FRIDAY FINDS....SCHOOL DAYZ

It's been quite some time since I've been in school, however I have a huge love for vintage school supplies, desks, and chalkboards.  Maybe because my mother was a Special Education school teacher and my father (RIP) was a School Administrator at the end of his career.  

Once again....Craigslist to the rescue.    I found this baby on there and lucky me the man lived right in the next town.    I drove 5 minutes, he and a young man carried it from their garage to my van and even loaded it. (thank you gentleman)

I have visions dancing in my head on how I can display this in the store and what will go with it.   Yay!

What do you think???

Isn't he handsome 

This was taken by my son...lol

Nice back...no damage

Fresh clean start .......

Friday was always dress down or bummy day at school...so rest assured I am posting this in my husband's coaching sweatshirt and some yoga pants.

Have A Great Weekend!!!

-MJ

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CRAIGSLIST CONNECTION...THIS TIME A GOOD ONE!

I had been posting on facebook earlier today that I was picking up some vintage canvas shopping baskets for the new shop.   Along with those 25 baskets I was also acquiring a vintage wood Murphy desk.

So after many emails this week, the poster "Dave" and I spoke via telephone and I made it to his home which is literally 5 minutes from mine.  But that is not the funny part of this story.

I tell him in my email that I don't enter properties so could he please have them on a porch or near entry.  He agreed.

I arrive at the home and ring the bell, a young man comes to the door and says hello.   I immediately recognize him, I say "you are my son's.....and he stops me and says no I don't think so.    I said no you were my son Alexander's karate instructor.  LOL

Yes, he was my son's instructor for almost 2 years and Im sure I didn't look the same (pre baby#5. lol)

So we start talking about where he found them and what I told him about me opening the shop up the street (he is right off of the downtown area).    I was shocked, I would never have figured him for a picker but turns out he is definitely that and a good one.

He took me to the garage and showed me his AMAZE-BALLS (Im a Tori Spelling fan what can I say) collection of vintage spray paint cans. Pssssssssst if anyone has any and wants to get rid of them...he is your guy.   His facebook page is Cap Matches Color....he and his partner are working on a book and I was so impressed with his collection.

He had some other items that I had seen on craigslist and I told him that we need to become bff pickers.  I'm still taken with the fact that he is into old and vintage things.    He is primarily more automotive and paint but that works because me...not so much.

Here is what Im crushing on next from his pile......................

Do you know what it is????   Can u guess what Im going to use it for in the shop???

I guess that is why they say you can't judge a book by it's cover.   Who knew that a very strict and talented karate instructor was a auto repair guy and a picker too.

What a fun day....wait to you guys see what Im getting from him next.  I'll have to pace myself so I dont spend the whole shops inventory budget.  But these pieces will be such great displays for the shop and Im so excited to have made this connection/contact.

THRIFTY THURSDAY...SLEEK SEWING TABLE REDESIGN

This is my vintage sewing table (there is no sewing machine inside anymore).  I purchased it from a man on Craigslist.

It was banged up on the outside

A light sanding

A nice coat of Valspar black paint

In the living room with some holiday bling

Here she is next to the tree in her own holiday vignette

- MJ 

THRIFTY THURSDAY....MANTLE MAKEOVER......AGAIN!

Here was the beginning of the initial transformation of my Craigslist Oak fireplace.  I decided I wanted it to be more of a focal point since it's the first thing you see when you walk in the house.  I used Valspar black paint Nero.

This was the stripped down look, I had to sand before painting.

This was the end result for beginning of summertime.  We have an island theme in our living room and I dont plan of changing that but I wanted a lighter summer feel.  

Sooooooooooooooooooo.....everything came down and I started playing around.

The center artwork came down and I took 2 frames from the nursery to bring the colors of the shells on the walls.   

I also distressed the fireplace a bit too...it was very nice and black but I wanted a more worn, aged look.

I added some more seaside accessories.  Like the big shell ball from our beach bathroom downstairs.   We always collect seashells so we are never in need.  

I have this lovely HAMILTON typeset drawer that I havent yet listed in my L7D Etsy shop.  So I borrowed it and using it for Etsy photos too (im a multi-tasker) lol

I filled those awesome little compartments with some cool shaped and colorful shells. 

I hope I can part with this thing...Im really loving it on my wall there and can use it year round for holiday displays...Uh oh I might be in trouble!

