FOUND - whimsical art, vintage treasures, fun finds!

Eco-funky: Junk Market Style

Tonight I don't have photos of my own to share for Eco-funky Wednesday, so I'll just pass on the link to a fun website that features tons of projects using recycled materials.  Junk Market  Style!  Hope you enjoy checking it out.

inspiration in Healdsburg, CA

Last week, we headed over the Golden Gate Bridge on a short vacation.  Spent 3 nights in the Somona wine country town of Healdsburg.  Wandering around in 70 degree sunshine, I found lots of interesting shops (and wine tasting rooms) that give me inspiration.

A little vintage store called Me 2 U Vintage had just opened the week before.  It was tucked into the side of a building on the main street.  Isn't this a great check-out desk?

And there were lots of clever little displays.  I should have taken a picture of her entryway with handmade flags. And the bicycle out in front.  Here are a few shots from Me 2 You:

  

 

The daffodils were blooming (for real!) in the park.  That gave me hope that Spring might just come to Michigan in the next 6 weeks or so. 

Uniquely Chic Floral & Home is a florist shop that pays amazing attention to details.   Even their tags are special.  Handstamped 3 layer tags with deckled edges on every item in the store - as a shop owner, I can only imagine how much time that takes!

 

Live flowering plants were tucked in with vintage and new home goods.  It seemed like a spring garden.  It did my winter weary soul good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I bought a wonderful apron (with one of their special tags), but also got LOTS of inspiration absolutely free.  Now I can start thinking about Spring displays for FOUND!

 

Eco-funky jewelry findings

 

Game pieces can be eco-funky additions to a bracelet or necklace.   Whether you prefer the old metal Monopoly markers like those above or the more recent colorful plastic, a hole can be drilled and a jump ring attached.

 

Add initials with Scrabble tiles.  These are easy to drill if you have a steady hand and the right drill bit.

 

Other odds 'n ends, like these brass tool tags, can be hung on a chunky chain or a simple cord.

 

In addition to the things above, we have lots of fun recycled pendants from vintage buttons, Patera frames and charms that can be combined with game pieces and other findings for a one-of-a-kind necklace or bracelet.  There are endless examples of artists using game peices on etsy and other places on the web.  Feel free to share your favorite links in the comment section.

Use your imagination and have a eco-funky week!

Eco-funky Wednesday: Valentines & Postcards

 

There's something really sweet and endearing about vintage Valentine cards.   They stir memories of childhood.  Sometimes we find a box that has never been used like those above.  But it's okay to reuse old cards.  Just add your name and an extra xoxox, under Jim or Sally's cursive third grade handwriting. 

 

Some are fun to put out every year - this little cook would be cute in the kitchen.  The chef hat is in rough condition but it's still adorable. 

All year long, picture postcards that were never written on are an inexpensive alternative to gift shop greeting cards.  You can find them at antique stores, resale shops and FOUND! 

 

Just add a message and a 28 cent stamp - and drop in the nearest mailbox.

 

Since many old postcards have interesting pictures, I asked Raun at FoundRe to send us a dozen frames made from salvaged wood, cut to fit standard postcards.  They arrived last week.  For framing, cards that have been used are also good. 

Everything pictured above is available that FOUND (as of tonight).   I'm leaving in the morning to go see my sweet daughter and won't be back until Valentines Day.  

I left a treat for my sweetheart husband who will be shoveling snow at home this weekend - decadent, locally made artisan chocolates from Sweet Gem Confections .  

 

If you have a chance to stop by FOUND this week, mention this blog post and get 10% off anything that has a heart on it!   Tell the shop assistant you read it on the blog when you check out.

Make or reuse something and have a eco-funky Valentine's Day!

Eco-Funky Wednesday: Vintage Men's Ties

Remember when business men wore ties to work every day, male teachers taught in neckties and every man was expected to wear one to church on Sunday?  That was pretty common in the 60's when I was growing up. 

My dad had dozens of ties in his closet - mostly thin and some variation of red, but one special yellow tie and even a wooden novelty tie could also be found there.  Grandpa Berg wore extra wide, fabulously handpainted silk ties to his bank meetings.  I wish I had the one with the bucking bronco that he got in California...

Today, ties seem to be making a style comeback ala Mad Men.  But I'm also seeing more repurposing of vintage ties.  They are widely available for not much money at thrift stores.  A super easy way to repurpose one is to simply add a buckle and use it as a belt. 

Sewing on old silk ties can be a challenge, as the fabric slips easily.  One Ann Arbor seamstress who has mastered the technique is Celibeth Donnelly.   

