right off). I did this a few times. Where all the marks intersect is the center of your plate.

4. I used E6000 glue, which is some pretty nasty stuff - make sure you're in a well-ventilated area and take breaks if you're gluing a lot. Following the directions on the glue container, I put a small amount on both the plate and the candle stick and let it set (about 5 minutes). Then pressed together.

5. I let them dry (plate side down) for 24+ hrs. And it's definitely 24+ hrs because, the one I tested around hour 12 came apart.

6. Once I was convinced it was dry and not going to come apart. I took the stand outside to spray paint.

NOTE: I could not find a spray paint that specifically said "safe for food items." I found glass paint that said "NOT safe for food items" and I found spray paint at Lowes that said something like, "Non-toxic when dry, perfect for all household items," so I went with the spray paint. I don't remember what brand it was though. Either way, I plan to use small circles of parchment beneath the cookies, just as an added layer of protection.

7. Let dry for a couple hours.

I think that's it. Overall a really easy project, just time consuming since you have to wait for everything to dry before you can move onto the next step.

I'll post more as I finish more!

This is Getting Good

$99 and two hours later, I came home from the Goodwill Super Store with some awesome supplies.

(8 frames, 10 platters, 1 cake stand, 9 candle holders, and 1 vase)

Although you'll probably be able to figure out what I'm making from my "sneak peak" photo below, I'm going to save all the details and instructions until they're done.

I'm so excited!

Ooooh Sparkly!

On my way home from another awesome wedding (one of my bridesmaids actually) I kept seeing those billboards that say things like "Only 2 miles!" or "Next right, or you'll miss it!" You know, the ones that follow you on your drive home until you're scared that the world will end if you actually do drive by the worlds largest ball of twine.

Well, all that advertising paid off, because instead of rushing home to complete all the work I have to do, I stopped at a rather large antique shop just outside the Maryland border.

I wandered around for a while looking for vases, old paper, other things that I could turn into decorations when something shiny caught me eye - shiny things always do :).

I've been casually looking for wedding day jewelry, just in case I saw something, but when I saw this stunning antique rhinestone necklace, I knew it was perfect!

"Stunning" is the only word I can really come up with. It just sparkles perfectly in the light and hangs on my neck beautifully. Did I mention it was 1/2 off?

I've been wearing it around the house...in my tank top and jeans, because well, it's shiny, and sparkly, and pretty, and goes perfectly with my tank top and jeans - duh!

I'm going to have to revamp my wardrobe a bit in order to wear this everyday. :)