Here is what Im working with at this point...I like it but I know myself and will switch it up a bit by next week probably sooner. 

Here is a look of the total left side area of the living room.  Dont mind Sesame Street on the TV...just one of things you will see daily in my house.  We love Elmo...luckily there isnt any blocks or cheerios on the floor.

So dont be afraid to use unusual things in your displays and play around and have fun with it.....often like me if you like too!

-MJ

I decided to do a breakdown of the items and there origins.

Fireplace - Craigslist

Island tree art frames -    The Great Indoors (now closed)

Glass apothecary jars -  Home Goods

Shells - collected from various beach trips

Shell Ball - Home Goods

Candlestick - Vintage pottery piece from flea market

Cream Chair - Craigslist

Vintage birdcage - Craigslist

Elephant tables - Craigslist

Ivory/wood tray - Home Goods

Ostrich balls - handmade

Bamboo sticks - Home Goods

Typeset drawer - estate sale

Cream frames - found broken & repurposed w/ burlap

Black throw - actually one of my scarves :)

Olive rainboots - Spring

I'VE GOT BAGGAGE.....

It's okay it's vintage.....

For those of you who read regularly you remember that fabulous green screen door I purchased off Craigslist, well this baby right here came from the same seller.

This is the 3rd time that has happened to me, funny finding out you have similar tastes as a complete stranger.

She also had some vintage cookbooks that Im planning to get for my kitchen hutch.  They have some great little items that I hopefully little by little can purchase.

Love the black/brown leather combo

Good condition minus the fingerprints (it was 95 degrees that day)

Interior is actually black not blue but it must be the flash.

I like the Lake George New York sticker on their.

Metal hardware, handle and key intact

-MJ

I will not be blogging this weekend, in order to finish up some items for the Lucky 7 Design Etsy shop.  I also have some jewelry to make for Mama J Jewels shop too!   See you all on Sunday night (my productive working hours are 10 p.m. - 3 a.m.).

You will definitely see me on Facebook & Twitter

SAFE SHOPPING.....CRAIGSLIST SCARE!

Okay this is my public safety announcement.....


Im a HUGE Craigslist fan and shopper and have never had any issues or problems............UNTIL NOW!

The other night my junking buddy Liza and I traveled about 30 minutes south so that I could pick up another antique sofa (yes another one....and this one was free)

Upon arriving at the home....the man came to the door and we stepped through the doorway and were taken back.   The room was practically empty except for the antique sofa, a recliner, a box with a laptop on it and a beautiful secretary that was filled with junk.   I almost passed out from the smell and immediately made eye contact with my friend.  It was a horrific combination of urine, stench, old stale and whatever nasty smell you can think imagine.

The man is standing there in shorts and a t shirt but is looking at us kind of weird.  It was like a Jack Nicholson  in The Shining....you know "HERE'S JOHNNY".  

My first words were "oh I dont know if it's going to fit" and I looked at my friend.   So my friend asks the man if he has a tape measure....thinking we can run out.  (We were right in front of the door and didnt enter into the room any further).  He says oh maybe in the car and was going to go behind us to his door....NO WAY WERE WE LETTING HIM BY THE DOOR AND BEHIND US.     

So my friend then says...."dont you have one in your car?  I say "I think I do, lets check and we can measure the back to for the length".   He says okay.... and we walk out go to the back of my minivan.

"So are you ready to run.....she says.   I say OMG...is he watching us.  We jump in the van, start it up and I back out of the parking lot as my hatch is still closing. lol

IT'S REALLY NOT A FUNNY SITUATION...WE LAUGHED AND MADE FUN THE WHOLE 30 MINUTE RIDE HOME AND WHEN WE TOLD HER HUSBAND AS I DROPPED HER OFF AND MINE THE NEXT DAY.  BUT IT'S NOT FUNNY!!!!

Nobody knew the address where we were going and this guy could've really been dangerous.

I have a houseful of things from Craigslist but realizing now that most of them have been picked up by my husband.   The ones that I have picked up have never been indoors....either from a porch or a garage or driveway.

The antique sofa I got last week was picked up inside but it was from a young wife and mother who was holding her 1 1/2 yr old daughter.  I was actually surprised that she let me in the house and left me in her living room as she went up and changed her daughter's diaper.   I guess she like me....thought I was a trusting person.    Thankfully for her that I am..because it's very dangerous to let a stranger in your home.