 

We carry her eco-funky little bags at FOUND.  What a great way to accessorize an outfit AND have a place to carry essentials!   We only have 4 of Celibeth's one-of-a-kind, handmade purses left.  I love the grey and charcoal patterns on this one:

 

And the cute wide vintage rick-rack handle and dots 'n stripes on this one...

One of my customers was telling me about a sentimental quilt she had made from dozens of her father's old ties.  She's reminded of him whenever she sees the quilt.  Incorporating special ties into a pillow would also be fun. 

I've seen various styles of skirts made from vintage ties.  When you remove the back seam and iron them flat the wider end forms a natural flare for a flirty looking skirt.

A quick search on etsy found various sellers making things from ties.  Here's a fun cocktail dress from Glamarita.  Follow the link to see her other items.

 

When combined, the various stripes, dots and prints found in men's ties make them a great, affordable material for eco-funky repurposing!

 

 

Eco-funky Wednesday*: Vintage Button Jewelry

A big bowl of buttons just begs me me look closer and touch.  Made in such a variety of materials, shapes and sizes, vintage and antique buttons are a natural material for crafters and artists to incorporate into jewelry.

At FOUND, we have button jewelry from 3 different local artists, each with their own distinctive style.

 

Margaret Shaw from Manchester, Michigan provides us with stacked button bracelets.  These red and pink versions are perfect for Valentines.  She also makes earrings.

 Elizabeth Busch makes fun button bracelets on stretchy cord that remind me of the colorful sugar candy bracelets and necklaces of my childhood:

 

Ann Arbor artist Cara Rosaen of Sweet Plum Vintage labels all her jewelry with information about the buttons she uses.  This necklace called "Blacktop Crumble" incorporates Victorian era black glass buttons, as well as mid-Century metal and plastic buttons. A chunky piece that is sure to draw compliments..

 

 If you're thinking about making jewelry from your grandmother's buttons or your own collection, we carry this terrific book by Susan Davis called Beautiful Button Jewelry (Sterling Publishing. 2005).   In addition to step by step instructions, this book provides a wonderful history of buttons with clear illustrations. 

My favorite sections are those with stenciled china buttons and the projects using colorful Bakelite buttons.

 

One necklace uses antique mother-0f-pearl shell buttons crocheted with silk embroidery thread.  For those of you who enjoy needle arts, this is a good winter project.

Another shows how to incorporate sparkly rhineshones with Victorian shoe buttons and old glass beads.  A materials list and step-by-step instructions are included. For the photo charms, I think our patera findings would work right in with this bracelet.

 

I look for buttons to add to our supply whenever I'm out shopping for vintage things.  We have bowls of common buttons at $3 per scoop. 

Lots of people have an instinctive reaction to run their hands through this tub of mixed whites.

 

 

If you're looking for buttons for special projects, we have lots of buttons tucked into a big antique Hamilton print cabinet.   Interesting celluloids and early plastics.  Note the extruded ivory colored plastics on the left - they look like curly spaghetti!

 

The carved cream and black buttons below are some of my favorites. 

The button jewelry we carry is popular year round.   

When you wear button jewelry, you're reusing something that was originally utilitarian in a new and eco-funky way!

Regards,

Mary

 

*the title says Eco-funky Wednesday, but for technical reasons this eco-funky look at recycled art is being posted on Thursday. 

Eco-funky Wednesday: Green Daffodil Soy Candles

#1 in a weekly series of posts with earth friendly products

For about a year, we've been carrying soy candles from Green Daffodil Soy Candleworks.  The quality and scents rival all the the high end soy candles that I've tested at the gift markets.  And they are made close to home - in Ferndale, Michigan - by two of the nicest entrepeneurs you'll ever meet!

 

Here, in co-founder Siouxsan Miller's words, is how it all started...

(Green Daffodil)was conceived during a cold mid-western winter by my best friend / neighbor Anne Simonetti and myself. Both of us share the love for a great candle, so long hours were spent researching, and testing many different waxes and wicks to find a perfect combination. The result was pure soy wax and an all cotton wick.

So are you going green? Well, our 100% soy candles can easily help!  Their soot-free burn, long burn time, and wonderful scent throw, are certainly compelling factors to get excited about. But you are also enjoying a green product made from a wax that is completely renewable, eco-friendly, grown in America, vegan, carbon neutral, sustainable, and is just an all-around positive product. The goal was to a make the best candle for you and the planet.