I wanted to share this story with you because I know a lot of you shop Craigslist and also sometimes junk.   Just be aware of your surroundings and never go alone if at all possible.

I definitely will be more cautious next time, it only took one incident to make me realize the danger I put myself and my friend in as well.   We are both mother's and furniture is great but not worth getting hurt of losing your life over.  And besides we have her living room makeover to complete on Thursday night. lol

Had to make a little haha in this serious post people.....but do know that Im serious and this is a true story!

BE VERY CAREFUL AND SHOP CRAIGSLIST SAFELY!

THRIFTY THURSDAY....MY GREATEST FIND YET!

Okay Im going to try and contain my enthusiasm, BUT OMG.....this has got to be one my greatest find yet!  Do I even need to tell you that I found it on Craigslist...yep sometimes my addiction pays off in a fabulous way (at least thats what I tell Big Daddy J) lol

Isnt he beautiful...I would say she but it has a masculine touch to it I think

Love the matching bolster pillows and the wood frame.

Here is the bottom detailing

This sofa is over 93" long and it fit in my mini van (i hated buying one but have come to discover a new found love for it)  She serves my junking trips very well.

The center cushion has already been reupholstered in a very nice green chenille fabric.  They wanted to reupholster it all but then decided to buy a new one instead.

Isnt the side detailing so pretty

This is the fabric and it's in fairly good shape...the cushions need some TLC but the fabric on the frame is OK.

I love the side wood detail too.

This is the back of the sofa...she how good he looks.   Dont mind the big tarp...we got rain yesterday and it is on my front porch so I had to protect him from the weather.

I just want to say that Im so happy that the owner D was so sweet enough to hold this sofa for me while I went away and let me pick it up yesterday.    It was her grandfather's and she wanted it to have a good home.  You all know that I love to find treasures and re-purpose them and sell them to new owners...but this handsome specimen will be staying with me.  I've wanted a long sofa w/wood detailing for ever and to have been so lucky to get one like this I cant even think of letting it go.

-MJ

THRIFTY THURSDAY....THE COLLECTION

So lately Ive been bravely sharing my secret love for junking here on my blog.   It's not as popular up here in the Northeast.   Only old men in pick ups drive around looking for scrap metal up here.  But Ive been brave and Im now coming out to you all.   Anyone who knows me in my world knows that I'll do a drive by the night of yard sales and night before bulk pick up.    I also scour Craigslist for FREE finds as well as small tickets items...and Ive been extremely lucky.  My house is literally created from Craigslist items!

I dream of owning my own brick & mortar shop one day but until them I love Etsy and Facebook to showcase my creations.   Im going to share with you items that are new to the shop and some that haven't even been listed in Etsy yet.    Some have found a place in my heart and my home too.

They're made from old, vintage, junk items that I've repurposed or just tweaked in my own little way to give it that Lucky 7 style.

A new Etsy collection made by me from old junk

Wall Hook Set w/vintage hardware

Shabby'd switchplate created by me for Etsy shop

Distressed white shelf brackets

Round Wall Hook Set made w/ vintage hardware

Re-purposed gold frame now crackly, chippy white.  I created a mirror mat for an old family photo, this is a shop item without my photo of course. lol

Vintage pie tins & handmade shutter star for Etsy shop

Vintage beverage box from PA

Fits perfectly into this totally vintage display...whole thing might be moving to a shop soon. 

FREE Craigslist chair (thank you Peggy)

It's a home in this corner with other CL finds like the elephant table and vintage birdcage.  

Solid Brass candlesticks from yard sale

Perfect on this vintage cart displaying old tin serving trays and 20+year old Lenox platters.

Another CL find...Vintage sewing cabinet paired w/ old makeup case (Peggy again)

Purchased this display mannequin but she's now become my Book Worm Muse (she's wearing my new Red Riding Hood necklace) she is covered by the way in pages from an old dictionary...they have a lovely yellow color to them.

Rolling pin (Peggy again), Repainted Chalkboard (Peggy) and the garland I made myself on a shoestring. lol  No literally it's a shoestring with felt and denim circles.  This is going to my June show.

RECYCLE - REUSE-REPURPOSE is the universal 3R's of Recycling, but I think we need to throw in there a 4th REDESIGN!

Joining these fabulous parties this week:

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