Anne and I hand-pour each candle in small batches at our studio. We use essential oils or phthalate-free fine fragrance oils to offer the best scent possible....We recommend you trim your wick to 1/4" before each use and allow an even wax pool to form. This will ensure the best enjoyment and longevity of your 100% soy candle.

Siouxan and Anne have studied wax and get excited about the properties of pure soy wax for candle making.  They also make soaps and lip balm from soy.  I grew up in Central Illinois, where soybean production is huge.  Until recently, I never gave much thought to it -  just noted the seasonal color changes in the fields as it neared harvest time.    If you're curious and want to learn more about soybeans, there is a pretty extensive Wikipedia article about it, including Henry Ford's desire to incorporate soy products in automobile manufacting and the suit he wore.

 These slow burning soy candles come in 4 and 8 oz tins with clear lids.  We're pleased to offer this eco-funky product at FOUND!

 

Stop in or order these wonderful candles online at www.foundgallery.com.

 

Last Minute Gift Ideas

 

 

 

 

Little stockings are great to stuff with stuff.  Like a monkey.  Or travel sized Archipelago lotion.  Or a gift card from FOUND!

 

This Santa Claus, handmade using vintage materials, is pretty special.  So is the knitting elf below and his cousins who paint and crochet!

 

Vintage dishes and odd things from our tiny treasure drawers might be just what you're looking for...  (the head vase already sold)

 

Button bracelets and bud vases crafted from knife handles are a couple of our most popular gifts this holiday season.

 

Candles shaped like artist brushes!  Assemblage boxes by Terri Sarris.  FoundRe frames from salvaged materials.

 

Stop in for more unique gift ideas!

 

Snow People

This is the time of year when I have the most to tell you.  And the least time to do it.  Midnight Madness was absolute madness.  Thanks to everyone who came out and shopped!  We really appreciate our customers who understand the importance of supporting local retailers - and this year, you are doing it in droves.  Thank you!

 

We got our first snowfall - about 7 inches.  Sunday afternoon was perfect for snowman building and snow angels but by this morning things had turned windy and frigid.   School was canceled.  In case you didn't make a snowman, we put all ours on sale.

 

 

 

 

More later!

Mary

Madness!

After a busy weekend at the shop, the last 2 days have been fairly calm.  But not for long...on Friday there will be MADNESS in Kerrytown. 

Midnight Madness, that is! 

 The first Friday in December, downtown Ann Arbor merchants host an evening of festive shopping with special sales and events.  This year that falls on December 3rd.  At FOUND we start our sale at 10:00 in the morning.  It ends at Midnight.  The Kerrytown District is an especially fun place to shop!

 

Our special that day is 20% off almost everything in stock  (handmade artisan things will be 10% off), which can be combined with "Merry Multiples" savings of over 35% off.   Merry Multiples is our season-long special where if you buy 5 of something, you get a 6th one for FREE!   That can amount to some pretty great deals during Midnight Madness on presents for those on your list (and yourself) when combined with the 20% off sale.  Here's how it works - if you need 6 sock monkeys to tie on packages or decorate your tree, take 20% off AND get one of them for free.  Need made in Michigan candles?  Take 20% off and get a free one when you buy 5.  A great day to stock up on stocking stuffers, tree ornaments, chocolate filled candy canes and more!

 

Can't make it in on Friday????  We love the hub-bub of Midnight Madness, but some prefer a calmer shopping experience.  We understand and have a plan.  If you're reading this, you're special, so you can get the magic words to extend this to a 4-day sale.  Say the magic words when you come in for the 2 days before or 2 days after Midnight Madness, and get the same great deals as on Friday.   As Bing crones in all those holiday albums, "I'm dreaming of a White Christmas" - those are the magic words you can use anytime between tomorrow, December 1st, and Sunday, Dec. 5th to make your own sale day!

 

 

 

 

Thursday Sunshine Club

 

Want to make Pateras with the resin that cures in sunshine, but not sure we'll have enough sunshine?  For the first 3 Thursdays in December, we'll have our UV lamps plugged in - makin' some artificial sunshine for those of you who have Patera projects to finish.  Stop in Dec. 2, 9 or 16 between 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.  Start your Patera Pendants at home and use our complimentary big bottle of gel du soleil and UV lamp to cure the resin. 

 

This Thursday, Cyndi will be here showing simple wire wrapping techniques as well.  We've gathered game pieces, charms, buttons and other little things that can be added to a charm bracelet or necklace.   Stop by December 2nd between 4:00 and 7:00  and she'll help you walk out the door with something special.

 

 

Holiday Hours

 

Monday - Friday   10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Saturday   9 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Sunday    10 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.